The Female Lead Keeps Forcing Me to Take My Meds [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 31

Chapter 31: You’re Sweating 

New Year’s Eve was a lovely, sunny day, with the winter sunlight reflecting warmly off the glass.

Cheng Zhishu woke up early, dressed, and went to the next room, determined to be the first to wish Xi Congshuang a Happy New Year. She knew midnight was the quickest, but Xi Congshuang kept a strict schedule, usually in bed by ten, so an in-person greeting was better than a phone call.

“Ding-a-ling.” Xi Congshuang lifted her hand, and the white furball on the floor spun around, its blue eyes tracking the flying feather duster. It landed with a thump. Judging by the sound, it was a solid landing.

Cheng Zhishu opened the door just in time to see the scene, her smile growing brighter. “Happy New Year, Sister.”

Xi Congshuang looked up, lifting her hand higher. “Happy New Year.”

Naonao was tired from exercising on an empty stomach and squatted on its hind legs, batting at the feather duster with its front paws.

Only when Cheng Zhishu was nearly upon them did Naonao notice the other owner, its eyes sparkling as it meowed excitedly.

Cheng Zhishu peeked around Xi Congshuang. “I wondered why the cat wasn’t on my bed this morning. So you ran off to Sister’s room.”

Naonao, not listening, just meowed loudly, pawing at Xi Congshuang’s trousers to urge her to play. Xi Congshuang, annoyed, moved her hand again.

Cheng Zhishu watched for a moment, then casually asked, “Sister, why are you still in your room? You’re usually downstairs by now.”

Xi Congshuang: “Because I was waiting for you.”

“…!”

Cheng Zhishu’s eyes lit up, ready to say more.

Xi Congshuang: “Here. Hold onto this.”

Cheng Zhishu’s hands dropped under a sudden weight. She looked down to see a large red envelope in her palm, its packaging warm from Xi Congshuang’s body heat, as the latter continued playing with the cat.

Cheng Zhishu accepted it with a complicated expression, tucking it into her inner pocket. It’s fine. I’ll definitely find a chance to return the favor, even if only as a friend.

“Oh, I have one more thing,” Xi Congshuang suddenly said, pulling out a paper bag from her other side. It was a small, palm-sized red bag with exquisite packaging and the logo of a gold jewelry brand.

Xi Congshuang: “I don’t have much experience buying gifts, so I searched online for what was appropriate and settled on this.”

“This looks like a box for a necklace, but I already have one,” Cheng Zhishu said, opening the box to reveal a small, delicate gold peace lock (ping’an suo). The lock, strung on a red nylon cord, was heavy, like something worn by a baby.

Cheng Zhishu was dumbfounded. “This—this isn’t right, is it?”

“What’s wrong with it?” Xi Congshuang gently scratched Naonao’s chin, the white cat’s eyes half-closed in pleasure, purring contentedly.

Cheng Zhishu cupped the peace lock, desperately searching for words. While the gift had good intentions, it was undeniably a gift for a small child!

Cheng Zhishu: “I feel like this is a gift for a child, like a baby under one year old, one who cries and laughs a lot…”

Xi Congshuang: “Is that so?”

Seeing Xi Congshuang’s lack of reaction, Cheng Zhishu bravely tried again. “But I’m already eighteen years old. It’s not really suitable…”

Xi Congshuang saw her look of distress. “What you said is certainly correct.”

Cheng Zhishu nodded repeatedly: “Exactly!”

Xi Congshuang smiled. “But I haven’t forgotten that Zhishu is eighteen and not a child.” She tapped the cat’s head on her lap. “Because this is Naonao’s New Year’s gift. Put it on him, let me see.”

Cheng Zhishu: “…”

A moment passed before Cheng Zhishu managed a faint: “Huh?”

Kneeling on the floor with the gift box in her hands, Cheng Zhishu felt like a faded drawing.

Xi Congshuang added fuel to the fire: “Naonao can’t hear, so there’s no need to worry about noise. But little bells can be a hazard, so I specifically bought a solid gold lock without bells. Isn’t it nice?”

“…” Cheng Zhishu slowly lowered her head and buried it in her knees. The word “nice” barely floated out through the gap.

How incredibly awkward.

It was for the cat? She had almost mentally prepared herself to put it on and wear it right then and there for Xi Congshuang.

Xi Congshuang’s tone was clearly amused. “It’s nice, that’s what matters. I chose it for a long time and had Xiao Li run the errand.”

Cheng Zhishu murmured a light, “Mhm. It’s definitely suitable for a child.” Naonao the Great, the blue-eyed white cat, was only a six-month-old kitten.

Xi Congshuang poked her shoulder, leaning closer to ask, “Aren’t you going to put it on Naonao?”

Naonao, sensing a new game, looked up and meowed loudly: “Meow!!” It lifted a paw and firmly pressed it onto Cheng Zhishu’s crown.

Cheng Zhishu: “…”

Such an arrogant kitten deserved immediate punishment. Cheng Zhishu grabbed the cat gently and carefully put the peace lock around its neck. She tested the slack with her finger to make sure it wasn’t too tight.

It will only be worn for a few days during the New Year; I’ll put it away afterward. He runs and jumps too much, and it could easily snag.

Cheng Zhishu lifted the cat by its armpits. Naonao stretched out, the delicate gold lock contrasting with its snowy white fur.

“Sister, look, the size is perfect for Naonao.”

Xi Congshuang looked up, then took her phone and aimed it at the girl and the cat.

“May the little cat live a long life and stay with its owner for a long time.”

The winter sun shone into the room. Xi Congshuang sat in the light, looking at the photo. The girl in the warm white knitwear sat with the light behind her, holding the cat up. Her bright, energetic face was above the cat’s head, her eyes slightly narrowed in a radiant smile.

…

A Trip to the Villa

Soon, it was time for the trip. It was an early start. Since the mountain resort had everything, they didn’t need to pack much.

Shangguan Yin had been eager to escape her crowded family environment and had been trying to get Cheng Zhishu to leave early for days. But during the New Year, she was stuck with her parents, dragged everywhere like a small dog, and forced to talk about grades and aspirations until her face ached from smiling. Yet, she found herself still being used as a model child, earning the resentment of her peers.

Finally free, she messaged Cheng Zhishu non-stop, complaining bitterly. Cheng Zhishu, tired of typing replies, resorted to using emojis and short phrases like, “Indeed,” “How could they do that?” “That’s awful,” and “You’re working so hard.”

On the other end, Shangguan Yin felt deeply understood, even as she simultaneously introduced the resort’s activities to Xi Congshuang. Xi Congshuang listened quietly, occasionally responding.

In the passenger seat, Xi Hanran removed her eye mask and quietly asked the person next to her, Li Mi: “Is she always this chatty?”

Li Mi smiled but said nothing. No denial? So she is always like this.

Xi Hanran tossed the mask away and glanced in the rearview mirror, initially skeptical. But seeing how incessantly Cheng Zhishu was talking and how Xi Congshuang wasn’t looking at her with the usual “only stupid people talk so much” expression, Xi Hanran felt a surge of resentment. Why doesn’t Xi Congshuang look at Cheng Zhishu that way? She always looks at me like that at the company, and I’m her aunt!

Lost in her thoughts, Xi Hanran suddenly noticed the car had become quiet. She looked in the rearview mirror. Cheng Zhishu, who had been talking non-stop, had fallen asleep, her head resting on Xi Congshuang’s shoulder, covered by a familiar blanket that should have been covering Xi Congshuang’s legs.

…

Kite Flying and a Shared Moment

The resort was located in the suburbs of An City, a peaceful spot famous for its “natural oxygen bar” atmosphere. It had designated hiking trails, a mountain waterfall, and a summit popular for camping to watch the sunrise.

Business seemed good. A few cars were already parked when Xi Congshuang’s group arrived. Shangguan Yin also arrived shortly after and excitedly jumped out to greet them.

Seeing Cheng Zhishu standing still by the car, Shangguan Yin reached for her arm. “What are you doing standing here? Did you bring something you need to get?”

As she pulled, Cheng Zhishu shifted, revealing Xi Congshuang still in the car, holding Cheng Zhishu’s arm, presumably interrupted mid-sentence. Xi Congshuang looked at Shangguan Yin.

Their eyes met. Xi Congshuang’s gaze was calm. For some reason, Shangguan Yin’s first instinct was to raise her hands and politely say, “Happy New Year, Miss Xi.”

Xi Congshuang nodded. “Mhm, Happy New Year.” She then let go of Cheng Zhishu’s hand and finished her thought: “You and your friend go ahead to the designated spot. Don’t worry about me being bored. I really want to see you fly your kite.”

Cheng Zhishu agreed. Shangguan Yin watched Xi Congshuang out of the corner of her eye, thinking about how her brother had described Xi Congshuang as a sharp, ruthless businesswoman—a complete contrast to the gentle, pretty woman she was seeing now.

Xi Congshuang: “Go ahead. I’ll be there soon. I’m just going to change and then I’ll come find you.”

Xi Hanran, who was still in the passenger seat, finally couldn’t help herself, rubbing her arms. “She’s eighteen. She’s not a block of ice that will melt if she’s left alone.”

Cheng Zhishu smiled apologetically and explained that Xi Hanran had overheard their plans and insisted on coming along to escape her annoying father. Shangguan Yin waved it off. “It’s a small thing. Plus, the more the merrier.” Since they had rented a private villa, extra people were no problem.

Shangguan Yin planned their activities. “I was worried all those rooms would feel empty with just four of us. I get a little scared. Now I don’t have to worry. We can even have a barbecue. I’ve already arranged for ingredients and charcoal.” Cheng Zhishu felt reassured.

The weather was clear and bright, with a gentle breeze, perfect for kite flying.

When Xi Congshuang came over after changing, Cheng Zhishu and Shangguan Yin were running on the lawn. Two similar swallow kites soared high amidst kites of various colors.

Cheng Zhishu saw Xi Congshuang arrive and waved, shouting happily: “Sister, look, my kite is flying!”

Not far away, Shangguan Yin was yelling in terror at her unstable kite. “Chengzi! Chengzi! How do I stabilize it? Save me! It’s going to fall!” Cheng Zhishu had to go rescue her.

Xi Hanran dragged over a folding chair and sat down, her hand resting on her cheek. “I can’t believe so many people like this meaningless activity. Don’t you think flying kites is childish at their age?”

She waited for a response but heard none. She turned to look. Xi Congshuang sat calmly in her wheelchair, her profile serene, her eyes intently following the kites on the lawn. She hadn’t heard a word, too focused on watching Cheng Zhishu.

“…”

Xi Hanran watched the people running on the grass and then the silent Xi Congshuang. On a sudden impulse, she asked, “Do you want to fly a kite? I’ll buy you one.”

“…………”

Did you just hear what you said? Asking a person who is paralyzed from the waist down to fly a kite?

Even Xi Hanran immediately turned her head away, covering her face, unable to meet Xi Congshuang’s gaze. She was sure she was getting that look again—the “only stupid people talk so much” look.

Xi Congshuang smiled. “If you want to fly on a hang glider, I can help you. The harness type is great. I’ll buy you one.”

Xi Hanran instantly knew that was a jab. She searched on her phone and gasped. “You’re ruthless. If you don’t hold on tight, isn’t that just unroped bungee jumping?”

Xi Congshuang laughed coldly. “Then remember to hold on tight.”

Xi Hanran: “…” Forget it. I misspoke. I won’t argue with Xi Congshuang.

She returned her attention to the lawn. She had to admit, the “natural oxygen bar” was no exaggeration; she felt much better and relaxed her posture. She noted that Xi Congshuang, even in her wheelchair, maintained a perfectly upright posture. She’s always so rigid. Doesn’t she get tired?

A strange voice came from beside her: “Tired? I’m just sitting normally.”

Xi Hanran realized she had spoken her thoughts out loud. She twisted herself into a knot on the folding chair. Ha, just sitting normally? I think she’s trying to maintain a facade.

Xi Hanran: “I think we’re only two years apart, right? I know what people our age are like.”

Xi Congshuang looked at her, silent.

“Turn around and watch the kites,” Xi Hanran urged, unnerved by her gaze.

Xi Congshuang turned back immediately. Xi Hanran was surprised by the swiftness of her obedience, then grew angry. What was that look just now? Though she had been upgraded from a ‘dog’ to a ‘human,’ the look of pitying a mentally disabled person offered no comfort.

Xi Hanran: “Actually, I wanted to say—”

“Sister!” The sound of running approached. Cheng Zhishu, pulling a kite string, ran toward them, her hair flying.

Cheng Zhishu, a little sweaty on the forehead, stopped in front of the two and offered her hand to Xi Congshuang.

“The wind direction is perfect now. Sister, do you want to try flying a kite? You just hold the spool.”

Xi Congshuang hesitated. “Me? I’ve never flown one. Aren’t you afraid I’ll crash it?”

Cheng Zhishu took her hand and put the spool in her palm. “If it crashes, I’ll just launch it again! It’s not hard, and I want you to feel what it’s like to fly a kite.”

In the distance, Shangguan Yin was still frantically running and shouting: “Aaaah! Which way do I run for it to fly? It’s going to fall! Chengzi! Cheng Zhishu! Godmother, where are you?! Come save me!”

Cheng Zhishu ignored the noise and bent down to talk to Xi Congshuang, teaching her the tricks she learned while working at a children’s park.

“Don’t hold the line too tight, or it will fall. Relax, and let the line and the kite follow the wind.”

Xi Congshuang, who had never flown a kite, tried as instructed. The kite, which had been starting to fall, immediately soared back up. The brightly colored swallow kite flew the highest and the farthest.

“It worked,” Xi Congshuang said, a small smile appearing on her lips. She instinctively looked at the person beside her.

Cheng Zhishu felt a jolt. She hadn’t been fast enough to look away and found herself in a close-up gaze with Xi Congshuang’s smoky gray eyes. At this distance, Xi Congshuang’s face was perfectly clear, including the beauty mark that always tugged at her heartstrings. I once heard people with tear moles cry easily, but I’ve never seen Xi Congshuang cry. It’s unimaginable.

They were too close. A faint, bitter scent lingered near her nose. The kite spool spun, the thin silver line pulling at the distant kite, vying for the operator’s attention.

Xi Congshuang suddenly said, “You’re sweating.”

“Sweating?” Cheng Zhishu tried to lift her hand to her forehead, but Xi Congshuang gently caught her wrist.

“Don’t wipe it with your hand. I have a tissue.” Not finding a tissue, Xi Congshuang took out her personal handkerchief and gently dabbed the sweat from Cheng Zhishu’s brow.

The feeling was strangely familiar. Cheng Zhishu lowered her eyes, remembering the last time her face was touched like this was when she was injured. Back then, she’d been scared but had received the most reassuring comfort imaginable.

Now, though it was only spring, the person in front of her made her feel an unwarranted heat.

A moment later, Xi Congshuang withdrew her hand. “There.” She planned to put the handkerchief away, wash it at home, dry it, and keep carrying it.

“Sister, are you going to wash this handkerchief?” Cheng Zhishu’s fingertip unconsciously caught a corner of the cloth, her simple action squeezing Xi Congshuang’s heart gently. It was a soft, tingly feeling, a sudden electric pulse in her lower body, which had no sensation.

Cheng Zhishu continued, “Can I wash it for you and return it after it’s dry?”

“…” Xi Congshuang let go.

Right there, Cheng Zhishu folded the handkerchief and tucked it into her outer jacket pocket. She assured Xi Congshuang with unnecessary certainty: “I promise I will return it to you.”

Xi Congshuang’s silent thought was: It’s fine if you don’t return it.