The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead - Chapter 1

The woman on the bed jolted upright, gasping for breath, a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead. Before she could grasp what was happening, a cold, emotionless electronic voice echoed in her mind

System initialization complete. Transmigration successful. Host must experience the plot from the female protagonist’s perspective to succeed, return to the modern world, and have one wish granted. Failure will result in the host’s soul dissipating.

Wen Shijun frowned at the voice.

Have I transmigrated?!

Ding—Su Huai character activated.

Wen Shijun listened to the voice in his head, utterly bewildered. When he heard the name Su Huai, he instantly recalled a novel he had read before his accident

The Domineering Prince’s Online Pursuit of His Wife  was a melodramatic historical romance, utterly devoid of logic and purely designed for angst.

The female lead, Su Huai, was the daughter of the Lan Kingdom’s war god general. As a child, she had rescued Chu Shihuan, the male lead, who was an unfavored prince living in the cold palace and subjected to constant bullying. From that moment on, Chu Shihuan remained obsessed with Su Huai, though he had forgotten her face, remembering only the jade pendant at her waist.

Years later, at an Empress’s Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet, Su Huai fell head over heels for the stunningly handsome Chu Shihuan at first sight. Thus began her relentless, shameless pursuit of him, abandoning all sense of dignity.

Meanwhile, the Second Female Lead, who had been living in Su Huai’s household since childhood, developed a fondness for Su Huai’s jade pendant and asked for it. Su Huai, deeply concerned for her frail cousin, casually gifted it to her, considering it a trivial item.

Yet this seemingly insignificant act drastically altered Su Huai’s fate. Chu Shihuan mistook the Second Female Lead for Su Huai, confessed his love, and promised to marry her as his princess consort.

But how could the female lead accept that the man she had desperately loved had fallen for her cousin, who had always been utterly unremarkable since childhood? Using the military power of the General’s Manor and the threat to save the Second Female Lead’s life as leverage, she demanded that the male lead marry her.

Forced into a corner, the male lead had no choice but to marry her. Yet, to ensure the Second Female Lead’s safety, he also brought her into the manor. The three of them remained trapped in a relentless cycle of accusations, misunderstandings, and false accusations, their fates tightly intertwined.

The female lead, her eyes gouged out and bl00d drained by the male lead, and her parents driven to their deaths, was utterly heartbroken. She faked her death to escape. Only then did the male lead realize his true feelings. He investigated and discovered that it was not the Second Female Lead who had saved him years ago. Overwhelmed with remorse, he descended into daily despair and alcoholism, eventually disposing of the Second Female Lead. Just as he prepared to end his life, he encountered the female lead, miraculously resurrected. Overjoyed, he wept tears of relief and embarked on the classic wife-chasing hell trope. Finally, moved by his genuine repentance, the female lead agreed to start anew with him, ushering in a life of shameless bliss.

Wen Shijun could only think This author must be an idiot!

What kind of brainpower could produce such a brainless novel?

Wen Shijun closed his eyes, recalling the events leading up to his death. He and his friends had shared a few drinks, and on his way home, he was involved in a car accident that cost him his life.

Wen Shijun deeply regretted his mistake and urged all netizens Don’t drink and drive! Don’t drink and drive! Don’t drink and drive! It’s important to repeat the message three times.

Before Wen Shijun could even familiarize himself with his surroundings, the male lead stormed in—no, it would be more accurate to say he charged in, his face contorted with fury.

The male lead strode toward Wen Shijun in long, angry strides, grabbed him by the throat, and sneered, Su Huai, you have some nerve! How dare you push Ning’er into the water? On such a cold day, when her health is already fragile, what were you thinking?

The moment the male lead’s hand tightened around Wen Shijun’s throat, Wen Shijun exploded. No one has ever dared to treat me like this! He was about to retaliate when the System’s voice rang in his ear.

Warning! Warning! OOC warning! Host, please refrain from actions that deviate from the female lead’s character settings.

Hearing this, Wen Shijun lowered his raised hand. Though he didn’t yet know where the plot had progressed, he knew that by acting pitiful and vulnerable—enduring any slander without explanation, crying incessantly, and repeatedly emphasizing the question of love—he could maintain his role.

Mo Han, I didn’t! Wen Shijun’s tears streamed down his face.

You didn’t?! So many people saw you, and you’re still denying it? Chu Shihuan tightened his grip.

Wen Shijun gasped for breath, his fingers clawing at Chu Mohuan’s hand, his eyes nearly bulging out of their sockets.

Perhaps repulsed by Wen Shijun’s grotesque expression, Chu Mohuan released him with a cold, Reflect on your actions here. No one is to give you food. When Ning’er wakes up, you will personally apologize to her. With a flick of his sleeve, he strode away.

Wen Shijun, still coughing from the choking, cursed inwardly.

System, can I refuse this mission?

The System sneered. Of course. But you’re already dead in the real world. Are you sure you want to go back?

Before Wen Shijun could answer, the ancient-style buildings around him began to dissolve. A blinding white light flashed, forcing him to close his eyes. When he opened them again, everything had changed.

A white plastic door with a prominent red ICU sign caught his attention. The next moment, the sound of rolling wheels echoed through the corridor.

Make way! Make way! Clear the path!

A large group of white-clad doctors and pink-uniformed nurses rushed past, pushing a hospital bed. The nurses carried stacks of medical supplies, while one doctor knelt on the bed, rhythmically pressing down on the patient’s chest—performing CPR.

As a disembodied spirit, Wen Shijun watched the bed roll past. She clearly saw the unconscious figure lying on it was none other than herself, drenched in bl00d, her features obscured beyond recognition. The sight of her own mangled body still made Wen Shijun’s heart clench.

After a long silence, Wen Shijun muttered, Fine, I’ll accept it.

System binding successful. Wishing the host immediate success.

Wen Shijun rolled her eyes, refraining from snarky remarks. System, what part of the story are we at now?

The Male Lead is currently traveling the world with the Second Female Lead, seeking renowned physicians to save her life.

So I’ve only been in the manor for a short time? Wen Shijun asked.

Correct, the System replied coldly.

At this point, you might be wondering why the Male Lead would bring the Female Lead along on his world tour to find doctors for the Second Female Lead, especially during a time when his romantic feelings for the Second Female Lead were intensifying.

The Male Lead’s answer was simple he feared that if he stayed away from the Capital for too long, the Female Lead might cuckold him.

Just because of this?! This is it!!!

Do you think everyone is like you?!

Wen Shijun remembered this scene vividly. It marked the first turning point toward tragedy. Soon after, the Second Female Lead would be injured, and the Female Lead would cut her wrist to save her life.

System!

At your service.

The wrist-cutting scene in a few days… do I really have to do it? Wen Shijun still felt a pang of fear. What if the person cutting her wrist wasn’t skilled? She could die, and the mission would fail.

Besides, she’d never cut her wrist before. It would definitely hurt like hell. If she had to do it herself, she’d absolutely refuse.

I will reduce the pain level for the host.

That’s great! Can you make it completely painless?

Yes, I can.

Wen Shijun grinned. Why didn’t you say so earlier? You made me worry for so long! There are so many physically torturous scenes later on.

With that problem resolved, Wen Shijun let out a sigh of relief and got out of bed, surveying her surroundings.

It was an ordinary inn room, nothing particularly remarkable. Yet Wen Shijun felt an intense fascination with everything around her. She had always loved ancient artifacts in college, she’d wanted to major in archaeology. If her mother hadn’t intervened, she might have become an archaeologist.

Wen Shijun pushed the door, but it was locked. Through the translucent paper, he could vaguely make out two figures guarding the entrance. Without attempting to force it open, he turned and walked toward the nearby window.

The window wasn’t sealed. Wen Shijun pushed it open, revealing a vibrant scene bustling streets, throngs of people, hawkers’ cries, and children’s laughter and play.

He gazed out the window with fascination, marveling at the simple pleasures of ancient life. The sky was a brilliant blue, the grass lush green, and even the air felt fresh and clean. Unlike modern people glued to their phones, the people outside were engaged in lively interactions with their companions.

A commotion erupted outside the door, drawing Wen Shijun’s attention. Since the door was locked, he couldn’t open it. Instead, he poked a hole in the paper to get a clear view of the scene.

A fifteen-year-old girl was shouting at the door, desperately trying to get in. The guards, acting on the Male Lead’s orders, refused to let her pass. The scene unfolded two men gripped the girl’s arms, attempting to drag her away, while she repeatedly cried out, Princess Consort!

Based on the girl’s attire and her address to the female lead, Wen Shijun immediately recognized her identity.

The girl’s name was Ling Ling, Su Huai’s childhood maidservant. She was fiercely loyal, but her fate was tragically cruel. To protect the female lead, she fell off a cliff, her body never recovered. In this world, aside from the male and female leads, all the supporting characters met miserable ends.

Let me in! My Princess Consort has caught a chill. If anything happens to her, can you bear the responsibility? Ling Ling demanded, trying to force her way past the guards while clutching the food box in her arms. Naturally, she stood no chance against the two burly men guarding the gate.

Seeing Ling Ling charging straight into their arms, the guards’ intentions turned malicious. They seized the opportunity to grope her brazenly.

Ling Ling sensed their intentions and retreated a few steps, clutching the food box tightly. She stared at them in disbelief. You, you… Before she could finish, tears streamed down her face, but she forced herself to speak through her humiliation Let me in now! My lady is not a prisoner! How dare you lock her up like this?

Wen Shijun, watching from an angle, couldn’t clearly see the guards’ lewd behavior. He only wondered why Ling Ling was crying. But the next moment, the man’s words sent Wen Shijun’s bl00d pressure soaring.

Let you in?! Not impossible. What kind of bribe do you have for me, little miss? The man’s lecherous gaze lingered on Ling Ling, his eyes practically dripping with lasciviousness.

Hey! You two up front! Do you have a death wish? Wen Shijun shouted, fearing they were bullying Ling Ling.

Warning! Warning! The female lead would not shout like this. Please cease this behavior, Host.

Wen Shijun ignored the OOC warning and quickly retorted, I am the Princess Consort. You just laid hands on my people. When I get out of here, I’ll make sure you regret it!

After a moment’s hesitation, the men stopped. Even if Su Huai was out of favor, she was still the Princess Consort, more than capable of dealing with two lowly servants. However, they still refused to let Ling Ling enter.

Wen Shijun had no choice but to speak through the door. Ling Ling, go back for now. I’m fine. I’m feeling much better.

Hearing Wen Shijun’s voice, Ling Ling finally stopped crying. Miss, are you really alright? I overheard them saying the Prince locked you in here. Please don’t grieve so much that you ruin your health.

Mm, I’ll be fine. You should go back now, Wen Shijun said, rolling his eyes inwardly. Even if the world ends, I wouldn’t shed a single tear for Chu Aotian, let alone a whole puddle of them.

No, not even a single genuine tear. After all, there will be plenty of opportunities for fake crying later.

Ling Ling remained worried and repeatedly urged Wen Shijun to take care of himself before finally leaving.

Wen Shijun had been confined for two days and a night. Aside from a little water, he hadn’t eaten a single grain of rice. It was as if Chu Aotian had forgotten about him and left him to rot.

At first, Wen Shijun had merely been bored, reading the original novel to see what would happen next. But as time passed, his anxiety grew. The novel never specified when his bl00d would be drawn. What if they take my bl00d on an empty stomach? I might only have half my life left afterward.

Besides, being hungry was truly unbearable. After his stomach had rumbled countless times, Wen Shijun resolved to find food outside. Since going out during the day would attract too much attention, he decided to wait until nightfall.

Wen Shijun waited anxiously, pacing back and forth. Finally, as moonlight bathed the courtyard and the moon hung high in the sky, he changed into an inconspicuous dark-colored robe. For added caution, he picked up a hairpin from the dressing table, intending to tie his hair up. However, after several attempts, he couldn’t manage to arrange his hair as neatly and beautifully as he’d seen on television. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t even get it up, his hands aching from the effort.

It wasn’t entirely Wen Shijun’s fault. Ancient people’s hair was simply too long—reaching their waists or even their legs—thick and abundant, yet secured only with a single hairpin. For someone accustomed to modern life, where a quick ponytail with a rubber band sufficed, this task was as daunting as climbing to heaven.

Looking at this cascade of lustrous, dense hair, how could modern men and women, young and old, not weep with envy?

Exhausted from his futile attempts, Wen Shijun finally cut a strip of cloth, wrapped it around his hair several times like a ponytail, and barely managed to secure it. He then used the remaining cloth to cover his face before approaching the window.

Wen Shijun was on the second floor. While the fall wouldn’t break his legs, it would certainly hurt. Yet without hesitation, he calculated the angle, determined the least painful way to jump, flipped himself over the windowsill, and leaped straight down.