The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Female Lead and the Second Female Lead - Chapter 4

The moment Wen Shijun entered the room, he was met with a cacophony of sounds Zanyue’s sobs, Chu Mohuan’s furious roars, and a chaotic mix of other voices that made the room unbearably noisy.

Ji Zining lay motionless on the bed. Through the thin bed curtains, Wen Shijun could see her frail figure sitting upright, utterly still.

Feiying released Wen Shijun’s wrist, and Wen Shijun twisted his reddened wrist, wincing.

Chu Mohuan rushed toward Wen Shijun the moment he saw him, dragging him to the bedside. He addressed an elderly man with a kind and benevolent face, dressed in simple, clean robes Divine Physician Zhang, she’s Ning’er’s cousin. Can her bl00d be used?

It is possible, Your Highness, Divine Physician Zhang replied, but drawing heart bl00d to save a life carries grave risks for the donor. You must consider this carefully.

Just a little bl00d? What’s the big deal? Chu Mohuan said dismissively.

Hearing this callous remark, Wen Shijun’s anger flared.

Just a little bl00d? Just a little bl00d?!

If it’s so trivial, why don’t you donate it yourself? You claim to love your Ning’er so much, don’t you?

Wen Shijun silently repeated to herself, Patience, patience, and after a long moment, she finally composed herself. She feigned a wounded expression, her eyes brimming with tears, and gazed sorrowfully at Chu Mohuan, choking out, Does Your Highness believe Zining’s life is more precious than mine?

Chu Mohuan’s throat tightened at the sight of her distress, and a pang of guilt pierced his heart. Yet for Ning’er’s sake, he had to remain firm. He turned his head away, refusing to meet her gaze. Take it.

Zanyue and a maid restrained Wen Shijun and led her to a side chamber. The guards withdrew, and Divine Physician Zhang shook his head, picked up the delicate surgical instruments from the table, and entered the room.

Wen Shijun continued her performance, screaming and struggling. Zanyue gripped her hand tightly, leaned close to her ear, and hissed coldly, Eldest Miss, please have mercy and save my young lady.

The voice was icy to the bone. Wen Shijun glanced up and saw that the young maid’s features were delicate and refined, but her eyes were unnervingly cold, as if she were looking at Wen Shijun not as a living being, but as an object.

This maid was no ordinary servant, Wen Shijun thought, a subtle sense of danger rising within him.

Their eyes locked, neither breaking the gaze. They silently confronted each other in the air until Wen Shijun was forced into the side room. Only then did the oppressive feeling Zanyue had sensed earlier gradually dissipate. She frowned and murmured to herself, Strange… would Su Huai, that fool, ever have such a look in her eyes?

Forced into the side room, Wen Shijun was restrained by four or five maids. He had to put up a token struggle, just enough to maintain the pretense.

If not for the plot, Wen Shijun would have willingly helped her. After all, it wouldn’t hurt, and Ji Zining had even shown him kindness by offering him a meal. But he had to play the part, didn’t he?

The old man called Divine Physician Zhang rummaged through his worn, black medical chest and pulled out a leather pouch, similar to a modern student’s pencil case. Then, he produced a small knife. The cold glint of the blade reflected in Wen Shijun’s pupils. Though small, the knife closely resembled a modern surgical scalpel, and Wen Shijun was certain its sharpness rivaled that of a surgical blade.

Wen Shijun’s eyes widened in terror, and he screamed inwardly, System! System! Hurry, make me faint! I’m afraid of bl00d!

Apologies, Host. You cannot faint yet. You will only lose consciousness from excessive bl00d loss. Rest assured, I have reduced your pain to zero. There’s no need to worry, the System’s voice remained utterly emotionless.

Wen Shijun watched the knife draw closer, squeezed his eyes shut, and waited. When nothing happened after a long moment, he cautiously opened his eyes. A knife was plunged straight into his chest, with a white jade bowl placed beneath it. The crimson bl00d pooling in the bowl was shockingly vivid. One glance was all it took for Wen Shijun to faint.

When he finally awoke two days later, Ling Ling was kneeling beside his bed, sobbing.

Wen Shijun couldn’t bear to see a girl cry. He struggled to sit up and said, Alright, stop crying.

Miss, you’re awake! Ling Ling exclaimed in delight. She picked up a bowl of soup from the small tea table nearby, scooped up a spoonful, blew on it, and offered it to Wen Shijun.

Wen Shijun, being somewhat of a neat freak, disliked eating food that others had blown on. He subtly pushed the spoon away. I don’t want it.

But Miss, this is a bl00d-nourishing tonic! It’s good for your health.

Wen Shijun’s throat felt parched, and he desperately wanted water, but he refused to drink the soup. He lay back down, feigning disinterest in speaking.

Seeing her like this, Ling Ling assumed she was simply heartbroken.

Just then, several maids passed by outside the door, chattering excitedly about gossip His Highness is so good to Miss Ji! He’s been guarding her side day and night for the past two days, only leaving when her condition showed signs of improvement.

The room’s soundproofing was poor, and every word spoken outside reached the ears of the two inside without distortion.

Miss, don’t listen to their nonsense. They’re just spreading rumors, Ling Ling said anxiously, fearing Wen Shijun would be upset and harm her health by crying.

Wen Shijun had no energy to care about such things. Though she had lowered her pain threshold, she still felt profoundly weak and had no desire to speak.

When Ling Ling tried to feed her the soup again, she discovered Wen Shijun had already fallen asleep. Ling Ling quietly left with the medicinal tonic, closing the door gently behind her.

Wen Shijun slept until sunset, finally feeling a bit more refreshed. Just as she was about to call for Ling Ling to bring her water, she noticed a tall figure standing by the bed.

Peeking through a corner of the curtain, she recognized Chu Mohuan.

Though she couldn’t understand why he was there, she wanted to figure out his intentions so he would leave sooner. She spoke up, her voice barely audible Your Highness.

Parched and weakened, her voice was softer than a mosquito’s buzz.

You’re awake, Chu Mohuan said, turning to face her.

Mm.

Don’t worry, I had Divine Physician Zhang examine you. Your health won’t be compromised, Chu Mohuan said.

Mm, Wen Shijun replied, reluctant to speak further.

After Chu Mohuan’s words, silence settled over the room. Neither man wished to speak, and the air hung heavy with unspoken thoughts.

After a long pause, Chu Mohuan finally spoke again. Thank you for saving Ning’er this time.

Wen Shijun was genuinely surprised by this expression of gratitude. In the original novel, Chu Mohuan was arrogant and domineering, never uttering such words.

Chu Mohuan, noticing Wen Shijun’s astonished expression, felt slightly awkward. He simply said, Get some rest, and left the room.

At that moment, the System’s cold voice echoed in Wen Shijun’s mind Ding—Vulnerability patched. 0823 restarting.

Vulnerability? 0823?

Wen Shijun listened to the message, puzzled. Before he could ask for clarification, the System delivered even better news.

Congratulations, Host, for completing the bl00d-retrieval mission. Character settings deactivated. Original body compatibility confirmed at 100%.

Hearing this, Wen Shijun’s excitement surged. Ignoring the discomfort in his throat, he exclaimed in delight, So… I don’t have to act anymore?

Correct.

If Wen Shijun hadn’t been so physically weak, he would have jumped for joy.

Just as his elation peaked, the door creaked open. Wen Shijun quickly suppressed his outward joy, but the smile lingering at the corners of his lips couldn’t be entirely concealed.

Wen Shijun, thinking it was Ling Ling, asked her to pour a glass of water.

The person first walked to the table and poured a glass of water before approaching the bed and handing it to him. Sister, she murmured softly.

Wen Shijun turned around in alarm.

Ji Zining stood there in her usual white robes, her hair loose and flowing, as if she had just gotten out of bed herself, a cloak draped over her shoulders.

Wen Shijun stared at her in astonishment.

Wasn’t she supposed to be frail? How is it that I can’t even get out of bed, yet she’s walking around my room?

Could this all be a scheme to frame me?!

She’s not sick at all!

Wen Shijun felt a surge of anger. What a vicious, wicked woman.

Ji Zining, noticing his prolonged silence, couldn’t resist prompting him again. Sister, are you still angry with me?

Wen Shijun quickly waved his hand. How could I ever be angry with you?

Ji Zining paused for a moment, and just as Wen Shijun thought she wouldn’t speak again, she said, Sister, thank you for your magnanimity in saving me despite my past transgressions.

Sister, it’s not like I wanted to save you. I was forced into it. Why is everyone thanking me?

He couldn’t voice these thoughts, of course. You don’t need to thank me, Wen Shijun said dismissively, turning away with a cold demeanor.

He expected this aloofness would make Ji Zining leave.

Sister, didn’t you want some water? Ning’er has been holding this cup for so long.

Wen Shijun turned to see that Ji Zining’s hand was indeed still raised, holding the cup of tea. Without hesitation, Wen Shijun took the cup and drank it down in one gulp, not worrying about any ill intentions. Only then did his dry, sore throat feel somewhat relieved.

Wen Shijun looked up to see Ji Zining’s face pale and trembling, as if she were freezing.

Ji Zining was notoriously sensitive to the cold, a detail mentioned in the original novel. Wen Shijun thought she would surely leave now.

Unexpectedly, she said again, Sister, it’s so dark and cold outside. Ning’er is scared.

Wen Shijun almost doubted his ears.

So dark? So cold?

What are you trying to do?! Do you want to stay and sleep here with me?!

Wen Shijun gazed into her pitiful, watery eyes. The words of refusal were on the tip of his tongue, but before he could think, he heard himself say, Come in. He even shifted over to make room.

By the time Ji Zining had slipped into the bed, Wen Shijun realized what he’d done and was filled with regret. But he couldn’t bring himself to kick her out now.

Ji Zining lay in the bed, the blankets already warmed by Wen Shijun’s body. A wave of warmth enveloped her.

The bed was small, and Wen Shijun felt that even the slightest movement would bring him into contact with Ji Zining. He huddled as far to the side as possible, trying to avoid touching her.

Suddenly, Ji Zining grabbed his hand, her voice soft as if whispering in his ear, Sister, after all these days, you’re finally acknowledging me.

Before Wen Shijun could reply, tears began streaming down Ji Zining’s face. I’m sorry, she sobbed. I truly didn’t mean to steal Your Highness. I’ll never have anything to do with him again. I only moved into the prince’s mansion to be with you, Sister.

She’s crying again?! Why does everyone here cry so much?!

Wen Shijun knew she was lying through her teeth and didn’t believe a word she said. Still, he couldn’t bear to see her crying so pitifully, like a pear blossom drenched in rain.

Wen Shijun’s parents had divorced early, and he had grown up with his mother, always considering himself more of a boy. He was particularly vulnerable to girls’ tears, and Ji Zining’s weeping was especially heartrending. Wen Shijun immediately surrendered, his stern expression softening as he gently patted her shoulder to comfort her.

Unexpectedly, Ji Zining threw herself into his arms and continued to sob.

Wen Shijun froze, unsure where to place his hands. After a moment’s hesitation, he settled them on her back, gently soothing her.

He felt as though the woman in his arms was made entirely of water. She cried for what seemed like an eternity before finally calming down and pulling away.

Wen Shijun closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep, unwilling to listen to her insincere words any longer.

Sister, let me tell you something that happened a few days ago.

Wen Shijun kept his eyes closed, responding with a simple Mmm.

About half a month ago, on a whim, I went to the Old Man Under the Moon Temple to pray. As I was bowing before the statue, I heard a noise behind it. I thought it was a divine sign, but it turned out to be someone hiding there.

Wen Shijun’s guard went up at these words.

Why is she saying this? Does she suspect me?

Wen Shijun kept his eyes closed, unaware of Ji Zining’s probing, cold gaze.

Ji Zining stared intently at him, as if trying to find a flaw in his expression.

The person was covered in dirt and dust, Ji Zining continued, a midnight snack thief.

Really? How outrageous! Stealing snacks even from the Old Man Under the Moon Temple? Wen Shijun replied casually, unconcerned. After all, he had disguised his appearance and voice that day, and had an alibi. Who could possibly know he was the snack thief? Wait! I wasn’t stealing! I asked the Old Man Under the Moon first! Wen Shijun thought indignantly.

Yes, and I owe her my life. If not for her, I would have died, Ji Zining said, drawing out the last syllable as if deliberately speaking for Wen Shijun’s benefit.

Wen Shijun had no interest in discussing this further. He closed his eyes and pretended to fall asleep.

Seeing him asleep, Ji Zining fell silent and lay quietly on her side.

The two lay peacefully side by side. Convinced she posed no threat, Wen Shijun drifted off to sleep.

In the middle of the night, Ji Zining sat up, reached into her cloak, and pulled out a pouch. From it, she retrieved a luminous pearl.

The night-luminescent pearl was small enough to fit in the palm of her hand, and its glow was faint, yet it illuminated the surrounding objects clearly.

Ji Zining set it aside, carefully lifted the quilt, and then reached to untie the sash around Wen Shijun’s waist.

Wen Shijun wore a thin, pale green silk nightgown, its sash tied loosely. A gentle tug released it, and Ji Zining parted the gown to reveal his snow-white waist and a scarlet undergarment.

Leaning closer, Ji Zining paused only when she spotted the birthmark on Wen Shijun’s body. Hastily covering him with the gown and quilt, she returned the night-luminescent pearl to its pouch.

Strange… She has Su Huai’s birthmark, so she must be Su Huai. But why has she changed so much? Could it be… that even the birthmark is fake?

The thought arose, only to be immediately dismissed.

Su Huai’s birthmark was exceptionally well-hidden, known only to Su’s Mother and Ling Ling. Even Ji Zining had only discovered it while bathing Su Huai. The color and location were identical—it would be impossible to replicate.

But if she isn’t Su Huai, why would she impersonate her? What benefit could she possibly gain from this?

Ji Zining pondered for a long time, unable to come up with an answer. She gazed at Wen Shijun, who was sleeping peacefully beside the bed, her confusion deepening. Just as Ji Zining reached out to touch Wen Shijun’s chin, wondering if she was wearing a human skin mask, Wen Shijun suddenly stirred and turned to face her directly.

From this angle, Ji Zining could clearly see Wen Shijun’s robes had fallen open, revealing the soft curves beneath her crimson undergarment.

With a cold glance, Ji Zining rearranged Wen Shijun’s clothes and turned away, refusing to look at her.

The next morning, when Ling Ling saw Ji Zining sleeping on the bed, her jaw dropped. Her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the two figures, hesitating whether to wake them.

Before Ling Ling could speak, Ji Zining woke up first and greeted her warmly.

Ling Ling was at a loss. Her young mistress had always disliked Miss Ji, and they had already fallen out over the Prince Chen affair. Now, the two were lying in the same bed.

What happened last night? What did I miss?

Ignoring Ji Zining, Ling Ling bypassed her and nudged Wen Shijun’s shoulder. Miss, Miss, wake up!

Wen Shijun was a bit grumpy when woken up, disliking being disturbed while sleeping. She frowned and mumbled something, seemingly expressing her displeasure.

Ling Ling continued to nudge Wen Shijun, who simply wrapped himself completely in the quilt.

Ling Ling’s hand froze in mid-air, as if she felt a sudden awkwardness.

Ji Zining, ever perceptive, said, My brother stayed up too late last night. He probably needs more sleep. You should go out first.

Ling Ling obediently left, thoughtfully closing the door behind her. Only after completing the task did she realize she had actually listened to that woman’s instructions.

She should be the one leaving! Why am I the one going?!

She considered barging back in, but worried about disturbing Wen Shijun’s sleep. Instead, she pressed her ear against the door, trying to eavesdrop.

But the thick paper window blocked any view.

Ji Zining lowered the curtain again, too tired to return to her room. Yawning, she lay down on the side, intending to catch up on her sleep.