The Mouth Is Stubborn, But the Body Is Quite Honest [Rebirth] - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: 009 She Actually Knelt Before Qi Wanyang.

Gu Linlang realized she had let slip too much and quickly tried to cover up: “Ah, no, I meant I went home and cursed her in my heart! Cursing her all night wasn’t satisfying enough, you guys get it, right?”

However, the group chat was flooded with strings of “I get it” emojis, all accompanied by subtle smirks. Gu Linlang stared at the screen, a little speechless. What exactly were these girls laughing about? But the thought of being “hugged” all night by that scheming fox, Qi Wanyang, made her face heat up. She felt utterly humiliated.

Gu Linlang genuinely didn’t want to mention Qi Wanyang at all right now. So, she simply dropped a message in the group: “Meet me at the top floor of Yuelai Plaza in two hours. My treat today.”

The moment the message was sent, the group exploded. Hong Hui, Zhao Xiaoxuan, and Hu Xinyi instantly replied: “Received! On our way!”

Yuelai Plaza was Longcheng’s busiest indoor commercial center, offering everything from dining to entertainment. For young ladies like Gu Linlang, it was like their own backyard—a place where fun could always be found. The KTV on the top floor, in particular, was one of Longcheng’s most exclusive entertainment venues. Its stage effects rivaled a concert hall, with professional lighting, sound systems, and a backup dancer team ready to be called in—it was the perfect stage for the rich second-generation to show off.

Although she carried her dad’s unlimited black card, Gu Linlang rarely indulged so lavishly. Today, however, she decided to make an exception. First, to celebrate her new lease on life, and second, to vent the frustration built up from the “Intimate Contact Mission.”

Two hours later, Gu Linlang arrived punctually at the top floor of Yuelai Plaza. The receptionists at the door were already waiting and enthusiastically led her into the reserved luxury private room.

The moment she entered, Hong Hui, Zhao Xiaoxuan, and Hu Xinyi crowded around her, all giggling excitedly, clearly eager to start the party.

The private room was brightly lit, with a stage spacious enough for dozens of people to dance. The VIP table was filled with exquisite snacks and drinks, and the area around the stage was covered in fresh flowers, the air heavy with fragrance. There were also two rows of regular seating at the back, normally used for hired atmosphere performers, but Gu Linlang hadn’t arranged for any today.

Gu Linlang first apologized for leaving abruptly last night and immediately downed a glass of juice. Given her apology, Hong Hui and the others were savvy enough not to press the issue. Yet, Zhao Xiaoxuan, particularly interested in Qi Wanyang, seized the opportunity to ask: “So, after four years, has Qi Wanyang really become more beautiful? What’s she like in person? Did you two make up? When are you going to invite her out to join us?”

Gu Linlang got a headache the moment she heard Qi Wanyang’s name: “Make up? Not in this lifetime; maybe the next. If you’re so curious, invite her yourselves. Aren’t you all classmates, too?”

Longcheng was a place that wasn’t too big and wasn’t too small.

Hong Hui and the others were indeed schoolmates with Qi Wanyang from middle school through university, and had even been in the same class in high school. But because of the feud between Gu Linlang and Qi Wanyang, they had never really interacted with Qi Wanyang.

“Oh, I was just asking casually…” Zhao Xiaoxuan tried to continue gossiping but was stopped by a look from Hu Xinyi.

Hu Xinyi knew Gu Linlang’s temper too well and quickly mediated with a smile: “Alright, alright, let’s talk about something else. Who wants to sing first? If no one goes up, I’m taking the mic!” Before she even finished speaking, she was already rushing to the song selection screen.

Seeing this, Hong Hui and Zhao Xiaoxuan immediately followed, pushing and shoving their way toward the stage.

Gu Linlang watched the three of them playfully wrestling on the stage and couldn’t help but smile.

She raised the microphone in her hand: “Music.” The moment she spoke, dynamic music instantly filled the room.

Gu Linlang stood up and walked gracefully onto the stage, keeping pace with the beat. She didn’t forget to wink at the three girls, her tone carrying a hint of provocation: “Who says the first one on stage gets to sing first? The microphone is in my hand, I’m the mic hog tonight.”

Hu Xinyi and the others exchanged glances, realizing their mistake. With the microphone in Gu Linlang’s hands, there was no chance they would get to sing…

As expected, Gu Linlang monopolized the microphone, singing one song after another. The professional backup dancer team was perfectly in sync, matching her performance no matter how the rhythm changed.

Although Gu Linlang’s microphone hogging was a bit rude, Hong Hui and the others had to admit that her voice was sweet, with a hint of languor, and her vocal skills were excellent. If the young lady on stage didn’t stand like a wooden figure—not moving her legs or swaying her waist—she could genuinely debut as an idol.

“Speaking of which, Linlang’s mother was a legend in the dance world. How did she not inherit any of that talent?” Zhao Xiaoxuan couldn’t help but sigh, listening to Gu Linlang’s heavenly singing.

Hu Xinyi joined the discussion: “Yeah, I heard Linlang’s mother used to run a dance studio. Linlang was by her side since she was little. I wouldn’t believe it if you said she wasn’t influenced. It’s a shame her mother passed away so early—wasn’t she about six years old?”

Zhao Xiaoxuan nodded: “Yes, yes, I heard Linlang’s memories before the age of six are hazy because of it. Do you think that’s why she forgot she ever learned to dance?”

Seeing them getting carried away, Hong Hui quickly interrupted: “Alright, alright, stop gossiping. Whether Linlang has no talent or doesn’t like dancing is none of our business. And absolutely don’t mention her deceased mother, got it? If she hears you, Linlang will definitely get angry, and we won’t even be friends anymore. Qi Wanyang almost fell out with her because…”

“Hey, what are you guys whispering about?” Gu Linlang on stage was bored, seeing the three of them constantly whispering and no one listening to her sing anymore.

She walked off the stage and handed the microphone to Hu Xinyi, “You guys play. I’m a little tired.” Hu Xinyi happily accepted the microphone, thanking her profusely, and immediately rushed onto the stage.

Zhao Xiaoxuan didn’t forget to remind her: “Xinyi, if your score is below 90, someone else is taking the next song.”

Hu Xinyi glanced at the score display on the big screen. Gu Linlang’s score hadn’t dropped below 98 while she was singing, but as for her own…

Hu Xinyi felt a bit nervous, but to avoid being immediately kicked off the stage, she quickly chose her best song.

Zhao Xiaoxuan cheered her on from the side, while Hong Hui watched them smiling, preparing to select a familiar song for her own turn.

Gu Linlang had sung seven or eight songs in a row, her throat was practically on fire. She sat down at the VIP section and gulped down a large glass of juice. She felt it was going to be a torture listening to her tone-deaf friends sing next.

But strangely, perhaps because her mindset had changed after her rebirth, the singing she had found unbearable in her previous life wasn’t so harsh now.

Gu Linlang even started gently clapping along to the rhythm. Seeing her seriously listening, Hu Xinyi and the others seemed encouraged and sang much better than usual.

When it was Gu Linlang’s turn to go on stage, her friends were also focused on listening to her, waving glow sticks like her personal fan club.

This time, Gu Linlang didn’t hog the microphone, giving it up after one or two songs. By the end of the afternoon, everyone had had a great time.

During a break, Hong Hui and the others noticed the new bracelet on Gu Linlang’s wrist and curiously asked about its origin.

Gu Linlang didn’t want to expose the hospital visit, so she mysteriously winked: “This is the legendary ‘Tears of the Deep Sea.’ Someone who knows my heart so well must have a secret crush on me, of course.”

“Huh? Someone has a crush on you?” Zhao Xiaoxuan’s eyes widened dramatically.

Hu Xinyi, afraid of upsetting Gu Linlang, quickly nudged her with her elbow.

Gu Linlang frowned slightly as expected and glared at Zhao Xiaoxuan: “What’s wrong? Isn’t it normal for someone to have a crush on me? Do you have an objection?”

Zhao Xiaoxuan was usually outspoken, but she didn’t dare offend the Miss Gu, so she kept quiet.

Seeing this, Hu Xinyi and Hong Hui quickly changed the subject, lavishly praising the deep blue gems on the bracelet, which smoothed Gu Linlang’s ruffled feathers.

After a satisfying dinner, Gu Linlang took her friends to continue shopping at the mall.

Night was setting in; it was nearly nine o’clock, but their enthusiasm hadn’t waned.

Entering a makeup store, Gu Linlang began browsing for perfume.

The store manager, recognizing the valuable customer, personally came over to assist, strongly recommending the latest high-end fragrance.

The moment Gu Linlang took the perfume bottle, the System’s prompt dinged loudly in her mind: “Host, your fresh, new intermediate Intimate Contact mission has arrived! Please actively take Qi Wanyang’s hand within 30 minutes. The countdown starts now! Friendly reminder: Mission failure will result in one 24-hour Bad Luck Gift Pack.”

“Huh?” Gu Linlang’s mouth twitched. “I have to hold Qi Wanyang’s hand?”

“Yes, Host, and you must initiate it! Go, go, go!” The System’s dry, mechanical voice offered encouragement, but Gu Linlang felt no motivation whatsoever.

Just as she was about to roll her eyes, the perfume bottle in her hand suddenly slipped out of her fingers as if oiled. It shattered with a smash, and the strong perfume scent instantly exploded in the makeup store, making people frown.

The manager watched the fragments on the floor with distress: “Miss Gu, this was a limited edition ZK, and it was the only bottle we had.”

Gu Linlang’s face flushed with embarrassment, and she had no choice but to bite the bullet and pay.

At this point, the System spoke again: “Host, this is just the beginning of your bad luck. Please find Qi Wanyang as soon as possible, or the bad luck will get worse.”

Gu Linlang was alarmed: “This is what you meant by the new warning mode?”

The System quickly answered: “Yes, Host.”

Gu Linlang swallowed: “Didn’t you say the mission only triggers when I’m within one kilometer of Qi Wanyang? Does that mean she’s also in this…”

The System immediately confirmed: “Yes, Host. Qi Wanyang is in this mall right now. Good luck.”

Gu Linlang’s heart sank upon hearing this.

She fumbled for her phone, only to remember that she had left Qi Wanyang’s business card on her nightstand and hadn’t even saved the number, causing her intense regret.

In a panic, she rushed out of the makeup store.

Hong Hui and the others quickly chased after her: “Linlang, what’s wrong? What happened?”

Gu Linlang didn’t want her friends to know about the mission. She waved her hand dismissively: “Something urgent came up. You guys keep shopping, I have to go.”

She turned and rushed off, only to slam right into a clothing rack draped with new arrivals at the entrance of the store next door. She stumbled, grabbing onto a nearby mannequin to keep from falling.

But the mannequin lost its balance from the impact and crashed to the floor. Gu Linlang frantically dodged, narrowly avoiding being hit.

Customers nearby stared in astonishment. Hong Hui and the others were also stunned, momentarily forgetting to help.

Just then, a cardboard box plummeted from above. Gu Linlang frantically jumped aside, and the box slammed heavily onto the floor, kicking up a cloud of dust.

But she jumped too quickly, the heel of her right high-heeled shoe snapped, and her ankle twisted. She gasped in pain.

Hong Hui and the others finally realized they needed to help, but Gu Linlang shouted: “Don’t come closer! Don’t let me jinx you!” Then she endured the pain and ran.

The three girls exchanged bewildered glances but followed her anyway.

Poor Gu Linlang didn’t run far before she suddenly slipped. Her entire body uncontrollably pitched forward.

In a panic, she tried to grab something to steady herself, but her hand grasped empty air. With a loud thud, she dropped directly onto her knees. A chorus of gasps erupted around them.

“Gu Linlang, what are you doing?” A familiar voice came from above her head.

Gu Linlang looked up, meeting Qi Wanyang’s concerned gaze. And she was kneeling before her in this incredibly pathetic posture.