Today I Will Also Be the Male Protagonist’s Rival - Chapter 38

The Next Day

Huo Shu changed and headed out. As soon as she arrived at the Su residence, the smile on her face froze.

“Jiang Shengzhou!”

She gritted her teeth, face darkening. “Why are you here?”

Inside the living room sat a young man, dressed in a gray casual outfit that accentuated his tall and upright figure.

He had sharp features and a warm smile. Even while chatting with someone nearby, the smile never left his face.

“Got a date with a goddess.”

Jiang Shengzhou shrugged and chuckled lightly. “Hard to refuse such a gracious invite!”

Huo Shu’s eyes snapped to Su Yu.

Wasn’t this supposed to be a sweet date?

This little liar invited someone else too?

She took a deep breath, forcefully suppressing her irritation. “Jiang Xiao’er, don’t you have a company to run?”

“My assistant’s got it covered. If anything happens, they’ll contact me.”

Jiang Shengzhou propped his chin with one hand and looked at her with some surprise. “Huo-jie, since when do you care so much about me?”

Huo Shu ignored him and glanced at Su Yu. “Shall we go?”

“Let’s.”

Su Yu gave a soft response and stood up from the sofa. Seeing the look on her face, she asked in a small voice, “Jiejie, are you upset?”

Her tone was timid.

“No…”

Huo Shu sighed and rubbed her long hair. “Be good, don’t overthink.”

How could she bear to lose her temper at her?

If she smiled, it felt like the whole sky brightened. If she furrowed her brows even a little, Huo Shu would be so anxious she’d practically give up her life for her.

She owed her from the last life.

Letting out a quiet sigh, she glanced sideways at a certain third wheel and pursed her lips.

“Jiejie…”

That soft voice pulled her back to the moment.

“Hmm?”

“I’m a little scared of crossing the street.”

Su Yu tilted her head and looked at her, asking imploringly, “Can you hold my hand?”

Without waiting for a reply, she reached out and tightly held onto her.

Huo Shu was slightly taken aback, then her face flushed red.

This little girl was full of tricks!

She pressed her lips together and tightened her fingers, fully enclosing the little girl’s hand in hers.

Su Yu looked up at her.

Her expression was calm and unaffected, but the redness spreading across her ears betrayed how far from composed she really was.

Su Yu let out a soft laugh but didn’t call her out. She obediently let herself be led forward.

“What are you two talking about?”

Jiang Shengzhou leaned in, grinning. “Let me in on it too.”

Huo Shu’s face darkened. “Scram!”

Rejected, Jiang Shengzhou raised his hands and backed off. “Alright, alright, girl talk, I won’t listen.”

Only then did her expression ease a bit. She led Su Yu into the car.

About half an hour later, they arrived at the amusement park.

It was peak season, and the park was packed. After queuing for ages without getting in, the three of them decided to take a break nearby.

“Those two girls are so pretty. I’m so jealous!”

“Yeah, I think that guy must be the boyfriend of the one in the white dress. They look great together!”

“Please, God, send me a boyfriend!”

The chatter reached their ears.

Huo Shu turned around.

Several girls were huddled together gossiping. When they noticed her gaze, they all blushed and looked away.

That little girl and Jiang Shengzhou looked like a couple?

Were their eyes broken?!

Huo Shu’s face turned grim. She stepped aside to make a call. “Aunt He, yes… Xiao Er told me today he wanted to find a girlfriend.”

“Yeah, he only refused because he’s shy. Sure, you give him a call.”

As soon as she hung up, within three seconds, Jiang Shengzhou’s phone rang.

“Hello, Mom? Okay, okay, I’ll head back now.”

Jiang Shengzhou turned around, looking a bit apologetic. “I’m afraid I can’t stay with you two today. Something came up with my mom and she needs me to come right away. How about we meet up again another time?”

Huo Shu gave a nonchalant hum and gestured with her lips. “Go ahead. Auntie’s matters are more important.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Shengzhou responded with a hum, picked up his car keys, and left.

Huo Shu raised her eyebrows smugly, gripped the little girl’s hand tightly, and squeezed into the line. After waiting for a long while, they finally got the tickets.

“What do you want to play?”

Su Yu curved her lips. “Anything’s fine.”

This feeling was a little strange.

It was her first time coming to an amusement park, and she was here with Huo Shu.

“Then… roller coaster, haunted house…”

Huo Shu listed off a few names in a row. As Su Yu listened, she raised her eyebrows.

She had never eaten pork, but she’d seen pigs run before—(slang meaning: even if she hasn’t experienced it herself, she knows what it’s about). She hadn’t played these games before, but she’d heard about them. They were all thrill rides.

This little thing Huo Shu dares to play them?

She tilted her head, covertly giving her a once-over, a bit doubtful.

Huo Shu, full of enthusiasm, pulled her directly to the haunted house.

As soon as they stepped inside, the lighting dimmed instantly. Eerie ghostly lights flickered around, and cold gusts of wind brushed by from time to time, making one’s hair stand on end.

The moment Huo Shu entered, her body stiffened.

This place… was way too realistic!

She swallowed nervously and gripped Su Yu’s hand tightly. “Yuyu, are you scared?”

In the darkness, Su Yu couldn’t help curling her lips. “Yes.”

She knew it—this little thing had no guts for stuff like this. Volunteering to come here? Clearly up to no good.

Huo Shu suppressed her fear and pretended to be calm. “Mm… Then come here, I’ll hold you. You won’t be scared that way.”

Su Yu stifled a laugh and dove into her arms. Tilting her head up, her eyes sparkled with flirtatious charm. “Jiejie, you have to protect me well then.”

With the soft girl in her arms, even the dark and creepy surroundings felt a little less unbearable.

Huo Shu patted her on the back lightly, as if comforting her, or perhaps comforting herself. “Don’t be afraid, Yuyu. It’s all fake, nothing to worry about, really.”

“With you here, I’m not scared.”

They walked forward for a while in the dark, when suddenly, a pale face appeared out of nowhere right in front of them.

Huo Shu jumped, instinctively shielding Su Yu’s eyes. “Don’t look.”

Su Yu looked up at her.

She could tell—Huo Shu was terrified. Her whole body was trembling, her face pale with fright.

Yet even so, her first reaction was still to protect her.

That kind of gesture softened the coldness in Su Yu’s heart just a little. Her tone became a bit more tender as well.

“Jiejie, I want to leave.”

“Hmm?”

“I don’t want to play anymore.”

Huo Shu let out a sigh of relief. “Let’s go.”

Su Yu gave a soft reply.

As they neared the exit of the haunted house, she tiptoed and whispered, “Ah Shu.”

Huo Shu didn’t react at first, but her body instinctively bent down.

“Hmm?”

A gentle kiss landed on her cheek, followed by the soft, sweet voice of the girl.

“Ah Shu, I think I might be starting to like you.”

Huo Shu’s face flushed red. She froze for a while, then belatedly sensed something off.

“Why is it just starting to like me?”

“You guess.”

“You little liar.”

Huo Shu flicked her finger against Su Yu’s forehead and huffed softly, “It’s not like… I like you either.”

“I know.”

The girl smiled, her eyes shining. “I’ll work hard.”

Huo Shu turned her head away, blushing unconsciously.

9:00 PM

Su Yu changed her shoes and stepped into the house.

The living room atmosphere was heavy. Jin Licheng sat silently on the sofa, with Su Yudong and Su Qi seated beside him.

Seeing her enter, Su Yudong sighed in relief. “Yuyu, you’re finally back. Licheng’s been waiting for you a long time.”

Su Yu frowned and walked past him. “Dad, inviting some irrelevant people into the house this late at night… isn’t that inappropriate?”

“You child, how can you talk like that?”

Su Yudong shook his head and patted her shoulder lightly. In a low voice, he said, “Go on. Don’t anger him. Remember what I told you last time—Yuyu, don’t be so willful.”

Jin Licheng leaned back, slightly lifting his eyelids. “Uncle Dong, it’s getting late. You two go get some rest. I still have something to discuss with Yuyu.”

Su Yu let out a light tsk.

Kicking people out openly in someone else’s home.

His overbearing nature was really something else.

Su Yudong responded with a nod and smiled. “Then you two talk. Call me if anything comes up.”

“Mm.”

Once again, the living room turned cold and silent.

Su Yu sat down on the sofa, her tone impatient. “Say it. Why are you here?”

“These past two days, you’ve had fun with Huo Shu, haven’t you?”

Jin Licheng turned his head slightly and sneered. “Su Yu, should I say you’re naïve, or just plain foolish?”

“In a wealthy family, do you really think true feelings exist?”

“Huo Shu… she’s just playing around with you. And you actually took it seriously?”

Su Yu raised an eyebrow. “And then?”

Jin Licheng straightened up and asked slowly, word by word, “Do you know Huo Shu is getting engaged?”

His eyes burned into hers, as if trying to gauge her reaction.

“With you?”

Jin Licheng shook his head and replied at a deliberate pace, “The Cui family in Taipei.”

Su Yu’s expression faltered slightly.

What the hell?

The Cui family in Taipei?

In the original book, the young master of the Cui family in Taipei, Cui Fang, ended up with Jiang Shengzhou’s sister, Jiang Xizhi. It was through them that certain plotlines were introduced.

All in all, they counted as important supporting characters.

“Iron Hammer, my arrival didn’t just collapse the timeline, right? I feel like the entire plot’s falling apart.”

[Plot changes can occur due to a character’s thoughts or actions, which are irreversible.]

“Fine then.”

Su Yu closed the chat and looked up at Jin Licheng. “Why are you telling me all this?”

“No reason. I just want you to see clearly that no one else will treat you better than I do.”

Jin Licheng’s voice softened as he coaxed gently, “Yuyu, why do we have to argue? We clearly love each other so much.”

“The previous misunderstandings—I think we can resolve them. There’s no need to let a few misunderstandings pull us apart.”

Su Yu: ……

Where did he get this confidence?

“Jin Licheng, I’m not the type to eat what I’ve already spit out,* and I believe you aren’t either.”

*(“吃回頭草” [chī huítóu cǎo] is a Chinese idiom meaning to go back to an ex or return to a situation one has already left, often implying a lack of dignity or consistency.)

“Fine!”

Jin Licheng shot her a look and raised his voice. “Uncle Dong!”

Before long, Su Yudong came out from the bedroom. “All done talking?”

Jin Licheng replied casually, “More or less. Uncle Dong, if I want to marry Yuyu, what would I need to prepare?”

“Well…”

Su Yudong’s face flushed with excitement. He turned to glance at Su Yu and cleared his throat. “Marriage is a big deal—you can’t be reckless. It’s not up to me to decide; it depends on Yuyu’s opinion.”

Jin Licheng gave a small smile. “I believe… Uncle Dong will find a way.”

As long as the benefits were good enough, would Su Yudong really not cooperate?

“Uncle Dong, let’s leave it here for today. Help me talk to Yuyu.”

With that, Jin Licheng turned and left.

Su Yudong turned around and sat beside Su Yu.

She shifted away slightly and said softly, “Dad, I won’t be with Jin Licheng.”

“What’s wrong with Licheng?”

“He’s too good. I don’t deserve him.”

Seeing her completely unmoved expression, Su Yudong felt a headache coming on, but he also knew not to push too hard. He asked her a few more questions, then told her to go rest.

Back in her room, Su Yu finally relaxed, grabbed a towel, and went to shower.

Half an hour later, she came out with her hair wrapped up, wearing only a camisole nightdress, her skin looking even more radiant and fair.

[Host, are you serious about Huo Shu?]

Su Yu paused while flipping through her book and chuckled. “Iron Hammer, this doesn’t sound like you. What… are you sticking your nose into my personal life now?”

She raised her brows slightly, her tone languid. With her naturally alluring features, this casual demeanor made her even more seductive.

[Host, the declaration of the System Department—]

“I know.”

Su Yu cut it off. “I’m serious. Don’t worry.”

[That’s good.]

“What made you suddenly care about this?”

[It’s nothing.]

“Speak.”

[It’s nothing…]

“Speak!”

[In the last world, not long after you died, Huo Shu passed away in an accident. Because of certain factors, she was selected by the System Department to become the host of another system.]

Su Yu froze, tightening her grip on the book. “And then?”

[She refused. And she learned the truth of the previous world. She voluntarily asked to become the female lead of every future world you enter. Her only condition was: no memories.]

Su Yu exhaled slowly and smiled. “It should’ve been that way all along. That little girl ought to hate me.”

After all, it was her fault—she used Huo Shu’s genuine affection.

But…

She lowered her gaze, a strange feeling welling up in her heart.

A little sour, making her heart tremble.

[No, she doesn’t hate you! She just wanted to punish you. Even if it was a mission, she never faked being with you.]

Su Yu was stunned.

[She said that as long as you pursued her, she would forgive you. But… I didn’t expect—]

Iron Hammer sighed, sounding like it hated iron for not becoming steel.

It hadn’t expected that even in this new world, Huo Shu still couldn’t avoid falling for Su Yu.

Su Yu looked up, pinching her brow lightly. She whispered, “I get it.”

“Ding-dong!”

WeChat message alert.

Ah Shu: Why aren’t you talking to me?

Ah Shu: You have no perseverance at all!

Ah Shu: Aaaaaaa pay attention to me, you little liar.

Su Yu couldn’t help but smile. This little dummy.

“Just finished showering.”

Ah Shu: Fine, I’ll forgive you.

“Heard you got engaged to someone?”

On the other side, Huo Shu’s face immediately stiffened and she suddenly felt guilty.

“That… I just found out too. I’m not going through with it. I don’t even know the guy. Don’t be mad.”

Yuyu Baby: I’m mad.

“Huh? Believe me, I really don’t like him. I won’t be with him.”

Yuyu Baby: Then do you like me?

“Yes!”

Huo Shu sent the message without thinking, but a second later, she realized something and hurriedly hit “recall.”

Yuyu Baby: I saw it.

“Pfft…”

Yuyu Baby: Wanna give it a try—be together?

Huo Shu’s ears turned red. She asked even though she knew the answer: “Who?”

“What do you think?”

Her blush spread from her neck to her ears as she softly replied, “Okay.”

After putting down her phone, she was still a little dazed. Just like that… she was in a relationship with the little girl?

It felt too good to be real, like a dream—so beautiful it felt unreal.

She looked down and glanced at the screen again. Seeing that the message hadn’t disappeared, she finally relaxed, clutching her phone and lying back down slowly.

“You unfilial girl! Truly disgraceful—you’ve thrown away all the face of the Su family!”

“Get out! Get out of my house!”

The furious yelling suddenly rang out from outside.

Su Yu lay on her side, listening for a while. She roughly understood what was happening but couldn’t be bothered to interfere.

She rolled over and closed her eyes to rest.

Bang!

The door was forcefully pushed open from outside.

Du Xue rushed in frantically, her eyes red. “Yuyu, hurry and stop him—your dad’s going to beat Xiaxia to death!”

“You have to stop him. Your dad usually listens to you. If you say something, it’ll definitely work.”

“Aunt Du, if Dad’s throwing a tantrum, even I can’t stop him.”

Su Yu sat up, throwing on a robe. “Besides, Xiaxia was really in the wrong this time. Dad scolding her is only right.”

Could Su Yudong not be furious?

A teenage girl going out to party at a bar, then getting filmed with some middle-aged man and having the video spread online.

Some nosy person recognized her as a daughter of the Su family—Su Yudong’s reputation was completely ruined.

“You’re really this heartless?”

Du Xue collapsed to the floor wailing, “Even if Xiaxia isn’t your biological sister, how can you just stand by and do nothing?!”

“Su Yu, is your heart made of ice?”

Su Yu raised an eyebrow.

Moral coercion?

She let out a faint snort. “Aunt Du, if you want to cry, why not go out to the hallway? It’s louder out there.”

“And at the very least, could you squeeze out a few actual tears?”

Du Xue wasn’t the least bit embarrassed—she just wailed even louder, each cry more exaggerated than the last.

Su Yu ignored her and turned off the light to go back to sleep.

Du Xue was stunned.

It took a long while for her to realize Su Yu really wasn’t getting up. Only then did she walk away furiously.

“You ungrateful brat!”

“Your sister’s always been good to you, and you’re just going to watch her suffer?!”

“Aunt Du, good night.”

“You—!”

The next day, Su Xia, having taken a beating, was noticeably quieter.

The atmosphere at breakfast was unusually calm.

“Sir, the Jin family sent something over.”

A maid rushed in, followed by a couple of bodyguards.

Su Yudong raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”

“This is the piece of jewelry ‘Dream Star’ that Mr. Jin won at the last auction. He asked me to deliver it to you.”

Su Yu glanced over.

Inside the jewelry box, a sea-blue necklace shimmered brilliantly. Even through a layer of glass, it was breathtaking—like it had been coated in a layer of silver light.

Su Qi whispered, “Dad, this is the piece I mentioned before. Jin Licheng bought it for fifty million.”

Su Yudong’s eyes lit up slightly. He looked to the side—gown, ring, shoes—all exquisitely crafted, clearly reflecting the owner’s wealth.

“Just leave it there, and thank Mr. Jin for me.”

The bodyguards responded and carefully placed the items down before turning to leave.

“Yuyu, did you see that? Jin Licheng is really sincere about you. Have you ever seen him treat anyone else like this?”

Seizing the opportunity, Su Yudong continued, “Listen to Dad. A man like Jin Licheng is hard to come by. If you let him slip away, you’ll regret it.”

Su Yu responded absentmindedly while spreading jam on her toast, her expression focused.

She was wearing a pale pink floral dress today, her long hair unusually tied up, showing off her fair and slender neck.

Su Xia sat silently, staring at her toast, fists clenched.

Why?!

They were both Su Yudong’s daughters—why was the difference so stark? Her life was already bleak, with no light in sight.

But why could Su Yu effortlessly have the attention of the two most outstanding men in Xiangjiang?

She hated it!

She hated Su Yu, and she hated Su Yudong!

If he hadn’t been so biased, her life wouldn’t have turned out this way.

“Oh, right—there’s a banquet at the Huo family tonight. Yuyu, aren’t you on good terms with Huo Shu? You should go have a look.”

Su Yu paused, her pale face flushing slightly. She looked a bit embarrassed.

It seemed… because of a rash impulse last night, she and that little rascal Huo Shu were now officially a couple?

Meeting again now felt… a bit awkward.

“Dad, I’ll pass on tonight.”

“You have to go!”

Su Yudong’s eyes widened. “And you too, Su Qi—you’re going as well. As for Su Xia…”

At the mention of her name, he gave a heavy snort. “You just stay home. Without my permission, you’re not allowed to go out.”

Su Xia’s eyes reddened. “Why?”

“Why? Because of all the disgraceful nonsense you’ve pulled! You’ve made our family a laughingstock in Xiangjiang!”

Su Yudong’s expression turned dark. “You’re not going anywhere. I’ve already spoken with the Lin family in East City—you’re getting engaged to Lin Ye.”

Lin Ye?

Su Xia’s eyes widened. “That fat slob?! I won’t marry him! I’d rather die!”

“And you still have the nerve to be picky?”

Su Yudong slammed the table and shouted, “You should be glad someone even wants you! I’m telling you—you’ll marry whether you like it or not.”

“This isn’t up to you. I’ve already settled everything. The wedding is next month.”

Su Xia bit her lip, tears streaming down her face. “Mom, please talk Dad out of this—I don’t want to get married. Wuwuwu…”

Du Xue looked conflicted. After hesitating for a bit, she said, “Yudong, Xiaxia is still young—don’t you think it’s a bit too soon to marry her off?”

“You think anyone else would want her?”

Su Yudong’s expression darkened. “If I hadn’t arranged to have those videos destroyed, she would’ve lost more than just her reputation in Xiangjiang.”

“Sure, Lin Ye’s a bit fat, but at least he doesn’t mind her past. He’ll inherit the Lin family business—how is he not good enough for her?”

Hearing this, even Du Xue started to feel convinced and didn’t try to persuade him further.

“Your dad’s right. Xiaxia, stop crying. This… really is a tough situation.”

Su Xia didn’t say another word. She kept her head down, lips tightly pressed together, fists clenched.

After a long time, she quietly muttered, “I understand.”

Her voice was calm, without any emotion.

Su Yu looked up at her.

That moment—Su Xia must’ve completely given up.

Fine. Let the Su family devour itself. She wasn’t going to get involved.

Su Yu looked away and continued eating.

Ding-dong.

Ah Shu: Come out. I’m at the door.

Su Yu blinked, wiped her mouth, and got up. “Dad, I’m done eating. I’ve got something to do—I’m heading out.”

“Don’t forget the Huo family banquet.”

“Got it.”

She didn’t even have time to change her shoes—wearing slippers, she ran out. As soon as she stepped out of the hall, she spotted Huo Shu at once.

She stood in the sunlight, dressed in beige casualwear. Her long hair was tied up in a ponytail, her whole being vibrant and striking.

“Ah Shu…”

Su Yu cleared her throat, feeling a little awkward, and called out softly.

Huo Shu’s eyes lit up. She was about to walk forward but paused as if remembering something.

“Close your eyes first.”

Su Yu was stunned. “Huh?”

“Quick!”

“…Okay.”

Huo Shu’s cheeks flushed as she slowly pulled something out from behind her. “Alright, open them.”