Today I Will Also Be the Male Protagonist’s Rival - Chapter 45

Jiang Shengzhou let out a low “mm.”

“Who told you to drag her into this?”

Su Yu’s expression darkened, her gaze instantly turning cold. “Do you know how dangerous this is? One mistake and the whole operation could be completely wiped out.”

“If anything happens to her, I won’t forgive you!”

The chill in her eyes was unmistakable, making the smile on Jiang Shengzhou’s lips fade into bitterness. He explained softly, “It was Sister Huo who came to me. I didn’t hide it from her.”

“There’s no question about the Huo family’s strength. With her involved, a lot of things become easier to handle.”

He paused, lips pressed together, and said in a low voice, “You know Sister Huo’s personality. She’s never the type to stand in the background and watch you struggle alone without lifting a finger.”

Su Yu clenched her fists.

That might be true, but in her mind, the girl was still simple and easily deceived.

Someone so clean and pure—she really… couldn’t bear to drag her into this web of conspiracies.

What if she got hurt?

It took a long while for her to calm her emotions. Then she gave a quiet “mm.”

Jiang Shengzhou tightened his grip on his cup and forced a smile. “Junior Su Yu, don’t worry too much. She has the entire Huo family behind her. Even if Jin Licheng wanted to touch her, he’d have to think twice whether he has the qualifications.”

“Mm.”

After chatting a bit more, Jiang Shengzhou noticed she wasn’t really in the mood to continue and sensibly offered to leave first.

Su Yu gave a simple reply and left the café too.

It hadn’t started raining yet, but the sky was heavily overcast. She glanced up at the gloomy sky and called Huo Shu.

“Hello…”

Su Yu curled her lips into a small smile and asked directly, “Why did you think of going to Jiang Shengzhou?”

“Hmph, trying to keep it from me again? Good thing I’m clever.”

The girl’s cheerful voice came through, slightly spoiled in tone. “What’s so special about Jiang Shengzhou? You should’ve worked with me instead. The Huo family is just as powerful as the Jin family—Jiang’s still a bit short of that.”

“Aren’t you afraid of getting hurt?”

Su Yu clenched her palm and lowered her voice. “If something happens to you, what am I supposed to do?”

“What about you?”

At that, the girl sounded a little wronged, her voice soft. “If something happens to you, what do you expect me to do?”

“Yuyu, I don’t want you to raise me like I’m some pet. I want to stand by your side and fight with you.”

Su Yu gripped her phone tightly. “You…”

Huo Shu cut her off and quickly changed the subject. “Okay, okay, we’re on the same side now. Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

“I’ll come to you.”

The girl sounded startled, her voice suddenly flustered. “You’re not breaking up with me, are you? Then don’t come—I’m not home.”

“What are you thinking?”

Su Yu’s eyes softened with a trace of amusement. She said quietly, “I miss you.”

On the other end of the line, Huo Shu was stunned. It took a long moment before she responded in a shy and embarrassed voice, “Hmph, you always know how to sweet-talk me, you big pig’s trotter.”

Note: “Big pig’s trotter” is Chinese slang—a playful insult often used between couples, implying someone who’s sly or flirtatious.

“I’m at home.”

“Mm,” Su Yu replied. “Wait for me.”

She had never missed her like this before. It felt like it came from the depths of her bones—burning hot, even hurting her heart.

She hailed a cab and arrived at the Huo residence shortly after.

From a distance, Su Yu could already see a small figure pacing back and forth, clearly waiting for a long time.

Her lips curved slightly as she opened the car door and stepped out.

“A’Shu…”

Hearing the sound, the girl’s eyes lit up instantly. She rushed over. “Yuyu.”

Su Yu caught her steadily and smiled. “How long have you been waiting?”

“Not long…”

Huo Shu shook her head. “I just came down.”

Su Yu didn’t quite believe her and raised an eyebrow. “Really?”

“Of course…”

Huo Shu replied guiltily and quickly changed the subject. “Yuyu, I missed you so much. We haven’t seen each other in ages.”

Su Yu chuckled and pinched her nose. “Didn’t we just see each other not long ago?”

“That was ages ago!”

The girl nestled into her arms, acting spoiled. “I don’t care. You have to stay over tonight and keep me company.”

Su Yu raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “So impatient?”

Whatever Huo Shu imagined in that moment, her face instantly turned red. “You’re teasing me again. I… I just meant sleeping. Purely sleeping!”

Su Yu responded with an “Oh,” but her tone only grew more suggestive.

“You… you’re really awful.”

Huo Shu turned away, her ears turning pink—subtly alluring.

“Getting shy already?”

Su Yu kissed her gently on the cheek and chuckled in a low voice. “I remember—you weren’t like this when we first met.”

The girl blushed and muttered with a weak comeback, “How was I supposed to know you’re a big bad wolf?”

Yuyu was too good at fooling people. She had been totally blinded.

Back then, she was just a soft little girl with an even softer voice. But now… hmph, all she did was tease.

“All right, I’ve got something to take care of tonight. Tomorrow, okay?”

Su Yu hugged her tighter and said softly, “Aunt Du died. There’s a lot to handle at home. I need to go back soon.”

Huo Shu bit her lip, clearly reluctant. “So soon?”

“Can’t… stay just a little longer?”

“No. Once I finish handling her funeral, I’ll stay with you every day after that.”

“Really?”

“Mm.”

“Then let’s pinky swear.”

Watching her childlike behavior, Su Yu curved her lips and extended her pinky. “Alright, pinky swear.”

“Pinky swear, hang it high, no changing for a hundred years. Whoever breaks it is a little dog.”

Huo Shu smiled, her eyes curving into crescents. “Okay then, you’re not allowed to lie to me, or you’ll be a little dog.”

“Alright, I won’t lie to you.”

By the time Su Yu got home, it was already 3 p.m.

Guests were coming and going, all with solemn expressions. Even when speaking with those nearby, their voices were low.

In the hall, mourning music played. The oppressive atmosphere dampened the guests’ spirits.

Su Yu immediately saw Jin Licheng. Her expression shifted slightly, and she put on a quiet and reserved demeanor as she entered the room.

“Miss.”

“Miss is back.”

She nodded at them one by one, then looked up at Jin Licheng. “Why did you come so early?”

“I wanted to see you.”

Su Yu furrowed her brows and turned away. She bowed respectfully to the coffin, then looked up at him. “Let’s go, this isn’t the place to talk.”

Jin Licheng gave a low hum.

She led him upstairs, heading straight to Su Xia’s room.

“Sit wherever you like.”

Su Yu found a place to sit down. Her eyes were slightly red. “I really didn’t expect it to happen so suddenly. Aunt Du just… passed like that, without any warning.”

Jin Licheng was rarely this quiet, especially upon seeing her vulnerable expression. He didn’t know what to say, so he kept silent.

“When I first arrived at the Su family, helpless and alone, Aunt Du cared for me with tireless concern. She treated me like her own daughter… but I didn’t expect…”

At this point, Su Yu couldn’t go on. She covered her mouth and sobbed quietly.

“Don’t cry…”

“Sorry for making a fool of myself.”

She let out a soft laugh, wiping away her tears. “Will you drink with me?”

Her skin was pale and glowing, her brows slender with a touch of captivating charm. Even in tears, she looked breathtaking, making one want to comfort her.

Jin Licheng was silent for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”

Su Yu forced a smile, went downstairs, and brought up a bottle of red wine and two glasses.

She poured two glasses and handed one to Jin Licheng. “Drink! Tonight I’ll drown my sorrows in wine.”

With that, she tilted her head back and drained her glass. The crimson liquid slid down her throat, stirring the imagination.

Jin Licheng’s eyes darkened. He picked up his glass and drained it in one go.

After just one glass, a faint flush appeared on the girl’s fair cheeks—soft and alluring.

She tilted her head and asked in confusion, “Your alcohol tolerance is that good?”

Before he could answer, she said again, “I don’t believe it! Unless you compete with me.”

Jin Licheng’s throat tightened. His voice was hoarse. “Alright.”

One glass after another. The red wine wasn’t low in alcohol, and even with Jin Licheng’s tolerance, he was starting to feel a bit dizzy, his mind foggy.

He glanced at Su Yu again. She was now sprawled on the floor like a boneless kitten, lazily seductive.

Jin Licheng’s eyes turned red, and his mouth felt dry. He leaned closer. “Yu Yu?”

“More wine!”

Su Yu wobbled to her feet. “I’m going to the bathroom. When I come back, if you haven’t finished this bottle, I’ll… I’ll look down on you!”

She stumbled into the bathroom. Her expression instantly turned cold as she glanced outside at Jin Licheng and sneered.

She had taken an antidote—immune to all poisons.

Could Jin Licheng compare?

Judging by the time, the drug should be kicking in soon.

She checked her watch and walked deeper into the bathroom. “Alright, you can come out now.”

Su Xia, dressed identically to her, nodded. “Don’t worry, I know what to do.”

“Remember what I said. Between you and Jin Licheng, only one can live.”

“Whether it’s him or you… it all depends on your own fate.”

Su Xia clenched her fists. “I know.”

“Play the audio.”

“You don’t need me to teach you what to say, right?”

Su Xia shook her head.

“Good girl…”

Su Yu curved her lips. “I believe you can do it. Go.”

She watched Su Xia enter the bedroom before returning to her own room, changing into a different outfit, and heading downstairs.

Jiang Shengzhou approached with a glass of wine. “How’d it go?”

“Everything is going according to plan.”

Su Yu picked up a glass nearby and took a sip. Her voice was calm. “The real show… is about to start.”

Jiang Shengzhou chuckled, clinking glasses with her. “Then I’ll be watching with interest.”

Su Yu raised her brows noncommittally and took another sip of wine.

Zzzzz—

The solemn music suddenly changed. After a burst of static, a girl’s scream echoed through the hall.

“Ahhh! Don’t come near me! Don’t come near me—go away! Wuuu…”

“Yu Yu, don’t be scared. I’ll be gentle with you. Don’t be afraid.”

The man’s voice was low and hoarse, laced with seduction.

That voice…

The guests couldn’t help but exchange looks.

Wasn’t that the Jin family’s head?

Playing this kind of game?

Even if he was that eager, did he really have to do it at the Su family matriarch’s memorial? This was basically making enemies of the entire Su family.

Su Yudong’s face turned dark. He immediately turned and shouted, “What the hell is the sound engineer doing? Turn it off right now, did you hear me?”

The sound engineer was sweating. “M-Mr. Su, there’s a little issue, but don’t worry, we’ll resolve it as soon as possible!”

Su Yudong’s face was livid. “Then get to it! You want me to fire you all, is that it?”