Transmigrated As The Villainous Scumbag Wife Of A Disabled Tycoon - Chapter 23

23

The system’s cute, mechanical voice echoed repeatedly in her mind.

[Awoo! Punishment: Prepare three meals a day for the target for one week, including afternoon tea and late-night snacks.]

[Beep—Please note, no one else can assist, and you must put in your utmost effort.]

[Beep—Please note, if the host violates the rules, they will be thrown into the Interstellar Five Elements Prison or face pain penalties.]

Cheng Xing: “…”

What kind of punishment is this?

But the system didn’t give her time or space to argue. After announcing the punishment, it went silent, leaving her standing in front of three people.

All eyes were on her. Cheng Xing pursed her lips. “Liu Ning, an apology is out of the question.”

She continued, “If you want, you can make everything public. I can apologize for all my past actions. After all, you know I just got out of the hospital. That night, I overdosed on medication, which damaged my brain. I’m still not entirely clear-headed.”

Liu Ning gritted her teeth in anger. “Cheng Xing, are you insane?”

“I think I was insane before,” Cheng Xing replied calmly. “I had money, time, family by my side, friends in front of me, yet I never cherished them. Instead, I hung out with you a lot, stirring up trouble. That’s what’s insane.”

Taking this chance to draw a clear line with Liu Ning, she said, “I don’t care what happened before, but from now on, I’m certain we’re not the same kind of people. I just want to live my life well. I’m not interested in your schemes to mess with others.”

Liu Ning, both furious and amused, retorted, “Us? Messing with people? Have you forgotten? You were the one who was best at that.”

“Maybe I was.” Cheng Xing said. “But now, I want to be a good person.”

With her hands in her pockets, she said lightly, “Didn’t the Buddha say? Put down the butcher’s knife, and you can become enlightened on the spot.”

Liu Ning: “???”

The same person who used to joke about desecrating Buddha statues in temples was saying this?

Liu Ning felt her worldview crumbling.

She used to joke that if Cheng Xing ever became reliable, pigs would fly.

And now, what was this nonsense?

Put down the butcher’s knife and become enlightened?

Liu Ning wanted to crack open Cheng Xing’s head to check if it was waterlogged. How else could she say something so absurd?

“You!” Liu Ning was so shocked she stammered, starting several sentences with “you” before stopping.

Cheng Xing gave her a faint smile. “Miss Liu, think carefully about what I said. Doesn’t it make sense?”

“Sense, my foot!” Liu Ning rolled her eyes. “Have you been blinded by greed or bewitched by that cripple? Have you forgotten about Su Manchun? Su Lengyue is here tonight, too. Aren’t you afraid she’ll tell Su Manchun, and then you’ll have no chance with her?”

Liu Ning was one of the original host’s shady friends, but she was genuinely loyal.

Even now, she was still thinking about the original host’s feelings. But—

Cheng Xing smirked. “You mean that Su Manchun who went abroad to study?”

“Who else could it be?” Liu Ning didn’t care that others were present, nor that one of them was Cheng Xing’s legally recognized wife. She spoke freely. “Didn’t we agree back then? You’d torment that cripple to show Su Manchun you still care about her and are waiting for her to come back. What’s this? Have you fallen for the cripple now?”

She kept throwing around the word “cripple” so casually.

From her words, Cheng Xing pieced together the truth behind tonight’s fiasco—

It was all to prove her loyalty to Su Manchun, who was far away overseas.

…And what had Jiang Ciyi done to deserve this?!

Even someone as emotionally stable as Cheng Xing couldn’t help but roll her eyes inwardly at Liu Ning’s words.

So, Jiang Ciyi was just a pawn in their game?

Cheng Xing’s speechlessness showed on her face, but to others, it looked like disdain for Jiang Ciyi.

“Don’t be so rude.” Cheng Xing said, adjusting her emotions and speaking seriously to Liu Ning. “As a human being, basic manners are essential. Respecting the elderly, caring for the young, and looking after the vulnerable are fundamental principles.”

“I’ve never been polite.” Liu Ning scoffed. “And neither have you.”

Cheng Xing crossed her arms in front of her. “Nope! We’re not the same. If you don’t even understand basic human principles, and you’re an adult who can understand human speech, there’s only one conclusion.”

She paused, flashing a deadly smile. “Your brain’s not working. Generally, ‘not working’ can be called defective, or in short—brain-dead.”

Just kidding.

Arguing with a recent college graduate?

Though Cheng Xing didn’t often join in her classmates’ antics, she wasn’t completely detached from social circles.

She might not spend much time online, but she was familiar with trending memes on short-video platforms. Subtle insults were well within her wheelhouse.

Her words turned Liu Ning’s face green.

Cheng Xing had no interest in continuing the argument. The most pressing matter was to ask the system about Shen Qingxue. She had a bad feeling about it.

The system said that since she arrived here, the wheels of fate had begun to turn.

Was that just for her, or for everyone?

Would she completely change the course of this world?

Or could she only do what the system instructed, with everything else following the original path?

If so, did anything she did even matter? What was the point of her being here?

Never had Cheng Xing wanted answers more than at this moment.

Only by understanding the reason could she decide how to proceed—whether to act recklessly or with purpose.

But she hadn’t expected that while she was arguing with Liu Ning, Xu Congshi had already wheeled Jiang Ciyi away.

Just as she hadn’t noticed when they arrived, she didn’t notice when they left.

By the time Cheng Xing looked for them from upstairs, they were already at the entrance, about to leave the banquet hall.

The banquet was far from ordinary. Thanks to the earlier drama, everyone had plenty to gossip about afterward.

Guan Linmin was hosting her birthday party on stage, while below, everyone was discussing the earlier events.

But the focus wasn’t on Cheng Xing marrying a woman with disabled legs—that news had long circulated in their circle. Whenever someone tried to use it to provoke Guan Linmin, she would respond lightly, “She’s a young girl. If she likes her, let her be. The Cheng family can afford it.”

Everyone said Guan Linmin spoiled her daughter to the heavens.

Tonight’s focal point was Shen Qingxue.

It was well-known in Jianggang’s elite circles that families like the Chengs and Guans were merely wealthy, hosting banquets with guests from similar social strata, occasionally mingling with those slightly below their level to expand connections.

But the Shen family? They were true aristocracy, untouchable elites.

The difference was clear.

That’s why a single word from Shen Qingxue could make Mrs. Liu slap her daughter Liu Ning in fear. If Mrs. Liu didn’t discipline her, Shen Qingxue would step in.

Shen Qingxue wouldn’t act openly, but in the cutthroat world of business, toppling a company was child’s play for her.

Not to mention, the Shen family was a powerhouse no one dared to cross, and Shen Qingxue herself was no pushover.

Rumor had it that at a previous banquet, someone had offended her with a careless remark and provocatively stepped on her shoe. The next day, that person’s newly listed company faced a financial crisis—funding issues, a broken capital chain, and no bank would lend them money. Within a week, they were forced to mortgage assets, sell off properties, and still owed investors a fortune.

When they later begged for mercy, they couldn’t even get an audience with Shen Qingxue.

She only sent someone to say, “Lesson one in society: stay humble.”

After that, she rarely appeared at such banquets.

At the time, Shen Qingxue was only twenty, already graduated from Cambridge University and handling her family’s international business.

Some said her maternal grandmother was European royalty.

But these were just rumors, unverified.

Later, Shen Qingxue founded Sunny Supermarket on her own. In less than a decade, it grew into the Sunny Group, transforming from a large supermarket into a conglomerate spanning beauty, luxury goods, logistics, and shopping malls.

Yet, compared to her family’s influence, this was trivial.

In the opulent city of Jianggang, aside from the Shen family, there was the Gu family.

The two families were closely connected, but the Gu family was even more mysterious. No one had ever seen a direct descendant of the Gu family negotiate business in person. Their enterprises spanned the globe, yet all the top-tier malls and hotels in Jianggang were just a fraction of their empire.

So, Shen Qingxue’s appearance tonight had everyone on edge.

Some wanted to curry favor but lacked the courage. Others were curious why she was here.

Rumors were already spreading that the Cheng family had secured a connection with the Shen family, likely for a major project.

If the deal went through, the Chengs might rise to become the third most powerful family, just below the Shen and Gu families.

The skies of Jianggang might shift.

But these were just rumors, awaiting time’s confirmation.

Shen Qingxue’s presence at Guan Linmin’s birthday banquet seemed to lend credence to the speculation.

After her confrontation with Liu Ning upstairs, Cheng Xing ignored her emotions and went downstairs to rejoin Guan Linmin’s birthday celebration.

She sent a message to Jiang Ciyi, but Jiang didn’t reply, likely chatting with Xu Congshi.

Cheng Xing felt uneasy. She wasn’t sure how much Jiang Ciyi had overheard earlier, but it was probably a lot—otherwise, her progress wouldn’t have dropped so quickly.

After all that, she’d only gained 5%, but the system was kind enough not to deduct her money.

So… could she exploit this by gaining and losing progress to make money?

It felt like she’d found a glitch.

As Cheng Xing pondered the feasibility of this plan, the system’s cute mechanical voice chimed in: [Awoo! Don’t challenge the authority of the Interstellar Fate Bureau, or you’ll die miserably.]

Cheng Xing gave up, arguing with it in her mind. “Miserably? Could it be worse than my current situation? Please, I’m just a fresh graduate. Look into my eyes—they’re full of pure stupidity.”

To emphasize how absurd these tasks were, Cheng Xing didn’t hesitate to self-deprecate. “You threw me into this decadent world of wealth and power to play mind games. Let me put it this way: when I was a kid, I couldn’t even win at forming cliques with my classmates. I was the one ostracized by the whole class.”

System: […Awoo!]

After a long silence, the system said, [Awoo! The Interstellar Fate Bureau chose you because you have the potential of a celestial being.]

Cheng Xing: “…Do you even believe that?”

[Awoo! The system firmly believes it. Otherwise, how could you become the woman destined to save this world?!]

Cheng Xing: “…Why don’t you tell me first: after I came here and changed some things, will other things change as well? Like a butterfly effect? And if they do, what does that mean for me?”

The system fell silent.

Cheng Xing sighed helplessly.

On stage, Guan Linmin finished her speech. The host called for her children to push the birthday cake forward and gather around as she cut it.

Cheng Xing was dragged onto the stage by Cheng Zijing. As she stepped up, she noticed Jiang Ciyi and Xu Congshi had returned.

Xu Congshi was seated at her assigned table with the Xu family.

At that table, Cheng Xing also saw her aunt’s two sons chatting animatedly with Xu Congshi. Xu pushed them lightly, probably telling them to focus on the stage.

Jiang Ciyi, maneuvering her wheelchair, sat next to Qin Zhiyun. To her right was a seat arranged for the unexpected guest, Shen Qingxue.

Jiang Ciyi and Shen Qingxue were seated together. Jiang nodded at her, and the two began chatting.

They seemed to be getting along well.

Cheng Xing, standing on stage, was momentarily distracted until Cheng Zijing nudged her back to reality.

Cheng Zijing leaned in to remind her, “It’s Mom’s birthday today. Don’t cause trouble. The Shen family’s here, so don’t stir anything up.”

Cheng Xing withdrew her gaze and said softly, “I know.”

Though Guan Linmin loved grand celebrations, she spared Cheng Xing and Cheng Zijing.

Of the three children on stage, only the eldest, Cheng Zimo, spoke. Cheng Xing just clapped enthusiastically, her applause the loudest.

Finally, the segment ended, and Cheng Xing hurried off the stage.

The banquet officially began, and the social mingling started.

Before Guan Linmin entered the social fray, Cheng Xing quickly presented her gift.

Guan Linmin opened it and frowned. “This isn’t some cheap delivery from the internet, is it? Like a nine-yuan special?”

Cheng Xing protested, “I made it myself.”

Guan Linmin was surprised. “Oh?”

Cheng Xing explained, “I spent all afternoon on it. I carved the wooden figure myself, and your daughter-in-law refined it. The scene was handcrafted too—it can be used as a bedside nightlight.”

Guan Linmin examined it closely and grew fond of the wooden carving.

“I didn’t know you had this talent,” she said with a smile. “When you were little, you loved playing with wood, so I bought you a ton. You lost interest after a few days, but it seems you actually learned something.”

Cheng Xing shrugged. “As long as you like it. Happy birthday, Mom. May you have many more, always beautiful and happy.”

Hearing her birthday wishes, Guan Linmin looked up with a teasing glance. “My little star has grown up. Your words almost made me cry.”

“Don’t cry, don’t cry! Go find your friends.” Cheng Xing pushed her toward the crowd, cutting off her sentimental moment.

Guan Linmin swatted her lightly and whispered to take care of Jiang Ciyi and to be cautious around Shen Qingxue, not to offend her recklessly.

Cheng Xing nodded. “I’ve got it under control.”

After sending Guan Linmin off, Cheng Xing approached Jiang Ciyi, gripping the handles of her wheelchair. “What are you two talking about? Mind if I join?”

Both Jiang Ciyi and Shen Qingxue turned to look at her.

Logically, Cheng Xing was supposed to create opportunities for Jiang Ciyi and Shen Qingxue to be together, constantly matchmaking them.

After all, they were the original couple in the book.

But… her task wasn’t complete yet!

It’d be better if Shen Qingxue, this big shot, stayed away from Jiang Ciyi for now.

Jiang Ciyi answered calmly, “Just thanking Miss Shen for her help earlier. We were chatting casually.”

Cheng Xing nodded, then heard Shen Qingxue ask with interest, “The birthday gift you gave your mother—was it handmade? What’s it made of? It looked intriguing.”

Shen Qingxue’s tone wasn’t as oppressive as before; it felt surprisingly approachable.

But Cheng Xing knew this friendliness was just a facade.

In the original book, Shen Qingxue was a ruthless woman who’d stop at nothing to achieve her goals—a total psycho, only gentle and tame in front of the female lead, Jiang Ciyi.

But now, Jiang Ciyi wasn’t the woman tied to her by a marriage contract in this world. Why was she still so gentle?

That was odd.

Jiang Ciyi voiced Cheng Xing’s confusion. “I was surprised by Miss Shen’s help earlier. Have we met before? Or did someone ask you to help me?”

Shen Qingxue paused, then smiled. “Why would you think that?”

Jiang Ciyi smirked. “I’ve seen too much scheming and backstabbing. I don’t believe good things happen to me for no reason. After all, even the closest people to me are always plotting against me.”

She glanced pointedly at Cheng Xing, who felt a chill down her spine and immediately tried to signal her innocence with her eyes.

But Jiang Ciyi didn’t look at her. She continued, “I just want to understand why, so I know who to repay in the future.”

Shen Qingxue crossed her arms. “Can’t it just be that I’m in a good mood today and wanted to do a good deed?”

Jiang Ciyi paused. “Sure. Thank you, Miss Shen.”

She raised her glass to toast Shen Qingxue. “If you ever need help within my ability, I’ll do my best.”

As she moved to drink, Cheng Xing grabbed her hand. Jiang Ciyi looked up at her.

Shen Qingxue glanced over curiously too. Cheng Xing tried to take the glass, but Jiang Ciyi held it tightly.

Cheng Xing sighed. “Did you forget Dr. Lan’s instructions? No alcohol, and no spicy food from the table.”

Turning to Shen Qingxue, she said, “Sorry, Miss Shen. She was diagnosed with a stomach issue recently and needs a bland diet. I’ll drink this for her. Thank you for standing up for her earlier. I’ll drink three glasses first.”

Jiang Ciyi still wouldn’t let go, probably unwilling to engage after hearing the earlier conversation.

Cheng Xing bent down, whispering in her ear, “Don’t let people see us as a joke. Be good, let go.”

Jiang Ciyi frowned, finding the tone too intimate, but she released the glass.

Cheng Xing downed three glasses, and Shen Qingxue joined her for one. Then Shen Qingxue said, “I wouldn’t call it standing up for her. I just felt an affinity with Miss Jiang.”

Jiang Ciyi smiled. “That’s rare. Most people avoid me like the plague.”

“Why’s that?” Shen Qingxue, despite only having one drink, seemed tipsy, her smile dreamy.

“I deal with corpses every day.” Jiang Ciyi said. “Spending so much time in the autopsy room, I probably smell like death.”

“If Miss Cheng isn’t afraid, why would I be?” Shen Qingxue teased. “If most people avoid you, how did Miss Cheng end up with you?”

“I’m a rebel by nature,” Cheng Xing chimed in. “I love the way my wife smells.”

Jiang Ciyi thought her voice sounded off. Turning, she saw…

Cheng Xing’s cheeks were flushed, her eyes shimmering like a lake brushed by a summer breeze. Her smile was soft, non-threatening, and carried a hint of childlike innocence.

“The way my wife smells? I can’t get enough of it.” Cheng Xing said. “Much better than the scent of herbal medicine.”

Shen Qingxue narrowed her eyes. “Is Miss Cheng a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner?”

Cheng Xing scoffed. “Just a hobby. I used to take a lot of medicine as a kid, but I’m better now.”

“Oh.” Shen Qingxue looked at Jiang Ciyi, her voice gentle. “Miss Jiang, your wife’s drunk.”

“Yeah, I’ll take her back to the room. Sorry about that.” Jiang Ciyi said.

Cheng Xing tilted her head and waved at Shen Qingxue. “Bye bye, Xiao Shen.”

Qin Zhiyun, sitting nearby, was horrified.

Good heavens. Her little sister-in-law was fearless. That was Shen Qingxue of the Shen family.

She called her Xiao Shen?

Qin Zhiyun was scrambling to think of how to smooth things over when Shen Qingxue chuckled, covering her forehead, and said to her, “Mrs. Cheng, your family’s pair is quite interesting.”

Qin Zhiyun forced a stiff smile. “You’re too kind.”

Seeing no further fun to be had, Shen Qingxue got up and left.

10 p.m., Lanyue Mansion.

Shen Qingxue sat coldly on a sofa, a box of slim women’s cigarettes and a silver metal lighter on the table. She’d undone the top two buttons of her blouse, revealing a large expanse of skin at her chest, yet it didn’t evoke the slightest hint of sensuality.

Her brown hair was casually clipped up with a shark clip, a few strands falling loosely by her cheeks, giving her a carefree, almost roguish air.

Shen Qingxue lazily replied to a message on her phone before leaning forward to pick up a cigarette. As soon as she placed it in her mouth, someone crouched beside her, offering a lighter.

The lighter’s flame flickered, casting her face in shifting shadows.

Gray-blue smoke drifted into the air. Shen Qingxue waited patiently.

The cigarette was nearly gone, and her patience was wearing thin.

A respectful voice came from behind. “Miss Shen, Miss Ji is here.”

Shen Qingxue took a calm drag, unmoving, as a nervous-looking girl in her early twenties walked in. She glanced around cautiously before sitting on the sofa across from Shen Qingxue.

The soft sofa sank under her weight, enveloping the slim girl, giving her an unprecedented sense of security.

Shen Qingxue watched her calmly, as if brewing a storm.

“What were you doing there tonight?” Shen Qingxue asked.

The girl bit her lip. “Someone paid me to perform.”

“How much?”

“A hundred thousand.”

“To do what?”

“Sing.”

“Did you perform?”

“No.”

“Then what did you do?”

The room fell silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Those who’d worked with Shen Qingxue were used to this oppressive atmosphere.

But tonight, Shen Qingxue seemed in a bad mood after leaving the Chengs’ event.

At the Chengs’, she’d smiled warmly—a rare sight for those around her.

But as soon as she left, her demeanor changed, as if programmed to shift.

Yet tonight, Shen Qingxue was unusually lenient. With a wave, she dismissed everyone from the room except Miss Ji.

She took another drag, exhaling smoke that blurred the figure before her.

Coldly, she asked, “Why aren’t you talking?”

“I… I don’t dare,” the girl said, head bowed, trembling as if terrified.

Shen Qingxue sneered. “You don’t dare speak, but you dared to act.”

The girl flinched. “I’m… I’m sorry.”

“Do you know what would’ve happened if I hadn’t shown up tonight?” Shen Qingxue asked.

The girl’s fingers twisted together. “I… I know.”

“Know?” Shen Qingxue laughed mockingly. “If you knew, why would you do something so stupid?”

“I don’t usually go to those banquets,” she said. “Zhizhi, you’re too naive.”

“I’m sorry, Miss Shen,” Zhizhi said, voice trembling with tears. “I heard I could earn money by singing a song, and I thought I could use it to pay you back.”

“So eager to leave me?” Shen Qingxue stubbed out the cigarette. The air carried the faint scent of gardenia from the cigarette. She beckoned to the girl. “Zhizhi, come here.”

Zhizhi bit her lip, nearly drawing bl00d, hesitating to move.

She’d messed up tonight and didn’t know how Shen Qingxue would punish her.

She was scared.

Shen Qingxue’s voice turned cold. “Zhizhi, come here.”

Reluctantly, Zhizhi stood and walked over.

Shen Qingxue crossed her legs, exuding effortless charisma, her tone casual yet commanding. “Sing the song you prepared for tonight.”

Tears clung to Zhizhi’s lashes, her expression pitiful, as if she didn’t dare cry.

Shen Qingxue had little patience. “Zhizhi, don’t make me repeat myself.”

The girl cleared her throat. Despite her earlier tears, her voice was melodious, naturally gifted, singing a love song with a charm that evoked the beauty of Jiangnan landscapes, captivating her listener.

Even without accompaniment, her clear voice was heavenly.

When the song ended, Shen Qingxue opened her eyes, her gaze unabashedly appraising. “Wipe your tears.”

Zhizhi quickly grabbed a tissue to obey. The next moment, Shen Qingxue said, “Take off your top.”

Zhizhi’s face flushed crimson, her palm tightening. After a moment’s hesitation, she slowly removed her top, leaving a black bandeau.

“Jeans.” Shen Qingxue said, sipping champagne, her words brief but commanding.

Zhizhi complied, leaving only black and white undergarments.

“Bandeau.” Shen Qingxue continued.

Zhizhi hesitated but followed, left with just her final layer.

“And the rest.” Shen Qingxue said.

Zhizhi’s head hung low, her blush spreading to her neck. She delayed too long.

Shen Qingxue chuckled. “Zhizhi, it’s not like I haven’t played before.”

Zhizhi bit her lip. “I’m shy.”

Shen Qingxue enjoyed her embarrassment, laughing softly. After savoring the moment, she called out, her voice tinged with drunkenness, “Zhizhi, come here.”

Zhizhi took tiny steps forward, only to be pulled into Shen Qingxue’s lap.

Shen Qingxue said, “Zhizhi, don’t let anyone trick you again.”

“Okay.” Zhizhi replied.

Shen Qingxue’s fingers traced her velvet-smooth back. “Next time, I won’t save you.”

Zhizhi started to respond, but Shen Qingxue’s forceful advance turned her words into a whimper as she clung tightly to her.

Back at the Cheng family villa, Cheng Xing sat on the bed, dazed.

Jiang Ciyi handed her a glass of warm water. Cheng Xing took it, sipping slowly.

After finishing, she got up to place it on the table.

Sitting back down, she suddenly asked, “Jiang Ciyi, do you have someone you like?”

Jiang Ciyi thought of the drawer full of letters she’d received and said after a pause, “Sort of.”

She asked Cheng Xing, “What about you?”

Cheng Xing shook her head, then nodded. “I don’t know.”

Seeing her drunken state, Jiang Ciyi said, “Then go to sleep.”

Cheng Xing looked at her, mumbling unhappily, “I saw you chatting so happily with Shen Qingxue earlier, and I felt a little upset.”

Jiang Ciyi froze. “Me?”

She grew wary. “Don’t you like Su Manchun?”

“Su Manchun?” Cheng Xing shook her head. “That’s not who I like. I wouldn’t like someone like her.”

“Then what kind of person would you like?” Jiang Ciyi asked.

“Like…” Cheng Xing thought for so long that Jiang Ciyi thought she’d fallen asleep.

But then she opened her eyes and said, “I don’t know. It depends on the feeling. I used to like my pen pal.”

Jiang Ciyi was ready to hear a story, but Cheng Xing circled back. “Is this feeling I have for you possessiveness? It doesn’t quite feel like it. It shouldn’t be.”

“What shouldn’t be?” Jiang Ciyi asked.

Cheng Xing said, “I shouldn’t feel possessive of you, and I shouldn’t feel upset.”

Jiang Ciyi: “…”

Why not?

If she were Cheng Xing, wouldn’t those feelings be normal?

By the original Cheng Xing’s logic, Jiang Ciyi was her possession, so possessiveness would be natural.

Back then, just seeing her letters could send Cheng Xing into a rage, spiraling into madness.

But now, she said it shouldn’t be.

So…

Skipping her internal analysis, Jiang Ciyi lowered her voice, coaxing, “Cheng Xing, why shouldn’t you feel possessive of me?”

Her voice was much softer than usual, almost irresistible. “Is it because you’re not the original Cheng Xing?”

Cheng Xing’s head tilted, and she looked at Jiang Ciyi, smiling gently. “You’re so pretty, Jiang Ciyi.”

Jiang Ciyi: “…”

Wasted question.

But the next second, Cheng Xing leaned in mysteriously. “I have a secret, Jiang Ciyi.”

Jiang Ciyi perked up. “What is it?”

In that moment, she felt the truth was within reach.

Cheng Xing blinked, saying seriously, “I’m an alien. From outer space.”

Jiang Ciyi: “…”

She’d been played.