After Marrying the Cold and Elegant Beauty, I Fell in Love (GL) - Chapter 20

Since Han Shuangshuang deliberately chose the early evening to eat, there weren’t many people in the restaurant. The food was served quickly, and everything arrived within a short time.

Long Aodi, wearing that same arrogant “Student Union President” face he had at school, brought over two drinks. He pointedly pushed Shen Yuru’s glass closer to her hand.

Han Shuangshuang silently rolled her eyes. She really didn’t understand what this scumbag male lead of a warped novel had to be so proud of. It was as if finding her working there was her mistake.

Shen Yuru sensed Han Shuangshuang’s inexplicable hostility toward Long Aodi, and a faint smile played on her lips. Lately, for some reason, Long Aodi had been fixating on her, always using flimsy excuses to pester her.

She had investigated Long Aodi’s background long ago. She knew he worked at a remote restaurant far from the school; he wasn’t from a wealthy family at all. He grew up in a single-parent household, relying on his mother, yet he put on an act of having a perfect, happy family at school. If it were just an act, that would be one thing, but he was also pathetically hypocritical. He never applied for financial aid and treated students from poor families with a ridiculous sense of pity—as if doing so could help him escape his own background.

Thus, Shen Yuru never thought Long Aodi was a good person. People who desperately want to flee their original families often forget their roots; he was nothing more than an ungrateful white-eyed wolf. He was no different from her own relatives who feasted on “human blood buns.”

Outside, it was pitch black. To save electricity, the small restaurant only lit a single lamp over their table, creating a dim, atmospheric setting that felt very much like a different kind of candlelight dinner. Looking up, she saw the other’s face; Han Shuangshuang suddenly felt a bit shy, because seeing Shen Yuru’s cold, slightly arrogant face in the blur made her look even more beautiful.

“Sister Shen, you don’t find this place too shabby, do you?”

In her original world, Han Shuangshuang had lived under someone else’s roof, so she was a sweet talker. Following the belief that “one doesn’t strike a smiling face,” she always used intimate terms to close the gap when speaking to people. Thus, calling Shen Yuru “Sister Shen” was something that came naturally to her, as if it were etched into her bones.

After all, Shen Yuru came from such a wealthy background. This was likely her first time eating at a “fly restaurant” (a small, dingy eatery) as described in books. Moreover, people like Shen Yuru were excellent at masking their emotions; you couldn’t tell if she was happy or not. What if she thought Han Shuangshuang—the eldest daughter of the Han family—was being perfunctory by treating her to a meal here?

She had to find an opportunity to explain this clearly.

Shen Yuru’s eyelashes fluttered over her phoenix eyes, but she didn’t speak, only silently scanning the dishes on the table.

Han Shuangshuang: “Sister Shen, as you know, I’m not favored at home. The purse strings are controlled by my stepmother. My younger sister can spend however much she wants, but not a single cent comes my way. The money for this meal is what I saved up by being frugal. Please don’t look down on me; it would make it seem like I’m insincere.”

Shen Yuru found Han Shuangshuang’s hurried explanation rather cute—like a big dog that had done something wrong, frantically wagging its tail to make its owner understand. Shen Yuru pushed the strange thought aside, picked up her chopsticks, and placed a light, stir-fried shrimp ball in her mouth, chewing slowly.

“The taste is fine, and the environment isn’t crude. You are sincere, Classmate Han; I can see that.”

Shen Yuru was very refined. She swallowed the shrimp ball before speaking leisurely. In the dim light, her voice carried a hint of allure. Han Shuangshuang felt lightheaded. She hadn’t drunk any alcohol, but the dark environment induced a bit of sleepiness, and Shen Yuru’s voice was like a siren trying to steal one’s soul.

Coupled with Shen Yuru’s natural coldness, weak heart, and pale complexion… Han Shuangshuang suddenly felt thirsty. She picked up her drink and took a large gulp. She thought it was fruit juice, but it turned out to be a mix of bitter melon and cucumber juice. It was so bitter her brow furrowed instantly.

“That Long Aodi is so petty! He’s actually retaliating. I promised him I wouldn’t tell anyone he works here; isn’t he afraid I’ll complain?” Han Shuangshuang’s tongue was numb from the bitterness, and her features were scrunched together. Her large eyes narrowed into slits, and a hint of an aggressive canine tooth showed.

Seeing this, Shen Yuru picked up her own drink and took a small sip. After confirming the taste was normal, she handed it to Han Shuangshuang. Han Shuangshuang didn’t care about decorum at that moment; she took a huge gulp to wash away the bitter taste.

Han Shuangshuang’s puppy eyes went wide with anger. “Sister Shen, see? Long Aodi isn’t a good person at all. There’s no need to give him any face. That really was bitter melon juice, cucumber, and maybe even celery. All those green, bad-tasting vegetables are in there. He’s definitely retaliating because of what happened before. Or maybe he’s jealous because you’re close to me… Sister Shen, you must never get involved with a man like that. This kind of ‘Phoenix Man’ is like a leech; once he latches onto you, he’ll suck you dry.”

Han Shuangshuang didn’t care anymore. That mouthful of bitter drink was something she’d remember for a lifetime; she wanted to throw Long Aodi to the ground and stomp on him seven or eight times.

Meanwhile, in the back, Long Aodi was watching them through a small service window. He saw the drinks in their hands and noted they hadn’t finished them. Seeing Han Shuangshuang take a large gulp of Shen Yuru’s drink, Long Aodi frowned deeply, completely ignoring Han Shuangshuang’s trash-talking.

He hadn’t added much to the drink, but Shen Yuru was weak; even a little would be too much. But seeing that Shen Yuru had at least taken a small sip, Long Aodi’s frown relaxed, replaced by a smile—sinister and dangerous. His expression revealed a dark, determined look. Like a rat in a sewer discovering a ladder to heaven, he was full of petty triumph.

The curve of Shen Yuru’s lips widened. “Vegetable juice may taste bad, but it’s good for your health. Why are you so afraid of me being linked to Long Aodi? We aren’t even in the same major; we have no reason to cross paths…” Shen Yuru took back the drink Han Shuangshuang had sipped from. She rested an elbow on the table, propping her chin in her hand. Her phoenix eyes, filled with a faint smile, gazed at Han Shuangshuang with an unreadable depth.

It seemed Han Shuangshuang’s next answer was very important and would affect her mood.

“You keep saying it was your aunt’s request for you to look after my health. But if it’s just looking after me, there’s no need to interfere with my social life, and even less need to care about who I’m close to. I’m an adult; I can tell what people’s intentions are when they approach me. It’s just… isn’t your concern for me a bit too much, Sister Han?”

Shen Yuru deliberately lowered her voice. Her naturally cold tone took on a faint, low rasp. Coupled with the dim light and the aromatic dishes on the table, Han Shuangshuang felt her head spin, her vision blurring. She felt like she was being bewitched by a fairy.

[System: Host, stay awake! This is a honey trap! Shen Yuru is baiting you! She’s testing why you’re approaching her. You must stay conscious! You cannot reveal anything about the System, or you will be punished!]

Han Shuangshuang felt her temples throbbing, and her body began to heat up. It shouldn’t be happening—though the season was hot, the sun was down and it was just the two of them in the restaurant; she shouldn’t feel this hot. Her gaze on Shen Yuru became direct and burning, and a visible redness crept into her puppy eyes.

“Why approach Sister Shen? Why manage things so broadly…” Han Shuangshuang’s voice was slurred, as if she were murmuring to herself. Shen Yuru narrowed her eyes and leaned in to hear better. “What are you saying? Your voice is too low. I heard our families have a history; are you approaching me on someone’s orders?”

History? Han Shuangshuang’s head was foggy, but she didn’t know where the problem lay. When she read the novel, she skipped around so much that by the time she realized the leads were problematic, she had already transmigrated. She hadn’t had time to read the details. Are the original host and Shen Yuru from families with a history? She only knew they would have an engagement, but she didn’t know the reason behind it.

Han Shuangshuang grew increasingly drowsy, having no time to wonder why she was like this. Her focus was entirely on Shen Yuru’s gradual advancement and her soft, coaxing questions.

[System: Host, did you drink something you shouldn’t have? Wake up! You look like a drunk puppy right now! You’re exposing your belly for pets with zero vigilance! And can you stop smiling so foolishly?]

Han Shuangshuang’s puppy eyes were bright as she stared at Shen Yuru, a wide smile spreading across her face. “Because you’re so beautiful, Sister Shen. I don’t want someone so beautiful to be tricked. I like the feeling of being with you. Even though you speak coldly, you’re always helping me. You’re much better than those people who say pretty things but stab you in the back. I wish I could stay with you forever, keep you away from those stinky men, and protect you. That’s what I should do. As for history? I don’t remember. Things from my childhood weren’t very pleasant, so I forgot them long ago. Now, whenever the Han family has a banquet, they take Han Ruhua. Where is there a place for me?”

Even with a foggy brain, Han Shuangshuang remembered the System’s tasks. As she spoke, her other hand tentatively reached for Shen Yuru’s. After hooking Shen Yuru’s pinky and seeing no rejection, she grew more daring and grasped the entire hand. Hearing the System notification that Shen Yuru’s Blackening Value was dropping by 0.1 at a time, her heart felt significantly relieved.

[System: Host, wake up! I’ve detected strange substances in your body and am clearing them now to ensure your sanity.]

However, hearing Han Shuangshuang’s “straight ball” confession, Shen Yuru’s heart inexplicably began to heat up and pound. Han Shuangshuang had approached her proactively; she already knew they would have an engagement, but she hadn’t rejected Han Shuangshuang’s approach because she wanted to know her motive. She hadn’t expected today’s test to reveal such surprising words. She couldn’t tell if Han Shuangshuang was truly foolish or just acting. Can she really not hear the hidden meaning in my words?

Shen Yuru’s heart underwent a subtle change. She felt Han Shuangshuang likely wasn’t lying. It was true that after Han Shuangshuang’s mother died and the stepmother arrived, rumors said she wasn’t favored, her father was cold to her, and the stepmother controlled the finances while intentionally raising her to be rebellious. Yet, Han Shuangshuang was unexpectedly sincere in front of her.

Shen Yuru had seen too many hypocritical faces; everyone approached her with an ulterior motive. She didn’t dwell on why Han Shuangshuang was acting strange, only feeling that the girl was pouring her heart out. Since her parents died, everyone around her had been cold and deceptive. After being backstabbed repeatedly, she had stopped trusting people. Even when facing kindness, she maintained a cold smile. But combined with the recent campus rumors, Shen Yuru felt a sudden thirst; she swallowed hard, her lips feeling parched. Does Han Shuangshuang really like me?

Han Shuangshuang kept praising her beauty, and based on what she knew, Han Shuangshuang was a shallow person; it wasn’t surprising she’d be moved by looks. Shen Yuru suddenly felt her high-collared shirt was too tight, making it hard to breathe. She raised a hand, lowered her eyes, and unfastened a button at her collarbone. Her heart, which had been cold and sluggish, felt a surge of “sincerity” and began to beat powerfully. Even her usually bloodless, pale face took on a hint of red.

Shen Yuru turned away, avoiding Han Shuangshuang’s burning puppy eyes, and downed her drink in one gulp. At that moment, Han Shuangshuang suddenly regained her clarity. A moment of daze appeared in her eyes. What strange things did I just say?

“Sister Shen, I was just joking just now. Don’t take it seriously!”

Oh no. What if she thinks I’m offending her? She had finally closed the distance as a friend; she couldn’t let it go to waste.

[System: Host, there’s something wrong with the food on the table! Stop eating!]

Han Shuangshuang was startled. She looked toward the kitchen window and saw Long Aodi watching them with a sinister gaze. Dammit. She had still overestimated the moral baseline of this novel’s male lead.

After Shen Yuru finished the sweet drink, the sensation in her body didn’t fade; instead, it grew stronger. In the dim restaurant, her senses were amplified. She could only smell the pleasant, sunny scent coming from Han Shuangshuang. Her body felt limp, wanting only to get closer to the source of that scent.

Han Shuangshuang was still holding Shen Yuru’s hand. She noticed it had suddenly become hot—it had been cool just moments ago. Shen Yuru’s expression was also wrong; her eyes were misty, and a bit of the drink remained on her lips, giving them a glossy sheen. Han Shuangshuang realized: the food was fine, but the drink was spiked.

Long Aodi had deliberately placed that drink near Shen Yuru for her to drink. To retaliate against Han Shuangshuang, he gave her a foul-tasting drink, which she had gulped down—but the rest had been finished by Shen Yuru. Han Shuangshuang felt her worldview shatter once again. Does Long Aodi not know this is illegal?

Shen Yuru tentatively picked up her chopsticks to eat more, but Han Shuangshuang slapped the back of her hand. “Don’t eat anymore, Sister Shen. It’s late; if we don’t leave now, we won’t make it back before the dorms close.”

Shen Yuru’s thinking had slowed down significantly. Han Shuangshuang’s words seemed to enter her mind at slow speed. She couldn’t even analyze the meaning immediately; she could only slowly look up at Han Shuangshuang’s lips as they moved.

“Go back?” A rare look of confusion appeared in Shen Yuru’s cold eyes. “You’re taking it back? Those things you said were lies? You just said ‘misunderstanding’ again. Every time you say something misleading, you explain it away as a ‘misunderstanding.’ What am I supposed to believe?”

Han Shuangshuang saw Long Aodi slowly walking out of the kitchen, his gaze landing unpleasantly on Shen Yuru. She grew anxious. “This ‘misunderstanding’ isn’t that ‘misunderstanding.’ They’re different! Anyway, let’s just go back, okay?”

Long Aodi is a monster. Shen Yuru is in such poor health; this kind of drug must be harmful. No wonder she becomes a villain later. This man is a complete hypocrite who doesn’t care about anyone’s safety.

Han Shuangshuang stood up, went to Shen Yuru’s side, and pulled her up. Shen Yuru leaned weakly against her. In the dim light, Han Shuangshuang saw her face—it was as red as clouds at sunset. A terrible thought occurred to her: Long Aodi hadn’t just added a hallucinogen; it was something more.

Shen Yuru felt a comforting scent filling her nose. She closed her eyes, instinctively seeking the source, and rested her head against Han Shuangshuang’s neck. Her cool nose and warm breath brushed against the girl’s skin. “Smells good.”

Shen Yuru was acting completely out of character. Han Shuangshuang felt her hair stand on end. It was weird—extremely weird. Like a time bomb she’d been guarding suddenly telling her “I’m a candy ball.” As the book’s biggest villain, Shen Yuru was a “flower on a high peak”—meant to be admired, not plucked. Even though Han Shuangshuang loved her look, she didn’t dare lay a finger on her.

Han Shuangshuang put an arm around her waist. “Sister Shen, wake up! Can you still hear me?” She was lucky the System helped her, or she’d be in the same state. But Shen Yuru was too weak; even a small amount had a fast effect.

Shen Yuru wanted to press her whole body against Han Shuangshuang. Her eyes were tightly shut, and her brow was furrowed. Even in her daze, she was instinctively trying to remain calm and restrained, even trying to flee the sensation she was sinking into. A person can endure the dark if they’ve never seen the light. As the warmth spread through her, the half-conscious Shen Yuru became a textbook “tsundere”—her face looked displeased, but her body honestly leaned into Han Shuangshuang. Her cool lips even brushed against Han Shuangshuang’s neck.

“Be quiet.” The low, impatient threat left Han Shuangshuang speechless.

[System: Warning: Shen Yuru’s adrenaline is spiking. Stabilize her state immediately, or it will exceed her heart’s capacity and cause damage, affecting the task progress.]

What do I do? She didn’t know where Shen Yuru’s apartment was, and she couldn’t take her back to school like this—people would gossip. And based on what she knew of villains, they might act clingy now but would turn cold and “kick the person” the moment they woke up.

Fortunately, she was strong enough. She picked Shen Yuru up with one arm—the way one carries a child—and let the girl cling to her neck to steady herself. As she tried to leave, Long Aodi blocked her path, looking displeased like his “good deed” had been interrupted.

Han Shuangshuang had no patience for him. “Move! Don’t think I don’t know what you did.”

Long Aodi clenched his fists, acting with a bizarre sense of righteousness as if his skin had thickened to the point of fearlessness. “Don’t interfere in my business. This is my only chance. You’ve been an heiress since childhood; how could you understand the pain of someone at the bottom?”

Han Shuangshuang was almost moved to laughter. She really wondered what mental state the author was in when writing this male lead. “Is that your excuse for drugging someone? Lose that disgusting expression. As if the whole world owes you! You can succeed, you can have dreams, but not by stepping on others or using them. Don’t call your filthy, disgusting mindset ‘resilience.'”

She finally said what she’d been holding back since reading the novel. Long Aodi had the protagonist’s halo and got every benefit, yet acted like a victim. He felt entitled to everything without the consequences. He wasn’t going to let this chance go; if he had a “relationship” with Shen Yuru, he could openly demand benefits from the Shen family. And in his mind, given her poor health and his “excellence,” marrying him was her best choice.

“Han Shuangshuang, I advise you to be sensible. Don’t act like a good person; your reputation is garbage. You have motives for Shen Yuru too, don’t you? If you step aside today and let me have my way, I won’t care what happens between you and her later.”

Han Shuangshuang’s free hand clenched into a fist. She was glad Shen Yuru was unconscious and couldn’t hear this garbage, or the Blackening Value would spike. Han Shuangshuang punched Long Aodi right in the nose. Her usually soft puppy eyes were now sharp and fierce.

“What do you take Shen Yuru for? She’s a person, not an object. You have no right to dictate anything to her! Who do you think you are?”

Long Aodi clutched his nose in shock. He had always been surrounded by admirers; he’d never faced such a setback. Han Shuangshuang wasn’t finished; she kicked him too. “You have a brain but no wisdom! Is it just an ornament? Using a small school title like it’s a supreme decree—do you really think anyone outside will coddle you? You’re right, I’m the Han heiress; my family is powerful. So… even if I kill you, what then?”

Han Shuangshuang was usually playful, but her cold threats now left Long Aodi terrified and unable to respond, just enduring the pain. She pointed at his nose: “I don’t want to hear those words again, or the consequences won’t be pretty. This is a dog-eat-dog world; your ‘I’m weak so I’m right’ logic doesn’t work with me. Get out!”

[System: Help Shen Yuru stabilize her condition. Success adds 20% to Heart Healing Progress. Failure will have unpredictable consequences.]

Han Shuangshuang walked down the road supporting Shen Yuru, feeling troubled. She’d chased off Long Aodi, but Shen Yuru was a hot potato. Though she was single in her original world, she wasn’t ignorant. She understood Long Aodi’s goal and the methods he’d used. And the System’s way to “stabilize” her… she didn’t want to be a predator.

[System: Host, how is this being a predator? If you hadn’t appeared, she’d be with Long Aodi—that would be tragic. This is being a hero. There are few people with your noble character left.]

The System finally said something pleasant. Still… it felt flimsy, but it gave her some courage. “Shen Yuru? Sister Shen? Are you okay?”

Shen Yuru exhaled a breath that hit Han Shuangshuang’s neck, making her shiver. Han Shuangshuang checked her forehead; it was burning. Shen Yuru was limp and non-threatening, a total departure from her usual cold self. “Don’t leave me… feels good… don’t let go.”

Shen Yuru’s eyes were shut. In her hazy consciousness, she felt like she was on a cliff’s edge. Her parents had been pushed off, and she was powerless to save them. On the other side, her grinning relatives were closing in. She used all her strength to stay steady. Suddenly, a vine grew from the cliff—covered in flowers and carrying a sunlight that didn’t belong to the dark. The dark scene was isolated. But the vine was slippery, as if it didn’t want to be caught. She gritted her teeth and grabbed it.

Han Shuangshuang hissed in pain. She’s dazed, but why is she grabbing my hair? Her new ponytail was almost pulled out. Was this person conscious or not? And she was touching her! This was the villain! The cold, untouchable villain who held grudges!

Han Shuangshuang remembered Yan Huan’s family owned a hotel chain. She didn’t have her ID, but Yan Huan came through. In five minutes, she’d booked a room nearby. Yan Huan: “Sister, I get it. No need to explain. Have fun.”

In the hotel room, Han Shuangshuang wiped Shen Yuru’s face with a wet towel. Shen Yuru opened her eyes with a frown, like a good dream had been interrupted. “Where is this? Han Shuangshuang? Why am I so uncomfortable?” She tugged at her shirt, tearing off buttons and revealing reddened skin. “Was there something in the food… or the drink? Long Aodi?” She grew slightly more lucid, her voice turning cold.

Han Shuangshuang stood at a safe distance. “So what do we do now?”

Shen Yuru’s cold gaze landed on her. “You drank it too; why are you fine?” Her heart was racing—a feeling she hadn’t had in twenty years. She clutched her chest, the heat making her more uncomfortable. She instinctively unfastened her bra and threw it aside.

Han Shuangshuang bit her tongue in her panic, wincing. “I have a strong constitution; I was just a bit dazed for a moment. You’re too weak, so you’re affected. Should I call a doctor?”

“No.” Shen Yuru rejected it instantly. People were watching her; she couldn’t risk going to a hospital while incapacitated. She sat up with effort, her eyes red-rimmed and her cold aura replaced by a seductive allure. She curled a finger at Han Shuangshuang. “Come here.”

Han Shuangshuang swallowed. It’s not what I think, is it? I’m not ready! She shuffled forward slowly. Shen Yuru grabbed her wrist with a hot palm and pulled her down onto the bed. She whispered in Han Shuangshuang’s ear: “Do you… know how?”

Han Shuangshuang’s face turned beet red. “W-what?”

“Don’t think I don’t know your intentions. I’ll let you have your way, provided you keep this a secret. No one else can know.”

Han Shuangshuang gritted her teeth. She still misinterprets me. After all her care, she was still a “villain” in Shen Yuru’s eyes. Fine. She had the System’s task, but her heart was sincere. She wanted to argue, but Shen Yuru pinched her chin and kissed her.

“I’m asking you one last time: do you know how?” Shen Yuru’s gaze was probing, as if she’d find someone else if she said no.

Han Shuangshuang gritted her teeth. “I do!” Somehow, her pride felt challenged. Even if she didn’t, she had to say she did.

Shen Yuru was normally restrained, and her clothes reflected that—all muted colors. Now her collar was open and her shirt untucked. Like a piece of smooth silk that had been crumpled, it triggered a primal urge. Han Shuangshuang’s breath hitched.

Yan Huan had given them a “couples” themed room with rose petals and a heart-shaped bed. There was wine on the nightstand and a cabinet full of… other items. It was thoughtfully prepared. Han Shuangshuang had a headache from seeing alcohol now.

The room was fragrant and the light dim, making one drowsy. The bathroom door was transparent. Han Shuangshuang decided not to mention it. It was part of the task, and Shen Yuru had initiated it; she wouldn’t be able to turn on her tomorrow. Her theory was sound, but practice was another matter. The two of them were like novices, clinging to instinct.

Shen Yuru tried to keep a sliver of logic, not wanting to be too passive, but she found her body wouldn’t listen. She wanted to be close, to feel that comfort. Since she was a child, she knew she couldn’t rely on anyone or have weaknesses. But things were progressing uncontrollably. Her lips were unnaturally red, and she let out a cold, mocking laugh: “Your technique is terrible.”

Han Shuangshuang: “!” This puppy won’t lose! “It’s clearly because you’re too weak to handle it! The drug’s effect lasted so long… is my technique bad, or do you want more?”

Shen Yuru lost all sense of time. She ran her fingers through Han Shuangshuang’s high ponytail, gripping her hair. As her consciousness wavered, she wondered: How is the playgirl Han Shuangshuang so inexperienced? Is the ‘ex-girlfriend’ thing really a lie? Her heart beat powerfully, but a strange emotion was filling her up.

Morning came. Sunlight filtered through the curtains. Han Shuangshuang woke up feeling restless. In her dream, she’d been chased by a vicious dog while holding a filthy bun. The dog wanted the bun. She couldn’t drop it. It was the same dream about the host’s ending, but more real. She felt the host’s helplessness and fear. She woke up in a cold sweat.

The hotel room still smelled of wine and roses. She turned red, looking for the other protagonist.

[System: Heart Healing Progress: 40%. Blackening Value: 80%.]

Han Shuangshuang ignored the System and felt the bed beside her; it was cold. She’s gone. As a villain, she wouldn’t want to be entangled with fodder. She felt relieved but also a bit slighted. She didn’t even ask me to take responsibility! Did that dream mean that if she didn’t appease the villain, her ending wouldn’t change? But the villain was gone!

She huddled under the blanket. Turning around, she jumped; Shen Yuru was sitting in a chair nearby, watching her darkly with a cryptic smile. “Did you sleep well, Sister Shen? Was it… comfortable?”

Shen Yuru: “What do you think?”

Han Shuangshuang’s neck hurt; Shen Yuru must have scratched it. What do I say? Take responsibility or not? Shen Yuru said her technique was bad; she hadn’t even settled that score yet.

[System: Follow your heart. Sincerity is the best weapon. Who doesn’t like a sincere puppy?]

“S-Shen…” Before she could speak, Shen Yuru stood up and placed a check on the bed.

“This is your reward for last night. You promised this stays between us.”

Han Shuangshuang stared at the check: 100,000 Yuan. A lot of money for her. Shen Yuru watched her closely. She knew Han Shuangshuang’s background; she wasn’t favored and had no money. She was certain the rumors were spread by the stepmother. Shen Yuru didn’t know how she felt—she wanted Han Shuangshuang to take the money and leave, but also didn’t.

Han Shuangshuang saw it as a trap. She couldn’t lose her integrity to money. “I don’t want the money. You’ve helped me so much, and this happened because I invited you to dinner. I can’t take this. I just want you not to be mad.”

Han Shuangshuang had high EQ; she knew what a “poisoned pie” looked like. Especially with a villain on the edge of blackening. As expected, the pressure in the room dropped.

Shen Yuru’s shirt was perfectly pressed—she’d clearly used an iron. She smelled fresh, as if she’d already showered. “No need for guilt. As for Long Aodi, I’ll handle him. As for you…”

Seeing Shen Yuru’s eyes narrow, Han Shuangshuang grabbed her hand. “You promised not to turn on me! And I wasn’t demanding last night; I followed your orders. You told me not to let go, to be gentler, to be harder, to go again… I was the one doing all the work!”

Shen Yuru’s face turned bright red. “Shut up! Never speak of it again.”

Han Shuangshuang pouted and touched her neck. It was itchy and sore. Shen Yuru looked away. She had already decided Han Shuangshuang was primarily responsible, but she wouldn’t pursue it because the girl was “sincere.”

“Just delete it from your mind. Forget it.” Shen Yuru withdrew her hand.

“Fine.” Han Shuangshuang dressed under the blanket, then stood before Shen Yuru. She took Shen Yuru’s hand and pressed the index finger to her own forehead. “Memory clearing… all forgotten. Okay, Sister Shen, why are you here? Why am I here? What happened?”

Shen Yuru felt a surge of frustration. She’s treating me like a fool. But she let it go.

Yan Huan sent a text: [Sister, why aren’t you back? There’s a spot check this morning. Also, Long Aodi is reporting anyone who didn’t stay in the dorms last night.]

Long Aodi is a petty loser. Han Shuangshuang replied: [Coming back now!]

She tried to leave, but Shen Yuru pulled her back. Shen Yuru looked at her neck with an unreadable expression. “What do I do? You were so rough last night, you left marks. I’ll be misunderstood at school!”

Shen Yuru opened some foundation and gently applied it to the marks. “Do you dislike being misunderstood?”

“No, don’t say that. I’m a decent person; those rumors are lies. And being linked with me would hurt your reputation, so for your sake, I should…”

Shen Yuru pressed harder on the foundation, making Han Shuangshuang hiss. Shen Yuru was annoyed by how quickly the girl wanted to draw a line.

That morning, she had woken up feeling refreshed, without the usual heavy feeling in her chest. And Han Shuangshuang had been clinging to her like an octopus. It felt… good. She didn’t want to admit the source of her comfort was Han Shuangshuang. Even if the girl wasn’t a spy, their families were rivals. They couldn’t have feelings.

“Last night was an accident.” Shen Yuru immediately regretted blurting that out. She watched Han Shuangshuang’s reaction.

Han Shuangshuang nodded frantically. “An accident! I swear, even if people see, I won’t let them guess it was you.”

Shen Yuru pressed even harder. Han Shuangshuang winced. “Sister Shen?”

Shen Yuru withdrew her hand, looking annoyed. “What’s with this ‘Sister’ stuff? Would ‘Sister’ Han do… that with her sister?”

“Do what?” Han Shuangshuang blinked innocently, sticking to her “memory loss” plan. If I follow that topic, I lose the 100,000 Yuan. She needed that money.

“Need I be so explicit? Or are you playing me?”

Shen Yuru leaned down and bit Han Shuangshuang’s earlobe. “Why are you silent?”

Help! This villain is too much!