Pretending To Be Affectionate [Transmigration] - Chapter 30

The hotel is a scenic spot with rooms, dining, and more. Because of the high floors and wide views, you can look out from the floor-to-ceiling windows and take in the most magnificent night view of the entire city.

This is why it’s the most luxurious five-star hotel in Yuncheng.

A waiter saw Ling Yu get off the elevator and quickly came forward to show her the way.

Ling Yu smiled and refused him. She then took a recording button out of her handbag and pinned it to her bra with a safety pin.

Then she sent a text message to Xu Miao: [Call me in an hour. If I don’t answer after three calls, please call the police immediately. I am in room 1209 of the scenic hotel.]

After doing all this, Ling Yu left her handbag at the front desk and asked the front desk attendant to give it to her colleague, Wang Cheng, who was at the top floor banquet hall.

008 worriedly said: [You gave your phone to Sister Wang. What if something happens later…]

Ling Yu interrupted it: [Be more confident. Get rid of the ‘what if.’ Jiang Wei won’t allow me to have my phone… he learned his lesson three years ago.]

After the reminder, 008 seemed to remember something, and its tone became even more solemn: [Host, maybe we should just call the police. Once someone like Jiang Wei plays dirty, you’ll have a hard time dealing with it.]

Even 008 was now realizing that something was wrong, and Ling Yu knew it even better. Jiang Wei wouldn’t just be asking to chat.

[On what grounds do we report it? There’s no evidence.] Ling Yu said with a deep meaning: [Jiang Wei has a criminal case against him, yet he’s still brazenly hosting a banquet in Yuncheng. Boss, do you think they have people in the Yuncheng police force?]

008 fell silent.

Ling Yu suddenly curved her lips: [The law is fair. But Jiang Bochuan knows how to exploit legal loopholes better than you think. Did you really think I didn’t report it when I found out about the twisted things in his private darkroom three years ago?]

008 was stunned and murmured: [Host, didn’t you say last time that Jiang Bochuan kicked you out of Hong Kong that very day?]

Ling Yu gave a low laugh: [That’s right. But that day, I took pictures of the wall in Jiang Wei’s darkroom and reported them to the local police. But you would never have guessed that two hours later, those files ended up in Jiang Bochuan’s hands.]

The terrifying thing about Jiang Bochuan wasn’t that he was all-powerful, but that he was meticulous and had a wide network of connections.

Ling Yu didn’t put Jiang Wei in her eyes; she was afraid of Jiang Bochuan.

A few years ago, with the darkroom incident.

She had a run-in with Jiang Bochuan. The pictures she submitted involved over a hundred girls, and Ling Yu couldn’t publicly release them without their consent.

Because if she did, the girls’ reputations, futures, and dignity would be ruined forever.

And Ling Yu herself wasn’t a direct victim; she hadn’t been assaulted, so she couldn’t directly accuse Jiang Wei.

So she reported it anonymously, but in less than two hours, she was sent out of Hong Kong by Jiang Bochuan.

The backup pictures she had were easily destroyed, and after that, Jiang Bochuan gave Ling Taiguo a death order: Ling Yu was never to set foot in Hong Kong again.

Ling Yu wasn’t a saint or a justice warrior. Because she had a run-in with Jiang Bochuan, she knew the gap in their strength was too wide. Her power alone couldn’t take down Jiang Wei.

And she had no grounds or witnesses to file a lawsuit.

Even now, it would be difficult.

But knowing this was one thing. When they brazenly disregarded the law and justice right in front of her eyes.

Ling Yu realized that this time, she couldn’t turn a blind eye and pretend nothing happened. She had her own bottom line.

Even though this was just a novel, and all the plot was about a female lead with no male romantic partner who had to level up and get revenge.

The characters’ morals in the novel were all twisted to serve the dramatic plot.

But Ling Yu wasn’t a native of this world. She had grown up with a strong moral compass, receiving the most traditional education in a peaceful country.

For Ling Yu, both Li Juan and Yan Shu were living, breathing people in this novel, not just expendable characters for the author’s plot.

The last time Li Juan said that small-time people in this world shouldn’t hope for justice, Ling Yu felt quite sad.

Who were Jiang Wei and Jiang Bochuan? How could they control the law?

Ling Yu wanted to tell her that life was in your own hands, and no scumbag could dictate it.

This time, she wanted Jiang Wei to die, not just to help Gu Qing, but also to see if her belief in justice was right, or if evil could truly triumph over good.

Li Juan was the only witness who spoke the truth in court. Even though the other party was weak and cowardly, and ultimately gave in to fear, Ling Yu would do her best to protect her.

008 saw that Ling Yu hadn’t spoken for a long time and nervously reminded her: [Host, I think you should discuss this with the female lead. In the original text, the female lead never encountered the Jiang family after returning to Hong Kong. I’m guessing that they were already bankrupted by Gu Qing before the female lead became successful.]

Ling Yu’s eyes moved. She politely waved to the front desk attendant, turned, and went back to the elevator.

[She won’t come.] Ling Yu thought of the woman’s cold, heartless face and gave a low laugh: [Boss, Gu Qing is going crazy tonight… To her, I’m just a useless, dirty thing.]

008 said, “Ah”: [People always need to have hope. What if? I think Gu Qing is pretty…]

[That’s enough. If I don’t go to hell, who will?] Ling Yu touched the recording button on her chest and gave a sudden laugh: [In any case, before I go to hell, I have to take someone with me. This is a good thing that Xu Miao specially had custom-made for me at the factory. I have to use it. Let’s go.]

008 sighed: [Getting on the host’s bad side is pretty terrifying.]

Ling Yu’s eyelashes drooped, and she gave a lazy “oh”: [Thanks for the compliment.]

There were ten tall, well-built bodyguards in black suits standing outside room 1209. When Ling Yu got off the elevator, the red carpeted hallway was very quiet.

Walking down the hall, she barely saw any hotel staff.

Ling Yu subtly looked around. Three seconds later, she guessed that Jiang Wei had booked the entire floor in advance.

To deal with her, Jiang Wei’s blatant move was as foolish as ever.

What made Ling Yu curious was that Jiang Wei was being so stupid, but Jiang Bochuan was just letting him.

A hint of suspicion crossed Ling Yu’s foxy eyes. She glanced at the bodyguards at the door.

Given Jiang Wei’s usual way of doing things, he wouldn’t want anyone to hear his screams.

The bodyguards at the door could only have been sent by Jiang Bochuan.

Just as Ling Yu sensed something was wrong, the bodyguards at the front spotted her.

They skillfully surrounded her and blocked her path, preparing to search her.

“I refuse,” Ling Yu said without a second thought. “I don’t like men touching me…”

She spoke in a volume that wasn’t low, so the people inside could hear her clearly through the security door.

A few seconds later, Jiang Wei opened the door. He frowned and looked at the leader of the bodyguards. He lifted his phone and ordered: “Let her in. I’ll talk to my dad.”

Ling Yu’s frown deepened.

She watched Jiang Wei dial the number.

••••

“Dad, don’t worry, I’ll get the stuff.”

••••

“This is about the case. I won’t mess around. You’re overthinking it. A mere Ling Yu doesn’t have that much power.”

••••

“The backup photos she has are just from the darkroom three years ago. Don’t worry, if she doesn’t hand them over, she won’t be leaving this room tonight.”

Jiang Wei repeatedly reassured Jiang Bochuan. He subconsciously glanced at Ling Yu.

Ling Yu was standing with her arms crossed, head down, and her expression was unreadable.

She looked distracted, as if she were thinking about something else.

Because the hint was so obvious, Ling Yu understood what was going on.

It was no wonder Jiang Bochuan was openly supporting Jiang Wei’s reckless behavior. He had likely guessed that she had photos that could threaten Jiang Wei and get him convicted.

Ling Yu clicked her tongue. They dared to be so blatant with her today because Jiang Bochuan knew that here in Yuncheng, the Xu family was splitting up, and Ling Taiguo wouldn’t care if she lived or died.

Taking advantage of this perfect opportunity to force her to hand over the threat to Jiang Wei was a good move.

A cold glint flashed in Ling Yu’s eyes.

“Dad, what do you think of this: I’ll get Li Juan to search her. They’re both women, so it’s easier. After all, Ling Yu is the type who responds to kindness, not force.”

••••

“Okay, I get it. You go ahead and have tea with Uncle Li.”

Jiang Wei hung up the phone. A lewd, sticky desire filled his eyes as he looked at Ling Yu.

“Ling Yu, it’s been three years. I never thought you’d fall into my hands again.”

Jiang Wei’s scarred face twisted into a triumphant smile: “I have to thank your friend…”

“Hahaha, are you surprised? You were just sticking up for your friend, and now she’s betrayed you. Ling Yu, aren’t you happy?”

Ling Yu lifted her eyelids. She looked at Jiang Wei without expression. Her gaze went over his shoulder and swept the room.

Li Juan was walking toward them. She was standing behind Jiang Wei. Feeling Ling Yu’s stare, her eyes flickered and she quickly looked away.

Jiang Wei laughed with disdain and kicked Li Juan’s calf: “What are you standing there for? Search her.”

Li Juan bit her chapped lips. Her face was pale, and there were still traces of dried blood on her cheeks.

She walked awkwardly in front of Ling Yu, not looking at her. She just trembled and whispered softly, “I’m sorry.”

Ling Yu didn’t move. She narrowed her eyes and glanced at the hand Li Juan was holding out.

“Sister Juan, this is…” Ling Yu curved her lips and couldn’t help but sneer: “Quite a surprise.”

Even though she knew Jiang Wei had set a trap for her, Ling Yu never expected Li Juan to be the trap.

It was a ridiculously funny situation.

Ling Yu laughed in anger.

“When did you start cooperating with Jiang Wei in this act?”

Li Juan’s lips trembled more violently. Her fingers curled up, and she timidly hung her head like a small animal.

She kept muttering to herself, “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

She said “I’m sorry” three times in a row, and tears rolled down her sunken eyes. She was crying so hard she couldn’t speak.

Ling Yu glanced at her: “You shouldn’t be apologizing to me. You should be apologizing to Yan Shu.”

At the mention of Yan Shu’s name, Li Juan’s dazed state broke. Tears poured down her face.

Ling Yu lazily interrupted her: “Stop crying. Do you know why Jiang Wei called me here?”

Li Juan nodded shakily. Her gaze subconsciously darted to the tools piled in the corner.

While speaking, Ling Yu expertly slapped away Li Juan’s hand that was reaching for her chest. Ling Yu said with a mocking smile, “And you still calmly called me over? You’re hoping I’ll be brutally tortured to death by Jiang Wei, just like Yan Shu?”

Li Juan’s chest rose and fell as she hiccupped from crying.

She kept repeating, “No.”

“No.”

“Little sister, you’re so powerful. You won’t…”

“I’m sorry, I’m so scared. If I didn’t do this, I’d be the one with the tools. I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I’m scared.”

Ling Yu watched her continuously apologize, her face covered in snot and tears, and suddenly she didn’t know what to say.

She didn’t even feel angry. What could she say to someone who was both pitiful and infuriating?

Ling Yu pulled her hand back and gave her a kind, understanding smile: “It’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. The strong get angry and fight the stronger. The weak get angry and fight the weaker. You’ll only ever be the latter. I was asking too much of you.”

Ling Yu’s tone was flat, as if she were talking about the weather.

She wouldn’t casually look down on others, but it was a shame that some people looked down on themselves.

Li Juan understood. Her crying suddenly stopped. She stared stiffly into Ling Yu’s brilliant eyes.

Seeing her own lost self reflected in those clear eyes, she felt a newfound, inescapable humiliation. It wasn’t from anyone else, but from herself.

Ling Yu pulled her gaze away and pushed Li Juan aside. “Alright, the search is over. I find your hands dirty.”

Jiang Wei, who had been listening on the side, let out a chuckle. He seemed to particularly enjoy seeing Ling Yu in this awkward situation.

The search was haphazardly done, and there was no request to continue.

When Ling Yu saw that Jiang Wei had enjoyed himself, she tilted her head and suddenly interjected, “Had enough fun?”

The ferocious scar on Jiang Wei’s lips twisted even more. He laughed out loud: “Not yet.”

Ling Yu shrugged and turned to walk away: “Then you can continue. I’m leaving.”

As she spoke, an arm blocked her path.

“Ling Yu, it’s been three years. Let’s catch up, at least.” Jiang Wei said, and he gestured toward the sofa in front of the floor-to-ceiling window: “You know, if you don’t satisfy me tonight, you won’t be walking out of this room.”

Ling Yu acted as if she had heard a joke. She kept the smile on her face and said “Oh”: “You said that in the darkroom three years ago, too.”

The implication was that since she was able to get out then, she could also beat him into a pulp with her own hands today and walk out with her head held high.

Jiang Wei’s face darkened. He seemed to remember something and said with a sinister grin, “This time… it’s different. All because you have Li Juan as such a good sister. While you were arguing with Mrs. Yun, she took the opportunity to slip something into your drink.”

Jiang Wei grabbed Ling Yu’s hand: “My dear Yu Yu. How do you feel? Do you feel like your body is getting hot?”

“Ugh.” Before Jiang Wei’s hand could touch Ling Yu’s skin, Ling Yu leaned forward and vomited everything in her mouth.

A messy pile of vomit landed on Jiang Wei’s black suit.

The man’s face instantly went pale.

Ling Yu suppressed her emotions, mimicking Gu Qing’s manner, and gave Jiang Wei a sidelong glance: “I told you, don’t get too close to me. You’ll become unlucky.”

••••

Gu Qing drove the Porsche at lightning speed.

She hadn’t even had time to take off her rubber gloves. Over her black dress, she had only managed to throw on a thin trench coat.

When she arrived at the hotel entrance, she happened to run into Wang Cheng.

Xu Miao’s call to Ling Yu came through at that exact moment.

Gu Qing answered Ling Yu’s phone.

On the other end of the line, Xu Miao’s voice was filled with a rare anxiety.

“Yu Yu, be honest with me, what are you doing? Why did you tell me to call the police?”

“What are you doing in room 1209 of the scenic hotel?”

“Hello? Say something!”

“Shit.”

Xu Miao couldn’t help but swear.

“It’s me.”

Xu Miao made a surprised sound.

“It’s Gu Qing.”

Xu Miao was stunned for three seconds: “Is Ling Yu with you?”

“No. I just got Ling Yu’s phone, which she left with a colleague, ten seconds ago.”

“This is bad.” Xu Miao’s voice suddenly became sharp. She took a deep, hurried breath: “Gu Qing, do you know Jiang Wei?”

“For my cousin’s sake, who loves you so much, can you please help me save her?”

Gu Qing’s dark blue eyes had a hint of deep red. She lowered her gaze: “Explain clearly.”

“You know about Jiang Wei’s case, right? That animal also took Ling Yu to the darkroom…”

Gu Qing’s cold eyebrows twitched. The fingers holding the phone tightened almost imperceptibly. She glanced at the front desk attendant: “When did she go up?”

The young woman at the front desk felt the temperature drop sharply. Gu Qing’s eyes were like a razor blade.

She felt as if the skin on her back was being flayed off. She stuttered with trembling lips: “Ten minutes ago.”

Before she could finish, a fragrant gust of wind passed by.

The cold, beautiful woman was no longer in sight.

••••

Ling Yu had just finished her smug performance, copying Gu Qing’s style.

But in the next second, the door was violently kicked open from the outside.

Gu Qing, wearing a thin trench coat, stood in the doorway. The long, curly hair of the woman at the door flew in the air. Her phoenix eyes were half-closed, and her expression was unreadable. Standing there, her sharp gaze was like that of a demon.

If you looked closely, the ten tall men who were guarding the door behind her were lying on the ground, knocked out.

In the next moment, Gu Qing gave a quick look at Ling Yu’s flushed cheeks. Then her deadpan gaze landed on Jiang Wei: “You clearly don’t know what it means to be unlucky. I’ll help you with that.”

Gu Qing’s words were calm, so calm that Ling Yu thought the woman was just making a joke.

But in the next second, Gu Qing walked toward him with the deliberate click of her high heels. When her slender, straight legs were a meter away from Jiang Wei, she suddenly changed direction. The sharp heel of her shoe mercilessly landed on the area between Jiang Wei’s legs.

She kicked the defenseless Jiang Wei to the ground.

Ling Yu was stunned. The refined and cold woman now had a surgical knife in her hand. She was twirling the blade with her fingers, and then the blade suddenly slipped from her grasp.

Li Juan, who had been silent on the other side of the room, let out a scream.

Ling Yu looked down in shock and saw that the blade from Gu Qing’s hand had pierced Jiang Wei’s crotch. It was right on target, and it had sunk in an inch.

He cried out in pain and fear.

Then, Gu Qing took out another sharp blade.

Her face was expressionless. If you looked closely, her clear eyes had a deep red glow. Her gaze was chillingly still and penetrating.