The White Lotus Female Lead's Self-Redemption [Transmigration] - Chapter 4

Xu Zhaogu took the cat back home. First, she took it to the vet for a check-up to confirm it was healthy, then took it to a pet supply store for a bath and bought a large pile of supplies.

“Little darling, look, I’m all alone, and you’re an only cat. From now on, we’ll depend on each other.”

The cat in her arms looked much prettier after its bath. It was unclear if it understood Xu Zhaogu, but it occasionally extended its pink tongue to lick her fingers.

Xu Zhaogu’s heart melted completely. She had originally planned to put the cat bed in the living room, but for some reason, the cat absolutely refused to leave her room when it was time for bed. In the end, she had no choice but to put the cat bed in her bedroom.

When she woke up in the morning, Xu Zhaogu stretched. Her arm touched something soft and furry, scaring her into quickly pulling away. Her eyes met a pair of large, round eyes.

“I’m sorry, my cutie, I forgot about you.” Xu Zhaogu realized it was the cat she had touched. It wasn’t her fault; she had never raised a cat before, so it was a little unfamiliar.

“But didn’t you sleep in your own bed last night? Why did you climb onto mine this morning?” Xu Zhaogu used her finger to scratch the cat’s chin and watched the cat make a look of pleasure.

“I can’t just keep calling you ‘Little Darling.’ Why don’t I give you a name?” Xu Zhaogu was terrible at naming things, so she searched online to see how others usually named their cats.

“Everyone says that a simple, ‘lowly’ name makes them easier to raise. Should I avoid giving you a high-class, sophisticated name and just pick a common one?”

Xu Zhaogu thought for a moment, and her eyes lit up. “How about this: you’re a little girl, and you were found on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. Why don’t you just call yourself Afternoon?”

The noble cat ruler used practical actions to show her disdain for the name, but the foolish litter-scooper misunderstood her intention and thought she was being affectionate.

Xu Zhaogu enjoyed the loving licks, a look of blissful happiness on her face. “Afternoon, it looks like you really like this name! It’s settled then.”

Idiot! Where did you get the idea that I like this name?!

Afternoon was so angry that she turned her rear toward Xu Zhaogu and only ate a tiny bit during breakfast to show her hatred for the name.

“Afternoon, my poor child. Did you wander for too long before, so you’re not used to this food? It’s okay. Mama will treat you well from now on.” Xu Zhaogu lovingly stroked her head, her face full of maternal tenderness.

“But now is not a good time to be spoiled. I must go to class.” Pushing the cat away, Xu Zhaogu opened the door with her small bag. “Good girl. Wait for me to come back home.”

Although she had done what she had done yesterday, Xu Zhaogu didn’t believe Xia Qin would trust her so easily, and her test of the system was not yet complete. Therefore, she had to do something else to achieve her goal.

After that day, Xu Linyi sent Xu Zhaogu messages expressing his apologies and concern. Furthermore, he actually told Xu Zhaogu directly that he had quarreled with his girlfriend, saying he felt very frustrated and felt he had lost the feeling of being in love.

Xu Zhaogu looked down on him from the bottom of her heart. No matter what, you shouldn’t talk badly about your girlfriend in front of others; it was disrespectful to her and completely ungentlemanly.

“System, I finally understand why the original host gave up on him.”

“Dear, I don’t know the answer to that question.”

“I understand. It would be weird if you, being so stupid, did know.”

Xu Zhaogu argued with the initial system. At first, the system would trade insults with her, but later, it seemed to get smarter. As soon as it realized it couldn’t out-argue Xu Zhaogu, it immediately pretended not to respond, constantly repeating the same sentence. This method was effective, often making Xu Zhaogu too annoyed to continue.

“I don’t know if I’m stupid, but I know you have a new mission.”

[Host, please confess your feelings to Xu Linyi.]

“Why should I confess to a scumbag?”

“I’m sorry, dear. I can’t decide the missions.”

Fine. She was controlled by the system and had to follow its instructions. Besides, she was already planning to use the scumbag one more time, so the mission wasn’t unacceptable.

Xu Zhaogu simply sent Xu Linyi a message, saying she was also very sorry about the incident that day and wanted to invite him out to talk.

There was a coffee shop on campus, and Xu Zhaogu invited Xu Linyi there directly, making it convenient for her plan.

“I’m sorry, I have something to do today and might have to leave a bit early. Can I ask you to keep an eye on things? Thank you for your hard work.” Xu Zhaogu was organizing materials with a few other committee members in the office. She deliberately spoke loudly to ensure everyone could hear her.

“What is it? Are you going to see your boyfriend? You’re in such a hurry?”

Xu Zhaogu’s face flushed slightly. “Not a boyfriend, just a friend.”

“What kind of friend makes you rush to see him like this? Do we know him?” someone teased.

Xu Zhaogu was delighted inside; this girl was a fantastic helper. That was exactly the sentence she was waiting for.

“You should know him. He’s a senior.” Xu Zhaogu picked up her bag. “Alright, I have to go. He’s waiting for me at the coffee shop. Thank you, I’ll be going now.”

After she left, the others started discussing.

“I think something fishy is going on. It definitely can’t be just a regular friend.”

“It’s a senior we know. Could it be that person?”

Everyone was aware of the recent rumors that Xu Zhaogu was trying to steal Senior Xu Linyi from Senior Sister Xia Qin. They weren’t sure if it was true, but no matter how curious they were, they couldn’t ask directly.

So now, was it confirmed?

One person had been listening to their conversation with a sullen expression. Then, as if he couldn’t stand it anymore, he took out his phone and sent a message.

“Sis, Xu Zhaogu said she’s meeting a senior at the coffee shop. I think it’s probably that scumbag. Do you want to go expose them?”

When Xu Zhaogu arrived, Xu Linyi was already there. Although he kept saying he felt frustrated, he didn’t look like it at all. Instead, he looked energetic and had carefully styled his hair.

“I’m sorry, Senior, I’m late. Have you been waiting long?”

“It’s not late.” Xu Linyi smiled at her. “Besides, being late is a privilege for beautiful girls.”

Xu Zhaogu smiled, her face blushing, but her mind was frantically complaining.

“See, this is why the original host eventually gave up on him. Because the original host was looking for a man who had money, looks, a good figure, was handsome, excellent, and rich, and most importantly, would be utterly devoted to her and love her deeply.”

“Although this Xu Linyi looks presentable, he’s actually a complete scumbag. He wasn’t within the original host’s selection criteria, so it’s perfectly normal that he was abandoned.”

Xu Linyi saw that she didn’t speak, but her fair skin showed a pink blush, and he thought she was shy, feeling a surge of pride.

He was a little annoyed with Xia Qin; she was always arguing with him over trivial things. What was wrong with a man being a little flirtatious? Men in ancient times even had three wives and four concubines, and no one said anything.

He saw that Xu Zhaogu was obedient and docile and seemed utterly devoted to him, so she was someone he could play around with.

Both of them harbored secret motives, but outwardly, they acted more respectable than the other.

Xu Zhaogu secretly glanced up at Xu Linyi. “Senior, how is your relationship with Senior Sister?”

“Sometimes I feel very tired. She’s always arguing with me over some petty little things. She doesn’t know how to be tolerant or considerate of me.” Xu Linyi looked directly at Xu Zhaogu. “I find her annoying. She’s nothing like you—beautiful and well-behaved.”

Xu Zhaogu’s eyes darted away. “She is your girlfriend, after all. You shouldn’t say things like that.”

“I’m speaking the truth. She really isn’t as good as you. Look how good-looking you are, and you’re very capable too.” Xu Linyi sighed seemingly unintentionally. “Sometimes I truly wish my girlfriend was you. I would spoil you rotten, agree to everything you ask, listen to everything you say, and never argue with you.”

Xu Zhaogu looked at him in surprise, and then, as if a little secret thought had been exposed, she looked nervous and expectant. “Do you really think that? Are you not lying to me?”

“How could I lie to you? My feelings for you are completely genuine. I just don’t know what you think.” Xu Linyi put on his most sincere expression.

Xu Zhaogu looked at him shyly. “I actually… I’ve admired Senior for a long time. I just haven’t found a chance to express my feelings.” As she spoke, Xu Zhaogu subtly moved her hand forward.

[Congratulations, Host. Mission complete.]

The system’s voice rang in her ear, and Xu Zhaogu showed a cunning smile.

Xu Linyi was quick to pick up the cue and immediately took her hand in his. He felt Xu Zhaogu’s fingertips were cool and her skin was smooth, which momentarily made him feel a little distracted.

However, in that instant, Xu Zhaogu sharply withdrew her hand, tears quickly gathering in her eyes. “Senior, what do you mean by this?!”

“What do I mean? Don’t you know already? Didn’t I just tell you clearly?” Xu Linyi was a little confused, but thinking she might want to hear sweet talk, he showed a knowing expression and prepared to say a few more sweet things.

“Enough!” Xu Zhaogu took two steps back. “I think you may have misunderstood something.”

Xu Linyi’s smile dropped. “What do you mean? Didn’t you just say you wanted to be with me?”

“I don’t know what I said that gave you that impression.” Xu Zhaogu vigorously rubbed her palm on her clothes a few times, as if wiping off garbage. “I came today intending to help Senior and Senior Sister reconcile. After all, it was a misunderstanding, and it’s not worth damaging your relationship over an outsider like me.”

“But I never imagined you would say something like that. Have you forgotten that you already have a girlfriend?” Xu Zhaogu smiled sadly. “I originally thought I might have been mistaken, which is why I deliberately tested you with a few words. I didn’t expect you to truly mean that.”

“Don’t you feel guilty toward Senior Sister for doing this?”

Xu Linyi’s face turned dark. “What do you mean? Were all the things you just said lies?”

“I would never like you in this lifetime, because what I want is a partner who is faithful in love, not a scumbag who can cheat anytime and anywhere.” Xu Zhaogu took a deep breath. “I don’t think we have anything more to talk about. I’m sorry, but if there’s nothing else, I’ll be leaving now.”

She walked out of the private room door and didn’t see Xia Qin, but Xu Zhaogu knew that the other person definitely hadn’t left; she was just hiding somewhere quietly watching them.

What happened next was probably none of her business, and she had already gotten the information she needed.