Chapter 25

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Everyone was still intoxicated by the sound of the piano, but the first person to break the silence was Lin Ge. The twinkling stars in her eyes brightened, and she stared deeply at Shu Yi’an as she said: “An-An really was being too humble.”

Su Wen was about to stretch out her hand and lead Shu Yian off the stage but when she heard the words “An-An”, she quickly withdrew her hand.

【Hah! That’s quite an intimate nickname.】

【Alright, continue to chat then, I want to see what you two will talk about!?】

As Shu Yian stepped down from the stage she found herself in the spotlight and a place unsuitable for small talk. She deliberately began to make her way to a corner. Although everyone’s eyes will continue to seek her out, it is still better than sitting on this conspicuous stage.

“I wasn’t being humble. I really am learning business management with Su Wen recently so my hands are a little rusty.” Shu Yian is not in a good mood. She is the type of person who likes to share happy moments in her life but keep the unpleasant things deep in her heart.

But there was no hiding from Su Wen even as she tried her best to seem normal.

Her shy and quiet appearance may be able to deceive strangers, but it couldn’t deceive Su Wen’s eyes.

When Shu Yian is not happy in front of Su Wen, although she didn’t speak, her eyes would shine with a cunning gleam as if her mind was full of sinister thoughts. It would always give Su Wen the illusion that Shu Yian was saying “I’m going to kill you” all the time.

And it isn’t as if she hasn’t seen Shu Yian in that weird somber mood before although it was only that one time and Shu Yian had revealed it unconsciously. In any case, she could tell that this person did not like her vulnerability to be seen by others.

So when that lost look appeared on her face and she suddenly grew quiet, Su Wen immediately knew that something was wrong.

Naturally, Lin Ge would not know this and she didn’t notice anything wrong as she continued to talk, “But this song you played was so much more emotional than your last one.

“As long as you liked it.” Shu Yian said as she took a sip of her wine. She really didn’t want to converse about the piano right now but since her goddess is so interested in this matter, she could only bite the bullet and nod her head as she said a few words.

“Then, can I hear you play again sometime?”

Like a fish that was abandoned on the beach and was about to die of thirst but finally received a sip of water at the last moment, Lin Ge wanted more. A sip was far from enough.

The desire in Lin Ge’s gaze was just too strong.

So Shu Yian who looked straight into those eyes was unable to refuse but at the same time she didn’t want to agree.

After a moment of silence she finally gave Lin Ge an answer, “Actually, due to personal reasons, I stopped playing a long time ago. The song I played today is already an exception for you, so in the future…”

She lied of course, but this lie was convincing enough to explain why she didn’t touch the piano even once for so long and politely turned down the other person without letting them down.

She wanted to ask the system what happened, but since there were so many people around she couldn’t ask just yet. Once everyone’s attention is off of her again, she will definitely ask the system what happened to the real Shu Yian. If the original person’s soul was still here, then she must leave. She couldn’t inhabit a body that still had an owner and promise things in the owner’s place even if they are only unconscious. She couldn’t do that to anyone.

Meanwhile, Su Wen’s heart felt very unpleasant at these words.

【What? So she played the piano because, no, for another woman?】

【And I was so worried for her just now.】

【So her quietness right now is not because she’s in a bad mood but because she wants to pretend to be a sophisticated scholar in front of her woman. 】

【This old pervert is simply going too far!】

【I can’t stay here any longer. Shu Yian, don’t even think of stepping a single foot inside my house today!】

【Fu*k you! I’m leaving!】

Lin Ge noticed Su Wen, who was watching them from the side, had suddenly left and guilt flashed across her face, “I’m so sorry. I think president Su misunderstood you just now. I’ll go explain everything to her.”

“No need, I’ll go!” Although Shu Yian didn’t want to deal with Su Wen’s unreasonableness, she was the only one who tried to help her just now. No matter how much she hated her before, she still felt grateful and it felt a little disingenuous to have someone else’s mouth speak for her.

Lin Ge nodded, “That’s probably for the best. I shouldn’t get involved in your affairs. Here, I’ll give you my contact information and if anything happens in the future please feel free to contact me.”

“En, alright!” Shu Yian had wanted to exchange contacts in the first place so she eagerly took out her phone.

Su Wen had originally turned her head and walked away but then she thought, if Shu Yian doesn’t return home then isn’t she just giving her a chance to go home with another woman instead?

So she turned back only to walk into this scene instead.

【Ah! You’re exchanging contacts? You want to keep in touch?】

【Fine if you want to contact her then go ahead!】

【I’ve achieved my goal anyways. Little Xue should have given up on me by now and when photos of you cheating gets leaked I will have a reason to break off this marriage with you!】

Su Wen was angered to death and wanted to leave the banquet early, so she went to find Yan Ruxue and give her greetings.

“Some things came up at the company, so I’ll have to leave first. I wish you a happy birthday.” The gifts were already sent over so this sentence seemed a little weak. Then, in order to get Yan Ruxue to stop clinging onto her, Su Wen paused before smiling slightly,

“I’ll personally give you a big gift when you get engaged.”

Yan Ruxue wears a princess tiara inlaid with diamonds on her head. With such a dazzling accessory, she was undoubtedly the brightest star of the banquet but it was all useless in the end.

Since the people attracted to her are not the one she wants.

The person she likes only has eyes for someone else.

Yan Ruxue mulled over her words before finally letting out a simple phrase, “Thank you, jie-jie.”

Although she didn’t want to receive these blessings of engagement, she still wanted to say something in response because this is Su Wen after all.

If they were simply friends Su Wen would probably say a few more words, but in this situation she could only keep silent and nod, “I’ll be leaving first, see you next time.”

Yan Ruxue wanted to say a few more words to her, and although she said she’ll see her next time she really won’t have an excuse to see Su Wen again after her birthday party.

“Jie-jie, you aren’t taking Miss Shu with you?”

No matter how proud a person is, once they fall in love they become much more meek. Yan Ruxue is an example of this and so she knew that Su Wen would not waste time talking with her unless Shu Yian is mentioned. Only then will her jie-jie say a few more words to her for that person’s sake.

She wished she could see Su Wen more, to listen to her voice and ingrain her images in her eyes. And so, even though she loathed to do so, she brought up a topic that she knows Su Wen likes.

Su Wen is someone who never wears their heart on their sleeve, but this time was different. When Shu Yian’s name was mentioned her heart erupted in flames and Yan Ruxue thought she saw her face darken for a moment.

“She still wants to play a little longer.” Su Wen replied.

Yan Ruxue lowered her eyes, her eyes couldn’t help getting wet, “Jie-jie must like her very much?”

To the point where her emotions are affected, but would still try her best to make excuses for her despite the cause of her unhappiness.

Su Wen nodded, “En, I like her.”

Although even she didn’t know if she answered like this because she wanted to continue deceiving Yan Ruxue or because there really is a trace of sincerity behind her words.

“I understand. Goodbye, jie-jie!” Yan Ruxue smiled.

Humans are always like this. They know the answer to their question yet, as if they think this answer isn’t hurtful enough, they never give up unless they hear it verbally from the person in question.

At today’s party, Shu Yian performed excellently. Her words were decent and proper, and her piano skills were outstanding. Although Yan Ruxue had thought this person had a horrible personality, in the end, what’s the difference between her and Shu Yian?

She allowed others to make things difficult for Shu Yian. In this regard, what else is she but a coward and villain?

The light she has been chasing for 20 years has gradually drifted away and a certain part of Yan Ruxue’s heart collapsed as she watched Su Wen walk away from her

If Su Wen really likes that woman, what need is there for her to compete with Shu Yian? What does she have that can compete with her? Her heart that had so many wicked thoughts today?

When Shu Yian sat in front of the piano she prayed and hoped she would not, could not play. She prayed that Shu Yian would make a fool of herself in front of everyone and hoped that Su Wen would despise her because of this.

Fortunately, none of this happened. In hindsight, it is good that nothing happened or else her guilt would’ve become more severe.

Yan Ruxue took a deep breath. Since Shu Yian hasn’t left yet she must clear the air between them. She’s always been a straightforward person and she can only feel at ease if she apologizes in person.

Meanwhile, Shu Yian had just finished saying her goodbyes to Lin Ge and turned to go find Su Wen when Yan Ruxue stopped her.

“Let’s talk.”

【We need to talk about you and my jie-jie. We also need to talk about us.】

The eyes of the girl in front of her were teary and one could obviously tell that she had just cried.

Shu Yian glanced at the door. If she doesn’t give chase now, who knows how angry Su Wen, that vengeful person, would be. However, when Yan Ruxue spoke out in that heartfelt tone she decided she should stay and clarify some things.

“Then let’s talk.”

The two walked towards the back garden and Yan Ruxue bowed her head when they arrived, “First of all, I’d like to apologize to you.”

“Secondly,” She raised her head to reveal a burning gaze, “I’ve given up on the competition between you and I. However, I hope that you can treat my jie-jie well. She is a very lonely person and I pray that you can bring her happiness. If you hurt my jie-jie, I will haunt you to the ends of the earth!”

Shu Yian tilted her head in puzzlement.

She can understand the “In the eyes of a lover they are as beautiful as Xi Shi”* sentiment, but Yan Ruxue seems to have gotten something wrong? (*T/N: An Idiom that is equivalent to beauty is in the eye of the beholder ie. someone who loves you will always think you’re beautiful/can do no wrong. Note that Xi Shi is one of the 4 legendary beauties of China)

Hurting Su Wen? It’ll be a miracle if Su Wen doesn’t hurt others!

However, now was not the time to voice her objections and it was not easy to tell Yan Ruxue the truth about Su Wen. This girl clearly loves Su Wen very much, to the point she is willing to give up on her love for the sake of the other person’s happiness.

Shu Yian didn’t dare feel anything but admiration for such selfless love.

Such a pity that she had made the mistake of giving her love to the wrong person.

“Did you know? A person once said that in one’s life there are many passersby. Most will receive only a fleeting glance, a few will receive a brief encounter, and very, very few will leave a mark on your heart. However, no matter how many people you meet, there will only be one who will accompany you till the very end. That person will hold you in the palm of their hands like a sacred treasure. They will give you your all and will make sure that no harm will ever befall on you.”

Shu Yian spoke seriously but Yan Ruxue laughed, “Don’t tell me this ‘person’ who said all this is actually you?”

Shu Yian pursed her lips and then smiled embarrassedly, “I guess you’ve seen through everything?”

The gloomy haze in her heart was dispelled by Shu Yian’s words. Yan Ruxue sighed, “You’ve been someone who likes to discuss deeper meanings of life from the moment I’ve met you. I don’t know how my jie-jie fell in love with someone like you. Forget it, feelings are unreasonable things and one cannot begin to understand them.”

After Yan Ruxue asked and answered her own question, she stared at Shu Yian again, “Let’s hug it out. Treat it as my short-term approval for you now. You better not have any of your misdeeds enter my ears. I hope you prove to be a good person and eventually receive my long-term approval. ”

Shu Yian didn’t say anything, but she smiled and held out her arms. She and Su Wen are simply putting on a show. There is no need for all this talk about long-term approval and…

A gleam of confusion flashed in her eyes.

After everything that happened today, once she gets a clear picture of what’s going on, she doesn’t know if she will be able to stay in this world.

After 5 seconds of embracing each other, Shu Yian was the first to release Yan Ruxue, “I have to go home.”

“Go then. I have to return to the banquet as well.”

Yan Ruxue thought she was in a hurry to find Su Wen and had no intentions to delay her. She herself must return to the banquet as a party cannot go on without its host.

After they parted ways, Shu Yian made it to the front only to find that Su Wen had already driven her car and left. She sighed. She must be really angry this time.

The night is late and there is not a single soul on the streets. Although the lights inside are noisy and bright, the outside of the villa is bare and deserted.

Su Wen has left her behind twice now, once in the morning and now. Sometimes she really can’t understand that person. Her relationships with others are usually absolute. If she likes them then she likes them, if she doesn’t then she doesn’t.

But she has never met someone like Su Wen who she boths hates and likes at the same time.

To say she hates Su Wen is wrong, for how can she hate the only person who offered her a helping hand at her most vulnerable?

Such a weird feeling!

Tonight the moon is beautiful and the stars are bright beside it. Shu Yian walked down the wide and empty road, looking up at the sky. She had no time to admire the view, however, as she lowered her head once again.

“Stop pretending to be dead. Tell me, where is the real Shu Yian?” When she asked the system this question when she first arrived the system said that it didn’t know. And although she had her suspicions, there was no evidence and she could only take a guess.

But this time is different. The piano incident was not something that she could brush aside as coincidence.

The system didn’t answer her, like a thief with a guilty conscience after being caught.

A terrifying thought popped up in Shu Yi’an’s mind, “You wouldn’t have imprisoned her soul somewhere for the sake of completing the mission, right? And then only allowing her to come out at the critical moments to be used as a tool?”

The system did not respond.

Shu Yian grew angry, “If that’s the case, then please send me back to my world and let the original owner regain control over her body!”

[The mission has not been completed, the host cannot leave!]

The system had no choice but to speak up in the face of Shu Yian’s determined attitude.

Shu Yian sneered, “Very well, I’ll stay in this world. I’ll stay and drug Su Wen, let her sleep with women, and marry three wives and take in four mistresses! Then let’s see if your mission can be carried out!”

[Host, please do not make any unreasonable trouble or you will be penalized!]

Shu Yian replied with disdain, “You can punish me all you want, but you can’t kill me! As long as I’m still alive, I’ll never let you get what you want!”

“And since you need me to complete your missions, I’m afraid you cannot kill me!”

The system has overseen missions in many worlds but this was the first time it has encountered such a thing. Since the stick wouldn’t work, the system could only try softer tactics.

[I really don’t know anything about this. The last host was also forced to play the piano before, but in the end she didn’t play, remember?]

That was indeed a persuasive point. The only information she had about the original owner up till now was that her body has been possessed twice. The first transmigrator couldn’t play the piano at all, but she, as the second transmigrator, could.

So is this to say that this anomaly was because of her?

Additionally, before the original owner was possessed she was not Su Wen’s fiancee and there was no interaction at all with Su Wen. So why was the original owner selected by the system in the first place?

The system had something to say about this matter and it said it in a wronged tone, [That is when the storyline of the novel got messy. The perfectly fine female supporting lead suddenly lost her soul and the protagonist also disappeared! This is where we came in and sent someone into the soulless Shu Yian to figure out what happened and find the heroine! Then let them put everything back into its place so the plot can continue back on track.]

“So, that is to say, in the original storyline the original owner did not drown at all? Thus her sudden drowning is the key to the deviation of the storyline?”

[That’s one way to put it]

Shu Yian frowned in thought. She felt something was still not quite right.

“Then, according to your words, her drawing was not an accident but caused by other factors. Yet, in the original storyline, this factor does not exist. In conclusion…something unexpected happened?”

[Correct, that’s exactly right! ]

Could it be that someone from another world came here and messed everything up?

But that’s not possible. According to the system, systems only appear when the storyline has deviated and only then will people from other worlds be summoned to help correct it. So no outsider should’ve appeared here before then.

So where exactly is the problem?

Author’s notes:

Little Shu: Ugh, no more guessing. Bye bye

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