Chapter 11: Replacing Your Life (11)

Song Xingyi woke up very early.

As soon as he opened his eyes, he felt uncomfortably sticky in his pants. Realizing what had happened, his buttocks seemed to ignite with urgency as he sprinted to the bathroom. He hastily took a cold shower and changed into fresh underwear first thing in the morning.

Emerging red-faced, Song Xingyi still looked somewhat uneasy. He felt utterly embarrassed, unsure of the wild thoughts that filled his dreams. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t interacted with Yu Yurou before; why did his mind conjure such strange ideas this time?

After finally clearing his head, Song Xingyi stood before the mirror, contemplating his outfit for today’s date.

The reflection showed a young man with light chestnut-colored, naturally curly hair and striking features, hinting at a mixed heritage. Deep-set amber eyes gleamed brightly, framed by subtle dimples at the corners of his lips, giving him an inherently harmless appearance even when his expression was stern.

Song Xingyi had always been dissatisfied with his looks, wishing for sharper facial features and a more mature demeanor. However, no matter how he contorted his expressions, the youth in the mirror lacked the instantly captivating charm that made hearts flutter upon first glance.

He tried tousling his hair, but the natural curls failed to enhance his presence. Determined, he grabbed a temporary hair dye spray, applying it liberally until satisfied with his silver-tinted locks.

Next, he slipped on a black punk T-shirt paired with his newly purchased stylish black sneakers. Feeling more dapper than usual, he raised his eyebrows confidently at his reflection.

“Today, I’m definitely going to show Yurou-jiejie my most manly side!”

Song Xingyi hadn’t forgotten that Yu Yurou was still unwell. After researching online, he learned that what sick individuals need most is someone’s care and attention. With this in mind, Song Xingyi rushed to a pharmacy and bought a variety of cold and fever medications. He also asked the family chef to prepare a pot of nourishing congee for her. Fully prepared, Song Xingyi hopped into his favorite sports car and sped swiftly towards Yu Yurou’s residence.

Upon arriving below Yu Yurou’s apartment building, Song Xingyi realized he had come too early—there was still over an hour before their scheduled meeting time. His excitement had made him lose track of it.

Waiting became tedious and anxious. Song Xingyi kept checking the time, and as soon as it hit 10 o’clock, he quickly dialed Yu Yurou’s number to announce his arrival.

Yu Yurou’s voice sounded slightly groggy, as if she had just woken up, with a hint of drowsiness in her words.

“Xingyi, you arrived so early,” the woman yawned lazily. “Oh, I haven’t even had a chance to get ready yet. It might be due to the cold; I feel quite sleepy…”

Song Xingyi quickly responded, “It’s okay, I can wait. Whenever you feel ready, Yurou-jiejie, just let me know and I’ll come up.”

The woman chuckled softly, “Oh, how obedient you are, Xingyi. You make me feel like I’m taking advantage of you.”

“Come right up,” she said, “I’ll open the door for you. But don’t judge me if I don’t look as polished as usual, okay?”

How could Song Xingyi possibly mind? Yet, given Yu Yurou’s comment, he mentally prepared himself to perceive her as the most beautiful person under any circumstances.

Hearing Tong Ling’s explanation over the phone, m577 couldn’t help but think its host was quite crafty. Claiming she had just woken up and wasn’t dressed up yet—this sly one had actually been up since 8 AM, getting dressed, washing, and styling herself!

Though her hair appeared slightly tousled, it looked effortlessly soft and smooth from every angle. Her eyelashes were curled, makeup flawless with a hint of rosy blush on her cheeks, showing not a single imperfection. And yet, she dared to say she’d just woken up?!

Despite m577’s urge to ridicule, Song Xingyi standing at the door was utterly captivated by Tong Ling’s appearance.

So this is what Yurou-jiejie looks like right after waking up… It’s exactly like in his dreams! No, even more beautiful than in his dreams!

She wore a pale pink silk slip dress, revealing her slender and fair calves. Perhaps concerned about appearing too casual, she had draped a black blazer over it, neatly covering the exposed neckline and shoulders. Her delicate collarbones were subtly visible, creating an ensemble that exuded both youthful charm and the sophistication of a mature woman.

Noticing his gaze, Tong Ling’s eyes softened as she offered a faint smile.

“Come on in, don’t just stand there like a fool.” Instead of stepping aside to clear the narrow doorway, Tong Ling shifted slightly, bent down, and retrieved a pair of men’s slippers from the shoe cabinet.

“I bought these new slippers for you. Let’s see if they fit.”

As Song Xingyi slipped into the slippers purchased specifically for him, he felt as though walking on clouds, following Tong Ling effortlessly.

From the entranceway to the living room, being close to Tong Ling, Song Xingyi could faintly detect her scent. The aroma was subtle, lingering delicately at the tip of his nose. As he breathed it in, a tickling sensation arose in his heart, stirring thoughts he knew he shouldn’t entertain—how nice it would be to get closer and inhale deeply.

Tong Ling sensed the intense gaze of the young man behind her; since entering, his eyes hadn’t strayed from her figure, precisely the effect she desired.

The sight of Song Xingyi’s outfit made Tong Ling want to burst out laughing.

Was he really here for a date or did he think it was an underground rock festival? If not for his exceptionally good looks, this attire would have been quite disastrous.

“Is this my welcome gift?” Tong Ling glanced at the medical bag and large thermos container in Song Xingyi’s hands, which seemed far from romantic or thoughtful.

After setting these items aside, Tong Ling deliberately gave Song Xingyi a slightly reproachful look, “I thought you might bring me flowers…”

Hearing her playful complaint, Song Xingyi felt his ears soften with affection. Without hesitation, he turned towards the door, “I’ll go buy flowers right now!”

Tong Ling stopped the impulsive youth, her fingers inadvertently brushing against his wrist as she held him back. “I don’t want flowers anymore; I want something only Xingyi can give me.” Her gaze gently landed on the young man’s handsome face. “Will Xingyi give it to me?”

Under such an intense stare from the woman he liked, Song Xingyi’s heart felt as if it were being singed by flames, causing his cheeks to flush instantly. “Wh-what do you want?” His mind began racing with wild thoughts again as he noticed her gaze moving from his eyes down to his nose, finally settling on his lips.

Involuntarily, his gaze also shifted towards her red, luscious lips…

Could it be what he’s thinking? Like in his dreams, would she ask for…?

“I want to see Xingyi’s smile,” Tong Ling said with a sweet grin. “A smile just for me.”

Song Xingyi felt utterly disappointed. Just a smile? Isn’t that request too… innocent?! Why is he the only one getting carried away by such thoughts throughout this whole encounter? He couldn’t help feeling awful and frustrated, yet unable to express these emotions.

Of course, he wouldn’t let his inappropriate thoughts show any dissatisfaction towards Yu Yurou. Instead, he obediently complied with her request, revealing his brightest smile.

Tong Ling’s eyes sparkled at the sight.

Song Xingyi’s smile hit all of Tong Ling’s soft spots perfectly. She adored this kind of compliant nature, like a puppy wagging its tail just for her!

Without hesitation, Tong Ling raised her hand and gently placed it on Song Xingyi’s soft hair, softly patting him twice with tender affection.

Song Xingyi’s eyes widened, quickly followed by a wave of embarrassment and annoyance. He desperately wanted to confront her loudly, questioning what exactly she thought of him. However, before he could utter a word, Tong Ling opened the bedroom door.

“Come inside,” Tong Ling instructed, “and lock the door.”

“L-lock the door?” Song Xingyi’s breath hitched, uncertainly hovering between anticipation and apprehension. “Isn’t that perhaps…”

Tong Ling tilted her head quizzically. “What are you thinking? I’m just worried my parents might suddenly return, making it awkward to explain your presence here.”

m577 felt as if witnessing a brazen kidnapper feigning innocence, its heart filled with sympathy for the male character: ”…Don’t let her fool you! Who the hell brings someone to their bedroom fearing discovery?!”

Song Xingyi believed her.

Even if he didn’t fully trust her, as a normal man under such seductive circumstances, who would resist locking the door?

As the door clicked shut, Song Xingyi tensed all over. His gaze fell upon the large bed dominating the center of the room. Having watched yesterday’s video countless times, he developed an oddly familiar feeling towards this very bed.

Recalling everything that occurred on it while asleep, Song Xingyi hastily diverted his eyes to other furnishings within the room.

This was unmistakably a woman’s space.

He keenly observed that within this room, there was not a single trace of male presence. All the furnishings and decorations were distinctly favored by girls. Even the air seemed infused with sweetness.

Is he the first man to enter this room? Has Ye Huan ever been here before?

Song Xingyi couldn’t help but ponder these questions, but soon he found his answer.

“Oh, I forgot no one else has been in my room; there isn’t even a chair…” Tong Ling appeared to just realize this, then casually waved her hand. “Never mind, Xingyi, feel free to sit wherever you like.”

Sit wherever? Are there any other places to sit here?

Song Xingyi looked around and had only two options: sitting on the floor or on the bed.

On the floor… Who would sit on the floor? That’s too odd! On the bed? It also seems unusual…

As Song Xingyi hesitated, Tong Ling already sat down at the edge of the bed and beckoned him over.

“Xingyi, do you want to watch a movie or listen to music?”

Yu Yurou was someone who enjoyed life’s comforts, and her room reflected this with ample amenities, including a rear-projection TV and a CD player.

“Or… shall we play games?”

These choices were designed to quickly lower one’s guard.

“Games!” Song Xingyi eagerly approached Tong Ling, his amber eyes sparkling as he looked at her. “Yurou-jiejie, do you know how to play PUBG? My aim is really accurate; I can protect you!”

“PUBG?” Tong Ling had no knowledge of this small world’s games, making her puzzled expression genuinely authentic. “I’ve never played it before… Is it difficult?”

“Don’t worry, I’m here.” Song Xingyi confidently patted his chest.

He naturally sat beside Tong Ling, picked up her phone, and helped download the game onto it.

As a gaming novice, Tong Ling frequently sought guidance from Song Xingyi while learning. Soon enough, they found themselves shoulder-to-shoulder, their relationship growing intimately close.

“Hmm… If I end up being a burden, Xingyi, you won’t leave me behind, right?” Tong Ling blinked innocently.

“No way. If you get eliminated in the game, I’ll swiftly finish that round so we can start the next together,” Song Xingyi assured her.

Tong Ling smiled; once she understood the game rules, this small world’s PUBG posed no challenge for her. She could easily outperform anyone, but her goal wasn’t simply to excel at the game. From the start, her objective had always been Song Xingyi.

So as soon as they entered the game, Tong Ling deliberately played clumsily. Following Song Xingyi’s advice, she stayed closely by his side, yet due to various unexpected incidents, she would inadvertently turn into a ‘box’ early on.

“Xingyi, why do people keep ambushing me!” Tong Ling pouted and jabbed furiously at the screen buttons, expressing frustration, “It’s all my fault, dragging you down again.”

By the second round of the game, Song Xingyi was already distracted. Unconsciously, Tong Ling had moved exceptionally close to him, so much that turning his head slightly would brush against her cheek. The fragrance from her presence filled his nostrils, causing subtle yet noticeable changes in his body.

At some point, Tong Ling’s black blazer had slipped off her shoulders, leaving her clad only in a thin pink strapless dress that revealed a swath of snow-white skin. Just one glance made Song Xingyi’s breathing quicken.

“Xingyi,” Tong Ling feigned ignorance of the young man’s discomfort and leaned her body heavily against his arm, “Shall we continue with the next round?”

Next round? Who cared about the next round now? Song Xingyi was barely able to contain himself!

“Xingyi?”

Before Tong Ling could move closer, Song Xingyi turned around, swiftly pinning this temptress beneath him.

“I’m sorry, Yurou-jiejie.” With eyes reddened, Song Xingyi apologized while burying his head firmly in the crook of Tong Ling’s shoulder. “Help me, I can’t hold on much longer.”

“Hmm? Help you with what?” Tong Ling traced her hand along Song Xingyi’s spine. “How can I help if you don’t tell me clearly?”

“It doesn’t matter how, as long as it’s you, just you…” Song Xingyi murmured, pressing haphazard kisses along Tong Ling’s neck.

“Change your address first.” Tong Ling’s hand slowly moved downward as she whispered softly into Song Xingyi’s ear, “Call me ‘Sister’.”

All thoughts fled from Song Xingyi’s mind; it felt like dazzling fireworks exploding within his head. Dazed, he repeated breathlessly, “Sister, Sister…”