Chapter 13: Replacing Your Life (13)

“Why aren’t you answering your phone?!” Yu Yurou clenched her fists tightly around the cell phone, fury evident on her face. “Song Xingyi, what exactly are you doing?!?”

The first time she called, Yu Yurou hadn’t paid attention to the time. Caught up in seeking help, she forgot about the international time difference, resulting in calls made during the early morning hours of 2 or 3 AM local time.

For the second attempt, Yu Yurou deliberately chose a time close to noon domestically, thinking it would be more appropriate. She didn’t anticipate that not only did her parents ignore her calls, but even Song Xingyi, who used to respond promptly and message her daily, refused to answer. Could it be that nowadays people were too cautious to pick up from unknown numbers?!

When she tried calling again, her number was blocked…

Yu Yurou found herself somewhat accustomed to this treatment…

She carefully considered whom she could contact to resolve her current predicament. The ordinary acquaintances she knew wouldn’t be much help, while those with enough power and resources, unafraid of offending Shen Man, numbered very few.

Now unable to reach Ye Xu and Song Xingyi, should she try Lu Yue?

Yu Yurou had never approached men she couldn’t control with requests; rejection would only embarrass her. Thus, the option of contacting Lu Yue was best left for later.

After much deliberation, Yu Yurou’s frustration boiled over. Unable to bear it any longer, she retrieved Shen Man’s business card and dialed directly.

The call went through without being rejected.

Initially, Yu Yurou felt slightly relieved, but remembering how this woman had caused her troubles, that relief instantly turned into raging fury.

“Shen Man! I can’t believe you’d do something like this!” Yu Yurou could no longer maintain her composure. “I already agreed not to contact Ye Huan once abroad, so why did you cut off all my means of communication with others?”

Expecting a work-related call, Shen Man was taken aback by Yu Yurou’s voice. Frowning amidst her busy schedule, she responded curtly, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Yu Yurou sneered, “I knew you wouldn’t admit it, Madam Shen. But as the CEO of the Ye Group, isn’t it going too far even to withhold the funds promised to me?”

“You were the one who wanted me to stay abroad, but with only a small amount of cash I’ve exchanged, it won’t last long. Eventually, when there’s no other choice, I’ll have to return to China!”

Shen Man immediately understood Yu Yurou’s intent and grew even more disgusted with Ye Huan’s girlfriend. “Greedy as ever. How much more do you want?”

Yu Yurou felt like cursing; her accounts had been frozen by Shen Man. Greedy? What exactly had she gained from being greedy?!

“My account is inaccessible, and I can’t withdraw a single cent from it!”

Shen Man, unwilling to waste any more time on Yu Yurou, asked bluntly, “How much do you need?”

After a moment of hesitation, Yu Yurou responded indignantly, “At least give me back the original sum you provided.”

“Ha!” Shen Man sneered sarcastically, “Your appetite truly knows no bounds.”

She issued a stern warning, “Fine, this will be the last payment from me. I’ll send you a new card, but don’t come up with excuses again. If I discover any ulterior motives, I’ll ensure you end up with nothing!”

As soon as Shen Man hung up, Yu Yurou’s face twisted with anger. It took her several moments to compose herself before she bitterly muttered, “Shen Man! Your son belongs to me too, whether you accept it or not. Just wait… I will make you regret your actions today!”

Meanwhile, Tong Ling had finished playing with Song Xingyi and escorted the clingy little pup to the door. When Song Xingyi tried to make plans for the next day, Tong Ling firmly declined.

“Can’t you stay?” At the thought of leaving his sister’s side, Song Xingyi looked crestfallen, barely able to move his feet. “Then how about the day after tomorrow? Or the one after that?”

“You have school.” Tong Ling ruffled Song Xingyi’s hair, and before he could protest, she shook her head, “No, I’m afraid not. As your ‘teacher,’ I would be upset if you skipped classes.”

Reluctantly, Song Xingyi clung to Tong Ling’s hand. “I won’t skip class. Can’t I come over right after school then?”

Tong Ling naturally couldn’t agree; allowing Song Xingyi any chance to visit would only complicate her future actions.

“No,” Tong Ling’s tone grew firmer, but she knew scolding alone wouldn’t suffice to keep a puppy obedient. Sometimes, rewards were necessary too.

“Xingyi, if you’re good, Sister will give you a reward.” Tong Ling gently bit her lip, her gaze slowly scanning from Song Xingyi’s face down to his entire body, “Are you being good, Xingyi?”

Reward? What kind of reward? Like what happened today or…

As soon as Song Xingyi met Tong Ling’s gaze, his face, neck, and even his entire body began to feel warm. His heart seemed struck by electricity, and driven by the deep-seated longing ingrained within him, he nodded uncontsciously, “I’m very well-behaved.”

Fearful that Tong Ling might not believe him, he barked once more in front of her, “Woof!”

Isn’t A-Jie fond of dogs? Considering how obedient I am, maybe she’ll like me just a bit more, even just a little bit more!

Tong Ling smiled contentedly and gently pressed her finger, which had previously touched her own lips, onto the boy’s mouth. “Good doggy.”

Does this count as an indirect kiss with A-Jie? Even after driving away, Song Xingyi’s mind continued to echo with this question…

Having spent the whole day with Song Xingyi, Tong Ling only managed to pack some food for a late-night visit to the hospital to see her “legitimate boyfriend,” Ye Huan.

“You’re here.” Compared to yesterday, Ye Huan appeared somewhat different while sitting on the hospital bed. His eyes sparkled brightly as he looked at Tong Ling, a faint smile playing on his lips. Despite being heavily bandaged and injured, he strove to maintain the graceful demeanor expected of a wealthy young master. “I’ve missed you dearly.”

It must be acknowledged that the male lead had his merits. As the protagonist of this small world, Ye Huan excelled in both family background and appearance. With handsome features and well-defined facial contours, when he gazed deeply and attentively at someone, it was indeed quite captivating.

Unfortunately, to Tong Ling, he was merely a work-related subject with a scummy attribute. If not for the future plot requiring the male lead’s active involvement, Tong Ling would have indefinitely postponed this hospital scenario.

“I missed you too.” Despite feeling like she was throwing affectionate glances at a blind person, Tong Ling maintained her professional integrity while working. As she arranged the meal, she expressed a hint of apology, “I wasn’t feeling well during the day, so I couldn’t come earlier. You won’t blame me, will you?”

Ye Huan naturally wished for Tong Ling to spend more time with him, but considering how much his girlfriend had already sacrificed for him, he wouldn’t impose further demands. He replied, “Just finding the time to visit me is wonderful enough. In fact, it’s my fault for not being able to take care of you; as your boyfriend, I’ve been remiss.”

The old Ye Huan could never have uttered such words. As a privileged young master born with a silver spoon, he always took others’ kindness towards him for granted.

During this hospital stay, being alone in his room and detached from his usual boisterous social circle, Ye Huan suddenly realized how unsuccessful his past life had been. Beyond his status as the Ye Family’s young master, there was little about him that others could commend. Not only did he lack any significant achievements in his career, but emotionally, he had always been one to take rather than give.

Ye Huan felt it was time for him to mature, no longer acting impulsively or excessively self-centered as before.

Tong Ling noticed Ye Huan’s change with interest. She proactively sat next to him, sweeping her long hair aside to expose the side of her neck.

“Just being able to accompany you is enough for me,” Tong Ling maintained her model girlfriend demeanor, smiling sweetly at Ye Huan.

Naturally, Ye Huan didn’t miss her gesture. He clearly saw the red marks on her neck. This time, without harboring any suspicions, he made an assumption instead, “Yurou, those marks on your neck… are they due to some illness or rash?”

“Is it serious? Should we consult a doctor?” Ye Huan asked, genuinely concerned.

Ye Huan’s considerate response moved Tong Ling, prompting her to remark to the system, “Even the male lead now offers explanations for my actions! Waaah, so touched…”

M577 felt that the male lead’s perception was truly flawed: [His eyes must be completely ruined; he needs to see an ophthalmologist.]

Tong Ling retorted, “How can you say that? I’ve never seen his judgment this good before!”

M577 responded sarcastically: [Ha!]

While conversing with the system, Tong Ling multitasked by engaging Ye Huan as well.

“How did you guess?” Tong Ling didn’t deny Ye Huan’s explanation and instead pulled her collar down slightly, letting her fingers glide from her neck across her collarbone. “It’s such a large red patch, it even startled me when I first saw it—it looks very much like love bites…” She gazed at Ye Huan with a twinkle of amusement in her eyes. “Ye Huan, aren’t you getting jealous?”

The curve of the woman’s neck was incredibly graceful, adorned with scattered red marks against her fair skin. As her delicate fingers traced them, it created an enticing sight. Her bold gestures, combined with a teasing tone, contrasted strikingly with her clear-eyed innocence, perfectly embodying the allure of being both pure and seductive. Ye Huan had never witnessed Yu Yurou acting this way before; a sense of awe flashed through his eyes, while internally, he found her attempts to test him quite amusing.

“I’ve told you I won’t suspect you anymore; do you not believe me?” Ye Huan reached out to gently adjust Tong Ling’s collar, his gaze filled with affection. “Or perhaps you’re deliberately trying to tempt me?”

In front of Ye Huan, Tong Ling maintained her innocent damsel facade. Blushing, she quickly stepped back and exclaimed, “What nonsense are you saying!”

Ye Huan felt another surge of tenderness, “Once I’m fully recovered, I’ll give you a proper hug.”

Tong Ling had no real interest in Ye Huan, but sensing the atmosphere was ripe, she said, “I can come visit you again tomorrow, but… the day after that… I won’t have time.”

“Why not?” The highlight of Ye Huan’s day was waiting for his girlfriend to visit him, regardless of when or how long she stayed - every moment together was cherished.

“Have you forgotten my current situation?” Tong Ling cast Ye Huan a playful sidelong glance. “I am Yu Ling now, and I still need to attend school. Eventually, I’ll be living on campus, only able to see you during breaks.”

“You must take your sister’s place at school?” Ye Huan frowned deeply. “Even if you’re acting as her ‘substitute,’ there’s no need for you to bear the entirety of her life. Moreover, it requires you to mimic someone else in a completely new environment, meeting entirely new people… How could I let you make such a sacrifice!”

“It may be challenging, but since my sister has already studied abroad for me, I can’t let her return home without even receiving her graduation certificate.” Tong Ling repeated the excuse Lu Yue had previously used.

Ye Huan pondered for a moment before responding, “While I can’t directly grant you the graduation certificate, there is a way to avoid attending school altogether.”

“I’ll arrange for someone to handle your sister’s internship approval at her school. Once the internship period is complete, you can then go back and obtain the graduation certificate. As for where to intern…”

Ye Huan swiftly made his decision: “Let’s have it at Lu Yue’s company. He is well-aware of your situation, and with him looking after you, I’ll feel more at ease.”

Tong Ling couldn’t help but want to laugh; Ye Huan truly lived up to being Lu Yue’s lifelong best friend, sharing the same thought patterns!

M577 was utterly speechless, having never encountered such an eager male lead willing to set himself up for heartbreak. Seeing Tong Ling’s delighted expression, it blurted out: [Could this all be part of your calculated plan, Host?!]

Tong Ling feigned innocence, “What nonsense! How could I possibly know Ye Huan would come up with this idea?”

“But… now that he’s allowing me to intern there, wouldn’t it be awkward if I didn’t take the opportunity?”