Chapter 20: Replacing Your Life (20)

“Is she okay? You didn’t hurt her, did you?” Upon arriving at the location, Song Xingyi couldn’t help but inquire about Tong Ling’s well-being. However, as soon as the words left his mouth, he felt foolish and quickly added, “Never mind, whatever hardships she endures, she deserves it!”

The memory of how mercilessly she had rejected him, coupled with the sympathetic looks from others, chilled Song Xingyi’s heart deeply.

Standing nearby, his subordinates exchanged glances, rendered speechless by the young master’s unpredictable mood swings. Before executing their orders, they were explicitly instructed to carefully “invite” Miss Yu without causing any harm. Consequently, throughout the journey, they took great care not to jostle her or touch her casually, fearing they might displease Song Xingyi.

On the surface, the young master of the Song family appeared angelic, yet he orchestrated such a scheme to bring Miss Yu against her will. This demonstrated that the young master was far from someone to be trifled with. It was anyone’s guess what retribution Miss Yu would face for offending him.

The influence of the Song family was beyond the reach of ordinary individuals. Rumor had it that Miss Yu was still an ungraduated college student. Even if she had some connection with the eldest son of the Ye Family, being merely a stand-in held little weight in high society circles.

Would the Ye Family’s young master risk conflict with the Song family just for a mere substitute? It was clear that such a scenario was highly unlikely.

After all, she was just one woman; blame lay solely on Miss Yu for offending someone she shouldn’t have at the banquet.

As hired subordinates, despite feeling sympathy for Miss Yu internally, they uttered no unnecessary words. After reporting the situation, they silently withdrew.

Song Xingyi hesitated outside the door for quite some time. His heart harbored deep resentment towards his sister’s callousness, and before arriving here, he had even planned how to punish her. He intended to lock her up, force her to express remorse for her choices, make her apologize, win her favor, and bring her pleasure until she could never bear to leave him again!

But now, standing before the door, knowing that pushing it open would grant him control over her, he…hesitated.

Would his actions lead his sister to despise or hate him? The thought still lingered in his mind! In frustration, Song Xingyi slammed his head against the door, the pain instantly jolting him back to reality. It was his sister who wronged him first, so whatever he did couldn’t be considered wrong!

With renewed determination, Song Xingyi composed himself, opened the door with a cold expression.

To his surprise, he found his sister sitting on the bed with a tilted head and a smile directed at him. Her grin was so sweet, her champagne-colored dress billowing like a blossoming flower as she sat quietly, exuding a honey-like fragrance.

How did she wake up? No, how could she still smile at him like this after waking up? Didn’t she realize it was he who ordered someone to bring her here?

Caught off guard by this sight, Song Xingyi’s icy demeanor faltered slightly.

“It seems my subordinates were inefficient; I thought you’d remain unconscious for longer, yet you’ve woken up so quickly…” Regaining his composure, Song Xingyi closed the door behind him and slowly locked it. “Sister, are you happy to see me here?”

Still clad in his white suit, Song Xingyi maintained the impeccable manners he had displayed at the banquet. His face appeared cute and harmless, but his eyes held a deep malice, creating an eerie sense of danger around him.

It felt as though fangs had emerged, ready to tear his prey apart at any sign of resistance, leaving them drenched in blood.

Tong Ling turned a blind eye to Song Xingyi’s “peculiar” demeanor. Spreading her arms wide, she cheerfully called out, “Xingyi! Come give me a hug!”

A wave of anger surged through Song Xingyi. How could his sister still face him with such an innocent expression?! She should be afraid, timidly apologizing instead of acting coy and clingy as if nothing happened. Did she think he would foolishly fall into her trap again, becoming just another dog at her feet?!

“Xingyi?” Seemingly discontent with Song Xingyi’s lack of response, Tong Ling leaned forward and cooed once more, “Hurry over here, don’t you miss me?”

“Miss you?” Song Xingyi clenched his fists tightly, teeth grinding audibly. “Yes, I do miss you, so much it nearly drives me insane!”

“And you? You stayed by another man’s side, leading me on until I foolishly believed you returned my feelings. Then, without any remorse, you rejected me, trampling on my genuine affection. Women like you—!”

That important banquet held great significance for him; he had meticulously dressed up, all for his sister. Yet, what did she do? She remained by Ye Huan’s side, completely ignoring him with cold indifference.

In that moment, Song Xingyi even questioned whether their playful interactions were merely figments of his imagination.

Perhaps this cold-hearted woman was not his sister after all.

Tong Ling bit her lip, her eyes misting over, “Is that truly what you think of me, Xingyi…?”

“What ‘Xingyi’? Shouldn’t I be called ‘Young Master Song’?” Song Xingyi approached the bed, gently lifting Tong Ling’s smooth hair with his hand. Leaning down, he sneered by her ear, “Trying to make me spare you like this? Aren’t you being too naive, dear sister?”

Song Xingyi knew she indeed was his sister. Whether through her sweet smiles or feigning vulnerability, she always found ways to unsettle him.

Tong Ling reached out and softly grasped Song Xingyi’s wrist, her fingertips lightly tracing its contours, as if testing him. Her gaze remained innocent and pitiful.

Realizing his intimidation had no effect, Song Xingyi wondered—was he not frightening enough? These childish tactics…did she really think they would appease him? A hint of frustrated redness crept onto his face.

“What are you doing!” Song Xingyi exclaimed angrily, “I won’t easily…”

“Fool.” Before Song Xingyi could finish, Tong Ling sighed exasperatedly, “Can’t you see yet?”

“Realize what?” Just one glance from her made his heart race uncontrollably. Song Xingyi knew that if he softened now, his newly resolved determination would crumble again. This realization led him to snap harshly, “Let me tell you, I won’t be fooled by you anymore! Regardless of your relationship with Ye Huan, from this moment on, you are mine—my woman!”

With these words spoken in a single breath, Song Xingyi stiffened, his face tense as he emphasized once more, “My woman!”

Tong Ling couldn’t help but chuckle softly and gently pinched Song Xingyi’s earlobe. “Young Master Song, your ears are so red.”

No matter how cold his voice or fierce his expression, his bright red earlobes betrayed him.

The corners of Tong Ling’s lips curved upwards as she leaned close to Song Xingyi’s ear, enunciating each word clearly, “Young Master Song, you’re even cuter than Xingyi!”

Song Xingyi felt like he was about to explode. Embarrassed and furious, he jerked away from her touch and pushed her aside, “It seems you truly need some discipline!”

Tong Ling sat obediently, tilting her head, “How do you plan to discipline me?”

Song Xingyi fell silent. Damn it, looking at her innocent demeanor, he seemed utterly helpless against her!

“You want me to apologize, to beg you?” Tong Ling rested her head on a soft down pillow, her expression relaxed and contented. “I didn’t resist when we secretly left together; I showed genuine sincerity towards you. Yet, why do you still get angry at me?”

“What do you mean ‘secretly’? It was clearly me who…” Song Xingyi paused mid-sentence, suddenly realizing something. “Did you know I intended to take you away?”

Tong Ling let out a soft scoff. “You’ve always been impulsive, pursuing what you want without any restraint.”

“It wasn’t due to your subordinate’s incompetence; I never fell unconscious at all. I willingly went with them. You, fool, couldn’t even tell. Who would show no side effects after being supposedly knocked out? Still having enough energy to converse with you like this?”

Song Xingyi was thoroughly confused by Tong Ling’s reaction. If she loved Ye Huan, why did she follow him despite knowing he’d intervene? And if she didn’t love Ye Huan, then why did she reject him at the banquet?

“Are you deeply hurt and angered by my rejection?” Tong Ling’s gaze shifted, her delicate demeanor instantly turning cold and firm. “Creating trouble regardless of the situation, yet expecting me to be considerate of your feelings? Song Xingyi, you’re just as selfish as that man Ye Huan! Neither of you cares about how I feel!”

“Selfish? How am I anything like Ye Huan!” Song Xingyi despised Ye Huan more than anyone else, and hearing his sister compare him to Ye Huan made him feel deeply hurt.

“I would never treat you as Ye Huan did, making you bear someone else’s name just to be his substitute!”

At that moment, Tong Ling’s expression grew even colder than Song Xingyi’s had been. She lifted her gaze directly at him and asked, “Do you think you’re better than Ye Huan? In what way?”

Song Xingyi opened his mouth, wanting to say that his heart belonged entirely to his sister, that he was always obedient and well-behaved. But upon seeing the look in his sister’s eyes and realizing how he was treating her now, his heart sank heavily.

“When I was with Ye Huan, Shen Man opposed us, claiming I wasn’t good enough for her son.”

“Today, when you confessed your feelings to me, Madame Song looked as if I had seduced you. Are people like you so superior that being favored by you should make me eternally grateful?” Tong Ling’s face twisted into a mocking smile. “How could I possibly deserve the young master of the Song family? I’m merely a shameless woman who tempts even students, right, my little master?”

Song Xingyi hastily embraced Tong Ling, vehemently denying her words, “No, no, don’t say that, Jiejie…”

“Why can’t I reject you? Is it because refusing would make me ungrateful? Do you believe that just because you want something, I must provide it? In your eyes, what am I to you? A tool to fulfill your fantasies? Can you simply grab and lock me up at your whim, forcing me to comply with all your demands?” Tears streamed down Tong Ling’s face. “Song Xingyi, exactly what do you see me as?”

Any trace of Song Xingyi’s anger had vanished, replaced by overwhelming panic and uncertainty about how to proceed. “Of course not, Jiejie, you’re the person I truly love. How could I ever view you as…as some kind of tool!”

“Isn’t your mind filled with impure thoughts whenever you see me?” Tong Ling said pointedly. “Every time, needing my help, I genuinely doubt the sincerity of your feelings for me…”

Song Xingyi was so embarrassed his face felt like it might smoke. “This…this is a normal reaction! It’s only because I like you that I feel this way. Why would you question my affection based on such a reason?”

Tong Ling remained unconvinced. “Who knows? With you rich young masters, one refusal and you’re ready to force yourself on me.”

Song Xingyi swiftly released Tong Ling, fearing his actions might further offend her. “I would never hurt you; you know I could never do such a thing!”

“Really?” Tong Ling wiped away her tears, still skeptical. “I don’t believe it.”

Feeling anxious, Song Xingyi paced beside the bed as he noticed Tong Ling’s expression growing colder towards him. Once again shattering his newly rebuilt self-respect, he knelt by the bedside, took Tong Ling’s hands, and desperately whimpered like a dog, “Woof! Woof woof! Woof woof woof!”

Tong Ling’s lashes fluttered slightly, and she pressed her lips together, saying softly, “Stop trying to appease me; you must be deeply unhappy doing this. How could I let the young master of the Song family bark like a dog…”

“It’s my choice; I’m willing to do anything if it makes you happy!” Song Xingyi barked a few more times, pleading, “Sis, aren’t you fond of puppies? Look, I’m your obedient little pup!”

Tong Ling’s demeanor softened as she gently played with Song Xingyi’s fingers. “Do you realize that if I hadn’t willingly come here, your actions would have been illegal? It constitutes restricting personal freedom and unlawful confinement.”

“I was wrong!” A tingling sensation spread across Song Xingyi’s palm, and his voice trembled as he apologized, “I’m sorry, sis. If you want to leave, I can…take you back…” He bowed his head, feeling utterly dejected.

Ye Huan had failed to protect his sister, but Song Xingyi’s mistake was even worse. Not only did he allow his mother to humiliate her at the banquet, but he also contemplated harming her himself. No wonder Tong Ling rejected him; how could someone as immature and impulsive as him ever deserve her affection?

“Does Young Master Song no longer wish to punish me?” Tong Ling stroked Song Xingyi’s soft curls, her fingers gliding down through his hair to caress his smooth, handsome cheek. “You’ve already locked the door. Don’t you want to take advantage of this moment?”

Initially, Song Xingyi might have entertained such thoughts, but considering how his affection for his sister could be misconstrued as mere frustration, he dared not make any further demands.

“I’ll unlock the door right now, don’t worry, Sister. I won’t do anything!” Song Xingyi assured her.

As he moved to open the lock, Tong Ling casually spoke after his turn away, “When did I say I was leaving?”

Song Xingyi’s heart skipped a beat, and his steps froze on the spot.

“Since I’ve already come here of my own accord, isn’t my intention clear enough?” Tong Ling asked.

Overwhelmed by immense joy, Song Xingyi realized she hadn’t been joking earlier! He swiftly turned around and saw his sister with arms outstretched, just as when he first entered, smiling at him.

“This time, would you like to give me a hug?”

“Yes!” Song Xingyi rushed forward, embracing Tong Ling tightly and burying himself in her fragrant warmth.

He didn’t want to think about anything else; at least for this moment, she belonged to him!

Tong Ling whispered softly into Song Xingyi’s ear, “Xingyi, are you willing…?”

Blushing deeply, Song Xingyi nodded, “Yes, I-I am yours.”

The tenderness in Tong Ling’s eyes deepened. “Xingyi is so sweet. I absolutely adore your obedient nature.”

Song Xingyi’s eyes sparkled intensely, his emotions pouring out uncontrollably. “I like you, Jiejie.”

“Even though I’m Ye Huan’s girlfriend?” Tong Ling deliberately asked.

Song Xingyi clenched his teeth in anger. At this moment, why would Jiejie bring it up again?!

His strength was considerable, causing sudden pain to Tong Ling as he tightened his grip. She immediately furrowed her brow and exclaimed, “What has gotten into you!”

“Why do you keep mentioning him in front of me!” Song Xingyi’s eyes reddened, his expression fierce as he snapped, “I hate Ye Huan! Hate him with all my being!”

“That doesn’t justify taking your anger out on me. Besides, he is my boyfriend, and that’s reality—you’re well aware of it.” Tong Ling spoke nonchalantly.

Song Xingyi stared blankly at Tong Ling.

“What, did I say something wrong?” Tong Ling shifted slightly. “If you can’t accept it, then I’ll leave right now.”

Tears streamed down Song Xingyi’s face. He knew he had to accept this reality, otherwise…otherwise…

Gripping tightly onto Tong Ling’s arm, Song Xingyi pleaded, distraught, “Don’t go, I understand, please don’t go!”

“Be good,” Tong Ling said affectionately, hugging the young man tightly. “Only by listening will you receive rewards.”

In his dazed state, Song Xingyi thought perhaps this wasn’t so bad—so long as he could stay by his sister’s side, as long as she still needed him… There was no need to worry about anything else; this alone would suffice…

Song Xingyi’s eyes were bloodshot, on the verge of tears again. Uncharacteristically, Tong Ling refrained from further provoking him and instead gently consoled him for quite some time.

The next morning, m577 softly spoke up: [Host, did you not hear me playing the Great Sutra of Sorrow? Have you considered my feelings at all?]

“I always shield myself from any internal sounds when focusing on important tasks. Did you play music?” Tong Ling asked, puzzled.

[Aaahhh… Am I the only one who heard it?! I’m traumatized; even the sacred Buddhist chants feel tainted now!] m577 wailed hysterically.

Tong Ling chuckled lightly, “Who should be blamed here? Isn’t it due to your outdated functionalities? You should ask the Main God for a sound-blocking feature, or can you perhaps evolve this ability yourself?”

m577 continued mumbling: [I’m tainted… I’m tainted…]

“Cheer up, even if you can’t accept it now, you’ll have to eventually,” Tong Ling offered half-heartedly as consolation.

Fuming with anger, m577 felt like spitting blood: [What else do you want from me? To constantly monitor the host’s movements, our systems cannot autonomously block sounds!]

“If you trust me, I can help upgrade your capabilities.” Wearing Song Xingyi’s shirt, Tong Ling walked into the bathroom.

m577 expressed skepticism towards Tong Ling’s offer: [You? With your amateur hacking skills, helping me upgrade is no joke!]

“I may not be highly skilled, but I know experts in this field.” Tong Ling spoke with genuine concern, as if genuinely considering the system’s interests, “Since we’re bound together for life, you can’t endure such auditory overload forever. Aren’t you also curious about who I am? I can introduce you to my friends.”

m577 wavered slightly: [W-wait until we complete the tasks in this small world first…]

After Tong Ling’s comforting words, m577’s anger subsided significantly and began earnestly reporting the situation: [The banquet scene is over, and following the plot, Ye Huan should be coming soon. In the original story, Yu Ling develops claustrophobia after being confined overnight in the black room. Seeing her unstable mental state, Ye Huan no longer brings her to public events. Instead, he isolates her in a standalone villa, only visiting occasionally when he remembers her. This continues until the protagonist returns home.]

“In other words…” Tong Ling summarized, “all I have to do now is spend my time in a spacious villa, indulging in food, leisure, and sadly waiting for occasional visits from Ye Huan?”

How did m577 feel like the tragic storyline of the cannon fodder female character took on a different tone through Tong Ling’s interpretation?

[…Well, that description isn’t entirely incorrect,] m577 responded. [However, in the original plot, Yu Ling’s mental instability was due to trauma, not living comfortably as you seem to be. When Ye Huan comes looking for you, better come up with a convincing explanation!]

m577 couldn’t wait to see how Tong Ling would handle this situation; she had genuinely given Ye Huan a solid green hat this time! If the male lead tolerates it, he’d truly deserve the title of ‘Green-headed Turtle’!