Chapter 23: Replacing Your Life (23)

No one knew what transpired between Lu Yue and Yu Yurou in his office; they only observed that after their conversation ended, Lu Yue escorted her out and then promptly announced to all company staff:

“The woman who just visited is not Manager Yu but her elder sister. In the future, do not casually admit anyone into my office without verification. Direct visitors to the reception area instead. Except for Manager Yu herself, no other women should be allowed unimpeded access to my office.”

This announcement shocked everyone at the company. Upon recalling the appearance of the previous visitor, they realized collectively that they had mistaken her identity.

“I wondered why Manager Yu seemed different today—turns out it was her sister…”

“If she wasn’t Manager Yu, why didn’t she clarify her identity? Mr. Lu’s message clearly shows he’s upset; we shouldn’t have brought someone in without proper identification!”

“It’s not entirely our fault though, given how similar Manager Yu’s sister looks to her! We need to be more cautious in the future. Honestly, I did find her slightly off earlier, not as attractive as Manager Yu.”

“Yes, exactly! If only we had known about Manager Yu having a sister, we wouldn’t have made that mistake.”

Lu Yue didn’t linger at the company for long; as soon as Yu Yurou left, he also departed.

Ever since learning that Yu Yurou had returned to China, Tong Ling anticipated someone would come looking for her today. She had promptly dismissed the villa’s servants early and awaited her “guest” patiently.

When Lu Yue unexpectedly arrived at the villa, she was not surprised in the slightest.

“Don’t you welcome me anymore?” Lu Yue stood outside, his gaze sweeping past Tong Ling’s figure to scan the interior of the house. “Or do you have other guests?”

Tong Ling confidently opened the door wider, gesturing for Lu Yue to enter and talk inside. “It’s just you today, no one else.”

Lu Yue was well aware of Tong Ling’s private life and the number of men involved with her. He never expressed any dissatisfaction with her lifestyle, knowing full well that, as merely a “friend,” he had no right to question or interfere too deeply.

Moreover, Tong Ling and Ye Huan were nominally boyfriend and girlfriend, making Lu Yue, as Ye Huan’s close friend, already on shaky moral ground by associating privately with her. He had prepared himself for a prolonged standoff. But what if this woman was never actually Ye Huan’s girlfriend from the start?

Recalling the information he obtained from Yu Yurou, Lu Yue decided against taking things slowly with Tong Ling this time. Seeing that they were alone in the room, he bluntly exposed her identity: “Yu Ling, I must admit, I’m genuinely curious. How can you so calmly impersonate your sister and toy with both your ‘brother-in-law’ and her suitors?”

“Aren’t you afraid that once they discover the truth, their humiliation might lead them to retaliate against you?” A hint of mischief and malice crept onto Lu Yue’s face. “For instance, like me—don’t you think I deserve an explanation?”

Tong Ling seemed utterly unfazed by the implied threat in Lu Yue’s words. With a composed glance, she replied, “Is this what you came here to discuss? I thought you simply missed me, not expecting such a dull conversation.”

The smile on Lu Yue’s face froze momentarily, clearly caught off guard by Tong Ling’s reaction. “Listen… I know who you really are now,” he insisted.

“And then?” Tong Ling tilted her head, puzzled. “Are you planning to confront me about it?”

Lu Yue had never encountered a woman as exasperating as Tong Ling. He initially hoped to see her flustered, but instead, it was his own frustration that boiled over.

“Did you know Yu Yurou has already returned to China? Because of her, I discovered your true identity.” Lu Yue eagerly sought to break Tong Ling’s composed facade and spoke with a tone as if relishing a good drama. “I revealed how you impersonated her to deceive Ye Huan, and oh, I also mentioned that it was you who stole her account. If not for you maintaining contact with people on her social media, she wouldn’t have been unable to reach anyone here while abroad.”

“You truly show no mercy towards your sister,” Lu Yue sighed.

“Why are you telling me all this?” Tong Ling walked over and sat down on the sofa, gazing at Lu Yue with an enigmatic expression. “Are you hoping I’ll seek your help or ask you to assist me?”

Lu Yue promptly seated himself next to Tong Ling, resting his chin on one hand. A slightly inscrutable smile played across his handsome face. “Why not give it a try? Who else could tolerate someone like you besides me? You should know by now, regardless of what you’re like, I can accept you. Others might not be so forgiving of your deceitful ways.”

Tong Ling raised an eyebrow slightly. “If you call me a deceiver, then let me ask - what exactly did I deceive you about?”

“Using Yu Yurou’s identity isn’t deception enough?” Lu Yue countered.

“Let’s leave others aside. In front of you, I don’t think I ever claimed to be Yu Yurou,” Tong Ling remarked, unperturbed as she helped him recall their past encounter. “Have you forgotten how I introduced myself during our first meeting?”

Their initial meeting… With his vivid impression of Tong Ling, Lu Yue swiftly remembered the scene.

“I said I was Yu Ling, Yu Yurou’s younger sister, and that my sister had gone abroad,” Tong Ling smiled. “I remember you even apologized for mistaking me for her, and then…”

Lu Yue rested his forehead in one hand, shaking with laughter, “And then you said we would become good friends.”

Tong Ling clapped, “Correct, just like the close friendship between your sister and me.”

Lu Yue was rendered speechless. Indeed, the woman before him had never deceived him; it was his own overconfidence that led him astray. Based on Father and Mother Yu’s reactions, he mistakenly concluded they were lying and assumed this woman must be Yu Yurou staying domestically. While Tong Ling didn’t outright lie, her misleading tactics could easily trap anyone.

“Others may call me a deceiver, but not you.” Tong Ling let out a soft scoff. “The only person I haven’t lied to is you. Even if Yu Yurou hadn’t returned, shouldn’t you have recognized that I’m not her?”

“Unfortunately, you’ve disappointed me, Lu Yue,” Tong Ling retorted sharply. “As for someone like you, relying on others to reveal my true identity, what right do you have to demand explanations from me?”

Lu Yue fell silent.

Initially intending to confront and interrogate her, he found himself rendered speechless by Tong Ling’s words. He could only obediently surrender, feeling both disheartened at his inability to control the situation and yet increasingly admiring and enamored with this woman.

Moreover, Tong Ling’s next statement completely exposed him through and through.

“You claim you told Yu Yurou everything I’ve done, but I don’t believe that for a second.” Softening her demeanor, Tong Ling looked at Lu Yue and expressed her gratitude with a smile, “Regardless of your motives for helping conceal this matter, I must thank you.”

“Thank you for choosing to assist me instead of my sister.”

Curious, Lu Yue asked, “How did you know I didn’t tell her?”

Tong Ling smiled, “If she knew what I had done, she would never let you come alone. She’d insist on accompanying you, unable to bear the humiliation of being deceived by me. There’s no way she’d easily forgive me. But since you’re here by yourself, I knew you hadn’t said anything.”

Feeling dejected, Lu Yue muttered, “No wonder nothing I said bothered you; it seems I was exposed from the start.”

“Before you arrived, I wasn’t certain of your intentions.” Tong Ling’s voice softened as she lowered her gaze, saying, “In truth, I had long prepared myself for being exposed. I knew that once Yu Yurou returned, everything would return to normal. How could my petty schemes compare to hers? What belongs to her will always be hers; I merely stole a brief segment of her life.”

Tong Ling’s sentimental speech sent chills down m-577’s metaphorical spine. It couldn’t believe that Tong Ling would willingly abandon Yu Yurou’s identity and accept being just a substitute.

Petty schemes? If usurping someone’s entire identity and gaining all their resources counts as petty, Lu Yue genuinely wondered what Tong Ling considered major schemes.

Although aware that Tong Ling might be feigning vulnerability to extract information, Lu Yue was still affected by her words. With a serious expression, he asked, “What kind of conflict exists between you and Yu Yurou, compelling you to treat her this way?”

Lu Yue had contemplated revealing the truth to Yu Yurou, even going so far as helping her expose Yu Ling’s true identity to Ye Huan and other men, making them see her real nature. However, aside from offending Yu Ling, what benefit would there be for him in doing so?

Even if those men left Yu Ling, she wouldn’t choose him now.

This woman held grudges and sought retribution for every slight. The young master of the Song family had secretly taken her away once, and Lu Yue initially thought she would finally face consequences. However, Yu Ling emerged unscathed, while the young Song heir returned utterly distraught. Now, that young master was no more significant to Yu Ling than a dog at her feet.

Madam Song believed it was Ye Huan who had rendered her son mentally incapacitated. To fulfill her son’s desires, she allied with Ye Xu, and together their two companies targeted Ye Huan.

Yu Ling never truly harbored deep feelings for Ye Huan, and the Ye Family’s status had significantly declined by then. If wealth and power were her sole motivations, Yu Ling could have easily left Ye Huan long ago. Yet despite this, she remained steadfastly by his side.

Lu Yue previously didn’t understand why, but what if everything Yu Ling did was aimed at replacing Yu Yurou and claiming all that she possessed?

Lu Yue desperately wanted to know Yu Ling’s true intentions.

“Against?” Tong Ling shook her head. “How could I be against my sister?”

“You don’t know, but my sister was always the kindest to me.” As she recalled Yu Yurou, a hint of attachment mixed with an unsettling smile appeared on Tong Ling’s face.

Yu Ling pieced together her past experiences into a narrative and shared it with Lu Yue.

“From a young age, I was just a shadow by my sister’s side. Our parents always ignored me; only my sister would show me some warmth. To make my sister happy, I would give her everything I had.”

“My sister said that only through this would she like me. Our parents wouldn’t want me, and without my sister, I truly would have nothing!”

“I could give away toys, clothes, shoes, even let her copy my completed homework. Ah, luckily I’m quite intelligent, as my sister often remarked that my value lies solely in this brain of mine! I helped her with exams and competitions; on the day she got accepted into Jing University, my sister specially thanked me multiple times!”

As Lu Yue listened, his heart trembled. He never imagined that the strong and astute woman he knew had endured such cruel experiences.

Were those really family members? How did Yu Yurou view Yu Ling? As merely a tool to garner praise for herself?

How much of Yu Yurou’s impressive academic record was actually due to Yu Ling’s efforts?

Unaware that these actions were not normal, Yu Ling perceived them all as expressions of familial love…

“It seems like from the moment I was born, my existence revolved around my sister. Lu Yue, do you know what it feels like? Your entire life exists for someone else; you must follow this predetermined path, constantly sacrificing and giving endlessly just to ensure her perfect future.” Tong Ling gazed straight at Lu Yue, softly saying, “I wish I could be my sister.”

Lu Yue’s heart jolted; he had never felt so close to Yu Ling before. He reached out, enveloping her in his embrace, “I’ll help you.”

“I’ll help you become Yu Yurou.” Any previous inclination of treating this as a mere drama had vanished completely from Lu Yue’s mind, replaced by overwhelming affection and empathy for Yu Ling.

Tong Ling rested her head against Lu Yue’s shoulder, “I knew you were my sister’s friend. With her account, I accessed all your chat records. I understand how to mimic her conversation style with you, but I don’t want to do that.

“For some reason, ever since our first meeting, I didn’t want to deceive you.

“I’m far inferior compared to my sister. Yes, I am that selfish and despicable, dirty and vile. A thief who wishes to steal someone else’s life…”

“Don’t say that!” Lu Yue interrupted, “In my eyes, Yu Yurou can’t even compare to you.”

“You can lead any life you desire,” Lu Yue affirmed confidently. “As long as you want it, you can become anyone!”

“What exactly did you discuss with my sister?” Tong Ling steered the conversation back to her main concern.

Lu Yue felt a lump in his throat; this direct question indicated that Yu Ling hadn’t forgotten her purpose.

Well, he had known all along what kind of person she was, hadn’t he? Even if she deceived him with her words, he still fell for it completely.

Rather than antagonizing her, it would be wiser to gain favor proactively. As the only one aware of her true identity and having chosen her despite knowing, this fact alone could make a lasting impression on her.

Thus, Lu Yue recounted every detail of his conversation with Yu Yurou to Tong Ling.

Ye Huan publicly claimed to have found a substitute, but in reality, he treated Yu Ling as if she were you, Yuruo.”

“Why? My sister and I are quite different!”

“Yu Ling was placed near Ye Huan by Shen Man’s arrangement. Seeing how compliant and obedient Yu Ling was, Shen Man molded her into your likeness. This way, she could both appease Ye Huan and maintain control over the situation.”

”…Why does that Yu Ling listen to anyone so easily?” Yu Yurou asked incredulously.

“After realizing Yu Ling wasn’t you, I found a way to bring her into my company,” Lu Yue explained. “Since you’re my friend, I couldn’t let Ye Huan genuinely involve another woman.”

Touched, Yu Yurou said, “Thank you!”

Lu Yue abruptly changed the subject, “Having spent so much time together, I must admit I’ve grown quite fond of Yu Ling. Everyone at the company also knows she’s my fiancée now; unfortunately, Ye Huan refuses to let her go.”

With a hint of jealousy, Yu Yurou remarked, ”…It seems my sister has been lucky, being liked by someone like you.”

Lu Yue smiled, “But you are the one Ye Huan truly admires. Currently, it’s only due to Shen Man’s interference that he doesn’t know your true identity.”

“If you just show a bit more patience and win him over as before, revealing yourself as the real Yu Yurou, all these troubles would be resolved effortlessly.”

Yu Yurou gritted her teeth with hatred for Shen Man, “Why is Shen Man always against me?!”

“In her eyes, you’re not sufficiently obedient,” Lu Yue casually replied. “She needs a daughter-in-law without independent thoughts, but your influence on Ye Huan is too strong.”

Yu Yurou fully trusted Lu Yue’s words, responding, “Her need for control is truly frightening.”

“Song Xingyi and Ye Xu have a similar situation to Ye Huan; they both mistake Yu Ling for you. At the banquet, Song Xingyi even confessed his feelings to you, but Yu Ling rejected him on the spot. This caused considerable tension between the Song and Ye families.” Lu Yue didn’t forget to remind Yu Yurou, “If you genuinely want to be with Ye Huan, it would be best to minimize contact with these two publicly. They are currently at odds with Ye Huan, and any association with them might make Ye Huan more guarded towards you.”

Yu Yurou nodded in understanding, “But how can I approach Ye Huan? When I try to reach out, he doesn’t believe me, and arranging a meeting with him is incredibly difficult.”

Lu Yue wouldn’t let Yu Yurou leave empty-handed. He promptly painted a promising picture for her, “Don’t worry, I’ll find a way for you both to meet. When that time comes, I will assist you.”

Satisfied with this assurance, Yu Yurou left contentedly.

After hearing Lu Yue’s account, Tong Ling felt a pang of sympathy for Madam Shen, who often took the blame for others’ actions, “Isn’t it going too far to place all the responsibility on Madam Shen?”

“Yu Yurou was originally sent away by Shen Man, so when I mentioned it to her, she didn’t suspect anything,” Lu Yue intentionally concealed the truth, omitting Yu Ling’s involvement. Initially, he had wanted to observe how Yu Ling would handle Yu Yurou, but unexpectedly, he found himself becoming part of the drama instead.

Having already promised to help Yu Ling, he couldn’t proceed with his plan to send Yu Yurou to Ye Huan and cause chaos among them. The inability to witness their turmoil left Lu Yue feeling utterly deflated.

Depriving Lu Yue of such entertainment would rob him of life’s joy. Tong Ling couldn’t be that cruel and promptly responded, “It’s true that I want to become like my sister, but I also hope Ye Huan will treat me just as he does her.”

“I want to see if he’ll choose me over my sister.”

Lu Yue felt a mix of apprehension and excitement at Yu Ling’s idea. “What do you mean?”

“When Ye Huan arrives at the villa, I’ll send you a message,” Tong Ling outlined her planned scenario. “Then, bring my sister here so Ye Huan can see her firsthand.” She hinted subtly, “If Ye Huan still harbors feelings for my sister, then I will give him up.”

“I’ll personally break up with Ye Huan.”

Lu Yue’s eyes lit up, “You really would break up with him?”

“Why would I want a man who still harbors feelings for someone else?” Tong Ling asked. “I believe Sister wouldn’t accept such a man either.”

Lu Yue couldn’t contain his delight, yet he remembered there were two more men besides Ye Huan. “What about Ye Xu and Song Xingyi?”

“Let’s take it one at a time,” Tong Ling sighed softly. “I must give Sister and them a chance. If they truly like her, I’ll return them to her.”

At this point, Lu Yue wished fervently for Yu Yurou to exert even greater effort, aiming to capture all those men in one fell swoop.

As long as Yu Ling loses interest in them, the only one left by her side will be him!

With that thought, numerous plans instantly formed in Lu Yue’s mind to orchestrate coincidental encounters between Yu Yurou and the other men.

Let them go ahead and entangle themselves; perhaps they might even thank him later for bringing their true love together!

“How can I possibly thank you enough for helping me like this?” Tong Ling wrapped her arms around Lu Yue’s lean waist, gently caressing along the contours of his muscles.

Lu Yue’s physique was impeccable; among the men present, he was undoubtedly the most flamboyantly attractive. As soon as Tong Ling touched him, she felt eager and adventurous, tracing her hands from his firm abs down to his V-cut hips, then slowly moving towards his toned thighs. Before she could continue further, Lu Yue gently caught her hand with a slight pant.

“Don’t wander your touch.” Lu Yue’s eyes darkened, his breaths disordered, hinting at a trace of annoyance. “I’m helping you not for this kind of reward.”

“You don’t like it?” Tong Ling asked with a soft laugh. “Who said helping me comes without its perks?”

Of course Lu Yue liked it—who wouldn’t enjoy getting intimate with the woman they admire? But taking advantage at such a moment would make him no better than a beast!

“I help you willingly, needing nothing in return,” Lu Yue murmured, lowering his head to gently kiss Tong Ling’s lips. “This is enough for me.”

Tong Ling blinked, feeling somewhat bewildered—she hadn’t even experienced anything yet! When did that notorious playboy, with countless lovers, become so innocent and restrained?

“You’ve changed!” Tong Ling looked at him with surprise, as if witnessing a transformation akin to finding unadulterated pork instead of water-injected meat. “Is it because you can’t perform anymore?”

Lu Yue’s frustration made him laugh. “Are you deliberately trying to provoke me?”

“Would you like to then?” Tong Ling gently blew air near Lu Yue’s neck. “We could lie on Ye Huan’s bed, covered by his sheets, and chat. You probably didn’t know that every time he comes here, he sleeps alone in this room; he doesn’t dare touch me.”

As Lu Yue listened, his breathing quickened, and his eyes shifted restlessly towards the direction of the bedroom.

“I gave the servants the day off, so we’re the only ones in the villa.” Tong Ling’s fingers traced from Lu Yue’s throat down to his collarbone. “It’s too bad it’s so cold outside; otherwise, I’d take you to the outdoor swimming pool. I really want to see how graceful you look while swimming, your body must be stunning.”

Lu Yue swallowed hard, looking down and saying, “If you want to see it, just let me know anytime.”

“If not the swimming pool, there’s always the bathroom.” Under Tong Ling’s gaze, Lu Yue felt his entire body heating up. “In such a large villa, there should be a hot tub for massages.”

Tong Ling found it amusing; just moments ago, this man had been so reserved, yet now he seemed to have transformed completely.

She pushed Lu Yue away, feigning annoyance, “Forget it. Ye Huan might return tonight, so you’d better leave.”

Lu Yue panicked and swiftly pulled Tong Ling into his arms, carrying her towards the bedroom. “I’ve already let you see as much as you wanted, how can you suddenly change your mind?”

“Who knows if you’re even capable?” Tong Ling giggled. “If you can’t satisfy me, then there’s no point in staying.”

Lu Yue gritted his teeth, pressing a forceful kiss on Tong Ling’s lips. “Just wait and see for yourself whether I’m capable or not.”

“I want to see you wearing Ye Huan’s pajamas - the indigo blue set, his favorite,” Tong Ling continued with her demands.

Exasperated, Lu Yue asked, “Aren’t you worried he’ll find out?”

“Won’t it be more thrilling if we risk getting caught?” Tong Ling glanced sidelong at Lu Yue. “What, did you suddenly remember he’s your good buddy now?”

Lu Yue couldn’t respond; when it came to this woman, he found himself incapable of denying her anything.

“Fine, I’ll wear that set.”