Chapter 28: Replacing Your Life (28)

“Pfft.” Lying on the mansion’s sofa and playing with her phone, Tong Ling received a message from Lu Yue, which brought a cheerful smile to her face.

Ye Xu, who had come to the mansion specifically to see Tong Ling, was seated at the other end of the sofa. His gaze fixed attentively on her, he felt subtly curious about what made her laugh.

Tong Ling waved her phone playfully and winked at Ye Xu, “Lu Yue sent me a joke. Do you want to read it, little gege?”

[M577: [!] ]

Ever since binding with Tong Ling, M577 constantly felt anxious and fearful:

[Host, can’t you be less provocative? Is this something meant for others to see?!]

Recalling the content of Lu Yue’s message, M577 couldn’t help but wail internally:

[What is he up to? What does helping you become Yu Yurou mean? What has he done?]

Tong Ling mentally responded to the system, “It’s quite simple. From now on, my legitimate identity will be Yu Yurou. Lu Yue’s efficiency is impressive; seems like ignoring him these days really got him moving.”

[Legitimate identity?] M577 struggled to comprehend Tong Ling’s words: [How is the stolen identity you acquired considered legitimate?]

“Don’t ask too many questions. Instead, use this time to infiltrate the surveillance room where Ye Huan’s banquet is being monitored; you’ll find your answer there.”

Just as Tong Ling finished her conversation with the system, Ye Xu asked, “Does Lu Yue often contact you?”

Ye Xu naturally wouldn’t snoop through Tong Ling’s messages; he held himself above such behavior. Moreover, Tong Ling openly shared any texts she received without hesitation, indicating that Lu Yue’s content was innocuous.

However, he couldn’t help but feel that compared to him, Tong Ling seemed closer to Lu Yue.

Ye Xu disliked this sensation. Lu Yue was carefree and flirtatious, with an extensive romantic history—an unsuitable match for Tong Ling. Yet, modern girls appeared to favor charming and humorous men. Lu Yue could make Tong Ling laugh, while Ye Xu struggled to do so…

Was his approach perhaps too reserved compared to other men?

As Ye Xu pondered this, he felt someone gently wrap their arms around him. Tong Ling had quietly moved next to him, holding onto his arm and leaning partially against his body. Upon meeting his gaze, she flashed a radiant and sweet smile.

“If I say I enjoy chatting with him, would you get jealous?” The woman leaning beside him seemed intent on observing his reaction, her eyes hiding a playful smile as she gently shook his hand. “Would you? Would you?”

Ye Xu felt almost melted by this grin and silently sighed within himself. He nodded in agreement to humor her, “Yes.”

“Wow, even little gege is quite possessive?” Tong Ling covered her mouth dramatically and exclaimed, “What should I do? If you discover that behind your back, I’ve been two-timing with others and committing various misdeeds, I’d be doomed!”

Amused by her charming and endearing demeanor, Ye Xu chuckled softly. Lifting a finger, he lightly tapped her forehead. “What peculiar thoughts occupy your mind all day?”

“First, tell me, would you really get angry?” Tong Ling’s expression turned serious as she asked earnestly, “Don’t lie to me.”

Ye Xu lowered his head, pondering for a moment. “What kind of mischief could you possibly cause?”

“Answer me first.” Tong Ling huffed lightly, “No changing the subject.”

“No, I wouldn’t.” Ye Xu gazed deeply into the woman’s eyes, “As long as you remain true to yourself, I won’t get angry.”

“Considering how well you treat me, little gege, I’ll share some news with you…” Tong Ling leaned forward and whispered into Ye Xu’s ear, “I broke up with Ye Huan.”

Ye Xu’s eyes widened slightly in surprise.

“Don’t you have anything to say to me?” Tong Ling raised an eyebrow.

Although Ye Xu had maintained a close relationship with Tong Ling privately, going beyond mere friendship, their bond remained pure throughout. After that kiss, Ye Xu started restraining himself, careful not to disrupt the delicate balance between them. At times, he even wondered if sticking to their established dynamic without change might be for the best.

Ye Xu wanted to avoid any unforeseen complications, so he shielded against all potential disturbances, finding comfort in this sense of security.

However, it didn’t mean his desires were truly absent; certain principles often crumble before specific individuals.

As Ye Xu gazed at Tong Ling’s luminous and captivating face, an unusual impulse took hold of his thoughts. Lowering his gaze, he asked earnestly, “Would you be willing to have a new boyfriend?”

“A new boyfriend who will tolerate and cherish me, never abandoning me no matter what I do?” Tong Ling countered.

Ye Xu replied, “Yes, his devotion towards you would remain unwavering.”

With delight, Tong Ling wrapped her arms around Ye Xu’s neck and pressed her lips onto his exquisite face.

“Smack!” It was a loud and forceful kiss, reminiscent of a child’s playful prank, infused with a touch of innocence and mischief.

Ye Xu encircled the woman’s slender waist, pulling her onto his lap. “That’s not how you kiss.”

Tong Ling gently caressed Ye Xu’s cheek. “Then tell me, how should one kiss?”

Surrounded by her sweet fragrance, Ye Xu’s eyes darkened as he discarded all restraint and caution, passionately capturing her lips.

As their mouths entwined, breaths mingled, gradually blending together. The woman’s moist and tantalizing scent ignited a warmth within Ye Xu’s chest. Before he could proceed further, she placed both hands on his chest, her cheeks flushed from the kiss. Gently pushing him away, she whispered softly, “It’s t-too fast. Can we take it step by step?”

An overwhelming tenderness flooded Ye Xu’s heart. Holding the woman close, he strove to suppress the surging desires within him.

“Don’t be afraid,” Ye Xu lowered his head, tenderly pecking her delicate cheek. “We’ll go slowly.”

Tong Ling nestled deeper into Ye Xu’s embrace, completely entrusting herself to this man, unable to speak a word amidst her blushing embarrassment.

As m577 returned from checking banquet information, it was met with this scene and immediately became so furious that its programming started to malfunction: [The plot of this small world has completely collapsed! Collapsed, I tell you! We don’t even know how to proceed with future events now, yet here you are fooling around with men?]

Tong Ling, dissatisfied with the system’s erratic behavior, retorted, “Isn’t it already beyond repair? What’s the big deal?”

m577, filled with both grief and anger, responded: [Earlier collapses could still be salvaged; if you managed to steer the plot back on track, our mission wouldn’t be considered a failure.]

[Now…now the protagonist’s identity has changed to Yu Ling, mentally unstable and hospitalized, while you, the imposter, have become the perceived Yu Yurou in everyone’s eyes. Tell me, how can the cannon fodder female character’s storyline continue?]

Without hesitation, Tong Ling replied, “Let the protagonist follow her own plotline. Since she’s become Yu Ling, naturally, she should fulfill Yu Ling’s story.”

Shocked, m577 exclaimed: [What are you saying?]

Tong Ling explained logically, “The cannon fodder female character’s storyline must be followed by the cannon fodder herself. What’s the issue with that?”

[But you’re the one I’m bound to…] The system began to counter but suddenly noticed that the device monitoring key plot points was still functioning normally, despite its oversight.

Unbeknownst to m577, several plot points involving the male lead and secondary male characters humiliating the cannon fodder female had already been completed.

[“How is this possible?!”] m577 had never encountered such a situation before. Considering how often it had been caught off guard by Tong Ling, it promptly sought clarification without hesitation: [“Host, what have you done?”]

“It’s not about what I’ve done; these are simply the results detected by the system,” Tong Ling responded. “Do you know the core of someone’s identity?”

The m577’s program rapidly generated numerous answers: [“Self-awareness, perceptions of others, shaping by environment…”]

“In essence, it boils down to the trajectory of this character within society. If a person is universally ignored and unrecognized by society, do you truly believe they exist? When everyone around them defines their role, then that becomes who they are in the eyes of others.”

“When a newborn receives a name, they gain an identity in the world. As they grow up, they encounter diverse individuals whose perceptions and views also shape their identity. Relatives, friends, lovers… all these relationships significantly influence one’s sense of self.”

Tong Ling analyzed softly, “The protagonist’s name is mine, her family members are mine, and all the friends on her social media accounts belong to me. The boyfriend—no, ex-boyfriend—is mine too… even the backup options are mine. In this small world, my identity shift has been fully acknowledged. Not even devices meant to monitor the plot can defy the world’s consciousness. Do you understand now?”

Stunned speechless, m577 realized that it had initially assumed Tong Ling was simply borrowing Yu Yurou’s identity to enjoy her privileged life. Who could have anticipated she intended from the start to completely replace her?

With her original identity stripped away and replaced by another name, could the protagonist still be considered the same person? Her destiny trajectory has fundamentally changed!

Just contemplating the protagonist’s altered situation sent shivers of shock through m577. Compared to this, the male lead’s car accident seemed trivial; the protagonist’s fate was far more tragic! Consequently, even m577’s perception of its host shifted, no longer daring to speak disrespectfully. With newfound deference, it cautiously spoke up: 【Sis, from now on, you’re my Ling Sis. Play with any man you want, and I’ll take issue with anyone who tries to stop you!】

Tong Ling blinked, confused.

What nonsense is my system spouting now?

In Tong Ling’s mind, m577 transformed into a fluffy white ball. From within that white fluff emerged pink paw pads, holding between them a slender ladies’ cigarette: “Sis, want one? A smoke after, it’s pure bliss!”

”…I haven’t even had ‘after’ yet,” Tong Ling replied hesitantly.

m577 chuckled awkwardly: “Then I’ll put this away.”

“Wait,” Tong Ling asked, “Can I actually smoke this cigarette inside my head?”

“This is a special item from the Main God, containing no harmful substances. It’s designed to invigorate, refresh the mind, and soothe nerves,” m577 promptly explained. “Host, whenever you wish, your soul can materialize here with me. After all, entering a small world involves projecting your soul while your physical body serves merely as a vessel.”

Tong Ling concentrated, attempting to manifest her soul, and found herself indeed appearing next to m577. She accepted the prop cigarette offered by m577, and with her other hand, gently stroked its fuzzy body. “Why didn’t you tell me earlier about this possibility?”

M577 lit its prop cigarette and responded, “It’s just that it hadn’t occurred to me before. Our system primarily focuses on assigning tasks; there usually isn’t any opportunity for direct interaction with hosts.”

Tong Ling glanced sidelong at m577. “Why have you changed your mind now?”

With its paw pads pressed against the ground, m577’s fluffy body lowered itself into a standard kneeling position of submission, resembling a traditional Japanese apology. 【Oh, mighty one, can we stick to more conventional storylines from now on? Your unpredictable approach s-scared me!】

Tong Ling exhaled a smoke ring, her eyes narrowing as she said, “Relax, these are all normal plot developments. We’re not going off-script.”

The Main God’s prop cigarettes indeed lived up to their reputation. Energized by the smoke, Tong Ling playfully engaged Ye Xu in kisses and teasing until he retreated for a cold shower, finally escaping her antics.

Ye Xu felt both affectionate and frustrated towards Tong Ling. To avoid alarming her, he restrained himself to only kissing her, knowing they had just established their relationship. Rushing things could imply ulterior motives, yet doing nothing seemed to always push him dangerously close to losing control. This slightly mischievous childlike nature left Ye Xu utterly helpless.

Once Tong Ling had her fill of teasing, she nestled into Ye Xu’s arms and said, “I heard that Ye Huan hosted a banquet…”

Ye Xu’s hand, gently stroking Tong Ling’s long hair, paused momentarily.

“Did he not invite you?” Tong Ling looked up at Ye Xu. “Lu Yue attended and mentioned Ye Huan had a female companion with him.”

Ye Xu’s heart tightened, but under Tong Ling’s gaze, he calmly replied, “There’s nothing appealing about such banquets. Why would you still care who he brings after breaking up with him?”

“I don’t mind if he dates other women, but bringing my sister…” Tong Ling held Ye Xu’s hand, softly caressing his distinct knuckles as she casually asked, “Have you ever met my sister?”

Ye Xu instinctively denied it, “No, I don’t know your sister.”

“I heard her mental state was poor, leading to hospitalization.” Tong Ling feigned concern. “Would you accompany me to visit her?”

Instantly, Ye Xu furrowed his brow. “If her mental state is fragile, it’s best not to disturb her.”

“That’s quite heartless, isn’t it? I only have one sister, and our parents always wanted me to look after her.” Tong Ling made a firm decision, “Tomorrow, come with me, okay?”

Ye Xu desperately wanted to refuse; he had no desire to see that woman again.

If possible, he wished to erase all memories of their encounter completely. Her presence had caused him too much distress, casting a shadow even over his cherished childhood memories.

Now, just as his relationship with “Yurou” was getting back on track during this sweet and blissful period, why should he meet that woman?!

Not only should he avoid seeing her, but his girlfriend shouldn’t either, lest any unexpected incidents occur… What then?

Despite these thoughts, when Ye Xu saw the expression in his girlfriend’s eyes, he knew he couldn’t refuse.

”…Alright,” Ye Xu reluctantly agreed. “But you must stay with me at all times, don’t engage with her alone.”

“Why?”

“We need to be cautious around someone with unstable mental health.”

Ye Xu’s reasoning was sound, and Tong Ling readily agreed without hesitation.

However, m577 sensed a hint of mischief brewing from Tong Ling’s actions. [“Host, what do you plan to do?”]

“Help the protagonist advance her storyline,” Tong Ling replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “If I don’t let her see me, how can she frame me? And if she doesn’t frame me, how will the male supporting character confront her? As for the ending… well, that depends on Ye Xu’s performance.”

“Oh right,” Tong Ling suddenly asked, “if the protagonist quickly completes her plotline, will I still have time left in this small world?”

m577 responded, [Normally, you’re allotted a total of three years’ stay.]

“Excellent. It seems we have two more carefree years ahead.” Tong Ling smiled. “Two years should be plenty of time to explore every corner of this world.”

The next day, Tong Ling purchased a fruit basket and flowers. Following the system’s guidance, she took Ye Xu with her to their destination.

Yu Yurou knew she wasn’t truly ill; she was just overwhelmed by anger, so much so that it became difficult to control her emotions.

After Shen Man forcibly sent Yu Yurou to the hospital, doctors and nurses constantly attended to her, leaving no immediate opportunity for Yu Yurou to escape.

Lying alone in the hospital room felt unbearable, but seeing her own sister with the man who should rightfully belong to her amplified her distress exponentially.

“Yu Ling!” As soon as she spotted this imposter stealing her identity, Yu Yurou’s head buzzed with anger, “You dare to face me again!”