Chapter 31: Replacing Your Life

The wedding was filled with distinguished guests.

As a rising star in the business world, Ye Xu’s marriage garnered significant attention. Numerous high-profile figures from his circle attended to offer their congratulations, making it an unprecedented spectacle.

Ye Xu, young, handsome, and immensely wealthy, had no shortage of admirers. Naturally, the identity of his chosen partner piqued curiosity and envy alike. However, when people saw the bride’s name on the wedding invitations, those in the know couldn’t help but gasp in surprise.

Yu Yurou - wherever this woman appeared, chaos seemed to follow, turning every event into a hotbed for gossip.

Previous gatherings hosted by the Song and Ye families descended into turmoil largely due to her presence. Her tumultuous romantic history alone provided ample fodder for endless discussions.

The young scion of the Song family harbored feelings for her, while Ye Huan was initially her boyfriend. Through a series of bizarre events, he not only lost his girlfriend but also his status as the heir to the Ye Family fortune. Even Ye Xu, the illegitimate son who broke ties with the Ye Family and became its adversary, seemingly did so over this very woman…

Upon reflection, one could argue that, in a certain sense, this woman truly held immense influence.

Now, Ye Xu and she were about to marry, and for the guests, it felt like reaching the grand finale of a juicy drama. Their anticipation for this wedding heightened significantly.

“I didn’t expect Ye Xu to come out on top in the end,” whispered some wealthy young ladies during the reception, gossiping quietly. “I thought Miss Yu was firmly set on being with Ye Huan. Seems there’s still hope for her after all.”

“Poor little Song heir, he never stood a chance, rejected from the start.” One sympathetic maiden sighed, “Am I the only one who feels sorry for him?”

“The little Song heir is too young, not even at the legal marriage age yet. And no youngster can match Ye Xu’s steadiness and reliability.” In comparison, choosing Ye Xu appeared to be the optimal decision.

Listening to their chatter, Wei Wei remained gloomy, muttering, “That deceiver… whoever ends up with her will surely fall under her complete control.”

“Weiwei, are you close with that Miss Yu?” the other girls asked eagerly. “Tell us, what tactics does Miss Yu use to captivate so many men?”

“Manipulative? Hmph,” Wei Wei thought bitterly about being deceived for so long, feeling quite angry. Yet despite this, she had never truly disliked that woman. “She’s incredibly skilled at making people feel happy.”

Resting her chin on one hand, Wei Wei took a sip of her drink. “When you’re with her, it feels like you’re the center of her world - her words and smile are both enchantingly sweet. The joy she brings is something no one else can replicate.”

Noticing Wei Wei’s demeanor, the others exchanged subtle glances. “Weiwei… don’t tell me you actually like…”

“Pfft!” Wei Wei shot them an irate glare. “What nonsense are you thinking?! I just consider her a friend; my sexual orientation is perfectly normal!”

“Oh—” the wealthy young women teased, giggling. “For Weiwei to praise someone this much, she must be quite exceptional indeed.”

“I’m not too optimistic about her relationship with Ye Xu,” Wei Wei admitted. Ever since arriving at the wedding, she had felt a peculiar sense of foreboding. “I fear this ceremony might not go as smoothly.”

Behind the scenes, in the bridal dressing room.

A pristine white wedding dress hung to one side, while the makeup artist, having been abruptly ushered out before starting the bride’s styling, now anxiously looked around outside the door. Their expression suggested a deep concern, as if fearing someone would discover something amiss.

Inside the room, Tong Ling sat before the makeup mirror. A pair of arms securely wrapped around her waist as a young man embraced her from behind, gently resting his chin on her shoulder. He murmured softly, “Sis, can’t you just not marry him? What’s so great about marriage? It takes away all your freedom.”

Tong Ling glanced sidelong at Song Xingyi, who had suddenly rushed over, and asked, “How does my marriage affect you?”

Song Xingyi’s eyes shifted momentarily before he replied earnestly, “It’s simply immoral.”

Tong Ling pushed away the head resting on her shoulder, “Then you don’t have to come.”

A hint of hurt flashed across Song Xingyi’s amber eyes, “You know very well I can’t stay away!”

“It’s your choice; I’ve never demanded anything from you,” Tong Ling said calmly. “You could also find a girlfriend or perhaps…”

Unable to bear hearing any more, Song Xingyi leaned close to Tong Ling and passionately kissed her lips. “Don’t push me away.”

His eyes welled with tears, red-rimmed and pleading, making him resemble a rain-soaked puppy—both pitiful and endearing.

“I won’t seek anyone else, I belong only to you, Sis!”

Tong Ling finally let out a gentle laugh and reached up to play with Song Xingyi’s slightly curled hair. “My little puppy is so obedient.”

“Then, do I get a reward?” Song Xingyi’s gaze drifted towards the nearby wedding dress. “Can I… wear it just for a moment?”

“No,” Tong Ling immediately refused. “It would be troublesome if it gets dirty.”

“I can buy you a new one.” Song Xingyi’s face showed eagerness, as he hugged Tong Ling and continued pleading sweetly, “Come on, sis, I’ll listen to everything you say from now on. Just indulge me this once…”

M-577 felt tingles all over due to Song Xingyi’s coyness, struggling to comprehend his transformation: [He’s no longer that innocent boy who blushed at the slightest tease! His mind is filled with such nonsense…]

“He’s not thinking purely anymore,” Tong Ling scoffed lightly. “Trying to ruin the wedding this way? How childish.”

[Even considering it is quite alarming…] m-577 clutched its round body tightly, [I can’t believe we’re discussing these topics; I truly feel tainted now!]

Outside the door, the makeup artist wondered when the young man inside would leave. She considered knocking to hurry him but feared offending him.

Just as Tong Ling found herself caught between a rock and a hard place, an even worse situation unfolded.

The groom approached, frowning at her. “Why are you standing outside? Weren’t you supposed to be doing her makeup?”

“Mister Ye… I…” The makeup artist struggled for words, unsure of how to explain.

Ye Xu, perplexed, asked, “Is something wrong?”

Seeing the makeup artist’s hesitation, Ye Xu reached for the doorknob. “I’ll go check on Yurou myself.”

“No!” The makeup artist hastily tried to stop him. “Miss Yu is still…”

But it was too late; Ye Xu had already opened the door, revealing the woman about to become his wife being held intimately by another man inside.

The makeup artist, witnessing this scene, covered her mouth tightly, her eyes filled with shock and anxiety.

“Let go.” Ye Xu’s face darkened instantly, and he warned the makeup artist sternly, “Don’t say anything you shouldn’t.”

The makeup artist nodded repeatedly and quickly fled, leaving like a gust of wind.

She deeply regretted taking this job. In today’s world, were the wealthy always so scandalous? That Miss Yu… she’s truly formidable!

Ye Xu entered the dressing room and closed the door behind him.

Song Xingyi continued holding onto Tong Ling without letting go, his gaze defiant as he looked at Ye Xu.

Tong Ling gently patted Song Xingyi’s hand, signaling him to release her. She didn’t mind being seen by Ye Xu, but she did not wish to indulge this puppy’s territorial behavior.

Song Xingyi was quite perceptive; he knew it didn’t matter how he dealt with other men, as long as he didn’t upset his sister, he could always stay by her side. In following his sister’s guidance, Song Xingyi consistently excelled.

He obediently stepped aside, leaving space for Ye Xu and Tong Ling to converse.

“Why haven’t you changed into your wedding dress yet?” Once again ignoring the unusual sight before him, Ye Xu softened his expression and asked gently, “There isn’t much time left; we’ll be making our entrance soon.”

“Ye Xu, are you sure continuing like this is wise?” Tong Ling stood up and approached Ye Xu step by step. “You know I’m not the person you truly desire. Can you really persist in such delusion?”

Ye Xu’s breath caught, a new wave of fear spreading through his heart.

“As you can see, not only do I have others behind your back, but I’m neither kind nor lovable,” Tong Ling said, adopting a tone of advice. “Being with someone like me is far from ideal.”

“I don’t care!” Ye Xu’s voice rushed with urgency. “Stop talking, we’re about to get married soon. I’ve said it before, as long as it’s you, I truly don’t mind those things!”

“But I’ve had enough.” Tong Ling stared directly at Ye Xu, leaving him no chance to evade this time. “I don’t want to be with a man who pretends foolishly under someone else’s name that isn’t mine. The girl who gave you candy wasn’t me; she is still receiving treatment at the hospital after being sent there by you. Now that you know the truth, why won’t you acknowledge her?”

Tong Ling’s eyes filled with disgust, as if looking at something utterly repulsive.

“Someone like you… makes me feel so sick.”

Ye Xu’s face turned pale, and his body swayed slightly. It felt as though his throat was seared by a hot iron, making it difficult for him to breathe.

“Yu Yurou is not me,” Tong Ling enunciated each word clearly. “I am her sister, Yu Ling. Thanks to your help, I managed to play along using her identity for quite some time. But now, I’m done with this charade. For marriage, you’ll have to find someone else.”

Ye Xu stumbled backward several steps, desperately wanting to forget everything Tong Ling just said. “Don’t say anymore, stop… I don’t want to hear this!”

“How pathetic,” Tong Ling replied coldly. “You can’t accept her yet want me to pretend to be her? Even if I’m not tired of it, you certainly should be.”

“What little gege?” Tong Ling chuckled softly. “I certainly don’t have such an incompetent one.”

With red-rimmed eyes, Ye Xu glared at Tong Ling, his chest heaving violently as if his heart were being torn apart by unbearable pain. “Why?! Why did you have to say it out loud!”

Provoked almost beyond reason by Tong Ling’s words, he lunged forward, intending to grab her shoulders. “For you, I even gave up on her! How could you treat me like this!”

Before Ye Xu could touch Tong Ling, Song Xingyi, still stunned from the revelation, instinctively stepped in front of him. Pushing away the seemingly deranged Ye Xu, he cautiously shielded Tong Ling behind him.

“Your sister already said she won’t marry you, so keep your hands off,” Song Xingyi rebuked sternly.

Ye Xu’s head buzzed incessantly. Clutching his forehead, he stumbled and collapsed onto the ground.

Tong Ling didn’t spare another glance at Ye Xu; instead, she opened the door and walked out.

Song Xingyi hastily followed, stealing several furtive looks at Tong Ling while pondering internally.

“You know my true identity now, right? So why are you still following me?” Tong Ling sneered. “I’m not your Yurou-jiejie.”

When Song Xingyi first learned the truth, he was undoubtedly shocked, but quickly, everything began to make sense.

Initially, he had liked Yu Yurou, but that affection was superficial—so much so that he couldn’t even recall why he admired her back then. His feelings for his sister were different… Only when with his sister did his heart beat so intensely; he loved this woman every moment without reservation, and he absolutely didn’t want to be separated from her!

“It doesn’t matter if you’re not her,” Song Xingyi said. “I’ve always loved you, and you are my true sister!”

Tong Ling questioned him, “Even if I drove your Yurou-jiejie to madness?”

“I believe there must have been your own reasons, Sister!” Song Xingyi’s loyalty was unwavering; what he liked was inherently good in his eyes, regardless of others’ perspectives. “Yu Yurou and I no longer have any connection now, so let’s not mention her anymore, Sister.”

With Song Xingyi’s straightforward thinking, there wasn’t much else to say. Having simple-mindedness like a dog isn’t necessarily bad. After all, he is just a puppy; why hold such high expectations for a dog?

All it takes is their loyalty and obedience.

“Are you leaving here, Sister?” The thought of the wedding ending before it began brought uncontrollable joy to Song Xingyi’s heart. “Let me drive you away.”

“No need, there’s one more thing I need your help with,” Tong Ling replied.

Song Xingyi’s eyes lit up. “What is it? I guarantee I’ll complete the task!”

“Ye Huan and my parents must be here already. Even if they can’t enter the banquet, they’ll be waiting outside,” Tong Ling instructed her loyal dog. “Help me chase them away; I don’t want to see them ever again.”

“Great! I’ll go drive them off right now!” Song Xingyi hastily started walking out but paused after a few steps, turning back to ask Tong Ling, “Sis, will you wait for me to return?”

“Go ahead. If you manage to deal with Ye Huan, there’s a chance I might still be here,” Tong Ling encouraged him.

Reassured, Song Xingyi eagerly clenched his fists, ready to give Ye Huan a thorough dressing-down to cheer his sister up.

As soon as Song Xingyi left, Tong Ling didn’t waste any time and turned towards the rear exit.

However, before she could step out, she bumped into a suspicious figure lurking nearby.

At the entrance of the wedding venue, security guards barred both Lu Yue and Ye Huan from entering. Unlike Ye Huan, who stood dumbfoundedly at the door waiting, Lu Yue immediately began searching for alternative ways inside.

With such a vast area reserved for the wedding by Ye Xu, there couldn’t possibly be only one entrance.

It didn’t take long for Lu Yue to locate the rear door of the venue. Fortunately, upon entering, he spotted exactly the person he had come to see.

“Seems like even Ye Xu can’t keep you,” Lu Yue remarked with amusement as soon as he saw Tong Ling’s appearance. Without a wedding dress or any styling, and attempting to exit through the back door—it was clearly a sign she intended to flee from the marriage!

“How come you don’t even have entry privileges and must sneak in through here?” Tong Ling taunted.

Lu Yue shrugged. “Can’t help it. Maybe I’m just too enviable; Ye Xu always keeps me at arm’s length.”

“Aren’t you supposed to attend? Why are you following me?” Tong Ling frowned, noticing Lu Yue closely trailing behind her.

“I’m here for you. Whether you leave or stay, I’ll accompany you,” Lu Yue said shamelessly. “You can use me as a tool; I believe I could still be of some help to you.”

Tong Ling responded firmly, “No need, I’m not currently lacking tools.”

Undeterred, Lu Yue continued, “Is there something wrong with me? If so, please tell me; I’ll change.” In matters of love, one party often has to yield first, and Lu Yue had finally set aside his pride to seek reconciliation. Since waiting for Tong Ling hadn’t worked, he decided to take the initiative himself.

“Does Young Master Lu, upon encountering an unwanted lover, actually give them a chance?” Tong Ling’s words were blunt and unyielding. “Persistently clinging without letting go is quite unsightly.”

Lu Yue’s expression stiffened; he had understood Tong Ling’s intentions when she cut off contact with him. Yet, he always clung to the hope that perhaps there was still a chance. With his appearance, physique, wealth, talents, and charming personality, he believed one of these qualities could surely win her over.

He knew what women desired and could undoubtedly make her life enjoyable. They were so well-matched—who else could be more suitable for her?

But this woman effortlessly shattered all his hopes, leaving no opportunity whatsoever!

“Why not give it another try…” Lu Yue persisted, “Maybe you’ll discover a different side of him.”

“Different?” Tong Ling scoffed, “A chewed-up piece of gum? Trying again won’t change its lack of flavor.”

Now, even maintaining a composed facade became impossible for Lu Yue. He felt as though his self-respect was being brutally trampled underfoot by Tong Ling. Continuing to pursue her would only result in further humiliation and loss of dignity, serving no other purpose.

So why did he persist? Why couldn’t he just stop?

It dawned on him…his persistence truly looked pathetic.

Lu Yue found himself unable to continue chasing after her, as someone unexpectedly intervened, blocking his path.

The unexpected person who stopped him was someone Lu Yue hadn’t realized had any connection with Tong Ling.

“Lu Yue, you should go back now,” said the woman standing beside Tong Ling, her demeanor as haughty as ever and eyes icy as she cautioned him, “Don’t make unnecessary trouble; leave yourself some dignity.”

Resigned, Lu Yue remained rooted to the spot. “Madam Shen, what brings you here?”

“I still have matters to discuss with Yu Ling…” With a subtle glance, the bodyguard at her side immediately separated Lu Yue from them, escorting him aside.

Once Lu Yue was out of earshot, Shen Man turned to Tong Ling, “I misjudged you before; you’re even more troublesome than your sister.”

Tong Ling retorted, “Should I be blamed for not effectively rejecting someone who relentlessly pursues me?”

Shen Man’s expression remained stern, but there was a hint of exasperation in her eyes, “In this aspect, indeed your sister can’t match up to you.”

“In any case, thank you, Madam Shen,” Tong Ling grinned cheekily. “Once I’m abroad, you’ll have fewer worries on your plate.”

Shen Man rolled her eyes at Tong Ling, disregarding her own composed image, “From what I’ve seen, you won’t spare anyone peace no matter where you go.”

“Actually, you could stay by my side,” Shen Man suddenly suggested. “My company still needs more hands, and I’ve reviewed your projects at Lu Yue’s firm—they were impressive. You’re capable of handling tasks independently without issue.”

Tong Ling waved her hand dismissively. “No thanks, that was just for fun. Turning it into real work would be so boring.”

Besides, she could only remain in this world for slightly over two years. Why waste time on employment when she had leisure and wealth now? Not enjoying herself to the fullest would truly be a disservice!

Shen Man had anticipated Tong Ling’s response, feeling somewhat regretful but not attempting to dissuade her decision. “If only you could dedicate the time spent on relationships towards your career, you’d undoubtedly achieve great things. Instead, you focus on frivolities, what a waste of talent!”

There was a hint of frustration in Shen Man’s tone, as if disappointed with Tong Ling’s lack of ambition. As though unable to bear looking at her further, Shen Man dismissed her with visible disdain.

Two years swiftly passed.

With m-577 in tow, Tong Ling explored every corner of this small world. Once her funds ran dry, she promptly urged, “Quickly, quickly, next world! I’m out of money!”

M-577 responded incredulously: [I’ve never encountered someone more obsessed with indulgence. Let’s see how you manage in the next world!]