Chapter 7: Replacing Your Life (7)

m577 had mocked Tong Ling earlier for her inability to complete tasks, threatening to bring her home with him if she failed. Now it realized just how naive it had been.

Curling up like a hamster, m577 glanced at the data on the device monitoring plot points. The glaringly obvious deviation of 0 seemed to taunt it audibly.

This wasn’t a malfunctioning machine; this woman, Tong Ling, was simply an anomaly—a bug in the system!

Tong Ling and Ye Huan discussed further details together, coordinating their stories to withstand Shen Man’s inquiries. Then, they took turns refining the substitute contract clause by clause. Once Tong Ling had drafted the terms roughly using her phone, she said, “I’ll go print out the contract. While I’m at it, I’ll stop by home and prepare dinner for you.”

Before leaving, Tong Ling didn’t forget to return the cell phone she’d borrowed from Ye Huan. “If anything comes up, feel free to contact me or reach out to Ye Xu instead,” she reminded him. “He arranged for a caregiver for you. Anywhere I can’t attend to, he will take care of.”

Ye Huan was reluctant to let Tong Ling go. In the short time they’d spent together at the hospital, his feelings for her had only deepened. No other woman could captivate his thoughts as she did, but he knew better than to cling to her incessantly. Though he disliked hearing his girlfriend mention Ye Xu, he kept silent about it.

Jealousy made men ugly, after all. Ye Huan wouldn’t allow himself to become someone who risked losing Tong Ling’s favor again.

Thus, Ye Huan quietly watched Tong Ling depart, murmuring softly, “I’ll wait for you.”

m577:

It was deeply suspicious that it had witnessed some kind of alternate reality. Was this pitiful creature—a character so flawed even his mother wouldn’t recognize him—the same domineering male lead who usually commanded attention before the female protagonist?

When leaving the hospital, Tong Ling didn’t encounter Ye Xu directly. However, he had left a message through one of the nurses on duty.

“The Mr. Ye said,” relayed the nurse, “due to work commitments, he must return to the company first. He mentioned if Miss Yu needs anything, he would be more than willing to come at your beck and call—as long as you’re open to it.”

Tong Ling inwardly acknowledged Ye Xu’s emotional intelligence. This subtle approach, stepping back while still expressing availability, was an effective way to gently win over someone’s affections without causing embarrassment. Of course she needed him; future plot points would require his cooperation after all.

After printing two copies of the substitute contract, Tong Ling used Yu Ling’s memories to navigate her way home. Since arriving in this world, she had met both the male lead and secondary male characters. Now, it was time to meet Yu Yurou’s closest family members—she hoped their reactions wouldn’t disappoint her.

Yu Ling and Yu Yurou were university students studying locally. While Yu Yurou, with her rich social life, lived on campus year-round, Yu Ling returned home each day. For Yu Ling, however, “home” served merely as a place to sleep—not a single hint of warmth or comfort could be found there.

When Tong Ling arrived home, Father and Mother Yu had just returned from work. At first glance, they were startled by her presence before their surprise gave way to delight.

“Rourou? How did you return so soon? Didn’t you go abroad?” Mother Yu asked as she quickly approached Tong Ling, her face radiant with affectionate smiles. “It’s been ages since you’ve been here! Were you lying about going overseas all along?”

“Don’t keep our child standing at the door; let’s talk inside,” Father Yu chimed in, his expression equally warm. As he spoke, he placed a pair of slippers beside Tong Ling upon entering the house. “Why didn’t you give us a call before coming back? We haven’t even bought groceries for dinner yet. Later tonight, your mom and I will head to the supermarket—let us know if there’s anything specific you’d like to eat.”

Tong Ling basked in this rare display of attentiveness from both parents while responding, “Mom, Dad, don’t trouble yourselves anymore. Let me treat you two to a restaurant instead.”

“But that would be such a waste!” Mother Yu began to protest instinctively but swiftly changed tack under Tong Ling’s piercing gaze. “Alright, alright—we’ll indulge you this time!”

As Tong Ling observed this couple, she couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. In her memories, she had never once seen them show genuine kindness or warmth towards herself. All she ever experienced was endless coldness.

Despite being identical twins with unmistakably similar features, she and Yu Yurou received completely different treatment—as if Yu Ling weren’t truly their biological daughter. The only person within the family who showed any genuine concern for Yu Ling was Yu Yurou herself—but even then, this compassion came at a price.

“Mom,” Tong Ling said, adopting Yu Yurou’s mannerisms, “I had Xiao Ling go abroad in my place.”

“After giving it some thought, I realized that going overseas for several years is just too risky. My relationship with Ye Huan is progressing well, but what if he were to change his mind while I’m away? It’d be devastating. So, I decided to let Xiao Ling take the spot abroad. Once she graduates, I can simply retrieve my degree certificate later.”

Mother Yu listened with evident delight, showing not even a hint of disapproval at Yu Yurou’s arrangement.

“Haha, excellent idea! I never wanted you to leave in the first place; traveling so far would be such hardship. Even if you needed an international student status, sending Yu Ling instead serves your purpose perfectly—after all, her grades were always based on yours anyway.”

Tong Ling feigned a troubled expression. “But wouldn’t this somehow feel… wrong? Might Xiao Ling resent me as her elder sister?”

“How could she possibly resent you? You’re her favorite elder sister!” As Mother Yu spoke of Yu Ling, a trace of barely concealed disgust flickered across her face. “It’s just your kindness taken too far—constantly worrying over her every need. After all, taking care of these things is her duty!”

“All right, enough already,” Father Yu interjected, trying to smooth things out. “Our daughter has come home after a long time; why dwell on such matters? How long will Rourou stay this visit? Will she join us tonight at home?”

“I’ll be living at home from now on,” Tong Ling said affectionately as she linked arms with Mother Yu. “Mom, I’ll have more time to keep you company from here on out. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?”

Mother Yu could only nod repeatedly, charmed by Tong Ling’s endearment.

“However, there is one favor you must help me with,” Tong Ling revealed her true purpose. “Although I’m staying behind myself, you know well how Ye Huan’s mother feels about our relationship. Sending me abroad was entirely her idea this time. Since Xiao Ling took my place overseas, I need to use her identity while remaining here in China.”

“Ye Huan’s mother will undoubtedly try every means to investigate me. The easiest way for her would be through you both. So if you receive any calls from unknown numbers, do not answer them under any circumstances! And when you’re out, don’t breathe a word of my return; it might arouse suspicion.”

Mother and Father Yu promptly raised their hands, vowing they wouldn’t touch unfamiliar phone calls or discuss such matters in public.

“This romance of yours sure sounds exhausting!” Mother Yu couldn’t help but lament softly. “When has a girl like you ever had to endure such hardships?! Is Ye Huan really worth all this sacrifice?”

“Oh, he definitely is,” Tong Ling replied with a smile. “Just trust me on this. Once we marry someday, I’ll take you along to enjoy life together—a prosperous future awaits us!”

“Still clinging to your affection for me!” Mother Yu laughed even more heartily.

The Yu family was comfortably well-off; while far from the opulence of wealthy clans—they were as different as cloud and mud—they certainly didn’t live in poverty. Yet, upon comparing the sisters’ rooms, one would hardly believe they belonged to households of similar means. Yu Yurou’s room was spacious and elegantly furnished with a large full-length mirror, a vanity table, and a wardrobe crammed with beautiful clothes. In contrast, Yu Ling’s quarters were small and secluded, barely adorned save for her desk and bed. Two narrow cabinets provided the only space for storing clothing and personal items.

Had she not seen it with her own eyes, Tong Ling might have suspected that the memories she’d received were exaggerated…

“The life this cannon fodder female character led—it’s no wonder she bolted after awakening,” Tong Ling mused aloud. “Who wouldn’t run away given such conditions?” She then flopped dramatically onto Yu Yurou’s expansive bed. “At least she lived like a proper human should.”

Tong Ling countered, “Isn’t that reason enough?”

He had no retort—she wasn’t wrong on that point.

“What I don’t quite understand is why the authors went out of their way to make the cannon fodder female lead’s circumstances so dire,” Tong Ling pondered, furrowing her brow. “Could it be to fuel her jealousy? Are they setting up a plot twist later where she seeks revenge by causing trouble for the main heroine?”

m577:

“The plot arrangement in this pocket dimension is just plain unreasonable,” Tong Ling criticized. “Any normal person would run away upon encountering such circumstances. Who would stay behind to be a substitute? You should bring this up with your Main God—fight for some perks for these cannon fodder characters. Otherwise, even more of them will bolt in the future.”

Deep down, m577 agreed with Tong Ling’s assessment. However, as merely an ordinary small system, it lacked the influence to negotiate with the Main God directly. Struggling to save face, it responded:

[It’s not like all cannon fodder face such conditions; that was just one exceptional case…]

“Why then did Yu Ling receive treatment like this?” Tong Ling pressed on. “Her own mother seems to treat her worse than an enemy.”

Neither Yu Ling’s memories nor the events within the pocket dimension had provided Tong Ling with answers.

As a System, m577 possessed access to additional information beyond what was immediately apparent. It promptly offered an explanation:

[Mother Yu experienced complications during Yu Ling’s birth—a difficult labor so perilous that she nearly didn’t survive the surgery. Although she recovered physically, the psychological trauma was profound, leading her to develop deep resentment towards her child. In an attempt to soothe Mother Yu’s distress, Father Yu also adopted an indifferent stance towards Yu Ling.]

Tong Ling’s eyes widened incredulously. “Just this? Is that all?”

m577’s message echoed in her mind, but Tong Ling cared little for such fatalism. Her belief was simple: whatever she desired should be hers to take—nothing had ever eluded her grasp before!

After resting at home for a while, Tong Ling indulged herself with Yu Yurou’s leftover facial mask and skincare products, treating her face to a luxurious spa-like experience right there in her room. She then meticulously applied exquisite makeup before setting out with Father and Mother Yu for dinner.

With access to Yu Yurou’s account and ample funds in the payment app, Tong Ling spent money without hesitation or guilt.

She chose an upscale restaurant where they enjoyed their meal together happily. As they finished eating, she casually packed several portions to bring along to the hospital. However, as soon as they stepped out of the restaurant, she collided head-on with a man—a familiar figure from Yu Yurou’s past.

He was strikingly handsome, dressed in a custom-tailored suit. His shirt collar lay open two buttons wide, revealing his sensual clavicle line. With his tall stature and long legs drawing attention effortlessly, Tong Ling initially mistook him for a fashion model striding down a runway. That confident yet provocative demeanor wasn’t something easily achieved through ordinary exercise alone—it seemed almost innate.

Tong Ling’s gaze also fell upon the man’s wristwatch; its design alone screamed luxury and value. His attire was meticulously chosen, adorned with sapphire cufflinks and a handcrafted leather belt… This ensemble exuded opulence, making the man shimmer like a beacon of style. When he smiled, his charm was utterly captivating.

That striking appearance instantly revealed his identity to Tong Ling—Yu Yurou’s third standby option, Lu Yue.

Lu Yue equally recognized Tong Ling at first glance. As one who knew the truth behind Yu Yurou’s supposed overseas trip, it would have been natural for him to be startled by her sudden appearance here. Yet, not a hint of confusion crossed his face as he greeted Tong Ling with practiced ease: “What a delightful coincidence, Yurou! To encounter you here today—it seems my luck has taken quite a turn for the better.”

As they drew closer, Tong Ling detected a subtle scent of juniper berries mixed with sweet oranges emanating from the man. This aroma perfectly complemented his demeanor—both alluringly intoxicating like fine spirits yet refreshingly crisp like ripe fruit. It suggested a complex individual with a rich tapestry of experiences…

Tong Ling recalled the chat logs between Yu Yurou and Lu Yue. Unlike her interactions with Ye Xu or Song Xingyi, Yu Yurou seemed somewhat vulnerable whenever she was with this man. The rhythm of their conversations was entirely controlled by him, yet Yu Yurou remained oblivious to this fact.

Had Tong Ling not restored and meticulously reviewed every message from start to finish, it would have been impossible to discern any issues from just isolated segments of their chats.

Yu Yurou maintained ambiguous connections with many people, but her exchanges with Lu Yue were always the most relaxed and enjoyable for her. She found Ye Xu too distant, while Song Xingyi came across as overly childish and clingy. In contrast, Lu Yue possessed a perfect balance of wit and eloquence. He never allowed awkward silences to fall, nor did he make others feel uncomfortable; in matters of charm, he had always excelled remarkably.

At times, Yu Yurou’s fondness for Lu Yue even surpassed that towards her own boyfriend. After all, Ye Huan was deeply self-centered—unlike Lu Yue, who constantly attuned himself to her emotions.

The reason Lu Yue ranked merely third among her potential suitors—the so-called “third-tier spare tire”—was purely due to his well-known philandering reputation. This overshadowed his other qualities, causing him to lag behind others in her affections despite his undeniable appeal.

Lu Yue, with his natural charm, naturally attracted a multitude of women. He was no ascetic by any means; his bedside never lacked for lovers.

Compared to other philanderers, Lu Yue stood out—generous with his affections, witty in conversation, and blessed with undeniable handsomeness. The number of women vying to be his paramour was countless, and those who had been involved with him couldn’t help but remain infatuated.

Yu Yurou felt that Lu Yue treated her uniquely, yet she lacked the confidence to hold onto this man. If forced to choose a marriage partner, he would undoubtedly rank at the very bottom of her list.

Tong Ling saw deeper than Yu Yurou did. She believed that among all the men, only Lu Yue truly understood Yu Yurou’s true nature.

Though fully aware of Yu Yurou’s character flaws, Lu Yue said nothing about them. Instead, he maintained a subtle demeanor, observing Yu Yurou closely. At times, he even deliberately inserted himself into situations, setting off several dramatic confrontations later on in their story—a far cry from being an unassuming tool character.

In short, Lu Yue was anything but a passive pawn in this narrative.