Chapter 70: Mind Reading (11)

m577: [Bell Sister, is this really okay?]

Even m577 was taken aback, witnessing the male lead nearly paralyzed with shock after being unexpectedly assaulted by a female rogue’s forceful kiss. It couldn’t help but wonder if the incident might leave some psychological trauma on him.

“What do you mean?” Tong Ling scoffed lightly. “I’m the victim here, remember?”

Tong Ling chuckled, imagining the headline: “A Young Woman, stalked for several blocks by a man, bravely subdues him using her wits. The stalker collapses, unable to recover.” She exclaimed, “With such a news title, who wouldn’t praise the young woman’s courage and decisiveness, applauding her actions!”

m577 conceded; it knew it couldn’t argue past her!

However, it seemed that the plot was progressing steadily. For the male lead to resort to stalking so quickly indicated his growing intolerance of its deranged host,急于收集证据 against her.

The only aspect lacking progress was the development between the male and female leads. Jin Yingyao appeared completely preoccupied with dealing with its eccentric host, barely noticing anyone else.

But m577 was no longer the same as before. It realized that aligning the current events with the original storyline could be achieved through manipulating public opinion alone.

As long as the final outcome portrays the male and female leads as a beloved romantic couple in the eyes of everyone, the details leading up to it don’t matter!

Previously, m577 had followed its host’s instructions by manipulating public opinion on the college forum, acting as a shill to steer discussions. Normally, Jin Yingyao, being an S-rank student at Saint Hieria, would have a significantly larger base of supporters compared to Yan Ling. Even if he genuinely pursued her, most people would still side with Jin Yingyao.

Now, thanks to m577’s manipulation, the public perceived Jin Yingyao as distraught and lacking composure after being rejected. This was the direct result of guiding the narrative. Subsequently, more posts emerged claiming things like “Jin Yingyao skipping classes due to heartbreak” or “Jin Yingyao looking disheartened over his lost love.” m577 must admit, it played a significant role in amplifying the popularity of these threads.

With this manipulation, nearly all students at Saint Hieria believed that Jin Yingyao loved Yan Ling but was ultimately rejected. Given this foundation, how difficult could it be to pair Jin Yingyao with someone else romantically?

Feeling a qualitative leap in its ability to control the plot, m577 was about to bask in self-satisfaction when suddenly… something felt off. When did it learn to exploit loopholes and manipulate the storyline?

m577 glanced at Tong Ling and curled up, feeling its own descent—this woman had corrupted it too.

Silently, m577 apologized to the God within: “Sorry, but this is all for completing your…tasks after all. As long as the tasks are accomplished, the means used shouldn’t matter…right?”

Contrary to Jin Yingyao’s expectations, Tong Ling did not plan any nocturnal ambushes.

Instead, she dutifully sent her location to the Yan family’s driver. When the car arrived, she obediently returned home in the private vehicle.

Relieved, m577 thought to itself that the young mistress of the Yan family already pushed boundaries by staying out overnight once; last night was covered by Gu Li’s intervention. If she didn’t return tonight, there would undoubtedly be consequences. It seemed its host still understood moderation well.

Just as m577 concluded that Tong Ling had a good sense of limits, she confronted Father and Mother Yan upon returning home.

“What did you say?” Father Yan stared incredulously at his daughter, widening his eyes, “How dare you utter such words!”

Mother Yan, who maintained her aristocratic demeanor since entering, also showed signs of distress, her expression crumbling. “Lingling, you…”

“Did you not hear me clearly?” Tong Ling stood before them, her smile gentle but her words unyielding. “Cancel all those unnecessary courses for me. From now on, I won’t be returning home at fixed times every day. There’s no need to look for me; I’ll naturally contact you when I have time.”

“Insanity…” Father Yan had always taught Yan Ling strict discipline, and she had been obedient since childhood. How could she utter such words?! “What happened to your etiquette and manners?!”

“Is Lingling feeling ill?” Mother Yan furrowed her brow, expression serious. “If you’re uncomfortable due to sickness, you can take a few days off to rest at home.”

By “rest,” Mother Yan meant confining Yan Ling to her room so she could reflect and regain composure. They wouldn’t allow her to interact with others until she conformed to their standards.

The previous Yan Ling was suppressed and dared not resist, but Tong Ling would never indulge their unreasonable expectations.

Tong Ling needed “compliant” parents, confident that they would make the right choices.

“Within two months, I will become an A-level student at Saint Hieria,” Tong Ling said slowly. “I don’t oppose the marriage alliance with the Xiao family, but there’s no need to rush. Take more time to consider your options.”

“After all, there are numerous well-established corporations with many exceptional heirs, such as JS Group. If we could arrange a marriage alliance with them, it would bring even greater benefits.”

Father and Mother Yan were no longer merely angry; they began to suspect that their daughter might truly be… somewhat different.

“The courses you’ve arranged for me aim to make me perfect, turning me into an outstanding heir who will then marry another exceptional successor, thus achieving a strong alliance between families.” Tong Ling glanced at both of them, smiling. “I believe I am already sufficiently perfect. I will carefully choose the person I desire, or rather, my choice will undoubtedly satisfy you.”

Father Yan’s expression gradually softened. He saw ambition in Yan Ling’s eyes, along with a level of poise and confidence beyond her age. In the past, Father Yan had always perceived his daughter as beautiful yet delicate, performing admirably but somehow lacking something essential.

Now, he knew what she had been missing. Yan Ling lacked the sharp drive necessary for an heir of a corporation. Without aspiration and determination, an heir would simply be useless.

Mother Yan also became more intrigued by her daughter’s perspective. “You want to carefully choose the person you desire? Xiao Lingfei was selected as the best match for you; who else could you possibly pick?”

“Must I choose just one?” Tong Ling raised an eyebrow and asked, “Can’t anyone who benefits our Yan family be considered?”

Mother Yan couldn’t help but burst out laughing, “Where did you learn such nonsense? This is truly absurd.”

“I learned it from both of you,” Tong Ling replied with a hint of sarcasm. “A wife and husband can have only one spouse each, but countless lovers. If you can do it, why can’t I? As your child, you should trust that I possess this capability too.”

Mother Yan’s smile froze, lips trembling, she exclaimed, “Y-you’re being utterly disrespectful!”

“You must have received Gu Li’s call yesterday,” Tong Ling said calmly. “He’s the first, but there will be others following him—second, third, and so on. I need autonomy over my time, and I hope you’ll cooperate with me.”

“Gu Li… Secretary-General Gu’s son, right…” Father Yan rhythmically tapped his fingers on the chair’s armrest, pondering for a moment before asking, “How is your relationship progressing with him?”

Tong Ling replied, “I joined the HR club, and he has been very supportive of me.”

Mother Yan exclaimed, “Aren’t you supposed to be focusing on your studies?”

She had even sighed with admiration over the phone last night, thinking how responsible Gu Li was, only for it to turn out quite differently?

Tong Ling addressed Mother Yan again, “Mother, can’t we also nurture relationships outside of our studies?”

“But what about Xiao Lingfei?” Mother Yan still favored him more.

“We get along equally well in the club,” Tong Ling responded. She then requested, “However, I need more time for dates.”

Seeing her daughter’s love life suddenly become so vibrant left Mother Yan somewhat bewildered.

Could it truly be, as Yan Ling suggested, that their own conduct led to this shift in their daughter’s mindset?

“Those boys aren’t just casual acquaintances; if things don’t work out, can you handle the consequences?” Father Yan reevaluated his daughter, realizing she indeed possessed qualities attracting attention. Perhaps the Yan family could indeed find better prospects.

“I’m not afraid of failure; I fear missing opportunities,” Tong Ling stated firmly.

Convinced, Father Yan nodded and said, “Socializing is indeed important, but your academic performance must not suffer.”

“No problem, Father.” Seeing that both parents had no further objections, Tong Ling turned and returned to her room. Closing the door behind her, she promptly flopped onto the bed and started playing with her phone.

Still astonished, m577 had never witnessed anyone so boldly demanding free time from their “parents” for dating—not just one person, but multiple individuals. How utterly… shameless!

“They actually agreed…” m577 couldn’t comprehend it, exclaiming internally, “[How could they agree?!]”

Tong Ling opened her social media app and began chatting with her “friends,” simultaneously addressing the system’s confusion: “What’s the big deal? In the original plot, Father and Mother Yan didn’t have much affection for their daughter anyway. They needed an heir who could bring them substantial benefits. With my potential, why wouldn’t they support me?”

“[Potential? Potential for seducing men, perhaps?]” m577’s inner sarcasm overflowed, “[A whole family nurturing lovers? What kind of harmonious household is this?]

“I’m still an innocent and naive student; don’t make wild accusations about having lovers,” Tong Ling said dismissively while arranging weekend plans with several “friends” on her social media app.

M577 rolled its eyes dramatically: […I’m developing PTSD from hearing words like ‘innocent’ and ‘naive’.]

“Well, you should seek treatment for that, wouldn’t you agree?” Tong Ling asked with a smile.

M577: […Yes.]

Even the male lead gets unnerved by the host, so what could a mere system like itself do…

Jin Yingyao buried his head deep into the pillow, letting the early morning alarm clock ring repeatedly throughout his bedroom.

“This is unbearable.” Jin Yingyao turned over, staring blankly at the ceiling, “How could I have such dreams…”

Previously, his nightmares involved his friends being locked up by the twisted Yan Ling. But last night’s nightmare…the protagonist became himself.

Not only was he imprisoned by Yan Ling, but that deranged girl also subjected him to…to all sorts of horrors!

In the middle of the night, Jin Yingyao had rushed to take a shower, changed into fresh underwear, and then lay wide awake until dawn arrived.

The alarm clock’s shrill noise pierced Jin Yingyao’s ears, finally prompting him to muster some strength and reach out to silence it.

Lost in his thoughts for what felt like an eternity, long enough for the family butler to approach his door, urging him to get up for school.

“I don’t want to go…” Jin Yingyao muttered blankly, unsure how he could face Yan Ling after such horrors. She was truly terrifying, utterly horrifying.

“Shall I call in sick for you, young master?” the butler asked from outside the door.

“No need!” Jin Yingyao suddenly snapped back to reality. He couldn’t let this setback defeat him; if he skipped school, Yan Ling might target his friends! Having experienced her manipulations firsthand, he knew how dangerous she could be. There was no way he would allow his friends to undergo something similar—it was absolutely unthinkable!

Jin Yingyao sprang off the bed with agility, hastily dressed himself, washed up quickly, grabbed his backpack, and urged, “Hurry, hurry, take me to Saint Hieria.”

“Young master, you haven’t had breakfast yet,” the butler reminded him.

“No time for that.” Jin Yingyao couldn’t afford to waste any moments; getting to the academy was paramount.

“The lab results for the cookies and milk you brought back last night are ready. Would you like to see them…?”

“Give give give, hand it over quickly.” Jin Yingyao had actually requested a medical examination from his private doctor last night. The doctor assured him that he was perfectly healthy, with no issues whatsoever. In other words, the cookie he consumed hadn’t caused any harm to him, but what if… What if his body was just too robust, and there were indeed problems with the cookie? Otherwise, how could he have experienced such a dream?!

The housekeeper handed Jin Yingyao the food analysis report. He flipped through it from start to finish, reaching the results section which indicated - “Passed.”

Jin Yingyao searched repeatedly but found nothing suggesting any issue with the food. “No problems?”

“They were homemade cookies, without any excess additives, quite healthy,” the housekeeper replied. “The strawberry milk is also a standard beverage cleared by food safety inspections.”

“Then those cookies from yesterday…” Jin Yingyao recalled the taste of the cookie he had eaten and couldn’t help but lick his lips.

“You mentioned wanting each cookie tested. After sampling them, the cookies were…” The housekeeper’s expression showed regret. “Young Master, these were gifts from someone else? If you’re not confident about their safety, you should refrain from accepting them.”

”…,” Jin Yingyao fell silent.

Recalling the wasted food, especially knowing it was handmade by Yan Ling, he felt a subtle sense of reluctance. As soon as this emotion surfaced, he hastily reminded himself that it was made by a deviant; how could he feel hesitant about discarding something from a deviant?!

With an empty stomach, Jin Yingyao arrived at Saint Hieria. After getting out of his car, he deliberately stood near the college entrance observing for a while, waiting until he saw Yan Ling arrive with a driver he didn’t recognize before finally sighing in relief.

It seemed that last night, Yan Ling hadn’t gone to meet anyone else… Gu Li and she hadn’t crossed paths.

However, there’s no guarantee, since changing cars and drivers wouldn’t be immediately noticeable to him. Jin Yingyao considered rushing over to Yan Ling again, hoping to “listen” to her thoughts, but this time he managed to restrain himself, walking straight towards his class without faltering.

He decided to wait until interacting with others before probing further.

Upon arriving at the college, Tong Ling spotted Jin Yingyao standing like a tree stump near the entrance. Noticing that Jin Yingyao was scrutinizing her driver and vehicle, she remarked to the system, “He’s truly foolish. Does he think relationships can only be maintained through face-to-face meetings?”

Tong Ling had befriended most of the club members, including Xiao Lingfei and Lu Yifan, ensuring no one was left out. Beyond their face-to-face interactions, private chats with them continued unabated. Today, she even made plans to meet Xiao Lingfei after school at the basketball club to watch him play.

Feeling sympathetic towards Jin Yingyao, m577 asked, “Considering how you’ve lowered his IQ, could you spare him now?”

“What foolishness are you talking about?” Tong Ling replied scornfully, “Isn’t this all for advancing the plot?”

m577 remained silent… Well, it seemed the male lead was beyond saving.

It was another dull day of classes. After school, Tong Ling received several more love letters.

Perhaps influenced by Jin Yingyao’s attempted pursuit, Tong Ling’s popularity at Saint Hieria suddenly surged. During breaks, students from other classes would gather outside her classroom, clearly drawn there just to catch a glimpse of her.

Tong Ling showed no annoyance; after all, these individuals were likely to be her future voting base.

When Xiao Lingfei arrived outside Yan Ling’s class, he witnessed the highly-attentive girl treating everyone with warmth and kindness.

Her temperament and character were exceptionally good; if not for Yan Ling’s high status, Xiao Lingfei suspected she would constantly face harassment.

As soon as Xiao Lingfei appeared, most gazes swiftly shifted towards him.

Ignoring everyone else, he raised his hand and greeted Yan Ling with, “Lingling.”

As soon as he spoke, the classmates’ gazes heated up. The nickname “Lingling” was too intimate, especially coming from Xiao Lingfei’s lips. Their relationship…

Xiao Lingfei was well accustomed to being the center of attention. With one hand casually tucked into his pocket, he patiently waited for the girl to approach him.

Blushing slightly, Yan Ling stepped outside her classroom before he could say anything, only stopping once she reached a quieter corner.

“Why did you come?” Clearly feeling somewhat embarrassed, she glanced at him reproachfully. “If there’s something you need, you could have just sent me a message.”

“I came because I wanted to see you.” Xiao Lingfei hadn’t forgotten how Jin Yingyao had chased after Yan Ling early yesterday morning. If even Jin Yingyao knew to seek her out, it would be utterly inadequate for him, her fiancé, not to take initiative.

“Weren’t we agreed to meet after school?” Yan Ling gave him a mild scolding look. “With this… there’ll definitely be more rumors spreading again.”

That glance made Xiao Lingfei’s heart itch once more. He looked around, confirming that few people were paying attention to their secluded corner. Then, reaching out, he gently took hold of Yan Ling’s hand and smiled, saying, “As long as you don’t publicly reject me on the forums, I couldn’t care less about the rumors outside.”

“Ah.” The moment he grasped her hand, the girl’s face flushed red. Nervously glancing around, she whispered, “Q-quickly, let go.”

“No one can see us here,” Xiao Lingfei chuckled inwardly. If not for considering Yan Ling’s shyness and thin skin, he wouldn’t have acted so furtively; every move felt like clandestine flirting.

“But it’s still not right.” The girl’s voice was soft, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. “You need my permission before doing such things.”

Xiao Lingfei’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he released her hand and asked, “Can I hold your hand then, Lingling?”

Without waiting for a response, he swiftly replied himself, “Mm-hmm, I’m willing, Lingfei.”

With that quick exchange, Xiao Lingfei once again firmly took Yan Ling’s hand.

“Pfft.” The girl couldn’t help but laugh at his antics, her eyes curving into crescents like tiny moons. “How do you…”

“You look so beautiful when you smile…” Xiao Lingfei suddenly leaned closer to Yan Ling, blinking his fox-like eyes, and said softly, “Please smile more often for me.”

Caught off guard by his sudden proximity, the girl instinctively tried to retreat like a startled rabbit. However, Xiao Lingfei held tightly onto her hand, preventing Yan Ling from distancing herself.

“Am I that scary?” Xiao Lingfei asked with a slightly hurt expression. “I haven’t even done anything yet.”

Blushing, Yan Ling stammered, “Wh-what… what do you want to do?”

The more flustered Yan Ling became, the more Xiao Lingfei’s heart raced.

It felt as if a delectable honey peach was right before him, tempting him to take a satisfying bite and savor her taste.

But he knew it would frighten her. Sighing, Xiao Lingfei acknowledged his thoughts were quite inappropriate; how could he have such urges to “bully” her?

“If I win today’s competition…” Xiao Lingfei didn’t want to drag this out; he eagerly anticipated entering a romantic relationship quickly. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

Yan Ling fell silent for a moment, noticing his hopeful gaze. In a soft voice, she replied, “I need to think about it.”

“I’ll definitely win for you,” Xiao Lingfei said confidently. “Once you see me compete, you might just fall for me.”

“Narcissistic.” The girl turned away, but the corners of her lips curved upwards.

Seeing Yan Ling’s smile, Xiao Lingfei couldn’t help grinning again.

When the class bell rang, they exchanged quick goodbyes in their corner before parting.

As soon as Jin Yingyao overheard someone mention Xiao Lingfei going to see Yan Ling, he couldn’t sit still anymore. Quickly leaving his classroom, he rushed towards Yan Ling’s room, coincidentally bumping into Xiao Lingfei along the way.

Xiao Lingfei thought: [Win this match, and Lingling will be my girlfriend!] [Once she’s my girlfriend, I can openly hug her, not just hugs… but also kiss her, maybe even get more intimate…]

[Ah, I must win this game and show her how cool I am!]

Jin Yingyao was taken aback! What inappropriate thoughts were running through his best friend’s mind?! How could Xiao Lingfei’s head be filled with such content, especially harboring these twisted fantasies about Yan Ling?!

No way! He couldn’t let Xiao Lingfei sink deeper into this obsession!

But how could he stop him? Persuasion clearly wouldn’t work…

“Yingyao?” Upon seeing Jin Yingyao, Xiao Lingfei unconsciously furrowed his brow. “Why are you rushing here?”

Xiao Lingfei pondered: [Not in class during school hours? What is he up to now? Could it be that he wants to find… Lingling too?]

Jin Yingyao remained silent, feeling quite annoyed by that “too.” Couldn’t Xiao Lingfei give him a break? Why did he persistently gravitate towards Yan Ling like this!?

The word “also” was infuriating. Couldn’t Xiao Lingfei just give him a break? Why did he persistently gravitate towards Yan Ling?!

“It’s nothing, I’m just wandering around,” Jin Yingyao quickly changed the subject. “Do you have a match today?”

“Yeah, it’s an exchange match against Hatton College.” Xiao Lingfei draped his arm over Jin Yingyao’s shoulders and steered him away from Yan Ling’s classroom. “Why do you suddenly care about my matches?”

What to do…

Xiao Lingfei never lost a game, but if Yan Ling truly attended his match, she might make her move on him. Or rather, perhaps Xiao Lingfei himself would try something with Yan Ling…

Filled with anxiety, Jin Yingyao had a sudden realization.

He couldn’t stop Xiao Lingfei directly, but he could divert Yan Ling’s attention!

Since Yan Ling seemed… interested in him, he could find ways to distract her. As long as Yan Ling doesn’t focus on Xiao Lingfei, he’ll remain safe!

“How could I not be concerned about your matters? Good luck with your match!” With that, Jin Yingyao gently removed Xiao Lingfei’s arm and hastily ran off.

Watching Jin Yingyao’s retreating figure, Xiao Lingfei felt increasingly puzzled by his friend’s behavior.

Jin Yingyao sprinted all the way to the S-grade mansion without catching his breath.

He needed to make some preparations first.

Using his phone, Jin Yingyao searched for “how men can seduce women” and diligently noted down the key points.

To exude charm, take initiative, and master sweet talk.

Standing before a mirror, Jin Yingyao examined himself—Yan Ling had kissed him willingly, indicating he still possessed allure.

The school uniform lacked any distinctive features; perhaps changing into formal attire would be better.

And his hair… Should he call in a professional stylist to help with styling?

No, no, no, that’s too excessive.

It’s not like he genuinely wants to be with that creep; he’s just temporarily enticing her for the sake of his bro.

Jin Yingyao spun twice in front of the mirror, pondered briefly, and decided to take a shower.

After freshening up and donning a tuxedo, he stared at himself in the mirror for quite some time. Then, realizing it might be too grandiose, he switched back into his school uniform.

Looking at his reflection, unchanged from usual, Jin Yingyao felt uncertain: Could he really seduce someone like this?

Restlessly waiting until nearly dismissal time, Jin Yingyao took a deep breath, mustering courage.

Jin Yingyao, this is all for your buddy—you can do it!

With a sense of heroic resolve, Jin Yingyao, expression grave, headed towards Yan Ling’s classroom.

As soon as the young girl emerged from class, Jin Yingyao straightened instantly from where he was leaning against the wall. With a dry throat, he called out hesitantly:

“S-Schoolgirl Yan.” Bearing the weight of curious gazes, Jin Yingyao spoke in an extremely serious tone, “I need to speak with you.”