Chapter 86: Mind Reading (27)

Now, the plot had reached its concluding phase, with only the female supporting character’s ending left unresolved.

In the original storyline, her fate was described as follows: neglected by her parents, one night, the female supporting character slit her wrists in the bathroom, and thereafter, there was no further news of her.

“No further news.” Tong Ling tapped lightly on her lips with a finger, pondering this phrase deeply. “It carries two possible meanings: either the female supporting character died after cutting her wrists, or she disappeared without a trace following the incident.”

Being a mature system, m577 promptly responded to Yan Ling’s analysis: [Which option do you prefer, Bell Sister?]

“Of course, I choose the second one,” Tong Ling smiled. “I’ve committed to becoming an S-level student; how could I go back on my word?”

m577 enthusiastically asked: [Then how should we arrange it? Should I create a major news event for you?]

Tong Ling declined the suggestion, “No need. There’s no point in causing widespread commotion. It’s sufficient if just a few specific people become aware of it.”

Previously, Tong Ling had already informed Father and Mother Yan not to disturb her, effectively fulfilling the plot’s description of being “unconcerned and indifferent.” Next would be…

Tong Ling set up her camera, positioning the lens directly towards the bathtub.

She filled the bathtub with water and then stepped into it, still wearing her dress. On her wrist was a meticulously painted fake wound, the gruesome knife mark starkly visible against her delicate skin. The wound had also been dusted with a specially prepared pigment adhesive for added realism. Tong Ling composed herself, directing a request at the system, “Little M, remember to make me look beautiful in the footage.”

M577: […]

Wow, claiming not to create a major scandal, yet filming a death scene - that’s aiming straight for the heart!

“At a time like this… you still want to look beautiful?” m577 controlled the camera’s recording function while sarcastically remarking, “[I only feel horror…]”

Tong Ling scoffed, “Regardless of the situation, the gatekeeper goddess must always be perfect!”

M577: [?] M577: [What kind of peculiar aspiration is that?]

Despite the sarcasm, m577 followed its host’s request, carefully adjusting the shooting angle before capturing the scene.

After completing the video, m577 performed some editing to enhance its authenticity and believability.

Tong Ling praised the system, “You’re becoming increasingly versatile; I can’t do without you now.”

Despite knowing that Tong Ling was a skilled deceiver, adapting her words to suit whoever she faced, m577 couldn’t help but feel a burst of happiness from her compliment. 【I-I’ve always been versatile, and from now on…from now on, be a bit kinder to me.】

As they continued their conversation, sudden knocking sounds came from outside the bedroom door.

The housekeeper’s voice rang out, “Miss, your friends have come to visit. The Madam requests you to meet with them.”

Tong Ling’s eyes flickered, “Which friends?”

“Young Master Lu Yifan, Young Master Xiao Lingfei, and Young Master Gu Li,” the housekeeper replied.

“Just a moment,” Tong Ling said. “I’ll join you shortly.”

“Very well, Miss,” responded the housekeeper.

Tong Ling drained the water from the bathtub, took another bath, and changed into fresh clothes. Without removing the makeup on her wrist, she found a silk scarf, wrapped it around twice, concealing the mark simply before opening the door.

The camera was still left in the bathroom. Gently caressing her wrist, Tong Ling spoke to the system, “Initially, I planned to send this footage individually to each of these people, but now it seems there’s no need.”

M577: [Bell Sister, does this mean…]

“We’ll leave tonight.” Tong Ling’s lips curved upwards, her tone light and cheerful. “It seems our mission will soon be accomplished.”

After handling matters at the gatekeeper academy, Gu Li planned to visit Yan Ling at her home.

Xiao Lingfei and Lu Yifan shared similar intentions. Realizing their goals were aligned, Gu Li decided to bring them along, hoping to prevent any further private disturbances for Yan Ling.

However…

“I am Lingling’s fiancé, Lu Yifan, don’t overstep your bounds,” Xiao Lingfei said, visibly infuriated. He never expected that besides Jin Yingyao, even someone as seemingly innocent as Lu Yifan would try to undermine his relationship. “Don’t think being the Grand Duke’s son gives you free rein; Lingling could never marry you!”

“Lingling has chosen me, not either of you,” Lu Yifan replied with a resigned expression. “Xiao Lingfei, your business-driven engagement is already in name only. Didn’t Lingling herself tell you about breaking off the engagement?”

“That wasn’t her choice!” Xiao Lingfei retorted angrily.

Lu Yifan frowned, “You must respect Lingling’s choice.”

“We’re almost at the Yan residence; if you continue this argument, we might as well not go,” Gu Li interjected, massaging his temples after enduring their bickering throughout the journey. He sighed deeply, “Considering all that Yan Ling has been through, her emotional state is still uncertain. Shouldn’t we focus on more important matters instead of squabbling over this?”

At Gu Li’s words, Xiao Lingfei and Lu Yifan immediately stopped arguing, their expressions turning concerned.

“When will Jin Yingyao finally back down?” Lu Yifan asked indignantly. “Given the mess he’s created, if he truly cares about Lingling, why doesn’t he just let it go?”

The gatekeeper forum remained chaotic, with no sign of order. Even the hackers they hired couldn’t gain administrative control.

Xiao Lingfei’s lips curled downward, his eyes filled with disdain. “He’s merely pretending to care. Since Lingling ignores him, he can’t handle it and wants her to be the first to apologize.”

“Lingling would never apologize to him! She refuses to admit defeat or bow down!” Lu Yifan spoke proudly, emphasizing how remarkable his Lingling was. Faced with others’ targeting and insults, she always retaliated without hesitation!

“On the forums, they’re even pairing Jin Yingyao with Xu Jingjing…” Xiao Lingfei’s lips twitched, “I wonder what goes through Jin Yingyao’s mind.”

“Maybe to prove he has a girlfriend and that he wasn’t rejected by Lingling?” Lu Yifan speculated.

“Possibly. With his ego, he’s capable of anything,” Xiao Lingfei scoffed lightly. “Ever since he met Lingling, his actions have become increasingly absurd—it’s like there’s something seriously wrong with him!”

Gu Li glanced out the car window as they arrived at the Yan residence: “Regardless, I hope Yan Ling remains unaffected.”

After explaining their purpose upon reaching the Yan household, Father and Mother Yan warmly welcomed the three youths.

“Don’t worry, Lingling is perfectly fine.” As Mother Yan instructed the butler to fetch her daughter, she studied the young men before her. It must be said, despite her daughter’s willful and unruly behavior, the fact that such accomplished youths admired her brought considerable pride to Mother Yan.

Father Yan was even more delighted. The public rumors were indeed troublesome, but as long as they didn’t affect Yan Ling’s engagement or tarnish the Yan family’s reputation, it mattered little to him.

With Lu Yifan alone, Father Yan believed his daughter’s reputation could be salvaged from those whispers.

Knowing that Yan Ling had a strained relationship with her parents, Lu Yifan showed no interest in engaging further with Mother and Father Yan. While Gu Li and Xiao Lingfei conversed with them, Lu Yifan focused all his attention on the spiral staircase.

When would Lingling emerge? He missed her dearly.

After waiting for some time, footsteps echoed from upstairs.

A young girl descended the stairs, clad in a white dress with a complexion paler than paper. Her hair was damp, still carrying traces of moisture, suggesting she had just finished bathing. With graceful poise, a light blue silk ribbon adorned her wrist, and a faint smile graced her lovely face. Almost instantly, she captivated everyone’s gaze upon her entrance.

As soon as Lu Yifan saw Yan Ling, he unconsciously broke into a radiant smile. “Lingling!”

The girl nodded slightly, greeting everyone present, “President Gu Li, Lingfei, Yifan.”

Lu Yifan’s heart skipped a beat; he was highly attuned to others’ emotions. Despite Yan Ling’s seemingly flawless demeanor, he sensed her deep sadness and anguish…

This realization dampened Lu Yifan’s mood. Had those rumors affected Yan Ling so profoundly? At the academy, she appeared strong-willed, but were all those displays merely pretenses?

Seeing her daughter, Mother Yan promptly waved them over. “Come here quickly, Little Li, Lingfei, and the others have come to see you. Join them for some conversation.”

As she spoke, Mother Yan stood up and gave Father Yan a meaningful look.

Understandingly, Father Yan accompanied Mother Yan out of the hall, leaving space for the young people.

Once the parents departed, Lu Yifan swiftly approached Yan Ling, intending to ask if she was alright. However, the girl turned away, avoiding his gaze.

“What brings you here so late?” She placed her hands behind her back. “I was just about to rest…”

Xiao Lingfei strode next to Lu Yifan, shoving him aside with a raised eyebrow, and dismissively said, “Scram, keep your distance from Lingling.”

Pushing his glasses gently, Gu Li spoke warmly, “We came to check on you. Today at the academy…”

“I’m fine!” Yan Ling didn’t sit down, lightly pursing her lips as she earnestly reassured them, “I’m doing well, don’t worry about me.”

Smiling at Gu Li, she said, “President, I’ll request a few days off to take it easy.”

After speaking, the girl gently yawned, “Oh, I’m feeling a bit sleepy now. I probably won’t be able to host you all tonight.”

Noticing the weariness on her face, Gu Li promptly responded, “No problem, rest well if you’re tired. We won’t disturb you further.”

“Yes, yes, Lingling, make sure to get plenty of rest,” Xiao Lingfei chimed in, tactfully bidding farewell as he pulled Lu Yifan along. “We’ll come visit you again tomorrow.”

“Lingling, if you feel unwell, please let me know.” Lu Yifan wished desperately to stay and accompany Yan Ling, but with both Xiao Lingfei and Gu Li watching closely under these circumstances, he couldn’t find any opportunity. Reluctantly, he had to bid his hasty goodbye.

With a soft gaze, Yan Ling watched their departing figures and whispered, “Goodbye.”

Having barely exchanged a few words with Yan Ling, Gu Li, Xiao Lingfei, and Lu Yifan left the Yan residence. Upon stepping outside, they all felt something seemed slightly off.

“Doesn’t Lingling look awfully pale?” Xiao Lingfei asked.

Gu Li’s frown remained unrelenting. “She seemed quite uneasy even while talking to us, and her actions…”

Lu Yifan added, “Her mood was really bad! Very bad!”

“I can’t shake this feeling of unease about leaving things like this.” Xiao Lingfei scratched his head, sounding troubled. “But it’s clear she doesn’t want to talk with us anymore.”

“If there’s no other choice, then tomorrow…” Gu Li began, but suddenly noticed a suspicious figure appearing near the Yan family’s residence.

Following Gu Li’s gaze, Xiao Lingfei spotted the person and his expression darkened immediately. “Jin Yingyao! He still dares to show up here!”

“Let’s quickly go back and check!” Lu Yifan, who initially didn’t want to leave anyway, turned and sprinted towards the Yan family’s home as soon as he saw Jin Yingyao arrive.

Xiao Lingfei and Gu Li hastily followed suit.

Jin Yingyao had planned to visit only after everyone else left the Yan family’s residence. Determined, he resolved that no matter what, he must find a way to meet with Yan Ling and dispel her pessimistic thoughts.

However, just as he stepped into the Yan family’s compound, a group of people closely trailed him from behind.

Jin Yingyao felt speechless. Do they need to be so vigilant against me!

Mother Yan looked at the group’s sudden return and asked, “What brings you back…?”

“I wanted to see Lingling again!” Lu Yifan hastily replied.

“But Lingling just left,” Mother Yan said, visibly surprised. “She mentioned going out to bid you farewell; didn’t you see her?”

Yan Ling had gone out?

Gu Li exchanged glances with Xiao Lingfei, both furrowing their brows deeply. If she truly intended to see them off, why would she claim exhaustion? Moreover, they hadn’t seen any trace of her!

Hearing everyone’s thoughts, Jin Yingyao’s face paled instantly. “She said she wanted to leave! Seeing all of you here might have made her decide not to stay!”

“Leave? What do you mean?” At this moment, Xiao Lingfei had no energy to reprimand Jin Yingyao; he only cared about what happened to Yan Ling. “Explain clearly!”

Jin Yingyao relayed Yan Ling’s thoughts aloud, “Yan Ling said she wants to leave on her own, without bringing shame to her parents. Something must have happened to her!”

Upon hearing this, Mother Yan immediately denied it, “Impossible!”

Father Yan, standing nearby, also shook his head, “No way, Lingling wouldn’t think like that.”

Mother Yan thought, [Something happen to Lingling? Even if others faced trouble, nothing could befall our Lingling. That child never needs worrying over.]

Father Yan thought to himself, “She’s always had strong opinions; if she could just be peaceful, I’d thank heaven and earth.”

Hearing Father and Mother Yan’s thoughts, Jin Yingyao’s gaze turned cold. Instead of caring for Yan Ling’s emotional state, their attention was solely focused on individuals who could bring benefits to the Yan family. With such parents, what genuine care could Yan Ling expect? And what positive outcome would come from keeping her within this household?

“Then why would Yan Ling run away from home at night?” As Jin Yingyao contemplated how Yan Ling had been neglected by these parents, his heart couldn’t help but chill further. “From the moment Yan Ling returned home, did you ever truly pay attention to her?!”

Seeing Jin Yingyao’s expression filled with anger, Father and Mother Yan were genuinely puzzled. How could the heir of JS Group harbor such… hostility towards them?

“Lingling should be back soon,” Mother Yan said amicably, recognizing their concern for her daughter. “If it still worries you, feel free to wait here.”

“I’m going out to find her.” Jin Yingyao turned and rushed out the door.

Thoughtfully, Gu Li added, “We should probably go search for her as well.”

Yan Ling’s behavior tonight was highly unusual, and Gu Li couldn’t shake the feeling that he had overlooked something crucial.

“I’ll check the road surveillance cameras,” Xiao Lingfei said.

Lu Yifan agreed, “I’ll assist you.”

With everyone taking action, Father and Mother Yan could not simply sit idle. They summoned their servants to inquire about Yan Ling’s condition after she returned home.

“As soon as Miss Yan arrived, she went straight to her room. Nothing else happened,” the servant reported.

Father Yan tried calling Yan Ling several more times, but all attempts went unanswered.

Only after searching thoroughly without any leads did Father and Mother Yan finally accept… their daughter seemed to have truly run away from home.

Xiao Lingfei and his team found no new information during their search, so they returned to the Yan residence to wait, ensuring they wouldn’t miss Yan Ling if she came back.

Throughout the entire night, not a single person in the Yan household managed to sleep.

After Yan Ling disappeared for an entire evening, Father and Mother Yan grew increasingly anxious. “How could Lingling just leave without saying anything!”

“Madam,” the maid, while cleaning the rooms next morning, retrieved a camera from Yan Ling’s bathroom. “This is the camera Miss Yan left in the bathroom…”

A camera left in the bathroom? Most people wouldn’t do this, as it risks damaging the device.

Gu Li lifted his gaze and stared intently at the camera, saying, “It’s possible… that Lingling left some message inside.”

As soon as Gu Li spoke, Jin Yingyao, Lu Yifan, and others’ attention focused solely on the camera.

Seeing everyone eager to view its contents, Mother Yan didn’t oppose the idea. “Let’s open the camera and take a look.”

Upon opening the camera, they found a video stored within.

As Mother Yan played the video, her face drained of color, horrified. “Lingling!”

In the footage, a pale-faced young girl lay in the bathtub. She placed her slashed wrist into the water, her eyes reflecting deep sorrow and despair.

The girl opened her mouth, speaking slowly with a hoarse voice:

“When you see this video, I may no longer be around.”

“I’m sorry for showing such an ugly side of me. I don’t know if my decision is right, but I’m just too tired…”

“Father, Mother, this will be the last time I address you like this. I wasn’t a suitable heir; I couldn’t meet your expectations. Hopefully, without me, you’ll find the next child who fulfills your desires.”

“Yifan, you are the most adorable and wonderful boy I’ve ever met. Our agreement couldn’t be fulfilled; I’m sorry.”

“Lingfei, I don’t know if you can understand my choice, but I am unworthy of you. I’m sorry.”

“Gu Li, I must have disappointed you. Thank you for your help; unfortunately, I won’t be able to repay you anymore. I’m sorry.”

“I’m leaving now. You all were my dearest friends, so from now on… just forget about me.”

After delivering these words, the girl slowly closed her eyes, a smile of relief gracing her lips as if her entire being finally relaxed.

This recording was made last night before Gu Li and the others arrived.

Clearly, had Gu Li not come with his friends and the butler not knocked at that moment, Yan Ling intended to quietly die lying in the bathtub.

But coincidentally, they found their way to her house last night.

So, the young girl emerged from the bathtub, cleaned up any traces, pretended as if nothing happened, and came out to meet them one last time.

“The wrist…” Gu Li suddenly realized what he had overlooked. Last night, Yan Ling’s wrist was wrapped with a silk scarf, and throughout their conversation, she kept her hands behind her back! At the time, Gu Li assumed it was merely decorative, but who would tie a silk scarf around their wrist immediately after bathing, before even drying their hair?

Her exhaustion, her pale face—it was all because she had slit her wrists earlier! How did he miss this?!

Gu Li swayed slightly, feeling disoriented. How could Yan Ling… how could she…

“Lingling! We must find Lingling!” Tears welled up in Lu Yifan’s clear eyes, his forehead drenched in cold sweat as strands of golden hair clung to his cheeks. With palpable anxiety, he exclaimed, “She isn’t well; being alone out there, if something happens…”

“Search, I’ll contact everyone from the Xiao family to help find her!” Xiao Lingfei’s lips were colorless, his complexion exceedingly grim. “I won’t let anything happen to her!”

The moment Jin Yingyao saw the video, his breath involuntarily hitched. By the end, his entire body began trembling uncontrollably.

It was his fault… If he hadn’t posted that message, if he hadn’t insisted on exposing her so-called true nature, this wouldn’t have happened!

He clearly… clearly liked her, regardless of who she was or what she had done, he still loved her! Even posting that message stemmed from jealousy—jealousy towards those going out with her, jealous that she formed relationships with others while leaving him behind…

What have I done?

Jin Yingyao’s heart felt like it would burst from pain, accompanied by a ringing in his ears. He saw the resentful gazes of Xiao Lingfei and others, and when Xiao Lingfei threw punches at him, Jin Yingyao, eyes red, passively endured each blow.

“Jin Yingyao! It’s all your fault! Are you satisfied now?!” Xiao Lingfei panted heavily. If not for Gu Li restraining him, he would have beaten this bastard to death on the spot. “If we don’t find Lingling, just wait…”

Father Yan supported the unconscious Mother Yan, his voice strained as he said, “It’s our negligence… Our fault.”

Lu Yifan sneered, “Yes, it’s your fault; you’re not worthy to be Lingling’s parents!”

Once he found Yan Ling, he would ensure she got new parents—neither Father nor Mother Yan deserved to raise her!

While chaos erupted within the Yan household, Tong Ling had just woken up from a luxurious bed at a five-star hotel.

She pulled open the curtains, gazing at the bright sunlight outside, and lazily stretched her arms.

The system had activated a shielding feature for her, ensuring that unless she wished to be found, no one could locate her.

[Mission accomplished!] Seeing fireworks burst on the plot monitoring device, indicating “Plot Completed,” m577 joyfully announced the notification.

Since much of this plot development was directly orchestrated by m577 itself, it felt particularly accomplished.

As usual, m577 proceeded to detail the mission rewards: [The reward for completing this world’s mission is 60,000 virtual currency units! You have three months remaining for your stay!]

Tong Ling hardly cared about the virtual currency anymore; after all, she didn’t need to exchange it for any rewards, so accumulating it sufficed.

Just three months—the timeframe for this female supporting character’s storyline seemed too brief.

Tong Ling grumbled, “With such a short time frame, it seems even becoming an S-level student won’t allow me to enjoy the benefits for long.”

[Bell Sister, shall we return now?] m577 asked.

Tong Ling returned to her bed and lay down again. “No, not yet. I’ll wait until the public opinion shifts completely, ensuring my reputation is fully cleared before going back.”

“Return the access rights to the college forum; there’s no need for us to do anything further,” Tong Ling instructed. “Oh, and delete all posts pairing up the male and female leads as a couple. Post clarifications instead. Good thing we completed the task quickly, otherwise Jingjing would have been driven insane with anger.”

[Indeed,] m577 responded seriously, [The protagonist has been cursing under those rumor-spreading posts for quite some time. She claims that anyone posting such lies must be spineless, stating she only wants to punch Jin Yingyao whenever she sees him - all talk of ‘loving rivals’ is utter nonsense.]

[Moreover, since I don’t possess those specific organs, I’m not afraid of her curses,] m577 added solemnly.

Tong Ling couldn’t help but laugh at this, her head resting comfortably on the soft pillow. “Why don’t we stay out here longer and only return when Saint Hieria’s popularity voting is about to start? Heh heh, then we can skip classes altogether,” she suggested gleefully.

m577 remained silent, clearly impressed by its host’s cunning plan!