Achieving A Happy Ending With The Tragic Female Lead [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 28

The scene was deathly silent. Qiao Wuyu, still holding the posture of feeding medicine, swallowed hard and asked tentatively, “Will you… do it yourself?”

Wanqi Yue, leaning against the headboard, naturally saw Su Mi wake up. In her excitement, she applied a bit more strength to her hold. “Eldest Senior Sister, you’re finally awake.”

Su Mi, who was already leaning back, had her face tilted up a few more degrees. She raised her eyes to meet Wanqi Yue’s downward gaze and gave a soft hum of acknowledgment.

Seeing this, Qiao Wuyu sat up straight while holding the medicine bowl and couldn’t help clearing her throat, trying to remind the two of them that she was still there.

Only then did Wanqi Yue withdraw her hand from Su Mi’s chin. She tucked her hands behind her waist in a mix of nervousness and awkwardness, her expression filled with embarrassment.

Su Mi propped herself up with one hand and sat up straight, moving out of the other’s embrace. After a moment of silence, she said, “I’ll do it myself.”

Wanqi Yue spoke up to explain her actions: “I…I was just making it easier for Fifth Senior Sister to give you the medicine.”

From the side, Qiao Wuyu added pointedly, “Mainly because you’re too guarded, Eldest Senior Sister. No one else could get near you. Medicine could only be administered if Junior Sister Wanqi held you like this.”

If it had been anyone else, Qiao Wuyu would have unhesitatingly dislocated their jaw and joints to force the medicine down, but this was the Eldest Senior Sister, she wouldn’t dare try that even if she had ten times the courage.

Su Mi paused for a moment. “I am simply not used to others being close to me.” After saying it, she felt the words weren’t quite right, but she didn’t intend to correct them.

Qiao Wuyu glanced at Wanqi Yue and said cryptically, “Is that so…”

When Su Mi reached out to take the medicine, her hand was still slightly numb. She flexed her fingers to work through the sensation, feeling a needle-like prickling pain in her fingertips.

“What’s wrong with your hand? Do you feel unwell anywhere?” Qiao Wuyu thought Su Mi had noticed a discomfort she had missed.

“It’s nothing.” Su Mi wrapped her fingers around the bowl and downed the medicine in one gulp.

Wanqi Yue stared at Su Mi’s well-defined fingers and froze for a moment. Realizing something, she looked at the hand with a flicker of guilt, it had likely been numbed because she had been leaning on it for so long.

After Su Mi finished the medicine, Qiao Wuyu checked her vitals again, gave a few instructions, and prepared to leave. She wanted to inform the others of the news so they could stop worrying.

Wanqi Yue was left behind under the guise of “looking after the patient.”

Su Mi pulled back the brocade quilt and sat on the edge of the bed. Her body was stiff after lying down for so long. She gently rotated her shoulders, trying to regain some flexibility.

Suddenly, Wanqi Yue stood up and then knelt down halfway in front of Su Mi, taking her left hand.

Su Mi stopped her movements and looked at her. “What is it?”

Wanqi Yue gently massaged the hand she had been using as a pillow, saying guiltily, “Let me rub it for you, Eldest Senior Sister. It will feel better.”

Su Mi originally wanted to say it wasn’t necessary, but seeing the girl’s lowered brows and eyes, she suddenly went quiet. An unreadable emotion flickered in the depths of her gaze.

“How is your injury?” She remembered Wanqi Yue had been wounded in the waist.

Wanqi Yue shook her head. “Thanks to Fifth Senior Sister, I’m all healed. Not even a scar left.”

Relieved, Su Mi simply watched her in silence.

Only when she sensed that Wanqi Yue was about to look up did she subtly shift her gaze away, pretending to survey the room. The decor was simple, and the open window allowed for plenty of light and a view of the scenery outside.

“Where are we?”

Wanqi Yue bit her lip, her expression dropping slightly. “You were too heavily injured, Eldest Senior Sister. Fifth Senior Sister could only stabilize you, so we found a place to stay in the city first. Second Senior Sister and the others are still at the City Lord’s mansion handling the aftermath.”

Fang Yun and the others had rescued everyone inside. Those poisoned by the Tengxiu Grass had only suffered minor injuries and were fine. They also found the gasping Miss Xu in the underground hole. Though her soul was damaged because the ritual wasn’t completed, she was fortunately still alive.

As for the “Medical Immortal,” only a white jade statue in an embracing posture remained. Wanqi Yue privately wanted to keep the statue, but she knew the woman had too much blood on her hands; many likely wished for nothing of hers to remain in this world.

Surprisingly, the City Lord and the shopkeeper were willing to keep it and chose to announce the truth of the past to the whole city. Perhaps they had been tormented by that hidden pain for too long and needed a way to “share” the burden. Ultimately, the statue stayed, though the aura belonging to Bai Zhi had vanished from it forever.

Su Mi listened to these events and realized one person hadn’t been mentioned. Just as she was about to ask, she saw Wanqi Yue’s hesitant expression. She changed her question: “What’s wrong?”

“Eldest Senior Sister, I fainted back then, so I don’t remember much of what happened afterward,” Wanqi Yue whispered, her lashes fluttering with inner conflict. “What about the Mountain Lord? You two..” What exactly is your relationship? Why did she care about you so much?

But she didn’t dare ask the last part out loud.

“She likely left. I was holding you and had no time to worry about anything else.” Su Mi was telling the truth; she had barely been able to protect herself at the time and had no energy to spare for the Mountain Lord.

However, these words took on a different meaning in Wanqi Yue’s ears. Her hands stopped massaging Su Mi’s palm, and a faint flush crept up her earlobes. She called out softly, “Eldest Senior Sister.”

“Yes?” Su Mi looked at her.

Wanqi Yue seemed to find it difficult to speak. Her fingers unconsciously began to fidget with Su Mi’s long fingers. After a long while, she plucked up her courage. “I… Am I very important to you?”

After the incident, she had heard from the other sisters that out of all the people in that room, the Eldest Senior Sister had carried only her out with an expression of pure panic, refusing to let anyone else touch her until she physically collapsed and had to hand her over to the Fifth Senior Sister.

In truth, the other sisters had exaggerated the story because they thought there was a misunderstanding between the two, hoping this would help them reconcile.

When Wanqi Yue first heard those words, she felt nothing but a sense of unreality as she stared at the unconscious Su Mi. But slowly, a place in her heart began to curl and crinkle a strange, aching sensation mixed with a hint of regret.

Caught off guard by the question, Su Mi froze. Her first thought was of Wanqi Yue’s identity, she was the mission target, so of course she was important. But she found herself unable to give that as the reason.

Finding no immediate response from Su Mi, Wanqi Yue began to lose her nerve. Her movements grew stiff, and she felt as if she were sitting on a bed of needles while kneeling there. She searched for a way to withdraw her words and cover up the awkwardness.

But just as her hand was about to pull away, Su Mi caught it. Her answer was clear: “You are very important.”

Wanqi Yue could feel that the Eldest Senior Sister’s palm was slightly cooler than her own, yet the spot where they touched felt like it was burning. Her heart raced as she looked up, crashing into Su Mi’s pale eyes. Her ears flushed hot once again.

Outside the window, a bird took flight, leaving only a flickering silhouette as it soared past.

The two remained silent, gazes locked. A slight curve appeared at the corners of Wanqi Yue’s eyes. “Eldest Senior Sister, you are just as important to me.” As if that weren’t enough, she repeated, “Extremely important.”

Perhaps infected by her smile, Su Mi’s eyelids lifted slightly. Her cold features softened, and the faint smile on her lips stripped away her usual sense of distance.

“Yes, I know.”

Once the news of Su Mi’s awakening spread, the remaining disciples rushed back. Even the Elder who had arrived earlier felt relieved; after confirming Su Mi was out of danger, he hurriedly sent word to the Sect Leader.

From their accounts, Su Mi learned of Yue Qianzhou’s movements. During the days she was unconscious, Yue Qianzhou had been helping the others settle affairs at the City Lord’s mansion. He had even acted as a “victim’s relative” to comfort the grieving citizens, winning a great deal of public favor.

Among those who returned was Lin Huanyi of the Xuanji Gate. It was said she had wanted to visit much sooner, but refrained out of respect for Su Mi’s heavy injuries.

Though arrogant, Lin Huanyi knew how to distinguish friend from foe. She understood that she owed her life to the two from Qingyang Mountain and the female Taoist.

She had heard of the Eldest Senior Sister of Qingyang Mountain before, but she had assumed that a talisman cultivator who didn’t even dare to participate in the Immortal Sect Competition was simply hiding her inadequacy to save face for her sect. Now, she realized how wrong she had been.

Upon seeing Su Mi, Lin Huanyi performed a formal bow of gratitude. However, when it came to Wanqi Yue, her expression turned somewhat reluctant.

“Technically, you’re the one who set me up. You told me there was something fun going on, which is why I went there. Meanwhile, you and your Senior Sister went undercover in disguise without telling me. Since you saved me in the end, I suppose we’re even.”

Wanqi Yue was baffled. “What do you mean I ‘set you up’? When did I ever do that? I haven’t seen you since the competition.”

Su Mi frowned slightly. “Explain this in detail.”

Realizing something was amiss, Lin Huanyi recounted how she had met “Wanqi Yue” in the city and was invited to the City Lord’s mansion.

Wanqi Yue shook her head after hearing the story. “That wasn’t me. At that time, I was with the Eldest Senior Sister and the rest of our sect; we never separated.”

Lin Huanyi was stunned. “Could that person have been wearing a disguise? But when we sparred, she used your exact moves. I might misremember a face, but I wouldn’t mistake someone’s combat style.”

During the competition years ago, the two had a brief, informal clash, so the memory was vivid.

Wanqi Yue immediately thought of the Mountain Lord, and suspicion began to take root in her heart.

In the end, the discussion reached no definitive conclusion. Su Mi asked Lin Huanyi to keep the matter quiet for the time being. Though confused, Lin Huanyi agreed before departing.

The more Wanqi Yue thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. “Eldest Senior Sister, who exactly is that Mountain Lord? What is her goal?”

Su Mi replied, “I will handle it.”

Wanqi Yue wasn’t entirely satisfied with that answer, but remembering what the Eldest Senior Sister had said to her earlier, her irritation dissipated.

Regardless of who the Mountain Lord was, she was the one Su Mi had personally called important.

In the following days, Su Mi remained at the residence to recover. Knowing she preferred quiet, no one visited except Qiao Wuyu and Wanqi Yue.

Su Mi’s condition improved daily, and the smile on Wanqi Yue’s face grew more frequent.

However, Wanqi Yue was spirited by nature. Staying in the silent courtyard for too long eventually became a bit dull.

When Fang Yun came to discuss business with Su Mi, Su Mi suggested that Wanqi Yue go out and explore the city with the other sisters.

Wanqi Yue hesitated, but in the end, she couldn’t resist the temptation.

However, after she left, the sun began to dip below the horizon, and there was still no sign of her.

After seeing Fang Yun off, Su Mi tried to remain calm, sipping coarse tea at the table. But as the twilight deepened, she eventually paced out into the courtyard. She walked from the south wall to the north, her eyes fixed forward, yet her attention was entirely tuned to the movement at the gate.

Her expression remained calm, but her steps grew hurried.

As the last rays of sunlight faded, Su Mi stopped. After standing still for a second, she turned toward the entrance. Just as she opened the door, a figure lost her balance and tumbled toward her.

Su Mi’s heart leapt for a moment. She reached out to catch the person, catching the faint scent of fruit.

“Hmm? Eldest Senior Sister, why are you here?” Wanqi Yue’s voice was thick and honeyed, sounding almost like she was acting spoiled.

Su Mi replied without missing a beat, “I am taking a walk.”

Wanqi Yue steadied herself and glanced at the space behind Su Mi, nodding. “Oh, a walk.” Then, as if remembering something, she shook a small jar in her hand. “I brought back something delicious for you.”

Su Mi looked at the jar, hearing the faint sloshing of liquid. “What is it?”

Wanqi Yue tugged at her, leading her inside. Su Mi had to use her spiritual power to close the door behind them with a wave of her hand.

“It’s a local sweet water. It’s made by soaking fruit and medicinal herbs. It’s sour-sweet and very tasty!” Once inside, Wanqi Yue unpacked the jar and poured a cup into a clean teacup.

“Did you drink fruit wine?” Su Mi asked with a frown.

Wanqi Yue nodded. “Fifth Senior Sister said this doesn’t even count as wine.”

In truth, Wanqi Yue wasn’t drunk, but the slight buzz made her actions more direct than usual, as if her impulses had been heightened.

Su Mi rarely touched alcohol, but looking at Wanqi Yue’s expectant eyes, she couldn’t bear to refuse. However, as she raised the cup to her lips, a mellow scent of alcohol wafted up. She became suspicious.

“Is this truly not strong liquor?”

Wanqi Yue rolled her eyes playfully and raised her voice emphatically, “Of course not! How could I ever lie to you, Eldest Senior Sister?”

She had actually snuck it away when the Fifth Senior Sister wasn’t looking. She had overheard them saying this was a “truth-telling wine” no matter who drank it, they wouldn’t be able to hide their feelings. Since her sisters wouldn’t let her touch it, she had stolen it.

Su Mi looked at the wine in the cup. Despite her hesitation, she finally took a sip.

A stinging, spicy heat instantly spread through her mouth. Su Mi frowned, reaching for a cup of tea to wash away the taste, when a soft, sweet voice whispered in her ear.

“Eldest Senior Sister, can I kiss you?”