Acting as the Vicious Second Lead [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 41

Blood is warm, but your body is so cold. — Xiang Liwei

Do you know? My world is black.

Whether it was the time spent in the orphanage or the days after I was adopted at twelve, the sky in my memory was always overcast. Dark clouds obscured the sun, never letting a single golden ray shine through.

Before I was twelve, the director ordered us to perform manual labor day and night. We cleaned the courtyard, scrubbed the corridors on our knees, and were kicked and abused by adults at their whim. Long-term exposure to the elements left Xiang Liwei dark-skinned and unkempt, with greasy, clumped hair and a filthy body. In the summer, she would reek of sweat, blending with the foul odors of the other orphans until it was hard to breathe.

However, the season Xiang Liwei could least endure was winter. Clad only in thin, tattered rags while standing outdoors, the cold wind bit into her skin, causing it to dry and crack. Every time she lifted her hand, the fissures would widen, and blood would ooze out. Cold, pain, exhaustion, and hunger—every week, different children would die and be buried beneath a large tree that bore red fruit.

Having never felt the gentleness of the world or seen a rainbow after a rainstorm, Xiang Liwei had grown accustomed to the prolonged suffering, though she certainly could not say she liked it.

But some children did not have to suffer so much. It was a privilege reserved for those with cute faces. They dressed in pretty clothes—little skirts in the summer and warm cotton jackets in the winter. Like flowers living in a greenhouse, they enjoyed fragrant food and fresh fruit. At night, they would crawl onto the laps of the adults, naked and happy.

Unlike them, the outdoor-bound Xiang Liwei wore rags that barely covered her body. When hungry, she would sneakily eat the dandelions, wild vegetables, and wild berries found on the roadside, or even bugs. Because she was small and frail, she could never snatch even a scrap of leftovers from the other children. She could only stand on the side, watching with longing as they greedily crunched on meat bones the adults had chewed, sucking up the residual juices and the rich pork marrow.

But she was too tired to even feel envy. She had no energy to complain, nor the strength to be joyful like those cute children inside the house. No one cared about her or whether she lived or died; she lived as humbly as dust.

Occasionally, Xiang Liwei would stare blankly at the tree covered in red fruit. She deeply longed for the children buried beneath it. She wanted to be just like them—to close her eyes, lie flat with a peaceful expression, and live in that wonderful underground world.

After she turned twelve, her fate took a turn. A couple was willing to take her in. Following her foster parents home, she washed away the filth and wore clean clothes for the first time. They provided her with an education, taught her to develop a healthy worldview, and taught her to read and write. With her previous life as a comparison, Xiang Liwei felt she was in heaven.

But the good times did not last; her foster mother became pregnant. According to them, there were many pretty children at the orphanage, but they chose to adopt her because of her bright, pure eyes and the way she sat quietly in the bustling crowd like a little adult—she was particularly heart-wrenching to behold.

However, after the pregnancy, their sympathy shifted to the child in the womb. Her foster mother said, “I was infertile for five years, but shortly after we adopted you, I had a baby. You are our lucky star.” Her foster father also said, “You are a lucky star, a little angel sent by heaven to save us.”

At first, Xiang Liwei was happy for them. Gradually, however, she was ignored. She became insignificant. One day, they went on a trip and left her at home under the care of a nanny. That was when Xiang Liwei understood that the emotion surging in her heart was called jealousy. She prayed that their child would disappear and stay far away from her foster parents. That way, they would love and care for her just like before.

But… they never returned alive. What came back was the news that her foster mother had died during childbirth and her foster father had been imprisoned. This was all her fault. What kind of lucky star was she? She was clearly a jinx.

“Weiwei, Weiwei! What are you thinking about?”

Early that morning at the talent agency, her manager waved her right hand in front of her eyes. Xiang Liwei snapped back to reality, realizing her hands and feet were already ice-cold. She shook her head slightly, offering her signature cute smile. “It’s nothing.”

“Oh-ho, are you thinking about someone?” The manager’s round face bloomed into a smile. She teased, “Tell me quietly, who have you taken a fancy to?”

Xiang Liwei turned her head away, her expression brimming with shyness. “Don’t tease me. It’s useless even if I do like them.” Her tone grew slightly mournful. “She doesn’t like me.”

“Who wouldn’t like you!” The manager jumped to her defense. “Tell me, I’ll give them a piece of my mind.”

Since graduating college, the manager had started working at this company and was assigned by an executive to look after Xiang Liwei. At first, she was worried she wouldn’t do a good job and would be blamed. Later, she discovered that Xiang Liwei was an absolute angel—she had no airs at all. Even after practice, she would help her with the tiring work. When the manager asked if she was tired, she would reply, “It’s fine, I’m used to it.” The manager’s heart ached: My god, what on earth did she go through in the past!

Nearby, hearing the manager’s declaration to “fix” Qin Xiaoxiao, Xiang Liwei lowered her eyes, her tone turning slightly cold. “That won’t do.”

“You treasure your lover that much,” the manager said, noticing the girl’s awkwardness. She continued, “If she doesn’t like you, you should work hard to hook her. Do you know what kind of person she likes? You could try to change in the direction she prefers.”

Xiang Liwei pondered for a moment and replied, “Sigh. I don’t know what she likes, but she is particularly close to someone else.” Her voice was ethereal, her interest lacking as she said, “That person has a gentle personality and a high status in the industry.”

Hearing this, the manager instantly concluded that the person her artist was secretly in love with was a scumbag. Even though she didn’t know who he was, he must be someone who chases after profit. Perhaps he was even a kept man waiting to be “sugar-daddied.” After all, her artist was also very gentle and incredibly beautiful. If you wanted looks, she had them; if you wanted attentiveness, she was the best. Yet he liked someone with high status—what was that if not being a snob?

Thinking of this, the manager felt scornful and encouraged her: “Don’t be discouraged. Once you have a higher status than her, the person you like will surely have a change of heart.”

“That’s it!” The manager stood up abruptly, hands on the desk, looking like she’d been injected with adrenaline. “Let’s set a goal first. How about winning the Best Actress award?”

Generally, people call the winner of the Best Actress award a “Film Empress.” As the highest achievement in the film industry, it is difficult to obtain and cannot be won easily.

Upon hearing this, Xiang Liwei murmured, “Really?” If she becomes a Film Empress, will Qin Xiaoxiao like her?

“That’s right!” the manager answered affirmatively.

“I will,” Xiang Liwei said, her tone firm.

Immediately, she showed a pure smile and changed the subject, mentioning cautiously, “Also, in the future, don’t use my account to follow other people.” She was referring to the manager using her Weibo account without permission to follow Duan Longze.

“Oh… okay.” The manager replied, knitting her brows in confusion. “But, what’s wrong with being on good terms with the Film Emperor?” As she spoke, the manager looked lovestruck. “Besides, he’s handsome and rich, and he’s clearly interested in you. It’s like having a pillow handed to you just as you’re falling asleep. Why don’t you like him?”

Did she need a reason not to like him?

However, there was indeed one.

Stirring her milk tea with a small spoon, Xiang Liwei looked down, staring at the tea-colored vortex on the surface, her voice quite ethereal. “If I wasn’t cute, if my personality wasn’t likable, if I became dirty and ugly, would he still like me?”

Compared to fake affection, she loved Qin Xiaoxiao more… she loved the real pain she brought.

The manager was stunned, then tried to be clever. “But you are who you are.”

“Mhm.” Xiang Liwei complied. The emotional ripple sank back into the depths of her heart.

Yes, many things do not need to be said. She didn’t need others to understand, and no one could understand anyway.

“In case you can never chase the person you like,” the manager sat back in her chair and said worldly, “I suggest you keep a backup. Don’t waste your life on one person. In the future, you’ll eventually need to get married and have children.” The manager added, “Love and bread—interests come first.”

“I won’t have children,” Xiang Liwei said firmly.

“Eh? Why?”

“Once you have children, you have to take responsibility. I’m not ready.”

And she would never be ready. Could someone like her really raise a child well? Xiang Liwei didn’t know; she only knew she absolutely would not be like her biological parents, carelessly throwing a child into the snow and ignoring them. If she were to become pregnant, she would punish herself to ensure the child was born safely, unlike her foster parents who had the chance to raise her but ultimately had no destiny to be together. This meant Xiang Liwei would have one more person to protect and dote on. It was so exhausting. Having Qin Xiaoxiao was enough for her.

“Alright then.” Xiang Liwei lifted her face and smiled brilliantly. She stood up to look down at the manager, full of energy. “I’m going to practice! I’ll strive to win the Golden Rooster Award!”

The manager was infected by her spirit and said gratifyingly, “Go for it! Future Film Empress!”

The prophecy came true. Exhausting herself with study, falling asleep on the desk countless times, and rushing everywhere—Xiang Liwei’s efforts were not in vain. Today, she stood at the awards ceremony. The venue was packed, bustling with people, and passionate, cheerful music echoed through the hall.

Blue-violet spotlights projected onto the stage, and the giant screen behind the host displayed portraits of several stars; among them was Xiang Liwei.

Qin Xiaoxiao was sitting in the front row of the audience. The woman had two raw eggs tucked into her jacket. That’s right, her final scene was to take advantage of the end of the awards ceremony to throw eggs at the female lead, intentionally courting death. She would end up angering the Film Emperor, getting scolded, and then slinking away.

Rubbing the smooth eggshell with her fingers, Qin Xiaoxiao tossed it into the air out of boredom, watching the row of stars standing on stage while waiting for the male lead to propose. Finally, after the host finished the introduction, it was time for Duan Longze, who had won Best Actor again, to deliver his thoughts.

Today, he wore a black suit with a solemn expression. He walked to Xiang Liwei, staring intently at the girl in the pure white gown with a raw, undisguised gaze. His deep, magnetic voice echoed through the theater—

“Miss Xiang, I love you. Are you willing to accept my confession and date with marriage in mind?”

Duan Longze was direct, his words brief but revealing immense affection.

As expected of a Film Emperor. Qin Xiaoxiao clapped for love.

The sudden interlude left the host stunned. The audience fell silent for half a second, followed by an uproar.

For a long time, because the male lead was blocking her view, Qin Xiaoxiao couldn’t see the female lead. Originally, she wasn’t panicked, but because the female lead hadn’t answered for so long, she couldn’t help but feel afraid.

Wait a minute… She wouldn’t reject the male lead, would she?

Thinking of this, Qin Xiaoxiao immediately dismissed the thought. No way. Qin Xiaoxiao comforted herself. They are a couple destined to be together, a match made in heaven; no one can separate them.

However, what followed was like a slap in the face, bruising Qin Xiaoxiao’s dignity.

“I am not willing,” Xiang Liwei replied naturally. Immediately after, she smiled with cold detachment. “Excuse me, please move aside.” You’re blocking my view of Qin Xiaoxiao. That’s right, she noticed Qin Xiaoxiao in the audience. Xiang Liwei thought with a sweet sensation, She really came to see me. The manager didn’t lie to me.

Hearing this, Duan Longze stepped aside stiffly, his face showing unwillingness and disbelief. The host hurriedly stepped out to smooth things over. In the front row, Qin Xiaoxiao stared forward, her body also stiff.

Beep.

A cold, ruthless electronic voice sounded in her mind:

【Book Title: “Ten Thousand Ways to Hook a Film Empress.” Summary: Do you know? My world is black. Later, someone appeared, and she illuminated my entire world. My whole world was filled by her, so my heart has no room for others.】 【Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆】 【Progress: Acting failed】 【Failure Penalty: Heart-Piercing】 【Penalty Target: Qin Xiaoxiao】 【Department Note: How can one see the rainbow without experiencing the wind and rain? Failure is the mother of success; do not be discouraged. We hope the comrade will continue to work hard.】

Thud. Seeing the mission fail, Qin Xiaoxiao lost focus. The egg she was playing with fell abruptly; the shell shattered into pieces, and some viscous egg liquid stained her shoes.

Horrified, Qin Xiaoxiao rushed to her feet. Ignoring everything else, she turned and left the venue. Since this damn mission had already failed, there was no need to stay and throw eggs at the female lead. The immediate priority was to see Qu Li.

Qin Xiaoxiao frowned, speeding up, running out of the venue while panting, all the while speculating. The words “Heart-Piercing” in the penalty gave her an ominous premonition. For a moment, Qin Xiaoxiao couldn’t grasp what it meant. She couldn’t help but let her imagination run wild. In fact, it might be the name of a weapon, or the name of a company, and it would penalize her by making her work there to pay off the sin of the failed mission…

A moment later, she reached a corner, taking a shortcut to the station. Suddenly, a woman’s figure darted out in front of her. Seeing she was about to collide with her, Qin Xiaoxiao slammed on the brakes and stopped.

The person in front had a haggard face, eyes covered in dark circles, hair dry and dull yellow, eyes turbid and poisonous, mixed with deep-seated hatred. The person was none other than Zhu Qian, whom she hadn’t seen in a long time. Seeing the fruit knife gripped tightly in her hand, Qin Xiaoxiao realized: the penalty was just literal—it was simply going to stab her in the heart!

That’s too cruel! What kind of grudge do you have!

The next second, Qin Xiaoxiao turned and fled. She swore that she used every ounce of her strength; she had never run this fast in her life. However, when she tilted her head slightly to check the situation, thinking she had left the other person behind, she found Zhu Qian was right behind her, chasing her so closely she was almost touching her back.

…Coach, she’s hacking!

Immediately, Qin Xiaoxiao had no energy to think about anything else, because she saw the corners of Zhu Qian’s mouth turn up as her right hand swung up, fiercely stabbing toward her. Seeing this, Qin Xiaoxiao hurriedly shifted to the left, successfully avoiding the blow, and then took advantage of the opening to continue running without looking back. During this, pedestrians passed by, but seeing the chase, they walked away to avoid trouble.

Her feet hit the concrete, making a tap-tap-tap sound. She ran past a garbage disposal area, smelling the rotten stench. Qin Xiaoxiao held her breath, cold sweat dripping from her temples. The footsteps behind her told her that Zhu Qian was still hunting her.

At this point, Qin Xiaoxiao’s brain was deprived of oxygen, and her stomach began to cramp. She tried to control her breathing for long-distance running, adjusting it to a three-step rhythm, attempting to outlast her opponent. Once she ran back to a place with more people and sought help from security, she could survive the penalty.

Yes, the penalty could be avoided. As long as you can dodge it, it won’t happen a second time. With even a glimmer of hope for survival, Qin Xiaoxiao wouldn’t give up. After all, she had promised Qu Li… she would go back after the ceremony.

Thinking of this, Qin Xiaoxiao gritted her teeth and sped up.

Suddenly, at the end of the road, the female lead’s figure appeared. She had arrived in a hurry, still clutching a microphone.

“Run away!!” Qin Xiaoxiao shouted.

Seeing the female lead, she hesitated in her heart, but her movements kept going, not slowing down.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Xiang Liwei didn’t run away. Instead, she kicked off her high heels and rushed in her direction. The girl’s face turned pale with fear, her pupils dilating. She reached out toward Qin Xiaoxiao, as if wanting to grab something, her voice shrill.

“No—”

A sharp pain came from her back. Qin Xiaoxiao stumbled a few times and fell to the ground.

Feeling her hair being yanked, hearing the “Bitch,” “Go to hell, go to hell” coming from Zhu Qian, and feeling the knife frantically stabbing into her heart again and again, Qin Xiaoxiao knew… she was completely done for.

Her consciousness gradually drifted away.

The woman closed her eyes.

She would never know what happened next.

On the branches, white gardenia petals fell, gradually stained with blood. Xiang Liwei was like a walking corpse. She didn’t know what state of mind she was in when she grabbed Zhu Qian, snatched the fruit knife, and plunged it through the other’s throat. Then, she numbly chopped her into five pieces and threw them into the trash heap along with the knife, mixing them so that they were unrecognizable.

After doing this, Xiang Liwei walked back to the woman in a daze. Her soft, white face was stained with blood; her dress and palms were filthy.

“Let’s go home.”

The young girl pulled her body up, a pure smile on her beautiful face. If you ignored the blood on them, the scene wouldn’t have lacked beauty. At this moment, the image appeared eerie.

“Your body is so cold. It’s okay, my home is very warm.”

As if remembering something, Xiang Liwei’s smile became even sweeter. She added, “My foster mother was surely very happy to see you. Hee-hee, at first, she was all torn up, but later I stitched her back together. Am I not very capable?”

“So, I will stitch you back together, too. That way… you won’t be in pain anymore.”

As she spoke, Xiang Liwei freed her right hand. She wiped away the tears that flooded her eyes and blurred her vision.

The world turned back to black. It was too dark to see the path ahead clearly.

—I really am a jinx, aren’t I?