After Marrying the Villain with Seven Personalities [Transmigration into a Book]) - Chapter 48

Xu Linqiu looked at her, eyes brimming with soft affection. Her long lashes fluttered downward as she parted her lips slightly, capturing Yi Chenqing’s mouth. Slowly and gently, she deepened the kiss, her hand supporting Yi Chenqing’s waist as she gradually pressed her down.

Flat buttons were undone unnoticed, revealing a glimpse of beautiful, elegant collarbones. Xu Linqiu’s fingertips traced the lines of her collarbone as the lingering kiss grew more intense, her tongue grazing lightly.

Only when Yi Chenqing was completely lost in the moment did Xu Linqiu release her. She quickly propped herself up to kiss the beauty mark beneath Yi Chenqing’s eye, then rose to pull a package from the wardrobe. It was a set of pure black silk pajamas and a pair of black stockings; calling it “pajamas” was a stretch, as there was barely enough fabric to cover anything.

“I want to see you in this…” Xu Linqiu leaned down to press the items into her hands, nipping at her upper lip and lingering for a second before letting go. “I’m going to shower first.”

As she headed to the bathroom, Yi Chenqing’s face flushed a deep crimson. She clutched the silk tightly. “Where did you get this?”

“I bought it a few days ago. You looked too tired recently so I didn’t bring it out, but isn’t tomorrow the weekend? I figured we could tire ourselves out a bit tonight and then sleep in.” Xu Linqiu’s voice was full of innocent-sounding mischief.

As Xu Linqiu entered the bathroom, Yi Chenqing finally found her voice. “You forgot your clothes!”

There was no response from within. Left with no choice, Yi Chenqing looked at the garment in her hands, hesitated for a long while, and eventually hid under the covers to change into it. She wrapped herself in a thin quilt and sat on the edge of the bed with Xu Linqiu’s regular clothes, waiting to hand them over.

After a while, the water stopped. The door opened directly, and Xu Linqiu stood there, smiling. “What are you doing, wrapped up like a cocoon?”

Her long hair was soaking wet, droplets sliding down her neck, but her posture remained graceful as she gently dried her hair with a towel. Yi Chenqing’s ears burned; she looked away and handed over the clothes. Xu Linqiu took them, set them on the nightstand, and sat beside her, continuing to dry her hair with calm composure.

Yi Chenqing finally shed the quilt, snatched the towel from Xu Linqiu’s hands, and wrapped the quilt around the other woman instead. Perhaps to avoid Xu Linqiu’s piercing gaze, she sat behind her to finish drying her hair.

Xu Linqiu smiled, enjoying the perfect pressure of the hands on her head. She absentmindedly kneaded the quilt, her smile widening. Fair skin, unadulterated black silk, and a fine mesh—even a glance was enough to make her heart race.

“Everything at the company is back on track. Where do you want to go tomorrow? I’ll accompany you.” The nightgown was too short, and Yi Chenqing was still uncomfortable; moreover, the fabric felt rough against her skin. She frowned, tugging the straps upward while focusing on the hair-drying.

“Judong messaged me from the set,” Xu Linqiu replied casually. “She’s off tomorrow. She suggested we find that old spicy hotpot shop from our school days. Let’s go together.”

“Okay.” Though slightly disappointed it wasn’t a private date, Yi Chenqing’s expression brightened. As long as they were together, it was enough.

Once the hair was damp-dry, Xu Linqiu stood up, still wrapped in the quilt, and looked at her with a beaming smile. Suddenly the center of attention, Yi Chenqing didn’t know where to put her hands and feet, so she stared at the bed instead.

“It looks beautiful. It suits you. Do you like it?” Xu Linqiu asked.

“It’s… fine. The fabric is a bit abrasive.”

“It’s a textured inner lining designed to ‘enhance the experience.’ Their slogan says it makes the user feel as if their partner has ten thousand hands…”

“I get it, no need for details,” Yi Chenqing interrupted hurriedly. But as she looked up, she was suddenly enveloped by a rush of fragrance and the quilt.

Everything went dark. Wrapped in warmth, Xu Linqiu kissed her deeply. Yi Chenqing’s chest heaved in shock, but she slowly surrendered to the kiss, dancing in rhythm with her.

“It’s stuffy.”

After a long while, Xu Linqiu lifted a corner of the quilt so just their heads were exposed. The cool air hit them instantly, and the bright lights stung their eyes. Xu Linqiu squinted, catching her breath. She saw Yi Chenqing’s long lashes trembling against her flushed cheeks as she gasped for air.

Xu Linqiu felt a violent heartbeat—matching her own—but something felt off. She cupped Yi Chenqing’s face, worried. “Are you okay? Do you feel sick?”

“No.” Yi Chenqing opened her eyes, leaning her cheek into Xu Linqiu’s palm and panting softly. She lowered her gaze. “I like it very much…”

But the moment Xu Linqiu relaxed, Yi Chenqing’s voice turned cold. She suddenly grabbed Xu Linqiu’s wrist through the quilt. “You certainly know how to play, don’t you~”

Her expression shifted into one of pure seduction. “Setting aside your previous breach of trust—in this situation, you can only choose one of us. If you want us all, you’ll suffer a miserable fate…”

“What are you talking about?” Xu Linqiu frowned. But in the next second, the gaze changed again—becoming innocent yet full of raw desire. “Her taking medicine… it’s a declaration of war against us.”

“Ignore them~” The woman released her hand and slowly wrapped her arms around Xu Linqiu’s waist, arching her body. “Let’s continue~”

Before Xu Linqiu could speak, the grip loosened again, replaced by a tone of dissatisfaction. “That despicable woman thinks she can solve us with pills? How can you like her? Come with me. We’ll never be apart, okay?”

The gaze became frantic yet maintained a strange elegance. “A-Lin, help me grind my teeth. Once we merge, they won’t be able to steal my body—or you—ever again.”

“Don’t forget what you said about ‘playing along.’ Do you want to betray me and our daughter again? Betray this family?”

“Listen to me explain…”

“Qingqing, Qingqing!” Watching the seamless, frantic switching of personalities, Xu Linqiu was at a total loss. She tapped Yi Chenqing’s cheek, calling her name to wake her.

“Mm~” Yi Chenqing finally seemed to emerge from the chaos. she closed her eyes in exhaustion, then slowly covered Xu Linqiu’s hand with her own. “Did I say something wrong? My mind is a mess… I don’t know what I said…”

“No, nothing…” Xu Linqiu exhaled in relief and hugged her tightly. In that moment, she had been terrified that something would happen to make her lose her forever.

But what did those personalities mean? How can the same person declare war?

The warmth of Yi Chenqing’s hand stroking her back was a silent comfort. Xu Linqiu forced a smile, casting aside her worries. “You didn’t say anything. Let’s continue, but I’ll be very gentle this time. Don’t get overexcited.”

How could I not be excited? Yi Chenqing thought.

Xu Linqiu seemed to read her mind. She leaned down to kiss her and laughed softly. “Then let’s just cuddle. Otherwise, if our Qingqing gets too worked up and has an episode, it’ll take a while to recover~”

She held her tight, her moist lips occasionally moving to suckle or press lightly, her tongue grazing her teeth.

Is this what she calls ‘just cuddling’? Yi Chenqing thought helplessly. Just her proximity alone was enough to make peace impossible. She closed her eyes and began to respond to the tenderness.

Meanwhile, Shi Ji had been brooding since the dinner. When Yi Yanbai entered their room with her usual indifferent air, Shi Ji couldn’t take it and stormed out. She stayed out late on purpose, drinking just enough to feel it. Since her face wasn’t flushing, she slapped her own cheeks until they were red.

Following her usual “drunk” routine, she stumbled through the door, climbed the stairs, and entered the cracked-open door of their room. The lights were still on. She collapsed onto the bed.

A moment later, there was movement beside her. Her shoes were removed. A pair of arms, smelling of a crisp, clean scent, lifted her properly onto the bed before withdrawing. Shi Ji peeked through her lashes at Yi Yanbai’s retreating back as she headed to the bathroom, a smile touching her lips.

The woman returned with a basin of warm water. She placed a dry towel behind Shi Ji’s head and began to gently remove her makeup. Afterward, she changed the water and wiped Shi Ji’s neck and arms.

Shi Ji’s heart felt light, like it was stuffed with cotton, yet heavy, as if filled with water. As Yi Yanbai leaned over, Shi Ji pinched herself hard to bring tears to her eyes—mimicking a drunken mist. She suddenly sat up, wrapped her arms around Yi Yanbai’s neck, and pressed in.

Soft lips met. The towel dropped into the basin, splashing water everywhere. Shi Ji was reckless, her tongue—carrying a hint of alcohol—tasting Yi Yanbai’s lips, hungrily seeking more. She tried to pull her down onto the bed, but Yi Yanbai regained her composure. She gripped Shi Ji’s arms, controlling her movements. Tilting her head back to stay clear-headed, she said slowly, “You aren’t drunk at all.”

Shi Ji was forced to pull away. Flustered, she looked at that cold, icy face.

“Sister Linqiu is very happy now,” Yi Yanbai said. “If you’ve given up on her, let’s get a divorce. If you need it, I can give you half of my assets.”

If you don’t like her, don’t tease her, don’t kiss her, Yi Yanbai thought. Otherwise, how will I ever find the heart to let go?

Yi Yanbai released her and turned to leave, but Shi Ji grabbed her arm tightly.

“What does Lin-lin’s happiness have to do with our divorce? And you said this was a marriage of convenience—why give me half your fortune? Does your money just grow on trees?”

Finally, Shi Ji caught a glimpse of the emotion Yi Yanbai couldn’t hide: dejection and repression.

Does she actually like me? Shi Ji wondered. She reached out and grabbed Yi Yanbai’s other hand, forcing her to face her. She summoned all her courage.

“I might be slow, but once I realize something, I say it straight.”

“For instance, I’ve actually been jealous. I smelled the perfume on your coat and went out drinking every night just to come back smelling like something else to provoke you.”

“And another thing… I’ve fallen for you. Even though I’ve been trying to hide it, that single thought kept spinning in my head while I was kissing you.”

“I like you. A lot.”

Even if you are the protagonist, even if our future is uncertain, I have to tell you.

Shi Ji stared at her, her “peach blossom” eyes shining with determination and deep affection. Looking at the stunned Yi Yanbai, she managed a pale smile. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let my emotions get the better of me, or argued with you, or misunderstood you.”

“From now on, I’ll take the time to truly understand you. I’ll be more attentive. Can we try? Just try?” Her eyes filled with plea, and her voice cracked. “Please, don’t let’s divorce…”

Yi Yanbai remained motionless, as if paralyzed by shock. Shi Ji repeated: “Do you like me? Even just a little?”

The answer was right there. I like you. I’ve liked you for so long.

Yi Yanbai never dreamed she would hear those words. Her heart was filled with a joy so intense she was willing to throw herself into the flame like a moth, even if it were all a mirage.

But her lips felt as if they were glued shut. She realized she had tripped a “boundary.” Looking at those expectant eyes, she fought to tell her she loved her too.

But then, it happened. Her body began to move against her will, wrenching her hands free. Her mouth opened, but the words that came out were ones she had never imagined saying.

“I like Yu Shu. I’ve liked her for a long time. Giving you money is just to make the divorce go more smoothly.”

She couldn’t stop it. Though her soul was screaming, her outward expression was nothing but cold, calm eyes. She had to watch as Shi Ji’s smile faltered. Shi Ji stood up, trying to act normal, but tears suddenly spilled over.

Wiping them away, Shi Ji laughed. “It’s okay. It’s my fault. I’ll wait for you. Just… please, wait a little longer before divorcing me. As long as possible…”

If she doesn’t like me, why was she so good to me? Gripped by grievances and bitterness, Shi Ji wiped her face and fled the room in a panic.

Yi Yanbai wanted to move, but she was frozen. Only when the door clicked shut did she collapse. In the empty room, her eyes reddened, and two lines of silent tears fell, dripping onto her collar.

In this moment, countless memory fragments flooded her mind, bringing a splitting headache and a heart full of despair. Before this, she had never considered that her world was not real.

But the new memories told her: This was just a scripted novel world. Nothing was allowed to deviate from the main plot. Once the “world boundary” was touched, they would be subjected to forced execution.

She didn’t like Yu Shu, and she didn’t want to fight her sister for the family business. But she was forced to fulfill her romantic and career “arcs” step by step.

This was a world of endless cycles. She grew up, reached adulthood, succeeded in business, completed her romance, and eventually replaced Yi Chenqing to become the envied President of the Yi Group. Then she would grow old and die.

She was a puppet.

The only exception was a five-minute “time bug” on the rooftop during her final duel with Yi Chenqing. There, they would awaken, share a drink, and speak of their numbness to the infinite cycles. Then, once time was up, they would return to their positions, and she would watch herself push her sister off the building to her death.

Until this life. She had met Shi Ji. She had tasted what it meant to love, only to be controlled once more. Now, everything was being forced back onto the “original” track.

Since there was no current plot requirement, Yi Yanbai gradually regained control of her body. She leaned weakly against the bed and slowly crouched down, her face already covered in tears. She buried her face in her arms, letting the despair drown her.