After My Death, I Became a Heartless Madman - Chapter 17

Flying Bird Town had been enjoying rare sunny days recently, with last night’s light rain leaving no trace. Yet the Inner City was unusually plagued by continuous gloomy showers.

The vast private horse ranch was a lush expanse of green, where the sky seemed to blend seamlessly with the soft emerald hues in the distance. However, two dark clouds marred the pale blue sky like an unwelcome intrusion. A chestnut-colored pony let out a bored snort.

Dressed in a black satin top with long sleeves casually draped over the sides of the horse, the rider sat with a spine as straight as bamboo, their clothes fluttering sharply in the wind.

The sight of a spirited youth on a magnificent steed was the stuff of many people’s dreams. The black stallion galloped like lightning, its rider leaning low over its back. After several rounds, she finally tightened the reins. Beneath the standard riding helmet were a pair of cold, haughty green eyes.

Too beautiful, heart-stoppingly so. It was the kind of beauty one would abandon everything to possess. Yet Bai Ruowei herself remained oblivious, her expression indifferent as she casually handed the riding crop to Mia.

This ranch was the private property of the Surveillance Institute. Though called a ranch, it was practically a full-fledged resort. The staff had been on high alert upon hearing that Miss Bai would grace them with her presence.

But Bai Ruowei had been acting strangely these past few days.

During the routine parliamentary meeting three days ago, she had uncharacteristically zoned out, leaving Mr. Bai in an awkward position.

And it wasn’t just the zoning out… Li Ningzhi grumbled inwardly. Miss Bai had also been suffering from frequent headaches lately, sometimes even experiencing sudden dizziness. She would abruptly grab Mia or Li Ningzhi and ask where they were or what year it was, leaving them utterly baffled.

Helpless, Miss Bai had no choice but to continue taking medication to soothe her nerves. But medicine is a double-edged sword while her palpitations had eased, her tendency to space out had only grown worse.

“Sis…? Sis!”

The girl on the chestnut pony had to call her twice before Bai Ruowei snapped out of her daze.

“Were you even listening to me?”

Miss Bai blinked, instinctively nodding, her expression almost dazed. “I was listening.”

This girl was Bai Ruowei’s younger sister, Ruoruo. At just seventeen, Ruoruo was the Inner City’s infamous troublemaker. Even Mia and Li Ningzhi would steer clear of her whenever possible.

Ruoruo waved her riding crop idly. The pony beneath her was half a head shorter than Bai Ruowei’s jet-black steed, making it look anything but imposing more like a child’s toy than a proper horse.

“Where were you listening? Your mind was miles away. Did Li Ningzhi and Mia badmouth me again when I wasn’t around? I don’t care, you have to punish them properly.”

Li Ningzhi quickly helped her dismount and removed her helmet, cutting off her complaints.

A portable tea table held a glass of cola, undoubtedly prepared for Bai Ruoruo. What was so appealing about such a cheap, sugary drink? She never seemed to tire of it. Last time, the second young miss had even talked about investing in a local soda company to develop a crayfish-flavored beverage. Who knew how that had turned out?

Li Ningzhi didn’t understand, but Li Ningzhi respected it.

Bai Ruowei sat nearby, leisurely removing her gloves. “The moment you return, you’re already threatening my people. Quite the temper you have.”

The words seemed like a reprimand, but held hidden amusement. Miss Bai was usually indifferent to everyone, except for this younger sister whom she doted on endlessly.

Bai Ruowei, of course, wasn’t afraid of her.

“Of course I came to check on you, sister. I heard you’ve been in a bad mood lately. You’re cooped up in the Surveillance Institute all day, your mind filled with nothing but the Inner City. If this goes on, even someone perfectly healthy will fall ill.”

Bai Ruowei couldn’t help but laugh.

“Then what do you suggest I do?”

Bai Ruowei continued eagerly,

“I have many friends who’d love to meet the famous Miss Bai. How about I introduce a few to you? You can go out, relax, and take a proper break?”

Mia said nothing, quietly playing the role of a shadow. Bai Ruowei had never been one to act without ulterior motives. Li Ningzhi silently scoffed in her heart since when was she ever this considerate?

“You’re being this kind, introducing friends to me?”

“Ah, sister, how could you think of me like that…”

Miss Bai pushed aside the floral centerpiece on the coffee table, her expression knowing.

She said calmly,

“It’s Zhao Yiqing again, isn’t it?”

The question nearly made Ruowei’s jaw drop.

“Ah, sister, how did you know?”

This Zhao Yiqing really was like a lingering ghost.

Last time, teaching Zhao Yiqing how to ski had just been a whim for Miss Bai. Who would’ve thought the woman would have the audacity to secretly take so many photos, causing a huge uproar at the time.

Seeing Bai Ruowei’s expression darken, Ruowei had no choice but to spill the truth.

“Alright, sis, the truth is… I’ve found my true love recently. She’s Zhao Yiqing’s sister. Zhao Yiqing promised me  as long as I got you to come out, she’d…”

Hearing this, Bai Ruowei had plenty to say.

“Last month, you told me you met your true love in the Third District and asked me for a diamond rough from Southern Europe. The month before that, you fell in love at first sight with some beauty abroad and demanded a piece of land and a private residence under Mia’s name. Half a year ago…”

Ruowei frantically tried to cover her mouth.

“I don’t care, I don’t care! I’m your sister, come on! I just really like Miss Zhao the Second. Zhao Yiqing and I already agreed, are you going or not? What will Zhao Yiqing think of me? Will Zhao Yilan still be with me or not?”

When reasoning failed, Ruowei resorted to rolling on the floor, throwing a tantrum like a spoiled child refusing to let go of a toy. The noise gave Bai Ruowei a headache.

“Fine, I’ll go. I’ll go, alright?”

The meeting place was arranged by Zhao Yiqing, a private dining establishment. The moment Bai Ruowei stepped out of the car, Miss Zhao came forward to greet her.

Her appearance was soft and lovely, but her pheromones were intensely passionate. The Inner City in late autumn already carried a chill, yet Zhao Yiqing’s skirt fluttered with every movement, her every smile carrying the fervent scent of roses.

“Though we only met recently, Miss Bai, I’ve missed you terribly… That’s why I asked Ruowei to invite you out.”

Once seated, Zhao Yiqing offered an explanation as if it were nothing.

“Please don’t be angry with me, Miss Bai.”

The atmosphere between them turned awkwardly cold. Seizing the moment when the waiter brought the menu, Zhao Yiqing quickly spoke up.

“I took the liberty of ordering a few dishes in advance, but I’m not sure if they suit your taste, Miss Bai. Would you like to add anything else?”

Bai Ruowei nodded, skimmed the menu, then handed it back to the waiter.

“There’s nothing else I’d like to add.”

Miss Bai smiled faintly.

“What a coincidence, the dishes Miss Zhao ordered today are all my favorites.”

Her smile softened the intimidating aura around her, making her seem almost warm.

“Just as coincidental as that time at the ski resort.”

Zhao Yiqing broke into a cold sweat instantly.

“About the photos before… I didn’t mean to… I just had so few chances to see Miss Bai, so I wanted someone to take pictures as keepsakes… I never expected them to be leaked…”

A clumsy lie might be excused once for novelty, but hearing it too often only bred annoyance. Bai Ruowei raised her hand, cutting Zhao Yiqing off.

“There’s no need to be so anxious, Miss Zhao. I’m not angry, nor do I intend to pursue the matter.”

Bai Ruowei took a sip of tea.

Because if she were angry or intended to pursue it,

Zhao Yiqing wouldn’t even be sitting across from her right now.

“I agreed to meet you today for two reasons. First, out of respect for Ruoruo. Second, because I wanted to make things clear to you.”

Bai Ruowei enunciated each word deliberately, “I have no plans for romance or marriage.”

Zhao Yiqing froze, then desperately grasped Bai Ruowei’s hand.

“That’s alright, Miss Bai. I can wait… If you don’t want a relationship now, surely you will someday, right? You know my family background. If you’re willing,  even if it’s just a loveless union, I…”

Bai Ruowei pulled her hand away, her expression weary.

“Enough.”

For some reason, her face twisted with bitterness, her brows furrowed as if she were aggrieved.

“I won’t settle for a loveless marriage. I’ll only marry someone I love.”

Since when had she grown so confident about love? Someone she loved? Bai Ruowei frowned, when had she ever loved anyone?

Zhao Yiqing was on the verge of tears. Suppressing her irritation, Bai Ruowei said, “Let’s eat first.”

Perhaps sensing the tense atmosphere in the private room, a server timed their entrance perfectly to bring in another dish.

“Double Red Soup with Snow Fungus and Barley. Please enjoy.”

The familiar name struck Bai Ruowei like a bolt. Without thinking, she blurted out,

“What?”

That name,  it felt so familiar.

Dazed, she watched as the server set down two delicate porcelain bowls, adorned with ornate gold patterns. Bai Ruowei lifted the lid, and a familiar fragrance wafted up.

So sweet… that sugary aroma.

Her eyes widened slightly, her expression blank.

She picked up a spoon and took a sip.

The strange flavor flooded her taste buds, leaving her stunned. Seeing her expression soften, Zhao Yiqing gathered the courage to ask,

“Miss Bai, do you… like this dessert too?”

Bai Ruowei answered reflexively,

“It’s alright.”

Not that she particularly liked it.

Bai Ruowei thought to herself.

It’s just that someone used to make it for her often.

Zhao Yiqing smiled shyly.

“I thought only Omegas liked this dish…”

“Snow fungus and barley nourish yin and replenish qi, great for beauty and complexion. The ‘double red’ refers to red beans and red dates, which are very helpful for… pregnancy preparation.”

Zhao Yiqing’s face flushed.

So that’s what it meant?!

Zhao Yiqing startled at her reaction.

“Miss Bai, are you alright?”

Bai Ruowei snapped irritably,

“I’ve never heard any of that before.”

“Usually… my wife is the one who makes these for me.”

No wonder Song Shizhou always made it for her after that matter was settled. Whenever she wanted it normally, Song Shizhou would refuse, saying it was too troublesome to prepare…

Wait.

Bai Ruowei’s face instantly turned as pale as paper.

But… who is Song Shizhou?

Zhao Yiqing was startled.

“Miss Bai, what’s wrong?”

“You just mentioned… your wife?”

“Have you gotten married?”

Bai Ruowei froze. After a long pause, she exhaled deeply.

Her expression held both resentment and sorrow, like a wounded beast trapped in exile. A plain ring adorned the index finger of her left hand. Now she spread her fingers, staring intently at that simple band, her eyes brimming with tenderness and unshed tears.

Miss Bai’s smile didn’t reach far. The usually unattainable Bai Ruowei suddenly appeared somewhat lonely. Though she wore a smile, her eyes held traces of barely perceptible bitterness.

This bitterness was imprisoned deep within her soul, like a malicious curse.

Support