After Redeeming the Female Lead, I Faked My Death and Escaped - Chapter 17.1

The following evening, Ying Xu received two gifts. One was a sapphire-blue fitted evening gown designed by a renowned fashion designer, and the other was an exquisitely expensive set of jewelry. Together, their value exceeded a million, leaving Ying Xu momentarily speechless.

The two gifts came from Cheng Jun and Sheng Qiuyu, respectively. The former’s note was as ambiguously flirtatious as ever: “Looking forward to meeting Miss Ying tonight.”

It ended with a winking smile emoji.

Sheng Qiuyu’s message, on the other hand, was far more exuberant: “Do you like this necklace? If not, we can still change it now. But with me by your side, even if it doesn’t look great, no one would dare say anything… Wait, does that sound wrong? You’re already so beautiful, anything you wear would look amazing!”

“Ying Xu, Ying Xu, Ying Xu”

After their date the previous night, Sheng Qiuyu had originally wanted to take Ying Xu to see the fireworks in the city center but had to cancel last minute due to family matters. Though Ying Xu didn’t mind, Sheng Qiuyu seemed particularly guilty and had been messaging her even more frequently than usual.

Ying Xu had lost count of how many times Sheng Qiuyu had typed her name, so she simply replied with the same emoji Cheng Jun had sent.

The Omega seemed especially pleased, sending back an animated sticker of a kitten blowing a kiss.

The evening’s venue was a high end luxury hotel.

The entrance had even been cordoned off for the occasion. After inspecting the invitation, the attendant welcoming Ying Xu flashed a genuinely warm smile. “Welcome, Miss Ying Xu. The Second Young Miss has been waiting for you for quite some time.”

The “Second Young Miss” naturally referred to Cheng Jun.

Ying Xu nodded in thanks and followed the Beta, glancing around as they walked.

This was a private property under the Cheng family’s name a gilded, opulent space filled with endless entertainment facilities, resembling a miniature city.

The night before, while discussing the prominent families of the capital, Sheng Qiuyu had casually introduced Ying Xu to a few of the most influential ones.

The Xu family controlled technological advancements, while the Song family was largely involved in politics and culture, wielding significant influence. In contrast, the Cheng family had neither technological prowess nor excessive political power. Their status as a “prestigious family” stemmed entirely from their accidental discovery of a rare mineral vein a century ago.

The previous head of the Cheng family had been notoriously promiscuous, fathering numerous illegitimate children, a drama reminiscent of the palace intrigue popular a hundred years ago. As he grew frail with age, everyone became ravenous for a share of the Cheng family’s wealth.

In this gladiatorial battle for inheritance, the eldest daughter, Cheng Yuedu, emerged victorious. Though her mother had passed away early, she had arranged everything for her daughter before her death.

When Sheng Qiuyu mentioned the patriarch’s “notorious promiscuity,” Ying Xu had already guessed Cheng Jun’s background.

Sure enough, after introducing Cheng Yuedu, Sheng Qiuyu sneered and began talking about Cheng Jun’s mother.

A meek and docile-looking Beta, originally a nurse, who had been brought into the capital by chance. She had worked for many elite families under the guise of a “private physician,” only to be driven out as a “mistress.”

Finally, Ying Xu understood why Sheng Qiuyu looked down on Cheng Jun so much.

Perhaps Cheng Jun’s mother had once tried to seduce Sheng Changming as well.

The sound of footsteps rustled against the soft artificial grass.

Though it was the first day of the new year and bitterly cold outside, the venue had been transformed into a lush, spring-like garden. On the terrace, the coquettish laughter of young women mingled with the hearty chuckles of men, creating a scene as pure and romantic as the Garden of Eden.

The attendant led Ying Xu to a secluded corner of the garden and smiled. “The Third Young Miss will be here shortly. Please wait patiently, Miss Ying.”

Compared to the main hall or private rooms where the others were gathered, this place seemed particularly secluded, as if reserved for guests who couldn’t be seen in the light.

But given that Cheng Yuedu was currently in power, the life of an illegitimate child probably wasn’t going to be too comfortable. Ying Xu didn’t dwell on it.

She picked up her glass, the pale pink liquid swirling inside, emitting a faint fruity aroma.

Ying Xu took a small sip, her brow lifting slightly.

The next second, the system suddenly chimed in: [Host’s happiness level +10 detected! Please believe that as long as you work hard to win over the female lead, you’ll enjoy an even better life than this in the future.]

Ying Xu hadn’t expected drinking to trigger the system. She casually wiped the corner of her lips with a napkin and replied politely: [Please also believe that as long as you remain hands-off, I’ll definitely die a worse death than in my dreams.]

[Host, please believe that the last incident shocked me just as much!]

[Please trust that it will be the last life-threatening event. For the remainder of your limited lifespan, the system will do everything in its power to ensure your safety.]

It sounded like a garbage advertisement.

Ying Xu neither agreed nor disagreed, nor did she ask how exactly the system planned to “ensure her safety.”

Around her, the chatter of voices filled the air. At an unusual soft sound, Ying Xu glanced over indifferently it was Sheng Qiuyu.

The Omega had originally agreed to come to the hotel with Ying Xu but had gotten stuck on the way due to taking a different route. Now, she was bombarding Ying Xu with messages, venting her frustration.

No need to rush, I’ll wait for you.

The moment she sent the message, Sheng Qiuyu angrily replied: I’m only rushing because I don’t want to make you wait!

If the one waiting is Miss Sheng, I don’t mind waiting a little longer.

Sheng Qiuyu stopped replying.

[Sheng Qiuyu’s favorability +1. Current favorability: 47]

A deeper smile flickered in Ying Xu’s eyes.

Just as she set down her phone, she met another pair of eyes brimming with curiosity.

Ying Xu paused, then smiled at the high-ponytailed girl in front of her.

“What’s the matter?”

“Are you my third sister’s friend?” The girl blinked. “She’s busy with something and asked me to take you upstairs first. I’m Cheng Fei. What’s your name?”

She looked quite young, around seventeen or eighteen, dressed in a school uniform, as if she’d come straight from school to the hotel.

After a brief observation, despite her reservations, Ying Xu still introduced herself: “Ying Xu.”

“Oh” Cheng Fei drew out the syllable, letting Ying Xu follow behind her. When Ying Xu walked too slowly, she even urged her on. “Are you in the same production as Third Sister? How’s her acting?”

“Is it as bad as it is on TV?”

“She acts very well? Did she learn it from her mom?” At this, Cheng Fei covered her lips with her hand.

Her face was exceptionally charming, her eyes curving like crescent moons when she smiled, making her even more adorable. But the words she spoke were far more chilling than the murkiest water in a swamp.

Ying Xu’s steps abruptly halted.

By then, however, the two had already entered the main hall. The chandeliers glittered brilliantly, illuminating the couples dancing in the ballroom, the waitstaff moving about, and the towering stacks of chips on the gambling tables.

A woman sat in the seat of honor, clad in an elegant black dress. Her dark hair was pinned up with a wooden hairpin, and a pair of red agate earrings dangled quietly by her ears like crimson beans. Every movement she made seemed meticulously calculated, even the slight lift of her hand exuded grace.

A slender ring adorned the little finger of her left hand, a symbol of widowhood.

“Xiao Fei,” she spoke, her tone gentle. “Don’t get distracted.”

With just one word, the surrounding crowd quickly echoed in agreement, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.

Song Fei’s gaze finally withdrew from Cheng Fei’s retreating figure.

She curled her lips slightly, but couldn’t hide the smugness in her eyes.

Gu Qingzhu had publicly humiliated her in front of so many people last night. If she couldn’t retaliate against Gu Qingzhu directly yet, couldn’t she at least torment the Alpha by her side?

After a quick investigation, she easily learned that Cheng Jun, the newly found illegitimate daughter of the Cheng family, seemed to have a good relationship with Ying Xu, who would definitely attend tonight’s banquet.

So, Song Fei spent a little money and effortlessly convinced Cheng Fei to help her lock Ying Xu in Room 303.

The Cheng family had far too many illegitimate children. Since Cheng Yuedu took control, expenses had been slashed across the board, leaving Cheng Fei struggling financially. Naturally, she was more than happy to oblige.

Humming a tune, Song Fei was just about to finish her card game and go meet her prey for the night when a cold, resonant female voice rang out, like a chilling mountain spring that sent shivers down one’s spine.

“Ms. Song.” Cheng Yuedu gave a slight nod. She had inherited her mother’s genes, with striking features, most notably her mesmerizing emerald-green eyes, as deep and unfathomable as cold jade.

Cheng Yuedu didn’t seem capable of smiling, her expression perpetually indifferent.

In contrast, Cheng Jun beside her appeared particularly flamboyant, her smile unrestrained, her red dress swaying as her gaze fixed solely on Song Fei’s face. “Miss Song, long time no see.”

Compared to the hard-to-approach Song Lianshan, Song Fei, with whom she had exchanged a few words before, was naturally easier to deal with.

Under normal circumstances, Song Fei might have indulged her with a few words. But because of Ying Xu, she needed Cheng Jun to take the fall, making it awkward to face her now. She simply snorted and ignored the greeting.

Even after being met with cold indifference, Cheng Jun’s smile remained flawless, though her eyes flickered briefly.

Cheng Yuedu offered no comment on the exchange. After exchanging greetings, she moved on to thank other guests, not sparing a single extra word for Cheng Jun. Yet Cheng Jun followed closely behind her, unfazed.

“Is this the last daughter Cheng Ming brought back before he died?” A man spoke up at some point. “She’s nowhere near as impressive as Yuedu. How can she be allowed to stay by her side?”

As the new head of the family, it was only natural for Cheng Yuedu to keep a few trusted individuals around to introduce to elders and acquaintances.

But who among the truly trusted would overshadow their master as blatantly as Cheng Jun?

“She’s not as good as Cheng Yuedu, but are you as good as your brother?”

Song Fei’s words were sharp, leaving the man speechless as he glanced at Song Lianshan.

The latter merely smiled gently, accepting a glass of wine from a servant behind her. “Xiao Fei.”

Song Fei pursed her lips and tossed her cards aside.

She no longer wanted to delay. Rising to her feet, she intended to go meet Ying Xu, but the moment she looked up, she caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd.

Staring at that face, Song Fei’s pupils contracted sharply as she abruptly stood up.

Footsteps echoed, reverberating through the staircase.

In the end, Ying Xu didn’t leave for a simple reason.