After Redeeming the Female Lead, I Faked My Death and Escaped - Chapter 27

“Sister Ying”

The winter sun was warm and gentle.

By the bay window, a woman toyed with a rose between her fingers.

Even upon hearing the enthusiastic female voice, Ying Xu didn’t pause her movements, carefully trimming the stems and leaves before placing them into a vase.

Slender green foliage served as accents, paired with a few white roses to create an especially artistic scene. Lin Zheng, watching this, unconsciously slowed her steps, afraid of disturbing Ying Xu.

Observing the Alpha’s deft movements, she couldn’t help but think, the gap between people was truly vast.

They were both beginners, yet after just a few days of practice, Ying Xu could already create finished pieces, while Lin Zheng still struggled with even the simplest trimming.

At this thought, she sighed in frustration. “Ah, if Zhang Shu sees this, she’ll scold me again.”

Zhang Shu was the “teacher” Shan Qiaoyun had specially hired to instruct Lin Zheng in etiquette.

Though called an etiquette class, it was really just about teaching an Alpha how to obey an Omega’s words, how to cater to her whims, and how to become the perfect, all-around accomplished wife.

Initially, Ying Xu hadn’t been involved. It was only after Lin Zheng found the lessons too dull that she asked Ying Xu to accompany her.

It was a trivial matter, and Shan Qiaoyun didn’t care. In her mind, Ying Xu had always been an Alpha with nothing to offer beyond her looks and pleasant demeanor, someone who ought to learn more about how to please others.

The Beta’s words were high-minded, but her methods remained ruthless and decisive. On the day she left, she effectively “confined” Ying Xu to the hospital.

Ying Xu’s phone was confiscated, and nurses patrolled outside her room at all hours. Every day, she had no choice but to stay inside, either sitting in silence or gazing at the snowy scenery outside the window.

At first, the system still tried to communicate with Ying Xu. But after the previous incident, Ying Xu had grown particularly averse to it, showing no interest in responding.

Life felt like stagnant water, with only the resentment in her heart continuing to build, threatening to explode her chest.

It was Lin Zheng’s offhand suggestion that finally helped Ying Xu calm down.

During breaks from accompanying Lin Zheng to her lessons, Ying Xu began chatting with the nurses during their rounds, noting their preferences and using Lin Zheng’s help to obtain things they liked.

Soon, the two grew closer, and after several days of hesitation, the nurse finally agreed to help Ying Xu contact the outside world.

When it came to deciding who to “ask for help,” Ying Xu ultimately chose Cheng Jun.

Wei Xuyan could easily resolve the entire matter, but she was too busy and might not notice a message from an unknown number. Sheng Qiuyu would handle everything immediately, she might even drive straight to the hospital but her father’s status was too sensitive.

Shan Qiaoyun would never have dared to “confine” Ying Xu here on her own. Someone behind the scenes had to have authorized it.

Even if that person wasn’t Sheng Changming, they were undoubtedly connected to him in some way. Ying Xu didn’t want Sheng Qiuyu to face difficulties on her behalf. She had already done enough, Ying Xu was more than satisfied.

Seeing that things were finally making progress, Ying Xu’s mood improved considerably. Her voice was gentle as she said, “I can help you finish half of it.”

Before, she had offered to teach Lin Zheng, but the Alpha truly had no talent for this and lacked interest. Ying Xu wasn’t one to force instruction on others.

Hearing Ying Xu’s words, Lin Zheng’s eyes widened. “Really?”

Before coming here, Lin Zheng was a moderately successful model with average living conditions. When Shan Qiaoyun dangled the carrot of becoming Gu Qingzhu’s lover, she packed up and came without hesitation. Upon meeting Ying Xu, Lin Zheng appeared indifferent on the surface but couldn’t help feeling a twinge of resentment, thinking the Alpha was no match for her.

Inviting Ying Xu to attend classes together was merely to have a “foil” to make herself look less inadequate. Who would have thought that she would end up being the foil instead?

Ying Xu might have sensed her thoughts but never mentioned it, nor did she mock her for performing better. On the contrary, she actively helped Lin Zheng with her assignments, considerate and gentle.

After just a few days of interaction, Lin Zheng’s hostility toward her completely melted away. Recalling what Shan Qiaoyun had said earlier, she immediately realized there was more to the story and found Ying Xu utterly pitiable.

“You’re so kind,” Lin Zheng murmured, hesitating for a moment before adding softly, “Just helping me with half is enough. If it’s too good, she’ll notice. Oh, and, Sister Ying…”

“Can I take a photo? I’ll use it for reference later.”

Ying Xu chuckled lightly, “Of course.”

The next second, Lin Zheng pulled out her phone in front of her.

Ying Xu naturally didn’t look at her screen. Lin Zheng seemed to be photographing flowers but had subtly shifted the lens to capture most of the Alpha’s figure as well.

Outside the window, the cold wind howled, while inside, the woman in a loose sweater fiddled with a fresh white rose, intently studying the vase and branches before her, as if contemplating how to arrange them a scene of warmth.

Lin Zheng had a packed schedule, juggling etiquette and cultural classes. After taking the photo and exchanging a few playful words with Ying Xu, she left.

When the hospital room door closed, Ying Xu turned her gaze outside.

The snowstorm was vast. Every time she saw this scene, she thought of Gu Qingzhu, her pale face in the water, her faint pulse and breath, the blood on her cheeks.

Undeniably, Shan Qiaoyun’s words had stirred a subtle emotion in Ying Xu toward Gu Qingzhu. Occasionally, she even had the fleeting illusion that the woman might be more pitiable than herself.

Shan Qiaoyun and Ying Xu were strangers. No matter how heartless Ying Xu was, it would only evoke annoyance and disdain.

But the two of them had years of collaboration. Being treated this way by someone close would undoubtedly leave Gu Qingzhu deeply wounded.

Yet, what did it matter if she was wounded?

It was still class time when Lin Zheng suddenly returned, her tone urgent clearly, something had happened that required Ying Xu’s help. The only scenario that fit was “Lin Zheng wants to see Gu Qingzhu.”

No matter how wounded Gu Qingzhu was, she wasn’t the one trapped in a hospital room, waiting for death like a useless invalid.

She was too proud to be controlled by anyone. In fact, people would scramble to flatter her. If one Ying Xu left, another would immediately be sent to replace her, all to please her.

What a nauseating farce.

But fortunately, such days would soon be over.

Remembering her agreement with the nurse, Ying Xu’s emotions finally settled slightly. Her fingers moved more gently over the rose. Only when she lowered her eyes to focus on the arrangement did she realize the flower in her hand had been torn apart at some point ruined, worthless even as decoration.

“Did Ying Xu tell you what to watch out for?”

Footsteps echoed in the corridor as Shan Qiaoyun walked ahead, dressed in formal attire.

Lin Zheng followed closely behind, her voice soft as she murmured, “Sister Ying has taught me a lot. I’ll work hard.”

At the mention of “Sister Ying,” Shan Qiaoyun let out a derisive laugh. “She won’t have anything to do with Qingzhu in the future, let alone you. Keep your distance from her. There’s no need for you to work hard.”

“The only thing you need to do is make Gu Qingzhu fall in love with you.”

The words landed lightly, but they stirred a quiet protest in Lin Zheng’s heart.

Would Gu Qingzhu really fall in love with her just because someone said so?

But Lin Zheng was being paid to do a job, so she didn’t argue. She obediently agreed, which only made Shan Qiaoyun more pleased.

Compared to Ying Xu, everyone else was so much better.

When they reached the corner ward, Shan Qiaoyun pushed open the door, her face instantly softening into a gentle smile.

Lin Zheng, nervous, stepped in behind her and heard the Beta woman say warmly, “Qingzhu.”

But no sooner had the greeting left her lips than a white cup suddenly flew toward Shan Qiaoyun.

The Beta instinctively stumbled back, and right before their eyes, the porcelain cup shattered into countless tiny pieces with a loud crash.

The force behind the throw was immense. Shan Qiaoyun stared at the fragments, unable to imagine what state she’d be in if it had hit her.

“Qingzhu, you”

For once, Shan Qiaoyun’s voice trembled with disbelief. She had seen Gu Qingzhu lose control before, but she had never expected that one day, that same madness would be directed at her.

“Get out.” Gu Qingzhu broke into a violent coughing fit, and only then did Lin Zheng finally get a clear look at the woman’s face.

This was her first time seeing Gu Qingzhu, but the Omega was nothing like she had imagined pale, frail, like a flower that could be crushed by the slightest frost.

“How disgusting,” Gu Qingzhu muttered, not naming names, but the words were enough to drain the color from Shan Qiaoyun’s face.

“Qingzhu,” Shan Qiaoyun forced herself to stay calm, forcing a smile. “I know you’re upset that I haven’t visited you in so long, but I’ve been worried”

“Spare me the act.” Gu Qingzhu’s voice rose sharply, her dark eyes locking onto the Beta with a chill that cut deep.

When she had learned that Ying Xu was in critical condition, Gu Qingzhu’s first instinct had been to go to her.

But according to Assistant Lu, Shan Qiaoyun had already given orders, Gu Qingzhu was to rest, and she would personally arrange for Ying Xu’s care.

Care?

Just hearing the word filled Gu Qingzhu with revulsion.

She couldn’t help but remember how, before that livestream, Shan Qiaoyun had bossed Ying Xu around, demanding absolute obedience.

Before, Gu Qingzhu had been too busy with work to care about power plays.

But Shan Qiaoyun had reveled in it. Because Gu Qingzhu had thought well of her, she had let the woman use her name to network, climb the ranks, and build her own influence.

Gu Qingzhu had heard about it but never cared, she had even been willing to help.

But she had never imagined that her leniency would become a weapon turned against her.

Shan Qiaoyun had dared to override her and decide Ying Xu’s fate.

“Without me, what are you?”

Every word struck like a hammer.

Shan Qiaoyun’s expression darkened completely.

She kept a cold face, silent. Gu Qingzhu’s thin lips parted slightly, as if she had more to say, but she abruptly stopped upon seeing the woman behind the Beta.

Almost instinctively, Gu Qingzhu called out, “Ying Xu”

The next second, right before her eyes, Lin Zheng instinctively smiled.

The curve of her lips was eerily familiar, identical to how Ying Xu used to smile, even the slight upward tilt at the corners of her eyes was exactly the same.

Yet, nearly identical expressions on different faces evoked entirely different emotions in Gu Qingzhu.

When Ying Xu smiled like that, it was simply to convey the purest warmth and sincerity, making people instinctively lower their guard.

But when the Alpha before her smiled like that, the only emotion it revealed was fear.

She was afraid of her.

And that was an emotion Ying Xu would never display.

Even in the car, even when Gu Qingzhu wanted to kill her, even when Ying Xu’s survival instincts made her resist from beginning to end, the woman had never shown a trace of fear.

Those eyes seemed to hold nothing but sorrow and tenderness. She cared only about Gu Qingzhu’s feelings, disregarding everything about herself.

She had told Gu Qingzhu, “I won’t blame you.”

How disgusting.

A sharp ringing filled her ears, and Gu Qingzhu felt a wave of intense nausea.

How disgusting.

The thought surfaced in her mind again. After a moment of silence, Gu Qingzhu finally raised her head.

“I want to see Ying Xu.”

Gu Qingzhu’s reaction and behavior took Shan Qiaoyun by surprise.

Having been in a position of power for too long, being pointed at and insulted like this in front of outsiders made Shan Qiaoyun tremble with anger.

Even so, she forced a smile, hoping to placate Gu Qingzhu. “President Sheng has already arranged a better hospital for Miss Ying abroad”

“For every day I don’t see her, your shares will be diluted by half.”

Gu Qingzhu’s tone was numb and calm. “I know that in your eyes, Ying Xu is just a dog, something you can treat however you want.”

“I didn’t”

“I don’t deny that. I used to think the same way.” Gu Qingzhu lifted her gaze to meet Shan Qiaoyun’s, curling her lips into a mocking smile. “But at least she’s a living being, capable of surviving on her own.”

“And you without me, what do you think you are?”

“Nothing more than a tool, not even worth a dog.”