After Redeeming the Female Lead, I Faked My Death and Escaped - Chapter 41

Terminating endorsement contracts, canceling scheduled shoots, refunding fans, Gu Qingzhu’s demands were processed within days.

Public opinion was in an uproar. People were stunned that she had truly “defaulted” on everything just like that, and furious that she turned out to be such a person.

For an exceptionally long time, discussions about Gu Qingzhu were flooded with scathing criticism and lengthy posts from fans abandoning her.

The omega’s personal popularity soared to unparalleled heights, to the point that Qinghong Entertainment, which had been at the center of the storm just days earlier, was sidelined. Their stock prices barely stabilized for a while.

The public forgot about Qinghong, but they didn’t forget the other party involved Ying Xu. Many onlookers, eager for drama, eagerly anticipated Ying Xu stepping forward to pour fuel on the fire and utterly destroy Gu Qingzhu’s reputation.

Yet, they waited one day, two days… until hired commentators began steering the conversation and the buzz gradually died down. The alpha never responded to the matter.

As if she had never suffered those humiliations.

As if it had all been nothing more than a collective illusion.

No matter how confused the public was or how indignant the fans felt, without any response from the person in question, interest quickly waned.

Until the streaming platform unexpectedly released Redemption ahead of schedule.

Ying Xu’s character in the series was striking, and her performance was outstanding. With the platform’s aggressive promotion, she became the center of discussion again within hours.

Many netizens who had previously criticized her now felt a sense of guilt and tuned in to show their support.

Alpha’s in-series merchandise sold out completely. Redemption’s popularity skyrocketed, and within half a month, every actor in the show except Gu Qingzhu saw their follower counts multiply. Ying Xu’s account broke records, gaining tens of millions of followers.

Like a whale fall while the whale itself perished, countless others thrived on its remains.

Collaboration offers flooded in, nearly overwhelming Feiyun Entertainment’s doorstep. Yet, Luo Zhu was far from as excited as one might expect.

Most of these offers were unreliable, merely capitalizing on Ying Xu’s fleeting popularity to make a quick profit.

No one truly took her seriously. They saw her fame as a flash in the pan, a tool for the public to tear one down while lifting another.

Once Gu Qingzhu’s reputation was truly ruined and the public lost interest, Ying Xu would be cast aside.

Besides, Gu Qingzhu’s silence now didn’t mean she would stay silent forever.

Public opinion was controlled only by those with the power to speak harsh, but true.

In her bright, spotless office, Luo Zhu took a deep breath and dialed Ying Xu’s number again.

Half a month had passed, yet she still hadn’t had a real conversation with the alpha. Ying Xu seemed unusually busy, always replying hastily with a few messages to confirm she was fine before going silent again.

Luo Zhu didn’t know the reason for Ying Xu’s busyness, but she didn’t pry too deeply.

It was only through online exposés that she learned about Ying Xu’s past experiences. Shocked, she couldn’t help but feel pity, unwilling and afraid to push too hard.

Her gaze drifted to the printer, still humming as it spat out sheets of paper with crisp text and olive branch patterns along the edges.

This was a collaboration offer the reason for her call.

It wasn’t a livestream sales gig, nor was it some no-name brand. It was an invitation from a globally renowned luxury jewelry house.

Before the scandal, their only domestic ambassador had been Gu Qingzhu, with whom they had collaborated for years, maintaining a close relationship.

Yet, this very brand the “only” one so intimately tied to Gu Qingzhu had posted an announcement that morning, unilaterally terminating their contract with her.

It’s important to note that when Gu Qingzhu terminated contracts with other brands, the wording from the brands was extremely cautious, only stating it was a mutual and amicable decision.

A unilateral termination, however, was nothing short of a condescending act, dripping with disdain.

Coupled with years of collaboration and multiple layers of intertwined relationships, the comment sections erupted in an uproar.

Luo Zhu didn’t pay it much mind, even suspecting there might have been a falling out between the brand and Gu Qingzhu.

That was until she saw the email, the very brand that had just severed ties with Gu Qingzhu turned around and invited Ying Xu to become their new global ambassador.

This was betrayal, plain and simple.

Luo Zhu couldn’t imagine how Gu Qingzhu’s reputation would suffer if the brand officially announced Ying Xu as their new face.

The dial tone dragged on endlessly.

No one picked up.

Just as the beta took a deep breath, ready to give up and set the email aside, a slightly hoarse “Hello” finally came through.

” Ying Xu.”

Spring had officially settled over the city, with warm sunlight refracting through lush greenery, casting dappled shadows everywhere a scene of radiant warmth.

Yet not a trace of this springtime vitality seeped into the mansion. The entire house remained shrouded in gray silence, windows and doors tightly shut, curtains drawn when necessary to block out even the faintest light.

All because Gu Qingzhu’s mood had shifted again.

Her volatility had grown increasingly pronounced, from smashing decor to refusing any human contact. The slightest disturbance could set her off, provoking icy reprimands in the wake of her fury.

This had happened a few times before.

In the past, whenever Gu Qingzhu lost control, she would throw herself into work.

But this time, her career had been crippled by her own actions. With no outlet to divert her attention, the omega became a caged beast, laying bare all the emotions she had once suppressed and unleashing them without restraint.

Another dish shattered.

The maid, eyes reddened, bent to clean up the shards, but a pale hand reached them first.

“I’ll handle it,” the woman said gently. “I’ll also bring Qingzhu her dinner. You can go rest now.”

“You’ve worked hard today.”

The beta looked up in surprise, but Ying Xu had already lowered her head, swiftly gathering the fragments.

The maid couldn’t help but regard her with mixed emotions she had, of course, followed the rumors and knew just how “wicked” Gu Qingzhu was portrayed to be. Yet despite all that, Ying Xu harbored no resentment toward the omega. Instead, she actively helped soothe others’ frustrations, going above and beyond in every way.

For anyone else, even the deepest affection would have been worn thin by such treatment. But not Ying Xu. Her love was like an ember, the more it was buried, the more its faint glow became impossible to ignore.

Ying Xu wasn’t privy to the maid’s thoughts, but she genuinely believed cleaning up a few broken dishes was nothing.

Given Gu Qingzhu’s past suicide attempt, if smashing a few plates helped her vent, Ying Xu would gladly order new ones for her every day.

But as it turned out, it didn’t help.

After the momentary release, Gu Qingzhu’s mood would only sink deeper. At first, Ying Xu didn’t understand why, until the system suggested it might be guilt. Only then did she realize the omega’s change.

Before, Gu Qingzhu had never felt remorse for her violent outbursts, even convincing herself that such behavior was justified.

But now, the omega was weighed down by guilt over smashing a few extra dishes and causing others “trouble.”

Perhaps it was her innate kindness, or perhaps it was her subconscious desire to remain kind after being battered by malice.

Xu Ying knew that Gu Qingzhu might be the former, but stubbornly insisted on viewing her as the latter.

Just like how the omega had once been.

At dinner time, as promised, Xu Ying took the initiative to knock on Gu Qingzhu’s door.

This door had always been tightly shut in the past, and Xu Ying had no idea what Gu Qingzhu did during those times.

The omega’s devices had been smashed by her and still hadn’t been replaced.

Unable to browse the internet, her only pastime was likely reading the same books over and over again in this dimly lit room with drawn curtains.

“Qingzhu,” she called, waiting a few seconds for a response before continuing, “Dinner is ready.”

Like a machine reciting daily routines, Xu Ying even listed the dishes and made small talk. Even if her voice was the only sound in the silence, she didn’t find it dull.

In the bathroom, the sound of running water had stopped at some point. Gu Qingzhu casually toweled her hair and coldly remarked, “All nonsense.”

Assuming Xu Ying had already left, she reached for a nightgown, but the alpha’s voice suddenly spoke again.

“Also, I contacted Dr. Xiang,” the woman hesitated slightly, “She’ll be here in half an hour ”

Before she could finish, the door abruptly swung open from the inside.

The woman wore only a nightgown, her hair still dripping, the fabric clinging to her skin. She seemed to have just stepped out of the shower, with no time to tidy up. Her recent weight loss was evident, her collarbones protruded, and faint scratches marred her arms.

Xu Ying ignored the marks, focusing only on Gu Qingzhu.

Perhaps due to her overwhelming negativity, Gu Qingzhu’s eyes always seemed lifeless no matter what she did.

Only when looking at Xu Ying did a faint flicker of emotion appear in them.

“You contacted Xiang Ling?” Gu Qingzhu suppressed the agitation in her voice. “Why?”

Xu Ying replied, “I think this isn’t healthy for you, Qingzhu.”

“Healthy?” The last time Gu Qingzhu had heard that word was when Shan Qiaoyun contacted a new production team, claiming she was too thin and needed a nutritionist.

Gu Qingzhu had rejected the suggestion, she despised being controlled and loathed conventional standards even more.

“Unnecessary,” Gu Qingzhu turned her face away. “Tell Xiang Ling to leave. I don’t want to see anyone.”

As she spoke, her hand was already on the door handle, ready to shut it again.

But before she could, Xu Ying stepped forward, using her body to block the door.

Night had fallen, and the wall lamps in the mansion cast elongated shadows. The alpha’s figure stretched long across the floor.

This was the closest they had been since Assistant Lu’s visit. Gu Qingzhu caught the faint scent of sandalwood.

The pheromones clung to her skin like scales, just like the last time Xu Ying had grabbed her wrist. For hours afterward, Gu Qingzhu could still feel their presence.

Aggressive and invasive, utterly unlike Xu Ying’s usual gentle demeanor.

When the alpha lowered her gaze, Gu Qingzhu even instinctively wanted to step back.

During this time, Gu Qingzhu hadn’t deliberately restrained her emotions.

Partly because she needed an outlet, but more so because she harbored a twisted hope, the more she revealed her darker side, the more hurtful words she spoke, the more Xu Ying would see her “true nature” and wisely retreat.

As expected, Ying Xu did not deliberately approach her again.

Gu Qingzhu also shifted from her initial intentional avoidance to teetering on the edge of genuine loss of control.

After a few seconds of silence, Gu Qingzhu finally turned back to look at her: “What else do you want?”

Her tone was dripping with impatience.

But Ying Xu merely repeated what she had said earlier: “Dinner is ready.”

Gu Qingzhu scoffed: “Seeing those things is just as nauseating as hearing you say these words.”

“Disgusting,” she mimicked Ying Xu’s repetition, “Stay away from me.”

Yet, even after being insulted, Ying Xu showed no sign of awareness, still blocking the doorway.

“Don’t make me repeat myself a second time,” Gu Qingzhu said.

No response.

Gu Qingzhu’s anger finally began to simmer.

Just as she raised her hand, instinctively about to act, the doorbell rang, halting her movement.

Footsteps approached, and Xiang Ling’s voice rang out loudly: “Ying Xu! Where’s Gu Qingzhu?”

Before she could utter the words, “Is she dead or something?” the woman’s icy gaze had already landed on her face.

Gu Qingzhu had no idea what Ying Xu had said to Xiang Ling.

But the beta’s words had multiplied tenfold compared to before.

She made no mention of the online rumors, nor did she offer psychological counseling or comforting words. Instead, she rambled on about new entertainment projects around the world, even pulling up images and text to illustrate.

Gu Qingzhu had zero interest in any of it. If not for their past decent relationship, she would have directly shown her the door.

It was then that Ying Xu set down a tray.

The dishes in the bowl were exquisitely prepared, steaming hot.

Xiang Ling blinked: “Is this for me? Ying Xu, you’re so sweet, you even knew I hadn’t eaten”

The next second, she watched as Ying Xu, whom she had been gazing at affectionately, turned her head and looked at Gu Qingzhu with even deeper tenderness: “Dinner’s ready. Have some, Qingzhu.”

Careful, full of concern and love, as if coaxing a rebellious teenager.

Seeing Gu Qingzhu coldly sip water without responding, the alpha seemed to remember Xiang Ling only then, offering an apologetic smile: “I’ll have the kitchen prepare something for you now.”

Xiang Ling:

Only after Ying Xu had walked away did Gu Qingzhu speak: “I told you not to come here unless it’s about my work.”

“Do you think I want to be here?” Xiang Ling reverted to her usual composed demeanor, speaking nonchalantly. “Ying Xu cares about you. I just didn’t want to disappoint her. I’ll leave soon no need to kick me out.”

“But before I go, let me remind you of one thing,” she scrutinized Gu Qingzhu, her expression cool. “Given your current mental state, living with her will only harm her health. If you truly care about her, let her leave.”

Though in Xiang Ling’s eyes, someone who stubbornly stayed by a mentally unstable person’s side was probably not entirely sane either.

But if that person was Ying Xu, everything became a reason to be tolerated and accepted.

“Health.”

It was the second time today Gu Qingzhu had heard that word, yet it felt even more grating than when Ying Xu had mentioned it.

Deep down, she knew Xiang Ling was right, but she couldn’t help denying it: “What does that have to do with you?”

Being with her was unhealthy? Why? Because she was sick, so living with her was sick too?

Gu Qingzhu knew her logic was self-deception, but she couldn’t stop the associations, the rage. Within seconds, her breathing grew ragged, the fury in her eyes almost tangible.

“I don’t need you to tell me what to do or what not to do, she was the same way”

Gu Qingzhu couldn’t control the sharpness in her voice. Only when her peripheral vision caught the alpha figure standing in the same spot as before did she finally stop.

Xiang Ling’s tone carried a hint of amusement: “I’m just offering a suggestion. Whether to take it or not is up to Xu Ying herself.”

“Let’s call it a day.” As she shrugged and stood up, she was still studying Gu Qingzhu’s expression. Grabbing her bag casually, she added offhandedly, “Though, do you act like this in front of her too?”

Gu Qingzhu’s nerves were taut, her entire body radiating hostility. For a moment, she didn’t even realize the “her” the beta referred to wasn’t Xu Ying.

The next second, it hit her like a massive net suddenly tightening around her body, squeezing all her thoughts until only a sliver remained

“Dr. Xiang.”

Xu Ying’s voice was uncharacteristically displeased: “Let’s end it here.”

When it came to doctors who knew Gu Qingzhu inside and out, Xu Ying only knew of Xiang Ling. She had assumed their long-standing doctor-patient relationship meant they got along well.

Until now.

Xiang Ling hadn’t bothered to lower her voice, and Xu Ying immediately realized “her” referred to Xu Ying.

Xiang Ling was deliberately provoking Gu Qingzhu why?

Was it simply because she disapproved of Gu Qingzhu’s actions and wanted to stand up for “Xu Ying”?

But Xiang Ling had been there the night of the livestream. If she wanted to speak up, she would have done so then. Why wait until now?

Xu Ying refused to believe Xiang Ling couldn’t see that all “Xu Ying” wanted was for Gu Qingzhu to stay emotionally stable.

Yet the beta feigned ignorance and even carelessly brought up Xu Ying.

Xu Ying’s expression darkened for the first time, she felt a sense of betrayal.

She had invited Xiang Ling out of trust, but there was a high chance the doctor was working for a third party.

Before leaving, Xiang Ling still left behind several psychological assessment questionnaires.

Utterly useless, because before she had even stepped out, Gu Qingzhu had already tossed the stack of papers into the trash.

Only after the door closed did Xu Ying suddenly say, “I’m sorry, Qingzhu.”

“I didn’t expect Dr. Xiang to.” Her voice was urgent. “I just wanted you to”

“Shut up.”

The words were laced with irritation.

Xu Ying fell silent, hesitantly watching Gu Qingzhu.

Prepared responses rehearsed in her mind, she had expected Gu Qingzhu to lash out again. But as she watched, the woman’s cold expression slowly shifted in the silence.

Gu Qingzhu had always known that Xu Ying was her Achilles’ heel.

Because she carried guilt, believing that if she hadn’t insisted on being with Xu Ying, the beta wouldn’t have changed her plans for her, and the accident would never have happened.

She had been running from these emotions, ashamed of her mistakes, and even more ashamed of herself for avoiding them.

Cowardly and worthless.

That was why, the moment she realized Xiang Ling was dredging up the past, shame threatened to drown her.

But when she heard Xu Ying’s voice, all that anger, humiliation, and fury receded like the tide, slowly fading away.

Gu Qingzhu felt an unprecedented calm.

For the first time, she understood no matter how she chose to deal with Xiang Ling, she could no longer take out her anger over Xu Ying on Xu Ying.

In the past, Ying Xu had endured much pain she should never have had to bear. These emotions should have been hers alone to shoulder.

Ying Xu was innocent.

Gu Qingzhu finally steadied her emotions, her voice calm and devoid of any discernible feeling: “I understand. Xiang Ling has always hated me. Because of the passing, the research project she was collaborating on was forced to end.”

She looked at Ying Xu, and what lingered in the alpha’s eyes was a fleeting moment of stunned realization.

Neither of them had expected that Gu Qingzhu would mention Xu Ying in such a context without hostility, without resentment, but as a way to comfort Ying Xu.

In the silence, Gu Qingzhu tugged at the corner of her lips, her gaze softening slightly as she looked at Ying Xu.

Recalling the alpha’s earlier words, she tried her best to sound indifferent, as if it didn’t matter at all: “So, it has nothing to do with you, Ying Xu.”

It was as if she was responding to the matter at hand, and at the same time, responding to Ying Xu herself.

It has nothing to do with you. You are innocent.

Ying Xu could guess what she was about to say next.

Sure enough, the next second, Gu Qingzhu spoke the words she had repeated countless times.

“I won’t blame you.”

Starting from today.