After the Strategy Failed, the Heroine Turned into a Crematorium - Chapter 23

The atmosphere in the cramped car instantly froze, an inexplicable tension pressing heavily on their hearts.

Bian You’s hand, which had been reaching for the seatbelt, paused as she turned to look at Qi Zhi’e.

Her expression was cold and grim, clearly not feigned.

A shiver ran down Bian You’s spine as she suddenly realized just how poor her alertness had been earlier when all her attention had been focused on Qi Zhi’e.

She hadn’t noticed anything amiss at all.

So, had those people watching her resurfaced?

For a moment, Bian You couldn’t pinpoint her own emotions, but the feeling of constantly being under someone else’s scrutiny was truly unbearable.

“Mm, I understand. I’ll have someone look into it,” Bian You replied softly.

Qi Zhi’e didn’t say anything more, leaning back against the seat and closing her eyes.

Taking the hint, Bian You tactfully remained silent for the rest of the drive, smoothly pulling up to the entrance of Qi Zhi’e’s apartment complex.

“Zhi’e, we’re here,” Bian You called gently.

Qi Zhi’e opened her eyes the moment the car stopped, gazing at the familiar building entrance before unbuckling her seatbelt to get out.

“Don’t dwell too much on what happened today. Get some rest, we’ll find a way to handle things later,” Bian You suddenly said, leaning toward the passenger seat just as Qi Zhi’e was about to close the door.

Qi Zhi’e lowered her eyes, then curved her lips into a soft smile. “I know. Drive safely on your way back.”

“O-okay.”

Bian You watched as Qi Zhi’e entered the building and stepped into the elevator, her shoulders slumping slightly in dejection.

Truthfully, she wasn’t ready to part with Qi Zhi’e yet, but it seemed Qi Zhi’e hadn’t noticed.

After returning home, Bian You showered and flopped onto her bed, burying her face in the sheets. She inhaled lightly, then immediately frowned.

Her own bedding didn’t carry Qi Zhi’e’s scent.

Qi Zhi’e’s blankets had always been so fragrant and comfortable.

As if recalling something, Bian You curled up slightly, hugging the blanket tightly, unable to suppress the giddy delight tugging at her lips no matter how hard she tried.

No matter what, at least things between her and Qi Zhi’e were good now.

Just as the AI project led by Bian You was gaining momentum, Assistant Zhou finally brought good news, the owner of the apartment above Qi Zhi’e’s was selling. She had spent the past few days negotiating the purchase, and once the transfer was complete, she immediately arranged for a renovation team to remodel it according to Bian You’s preferences.

Since Bian You was so attentive and efficient in handling her own affairs, she naturally didn’t skimp on rewarding Assistant Zhou. Her generous compensation, in turn, deepened Assistant Zhou’s loyalty, turning her into Bian You’s most devoted supporter, no one was allowed to speak ill of Bian You in her presence!

Lately, Bian You’s reputation within the company had been rising steadily, and her work was progressing more smoothly than ever. Bian Lian observed all this but pretended not to notice, never offering a single word of praise.

As if afraid that even one compliment would make Bian You complacent.

“Bian Zong, Mi Tao’s engagement banquet is this Saturday. Which evening gown would you like to wear?” Assistant Zhou handed Bian You a tablet, displaying several carefully selected options.

Bian You flipped through the options, showing little interest in the elaborate gown designs. Even the simpler styles seemed too restrictive for her liking. In the end, she said, “I’ll just wear a suit for the occasion.”

Simple and neat, and if anything unexpected happened, she’d still have full freedom of movement.

“Understood, I’ll make the arrangements,” Assistant Zhou replied, preparing to leave with her tablet in hand.

“Wait.” Bian You suddenly called her back, clearing her throat with a slightly unnatural tone. “Let me check with Zhi E first before you decide what to prepare.”

Hearing this, Assistant Zhou immediately understood, giving Bian You an OK sign. “Got it.”

Bian You: “…You can go now.”

Assistant Zhou left with light steps, while Bian You gently patted her slightly flushed cheeks. Glancing at the time, she dialed Qi Zhi E’s number.

The phone rang several times before it was finally answered.

“Zhi E, were you busy just now?” Bian You quickly asked. She had deliberately called around lunchtime, assuming it would be a good moment, but it had taken so long for the call to connect.

“Yes, someone was reporting work to me. It’s all done now,” Qi Zhi E replied, massaging her temples with a hint of exhaustion in her voice.

Between managing her own affairs, handling the heavy workload at the Qi Group, and staying vigilant against Qi Youqun’s schemes, her nerves were stretched to the point of pain.

Hearing the weariness in her voice, Bian You pressed her lips together. She knew how much pressure Qi Zhi E had been under lately. Her own company’s website was already set up and nearing its launch phase, with no shortage of tasks to handle.

“Then have your meal and take a proper nap. Don’t push yourself too hard,” Bian You advised.

After a brief silence, Qi Zhi E gave a soft acknowledgment.

“Was there something you wanted to talk about?” Qi Zhi E asked.

Hearing this, Bian You couldn’t help but pout slightly. Did she need a reason to call?

Of course, she didn’t dare say that out loud because this time, she did have a purpose.

“Your cousin’s engagement banquet is this Saturday. Can I attend as your plus-one?” Bian You asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

Qi Zhi E: “…Didn’t they send you an invitation too?”

“But I want to go with you,” Bian You said, softening her tone with a pleading note.

Qi Zhi E pinched the bridge of her nose, her expression dark and irritated, yet her words remained gentle. “Fine.”

Bian You’s eyes brightened, seizing the opportunity to ask, “What kind of outfit are you planning to wear that day?”

Only then did Qi Zhi E realize what she was really after. The thought that Bian You could be this childish was almost laughable.

Did she want to coordinate outfits?

Still, it wasn’t a big deal. If she intended to keep Bian You under her control, she might as well indulge her with this small favor especially one that required little effort on her part.

“I’ll send you some options later.”

“Great!” Bian You’s voice grew noticeably brighter and happier, her joy radiating even across the distance through the phone line.

Qi Zhi E’s lips curved slightly, but her eyes remained shadowed with gloom.

The way Bian You was behaving now so easily satisfied was almost pitiful.

After hanging up the phone, Qi Zhi’e lightly tapped the armrest of her office chair, her brows slightly furrowed as she pondered the changes in Bian You over this period, there really wasn’t a trace of her former self left.

Could it really be as she said, that she wasn’t the real Bian You?

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