Forced to Romance the Omega Psychiatrist - Chapter 26

“Bai Ye has also made an early appearance. In the original story, this character didn’t show up until the mid-to-late stages, and her true nature wasn’t revealed until near the finale,” Bai Shuixi stood by the living room bar, pouring herself a glass of water. “Her showing up now leaves little room for her to be the heroine’s savior.”

[Ahaha, well, you see!] The system’s voice chimed in, sounding distinctly guilty. [About that, maybe she’s here to, uh, compete with you for Xia You’s attention?]

“I figured as much,” Bai Shuixi took a sip of water. “Her gaze is practically glued to Xia You, it’s impossible to miss.”

System: […]

Bai Shuixi returned to the living room and sat down, crossing her long legs naturally. “The plot is completely derailed now, isn’t it?”

The system, desperately trying to hide this fact: […]

On the verge of tears, the system pleaded: [Host… could you not be this sharp when it’s least convenient?]

“I’d love to play dumb,” Bai Shuixi replied coolly, “but with all the major characters’ arcs shifting, what else am I supposed to think?”

[Well… even so…] The system scrambled to justify itself. [I think the situation can still be salvaged! If you seriously start tormenting the heroine, maybe the plot can still get back on track.]

Back on track?

Meaning letting Xia You endure abuse from both her and Bai Ye, only to end up emotionally and physically exhausted in a forced happy ending with that scumbag Li Wei?

Bai Shuixi frowned, an inexplicable tightness in her chest.

“Do you really think Xia You would end up with someone as hypocritical as Li Wei in the original story?” she asked, not outright rejecting the system’s suggestion. “After dealing with a psycho like the original host and a predator like Bai Ye, do you think she wouldn’t see through Li Wei’s true colors? Wouldn’t problems arise over time?”

System: […Emmm, that’s actually beyond our jurisdiction. Whether it’s the system or transmigrators, our mission is complete as long as the story reaches its intended ending.]

Bai Shuixi’s expression darkened, nearly letting out a cold laugh.

So that’s how it was.

As long as the mission was completed, the fates of the characters didn’t matter they were irrelevant to both the system and the transmigrator.

In other words, she was supposed to keep tormenting Xia You, watch her suffer at the hands of others, and then push her into the arms of that two-faced Li Wei.

Once that process was complete, she could leave.

For some reason she couldn’t articulate, Bai Shuixi refused to accept this arrangement. Even if following the system’s plan would maximize her benefits, she didn’t want to.

She dropped the topic of the plot and switched gears:

“Then what about my shared-sensation punishment? What’s going on with that? Two episodes in less than twenty-four hours are they all because of the plot changes? If so, things just got interesting.I didn’t feel a thing when Bai Ye appeared.”

The system broke into a cold sweat at this question.

If it told Bai Shuixi that the shared-sensation punishment was triggered because Xia You had developed feelings for her and that the pain intensified the deeper those feelings grew, Bai Shuixi, given how indulgent she’d been toward Xia You, might just awaken a romantic streak. She might even endure the punishment willingly to pursue Xia You…

NO!

It couldn’t allow that!!! Not at the cost of its points!!

If the task executor insists on staying in the mission world, the system will deduct points, ahhhh!! From a selfish standpoint, the system hopes Bai Shuixi would follow the plot without any personal emotions interfering!

After an intense internal struggle, the system decisively started spouting nonsense: 【Actually, the shared-sense punishment is targeted at the task executor, judged by the main system. The key is observing whether you, the host, are causing the plot to deviate further. Others’ actions have nothing to do with you.】

“Is that so?” Bai Shuixi’s gaze flickered slightly.

【Yes, yes!】 The system, thinking Bai Shuixi believed it, replied cheerfully.

Bai Shuixi lowered her eyes and smiled ambiguously, “If that’s the case then I’m relieved.”

Time quickly arrived at the weekend. The banquet Bai Shuixi and Xia You had agreed to attend together was scheduled for Saturday evening at eight. When it was time to leave, Bai Shuixi was at her own home, changing into her evening gown.

With a swift ‘swish,’ the black tulle curtain in front of the walk-in closet was pulled aside by a slender hand. The shimmering black hem of the dress appeared first in everyone’s line of sight, followed by the feet clad in matching high heels.

Nude nail polish accentuated her perfectly rounded toes, and her calves were fair and slender.

A tall, composed young woman with an indifferent expression stepped out of the closet, wearing a simple yet elegant strapless gown. The delicate straps draped over her collarbones, while the dress, adorned with star-like sequins, hugged her graceful figure, unexpectedly complementing Bai Shuixi’s cool demeanor.

“Wow, as expected of President Bai! No one suits this dress better than you!” The designer admired Bai Shuixi with sparkling eyes.

Bai Shuixi was tall enough, and her aloof aura, paired with a wristwatch, didn’t make her seem fragile but instead exuded a powerful presence.

“Where’s Xia You?” Bai Shuixi asked.

“Miss Xia is still upstairs,” He Jiu, standing nearby, promptly replied.

“A little mystery never hurts,” the designer chimed in with a wink.

She seemed to have already assumed Bai Shuixi and Xia You were a couple. During the measurements, she deliberately avoided Bai Shuixi, and now she was orchestrating this ‘romantic’ reveal, firmly believing Xia You should make her grand entrance at the last moment for maximum impact.

For some inexplicable reason, Bai Shuixi didn’t stop her.

She should have nipped this ambiguous atmosphere in the bud, but as she watched Xia You being fussed over by the designer, Bai Shuixi inexplicably allowed these theatrics to continue.

Now, Xia You was upstairs changing into a gown Bai Shuixi had never seen before. Glancing at her watch, Bai Shuixi feigned nonchalance and tapped the dial:

“Then let’s wait a bit.”

During the few minutes of waiting, He Jiu and Bai Shuixi briefly discussed some work matters, but Bai Shuixi seemed distracted, responding with absent-minded “Mm-hmms.”

He Jiu: “…”

Well, maybe it’s best to have Miss Xia appear soon. President Bai is clearly not focused anymore!

Within minutes, the designer’s assistant sent a message. The designer smiled upon reading it and, holding her phone mysteriously, said to Bai Shuixi, “President Bai, Miss Xia and the others are about to come downstairs. Shall we go take a look now?”

Bai Shuixi watched the designer’s deliberately enigmatic expression and inexplicably felt her throat grow dry. Unsure why, she maintained a composed demeanor, clearing her throat before replying, “Mm, let’s go then.”

As they walked toward the door, the designer led the way while Bai Shuixi followed, her mind swirling with thoughts about how she should react when she saw Xia You. Before she could organize her words, the designer suddenly opened the door.

There, in Bai Shuixi’s line of sight, stood Xia You, clad in a white mermaid dress that shimmered with a dazzling glow.

It was undoubtedly Xia You yet not quite the same, strikingly different from her usual self.

She was beautiful, breathtakingly so.

The overhead light in the hallway caught the hem of Xia You’s dress and the diamond hair accessories, scattering brilliant reflections that created an ethereal atmosphere. Perhaps deeming the strapless mermaid dress too plain for Xia You’s arms and shoulders, the designer had also draped a matching shawl over her.

When the door opened, Xia You was adjusting her dress with her head bowed. Hearing the sound, she looked up, locking eyes with Bai Shuixi from a measured distance.

Hmm, her makeup today was quite lovely too, Bai Shuixi thought.

“So, President Bai, what do you think?” the designer asked cheerfully, her gaze brimming with pride as she looked at Xia You. “The moment I saw Miss Xia, I knew this style would suit her. On anyone else, it might seem over-the-top, but Miss Xia’s gentle, poised demeanor carries it perfectly.”

“Mm… she does look beautiful,” Bai Shuixi murmured, her eyes never leaving Xia You as she absentmindedly responded to the designer. Stepping over the threshold, she took Xia You’s hand. “Come inside first. It’s cold in the hallway.”

“Mm.” Xia You followed Bai Shuixi inside, her gaze lingering on the latter’s fair, straight back.

The little alpha is looking particularly attractive today.

“It’s still too chilly,” Bai Shuixi said naturally as she entered, seeming to regain her composure as she took charge. “Bring the coat we prepared.”

Since they were attending an event, Bai Shuixi had swapped her preferred trench coat for a more luxurious fur piece.

Taking the white fur coat prepared for Xia You, Bai Shuixi draped it over her shoulders herself. Already elegant, Xia You now resembled an adorable Angora rabbit with the plush, fluffy fur enveloping her.

Unconsciously, Bai Shuixi’s lips curved into a faint smile as she met Xia You’s upward glance, her eyes reflecting Xia You’s starlit figure.

“President Bai, doesn’t Miss Xia look stunning?”

The designer suddenly appeared beside them, wearing a knowing smirk.

“Ah, yes, ahem,” Bai Shuixi snapped back to reality, exchanging a glance with Xia You, who also seemed to have just regained her senses. Both turned away slightly, flustered. “Well, she certainly does.”

“Y-yes, absolutely,” Xia You stammered, distractedly smoothing her dress. “The dress is very pretty.”

The atmosphere in the room became oddly tense. Both protagonists were clearly at an age where they should have been adept at handling emotions, yet now they were acting as bashful as high school students.

Bai Shuixi couldn’t stand the strange mood any longer and spoke first, “Since everything’s ready, let’s just head out.”

“Ah, President Bo, you forgot your coat!” The designer called from behind, handing Bai Shuixi her fur stole.

He Jiu: “…”

Standing to the side, He Jiu wore a complicated expression, her gaze toward the designer tinged with sympathy.

Hmm, this person really wasn’t as perceptive as she was. If they were to become President Bo’s assistant, they probably wouldn’t last a month.

Bai Shuixi was also silent, her figure even stiffening slightly: “…”

Under Xia You’s watchful eyes, Bai Shuixi took the black fur stole and draped it over her shoulders before leading Xia You toward the garage.

Bai Shuixi’s gown was already the type to accentuate her imposing presence, but now paired with the black fur adorned with jewels, her aura became even more formidable. Even her sharp eye makeup seemed to blend in more seamlessly.

Xia You glanced up and caught sight of the diamond earrings swaying gently by Bai Shuixi’s ears, reflecting off her beautiful profile, making her appear youthful yet sharp, a dangerously alluring charm.

Hmm… Xia You averted her gaze, reminding herself of the purpose behind staying by Bai Shuixi’s side. But no matter how hard she tried, her thoughts kept drifting back to the glimpse she’d caught of Bai Shuixi’s elegant back.

…Goodness, what was she even thinking?!

Bai Shuixi, walking ahead, suddenly paused, pressing a hand to her ribs as if sensing something, then turned to look at Xia You.

“What’s wrong?” Xia You was momentarily confused, but seeing Bai Shuixi’s gesture, she grew anxious and tugged at her sleeve. “Is your chest hurting again?”

“No, it’s nothing. Not chest pain just a minor thought.” Bai Shuixi replied meaningfully, her gaze lingering on Xia You.

Xia You: “?”

Bai Shuixi smiled but said nothing more, pulling Xia You into the car.

Inside the vehicle, scented with jasmine and grapefruit, Bai Shuixi casually glanced at the view ahead before settling confidently into her seat.

She had already seen through the system’s lies about the shared-sense punishment.

That punishment had never struck when she tried to alter the plot. Instead, it often made its presence known when she and Xia You were in the same space.

From this, it seemed the influencing factor was Xia You.

She just hadn’t figured out the exact trigger for the shared-sense punishment yet.

Was it physical intimacy?

Bai Shuixi thought back to the times she and Xia You had been close without triggering the punishment and dismissed the idea.

Then what was it?

Lost in thought, Bai Shuixi only snapped back to reality when the car pulled up in front of the hotel. She turned to look at Xia You, who was quietly fiddling with her phone.

The driver circled to the rear, and together with the hotel attendant, opened the back door.

Bai Shuixi stepped out first, waiting by the car for Xia You to join her. Just as her gaze was fixed on Xia You, a familiar voice called out from behind, “How rare, Shui Xi. You actually decided to show up this time?”

Bai Shuixi: “.”

Sounded like an acquaintance.

Bai Shuixi turned indifferently, but the moment she saw the woman’s face, she froze, her expression turning slightly stunned.

Seeing her reaction, Shen Yanxin, who had greeted her, was taken aback and couldn’t help but look down at herself: “What’s wrong? Is there something off?”

Nothing was off.

Everything was perfectly normal.

Bai Shuixi narrowed her eyes slightly at the woman, as memories buried deep in the original body’s consciousness began to surface like dust being brushed away.

Wasn’t this woman the very ‘friend’ who had told the original host that Xia You might have been set up?

“Strange,” Shen Yanxin, oblivious, walked over and patted Bai Shuixi’s shoulder, “What’s up with you today?”

Bai Shuixi lowered her gaze and smiled faintly, gently removing Shen Yanxin’s hand: “It’s nothing.”

She was just thinking that she might finally have a lead on that troublemaker who framed Xia You.

After the driver from Jixin Entertainment had no information about the two people sent by Zhou Wanwan, this was probably the closest she had gotten to a clue.

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