Seduced Me into a Deep Fall - Chapter 29.2

Ling Xi had mentioned an interview around this time.

Everything matched.

Thinking of all the drawings Ling Xi had made of her, Song Yi’s expression softened.

Maybe, Ling Xi liked her even more than she’d imagined.

[Don’t you dare like her.] After showering Ling Xi with a few more rewards, Song Yi finally replied to Shi Xinyu.

[Why not?]

[Because she’s my wife. We’re getting married next month.]

Shi Xinyu nearly stumbled and fell.

Her romantic prospects might have shattered, but so be it.

What were these two lovebirds playing at? Had Song Yi not known about this girl’s secret identity before?

That couldn’t be right. If she hadn’t known, why did Song Yi refute her when she first complained about Ling Xi constantly drawing her?

[“Why didn’t you say so earlier? If she’s your wife, why bother with the interview?”]

With excellent appearance and outstanding painting skills, Shi Xinyu could have directly hired Ling Xi without hesitation.

[“I just found out myself. No need for special treatment, she’s qualified on her own.”]

So Song Yi genuinely hadn’t known. Fine, let’s just consider it some couple’s private game not something she should meddle in.

Shi Xinyu clicked her tongue and set her phone down.

Behind her, Ling Xi was startled, frozen in place.

Could it be, she was facing the legendary nightmare interview?

A stress test, first applying pressure, throwing unexpected situations to make her nervous, then seeing if she could still answer properly.

Having barely any interview experience, Ling Xi panicked internally like ants on a hot pan. Though outwardly, her cold sweat was the only sign of tension, her expression as indifferent as Song Yi’s.

Seeing her gaze, Shi Xinyu almost believed she and Song Yi were about to get married.

They even had that spousal resemblance already.

“Relax. Just treat this as a normal conversation. We simply want to understand your abilities and character better.” Shi Xinyu opened the door for Ling Xi.

Inside sat three interviewers.

Ling Xi nearly choked on her breath, her chest ready to explode.

Half an hour later, Ling Xi emerged from the office building drenched in sweat.

Though Shi Xinyu had kindly told her to wait for the notice, promising a response within five working days.

Ling Xi felt she had performed horribly due to nerves.

Moreover, she was applying through regular recruitment with zero prior work experience.

In despair, Ling Xi opened a job-hunting app and mass-submitted dozens more resumes.

Would she really have to rely on livestreaming her art for the rest of her life?

She even considered designing a virtual avatar and becoming a VTuber.

Ling Xi messaged Song Yi too, then sat in a café.

While the commissions she got through Song Yi’s connections were enough to cover her monthly expenses.

Ling Xi still wanted a proper job.

She feared losing touch with society, becoming like her past self, even after escaping, knowing nothing, all her skills gone, incapable of anything.

Restraining the urge to vent to Song Yi about her job hunt, she turned to her four-person group chat instead, recounting every foolish reaction she’d had during the interview.

Meanwhile, the interviewers were actually quite satisfied with Ling Xi’s performance.

“A bit nervous, but considering she’s never interviewed or trained before, this was impressive for a first attempt,” one interviewer adjusted their glasses.

“Remember the last one who fainted? We had to call an ambulance.”

“True. This girl’s demeanor was decent too. Her portfolio is strong just her academic background is lacking, only a bachelor’s degree.”

“General Manager, what do you think?” Though they were the hiring team, the GM had exceptionally sat through the entire interview today, clearly with some thoughts.

And Shi Xinyu had been the one to contact Ling Xi.

“I think she’s good. Notify her tomorrow for official onboarding.” Shi Xinyu was quite pleased with Ling Xi.

Besides, if she rejected Ling Xi today, her major client Song Yi would skin her alive.

Song Yi received the acceptance news before Ling Xi did.

Song Yi thought for a moment but decided not to tell Ling Xi, lest Ling Xi think she got the job because of her.

However, Song Yi found Ling Xi’s streaming account and sent her the request she had in mind.

[Could you draw me a duo illustration of that girl you’ve been drawing? The other person just needs to be female, no other requirements.]

Ling Xi, bored while waiting for Song Yi after her interview, replied instantly.

[Eh, why her?] Only after logging into the platform did Ling Xi notice this sugar momma had tipped her again.

The pressure was on now. She probably wouldn’t be able to hang out with Song Yi tonight; she’d have to go back and stream.

[I like her appearance.]

Ling Xi couldn’t refuse her biggest patron, so she tearfully agreed while thanking her for the generous tip.

After some quick calculations, Ling Xi realized this sugar momma’s tips exceeded what she’d earn from most jobs in half a year.

Maybe she should focus on her streaming career after all.

Even if she landed a full-time job later, having a side hustle wouldn’t hurt.

By the time she finished clearing her backlog of messages, Song Yi had arrived.

“I thought you’d send a driver to pick me up.” Ling Xi skipped out of the café, her steps light as a feather.

“I had time.” Song Yi opened the car door.

Once inside, Ling Xi launched into recounting her interview experience, completely unaware of someone running toward them from dozens of meters away.

By the time Tan Nijun arrived, the car carrying Ling Xi was already gone.

Panting, Tan Nijun stared at this different car from last time. She’d been on duty when she spotted Ling Xi but hadn’t had time to call out.

Just who was this “friend” Ling Xi kept mentioning? The cars changed daily, and today’s model might look low-key, but its specs were top-tier.

“What’s wrong? We haven’t finished helping people look for their lost dog yet, why’d you suddenly run off?” Yun Fengzhi arrived just in time to see the taillights disappear.

Tan Nijun grabbed Yun Fengzhi’s collar. “Don’t pretend you don’t know who owns that car.”

“Uh…” What were the odds? They just happened to run into Song Yi taking her wife out to eat while on patrol?

“You never really left your family you’re just here to investigate. The M37S01 incident five years ago involved your relative, didn’t it?” Tan Nijun was still catching her breath.

“Yes, you’re well-informed.” Yun Fengzhi’s eyes turned cold. “But why should I tell you anything just because you know?”

In an uncharacteristically serious move, she twisted Tan Nijun’s wrist into a lock.

“They know it’s your first interview don’t be nervous.” Song Yi pulled Ling Xi closer. “You did great.”

“That’s easy for you to say but it’s fine, I’ve got my side gig. At least I won’t starve.” Ling Xi shook her head and instinctively leaned into Song Yi.

Side gig,  Song Yi suppressed a laugh. She figured Ling Xi would stream tonight this should be entertaining.

“What do you want to eat? My treat to celebrate finishing your interview.”

Song Yi sounded just like Qi Zhen now.

“Song-jie, is this really worth celebrating? I didn’t even do that well.” Ling Xi listened to her own racing heartbeat, feeling helpless.

“What does it matter? I just want to take you out. If you get the job, you can treat me next time. I promise I won’t take advantage.” Song Yi winked at her.
Ling Xi gave a silly grin. “Alright then, next time it’s my treat, okay?”

“Definitely.” By their next meeting, they’d already be married with shared finances. What was the point of talking about treating each other? That would just hurt their feelings.

Besides, Ling Xi had already treated her many, many times long before this.

Even if the price couldn’t be equivalent, Song Yi believed those meals carried such profound value that ten state banquets couldn’t repay them.

“What kind of food do you like?” After ordering, with time to spare, Ling Xi struck up conversation.

Propping her chin on her hand, her face brimming with smiles, she gazed at Song Yi.

Joy nearly spilled from her eyes.

Her mood was infectious, and Song Yi couldn’t help softening her expression. “Cuisine types, or specific dishes?”

“Either is fine.”

“Trying to probe me?” Song Yi feigned resistance.

Ling Xi’s eyes crinkled with delight. “Yes. Maybe someday I can cook for you.”

Song Yi couldn’t hold back and laughed right in front of Ling Xi.

“Then I’d better think carefully.” She had initially planned to casually mention some complex, obscure dishes to tease Ling Xi.

Ling Xi raised an eyebrow at her.

Song Yi lowered her gaze in thought for a few moments before speaking, listing them one by one.

“Boiled beef, twice-cooked pork, sweet and sour ribs, golden shrimp balls. Did you get all that?”

Ling Xi was genuinely typing into her notes app. “Wait, that’s too many. Can you repeat them?”

Song Yi tapped Ling Xi’s nose with her water glass. “Just kidding.”

Ling Xi lifted her head, her nose slightly red, and let out an “Ah.”

“I’m not picky. Anything you make is fine.” Song Yi finished with a wink.

The light in her eyes seemed to sparkle with it.

[Such an unusual streaming time]

[Long time no see, Yue. Been dating that girl?]

Ling Xi tried to ignore the word “dating” and replied: [I was preparing for a job interview]

But she couldn’t help wondering, did having lunch with Song Yi today count as an indirect date?

After sketching a rough draft, a massive banner popped into her livestream.

Ling Xi paused her drawing to look, it was her generous patron checking in on her stream.

She held her breath and typed a greeting.

The patron, as aloof as in private messages, didn’t respond.

Ling Xi suddenly felt like she was being watched by a teacher while drawing, her lines growing less steady from nerves.

Luckily, it was just a draft. Ling Xi hid the character details, and the chat didn’t tease her much. The few fans who tried greeting the wealthy viewer, finding no response, soon gave up and chatted among themselves.

Three hours later, Ling Xi finalized the composition and sent a screenshot to her patron.

Despite being in the stream, there was no reply.

After waiting five minutes, she ended the broadcast, she had a dinner with friends to attend.

Meanwhile, in the conference room, Song Yi felt her phone vibrate, her irritation mounting.

Most of her team had been preoccupied with dealing with Mu Xie lately, leaving Fu Youyou unchecked.

With this newfound support, her ostensible business partner had grown bold enough to openly oppose her in today’s shareholders’ meeting.

“Cousin, surely you’re aware the Cultural Bureau has been surveying that area frequently? I’ve heard rumors it’s definitely a heritage site. Investing in that land now is just throwing money away.”

Song Yi silenced her phone. “Song Dongming, we’re at least two generations apart, hardly cousins. Save the familiarity for Fu Youyou. You dare peddle unverified claims? Have you seen approval documents or the site itself? You don’t have the area’s five-year development plan. I do.”

When Song Dongming saw the evidence in Song Yi’s hands, not only did he not panic, but he even crossed his arms in front of everyone, wearing an expression of utter disdain.

“How could there be no evidence? Cousin Song Yi, calling me so formally is one thing, but mentioning Fu Youyou? That’s your father. Hasn’t he told you anything?”

Song Yi didn’t pause in her actions. “A minor clerk from the Cultural Bureau, you’d actually believe what he says?”

Just a single glance from her was enough to silence Song Dongming completely.

“Just teasing you. I don’t even know the film’s title.”

Song Yi scoffed and shoved the remote into Ling Xi’s arms, using the opportunity to close the ten-centimeter gap between them.

Of course she knew the film’s title, it was produced by one of her family’s subsidiaries.

She just wanted an excuse to get closer to Ling Xi.

By the time Ling Xi had the drama playing, the two were back to sitting shoulder-to-shoulder.

As Ling Xi watched with keen interest, Song Yi sent a message in the staff group chat. After a moment’s thought, she opened the live stream of that painting streamer.

Song Yi noticed the content in the stream but failed to see the “Replay” label, finding it somewhat odd.

Had she guessed wrong?

She then switched to the private chat and sent a message.

If it were Ling Xi, she’d definitely check her phone right away, wouldn’t she?

Yet five minutes after sending the message, Ling Xi beside her remained motionless, eyes glued to the TV.

Song Yi asked Shi Xinyu, who said an invitation email had been sent but remained unanswered.

Ling Xi needed money, and Shi Xinyu was offering a formal job there was no reason to delay responding.

For the first time, Song Yi doubted her instincts.

Did they really think her recent quietness meant she was dead?

“Everyone, this is the development plan for the eastern suburbs for the next five years.”

When Ling Xi arrived at the agreed-upon restaurant, only He Qingmo, the idler, was there.

“Is grad school really this relaxed for first-years?” Ling Xi marveled at the phone and tablet in He Qingmo’s hands.

“It’s not thesis season yet, and my major’s pretty chill.” He Qingmo, juggling two games, waved her over.

“Since the others aren’t here yet, tell me are you dating someone?”

Then she lowered her voice conspiratorially.

“I’m not.” Ling Xi’s refusal was as firm as ever, but her tone lacked its usual sharpness.

“But didn’t that Yu person say you were?” He Qingmo was genuinely curious.

“You must’ve misheard. I just have someone I like.” Ling Xi’s expression involuntarily grew complicated.

“Who? Please don’t tell me it’s someone like Mu Xie.” He Qingmo fired off questions one after another.

“Speaking of which, has that bastard been bothering you lately? I saw on the forum that she showed up on campus recently.”

Ling Xi turned her head, her body tensing momentarily. “When?”

“A few days ago. Came back to give a lecture for the freshmen. Ugh, someone like her lecturing others? If you hadn’t stopped me, I would’ve exposed her whereabouts long ago.”

Only then did Ling Xi relax slightly. “I don’t ask for much, Qingmo. Just that she stays away from me and doesn’t hurt any of you that’s enough.”

“Right, right. So what’s the name of this person you like? What are they like? Omega or alpha?” He Qingmo clearly didn’t want to dwell on Mu Xie either.

Her eyes sparkled with gossipy anticipation as she stared at Ling Xi.

Seeing Ling Xi’s hesitant expression, He Qingmo added, “A beta is fine too, as long as you like them and they treat you well. We won’t object.”

“We’re practically your family. If you’re dating someone, we should at least vet them, right?” He Qingmo even found a perfectly reasonable justification.

“Come on, Ling Xi, who do you like? Can’t you give us a little hint?” He Qingmo had barely finished speaking when Tan Nijing pushed open the private room door, followed by Jiang Yuyang.

Both wore forced smiles that sent chills down Ling Xi’s spine.

Was she really going to have to expose Song Yi?!

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