The Beautiful, Strong, and Tragic Female Lead is Mine [Transmigration Into a Novel] - Chapter 3

Xie Zhitian’s heart gave a little tremble, and then a sour ache surged up.

For Luo Yang to react this way to her arrival, it was clear the original owner of this body must have made her suffer quite a lot in the past.

After thinking for a moment, she explained seriously, “I didn’t mean to punish you. This place is cold and dirty, not suitable for recovery. I’m taking you away because I want to move you to a better room.”

Luo Yang’s face was full of suspicion. Clearly, she didn’t believe that the young lady who had always targeted her would suddenly be so kind.

Her voice was cold: “Then why did the young lady lock me in here in the first place?”

Looking at her stubborn expression, Xie Zhitian knew that no matter how long they dragged this out, she wouldn’t be able to convince Luo Yang with words alone. She needed to lower her guard first. After a brief thought, she already had an idea.

Her fingers tapped lightly inside her pocket, and a small spatial inventory map—visible only to her—floated up before her eyes.

Her space was very large, almost comparable to a small village.

It wasn’t just good for planting crops and raising livestock. Any food placed inside could completely ignore expiration dates and remain forever fresh.

Because of this, when Xie Zhitian raided supermarkets in the past, she would throw in anything she saw. Since it could never be filled, she simply swept everything into her space.

Adjusting the panel a little, she retrieved a can of cat food and held it in her palm.

Luo Yang, who had been watching her stand motionless for a while, grew even more wary. She then saw Xie Zhitian reach into her pocket and pull out a can of cat food.

Xie Zhitian squatted down, opened the can, and shook it lightly toward the little white cat. “Good kitty, come eat.”

As soon as the cat smelled food, it darted over and joyfully rubbed its head against her wrist.

Just as Xie Zhitian was about to feed it, a pale, slender hand pushed the cat aside.

Luo Yang squatted down too, cautiously dipped her fingertip into the can, and brought it close to her nose to sniff.

Her eyes widened in surprise. “This contains a lot of animal protein and fat.”

Because Luo Yang’s body had been modified and trained, she was extremely sensitive to food. Even the slightest problem could be detected instantly.

She could hardly believe Xie Zhitian would give such good food to a cat.

Seeing Luo Yang tense up, Xie Zhitian reassured her: “Don’t worry, the can is fine.”

The white cat, impatient at being unable to eat, mewed anxiously.

Luo Yang let it lick the bit on her fingertip clean, then it happily went back to devour the rest in Xie Zhitian’s hand, its fluffy tail swishing like a dog wagging.

Xie Zhitian chuckled and stroked the cat’s head.

Seeing Luo Yang watching eagerly from the side, she pulled out another can and handed it over. “Here, you try.”

Luo Yang hesitated, then opened it and fed the kitten. But the portion was so large that halfway through, the cat ran off.

For a moment, Luo Yang wavered, then raised the can to her lips as if about to eat it herself.

“No, no, don’t eat that!”

Startled, Xie Zhitian quickly grabbed her wrist and, taking the chance, pulled her to her feet. “Come on, let’s eat breakfast together. I’m hungry too.”

Luo Yang’s skin was soft and delicate, a little feverishly warm, and faintly trembling.

Xie Zhitian paused, then took off her sweater jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Afraid Luo Yang would resist, she quickly adjusted the coat snugly and pulled her along toward the door.

“Young lady, what are you doing…”

Luo Yang exclaimed in shock, trying to pull her hand free. But when she felt the warmth from Xie Zhitian’s palm, her struggle unconsciously ceased.

It was really warm.

Both the hand holding hers and the jacket wrapped around her felt like bright sunlight, wrapping her in cozy warmth.

The coat carried a faint, clean fragrance that slowly calmed her restless thoughts.

Glancing back at the kitten, she saw it had already been won over, happily trotting after them.

Xiang Nan had been waiting at the door for a long time. Seeing Xie Zhitian leading Luo Yang out, his eyes nearly popped out.

“Y-Young Lady, where are you going?” he stammered.

“To eat. Go boil some hot water and prepare some food,” Xie Zhitian ordered.

Though confused, Xiang Nan obediently ran off to the kitchen.

Back upstairs, the bright light made Luo Yang squint uncomfortably.

Xie Zhitian led her into the living room and finally stopped.

Standing half a step away, the sunlight outlined Xie Zhitian’s brows and hair with a soft golden edge.

She turned her face slightly, pointing to the sofa. “Sit down.”

The young lady seemed different today.

Though puzzled, Luo Yang still obediently sat down.

Xie Zhitian handed her a pillow to lean on, then fetched a blanket from the bedroom to cover her.

She asked gently, “Still cold?”

Luo Yang just shook her head.

“That’s good.” Xie Zhitian smiled. “We’ll eat first, then you’ll take your medicine. After that, I’ll check your wounds.”

Though Luo Yang’s face still carried doubt, she didn’t resist. Instead, she quietly sat on the sofa holding the cat, which made Xie Zhitian feel more at ease.

Resources were scarce, so Xiang Nan had prepared a small pot of noodles with fresh greens, golden fried eggs, and slices of ham. It actually looked quite appetizing.

Noticing the two women at the table, he very considerately placed two fried eggs and most of the ham and vegetables into one bowl, leaving the other bowl with only meager scraps. Then he set the rich bowl in front of Xie Zhitian and the plain one in front of Luo Yang.

Luo Yang seemed unsurprised, as if long accustomed to this treatment. Instead of displeasure, her clear eyes showed a faint bewilderment, like a child unused to kindness suddenly handed a beloved toy.

But she was starving. She couldn’t resist. After a pause, she reached for the chopsticks.

Even with a fever, her modified body didn’t dull her appetite. This genetic enhancement allowed warriors to maintain nutrition intake and recover faster from injuries.

Just then, the bowl in front of her was swapped. The one with vegetables, ham, and golden eggs was pushed toward her instead.

“Luo Yang, eat this one.”

The difference was obvious. The two fried eggs gleamed golden in the broth, soaking up the soup, glowing enticingly in the sunlight.

Luo Yang froze, staring at the full bowl, then turned toward Xie Zhitian.

Smiling, the other urged, “What are you looking at me for? Eat.”

Biting her lip, Luo Yang said nothing, but picked up noodles and began to eat.

After being hungry for so long, the hot food warmed her from inside out, and she couldn’t help but quicken her pace.

“Eat slowly, or your stomach will hurt. Don’t force it if you can’t finish; it’s okay to leave some.”

When she obediently slowed down, Xie Zhitian relaxed.

She turned to Xiang Nan. “Have you eaten?”

He had been staring in shock the whole time. Snapped out of it, he stammered, “N-no.”

“I’m not hungry yet,” Xie Zhitian said, pushing the other bowl toward him. “Sit and eat this.”

Noticing how he’d been eyeing the food, she guessed he must be starving. With her spatial inventory, food was the least of her worries.

Xiang Nan hurriedly declined. “No, young lady, I have food in my room. I’ll eat later. And it wouldn’t be proper for me, a man, to dine with you.”

Xie Zhitian: ?

Fine, when in Rome. She didn’t insist. “Then take it back with you. Don’t be polite, or I’ll be angry.”

Seeing her serious, Xiang Nan quickly accepted, overjoyed. “Thank you, young lady. Then I’ll accept it.”

He reached for the bowl—just as hurried footsteps echoed from afar.

A man’s anxious voice followed: “Young Lady, if you’re angry, take it out on me. Don’t make things hard for Luo Yang!”

Xie Zhitian’s eyes narrowed. She turned toward the sound and indeed saw Xiao Wen, dusty and disheveled, holding a few pitifully small fruits.

He rushed in, only to freeze at the sight of Luo Yang peacefully eating noodles.

What? Why did the two of them look so harmonious? Wasn’t Xie Zhitian supposed to dislike Luo Yang, treating her like an eyesore?

After failing to get points from the strategy system when clashing with Xie Zhitian, he decided to milk Luo Yang instead. He’d chosen some shabby fruits, torn his clothes, dirtied himself, and planned to put on a pitiful act about falling from a tree.

But when he found the basement door unlocked and Luo Yang missing, he panicked. He needed to raise her affection points fast—her combat ability was top-tier, and if he could win her loyalty, she’d be extremely useful. Fearing she might die under torture, he rushed here without hesitation.

Anyway, Xie Zhitian was brainless. She had quarreled with Luo Yang before, and he always smoothed it over with a few sweet words. He rather enjoyed the feeling of being caught between two women, one jealous for him.

But this scene was completely outside his expectations.

Resting her chin on her hand, Xie Zhitian chuckled lightly. “And how, exactly, have I made things hard for Luo Yang?”

Her gaze was sly, like a fox toying with prey. Xiao Wen shivered, feeling like a clown under her eyes.

Steeling himself, he backed down. “I misunderstood… Sorry, young lady. I judged you unfairly.”

Her tone was sharp, like interrogating a criminal. “And how did you get in here?”

“Young lady, you once told me I could come find you anytime, so I thought you meant it.”

He put on a downcast look, then tried, “I’ve never had friends since I was young. Always alone. Meeting you and Luo Yang makes me so happy…”

Feigning misery to gain sympathy—another common PUA trick. By constantly playing the victim, he set the stage to make unreasonable demands later. Anyone who always whines to you like this just wants to take advantage.

Disdain curled in Xie Zhitian’s heart. Her eyes gleamed playfully. “If no one wants to be with you, perhaps you should reflect on why you’re so unlikeable—instead of being a toad dreaming of eating swan meat.”

Ignoring his shocked expression, she said blandly to Xiang Nan, “From now on, Xiao Wen is not allowed in my quarters. If he dares disobey, lock him in the basement to copy Male Virtue.”

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