The Beautiful, Strong, and Tragic Female Lead is Mine [Transmigration Into a Novel] - Chapter 36

Xie Zhitian wasn’t just saying polite words; this was her most genuine thought.

Luo Yang was intelligent and powerful. What was most precious was that even after experiencing a long period of darkness, she still maintained her original purity. She wasn’t cynical or twisted; she was still kind and pure.

Her only weakness, one could say, was that Luo Yang didn’t recognize her own worth. She didn’t know how good she was and always placed herself in a very low position, which made people feel especially sorry for her.

So, whenever she had the chance, Xie Zhitian would express her admiration and praise for Luo Yang directly and honestly. Over time, Luo Yang would slowly fill the void in her heart and build new self-confidence.

Moreover, as the daughter of the district leader, Xie Zhitian had a certain status and position in this world. Since she valued Luo Yang, others naturally wouldn’t treat her lightly.

Luo Yang was stunned upon hearing this. She didn’t know when, but Xie Zhitian had started to constantly praise and encourage her, saying words that were incredibly comforting to hear.

At first, she would instinctively deflect, saying she wasn’t that good, but each time, Xie Zhitian would repeat the praise, not allowing her to deny it. Over time, she changed this habit.

So this time, she didn’t deny it either, only saying, “If you think I’m good, then I’m good.”

Tang Zhuoran, who was sitting across from them, raised her eyebrows slightly, a look of deep meaning in her eyes.

She had heard that the eldest daughter of District 16 was willful, spoiled, and had a princess complex. Even the gentle Xia Fufeng had said that Xie Zhitian was eccentric and difficult to get along with. Yet, upon meeting her, she found that it wasn’t the case at all.

Had time changed her? Or had someone changed her?

Tang Zhuoran was surprised but only asked, “I heard Miss Xie has something she wants to ask me?”

Xie Zhitian thought for a moment and asked, “Captain Tang, have you heard about the abnormal animal situation in the district?”

Tang Zhuoran replied, “I’ve heard. The research department is analyzing those two animals, and we are also investigating some related matters. It will take some time. I know Miss Xie is very concerned about this. Once there are results, I will inform you in a timely manner.”

“There’s another matter,” Xie Zhitian took a piece of paper from her pocket, unfolded it, and pushed it toward Tang Zhuoran. “Captain Tang, this is something I found at a restaurant today. It belongs to a guard soldier.”

On the table was a neatly placed application form. The handwritten characters were slanted, and the signature was Zhang Di. The content was roughly that he felt he was not suitable for work in District 14 and wanted to apply for a transfer to District 7 to develop in a new environment, hoping the district would approve.

Based on the content alone, there was nothing wrong with this application. But what caught Xie Zhitian’s attention was something Zhang Di had said while drinking today: “Let’s go, everyone, let’s go. Who doesn’t want to leave?”

Perhaps Zhang Di’s tone was too certain, making her feel there was something fishy about it.

It was common for modified humans to be transferred to other districts, but what was the need for a transfer for a low-level male modified human like Zhang Di, who would only be a regular guard soldier no matter where he went? And why did he say it as if everyone wanted to leave District 14?

Tang Zhuoran lowered her eyes and carefully read the paper in front of her.

Piping hot dishes were brought out one by one, and a white mist billowed and dispersed, shrouding her charming and delicate eyes.

After a long time, she finally spoke, “Leader Xia is an open-minded person. She often says that if a guard has a better place to go, she won’t stand in their way. Does Miss Xie feel there’s a problem with this application?”

Xie Zhitian thought for a moment and truthfully recounted the situation at the time but omitted the part where Zhang Di discussed the relationship between Xia Fufeng and Tang Zhuoran.

She tentatively asked, “Captain Tang, have many modified humans applied to be transferred from District 14 recently?”

Modified humans bear the responsibility of fighting against xenomorphs. If this was true, it would be a thorny issue. Although the number of xenomorphs had decreased sharply now, it still made people feel a sense of unease.

Tang Zhuoran calmly replied, “I’m sorry, without Leader Xia’s command, I cannot answer questions involving the internal situation of the district.”

Xia Fufeng was a bit anxious. “Zhuoran, they aren’t outsiders.”

“It’s okay. I shouldn’t have asked such a question.” Before Tang Zhuoran could answer, Xie Zhitian spoke up. “It’s right to protect internal district information. I’ll ask for Aunt Xia’s permission later.”

This afternoon, she had tried to contact Xia Wan, asking if she needed any help, but the other party had refused, saying the danger of this matter was still inestimable and telling her and Luo Yang not to get involved and just to have a good time in the district for a few days.

Xie Zhitian still wanted to insist, but the other party seemed very busy, and the signal was poor where she was. The conversation was intermittent, and she quickly hung up after saying a few words.

She felt helpless and planned to find another opportunity to contact Xia Wan in a couple of days to get her permission.

Originally, Tang Zhuoran’s eyes had shown a hint of difficulty when she heard Xia Fufeng’s request, but she relaxed when Xie Zhitian said that.

She said, “It’s good that Miss Xie can understand.”

Xie Zhitian said, “However, I have another question I’d like to ask Captain Tang.”

Tang Zhuoran said, “Go ahead.”

Xie Zhitian asked, “Do you have any travel plans recently?”

The original story mentioned that Xia Fufeng was heartbroken after her friend left and never returned, which made her susceptible to a scoundrel’s sweet talk. At first, Xie Zhitian was a little uncertain if Tang Zhuoran was this friend, but now, seeing the intimate atmosphere between the two, she felt there was no other candidate.

If she could stop Tang Zhuoran from leaving or know her destination in advance, Xia Fufeng wouldn’t be so devastated.

Tang Zhuoran replied, “It depends on work arrangements. I don’t have any plans at the moment. Does Miss Xie need me to do something?”

Xie Zhitian smiled, “No, I was just asking. If Captain Tang needs to go out on a mission, you must tell Xia in advance, or she’ll be sad.”

Tang Zhuoran was slightly taken aback and subconsciously said, “Okay, I will.”

Xia Fufeng was confused and a little embarrassed. “What are you two talking about? Let’s eat.”

The meal was relaxed and pleasant. Tang Zhuoran was clearly well-suited for such occasions. She knew what to say and when to say it, neither stealing the limelight nor letting the atmosphere go cold.

A faint, perfectly fitting smile was always on her face. During the conversation, she didn’t forget to peel a few braised prawns for Xia Fufeng.

Xia Fufeng, in turn, kept putting food on Tang Zhuoran’s plate, saying she had gotten thinner recently and needed to eat more.

Before they knew it, it was past 10 o’clock. Tang Zhuoran said she had to get up early for work tomorrow and had to leave first.

Xia Fufeng was reluctant but obediently nodded.

The group saw Tang Zhuoran to the door. The door was wide open, and the night wind was biting, the cold seeping into their clothes.

“Close the door. It’s cold at night.”

Tang Zhuoran chuckled, her soft hair fluttering in the wind. In a flash, she was gone.

Xie Zhitian only saw a faint shadow glide lightly past. The tree branch that was stepped on swayed gently, making almost no sound, and then all that was left in her sight was the empty, tranquil night.

Luo Yang exclaimed from the bottom of her heart, “So amazing.”

Such speed was considered top-notch even among modified humans. There was a reason Tang Zhuoran could become a captain.

“Of course, Zhuoran has always been excellent.” Xia Fufeng stared in the direction Tang Zhuoran had left for two seconds, then closed the door.

Even though they were words of praise, her tone was a little low. “She is Captain Tang.”

Xie Zhitian’s heart stirred. She noticed Xia Fufeng’s disappointment and felt there was a story behind it.

She asked, “You and Captain Tang must be very close friends, right?”

Xia Fufeng was stunned and then answered after a while, “Uh, I, I don’t know if we count as close.”

Tang Zhuoran was always smiling, her demeanor graceful and poised, never making a single mistake. But it seemed like she was separated from everyone by a barrier, even her.

Tang Zhuoran was intelligent and could easily see through others’ thoughts, but as for what Tang Zhuoran was thinking, as long as she didn’t say it, no one could guess.

So Xia Fufeng couldn’t help but overthink.

For example, when she heard Tang Zhuoran praise Luo Yang’s good luck just now, Xia Fufeng wondered if she wasn’t good enough to Tang Zhuoran, or else why had the other party never said that she was lucky?

She didn’t know how to define this subtle relationship with Tang Zhuoran, but it seemed she didn’t need to define it anymore. Since becoming the general captain of the District 14 guard, Tang Zhuoran had become increasingly busy. As for what she was specifically busy with, she never mentioned it to her.

Recently, Tang Zhuoran had appeared in front of her very rarely. Maybe she was about to leave her… She always felt that Tang Zhuoran was like a butterfly, beautiful and enchanting, yet difficult to catch and wouldn’t stay for anyone.

Xia Fufeng said with a sigh of melancholy, “Actually, I really want to know what Zhuoran is busy with every day. I’m not afraid of anything else; I just worry that she’s in danger.”

Xie Zhitian saw that she was troubled and was considering her words to comfort her when she heard Luo Yang speak.

“Are you very concerned about Captain Tang’s affairs?”

Her eyes were clear. “If you want to know what she’s doing, why don’t you just ask her?”

Xie Zhitian found that in many situations, Luo Yang would be simple and direct. For example, she would ask her why she stood up for the modified humans. She would also ask if her promise to stay with her during a rainy night was real or fake.

She thought Xie Zhitian liked sesame candy, so she specifically bought it as a gift. She said she would protect her and truly did her best, being careful everywhere.

Xie Zhitian liked her innocence. It was like a crystal, reflecting her most authentic side, which seemed very touching because of its purity.

“Yeah, why don’t you have a good chat with Captain Tang? If you honestly ask your questions, Captain Tang might just understand you.”

Xie Zhitian agreed and casually gave an example from her own experience. “Look at Luo Yang and me. It’s because there’s no hiding between us, and we communicate in a timely manner when there are problems, that we can be good friends.”

After saying this, she paused.

Actually, she hadn’t been completely open with Luo Yang, after all, she wasn’t the original Xie Zhitian.

But… it didn’t seem necessary to confess.

At least, not yet.

Luo Yang was also stunned upon hearing this.

She… hadn’t been completely open either.

She still hadn’t mentioned to Xie Zhitian that she had secretly read “Cold Beauty 1.”

Both of them had their own secrets, and for a moment, neither of them spoke.

Xia Fufeng looked at the two who had suddenly fallen silent and felt a little strange. But after a second thought, she quickly found the key point.

It was because Xie Zhitian said they were just good friends, which made them both feel guilty at the same time.

Oh, you two are a couple.

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