The Cross-Dressing Legend Is Excessively Beautiful - Chapter 15

Chapter 15

After Song Ci left, Song Xi-zhi extinguished the lamp and curled into a tight ball under the covers, adopting a protective, fetal-like posture as if seeking the safety of a womb.

Although the room was warmed by charcoal and floor heating, his hands and feet remained ice-cold—a classic symptom of a frail constitution.

Song Xi-zhi let out a series of earth-shattering coughs, thinking to himself: I’m essentially the poster child for the “Hardworking Employee of the Year,” working while sick and physically broken. Too bad I’m about to kick the bucket… Pretty tragic.

As drowsiness washed over him, he thought hazily that for the next mission, he’d have to negotiate hard with 001. He’d aim for a “Salted Fish” script—one where he’s a winner in life, sleeping until he wakes naturally and counting so much money his hands cramp up.

In the darkness, a shadow stood guard outside the room. Song Xi-zhi’s silhouette against the window had vanished along with the candlelight. The shadow watched in silence, its gaze as cold as the dew on the stone steps.

…

The following days were exceptionally peaceful. Song Xi-zhi was in high spirits. Aside from issuing orders to handle the tasks Song Ci had assigned, he spent his time sleeping, playing the zither, and occasionally watering the trees in the courtyard when the whim struck him.

He also spent time chatting with the system.

After three cycles, he had grown increasingly familiar with 001. While the fundamental “Boss and Employee” dynamic hadn’t changed, his persistent efforts to bridge the gap had paid off. 001’s attitude had softened significantly, and the restrictions placed on him had loosened.

For instance, under his relentless wheedling, 001 had “accidentally” leaked the existence of the System Shop. The shop contained a vast array of cards: healing cards, longevity cards, offensive cards, and more. Depending on their level and power, they were categorized into Heaven, Earth, Black, and Yellow ranks. Hosts could use “Achievement Points”—rewards for completing missions—to exchange for these skill cards.

Though Song Xi-zhi coveted them, he unfortunately had zero Achievement Points and was completely ineligible to redeem anything.

However, after his second cycle failed, 001 made an exception and opened the shop for him.

The powerful trump card Song Xi-zhi currently held, Plain Silk, was purchased from the shop. It belonged to the “Yellow” rank, but even as the lowest tier, it was incredibly formidable—enough for him to run wild in this small world.

Of course, the price was far from beautiful.

In other words, not only had Song Xi-zhi failed to complete his mission, but he was also heavily indebted to his boss.

“001, we’re approaching a critical turning point in the mission… If I fail again this time, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to pay back those points,” Song Xi-zhi murmured. “Oh, but don’t worry, I’ll work hard… I’ll definitely pay you back in the next cycle…” Clutching his chest, Song Xi-zhi coughed up a bit of blood and added with a hint of “green tea” manipulation: “If I had a powerful friend like 001 staying by my side, I’d definitely be more motivated to finish the task…”

Unfortunately, 001 still remembered the previous debt and replied quite stingily: Friends should indeed help each other~ However, I recall you saying “even brothers keep clear accounts”~ When exactly are you going to settle your debt?

Song Xi-zhi’s eyes flickered. 001 seemed to be getting smarter and more sentient; it was becoming harder to fool.

…

From Qiu Tong’s perspective, Song Xi-zhi was simply a sick man who enjoyed talking to himself with a tragic expression.

She had seen people suffering from madness before. When they were lucid, they seemed normal, but once a fit took them, they would sink into their own worlds, even experiencing auditory or visual hallucinations. In severe cases, they could become extremely aggressive or bloodthirsty.

In Qiu Tong’s eyes, the gloomy, poisoned Song Xi-zhi clearly belonged to the latter category.

Her lips curled down slightly as she discreetly increased the distance between them. She called out loudly, “Eldest Miss, the Second Miss has arrived and is waiting for you in the room.”

Song Xi-zhi glanced at Qiu Tong with a half-smile and slowly walked into the house.

Qiu Tong felt a flicker of unease. For some reason, she felt as though all her hidden intentions were laid bare before him.

But how could that be? she thought. Her disguise skills were top-tier; even her senior brother, hailed as a “Divine Physician,” couldn’t see through her mask.

Thinking this, her heart steadied.

Walking ahead, Song Xi-zhi glanced back at the delicate figure behind him. He let out a cold inward laugh. He only hoped Qiu Tong would stay “sensible” a bit longer—just long enough to live through what was coming.

To repay her for the “gift” of a blade in the first cycle, he had prepared a very spectacular show for her this time.

An inexplicable, biting chill rose up Qiu Tong’s spine. She shivered involuntarily and pulled her clothes tighter. It must be the weather, she thought. I’ll have to wear more layers when I get back