The Second Fall - Chapter 40

Chapter 40: Sister, I Miss You

No—when had she ever sent such an invitation to An Yu?

Lan Cixing’s brain stalled on the spot. She tried to replay the last few hours in her mind, searching for a single moment where she might have slipped up. She found nothing. However, the invitation had undeniably been sent from her account, and the dialogue in the game could not be faked.

Furthermore, An Yu had already accepted. Now, a “Daoist Partner” icon sat above their avatars. As their characters walked across the screen, a trail of extremely tacky hearts followed them.

They were even wearing matching partner outfits. Lan Cixing took a moment to glance at her character. Her avatar featured the face and body proportions personally adjusted by Rong Yushu, now dressed in deep red wedding robes. It truly gave off the vibe of a wedding that had just concluded, waiting for a lover.

Coupled with Rong Yushu’s face on the model, Lan Cixing felt a bit uncomfortable. She had fantasized about such a scene many years ago. Now, knowing it was impossible in reality, she found she couldn’t even bear to look at it in a game. She would have to find time to change the character’s face.

After looking, Lan Cixing clicked into the in-game chat with An Yu and slowly typed out an explanation.

“My finger slipped.”

An Yu had been waiting for her message and replied instantly: “But the button to invite a partner is buried very deep—people even complain about it, but the devs won’t change it. You shouldn’t be able to “slip” onto it.”

Lan Cixing stared at her tablet, a row of ellipses forming over her head. She opened her friend list and found someone else who was offline to test it.

She clicked the avatar, clicked the title, clicked the grey icon, clicked the category, and then clicked “Intimate Relationship.” Only then did she find the “Invite to be Daoist Partner” button. Because her account already had a partner, she couldn’t invite anyone else. When she tried to click it, a pop-up appeared: Multiple Daoist Partners are prohibited. Be faithful; do not be a player.

A button hidden behind so many layers was indeed unlikely to be a “slip.” So how did she click it?

Rong Yushu?

The thought of the only person who had touched her account in the last few hours flashed through her mind, and the guess startled her. But when the face was being molded, she had been pinned in Rong Yushu’s arms and forced to watch the whole process. There was no way she could have missed Rong Yushu navigating to an entirely different interface, right? Especially one so many layers deep.

Lan Cixing was annoyed for a while, then she thought of the original owner of the “Blue Sky Yeast” account. Surely her little brat of a sister hadn’t secretly downloaded the game, logged in, and sent an invitation to this dumped online dating partner?

The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. Without her supervision, Lan Bairan probably didn’t even know who she was anymore. It was time to go home and catch that kid. But she had to record the dating show for the next few days…

Lan Cixing simply sent a message to her aunt, asking her to keep an eye on the brat who was repeatedly attempting “early love.” Having done that, she returned to the game chat. An Yu had sent several memes and was still waiting.

“I have no intention of dating you online. It really was a slip of the finger.”

Regardless of the truth, Lan Cixing stuck to the “slip” excuse, and there was nothing An Yu could do about it.

“It’s just a Daoist relationship in a game; it doesn’t even count as online dating. Little Blue Sky, you’re thinking so deeply about it—do you actually like Sister a little?”

Lan Cixing had recognized An Yu’s silver-tongued skills earlier, and she remained speechless. This Alpha’s mouth was formidable; she could interpret a single sentence in so many ways. Lan Cixing sighed and retracted her sharp, mean-spirited persona. Since An Yu had essentially proven she wasn’t the original account owner—and therefore not the “scum A” from the dream—Lan Cixing could afford a slightly better attitude.

“You’re very pretty, and you’ve trained your body well.” She first praised the dance studio photo An Yu had sent earlier. It had been enough to make Lan Cixing subconsciously call her “Mommy”; An Yu’s figure was indeed quite hot.

“But I don’t like Alphas.” Online persona aside, Lan Cixing truly never intended to date an Alpha, even online. This had to be made clear.

“Hmm? Isn’t Little Blue Sky an Omega? If you don’t like Alphas, what do you like? Betas?” There were only three sub-genders; An Yu ignored the most likely correct answer and offered earnest advice. “Betas are all very boring—dull bookworms, no different from a gourd.”

Lan Cixing felt something was off and snapped back: “You talk as if you’ve dated a Beta before. Can’t I like O-O relationships?”

An Yu’s status showed “typing” for a long time before a new message popped up. While she was typing, Lan Cixing was searching for a way to dissolve the Daoist relationship.

“No wonder you like Shushu. It’s fine; you can just treat me like an Omega. Since you can’t mark someone during online dating anyway, there’s no difference.”

As she spoke, An Yu sent Lan Cixing a set of clothing. Lan Cixing opened it and saw it was a collaboration set from a movie she and Rong Yushu had starred in years ago. It had been out of print for years. She was dazed for a moment.

Back then, the game was popular, but the movie was even more popular. She had been the one to facilitate the collaboration. Her original account, which hadn’t been logged into for centuries, had the full set of limited-edition equipment, from outfits to weapons. So many years had passed that she could barely remember the password to that account.

“Where… did you get these? You can’t buy them anymore, right?” Lan Cixing felt a pang of sorrow, and her typing speed slowed down. She felt embarrassed to accept it, especially since her main account already had the full set. Yet, she was somewhat reluctant to let it go; An Yu had sent the collaboration outfit for Rong Yushu’s character.

Looking at the game interface felt like returning to the past. Back then, when she got the full set of equipment, she had even screenshotted it to send to Rong Yushu. Rong Yushu had always been kind; she would invite her to her room and, in the gaps between rehearsing scenes, ask her about the game and watch her play.

She was still very good to her now. Lan Cixing kept thinking about the time she helped He Lanli play ranked matches—Rong Yushu had been half-pressed against her from behind, watching. If only they could play games together sometime.

“Bought them from the second-hand market. If you like it, it’s yours. I can’t use it anyway.”

Seeing An Yu’s explanation, Lan Cixing felt even more sour, though she couldn’t identify the source of the feeling. She still had to thank her politely.

“I can’t use it either; you keep it. Thank you, you’re a really good person.”

The touched feeling lasted less than five seconds. An Yu sent her a photoshopped image. “Inviting you to become my online dating partner~”

Lan Cixing immediately went offline, refusing to argue with this Alpha any longer. Half an hour later, Lan Cixing had searched the entire web for information, nearly resorting to finding an old customer service contact.

Ending a relationship in this damn game was hard. It actually required buying a gift pack! The packs were priced in the five-figure range and had frequency limits. Dissolving once a year cost 11,111; three times cost 23,333; and five times cost 46,666.

Lan Cixing wasn’t willing to spend that money. This game really knew how to turn a profit—first letting the “players” online freely form partnerships, then finding every way to charge them for the breakup. Seeing the game make money was more painful than losing money herself.

Lan Cixing angrily closed the guide and created a new account, intending to use it to carry An Yu in ranked matches in the future. She didn’t want to duo-queue with that partner tag and special effects. They weren’t a real couple. No matter how good An Yu was, it was impossible for Lan Cixing to make it real with her.

After waking up and exercising, Lan Cixing had to follow Rong Yushu to film the dating show. The production was a long haul—two months in total, filming three days a week. The schedule wasn’t very friendly, but the producing station was the king of variety shows in recent years, so the popularity was guaranteed.

Lan Cixing had looked at the member list yesterday. Half the guests were famous and talented, while the other half, though lacking awards, had massive fan traffic. Lan Cixing just found it strange. Rong Yushu didn’t lack money, fame, or high-quality suitors. What was she after with this show? Did she really want to develop something with someone?

Sitting on Rong Yushu’s private jet, Lan Cixing was still pondering this. Her ear was successfully pinched by Rong Yushu.

“What are you thinking about so intensely? Your little online girlfriend?” A breath was blown against the base of Lan Cixing’s ear, making her jump.

“N-no, Sister…” Lan Cixing covered her head and crouched down, the spot Rong Yushu touched turning red and moist.

“I was thinking about you. And I’m not dating online—I’ve blocked her!” After finally sitting back, Lan Cixing explained hurriedly.

Rong Yushu sat right next to her. The private jet had six seats, but only the two of them were on it. Rong Yushu didn’t mind the space; she insisted on sitting right next to Lan Cixing. Lan Cixing’s ears were still red, burning hot. Her gaze toward Rong Yushu held a trace of anxious shame.

Her heart, however, felt a bit more settled. Since Rong Yushu was so bothered by her online partner, there was no way she would have used her account to send An Yu a partner invitation.

“I’m right next to you. You think of me, yet you don’t look at me?” Rong Yushu arched an eyebrow, looking at Lan Cixing sideways. Her fox-eyes rippled like water. She rested her chin on her hand and turned fully toward Lan Cixing, waiting leisurely.

She stared until Lan Cixing didn’t dare meet her eyes, her face alternating between red and hot.

“Hmm, your courage has certainly grown lately. You’re always failing to reply.” Rong Yushu stared until Lan Cixing almost teared up before reaching out to flick the tip of her nose. It was pure teasing.

Lan Cixing held her breath, her head spinning as she tried to salvage the situation. “Then… I’ll look at you now…”

An eye mask was slapped onto her face. Her vision went pitch black.

“Look when you want, look away when you want—where in the world is it that easy?” Rong Yushu’s sharp nails messed up Lan Cixing’s hair as she casually adjusted the mask, truly preventing her from seeing.

Lan Cixing didn’t dare move; her muscles were tense. Deprived of sight, her other senses became increasingly sharp. Strange, rustling sounds echoed softly in her ears. The scent of white tea swirling around her nose grew stronger…

Then, a weight was added to Lan Cixing’s shoulder. Her heart tightened. She felt the friction of hair against her shoulder and realized Rong Yushu was leaning against her. Rong Yushu even nuzzled twice to adjust her position, pressing close and evening out her breathing.

This woman was truly difficult. One moment she was annoyed about the netizen, messing with her and forbidding her from looking; the next, she was pressed against her for a nap as if they were very intimate. Perhaps Rong Yushu just needed a cushion. Lan Cixing comforted herself and slowly calmed down, closing her eyes hazily.

The island where the show was being filmed was a fair distance from the capital. When Lan Cixing opened her eyes again, the mask was gone, but they were still over two hours from landing. Rong Yushu was sitting in the opposite seat, no longer next to her. It was as if the previous flustered ambiguity had been Lan Cixing’s dream.

Lan Cixing looked toward Rong Yushu but smelled a thick scent of white tea. There was also a dull ache in her shoulder. It wasn’t an illusion.

Lan Cixing steadied herself, stood up, and moved next to Rong Yushu. She stood as obediently as a little maid. After watching Rong Yushu for two seconds and seeing no reaction, she sat down directly beside her.

“You’re quite thick-skinned. Did I give you permission?” Rong Yushu said this, but she moved the blanket on the seat aside for Lan Cixing. Then she casually tossed her own extra blanket onto her, as if she were a storage rack.

Lan Cixing took both blankets and folded them neatly. Then she slid down a bit and tugged at Rong Yushu’s sleeve.

“Sister, I miss you.”

Rong Yushu was yanked back, her eyes losing control for a moment. Shock mingled with shyness as she responded to Lan Cixing’s words.

“What does you missing me have to do with me?” Her words lost their logic. After stalling, she bit her lip and quickly regained her composure.

How could Lan Cixing not see the flaw? She smiled brightly. “But because I miss you, I want to be closer to you. Is that not allowed? You clearly welcome me, Sister.” She leaned down to look at Rong Yushu; looking from below like this was practically an offense.

Rong Yushu looked into her eyes as if looking at a bad dog she had indulged herself; she really wanted to pinch her face and shove her away.

“Who welcomes you?” The fox showed its claws and gave Lan Cixing a fierce scratch, pushing her away. Her tone was calm and distant, even carrying a bit of fire. If Lan Cixing weren’t familiar with her, she certainly wouldn’t have seen through the act.

Lan Cixing was driven into the aisle. She blinked, genuinely prepared to sit elsewhere. Before she could take a step, her clothes were tugged. It was very slight, like snow falling on a lapel. If Lan Cixing hadn’t been waiting for Rong Yushu’s move, she surely wouldn’t have noticed. It was fleeting, as fragile as a snowflake.

When Lan Cixing turned back to confirm, Rong Yushu had already dropped her hand and was holding her book as if focused. It was as if she hadn’t just raised her hand to make her stay. Lan Cixing knew she had been permitted to remain, so she sat back in her original spot. She even wanted to lean in and be surrounded by the scent of white tea.

A palm print was added to her beaming face. Lan Cixing touched her face and behaved a little better. Only a little. Rong Yushu removed the armrest between them. Lan Cixing followed the flow and leaned toward her. Her waist was embraced by Rong Yushu. Lan Cixing got her wish and leaned against her shoulder.

“Shushu, why are we filming the dating show on an island?” As they were about to land and Rong Yushu put away her book, Lan Cixing finally spoke.

“What did you call me?” Rong Yushu pushed the “bear child” who was stubbornly clinging to her back where she belonged. Meanwhile, she reflected on whether she had been too good to her lately.

“Boss.” Lan Cixing was truly stubborn. How could she not know what Rong Yushu wanted to be called?

“Teacher.” Meeting those slanting fox-eyes and their cold, spiritual gaze, Lan Cixing changed her tune again.

“Heh.” She heard a soft snort of mockery.

“That’s right. You should call me Teacher Rong.” Rong Yushu didn’t refuse, only giving Lan Cixing a glance. “It’s a challenge-based dating show. One day outdoors, one day indoors. It’s said to be three days of filming; the last day is for pickups.”

Rong Yushu really did act like a teacher, educating Lan Cixing on the upcoming program.

“Pickups for this kind of show?” Lan Cixing hadn’t participated in many variety shows during her acting career and didn’t know much about it. Rong Yushu gave her a look reserved for idiots.

“It’s all scripted. Did you really think they’d let us improvise?” Her finger flicked Lan Cixing’s forehead, then she caught her sleeve and led her off the plane.

“Then will you be okay alone? Is today ‘desert island survival’?” Lan Cixing followed hurriedly.

Speaking of which, Rong Yushu had a team of over a dozen people. The main force followed the production crew by boat, but Rong Yushu’s private jet only carried her. Were they already this close?

“Alone?” Rong Yushu turned back, adjusted Lan Cixing’s sun hat and mask, and swept her fox-eyes over her. “Then what did I bring you for?” The sweep was too fast for Lan Cixing to analyze her feelings, so she followed her in a few steps.

“Then is that why you went looking for a bodyguard, Sister?” Lan Cixing spoke while stumbling down the stairs. Rong Yushu was pulling her, so speaking wasn’t easy.

Rong Yushu ignored her. Lan Cixing tried again: “Teacher Rong?”

Rong Yushu finally replied. “I suppose.” Her tone was somewhat disdainful, carried to Lan Cixing’s ears by the sea breeze. It piqued her temper again. Lan Cixing followed more closely, quietly grabbing the hem of Rong Yushu’s shirt.

“But I haven’t signed an appearance contract. If you bring me, how will you record the… dating show?” Lan Cixing thought: Surely Rong Yushu won’t make her be her personal bodyguard on the show too? Lan Cixing assumed she would be waiting off-set, just like when they were filming before.

“Then you’ll just be my dating partner.” The two of them walked toward the production crew. Rong Yushu stopped pulling Lan Cixing’s sleeve and switched to tugging her bowtie.

Lan Cixing was forced to lower her head and follow, like a dog being led by its neck by its master. Her face flushed at the words. They were too blunt for Lan Cixing to dare think too much—or too little—of them.

“B-but it seems you have to split into groups…” The schedule on the program list said they would be in pairs for 24 hours, then switch partners the next day.

Rong Yushu suddenly stopped her pace and gave a tug. Lan Cixing almost fell onto her. She grabbed Rong Yushu’s shoulders to steady herself, only to be pushed away by her arms.

“If you don’t want to do it, I’ll switch people.” With that, Rong Yushu crooked her finger at an Alpha nearby.

“Songsong, long time no see.”

That Alpha truly walked quickly toward Rong Yushu with a smile. As Lan Cixing saw her face clearly, her heart tightened.

The newcomer was Yu Mingsong—an A-list superstar, just one Golden Award away from a Grand Slam, and a top-tier Alpha. Most importantly, she had once publicly pursued Rong Yushu.

Lan Cixing looked at Rong Yushu. Rong Yushu’s eyes were filled with smiles, but she didn’t look at her. She seemed to be saying: if she wasn’t willing, then she would replace her with Yu Mingsong for protection.

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