Transmigrated as the Cannon Fodder Boss of the Disabled Heroine - Chapter 59

Yu Zhiwan had been busy in the lab for a long time. She only got her phone after the test report was confirmed. Just as she took off her protective gear and stepped out, someone informed her about the incident.

The person delivering the news clicked their tongue in amazement:

“This Yue Rong seems like they’ve been targeted by the higher-ups in Yicheng. Last time, Miss Pei messed with their interests. They didn’t say anything openly, but how could they just let it go without biting back?”

Those who’ve made it this far naturally have some connections. Banana was a perfect choice not a celebrity, so no need to worry about excessive backlash, but still a well-known influencer. With a good reputation as a kind-hearted person, she managed to push Yue Rong into opposition with consumers in just a few words, and naturally, consumers sided with “their own.”

If Pei Yujiao didn’t have some backing, she’d have no choice but to swallow this bitter pill. After all, who would’ve thought a single jar of cream could be tampered with?

Even if they had considered it, resolving this wouldn’t be easy.

Yue Rong, being an established company, quickly shifted from initial panic to clear division of labor. Pei Yujiao stepped forward to reassure the public, while Pei Jinhuai handled negotiations with the other party. The product department, sales, and after-sales teams worked on tracing the source finding Banana’s order number for the cream, then checking the production date and reviewing each batch from that day.

But no matter how busy or overwhelmed those working behind the scenes were, Pei Yujiao at the forefront had to bear the immense pressure of facing the public head-on. There was even a high chance she’d be torn to shreds the moment she went live.

Pei Yujiao had already logged into the streaming platform and was preparing to start the broadcast under this pressure when Yu Zhiwan’s call ended. Instinctively, Pei Yujiao glanced at the closed door.

Pushing it open, a cool, refreshing breeze greeted her. The doorway was empty, with only the evergreen plants in the neighborhood thriving vibrantly in the wind.

Beyond the steps lay the front garden. Pei Yujiao no longer lived in Yicheng and hadn’t had time to tend to it properly. Wild grass grew rampant in spring, covering the cobblestone path and stretching outward, where the property management’s neatly trimmed lawn began evidence of their diligence.

But Pei Yujiao didn’t see Yu Zhiwan. She figured it was just a playful gesture, likely meant to encourage her after hearing about the situation.

Though her mood was heavy, Pei Yujiao felt slightly uplifted. Taking a deep breath of the fresh outdoor air, she sent Yu Zhiwan a smiling emoji:

“I’m about to go live. I’ll talk to you later.”

Yu Zhiwan didn’t respond.

Pei Yujiao turned off her phone screen and stuffed it into her pocket, desperately reminding herself that this was just a minor storm for a cosmetics company. In the apocalypse, she had weathered countless hardships alone treating wounds, fighting, clearing streets, night patrols. When manpower was short, she’d even had to take charge of entire sectors single-handedly.

Those were days devoid of light. Walking down long, dark paths with no streetlights, only a dim moon hanging in the pitch-black sky.

Pei Yujiao still remembered the feeling that had risen in her heart back then not fear. Her hands had been stained with blood her own, her comrades’, enemies’, and zombies’. She’d buried countless bodies, never knowing when she might be the next to be buried.

But when the cold night wind brushed her cheeks, an overwhelming sense of loneliness gave her a fleeting thought that she was still alive in this world. The dusty alley was choking, with bloodstains and ruined walls everywhere. Day after day, she trudged through her patrol route, hearing the voices of bandits before turning around, her blade meeting flesh, the scalding warmth splashing onto her face.

Now, no matter what happened, she was living in peaceful times. If her former comrades learned that General Pei could be intimidated by mere public opinion, they would surely laugh at her behind her back.

Pei Yujiang closed the door slowly, glancing outside without much hope, already drafting responses in her mind.

Just as the door was about to shut completely, Pei Yujiang’s sharp ears caught a familiar voice urgently calling out:

“Wait!”

Much later, whenever she recalled her feelings at that moment, Pei Yujiang couldn’t help but laugh at herself in resignation.

She had actually teared up the instant she heard Yu Zhiwan call her name.

But that only proved one thing unlike her invincible past, she was now truly surrounded by love and care. She no longer had to shoulder everything alone, and so, she had the right to miss someone.

Even though she had never hesitated on the battlefield, Pei Yujiang had never been emotionally cold. The tenderness buried deep within her had simply been sealed away by the harshness of her past. Now, with someone by her side, things were undeniably different.

The moment she saw Yu Zhiwan clearly, a bright and buoyant emotion surged in Pei Yujiang’s heart, sweeping away the gloom that had piled up before.

She noticed the bag still hanging from Yu Zhiwan’s wheelchair, she must have rushed straight here from her own doorstep. There were traces of water on her chin, and her bangs were slightly damp. It seemed she had only managed to change clothes and wash her face, not even having time for a proper shower before hurrying over.

Pei Yujiang blurted out, “What are you doing here?”

The moment the words left her mouth, she wondered if she sounded overly dramatic. Yu Zhiwan was already here wasn’t she stating the obvious?

But after a brief moment of unease, Pei Yujiang straightened up with confidence.

Oh well. Zhiwan didn’t mind her theatrics.

Yu Zhiwan had rushed over in her wheelchair, but even preparing herself took time and effort. Now, slightly out of breath, she still lifted her face for Pei Yujiang to inspect.

“Do I look alright?”

“Beautiful.”

“Good. Then let’s start the livestream.”

Yu Zhiwan was familiar enough with Pei Yujiang’s home to navigate inside with her wheelchair. The chair had an automatic cleaning function, so it had been briefly sanitized before entering. The Omega swept up her hair, tying it into a neat bun to appear more mature and composed.

“Why come? If subordinates don’t slack off, superiors won’t have a reason to dock their pay, right?”

Yu Zhiwan’s smile was gentle and poised. Even without a mirror, she knew she looked lovely, her face fresh and clean, though with a hint of fatigue she couldn’t fully hide. In front of the audience, she couldn’t be too aggressive nor too yielding this demeanor was just right.

Seeing Pei Yujiang frozen in place, Yu Zhiwan urged:

“Did you start it?”

“Oh, right, starting now.”

Pei Yujiang snapped out of her daze and turned on the livestream. Many people were likely waiting for her to go online, even her rivals had probably flooded in with burner accounts.

The moment the video started, a flood of viewers poured in as expected.

Pei Yujiang didn’t keep them waiting. Sitting up straight, she got straight to the point:

“Regarding the dispute over Banana Lady’s ‘anti-aging cream,’ we are currently in the third round of evidence collection. Please remain patient.”

As soon as she spoke, the live chat erupted.

【Third round of evidence collection??? Is Yue Rong insane? Refusing to admit fault even to the death? So disappointing, I was just starting to like your brand, but this is disgusting.】

【Banana Lady is so unlucky. How is this any different from cutting open your stomach to prove you didn’t swallow powder? Ordinary folks can’t win against you capitalists. I’m out.】

【Yue Rong’s behavior is heartbreaking. As a long-time fan who always supported domestic brands, I’ve bought almost everything from you as long as it wasn’t terrible. Just compensate her for the ruined skin, why bully an ordinary girl?】

Pei Yujiang had anticipated this reaction when she decided to go live, so she remained composed.

She pulled out the pre-prepared formula list and, to ensure clarity, enlarged her computer screen and shared it directly.

“It’s all here in black and white, this is the ingredient list for our cream. Every component matches exactly. Those who still have the product can check for themselves.”

【LOL, after Banana Lady’s face got ruined, I threw out all my Yue Rong products. Who would dare use your stuff now?】

【Are you seriously suggesting that girl deliberately ruined her face to scam you? Hilarious. With a face that pretty, who would destroy it just to extort a few bucks and risk lawsuits?】

Of course, some viewers still had the cream. At Pei Yujiang’s words, they immediately grabbed theirs to compare.

Someone in the chat asked:

【Hmm, could the actual ingredients differ from what’s listed?】

Pei Yujiang replied:

“Then take it up with the Quality Inspection Bureau. I didn’t formulate this, I’m just relaying information. The National Quality Inspection Bureau will confirm whether the ingredients match.”

Mentioning the Bureau silenced some critics, though others shifted to nitpicking elsewhere.

【Regardless, causing someone’s face to rot is vile. How dare you broadcast so shamelessly? Pure malice. Unfollowing.】

【Scamming bitch, may you be struck by lightning and die horribly. Karma will disfigure you too one day.】

Behind her, Yu Zhiwan watched the barrage of insults targeting Pei Yujiang and Pei Jinhui. She tugged Pei Yujiang’s sleeve:

“Just have the mods ban anyone hurling abuse. You’re here to explain, not endure slander. Is the final verdict out? Has the court ruled? Who gave them the right to spew venom in your livestream?”

【666, another lapdog barking. Won’t learn until the hammer falls, my favorite ‘ask for proof, get proof’ moment.】

【Is that her girlfriend or sidepiece? Always tagging along, does she do ‘full service’? Wanna come service me too?】

Pei Yujiang could tolerate attacks on herself, but the moment Yu Zhiwan was targeted, fury surged through her. She manually singled out the offender, screenshot the comment, issued a 999-year ban, and reported it to platform moderators.

The moderator acted swiftly. That user’s account had been reported multiple times for verbal harassment, and soon their entire IP was banned from the live-streaming platform.

Pei Yujiang’s expression turned cold:

“If you have any questions, you can ask me directly or discuss them openly. No personal attacks against my staff.”

She had always been amiable with her audience, and her previous livestreams were well-received for their casual, conversational style. She answered every question earnestly, leaving many with a favorable impression of her.

Pei Yujiang had striking features her dark, slightly blue-tinted eyes, the cool detachment in her lowered gaze, and her thin, pressed lips exuded an intimidating aura. No wonder people often mistook her for an Alpha.

Her stern tone quickly silenced most of the troublemakers. Many viewers began asking about the current situation, and Pei Yujiang patiently addressed each query though she avoided mentioning the dispute with Yicheng’s leadership, only promising a resolution soon.

Some comments were aggressive, jumping to conclusions. Pei Yujiang wasn’t particularly skilled at verbal sparring, so she deliberately slowed her responses, ensuring Yu Zhiwan could hear clearly.

Yu Zhiwan had held her hand the entire time without letting go. The Omega’s slender fingers intertwined with hers, their warmth transmitting silent strength.

Naturally, some in the livestream defended Yu Rong, arguing that she wouldn’t sabotage her own rising reputation.

As arguments flared among viewers, Yu Zhiwan gently tapped Pei Yujiang’s hand, signaling for the microphone.

Her clear, composed voice filled the stream, steady and firm:

“We promise to provide proof as quickly as possible. The truth will come to light. But until then, any insults, baseless accusations, or verbal attacks against our team will be documented.”

“As for whether some will get what they’re asking for just wait and see. Don’t cry when the hammer falls. And as for my relationship with Ms. Pei? That’s none of your business.”

With that, Yu Zhiwan tossed the mic onto the desk, the sharp clatter resonating like a gavel strike. She lifted her delicate chin.

“Yujiang, end the stream.”

Pei Yujiang cut the broadcast without hesitation, shutting out the chaos of arguments in the background. No more toxic comments, no more exhausting explanations to new skeptics, she felt an immediate relief.

With the major issue resolved, Pei Yujiang sprawled on the sofa, stretching like a contented cat.

The atmosphere was far lighter than before Yu Zhiwan’s arrival. The lingering warmth where their fingers had touched still tingled faintly though logically, the sensation should have faded the moment they let go. Yet Pei Yujiang’s fingertips felt strangely sensitive, soft and weightless, as if she couldn’t lift them.

As the silence grew stifling, Pei Yujiang tilted her head back, staring at the ceiling to break it:

“Are you going to shower?”

Yu Zhiwan hummed in response.

“I’ll shower at home. I’ll send the research report to your private email later.”

Pei Yujiang didn’t notice what she had been doing earlier, only hearing faint rustling sounds turns out she was packing up. For some reason, Pei felt an indescribably strange sensation, as if something was sprouting in her heart yet remained just out of grasp.

Was Yu Zhiwan not going to shower at her place?

But Yu had her own home, so going back to shower there seemed perfectly normal. With their places so close, her own home would undoubtedly be more convenient. Pei had no reason to insist she stay, and judging by her tone, Yu didn’t seem inclined to share a meal with her after their long separation either, so Pei didn’t extend an invitation.

She watched Yu leave, politely saying “bye” as casually as coworkers parting after a shift.

Yu’s visit to her home really did seem like just another workday.

An inexplicable irritation prickled at Pei, though she couldn’t pinpoint its source. Lying restlessly on the sofa, she picked up her phone but didn’t want to scroll through aggravating updates, so she randomly tuned into a radio station instead.

“This next song is the OST from the campus drama First Love 303 Days starring Chen Lulu and Fang Yu, titled Token of Love,” the female DJ’s gentle voice flowed from her phone. “It captures the heroine’s naive yearnings and the anguish of unrequited love during her first romance, longing for you when you never come, counting down the hours from 3pm for our 4 o’clock date…”

After the DJ’s introduction, Chen Lulu’s sweet vocals began. Her singing was lovely, this version featured the heroine’s internal monologue performed by the actress herself.

Pei had been lounging lazily on the sofa, but as the song progressed, she gradually pushed aside the throw pillows and sat upright, growing increasingly unsettled.

Why did this song feel like it was describing her and Yu Zhiwan?

The pounding of her heart resembled despair submerged in deep waters suddenly surging back to life, like watching a crush approach whether to greet them or not, whether the rain would fall or hold, the heroine waiting at the station mirrored Pei’s own emotional journey today from disappointment to exhilaration while anticipating Yu’s arrival.

Could it be, that she might, perhaps, possibly have feelings for Yu Zhiwan?

Is that it?

Is it?

Let’s leave this question for our comment section friends to answer, 25 red envelopes to celebrate Fish Sauce finally having her awakening!

Pei Yujiang: Listening to Chen Lulu’s song made me realize I might like Zhiwan, what do I do?

Chen Lulu: Don’t wanna talk.

Support