Transmigrated Into the Stand-In of the Tragic Novel’s Heroine - Chapter 53

If Chang Yishao was only treating her as a stand-in for her ‘White Moonlight,’ pouring all her feelings for the ‘White Moonlight’ onto her, then that could be explained. However, that path has been definitively ruled out.

Was it because of the contract then? Xie Qingtang was a bit confused. The black and white document didn’t have such detailed clauses; it was just a simple contract. Both of them knew how this contract came to be, and the term “girlfriend” was just a falsehood. Yet, at this moment, it seemed like they were both getting somewhat immersed in it. Chang Yishao’s tenderness didn’t feel fake; after dispensing with various inexplicable tests, what was presented before her was Chang Yishao’s sincere heart.

She had an ulterior motive; what was she scheming for? Xie Qingtang scrutinized Chang Yishao, unwilling to miss any subtle change in her expression. However, Chang Yishao only blinked when she heard the question, then remained calm as usual, revealing no sign of anything amiss.

Chang Yishao could feel her own heart rate speeding up. Xie Qingtang’s question was sudden, like a direct hit to the depths of her soul. She felt a slight panic inside, but her expression remained one of shock, not wanting to be seen through. She let out a long breath and blinked again, using it to release her tension. She didn’t answer directly, but instead counter-questioned: “Is this not good?”

If there was someone who treated her unreservedly, it would naturally be wonderful. But if she got used to it and then the person withdrew, it wouldn’t be good. She didn’t want to be a passing visitor; she would rather these kindnesses had never existed. Xie Qingtang didn’t voice her true thoughts. She merely winked at Chang Yishao, saying half-jokingly, “An unwarranted display of courtesy hides a plot.”

But no sooner had the words left her mouth than she suddenly recalled a phrase circulating online: “An unwarranted display of courtesy hides… deep affection.”

Xie Qingtang couldn’t help but look at Chang Yishao again, her eyes containing a mix of seriousness and scrutiny.

Chang Yishao gave a slight laugh, successfully moving past the topic. Xie Qingtang was someone who liked to get to the bottom of things, but this time, harboring different thoughts, she surprisingly chose silence. The night wind swept through the not-so-wide road. A branch of flowers, leaning over a white wall, swayed in the wind.

The two walked side by side on the path. Xie Qingtang’s thoughts drifted, and for a moment, she actually felt that continuing like this would be good. Isn’t this exactly the peaceful retirement life she wanted? Living alone for too long, one might not know loneliness, but after getting used to companionship, loneliness would always surge out from a corner at some point, gradually spreading throughout one’s limbs and bones.

After this brief “clay sculpture district” day trip, Chang Yishao’s focus once again shifted to the editing and production of The Artisan’s Heart. This second episode was still completed entirely by her. However, later, because Xie Qingtang gave her consent, she could seek other assistance to lighten her workload and burden.

“I told you from the start to let the team help you, but you refused. Now you know you’re tired and are starting to change your mind, are you?” Chang Qing’s tone was full of helplessness. A moment later, his voice became serious again. “After the team’s assessment, The Artisan’s Heart is worth the investment.”

This result was within Chang Yishao’s expectations. If it couldn’t pass the team’s assessment, she wouldn’t mind investing her own money. She originally thought Chang Qing would continue discussing business, but unexpectedly, the serious mood instantly dissipated, and what came through the screen was Chang Qing’s curious question, tinged with a hidden emotion.

“When are you bringing your girlfriend home?”

Chang Yishao: “…” After a long while, she finally said, “Did Liu Wuxian tell you?”

Chang Qing stammered, “I, I guessed it myself.” After saying this, he regained his confidence. “Let everyone vet her this time.”

“No.” Chang Yishao’s voice was a bit cold. After a few perfunctory sentences, she hung up the phone.

Chang Qing listened to the busy signal, squinting his eyes, somewhat confused. He vaguely sensed that Yishao was a little upset? Did he go too far? He cast a blank look toward his girlfriend. Liu Wuxian, meanwhile, put down her crossed legs. She said unhurriedly, “Perhaps she hasn’t won her over yet.” She wasn’t clear about the game between these two; breaking up and getting back together was very possible. Otherwise, why would Chang Yishao leave Yucheng and chase after her there?

Chang Yishao sighed after hanging up the phone.

Her family was thinking further ahead than she was. Would Xie Qingtang go with her to the Chang family home? If she brought up the contract clauses, she should go, right? But that would be just pretending to be her girlfriend, not her true intention. Xie Qingtang might only see it as a task.

She planned to terminate that somewhat absurd contract, so she couldn’t use it as an excuse anymore.

Time flew by.

In mid-September, the daytime was still scorching hot, but by night, the oppressive heat had faded considerably, and the wind blowing in their faces was much cooler.

The house situation in Shencheng had been settled, yet Chang Yishao had not brought it up. She and Xie Qingtang were still squeezed into one room, their daily necessities mixed together. Thinking about the day they would separate, it felt as if her soul was being cut in half. This attachment to the person and to this life deepened day by day, yet she still couldn’t read Xie Qingtang’s mind.

Whether alone or with someone else, Xie Qingtang seemed not to care at all.

Her phone notification rang.

Chang Yishao glanced at it; it was a message from Xie Qingtang.

“I’ve set off.”

Chang Yishao replied, “Okay, be careful on the way.”

Lately, she had been staying at the studio until very late, and Xie Qingtang had voluntarily offered to pick her up, without missing a single day. The routine was essentially the same as in Shencheng, but there were changes; at least Xie Qingtang’s presence was no longer just a whim. Thinking of this, Chang Yishao curved her lips. She saw her reflection in the mirror, a faint smile hidden between her eyebrows and eyes.

This was the change Xie Qingtang had brought to her.

Because the distance wasn’t great, Xie Qingtang usually walked to the studio to pick her up. As soon as she walked out of the museum area, she could sense the quietness of the place at night. The sky had darkened, and the streetlights could only illuminate a small area, creating alternating sections of light and shadow.

Looking up, she could faintly see the lights of distant tall buildings, a stark contrast of coldness and warmth in the same city’s night.

At a secluded corner, Xie Qingtang encountered a small problem.

The public safety here was actually quite good. Those who dared to come out and block the road to rob were likely people hired for the job.

Seeing the approaching figures, Xie Qingtang’s eyes flashed with a strange light.

The multiple delays made Chang Yishao remember the distance and time from the museum to the studio clearly. But now, Xie Qingtang still hadn’t arrived, and Chang Yishao couldn’t help but frown. Sending a message or calling felt like throwing a stone into the sea—no response. A flurry of thoughts interwove in her mind, and Chang Yishao found it hard not to consider the worst possibility.

There was only one route they usually took, and she didn’t hesitate anymore.

Her usual relaxed mood was gone, replaced only by an urgent feeling.

Three people had gathered around, and one was keeping watch not far away.

Xie Qingtang had heard the phone ringing long ago and easily guessed it was Chang Yishao calling since she was late. She felt a hint of impatience and started attacking with more ferocity. At this moment, she believed what was said above—that this was a world suitable for “retirement.” If it were one of those high-level worlds, resolving trouble might not be this easy.

A head hit the ground with a “thud,” and Xie Qingtang clapped her hands, then took out her phone in a good mood to take a picture of the scene. The lookout person not far away probably realized that something was very wrong. At this point, they didn’t care about their “brothers” lying on the ground, turned around, and bolted. However, they were met with a vicious kick to the front, falling flat on their face with a loud ‘thud,’ chipping their front teeth and bleeding profusely.

Chang Yishao no longer paid attention to the people on the ground and jogged over to Xie Qingtang. The nervousness and worry on her face were almost palpable. This genuine concern stirred Xie Qingtang’s heart like a tidal wave. The scene before her changed and changed again, finally settling on Chang Yishao running towards her.

“Are you okay?” Her eyes scanned Xie Qingtang, looking her up and down. Only then did the stone in her heart drop.

Xie Qingtang didn’t speak. Her eyes lingered on Chang Yishao’s leg for a moment before she subtly withdrew her gaze. She casually glanced at the people groaning on the ground and replied, “I’m fine.”

“These people—” Chang Yishao frowned. She avoided Xie Qingtang’s gaze, a sharp glint flickering in her eyes.

“Probably someone with too much time on their hands who hired them,” Xie Qingtang shrugged, not overly concerned. “I called the police.” Seeing Chang Yishao’s eyes turn to her, she smiled and held up her phone.

The peaceful life had a slight hiccup. Although it was insignificant to Xie Qingtang, going in and out of the police station wasn’t a pleasant experience.

“You’re not happy.” Xie Qingtang turned to Chang Yishao, her tone certain. Before Chang Yishao could respond, she raised an eyebrow and continued, “Do you guess who it is?”

Chang Yishao finally replied, “It might be her.” Both of them knew who this “her” referred to. She didn’t want to maliciously speculate about He Yanjin’s actions, but the danger that had befallen Xie Qingtang forced her to take certain precautions. These people who frequently dealt with the police wouldn’t necessarily confess honestly, and it was unknown when the authorities would find any clues. She could only use the suspicious person as a starting point.

“I’m sorry,” Chang Yishao met Xie Qingtang’s gaze, a hint of apology hidden in her eyes.

Xie Qingtang raised an eyebrow, thinking that Chang Yishao’s thoughts coincided with her own. But it was still just a guess. “Teacher Chang doesn’t need to convict people or herself just yet.” Xie Qingtang smiled charmingly. Seeing Chang Yishao’s lowered eyebrows, she continued, “Even if it really is as we suspect, Teacher Chang, what fault is it of yours? Aren’t you also a victim?”

“I—” Chang Yishao opened her mouth, but under Xie Qingtang’s gaze, she was momentarily speechless. Everything she wanted to say felt weak. After a long pause, she said softly, “Don’t come to pick me up anymore.”

Xie Qingtang was stunned. Chang Yishao making this suggestion was within her expectation.

But the danger was aimed at her; who knew when it might target Chang Yishao herself? She smiled and suddenly reached out to brush away Chang Yishao’s bangs that had strayed into her eyes. She smiled with a raised eyebrow and said, “Teacher Chang’s fighting skills are quite good.” After a pause, she added, “But even so, it still makes me worry.”

“Picking up and protecting my girlfriend is my responsibility, right?” Xie Qingtang’s eyebrows lifted, her bright eyes twinkling like scattered stars.

Chang Yishao couldn’t fully grasp the deeper meaning of this sentence, but her heart still skipped a beat.

Xie Qingtang said it, and she took it seriously.

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