Chapter 23: The Lingering Sting

Soon, Beiye, Shen Jinglan, and Xiao Ru returned.
Beiye brought steamed buns and soy milk.
As soon as she entered, she grinned and approached Yi Lan: “Yi Lan, I missed you so much after one night apart.
How are you?
Did you miss me?”

Yi Lan lifted her eyelids, looking at her expressionlessly.

Beiye opened the plastic bag in her hand: “Look, I brought you steamed buns, beef and vermicelli filling, and soy milk.
The soy milk is freshly ground; I waited in a long line to buy it for you.
Aren’t I good?”

The other party didn’t respond, appearing to be in low spirits.

Xiao Ru scoffed coldly from the side: “Sister Xingchen, it’s a blessing that someone like her isn’t ashamed.
She won’t remember your kindness!”

When she spoke, she glanced at Jiang Wenting, observing her reaction.
Last night, in a fit of anger, she had spoken carelessly, bringing up topics the other party had never dared to mention.
If Beiye and Shen Jinglan hadn’t entered in time, the two might have had a big argument.
But now, Jiang Wenting was as gentle and peaceful as ever, showing no intention of blaming her.

Xiao Ru “hmph”-ed, unable to vent her frustration.

Beiye took a steamed bun out of the bag, grabbed one with her bare hand, and fed it to Yi Lan, saying playfully: “You have to remember my kindness, or I’ll be very sad.”

Yi Lan didn’t open her mouth.
There was a thorn in her heart, making her very uncomfortable, but it wasn’t because of those irritating words.

Just then, Jiang Wenting walked over and pushed away Beiye’s hand feeding the bun: “Such small favors, who are you trying to bribe!”

She snatched the bun from the other party’s plastic bag, gave it to Yi Lan, and smiled with her eyes curved: “It’s all for you!”

Xiao Ru, nearby, just rolled her eyes.

Shen Jinglan was silent for a moment, then turned back to the main topic: “Based on the feedback in the comments section, it’s still relatively positive.Jiang Wenting, what are your plans next?How are you considering Zhou Jing’s script?”

Beiye, hearing about the comments section, also got excited: “Yeah, Jiang Jiang, I didn’t expect Captain Lu and Xiao Liu to be so helpful, willing to come forward and explain for us.Now the comments section is all praising our Yi Lan for being brave and cute!”

Shen Jinglan: …

The comments section clearly said she had an intimidating aura, alright!

But Shen Jinglan didn’t refute, merely glanced at Jiang Wenting, waiting for her answer.

The other party was currently at the cusp of public attention and needed a film more influential than Grass and Trees Deep to dominate the film industry, and Zhou Jing’s script was an excellent opportunity.

Therefore, Shen Jinglan brought up the topic again, even though she knew the timing was inconvenient.

Jiang Wenting naturally understood her own situation.
Logically speaking, she should accept this script without hesitation, but…

She looked at the soy milk straw she was inserting into the cup in her hand.
After a few seconds of hesitation, she spoke: “Lan Jie, did Teacher Zhou mention the latest deadline for a response?”

Shen Jinglan lowered her gaze, thought for a moment: “It needs to be soon, because she also needs to arrange auditions, and the start date is quite rushed.”

Before Jiang Wenting could speak, Beiye spoke first: “No way, wifey!If Jiang Jiang goes to audition now, won’t she have to separate from Yi Lan?They’ve only just started to spark something, I’m still waiting to ship their CP!”

Shen Jinglan was also in a dilemma.

Xiao Ru didn’t know about the script from Zhou Jing yet.
She wasn’t used to speaking directly to Shen Jinglan, so she asked Beiye: “Sister Xingchen, what audition?”

Shen Jinglan also didn’t offer an explanation.
She was always clear about her social circles, never extending her affection beyond them.
With Jiang Wenting, it was because they acted together, and she recognized Jiang Wenting’s ability, truly considering her a friend.
But for Xiao Ru, Jiang Wenting’s assistant, she merely knew her, without much interaction.

Beiye had talked to her about it more than once, but it was in her nature to be indifferent to everyone.

“Zhou Jing has a super awesome script.Jinglan thinks it would be good for Jiang Jiang and is nudging her to take the role!” Beiye explained.

“I’m not nudging,” Shen Jinglan refuted matter-of-factly: “The decision is hers.I’m just stating my opinion.”

Beiye was amused.
Before she could complain, Xiao Ru made a decision for Jiang Wenting first: “Go ahead, why not? Anyway, staying here is just serving people, might as well earn money acting!”

Shen Jinglan’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
She wasn’t used to this girl’s way of speaking.
She looked at Jiang Wenting: “What do you think?”

Jiang Wenting looked conflicted: “Lan Jie, can I give you my answer by noon?”

Shen Jinglan: “You can.”

Xiao Ru wanted to say more, but Beiye gave her a look.
The words she wanted to say got stuck in her throat, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
She glared at Jiang Wenting.

Seeing that Jiang Wenting seemed alright, Shen Jinglan signaled Beiye: “Then I’ll head back first.
What about you?”

Beiye thought for a moment and replied: “I want to stay and play with Yi Lan for a few more days!”

Shen Jinglan gave a faint “Mm” and prepared to leave.

Jiang Wenting thanked her: “Thank you, Lan Jie, for coming all this way.”

“No need for polite formalities,” Shen Jinglan said with a slight smile in her tone.
She glanced at Beiye, an imperceptible hint of intimacy in her eyes, “I came to pick her up for dinner.”

Jiang Wenting: …

There was no need to be so affectionate in front of her.

Once the imposing Shen Jinglan left, the ward…

Xiao Ru turned to Jiang Wenting: “What do you mean?
Don’t tell me you’re going to give up such a good opportunity because of her.”

She pointed at Yi Lan.
Jiang Wenting remained silent.

Beiye, acting as a mediator, stepped forward to smooth things over: “Xiao Ru, don’t always be so emotional.
Jiang Jiang hasn’t said she’s giving up, and she still has some flashback scenes of the former Flower God to film later, doesn’t she?”

Xiao Ru’s face hardened.
She said grumpily: “I’ll go talk to the director and see if we can coordinate the time.”

Having spoken, she took her phone and went into the restroom.

Beiye and Jiang Wenting exchanged glances.
Beiye swept a look at Yi Lan out of the corner of her eye, signaling to Jiang Wenting that the other party was in low spirits and that Jiang Wenting should coax her.

The two communicated through eye contact behind Xiao Ru’s back.
Jiang Wenting finally finished putting a straw in the soy milk, handed it to Yi Lan, gently stroked her head with her palm, and said in a light, slightly coaxing voice: “Yi Lan?”

The other party looked up, her gaze meeting Jiang Wenting’s curved eyes.

Jiang Wenting’s mole at the corner of her eye was like a star in the night sky.
Her voice was sweet and delicate: “Please don’t be unhappy, okay?”

This scene overlapped with countless others in her memory.
Yi Lan stared at Jiang Wenting’s eyes.
The two weren’t very far apart.
Yi Lan’s reflection was mirrored in Jiang Wenting’s dark pupils.

Familiar yet strange.

A few seconds later, the doctor entered, interrupting their eye contact.
Qin Mo held a stethoscope and checked Yi Lan’s body, saying with a hint of satisfaction: “She’s recovering well.
She can be discharged in three to five days!”

Jiang Wenting was more excited than the patient herself: “Really, Doctor Qin?Are you sure she can be discharged in three to five days?”

Qin Mo nodded, teasing: “Yes, Teacher Jiang, your efforts have been indispensable!”

Jiang Wenting’s delighted smile couldn’t be hidden.
Beiye also joined in the excitement, overtly claiming credit to Qin Mo: “And me, and me!I’ve been playing with Yi Lan these past two days!”
She said, winking at Yi Lan: “Right?Right?”

Qin Mo was amused by her, looking at Jiang Wenting: “Teacher Jiang, your friend is very cute!”

Jiang Wenting smiled with a look of disdain: “Cute, cute, she’s the cutest little kid in the whole world.”

Qin Mo chatted with them for a few moments, gave some instructions, and then left.
As soon as he left, Beiye leaned in to congratulate: “Did you hear that?You can be discharged in three to five days!”

Yi Lan raised her gaze to the person, her eyes blank.

Beiye reached out and pinched her cheek: “What, you’re not happy about being discharged?”

Yi Lan didn’t speak.
Jiang Wenting, from the side, slapped Beiye’s hand away: “Don’t touch her rudely!”

Beiye let out an “Oh” sound: “So protective already?
You won’t even let me touch her?”

Jiang Wenting chided with a smile: “No, don’t talk nonsense!”

Beiye looked at Yi Lan, mouthing to her: “She likes you!”

Jiang Wenting reached out and twisted her waist.
Beiye yelped, laughing and dodging away.
The two teased each other in front of Yi Lan.
She sat like a block of wood, watching them from the hospital bed.

A moment later, Beiye stood on tiptoe, leaning close to Jiang Wenting’s ear to whisper: “Jiang Jiang, you can go and act with peace of mind now.
Yi Lan can be fostered at my wife’s family home.
The suburban environment is super nice!”

Jiang Wenting turned her head, their gazes met.
She asked with her eyes: “Is that okay?”

Beiye gave an OK gesture.
Jiang Wenting’s strained emotions visibly relaxed, and she broke into a beautiful smile.
She also leaned close to Beiye’s ear and whispered: “Then I’ll talk to Lan Jie about the acting gig later.”

Beiye nodded emphatically.

Jiang Wenting glanced at Yi Lan, indicating not to mention this in front of her for now.
Beiye said: “Got it, I’m not an idiot!”

Their conversation was a bit like playing charades.
Meanwhile, Xiao Ru had finished coordinating with the director and came out of the restroom, looking fiercely at Jiang Wenting: “Director Xiang said the later flashback scenes can be filmed earlier.”

Jiang Wenting now had a strategy for her worries, and her whole being felt lighter.
She smiled gently, walked over, and, without holding grudges, ruffled Xiao Ru’s head: “Got it, thank you, my precious big baby!”

Much of the anger in Xiao Ru’s heart dissipated because of that “big baby.”
She rolled her eyes at Jiang Wenting: “Stop with that act!”

Jiang Wenting giggled, her voice sweet and delicate: “Oh, don’t be angry.”

Xiao Ru completely lost her temper now, though she still tried to maintain a dignified expression, lecturing her relentlessly: “I’m angry, I’m angry because you don’t know what’s important.
Look at you these past two days, how many messes have you gotten into?
Good thing those rumors were suppressed.”

Though complaining, she spoke sincerely.
Jiang Wenting’s heart was touched.
She leaned in and hugged her, coaxing softly: “I’m sorry, I know I was wrong.
I made Xiao Ru worry.”

Xiao Ru completely relaxed, her eyes suddenly burning with tears, and her voice carried a slight, fragmented sob: “Jiang Wenting, no matter what, always put yourself first.
Don’t let people chase and curse you all over the world like back then!”

Jiang Wenting patted her back: “I won’t, Xiao Ru.
I’ll protect myself well.”

Beiye saw the two hugging and about to start crying and couldn’t resist interrupting: “Alright, you two, you’re sickeningly sweet!”

Meanwhile, on the hospital bed, Yi Lan analyzed Jiang Wenting’s past from their fragmented conversation.
But she still couldn’t figure anything out.
She looked at the few people in front of her, watching them interact familiarly and intimately, knowing each other inside and out.
It seemed only she herself was oblivious to everything about Jiang Wenting, existing in her world like a burden, constantly being disliked.

She lowered her gaze, pondering, her long eyelashes casting a shadow under the light, obscuring the emotions in her eyes.

But why?
Why did she know nothing?
It was clearly Jiang Wenting who betrayed her first, pushing her into such a situation, then simply dying.
She had searched for her from the underworld, and if Jiang Wenting wouldn’t give her an explanation, so be it.
But now, it was reversed, and she was being seen as a burden by Jiang Wenting’s friends.

Why, why?!

[So, Host, having been reborn, you cannot repeat the same mistakes and harbor even a shred of affection for the Mission Target.
You must clearly define your mission.
You want to avenge your seventy thousand fallen souls, don’t you?]

The sudden appearance of the mechanical voice disrupted Yi Lan’s agitated emotions.

Thinking of the seventy thousand fallen souls, her hatred began to reignite.
She gritted her teeth and denied in her heart: ‘What affection?
The moment she chose to betray me, all affection and love between us ended completely!’

System: [That’s good, Host.
Since it’s completely severed, then you can truly complete the mission without any mental burden from now on.
Approach her, try everything to make her fall in love with you, and then betray her in the same way.
This is your only mission in this reborn life, Host.]

“I will not do so!” Yi Lan still denied very quickly.
She repeated, “I will not do so.
I only want an explanation for my deceased soldiers!”

The System buffered and deliberated for a few seconds, then said matter-of-factly: [But Host, as the reborn you, you do not have the right to refuse.
If you do not follow the mission instructions, your lifespan will continue to decrease.
Once it decreases to a certain extent, let alone demanding an explanation for your deceased soldiers, your own survival will be a problem.]

Upon hearing this, Yi Lan’s eyes paused.

The next second, her heart felt as if tens of thousands of arrows had pierced through it.
A dense, piercing pain spread throughout her body.
Her vision turned completely black.
She couldn’t see anything around her, nor could she hear the conversation in the room.
She instinctively tried to struggle, only to find that all her limbs and five senses were gone, extremely similar to the moment after her death.

“General, General, it’s us, General…”

“General, that woman harmed us so terribly, why are you still favoring her?”

“Kill her, kill that woman…”

In the dark, confined space, many souls floated by, completely surrounding her.
They didn’t resemble human forms; some were severed arms, some were hearts pierced by arrows.
Yi Lan couldn’t distinguish who was who, but a clamorous emotion constantly enveloped her, reminding her that Jiang Wenting had betrayed them.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

She knelt for her, repenting to those spirits, again and again.