C11 Chapter 11

Ling Xiao shook her head, looking perfectly calm. “Dad, don’t get involved in this.”

Honestly, I just didn’t feel like explaining. The bonus money Xiao Qiang sent me—was I supposed to go around telling people about it?

The system’s reply came fast and urgent: No! Girl! This is a confidential system!

After that, Jiang Lan was hospitalized, and Wang Cheng stayed in the room every day to take care of his wife.

Ling Xiao took a leave of absence from school. Every morning she brought food to the hospital, then went home in the afternoon, using the time to get familiar with the original owner’s coursework.

As time went on, Wang Cheng finally realized something was off.

The nurses treated him with unusual respect, and the bottles and medications delivered each day were all imported, top-of-the-line specialty drugs.

Two caregivers rotated shifts daily—helping Jiang Lan with her basic needs, feeding her, giving her medicine—every movement careful and attentive.

How did they have the status or the money... to afford service this expensive?

That day, Ling Xiao brought her parents food and a change of clothes. She was about to leave when Wang Cheng called out to stop her.

“Sweetheart... you, you didn’t—did you borrow money online from loan sharks?”

Dad’s train of thought was seriously wild.

I couldn’t quite keep it together—what was I supposed to do?

Ling Xiao’s face stayed cold, her voice steady. “A senior from school is sponsoring me. The condition is that I help her with a project.”

Wang Cheng didn’t have much education or connections, so he couldn’t wrap his head around what a “project” even meant.

Ling Xiao caught the confusion and explained patiently. “The computer science department has a joint project with a major international company. If it passes inspection, it’s at least a six-figure payout.”

Seeing his daughter capable—independent, able to help keep the family afloat—Wang Cheng felt nothing but relief.

System: Hehe, this dad is pretty easy to fool.

Ling Xiao took the elevator down—and unexpectedly ran into someone she wouldn’t exactly call a friend, but definitely recognized.

Lan Yu wore a mask and broke into harsh coughing fits now and then. When he saw Ling Xiao step in, he didn’t react at first.

But when the elevator reached the first floor, Lan Yu couldn’t hold it back anymore. He pulled off his mask and suddenly spat out a mouthful of dark blood.

Lingxiao: ...

I didn’t see anything!

This has nothing to do with me!

Lingxiao hurried to the elevator, determined to put some distance between that scheming, poisonous lily.

But when Lanyu saw her practically sprinting away, he got an idea and deliberately stumbled forward, throwing himself at her like he’d lost his balance.

Lingxiao wasn’t ready for it—and the “poisonous lily” latched onto her.

The boy’s long, pale fingers clamped around her waist, and he let his full weight sink onto her shoulder.

Lingxiao caught a faint, clean scent—fresh and elegant, like a lily blooming in the dark.

Too bad she wasn’t in the mood to play nice. She fired off a classic back kick.

Bang!

He slammed into the wall beside them, his head splitting open, blood everywhere, barely hanging on.

He forced those clear, sharp eyes open and shot Lingxiao a vicious glare...

Then he went completely limp.

System: Murder! Murder! Girl, you’re brutal!

Lingxiao: Then don’t start something with me.

She dusted off her hands and moved to leave—get it done and get out, no dragging her feet.

That was the rule.

“Ding! Hidden storyline triggered. Please save the villain heartthrob, Lanyu. You must ensure he finds happiness.”

Lingxiao didn’t even bother responding. She turned and walked off.

By the time she reached the entrance of the inpatient building, the System realized she had zero intention of going back to help, so it had to step in.

System: If Lanyu dies, your mission is going to be a total wipe.

Lingxiao stopped short: And then what? I get to go home?

System: N-no! The world template will reload, and then you’ll... be dropped back into the role.

Lingxiao clenched her jaw, holding it in: Are you messing with me?

System: Come on—win-win, right? Just think of it as... a company-paid vacation!

Didn’t see that coming—looks like Xiaoqiang’s got pretty solid people skills.

Lingxiao hesitated for a moment. Thinking about that bizarre item shop and all those flashy item abilities, she finally turned around.