The morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, painting the bedroom in a warm, golden hue. Lan Yucheng awoke before her alarm, and the moment consciousness returned, she felt an undeniable restraint around her waist.
Qing Xinxue’s arm was still wrapped tightly around her, her head nestled in the crook of Lan Yucheng’s neck. Her breathing was even and prolonged, and her sleeping face, stripped of all its former paranoia and madness, possessed an almost childlike serenity.
Months ago, this complete dependence would have only made Lan Yucheng feel suffocated and manipulated.
Now, however, she found herself simply lying still, without the instinctive urge to break free as she once had.
Her body’s memory had long grown accustomed to this weight and warmth, even… cultivating a ridiculous sense of security.
She shifted subtly, attempting to withdraw her arm without disturbing the other woman.
However, the slightest movement instantly triggered a chain reaction.
Qing Xinxue let out a discontented whimper in her sleep, tightening her arm even further and nuzzling against Lan Yucheng’s shoulder, as if confirming her presence.
Lan Yucheng ceased her movements, her gaze falling upon the sleeping face so close to her own.
That face, pure and harmless, belonged to the same person who, just yesterday in the library, had quietly dug her nails into her own palm to maintain composure at a mere glance from Lan Yucheng.
The results of her ‘taming’ were remarkable, yet Lan Yucheng knew well that beneath this placid volcano, the magma never ceased to churn.
She eventually managed to extricate herself and headed for the bathroom.
Cold water splashed onto her face, bringing a jolt of clarity.
The eyes reflected in the mirror, compared to those at the beginning of her transmigration, held less of that deliberately feigned gentleness and more of an unfathomable indifference.
Indeed, the process of ‘conquering’ Qing Xinxue felt more like a cruel inquisition into her own heart.
She began to blur the lines between ‘performance’ and ‘reality,’ even, at certain moments, reveling in the twisted satisfaction that came with absolute control.
“Sister Cheng?” A timid voice drifted from the doorway. Qing Xinxue rubbed her drowsy eyes, leaning against the doorframe like a small animal afraid of abandonment. “Why are you up so early?”
“Couldn’t sleep once I woke up,” Lan Yucheng replied, drying her face with a flat tone. “I don’t have classes this morning; I wanted to go to the library to look up some information.” This was the truth. Though the System was no longer entirely trustworthy, ‘academics’ as part of the background setting still needed to be maintained.
“I’ll go with you!” Qing Xinxue immediately offered, her eyes filled with anticipation, yet also a hint of imperceptible nervousness, as if fearing rejection.
Lan Yucheng glanced at her, then nodded. “Alright. Go change.”
Qing Xinxue’s face instantly bloomed into a bright smile, and she turned to skip back to her room.
Lan Yucheng watched her retreating figure, her gaze complex.
This ‘docility’ was something she had painstakingly crafted.
However, its very success sometimes filled her with an inexplicable irritation.
It was akin to meticulously polishing a weapon, only to discover it had become so sharp that it might even cut its wielder.
****
The library was always one of the quietest, yet most turbulent, places on campus.
Lan Yucheng consulted materials in the social sciences section, while Qing Xinxue sat quietly opposite her. A novel lay open before her, but her gaze was mostly fixed on Lan Yucheng, filled with undisguised adoration.
Lan Yucheng had long grown accustomed to this intense scrutiny. She could even discern different emotions within it: reassurance, admiration, dependence, and the occasional flicker of fiercely suppressed possessiveness. She remained unperturbed, as if the other woman were merely part of the air.
However, this tranquility was shattered by an unwelcome visitor.
“Lan Yucheng? What a coincidence.” Senior You Ran, clutching a stack of books, appeared beside their table at some point. She retained her usual capable and aloof demeanor, her gaze sharp behind gold-rimmed glasses. It swept over Lan Yucheng first, then lingered for a moment on Qing Xinxue opposite her.
Qing Xinxue stiffened the instant Senior You Ran appeared. Like a cat whose territory had been invaded, she didn’t immediately bristle, but her eyes instantly turned wary and cold, and her hands beneath the table quietly clenched. The bell, due to her rigid posture, made no sound.
“Senior,” Lan Yucheng greeted politely but distantly. Her feelings towards Senior You Ran were complex. This senior seemed purely professional, yet each encounter, that scrutinizing gaze, always made Lan Yucheng feel as if she had seen through something.
“Researching? Do you need any help?” Senior You Ran’s tone was natural, as if merely making casual small talk during an accidental meeting.
“No, thank you, Senior. I’ve already found what I needed.” Lan Yucheng waved the book in her hand.
Senior You Ran nodded, her gaze returning to Qing Xinxue as she asked, seemingly offhandedly, “Junior Qing is quite quiet today? Not your usual style.”
This remark carried a subtle jab. Qing Xinxue usually tried to create various small distractions around Lan Yucheng to attract attention, so her current silence was indeed unusual.
Qing Xinxue looked up, meeting Senior You Ran’s gaze, and forced a smile that was incredibly strained, almost stiff. “I’m accompanying Sister Cheng to look up information; I shouldn’t make noise.” Her voice was soft, but it carried a deliberate, possessive undertone.
Senior You Ran’s eyes narrowed slightly behind her glasses, and a faint, unreadable smile played on her lips. “Is that so? Then you two carry on; I won’t disturb you.” With that, she gave Lan Yucheng a meaningful look and turned to leave.
That look sent an inexplicable jolt through Lan Yucheng’s heart. Senior You Ran’s perceptiveness far exceeded her expectations.
After Senior You Ran left, the atmosphere beneath the table did not ease. Qing Xinxue lowered her head, her fingers fiercely picking at the edge of the book page, her breathing somewhat hurried. Clearly, Senior You Ran’s appearance and her pointed remark had provoked her.
“Xiaoxue,” Lan Yucheng murmured.
Qing Xinxue abruptly looked up, her eyes still turbulent, with a hint of grievance.
“Focus on your book.” Lan Yucheng’s tone held little warmth, but it carried a commanding edge. She knew that what was needed now was suppression, not comfort. Too much explanation would only fuel Qing Xinxue’s suspicion.
“…Mm.” Qing Xinxue pursed her lips, then lowered her head again, attempting to refocus on the book. However, her tense shoulders betrayed her inner turmoil.
****
In the afternoon, Lan Yucheng received a call from Su Yiyi, inviting her over for dinner that evening, saying she had made a new dessert for her to try.
Lan Yucheng had initially wanted to decline, but Su Yiyi’s cheerful voice on the phone said, “Just think of it as thanks for… keeping me company and chatting last time. Besides, I have some questions about the neighborhood property management that I wanted to ask you. We’re neighbors, so it’s good to look out for each other.”
With the conversation having reached this point, refusing would seem deliberately rude. Lan Yucheng glanced at Qing Xinxue, who was listening intently nearby, and agreed.
After hanging up, Qing Xinxue immediately leaned closer, her face etched with unease. “Sister Cheng, you’re going to Sister Su Yiyi’s house? Tonight? How long will you be gone?”
A string of questions revealed her anxiety.
“Yes, I’ll be back after dinner,” Lan Yucheng said, trying to keep her tone normal. “She seems to have something to discuss.”
“Can’t I come along?” Qing Xinxue clutched Lan Yucheng’s sleeve, her eyes pleading.
“It’s not appropriate.” Lan Yucheng gently pulled her hand away. “She invited me, not you.” She needed to see Su Yiyi alone, partly to gauge how much this neighbor truly knew, and partly to deliberately create a brief separation from Qing Xinxue. This would test her reaction and also give Lan Yucheng a little breathing room.
Qing Xinxue’s lips moved a few times, but she ultimately didn’t insist further. However, the light in her eyes visibly dimmed, and her entire being seemed to deflate. Throughout the afternoon, she was unusually silent, trailing Lan Yucheng like a wet puppy, yet making no sound at all, not even the faint jingle of her bell.
This silent protest was more unsettling to Lan Yucheng than any crying or tantrums. She found herself subconsciously paying attention to Qing Xinxue’s emotions, even considering canceling her plans. This was definitely not a good sign.
As evening fell, Lan Yucheng prepared to leave. Qing Xinxue stood in the entryway, head bowed, her fingers twisting the hem of her clothes.
“I’m leaving,” Lan Yucheng said, having changed her shoes.
Qing Xinxue suddenly looked up, her eyes a little red, but she bravely held back her tears. “Sister Cheng… come back early.” Her voice was choked with emotion.
Lan Yucheng’s footsteps paused for a moment, but she ultimately said nothing, opening the door. The instant the door closed, she thought she heard faint, suppressed sobs from inside.
Her heart felt as if something had gently pricked it.
****
Su Yiyi’s home was as warm and comfortable as ever, filled with the aroma of food and the sweet scent of desserts.
Dinner was delicious, and Su Yiyi was as understanding as always, chatting about light topics and sharing the joys of baking.
Yet, Lan Yucheng could feel Su Yiyi’s gaze occasionally resting on her, filled with scrutiny and a hint of concern.
“Xiaocheng, how have you two… you and Xiaoxue, been getting along lately?” After dinner, as they sat on the sofa drinking tea, Su Yiyi brought it up, seemingly casually.
A subtle alarm rang in Lan Yucheng’s mind, but her expression remained calm. “Quite well. Why do you ask?”
Su Yiyi chose her words carefully. “I just feel that… Xiaoxue, that child, is a little too dependent on you. Last time at the hospital, and now, I see you stepping out for dinner, and she seems so anxious. It’s good for young people to have strong feelings, but there should be a limit, otherwise… it’s not good for either of you.”
Her words were tactful, but her meaning was clear. She was reminding Lan Yucheng that Qing Xinxue’s state was abnormal.
Lan Yucheng took a sip of tea, stating calmly, “She’s just a bit clingy; I’ll get used to it.”
Su Yiyi looked at her placid face and sighed softly. “Xiaocheng, sometimes when you get too used to something, you fail to see certain things clearly. I’ve been through it; I’ve seen some… unhealthy relationship patterns. You’re still young; don’t trap yourself.”
Lan Yucheng looked up at Su Yiyi. The other woman’s eyes held genuine concern, not feigned. This neighbor sister truly seemed worried about her.
“Thank you for your concern, Sister Yiyi, I’m well aware,” Lan Yucheng smiled, changing the topic. “What were you saying about the property management earlier?”
Su Yiyi gave her a deep look, then did not pursue the previous topic, following her lead to discuss the adjustment of property fees.
However, Lan Yucheng knew that Su Yiyi had grown suspicious. The twisted balance between her and Qing Xinxue must have already shown countless flaws in the eyes of an outsider.
****
Leaving Su Yiyi’s house and descending the stairs, the night breeze was cool.
Lan Yucheng didn’t immediately return home, instead wandering aimlessly around the neighborhood. Su Yiyi’s words echoed in her ears.
‘Trapped?’ she asked herself.
Indeed, her relationship with Qing Xinxue was like a meticulously constructed cage. She had thought she held the key, but unknowingly, she too had become a part of the cage. Qing Xinxue, with her obsession and dependence, had woven for her a world that seemed safe, yet was fraught with hidden dangers.
She was beginning to crave that absolute sense of belonging, even starting to fear its loss. This emotion, for a ‘strategist,’ was fatal.
‘System,’ she silently called in her mind.
Little Sprite appeared lazily, this time perching directly on her shoulder. [Oh, it’s rare for you to seek me out, little ‘Chengzi.’ What can I do for you?]
‘What’s Qing Xinxue’s favorability rating now?’ Though she no longer fully trusted it, she needed a reference.
[Tsk, didn’t I say that thing isn’t accurate anymore…] Little Sprite grumbled but still snapped her fingers. [Hmm… the panel shows 85%. How about it, happy? It’s almost full, you know.]
85%? Lan Yucheng frowned. Given Qing Xinxue’s current state, where she almost regarded Lan Yucheng as a deity, the favorability should be much higher. This panel was indeed problematic. Or perhaps, it wasn’t measuring pure affection at all, but something far more complex? Like… a hybrid of dependence and fear?
[Don’t get hung up on numbers,] Little Sprite seemed to read her thoughts. [Emotions are inherently chaotic. As for you, you seem to be enjoying it a bit too much? Be careful not to play with fire and get burned.]
Lan Yucheng fell silent. Little Sprite’s words struck her deepest, most hidden unease.
She sat on a bench in the community garden, gazing at the distant lights of countless homes. An unprecedented sense of confusion welled up within her. If she continued, what would she become? Would she completely succumb to this twisted relationship? Or would she be able to gracefully withdraw after achieving her ‘conquest’?
She didn’t know.
She sat on the bench for a long time, until the night dew soaked her clothes, before Lan Yucheng finally rose and headed back. What had to be faced, had to be faced.
Unlocking the front door, only a dim floor lamp illuminated the living room. Qing Xinxue was curled up in the corner of the sofa, tightly clutching the blanket Lan Yucheng often used, seemingly asleep. But the moment Lan Yucheng’s key turned in the lock, she immediately opened her eyes, startled like a deer, and looked over.
Her eyes were red and swollen; she had clearly been crying for a long time.
“Sister Cheng…” Her voice was hoarse, thick with a nasal sniffle.
Lan Yucheng closed the door, changed her shoes, and walked to the sofa. “Why didn’t you sleep in bed?”
“I… I waited for you,” Qing Xinxue said timidly, her eyes filled with anxiety and trepidation.
Lan Yucheng sat beside her, the sofa sinking slightly. Qing Xinxue instinctively leaned closer to her, yet dared not get too close, her body trembling slightly, as if afraid of something.
An aura of fragility permeated the air.
Lan Yucheng looked at the girl before her, utterly distraught by her brief absence, and felt a swirl of complex emotions.
She reached out, gently brushing aside the strands of hair stuck to Qing Xinxue’s forehead by tears.
This simple gesture made Qing Xinxue tremble all over, and tears instantly welled up again.
“Sister Cheng… do you… hate me? Do you think I’m annoying… disgusting?”
Her voice was broken, filled with self-loathing.
Lan Yucheng did not answer. She watched Qing Xinxue cry, and a powerful impulse suddenly arose within her—not control, not calculation, but… an urge to touch something real.
She raised her hand and, with her fingertips, gently wiped away the tears on Qing Xinxue’s cheeks. The movement was slow and tender, carrying a… tenderness that even Lan Yucheng herself had not noticed.
Qing Xinxue froze, forgetting to cry, her eyes wide with disbelief as she looked at her. Never since her confession had Sister Cheng acted so… gently.
“No,” Lan Yucheng finally spoke, her voice low and exceptionally clear in the silent night. “I don’t hate you.”
These words seemed to possess magic. The fear and unease in Qing Xinxue’s eyes gradually gave way to a vast, almost dizzying surprise. As if afraid to break this dream, she cautiously, extremely slowly, rested her head on Lan Yucheng’s shoulder.
Lan Yucheng’s body stiffened for a moment, but ultimately, she did not push her away.
They sat quietly like this in the dim light, nestled together. No words, no further intimacy, just their intertwined breathing and heartbeats.
In this moment, all calculations, strategies, and subjugation seemed to temporarily recede. Only two souls remained, clinging to each other in the darkness: one filled with twisted affection and anxiety, the other with confusion and a feigned gentleness.
Lan Yucheng closed her eyes, feeling the weight and warmth on her shoulder.
This cage, built with fear and dependence, seemed… to also be gaining warmth.
And this warmth, more than cold control, made her feel afraid.
Because warmth easily leads to indulgence, making one forget their original purpose.