Chapter 70 Online Dating with a Bad Beta 23: Let's Start Over

The soft, fragrant handkerchief was already in her hand, but she was unwilling to let Tan Yicheng return it.

Under Xi Congshuang's puzzled gaze, she reluctantly used a handkerchief. In fact, she only broke out in a light sweat. Running 30 kilometers was not difficult for her; it was merely a warm-up.

Xi Congshuang watched as Tan Yicheng walked around from behind the chair to stand in front of her, her gaze mostly fixed on her. Following Tan Yicheng's movements, she suddenly remembered something: "You..."

“I have completed the required number of kilometers by the instructor,” Tan Yicheng suddenly said as he sat down.

Xi Congshuang asked in surprise, "So fast? What about them?"

Tan Yicheng said with a touch of pride, "Not yet, I'm just a little faster than them."

Actually, Xi Congshuang didn't mean to say that, but how could she bear to ignore Tan Yicheng's obvious desire for praise?

The smile on his face became even wider: "You're really amazing."

Tan Yicheng's tightly clenched lips curled up slightly as he humbly replied, "No, it's just my normal speed."

Forget about six-pack abs and a six-pack, even she can't outrun them, they'll all be out of the running.

Who says she doesn't hold grudges? She keeps everything in her heart in a little notebook.

Xi Congshuang: "I remember you need to go to the hospital for a check-up this weekend, right? I also need to go back to the company, so how about I give you a ride?"

The topic suddenly changed, and Tan Yicheng took a few seconds to react: "That day was indeed it. How did you know?"

Xi Congshuang chuckled: "You forgot, you're still under my full control right now, and I know all your medical records."

Tan Yicheng: "..." That's true.

They agreed on a time, and he picked her up at the school gate that morning.

Before the two could exchange more words, someone rushed over, raised their hands to their mouths like megaphones, and shouted, "Senior, Senior Orange—it's time to assemble!"

Tan Yicheng stood up, casually stuffing the handkerchief he was holding back into his pocket: "I'm leaving now."

To be honest, this was the first time she felt time was passing too quickly and she didn't really want to leave.

I even felt a subtle resentment towards the classmates who had finished the run. How could they have finished the 30 kilometers so quickly? Why didn't they slow down a little?

No matter how much I think about it, I still have to leave in reality, despite my reluctance.

Xi Congshuang looked up and suddenly beckoned to her, "Come a little closer."

"?" Tan Yicheng asked, but he obediently bent down. Xi Congshuang leaned over and reached out to touch Tan Yicheng's face.

A cool fingertip pressed lightly against her cheek, as if it were also casually pressing on her heart, leaving a tingling and wonderful sensation.

Soon, Xi Congshuang put her hand down: "Okay, it's clean now, you can go back."

Tan Yicheng touched her cheek in confusion, then turned away in a daze. After a few steps, she turned back again in confusion, unconsciously raising her hand to the cheek that had been touched. She felt as if there was still warmth left by someone else on it. She was slowly dragged away by the anxious Qi Qianqian.

"Hurry up, hurry up! If you're late for assembly, the instructor will make you run laps again!" Qi Qianqian urged anxiously.

The absent-minded Tan Yicheng immediately snapped out of it, grabbed the anxious Qi Qianqian, and ran away.

Qi Qianqian, who suddenly took off: "?"

Tan Yicheng is fast and strong. She treats Qi Qianqian in her hand as a pendant and runs without any effort.

Qi Qianqian, who was just worried about being late for the meeting, was dragged along, feeling like her brain had been left behind. Even when they arrived at the meeting point, she was still frantically searching for her brain, experiencing firsthand what it felt like to be a truly extraordinary person.

"No wonder you finished so quickly, you really do run very fast," said Xi Congshuang, who witnessed the whole thing.

It's less a fast run and more a launch from the spot; the person disappears in an instant.

Running fast has always been a skill that stray cats excel at; if they want to stay away from pain and trouble, they can only run fast without stopping.

"..."

Xi Congshuang looked down at her clean, white fingertips, estimated the distance to the nearest sink, and suddenly felt lazy and didn't want to wash her hands.

"Fine, this will do." She mimicked Tan Yicheng's earlier posture, relaxing her back and slowly leaning back in her chair.

*

As night fell, the sound of running water came from the bathroom. A few minutes later, the person in the bathroom came out with a dry towel on their head and a few strands of wet hair hanging down the side of their face. They looked much softer.

Tan Yicheng, still damp from the sweat, muttered, "I almost forgot."

She walked to the table, took the neatly folded handkerchief into the bathroom, washed it by hand, and then put it in the dryer separately.

Then, standing in front of the dryer, watching the handkerchief dry, I opened it, took out the soft handkerchief, folded it neatly, and put it back in its original place before I felt relieved.

The handkerchief, exuding a warm scent, lay quietly on the table. After a while, the noise of someone drying their hair subsided, and the young man with damp hair returned to the table.

"I've been curious ever since the beginning," Tan Yicheng thought to herself, picking up a handkerchief and holding it under her nose.

Sure enough, she smelled the familiar woody scent, along with the scent of her usual laundry detergent. However, it couldn't overpower the original fragrance. Xi Congshuang's scent was clearly present and dominated her senses.

"I still feel like there's her scent on this. What perfume is it?"

Everyone has their own expertise. No matter how sensitive an alpha's nose is, it can't reach the level of a perfumer, who can analyze the general formula and distinguish the top, middle, and base notes just by smelling it.

Tan Yicheng's ability to recognize a woody scent puts her ahead of many alphas, largely because she aspires to be a woody alpha, thus enabling her to identify the presence of fir.

Things in life never go as planned. She remained a sweet, fruity alpha, but fell in love with a beta who liked to wear woody perfumes.

As if by some strange twist of fate, Tan Yicheng turned on his smart device and began searching for similar perfumes on the StarNet. He forced himself to read those cryptic and ornate perfume reviews, but he couldn't quite understand them.

Speaking of which...

Tan Yicheng stopped searching and stared at the virtual screen in thought: "Would the perfume she's using be a popular type on the market?"

"..."

She wasn't sure about others, and it was hard to say about Xi Congshuang, but it was most likely still a custom-made piece.

Having realized she couldn't find the same fragrance, Tan Yicheng was about to exit the page when a message popped up, successfully stopping her.

[x]: I have evidence that Xi Congshuang bought Sweet Tea House. I can give it to you. You've been wronged for so long. Do you really intend to keep enduring this without retaliating?

That short sentence revealed a lot of information, and Tan Yicheng's gaze instantly turned cold.

Not only did they find out about the past events, but they also discovered the real reason why Tan Yicheng needed surgery. They wanted to bring her down and wanted to be the one to take the lead.

Even without Tan Yicheng's help, Xi Congshuang could have taken full responsibility for the matter even if it had been exposed, and she could have even found evidence that Professor Wei Lin had cured her.

After the incident escalates, she might gain a good reputation from it, which is definitely not a development that the instigator wants to see.

Although she made a mistake, she took responsibility and did her best to restore the person's original life. Therefore, the unfounded accusations from outsiders seem unreasonable.

Everyone shook hands and made peace, so what's this idiot doing singing and dancing?

Even at this point, Tan Yicheng found herself still able to think about the causes and consequences as if she were detached from the situation, which even she found incredible.

She quickly realized that this was nothing more than a foolish move made when she was driven to a dead end.

They've turned to her for help; isn't that a terrible move?

The other party clearly saw the read mark from Tan Yicheng, took the silence as a sign of consideration, and pressed their advantage.

[x]: Your grades are excellent, but your family background is average. The scholarship can only cover your living expenses. If you want to continue to improve, you will need more help. We are willing to help you.

【x】：What do you think is the reason she got close to you? She's just afraid you'll expose her.

Tan Yicheng sneered and typed rapidly: "How do you know I can't use this as leverage to make Xi Congshuang abuse her power for my own benefit? She's still the future president of a pharmaceutical company, and what she can do is always better than what you, who's so cowardly."

Moreover, Xi Congshuang had brought this up in front of her countless times, but she simply pretended not to hear it. How could outsiders think that she would be hooked just by saying a few words?

Where does this confidence come from? They're barely able to take care of themselves, yet they're desperately seeking any treatment.

As for who the mastermind should be, she quickly found the answer.

Tan Yicheng had no interest in the internal strife of the top families on Red Tea Star, but she kept hearing Xi Congshuang mention him, and he even played the villain alongside her in the revenge story. It was hard for her not to remember his existence.

This uncle's fantasies are not as good as Xi Congshuang's revenge stories. At least in her revenge stories, Tan Yicheng often plays a rising star in the military, someone with power and influence.

Her uncle, however, saw her as a lowly underling, someone who couldn't rise without support and would be easily manipulated.

"Pah, you dare to use PUA on me?" Tan Yicheng said unhappily.

If Tan Yicheng were someone who would accept her fate, she wouldn't have been able to travel from a remote planet frequently harassed by space pirates to the central star.

X was clearly taken aback by the answer and suddenly fell silent. Even through the internet, Tan Yicheng could imagine the scene of the person on the other side of the screen frantically asking for instructions.

I had already forgotten about it, so having it brought up again by someone was really not a pleasant experience.

Tan Yicheng was furious and blocked him, no longer accepting any messages.

Tan Yicheng was right; they increased their stakes, but when they sent another message, they received a notification that they had been blocked.

The assistant in charge of sending the message broke out in a cold sweat, not daring to look at Vice President Xi's face behind him.

As expected, Xi Lianghan smashed the teacup and practically spat out the words through gritted teeth: "Idiot."

Ms. Weng is a woman who doesn't give up easily and believes in dying together; she has no concept of "where there's life, there's hope."

If she is really sued, her company will be affected, and it will not only go bankrupt, but she will definitely drag Xi Lianghan down with her in retaliation.

That's exactly what Xi Lianghan is afraid of.

If she confesses, leaving Xi Lianghan outside to continue his quest for power might help her preserve some things and take care of her child.

In reality, the two sides did not trust each other at all in this cooperation. Mr. Weng's patience was worn down by repeated excuses and sophistry.

She knew very well that if she really confessed, the first thing Xi Lianghan would do after seizing power would be to ensure that she and her child would never have the chance to speak again.

Those who collude with each other know best what kind of people they are working with.

Only by dragging Xi Lianghan down with her, making it impossible for them to recover, would her child, Weng Li, have a chance to survive.

Xi Lianghan had never been so disheveled, pacing frantically around the office.

Suddenly he stopped and muttered to himself, "Why didn't she get on the spaceship back then? Of all the perfect circumstances, the plane crash had to leave her out."

The assistant turned to face Xi Lianghan, who dared not look up, his eyes fixed on the carpet, his ears tightly shut.

Xi Lianghan: "If only there were another accident like this..."

The news that she had strongly advocated for the destruction of a batch of substandard products still got out, and Xi Congshuang, who had been like an invisible person for many years, began to emerge. As a result, the outside world's opinion of her changed, and the seemingly cynical person in power was actually quite reliable at heart.

Leaving aside past romantic escapades, which are merely personal matters, it is the businessmen who would rather suffer losses than compromise on the quality of substandard medicines that are supported by the public.

After all, once these drugs enter the market, anyone in the entire galaxy could potentially buy that batch of drugs.

On the contrary, Lai Cui's situation is not so good. President Weng has been summoned for more than 24 hours, and her assistant clearly stated President Weng's intentions yesterday.

—If you can't handle it, come in together.

After years of hard work, success was within reach, so how could Xi Lianghan possibly accept such an outcome?

The person pacing around the office made a decision and stood still: "Xiao Wu."

The assistant was used to Vice President Xi's gentle tone, but this was the first time he felt a chill. He quickly replied, "What can I do for you?"

*

The next two days were so busy that Qi Qianqian didn't even have time to suggest faking an injury and resting at the school clinic.

Naturally, Tan Yicheng didn't have that kind of time either; she hadn't seen Xi Congshuang for two days.

After that night, she wanted to send a message to remind Xi Congshuang to be more vigilant, but after opening her smart device, she realized that she didn't have Xi Congshuang's contact information.

"..."

The alternate account has already deleted Xi Congshuang's contact information. Even if there were records, she doesn't know what reason to give for having Xi Congshuang's contact information.

It feels like no matter the reason, it will become an admission of guilt.

I went to rest, feeling depressed and speechless. After that, every time the thought came to mind, I was quickly occupied by various courses, let alone freeing my mind to think about anything else.

The handkerchief remained on Tan Yicheng's dormitory desk without ever being returned.

Fortunately, the weekend arrived quickly, and the students, who had been exploited, were like monkeys released from the Five Finger Mountain, their moods becoming cheerful again.

After declining Qi Qianqian and Xiang Wei's invitation to go out together, Tan Yicheng changed her clothes and arrived at the meeting point ten minutes before the agreed time.

She thought she had arrived ahead of schedule, but to her surprise, Xi Congshuang arrived even earlier. She stood alone beside the aircraft, tall and graceful, with several young people talking to her around her.

Tan Yicheng stood at a distance and inexplicably recalled the post he had reported before, in which there was a comment saying that Xi Congshuang was aloof and kept people at arm's length.

At the time, she didn't think that what the betas and omegas said was completely Xi Congshuang, but just similar.

It's very much like the way she presents herself to outsiders: indifferent and elegant, a mask-like facade of gentleness, unexpectedly meticulous. But when it comes to what kind of person Xi Congshuang really is, she can't give a general answer.

People are multifaceted, and Xi Congshuang in front of her is quite different from what outsiders perceive.

Over there, Xi Congshuang glanced at her wrist and ruthlessly rejected everyone.

The group looked disappointed and were about to say something when Xi Congshuang suddenly looked up at the group of young alphas behind her and smiled.

The sudden smile from someone who always had a detached and aloof demeanor was quite impactful, and everyone's eyes lit up with amazement.

Tan Yicheng: "..." A familiar sharp glare.

Compared to last time, Tan Yicheng was more than willing to walk over despite the glare, and said casually, "Have you been waiting long?"

Xi Congshuang shook her head: "I'm too early."

She made way for Tan Yicheng to enter the aircraft first, and then she got in herself.

The technologically advanced hatch closed, shutting out outside views.

The spacecraft shuddered and set off along its predetermined route, its destination being the central star port. From there, it would take a spaceship back to Red Tea Star and then proceed to the hospital for a follow-up examination.

Tan Yicheng was still thinking about returning the handkerchief, so she took it out after settling down: "This is clean, I'm returning it to you."

"..." Xi Congshuang's expression was subtle for a moment as she stared at the handkerchief in her palm without saying a word.

Tan Yicheng thought the other party was disgusted, after all, she was so clean, maybe the return of the house that day was just a joke, and she wanted to offer to buy her a new one.

Xi Congshuang raised her hand, took the handkerchief from her hand, and rubbed it in her palm: "You washed it yourself?"

"Yes, I was afraid of damaging the washing machine." Tan Yicheng noticed her discomfort as she watched her movements. "I dried it separately after washing, so it wasn't damaged."

Xi Congshuang put away the handkerchief: "I see. Then I'll have to keep it safe."

"...?" Tan Yicheng asked, puzzled. "Preserve...preserve what?"

It shouldn't be like before, where it was used however it was supposed to be. The idea of ​​saving it... makes it seem like once it passed through her hands, the handkerchief becomes some precious treasure worth keeping.

Unable to continue her wild thoughts, Xi Congshuang changed the subject, raising her wrist: "By the way, for easier communication, how about we formally exchange contact information?"

Tan Yicheng, of course, did not refuse. He raised his wrist and touched hers, and they immediately exchanged contact information. A new contact was added to the page.

【snowflake】

The familiar ID made Tan Yicheng pause for a moment, because the account was very new.

Xi Congshuang explained, "This isn't a secondary account. There was a problem with the previous account, so I abandoned and archived it. I'll use this account to contact you from now on."

"There have been many misunderstandings in the past, why don't we start over?"

Tan Yicheng opened his mouth, but his mind suddenly went blank, and he didn't know how to describe his current feelings.

It felt as if the heavens and earth were trembling. She was in a daze until a strong impact brought her back to reality. Her raised hand was firmly grasped, and she sat back down in her seat.

Then Tan Yicheng realized with a start that this was not a hallucination; the aircraft she was in had indeed been hit by someone!

"What happened?" Tan Yicheng was caught off guard.

Xi Congshuang turned her head and looked out the window on her side. A silver-white aircraft of ordinary model and similar appearance was relentlessly chasing after the aircraft she was in.

And then deliberately crashed into it again.

The aircraft, which had been pre-programmed onto a flight path, was struck by another aircraft behind it. The control console issued a warning: "Warning! Warning! An aircraft is deliberately ramming into you. Link negotiations are in progress... Negotiations have failed!"

"An alarm signal has been issued... Re-planning the route to avoid a collision..."

The aircraft monitored the flight paths of the aircraft behind it while attempting to escape.

But the aircraft behind them kept chasing them, and no matter how they tried to avoid it, it kept crashing into them.

Two aircraft of different colors and models, but similar colors, clashed repeatedly, sparks flying between them. Other aircraft on the flight path noticed the situation and quickly moved away.

"Bang!" Xi Congshuang raised her hand and gripped the handrail tightly to steady her body.

If it weren't for the high safety rating of the aircraft that Xi Congshuang purchased, the two of them would have crashed from high altitude, along with the aircraft, and turned into burning fireballs.

However, after being hit like this repeatedly, while the aircraft itself was safe, the people inside were not having an easy time.

Tan Yicheng was alright; she was used to training, and being jostled around in the mecha was commonplace for her. But Xi Congshuang was different; she had been pampered since childhood…

Those who thought this way focused their gaze on Xi Congshuang's face. Her expression was indeed not good, but she remained very calm.

She was much tougher than she had imagined.

Tan Yicheng realized the attackers' true intentions from the constant impacts: "This aircraft knows it can't stop or destroy ours, so it must have other methods. This level of rigidity and speed shouldn't be something this model of aircraft should have."

As a student of the Mecha Department of the First Academy, Tan Yicheng concluded: "This is a specially modified aircraft, specifically designed for assassination. I anticipate that there will be a backup plan."

Xi Congshuang wasn't surprised: "I thought he would wait a while before making a move, but I was wrong. He's much more impatient than I expected."

Let's put aside the matter of accidentally going too far and causing the dog to retaliate in desperation for now; the main priority now is to get out of trouble.

No sooner had he finished speaking than the appearance of another aircraft confirmed Tan Yicheng's guess.

Tan Yicheng suddenly pressed Xi Congshuang down, and the two of them crouched down under the bed: "Are these people crazy to maliciously cause trouble and shoot people near the central star?"

During another collision, Xi Congshuang smiled at Tan Yicheng and said, "My aircraft can be controlled by mental energy. Rising star, are you interested in joining me to fight back?"

"Thud." A bullet hole appeared on the window on Xi Congshuang's side.

The particle gun couldn't penetrate the aircraft's windows, but only temporarily.

In response to Xi Congshuang, Tan Yicheng swiftly walked towards the control panel, and Xi Congshuang also took out a gun from under her seat.

————————

What was that saying again, "Cooperation can break even gold"? [Facepalm peeking]