Chapter 171 Can I Change My Target?
"Watch out!" Jiang Huan reacted quickly, catching her in her tracks and signaling to Xiao Zhao for help.
"Thank you... thank you, Consort Zhuang!"
He Ling clung to Jiang Huan like a lump of soft clay, tears streaming down her face.
"Your Majesty, you are so kind! You are simply a living bodhisattva who saves people from suffering! Waaah..."
[A beautiful, kind, and gentle woman, a thousand times better than that icy male lead.]
[System, my dear system, can I change my target? I'll choose Jiang Huan; I'd even be her leg accessory!]
Jiang Huan paused almost imperceptibly as she supported He Ling's hand, her mind instantly filled with a series of huge question marks.
Wait, who is she going to seduce?
What was just a hallucination has suddenly become a fantasy?
Moreover, can the dignity of a system be trampled on so easily?
If only we could change the binding, it would be perfect for all three, and the melodramatic love story wouldn't happen.
"Host He Ling, please immediately cease any dangerous thoughts. The target, Jiang Huan, is not the protagonist of the original story. Please focus on conquering your target, Huo Lin!"
Jiang Huan calmly shrugged, "See? I knew this would happen."
Don't underestimate the system's unpredictability...
She remained expressionless and continued to support He Ling.
He Ling pouted, feeling wronged, as she listened to the system's cold warning.
[System, you're heartless! Consort Zhuang is so wonderful, why can't we win her over?]
[What's the point of trying to win over that ice-cold face? Look how gentle and kind Consort Zhuang is; she's the one I'd choose.]
[Waaaaah, I don't care, I just want to stay with Consort Zhuang. I only feel safe when I'm by her side.]
"Host, please stay rational. Jiang Huan is not the core of this world's destiny. Winning her over will not allow you to complete the main system's mission, nor will it unlock advanced shop items or realize your dream of 'food freedom.' Huo Lin is the key target. Think about your spicy hot pot and your iced cola. If you succeed in winning him over, the entire imperial kitchen will be yours!"
As Jiang Huan helped He Ling walk forward slowly, she silently listened to the tug-of-war between man and machine.
Mala Tang (spicy hot pot)? Iced cola?
This system truly understands human nature; its ability to make empty promises is top-notch, but...
Jiang Huan glanced at He Ling and secretly shook her head.
No matter how enticing the pie in the sky may seem, you still need the ability to actually eat it.
Given He Ling's naive and impulsive personality, it would be a miracle if she could even survive against the ruthless wolves and tigers in the deep palace.
Moreover, the Imperial Kitchen is a debuff, so let's not even mention it.
He Ling, however, was not as clear-headed as Jiang Huan. She was tempted by the blueprint described by the system, but when she thought of Huo Lin's unfathomable imperial scheming, she chickened out.
I understand the principles, but it's just too difficult, really too difficult. I almost died here today. That Consort Li is terrifying.
Thinking of Consort Li, He Ling's body began to tremble slightly again.
[Waaaaah, I'm going to die! That tigress knows I was saved by Consort Zhuang, she'll definitely make me pay!]
No, I can't go back. I need to find somewhere to take refuge!
Her gaze unconsciously locked onto Jiang Huan beside her, as if she had grasped a lifeline.
To make herself stick even tighter, He Ling wrapped her arms around Jiang Huan, this safe haven.
His eyes blinked rapidly, filled with longing and yearning.
[Angel sister, Bodhisattva sister, please take me in!]
I'm willing to do any kind of dirty or tiring work, like serving tea and water, making beds, and folding blankets. Please don't send me away; I can only survive by staying with you!
Jiang Huan was swayed by He Ling's tugging, and at the same time felt He Ling's grip on her arm tighten a little more.
Sigh, we're both time travelers, bad luck just falls on the same side.
In the first few days after I arrived, I was also forced to kneel, scolded, and suppressed.
I lived in constant fear, terrified that I would be fired any day now.
If Huo Lin's rage wasn't the kind that comes from extreme hunger, her grave would probably be covered in grass by now.
Jiang Huan looked down at He Ling's pale face and trembling lips.
Oh no, I'm a little soft-hearted.
However, this friendship of shared misfortune lasted less than three seconds before Jiang Huan suddenly shuddered.
Even if He Ling had no intention of pursuing Huo Lin at all, would the system allow it?
To complete the task, this broken system will probably come up with all sorts of crazy tricks.
If I take it home and use it to blackmail you, you won't give in, will you?
Unless this biggest variable and source of danger is eliminated, there is no possibility for them to shake hands and make peace.
Jiang Huan's heart sank as she recalled how He Ling had caused Huo Lin to lose his memory.
That glimmer of compassion was completely stillborn.
She loosened her grip on He Ling's hand slightly, not completely letting go, but clearly showing a sense of distance.
"It's getting late, so I won't see you off. Go home and get some rest."
As soon as she finished speaking, Jiang Huan gently pushed her away.
After a moment of silence, he instructed Xiao Zhao to help her back, and then turned and left.
But before he could take two steps, he heard He Ling talking to the system behind him.
"Host, you're too naive. She's just pretending to be a good person."
The system's electronic voice carried a distinctly sarcastic tone.
"These favored concubines in the harem are the best at putting on a show. Do you really think she cares about you? She's just showing you some pity out of pity."
He Ling immediately retorted.
【No, that's not it! Consort Zhuang was just being merciful; if she hadn't saved me, I would have fainted from kneeling.】
"madness!"
The system snorted coldly.
"She saved you on a whim. Do you really think she cares about you? Don't forget she's the male lead's most favored concubine. You're just a nobody in her eyes."
Jiang Huan paused slightly, and the corner of her mouth twitched.
Is she being hypocritical? Is she pretending to be a good person?
This system is quite adept at smearing people.
If she weren't afraid of causing some trouble again, she wouldn't bother with this.
But Consort Zhuang is clearly very gentle.
He Ling's voice was filled with grievance.
The system's tone grew increasingly sharp, expressing disappointment and frustration.
"A woman who can thrive in the harem, isn't she cunning and scheming? She may be all smiles and pleasant to you on the surface, but who knows what she might be plotting against you behind your back."
Jiang Huan raised an eyebrow.
Does this system insult your own KPIs, or does it just feel uncomfortable if you don't include some personal agenda?
If she were truly that cunning, she should have crushed He Ling, this potential threat, right now.
Why save her? Keep her around for the New Year?
But the system is so eager to smear her, could it be because it's afraid He Ling really sees her as a backer?
Thinking of this, a look of understanding flashed in Jiang Huan's eyes.
He Ling was still weakly refuting.
What could Consort Zhuang possibly want from me? I have neither money nor power.
"That's enough!"
The system suddenly increased the volume.
"Host, your top priority right now is to complete the main quest! Don't forget, our goal is to win over the male lead, Huo Lin!"
He Ling is almost suffering from PTSD; just hearing the name gives her goosebumps.
The male lead is so scary, I wouldn't dare go near him.
"Don't be afraid. In the original story, the male lead will die suddenly in two years, and Jiang Huan will also lose power. By winning him over now, you are actually saving him!"
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