Chapter 12
The next morning, Shi Ye was woken up by his phone vibrating.
She groggily reached for her phone, squinting at the screen—it was a message from Qi Jin: "Come to the study when you're awake, I have something to say."
Shi Ye glanced at the time: 7:30 in the morning. So early?
She struggled to get up, washed, and changed her clothes, her mind still replaying the events of the previous night. Qi Jin's words, "Just be yourself," kept playing in her head, accompanied by that feather-light touch.
"System," she asked while brushing her teeth, "what's the task for today?"
"Daily task: Continue to advance the romantic relationship between Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu. Special reminder: The source of last night's threat has been identified and will be dealt with today."
Shi Ye paused. The threat has been identified? So quickly?
She quickly tidied up and went to the study. Qi Jin was already inside, standing by the window making a phone call. Seeing her come in, Qi Jin nodded, gesturing for her to sit down.
“…Okay, proceed according to legal procedures,” Qi Jin said into the phone. “Have all the evidence been submitted to the police?…Good, thank you for your hard work.”
She hung up the phone and turned to look at Shi Ye.
"We found out," Qi Jin said. "The person who threatened you."
Shi Ye sat up straight: "Who?"
“A distant relative of the Qin family, named Qin Yuan.” Qi Jin walked to the desk and turned on the computer screen. “He’s forty years old and runs a security company, but actually takes on all sorts of shady jobs. The bugging in your house and the surveillance in the mall were all done by his men.”
A photo of a man appeared on the screen—of medium build, with ordinary looks, the kind you wouldn't notice in a crowd.
"Why is he targeting me?" Shi asked.
"For money," Qi Jin said. "Someone offered a high price to 'teach' you a lesson. The employer... guess who it is?"
A name immediately flashed through Shi Ye's mind: "Qin Hao?"
Qi Jin shook his head: "It's not Qin Hao, it's his father, Qin Ming."
Shi Ye was stunned: "Qin Hao's father? Why? I haven't offended him."
"Because you rejected Qin Hao and chose the Qi family instead." Qi Jin's tone was very calm. "Qin Ming has always wanted to form a marriage alliance with the Shi family in order to expand the Qin family's business empire. Your rejection made him feel like he lost face."
Shi Ye: "..." Just because of this? You're going to "teach her a lesson"?
"So he hired someone to threaten me?" Shi Ye found it unbelievable. "That's such a... low-level tactic!"
“It’s not a threat.” Qi Jin’s expression turned serious. “It’s a kidnapping.”
Shi Ye's heart skipped a beat.
“Qin Yuan Company’s accounts show that they have ‘special transportation’ projects among their orders.” Qi Jin pulled up another document. “Specifically, it’s about ‘transporting’ targets to designated locations. Your mother’s death… may also be related to this.”
Shi Ye stared at the documents on the screen; the cold words and data seemed particularly glaring at that moment.
"So..." her voice was a little hoarse, "Qin Ming hired someone to kidnap me? Like he did to my mother?"
“That’s the plan,” Qi Jin nodded. “But before Qin Yuan could make a move, our people discovered it. The person who was following you at the mall yesterday was one of Qin Yuan’s men.”
Shi Ye recalled the man in the hat in the photo, and a chill ran down his spine. It turned out that this wasn't ordinary stalking; it was reconnaissance before a kidnapping.
"So now..." she asked, "what do we do?"
“It’s been resolved.” Qi Jin closed his laptop. “Qin Yuan was taken away by the police last night, and his company’s accounts and communication records have been handed over. As for Qin Ming… this morning, Qin Group’s stock will start to fall and continue for a week. This is the price he paid.”
Shi Ye's eyes widened: "What did you do?"
"It's normal business practice," Qi Jin said casually. "The Qin family has several key projects that rely on the Qi family's technical support, so I withdrew. Besides, their biggest client... is my friend."
Shi Ye understood. Qi Jin used business tactics to make Qin Ming pay a price far exceeding what she had "taught" him.
"Then..." Shi Ye hesitated for a moment, "Does Qin Hao know?"
“He probably doesn’t know,” Qi Jin said. “Qin Ming wouldn’t involve his son in his business. But Qin Hao contacted me this morning to apologize for his father.”
She paused for a moment: "Do you want to see him?"
Shi Ye shook his head: "I won't see you."
There's no need for that. Qin Hao may be innocent, but what his father did has crossed the line.
The study fell silent. Morning light streamed in through the window, casting bright patches of light on the floor.
"So..." Shi Ye said softly, "Is I safe now?"
“You’re basically safe.” Qi Jin looked at her. “Qin Yuan is in prison, and Qin Ming is too busy to take care of himself. No one will threaten you in the short term. But just in case, I suggest you stay here for at least another week.”
Shi Ye looked at Qi Jin. Qi Jin's expression was calm, but his eyes showed concern. This person had done so much for her—investigating the threat, resolving the trouble, and even resorting to business tactics to attack the Qin family.
Meanwhile, she was still thinking about how to bring Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu together.
Shi Ye suddenly felt a pang of guilt. Not an emotional guilt—she couldn't feel it—but a rational one. She knew it was wrong, but she had a mission to complete and had to do it.
“Qi Jin,” she said, “thank you.”
Qi Jin shook his head: "No need to thank me. It's what I should do."
“It’s not my obligation,” Shi Ye said. “You have no obligation to do so much for me.”
Qi Jin looked at her, his eyes deep: "I have an obligation. Because you are you."
That same phrase again. Shi Ye looked away, not daring to meet Qi Jin's eyes.
“Um…” she changed the subject, “Now that it’s safe, I think… I’d like to move back home.”
Qi Jin was silent for a few seconds: "Okay."
"Aren't you going to ask me why?" Shi Ye was a little surprised.
"If you want to go home, then go home," Qi Jin said. "Do you need me to help you pack?"
Shi Ye shook his head: "No need, I can do it myself."
She stood up, preparing to leave the study. Reaching the door, she turned back: "Qi Jin."
"Um?"
"Thank you so much," Shi Ye said earnestly. "Without you, I might..."
She didn't finish speaking, but Qi Jin understood.
“There are no ‘what ifs’,” Qi Jin said. “I will always protect you, no matter where you are.”
Shi Ye nodded and turned to leave.
Back in her room, she began packing. She didn't have much: a few clothes, a few books, and the keys Qi Jin had given her.
She picked up the key; the metal was cold in her palm. Should she return it? Or keep it?
“Host,” the system suddenly spoke, “the threat has been eliminated, and the survival probability has increased to 92%. However, the mission progress has stalled and needs to be moved forward as soon as possible.”
Shi Ye sighed. Yes, the mission wasn't finished yet. Matchmaking Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu... now that she's moved back home, how can he match them up?
She packed her things, picked up her suitcase, and went downstairs. Qi Jin was waiting for her in the living room.
"I'll take you." Qi Jin took the suitcase.
"Need not……"
"I'll take you," Qi Jin insisted.
Shi Ye no longer refused. The two went out together and got into the car. The car drove towards the Shi family home in silence.
Shi Ye gazed at the passing street scene outside the window, but her mind was preoccupied with the mission. Moving back home meant greater distance between her and Qi Jin, making matchmaking even more difficult. She needed to devise a new strategy.
"Qi Jin," she suddenly asked, "are you still going to Lin Xiaoyu's house to practice swordsmanship on Saturday?"
Qi Jin glanced at her: "You want to go?"
“I…” Shi Ye hesitated for a moment, “I can go and be a spectator.”
She needs to continue creating opportunities for Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu to be alone.
Qi Jin was silent for a moment, then said, "Okay. If you want to go, we'll go."
"Mm." Shi Ye nodded.
The car stopped in front of the Shi family's house. Shi Ye got out of the car, and Qi Jin helped her with her suitcase.
“I can go in by myself,” Shi Ye said. “You…go back.”
Qi Jin looked at her, his eyes filled with reluctance, but he said nothing. She handed the suitcase to Shi Ye: "Call me if anything happens."
"good."
Shi Ye took the suitcase and turned to walk towards her home. After a few steps, she turned back and saw Qi Jin still standing by the car, watching her.
"Qi Jin," she called out.
Qi Jin looked up.
"The keys..." Shi Ye took the bunch of keys out of his pocket, "Here you go."
Qi Jin walked over, but didn't take the key: "Keep it. Just in case... you need it."
Shi Ye looked at the key in his hand; the small metal plate engraved with the character "烬" gleamed in the sunlight.
“Okay.” She put the key back. “Then… I’m going in.”
"Shi Ye," Qi Jin called out to her again.
"Um?"
“No matter where you are,” Qi Jin said, “I’ll be here. Anytime.”
Shi Ye nodded, turned around, and strode into his house.
She closed the door, leaned against it, and let out a long sigh of relief.
I'm home. I'm safe. The mission... must continue.
Hearing the noise, Shi Zhenghong came out of the living room: "Yeye? You're back? Where's President Qi?"
"I'm leaving." Shi Ye put down his suitcase. "Dad, the matter is resolved."
Shi Zhenghong was taken aback: "Solved?"
Shi Ye briefly explained the situation. After listening, Shi Zhenghong's expression was complicated: "President Qi... she really helped a lot."
"Mm." Shi Ye nodded.
"Then you..." Shi Zhenghong looked at her, "...how are things going with President Qi?"
Shi Ye knew what her father was asking. Her engagement to Qi Jin, Qi Jin's feelings for her, her own attitude…
"I don't know," she said honestly. "I need time."
"Okay, okay." Shi Zhenghong patted her shoulder. "No rush, take your time."
Shi Ye carried her suitcase upstairs to her room. The familiar surroundings, the familiar bed, the familiar desk. Everything was the same, but she felt… something was missing.
She opened her suitcase and began unpacking. Clothes were hung in the closet, books were placed on the bookshelf, and finally, the set of keys—she placed it on the bedside table, next to her phone.
My phone vibrated; it was a message from Lin Xiaoyu: "Sister Shiye! I heard you moved back home? Are you safe?"
Shi Ye replied, "Yes, it's resolved. We're safe now."
"Great!" Lin Xiaoyu replied instantly. "Then will you come to my house to practice swordsmanship again on Saturday?"
"Come."
"Yay! I'll prepare some tea and snacks for you!"
Shi Ye put down her phone and lay down on the bed. The ceiling was still the same ceiling, the chandelier was still the same chandelier, but the feeling was different.
At Qi Jin's house, she was a guest, and had to be careful. At her own home, she was the hostess and could relax.
But she couldn't relax. Her mind was filled with the task at hand.
"System," she asked, "Now that I've moved back home, how can I bring Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu together?"
"Suggestions: 1. Create opportunities for the two of you to be alone; 2. Reduce your own presence; 3. Enhance Lin Xiaoyu's attraction to Qi Jin."
"Be specific?"
"For example: cancel Saturday's fencing class on the grounds of physical discomfort, but encourage Qi Jin to go alone. Or arrange a date for the two of them for other reasons."
Shi Ye thought for a moment. Should he send Qi Jin to Lin Xiaoyu's house alone? Would Qi Jin even go?
She messaged Qi Jin: "I probably can't make it on Saturday, I'm not feeling well."
Qi Jin replied instantly: "Where do you feel unwell? Do you need to see a doctor?"
"No need, I'm just tired," Shi Ye said. "But you can go by yourself. Xiaoyu definitely wants you to continue teaching her."
Qi Jin's message displayed "The other party is typing..." several times before finally replying: "If you don't go, I won't go either."
Shi Ye: "..." What kind of person is this?!
"Why?" she asked.
"I promised to teach you and Xiaoyu," Qi Jin replied. "If you don't go, it's meaningless."
Shi Ye stared at the message, and that slight physical discomfort returned. Was Qi Jin... confessing his feelings? In such a subtle way?
“But I’m really tired,” Shi Ye insisted. “Besides, Xiaoyu is really looking forward to it, and she’ll be disappointed if you don’t go.”
This time, Qi Jin took a long time to reply: "Okay, I'll go. You get some rest."
Shi Ye breathed a sigh of relief. The first step was achieved.
But why is she... not happy at all?
In the afternoon, Shi Ye was at home with nothing to do, so she decided to tidy up her room. The original owner had a lot of things, all kinds of clothes, accessories, and cosmetics, piled up everywhere.
She found a box deep inside the wardrobe, and when she opened it, she found the original owner's diary inside.
Shi Ye hesitated for a moment, but still opened it. The diary started from middle school and recorded the original owner's growth, troubles, joys and sorrows.
She saw the original owner's longing for her mother, her complex feelings for her father, and her flamboyance and loneliness at school.
She froze when she turned to the most recent pages.
"I met Qi Jin today. She came to my house to talk about something, and my father asked me to accompany her. She was cold and didn't talk much, but... her eyes were very special. When she looked at me, it was as if she was looking at something precious."
"I saw Qi Jin again. She gave me a book, a collection of Neruda's poems. She said she liked poetry, and I said I didn't understand it. She said it was okay, take your time."
"Qi Jin asked me today if I would like to get engaged to her. I said I needed time. She nodded and said I could wait. The way she looked at me... made my heart race."
"I think... I've fallen for Qi Jin. But she's too perfect, I'm not good enough for her. And... does she like the real me? Or just the me she imagines?"
The diary ends here. Shi Ye looked at the handwriting, a complex mix of emotions welling up inside him.
The original owner of this body liked Qi Jin. She had already fallen for Qi Jin even before she transmigrated.
Therefore, Qi Jin's feelings were not one-sided. The original owner was also responding, but... before she could say it, someone else took her place.
Shi Ye closed her diary and leaned against the headboard. So what's going on now? She's taken over the original owner's body and inherited her emotional arc. But she's not the original owner; she can't feel those emotions.
She was just a tool to carry out a mission.
My phone vibrated again; this time it was Qin Hao.
"Shi Ye, I'm sorry. I just found out about my father. I'm really... so sorry."
Shi Ye looked at the message, unsure how to reply. Qin Hao was indeed innocent, but she couldn't forgive his father for what he had done.
"I understand," she finally replied.
"Can we meet? I want to apologize in person."
"No need," Shi Ye refused. "It's all in the past."
Qin Hao's phone displayed "The other party is typing..." for a long time before finally sending only one sentence: "Okay. Take care."
Shi Ye put down her phone and continued tidying up the room. In the desk drawer, she found an envelope with the words "To Xiao Ye - Jin" written on it.
She opened the envelope; inside was a hand-drawn greeting card. It featured a kitten and read, "Happy Birthday. I hope I can be by your side for every birthday from now on."
The date is the original owner's birthday last year.
So Qi Jin gave her a birthday present last year, but the original owner might not have noticed? Or maybe she noticed but didn't care?
Shi Ye put the greeting card back in the envelope and put it in the drawer. These things had nothing to do with her. She was Shi Ye, but not that Shi Ye.
Shi Zhenghong returned home at dinner time. The father and daughter ate together, but the atmosphere was a little awkward.
"Greetings," Shi Zhenghong began, "Did you and President Qi... have a fight?"
Shi Ye was taken aback: "No."
"Then why did you suddenly move back?" Shi Zhenghong asked. "Wouldn't it be safer to stay at President Qi's place?"
“Now that we’re safe, we should go home,” Shi Ye said. “Besides… it’s not good to stay at other people’s houses all the time.”
“President Qi is no stranger,” Shi Zhenghong said. “She is your fiancée.”
Shi Ye paused, chopsticks in hand: "Dad, that engagement... do you really want me to keep it?"
Shi Zhenghong put down his chopsticks and looked at her seriously: "Yeye, Dad won't force you. But President Qi is a person... Dad is very good at judging people. She is sincere towards you."
Shi Ye knew. The whole world knew Qi Jin's true feelings.
“I know,” she said, “but I need time.”
"Okay, okay." Shi Zhenghong nodded. "Take your time to think about it. Dad will always support you."
After dinner, Shi Ye returned to her room. She sat by the window, looking at the night view outside.
My phone vibrated; it was a photo from Qi Jin—a photo of the fencing room, with the caption: "I went to Xiaoyu's house to practice fencing today. She's improving very quickly."
Looking at the photo, Shi Ye felt a mental progress bar click. Solitude! Progress!
She replied, "Great. You all had fun."
Qi Jin replied instantly: "It's less fun without you."
Shi Ye: "...I'm tired."
Qi Jin: "Get some rest. Good night."
Shi Ye stared at the words "Goodnight" and suddenly felt very tired. Not physically tired, but mentally tired—although she couldn't feel it, her reason told her that this state was exhausting.
She lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
"System," she asked softly, "if the mission is completed, will Qi Jin be happy?"
"Data cannot be predicted."
"And what about me? What will happen to me after the mission is completed?"
"Continue living, as the times call for it."
Shi Ye closed her eyes. So after the mission was completed, Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu were together, and she continued to be Shi Ye. Everything returned to normal.
That sounds perfect.
But why... does she feel it's not perfect?
She recalled the handwriting in Qi Jin's diary, the expression on Qi Jin's face when he said "I'd wait a lifetime," and the carefulness with which Qi Jin hugged her.
If Qi Jin really gets together with Lin Xiaoyu, will all of this... disappear?
Shi Ye did not know.
All she knew was that the mission had to continue.
And the frozen ground in her heart seemed... even colder.
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