Marrying the Short-Lived, Maniacal Eldest Miss for Good Fortune 10

Chapter 10

The red color was falling slowly. The text at the top gradually faded, looking exactly like a countdown.

Fang Yi looked up at the sun in the sky, then at her hands, feeling as if she, too, was fading.

Can an hourglass perceive the passage of time?

She slowly clenched her hand, but felt an indescribable sense of powerlessness.

Am I really going to turn into a child?

Fang Yi’s lips pressed into a thin line. She grabbed Wang Quan’s hand, “Take me home. It’s urgent.”

“Ah, so you’re not coming with me to pick up Zong Heng?”

Wang Quan was disappointed. Zong Heng had just flown in from Yanjing today, and she had hoped they could all get together.

But seeing Fang Yi’s serious expression, she immediately complied, driving Fang Yi back to the tenement building.

The old residential area was difficult to park in. Her flamboyant red Ferrari looked completely out of place on the entire street.

“Boss, call me if anything happens! I won’t drink today!” she yelled toward Fang Yi’s slightly stumbling back.

Fang Yi waved her hand, her slender figure quickly disappearing into the stairwell.

Fang Yi was rarely this flustered. The System was nervous: 【What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? I—I still have some free band-aids here! No points needed!】

【Should I call Wang Quan back to take care of you? You don’t look good.】

Fang Yi locked the door, leaned on the table, and gasped for breath, “No need.”

The System’s existence was already beyond the scope of modern science. In an unpredictable situation, staying alone and clear-headed was the best choice.

If she couldn’t handle this sudden situation herself, calling Wang Quan would likely be useless.

Sweat dampened her temples. Fang Yi’s obsidian eyes also looked moist. Before the red on the task panel completely drained, she quickly opened several bottles of water and bread, placing them within easy reach on the low surface.

Also, charging her phone, the first-aid kit, updating emergency contacts…

Having done all this, she collapsed onto the sofa, awaiting the so-called punishment.

The System was still making some noisy sounds next to her ear. The chaotic noise, along with the shaking double image of the world, scattered into thousands of butterflies.

The world grew darker and darker.

…

“You mean, your friend is a plush little bear, and she talks to you and plays games with you, right?”

“Okay, we generally understand the situation here.”

“The child’s parent, please come over here. Let’s talk in detail about…”

In the chaotic white light and shadows, a small girl looked up, secretly peeking through the crack in the door.

The doctor in the white coat said, “The death of a loved one is a significant blow to a child. As a parent, you need to pay more attention to the child’s mental health. In addition to medication, we suggest you spend more time with her.”

The woman stood with her back to the door, raising her wrist. The silver watch engraved every minute of her scheduled tasks.

She raised her hand. Her sharp demeanor made the doctor swallow his words.

“I have matters to attend to. Discuss the relevant issues with my assistant. Xiao Yun, take good care of her.”

The young woman beside her bowed in agreement.

The door was pushed open. The woman noticed the little girl standing timidly at the doorway. She sighed imperceptibly, leaning down to embrace her.

Although it only lasted a few seconds, the woman’s arms were warm. A gentle warmth that overshadowed all the world’s wind and rain enveloped the girl.

But she said nothing, disappearing again at the end of the corridor in an instant, leaving only an isolated silhouette.

The lingering warmth on her fingertips felt more like an illusion.

“…”

The girl clutched the corner of her clothes. The reflective white tiles mirrored her lonely figure.

The mischievous male classmate said, Your mom is dead. Your dad will find you a stepmother soon. You are an unloved child!

Lin Shuxing swayed her feet, her expression calm, thinking: That’s good. I don’t have a father, but I have two mothers. Now I only have one.

Maybe none at all.

The law allowing same-sex marriage was still in a trial phase. Although female-female reproductive technology had existed for many years, the high medical costs prevented it from fully entering the public eye.

Lin Lan was usually busy. Most of the time, Wen Qianxue took care of the child.

Wen Qianxue refused to let Lin Shuxing receive an aristocratic education. Instead of being immersed in the world of fame and fortune from a young age, she hoped she could grow up safely and happily.

Wen Qianxue would tell her bedtime stories every day about courage, love, and the unknown romance of faraway places. She would also play games and do crafts with her, building the most beautiful castles with building blocks…

Lin Lan would occasionally join in, embracing them both with the hands that could stir up storms.

They were the happiest family.

Lin Shuxing had two mothers, but flowers covered Wen Qianxue. After a long, incomprehensible eulogy, the word “Mother” seemed to melt away with a gust of wind.

Snow-like dust flew up. Dim scenes flashed by:

The woman, pale as a magnolia, lay on the hospital bed, gently wiping away the little girl’s tears, “Our Little Star is the best. Mommy will also turn into a star and watch over you forever from the sky, okay?”

Lin Lan stood by the window sill, her eyes red, raising her head like a trapped beast, refusing to let weak tears fall. Then she looked back deeply at Lin Shuxing.

The little girl didn’t know what that meant, but Fang Yi, viewing from a god-like perspective, saw it clearly and couldn’t help but hold her breath.

Lin Lan’s gaze was complex, but Fang Yi could read the deepest emotion within it, which was—suspicion and anger.

Did she already know then that Lin Shuxing wasn’t their child?

But what did Lin Shuxing do wrong?

…

The world darkened again, slowly illuminated by a single, isolated lamp in one corner.

In the darkness, dust motes fell in the lamplight.

The little girl stood in the warm yellow glow, staring blankly at the outline of the steel bars in the distance.

A strong sense of familiarity suddenly surged in Fang Yi’s heart. Looking around carefully, she suddenly realized that this was a dilapidated, unfinished building in her old hometown.

She used to play here when she was little, tricking other children her age into starting small businesses. They used this as their secret base. They even hid change in the third section of the steel coil.

But how could Lin Shuxing have been here?

No matter how crazy Lin Lan was, she wouldn’t throw a child into a place like this!

In her shock, she suddenly found her hands continuing to fade, eventually turning completely transparent—

Boom!

A powerful suction force abruptly pulled her away. Her internal organs felt squeezed into a ball.

What—?

When her vision stabilized, she lifted her face and saw the small Lin Shuxing’s eyes light up. She cried and rushed over.

“Little Bear!” ?!!

Fang Yi was embraced by the little girl. She looked down blankly, finally seeing—her hands were light blue, soft old cloth stuffed with cotton.

She squeezed her hand. The round plush doll hand moved accordingly.

Little Bear… I am Little Bear.

“They said I was sick and would only get better after taking medicine.”

“But I’m not sick, Little Bear. I’m so scared. I’m afraid if I take the medicine, I won’t see you again. Why did you come so late?”

I’m sorry. I, I… forgot.

Tears from the girl dripped onto her cheek. This dampness seemed to penetrate the cotton cloth straight to her core, like an endless, drizzling rainy season.

Fang Yi stood in the hazy drizzle, wanting to say something, but the words that reached her lips turned into: “Goodbye.”

“…?”

What, don’t go!

Fang Yi woke up abruptly on the sofa, her brain feeling like a scrambled mess.

She looked around, confirming she was still in place. Her body was incredibly stiff. She could hear her joints click when she raised her arm.

She propped herself up, pressing her throbbing temples. Her numb palm belatedly realized that something had slipped from her hand, falling to the floor with a ding.

She glanced at her phone screen. It was already 5 PM the next day.

The evening sun pierced through the glass, casting an orange-red light on her cheek.

Fang Yi wiped the sweat with her sleeve, slowly reaching for the crystal that had suddenly appeared on the floor.

[Dream Stone (Bound)]: Can freely enter [Lin Shuxing]’s dreamscape.

This is—

She opened the System panel to check and found that the purchase date was exactly the year she had the high fever as a child.

In other words, in the period of memory she had forgotten as a child, she had turned into the plush little bear her grandmother made and accompanied Lin Shuxing?

That explained it. She had already completed the five hundred point wish for her when she was little.

The text on the task panel reappeared, but this time the penalty had changed to destruction of vital signs, meaning death.

This scene and the sudden appearance of the Dream Stone seemed less like a punishment and more like guidance to complete the mission.

Fang Yi opened her phone. The messages on her communication app were almost overflowing. There were rambling messages from Wang Quan about Zong Heng, consultations from her junior student, and… Lin Shuxing.

What you truly want is to see your childhood playmate again?

The message from the zoo yesterday hadn’t been answered. Lin Shuxing had sent another one later.

[AAA Fiancée]: Do you want to pick me up after school?

Their schools weren’t far apart. Fang Yi also rented a place nearby.

She had slept too long, seemingly missing a lot, and Lin Shuxing hadn’t sent any more messages afterward.

A fierce knocking sound interrupted Fang Yi’s thoughts.

“Boss? Are you home? Why haven’t you replied to my messages? I was so worried about you. Zong Heng wanted to see you today too… Boss!”

“Boss!”

“Damn it, the missing time isn’t long enough to file a police report. I’m so stressed.”

…

Wang Quan was pacing anxiously outside the door. The wall plaster around the main door was shaken loose by the knocking. She raised her leg, considering the possibility of kicking the door open.

Can I kick it open? That’s what they do in TV shows.

Or call a locksmith? Is it illegal to open someone else’s door?

Special circumstances, it should be okay!

Just as Wang Quan was hesitating whether to take the risk, the door suddenly opened, making her shriek and jump up. Seeing it was Fang Yi, she quickly patted her chest and rushed forward excitedly.

“Boss!”

She pulled Fang Yi, looking her over, “Aiya, I’m glad you’re okay, all in one piece. Were you too tired recently? It doesn’t matter if you go to work or not, but next time, at least tell me in advance—Hey? Where are you going?”

Fang Yi casually smoothed her hair back, tied it up. Her voice was slightly hoarse, “To pick up a child from school.”

Wang Quan was puzzled, “Pick up a child? I’ll drive you. Whose child is it?”

Fang Yi said, “Mine.”

Reaching the complex entrance, it was rush hour. A neighbor, Auntie, was just returning after picking up her daughter on her electric scooter. The little girl, missing a front tooth, waved her arm, “Big Sister!”

Fang Yi forced a smile, greeting them. She thought for a moment, then turned and walked toward the garage.

“What are you doing?”

“It’s traffic hour now. I’ll ride my bicycle.”

“Ah?” Wang Quan was shocked. She had never imagined her Ferrari would be rendered useless. She pointed to herself, “What about me?”

“Wait, how can you pick someone up on a bicycle?”

“She has a car,” Fang Yi replied.

“Oh, oh, ah?”

Although Lin Shuxing attended a regular key high school, she was chauffeured to and from school.

Fang Yi couldn’t quite explain why she insisted on ‘picking up’ Lin Shuxing. More accurately, she just wanted to see her.

Lin Shuxing rarely expressed her feelings. Her message, “Do you want to pick me up after school?” was already straightforward enough to be considered flirting.

You are not an unloved child. You are a little star.

If they don’t love you, let them go.

I will love you. I will be your friend.

Fang Yi pedaled quickly, her lips slightly pursed, letting the wind rush past her cheeks.

The road was indeed jammed. The red Ferrari was stuck miserably in traffic, watching Fang Yi’s shirt flutter in the wind.

Outside APU Private Academy.

“Sister! You really came!”

Lin Qingwan accurately spotted the bright figure in the crowd, her eyes widening in surprise.

At APU, a parent had to sign for a student to leave. The car that was supposed to pick her up today suddenly broke down on the way, so she had to ask Lin Shuxing’s driver to come along and pick her up.

She had sent many messages, betting that Lin Shuxing wouldn’t refuse.

She won the bet.

Lin Shuxing herself longed for someone to pick her up, so she showed up here, responding to Lin Qingwan’s expectation.

In fact, Lin Qingwan resembled Wen Qianxue. How could Lin Shuxing truly hate her?

It was just that her appearance was too sudden, completely outside Lin Shuxing’s psychological defenses.

Lin Lan said they were twins, and Lin Qingwan was the younger sister who was abducted when she was young and suffered greatly.

Lin Shuxing didn’t bother to contemplate the truth. If Lin Lan said it was so, then it was.

But everyone had witnessed the difference in Lin Lan’s attitude toward them.

She had heard the servants say that the car used to pick up Lin Qingwan was selected from Lin Lan’s backup fleet.

“Sister, just sign here,” Lin Qingwan pointed it out to her, her voice clear, as if showing off to the surrounding classmates, “This is my sister. Isn’t she pretty!”

Lin Shuxing glanced at her, “Shut up.” Her tone wasn’t harsh. The rising inflection even carried a hint of a smile.

But when she saw the previous entry in the log, her raised wrist instantly froze. Her expression visibly darkened.

She couldn’t mistake Lin Lan’s handwriting.

The busy Ms. Lin actually managed to find time to pick up a child from school?

Lin Qingwan was immersed in joy, her skirt swaying like a blooming flower. She didn’t notice the change in Lin Shuxing.

“Sister, which university do you want to attend? Do you want to study abroad with me? Let’s ask Mother. She’ll definitely agree.”

Lin Shuxing’s face was taut. She quickened her pace toward the parking lot, not answering.

Not far away, a woman in a goose-yellow cardigan watched their backs, smiling as she wiped away tears, murmuring, “My child…”

She was Lin Qingwan’s adoptive mother, Lin Xinyou, the other mother whose child was swapped years ago.

Lin Lan had lied to Lin Shuxing. They weren’t twins. But after raising her for eighteen years, there was still some affection.

Common people had to choose, but Lin Lan wanted both.

The haggard Lin Xinyou reached out, caressing the air with infinite affection.

How she wished to hug her own daughter, to ask her if she was happy today, if she encountered any troubles at school.

But she knew she was powerless to give her daughter a better life. Agreeing to Lin Lan’s request to stay away was the best blessing for her child.

These years, she had been tormented by a failed marriage. At least Lin Lan’s appearance saved Lin Qingwan. She was sincerely grateful to Lin Lan, grateful that she raised both children so well.

She was the one who owed the two children. She shouldn’t ask for too much. Just watching from afar was already enough to satisfy her.

“Lin Shuxing! Lin Qingwan!” In the crowd, a man holding a briefcase suddenly shouted loudly, “I’m your father!”

His face was beaming with greedy joy. He rushed over recklessly, as if afraid others wouldn’t hear him, “I am your father!”

Lin Shuxing frowned, reaching out to block the man who tried to rush toward her, “Who are you? Keep your distance.”

Lin Qingwan was shorter than Lin Shuxing. She hid behind her, somewhat panicked, pulling her back uneasily.

The man grabbed Lin Shuxing’s arm, as if he had seized a money tree. His raised voice instantly attracted countless glances, “You don’t know me, but I know you!”

Lin Shuxing felt a sharp pain from the pull. Noticing Lin Qingwan trembling behind her, she somewhat guessed the man’s identity. Her eyebrows lifted, and a fierce look appeared on her face, “You have hands and feet. Are you coming to the school gate to extort money? Have you no shame?”

She turned her head to Lin Qingwan, “Call Sister Wang to come over.”

Sister Wang was her exclusive driver, a retired soldier, currently parking the car.

“Heh heh, I’m just here to see my daughter. You don’t want to make a scene, do you? Don’t be nervous. Let’s talk, just talk.”

The man’s face, which had been plastered with a fake smile, was completely distorted. He stared intently at Lin Shuxing, as if grasping her origin was also grasping the bargaining chip to destroy her.

No, no!! That’s my daughter!!

In the corner, the usually timid woman in the goose-yellow cardigan widened her eyes. She suddenly rushed forward, snatched the man’s briefcase, and slammed it against his face with all her might.

Again and again, until his wild words were muffled and indistinct. The hand that was gripping Lin Shuxing finally let go.

“Let go! Let go, you gambler! Are you going crazy after drinking a little wine?!”

The woman’s voice was less a cry and more the wail of an animal driven to desperation.

Lin Shuxing pulled Lin Qingwan away a few steps, covering her reddened wrist, watching the farce unfold with a gloomy expression.

Too noisy.

It made her heart ache.