The Heroine Fell Deeply For Her [Quick Transmigration] 35

Chapter 35: The Ice Queen’s Fierce Love

As if on cue, Tao Ning woke up as the movie ended.

They joined the flow of people exiting the theater. Xu Qiuyi, rubbing her neck, which was stiff from the awkward angle, glanced at Tao Ning, who seemed completely unfazed. A mischievous glint in her eyes, she reached out and pinched Tao Ning’s neck.

Tao Ning flinched, her eyes widening. “What was that for?”

Xu Qiuyi, her hand still hovering near Tao Ning’s neck, asked, “Doesn’t your neck hurt?”

Tao Ning replied, “Of course, it hurts.”

Sleeping in that position for two and a half hours was bound to cause some discomfort.

Xu Qiuyi, even more puzzled, said, “But you didn’t react at all.”

Tao Ning replied, “I’m… enduring the pain stoically.”

Xu Qiuyi: “…”

Tao Ning, meeting her gaze, burst out laughing, unable to stop.

Xu Qiuyi: What did I do now?

Lü Xinxi, returning from redeeming their free gifts with their ticket stubs, saw Tao Ning doubled over with laughter. She looked around, puzzled. “What’s so funny? Did you find her… tickle spot?”

Xu Qiuyi, unsure how to explain, said, “I… pinched her neck?”

Lü Xinxi’s brow furrowed in confusion.

Jin Yue, sighing, grabbed Lü Xinxi’s arm and pulled her away. “Darling, you’re getting a little… too enthusiastic about this whole movie thing. Tickle spots?”

Tao Ning, having finally composed herself, caught up with them, finding them at the claw machines, a small basket filled with coins in their hands.

Looking at the sheer quantity of coins, Tao Ning asked, “Are you planning to… conquer the entire arcade? Bring down every claw machine?”

Lü Xinxi, in full “rich and clueless” mode, handed them each a handful of coins. “Drinks are on me tonight, ladies! Let’s play!”

They all responded with enthusiastic praise, “Lü-jiejie is the best!” “So generous!” “Thank you, Lü-jiejie!”

Tao Ning, weighing the coins in her hand, looked at the claw machines, the colorful plush toys piled high, an irresistible temptation.

Xu Qiuyi, stepping forward, inserted a coin, then turned to Tao Ning. “Which one do you want?”

Tao Ning, after surveying the options, pointed at a panda wearing a small backpack. “That one.”

Xu Qiuyi’s slender fingers expertly manipulated the joystick, and before anyone could even see what she had done, the panda was successfully retrieved.

She pulled it out and handed it to Tao Ning. “Another one?”

Tao Ning, clutching the panda, looked around, then pointed at a small bird plush toy in another machine. “That one.”

Xu Qiuyi retrieved it with ease.

A young couple at the next machine, watching Xu Qiuyi’s effortless victories, the girl’s eyes filled with envy, urged her boyfriend to win her a plush toy.

He tried repeatedly, his frustration growing with each failure, his girlfriend’s glares intensifying.

Xu Qiuyi, holding out the bird plush toy, asked Tao Ning, “Another one?”

Tao Ning, after a moment of thought, pointed at an unusually ugly plush toy. “That one.”

Xu Qiuyi, inserting another coin, said, “Okay,” and retrieved it.

Every toy Tao Ning pointed at, Xu Qiuyi won, her arms quickly filling up with plush toys.

The girl at the next machine, her hands still empty, whined, “Look at her! She has so many!”

Her boyfriend, sweating, said, “Maybe we should try a different machine. This one’s… rigged.”

After much persuasion, she finally agreed to move.

The two girls, however, seemingly oblivious to the attention they were attracting, continued their game.

Jin Yue, standing between them, thought, Am I invisible?

Xu Qiuyi, sensing her presence, turned to her. “Yueyue, which one do you want?”

Jin Yue: So you do know I exist.

Lü Xinxi, arriving a moment later, also received a few plush toys, the arcade’s prizes all genuine, high-quality items, making their haul even more impressive.

The arcade manager, watching them leave, breathed a sigh of relief. At this rate, it would be cheaper to just let them choose whatever they wanted.

Lü Xinxi, marveling at Xu Qiuyi’s skill, said, “I didn’t know you were so good at this.”

She had initially thought Xu Qiuyi was just a bookish genius. Now, she realized she was good at everything, a quick learner.

The “nerd” label, the accusations of arrogance and social awkwardness, were clearly misplaced. It was simply a matter of whether Xu Qiuyi chose to reveal her hidden talents. If she didn’t, it was because she couldn’t be bothered.

Tao Ning, her arms filled with plush toys, asked, “You practiced?”

Xu Qiuyi, a hint of pride in her voice, replied, “I used to work at a toy store. I had… a lot of practice. There’s a technique to it.”

Jin Yue, however, disagreed. “I think it’s just… raw talent.”

They chatted and laughed as they walked home, the setting sun painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

Days later, Xu Qiuyi, still caught up in the post-exam haze, had forgotten about checking the results until she was woken by a phone call, her sleepy “uh-huh” and “yes” responses barely coherent.

They had spent the previous night at Tao Ning’s house, gaming until dawn, Xu Qiuyi’s “exceptional” gaming skills, or rather, lack thereof, surprising Tao Ning, prompting Lü Xinxi to declare that even geniuses had their weaknesses.

Jin Yue, however, had spent the entire night analyzing Xu Qiuyi’s performance, wondering if she was deliberately throwing the game, if there was a hidden strategy she wasn’t seeing. She was tempted to reveal her own identity as Mingrui’s gaming queen, to offer Xu Qiuyi some… guidance.

It would be a way of repaying her for the tutoring, wouldn’t it?

Their slow, hesitant interactions were like watching a drama unfold, the unresolved tension making her impatient.

The homeroom teacher, on the other end of the line, finally asked, “Qiuyi, are you still asleep?”

Xu Qiuyi, rubbing her eyes, her mind slowly clearing, still managed to mumble, “Uh-huh.”

“…” The teacher, after a moment of stunned silence, repeated her earlier statement.

Xu Qiuyi, blinking, finally focusing, said, “I’m… not home. I’m at Ningning’s… Tao Ning’s house. The admissions office can’t… come here, can they…?”

After a few more mumbled words, she finally hung up, staring into space, her mind still foggy.

Tao Ning, sitting up on the sofa, asked, “What’s wrong?”

Xu Qiuyi, still slightly disoriented, as if in a dream, said, “My homeroom teacher called. I… I got the top score in the province. Perfect score. The admissions offices from A University and C University are calling the school…”

“What?! Top scorer?!” Lü Xinxi, who had been sprawled on the floor, suddenly sat up, fully awake, and slapped Jin Yue’s bottom.

Jin Yue, wrapped in a blanket, startled awake, flailed like a fish out of water, her mind still foggy. “Yueyue! Yueyue, wake up! We have a live genius in the house!”

The words “top scorer” were like a jolt of electricity, especially with Xu Qiuyi present. Jin Yue sat up straight, her blonde hair a mess, like a ruffled Persian cat. She looked at Xu Qiuyi, her voice filled with disbelief. “Really?”

Xu Qiuyi, still dazed, unable to confirm, looked at Tao Ning. “Is it true? Did I really…?”

Tao Ning, her hand resting on her temple, nodded casually. “Yeah. The teacher just called.”

She didn’t seem surprised.

She had known, from the moment she met Xu Qiuyi, that this was inevitable.

Xu Qiuyi, free from the burdens of her past, had achieved her full potential, standing at the pinnacle of academic success.

She had managed to get into A University despite a tumultuous year. A less stressful environment had only enhanced her performance.

Jin Yue gasped, looking at Xu Qiuyi as if she were radiating a golden glow, even forgetting to check her own scores.

Seeing Xu Qiuyi’s dazed expression, Tao Ning leaned closer, waving a hand in front of her face. “Earth to Xu Zhuangyuan. Come back to us.”

Xu Qiuyi, finally reacting, stared at Tao Ning, her eyes suddenly filling with tears.

Tao Ning froze, her hand hovering in mid-air. She had seen Xu Qiuyi cry before, but this… this was different. Her heart ached, a strange emptiness in her chest.

“What’s…” she started, her voice hesitant.

Before she could finish, Xu Qiuyi lunged forward, wrapping her arms around Tao Ning, her face buried against her neck.

Tao Ning, her arms instinctively going around Xu Qiuyi, held her gently, feeling the warm tears on her collarbone, her own gaze softening without her realizing it.

Her hand gently stroked Xu Qiuyi’s back, a soothing warmth. She understood those tears, the complex mix of emotions that couldn’t be simply described as relief or joy.

“You did it,” she murmured, her voice soft. “It’s not a dream.”

Xu Qiuyi’s shoulders trembled, her grip tightening.

Tao Ning’s voice, gentle and soothing, was a revelation, even to Jin Yue, who instinctively covered Lü Xinxi’s mouth, preventing a celebratory shriek.

The door opened, and Tao Yan, dressed in a business suit, stood there, her brow furrowed. “What top scorer?”

Lü Xinxi, escaping Jin Yue’s grasp, rushed towards Tao Yan, excitedly recounting the news, the words “top scorer” echoing through the room.

Jin Yue: If we weren’t childhood friends, I would kick you.

She stood up, however, and, with the air of a seasoned socialite, gently ushered Lü Xinxi out of the room, closing the door behind them, creating a private space for the two… protagonists.

I’m so selfless, she thought, then added, This is my karma for being Mingrui’s resident matchmaker.

With the door closed, the sounds of celebration fading, the room quieted, only the two of them remaining.

Xu Qiuyi, her emotions now under control, pulled away from Tao Ning, her eyes still red-rimmed.

Tao Ning thought she looked like a little rabbit with red eyes, her soft, pale skin adding to the image of vulnerability. But rabbits, when cornered, could bite.

The red-eyed rabbit said, “I… lost control.” Her cheeks were flushed.

Tao Ning handed her a tissue. “Should we tell your mother? I can take you home. The admissions office will probably be swarming your apartment soon.”

Xu Qiuyi, taking the tissue, smiled, her tears replaced by a genuine warmth. “It’s not that serious.”

Tao Ning thought, You have no idea.

Meanwhile, at the fast-food stall near the entrance to Xiao’an Village…

Uncle Li, having just given directions to a group of people, turned to his wife, who was wiping down the tables. “Where did those teachers say they were from again?”

His wife, her movements efficient, replied, “You and your memory. A University. They’re here to see Qiuyi. A University, you know, the…”

They both froze, their eyes widening in realization.

A voice from the doorway interrupted them. “Excuse me, is this Xiao’an Village? We’re looking for Xu Qiuyi’s home. We’re from the C University admissions office. Here are our IDs.”

They turned to see a group of smiling teachers.

Uncle Li, without hesitation, gave them directions.

The teachers thanked him, about to buy a bottle of water, when one of them said, “We beat A University, right? I don’t see their car.”

Uncle Li replied, “No, I just gave them directions a few minutes ago.”

The teachers’ smiles vanished, and they threw some money on the counter, turning and running.

“Those sneaky bastards from A University! They parked further away to trick us!”

As they ran off, another car pulled up, this time Xu Qiuyi herself stepping out.

Uncle Li, waving, called out, “Qiuyi! Go home! More teachers are here! Your house is full of them!”

Tao Ning and Xu Qiuyi, hearing this, exchanged glances and hurried towards Xu Qiuyi’s apartment.

Another student-snatching war was underway, and Uncle Li and his wife, if they hadn’t been busy with their stall, would have loved to watch the spectacle.

They remembered Xu Qiuyi’s high school admissions process, a similar scene unfolding in their small, cramped apartment, the teachers almost coming to blows, the argument spilling out into the hallway.

Mingrui, with its deep pockets, had emerged victorious, and Xu Qiuyi had rewarded their investment with exceptional performance.

As they were reminiscing, their son walked in, a basketball tucked under his arm. “Mom, I’m hungry,” he said.

They looked at him, then at each other, a shared look of exasperation passing between them. They wanted to smack him, but he was too old for that now. They simply rolled their eyes and went back to the kitchen.

Their son, looking bewildered: What did I do?

At Mingrui, the principal, beaming, couldn’t stop smiling. They had finally produced a top scorer.

As Xu Qiuyi arrived at school, a large, bright red banner, proclaiming her achievement, greeted her.

She closed her eyes, momentarily blinded by the sheer size and vibrancy of it, her own photo displayed prominently.

The banner had attracted a crowd of underclassmen, their expressions filled with admiration, not mockery.

Mingrui’s first provincial champion, her name etched in the school’s history.

Before anyone recognized her, Xu Qiuyi quickly pulled up her mask, pretending to shield her eyes from the sun, and hurried inside.

Her disguise, however, was only partially effective. Inside the senior year building, she was instantly recognized, the students congratulating her, their voices filled with awe.

Good grades were admirable, but achieving the top score, the kind of achievement that made even the usually reserved Mingrui erupt in celebration, was… inspiring.

She was on a different level, a level they could only aspire to.

Reaching her classroom, she quickly ducked behind Tao Ning, seeking refuge.

Tao Ning calmly fended off the curious onlookers, both from their own class and others, then someone finally remembered to ask Tao Ning about her own results.

“Tao Ning, what did you get? Which university are you applying to?”

Tao Ning stated her score, then, after a slight pause, added, “A University. I… made the cut. Not borderline.”

520: [Why are you emphasizing that?]

Tao Ning: Just… a habit.

Her classmates gasped. “Wow! Same school as Xu Qiuyi! That’s amazing!”

To celebrate Xu Qiuyi’s achievement, the students of Class A decided to have a dinner party, the venue a restaurant owned by someone’s family, guaranteeing them a private room.

It was ostensibly a celebration for Xu Qiuyi, but also a farewell gathering. After tonight, they would part ways, their paths diverging, a reunion unlikely.

Someone had smuggled in a case of beer, and those who hadn’t tried alcohol before decided to… experiment, marking their entry into adulthood.

Tao Ning, not a fan of alcohol, only had a small sip, then, turning around, saw Xu Qiuyi staring at her drink, then, in one swift motion, downing it.

“Wait!” Tao Ning exclaimed. “That’s… strong.”

Xu Qiuyi, her brow furrowing, then relaxing, smacked her lips. “Sweet? Juice?” She looked at her empty glass, puzzled.

Her classmates, seeing her empty glass, assumed she hadn’t been served yet and were about to refill it when Tao Ning quickly intervened, pulling her away from the table.

Her protective gesture, however, was met with playful protests. “Tao Ning, you’ve been monopolizing Xu Qiuyi all year! Can’t you let her go now that we’re graduating?”

Laughter filled the room, their tone teasing, not malicious.

Xu Qiuyi, her face slightly flushed, smiled, her slightly tipsy demeanor captivating the onlookers. Her smile seemed to… radiate light, making it hard to look away.

Tao Ning, quickly leading her out of the room, said, “Let’s get some fresh air.”

After they left, someone murmured, “Now I understand why everyone voted her school beauty.”

Outside, away from the noise and chaos, Tao Ning led Xu Qiuyi to a private lounge with a balcony. Xu Qiuyi, throughout the entire process, was like a life-sized doll, following Tao Ning’s lead, standing, sitting, her movements slightly uncoordinated.

Tao Ning, finding her adorable, couldn’t resist reaching out and pinching her cheek, earning a slightly annoyed look from Xu Qiuyi.

Releasing her cheek, Tao Ning smiled. “Sorry. Couldn’t resist. Water?”

Xu Qiuyi felt slightly disconnected from reality, everything hazy and dreamlike. “Yes, please,” she murmured.

Tao Ning went to the small fridge, retrieving a bottle of water. As she closed the fridge door, she felt something press against her back.

Xu Qiuyi, who had somehow materialized behind her, her chin resting on Tao Ning’s shoulder, asked, her voice soft, “Where are you going?”

Tao Ning, amused, replied, “To get you some water.”

“Water?” Xu Qiuyi straightened up, taking the bottle, her eyes examining it with childlike curiosity, then tried to open it.

After a few unsuccessful attempts, she handed it back to Tao Ning, her voice slightly pleading. “I can’t open it.”

Tao Ning opened it for her, then handed it back.

Xu Qiuyi drank some water, then, after a long pause, said, “Is there something… I haven’t told you?”

Tao Ning, amused, asked, “What do you mean?”

Xu Qiuyi, her cheeks flushing, said, “I… haven’t told you yet.”

Tao Ning, tilting her head, asked, “What is it?”

“…” Xu Qiuyi fell silent again.

Knowing she was drunk, her words likely nonsensical, Tao Ning didn’t press her, opening her own bottle of water.

She hadn’t drunk alcohol in this body before, and she was starting to feel the effects. It was surprisingly strong.

Suddenly, Xu Qiuyi, sitting on the small sofa, clutching her water bottle, said, “I can tell you… but don’t tell Tao Ning.”

Tao Ning, startled, turned to her. I am Tao Ning, she thought. How can I not tell myself?

Her amusement, however, was quickly replaced by curiosity. She sat down beside Xu Qiuyi, leaning closer. “Why can’t you tell Tao Ning?”

Xu Qiuyi, her eyes slightly unfocused, her gaze fixed on Tao Ning’s face, said softly, “I’m afraid… we won’t be friends anymore. But I don’t want that.”

Tao Ning, confused, said, “That’s not going to happen.”

Xu Qiuyi started to say, “Because I…” like you.

Before she could finish, the door opened.

It was the class president, who, seeing them, let out a sigh of relief. “There you are! The teacher’s here. Come on.”

Before they could ask what was going on, they were ushered downstairs, where they received a final lecture from their homeroom teacher.

The lecture, however, ended with a few heartfelt words of encouragement, wishing them success and happiness.

Tao Ning, still slightly dizzy, her mind replaying Xu Qiuyi’s almost-confession, trying to decipher the unspoken words, the unfinished sentence, was startled by a sudden announcement.

[Ding! Severance progress bar at 100%! Congratulations, Host, on completing your first mission!]

[Entering the settlement phase. Results will be announced within seven business days. Please prepare for extraction from the target world.]

520’s excited voice echoed in her mind. [Mission complete! Congratulations, Host! Confetti! Confetti!]

The sudden announcement jolted Tao Ning awake, her mind clearing, a wave of… disorientation washing over her.

“It’s… over?” she asked, her voice hesitant.

520, still ecstatic, replied, [Yes! 100%! You did it! Amazing!]

Tao Ning’s raised foot finally touched the ground.

Tao Ning: “…”

Her mind was a whirlwind of activity, the system’s virtual confetti exploding, the sounds of her classmates’ laughter and chatter filtering in from outside, a cacophony of sounds she couldn’t quite process.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, and she instinctively answered it, putting it to her ear. “Hello?”

Zhou Tong’s voice, strained, came through the speaker. “Miss Tao, I’m sorry to inform you, but Nangong Yunfei… He was killed in a mining accident. A… gang-related incident. He was… caught in the crossfire.”

Tao Ning, after a long silence, said, “I understand.”

She hung up, staring into space, her mind blank.

The mission was complete. She should be happy. Why did she feel… empty?

Lü Xinxi ran over, her voice excited. “Jin Yue and I are getting Qiuyi a congratulatory gift for getting into A University. What are you getting her?”

Xu Qiuyi, seemingly overhearing, looked up, her eyes shining.

Tao Ning, her gaze meeting Xu Qiuyi’s across the crowded room, said softly, “I’m giving you… a future. A bright, limitless future.”

Lü Xinxi yelled, “What? Speak up!”

Tao Ning said, “I haven’t decided yet. It’s a surprise.”