Transmigrating Into A Sadistic Novel And Becoming A Master Of Painting Rosy Pictures - Chapter 67

Hua Cancan stuck out her tongue, which she had bitten: “Cry your head off. What kind of bread is this? It actually bites people.”

Bian Yingning: “?”

You might as well say the bread ate you instead of you eating the bread.

Hua Cancan opened her mouth and took a picture with her phone to see how badly she’d bitten her tongue, but the screen wasn’t clear enough.

No matter how she adjusted the angle, it didn’t work. She simply put down her phone and leaned closer: “Quickly look at my tongue. It hurts so much.”

She could feel the pain when she spoke, and there was a metallic taste in her mouth. The bite was quite forceful, and she was afraid she’d hurt herself badly.

Bian Yingning frowned and leaned closer to look. Hua Cancan’s red lips were slightly parted, and on the edge of her soft tongue, there was a scratch-like wound. There wasn’t much bleeding, just some pink traces around it.

“…It shouldn’t be serious, right?” Bian Yingning said hesitantly.

At least, that’s what it looked like.

Hua Cancan opened her mouth, speechless: “I can’t see it myself, and you’re asking me?”

Bian Yingning looked innocent: “That’s what it looks like to me. Why weren’t you more careful when you were eating?”

“Whose fault is it that your bread is so hard?” Hua Cancan would never admit it was her fault.

“Should I chew it up for you?”

“Don’t disgust me!”

When Hua Jiangrong arrived, she saw the two women’s heads almost touching as they bickered.

She stood at the edge of the restaurant, quietly watching them together, seemingly discussing something joyful, something that excluded outsiders.

She hesitated. Should I approach them?

Bian Yingning sensed someone watching them. She turned her head. Hua Jiangrong was wearing a dark, flowing dress, not flashy, but elegant and beautiful.

She stood not far away, her expression calm.

Hua Cancan noticed Bian Yingning’s change. She sat up straight, following Bian Yingning’s gaze.

The moment she noticed Hua Jiangrong, she felt uncomfortable and wanted to look away. When she realized Hua Jiangrong was looking at Bian Yingning and ignoring her, she pursed her lips.

“Aunt, over here!” Bian Yingning raised her hand to signal Hua Jiangrong.

Hua Jiangrong then walked over.

Those dining in the restaurant saw her, and many started taking pictures. Fortunately, everyone there was well-off and didn’t come over for autographs or photos.

Bian Yingning showed Hua Jiangrong the respect she deserved, standing up and politely pulling out the chair next to Hua Cancan for her. After Hua Jiangrong sat down, Bian Yingning sat opposite her.

“Miss Bian, long time no see,” Hua Jiangrong said.

She always separated personal and professional matters. Since this was business, they would put aside any personal issues.

“It has been a while,” Bian Yingning’s smile was strained, remembering their last meeting.

After brief pleasantries, they discussed the collaboration.

It was smooth and easy. Neither made excessive demands, and the collaboration was easily reached.

Afterward, Bian Yingning signaled the photographer to start taking pictures.

Bian Yingning and Hua Cancan stood to give Hua Jiangrong space.

They leaned against the pillars behind the tables, watching Hua Jiangrong strike elegant poses.

“Why aren’t you two talking?” Bian Yingning asked.

Hua Cancan held a glass of wine: “She moved out.”

“She’s not your Aunt anymore just because she moved out?” Bian Yingning chuckled. That’s illogical.

“…”

After the solo shots, they started taking photos of them eating.

Hua Jiangrong called Bian Yingning back, saying it would create a better atmosphere if they ate together.

Bian Yingning nodded and whispered to the photographer: “Don’t worry about me. Just make her look good. Ideally, only show one of my hands.”

She was just a plain tool.

“Okay,” the photographer replied seriously.

Hua Cancan said she was going to the restroom and hadn’t returned.

Bian Yingning and Hua Jiangrong sat opposite each other. The business was mostly settled, so they could talk privately.

“Thank you for last time,” Hua Jiangrong raised her glass to Bian Yingning.

She was elegant and had an indescribable air of grace. The simple act of raising her glass was captivating.

“Aunt, you’re welcome,” Bian Yingning raised her glass too.

Hua Jiangrong took a sip, then said, “Miss Bian… why do you like calling me Aunt so much?”

“If you don’t like it, I can stop, Aunt,” Bian Yingning was very obedient.

“Aunts wouldn’t do that kind of thing with her niece…” Hua Jiangrong said, her eyes smiling, seemingly anticipating Bian Yingning’s reaction.

“What kind of thing?” Bian Yingning tilted her head, feigning incomprehension.

“I’ve been usurping this position for so many years. I’m not who I used to be. You calling me that brings back painful memories.”

Hua Jiangrong changed her approach.

Bian Yingning lowered her eyes, seemingly pondering her words.

Her expression didn’t seem sad.

“I think you might have misunderstood, Aunt. I said nothing happened that night,” Bian Yingning wished she could drag Hua Cancan back from the restroom.

This conversation felt off.

Hua Jiangrong slowly traced her lower lip with her finger, leaving a mark on her fingertip: “Really, nothing happened?”

She still remembered her smudged lipstick.

“Then how did I regain consciousness after being drugged?”

Bian Yingning was speechless.

“Since I’m not pursuing it, why are you bringing it up?”

Now Hua Jiangrong was silent.

Why bring it up?

Because she couldn’t let it go.

She was so confused about what happened that she couldn’t let it go.

“Do you want to hear about our passionate encounter, how we regained consciousness under the influence of the drug, and how the effects wore off… those details?”

Bian Yingning decided to be blunt.

Seeing Hua Jiangrong’s silence, Bian Yingning suddenly smiled, breaking the tension.

“Aunt, it’s okay to be selfish. Knowing you didn’t lose anything is enough. You don’t need to compensate.”

Ultimately, I didn’t lose anything… except for some fright and precious points.

Damn it, that hurt.

But Bian Yingning remained composed.

It’s okay to be selfish…

Hua Jiangrong’s eyelashes trembled. She turned to look at the ocean.

The autumn wind was bleak, the sea waves surging, mirroring her restless heart.

“Miss Bian…” the photographer suddenly spoke.

“Hmm?” Bian Yingning looked at him.

“Could you two smile? The photos look… unhappy.”

Unhappy was an understatement. They looked like sworn enemies recounting grievances.

Or maybe this wasn’t a restaurant advertisement but an autumnal melancholic photoshoot.

Bian Yingning instantly switched to professional mode, pouring wine for Hua Jiangrong.

“Miss Hua, let’s get to work.”

Hua Jiangrong: “…”

That was a quick change of mood.

When Hua Cancan returned, she saw Bian Yingning and Hua Jiangrong “getting along” harmoniously.

They were cutting steaks, chatting, occasionally looking at each other and smiling. The atmosphere was warm.

She felt increasingly uncomfortable and came over, sitting beside Hua Jiangrong: “What are you talking about? So happy.”

“You fell into a pit, and we’re figuring out how to get you out,” Bian Yingning smiled sweetly at Hua Cancan, but her words were harsh.

“Miss Bian has such thoughts. Maybe you can work in sewage cleaning later,” Hua Jiangrong offered an impeccable smile.

Hua Cancan was stunned.

She wondered if the harmony she’d seen was an illusion.

After a few bites of steak, Bian Yingning said she needed to use the restroom. She was gone for half an hour.

Hua Cancan and Hua Jiangrong were left alone. The atmosphere couldn’t be maintained.

Hua Jiangrong saw that the photos were almost done. She dabbed her mouth with a napkin, preparing to leave.

Hua Cancan put down her knife and fork: “Aunt…”

Hua Jiangrong didn’t respond, touching her handbag.

Hua Cancan continued: “No matter what, you’ll always be my Aunt.”

Hua Jiangrong paused, then picked up her bag: “Since you still consider me your Aunt, let me give you some advice.”

Hua Cancan looked up.

Hua Jiangrong didn’t meet her gaze: “Study hard. Having your own skills is true power. Even if one day you don’t bear the Hua name, you need the means to live comfortably.”

She was grateful that she had never relied on the Hua family.

“And, if possible, stay away from Bian Yingning. Don’t let her hook you.”

Hook? Hua Cancan didn’t understand, but Hua Jiangrong had already left.

…

Soon after Hua Jiangrong left, Bian Yingning came out.

She looked around: “Your Aunt left?”

“Hmm,” Hua Cancan looked out the window.

Bian Yingning sat opposite her: “Don’t overthink it. Life goes on.

Plans never go as expected. Relax, and you’ll realize that what seems unbearable now will be insignificant later.”

Hua Cancan didn’t speak, unsure if she’d listened.

“Don’t be unhappy. How about we go to the amusement park this weekend?”

“You’re more likable when you smile or are being bitchy.”

Bian Yingning finally got Hua Cancan’s attention.

“Bitchy?”

“Yeah… bitchy, and a little aggressive. A combination,” Bian Yingning grinned.

Hua Cancan wanted to throw her steak at her: “You’re the bitchy one!”

She didn’t think that was comforting.

Bian Yingning: “…”

“Whatever makes you happy.”

Hua Cancan: “…”

Fine, I won’t argue with a fool.

“…Which weekend are we going to the amusement park?”

“Whenever you’re free.”

System: “Congratulations, host, your ‘Painting Rosy Picture’ experience points +5.”

Bian Yingning: “…”

“You and her… are close?” Hua Cancan finally asked.

They both knew who “her” was.

“Not close,” Bian Yingning answered without hesitation.

Hua Cancan didn’t believe her.

“You said rabbits don’t eat grass near their nests, right?” Hua Cancan looked at her suspiciously.

Bian Yingning sat upright: “Yes.”

“Don’t let me find out you’re hooking up with my Aunt.” Hua Cancan warned.

Bian Yingning felt wronged: “What nonsense! Who’s hooking up with your Aunt! I’m not a fisherwoman!”

“Heh,” Hua Cancan looked through her: “My Aunt said you’re hooking her up.”

Bian Yingning couldn’t take it anymore. She rolled up her sleeves: “Who? She’s lying! Call her back, let’s confront her!”

Hua Cancan crossed her arms and looked at her: “How did you coincidentally save her last time?”

Bian Yingning sat down obediently: “It’s a long story.” Better not to say.

“And, when did you meet Jiang Jiaotao?”

“That’s an even longer story.”

“It’s fine. We have plenty of time. You can tell me slowly.”

“…”

Just assume I’m hooking her up then.

…

“Host, please note: Nangong Jin plans to frame Duanmu Zhengjie for prostitution, obtain leverage over her, use her, then ruin her reputation. Please stop him!”

“Mission reward: 360 points. Mission failure: Struck by five lightnings.”

The system issued this mission while Bian Yingning was contemplating life.

She used to look forward to graduation. Now, juggling school and work, she realized social life was tiring. Simple school life was so much better, only academic pressure.

Yes, academic pressure. As a failing student, she thought the midterm exam came too soon.

Midterm exams only counted towards the final grade. Doing poorly wasn’t a big deal, but she was afraid of failing the final exam.

Doing well on the midterm would give her a better chance on the final.

But the system stopped her.

Hearing the mission, Bian Yingning was stunned.

“Shouldn’t Nangong Jin be busy saving his family business? Why does he have time to frame others?”

The Nangong family was indeed in crisis, but Nangong Jin knew that the three families’ actions, while not immediately effective, would wear him down.

The best way was to create an opening.

Taking risks was his style.

…

Duanmu Zhengjie received a letter. Inside was a bank deposit slip from over ten years ago. The account holder was her father’s name.

She clenched her fist, crumpling the paper.

She suppressed her shock and called her father. No answer.

She remembered her father was attending a closed-door regulatory revision meeting this week, unable to bring electronic devices or communicate with the outside world.

Nothing could happen to him during this time.

There was also a note with a time, an address, and a subtle threat.

“8:30 pm, room 305 of this bar, alone. If you don’t show up, I can’t guarantee where this slip will appear.”

It was 7 pm.

Duanmu Zhengjie was always decisive. She had studied abroad for many years, always relying on herself.

She had experienced various situations.

With three bodyguards, she went to the place mentioned in the note.

As she left, she received a message from Bian Yingning.

“Where are you? I need to see you.”

Duanmu Zhengjie frowned and didn’t reply.

Why was she looking for me again?

Didn’t she say I deserved better? Now that I was ignoring her, she was uncomfortable? Wanting to show off, seeking attention, throwing herself at me again?

She had said there wouldn’t be a next time.

She wouldn’t lower herself to beg for something that wasn’t hers.

She, Duanmu Zhengjie, couldn’t do that.

Bian Yingning called when she didn’t get a reply.

Duanmu Zhengjie’s finger hovered over the “reject” button, staring at the screen for a long time, finally pressing “answer.”

Maybe she really had something important.

“Hello?” Duanmu Zhengjie’s voice was cold.

“Sister Duanmu, where are you? Where are you going?” Bian Yingning’s voice was anxious, as if something urgent had happened.

Duanmu Zhengjie frowned: “What is it?”

Whatever it was, it wasn’t more important than what she had to do.

Bian Yingning was silent for a moment. Just as Duanmu Zhengjie was about to hang up, Bian Yingning said, “Don’t go, okay? Trust me, don’t go.”

Duanmu Zhengjie was shocked: “What do you know?”

How did she know?

Bian Yingning, who had immediately tried to stop the event after receiving the mission, paced anxiously. The best way was to stop Duanmu Zhengjie from going.

But…

Before Bian Yingning could speak, the system repeated mechanically in her mind, accompanied by an alarm-like sound:

“Host, please note: Do not reveal future events to people in this world! Do not reveal the world’s development trajectory!

Host, please note!”

When Bian Yingning ignored the warning and told Duanmu Zhengjie not to go, she felt a loud bang, her body shaking as if electrocuted. She wanted to scream but couldn’t make a sound.

To outsiders, she looked normal, just standing there blankly.

But no one knew the torment she was enduring.

The electric shock made her head feel like it would explode.

“Host, please note! Do not reveal the world’s development trajectory!”

Bian Yingning saw flashes of red warnings and white static, like an old TV with no signal.

When Bian Yingning came to her senses, she collapsed to her knees.

Duanmu Zhengjie waited for Bian Yingning’s next words, calling her several times.

The call was disconnected.

Duanmu Zhengjie held her phone, looking at the passing night view.

Her brows were furrowed.

She told her not to go.

What did she know? What would happen if I went?

Who sent me that?

“Miss?”

The bodyguard beside Duanmu Zhengjie noticed her anxiety.

Duanmu Zhengjie looked up. The car was dark, only illuminated by streetlights.

The light flickered on her face as the car moved.

Duanmu Zhengjie opened her mouth, finally saying, “Mind the time. Don’t be late.”

No matter what awaited her, she had to go.

…

Bian Yingning gasped heavily, unable to stand for a while.

The feeling had made her think she was about to die.

“Host, I’m sorry. This is a system-set program. I can’t interfere.”

The same mechanical voice, but Bian Yingning heard a familiar tone.

This was the system that had been giving her missions and chatting with her. The previous warnings were just programmed responses.

“Host, complete the mission. That was just an electric shock. Five thunders striking you is far worse.”

Bian Yingning didn’t speak. She was glad she was in a secluded part of the campus; no one saw her current state.

The tree canopy blocked the distant lights. She knelt there alone, feeling abandoned by the world.

Then, a soft voice asked, “Bian Yingning?”

Bian Yingning didn’t turn around. A bitter smile spread across her face. She recognized the voice.

She hoped the person would leave instead of approaching.

But things didn’t go as she wished.

Shang Qinghui slowly walked over and stopped behind her.

It took a moment to adjust from the light to the darkness.

Soon, Shang Qinghui walked closer and knelt in front of her.

Bian Yingning slowly raised her head. Shang Qinghui was wearing a thin long-sleeved sweatshirt, but her forehead was covered in sweat.

“What’s wrong?” Seeing her pale face, Shang Qinghui asked slowly.