After Transmigrating Into a Book, I Was Played by the Black Lotus – Chapter 13

Strange

Am I drunk?

Bai Xiying was a little surprised. She thought Lin Xingzhu would pretend not to know her in front of others, or simply ignore her—after all, plenty of people had just done exactly that.

At this thought, her gaze lifted and swept nonchalantly past Mu Muqing, who stood to the side. A cold sneer had long formed in her heart.

Outsiders didn’t know the situation and just treated her as Mu Muqing’s accessory. If they were interested, they’d ask a question or two; if not, they’d ignore her completely. Yet, she was the one Mu Muqing had personally invited to be her companion for the evening, and Mu Muqing’s attitude toward all this was subtle, carrying a hint of tacit approval.

Bai Xiying extended a fair, slender hand to shake hers, the corners of her lips curving slightly. “Long time no see.”

Lin Xingzhu met her gaze and smiled. “Long time no see.”

Since Bai Xiying didn’t seem to mind, why should she be evasive?

Mu Muqing’s probing gaze fell upon the two of them. “CEO Lin, you and Xiying know each other?”

Lin Xingzhu glanced at her, having already recognized the woman before her—Mu Muqing—as the one she had accidentally bumped into on her first night after she transmigrated into the book, back when she was rushing out of a bar while holding Bai Xiying.

But it was obvious Mu Muqing hadn’t recognized her. This was normal, though. After that night, Lin Xingzhu had completely changed the original owner’s style of dress and makeup. A stranger you’ve only met once wouldn’t pay that much attention.

Her tone was natural as she said, “Bai… Xiying and I are alumni.”

Lin Xingzhu gave a concise explanation. Mu Muqing scanned the two of them, a smile appearing on her face. “So that’s how it is. Xiying works with me now. Her work ethic is outstanding. It seems students from A University truly deserve their popularity.”

Lin Xingzhu ignored the veiled barb in her words. This kind of sly insinuation, meant to show off how close she and Bai Xiying were, did nothing to stir her emotions.

She had already suspected that the two of them had taken things a step further, but seeing them interact in person now, they seemed somewhat distant. And yet, Bai Xiying’s previous changes were the best proof.

Qiao Zijin hadn’t had a chance to bother Bai Xiying recently, and the other characters from the plot hadn’t appeared yet. The only one who could get close to Bai Xiying was Mu Muqing, her direct superior.

Hearing this, Bai Xiying, standing beside Mu Muqing, appropriately revealed a hint of bashfulness.

Such an expression was a rare sight on her.

Lin Xingzhu took a sip of champagne and withdrew her gaze, continuing to discuss work with Mu Muqing.

Xingyuan’s recent moves were no secret within the industry. It was normal for Mu Muqing to have heard the rumors and come to probe for information. After all, Xingyuan had the great tree of the Lin Group to lean on for shade, so it never lacked for funds. No matter how outstanding Hurricane Studio was, it still needed money to operate. And when it came to money, people never felt they had too much.

But when she saw Mu Muqing focusing on work while ignoring Bai Xiying, who was attending such a banquet for the first time, her fine brows furrowed slightly.

“There are some desserts over here.” Lin Xingzhu turned her head and said gently to Bai Xiying, “The auction will go on for a while. You can eat something to tide you over.”

Fearing Bai Xiying might feel awkward, she took the lead and picked up a piece of dessert from a nearby plate, eating it herself.

Only when she spoke did Mu Muqing realize she had been neglecting Bai Xiying. She immediately said considerately, “Is your glass empty? I’ll have someone bring you another.”

As she spoke, Mu Muqing beckoned, and a waiter holding a tray of champagne immediately walked over from the northwest.

There was only one glass left on the tray. Without hesitation, Mu Muqing picked it up and handed it to Bai Xiying.

Lin Xingzhu looked up, her gaze meeting Qiao Zijin’s cold, sinister eyes.

Only then did she discover that Qiao Zijin had been standing in the shadows to the northwest like a cold, venomous snake, watching for who knows how long.

When Lin Xingzhu looked over, she even gave her an extremely bizarre smile.

Lin Xingzhu’s brows knitted together, and a sense of alarm rose in her heart.

When she saw Qiao Zijin’s gaze bypass her and fall, naked and undisguised, upon Bai Xiying who was eating dessert, her body reacted before her mind could even process it. She instinctively turned, completely blocking the other woman’s line of sight.

Bai Xiying looked at her, confused.

Facing the puzzlement of both women, Lin Xingzhu just smiled and pointed to the desserts to her right, as if that were her explanation.

Mu Muqing withdrew her gaze, but inwardly, a seed of vigilance had already been sown.

She had heard rumors about Lin Xingzhu’s reputation and… preferences. Looking at her behavior now, although it didn’t quite match the rumors, the other woman was showing an unusual amount of attention to Bai Xiying.

Mu Muqing stroked the stem of her glass, her eyes dark.

She had finally found a woman who captivated her in every way; she would absolutely not allow anyone to ruin her plans.

No one knew of her inner intentions. After seeing her hand the champagne from the waiter to Bai Xiying, Lin Xingzhu smiled and continued to pull her into conversation.

Lin Xingzhu had originally intended to leave, but the moment she met Qiao Zijin’s eyes, she immediately changed her mind.

Mu Muqing didn’t know the inside story. Worried that Qiao Zijin might have left Bai Xiying with a psychological shadow from that night, Lin Xingzhu didn’t dare say that the woman was staring at her. So, she could only stay by her side to watch over her.

The three of them stood there chatting until the auction began. Mu Muqing had thought she could finally shake off Lin Xingzhu and have some alone time with Bai Xiying, but to her surprise, Lin Xingzhu had directly summoned a waiter and had their three name cards moved together.

Great. Now she’d have the eyesore Lin Xingzhu with them during the auction.

Mu Muqing’s expression soured. Lin Xingzhu glanced at Bai Xiying, and seeing no objection from her, she pretended not to notice Mu Muqing’s displeasure.

Mu Muqing watched this exchange, her heart chilling slightly. This Lin Xingzhu really is up to something.

When she arrived at their seats and found that Bai Xiying had been placed in the middle, her suspicion was all but confirmed.

The auction lasted for an hour. Since Lin Xingzhu was there, she also bid on and won a set of jewelry. After the party, the person in charge would deliver the purchased items to their respective buyers. All the funds raised from tonight’s charity auction would be donated to charitable causes.

She won a set of pink diamond jewelry. It was said to be a collection from the donor. Although it wasn’t priceless, it was quite popular because it held a unique meaning.

When the auction ended, the crowd began to move to the banquet hall for dinner.

The hall was a dazzling scene of clinking glasses and brilliant light.

Mu Muqing’s expression was a little dark. “CEO Lin, don’t you think we’ve been talking for too long?”

Lin Xingzhu raised an eyebrow. “Really? I feel like CEO Mu and I are old friends at first sight. I was thinking we haven’t talked nearly enough.”

Hearing this, a flicker of amusement flashed in Bai Xiying’s eyes. She hadn’t expected Lin Xingzhu to be so mischievous.

But despite her words, Lin Xingzhu cheerfully let Mu Muqing go.

Her gaze shifted slightly, landing on Bai Xiying’s pink-tinged cheeks. Seeing this, Mu Muqing was about to take Bai Xiying’s hand to lead her away.

Bai Xiying subtly dodged Mu Muqing’s hand. With her head slightly lowered, she said, “CEO Mu, you can go ahead. I’ll chat with Xingzhu for a little longer.”

Mu Muqing froze.

Bai Xiying gave a small, slightly embarrassed smile. “I don’t really know anyone else here…”

Only then did Mu Muqing realize she had overlooked this. She opened her mouth, wanting to say she would stay with her, but then she looked up and saw a familiar project partner signaling to her.

She paused, then said, “Alright.” She looked up at Lin Xingzhu, the smile not reaching her eyes. “Then I’ll have to trouble CEO Lin to help me look after Xiying.”

She really doesn’t miss a single chance to show off how close she is to Bai Xiying.

Lin Xingzhu’s smile was gentle. Her tone was neither light nor heavy as she said, “Don’t worry, CEO Mu. It’s what I should do.”

After Mu Muqing left, glancing back with every step, Bai Xiying finally looked up, her expression visibly more relaxed. “You can go attend to your business. You don’t have to mind me.”

Lin Xingzhu shook her head, gently refusing. “You just said you don’t know many people here. It’s only right that I keep you company for a while.”

Bai Xiying’s eyes were misty, giving one the impression that she wanted to say something but was holding back. “You’re so kind.”

Lin Xingzhu paused for a moment, a faint tickle in her heart.

She cleared her throat and asked, “Are you drunk?”

She noticed that Bai Xiying’s cheeks, which had been faintly pink before, were now a sheet of crimson. Her slender neck, fair collarbones, and smooth shoulders were unknowingly veiled in a pink mist.

Bai Xiying was surprised. Her voice was soft as she said, “But I’ve only had two glasses of champagne. My tolerance isn’t that bad.”

That was true.

Lin Xingzhu guessed, “Maybe alcohol just goes to your face¹ easily.”

Some people have a high tolerance, but the moment they drink, it goes to their face, making their cheeks bright red and giving the impression that they’re dead drunk.

Bai Xiying might just have that kind of constitution.

Bai Xiying touched her hot cheek, a contemplative look flashing in her eyes.

It was true that alcohol went to her face easily, but it was just two glasses of champagne; it shouldn’t have been to this extent.

At this thought, she suddenly remembered the glass of champagne Mu Muqing had handed her earlier. The taste had seemed a little off when she drank it.

What exactly was wrong with it? Doubt rose in her eyes.

Lin Xingzhu had already led her to a nearby sofa to rest. She then poured a glass of water from the table and handed it to Bai Xiying to help her sober up a little.

After doing this, Lin Xingzhu saw the redness on her face had yet to fade and got up to bring over some food. Thanks to the experience Lin Xingzhu had gained taking care of Bai Xiying during her hospital stay, the few dishes she chose now were more or less to Bai Xiying’s taste.

The two of them sat facing each other in this relatively quiet corner, eating slowly without disturbing one another.

After a long while, just as Lin Xingzhu had a waiter take away their plates, Mu Muqing arrived.

She was tall and slender, her successful career lending her an air of high spirits and confidence. She stood before them now, a smile on her face. “CEO Lin, I’m going to take Xiying with me for a moment.”

Lin Xingzhu glanced at Bai Xiying across from her.

Her face was still flushed red, and her eyes seemed to be brimming with moisture, glistening and translucent.

Mu Muqing had clearly noticed this as well. She subtly swallowed and said in a low voice, “There are a few industry seniors over there. I’ll take you for an introduction.”

With her saying that, what reason did Bai Xiying have to refuse?

Bai Xiying stood up, swaying slightly. Mu Muqing, who had been watching her closely, quickly reached out a hand to support her—only to be deftly dodged by Bai Xiying once again.

As she was about to leave, she turned her head and gave Lin Xingzhu one last look.

That one look seemed to say something, yet at the same time, it seemed to say nothing at all.

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