Fate Trading System – Chapter 180

Plan A

Spirit Alliance 21

Lovey-dovey

“Cousin, let’s elope!”

One morning before Su Xin had left for the film crew, she was caught off guard when Yangyang suddenly said this to her.

At that moment, she was just eating her hot breakfast, and a mouthful of hot soy milk sprayed onto Yangyang who was standing on the dining table in front of her.

“Cousin, quick, wipe yourself off. What’s wrong with you? Why are you suddenly saying this?”

Su Xin held back her laughter, pulled out a tissue to wrap around Yangyang, letting him wipe himself clean.

What’s with this eloping nonsense? Has he been watching those messy romance dramas again?

“Tell me, have you been watching those messy plot dramas again? Watch less TV, it’ll lower your IQ. If you want to watch something, I can switch it to Criminal Minds or something similar, how about that?”

It’s absolutely toxic, why would a rat be so fond of watching mother-in-law dramas? After finishing those, he goes on to watch those melodramatic idol dramas – all that ‘he doesn’t love me, I love him, he doesn’t love him, she loves him?’ In short, their circle is just chaos.

“No, it’s not because of TV dramas. Let’s elope, okay? Let’s go somewhere else. The boss is too scary!”

Yangyang had to endure Chu Qiu’s cold stares every day, those icy glances made him wonder if he’d end up like one of those dead rats outside the next moment.

“But that’s your cousin-in-law,” Su Xin said helplessly.

“Ah, that’s true! But… cousin, when are you leaving next time? You’re both being too cruel to me. Have you forgotten that I’m still a single rat?”

Yangyang sat with his chin propped up, gazing at the sky at a 45-degree angle with youthful melancholy.

“So cousin, you’re lovesick, but the season isn’t right – it’s almost winter now.”

Winter had come, and all animals were entering their lethargic period.

“First of all, I’m a rat who gained spiritual awareness after the founding of the nation. How can I be the same as ordinary rodent? Besides, even if I wanted to find a mate, I couldn’t. I look down on those rodents without intelligence. A partner who can’t watch mother-in-law dramas with me doesn’t count as a partner at all.”

Give those rat a break, they’re still just children. Not all rats have to share your unique tastes.

“I actually want to go outside to find my spring too, but there are so few spiritually aware animals, especially from our species. It’s not that I’m afraid of getting into trouble outside – after all, I’ve lived underground for so many years and I’m quite familiar with the human world. It’s just that like how it’s hard for spirits to find other spirits, it’s even harder to find those who’ve gained spiritual awareness.”

The chances of spirits encountering other spirits are actually quite low. If one really wants to search, they can seek help from the Spirit Alliance. Su Xin meeting Chu Qiu was pure coincidence – you could only say that predestined fate is truly a mysterious thing.

“Then just hold it in. I’ll be leaving here in a few days.”

It was October, almost November. If Su Xin went away to film, she wouldn’t be gone for more than a few months. Winter was approaching, temperatures were dropping everywhere, and some northern regions had already started snowing.

“Okay.”

Yangyang sat happily on the sofa, holding a potato chip. Su Xin went over and changed the channel for him to watch Detective Conan.

She was about to leave, and filming would take at least four or five months, which meant she might be away during the New Year. It mainly depended on the scheduling, though the director should be somewhat humane – maybe they’d get a few days off, or maybe not, who knows.

Bai Qianqian told her two days ago that she had successfully passed the audition for a supporting female role in a movie, earning the director’s recognition. She would be acting alongside big-name celebrities, with both the male and female leads being very powerful A-list stars.

Su Xin congratulated her. Bai Qianqian wasn’t just someone with looks but no talent – she was a hardworking girl who put in great effort. With good physical attributes and having been tempered by the entertainment industry over these years, she had become more grounded, unlike her initial restlessness.

Some people are just talented but haven’t met their opportunity. They might have bright spots that are buried or haven’t been deeply explored, just lacking that one chance to shine brilliantly. Once given that chance, they would radiate in their own domain.

Chu Qiu and Su Xin were like an old married couple, as if they had lived together for a long time, fitting together perfectly. Chu Qiu was busy with work, while Su Xin wanted freedom, usually sleeping as long as she wished.

The happiest thing in this world is opening your eyes in the morning and seeing your loved one beside you.

It wasn’t an intense love, but rather a rich, fragrant warmth that had been fermented in time.

This morning, Chu Qiu tried not to wake Su Xin when getting up, tucking her in properly – Su Xin always slept restlessly, liking to stick her legs out from under the covers.

After washing up, Chu Qiu would make breakfast. Sometimes the assistant would deliver breakfast, leaving the remainder covered on the table, along with a daily note.

Previously, she had been a workaholic, working as long as possible, taking all meals at the company, sometimes even sleeping there. She was the company’s acknowledged work demon, which motivated the employees – if the boss worked so hard, what right did they have to slack off?

Though she still worked hard, it wasn’t without moderation now. At lunch break, Chu Qiu would return home to cook. A dedicated assistant would have already bought ingredients – this was a part-time job for that assistant, earning some extra money monthly.

Now after eating together daily, Chu Qiu would take a short nap at home, then return to work in the afternoon, leave work on time, cook, take walks, bathe, make love.

Sometimes they would do nothing at night, just embrace intimately.

Their daily routines were very regular, and nourished by love, their complexions kept improving.

Rabbit felt numb inside every time she saw her smugly content superior.

She also wanted a gentle, cute, sensible, and lovable boyfriend she could hold in her palm. Why wasn’t that stinky tiger gentle at all? Well, of course – he’s a tiger, why would he be gentle? The rabbit felt sad.

Look how good the boss’s lover is, look how well-behaved the little hamster is – never opposing the boss! Never!

But that tiger? He’d be uncomfortable if they didn’t perform their love-hate drama daily. Who forced her to become such a drama queen? It was that stinky tiger. Moreover, because that tiger had climbed to a high position, there were many people trying to climb into his bed every day – it was absolutely tiger-exhausting.

“Hey, Tiger? It’s me, Rabbit. Let’s break up.”

“…I’ll make you a feast of carrots and vegetables when I get home today.”

“Okay.”

“So do you still want to break up with me?”

“If you want me not to break up with you, it’ll take two feasts of carrots and vegetables.”

“Alright, wait for me to come home.”

Rabbit hung up the phone, humming internally – sometimes that tiger could be gentle, cute, and holdable in one’s palm after all.

Chu Qiu returned home happily as usual today, but upon opening the door and not seeing her wife, her mood soured halfway.

“What are you doing at my home?”

“You’re back! Sister Ji Yu, have some water.”

Su Xin brought a glass of warm water to the woman sitting on the sofa.

This was the Mountain Chicken [pheasant] sister who had never appeared before her, though there were always rumors about her – today she finally saw her in person.

“She just arrived, just sat down when you came back. I’ve already prepared dinner.”

Su Xin went over very virtuously to take the groceries from Chu Qiu’s hands and place them on the dining table.

“Boss! After so many days, I finally see you!”

Ji Yu’s dramatic act came on instantly – her eyes reddened, voice choked up, as if about to cry.

And indeed, Ji Yu really wanted to cry.

Su Xin was pulled to sit down by Chu Qiu, who got a headache just looking at Ji Yu’s state, already imagining what kind of trouble awaited.

This Mountain Chicken’s ability to cause trouble was extraordinary, cleaning up after her was always troublesome, which was why her bonus deductions were always particularly heavy.

“Boss, this time you really can’t stand by and watch me die! You don’t know how pitiful I was these past few days!”

“When have I ever stood by? Just tell me directly – what trouble is it this time? Let me see how I can help. Explain the whole situation clearly from start to finish, don’t exaggerate the facts, and don’t be subjective, understand?”

Due to her special identity, Ji Yu couldn’t easily find a PR team, so she always came directly to trouble her boss.

This was Su Xin’s first close encounter with this scandal-prone actress who often appeared on screen. Even without the lighting and filters, she was indeed beautiful – well, she was a spirit after all. Staying up late didn’t affect her skin, she looked in great condition, wearing delicate makeup, not looking pitiful at all.

“It’s about that woman who wants to keep me as her mistress that I told you about on the phone last time.”

In the time that followed, the Mountain Chicken sister tearfully denounced that woman, her screen goddess image completely crumbling.

This was a story of ‘look up and see, heaven spares no one’.

The Mountain Chicken sister had been causing trouble in the entertainment circle for quite some time, but this time she truly deserved it. At an event, she encountered that business genius’s daughter in the bathroom. Being drunk and unable to see clearly, she accidentally bumped into the girl. Also being mentally unclear from drinking, she kept commenting on the girl’s makeup and clothes, even telling her how to dress more sensually and charmingly. That girl originally went for an androgynous professional style – what need was there for sensuality and charm?

The Mountain Chicken sister, whose intelligence was already lacking normally, was operating at an even greater deficit when drunk. Not satisfied with just commenting on the girl’s hairstyle and clothes, she actually started commenting on her figure. Speaking was one thing, but she even used her hands, groping around in a very sleazy manner.

Later, the Mountain Chicken sister only knew she’d gotten herself into trouble, and big trouble at that.

The girl she encountered and groped in the bathroom was actually a real estate tycoon, inheriting her father’s business, with an incredibly powerful background. Going back three generations, they were all well-established, with family elders in politics, counting as both nth-generation rich and second-generation officials – the type who could walk sideways [橫着走 | héng zhe zǒu | do whatever they want] in their circles without any problems.

Unfortunately, this real estate tycoon had an illness, a genuine mental illness. She particularly hated being touched by others, yet paradoxically craved closeness. Whenever anyone approached and touched her, whether family or stranger, she would uncontrollably attack them. This was a trauma from being kidnapped at age 15, which her family had no way to cure. But that day when the Mountain Chicken groped her body in the bathroom and she felt no rejection, she found new hope.

This young woman was actually very lonely inside, desperately craving normal human interaction and touch. Every time she had to shake hands during business activities, she had to exert extreme control over her entire body’s muscles. Fortunately, handshakes were usually just brief seconds, not enough to make her lose control.

“Boss, she’s a pervert! She wants to forcibly keep me as her mistress! When I refuse, she blocks my way everywhere! And every time she wants me to touch her! Even though her chest isn’t as big as mine but…!!!”

The Mountain Chicken sister was truly distressed. She never expected to encounter such a situation – it could only be blamed on drinking. She didn’t understand why someone would have such strange preferences – if you’re sick, go get treatment, why come out and harm others?

Chu Qiu and Su Xin listened to the whole story, both wearing contemplative expressions.

Chu Qiu could even somewhat mysteriously understand that girl’s feelings. No one could better understand the feeling of something long craved suddenly appearing before you. However, she was much luckier than that girl. Chu Qiu felt that even if the Mountain Chicken had been the one who could help her sleep well back then, she would still have chosen to endure that torment and pain alone – reject, absolutely reject.

“So this is how it started, because you drank too much and then did some things to that boss…”

“It’s not like I was completely unconscionable, right? We’re both women, what’s wrong with a little touching? I was wrong to throw up on her then, but I later paid for her clothes and apologized to her, but she really is sick!”

Ji Yu shuddered remembering that ice-block face. Why were there such unlovable girls in this world, always wearing a stern expression – did she think she was a moving iceberg? And then trying to cosplay as a CEO to forcibly keep her? Her worth was very high, okay? Even if that person was rich, she wouldn’t submit. She wanted freedom, wanted to live freely.

“Go stay in your room for now. I’ll help communicate and negotiate these matters with that person. Don’t worry, we’ll always stand on your side, whether in my personal capacity or in the name of the Spirit Alliance.”

Spirit Alliance Rule Number Three: Cannot privately harm humans. When there are disputes with humans, circumstances will be considered. If you’re in the right, tigers, leopards, snakes, and wolves will protect you, your extended family will support you without hesitation. If you’re in the wrong, you’ll face a violent storm.

“I don’t want to attend any activities for now, ah, including TV dramas or movies. I’ve been in this business for so long, I don’t care about fame anymore. Can I just stay at home and wait for death?”

“Take a break for a while.”

“Thank you, boss. Have a happy life, stay healthy! And I have one more question – why are you living at her house? I went to your villa several times but couldn’t find you, then had to pester Rabbit for a long time before finding out you were here.”

Rabbit ah… should consider whether her bonus needs to be deducted.

“What do you think?”

Chu Qiu kissed Su Xin’s forehead, and Su Xin calmly wiped off the saliva with the back of her hand.

“Ahhhhh! Goodbye, boss!”

Ji Yu immediately grabbed her handbag, practically fleeing through the door.

Could it be that Mountain Chicken sister was homophobic?

“I’ll go make dinner first. We’ll deal with her matters after we eat.”

“Okay.”

In fact, it wasn’t really her business.

During their walk, Chu Qiu made a phone call to that young woman, mostly listening, occasionally saying a few words.

“No matter how thoughtless she is, she’s still our child. If possible, I hope you can show mercy. You’ve made her very unhappy.”

Although Chu Qiu often complained about Ji Yu, that was only internally. After all, she would still consider her interests.

“I didn’t mean to make her unhappy, I just don’t know how to make her… I don’t know what to do anymore. If possible, I really want to keep her by my side. But all these days, I’ve been following her around, and she’s shown such an impatient attitude. I don’t want her to do anything, I just want her to… keep me company.”

The voice on the other end was anxious, with a sense of helplessness.

Having that person by her side made her feel less lonely. After age 15, she felt like she’d been walking alone on a dark road, unable to see light or touch her surroundings.

That feeling was really stifling – living in this world but having a barrier with everyone around. It wasn’t by choice, but she couldn’t overcome it.

“Do you act very forcefully in front of her?”

“Maybe, but that’s how I treat everyone. I didn’t intentionally target her…”

“Let me tell you this – she’s actually very timid and coward, but sometimes she’s very stubborn. You can’t appear too forceful in front of her. She’s the type who’s verbally tough, bad-tempered and self-righteous, but has a kind nature. If you want to get close to her properly, you need to make her feel guilty, appear vulnerable in front of her. Excessive harassment will only make people tired – no one likes feeling pressured step by step.”

Chu Qiu appeared very forceful in front of Ji Yu, not just because she was her superior, but also due to species advantage – that kind of pressure was something humans couldn’t give.

“I think I understand somewhat now, thank you.”

Chu Qiu hung up the phone and continued walking with Su Xin in the indoor garden of the residential complex.

The weather was too cold now to go outside in the wind.

“Boss, you’re being a bit hypocritical.”

“Hmm? How am I being hypocritical? With you, I’m clearly very honest.”

“You complain about her so much, but you’re actually very protective.”

“Well, she’s considered one of our own, right? I’m the type who’s only good to my own people. Others aren’t within my sphere of concern. You’re the one I care about most.”

Chu Qiu stopped walking, stood in front of Su Xin, and raised both hands to cup Su Xin’s face. She didn’t do anything else, just looked into Su Xin’s eyes very seriously.

“I know, Boss. Where did you max out your sweet-talking skills?”

“When I see you, every word I say to you is sweet talk. When facing you, it’s like I’ve said all the sweet nothings in the world.”

Sweet enough to be cloying.

“If I can’t make it back for New Year’s, you’ll come see me, right?”

“Of course. Have you thought about preparing a New Year’s gift for me?”

“Wow, it’s still months away and you’re already thinking about gifts.”

“Of course, benefits should be requested in advance.”

“Well then, I’ll start preparing something.”

“Whatever you give me, I’ll like it. Though giving yourself to me would be best of all.”

Su Xin smiled without saying anything.

In mid-November, Su Xin flew to another city.

“Remember to video call me every day. If I don’t see you for one day, I’ll feel awful.”

“How can someone be so clingy?”

“Me, that’s who.”

Chu Qiu kissed her little treasure, watching her walk away wearing a mask, with two assistants dutifully following beside her.

Rabbit stood behind her, eyes on nose, nose on mouth, mouth on heart, pretending to see nothing, acting like a wooden person, though internally cringing from all the mushiness.

When she dated Tiger, they weren’t this lovey-dovey, okay? Why could Boss and Little Hamster be so sticky every day without getting tired of it?

Following her principle of asking when there are questions, Rabbit asked her boss on the way back.

“How could two people get tired of being together all day? I wish I could stick with her 24 hours a day, see her face, her smile, hear her voice every minute and second.”

Rabbit: This is making me sick.

“Really? But when I’m with Tiger, if I see his face every day, I can’t help but…”

Rabbit coughed twice and stopped talking. Actually, if someone said they could stay with Tiger every day, she’d naturally be happy. It’s just that they were a quarrelsome couple, always arguing, but their feelings emerged through arguments – though those arguments weren’t really arguments, at most just bickering.

“I don’t know, it’s just a feeling. Maybe it’s fate? Before meeting her, I couldn’t imagine myself doing such things, pursuing someone so ardently, wanting to hold her in my arms every moment, as if we’d been separated for a very long time.”

Perhaps it wasn’t love at first sight, but a reunion after a long separation. Though they clearly hadn’t met before and had no previous connection, at the moment of embracing her, she had a feeling of having waited for so long, faintly hearing her heart sigh – it’s her.

Rabbit stayed silent, clearly having given up on this question. Why did it feel like Boss was still speaking sweet nothings from all 360 degrees without blind spots? Even she, who had a boyfriend, wanted to raise a banner to burn these love dogs!

After getting off the plane, Su Xin wrapped her scarf well and headed to her destination. The director had sent a driver to pick her up.

The climate here was much colder than where she had been staying. The current temperature was just a few degrees above zero, likely to drop to zero or below at any time. They chose to film at this time because most of the script’s plot takes place in autumn and winter, with only a small portion in spring and summer.

They weren’t filming all scenes at once; some would be shot later as supplementary scenes. The drama was planned to air during summer vacation, traditionally a good time for drama watching, as many shows choose this period for broadcasting due to high viewer traffic and ratings.

This drama focused on household and palace intrigue, without any substantially dangerous scenes like jumping off buildings, cliffs, or into rivers, so stunt doubles weren’t needed.

The female lead wasn’t particularly strong physically; her exceptional quality lay in her mind and the art of managing people. She remained rational, played her part well, with deep scheming – after all, she was an expert who had fought her way through the business world in her previous life. She could speak appropriately to anyone, reaching a peak of perfection. She showed charisma when needed and could cry on command when appearing weak was necessary.

This was different from the currently popular naive and sweet female leads. The whole story was about calculations – even while romancing the emperor, the protagonist was calculating, though not about feelings; she just didn’t fully trust and kept backup plans.

Su Xin actually quite admired such people who could think so extensively.

The world is like a chess game, calculating three moves ahead with each step.

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