When the Female Lead Becomes Obsessive – Chapter 217

Volume Ten: Those Few Years After She and I Broke Up

Repeating Past Mistakes

In this world, love is very free.

So when Wen Nuan said the word “ex-girlfriend,” people didn’t feel much resistance or contempt, but rather some bewilderment.

However, Zhai Yi helped them voice their confusion.

“If you like women, why do you still go on dates with men and spend their money?”

Wen Nuan spread her hands, her tone innocent. “When those men shove money in front of your eyes, tell you to spend it however you want, and say you don’t have to be responsible for anything because they just want you to be happy, tell me, would you take it or not?”

Zhai Yi: “…”

The audience: “…”

Suddenly, they understood her predicament.

They were giving her so much, who could possibly refuse?!

Zhai Yi let out a laugh and plucked a string on her bass. “You have a point. I’ve familiarized myself with the music sheet. Shall we try?”

Wen Nuan gripped the microphone. “Okay.”

“Twinkle, twinkle, little star; How I wonder what you are…”

The bass was deep and rich, and paired with Wen Nuan’s deep, magnetic, and lazy voice, it forcefully transformed a nursery rhyme into a lingering and sentimental love song.

Wen Nuan’s spoken English had a very American style. Her enunciation was very clear, yet when she sang, she deliberately slurred her words, giving off a feeling of wanting to hide yet still reveal¹.

A wave of old color batches² instantly flooded the bullet comments³, frequently posting things like “My phantom limb is hard!” “My xp⁴ just exploded!” “I’m feeling it!”

The color of the bullet comments all turned to yellow, exuding a thick air of impropriety.

A single nursery rhyme had baited out a pile of late-night old color batches. The old color batches frantically flooded Wen Nuan’s Weibo⁵, becoming her fans. People later dubbed this phenomenon “being fogged in the mind by lust”⁶.

Wen Nuan only sang one song. The bullet comments repeatedly sent “One more,” but she couldn’t see them.

Zhai Yi saw Wen Nuan stop. “Only one song?”

She hadn’t had her fill of playing; Wen Nuan’s voice was too perfect for her bass.

Wen Nuan kneaded her throat.

Zhai Yi asked, “Is your throat bothering you?”

Singing was taxing on the throat. For them, their throats had to be well-maintained.

Never mind smoking, even the temperature of the water they drank had to be controlled.

Wen Nuan shook her head. “No.”

“Want to go again?”

Zhai Yi thought Wen Nuan could only sing nursery rhymes, since they were catchy and had simple melodies.

“I can play other nursery rhymes too.”

“Not interested. You can practice by yourself. I’m leaving,” Wen Nuan yawned and turned to leave.

Zhai Yi didn’t insist. “Okay.”

Wen Nuan returned to her room and collapsed onto the bed.

She took out her phone, typed in a string of numbers, and her fingertip hovered over the dial button before she finally turned the phone off.

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Yi Jing watched the bullet comments in the livestream room. Ever since Wen Nuan mentioned her “ex-girlfriend,” many people felt that Wen Nuan and Zhai Yi were a great match. A smoky voice paired with a bass was simply a match made by heaven.

Moreover, Wen Nuan looked like a tsundere, flirty ‘shou’⁷, while Zhai Yi was a cold, domineering ‘gong’⁸. What a perfect pair.

Overnight, a CP Super Topic⁹ named “Nuan Yi”¹⁰ was quietly born.

After seeing Wen Nuan leave the practice room and return to her own room, Yi Jing shut down her computer.

She looked at the constantly vibrating phone on her desk. The caller ID read “Wen Xiuning”¹¹.

The call connected.

“Yi Jing, are you still working? Am I disturbing you?” Wen Xiuning asked gently.

Yi Jing glanced at the time: 11:30 PM.

She pressed her aching temples. “I’m about to go home.”

“Then how about I come pick you up from work?”

Yi Jing said, “Is there something you want to say to me?”

“Nothing,” Wen Xiuning’s tone held a hint of uncertainty and nervousness. “I just wanted to pick you up. Are you hungry? Want to go get some late-night snack¹²?”

“It’s too late.”

“Ah, sorry, I forgot you don’t eat late-night snack. Then I’ll just pick you up and take you home?”

Yi Jing glanced at the current talent show voting progress on her computer and said in a deep voice, “Okay.”

Wen Xiuning said joyfully, “Great, I’ll be there right away. Five minutes… ah, three minutes, and I’ll be there.”

“Mm.”

Yi Jing shut down her computer and stood up. She grabbed her bag from beside the desk. Her movement was a bit too large, and the corner of the bag hit the water cup on the edge of the desk.

Crash——

Yi Jing froze on the spot. Seeing the shards of the water cup on the floor, her pupils trembled.

She crouched down, picking up the shards piece by piece. Her movements were gentle, yet her fingertips were shaking.

The cup was of the cheapest kind, looking like something from a street stall or a free giveaway. The words “Happy Birthday,” already peeling, were printed on it. The white surface of the cup was covered in many scratches.

Now, having been heavily dropped on the floor, it seemed as if the shards had cracked along those very scratches.

Her phone rang. It was Wen Xiuning.

Yi Jing didn’t answer. She picked up the cup’s fragments, threw them into the trash can, and turned to leave the office.

Seeing that the call wasn’t answered, Wen Xiuning was just about to go upstairs to find her when he saw Yi Jing walking out.

He smiled and opened the passenger side door. “Careful.”

Yi Jing got in and nodded. “Thank you.”

Wen Xiuning closed the door, quickly got into the driver’s seat, and was about to fasten Yi Jing’s seatbelt for her, only to see that she had already done it herself.

He awkwardly retracted his hand and started the car. “Why do I feel like you’ve lost some weight?”

“Have you been working overtime these past few days?”

Yi Jing stared straight ahead. “It’s been alright.”

Wen Xiuning pursed his lips. “I know you started an entertainment company and have been busy with the talent show band recently, but you also need to pay more attention to your health.”

“Okay.”

“By the way, the day after tomorrow is the class reunion for the 18th graduating class of Jing Da’s¹³ School of Economics and Management. Do you want to go?”

Yi Jing lowered her eyelashes. “We’ll see.”

Wen Xiuning forced a smile. “Right, you’re so busy lately, you probably won’t have time to go. I can help you say hello to Professor Zheng¹⁴ then.”

Yi Jing glanced at Wen Xiuning. “Okay, thank you.”

“No need to thank me. Between you and me…” Wen Xiuning glanced at Yi Jing’s hands resting on her lap and awkwardly pulled his hand back. “There’s no need to say thank you.”

Yi Jing crossed her arms over her chest, listening to the traffic news on the radio.

A trace of loneliness flashed in Wen Xiuning’s eyes, his smile a bit dry. “The talent show you’re running has been really popular lately. A lot of people in my company are following it.”

“Is that so?”

“Mhm, many of them have downloaded the app to vote for their favorite contestants.”

Yi Jing’s brow twitched. “What about you?”

“What?”

“Have you voted?”

She raised her eyes to look at him. “Have you participated in the voting?”

Wen Xiuning gripped the steering wheel. “I’ve been following it.”

“Among the contestants, who do you have high hopes for?”

“Is my choice important to you?” he asked tentatively.

“Let’s hear it.”

Wen Xiuning stopped at an intersection, the red light flashing incessantly. “I like contestants with real skill. Someone like Zhai Yi is pretty good.”

Yi Jing nodded. “Mm.”

“Her bass skills are incredible. She’s even won international awards,” Wen Xiuning started the car, merging into the flow of traffic.

“Mm.”

“What about you? Are there any contestants you’ve taken a liking to?”

Yi Jing paused for a moment, then shook her head. “No.”

Wen Xiuning let out a soft breath. “Yi Jing’s standards are as high as ever.”

“Out of twenty contestants, not a single one has managed to catch your eye.”

Yi Jing’s residential complex was just ahead. Her company wasn’t far from her home, only about a half-hour walk, and even faster by car.

Wen Xiuning had come to pick her up specifically. Concern was one reason, sounding her out was the second.

“I’m almost there. If there’s anything else you want to ask, just say it directly,” Yi Jing couldn’t be bothered to listen to him beat around the bush any longer.

Wen Xiuning was taken aback. The car fell silent for a long time, until it stopped at the entrance to Yi Jing’s home.

He sighed. “I just wanted to ask you… how have you been considering the matter of our engagement?”

The fingertips gripping her bag paused slightly. Yi Jing said flatly, “What are you worried about?”

“A change of heart,” Wen Xiuning took a deep breath. “I know she’s back.”

Yi Jing’s eyes darkened. “I will not repeat past mistakes.”

She pushed the door open and got out of the car, her retreating figure looking utterly resolute.

Wen Xiuning watched Yi Jing walk into her building, then rubbed his face with both hands a few times before driving away.

Yi Jing closed the door and stood in the entryway, looking into the pitch-black interior of her home.

Her grandfather had wanted to hire a housekeeper for her to take care of her meals and daily needs, but she didn’t like having people near her, so she had refused her grandfather’s kind offer.

Yi Jing took off her shoes. She didn’t turn on the lights; her eyes could see in the dark.

She opened the liquor cabinet, took out a bottle of red wine, poured a full glass, and drank it all in one go.

Yi Jing let out a long sigh of relief. She took out her phone and dialed a number saved in her contacts. The call went to an unanswered tone.

She laughed self-deprecatingly, hung up the phone, and turned to go upstairs to rest.

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On the day of the evaluation, all the contestants were ready to go after drawing their performance order.

The first to go on stage was Zhai Yi, and the last was Wen Nuan.

Wen Nuan was sprawled lazily on the sofa, watching the monitor in front of her, which was showing Zhai Yi’s evaluation process.

Zhai Yi’s bass playing was very skillful, but it lacked a bit of emotion, which might have something to do with the fact that the girl had never been in a relationship.

Cong Hui’s keyboard playing was sick¹⁵. Her ten fingers danced rapidly across the keys, and her whole demeanor was frenetic.

An Siya played the electronic drums this time. The dazzling lights blinded Wen Nuan’s dog eyes¹⁶. She was usually so quiet and gentle, but when she played the drums, she was a surging torrent. It created a bit of gap moe¹⁷.

The other contestants’ performances were also quite good. Even the particularly pretentious Number 15’s classical dance had a lot of flavor.

When it was Wen Nuan’s turn, she stood in the center, facing the five judges before her.

“Contestant, have you prepared any talents?” The moment the judge saw Wen Nuan, his eyes lit up, and his smile became much gentler.

Wen Nuan shook her head sincerely. “No.”

The audience and contestants: “…”

Does she really not want to do this anymore?!

The judge’s smile froze on his lips. “Then what have you brought to us for this evaluation?”

Wen Nuan thought about it seriously. “Ornamental value.”

“Ornamental value?” The judge didn’t understand. “What do you mean? Is that your talent?”

Wen Nuan touched her own face. “Am I good-looking?”

The judge’s face flushed at the question. “Yes… yes, you are.”

“That’s ornamental value.”

The judge: “…”

It feels like you’re messing with me!?

“Do you have any other talents to display?” the judge thought for a moment. “Like singing?”

“I’d like to, but I went to bed late last night and got inflamed¹⁸, so my voice is hoarse,” Wen Nuan glanced at the title sponsor standing to the side and smiled faintly. “But I drank Throat-Soothing Treasure Liquid¹⁹ in time, and my throat feels much better now.”

The judge: “…”

On behalf of the title sponsor, we thank you for your support.

The audience: “…”

Is this really the time for you to be doing a commercial?!

The contestants: “…”

Fucking hell, we’re impressed!

The judge waved his hand. “Alright then, since you’ve finished your performance, you may go down and wait for the evaluation results.”

“Okay.”

The evaluation results would be announced in three days. The final score was weighted between the judges (30%) and public voting (70%) to determine who would advance.

Wen Nuan watched those three people occupy her open-air balcony like a turtledove in a magpie’s nest²⁰, while she could only resign herself to her bed, looking at her trending topics on Weibo.

She had a lot of private messages, most of them cursing her out. She couldn’t be bothered to deal with them, but surprisingly, there was even a private message from her old class president.

Wen Nuan added the class president on WeChat²¹ and learned that there was a class reunion tomorrow. He asked if she wanted to come.

Wen Nuan thought for a moment and replied with an “Okay.”

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Contestants were not allowed to go out privately during the talent show period. In special circumstances, they needed to ask the director for leave. Wen Nuan stated her reason, and the director easily let her go. From the director’s expression, Wen Nuan seemed to sense a “you’re never coming back” kind of emotion.

Looks like my fifty-thousand-yuan compensation is in the bag, Wen Nuan thought.

The class reunion was at Jinxiu Jiuzhuang²² on the east side of the city. She heard that this was a reunion for all the students from the 18th graduating class of the School of Economics and Management, so a large venue was chosen to accommodate the high number of attendees.

Wen Nuan used the QR code sent by the class president to scan her way into the venue. Her attire was completely out of place at this gathering.

A white t-shirt, black pants, a pair of canvas shoes, and a baseball cap.

Everyone else was either in Western-style suits and leather shoes or haute couture gowns. At the very least, they were wearing current season clothes and bags from high-end brands. At a glance, the pretense they were all putting on was quite grand.

Not only was Wen Nuan’s attire eye-catching, but her face was also impossible to ignore, because she had been in the limelight recently.

When the class president saw Wen Nuan arrive, he immediately greeted her with a smile. “Wen Nuan, you’re here.”

“Yeah,” Wen Nuan casually took a glass of wine from a passing waiter’s tray and took a sip. “Isn’t this a class reunion today?”

The class president nodded. “Yeah, what’s wrong?”

“Then why is everyone dressed so formally? It’s making me a little embarrassed.”

Everyone paused and curled their lips.

That’s because you’re too casual.

The class president gave an awkward laugh. “It’s been a long time since the classmates have seen each other, so of course they have to dress up to look pretty and handsome. Unlike you, who looks good no matter how you dress.”

Wen Nuan smiled. “Class president, you truly live up to your title. Such a sweet talker.”

“Hehe, go ahead and have fun. I’m going to go see the professors.”

“Mm, you’re busy, don’t mind me.” Wen Nuan popped a cherry into her mouth and, seeing others frequently looking at her, said, “What? You need something from me?”

Everyone’s expression faltered, and they turned their heads away.

No one wanted to clash with Wen Nuan. After all, they had seen the livestream and knew about her antics in the talent show. The nickname “Xiao Dui Dui”²³ wasn’t for nothing.

“Well, well, isn’t this the recently famous superstar Wen?”

Wen Nuan followed the voice. An old acquaintance.

Back in school, Fang Meihuan always loved to show off in front of her, flaunting how rich and powerful she was.

Wen Nuan paid her no mind. But because all the boys Fang Meihuan liked, liked Wen Nuan instead, Fang Meihuan was jealous, hateful, and envious. She always deliberately provoked Wen Nuan and picked fights.

And here she was again, trying to get attention.

“Isn’t this Huanhuan? Long time no see, huh.” Wen Nuan speared a piece of kiwi and ate it.

Every time Fang Meihuan heard Wen Nuan call her Huanhuan, she felt like she was being called a dog.

“You’ve already become a big star sought after by everyone, so why are you still dressed so shabbily?” Fang Meihuan reacted for a moment, then suddenly covered her mouth. “Ah, I forgot. You’re not a big star sought after by everyone, you’re a compensated dating girl²⁴ reviled by everyone, hahaha…”

Fang Meihuan’s clique also joined her in mocking Wen Nuan. The other onlookers were happy to watch the drama unfold.

Wen Nuan peeled a banana, smiling cheerfully at Fang Meihuan. “You may continue.”

“…” Fang Meihuan felt like she was being mocked by Wen Nuan, and her face flushed with anger. “You actually have the face to keep eating? If you ask me, a bitch like you will never make her debut!”

Wen Nuan nodded with an air of gravity. “You’re right.”

“…” Fang Meihuan was choked up and blurted out, “Wen Nuan, are you sick in the head?”

Wen Nuan shook her head. “I was first in every grade-level exam.”

She suddenly covered her mouth. “Oh, I forgot, it seems you were also first in every exam.”

The crowd couldn’t help but stifle their laughter.

One was first in the grade, the other was last. Was there even a comparison to be made?

“You—” Fang Meihuan was furious. She threw the red wine in her hand at Wen Nuan. “Go to hell!”

Wen Nuan dodged with a swift movement and said smugly, “Aha, you missed. Aren’t you mad?”

She saw Fang Meihuan frozen in place, a look of disbelief on her face, her eyes frantic and nervous, as if she had seen a living ghost²⁵.

The others also looked behind her with apprehension.

Wen Nuan turned around, bewildered, and saw Yi Jing standing before her in a white dress, a conspicuous red wine stain on her chest.

She was looking at Fang Meihuan with a grim expression, seemingly not noticing Wen Nuan beside her.

“The young lady of Fangshi Manufacturing Corporation²⁶, Fang Meihuan, is it?” Yi Jing’s tone was indifferent.

Even before Yi Jing had been officially recognized and returned to her family, Fang Meihuan had been intimidated by her. Now that Yi Jing had become the successor to the Feili Group and the person in power of the Tan family, her fear of her was even more profound.

Fang Meihuan trembled. “Yes… it’s me.”

Yi Jing took the tissue Wen Xiuning handed her, raised her eyes, and said in a glacial voice, “You have greatly disappointed me. I will need to reconsider my collaboration with the Fang Corporation.”

“Please… d-don’t,” Fang Meihuan pleaded in agony. “President Yi… I know I was wrong…”

They were all alumni from the same class. How could she have forgotten that Wen Nuan was the person on the tip of Yi Jing’s heart?!

Fang Meihuan felt utterly helpless, struggling and begging for Yi Jing to give her another chance.

If the Fang Corporation couldn’t collaborate with Feili this time, it would go bankrupt.

Yi Jing took a glass of red wine from nearby and poured it onto the hem of Fang Meihuan’s floor-length skirt.

Her expression was icy and weary as she said coldly, “You’ve soiled Feili’s clothes by wearing them.”

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The author has something to say:

I’ll give you all a double update tomorrow. Thank you for all the encouragement, my little dears. No—no need for thanks, lest I delay your reading.

Thank you all again for your encouragement and comments. I’ll give you all a bit more for the double update in this world.

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