The Bai Family.
When Bai Qionglan heard that Ling'er's brother-in-law also had a jade pendant similar to hers, she was completely baffled.
Huh? Why would the other half be with Ling'er's brother-in-law?
Shouldn't it be with Xiao Lin? The reason Bai Qionglan was so confused actually traces back to when her mother gave her the jade pendant years ago...
Her late mother had once said that whoever possessed the other half of the jade pendant would be her destined soulmate.
They were destined to become lovers in the future!
But suddenly, her father mentioned that she actually had a marriage contract, and the person named in it was Xiao Lin!
Moreover, the other party was said to have the other half of the jade pendant!
At the banquet that day, her older brother confirmed this, making it clear that she and Xiao Lin were engaged.
So, Bai Qionglan instinctively assumed that the jade pendant must be with Xiao Lin, even though she hadn't seen it herself.
As she grew older, she realized that she didn't want to become someone's partner just because of some mysterious jade pendant.
But... what's going on now?
The person named in the marriage contract is Xiao Lin, but the one with the jade pendant is Gu Yan??
Bai Qionglan's mind was in chaos.
Wait, let me sort this out.
Gu Yan is Ling'er's brother-in-law, the husband of the legendary Leng Qingqiu.
And since the jade pendant is with Gu Yan, according to her mother's dying words, the possessor of the pendant is her destined soulmate, fated to become her lover.
Which means... she would become Gu Yan's wife? So, she would become the sister-in-law of Leng Ling'er?
But what about Leng Qingqiu?
And Gu Yan is also her older brother's friend!
Bai Qionglan clutched her head, feeling utterly overwhelmed.
Ahhhhhh!!!! I don't want this!!!!
This is too terrifying!! Even if my sexual orientation isn't conventional, I know this situation is way too extreme!!!
Why is this kind of manga and novel plot happening to me? Is Gu Yan the type to have a harem?
Am I... going to become one of Gu Yan's harem members?
Is he trying to become the king of harems?
Or is it my fate to steal Gu Yan away from Leng Qingqiu, Ling'er's sister?
No way!! We NTR enthusiasts just joke about this stuff! I could never actually do it!!
Even Ling'er wouldn't actually take action, right?!
Leng Ling'er, seeing Bai Qionglan caught in a mental storm, looked concerned. "Qionglan, what's wrong?"
"If you're not okay with it, I won't take it..."
She started to hand the jade pendant back to Bai Qionglan.
But!
"No! Wait!"
Bai Qionglan immediately stopped Leng Ling'er, grabbing her hand.
She stared intently at Ling'er, and when the latter's expression turned slightly odd, she slowly said, "Ling'er... I don't want this pendant anymore. I'm giving it to you!"
Huh?
Leng Ling'er was stunned. Giving it... to me?
Just like that?
Out of nowhere?
"This... this doesn't seem right," Leng Ling'er hesitated, reluctant to take something so valuable from someone else. After all, according to that loser Gu Yan, the pendant was quite precious. She thought Bai Qionglan was giving it to her out of their close friendship.
"No! It's perfect, Ling'er!"
Bai Qionglan shook her head vigorously, then clasped Leng Ling'er's hand tightly around the pendant.
She then flashed a smile, as if she had everything figured out. "Ling'er, listen to me. When you go back, give this pendant to your brother-in-law."
"Tell him it's a thank-you gift for saving me at the KTV that time!"
"Besides, this pendant of mine is very likely the matching piece to the one he has."
"If your brother-in-law doesn't want to repair or restore it, then he can give it to your sister! They'll each have one—isn't that meaningful?"
Leng Ling'er thought about it. Could it really work like that?
But upon further reflection, hey! This could actually be a great way to strengthen the bond between her sister and that loser Gu Yan.
Why not give it a try!
So, Leng Ling'er took the pendant and happily hugged Bai Qionglan. "Qionglan, you're the best!"
"Hehe, what are best friends for? No need to thank me!"
Bai Qionglan hugged her back, smiling brightly.
She mentally patted herself on the back.
Great!
Finally, she got rid of that pendant!!
Now she was free from its constraints!
A win-win situation, absolutely perfect!
In high spirits, Bai Qionglan and Leng Ling'er continued their leisurely afternoon together.
......
........
Time passed slowly.
It was now afternoon.
At the Leng Family residence.
In the walk-in closet.
Leng Qingqiu's face was slightly flushed, her clothes noticeably wrinkled from being tugged.
She pressed a finger to Gu Yan's lips and whispered, "Alright, any more than this would be impolite. Besides, we need to pick up Ling'er."
After thoroughly absorbing the "Gu Yan essence," Leng Qingqiu finally felt satisfied.
She was certain that for today, and perhaps many days to come, she wouldn't feel the slightest urge to be affectionate with Gu Yan.
Even the sinister tome in her mind let out a muffled whine of being too full.
Digesting this energy would take a lot of time and effort.
After absorbing the "Qingqiu energy," Gu Yan also looked radiant and content.
He was sure that for today, at least, he wouldn't feel the need to be affectionate with Qingqiu.
Tomorrow was another story, but he'd deal with that tomorrow.
He nodded, gently taking Leng Qingqiu's hand. "Alright, I'll listen to you, Qingqiu."
"Hmph... if you really listened to me, you wouldn't have suddenly done something like this."
Leng Qingqiu snorted, then added a warning. "I'm telling you, I really need to focus on studying for the next few days. Don't come to the Leng Family just to do this kind of thing!!"
Having absorbed too much at once, she needed time to properly digest it.
Gu Yan quickly assured her, "It's just that you're too captivating, Qingqiu..."
"But don't worry, I have some things to take care of too, so I might not bother you for a few days."
The family annual meeting was coming up soon, and he needed to prepare for it.
But with today's dose of Qingqiu energy, he was confident he could hold out for a few days!
Hearing this, Leng Qingqiu felt a little displeased.
I just told you not to come to the Leng Family just for this kind of thing, not that you shouldn't come at all!
What's that supposed to mean?
She pulled her hand away and coldly snorted, "Oh! You should go pick up Ling'er now!"
With that, Leng Qingqiu tossed her hair and left the walk-in closet.
Leaving behind a confused Gu Yan. Wait, what?
Why is she suddenly mad?
If I bother her, she gets upset.
If I don't bother her, she still gets upset.
Gu Yan took a deep breath.
But honestly!
This side of Qingqiu is just so adorable!!
I love it!!
He quickly called out to Leng Qingqiu's retreating figure, "Qingqiu, I love you so much! I'll come back as soon as I'm done!"
Not far away, Leng Qingqiu paused for a moment.
Her eyelashes fluttered, and she bit her lip softly, murmuring, "Idiot..."
Then, with a faint smile, she happily walked into the study.
To achieve her revenge and prepare for what's to come, she needed to quickly improve her skills.