Chapter 38: Pretending to be poor, rich second generation (7)

Upon hearing this, Pei Qing’s face initially stiffened, but he quickly realized its significance. Tong Ling mentioning her lover to him indicated that she no longer considered him an outsider. Otherwise, why would she casually reveal such a private matter?

Moreover, Pei Qing had long been aware that the woman he loved already had a lover. If he truly cared about it, he wouldn’t have allowed that man to remain by her side. He hadn’t even bothered investigating who the other man was, as his sole focus from the beginning was winning over this woman.

Composing himself, Pei Qing feigned innocent curiosity and asked, “Why bring up your lover suddenly?”

Seeing no unusual reaction from Pei Qing, Tong Ling felt further satisfied with him internally.

“I believe our relationship has reached a point where it’s time to formally establish some boundaries,” Tong Ling said earnestly. “I don’t want to hide this from you; keeping silent would be unfair.”

M577 opened its mouth, dumbfounded: [Host, how do you manage to sound so confidently justified when discussing something so morally questionable?]

Tong Ling chuckled softly to the system, “It’s a natural talent; you can’t learn it.”

Exasperated, m577 replied, [I wasn’t complimenting you…]

However, Pei Qing responded with a relieved smile, “The fact that you agreed to be pursued by me and stay together is already more than I could have hoped for.”

Tong Ling seemed slightly taken aback, “Don’t you think this makes me quite despicable? Despite having someone else, I still…”

“It was I who approached you, and I initiated the pursuit. How could it be your fault?” Pei Qing embraced her gently. “I know it isn’t your wrongdoing. As long as you don’t harbor deep feelings for that lover, I won’t prevent your interactions…”

Now utterly astonished, m577 exclaimed, [What is he saying?! Is he accepting the idea of sharing you with another?]

m577’s worldview was shattered completely. Initially, it had felt sympathy towards Pei Qing due to his disability, but now all it could think was—what a clown it had been itself!

“Too disturbing, just too disturbing…” m577 muttered incessantly, “No wonder they say disabled bosses are often twisted. On the surface, Pei Qing seems normal, but deep down, he fundamentally lacks a healthy perspective on relationships!”

“As a system program, why do you care so much about human relationship norms?” Tong Ling asked curiously.

“It’s not aligned with societal values and risks being deemed inappropriate,” m577 exclaimed, “Only one romantic relationship at a time is typically allowed for any given period!”

“Don’t worry, I’m very harmonious.” Tong Ling flipped through the plot to check: “According to the storyline, it won’t be long before I can break up with the male lead.”

Due to Pei Qing’s irresistible charm, Tong Ling continued engaging playfully with him for quite some time.

From that day forward, during the daytime, Tong Ling would accompany Pei Qing at his private residence. With dedicated managers handling company affairs, both she and Pei Qing could work remotely without many pressing tasks. At night, Tong Ling returned to her rented apartment but no longer played games with Pei Jing; they had fallen into a cold war, often ending conversations abruptly on sour notes after only a few words.

Pei Jing was unaware of where his girlfriend went at night. While it was true that she no longer made demands on him, he found his insomnia worsening significantly.

After becoming accustomed to playing games relentlessly every night, Pei Jing’s body automatically became aroused at those specific times. Previously, with his girlfriend by his side, he could always find timely relief. However, now that they were arguing and she had completely abandoned these activities, even attempting self-relief felt futile for Pei Jing.

It was as if his body no longer belonged to him.

Despite stopping the tonic intake and forcing himself to sleep each night, he would still lie wide awake until dawn. The following day brought renewed exhaustion, leading to growing anxiety and panic. Unable to break free from this lifestyle, one evening, Pei Jing humbly pleaded with his girlfriend, “Don’t go out tonight, stay here with me. Let’s be like before; I’ll do everything you say.”

Tong Ling gave him a cold glance, “Have you calmed down?”

Pei Jing nodded incessantly, “I’ve calmed down.”

Pei Jing knew this lifestyle was unhealthy, and his mental state was deteriorating rapidly. Yet, there was nothing he could do—he truly couldn’t help it.

When his girlfriend was around, things seemed manageable; he would feel more relaxed. But without her presence, he became anxious and unsettled. Whenever his girlfriend stayed away the entire night, leaving him alone in bed, the physical dissatisfaction exacerbated his emotional imbalance.

He started frequently texting his girlfriend, asking what she was doing. Every night, he would wait for her to return home, regardless of how late she might be, always preparing meals for them. He hoped they could regain their previous state, at least… at least not like now, where they barely exchanged words.

“Your complexion looks terrible,” Tong Ling said, refusing Pei Jing’s request. “Don’t even think about playing games tonight; your body can’t handle it.”

Pei Jing hastily responded, “I can manage, I want you. Lingling, please help me…”

“No,” Tong Ling’s tone was firm. “With you like this, I dare not touch you.”

In frustration, Pei Jing tugged at his hair, “You’ve made me this way, yet you refuse to take responsibility. What exactly do you want me to do for you to forgive me?”

“Pei Jing, I think you should see a doctor,” Tong Ling offered a rare piece of well-intentioned advice. “Your mental state is clearly not right.”

“It’s because of who? Because of you!” Pei Jing abruptly embraced his girlfriend, eyes red as he exclaimed, “You’ve made my body unable to function without you! It’s you who turned me into this!”

With a loud slap, Pei Jing stumbled.

“Who allowed you to touch me!” Tong Ling retreated several steps, looking at Pei Jing as if he were a deranged individual on the verge of committing a crime. “I’ve already said no means no, stay away from me!”

Pei Jing’s eyes turned red as he protested, “You’re my girlfriend, why shouldn’t it be okay? Why must I unconditionally satisfy your desires whenever you want, yet when I desire something, you refuse even that?”

“You’re becoming truly terrifying.” Tong Ling grabbed her purse and swiftly turned to leave. “It seems I shouldn’t have come back. Let’s talk again once you’ve had some clarity.”

Even m577 was startled by the male lead’s behavior. Initially, he was just a resentful partner; how did he suddenly escalate into someone teetering on criminal tendencies? [What happened to him? Isn’t it just about not playing the game? Is it really enough to drive him to such extremes?]

“His body is addicted now, combined with being isolated in this oppressive environment, constantly fixated on one person alone - his mind has deteriorated,” Tong Ling expressed with disgust. “He’s far too fragile mentally; he couldn’t handle it even after such a short time without the game.”

In a trembling voice, m577 asked, 【What more do you intend to do? The male lead is already like this, what can he possibly expect next?】

“Isn’t there a storyline where the female protagonist can heal him?” Tong Ling recited from the original plot to the system: “Pei Jing meets the protagonist, Mu Rongrong, and becomes captivated by her pure and innocent aura. Under Mu Rongrong’s care, he gradually heals from his failed romance.”

“A failed romance - did you notice the plot hint? The relationship between Pei Jing and me is destined to fail,” Tong Ling argued convincingly. “With the male lead like this, isn’t it perfect for the female protagonist to step in and heal him?”

“Of course, personally, I would recommend that he seeks professional help from a doctor.”

Silently, m577 produced its prop cigarette: ”…Bell Sister, want one?”

A few days later, feeling the timing was right, Tong Ling sent a message to Pei Jing, stating she would return home that evening.

Then, holding onto Pei Qing, she revealed her decision: “I don’t intend to continue my relationship with that lover anymore.”

Although Pei Qing didn’t particularly mind Tong Ling having a lover, hearing her words still brought him joy. “Why? Did something go wrong with your lover?”

“How terrifying.” Tong Ling shuddered slightly. “He’s become too obsessed with me.”

Tong Ling showed Pei Qing her phone’s messaging screen, “He bombards me with messages every day, constantly trying to cling to me. Initially, I was with him out of pity and even supported his expenses… but he has changed so drastically…”

Pei Qing furrowed her brows deeply, asking, “Do you need me to handle this?”

“No.” Tong Ling hastily shook her head, “He’s also quite pitiable.”

Sighing, Tong Ling explained, “His family is impoverished, and his grandmother is seriously ill. If not for my support, his life would undoubtedly be very艰辛.

“Recently, perhaps seeing that I haven’t visited him, he might have feared abandonment, leading to such extreme behavior. I will talk things through calmly with him and provide some money for his grandmother’s treatment. This way, we can part amicably without any issues…”

Pei Qing gently stroked Tong Ling’s hair, saying, “How can you be so kind? He’s just a lover; there’s no need to worry excessively about him.”

“Can you arrange for someone to drive me back tonight?” Tong Ling asked, “When the time comes, stay inside the car without getting out. If anything happens, I’ll ask for your help; otherwise, please wait for me…”

Of course Pei Qing wouldn’t refuse; even without Tong Ling mentioning it, he would ensure her safety diligently.

Later that night, upon receiving Tong Ling’s message, Pei Jing stood by the window gazing into the distance.

To be ready at the first sight of his girlfriend, his eyes remained fixed on the street corner below, not blinking once.

As a limited-edition Maserati approached their building, Pei Jing instantly perked up.

He knew well that his girlfriend, being a young mistress, frequently changed cars. In this remote area, only she would arrive in such a luxurious vehicle to their rented apartment.

His girlfriend stepped out with her usual graceful demeanor. Just as Pei Jing was about to rush to the door to greet her, he noticed her speaking towards the rear car window. Suddenly, the window rolled down, and a hand emerged.

A man’s hand.

The hand affectionately caressed his girlfriend’s cheek, eliciting a sweet smile from her…

Boom—

Pei Jing felt a sudden dizziness, gripping onto the wall for support. The burning sensation flared up again, searing through his chest with intense pain. After gasping for breath, he struggled to regain composure.

It all became clear to him now.

He now understood why his girlfriend wouldn’t come home at night and why she rejected his affections.

His former girlfriend had adored him deeply, constantly clinging to him every day. How could her feelings suddenly vanish without any reason?

It dawned on him… She must have found someone else! No wonder she didn’t want him anymore, no wonder she grew distant!

The pain of betrayal, combined with the physical and emotional torment he endured recently, pushed Pei Jing to the brink of collapse.

Struggling to suppress these negative emotions, he patiently waited for his girlfriend’s return.

Pei Jing knew he couldn’t live without her, so he decided to give her a chance. If she treated him as before, he would pretend nothing happened and forgive her transgressions…

When Tong Ling returned to their rental unit, she saw Pei Jing waiting for her at the door. Upon noticing her, Pei Jing forced a smile, clearly struggling to maintain it. His pallid complexion suggested he might faint at any moment.

Even m577 felt sympathy witnessing this: [“So pitiful, truly pitiful. Look how much strain the male lead is under…”]

“You see how ruthless these small-world plots can be,” Tong Ling said helplessly. “If not for completing tasks, I wouldn’t want to harm anyone.”

m577: […]

It was truly tired of repeating the words ‘heart-wrenching’ over and over!

“Welcome back, would you like to eat?” Pei Jing asked as usual.

“I returned today because there’s something important I need to discuss with you.” Tong Ling walked towards the table, gesturing for Pei Jing to sit down so they could have a proper conversation.

Pei Jing served Tong Ling a bowl of rice. “Eat first, I made your favorite dishes - everything is freshly warmed up.”

“I didn’t come back just for dinner.” Without wasting any time, Tong Ling got straight to the point, “Let’s break up.”

“You said… what?” Pei Jing’s lips trembled, “I must have misheard, right? Lingling, you wouldn’t do this to me…”

“In truth, our relationship hasn’t been much different from being broken up already,” Tong Ling spoke calmly. “I believe there’s no need to continue a relationship that exists only in name, devoid of substance.”

Pei Jing clenched his fists tightly. “Are you determined to break up no matter what?”

“Yes,” Tong Ling replied without hesitation. “I’m here to inform you that I won’t be returning anymore. The rent is paid for a full year, so if you wish, you can continue living here.”

“Oh right,” Tong Ling pulled out a bank card and placed it in front of Pei Jing. “Considering the time you spent with me, take this as compensation for your services. Isn’t your grandmother ill? This money should cover her medical expenses.”

However, Pei Jing couldn’t absorb any of Tong Ling’s words. He recalled the car and the man’s hand within it, accusingly stating, “You’ve found someone else behind my back. You have another man now.” Pei Jing raised his head, filled with resentment, and demanded, “What do you see in him? Is he more obedient or better than me?

“Do you spend nights at his place? Can he give you attention all night long and even play with toys just for you?”

Tong Ling responded bluntly, “I don’t need him to do those things.”

“Don’t need?” Pei Jing nearly burst out laughing, “Am I not aware of what you enjoy playing with?”

“I genuinely don’t need my boyfriend to do those things,” Tong Ling replied. “He’s different from you; our relationship is based on equality. My personal interests shouldn’t be imposed upon him.”

“What do you mean ‘he’s different from me’? You call him your boyfriend? We haven’t even broken up yet, and you’ve already found someone new?” Pei Jing’s trembling intensified, now affecting his entire body. “I am your boyfriend! That man at most can only be considered a third wheel!”

“Is he seducing you somehow? How did you two meet? Doesn’t that lowly man know I’m already in your life?”

As Pei Jing thought about the man who had stolen his girlfriend’s affection, anger surged through him, causing every organ to ache.

Tong Ling realized it was time to deliver her lines, following the original script of the cannon fodder minor female character: “The reason is quite simple - he has more money than you.”

“You’re cared for by me every day, with no burdens or pressures. Meanwhile, I have to go out and work, earning a living. When others pursue me, showering attention and gifts, how could I not be moved? Compare how they treat me versus how you do.”

“Money?” Pei Jing couldn’t help but laugh at this justification. “You actually care about wealth?”

His girlfriend was from a wealthy aristocratic family; did she truly care about money? Was this excuse just to tease him?

“Who said people can’t value money?” Tong Ling stated firmly, “I love money!”

“You’ve made up your mind to break up with me?” Pei Jing asked, “For the sake of… money?”

“That’s right,” Tong Ling replied.

“No matter how I plead, you won’t change your mind?” Pei Jing made one final attempt.

Tong Ling gave him a resolute look.

Under mounting pressure, Pei Jing’s emotions finally shattered. He burst out laughing for several moments before flinging away the bowl and chopsticks in his hands. With a cold expression, he declared, “Fine! Fine! If you’re willing to treat me like this for money, don’t regret it!”

Did Tong Ling not adore wealth? As the young master of the Pei family, Pei Jing swore that he could both support her or withdraw his assistance at will!

Her foreign grandfather, a nobleman in Country F, couldn’t possibly influence domestic business developments here. Once Pei Jing found a way to acquire Tong Ling’s company, he would then reveal his true identity to her. He doubted she would maintain such an attitude towards him after that revelation!

In Tong Ling’s eyes, their social statuses were unequal, but he intended to make them equal!

No, he would make this woman bend to her knees and lower her head, ensuring she obediently returns to his side, repenting for everything she has done!

Initially, Tong Ling braced herself for the male lead’s potential immediate retaliation, but surprisingly, he managed to suppress it without causing much trouble for her.

Pei Jing’s expression shifted rapidly, clearly indicating some nefarious scheme brewing within him. However, Tong Ling ignored him, packed her belongings, and left the shared apartment.

The cohabitation plotline had been successfully completed; now, it was up to the female protagonist to take over.

Meanwhile, Mu Rongrong continued working as a clueless junior employee at a company.

From a young age, luck seemed to favor her immensely. Whenever there were exams, the questions she studied invariably appeared on the test papers, enabling her to effortlessly graduate from prestigious schools. During job interviews, the assessors often turned out to be close seniors she knew from college, which facilitated her smooth entry into the company where she comfortably settled in.

“In the novel, the female protagonist finds the destitute male lead, helps and cares for him, leading eventually to their grand wedding once he regains his status…” Mu Rongrong mused enviously, “Will I encounter my own male lead someday…?”