Play with My Emotions, I Dare You

"Honey~ Have you stopped liking me?" Zhou Qiao'er said, tears streaming down her face like broken pearls. "I was just talking to you, and you completely ignored me. It hurts so much, boo-hoo..."

Seeing Zhou Qiao'er's tear-streaked face, Tang Ao's heart softened:

[Qiao'er, you're confused. What man wouldn't be charmed by a girl like you!?]

[I didn't mean to ignore you. It's just that I was overwhelmed by everything that just happened. Qiao'er, you deserve better. There's no need to cling to me!]

[As for the storyline... I'll find a way to take on your role as the ultimate villain myself!]

With that thought, Tang Ao pulled his arm out of Zhou Qiao'er's embrace and said coldly, "Zhou Qiao'er, we're both adults here. Can't you see for yourself whether I like you or not?"

"We might have had some close moments, but those were all because you came onto me. And you too, Li Shiyun, listen up. I'm not some gentleman. One day, when I get tired of you, you'll have nowhere to cry!"

Li Shiyun, however, only felt more confident and happy upon hearing Tang Ao's words. She tightened her grip on his arm and playfully stuck out her tongue at Zhou Qiao'er.

In her eyes, Tang Ao and Zhou Qiao'er's relationship was more of an arrangement made by their parents, while she had a legitimate, written marriage contract with Tang Ao!

Tang's mother had already made it clear that they wouldn't force Tang Ao to marry anyone. Happiness had to be earned!

As for Zhou Qiao'er, her pride was only temporary. Although Tang Ao seemed to have some feelings for her, Zhou Qiao'er couldn't hear his inner thoughts like Li Shiyun could!

Tang Ao had clearly rejected Zhou Qiao'er, and tomorrow, at her birthday party, Tang Ao would meet her parents!

Even though Zhou Qiao'er had already come to the Tang family, Tang Ao had never formally met her family.

But with Li Shiyun, it was different. She had already officially met Tang Ao's parents today, and tomorrow, he would meet her parents and all the elders. The advantage was clearly on her side!

Using gaming terminology, Li Shiyun felt she was in a "dragon-riding" position—an overwhelming advantage that made victory almost guaranteed.

But to both Tang Ao's and Li Shiyun's surprise, after hearing Tang Ao's cold words, Zhou Qiao'er didn't get angry. Instead, she smiled. "Tang Ao, I, Zhou Qiao'er, swear to the heavens, I won't marry anyone but you. To me, you're the best in the world!"

Her bold declaration left both Tang Ao and Li Shiyun momentarily stunned.

Then, Zhou Qiao'er added an even bolder statement:

"Tang Ao, are you scared? If you're going to play with my emotions, then do it! Go ahead! I'd be happy to let you!"

Li Shiyun, not to be outdone, quickly added, "Me too!"

[But why!?]

[Any normal woman would have slapped me in the face and called me a scumbag after hearing what I just said!]

[Why are Zhou Qiao'er and Li Shiyun acting like this? This is completely against the norm!]

Just then, Li Shiyun received a text message from one of her colleagues, asking if she really intended to resign.

After reading the message, Li Shiyun suddenly remembered that her resignation letter was still scattered on the floor outside her boss's office...

Oh no!

She had acted impulsively and hadn't thought it through. If her resignation got approved in a moment of anger, that would be a huge problem!

If she really did resign, she wouldn't be able to personally bring those thugs who caused Tang Ao to jump to justice. And besides, her marriage contract stated that she had to be a police officer to be with Tang Ao!

With that realization, Li Shiyun quickly said her goodbyes to Tang Ao, pretending to be calm as she walked out of sight. Then, she sprinted to her car and raced back to the police station.

Watching Zhou Qiao'er's eyes, which were filled with affection for him, Tang Ao let out a long sigh.

He knew that Zhou Qiao'er's heart was now entirely his, and no matter what he said, she wouldn't be willing to leave him.

[Well, let's take it one step at a time...]

[As long as I can keep the storyline from collapsing, I swear I'll do my best to protect you!]

[I really don't get it. What's so great about me that Zhou Qiao'er and Li Shiyun are so deeply in love with me? I've always acted rudely and obnoxiously, haven't I?]

Zhou Qiao'er gently covered her mouth, trying not to let out a laugh.

Silly, you've indeed acted rudely and obnoxiously. If I couldn't hear your inner thoughts, I would have been fooled by you too!

But since fate gave me the ability to hear your thoughts and gave you a second chance, I, Zhou Qiao'er, will stay by your side and help you defy fate!

If Tang Ao could hear Zhou Qiao'er's thoughts, he would probably go crazy.

Defy fate? Change destiny?

What kind of nonsense is that!?

All he wanted was to finish the storyline properly, regain his kidney function, complete the ending, and get the system's reward—the Seven-Colored Flower. After that, wouldn't his life be whatever he wanted it to be?

Tang Ao just wanted to play his role as a side character and help the protagonist show off!

"Fine, do whatever you want. I've made my feelings clear. In the end, you're only going to hurt yourself."

Tang Ao shrugged helplessly at Zhou Qiao'er, then turned to look at Zhou Ling'er.

[If Zhou Ling'er knew that the person in front of me is her cousin, Zhou Qiao'er, I wonder how she would react.]

[They're both about the same age, with the same blood running through their veins, yet their lives couldn't be more different. One lives in luxury, and the other in hardship.]

[If I remember correctly, Zhou Qiao'er's family and Zhou Ling'er's family started their business together, but after a falling out over company direction, Zhou Ling'er's family was forced out. Afterward, her father fell into drinking and gambling, quickly squandering everything and passing away in despair. Zhou Ling'er's mother couldn't even afford life-saving treatment when it mattered most...]

[Gambling is truly destructive. I swear I'll never have anything to do with gambling or drugs in this life!]

Tang Ao's thoughts made Zhou Qiao'er shudder.

Zhou Ling'er!?

The frail, exhausted girl in front of her, who had almost been assaulted by those thugs, was her cousin, Zhou Ling'er!?