In the original book, Shen Qinglin, the second daughter of the Shen family, is depicted as sensitive, jealous, competitive, and deeply concerned about others’ opinions.
Her parents had another daughter, Shen Qingyao, shortly after her birth. Unfortunately, Shen Qingyao was born with a congenital heart condition, causing her parents to shift all their attention to Shen Qingyao. They naturally assumed that their second daughter would understand, forgetting that she also needed love and attention from her parents.
As a result, Shen Qinglin did not receive the same attention and recognition as her talented elder sister or the care given to her frail younger sister. Caught in between, she was overlooked and gradually developed a difficult personality.
Due to her penchant for competition and seeking attention, Shen Qinglin often offended many noble ladies in the capital city in her earlier years, causing trouble for the Shen family. In the most serious instance in the book, her actions nearly jeopardized the entire family.
But this girl, who appeared in the plot as an antagonist, has now left home.
Shen Qingyao gradually begins to notice that something is amiss.
How could a girl who had been pampered in seclusion for over ten years, and so was powerless, suddenly defy convention and make such bold decisions? What’s even more surprising is that everyone in the Shen family seems to tacitly accept it without opposition.
What has happened?
Shen Qingyao furrowed her brows. Clearly, the plot has deviated from her expectations. She had always thought that these changes were due to the butterfly effect caused by her transmigration into the book. However, she had only been in this world for about eight or nine months, whereas Shen Qinglin has been gone for two years. Can the fluttering of her small butterfly wings really stir up a hurricane from two years ago?
Shen Qinglin’s drastic change in personality couldn’t possibly be related to her!
“Wait! A drastic change in personality…?” Shen Qingyao’s eyes widened slowly as she inhaled sharply in surprise. “Could it be…?”
As everyone knows, they are currently within a novel. When it comes to drastic changes in personality in novels, there are only a few possibilities. And the most typical one… Shen Qingyao ponders, isn’t she herself a living example?
“Could my Second Sister also… have transmigrated here?” Shen Qingyao cautiously asked. It made sense—if there can be one unfortunate person who transmigrated into this book, why not two?
[Don’t ask me, I don’t know!] The system desperately wants to resign and leave this novel, which has veered off like a runaway horse.
“…Are you really a system?” When there are questions without answers, Shen Qingyao sighs. She has endured far too much.
Setting aside the letter, Shen Qingyao looked up at Lu Zhao.
“Elder Brother Lu Zhao, have you met my Second Sister before?” Lu Zhao has had frequent dealings with the Shen family over the years; there’s no reason he wouldn’t know about Shen Qinglin. It would be right to ask him.
When Lu Zhao hears her question, he seemed somewhat surprised. Shen Qinglin’s matters should be better understood by Yaoyao than him. But since she asked, Lu Zhao truthfully told her, “I’ve seen her a few times.”
In his memory, Second Miss Shen often lurked in the shadows, watching enviously as medicine and supplements were delivered to Shen Qingyao’s courtyard.
Having seen her several times, Lu Zhao didn’t understand why Yaoyao, who suffered from illness and pain, was a target of envy. This only further distanced their already strained relationship, making them almost strangers.
Lu Zhao always leaves his words half-spoken, and upon hearing that he has seen her, Shen Qingyao understands. He knows about it, so she can ask whatever she wants to know.
Shen Qingyao leaned closer and asked in a whisper like conspiring something, “Does Elder Brother Lu Zhao know why my Second Sister left home?”
Lu Zhao chuckled softly and mimicked her, whispering back, “I have no idea.”
He only knew that two years ago, assassins had broken into the Shen residence, and accidentally entered Shen Qinglin’s courtyard. Worried about Shen Qinglin’s safety, the Shen family hurried over, only to find the assassins sprawled on the ground. In the courtyard stood only two people: Shen Qinglin and the leader of the assassins.
The silent standoff between the two had shaken Shen Yushu for an entire year, and he frequently mentioned it to Lu Zhao.
Watching the little girl in front of him about to explode, he quickly recounted the incident. He ended the story with a meaningful remark, “I heard the leader of those assassins was quite handsome.”
Shen Qingyao’s mouth fell open. Lu Zhao said ‘quite handsome,’ which meant that guy was very attractive, right?
Shen Qingyao suddenly began to understand. There was no way this was not a case of transmigration. They weren’t a family, but they transmigrated into the same novel. Two people who are obsessed with looks transmigrated into sisters. One boldly pursuing love at the sight of beauty, the other bewitched by a handsome face and recklessly undertaking missions…
… It actually made sense.
Shen Qingyao grew increasingly curious. She unexpectedly looked forward to meeting her Second Sister.
She pondered this for quite a while. But you can’t just meet someone whenever you want.
With Shen Qinglin’s whereabouts unknown and her unwillingness to show herself, Shen Qingyao had no idea where to find her…
A few days later, Shen Qingyao lay on her bed, lost in thought. Hong Yun rushed in from outside the courtyard, her voice reaching her before she did.
“Madam! When I went out today, I saw many people in strange and exotic attire! They say they’re all from Nanzhao!”
Ever since arriving in Lingnan, Hong Yun loved going out every day. Each time she returned, she brought back some interesting news. Shen Qingyao couldn’t help but feel itchy everytime she heard them.
Hearing this, Shen Qingyao immediately sat up, eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Seeing Shen Qingyao like this, Cui Qiao couldn’t help but laugh. Walking over, she lightly tapped Hongyun’s forehead and teasingly scolded, “You know Young Madam can’t sit still, yet you keep tempting her with these stories!”
Hong Yun covered her head, stuck out her tongue, pretending to be unrepentant. Shen Qingyao couldn’t help but smile, pulling Hong Yun close and propping her chin on her hand, eager for more details.
Hong Yun said most of the Nanzhao people on the street were strikingly good-looking, but Shen Qingyao couldn’t care less about their looks. She just wanted to get out for some fresh air.
Hongyun was delighted to see her so interested, but Cui Qiao remained hesitant. Young Madam was still recovering, and the change of environment might not suit her. Just as she sighed and was about to refuse, Shen Qingyao’s pleading look softened her heart, and she reluctantly agreed to accompany Shen Qingyao.
Shen Qingyao cheered and immediately grabbed Hongyun’s hand, pulling her along.
The scenery and customs at the border were indeed very different from the capital. As Hongyun had said, many people from Nanzhao lived in the city. They dressed differently, with everyone adorned in heavy, elaborate silver jewelry that jingled as they walked, creating a unique atmosphere.
Shen Qingyao’s eyes gleamed with envy. She dragged Hong Yun into a decent-looking silver jewelry shop, not necessarily to buy anything to wear, but simply to get herself a set.
The shop was crowded, mostly with people from Great Liang who had the same idea as Shen Qingyao. She smiled faintly, earnestly scrutinizing the wares. However, she noticed that most people were not focused on the silver jewelry at all. They were gathered around the counter, chattering loudly as if watching a spectacle.
The air was thick with the smell of cheap perfume powder. Shen Qingyao rubbed her nose and suppressed the urge to sneeze. Without even needing to get close, she could guess who was causing the commotion in the crowd.
Secretary Huang was grabbing a young girl dressed in Miao attire, his hands behaving quite improperly. The young girl appeared to be the owner of the silver jewelry shop, with several items laid out in front of her. Aware of Secretary Huang’s identity, she wore a look of subdued grievance, daring to be angry but unable to speak up.
Shen Qingyao frowned. She thought to herself, “What has Lu Zhao been doing these days? How does Secretary Huang still have time to engage in these bullying activities?”
Glancing around, she noticed most onlookers were just here for the spectacle; there were few willing to speak up. She hadn’t brought any guards and felt a headache coming on.
“Excuse me, please let me through.” Someone suddenly spoke from behind.
Shen Qingyao was momentarily startled, quickly stepped aside, and incidentally glanced at the person who had just entered. It was a tall girl in black riding attire. With clear and handsome features, she tied her black hair simply with a red silk ribbon into a ponytail, exuding the aura of a gallant female knight.
As the two passed each other, Shen Qingyao couldn’t tell if it was her imagination, but the female knight seemed to give her a strange look.
Before she could ponder further, she watched the girl casually walk forward, grab a box from the counter, and push her way into the crowd. Placing the box in front of the two entangled figures, she lazily remarked, “Boss, time to settle the bill.”
This sudden change disrupted the rhythm inside. Secretary Huang’s hand froze, and the girl he was holding took the opportunity to break free, running tearfully to the black-clad female knight’s side, looking at her gratefully as she settled the bill.
Secretary Huang’s good deed turned sour, so his face darkened with anger. With hoarse and unpleasant voice, he pointed at the female knight and shouted, “Who are you?! Do you know who I am?! How dare you ruin my affairs!”
The female knight wasn’t afraid at all, casually lifting her eyelids and asking in confusion, “Who are you? If you’re not settling the bill, why prevent others from doing so? Is this shop yours? Are you so generous? Offering free service?”
Of course, this shop wasn’t Secretary Huang’s, which only made him more furious.
“You…”
*Cough!*
Seeing Secretary Huang about to cause trouble, Shen Qingyao timely cleared her throat, drawing both of their attention.
Seeing it was her, Secretary Huang immediately lowered his raised hand, his menacing expression disappearing in an instant. The next moment, he approached Shen Qingyao with a sycophantic tone, “Oh! What a coincidence to meet you here, Young Madam!”
Shen Qingyao looked at him expressionlessly, thinking to herself that she really didn’t need this coincidence.
She squeezed out a polite fake smile, “Secretary Huang, what a surprise.”
“Young Madam is here to buy jewelry too? Which one caught your eye? Let me gift it to you!” He said, ignoring the black-clad girl in front of him, moving closer to Shen Qingyao. At this moment, it seemed like he really owned the shop.
Shen Qingyao was pushed back by the suddenly strong fragrance, repeatedly waving her hands. Meanwhile, the black-clad girl across from her raised an eyebrow upon hearing Secretary Huang’s address.
“No need.”
Secretary Huang’s gaze was unsettling, causing Shen Qingyao to furrow her brow and speak up, reminding him not to overstep. Otherwise, she might just report him to Lu Xiaozhao. She really didn’t want any association with this person, and her interest in the silver jewelry vanished. Shen Qingyao turned around and intended to leave.
Just then, Secretary Huang’s expression changed, and he stepped forward quickly, intending to grab her.
Hong Yun hadn’t expected him to be so bold as to lay hands on Shen Qingyao. Caught off guard, she exclaimed. If Young Master found out about this, wouldn’t it be a disaster?
Shen Qingyao, who was already facing away, was startled by the shout, missing the best opportunity to evade. She watched as those skinny, twig-like fingers were about to touch her.
Shen Qingyao felt somewhat desperate and nauseous.
But those hands didn’t touch Shen Qingyao after all. Because Secretary Huang was pushed by someone again. Shen Qingyao looked closely and saw that it was still that female knight.
Shen Qingyao’s eyes instantly showed a hint of admiration.
“Master Huang! Please behave!” Hong Yun finally caught up this time, running over and standing between the two, her gaze unkind.
Secretary Huang, caught off guard by the push, held his sore waist. Seeing that the opportunity to take advantage was lost, and also fearing his superior who had parachuted in, he forced a smile, and gave the black-clad girl a threatening look before hurriedly leaving.
Shen Qingyao escaped a disaster and breathed a sigh of relief, gratefully looking at the person in front of her.
“Miss, thank you.”
“Thank you both.” The owner of the silver jewelry shop also approached, softly thanking the girl and Shen Qingyao.
Shen Qingyao shook her head with a smile, quietly saying it was nothing. As she turned her head again, she saw the black-clad female knight looking at her with a strange gaze, scrutinizing her from head to toe.
Is there something wrong with me? Shen Qingyao’s eyes shifted, suddenly feeling a bit uneasy.
“Miss?” She called out again, waving her hand in front of the person’s eyes.
The black-clad girl suddenly came to her senses, but her expression became even more peculiar. She hesitated, “You…”
“Hmm?” What about me? Shen Qingyao tilted her head.
Perhaps her confusion was too evident on her face. The girl looked at her for a while, then suddenly turned her head and chuckled, still not saying anything.
What is she laughing about now? Shen Qingyao became even more puzzled.
“No need to thank me, it was just a small effort.” The black-clad girl said lightly. Her attitude was so natural as if the silent tug-of-war just now was all Shen Qingyao’s illusion.
The girl glanced at her again, winked at her, with a handsome smile on her face, then turned and took a few steps, picked up the box she had casually grabbed earlier from the counter, walked out of the shop door.
Her ponytail swayed with her steps, and the red hairband used to tie her hair danced in the wind. At the moment she walked out, she waved her hand back at them against the light, looking incredibly cool!
Shen Qingyao was a bit stunned, at this moment she was charmed by the handsomeness of this girl!
Thanks for the chapters!!!!!