With the information about the clothing color, finding someone became much easier.  

When Song Shixi found Qin Yue’s secretary, Xu Jinze, he was chatting with someone. Seeing her approach, his eyes were full of confusion and wariness. It wasn’t until she mentioned Qin Yue and explained his current predicament that Xu Jinze reluctantly followed her to the spot beneath the window.  

After leading him there, Song Shixi didn’t choose to run away. Instead, she wholeheartedly helped Xu Jinze pull Qin Yue out of the storage room.  

In an unfamiliar place, where could she even run to? It was better to earn some goodwill. If Qin Yue woke up and remembered her small act of kindness, maybe he’d go easier on her for the original host’s ridiculous blunder.  

But who would’ve thought her good intentions would backfire?  

Seeing Qin Yue’s condition worsen the closer she got, even the usually calm and stern Secretary Xu couldn’t help but sigh helplessly, pressing a hand to his forehead. “Comrade Song, please step back.”  

Song Shixi immediately let go and awkwardly retreated two steps.  

By the time they reached the garage, afraid of being left behind, she quickly climbed into the passenger seat and declared righteously, “Your boss hit my head. I need to see a doctor.”  

Too preoccupied with Qin Yue’s condition, Xu Jinze didn’t bother arguing over such a trivial matter. He stepped on the gas, and they left the Qin estate.  

Leaning back in the car seat, Song Shixi ignored the dull ache in the back of her head and began contemplating her future.  

She had never imagined she’d one day become part of the transmigration trend. Even if she was just a cannon-fodder supporting character, getting a second chance at life was something she was deeply grateful for.  

Besides, though this was an entirely unfamiliar world, she knew the plot and future developments. In this era of boundless opportunities—the 1980s—as long as she was willing to work hard, making money shouldn’t be a problem.  

But while enduring hardship was considered a virtue, if she could live a life of luxury without lifting a finger, who would willingly choose to suffer?  

If only she had transmigrated a little earlier—before the original host had formed such a deep grudge with the female lead, before getting entangled with the female lead’s fiancé, and before accidentally drugging the female lead’s older brother—she might have comfortably leeched off the Qin family for life, relying on the original host’s father’s past favor to them, living carefree as a little freeloader.  

But the problem was, she was now saddled with a pile of scandals. Staying in the Qin household and continuing to feud with the female lead would only lead to a dead end. She had to find another way out.  

In short, the Qin family was no longer an option—but where else could she go?  

The original host had no parents, and her hometown was full of parasitic, toxic relatives. If she returned, she’d undoubtedly be sold off to some old bachelor. That was part of the reason the original host had been willing to leave with the Qin family in the first place.  

Going back was impossible. Plus, she was still a freshman in university—leaving the capital before graduation wasn’t realistic.  

A college degree in this era was far more valuable than in modern times. After graduation, she could either be assigned an iron rice bowl (a stable job) or apply for a corporate position—both promising paths. So, graduating smoothly was crucial.  

She could move into the school dormitory, but the semester had already started. Since she hadn’t applied earlier, she wasn’t sure if she could still get a spot. She’d have to wait until Monday to ask her advisor. If possible, she’d move into the dorm. If not, she’d save up to rent a place temporarily and move into the dorm next semester.  

But renting…  

Thinking of the original host’s empty wallet, Song Shixi felt her headache worsen.  

Originally, the host had been quite well-off, with her father’s savings, compensation from the factory, and the monthly allowance from the Qin family—altogether, a considerable sum.  

But after coming to the capital, she spent extravagantly to keep up with trends, constantly competing with Qin Zhiyi, buying things solely for their price tags. Now, she had barely a dozen yuan left.  

That wasn’t nearly enough to rent a place. The next allowance from the Qin family was still over half a month away. She could either wait or find a way to earn money.  

Lost in thought, she didn’t even realize when they arrived at the hospital until Xu Jinze reminded her. She quickly told him to take care of Qin Yue, then rushed inside to find a doctor.  

Watching Song Shixi’s retreating figure, Xu Jinze’s expression was complicated. He wasn’t a fool—on the contrary, having stayed by Qin Yue’s side for years, he was sharp.  

From Song Shixi’s fragmented explanations, he had already pieced together most of the story. The reason he hadn’t kicked her out was to see what else she might do, and also to make it easier for Qin Yue to deal with her once he recovered.  

But he truly couldn’t understand why Song Shixi was so enthusiastically running around. Shouldn’t she be staying as far away as possible, distancing herself from the mess? If she insisted she had nothing to do with the incident, she might still escape punishment.  

Could she really be naive enough to think her actions would move Qin Yue and make her the next Mrs. Qin?  

Unaware that her desperate attempts to secure a lifeline had been misinterpreted by Xu Jinze, Song Shixi found doctors and nurses, explained the situation, and led them back to the parking lot.  

The rest was straightforward—registration, payment, hospitalization, treatment…  

She even took advantage of Xu Jinze’s wallet to get her head checked. Fortunately, it was just a bit swollen. The doctor didn’t even prescribe medication, just told her to rest, then let her go.  

By the time everything was settled, night had fully fallen.

Seeing Xu Jinze about to leave to prepare dinner for Qin Yue, Song Shixi quickly asked him to bring her a meal as well. After all, these expenses would definitely be reimbursed by Qin Yue once he woke up. This could be considered compensation for pushing her and causing her head injury.  

Besides, Qin Yue was filthy rich—this little bit of money was nothing to him.  

As for the harm the original host had accidentally caused him…  

That was the original host’s doing, not hers! She wasn’t responsible!  

Once Xu Jinze left, a female nurse entered the room, claiming to be there to look after Qin Yue. But Song Shixi knew the truth—this was to keep an eye on her, to make sure she didn’t try anything with Qin Yue while he was unconscious.  

Seriously? The man was in such a state—who knew if he’d even wake up? What could she possibly do to him?  

At this thought, Song Shixi rolled her eyes openly, but then her mind involuntarily flashed back to the very noticeable bulge in his pants under the dim lighting. She froze for a moment before her gaze uncontrollably flicked downward.  

Was the size really that impressive?

Sadly, she didn’t get an answer—the blanket covered everything.  

Just as she was feeling regretful, she looked up and met a pair of pitch-black eyes burning with suppressed fury. Startled, she nearly fell off her chair. After steadying herself, she swallowed nervously and forced a dry laugh. “You’re awake?”  

Qin Yue didn’t speak. He slowly sat up, his dark eyes fixed on her seemingly innocent and guileless face, his expression icy. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed the nurse and swallowed his words.  

“Do you want some water?”  

Seeing him look away, Song Shixi immediately felt the oppressive aura around her lessen. Seizing the chance, she scrambled to do something—anything—to ease his anger.  

Before Qin Yue could respond, the nurse dutifully interjected, “The hospital doesn’t provide cups. You’ll need to bring your own.”  

Song Shixi’s lips twitched. She wanted to crawl into a hole. How could I forget? It was 1988—hospitals weren’t as convenient as in modern times. There were no disposable items.  

She laughed awkwardly and was about to say she’d go buy one when she remembered she had no money. After a brief silence, she murmured, “Secretary Xu went to get food. When he comes back—”  

Before she could finish, a derisive snort came from the bed. Song Shixi’s face burned red, her long lashes fluttering as she coughed lightly to cover her embarrassment.  

Qin Yue’s lips thinned. He coldly ordered the nurse to leave.  

Once the door closed, he no longer hid his hostility. His dark, venomous gaze pinned her in place, his entire presence radiating a bone-chilling menace. But then, suddenly, he smiled—a gentle, refined smile, as if a spring breeze had swept through the room.  

“What remarkable skill.”  

Though his expression was warm, Song Shixi felt as if she’d been plunged into an icy abyss. She abruptly remembered the novel’s description of him—volatile, ruthless, unscrupulous…

Every term used to describe a villain fit him perfectly. Yet, in the story, he was the female lead’s guardian, a “righteous” figure—high-ranking, formidable, unstoppable. Anyone who opposed him or the female lead met a terrible end.  

With his power and connections, he’d easily uncover her purchase records for the drugs. Getting “evidence” of her attempting to assault him would be child’s play. Then, he could quietly have her thrown into prison—or worse, buried in some remote mountain…  

At this thought, Song Shixi didn’t hesitate. She rushed to the bedside, her waist slamming into the metal rail so hard tears sprang to her eyes.  

“Ge (Brother), I’m sorry! This was my fault! I was blinded by stupidity, I did something idiotic—but it was all because…”  

Rather than making excuses and letting Qin Yue expose her lies, it was better to confess outright. But she couldn’t tell the whole.truth—if he found out her original target wasn’t him but his beloved sister’s fiancé, her fate would be even worse!  

What should I say?

As Song Shixi racked her brain, Qin Yue watched her with an unreadable gaze.  

The dim yellow light of the single bulb cast a hazy glow over the room, illuminating the tears trembling in her eyes—wide with fear and feigned innocence.  

Her fair cheeks were streaked with pitiful tears, her delicate nose red from crying. Her long lashes fluttered like fragile butterfly wings, making her look heartbreakingly vulnerable.  

Her voice, laced with a sob, called him “Ge” like a sweet, babbling brook—soft and obedient.  

But Qin Yue saw right through her.  

Her dark, gleaming eyes darted around, full of cunning.  

The curve of his lips grew more mocking as he waited silently for her next lie.  

“It was all because… because I like you!”

She squeezed her eyes shut, clenched her teeth, and blurted out the earth-shattering words.  

…

[Author’s Note]

[Shixi: For the sake of survival, I’ll risk it all!]

[Qin Yue: My wife said she likes me! (Star-eyed ✨)]