Baihe Fan

Chapter 19.2: Two-in-One

(Part 2)

A few days later, the midterm exam results were out.

Understanding her role as a cannon fodder character, Su Mi didn’t aim for an extraordinary score.

During the exams, she selectively answered questions, aiming for a respectable result.

In the end, she scored well, ranking in the upper-middle of the class.

For the original character, this was excellent.

Xu Nanqiao was more thrilled than if she had gotten first place herself.

Su Mi, basking in the praise, said, “Then treat me to bubble tea. I’ve been craving the one from your part-time job.”

Being shamelessly straightforward.

Xu Nanqiao playfully pinched her cheek, “I’ve tutored you, and now you want a reward for doing well. Since when is life so unfair?”

Su Mi laughed it off.

With the midterm results out, the school held a parent-teacher conference that Friday afternoon.

However, because the unified exams were of little significance to most students, the conference was more about understanding each student’s post-graduation plans, including those planning to study abroad or attending domestic universities, and whether they needed school recommendations…

Su Mi felt like she was the only one looking forward to it.

On the day of the parent-teacher conference, she didn’t take a nap, energetically working on two sets of problems before the afternoon music ended and she dragged Xu Nanqiao downstairs.

A long corridor had been set up at the school entrance to welcome parents.

Su Mi and Xu Nanqiao found a spot under a nearby tree to wait.

Although Su Mi had mentioned the conference to Wen Zisu and Su Ciyu long before it was scheduled, she reminded them again that morning.

Wen Zisu had laughed, saying he and Su Ciyu had booked an afternoon class for Su Yi a week in advance just to attend the conference. The teacher had even wondered if there was a major event in their family.

Su Mi, feeling a bit embarrassed, had hummed.

Aside from the anticipation, Su Mi was curious to meet Xu Nanqiao’s mother.

Xu Nanqiao’s mother, Xu Rou, was a pale, neurotic Omega in the original story.

Due to some accident, her glands lost functionality after giving birth to Xu Nanqiao, leaving her physically weak and unable to work long hours.

She relied on the money presumably given by Xu Nanqiao’s father and short-term jobs to raise Xu Nanqiao.

The original story didn’t reveal who Xu Nanqiao’s father was, but Xu Rou had a strong aversion to Alphas.

Su Mi guessed that the Alpha who abandoned Xu Rou might have been someone with power and influence.

In the original storyline, by this time, the female lead had already developed feelings for the male lead.

Coincidentally, during the parent-teacher conference, Xu Rou found a draft book in Xu Nanqiao’s seat filled with the male lead’s name, believing Xu Nanqiao was in a relationship. She made a scene and fainted, leading the male lead to take her to the hospital.

This incident deepened the relationship between the male and female leads.

They maintained an unspoken mutual affection until they officially got together in college. However, the original character exposed their relationship to Xu Rou, causing her to attempt suicide and forcing them to break up…

These dramatic plot points often involved the original character.

But now, things were different. With Su Mi’s interference, the leads’ romantic storyline hadn’t progressed, so there wouldn’t be a scene at the parent-teacher conference.

Su Mi was calculating her plans when Xu Nanqiao suddenly exclaimed.

Xu Nanqiao, looking at her terminal, appeared anxious, “My mom fainted on the way here and was taken to the hospital by a passerby. I…”

Su Mi: No way?

This wasn’t a necessary plot point, why was it happening? Did it have to happen today?

She paused, quickly asking, “Should I drive you there? Which hospital?”

Xu Nanqiao shook her head, “The conference is about to start. I’ll take a taxi. Can you inform the teacher for me?”

Su Mi accompanied her to the school gate.

Still wanting to check the hospital, Su Mi asked, “That person who helped, was it a man or a woman?”

Xu Nanqiao replied, “From the voice, it seemed like a girl.”

Good!

Su Mi felt relieved.

She patted Xu Nanqiao’s shoulder, saying, “Be careful on your way. Let me know if you need anything. I’ve got some money saved up.”

Xu Nanqiao smiled, “Alright, don’t worry.”

She had called for a ride, but it was taking a while to arrive. The two of them checked the map, trying to figure out where the car was stuck.

A car horn honked nearby.

Su Mi looked up, surprised: …?

Why was it Shen Han’s car again?

She glanced at Xu Nanqiao, feeling unexpectedly touched.

Had Shen Han understood her hints from before?

It was like Shen Han had a tracker on the female lead, always showing up wherever she was.

Such a fierce pursuit!

Su Mi was amazed.

The black luxury car stopped in front of them, and the door opened to reveal a pair of pointed high heels.

Unlike her previous business attire, Shen Han was dressed exceptionally formally today, from her expensive-looking strapless dress to the pearl necklace around her neck. Even her red lips beneath her sunglasses were perfectly lined. Only the blazer draped over her shoulders toned down the imposing aura a bit.

Despite this, her presence drew all eyes to her the moment she stepped out of the car.

People watched from a distance, intimidated by her aura.

Su Mi stared in amazement at the tall woman before her. Shen Han closed the car door, removed her sunglasses, revealing her striking deep-set eyes.

Shen Han asked calmly, “What are you two doing here?”

At that, Su Mi quickly shifted her thoughts, subtly nudging Xu Nanqiao.

She promptly said, “Nanqiao’s mother is in the hospital. I was keeping her company while she waited for a ride, but it hasn’t arrived yet…”

She gave Shen Han a hopeful look, hoping she would understand.

Even though Shen Han was dressed for an event, now was a good opportunity to show her concern for the female lead. Understanding, right?

Catching Su Mi’s expectant gaze, Shen Han twirled her sunglasses in her hand, the diamonds on her ring catching the light.

She nodded slightly, saying, “With the school holding a parent-teacher conference, outside vehicles can’t get through easily. How about taking my car?”

Great, you finally got it!

Su Mi was overwhelmed with gratitude, giving Xu Nanqiao a look: Agree to it!

In such a situation, family matters were undoubtedly more important.

Xu Nanqiao didn’t hesitate, thanking Shen Han before getting into the passenger seat.

Su Mi waved them off, bidding Xu Nanqiao goodbye, and gave Shen Han a wave as well.

Quickly get in the car and build that connection… huh?

What?

To her surprise, the car door closed, and the driver simply drove away.

Su Mi was left standing there, dumbfounded.

Shen Han tilted her head, asking, “What’s the matter?”

Su Mi was puzzled, her mouth opening and closing, before dryly asking, “Sister, do you have business at the school? Another meeting?”

Shen Han smiled with an unsettling warmth, nodding.

“I’m here for a meeting.”

Maybe there were some unresolved issues from the last meeting.

Su Mi sighed in relief, switching into her sycophant mode, cheerfully offering, “Then let me escort you in, it’s on my way.”

She led the way, half a step ahead of Shen Han, slightly turned to guide her enthusiastically.

Entering the school, Shen Han made a noncommittal noise and asked, “Aren’t you curious about the meeting I’m attending?”

Su Mi: “I’m sure it’s an important business meeting between you and the school, so I won’t pry!”

Shen Han chuckled.

“It’s a parent-teacher conference,” she said leisurely.

Su Mi stopped dead in her tracks.

She turned back to look at Shen Han in shock.

Wait, you, I, this…

Does the antagonist have a secret child at the school?

Su Mi’s expression was too obvious. Shen Han glanced at her, her face darkening slightly, issuing a warning: “Su Mi.”

That, that means…

Su Mi swallowed, disbelief evident, “Who are you here for?”

Shen Han smiled gently, “Guess.”

Su Mi didn’t want to guess.

Facing a predicament, she shook her head, “I’m not curious anymore, sister.”

Shen Han stepped forward, her fingers gently brushing Su Mi’s bangs aside.

Her styled, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, the pearls at her neck glinting as she leaned closer, her gaze soft in an unnerving way.

She said, “Since my dear sister is so considerate and caring, as an elder sister, I must show my care too, right?”

Su Mi: …

…

Seriously, sister, you are indeed something

For this, Su Mi sincerely felt like she would wake up in the middle of the night cursing the antagonist, wondering if she had some kind of mental illness.

After eagerly anticipating the parent-teacher conference, Su Mi was on the verge of a breakdown when it turned out to be Shen Han who attended.

Was it really necessary to be this petty over a simple comment about being an elder?

Su Mi was feeling wronged but didn’t dare to say it out loud.

She followed Shen Han, head down, looking pitiful, as they walked to the school building.

She opened her terminal, seeing messages from Su Ciyu and Wen Zisu.

They mentioned an urgent business trip and a project issue that Wen Zisu was dealing with, so they had asked Shen Han to attend the conference in their stead.

After the conference, Su Mi was to pick up Su Yi from his class and take him home.

Sighing, Su Mi thought about how comforting it would be to cuddle her little brother after dealing with the antagonist, feeling slightly better.

She stared at Shen Han’s high heels, lost in thought.

By estimation, the antagonist was around 1.75 meters tall, nearly 1.8 meters, about half a head taller than her.

Wearing these high heels, about five or six centimeters high, made her even taller and more imposing.

The heels clicked crisply on the stone path.

Suddenly, they stopped.

Su Mi nearly bumped into Shen Han’s back.

She quickly stepped back, clutching her nose that narrowly avoided collision, instinctively yelping.

The high heels turned, now facing her school shoes.

Su Mi looked up, blinking.

“Sister?”

Shen Han’s expression was calm, giving nothing away.

She reached out, gently pinching Su Mi’s cheek, lifting her face.

They made eye contact, and Shen Han narrowed her eyes, asking, “Feeling this upset? Aren’t you happy that I’m attending the conference for you?”

Su Mi wanted to shake her head, but her face was held in place.

She mumbled through her squeezed cheeks, pledging loyalty, “How could I be upset! It’s my greatest honor!”

When Shen Han let go, Su Mi racked her brain for praise, flattering Shen Han from every angle.

She even exaggeratedly expressed how she had been eagerly looking forward to Shen Han attending her conference.

And it seemed very sincere. The young girl spoke with bright eyes, occasionally making exaggerated gestures.

Quite endearing.

Shen Han, arms crossed, listened with interest, like watching a skit.

When Su Mi paused, Shen Han nodded approvingly, “You speak well. Have you considered a career in acting?”

Su Mi: “I don’t think the Capital University has a drama department?”

Shen Han was taken aback.

She gave Su Mi a long, hard look.

Lifting a hand, she tapped Su Mi’s forehead lightly with her knuckle.

“Let’s go.”

Though the tap wasn’t hard, Su Mi pretended to wince, seeing Shen Han’s quick steps ahead.

Why was the antagonist getting so physical lately?

They had wasted some time at the school gate, and many parents were already gathered at the entrance hall, with student council members setting up the welcoming corridor.

Compared to the parents already there, Shen Han’s attire didn’t stand out much. In fact, it seemed understated due to its black and white theme.

But her height and aura made her the center of attention wherever she went.

Several people were discreetly or openly watching them.

Among the many gazes, one person approached them.

“Miss Shen!”

The approaching figure was a slightly plump, well-dressed woman, wearing a richly adorned qipao, with a luxurious gemstone necklace, looking wealthy and enthusiastic.

“Miss Shen, what brings you here?”

Shen Han stopped, sighing softly and whispering to Su Mi, “See? We shouldn’t have wasted time; now we’re caught.”

Su Mi was confused: Caught doing what?

The woman reached them, followed by a girl in the school uniform, with long black hair, looking gentle and demure, somewhat resembling Xu Nanqiao.

Unfamiliar, probably from another class.

Shen Han nodded politely, “Mrs. Zhang.”

“Oh, Miss Shen, you still remember me! Are you here for the parent-teacher conference too?” Mrs. Zhang beamed, showering Shen Han with compliments on her attire and aura.

Shen Han said, “Yes, this is my sister, Su Mi.”

Su Mi, suddenly pulled forward, greeted politely, “Hello, Mrs. Zhang.”

Mrs. Zhang, seemingly oblivious to Su Mi’s surname, smiled warmly, “Ah, no wonder she’s as pretty as you, Miss Shen.”

Su Mi: …huh?

Shen Han, expression neutral, “You’re too kind.”

Mrs. Zhang continued, “I heard from my husband this morning that you were supposed to discuss the East City project this afternoon at the headquarters.”

Shen Han replied, “Even if I’m not at the headquarters, the project will be handled by the responsible department. I don’t interfere in the early stages.”

Mrs. Zhang maintained her smile, “Well, I must tell my husband not to waste his trip then… By the way, this is my daughter, Yue Yue. Come over, Yue Yue. This is Ren Yue, she just transferred to Lorland this semester. Do you know her, Miss Shen’s sister?”

Su Mi racked her memory, coming up empty.

She was unfamiliar with this type of social situation and awkwardly scratched her face, greeting the girl.

Mrs. Zhang, ignoring Su Mi’s response, added, “Miss Shen, remember Yue Yue used to play on the swing at the old house with you? You said she was delicate. Now she’s an Omega, her pheromones are just…”

Ren Yue quickly pulled her mother’s wrist, “Mom! What are you saying?”

Mrs. Zhang quickly exaggeratedly slapped her own mouth, “Look at me, almost saying something inappropriate again.”

Turning to Su Mi, she said, “Last time we visited the old house, grandma was very impressed with Yue Yue. She said that if she graduates from Lorland, she should ask you for guidance. Shall we exchange contact info?”

…wait, what?

Su Mi, standing to the side, felt overwhelmed by the sudden influx of information.

She instinctively shrank back.

Was she overhearing some family secret? The original storyline didn’t mention anything about an old house or grandma!

And was this an arranged marriage? If grandma was Shen Han’s elder, wouldn’t this be a family-arranged engagement? Could she say that?

Su Mi was starting to get nervous, looking anxiously at Shen Han.

Shen Han glanced at her, her face calm, “I rarely use these things. Besides, grandma might be mistaken. I haven’t pursued further studies, so there’s no need for guidance.”

Mrs. Zhang wasn’t discouraged, smiling as she nudged Ren Yue, “Then how about adding your sister’s contact info? Being in the same school, they can connect and exchange ideas.”

Now it was Su Mi’s turn.

Feeling that she had no reason to refuse, she hesitated before exchanging contact information with Ren Yue.

After they added each other, Shen Han nodded slightly, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take Su Mi to her classroom now.”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked away.

Inside the elevator, as the doors closed, Shen Han glanced at Su Mi, her eyebrows knitted slightly.

“Delete her contact.”

Su Mi: …Huh?

Su Mi blinked at Shen Han, then quickly understood.

She lowered her head, quickly deleting the newly added contact, then showed her wrist terminal to Shen Han, “Deleted.”

Honestly, Su Mi was curious about who these people were.

In the original story, the antagonist was untouchable, both the only ruler of the Shen family and an exceptionally rare SS-level Alpha, never showing weakness to anyone.

But now, Shen Han seemed somewhat wary of this seemingly mercenary Mrs. Zhang.

It might be related to the grandma and the old house mentioned, which were not in the original storyline.

It made sense; a large family and corporation like the Shen family couldn’t be managed by one person. There would likely be a lot of extended family members trying to fight for their share, and potentially some illegitimate children…

Maybe there would be a family gathering, with a bunch of people surnamed Shen sitting around, one suggesting Shen Han to marry their daughter, another trying to get their son a position in the company.

Then Shen Han would slap them all down.

Or maybe she’d go crazy on the spot, using her mental powers to crush them all!

Su Mi entertained herself with these thoughts.

The elevator reached her classroom’s floor. As they stepped out, Shen Han rubbed her temples, sighing, “I’ll rest in the waiting room for a bit, you go to your class first.”

Knowing the antagonist’s mood wasn’t great, Su Mi obediently agreed and headed to her classroom.

Just before entering, she checked the blackened value again.

…?

A few days ago, when she left the hot spring villa, the blackening value was at 85%.

In the past few days, it had only increased to 88%.

But now, the blackening value’s red and black digits were trembling slightly, like a slot machine’s numbers, shaking twice and flipping up a notch — 89%.

Subsequently, both digits began to tremble, looking like they were about to flip up to start with a 9.

What-What is happening?!

Su Mi was stunned.

Authors Note:
Girl, in the future, it will all be yours (pat on the shoulder).