Chapter 21: The Fake Heiress as a Vain Starlet in Modern Society (21)

"Traces of the Mountain" only needed a few more shots to wrap up, but since Xiandu had to film episodes four through six of "Tales of Peach Blossom Spring," her shooting schedule had to be pushed back.

Surprisingly, the director of "Traces of the Mountain" was exceptionally generous this time, granting Xiandu her leave with a wave of his hand.

When a staff member curiously asked why he was being so lenient, the director slapped him. "What do you mean 'lenient for once'? I have always been a tolerant director... Ahem, but honestly, her accepting other programs to increase her exposure is good for our show."

...

Arriving at "Tales of Peach Blossom Spring," it was another three days of relaxation and joy. Jin Li, who hadn't joined the film crew with Xiandu, accompanied her to the recording set.

The two chefs continued to prepare delicious meals. Though Xiandu felt heavy-hearted, she still ate diligently:

After all, one must eat to live.

No matter what, one shouldn't hold a grudge against good food.

Amidst the warmth of everyone's care and the healing scenery of the Peach Blossom House, Xiandu felt that she was indeed doing much better.

[Host, I'm back!]

Because of Xiandu’s defiance of Random Task Six, the Main System had urgently recalled Wangcai for re-training; only now had it returned.

[Host, did you miss me? I’ve been thinking about you every single moment!]

"I did," Xiandu replied truthfully.

Wangcai was surprised. Usually, its sharp-tongued host would have retorted, but today she hadn't.

[Host... what's wrong? Can you tell me about it?]

Xiandu sat on a large rock by the stream, watching the babbling water, and said distractedly:

"I don't even know what's wrong with myself... I used to think I was just a passing guest in this body, but now I’m becoming increasingly trapped in the original owner's emotions. There are moments when I even feel dazed—who am I really? Xiandu, or Jiang Xiandu?"

"Am I truly here to complete missions? Or is this just a dream Jiang Xiandu had before she died, where she felt everything could start over?"

[Host...] Wangcai didn't know how to comfort her.

[Oh, right, Host! Because task-takers in our department experience multiple planes, after a mission ends, they can apply to have their emotions from the previous plane extracted so they can perform better in the next one. After this plane is over, the department can strip away your emotions for you!]

[If you need it, I can apply to the department for you right now!]

Wangcai was excited, feeling that it could finally be of great use, but Xiandu’s words threw cold water on its enthusiasm.

"Thank you, but no... I think I can handle it myself."

Just as Xiandu had previously been unwilling to use points to exchange for acting skills, she was even more cautious when it came to memories.

Memories are meant to help you understand where you came from and to keep your destination clear.

If one were to extract their emotions after every mission just to work better, what difference would there be between the Spacetime Department and a machine?

The Main System’s actions regarding her defiance of Random Task Six had sounded an alarm for her!

However, Xiandu dared not voice these thoughts to Wangcai, an employee of the Spacetime Department—even after spending so much time together, Wangcai’s identity was, after all, what it was.

"I estimate that in a little while, I will be able to retrieve my inner core. When that time comes, I will naturally digest these negative emotions—after all, I am the collection of this energy myself."

As a ghost, cultivating an inner core through one's own efforts was nothing strange.

But Xiandu was different; every part of her body could serve as a vessel for resentment, and the inner core was merely the most refined, purified essence.

Xiandu's inner core acted like a filter; she refined the resentment and stored the converted, most pure, and harmless energy within it.

This was why, when Gu Qianxi was near death, Xiandu had extracted her inner core to save him.

Now, Gu Qianxi’s body had been mostly repaired by the core, and he would soon be able to survive without it.

Once the mission ended and she reclaimed the core, she would naturally be able to convert these emotions without the Main System's interference.

Having worked this out, Xiandu felt much better. Just as she prepared to leave, someone sat down beside her.

Xiandu turned to look:

It was Su Jinnian.

He had just arrived, so she didn't have to worry about him having overheard what she said earlier.

"I noticed your state hasn't been right these past few days. I wondered what could possibly make my 'lifesaver' worry? Perhaps I could be of some help," Su Jinnian said as soon as he sat down, explaining his intentions.

"How could that be? I'm fine, really!" Xiandu thought she had hidden it well enough to fool the cameras, but she hadn't fooled Su Jinnian, who had similar experiences.

Xiandu quietly shifted to the side to maintain appearances.

She thought she had been subtle, but Su Jinnian was even more observant and naturally noticed.

"Besides, Jin Li told me everything."

Xiandu:!

One can guard against everything, but it's hard to guard against the enemy within!

So, Wangcai wasn't the biggest leak—it was Jin Li!

...Never mind. Jin Li was usually so good to her; she must have been distracted by love while building her relationship with Su Jinnian and let it slip.

Seeing the colorful expressions on Xiandu's face and linking it to her usual behavior, Su Jinnian chuckled.

"I think you've misunderstood my relationship with Jin Li. She is my sister."

Xiandu felt Su Jinnian was a bit of a scoundrel and felt pity for Jin Li, whispering to herself: "A 'sweetheart sister' is still a sister."

Unfortunately, Su Jinnian heard her again and clarified: "Really, she is my cousin, my aunt's daughter."

Xiandu was shocked.

No wonder Jin Li always wore custom-made clothes, could afford to invest while working as an assistant, and was familiar with the director of "Tales of Peach Blossom Spring"...

My god! She had encountered a beautiful and kind-hearted wealthy sister!

"So... can you tell me now what has happened? I feel quite a sense of responsibility toward my fans."

Especially someone like Xiandu, who had regained hope because of his shattered life...

He now viewed her as his salvation.

...

After finishing the filming of "Tales of Peach Blossom Spring," Xiandu took some time to return home.

The paternity test center had sent the report.

When she visited Mother Jiang, she had taken a strand of her hair from the hospital bed while she was busy talking to Jiang You'an.

She had then sent it to the testing agency along with a strand of Jiang You'an's hair she had brought back from the rooftop and kept in a box.

The result was now in her hands.

It confirmed a parental relationship.

Xiandu was somewhat disappointed: she had thought she finally found a clue to the secret of the original owner's background, but now that hope was shattered.

Though discouraged, she encouraged herself: at the very least, she was back to square one, and Tasks One and Two were proceeding smoothly.

She put the report back in the drawer and picked up the box containing the rest of Jiang You'an's hair, intending to throw it away.

After a moment's thought, she put it back in the drawer.

Xiandu arranged food for Wangcai and left home to head to the set.

But what Xiandu did not know was that, at this very moment, the strands of hair in the box were slowly beginning to grow...