Although Gu Cheng could now open his eyes and see, he had no intention of letting the doctors discover his change.
After all, his body remained sealed.
What he sought was his entire self, complete control.
As the only person privy to this knowledge, Ning Yi understood perfectly. After all, being able to open his eyes meant he could communicate—and signaled he was in a state of recovery. That alone was enough to send shockwaves through the elite circles.
"Mm-hmm, Alright, close your eyes." Ning Yi looked at Gu Cheng.
Then she reached out, affectionately covering his eyes. "It doesn't matter whether they're open or closed anyway."
Gu Cheng: "?"
Ning Yi reviewed the original plot. Once the big shot awoke, the story would officially kick into gear. He'd rise to power, crushing all opposition in his path.
By then, she'd be in Gu Cheng's body—a wave of her hand would bring the heavens crashing down!
Slurp. That felt pretty satisfying.
—"What are you laughing at?"
Gu Cheng's cool voice echoed in her mind.
"Nothing," Ning Yi instantly suppressed her smile and covered his eyes again. "Honey, you must be mistaken."
Gu Cheng: "..."
The next day.
Ning Yi rode in a Bentley to Gu Cheng's equestrian club.
Young Master Gu tagged along, chattering nonstop from the moment he got in: "That's my big bro's place, waaah. I miss it so much. When will I get to see him riding like a champ again? Waaah waaah waaah."
Ning Yi: O.O
You might just get to see it today.
The car drove toward the western suburbs, passing increasingly lush vegetation and more luxury and private vehicles along the way, finally stopping before the imposing iron gates of the equestrian club.
As expected of an elite social venue, many people were already exchanging pleasantries there.
Gu Le had now fully developed the habit of opening the car door for his sister-in-law. He instinctively braced himself against the roof, drawing many curious glances.
Ning Yi wore a kraft-colored vest over a light beige shirt, several buttons undone, giving her a distinctly Western vintage vibe. Her lower half was dressed in classic black riding breeches paired with riding boots. Compared to the socialites present, Ning Yi's outfit was notably understated.
Yet her long legs, encased in form-fitting breeches and black boots, were slender and perfectly proportioned. The moment she stepped out of the car and touched the ground, her movements were sharp and effortlessly graceful.
"Holy crap!" Zhao Mo Chu arrived just then, snapping photos with her camera. "—Total win! Sis, you look stunning!"
Ning Yi thought, winning or not didn't really matter.
—As long as she hadn't worn Gu Cheng's rainbow-colored riding outfit, she'd already won against herself!
"Hey, did you know who else is at the ranch today?" Zhao Mo Chu whispered mysteriously. "Superstar, Academy Award-winning actor Jiang Lin Yi! That's why there are so many fans and fan club leaders here today."
Ning Yi knew—the male lead! From today onward, Ding Ziyue would become the pampered darling in the palm of the domineering movie star's hand.
As a typical brainless romance novel, the love story followed the classic pattern: she ran, he chased, with various secondary male leads and supporting characters meddling along the way. Throw in a certain returning champion who dealt indiscriminate, devastating blows, plus endless misunderstandings and entanglements—yet the domineering movie star just couldn't let go of her!
Ning Yi: Bring it on! Bring it all on my platform!
At that moment, Ding Ziyue and Wen Xiaoman also spotted Ning Yi. Recalling yesterday's horse riding outfit incident, their expressions turned slightly awkward. Who would've thought Ning Yi dared to use Young Master Gu's account—and knew his password! The entire circle was green with envy all night!
But Young Master Gu despises this kind of borrowing someone else's authority.
Once Young Master Gu woke up, Ning Yi would be in for it!
The socialite heiresses gathered intimately. "Come on, girls, let's take a group shot~"
Ding Ziyue, determined to make the most stunning first impression on Jiang Linyi today, wore the most eye-catching bright red riding outfit. Her makeup was flawless as she stood firmly in the center.
But each of them wanted to pick the photo where they looked the most stunning to post on CMore and gain followers. The end result was a group standing there taking pictures for half an hour while Zhao Mo Chu photographed them taking pictures.
No one called Ning Yi over for the group photo. She had already gone to the stables with Young Master Gu to pick out horses.
Sure enough, Ning Yi spotted the horse Gu Cheng had mentioned—number 03.
It was a Mongolian horse, with a coffee-brown coat, a slightly shorter build, and gentle eyes—definitely beginner-friendly.
A ruggedly handsome instructor approached. "You're considering this one?"
Before Ning Yi could answer, Gu Le stepped forward and bumped fists with him. "Brother Song!"
Song Yan was Gu Cheng's former bodyguard—more accurately, the head of security for the Gu Corporation's executive office. Even after Gu Cheng's accident, he remained fiercely loyal, guarding this vast ranch for him.
Watching Gu Le and Song Yan greet each other like brothers, Ning Yi understood why they were so tight—both were Gu Cheng's most loyal retainers! Their devotion to the young master was unwavering!
"Hmm..." Ning Yi hadn't decided whether to choose 03.
Though Gu Cheng had suggested it, Ning Yi's gaze drifted involuntarily to the horse beside it—
It stood taller, its coat sleek and glossy, mane nearly black. Yet this dark hue faded abruptly into pure white across the rear half of its powerful frame, creating a striking contrast that made the entire horse resemble a brushstroke of ink—utterly beautiful.
Beyond that, Ning Yi instantly recognized its excellent condition and strength—a fine horse indeed. She turned to Song Yan beside her and asked, "What's its name?"
Song Yan hadn't expected her discerning eye and glanced at Ning Yi with surprise. "Young Master Gu named it. It's called Little Red."
Ning Yi: "?"
This horse was black in front and white in back—what did that have to do with red?
Gu Cheng, why didn't you just name it Zhang Wei instead??
Ning Yi gazed regretfully at the horse before her—not Zhang Wei, but Little Red.
Just then, Ding Ziyue and Wen Xiaoman arrived to select their own horses. Spotting Ning Yi standing before Little Red, they both burst into laughter—just as expected! This country bumpkin had absolutely no sense of style!
Wen Xiaoman remarked, "This is Young Master Gu's mount. Not just anyone can ride it. Without hundreds of hours of practice, you won't even stay seated. I'd advise you to pick a shorter horse. Beginners should first check if their legs are long enough to reach the ground—"
She glanced at Ning Yi's legs.
Then paused for a few seconds.
They were incredibly long.
Ning Yi reached out to pet Little Red, sensing its slight resistance.
As a mature horse, Little Red was highly selective. It sensed Ning Yi's inexperience and refused to cooperate.
Ning Yi felt a twinge of disappointment but didn't push it. She silently called out to Gu Cheng in her mind: "Husband, husband, I said hello to your Little Red."
Gu Cheng asked quietly, "How is it?"
"It's fine," Ning Yi withdrew her hand from under Xiao Hong's muzzle. "Clear-eyed and well-groomed, with good teeth."
Gu Cheng chuckled softly.
The thrill of galloping on horseback still coursed through his veins, even after three years bedridden. A primal, untamed energy stirred within him, like an innate rebellious streak.
He asked Ning Yi, "Want to give it a try?"
Ning Yi: "Hm?"
Ning Yi: "Hm?"
"I'll go break it in for you. Then you ride it. Switch back to me anytime it gets too much," Gu Cheng's voice carried an innate authority, magnetic yet cool. "—Dare you?"
Damn, he really was a black-hearted bastard.
Yet Ning Yi's beautiful eyes flashed with excitement. "Sure."
Unfortunately, she was no pushover either—a seasoned fighter who'd weathered storms.
Ning Yi addressed Song Yan, "This one."
With that, they swapped bodies.
Song Yan frowned. "You really want Little Red? Then I'll need to train you first."
But a gust swept past, gently ruffling the hair of the figure before him.
When she looked up again, she met a pair of icy, pitch-black eyes radiating innate authority.
Song Yan froze, an instinctive sense of submission surging through him.
Gu Cheng said, "Yes, this one."
The elite social circle erupted—
"Ning Yi is going to ride Young Master Gu's Little Red?"
"Are you crazy? Is she that desperate to prove she's worthy of Young Master Gu?"
Ding Ziyue watched from the sidelines like a spectator—Ning Yi was clearly panicking. With Young Master Gu about to wake up, she was swiping his card and riding his horse.
Ah, she couldn't wait to see how Young Master Gu would humiliate Ning Yi once he was awake!
Ding Ziyue was sitting back, waiting for Ning Yi to fail and make a fool of herself. But out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Jiang Linyi watching this scene.
She immediately turned to "Ning Yi" and gently advised, "Sis, this isn't something to force yourself into! What if you hurt yourself? Besides, this horse won't listen to you—"
Before she could finish, Gu Cheng had already locked eyes with Little Red and reached out his hand.
A good horse has spirit. It looked at Gu Cheng, snorted a few times, then shook its head—
and knelt down right before the slender figure of "Ning Yi"!
Everyone: Holy crap?
Ding Ziyue: ?????
Seriously, how is this happening again! Could she really pick up this skill on the fly??
For a split second, Ding Ziyue was genuinely confused—Wait, who exactly is the female lead in this romance novel???
Meanwhile, Zhao Mo Chu and countless fans in the corners were frantically snapping photos!
"Holy crap, this scene is insane!"
"Ahhh, this is an absolute meme goldmine!"
"Posting this on CM will blow up my account for sure!"
By the time Gu Cheng led her over to prepare the horse, nearly everyone at the riding arena had gathered to watch.
Gu Cheng expertly inspected the reins, stirrup straps, and all equipment. He then took the helmet from a stunned Song Yan and slipped on the protective vest—after all, this was Ning Yi's body, and safety precautions were essential.
Song Yan hesitated one last time. "Um, are you sure you don't need me to..."
Then everyone witnessed "Ning Yi" leap onto the horse with fluid precision. The leg she extended in that instant was long and slender, her jet-black boots seeming poised to sink into the very soul.
The film star's fans, already obsessed with her looks, went wild—
"Holy shit, who is this chick?!"
"Is she that green-dress beauty who went viral last time?"
"I'm fainting—her legs aren't legs, they're the spring waters of the Seine!"
Ding Ziyue clenched her teeth and hurriedly selected a horse herself.
Today was her photo shoot day—she couldn't let Ning Yi steal the spotlight again!!
Gu Cheng gave his horse a sharp kick and rode straight out.
"Keep your legs tight."
"Hold your reins firmly at all times."
"Keep your back straight—don't slouch."
As he spurred his horse forward, he calmly recited each point to Ning Yi in his mind.
"Then, feel its rhythm—"
In the wind, Gu Cheng slowly curved his lips.
For the first time in three years, he finally felt the wind cutting through him.
Voracious ambition and intense desire were slowly rising within him, fueled by the restoration of his physical abilities.
"Yi," Gu Cheng asked, "dare you come?"
Ning Yi had long been unable to contain herself: "I'm coming!"
The next second, the two exchanged bodies.
Ning Yi, remembering the instructions, immediately got into position.
But Little Red, surprisingly perceptive, sensed something amiss and began to whinny unsteadily.
But who was Ning Yi? A woman who'd survived three years in the apocalypse, riding zombies with unwavering composure!
She tightened the reins with steady precision—
Over there, Gu Cheng heard no response for several seconds and called out, "Yi?"
Was she losing control?
"If you can't handle it, switch back. I'm ready—"
The next second, he heard her voice, tinged with delight: "Wuhu—!"
Ning Yi was ecstatic.
Take! Off!
Gu Cheng paused.
Then he laughed in the darkness.
Far away, Jiang Linyi, who had witnessed everything, found his gaze involuntarily following hers.
He had never seen such an extraordinary woman.
Astride her horse, she shifted between icy intensity and boisterous laughter.
She possessed a complex beauty—both elegant and bold. Even in the entertainment industry, teeming with beauties, no one matched her unique essence.
She was extraordinary.
Lost in thought, Jiang Linyi suddenly heard a soft cry behind him.
Jiang Linyi spun around to help her up, meeting Ding Ziyue's watery eyes and pausing in surprise.
"Thank you," Ding Ziyue said gratefully, rubbing her ankle. "Who are you?"
Jiang Linyi thought, This girl doesn't even know who I am. So innocent.
"Who I am doesn't matter. I'm just glad you're okay."
Ning Yi rode happily around the riding arena.
Little Red had grown accustomed to her, galloping smoothly without bucking and instinctively avoiding bumps.
Horseback riding was exhilarating—a thrill unlike any other!
It felt as if her entire being was unfurling in the wind!
"Husband, I love you so much~" Ning Yi declared. "Can I ride Little Red often from now on~~?"
The voice from across the way was calm: "Sure. As long as you're happy, Yi."
Gu Cheng was pondering the sensation from moments ago in the darkness.
In that instant when he'd mistakenly thought Ning Yi couldn't control the spirited horse, Gu Cheng had sensed a certain randomness between their souls.
Of course, he couldn't control their swaps like Ning Yi could. But he seemed to... detect the slightest, faintest shift.
From the very start of their body swaps, Gu Cheng had understood clearly—though Ning Yi held the initiative, both were equally passive before the randomness.
Gu Cheng narrowed his eyes slightly.
Unfortunately, that fleeting sensation of random exchange vanished almost instantly.
He asked, his voice unreadable, "Yi, wanna switch back?"
Ning Yi was having too much fun to switch now—there was a cooldown period after the third swap anyway.
"What did you say, hubby? I'm riding and the wind's a bit strong—"
Bad reception! Can't hear you!
"Hmph."
Gu Cheng was carefully sensing, trying to communicate telepathically.
Over there, Ning Yi was clopping along on horseback when suddenly, her expression froze.
Then she trotted back to the stables, helping Gu Le dismount.
"Holy crap, sis-in-law, you were so badass just now! You should ride with my brother from now on—"
Gu Le was about to launch into more flattery, but Ning Yi had already trotted off to the stable shop with a smile.
Gu Le: What's up?
Is sis-in-law hungry?
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
Gu Cheng tried pushing with his thoughts.
The odds were slim, but what if...?
As he pondered this, suddenly—their bodies actually switched?!
Gu Cheng stood in Ning Yi's body, looking down at his own hands.
Could it be... he had access now?
Then he noticed an opened pink packet in his hand—he'd just taken one tablet.
Turning around, he found himself standing at the women's restroom entrance, apparently having just stepped out.
Ning Yi: Hehe.
Sorry, I switched places.
Gu Cheng took a few seconds to process the situation, then suddenly realized his stomach was throbbing with pain, growing more intense by the second.
Gu Cheng's eyes narrowed dangerously: "Ning Yi, what's wrong with you?"
Ning Yi lay comfortably on the mattress worth hundreds of thousands, saying shyly, "Got my period, honey."
Gu Cheng: "?"
Painful cramps—never experienced them, huh?
Let this buddy feel them for you!
Gu Cheng: ?