Failed to Run Away After Transmigrating as the Scummy Alpha's Wife of the Villain - Chapter 7

Jiang Ci lightly pursed her swollen lips, wincing in pain as she sucked in a sharp breath. Tears welled up in her eyes, her reddened rims giving her a pitiful, bullied appearance.

That collision had hurt so much!

Chi Yuan swallowed hard, momentarily entranced by her expression before nervously asking, “Are you okay? Does it hurt badly?”

Jiang Ci glared at her through tear-filled eyes. “President Chi, have you had your fill of pressing me down? Can you get off me now?”

Chi Yuan suddenly realized she was still sprawled on top of Jiang Ci and hastily scrambled to her feet, her face burning crimson.

But what kind of outrageous words was Jiang Ci spouting? Did she think this was intentional?

The camera footage would prove it—she had genuinely lost her balance!

Feeling utterly wronged, Chi Yuan shot a glare at the real culprit, Gu Meng, who was watching the scene with amusement. She then extended a hand to help Jiang Ci up from the floor.

Jiang Ci stared at the offered hand before slapping it away indignantly and standing up on her own.

She was wearing a white cotton hoodie dress, now marred by faint smudges of dirt and damp stains along the hem. Aside from her swollen, tingling lips, the rest of her was unharmed.

Her expression icy, she walked to the stove to pour water and turn on the flame—refusing to spare Chi Yuan so much as a glance the entire time.

The thought that her first kiss had been wasted on such an idiot made Jiang Ci unconsciously lick her lips again in silent frustration. What a terrible loss.

Watching Jiang Ci’s anger, Chi Yuan whispered to her system: Did I just earn another black mark in her book?

The system defended her in an even quieter voice: You didn’t mean to. Blame that idiot Gu Meng.

Chi Yuan: New grudges, old scores—if she ever gets the sudden urge to eliminate me, you better protect me!

System: Host should look on the bright side. As long as we prevent the female lead’s rise, the villain won’t turn dark. The current Jiang Ci, a model citizen, would never resort to illegal methods.

The original novel’s portrayal of Jiang Ci as ruthless and cold had left too deep an impression, making Chi Yuan forget that the present Jiang Ci was still an innocent little white flower—mischievous and sly, yes, but far from the ultimate villain.

Slightly comforted, Chi Yuan crouched to pick up the scattered instant noodles, shooing Gu Meng out with a look of disdain.

This brat—always causing trouble!

Equally aggrieved, Gu Meng pouted and mimed zipping his lips. “Don’t worry, sisters, I won’t tell anyone about your mwah-mwah. Not even my brother.”

Chi Yuan flicked his forehead. “Mwah-mwah your head! It was an accident, a fall—why do you make it sound so scandalous?”

Are you trying to get me killed?

Gu Meng immediately raised his hands in surrender. “Right, right, a beautiful accident. Well, I’ll leave you two to… carry on.”

He bolted out, leaving only Chi Yuan and Jiang Ci in the kitchen.

The air between them thickened with awkwardness, tinged with an odd, pink-tinged tension.

Chi Yuan focused on tearing open the seasoning packet, stealing glances at Jiang Ci from the corner of her eye. When her gaze landed on those soft, pink lips, an electric shiver ran through her.

Unconsciously licking her own lips, her mind replayed the sensation of their earlier collision in vivid detail.

Jiang Ci’s lips were slightly cool, kissing them felt like holding a smooth, soft piece of jelly—fragrant and tender. Chi Yuan even caught a faint hint of lemon fragrance overflowing from between the other’s lips.

It was probably because Jiang Ci had just drunk lemon water.

The experience was so exceptional that Chi Yuan actually felt the urge to try again. Now, looking at Jiang Ci’s slightly swollen, red lips, the temptation stirred restlessly.

No, no, no—stop those thoughts immediately! What are you thinking, Chi Yuan? She quickly shook off the indecent images flooding her mind.

Beauty truly leads people astray. Jiang Ci, you’re a menace, wielding your looks like a weapon.

After a hearty meal of instant noodles, the four boys volunteered to handle the dishes and cleaning, while the girls discussed room assignments.

The small villa had plenty of double rooms. The boys paired up neatly, but among the girls, one would inevitably end up alone.

Jiang Wan looked at Chi Yuan with pitiful eyes. “This is a new, unfamiliar environment—I’m a little scared to sleep alone. Chi-jie, can I share a room with you?”

But before Chi Yuan could respond, Momo beside her raised her hand. “I also want to share a room with Chi-jie. Jiang-jie, could you let me have this?”

Jiang Wan thought to herself, Why should I give way to you?

“But Momo, Chi-jie and I already know each other—we’re closer. It’d be more convenient for us to room together.” The implication was clear: she had a stronger bond with Chi Yuan.

Momo propped her elbow on the table, resting her chin on her hand as she gazed at Chi Yuan. “Oh? Then, Chi-jie, will you choose me or Jiang-jie?”

Chi Yuan: “…”

The system teased: Host, your romantic appeal is quite strong.

Chi Yuan: Stop gloating. Analyze this properly—who should I room with?

The system: Hmm… If you don’t choose Jiang Wan, there’s a high chance she’ll turn to Jiang Ci. In the original story, Jiang Wan once sneaked through Jiang Ci’s phone while she was asleep, digging through her messages.

Chi Yuan: Even if Jiang Wan wants to room with Jiang Ci, she’d have to get Jiang Ci’s approval. There’s no way Jiang Ci would naively agree without guarding against her, right?

The system: You never know. How can you be sure Jiang Ci isn’t eager for it too?

The system: Think carefully. Jiang Wan is, after all, the protagonist—the center of this world, blessed with luck. If Jiang Ci really tries to oppose her, it won’t be easy.

Chi Yuan knew the system was referring to the original novel, where Jiang Ci and Jiang Wan became mutually hostile roommates on a shared-living variety show.

During the show, Jiang Wan once took advantage of Jiang Ci’s sleep to snoop through her phone gallery, discovering that Jiang Ci had a long-cherished love—a white moonlight girlfriend.

Mu Sheng—the female lead in The Rise of the Alluring Protagonist, a top-tier Alpha, gentle, considerate, kind-hearted, and raised alongside the antagonist since childhood. She was Jiang Ci’s genuine childhood sweetheart, her white moonlight.

In the original story, the Mu and Jiang families were neighbors. Mu Sheng, two years older than Jiang Ci, doted on her like a little sister, showering her with endless affection and care.

But when it came time for university, Mu Sheng followed her parents’ wishes and went abroad to study, only returning four years later.

Upon her return, Mu Sheng happened to catch a glimpse of Jiang Ci on TV—now even more mature and stunning than before. The feelings she had suppressed in her youth suddenly erupted, her heart pounding violently.

And so, she launched an aggressive pursuit of Jiang Ci.

Yet Jiang Ci repeatedly rejected her, citing Mu Sheng’s past unwillingness to stand by her when it mattered.

It was at this very moment that our female lead—Jiang Wan—made her dazzling reappearance.

When Mu Sheng was depressed and had no appetite, Jiang Wan personally cooked her a heartwarming meal.

When Mu Sheng suffered rejection and was heartbroken, Jiang Wan accompanied her for a walk in the rain and tenderly confessed she would always stay by her side.

When Mu Sheng’s career hit rock bottom with no way out, Jiang Wan used all her savings to support her.

In contrast to Jiang Ci’s cold indifference and unreasonable behavior, Mu Sheng felt the considerate and caring Jiang Wan was the most suitable for her.

So Mu Sheng ended up with Jiang Wan.

At this point, the story could have concluded—two protagonists overcoming all obstacles to be together, a happy ending indeed.

But what goes around comes around.

The later scene where Jiang Ci turned dark and threatened Mu Sheng to carve out her own heart was arguably the most brutal climax of the entire story.

Comparisons bring comfort.

Compared to this resentful protagonist, Chi Yuan’s exit via car accident was almost merciful.

To prevent an irreversible outcome, it was best to nip Jiang Wan’s intentions toward Mu Sheng in the bud here, avoiding future troubles.

Chi Yuan decisively spoke up: “I’d still prefer to room with Teacher Jiang. I’m her fan and want to be close to my idol. Momo, Jiang Wan, could you accommodate me?”

Her tone was sincere and eager, making it hard to refuse.

But the next moment, everyone heard Jiang Ci respond coolly, “I refuse.”

“Manager Chi and I don’t vibe well. We wouldn’t make good roommates.”

Chi Yuan widened her eyes at her, forcing a smile through gritted teeth. “How don’t we vibe? Teacher Jiang, I think we’re a perfect match.”

Jiang Ci’s icy tone continued, “We just don’t. I’d rather room with Jiang Wan. We could chat at night—I’m sure we’d have plenty to talk about.”

Meeting Jiang Ci’s glance, Jiang Wan felt her hair stand on end but shot back a challenging look. “Since Sister Jiang says so, I’m looking forward to it. We can talk all night.”

Chi Yuan: Heh… What kind of nonsense is this, the villain and protagonist chatting all night? Just don’t end up fighting—I’ll thank the heavens.

She quickly changed tactics and suddenly declared, “Let me be honest—I joined this show for Teacher Jiang.”

“My mother is a workaholic with no hobbies except watching Teacher Jiang’s films and dramas. When I heard she was joining Peach Blossom Country, I wanted to meet her.”

“If my mother knew Teacher Jiang became my roommate on the show, she’d be thrilled.”

Bringing up Chi’s mother, Chi Yuan mentally applauded her own cleverness.

Respect must be paid where it’s due. Jiang Ci held Chi’s mother in high esteem, sending gifts and care more often than Chi Yuan herself, treating her like a second mother.

No wonder Chi’s mother doted on Jiang Ci, seeing her as the only daughter-in-law candidate, always lecturing Chi Yuan to cherish her wife.

Jiang Ci clearly hadn’t expected Chi Yuan to mention her mother and frowned deeply.

Chi Yuan raised her brows, unable to hide her smug smile as she tossed Jiang Ci a look that said: If you don’t pick me, I’ll tell Mom and let her nag you.

To push Jiang Ci and Chi Yuan together, Chi’s mother hadn’t just nagged Chi Yuan alone.

Jiang Ci felt utterly overwhelmed, rubbing his temples in frustration before reluctantly agreeing through gritted teeth. “Since President Chi insists, and to honor Auntie’s expectations… I’ll look forward to your guidance, new roommate.”

Chi Yuan shrugged with a smile. “No need for formalities, Professor Jiang. Just call me Chi Yuan. My mother is your mother now—I’m sure you two will get along splendidly.”

Jiang Ci: Heh…

The production team had furnished each room with two single beds placed side by side, barely half a hand’s width apart. At a glance, they might as well have been a single double bed.

Having achieved her goal, Chi Yuan sprawled comfortably on the mattress, propping herself up on her elbows to watch Jiang Ci, who stood with arms crossed at the doorway, scrutinizing the room but refusing to step inside.

“Professor Jiang, come to bed already. This mattress is so soft and comfy.”

Jiang Ci finally dragged his suitcase in, setting it against the wall before approaching Chi Yuan. “Out with it—why insist on rooming with me? Chi Yuan, don’t you hate me?”

“Marrying me was just like buying a doll for decoration. So why the sudden interest in this doll now?”

Chi Yuan folded her hands over her stomach, feigning peaceful slumber—Do Not Disturb written all over her posture.

Jiang Ci rolled his eyes and turned away to unpack.

As Chi Yuan pretended to sleep, exhaustion from the day gradually pulled her under. Nestled in the plush bedding, she was too comfortable to even twitch a finger.

But just as she teetered on the edge of dreams—she jolted awake at an abrupt chill. Someone had lifted her shirt.

A warm, smooth palm pressed against her waist, gliding slowly up and down…