The Villainess Always Wants to Cuddle With Me [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 1

Ling Jun lay on the bed, staring blankly ahead, the harsh sunlight piercing her eyes. She quickly raised the back of her hand to shield them, trying to adjust to the light.

What color is this? Why have I never seen it before?

Wait… color?

But I’m blind. How can I perceive color in this endless void?

Ling Jun was an orphan and blind. The director of the orphanage had told her she was found at the doorstep, with only a small card bearing the name “Ling Jun” left with her. Nothing else.

The director searched the surrounding streets but found no trace of the family who had abandoned the infant. Everyone in the neighborhood knew the director had a soft heart; she couldn’t bear to see a baby abandoned and adopted the child herself. The family likely knew this and left the baby at her door.

Later, the director realized Ling Jun was born blind, her world forever shrouded in darkness.

And then, Ling Jun died.

She died at the tender age of eighteen, in the prime of her youth.

She couldn’t quite recall the cause of her death. Perhaps King Yama, in his mercy, spared her the pain of remembering such sorrow.

After adjusting for a while, Ling Jun slowly released her hand from her eyes. She widened her eyes, gazing around, her trembling lips silently marveling. She raised her hand to cover her eyes again, and in that instant, the familiar void returned. She repeatedly covered and uncovered her eyes, testing the phenomenon, as if understanding dawned. The crystalline tears swirling in her eyes escaped when she momentarily lost focus.

It was as if she could see, yet she couldn’t.

Was it because she was dead that she could perceive light?

“You are dead.”

Ling Jun startled at the sudden voice that seemed to erupt from nowhere.

Who’s speaking? I didn’t even open my mouth. How could anyone respond to me?

This was truly bizarre.

“I am a Great Spirit of the higher realms. Heaven pities mortals but does not save them. I have come to inform you that you now have only one choice: death or life.”

The voice originated from within her mind, its gender indistinguishable. Ling Jun could only grasp one thing: she was dead.

“If you want me to live, there must be conditions,” Ling Jun said, raising an eyebrow.

She wasn’t foolish enough to believe being chosen was a blessing. If it meant committing some heinous act, she would rather embrace death.

“Not bad, as expected of someone favored by Him. There is indeed a bargain. I grant you passage to a different world with each lifetime, restoring one layer of your sight each time, and allowing you to retain your memories across lives. Your task is to find a way to resolve the factors causing the Collapsing World.”

What the hell? Who can understand this? Can’t this Great Spirit speak human language?! Ling Jun thought to herself.

“Fine, I’ll speak plainly,” the Great Spirit said with practiced ease. “You should understand the first half of what I said. To put it in terms you’ll understand best, I’ll send you to many different worlds. With each world you traverse, I’ll gradually restore your sight and allow you to retain your memories. Your task is to find a way to save each world.”

“…You’re asking a blind woman to save the world?” Ling Jun frowned, a sardonic twist to her lips.

She truly wanted to pry open the Great Spirit’s skull and see what it was thinking.

The Great Spirit paused, as if weighing its words, before finally revealing a cryptic clue: “I’ll give you only one hint. Remember it well.”

“What is it?” Ling Jun asked.

“Guan Qigui. I’m leaving now. Good luck.”

Before Ling Jun could refuse, the Great Spirit vanished without a trace.

During her conversation with Him, the surroundings had been eerily silent. Now, she could hear birds chirping in the air and the rustling of leaves. Just as Ling Jun was about to take in her surroundings, a flood of unfamiliar memories surged into her mind.

These were the memories of the body she now inhabited.

Yuchi Lingjun was a princess of the Rin Kingdom, the kind who was never favored. The original owner of this body had also been blind. In this feudal society, women held little status to begin with, and a princess born blind was even more marginalized. Yuchi Gong, the original owner’s cheapskate emperor father, had named her Princess Lianchen, meaning “inauspicious” or “the princess abandoned by light.”

The original owner’s memories contained little information about Guan Qigui. All she knew was that she had lived under the shadow of constant ridicule from the other princesses and princes. There were even fewer memories of her mother, only fragmented images.

From those fleeting glimpses, Ling Jun learned that her mother had been a courtesan with no powerful backing. The woman’s beauty was so captivating that the cheapskate emperor couldn’t tear his eyes away from her. He immediately bestowed upon her the title of Consort Yan and brought her into the imperial harem. When Consort Yan became pregnant, dark currents stirred within the harem. Whether for future ambitions or present rivalries, the concubines were determined to prevent the child’s birth.

Several attempts on Consort Yan’s life nearly caused Yuchi Lingjun to be stillborn. Her doting father, Emperor Yuchi Gong, issued an imperial decree: if anything happened to the child in Consort Yan’s womb, all the palace ladies would be buried alive with her. This drastic measure finally quelled the schemes and turned the tide.

Thus, Yuchi Lingjun was born, and the palace breathed a collective sigh of relief—she was a girl.

At first, everything seemed well. Consort Yan enjoyed the emperor’s favor. But when the imperial physician discovered Yuchi Lingjun was blind, he immediately reported to Yuchi Gong. “Lingjun is an ill omen,” he declared. “Born blind, she is a child forsaken by the light. Consort Yan must pay with her life to ensure the nation’s prosperity.”

The physician’s motives were clear: he was a pawn of a rival faction in the palace, whispering poison into the emperor’s ear. In such a superstitious society, the emperor would undoubtedly heed his words.

Enraged, the emperor ordered Consort Yan to be poisoned with a cup of hemlock. Yuchi Lingjun became the ill-fated girl, subject to endless humiliation and abuse. She died from a cup of hemlock, her face slashed beyond recognition by someone who envied her beauty.

Ling Jun had finished recalling all of Yuchi Lingjun’s memories, which were entirely focused on her origins and the bullying she had endured. There was absolutely no information about Guan Qigui. As for confidantes… it was a miracle this princess hadn’t died in her own palace; even getting a meal was considered a blessing.

There was no time to dwell on the past. She was now trapped in the cutthroat imperial harem, where caution and vigilance were paramount.

Ling Jun’s eyes could only perceive light. As for objects… she reached out and grabbed something soft nearby, holding it close to her eyes to barely make out that it was likely a pillow.

So this was the extent of her current vision. Still, being able to perceive light was already more than enough to satisfy her; she dared not ask for more. Besides, the Great Spirit had promised her that each time she transmigrated, her vision would gradually improve. There was always hope.

But first… she needed to find out who this Guan Qigui, the scourge of the realm, was.

“Princess, you’re awake.”

A woman’s voice from the side startled Ling Jun out of her thoughts. She glanced at the palace maid but carefully avoided revealing that her vision had returned.

What was this maid’s name again? It was…

“Xiao Mei, do you know who Guan Qigui is?” Ling Jun asked bluntly.

Who else would I ask? She’s the perfect assistant right here, Ling Jun thought.

In Yuchi Lingjun’s memories, Xiao Mei had always treated her well, likely out of compassion, and had never harmed her.

“Shh!” Xiao Mei immediately pressed her index finger to Ling Jun’s lips. She glanced around to ensure no one was listening before relaxing.

“What’s wrong?” Ling Jun asked, puzzled. “What’s wrong with the name Guan Qigui? Why can’t I even mention it?”

“Princess, you mustn’t speak that name again!” Xiao Mei hurriedly shut the chamber door tight, fearing the princess would say it again and be overheard. “He’s the eldest son of the Lu Kingdom. If the Emperor hears about this, heads will roll!”

Lu Kingdom? Ling Jun’s memories clearly showed the kingdom where Yuchi Lingjun resided was called Rin Kingdom. Could it be…?

“A tributary prince?” Ling Jun blurted out.

Xiao Mei gasped in shock. “Princess!” She quickly covered Ling Jun’s mouth again, glancing around before finally letting out a relieved sigh.

“I get it, I get it! Just tell me—is it true or not?” Ling Jun impatiently pushed Xiao Mei’s finger away.

Judging by her voice, Xiao Mei was only around fourteen or fifteen years old. And how old is Yuchi Lingjun now?

Xiao Mei was on the verge of tears, stamping her foot repeatedly. “Princess, promise me you won’t say anything reckless again, and I’ll tell you.”

“Alright, alright, Lian Chen promises,” Ling Jun replied.

Through her memories, she knew that princesses and princes always referred to themselves by their titles when addressing those of lower status. Most of the princes hadn’t yet received their titles, except for the Third Prince, who had his own.

Among the princesses, only those who had married were granted titles. As for her… Ha, it’s all just superstition.

“Then I’ll tell you, Princess. He’s definitely the one you mentioned earlier,” Xiao Mei whispered into Ling Jun’s ear, leaning close.

The warm, damp breath made Ling Jun deeply uncomfortable, and she recoiled abruptly. Her other senses were already far more sensitive than ordinary people’s, let alone with Xiao Mei speaking directly into her ear.

“Lian Chen understands. Xiao Mei…” Ling Jun sighed.

“Ah?” Xiao Mei tensed, fearing she would be questioned about Consort Yan again.

“Bring Lian Chen’s eyes here,” she said, referring to her cane.

Xiao Mei retrieved the long, black cane from the edge of the bed and placed it in Ling Jun’s palm. “Princess, it’s just after the morning court session. Where are you going? If you accidentally offend someone… it’ll be another round of mockery.”

Terrified that Xiao Mei would start chattering endlessly, Ling Jun quickly interrupted her. “Lian Chen is going to find Guan Qigui.”

Oh my heavens! Xiao Mei’s heart nearly leaped out of her chest. She clutched Ling Jun’s sleeve, her voice trembling with tears. “Princess! Didn’t we agree never to mention that person’s name?”

“Just kidding,” Ling Jun replied, her gaze fixed on the blurry patches of color before her. Relying on memory, she located the wardrobe, pulled out a plain-colored ruqun (a traditional Chinese garment), and began to dress.

Seeing this, Xiao Mei stepped forward to help, but Ling Jun stopped her. “Lian Chen will manage herself.”

Despite Ling Jun’s insistence, it took her nearly five minutes to properly fasten the intricate ruqun. Xiao Mei stood by, anxious but afraid to offer assistance.

“How old is Lian Chen this year?” Ling Jun asked, leaning on her Mystic Staff as she walked toward the lotus pond she remembered.

Seeing Ling Jun move on her own, Xiao Mei hurried to keep up. “Eighteen years of age,” she replied.

“Xiao Mei.” Ling Jun stopped abruptly, turning to peer closely into Xiao Mei’s eyes. Xiao Mei’s eyes were bright, radiating innocence. Ling Jun found them beautiful—the first pair of eyes she had ever truly seen.

“Princess?” Xiao Mei froze in place, startled by the sudden halt.

Struck by the close-up of that beautiful face, Ling Jun momentarily felt as if the Princess could see. But the thought vanished as quickly as it had appeared. She shook her head, hastily retreated two steps, and, looking again at those unfocused eyes, felt a renewed pang of frustration.

“Go about your duties, Xiao Mei. Lian Chen will take a walk by herself,” Ling Jun said with a faint smile.

“But…”

“No buts. Lian Chen is telling you to go. Now, go.”

Without waiting for Xiao Mei’s reply, Ling Jun turned and walked alone toward the lotus pond.

Though she could perceive blurry outlines, like someone with severe myopia who couldn’t distinguish between humans and animals beyond two meters, the mingled scents of pond water and lotus blossoms filled Ling Jun’s nostrils.

Having long grown accustomed to experiencing the world through her other senses, Ling Jun found the beauty and tranquility of this moment deeply healing.

A cluster of wildflowers grew near the pond’s edge. Ling Jun approached slowly, crouched down, and rested her left hand on her Mystic Staff while gently stroking the wildflowers with her right. She leaned closer, bringing the blossoms right up to her eyes, but could only discern their shapes and colors. Yet… that was enough.

For Ling Jun, who had once lived in utter nothingness, even this limited perception was a source of profound contentment.

Ling Jun meticulously recorded the outlines she observed, matching them to her knowledge from her past life. An unprecedented sense of novelty filled her heart, as if she were being healed.

Unbidden, two more clear tears streamed down her face.

Ling Jun hastily wiped away the tears, rose, and used her Mystic Staff to probe her surroundings. Closing her eyes, she strode forward recklessly, determined to fix this overwhelmingly healing sensation in her memory—

Only to collide with something soft.

Ling Jun hissed, belatedly realizing what it was—

Oh my god! This soft thing is a person!

Cold sweat drenched her back as she feared she had bumped into one of her abusers. Instead, she heard a clear, apologetic voice:

“My apologies, Princess Lianchen. Please forgive my rudeness.”

So polite? He’s a sheep—time to fleece him. Ling Jun slowly approached, pretending to sniff the newcomer’s scent while secretly assessing his appearance. “I don’t recognize this scent. Who are you?”

Guan Qigui: …Is this some new way of greeting people?

She retreated two steps to maintain distance, sizing up the unfortunate princess. Ling Jun looked much the same as before, even more striking now, but her eyes…

Guan Qigui narrowed her eyes, answering with amusement, “Young Master Guan.”

“Never heard of him. Which Young Master Guan?” Ling Jun asked, but as soon as the words left her lips, something clicked in her mind, and she started in surprise.

Could this person be…?

Her eyes widened, and she leaned closer, hastily pressing the Mystic Staff into Guan Qigui’s hand. She stood on tiptoe, cupping Guan Qigui’s face in her hands, scrutinizing every detail. As if that wasn’t enough, she leaned in to inhale the scent from Guan Qigui’s neck—an indescribably pleasant, delicate fragrance.

It smells like a woman’s scent…

That wretched princess! Guan Qigui straightened Ling Jun’s posture. As Ling Jun leaned in to sniff her neck, Guan Qigui could also detect Ling Jun’s scent—a faint sweetness…

The tips of Guan Qigui’s ears flushed slightly. She clenched her fist, cleared her throat, and said, “Men and women should maintain proper distance. Princess, please conduct yourself with decorum.”

“Guan Qigui?” Ling Jun whispered, leaning in closer again.

“Does the princess recognize me?” Guan Qigui wondered what this troublesome princess was up to. The princess had changed; before, Guan Qigui could sense her “blue” aura through her words, but now… it was utterly blank.

The world knew Guan Qigui as the eldest daughter of the Lu Kingdom and the tributary prince of the Rin Kingdom, but few realized she possessed an innate gift:

The ability to discern colors through sound.

True to her name, she could perceive a person’s aura as color when they spoke. For instance, her ruthless mother’s deep purple aura symbolized her cunning and ambition. And this unfortunate princess…

How intriguing. She was eager to see why the princess had changed.

“I don’t recognize you,” Ling Jun blurted out, suddenly realizing the danger. Am I an idiot? If this were an ancient palace drama, I wouldn’t survive a single episode. The Great Spirit had warned her that Guan Qigui was the key to the Collapsing World, yet she’d foolishly delivered herself right to this demon’s doorstep.

Guan Qigui smirked coldly, stepping forward to seize Ling Jun’s arm and lead her toward her residence. “If the princess doesn’t mind, perhaps she would grace my humble abode with her presence for a brief conversation.”

Ling Jun: No! I can’t go! This woman is a demon!

Ling Jun tugged her arm back, but Guan Qigui’s grip was too strong. Forced to retreat, she declared, “Princess Lianchen has never met Young Master Guan, nor do we have any past matters to discuss. Men and women should maintain proper distance. I urge Young Master Guan to show some restraint!”

What bullshit! This demon is definitely taking me to some secluded place to silence me! It’s not that the enemy is too strong; it’s just that I’m hopelessly stupid. Maybe saving the world should be left to someone else…

“I wish to speak with the Princess privately,” Guan Qigui said, sounding somewhat resigned.

“Lian Chen has no desire to speak with Young Master Guan privately!” Ling Jun declared firmly.

Seeing her strong resistance and uncooperative gait, Guan Qigui’s lips curved into a smile. She swept Ling Jun into a horizontal embrace and, using her light footwork, floated back to their small residence.

“Ah!” Ling Jun gasped, instinctively clinging to Guan Qigui’s neck and pressing her head against her chest.

My life comes first, she thought. At least this way, she won’t drop me halfway and kill me. Though her vision was blurred, Ling Jun’s other senses were far from useless. She could clearly sense they weren’t moving at a normal pace.

“Oh? The Princess seems rather different from the rumors,” Guan Qigui murmured softly into her ear.

“How so?” Ling Jun asked, her face flushing crimson, her voice barely audible.

“The Princess seems… able to see,” Guan Qigui said slowly, her voice deepening, each word deliberate.

The words reminded Ling Jun of a demon crawling up from the depths of hell.