The Villainess Is Pretending to Be Sweet Again Today (Transmigration) - Chapter 13

Long Huaichang was feeling much more at ease today compared to the past few days.

There was no particular reason—just because Nuo Yang had told her she would come back in the evening to celebrate her birthday. That alone had kept Long Huaichang in high spirits all day.

She sat on the sofa now, cradling a sleeping kitten in her arms, her lips curled into a faint smile.

Unconsciously, she had been staring at the little creature for over an hour.

Strangely enough, Long Huaichang had never been particularly interested in small animals like cats or dogs before. But lately, she had come to realize that there were things in this world so soft and adorable.

Though she had lost both parents and was ostracized by the Long family, she was, after all, an illegitimate child. She had no right to fight for the family fortune, so she couldn’t blame others for targeting her.

Gently stroking the kitten’s belly, Long Huaichang murmured softly, “At least we still have a place to live.”

It wasn’t a grand house, but she was quite content in this small duplex apartment.

Buzz—

Her phone, lying nearby, suddenly vibrated. Long Huaichang picked it up casually.

Nuo Yang: Xiao Huai, I might have to work a little overtime today. I’ll be back a bit later.

Long Huaichang pressed her lips together but didn’t say anything. She simply replied: Okay.

Nuo Yang: Sorry about this. I promised I’d come back early today.

Long Huaichang: It’s fine. I’ll wait for you at home. Be careful on your way back.

Reading Long Huaichang’s reply, Nuo Yang couldn’t help but sigh.

As if suddenly remembering something, Nuo Yang called the bakery and asked them to make an extra trip to deliver the cake to her home in advance. She also ordered some takeout.

She had originally planned to stop by the market to buy groceries, but now it seemed they’d have to settle for instant meals!

The internet today was in absolute chaos. The recently divorced actress had plenty of scandals to her name, and the young heartthrob involved was a highly controversial idol. The combination of the two was practically explosive!

The editorial team was swamped. Nuo Yang was responsible for gathering information, organizing it, and then distributing it to the editors so they could start drafting their articles.

Sometimes, when people got too busy, they lost track of time. By the time Nuo Yang looked up, it was already past 7 p.m.

She wasn’t sure if the cake had been delivered yet. After sending the materials to Cheng Bai and the others, Nuo Yang suddenly found herself with nothing to do.

“Um…” Nuo Yang glanced at the chaotic scene around her and said, “I think I need to—”

“Hungry, right?” Cheng Bai didn’t even look up. “The manager ordered burgers. One for each of us, plus a few family buckets. Don’t hold back—it’s all on the company!”

Nuo Yang: “No, I—”

Chu Kexin: “Xiao Nuo, don’t rush. I still need a bit more info. Can you help me look up the actress’s three ex-husbands and their divorces? I want to add that in.”

Seeing how busy everyone was, Nuo Yang felt too awkward to insist. She sat back down.

Even when the burgers arrived, Nuo Yang had no appetite. Only after confirming that the articles for several accounts had been published did she stand up again and say, “Sorry, but I really have something at home today. I need to go back.”

The manager, who was distributing the burgers, frowned. “Go back? But we’re not done yet.”

Nuo Yang replied impatiently, “I’ve already finished my part. And I really do have something important today.”

The general manager said, “No one else has left, Xiao Nuo. You need to have some team spirit. If it’s not something urgent at home, just put it aside for now. I’ll give you a day off tomorrow, alright?”

Nuo Yang frowned and raised her voice, “I really have something important today. I’ve never had a problem working overtime every day before but today is different!”

She had promised Long Huaichang she would go home to celebrate her birthday. If she ended up working late again like usual, how could they possibly celebrate?

It only happened once a year. If Long Huaichang found out she couldn’t make it because of overtime, how heartbroken would she be?

Just the thought of her sitting alone in a dark room made Nuo Yang’s chest ache with sadness. Her anger flared, and her eyes widened.

The general manager probably hadn’t expected a mere intern editor to lose her temper like this and was momentarily stunned.

Cheng Bai and the others, munching on their burgers, stared at her in shock. None of them had ever imagined that the usually easygoing Nuo Yang could get so worked up.

Grabbing her bag, Nuo Yang said to everyone, “I’m sorry for losing my temper. It’s my child’s birthday today, and I really can’t stay. I’m sorry.”

With that, she turned and walked out.

The general manager and the others exchanged bewildered glances.

Chu Kexin took a sip of her cola and muttered to herself, “Her child?”

A child???

—

By the time she got home, it was already past 9 p.m.

On the way back, Nuo Yang had stopped by several stores, but for some reason, all the boutique shops had closed early. After wandering around the mall, she could only find a cheap little teddy bear.

A gift was better than nothing, so she bought some ribbons, had the store clerk wrap it up quickly, and rushed home.

As soon as the elevator doors opened, she saw Long Huaichang sitting crouched by the front door, hugging a cardboard box—her birthday cake.

Hearing the elevator, Long Huaichang looked up at Nuo Yang.

“I’m sorry, I got held up at work.”

Nuo Yang hurried over and knelt in front of her, guilt flashing in her eyes as she met Long Huaichang’s dark gaze. “Why are you waiting out here? Why not go inside?”

Long Huaichang hugged the cake tighter. “It’s too lonely inside. I wanted to wait for you.”

Nuo Yang apologized again. “I couldn’t find a good gift. All I got was this little bear. I don’t know if you’ll like it.”

She probably wouldn’t. The bear looked kind of ugly, and Nuo Yang felt embarrassed even giving it to her.

Long Huaichang glanced at the brown toy in her hands and smiled softly. “I love it. Anything from you, I’ll love.”

Nuo Yang’s heart warmed a little. “Today was an exception. I’ll get you a better gift in a few days.”

“No need,” Long Huaichang stood up. “Today is my birthday. A gift given later wouldn’t count, would it?”

“Well… you’re right. Then next year, on your birthday, I’ll get you something new.”

“Next year?”

Long Huaichang paused, looking at her. “Next year… you’ll celebrate with me too?”

“Of course.” Nuo Yang reached out and took her wrist, grinning. “I’ll celebrate every birthday with you from now on.”

At least until you meet the female lead!

Nuo Yang could already picture the scene: Long Huaichang standing hand in hand with the female lead she’d fallen for at first sight, both calling her “big sister.” It really felt like raising a daughter.

Yet at this moment, Long Huaichang’s heart was pounding uncontrollably. Her dark, bright eyes sparkled like stars, and she committed every word Nuo Yang said to memory—today was no exception.

“You promised,” Long Huaichang tightened her grip on Nuo Yang’s wrist, staring intently. “Every year from now on, you have to stay by my side.”

Nuo Yang: “Of course~”

After all, she still planned to be the female lead’s sister-in-law someday!

Each lost in their own thoughts, the two entered the house. Though they were a little late, everything they needed was ready. Nuo Yang excitedly pulled Long Huaichang to the dining table and, without minding the takeout boxes, eagerly urged her to open the cake.

Long Huaichang smiled as she untied the ribbon, but her expression froze when she saw the number “16” printed on the cake.

Nuo Yang beamed at the cake. “Isn’t it pretty? I knew it was the one the moment I saw it! Worth the extra hundred bucks!”

Long Huaichang paused before replying, “It’s nice.”

“Right~?”

“But, sis… I’m 17 this year.”

Nuo Yang: “…”

Long Huaichang repeated, “I’m 17 this year.”

Nuo Yang covered her face and burst into tears.

Why? Why had nothing gone right today???

Was she an idiot???

How could she even mess up her age?!

“Waaahhh, I didn’t mean to! I really miscalculated…” Nuo Yang sobbed. “I’ll go buy another one!”

Long Huaichang couldn’t help but laugh. She broke off the “1” and placed it in front of Nuo Yang. “It’s fine. You eat this, and after you finish, we’ll pretend I’m 6 this year.”

“Waaahhh, it’s all my fault! I’ll remember next time! Next year, I’ll definitely get you an ’18’ cake!”

Though not everything had gone perfectly, they still managed to celebrate Long Huaichang’s birthday peacefully—the first one she’d had since losing both her parents. At least she hadn’t spent it alone.

The next day at the office, Nuo Yang was still a little uneasy.

After throwing such a tantrum last night, she wasn’t sure if the general manager would fire her.

Even if she had assets now and didn’t fear unemployment, getting dismissed for refusing overtime wouldn’t look good on her record.

The moment she sat down, Cheng Bai slid over with a grin. “Xiao Nuo~ Right on time today!”

Nuo Yang laughed awkwardly. “If I weren’t on time, I’d be late. That’d mean a pay cut.”

Chu Kexin sidled up with a cheeky smile. “Xiao Nuo~ What time did you get home last night? Didn’t miss your kid’s birthday, did you?”

Nuo Yang nodded. “It was fine. Got back around nine, just in time.”

“Good, good.” Cheng Bai patted her chest in relief, then her eyes darted around before she whispered, “Xiao Nuo~ Is your kid in school yet?”

Nuo Yang thought about it. Since Long Huaichang had been expelled, technically, she wasn’t attending school right now.

“Not yet,” Nuo Yang chuckled. “She’s staying home for now, not going anywhere.”

“Oh~”

So, she was a preschooler!

Cheng Bai pressed further. “And… where’s the father? Does he help take care of her?”

Nuo Yang shook her head and said, “Her father passed away in an accident a few months ago.”

No wonder she took leave to attend a funeral recently—it was for her own husband. How tragic!

The general manager, who had been eavesdropping, couldn’t bear to hear any more. What kind of cruel fate was this? Widowed in her early twenties—how could she possibly cope with life after this?

And here he was, making her work overtime with no one at home to take care of her child. It was downright heartless!

“Xiao Nuo,” the general manager walked over, his eyes red, and said, “From now on, no one in the editorial department has to work overtime. Everyone leaves on time—if anyone dares to stay late, I’ll have words with them!”

The entire editorial department stared in shock.

Cheng Bai hesitated before asking, “General Manager, are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” the general manager declared. “If there’s breaking news, write it from home. Life is short—spend more time with your families!”

With that, he turned and left.

Everyone exchanged bewildered looks, unable to comprehend why such a blessing had fallen upon them. After some thought, they concluded it must all be thanks to Nuo Yang!

“Xiao Nuo, if you’re struggling with anything, just let us know. If there’s no one to watch your child at home, bring them to the office—we can help take care of them!”

“Yeah, yeah! We’re all pretty idle anyway, and everyone loves kids!”

“Exactly, Xiao Nuo, don’t try to tough it out alone!”

Seeing their earnest expressions, Nuo Yang couldn’t bring herself to refuse. She smiled wryly and nodded. “Alright, I’ll bring her over to visit when I can.”

Though she wasn’t sure if Long Huaichang would be willing.