Transmigrated As The Villainous Scumbag Wife Of A Disabled Tycoon - Chapter 33
33
The next morning, the curtains were neatly tied back on both sides, and dazzling sunlight poured into the room.
Cheng Xing’s eyes stung from the glare, and she raised her arm to shield them from the light.
This method didn’t work for long. After nearly suffocating herself by burrowing into the blankets, she finally sat up, somewhat displeased.
Her head was still foggy, a mix of a hangover and a cold after sleeping through the night. Her nose felt completely blocked, making it impossible to breathe properly.
Outside, the sunlight was bright, signaling a clear, sunny day.
Winter in Jianggang was warmer than autumn in Jing City. Sitting on the bed, Cheng Xing stared blankly, still feeling a bit disoriented.
Yet, she could quickly discern where she was.
Letting out a long sigh, she rubbed her neck with her hands, forcing herself to wake up.
Even after standing, she still lacked energy. She went to the bathroom and splashed cold water on her face, which finally snapped her fully awake.
Suppressing a headache, she stood by the window and practiced a set of Baduanjin exercises, working up a sweat. Then she brewed a cup of saltwater and drank it.
The warm water entered her mouth, sliding down her throat into her stomach, warming her entire body.
Once fully awake, memories from last night’s drunken haze flooded back.
Cheng Xing rarely drank, and she didn’t black out when she did, so her memories were clear.
Even while drunk, she hadn’t let anything slip—she’d just been unusually excited.
That was normal, though. Drunk people often acted that way.
However, in her half-dreaming, half-awake state last night, she vaguely recalled Jiang Ciyi entering her room to give her cold medicine.
It had a very familiar taste.
She’d even bantered with Jiang Ciyi for a bit, though she couldn’t remember exactly what she’d said.
Her consciousness hadn’t been clear at the time.
Yet the scene felt so ethereal, almost like a dream.
Cheng Xing thought about it for a long time but couldn’t decide if it was a dream or reality.
She decided to go downstairs and confirm with Jiang Ciyi.
Downstairs, breakfast was already prepared in the dining room. Cheng Xing pushed Jiang Ciyi’s wheelchair to the opposite side of the table, then walked around to sit down.
Breakfast was a simple Western meal: milk, bread, and a vegetable salad. Looking at the plate piled high with salad dressing, Cheng Xing felt her appetite wane. She turned to the butler and asked, “Can you make us some Chinese food? Like scallion pancakes or savory pancakes?”
The dining habits in Jianggang leaned Western, with lighter flavors, but Cheng Xing had a Chinese stomach—only Chinese food could soothe her soul.
The butler paused, then bowed. “Of course.”
After the butler left, only Cheng Xing and Jiang Ciyi remained in the dining room.
Cheng Xing took a bite of bread and casually asked, “Did you come into my room last night?”
“Hm?” Jiang Ciyi raised an eyebrow.
“You gave me cold medicine, didn’t you?” Cheng Xing pressed.
“No.” Jiang Ciyi denied flatly.
“Really?” The bread in Cheng Xing’s mouth suddenly tasted bland. She was already unsure, and Jiang Ciyi’s firm denial made her doubt herself even more.
“Kidding.” Jiang Ciyi said.
This early in the morning, Cheng Xing’s heart was sent on a rollercoaster, only to settle back down. She laughed, “I knew it. I thought I saw a fairy—how could it not be you?”
Jiang Ciyi: “…”
Cheng Xing teased, “You did a good deed and didn’t even tell me? What, afraid I’d give you a banner?”
Jiang Ciyi quietly ate her bread. “No.”
After all, she’d already been given a “good person” card last night.
Only then did Cheng Xing eat with peace of mind. After swallowing, she continued, “Thanks to you giving me that cold medicine last night, or I might not have been able to get up this morning.”
Due to a childhood illness, even with strict precautions, Cheng Xing was prone to catching colds during seasonal changes. Her immunity was lower than others’. During her hospital internships, she dreaded rotations in the emergency department, especially in spring and autumn, when most cases were acute colds or infections. Even with a mask, she’d often get sick.
But if she took cold medicine the night she started feeling ill, she’d usually sweat it out and feel much better the next day.
If she didn’t take medicine that night, she’d likely spend the next day bedridden, possibly with a high fever.
One year, she’d been stubborn. She felt a cold coming on but refused medicine, thinking she could tough it out to build immunity. The next day, her fever hit 39.7°C, nearly frying her brain.
So her gratitude was genuine, though to Jiang Ciyi, it sounded more like flattery.
Jiang Ciyi didn’t expect gratitude. She said calmly, “You drank last night because of me. That was my thank-you.”
“Still, thank you,” Cheng Xing said. “I’m feeling much better this morning.”
“Good.”
Cheng Xing wasn’t usually one to talk at the table, but sitting with Jiang Ciyi, she felt compelled to say something.
Before she could think of a new topic, the butler brought out the freshly made food.
Scallion pancakes and savory pancakes were served, but they weren’t as good as those in Jing City.
Cheng Xing ate a bit and shared some with Jiang Ciyi.
After breakfast, they headed back to the hospital together.
In the car, Cheng Xing discussed discharge plans with Jiang Ciyi. Both felt they were fine, but Cheng Xing was concerned about Jiang Ciyi’s stomach and leg. She insisted on a full checkup and said they’d proceed with discharge if the results were clear.
Jiang Ciyi agreed readily.
At the Hospital
As soon as Cheng Xing returned to the ward, she saw Guan Linmin sitting on the guest sofa, glaring at her with a stern face. “Don’t you know you’re sick? And you’re still running around? I was worried sick all night.”
Cheng Xing hurried over, linking arms with her. “Why are you here? I just stayed home for one night. The hospital bed was uncomfortable. And I’m so healthy—what’s there to worry about?”
Her voice was still nasally. Guan Linmin, hearing it, swatted her arm. “You call this healthy? Did you catch a chill outside? You’ve got a cold.”
“It’s nothing.” Cheng Xing said with a smile. “A little cold like this will be gone in a few days.”
Seeing her dismiss her health, Guan Linmin said coldly, “If you keep this up, you’re moving back to the old house. Your grandmother’s leaving soon anyway. You can take Xiao Jiang back to live there—it’s livelier with more people.”
“What?” Cheng Xing was instantly alarmed.
She was already struggling to maintain the original Cheng Xing’s persona, barely managing in front of Jiang Ciyi. Moving back to the old house, surrounded by people who knew the real Cheng Xing’s personality, would put her on the edge of exposure every second.
Cheng Xing didn’t want to live that stressfully.
“What kind of newlyweds move back to their parents’ house? Xiao Jiang’s about to start work, and the old house is so far away—her commute would be a nightmare.” Cheng Xing explained, naturally adopting Guan Linmin’s nickname for Jiang Ciyi, saying it smoothly.
“You’d have a lively home, but have you asked if Xiao Jiang’s willing? Or if I’m willing?” Cheng Xing shook her head. “I’m not willing, and I’m sure Xiao Jiang isn’t either.”
“You’d have people waiting on you at home, and you’re still not happy?” Guan Linmin shot her a look. “I don’t care. You have one month. After that, you’re moving back to the old house for a while.”
“Why?” Cheng Xing didn’t understand.
“Think about why.” Guan Linmin said heavily, her gaze tinged with disappointment. “Or I’ll move to Tinglan Mansion in two weeks to stay for a bit.”
Cheng Xing: “…”
She seemed to grasp Guan Linmin’s meaning and had no rebuttal.
But her silence looked like anger to Guan Linmin. Frowning, Guan Linmin gently touched the back of Cheng Xing’s hand and softened her tone. “Xingxing, I’ve never scolded or stopped you from doing anything because I always thought you were a sensible child. But this time, I was wrong. You’re stubborn about certain things, even…”
Guan Linmin paused, searching for a less harsh word but ultimately skipping it.
“We spoiled you too much, and that’s why you’re like this now. I looked into what happened between you and Xiao Jiang. I always thought you genuinely liked her, but I didn’t realize it was because of Su Manchun.”
Cheng Xing pursed her lips. “Mom, it’s not like that anymore.”
Guan Linmin looked at her seriously, not following her words but continuing, “I’ve met Su Manchun. That girl’s ambitious and doesn’t see you as enough. You can’t be her stepping stone. If it were your older brothers, she wouldn’t have gone abroad—she’d have stayed in Jianggang to marry.”
At the mention of Su Manchun, Cheng Xing felt a surge of anger in her chest.
It wasn’t her own emotion but a physiological reaction, as if it came from the original Cheng Xing.
So, the original Cheng Xing truly loved Su Manchun?
Cheng Xing pressed her hand to her chest, trying to suppress the anger that wasn’t hers.
Guan Linmin, concerned, asked, “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.” Cheng Xing replied softly. “Mom, go on.”
“Don’t think I’m saying this to hurt you.” Guan Linmin said. “You have your strengths, but they’re not what Su Manchun wants right now. There’s no need to regret missing out on her. She liked how you treated her, not you.”
Cheng Xing’s eyes lit up.
Who said Guan Linmin was the only one in the Cheng family without a sharp mind?
Her heart was clear as a mirror.
Su Manchun’s feelings for the original Cheng Xing were exactly as Guan Linmin described: she didn’t dislike her, but what she liked was being liked.
Having lived so long, attending banquets with her father in her youth and later with Cheng Kunshan, Guan Linmin had seen all kinds of people and recognized girls like Su Manchun.
“Of course, don’t hate Su Manchun for it. Someone not loving you isn’t your fault, nor hers. Her fault lies in being born into the Su family, with a sister like Su Lengyue, who outshines her in every way,” Guan Linmin said gently, as if Cheng Xing were transported back years ago, to the night before she left for college. Her mother had spoken to her like this then, advising her to get along with classmates, join clubs, take a break if military training was too tough, or call her if she couldn’t cope—she’d get a doctor’s note to excuse her.
It was like a gentle stream, tenderly caring for her.
Looking at Guan Linmin’s profile, Cheng Xing suddenly leaned on her shoulder.
Guan Linmin was stunned. Her daughter hadn’t been this close to her in a long time.
Though Cheng Xing still acted spoiled at home, she no longer leaned on her shoulder to talk or showed much patience.
“I know,” Cheng Xing said softly, leaning against her. “Cherish the person in front of you.”
“Yes,” Guan Linmin said, calming herself. “No matter how much you liked Su Manchun, you can’t take out your anger on Xiao Jiang. You can’t bully her just because she has no family left.”
Guan Linmin had always thought Cheng Xing was unconditionally good to Jiang Ciyi. After all, Cheng Xing’s pursuit of her had been so public—people told Guan Linmin at card games that her daughter was chasing a forensic doctor, lingering at the Jianggang police station.
It was impossible not to know.
Later, when Jiang Ciyi had her accident and Cheng Xing proposed, Guan Linmin heard about it from her card-playing friends.
At first, she wanted to intervene, but seeing Cheng Xing finally move on from Su Manchun’s departure, she let it go.
She only had one daughter. Whoever Cheng Xing married, the Cheng family could afford to support them.
As long as she was happy.
But now, Guan Linmin realized she’d misunderstood Jiang Ciyi.
When she questioned the butler assigned to Tinglan Mansion, she learned the outrageous things her daughter had done.
Guan Linmin felt it wasn’t too late to correct things now—or at least keep an eye on it to prevent Jiang Ciyi from being wronged again.
“I know,” Cheng Xing said with a smile. “Xiao Jiang has no family left, so I’m her only family now. I’ll treat her well. Before, I was blind and foolish, but I’ll be better and strive to be a good person.”
Guan Linmin was stunned. “You’re not just saying this to placate me, are you?”
“Why would I do that?” Cheng Xing said. “These past few days, I’ve really thought it through. Xiao Jiang is so beautiful and capable—how is she not better than Su Manchun? And legally, I’m her only family now.”
There was still her father, but Cheng Xing had already sent him away.
Later, Jiang Ciyi would find her real family, and Cheng Xing could step back, her mission complete.
But for now…
Looking up at Guan Linmin, Cheng Xing suddenly felt admiration. “Mom, you’re amazing.”
“Hm?” Guan Linmin was puzzled. “Why the sudden flattery? Don’t think this gets you off the hook. I’m telling you, if you bully Xiao Jiang again, I won’t let you off.”
Cheng Xing hurriedly replied, “Fine, fine, supervise me. You should treat Xiao Jiang well and make sure everyone else does too. She even made me cold medicine yesterday.”
Guan Linmin: “…?”
Was that something worth bragging about?
Cheng Xing hadn’t been close to Guan Linmin before. Even her gifts were just attempts to curry favor with Jiang Ciyi, driven by ulterior motives.
But after talking with Guan Linmin, she realized she was a remarkable woman.
She loved her daughter, even spoiled her.
Yet she also cared about others’ feelings.
She knew to guide Cheng Xing not to hate Su Manchun and to ensure she didn’t mistreat Jiang Ciyi, even coming up with ways to supervise her.
Still, Cheng Xing didn’t agree to move back to the old house. “Aren’t all the helpers at Tinglan Mansion your people? Just have them watch me. With so many eyes on me, how could I bully Xiao Jiang again?”
Guan Linmin gave her a look. “There were plenty of eyes on you before, and you still did such… vicious things.”
Cheng Xing: “…”
The original Cheng Xing was a beast!
“I was a jerk, a fool,” Cheng Xing said. “I was out of my mind, not cherishing someone so great. Idiot!”
Her self-criticism was so heartfelt that Guan Linmin couldn’t bear it. “Enough. Who scolds themselves like that? Just know you were wrong and change. And you absolutely must apologize to Xiao Jiang. Drop that arrogant attitude. If you’ve done wrong, you face the consequences. If Xiao Jiang wants to take you to court, we can get you a lawyer, but you still have to apologize.”
Cheng Xing nodded vigorously. “Okay.”
Still, Guan Linmin was optimistic about their relationship. After all, Jiang Ciyi was truly alone in the world, with nowhere to go if she divorced Cheng Xing.
After some thought, Cheng Xing told her the truth. “I’m leaving it up to Xiao Jiang to decide. She’s a strong person and might not be able to move forward with someone who’s wronged her. So I’m giving her two months. If she still wants a divorce then, we’ll divorce. Or if she insists on divorcing now, we’ll go to the civil affairs bureau soon.”
Guan Linmin, after some hesitation, said, “That’s a good approach. In this world, only parents forgive your mistakes unconditionally. It’s understandable if Xiao Jiang doesn’t forgive you. But if you divorce, don’t shortchange her.”
She paused, then added, “Forget it, I’ll talk to Xiao Jiang myself. I misunderstood her before, so I owe her an apology. If you divorce, I have a house and a profitable shop I can give her. With her condition, it’ll be hard to find work like she had before. Give her a good sum when you split.”
“How much?” Cheng Xing asked, estimating two million in her head.
Guan Linmin didn’t blink. “Five million. You wronged her, after all.”
Cheng Xing: “…”
So generous.
Her admiration for Guan Linmin grew.
Jiang Ciyi’s test results came back quickly, showing no major issues.
Cheng Xing’s doctor also checked on her, prescribing some medication for her cold. Then someone handled their discharge procedures.
Guan Linmin came to greet Jiang Ciyi, whispering something mysteriously in her ear before leaving.
As they left the hospital, Cheng Xing pushed Jiang Ciyi’s wheelchair, her tone cheerful. “Xiao Jiang, we’re discharged!”
Jiang Ciyi frowned instinctively, but seeing the smile on Cheng Xing’s face, she couldn’t help but curve her lips slightly.
The current Cheng Xing was infectious.
Noticing the fleeting smile, Cheng Xing pushed her into the elevator and said, “If you want to smile, just smile. Don’t hold back.”
Jiang Ciyi: “…”
She even felt like Cheng Xing had a triple personality.
Since their silent argument, Cheng Xing had become much more open.
Back then, she was gentle and calm, but her eyes held a depth Jiang Ciyi couldn’t read.
Now, Cheng Xing seemed carefree, talking to her casually, treating her like a friend.
Not too distant, not too intimate.
On the drive home, Jiang Ciyi was lost in thought but reached no conclusions.
The truth was likely known only to Cheng Xing herself.
The car stopped at Tinglan Mansion. Cheng Xing skillfully lifted Jiang Ciyi from the car.
Back in familiar surroundings, it was evening. The sunset stretched across the sky, like a plain scorched by fire.
Cheng Xing pushed Jiang Ciyi to the window, and they quietly watched the sunset.
As dusk settled, the helpers served dinner.
The two ate quietly. Jiang Ciyi wasn’t talkative, so unless Cheng Xing spoke, the meal would be silent.
Sitting across from her, Cheng Xing finished dinner and realized why she usually ate quietly at home but felt compelled to talk with Jiang Ciyi.
Perhaps it was one introvert (I) meeting an even more introverted one, forcing her to become slightly extroverted (E).
Otherwise, the atmosphere would be painfully awkward.
But that didn’t matter now.
After the helpers cleared the plates, Cheng Xing dismissed them, then pulled a bag from a nearby chair and took out prepared documents.
She pushed them toward Jiang Ciyi. “You still have two choices. One, sign this divorce agreement now, and we’ll go to the civil affairs bureau tomorrow. Two, as we discussed, give me two months. I’ve already dealt with your father’s issue—that’s my first show of sincerity.”
Both documents lay before Jiang Ciyi.
Cheng Xing looked at her gently. “Xiao Jiang, life isn’t a right-or-wrong question—it’s a multiple-choice one. Whatever you choose is right. Don’t feel burdened.”