Transmigrated As The Villainous Scumbag Wife Of A Disabled Tycoon - Chapter 54

54

Jiang Ciyi heard a woman let out a stifled groan through gritted teeth. The figure was shrouded in darkness, making it hard to see clearly.

Yet, a faint, elusive citrus fragrance wafted through the air.

Time seemed to freeze, as if someone had pressed the pause button. Everything around became vividly audible, and all eyes turned in unison, hands pausing mid-task.

Someone gasped sharply, blurting out a curse: “Holy sht.”

The gears of reality began to turn again, accompanied by hushed murmurs.

“Did Movie Queen Gu just go to save someone?”

“No, she got hit.”

“That sound alone makes it seem painful… Is there something between them?”

“No way, they just met today.”

“Did Movie Queen Gu tell you that herself?”

“…”

The crew of Distant Moon had been filming for a month, and behind the scenes, the staff had no shortage of gossip about Gu Qingfeng. The renowned Movie Queen was a focal point of attention even before joining the set, and every move she made was scrutinized under a magnifying glass. If not for the confidentiality agreements signed by all staff, the internet would likely be flooded with tidbits about her.

Who she met today, what she whispered to her assistant tomorrow—it was all fodder for speculation.

But in truth, it was mostly just that: speculation.

Over the past month, Gu Qingfeng had proven herself exceptionally professional. She arrived early for scenes, meticulously reviewed blocking and lines, and ensured every detail was perfect. If she wasn’t satisfied with a take, she’d do three more, and the entire crew would get an extra meal that day. Even when meeting friends, she maintained a polite distance.

Still, that didn’t stop the gossip enthusiasts from craving scandal, especially romantic rumors about someone as aloof and enigmatic as Gu Qingfeng.

The murmurs were quiet but numerous, blending into a chaotic hum that, to the person involved, sounded no different from birds chirping.

Gu Qingfeng’s assistant was the first to react, stepping forward to help her up. “Sis, are you okay? Should we call a doctor?”

Gu Qingfeng leaned on her for support, standing upright with a calm, indifferent expression. “I’m fine.”

On the other side, a crew member carrying equipment stammered an apology. “I’m so sorry, it wasn’t on purpose! I swear I secured it properly. Please, don’t fire me, I need this job…”

Before he could finish, Gu Qingfeng waved him off. “Get back to work.”

She appeared unscathed, her face as impassive and distant as ever.

Jiang Ciyi looked up. “You’re… hurt, aren’t you?”

She wasn’t close to Gu Qingfeng—in fact, they were barely acquainted. Their only connection was that Jiang Ciyi had seen one of her dramas. But now, this woman had abruptly shielded her from harm, acting almost as if she’d saved her life without hesitation.

It was a strange feeling.

Jiang Ciyi disliked owing favors but didn’t know how to repay this one. Even speaking felt awkward. “No,” Gu Qingfeng replied coolly. “Are you okay?”

Jiang Ciyi shook her head. “I’m fine.”

Gu Qingfeng gave her a thoughtful glance before turning to head to her trailer. But as she did, she came face-to-face with Zhang Mingyan, whose lips curved into a gentle smile. “Miss Gu, thank you for saving my wife just now. Do you have any plans next? If you don’t mind, why don’t you come to our place for a bit? My wife and I would love to thank you properly.”

Cheng Xing’s words were flawless, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

In truth, she’d noticed Gu Qingfeng’s rigid posture after standing up. That steel pipe was at least ten centimeters in diameter, and the sound it made hitting the ground was enough to make anyone flinch—let alone when it struck someone’s back.

Gu Qingfeng was definitely injured.

Cheng Xing had already asked Sister Zhou to fetch a family doctor. Since Gu Qingfeng had been hurt saving someone on her property, it was only right to take responsibility.

Gu Qingfeng was about to decline when Xu Zhaozhao, who had just been rebuffed, interjected, “Sister Xing, we’re in the middle of work. I still need to rehearse with Sister Qingfeng.”

Her words implied, Don’t interrupt us.

She also seemed to want to make decisions for Gu Qingfeng.

Gu Qingfeng wasn’t having it. Her cold gaze flicked toward Xu Zhaozhao, and she said in a low voice, “Let’s go.”

With that, she walked ahead, each step sending a burning pain through the wound on her back as her clothes rubbed against it. Yet, she maintained her signature icy composure, betraying no sign of injury.

Xu Zhaozhao called after her, “Sister Qingfeng, we need to discuss the next scene!”

Without turning, Gu Qingfeng replied, “You discuss it and give me the results.”

“And if you keep changing the script like this, you’re out of this crew.”

The director broke into a cold sweat. The crew exchanged glances, their expressions practically screaming, This is getting good! They were hoping for a showdown—shouting, hair-pulling, maybe even a slap.

Sadly, their hopes were dashed.

Xu Zhaozhao stood rooted to the spot, watching the group disappear through the door, her fists clenched in anger.

Just a Movie Queen, acting all high and mighty.

Did she think she could climb the Cheng family’s ranks?

Even if she signed with Wenxing Media, her resources wouldn’t be any better than Xu Zhaozhao’s. If not for the chance to skyrocket her fame, Xu Zhaozhao wouldn’t have bothered playing second fiddle in this lousy production.

Her goal was to use this drama to spark a CP (couple pairing) rumor with Gu Qingfeng. Her agent had even prepared the marketing drafts. But Gu Qingfeng wasn’t giving her an inch.

Xu Zhaozhao still held the “get-out-of-jail-free card” her grandmother had given her before leaving the country. She’d already signed with Wenxing Media, and Cheng Zimo had promised her grandmother the best resources. Surpassing Gu Qingfeng was just a matter of time.

But now…

Xu Zhaozhao was fuming. The director approached cautiously. “Zhaozhao, about the script…”

Xu Zhaozhao took a deep breath, her stormy expression replaced by a sunny smile. “Director, I have no objections. If Sister Qingfeng can’t handle my character having a highlight, then fine.”

She put on a wronged, submissive act. “Sister Qingfeng is the lead, so whatever she says goes.”

The director: “…?”

Xu Zhaozhao continued, “I’ll apologize to Sister Qingfeng first. If she doesn’t forgive me, I can leave the crew. It’s all for the good of the drama. It doesn’t matter if I step out.”

The director nearly dropped his jaw.

What the hell?

That wasn’t what she said last night when she dragged him and the writer to revise the script! She’d complained that her character was too pitiful, with barely any emotional arc with the female lead, Lin Jing. She’d practically demanded kissing and bed scenes to create a three-lifetime tragic love story.

Today, Gu Qingfeng had caught on to her intentions, and now Xu Zhaozhao was playing the victim in front of everyone.

If this got out, netizens would accuse the crew of bullying a newcomer.

Newcomer? More like a spoiled princess backed by capital!

If not for Cheng’s influence, the director would’ve replaced this second female lead long ago. But with so many eyes watching, he couldn’t lose his temper. He forced a kind smile. “Alright, go apologize to Qingfeng. She’s been acting for years and doesn’t tolerate unauthorized script changes or added scenes. But if you own up to your mistake, I’m sure she won’t make things difficult.”

Xu Zhaozhao: “?”

The director patted her arm. “Zhaozhao, be sincere when you apologize. Qingfeng hates insincerity the most.”

Xu Zhaozhao’s face darkened, but she managed a strained smile. “…Okay.”

Inside the mansion, the family doctor arrived with a medical kit.

Cheng Xing thanked Gu Qingfeng again, gently explaining the doctor’s presence to avoid making her uncomfortable.

Gu Qingfeng declined politely, insisting she was fine.

Cheng Xing hesitated, casting a pleading look at Jiang Ciyi.

Jiang Ciyi lowered her gaze, deep in thought. After a moment, she spoke, “Miss Gu, you were injured because of me. If you’re concerned about others seeing your injury, I can help. I studied medicine.”

Cheng Xing: “…?”

An unexpected turn.

Studied medicine—forensic medicine.

A single word made all the difference.

Still, Jiang Ciyi was capable of handling this. In the original story, she’d once saved Xu Jingcheng’s girlfriend, which led to their friendship.

But now…

Jiang Ciyi’s kindness toward Gu Qingfeng, before their relationship was even clear, carried an indescribable subtlety.

Gu Qingfeng had been guarded since entering the house, so Cheng Xing assumed she’d refuse. To her surprise, Gu Qingfeng hesitated, staring at Jiang Ciyi for a long moment.

Until Jiang Ciyi spoke again, “Miss Gu, your shirt is stained with bl00d.”

Her assistant finally noticed the bl00d seeping through Gu Qingfeng’s back and gasped, “Sister Qingfeng…”

“Alright,” Gu Qingfeng stood. “I’ll trouble you.”

Not knowing how to address her, Jiang Ciyi introduced herself. “My surname is Jiang.”

“Jiang?” Gu Qingfeng’s tone wavered, her voice rising slightly at the end.

Jiang Ciyi nodded. “Yes, what’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” Gu Qingfeng realized she’d slipped and explained briefly, “My mother’s surname is Jiang, too.”

“That’s quite a coincidence.” Jiang Ciyi smiled faintly. “Come with me.”

Unfamiliar with the place, Jiang Ciyi knew there were guest rooms on the first floor. She asked Cheng Xing to grab the doctor’s medical kit and headed to the quietest room.

Cheng Xing followed, carrying the kit, her emotions a tangled mess.

In the guest room, just the three of them, Jiang Ciyi got Gu Qingfeng’s permission and used scissors to cut open the bloodstained part of her shirt.

The task was second nature to Jiang Ciyi.

Gu Qingfeng lay on the bed, her back a mess of bl00d and torn skin, yet she didn’t make a sound.

Cheng Xing and Jiang Ciyi had assumed the injury wasn’t severe, perhaps just a scrape. But when the fabric was cut away, they saw a large patch of red, swollen, and bruised skin, some of it sticking to the cloth.

Her fair skin made the injury’s vivid contrast even more striking.

Jiang Ciyi’s brow furrowed, her hand trembling slightly.

Surface wounds like this were easy to clean, but a CT scan was needed to check for bone damage.

As she disinfected the wound with iodine-soaked cotton, Jiang Ciyi watched Gu Qingfeng’s face. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, but she clenched her jaw and remained silent.

Jiang Ciyi applied cooling ointment, bandaged the wound, and gave her follow-up care instructions.

Cheng Xing brought fresh clothes. After Jiang Ciyi finished, she pushed her wheelchair out, leaving Gu Qingfeng to change in privacy.

Outside, they stood in silence.

After a moment, Cheng Xing said, “Sorry.”

Jiang Ciyi looked puzzled, tilting her head. “Hm?”

“I wasn’t by your side earlier,” Cheng Xing said with a bitter smile. “I said I’d protect you, but…”

She shrugged. “I won’t make big promises anymore.”

She couldn’t bear to imagine what would’ve happened if Gu Qingfeng hadn’t stepped in. The steel pipe could’ve caused a concussion or scarred Jiang Ciyi’s face.

The thought still sent chills down her spine.

“It’s not your fault,” Jiang Ciyi said with a cold smile. “But it might be related to you, Miss Cheng.”

Her tone, calling her “Miss Cheng,” carried a hint of sarcasm.

“What do you mean?” Cheng Xing paused, then understood. “You think this wasn’t an accident?”

“Mm.” Jiang Ciyi’s gaze drifted outside, where the crew bustled about. Her eyes landed on Xu Zhaozhao, who was talking to her agent.

“I’ll have Sister Zhou check the surveillance,” Cheng Xing said. “This won’t just be swept under the rug.”

Jiang Ciyi rubbed her right middle finger’s knuckle, her voice low. “I never said I’d let it go.”

This was clearly an attempt on her life.

She beckoned Cheng Xing closer. Hesitating, Cheng Xing leaned in.

“Investigate that person,” Jiang Ciyi said. “Their background, habits, whether they gamble or have debts, their recent contacts, and bank transactions. That should give us answers.”

Cheng Xing’s ear tingled. She rubbed it, looking at Jiang Ciyi. “How do you know they might gamble?”

“A guess,” Jiang Ciyi said, not committing. “Check and find out.”

Cheng Xing immediately went to Sister Zhou, relaying Jiang Ciyi’s suspicions. Sister Zhou got to work.

Sitting on the living room sofa, Cheng Xing closed her eyes, mentally reconstructing the scene. She grabbed a piece of paper and sketched the positions from earlier.

She had a rough conclusion.

When Gu Qingfeng emerged, she saw a solitary figure in a wheelchair, fragile yet radiating quiet strength.

Hearing the door, Jiang Ciyi turned, subtly sizing up Gu Qingfeng in a loose white shirt and denim A-line skirt. Her long, slender legs made her look like a walking mannequin.

In person, she seemed taller than on TV—around 1.7 meters.

Jiang Ciyi nodded in greeting, and Gu Qingfeng returned the gesture.

Noticing Cheng Xing’s absence, Gu Qingfeng hesitated before offering to push Jiang Ciyi’s wheelchair. But Jiang Ciyi moved it herself, declining help.

“Miss Gu, you’re a public figure. I won’t cause you any trouble.” Jiang Ciyi said.

Her tactful words earned Gu Qingfeng’s respect.

Walking beside her, Gu Qingfeng said, “Remember to get a back CT when you have time. If possible, a chest and abdominal CT, too. Better safe than sorry.”

“Okay, thank you.” Gu Qingfeng replied coolly.

Jiang Ciyi wasn’t talkative, and the hallway fell silent, save for the sound of the wheelchair’s wheels.

Gu Qingfeng kept glancing at Jiang Ciyi’s profile. At first glance, she’d thought she looked identical to her mother’s old photos. But up close, there were differences—the nose, for one. Only the eyes and brows were similar.

“Have we met before, Miss Gu?” Jiang Ciyi suddenly asked.

Gu Qingfeng froze. “No. Why do you ask?”

“Because you keep sneaking looks at me.”

Her tone was calm, not making a big deal of it. Gu Qingfeng wasn’t embarrassed, and Jiang Ciyi added, “It’s like you’re looking through me at someone else.”

“You’re very beautiful,” Gu Qingfeng said honestly.

Jiang Ciyi smiled. “That’s it?”

“You resemble someone I know,” Gu Qingfeng said. “Maybe because I haven’t seen her in a while.”

Memory could play tricks.

“Fair enough,” Jiang Ciyi said. “I was starting to feel self-conscious.”

“Sorry,” Gu Qingfeng apologized. “I got lost in my thoughts and ignored your feelings.”

Jiang Ciyi smiled. “Not because you were looking. Because you called me beautiful.”

“Hm?”

“In front of you, Miss Gu, it’s hard to claim that title,” Jiang Ciyi said. “Especially with your period drama look.”

Perhaps due to her role in Spring Court Evening, Jiang Ciyi struggled to separate Gu Qingfeng from the decisive, pain-ridden character consumed by vengeance. She felt a mix of pity, guilt, and gratitude, especially since Gu Qingfeng had just saved her.

Jiang Ciyi was slow to warm up, but she felt an unusual closeness to Gu Qingfeng. Despite their brief interaction, she could already joke lightly with her.

“You have the edge,” Gu Qingfeng said. “My beauty owes fifty percent to my makeup artist. You’re more like a lotus blooming from clear water.”

A subtle compliment, calling Jiang Ciyi a natural beauty.

Pure.

It was a rare descriptor for Jiang Ciyi, and it felt novel. “First time I’ve heard that. Thanks for the flattery, Miss Gu.”

“Just the truth,” Gu Qingfeng said, then fell silent.

Jiang Ciyi didn’t press further.

In the living room, Jiang Ciyi asked for a pen and paper to get Gu Qingfeng’s autograph.

Assuming it was for her, Gu Qingfeng crouched down, wrote “To Jiang,” and looked up. “What’s your name?”

“Not for me,” Jiang Ciyi said. “I have a friend who’s a huge fan. Her name’s Zheng Shuqing—Zheng as in ‘ear,’ Shu as in ‘comfort,’ Qing as in ‘clear sky.’ Wish her endless inspiration, bestselling copyrights, and eternal happiness.”

Gu Qingfeng’s pen skidded, ruining the paper.

Jiang Ciyi handed her another. Gu Qingfeng signed it hastily and handed it back.

Jiang Ciyi thanked her.

As she put away the pen, Gu Qingfeng said softly, “I still don’t know your name, Miss Jiang.”

“Ciyi,” Jiang Ciyi said. “Ci as in ‘porcelain,’ Yi as in ‘suitable.’”

Cheng Xing, on the sofa scrolling her phone, overheard every word.

Sensing an odd vibe, she coughed lightly.

Jiang Ciyi glanced over. Cheng Xing smiled, but it was strained.

Cheng Xing warmly offered Gu Qingfeng tea and asked about her food preferences, inviting her to stay for dinner to thank her for saving Jiang Ciyi.

But a crew member arrived, urging Gu Qingfeng back for a script meeting—someone who often spoke for her, their tone earnest.

Gu Qingfeng politely declined the invitation and left quickly. At the door, she paused, nodding to them. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

Cheng Xing waved. “Come back anytime.”

After Gu Qingfeng left, Cheng Xing’s smile faded. She sat on the sofa, scrolling through short videos, none particularly interesting.

The crew worked until sunset, wrapping up for the day.

Cheng Xing and Jiang Ciyi stayed in. After lunch, they parted ways. Cheng Xing gave Jiang Ciyi the study, while she worked at a small desk in another guest room, engrossed in a book. When she looked up, it was dark. The crew was packing up, and Sister Zhou was overseeing to ensure nothing in Tinglan Mansion was damaged without accountability.

Cheng Xing went downstairs for dinner, noticing Jiang Ciyi hadn’t come down. She knocked on the study door but got no response. Pushing it open, she found Jiang Ciyi surrounded by two stacks of books, holding a thick one, deeply focused.

Cheng Xing tapped the desk. Jiang Ciyi looked up, eyes hazy. She rubbed her temples, easing the strain.

“You’ve been reading like that this whole time?” Cheng Xing asked, stunned.

Jiang Ciyi paused. “What time is it?”

Though she didn’t answer directly, Cheng Xing knew the truth.

She’d thought herself focused, but Jiang Ciyi was on another level. “It’s already seven-thirty.”

“You’re not hungry?” Cheng Xing asked.

Jiang Ciyi hadn’t felt it, but at the mention, her stomach growled loudly in the quiet room.

Cheng Xing naturally pushed her wheelchair to the dining room.

Dinner was quiet, save for Sister Zhou updating Cheng Xing on the crew’s departure. She placed a cake on the table. “From Miss Gu’s assistant, thanking you and Miss Jiang for the hospitality.”

Cheng Xing glanced at it, nodded, and continued eating.

After dinner, she asked if Jiang Ciyi wanted cake. Jiang Ciyi, full, shook her head.

Cheng Xing, still hungry, didn’t want to waste it, especially since it was from Gu Qingfeng. She cut herself a slice, giving the rest to the household staff. She offered a small piece to Jiang Ciyi. “Try a bit, for your idol’s sake.”

Jiang Ciyi glanced at her, then looked away, hesitant to speak.

After dinner, they returned to their rooms, washing up separately. Normally, Cheng Xing would chat with Jiang Ciyi, but today, feeling off, she stayed silent.

Later, she set up the projector for Jiang Ciyi to watch Spring Court Evening and went downstairs to prepare milk.

She crushed a sleeping pill into the milk, heated it, and stirred it evenly.

Having slept poorly the previous night, Cheng Xing yawned repeatedly. She drank a sugarless Americano at the coffee machine, grimacing at the bitterness and chugging water to compensate, leaving her stomach bloated.

She lingered downstairs for nearly half an hour to digest the coffee. The milk had cooled, so she reheated it in the microwave.

By the time she returned upstairs, it was past ten. She placed the milk by the bedside and climbed into bed.

The projector played Spring Court Evening’s opening, showcasing Gu Qingfeng’s crisp, precise fight scene, her sword flourishes elegant.

Cheng Xing scrolled her phone.

When the projector shut off, the room quieted. Jiang Ciyi suddenly asked, “What’s wrong with you?”

Cheng Xing’s scrolling paused. “Nothing.”

“You’re acting off.” Jiang Ciyi said.

Cheng Xing lay down, turning her back to Jiang Ciyi, her voice heavy. “Really, it’s nothing. Drink your milk and sleep.”

“Cheng Xing,” Jiang Ciyi called, her tone cool and steady, not coaxing. “Last chance. After this, I won’t listen even if you want to talk.”

Cheng Xing: “…Fine, don’t listen.”

Her voice was soft, the words rushed.

“Hm?” Jiang Ciyi’s tone rose.

After a few seconds, Cheng Xing sat up, her tongue brushing her cheek, teeth grazing her inner mouth. Her face flushed as she spoke awkwardly. “I know I’m being a bit dramatic. But you made a request of me before, so can I ask something of you…?”

She paused, rubbing her face, feeling the heat.

That unspeakable feeling crept in.

“What?” Jiang Ciyi asked, like a patient teacher. “What did I ask of you?”

“Right,” Cheng Xing said in a rush. “I promised to stay faithful during our marriage, not get close to anyone else, always stand by you, and treat you well as my wife. So, can you…?”

She stole a glance at Jiang Ciyi, meeting her eyes, pretending calm while her heart raced. “Can you do the same?”

Jiang Ciyi held her gaze, her brown eyes serious, tinged with uncertainty.

“Sorry,” Jiang Ciyi said.

Cheng Xing’s heart sank, though she’d expected this. She’d accept it, no matter what.

But it stung. Their relationship wasn’t equal.

“No worries,” Cheng Xing said, deflated, waving it off. “I get it.”

She lay back down, facing away.

“It’s just… the way everyone looked at me today made me uncomfortable,” Cheng Xing said. “I’m not saying you have to be chaste for me. Our relationship is just a contract. You’re free to do whatever you want.”

Jiang Ciyi patted her arm. Cheng Xing didn’t move.

“What I meant,” Jiang Ciyi said slowly, “is that I didn’t consider your feelings today. I’m sorry.”

Cheng Xing turned, stunned, seeing a faint smile in Jiang Ciyi’s eyes, her tone earnest. “I’ll be more mindful in the future, Cheng Xing.”

She added, “What I ask of you, I’ll do myself.”

Cheng Xing sat up. “You mean it?”

“I do.” Jiang Ciyi nodded.

Cheng Xing finally smiled. “Then drink your milk and sleep.”

“What did you drink?” Jiang Ciyi asked.

Cheng Xing: “…”

That big cup of coffee!

Getting Jiang Ciyi to open up was a long road. Swallowing her bittersweet feelings, Cheng Xing laughed. “I already drank.”

Like a parent fibbing to a child.

Jiang Ciyi finished the milk, subtly checking the cup’s bottom before setting it on the nightstand. She lay down, a person’s distance between them.

In the quiet room, their breathing was audible.

Cheng Xing waited for Jiang Ciyi to fall asleep.

After a while, Jiang Ciyi called, “Cheng Xing.”

“Hm?”

“Are you jealous of Gu Qingfeng?”

“…”

“Since I treated her wound, you haven’t smiled at me.”

“…”

“I’m sleepy again.”

“…”

Cheng Xing muttered, “It’s not jealousy.”

“Then what is it?”

“A weird possessiveness.” Cheng Xing admitted.