Villain Strategy Rules [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 16

As the New Year approached, Wen Zhixu and Chaoyao were assigned to buy fruits. It was the first time since Wen Zhixu arrived that the orphanage had been so lively. All the children had new, uniformly tailored clothes, and for now, everything seemed fine.

After shopping, Wen Zhixu drove while Chaoyao sat in the passenger seat, discussing how to distribute the items later. Since their last kiss, the two had been acting like secret agents in the dormitory—avoiding Yang Yue while pretending to maintain a normal relationship. Their most frequent activity was going to the rooftop to gaze at the stars and the moon, learning new things in the dark corners.

Wen Zhixu referred to this relationship as: “two fakers.”

Of course, they had been shy at first. Sometimes, when they ran into each other while washing up, their faces would still flush. But Wen Zhixu’s favorite time was during showers—she could use the excuse of helping Chaoyao scrub her back. Under the dim light and amidst the swirling steam, the affection between the two girls remained hidden.

Chaoyao suddenly asked, “Are you still going home tonight?”

The orphanage’s New Year’s Eve dinner was held at noon because, according to local customs, the reunion dinner was usually eaten in the evening. The teachers and the director also had to return to their own families, so to accommodate the children, they adjusted the timing.

Wen Zhixu turned the steering wheel, feeling uneasy about the uncertain night ahead. She didn’t want to go back. Though Song Nuan had a strained relationship with her parents, the few memories she had painted a suffocating atmosphere. “I’ll come back right after dinner.”

Song Nuan’s family was quite traditional, and Wen Zhixu had no reason not to attend on her behalf. Besides, she had a big “gift” prepared.

But before that, Wen Zhixu needed to clarify something. She asked the system, “006, is murder illegal in this world? If someone with significant power tries to kill me, can I die? Will I revive?”

Host, murder has always been illegal. And who would want to kill you? I haven’t unlocked any revival function yet, so you should be careful.

“I’m afraid I might do something wrong, and then this world’s parents might kill me.”

…Host, I don’t think that’ll happen. Your family is a prominent one, and they value bloodline continuity. It won’t be as bad as you imagine.

After a moment of thought, Wen Zhixu turned to Chaoyao and asked, “Remember what I told you before? I want to clear your name. So, do you want to do something big with me tonight?”

Chaoyao smiled. “I’ll do whatever you ask—everything included.”

A faint grin tugged at Wen Zhixu’s lips. “Good. Then wait for my message tonight. I’ll give you a New Year’s gift.”

Chaoyao didn’t ask for details, nor did she need to. She would follow Wen Zhixu’s lead, no matter what. “I’ll wait for you. And… be careful.”

“Are you scared?” Wen Zhixu pressed. “What if I take you somewhere bad? Safety isn’t guaranteed, and danger might be unavoidable.”

“No.” Chaoyao suddenly leaned over, her fingers lightly brushing Wen Zhixu’s thigh. “If you’re there, it can’t be a bad place.”

The unexpected touch sent a shiver down Wen Zhixu’s spine, stirring a restless heat within her. She wasn’t sure if Chaoyao was doing it on purpose. Ever since that night when Wen Zhixu mentioned liking to see Chaoyao in a tank top, Chaoyao had actually worn one under her winter coat—and even left the zipper undone.

Wen Zhixu stopped the car and grasped Chaoyao’s fingers. “We’re here.”

Yang Yue stood ahead waiting for the unloading. Everyone was nearly ready—only the fruits they’d bought remained. The children had all changed into new clothes, their cheeks flushed red from the cold, yet none wanted to leave.

Chaoyao lightly touched her fingertips. “I want to be with you—just the two of us, no one else.”

Wen Zhixu blinked. “How about I take you to watch a movie after we return tonight? We’ll watch it in your dorm.”

Chaoyao smiled. “Okay.”

–

Following her memory, Wen Zhixu arrived at the ancestral home—a classic Jiangnan courtyard with dozens of rooms, white marble pillars, and arched circular windows. The sound of flowing streams accompanied her steps. Bamboo swayed gently, and meticulously tended gardens bloomed in competition, making even winter feel as warm as spring.

The Song family’s annual New Year’s Eve dinner was a mandatory gathering where every member had to attend without exception.

Entering the main hall, Wen Zhixu saw her parents—as she remembered them—seated at the head, chatting with the elders while surrounded by siblings. The atmosphere was harmonious, as if no grudges existed.

Song Chaoyao sat primly below, her hair in a low chignon, wearing a custom-made qipao with light makeup—a stark contrast to before.

Old Madam Song’s voice cut coldly through the room at the sight of Wen Zhixu. “Kneel.”

Silence fell instantly as all eyes turned to Wen Zhixu. Her nominal parents merely toyed with their teacups without looking up.

Wen Zhixu immediately knelt. She dared not defy the old matriarch, knowing even a minute’s delay would bring collective reprimand.

“As the eldest daughter of the family head, instead of focusing on growth and studies, you choose to teach at an orphanage?” The old woman set down her teacup and approached with her cane. “The Songs forbid excessive public exposure—at least you’ve kept our name hidden.”

Pain exploded on Wen Zhixu’s shoulder as the cane struck hard, drawing a gasp. “Do you think this right? The Song heir should fulfill her duties, not waste time at orphanages.”

Before Wen Zhixu could respond, Song Chaoyao interjected, “Grandmother, Grandfather requests our departure.”

The elder Song owned a mountain villa. As age made cooking personally necessary, he’d gone ahead with his youngest daughter, leaving the others to follow.

With a disdainful snort, the matriarch thumped her cane. “Return home tomorrow—no more orphanages. In three days, kneel overnight in the ancestral hall. No pleas for leniency will be heard.”

The family filed out without protest, leaving only Wen Zhixu and Song Chaoyao behind.

Clutching her shoulder, Wen Zhixu rose with a wince. The solid wood had struck bone—had the blow been stronger, it might have fractured.

“Come along, Teacher Song,” Song Chaoyao said mockingly. “Grandfather awaits. Best not anger both elders.” Her reminder carried more glee than concern.

Ignoring her, Wen Zhixu rubbed her shoulder and walked out of the ancestral home.

The mountain villa was some distance away. Since Song Chaoyao was underage and couldn’t drive, she directly took the passenger seat in Wen Zhixu’s car. “Take me to the villa.”

Wen Zhixu shrugged but didn’t kick her out, following the convoy as they set off.

Though Wen Zhixu ignored her, Song Chaoyao wouldn’t let it go. She deliberately brought up, “I heard you were quite close to Chaoyao at the orphanage. Do you think Grandpa and Grandma know about this?”

Wen Zhixu tightened her grip on the steering wheel, then curled her lips into a smile. “Do they know about you bullying classmates?”

Song Chaoyao’s expression darkened. “Chaoyao told you, didn’t she? You’d believe her? She was the one who got expelled for bullying. Dear sister, you really shouldn’t misjudge people.”

Wen Zhixu remained silent, simply unlocking her phone and playing a privately saved video. In it, Song Chaoyao wore a malicious expression as she tormented a classmate, her vicious demeanor a far cry from her current self.

Song Chaoyao was speechless. Her expression shifted before she snatched the phone, attempting to delete the video. Wen Zhixu calmly said, “It’s useless. Do you really think I don’t have backups? Do you think deleting it erases the truth?”

“What do you want?” Song Chaoyao demanded.

Wen Zhixu pocketed her phone. “As far as I know, Dad isn’t aware of your school incidents, right? Auntie handled it for you. Should I tell them the truth?”

The Song family had strict rules. Wen Zhixu had always wondered why the family would intervene to help Song Chaoyao, but now she knew—and the show was about to begin.

She called Chaoyao right in front of Song Chaoyao, smiling as she said, “I’ve sent you the address. Have Teacher Yang bring you here in two hours.”

Chaoyao’s voice came through, “Alright, wait for me.”

Song Chaoyao lunged for the phone like a madwoman, but Wen Zhixu caught her wrist. “What are you afraid of?”

“Song Nuan!” Song Chaoyao shrieked. “What’s your relationship with Chaoyao? Why are you helping her like this?”

Wen Zhixu replied, “There is no relationship. But bullying the weak isn’t an excuse. You enjoy the privileges our family provides—you should take responsibility for your actions.”

“Besides, we’re almost there. If you keep talking, I won’t mind letting everyone know. In that case… you won’t be the only one facing consequences.”

Wen Zhixu was referring to Song Chaoyao’s aunt—the woman who supported the mistress’s rise to power and brought Song Chaoyao home the moment Wen Zhixu’s mother passed away. It was hard to tell who she truly considered family.

Mentioning her aunt deflated Song Chaoyao. “What do you want?”

Wen Zhixu answered simply, “Clear Chaoyao’s name. Confess to our parents what you’ve done.”

Song Chaoyao burst into laughter. “Oh, dear sister, you’ve grown naive after being away. You’ll realize soon enough—you’re on our side. What does Chaoyao even matter? Hahaha!”

They arrived at the villa, where the butler stood at the entrance waiting for them. Wen Zhixu didn’t engage further. In two hours, everyone would return home, and then she’d have her chance to confront Song Chaoyao and their parents.

At the Song family dinners, seating was arranged by seniority. As the eldest daughter, Wen Zhixu sat toward the front, while Song Chaoyao, the youngest, enjoyed abundant affection—even at the far end, she never lacked attention.

Before the meal was served, the adults discussed business matters. Bored, Wen Zhixu opened her phone to chat with Chaoyao, only to find she had already sent numerous messages.

Inside were videos of them setting off fireworks together and children playing around. Among them, Chaoyao had even crafted a single pink rose and told Wen Zhixu to wait for her return.

Just as Wen Zhixu was about to reply, Grandpa Song tapped the table, and the dining room instantly fell silent. The old man’s voice was the only sound as he said, “There’s one more thing to announce today. Everyone, keep your children in check—don’t let them go where they shouldn’t, meet people they shouldn’t, or do things they shouldn’t.”

Those three sentences basically covered all the younger generation present. Wen Zhixu knew she was the first one being referred to, but she didn’t care anymore. Whatever happened, happened. At worst, she’d just cut ties.

“Song Nuan,” Grandpa Song suddenly spoke up, “I need to talk to you later. You’ll come back to the old house with us for a while.”