Villain Strategy Rules [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 17

Wen Zhixu stood up and nodded, already guessing it must be about her leaving the orphanage. Surely, they wouldn’t be introducing her to a potential partner—the original novel didn’t mention any romantic subplots for her. Chaoyao’s feelings were merely glossed over with a single line: “This woman, with her delicate and charming face, loved another girl.”

The atmosphere at the dinner table was pleasant, as if everyone had forgotten their usual grievances. However, every action had to follow the hierarchy of seniority, and as the youngest, Song Chaoyao enjoyed a series of pampered privileges.

Especially from their aunt, who gifted Song Chaoyao a sapphire necklace on the spot. The enormous sapphire shimmered with a unique brilliance under the light, outshining the surrounding diamonds.

Song Chaoyao was overjoyed. Wrapping her arms around her aunt’s neck, she cooed, “Thank you, Auntie! Zhao Zhao loves you the most!”

Her aunt was utterly delighted by the display of affection, her smile never fading. Then, as if remembering Wen Zhixu’s presence, she pulled out a dark red box from her bag and said, “Nuan Nuan, I prepared a set of pearls for you. As a teacher, especially at an orphanage, wearing gemstones wouldn’t be appropriate. Don’t misunderstand—it’s not favoritism.”

Bullshit! Wen Zhixu rolled her eyes internally. Everyone knew their aunt doted on Song Chaoyao. Even though she had just married and had no children yet, she was practically ready to split half the family fortune with Song Chaoyao.

Politely, Wen Zhixu replied, “Thank you, Auntie. I love them.”

After all, as the eldest daughter of the Song family, even if her aunt didn’t favor her, the pearls were still of decent quality.

Once the New Year’s Eve dinner ended, Wen Zhixu returned to the old mansion with the others. In the car, Song Chaoyao suddenly said, “I suggest you find an excuse to leave. What’s coming tonight isn’t good for you.”

“Oh?” Wen Zhixu smirked. “I won’t expose you in front of everyone. I’ll just privately discuss things with your parents. Your mother knows about you pinning the disciplinary action on someone else, right? I just want to ‘talk’ with her. No one needs to make a scene.”

“Besides, I have something more important to announce. Your little drama is just the prelude.”

Song Chaoyao frowned. “Are you saying you’re coming back home?”

Wen Zhixu chuckled. “Is that really your takeaway here?”

“Hahaha!” Song Chaoyao laughed. “I’m just surprised you’d actually return.”

“Fine, I won’t hide it from you. Grandpa has a close friend whose grandson is your age and just returned from studying abroad. They want to set you two up.”

So that was it. Couldn’t these people just leave her alone? She hadn’t even finished her mission yet—what were they trying to pull now?

“Don’t go silent on me. I really want to hear your thoughts as the person involved. I wonder if you’ll run away from home again, make some grand declaration, and cut ties like before.”

Wen Zhixu curled her lips. “What’s your game? You seem awfully pleased at the thought of me doing that.”

Song Chaoyao didn’t respond, just stared out the window as the sky darkened. Once everything was settled, everyone would probably head home.

There was still half an hour before the time she’d agreed to meet Chaoyao. By then, the orphanage group should arrive at the Song residence around the same time.

“By the way, what’s your relationship with Chaoyao? That day, after I slapped you, she went berserk and challenged all three of us. Talk about overestimating herself.”

Wen Zhixu: “Then weren’t you beaten up too? Are you saying three of you couldn’t take her on alone? That’s pretty pathetic.”

“You!” Song Chaoyao frowned. “Who’d want to confront that lunatic? You don’t know—she’s completely insane. She might look obedient on the surface, but she’s actually the worst villain.”

Wen Zhixu stopped the car, unfastened her seatbelt, and stepped out, closing the door in one fluid motion.

Seeing her actually leaving, Song Chaoyao called out, “What are you doing? Why aren’t you waiting for me?”

But Wen Zhixu ignored her, walking straight toward the main hall. She knew Chaoyao would become an antagonist in the future, but that was yet to come—and not by her own choice, only after being pushed to the brink. If someone’s life had been bright from the start, why would they ever turn dark?

The courtyard was just as crowded as before, but this time everyone was quiet, unlike the earlier lively chatter. Wen Zhixu took her seat, with Song Chaoyao close behind.

Seeing everyone present, Elder Song announced, “It’s rare to have you all together. There’s something I need to announce. Your Uncle Wang’s grandson has returned from abroad. Tomorrow, both families will have dinner together—no absences allowed. Especially you, Song Nuan.”

Really? Just dinner? More like an engagement banquet, right?

Whatever. She’d agree for now—she had her own announcement to make tonight.

“Understood,” Wen Zhuxi replied.

Elder Song didn’t drag it out. At his age, he valued his routine and didn’t want his schedule disrupted. “Good. That’s all for today. You may collect your gifts and leave.”

Four attendants wheeled in a cart laden with boxes, each labeled with a name. The gifts, personally selected by the elders, varied for everyone. As the attendants distributed them in order, guests began departing once they received theirs.

Wen Zhixu’s gift was a jade bracelet—pristine and translucent, with a streak of deep emerald green running through it. Clearly priceless.

As people started leaving, Song Chaoyao, unusually, didn’t seek out Wen Zhixu. In fact, Wen Zhixu had no idea where she’d gone.

“Song Nuan.” A woman’s voice called out.

Turning, Wen Zhixu saw Yue Xing, Song Chaoyao’s mother, dressed in a qipao that matched her daughter’s outfit. “Yes?”

Yue Xing spoke slowly, “I know you don’t like me, but I am your father’s rightful wife. If you plan to do anything, I hope you’ll discuss it with me first.”

“Dad,” Wen Zhixu suddenly said.

Song’s father approached, displeased. “What is it?”

Leaning against the car, Wen Zhixu smiled. “Nothing much. Just thought you should know—Song Chaoyao has been bullying classmates at school, then making an honor student take the blame. That girl was expelled and now has a permanent record.”

“I wonder what might happen if she later finds out someone orchestrated this… and decides to go public?”

Song Chaoyao must have been scared—why else would she send her mother? Song’s father was unaware of these incidents, having strictly forbidden such behavior. Wen Zhixu had been waiting for this moment. She’d considered handling it privately before but realized today was the fastest way to settle things.

Wen Zhixu had previously considered approaching the teacher herself, but the person helping Song Chao was her aunt. The teacher refused to compromise on this matter, strictly adhering to the original disciplinary decision.

Song’s father glanced down at Wen Zhixu before making a call to his secretary. Yue Xing stood silently nearby, surprised by Wen Zhixu’s boldness in openly addressing the issue. After all, Song Chao’s situation had been handled by her aunt, and doing this was no different than offending her.

“It’s rare for you to take an interest in someone. I’ve already resolved this matter for you. Don’t go back to the orphanage again.”

Wen Zhixu jingled her car keys. “Understood, Dad. But I’ll be leaving now. I’ll send you a gift tonight.”

Chaoyao had already texted her—they were setting off.

At the intersection in front of the villa, Yang Yue and Chaoyao waited by the roadside. Recognizing Yang Yue’s license plate, Wen Zhixu pulled over and flashed her headlights. Chaoyao and the others stepped out of the car.

Yang Yue exclaimed in surprise, “I thought your family was just well-off, but looking at this place, I realize you’re not just ‘a little’ rich. Isn’t this area impossible to buy into, no matter how much money you have?”

Wen Zhixu replied, “You can head back now. Chaoyao’s coming with me. Prepare dinner for tomorrow—we’ll be back by then.”

Without further questions, Yang Yue said, “Alright, I’ll go then. Call me if anything comes up.”

Once Yang Yue left, Chaoyao asked worriedly, “Is your shoulder okay?”

“It’s fine. Huh?” Wen Zhixu tilted her head. “How did you know?”

Now that Chaoyao mentioned it, she really did feel a sharp pain in her shoulder. That old woman had struck hard.

Chaoyao answered calmly, “Song Chao told me.”

Wen Zhixu chuckled. “I didn’t know you two were friends. Don’t worry—after today, your disciplinary record will be cleared, and you’ll return to school soon. But there’s one more important thing. Will you be afraid?”

Chaoyao gently massaged Wen Zhixu’s shoulder. The streetlight at the corner cast a dim glow, and the stars in the night sky hid themselves, as if afraid to let even a sliver of light fall upon them. The faint fragrance of blooming flowers from a nearby garden drifted through the air, making it feel like they were in a dreamlike paradise.

“You really don’t have to take risks for me. No matter what happens to me, it’s fine. But I hope… you stay healthy and happy. Of course, I’m not afraid.”

Wen Zhixu smiled and pinched Chaoyao’s cheek. “You should spend your life bathed in moonlight. Why should you carry the blame for others?”

“I can’t guarantee success, but the reason I brought you here today is because there’s something important I need to tell you.”

Chaoyao asked, “What is it?”

Leaning close, Wen Zhixu whispered into her ear, “I’m announcing… that I like girls.”