Villain Strategy Rules [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 37

Teacher Zhang looked affectionately at the children in her class, then turned her gaze to the students in the front row of the auditorium. They were all dressed appropriately, with light makeup enhancing their radiant expressions, eagerly discussing their upcoming performances with their peers.

When she looked back at her own students, Qin Nanxi was neatly dressed in the standard school uniform—nothing noteworthy there. Wen Zhixu wore a white camisole inside, paired with a brown-and-white checkered shirt and loose jeans. Tang Mo, on the other hand, had on a white T-shirt with skinny jeans.

The outfits of these three… Who was singing? Who was playing the piano? Who was dancing? Though all three were good-looking, their attire seemed far too casual.

Teacher Zhang tugged at Wen Zhixu’s checkered shirt and said, “Come with me. Look at how the other students have dressed up for the occasion—you should too. We must respect the stage. Performers should present their best selves to the audience, no matter what kind of stage it is.”

The three followed Teacher Zhang backstage, where she exchanged a few words with another female teacher before cheerfully calling them over.

The female teacher’s eyes lit up when she saw Wen Zhixu and the others. She quickly retrieved three dresses from a small room. “These were just washed yesterday and have only been worn once. Since the three of you are performing together and Teacher Zhang recommended you, you can use them.”

The three dresses—one white, one gray, and one black—each had a different design. Except for the white one, the other two shimmered like the Milky Way, adorned with tiny crystal fragments that sparkled like stars with every movement. The long, flowing skirts cascaded like waterfalls, with subtle gradient hues below the waist that created a stunning visual effect when walking.

Wen Zhixu and the others took the dresses and each chose their preferred color. “Thank you, teachers. We’ll go change now.”

The fitting room was tiny, so they decided to take turns. As soon as the teachers left, Tang Mo whispered, “I’ll dance, you play the piano, and Qin Nanxi can sing, right?”

Qin Nanxi had already gone in to change, so she couldn’t hear Tang Mo’s hushed words.

“Tang Mo,” Wen Zhixu tilted her head, voicing her suspicion, “Why do I get the feeling you’re actually enjoying this?”

Tang Mo pulled Wen Zhixu aside. “I’m doing this for you! This way, you’ll have more time to interact with her. Do you really think Qin Nanxi would pay attention to you in class otherwise?”

Wen Zhixu nodded thoughtfully. “You have a point, but I still think you’re up to something.”

Tang Mo chuckled without responding. Of course, she was up to something. If they got selected for the competition, she’d have more chances to see her senior and maybe even formally introduce herself. She was determined to give her all in the performance.

Qin Nanxi had chosen the black dress. When she stepped out, she seemed to blend into the darkness, yet the shimmering crystals reflected light onto her face, making her stand out brilliantly. Her long hair cascaded freely, her gaze cool and distant, exuding an air of elegance that paired perfectly with the luxurious gown—a breathtaking sight.

Wen Zhixu froze for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly. Then, hesitantly, she asked, “N-Nanxi, what song will you sing later?”

Qin Nanxi said calmly, “Actually, our chances of being selected are almost nonexistent unless we’re exceptionally outstanding, since we didn’t sign up. I’ll talk to the organizers later, but it would only be for the final slot—don’t get your hopes up too much.”

Wen Zhixu knew Qin Nanxi had come specifically to help them. The outcome didn’t matter; the fact that she had done it for her was enough to make her happy.

Tang Mo proudly declared, “Don’t worry, Qingyue is amazing. She can play anything you ask her to.”

Wen Zhixu rolled her eyes internally. Once again, she thanked her mother for sending her to learn various talents since childhood. Moreover, with Jiang Qingyue’s memories in her mind, performing shouldn’t be a problem.

Qin Nanxi said, “Go change your clothes first. I’ll think about how to arrange the performance.”

By the time they changed and came out, Qin Nanxi was sitting by the window. It was already dark outside, with sparse stars twinkling in the sky. The music from the stage hadn’t stopped—it was currently the seniors’ performance time. Tang Mo had already run off, leaving only the two of them in the small room.

“Nanxi…”

Qin Nanxi turned her head. A sudden gust of wind blew through the window, lifting the ends of her hair. Her red lips parted slightly as she gazed distantly at Wen Zhixu, waiting for her next move.

But every time the wind tousled Qin Nanxi’s hair, each frame imprinted itself in Wen Zhixu’s mind—a symbol of her growing infatuation.

Wen Zhixu stepped closer. The breeze from the windowsill alleviated the summer heat.

She lightly brushed her fingers against Qin Nanxi’s lips, seeing the crimson stain left behind, then reapplied her own lipstick. “Nanxi… I was wrong. Can you give me another chance?”

Qin Nanxi remained silent. Under the moonlight, the atmosphere between them grew increasingly ambiguous.

After a long pause—

“Jiang Qingyue, you only get one chance. If you still want it, show me your sincerity.”

Wen Zhixu smirked, placing a hand on Qin Nanxi’s face. Just as she leaned in, Tang Mo suddenly burst in.

“Nanxi! The teacher just said our performance was approved! There are only three more acts before—”

“—it’s our turn!”

Qin Nanxi pushed Wen Zhixu away and walked to the mirror. “There are three of us. Tang Mo is wearing a white dress, so I chose ‘XX Year.’ Is that okay?”

Wen Zhixu suppressed her frustration but didn’t forget their main task. “I’m fine with it.”

“Good.” Qin Nanxi stared at her reflection, momentarily dazed. “The teacher should have the props ready. Do we need to rehearse?”

In reality, they only had twenty minutes left—no time for a proper rehearsal.

Wen Zhixu said, “Let’s just go over the details.”

“Exactly!” Tang Mo nodded enthusiastically. “Even though our chances are slim—I checked earlier, and there’s only one slot left. There are three performances before us. Unless all three fail, we won’t be selected.”

Then, with conviction, she added, “So we need to coordinate the details well. But I still have full faith in Qingyue!”

Wen Zhixu barely held back her irritation, nearly gritting her teeth as she said, “You better perform well too!”

“Qingyue!” Tang Mo blushed. “You have no idea how amazing the seniors’ dance was!!!”

“I’m starting to believe in my mom now! I hated dancing as a kid, but now I realize—dancing is pure bliss!”

Wen Zhixu cut her off. “Enough. Let’s prepare. You remember the routine, right?”

Tang Mo had diverse interests. Though forced to continue dance lessons throughout her childhood, she quit the moment she entered high school, switching to learning various instruments like guitar, erhu, and guzheng.

No one knew if her year-long break from dancing would affect her now.

Tang Mo made a gesture of reassurance. “Don’t worry. The seniors haven’t left yet—they’re waiting for the results. Even if I don’t get selected this time, I’ll still shine and make sure they see me!”

Wen Zhixu sat beside Qin Nanxi as the three of them discussed the details—the opening, the ending—until, before they knew it, their teacher came in to remind them to start preparing.

This was likely Qin Nanxi’s first time performing in front of so many classmates. In the past, she had only gone on stage to deliver award acceptance speeches, dressed in her school uniform and bare-faced. But this time was completely different.

Not to mention, standing nearby was her emotionally unstable ex-girlfriend, who acted like an elementary school kid.

The day Qin Nanxi first met her, the girl had climbed over the school wall to get in. The next day, she boldly confessed her feelings, then transferred into Qin Nanxi’s school and class.

Jiang Qingyue’s arrogant, self-important demeanor seemed no different from the spoiled rich girls Qin Nanxi had imagined.

Perhaps she had changed recently—admitting her mistakes, becoming more endearing—but at her core, how much could she really change?

But Qin Nanxi was wrong.

As the prelude began, she saw the radiance emanating from Wen Zhixu. The girl’s slender fingers danced across the black and white keys, notes flowing from her fingertips like a cascading waterfall, pulling everyone into its depths.

As the music played, time seemed to rewind. Qin Nanxi recalled their brief week together—how naive they had been back then, yet how quick they were to turn on each other.

She was the one who barged into my life, so brilliantly that she pulled me out of the darkness I was sinking into. But just as I was ready to truly accept her, everything changed.

In the end, I was just a fleeting whim to her.

…

Under the flickering stage lights, the three of them each played their part. Tang Mo, like a blooming white rose, swayed with the melody, her toes lightly tapping the ground as her body moved freely to the soft tones of Qin Nanxi’s voice. Though Qin Nanxi’s singing was usually gentle, this time it carried a faint sorrow that tugged at the hearts of everyone present.

Together, the three of them performed a poignant love story.

Applause erupted from the audience, with many standing to clap and cheer, shouting words of encouragement.

Wen Zhixu stood up and walked straight to Qin Nanxi. “Can I hold your hand?” she asked.

Qin Nanxi turned her face away, not wanting Wen Zhixu to see her tear-streaked cheeks, but she extended her hand.

After taking their bows, the three of them went backstage to wait.

As soon as they entered, one of the seniors reached out to Tang Mo with a smile. “Hi, I’m Xu Yue. Nice to meet you. Your dancing was beautiful.”

Tang Mo seemed to think she was dreaming, staring blankly at Xu Yue until Wen Zhixu nudged her, snapping her out of it.

By the time she turned to look for her friends, Wen Zhixu had already taken Qin Nanxi and left.

Wen Zhixu led Qin Nanxi to a quiet corner backstage. “Why did you choose this song?” she asked.

Qin Nanxi kept her expression neutral. “It matched Tang Mo’s outfit.”

“But white goes with a lot of things.”

Wen Zhixu pressed further. “Nanxi… do you really hate me that much?”

She knew she had played with emotions, but she truly realized her mistake now.

“Jiang Qingyue,” Qin Nanxi suddenly smiled, “the competition results are about to be announced. Do you think we’ll be selected?”

Wen Zhixu chuckled, “If we are, will you agree to one condition of mine?”

Qin Nanxi instinctively replied, “Okay.”

But the moment she said it, she regretted it. People are too easily swayed by emotions—especially when facing the first person they’ve ever truly liked standing right before them.