When the Villain Falls Madly in Love with Herself - Chapter 14

Beep-beep-beep—

The phone rang persistently. In the past, Li Yan, a girl with a severe internet addiction and lightning-fast reflexes, would have answered by the second ring. But today, no one picked up, even after several rings.

Jiang Le pursed her lips and dialed again. This time, the call was answered almost immediately.

Hello?

But the voice wasn’t Li Yan’s. Jiang Le’s heart sank. Auntie, where’s Li Yan?

Li Yan’s mother paused for a moment before sighing softly. Lele, I’m so sorry to worry you. Yan Yan… she’s asleep. She’s not feeling well and probably won’t be able to go out with you tomorrow.

After a few more apologetic words, Jiang Le replied calmly, It’s okay. When she wakes up, please have her call me back, okay?

Li Yan’s mother agreed readily. There seemed to be some commotion on the other end, and the call ended abruptly.

What’s wrong? Jiang Congyue asked anxiously from beside her.

Jiang Le frowned slightly. She said everything’s fine. Probably just bottling up her feelings.

Without hesitation, she dialed Chen Ting’s number next.

The call connected, and Chen Ting cut her off immediately. Whatever it is, tell me later. I’m busy. Before Jiang Le could reply, the line went dead, leaving only the busy tone.

Jiang Le froze, phone in hand, for a few seconds before turning to Jiang Congyue, her eyes filled with confusion.

Alright, Jiang Congyue said smoothly, taking the phone from her. This is between the two of them. They need to resolve it themselves. Outsiders can’t really interfere.

Jiang Le’s lips twitched as if she wanted to argue, but she ultimately nodded and turned back to packing her luggage.

Seeing her distracted state, a rare flicker of displeasure crossed Jiang Congyue’s face, but she quickly smiled again. Lele, if one day the person you liked suddenly left without a word, and you knew there was more to it… what would you do?

The question came out of nowhere. Jiang Le paused, glancing at Jiang Congyue, who was leaning against the bed. I don’t like anyone, she said firmly, dismissing it as another one of Jiang Congyue’s probing questions.

I’m just saying, hypothetically. If that day ever came, what would you do? Jiang Congyue pressed, leaning forward with exaggerated curiosity.

Seeing her earnest expression, Jiang Le pondered for a moment before declaring decisively, I would hate her.

Jiang Congyue clicked her tongue, clearly dissatisfied with the answer, but didn’t press further. Instead, she asked, So, what kind of person does Lele like?

Someone who doesn’t date in high school, Jiang Le replied bluntly.

Jiang Congyue couldn’t help but burst out laughing. It seemed the previous incident had left a significant shadow on Jiang Le’s mind. Jiang Congyue felt a pang of guilt.

We’re almost graduating anyway, Jiang Congyue said, her eyes curving into crescent moons with amusement. It wouldn’t hurt to talk about it now, would it?

What kind of person do I like? Jiang Le instinctively touched her face before answering with unwavering conviction, Someone like me.

The moment the words left her lips, Jiang Congyue doubled over with laughter, her white hair shimmering under the lamplight, the scattered reflections momentarily mesmerizing Jiang Le.

Jiang Le vigorously rubbed the clothes in her hands, inwardly cursing herself for sounding so narcissistic. Her ears burned uncontrollably.

She genuinely believed no one in the world could compare to her, not even Jiang Congyue, who treated her so well. Yet, hearing that relentless laughter, she clenched her hands in frustration, regretting her impulsive answer.

Suddenly, a gentle hand ruffled her hair. Jiang Le looked up to meet Jiang Congyue’s smiling gaze. Oh, well, that puts my mind at ease. If Lele likes herself so much, she’ll definitely take good care of herself in the future, right?

Jiang Le’s back stiffened instantly, and she slapped away the hand with a hint of annoyance. She disliked discussing this topic, even though life and death were the most commonplace occurrences in the world.

Don’t meddle too much in their affairs. Chen Ting is a smart girl she’ll handle it, Jiang Congyue said, awkwardly withdrawing her hand and offering gentle reassurance.

I know, Jiang Le replied, her voice muffled.

Alright, get everything tidied up and rest early, Jiang Congyue said with a smile, waving goodbye as she left the room.

The moment the door closed, an inexplicable restlessness seized Jiang Le without warning. In a fit of pique, she deliberately messed up the neatly folded clothes she had just arranged.

After pacing restlessly for a while, she got up, opened a drawer, and carefully retrieved the Longevity Lock from its cloth pouch. The cold metal pressed against her palm.

If only people could live forever. In the relatively short time they had known each other, Jiang Congyue had quietly woven herself into Jiang Le’s life, becoming an inseparable part of her.

How I wish she could stay by my side forever.

Jiang Le sighed softly, her fingertips lingering over the intricate patterns of the Longevity Lock. She carefully wrapped it up and placed it back in its original spot. Longevity, like this lock, was beautiful yet heavy. When worn around the neck, it only brought the suffocating sensation of a tightly drawn cord. So it had to be removed and stored away.

She could only learn to accept the inevitable Jiang Congyue would eventually leave.

The next day, Li Yan called back, her voice resolute as she told Jiang Le that she and Chen Ting had broken up for good. A weariness she couldn’t quite conceal seeped through her words.

Jiang Le simply urged her to rest well. As for Chen Ting’s choices, that was her own affair, nothing to do with Jiang Le.

During their trip, Jiang Congyue had shown Jiang Le countless novelties she had never seen before, gradually painting her pale world with vibrant colors, drop by drop.

Back at school, Li Yan seemed to have recovered, having cast aside all thoughts of Chen Ting. After all, it had only been a few months of dating—hardly the stuff of lasting heartbreak.

That day, the homeroom teacher brought up the matter of college application preferences.

As soon as the words left his mouth, the classroom erupted into a buzz of discussion, each student’s face glowing with anticipation for the future.

Hey, Jiang Le! Li Yan threw an arm around Jiang Le’s shoulder, wailing dramatically. If you get into North City, we won’t see each other for ages! I’ll miss you to death!

Jiang Le chuckled. You were so full of bravado when you were in that long-distance relationship, saying it was just a matter of buying a plane ticket. Why is it suddenly ‘ages’ when it’s me?

Hey! Li Yan glared at her playfully before burying her face in her arms on the desk. We agreed not to bring that up! Don’t mention it again—it’s so embarrassing!

Hearing her still complain like this, Jiang Le knew that the matter was already mostly resolved in Li Yan’s heart.

So, this is what they call love, Jiang Le thought to herself.

The days spent buried in practice problems flew by like a white horse galloping past a crack in a wall. The more Jiang Le tried to seize time, the more she watched the countdown numbers on the blackboard dwindle day by day. She studied day and night, even memorizing vocabulary while brushing her teeth, visibly losing weight and enduring immense pressure.

Thankfully, the ordeal was finally coming to an end.

Exam permit, ID card, pens, ruler… Jiang Congyue checked her belongings for the fourth time the night before the exam. She looked as if she were facing a formidable enemy, her expression even more tense than Jiang Le’s, who was actually taking the exam.

Finally, she walked over casually, took Jiang Le’s hand, and repeatedly reassured her, Don’t be nervous. It’s just an exam. With your grades, you have nothing to worry about. Just do your best…

Jiang Le’s heart, which had been racing with anxiety, surprisingly calmed down at Jiang Congyue’s words. She playfully withdrew her hand, tilted her head, and teased, Who’s more nervous here—you or me?

Her little scheme exposed, Jiang Congyue cleared her throat and waved her hand dismissively. Alright, alright, as long as you know what you’re doing. I’m done worrying. Suddenly feeling sleepy, I’m going to bed. Don’t forget to drink the milk on the table. With that, she practically fled the room.

Watching Jiang Congyue’s brisk figure disappear through the doorway, Jiang Le couldn’t help but laugh. Her steps were far more agile than the labored breathing she used to exhibit after just a few steps. Shaking her head to dismiss inappropriate thoughts, she turned off the light and closed her eyes to review in the darkness.

Outside the school gate, the scorching sun couldn’t dampen the parents’ enthusiasm. Armed with fans, they gathered in animated groups, chatting and laughing, their eyes occasionally darting anxiously toward the school entrance.

Inside a discreet black sedan, Jiang Congyue spoke into her phone, her expression calm. The Chen Family?

A faint, almost imperceptible upward twitch tugged at the corner of her lips. We can talk.

Hey! Isn’t that Lele and Yanyan? The driver honked twice in delight.

Jiang Congyue followed the sound, her gaze instantly locking onto a particularly striking figure in the crowd.

Jiang Le, wearing a pale white dress and a gentle smile, tilted her head slightly, listening intently to the girl chattering beside her.

A soft pang struck Jiang Congyue’s heart, leaving an indescribable ache. She spoke quickly into her phone, I’ll handle the details at the office tomorrow, and hung up.

Outside, Jiang Le and Li Yan had spotted them and hurried over.

As Jiang Congyue opened the car door, a wave of cool air instantly dispelled the sweltering heat.

Li Yan plopped down and immediately launched into a lively account Hey! The test was ridiculously easy! If I’d actually taken it…

The others listened with amusement as she described the exam in vivid detail.

When she finally paused, her throat dry from talking, Jiang Congyue promptly handed her a bottle of water.

While Li Yan was drinking water, Jiang Congyue said, To celebrate your escape from the sea of suffering, I’ve booked a private dining room. Why don’t you two go home and shower first? We can head over afterward.

Yay! Li Yan’s eyes lit up at the mention of a feast, and she cheered excitedly.

Leaning back in her seat, Jiang Le’s gaze happened to meet Jiang Congyue’s smiling eyes. Her heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively looked away, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her skirt. That strange sense of familiarity resurfaced.

Jiang Congyue chuckled at Li Yan’s exuberance. Yanyan’s mischievous energy is starting to resemble yours more and more, isn’t it?

Mother Li was also amused by her daughter’s antics. Glancing at the two faces reflected in the rearview mirror, she casually remarked, Of course! Spend enough time together, and you’re bound to pick up each other’s traits. Hey, Boss Jiang, you and Lele are starting to look alike too.

She leaned closer to the mirror for a better look. Seriously, even your eyebrows, eyes, and facial features—if you two walked out together, no one would ever guess you weren’t bl00d-related!

Whoa! You’re right! I see it too! Li Yan immediately leaned forward, scrutinizing them both with exaggerated seriousness, nodding emphatically in agreement.

Jiang Congyue’s smile widened even further, and she chimed in, Exactly!

The speaker may have meant nothing by it, but the listener felt as if struck by lightning. Jiang Le’s heart clenched in an invisible fist, then plummeted like a stone.

Normally, Mother Li’s words would have filled Jiang Le with secret delight. But now, against the backdrop of lingering doubts in her heart, a sudden chill surged from her feet, instantly engulfing her.

What’s wrong, Lele? Jiang Congyue noticed her unease and leaned forward, pressing the back of her hand against Jiang Le’s forehead. Why is your face so pale?

Jiang Le snapped back to attention, forcibly suppressing her turbulent emotions. She shook her head. Just finished the exam. A bit tired.

Jiang Congyue immediately grasped her cold fingers, her voice filled with concern. Is the air conditioning too low? This sudden temperature change makes it easy to catch a cold. She glanced at the front seat.

Oh dear, you’re right! My memory’s failing me, Mother Li said hastily, adjusting the air conditioning to a warmer setting.

My poor darling’s exhausted, Jiang Congyue murmured, drawing Jiang Le closer and resting her head on her shoulder. Rest against me for a while.

The shoulder wasn’t particularly comfortable, even a little bony. Yet the warmth radiating from Jiang Congyue’s palm strangely soothed Jiang Le’s anxiety-gnawed heart.

She nestled against her obediently, pressing her forehead against Jiang Congyue’s hand and gradually leaning her weight against that slightly slender shoulder. The faint discomfort, paradoxically, helped clear her muddled thoughts.

Regardless, time was running out. Why dwell on what might be? Seizing the present moment was what truly mattered.

Jiang Congyue 33