When the Villain Falls Madly in Love with Herself - Chapter 16

After that dream, Jiang Le spent several days in a daze, her mind restless and unsettled.

It wasn’t until Jiang Congyue asked about her summer plans that she finally managed to regain some composure.

Now we can finally relax completely, Jiang Congyue said, leaning against the doorframe and waving her phone. Don’t just stay cooped up at home getting moldy. Want me to book a flight for you to go out with your friends? A tropical island? Or maybe Europe?

Jiang Le shook her head, stopping her. No need. I have other plans.

Such as? Jiang Congyue crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow.

I want to learn horseback riding and golf, Jiang Le replied. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to try other things, but time was limited, and the rest could wait.

Jiang Congyue smiled knowingly. You’ve got ambition. Alright, I’ll book instructors for you tomorrow. But I suggest staggering the lessons—I don’t want my darling getting worn out.

As she spoke, she instinctively reached out to pat Jiang Le’s shoulder in encouragement, as she usually did.

Normally, Jiang Le would have been desensitized to this level of physical contact. But at that moment, the sensations from the dream seemed to instantly resurface!

Jiang Le’s body jolted violently, like a startled rabbit, and she instinctively recoiled a large step backward.

Her pupils constricted slightly, and her breathing grew erratic. Realizing her overreaction, Jiang Le nearly bit her tongue in frustration. This is way too obvious!

Seeing her dramatic reaction, Jiang Congyue’s eyes gleamed with amusement. She slowly withdrew her hand, which had been hovering in mid-air, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Oh? What’s this? Now that you’ve grown wings, you won’t even let me touch you anymore?

Jiang Le felt her heart race under Jiang Congyue’s gaze. Her fingers unconsciously twisted at the seam of her pants, and her voice came out strained. N-no… that’s not it. I just… I was daydreaming.

Her explanation only made things worse, making it even more obvious she was trying to hide something. Jiang Congyue let out a light whistle, her steps closing in. Daydreaming just from a few words? What’s that little brain of yours so engrossed in?

Overwhelmed by the barrage of questions, Jiang Le threw caution to the wind. She stiffened her face and blurted out, I’m tired. I’m going to bed! With that, she turned and bolted upstairs.

Jiang Congyue glanced at the bright sunlight streaming through the window, then at the retreating figure fleeing in disarray. She shrugged indifferently. Fine, who says you can’t sleep in broad daylight?

Jiang Le rushed back to her room and dove headfirst into the soft bedding, kicking her legs twice in a fit of shame and anger, leaving the innocent quilt in a tangled mess. Her earlier explanation had sounded utterly ridiculous! Lost in thought? It sounded as suspicious as could be!

With Jiang Congyue’s sharp mind, she must have seen through Jiang Le’s nervousness immediately.

After tossing and turning on the bed for ages, finally managing to suppress the restless heat, Jiang Le reluctantly got up. There was no avoiding it—it was mealtime.

As she descended the stairs, she spotted a familiar figure standing in the foyer Lin Qingyu.

Butler Lin clearly noticed her too, offering a professional, perfectly measured smile.

Butler Lin, it’s been a few days, Jiang Le said, approaching and trying to sound casual.

Lin Qingyu was casually adjusting the angle of a dinner plate. She nodded slightly. Indeed, Miss Jiang. I’ve been handling some company matters personally recently. Her tone was flat, revealing no emotion.

Jiang Le had long known that Butler Lin was a key figure in the company, treating this place more like a resort. Watering flowers to cultivate his mind, or perhaps observing her to unwind.

Truly, like master, like servant. The subordinates mirrored their boss’s character.

…What matter requires Butler Lin’s personal attention? Jiang Le asked casually, suppressing the urge to retort.

Lin Qingyu set down her plate and glanced up at her, a barely perceptible curve tugging at the corner of her lips. Curious? She paused deliberately before slowly adding, I’m not telling you.

Jiang Le choked, drawing in a sharp breath as the frustration she had just suppressed surged back. She picked up her slightly cooled rice and decided to spare herself further humiliation.

Ignoring her silence, Lin Qingyu persisted, Don’t blame me, Miss Jiang. Chairman Jiang specifically instructed me not to say anything.

So it’s about Jiang Congyue after all! Otherwise, Lin Qingyu wouldn’t have brought up company matters out of the blue just to dangle this carrot.

Achoo… Just then, Jiang Congyue sauntered downstairs, rubbing her nose with a lazy smile. Well, who’s been talking about me?

Jiang Le turned toward the voice, but when she looked back, Lin Qingyu had vanished like a rabbit.

Lin Qingyu clearly wants me to ask Jiang Congyue directly. Jiang Le refused to fall for it!

She lowered her head and shoveled a large mouthful of rice into her mouth, as if the grains had personally offended her.

Everyone has secrets, but Jiang Congyue’s were just more numerous than most. Jiang Le should have gotten used to it by now.

The next day, Jiang Le packed her things and prepared to leave for the horse farm.

As she approached the garage, she spotted the familiar car already parked there. The rear window rolled down, revealing Jiang Congyue’s smiling face as she waved.

Why are you in the car? Jiang Le asked, surprised as she opened the door and climbed in.

Jiang Congyue set down her tablet, her smile widening. What a coincidence! I happen to have a meeting there today. Since we’re going the same way, let’s ride together.

Jiang Le settled into the car, her inner alarms blaring, though she struggled to maintain a calm facade. She fastened her seatbelt, staring straight ahead, determined to ignore the probing, amused gaze beside her.

The car filled with Jiang Congyue’s familiar, subtle sandalwood scent, involuntarily reminding Jiang Le of the dream’s more intense aroma. She quickly cut off the thought.

Nervous? Jiang Congyue’s voice rang out, laced with amusement.

No, Jiang Le immediately denied, her voice a little dry. Just… thinking about the proper techniques.

Oh? Jiang Congyue drawled, turning to study Jiang Le’s tense profile. It’s natural to be nervous your first time riding, but you learn quickly. Just relax. Horses are sensitive the more tense you are, the more they’ll feel it. Though the words sounded comforting, Jiang Le couldn’t shake the feeling that they carried a deeper meaning.

Arriving at the equestrian center, Jiang Le practically leaped out of the car. The fresh scent of grass and the faint aroma of horses filled her senses.

Coach Chen, an experienced instructor, was already waiting. After helping her change into riding gear, he led her to a gentle chestnut mare, perfect for beginners.

As she finally settled into the saddle, feeling the warm, living power and rhythmic movements beneath her, the last of Jiang Le’s anxieties were replaced by the thrill of novelty and the exhilaration of control.

Following instructions, she relaxed her body and guided the mare into a slow walk within the fenced arena, gradually finding her rhythm.

But this focus didn’t last long.

While practicing slow turns, Jiang Le’s gaze unconsciously drifted toward the observation deck in the rest area.

There, she saw Jiang Congyue leaning gracefully against a rattan chair, facing a middle-aged man with a calm demeanor and a hint of worry etched between his brows. He looked vaguely familiar.

The man leaned forward slightly, his voice respectful and urgent. Chairman Jiang, regarding the Nanshan Yihe Sanatorium Project, we’ve optimized all accessibility designs based on your emphasis on ‘aging-in-place’ and ‘humanistic care.’ We’ve introduced advanced systems and planned cultural and recreational rehabilitation areas. Whether it’s… He pushed the documents toward Jiang Congyue.

Jiang Congyue didn’t immediately look at the documents. Her gaze drifted past Boss Chen’s shoulder, settling precisely on Jiang Le, who was carefully guiding her horse around a turn in the riding arena.

Seeing Jiang Le’s shoulders tense at a slight misstep, a faint smile curved Jiang Congyue’s lips.

Hmm, Boss Chen, you’ve certainly put a lot of effort into the hardware, Jiang Congyue remarked mildly, taking a sip of tea without shifting her gaze.

Boss Chen continued outlining the proposed medical service partnerships.

Boss Chen, Jiang Congyue interrupted suddenly, her voice low yet firm. Boss Chen immediately fell silent. Jiang Congyue finally withdrew her gaze from the arena, her clear, deep eyes meeting his. Technology, equipment, and spatial design are the skeleton. But in your proposal, I see plenty of ‘giving,’ not enough ‘understanding.’

Her gaze returned to the riding arena. Jiang Le seemed to grow even more nervous under her scrutiny, her horse’s gait faltering. …It’s like caring for a sensitive horse or a lonely elder. The finest stables and feed aren’t enough. You must understand the subtle cues that reveal their emotions—fear, discomfort, or simply the need for patient guidance. At the heart of the sanatorium are people—souls that need to be seen, understood, and respected. Otherwise, no matter how advanced the facility, it remains a cold ‘factory,’ not a ‘home.’

Boss Chen’s heart jolted, a look of shame crossing his face. Chairman Jiang, you’ve hit the nail on the head… We’ve overlooked the most fundamental aspect…

There’s no rush, Jiang Congyue waved a hand, leaning back in her chair, her gaze drifting back to the arena.

At that moment, guided by Coach Chen’s instructions, Jiang Le focused on regulating her breathing. Her tense shoulders gradually relaxed, and her horse’s stride regained its smooth, steady rhythm, even attempting a slightly faster pace.

Watching Jiang Le’s improving performance, the sharpness in Jiang Congyue’s eyes softened into a warm, encouraging smile. The direction is right the details can be refined. Like guiding a child or accompanying an elder, patience and understanding are paramount. When they feel safe and respected, they’ll open their hearts. Her words, spoken softly, seemed to address the project, Jiang Le herself, and the very philosophy of care.

Boss Chen earnestly pledged to reflect deeply on her words, shifting in his seat, though his patience was beginning to wear thin.

Seeing Jiang Le’s movements become more cautious and focused after her words about understanding and patience, Jiang Congyue’s smile deepened with approval.

She set down her teacup. Excellent. Lin Qingyu will coordinate the specific plans next week. Remember, Yihe must become a sanctuary. I want to see warmth and reverence for life. Boss Chen bowed solemnly and took his leave.

After he left, Jiang Congyue rested her chin in her hand, her gaze soft and focused as she admired the resilient figure on the riding grounds.

Only when Jiang Le finished her lesson, removed her helmet to reveal flushed cheeks and sparkling eyes, and walked toward her did Jiang Congyue finally look up, a gentle smile playing on her lips. How was it? Did you have fun? she asked, as if she had been completely absorbed in the moment all along.

Jiang Le took a swig of water, trying to calm her racing heart. Yes, it was very interesting. Coach Chen is an excellent instructor.

Is that so? Jiang Congyue approached, her gaze sweeping over Jiang Le’s flushed cheeks and bright eyes, a mischievous glint in her eyes. I noticed you were learning very quickly. Though… you seemed a little distracted toward the end? she drawled.

Jiang Le gripped the water bottle tightly, her ears burning. She stubbornly denied it. I wasn’t distracted. The horse… it just became a little unruly.

Oh? Is that so? Jiang Congyue raised an eyebrow, her teasing almost overflowing. I thought it was because of me. After all, this old woman sitting here must be quite conspicuous, right?

Jiang Le …… She was furious, but she couldn’t quite understand why!

Watching Jiang Le’s puffed-up cheeks and forced composure, Jiang Congyue chuckled softly. She reached out, this time not touching her shoulder, but instead, with effortless affection, gently pinched the tip of Jiang Le’s pert nose.

Such thin skin, Jiang Congyue murmured, her voice tinged with post-laughter languor and a hint of tenderness. Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. I have business to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now. You continue practicing diligently. The driver will pick you up later. With that, she turned and strode away.

Jiang Le covered her nose where the cool touch lingered.

She stood rooted to the spot, watching the car drive away, her heart a tempest of conflicting emotions embarrassment, frustration, the helplessness of being seen through… and that deliberately ignored flutter, which seemed to be stirring again.

How could I have such thoughts?

This is getting a little strange…

She took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil within, and turned her gaze back to the riding arena.

But when Coach Chen asked if she wanted to continue practicing, Jiang Le instinctively glanced again at the now-empty observation deck.

A corner of her heart seemed to have emptied.