When the Villain Falls Madly in Love with Herself - Chapter 18

As September approached, the afternoon sun streamed through the glass windows of the quiet café, casting dappled shadows across the room. Jiang Le cradled a cup of coffee, idly flipping through a financial magazine.

Suddenly, a fluffy bear-shaped bag landed with a thud on the table in front of her. Looking up, she saw Li Yan pulling out a chair and plopping down, her forehead still glistening with beads of sweat.

Whew, I almost melted on the way here, Li Yan gasped, grabbing a tissue to mop her face.

Jiang Le glanced at her, casually pushing a glass of iced juice across the table. You’re the one who asked me to meet, and you’re late.

Aiya, I’m sorry! Li Yan clasped her hands together, winking playfully. The traffic was terrible—what could I do? She picked up the glass and gulped down a large mouthful, shivering from the cold before exhaling with satisfaction. I’m alive again!

A waiter arrived with several desserts. Li Yan nibbled on her tiramisu, mumbling between bites, With school starting soon, it’ll be so hard to see you once you’re at X University.

Jiang Le was undoubtedly accepted into X University, one of the nation’s top institutions, while Li Yan secured direct admission to a 985 University in their city.

Jiang Le gently stirred her coffee before suddenly asking, What exactly did she say to you that day?

Li Yan’s hand, holding her fork, paused mid-air. She awkwardly averted her gaze. What else could she say? She explained that her mother had sent the breakup text and asked me to wait for her to return to China.

Hmm, Jiang Le replied, as if she had already anticipated this. And what do you think?

The person who always wore a sun-like, radiant smile now wore a face clouded with worry, tinged with pain. To be honest, I feel like ever since we got together, the choice hasn’t been mine. I love her, and I’m willing to wait. But for her, a little love is insignificant compared to her family’s status. Her parents are still so young. I’d wait five years, ten years, but would she still have the strength to endure?

I don’t want anyone to suffer silently because of this relationship. But I’m also afraid… she’s been holding on for so long, and I’m the one who might turn away first…

Li Yan was always like this. When her emotions ran high, her words became muddled, and the more she tried to clarify her thoughts, the more tangled they became.

But Jiang Le understood. She set down her coffee cup and looked directly into Li Yan’s eyes. If your pain stems from the gap in your family backgrounds, then from today onward, that reason no longer exists.

Li Yan paused, then forced a bitter smile. Jiang Le, it’s not just that. There’s also Chen Ting…

Do you trust her? Jiang Le interrupted. If someone I loved, I would trust them unconditionally. Li Yan, what exactly do you like about Chen Ting?

Li Yan froze, her mouth opening and closing without a sound.

Do you only like her kindness toward you? Her capabilities, her courage, her feelings for you—do you not like those things? If you do, why can’t you trust her wholeheartedly? Jiang Le’s questions came one after another, each striking at the core of Li Yan’s hesitation.

Jiang Le couldn’t understand Li Yan’s hesitation. Though Li Yan seemed to always put herself in a subordinate position, always passive, in reality, she had always held the dominant position in their relationship.

You feel sorry for her because she’s working so hard. Then why can’t you be more steadfast, Li Yan? You’ve never been a coward before. Jiang Le’s gaze burned like a torch, as if it could penetrate the deepest recesses of Li Yan’s heart, exposing her cowardice.

Li Yan clenched her fists, her gaze darting nervously. Chen Ting was still holding her ground ahead, yet Li Yan had already retreated.

The next moment, she grabbed her backpack, her expression panicked. I…

Jiang Le waved her hand knowingly. Go ahead.

In truth, Li Yan had specifically arranged to meet Jiang Le this afternoon because she lacked the courage to see Chen Ting off at the airport. She feared pouring her heart out only to end up with nothing to show for it.

You’re much younger than her parents, Jiang Le murmured, watching Li Yan’s hurried departure. She chuckled softly, lit up her phone, and said to the person on the other end, I hope you can help her break her habit of always being late. She almost missed your flight.

Amidst the airport’s clamor, the other party paused for a few seconds before replying stiffly, Thank you.

After hanging up, Jiang Le, in high spirits, ordered another slice of matcha cake. She had downed several cups of black coffee earlier to match the mood, the bitterness leaving her tongue numb and craving something sweet to balance it out.

As she savored the dessert, she mused on the trials of love. The sweetness and bitterness between people in life truly never align.

The night before Jiang Le was due to report to school, Jiang Congyue refused to leave her room, circling her again and again.

I bought an apartment near your school. If you don’t like the dorms, you can move in. It’s furnished exactly like this room. If I weren’t so busy lately, I would…

After pacing for a while, Jiang Congyue suddenly stopped and turned to look at Jiang Le, who hadn’t moved for some time. Jiang Le was watching her with a teasing smile.

After a long pause, Jiang Le finally spoke languidly, Jiang Congyue, have you forgotten where I came from?

Jiang Congyue immediately deflated, realizing she was letting her concern get the better of her. She ruffled Jiang Le’s hair and said, Once I’m done with this busy period, I’ll come visit you in North City.

Jiang Le couldn’t stand her clinginess any longer. Laughing, she pushed Jiang Congyue toward the door. I get it, I get it! If you keep fussing, I’ll never finish packing.

Once the door closed, Jiang Le crouched down to continue organizing her luggage.

Ever since Jiang Congyue gave her the Longevity Lock, her wardrobe had contained few skirts, and even those had pockets. As a result, Jiang Le’s suitcase was crammed with various T-shirts and long pants.

As she folded her clothes, Jiang Congyue muttered under her breath, Why don’t they design more pockets for skirts? They’re so much prettier than pants…

On the day of departure, Jiang Congyue gripped Jiang Le’s hand tightly at the airport, her voice thick with reluctance. Take good care of yourself out there. Don’t forget to eat when you’re studying, like you used to…

Unsuspecting passersby might have praised their deep bond as grandmother and granddaughter.

Jiang Le was torn between amusement and exasperation. It’s just a two-hour flight, she said, not some life-or-death separation. I’m just going to school, not disappearing forever.

But Jiang Congyue’s dramatic flair only intensified. She pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at the corners of her eyes. If you run out of money, call me right away. Don’t skimp on yourself. Don’t worry, our family can still afford to support a college student…

If Jiang Le hadn’t seen that astronomical inheritance just days before, she might have almost believed her.

After lingering for what felt like an eternity, Jiang Le finally boarded the plane. Settling into her seat, a pang of melancholy washed over her as she gazed at the terminal outside the window, as if trying to see through the thick glass to the people inside.

Only when the plane took off, shrinking the massive airport to the size of a sesame seed in the distance, did she slowly lean back in her seat and close her eyes.

X University truly lived up to its reputation as one of the nation’s top institutions. The campus was lush with greenery, its buildings arranged with meticulous care, each academic and residential hall boasting its own distinct architectural style.

However, there was one glaring flaw…

Jiang Le silently dragged her suitcase across the sprawling campus for what felt like half the day. She was drenched in sweat, looking as if she’d just been pulled from a river, yet she hadn’t even caught a glimpse of her dormitory.

The residential halls were scattered across the four corners of the campus, and by sheer misfortune, the one assigned to her was located in the most remote corner.

Enduring the sweltering heat and the occasional unwanted advances from strangers, she finally reached her destination.

Fortunately, her dorm was on the ground floor. After hauling her luggage inside and collecting her key, she headed straight to her room.

Two of her three roommates were already there, each engrossed in unpacking while exchanging awkward, stilted conversation. Jiang Le’s arrival shattered this delicate balance.

Both girls seemed to breathe a sigh of relief and immediately introduced themselves.

One was named Mi Lin, the other Wen Qiqi, both of whom seemed rather introverted.

Mi ‘Qi’ Lin, Jiang Le thought, that’s quite an interesting combination.

Jiang Le nodded and introduced herself, then fell silent. Her arrival only made the other two even more awkward, unsure of what to say.

Seemingly oblivious to the tension, Jiang Le began organizing her desk.

The stalemate finally broke when the last roommate arrived.

A girl in a bright, flowing dress bounced into the room, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She eagerly handed out regional specialties from her hometown to everyone.

Jiang Le accepted a piece of what looked like exceptionally chewy beef jerky, murmuring, Thank you.

With Gu Li as the resident mood-lifter, the atmosphere in the dorm immediately brightened. The roommates introduced themselves in detail, revealing their diverse backgrounds and majors.

Jiang Le was studying finance, Gu Li international economics and trade, while Mi Lin was majoring in computer science and Wen Qiqi in law.

Someone joked that the four of them could start a company together. Gu Li even seriously considered the feasibility of the idea.

Jiang Le found that university life, which everyone idealized, wasn’t much different from high school. Classes, meals, library sessions—everything proceeded in an orderly routine.

Of course, being the center of attention since the start of the semester, Jiang Le’s days were far from simple.

In this campus teeming with academic elites, most students carried a certain air of arrogance.

So, when Jiang Le rejected someone’s advances for the hundredth time, she found her path blocked by a group of people as she emerged from the library.

Clutching her backpack, she frowned slightly. Though their intentions seemed hostile, she didn’t want a confrontation and took a step to the side.

Hey! One of them slid forward, spreading his arms to block her way. Jiang Le, wait a minute.

Jiang Le lifted her gaze and said coldly, Move aside.

The guy glanced back at his companions, then forced himself to say, Just wait. My buddy here has something to say to you.

Someone was then shoved forward—a tall, handsome, and sunny-looking guy holding a large bouquet of flowers. His face flushed red as he stammered, Jiang Le, I’ve liked you since the first day of school. I know confessing at noon was too hasty, so I brought these flowers as a fresh start. Would you…?

Jiang Le stared blankly. It was early autumn, and she’d forgotten to dress warmly. His speech made her feel even colder.

I’m sorry, I don’t like you, she replied politely, sensing no malice from him. Turning to leave, she added, Please let me pass.

What’s wrong with you?! someone shouted from behind the boy.

Jiang Le was taken aback. The boy seemed decent enough, and his heartfelt confession had sounded genuine. Yet his companions left much to be desired.

Little did she realize the ironclad law of nature birds of a feather flock together.

The very next day, the campus forum erupted with rumors that X University’s goddess had found love. The post included a blurry photo taken in dim lighting, showing two figures leaning close together.

Beneath the post, an account claiming to be one of the individuals involved replied, Thank you for your well wishes.

While Jiang Le was eating in the cafeteria, Gu Li slid her phone across the table, the forum post displayed on the screen.

What’s going on here? Gu Li shook her phone. Has our high-altitude flower finally felt the stirrings of spring?

Jiang Le’s expression darkened. It’s fake, she immediately retorted.

Whoa! Gu Li perked up instantly. I knew it! They haven’t told a single truth. Watch me tear these rumor-mongering idiots apart!

In her haste, Gu Li burst into a string of curses in her distinctive hometown dialect.

Before Jiang Le could react, Mi Lin and Wen Qiqi had already joined the fray, their fingers flying across their phones as they unleashed a furious barrage of eight hundred replies on the forum thread.

……

Jiang Congyue 7