When the Villain Falls Madly in Love with Herself - Chapter 19

Before Jiang Le could even begin to address the situation, Jiang Congyue somehow learned about it. The next day, all related posts vanished without a trace, and the male student issued three consecutive clarification statements, offering a sincere and solemn apology.

The absurd farce thus came to a quiet end.

However, in a chance encounter later, Jiang Le noticed several lingering bruises on his face. The moment he saw her, he turned tail and fled as if he’d seen a ghost, disappearing in an instant.

Tsk! He sure can run fast. If he hadn’t bolted, I’d have given him another beating! Gu Li, who stood half a head taller than Jiang Le, looked genuinely intimidating when angered, her eyes sharp and brows furrowed.

Whether thoroughly shaken by the incident or not, Jiang Le experienced an unusually peaceful two months afterward. No one dared to provoke her again.

In the dormitory, Mi Lin slumped in her chair, wailing, How are you all done with exams already?! I still have two left! Where’s the justice in this world?!

Hang in there, stay strong and study hard, Wen Qiqi teased, pushing up her glasses with a smile.

Amid their laughter and banter, Jiang Le efficiently packed her luggage. Her major had concluded its courses earliest, and if not for her desire to audit a few more classes that interested her, she would have been yearning to return home long ago.

Bringing so much stuff? Gu Li couldn’t help but ask, eyeing Jiang Le’s overflowing bags with curiosity.

Jiang Le pursed her lips, a rare hint of shyness flickering across her face, though she maintained a forced composure. Just brought some things for my family.

The other three froze, exchanging puzzled glances. What could North City possibly have as a local specialty? They secretly pondered whether they should have brought something back themselves to appear thoughtful.

Under their scrutinizing gazes, Jiang Le moved even faster, practically yanking her suitcase shut and standing up with lightning speed. I’m off now. Bye!

Bye! We’ll miss you!

Me too!

Go on, go on! Leave me here to guard this empty room all alone, waaaah…

Watching their exaggerated antics, Jiang Le couldn’t help but chuckle softly as she dragged her heavy suitcase toward the airport.

As she approached the entrance, her gaze was drawn to a small, shivering figure huddled near the door. In the biting North City wind, the little girl’s thin clothes were woefully inadequate, leaving her trembling uncontrollably, her face pale and bluish.

Only as Jiang Le drew closer did she notice the basket of water chestnuts hidden behind the girl’s back. The plump, neatly arranged chestnuts looked almost obsessively organized.

Jiang Le’s heart clenched inexplicably. How could such a frail child carry such a heavy basket?

I wonder if I’ll sell any today…

The little girl, huddled with her knees drawn up to her chest, timidly looked up. Seeing a well-dressed college student, a faint glimmer of hope sparked in her dark eyes.

She rubbed her frostbitten, cracked hands together, pulled the basket behind her forward, and called out in a voice as thin as a mosquito’s buzz, Sister, would you like to buy some water chestnuts? They’re homegrown, very sweet and delicious.

With utmost care, she selected a water chestnut from the basket’s edge, taking great pains not to disturb the neat arrangement. Using a small knife, her hands moved with magical speed, she peeled a perfectly white, plump water chestnut, blinked her watery eyes, and offered it, pleading, Sister, please try it! It’s free!

Jiang Le accepted the still-icy water chestnut and took a small bite. The crisp, sweet, and cool juice instantly flooded her mouth. It was exactly as the girl had described—remarkably sweet and delicious.

Her gaze flickered slightly, and she made up her mind. I’ll take the whole basket. How much?

The little girl’s eyes lit up instantly, as if filled with stars!

T-ten yuan per jin, she stammered, timidly raising three fingers while stealing glances at Jiang Le’s expression, terrified of scaring away this rare customer with too high a price.

When Jiang Le didn’t immediately respond, the girl quickly added, her voice tinged with anxiety, You can’t find these water chestnuts in North City! My grandma grew them herself, and I-I worked so hard to bring them here… They’re really sweet…

Jiang Le had been somewhat distracted, but seeing the girl’s desperate, tearful expression, her heart melted like butter. She smiled and said, Alright, how do you want to be paid?

The girl clutched the faded corner of her washed-out clothes, her voice barely audible. …Cash… Sister, I… I don’t have a phone…

Jiang Le was genuinely stumped. She had long grown accustomed to electronic payments and never carried cash.

She bent down and patted the girl’s slightly worn woolen hat. Wait here for a bit, okay? Don’t go anywhere. I’ll go withdraw some money from the ATM over there and be right back.

For some reason, her compassion was overflowing today. Without hesitation, she grabbed her heavy suitcase and hurried toward the distant ATM.

The girl watched Jiang Le’s retreating figure, the light in her eyes gradually dimming as she slumped back onto the cold steps. She had seen this too many times before. Promises to wait were usually just excuses to avoid the hassle, and people rarely returned.

Jiang Le had no other bank cards except the one she had obtained through deception years ago. Fearing Jiang Congyue might discover it at home, she had brought it with her, never imagining it would come in handy like this.

As she withdrew the money, Jiang Le instinctively glanced outside. The small figure was still huddled in the wind tunnel, shivering violently from the cold.

What an idiot, she thought silently. Doesn’t she know to find a sheltered spot?

Turning back, her gaze fell on the ATM screen’s balance display. Jiang Le froze, her breath catching in her throat. The screen showed an astronomical figure starting with 52011.

A faint ringing filled her ears, and an indescribable warmth surged through her limbs, making her fingertips tingle.

She lowered her eyes to the stack of bills she had withdrawn. The amount had barely affected the leading digits of that astronomical number.

The source of this fortune was obvious.

Jiang Congyue… Jiang Congyue…

Her chest ached fiercely, the overwhelming emotion finding no outlet but to repeat the name in her mind, like a mantra, like a sigh.

This person is truly… infuriating…

Even as she cursed inwardly, warmth welled up in her eyes, and the corners of her mouth twitched upward against her will.

Between them lay unspoken secrets, mutual respect, and a silent pact to protect each other.

Composing herself, she hurried back with the thick stack of cash she had just withdrawn. The child, who had already given up hope, hung her head dejectedly. But when she saw the familiar shoes reappear before her, she snapped her head up, her dirty little face etched with disbelief.

Sister… you… you really came back? Her voice trembled with suppressed emotion and a hint of tears.

Mm, here. Jiang Le gently pressed the crisp, bright red bills into the child’s icy hands. Count it and see if it’s enough.

The girl stared blankly at the stack of money in her hands—perhaps the most she had ever seen. Instead of counting it immediately, she carefully folded the bills into a neat stack and clutched them tightly in her palm.

Then, she stood up and bowed deeply to Jiang Le, the tears she had been holding back finally spilling onto the cold ground. Thank you… thank you, Sister…

Jiang Le watched her with mixed emotions, unable to explain why she had suddenly become so soft-hearted. Perhaps it was because in the girl’s desperate, timid yet yearning gaze, she glimpsed a faint reflection of herself from some distant moment—curled up in a corner, lost and helpless.

Seeing the girl’s lips, frozen purple, and her thin clothes, Jiang Le naturally wouldn’t put on a generous act of paying without taking the goods. She bent down and lifted the heavy basket of water chestnuts.

After all, she genuinely enjoyed eating water chestnuts. Jiang Congyue’s Rock Sugar Water Chestnut Soup had been quite delicious.

Having been raised by Jiang Congyue to arrive at the airport three hours early, this minor detour didn’t delay her much.

As soon as she disembarked and followed the crowd through the gate, she spotted Jiang Congyue waiting outside. Wrapped in a thick cashmere coat that looked warmer than everyone else’s, Jiang Congyue was chatting with the driver beside her, her face appearing slightly pale under the airport’s bright lights.

Only when Jiang Le approached, dragging her suitcase, did Jiang Congyue turn her head, her eyes lighting up as she waved enthusiastically. Lele, darling! Over here!

Hearing her eternally vibrant voice, Jiang Le’s fatigue from North City’s chilly weather and the journey instantly vanished, her mood brightening.

I missed you, Jiang Le said quietly, glancing at the driver beside them, her voice barely audible to anyone but Jiang Congyue.

Jiang Congyue froze for a second, then her eyes filled with genuine, overwhelming emotion, and she nearly burst into tears.

She opened her arms, and the two embraced naturally for a moment. Feeling the chill radiating from Jiang Le’s body, Jiang Congyue immediately took her icy hand and led her toward the car. You must be freezing after being in North City! The winters there are unbearable—dry and bitterly cold.

Jiang Le smiled as she shrugged off her heavy down jacket, the car’s interior warm and cozy. Aren’t you wearing just as much here? She gestured to Jiang Congyue’s conspicuously thick overcoat.

Jiang Congyue playfully tapped her forehead. How old are you compared to me? Don’t even try to compare. These old bones can’t handle the cold like yours.

Jiang Le studied her intently, her tone earnest. But you seem to be getting younger and younger. Really.

Jiang Congyue paused, then chuckled. Half a year abroad and your tongue’s turned so sweet? It’s like you’ve been dipping it in honey.

The driver in the front seat chimed in with a smile. Boss Jiang, the young lady’s right. Your complexion has been excellent lately. You really do look younger.

Hahaha, you’re all just teasing me, Jiang Congyue laughed, her eyes crinkling with amusement, clearly enjoying the flattery.

Jiang Le’s gaze deepened almost imperceptibly, a flicker of scrutiny passing through her eyes. But as Jiang Congyue turned to look at her, the suspicion vanished instantly, replaced by her usual composed expression.

As Jiang Congyue continued laughing, she suddenly covered her mouth and coughed softly, her complexion paling noticeably, revealing a fragile vulnerability. Noticing Jiang Le’s immediate look of concern, she waved her hand gently, signaling she was fine.

Boss Jiang, I told you earlier to wait in the car. It’s too windy out here… the driver said, his tone disapproving.

Catching her breath, Jiang Congyue waved dismissively, attempting to defuse the tension with a joke. You were just praising me for looking young! Now you’re calling me old?

The driver exchanged a glance with Jiang Le through the rearview mirror, shaking his head helplessly. Finally, unable to contain himself, he said to Jiang Le with a hint of complaint, The doctor warned her long ago about the lingering effects of her old illness. She needs complete rest and must avoid fatigue and cold… But she refuses to listen and insists on waiting outside…

It’s not as serious as he makes it sound, Jiang Congyue quickly interrupted the driver, her voice betraying a hint of unease as she tried to brush it off lightly. Don’t listen to his nonsense.

Jiang Le unconsciously twisted the corner of her dress between her fingers, her gaze lowered in silent contemplation. Whatever Jiang Congyue was willing to share, whatever she chose to reveal, couldn’t be anything truly significant.

But what about the things she kept hidden, the things she never mentioned?

A subtle unease, like tiny vines, began to creep through her heart, prompting her to glance again at Jiang Congyue, who was still laughing and chatting beside her. She searched that smiling face for any crack in its facade, any sign of pretense, but found nothing.

She fell silent, looking down at her hand, which Jiang Congyue held tightly in her warm palm. Then, she gently rested her head against the seemingly sturdy yet inexplicably fragile shoulder beside her.

Feeling the weight and dependence on her shoulder, Jiang Congyue’s voice softened instantly. She raised her other hand and tenderly brushed a stray strand of hair from Jiang Le’s temple, as if soothing a sleepy child.

If you’re tired, close your eyes and rest for a bit, sweetie. We’ll be home soon.

Jiang Congyue 22