When the Villain Falls Madly in Love with Herself - Chapter 24

Beishi, the Lin Family’s eldest daughter’s birthday banquet.

Jiang Le wore a deep blue evening gown, its hem swaying gently as she raised her glass, resembling a dark sea shimmering in the night.

Leaning languidly against the second-floor railing, she gazed down at the guests below, who moved with practiced grace, exchanging polite conversation and laughter. She waved away several suitors and idly swirled the red wine in her glass, bored.

Lin Zhen descended the stairs, hands in his pockets, whistling cheerfully. His eyes met Jiang Le’s, and he raised an eyebrow with a smirk. Well, well, if it isn’t President Jiang. Long time no see. You’ve only grown more impressive.

Jiang Le nodded slightly, wondering at the coincidence. Since he’d already spoken, she couldn’t pretend not to hear him.

Lin Zhen despised Jiang Le from the bottom of his heart. Ever since she took over the Jiang Corporation, this once insignificant nobody had suddenly surpassed him in both wealth and prestige. Even his own grandfather constantly used her as a role model, forcing him to interact with her, watch her expression, and curry favor. The mere thought of it filled him with resentment.

Jiang Le heard every word of Lin Zhen’s thoughts clearly, without reacting. Compared to Lin Zhen, a wastrel who hadn’t improved in years, she admired Lin Yueying, the star of tonight’s banquet.

As she was thinking this, Lin Yueying, radiant at the center of the crowd, glanced her way, raised her glass in a toast across the room, and smiled.

Lin Yueying was shrewd. Having long recognized that the Lin Family valued her good-for-nothing younger brother more, she had boldly ventured abroad, expanding the family’s overseas business through her own efforts and building valuable connections. Now, her ventures were thriving.

It was during this time that Jiang Le met Lin Yueying. Their shared interests and instant rapport led to a casual but genuine friendship.

Later, even Old Master Lin began to regard Jiang Le with new respect. His decision to personally host Lin Yueying’s birthday banquet tonight hinted at ulterior motives.

Jiang Le absently responded to Lin Zhen’s remarks, but finding the conversation dull, she turned and walked toward the villa’s garden.

The cool night breeze dispersed some of her intoxication, clearing her muddled mind slightly. Yet, she didn’t want to be sober. Tilting her head back, she drained the remaining wine in her glass.

Alone on a garden bench, she gazed dreamily at the sparse starlight scattered across the night sky.

Unbeknownst to her, this scene was observed by someone in the corner. The person gasped, letting out a small cry of surprise, their feet frozen in place, caught between advancing and retreating.

She wondered why Jiang Le was here, but realized that Jiang Le was the only one who could help her now. Clenching her fists, she was about to step forward when an arm suddenly slammed against the wall in front of her, blocking her path.

Startled, she looked up and saw Jiang Le, who had been sitting dazed on the bench moments ago, now leaning in with a sinister smile, tilting her head to study her.

The gaze was icy, the smile not reaching her eyes, creating a chillingly unnatural effect.

Li Xin, those crimson lips whispered, uttering words as dark as a demon’s, Long time no see.

Li Xin’s pupils constricted, her heart pounding wildly, almost suffocating her. She stumbled back several steps in terror, her entire body trembling.

Because she could clearly see…

The Jiang Le on the bench was still there!

Li Xin stared at the person before her, her scalp tingling with dread. The stranger’s eerie smile made her want to flee. Her voice trembled as she asked, Who… are you?

No, wait. She touched her face. This wasn’t Li Xin’s face at all!

How could she know I’m Li Xin?

Li Xin shook her head in terror, watching the smiling figure advance relentlessly. What do you want?

The woman chuckled softly, closing the distance. She glanced at the shovel leaning against the wall, picked it up, and tested its weight in the air, as if satisfied.

With a sigh-like whisper, her voice chillingly cold, she said, Why did your little game have to drag her into this, so recklessly?

Too bad. She doesn’t need you anymore.

Before the words faded, the shovel arced through the air with a cold, sharp arc and crashed down with a dull thud.

Silence descended.

Dropping the bloodied shovel, she pulled out her phone, dialed a few numbers, and waited for the call to connect.

The call was answered almost instantly. An impatient male voice barked, Who is this?

Keep your people in line, she said, her voice utterly flat. Next time they touch mine, it won’t be this easy.

Jiang Le? A pause. Where is she?

After giving the location, she hung up abruptly, frowning at the bloodstains on her lake-blue satin dress. The crimson splatters stood out starkly against the pale fabric.

Ah, if only I’d changed my clothes before coming.

Her wiping motion paused as she caught a glimpse of a dark shadow behind her. Just as she had blocked Li Xin earlier, Jiang Le had cornered her in this spot.

Oops, caught red-handed! Jiang Congyue turned around, shrugging with a bright smile and playfully pouting.

Jiang Le squinted her drunkenly hazy eyes, staring at the face before her—a face identical to her own. Her eyes widened slightly, her alcohol-fogged brain struggling to process the situation.

She had approached them simply because their noise was disturbing her enjoyment of the night view. You’re being too loud, she stated bluntly.

Jiang Congyue sighed, playing along. You’re right, you’re right. See? I’ve taken care of the noisy one for you. Shouldn’t I get a reward?

She pointed to the unconscious Li Xin on the ground, grinning like a sly fox, shamelessly trying to take advantage of Jiang Le’s confusion.

Jiang Le tilted her head, struggling to grasp the logic, but it seemed to make sense. Staring at Jiang Congyue’s face as if entranced, she inexplicably pulled out a small red velvet pouch she kept close to her body and pressed it into the other woman’s hand. Here. Stay.

With that, she stubbornly gripped Jiang Congyue’s hand.

Jiang Congyue weighed the small cloth pouch in her hand, still warm from her body, and mused thoughtfully, Tsk, as a thank-you gift… it’s barely acceptable. But if you want me to stay, this alone won’t be enough, you know?

Jiang Le, feeling dizzy and unsteady, instinctively leaned forward. Her instincts told her that with this person nearby, she wouldn’t fall.

She blinked dryly, a little flustered, and asked blankly, Then what should I do?

Amused by her rare, dazed cuteness, Jiang Congyue wrapped an arm around her, gently scratching her chin with her fingertips. Her voice dropped to a coaxing murmur So, who are you begging?

Begging… Jiang Le paused, her hazy gaze struggling for a moment before continuing, Begging me.

Oh? Jiang Congyue raised an eyebrow, chuckling as she led her toward the door. But right now, you’re the one begging me. How did it suddenly become you begging you?

Jiang Le abruptly stopped walking, a faint trace of annoyance flickering across her face. If she had a tail, it would undoubtedly be drooping dejectedly right now.

You are Jiang Congyue, and Jiang Congyue is me. The moment she saw her, Jiang Le’s mind had already settled on this conclusion.

Jiang Congyue marveled at her cleverness and sensitivity, then found it a bit amusing—it sounded almost like self-praise. She helplessly wrapped her arm around the staggering drunk, So, do you like this version of yourself?

I hate it, Jiang Le muttered, lowering her lashes. Though she obediently followed Jiang Congyue’s lead, her words were sharp I hate Jiang Congyue.

Even after being settled on the bed, Jiang Le kept her lips tightly pressed together, looking as if she had suffered a great injustice.

Jiang Congyue could only plead softly into her ear, Then please, don’t hate me, okay? It’s not easy for me either…

The person on the bed closed her eyes, refusing to engage.

Until a soft, warm touch gently pressed against her lips.

Jiang Le’s eyes snapped open, instantly jolting her awake. She recoiled as if electrocuted, shoving Jiang Congyue away. Her heart pounded wildly, her glistening lips parted slightly, and she stared helplessly at the other woman, who was grinning mischievously.

Jiang Congyue chuckled softly through her nose, her heart melting like spring water. She crawled forward, feigning hurt, and asked pitifully, Can’t I?

Anyone would be startled to see their face suddenly magnified before them, wearing an expression they’d never normally wear.

Jiang Le braced herself with her arms, trying to inch backward silently, but Jiang Congyue saw through her immediately and pulled her back into place.

Their gazes locked, an invisible tension crackling between them like gunpowder. Sparks flew the instant their eyes met.

They both swallowed hard. In the next moment, they lunged at each other simultaneously!

Reason burned away completely. Amidst the tangled kisses and fervent caresses, Jiang Le surrendered completely.

Lost in passion, Jiang Congyue suddenly paused.

She cupped Jiang Le’s cheek, her fingers brushing against something wet and cold. Panic flared. Why are you crying?

Jiang Le froze, then touched her face, realizing she was indeed crying. The realization seemed to open a floodgate, tears gushing uncontrollably down her cheeks.

She gripped Jiang Congyue’s shoulders, her voice choked with emotion, repeating again and again, Jiang Congyue… I hate you…

Whether it was her nature or years of habit, Jiang Le always cried silently, only tears sliding down her cheeks. This quiet weeping was even more heart-wrenching than loud sobs.

Jiang Congyue felt as if her heart were being twisted by a knife. She could only pull Jiang Le into a tight embrace, whispering soothing words into her ear, I’m back, aren’t I? Look at you crying like this—it’s killing me. Baby, don’t cry anymore, okay?

Jiang Le continued to sob silently as Jiang Congyue patted her back, patiently comforting her.

As if finally exhausted from crying, or perhaps still nursing a lingering stubbornness, Jiang Le turned her back with a huff and curled up, facing away from her.

Seizing the opportunity, Jiang Congyue wrapped her arms completely around Jiang Le from behind, their fingers interlacing tightly. The matching moles beneath their thumbs pressed together, fitting perfectly.

The night deepened.

One murmured repeatedly, I hate you, while the other tirelessly responded, I love you.

They fell asleep in each other’s arms.

The next morning, Jiang Le awoke, her usual cold demeanor restored as if the tearful person from the night before had been nothing more than a phantom.

She emerged from the bedroom to find Jiang Congyue casually seated at the dining table.

Jiang Congyue grinned and waved. Oh? The little crybaby finally woke up?

Jiang Le’s face darkened. Take off my clothes, she said coldly.

Hearing this, Jiang Congyue fidgeted and reluctantly stood up, muttering, Isn’t this a bit inappropriate? In broad daylight, under the clear sky…

Jiang Le’s expression grew even darker. Take my clothes off now!

Hey, it’s just one piece of clothing, hmph… Jiang Congyue protested, though the amusement in her eyes couldn’t be hidden.

Does the esteemed Little Miss Jiang really not have a single presentable outfit? Why does she insist on wearing mine? Jiang Congyue knew the answer but refrained from pointing it out, simply removing the clothes and handing them to Jiang Le.

Jiang Le quickly washed up and dressed. Glancing at the breakfast Jiang Congyue had prepared on the table, she checked her wristwatch.

Under Jiang Congyue’s expectant gaze, Jiang Le sat down and ate a few bites.

Mmm, delicious! You finished it all! Jiang Congyue’s eyes crinkled into crescents as she clapped dramatically.

Jiang Le, her face expressionless, slipped on her shoes, ready to leave.

But Jiang Congyue tugged at her tie, tapping her cheek with a finger. Lele, I’ve noticed other couples kiss before work. If they get it, why can’t I?

Jiang Le, her hand already on the doorknob, paused, her face still cold. She leaned in for a brief, light touch before pulling away. I’m leaving.

Jiang Congyue, having gotten her way, waved cheerfully. Bye-bye

After Jiang Le left, Jiang Congyue tried the doorknob, then shrugged.

As expected, the door remained firmly locked.

Someone who had seemed so composed on the surface had now locked her in the house. She wasn’t sure whether to be grateful that Little Miss Jiang hadn’t tied her up with rope.

Humming a tune, Jiang Congyue wandered through the villa, exploring every corner with casual familiarity. Eventually, she grabbed a bag of cookies and settled comfortably on the sofa.

Fine, I’ll just play the part of a proper gilded cage bird.