When the Villain Falls Madly in Love with Herself - Chapter 31

The acrid smell of disinfectant filled Jiang Le’s nostrils, instantly clearing her mind.

She lay in a hospital bed, the anesthesia slowly wearing off. A dull, persistent ache radiated from the wound on her lower back, each breath tugging at the area and reminding her of its origin.

Jiang Le struggled to move her hand, reaching out to touch the cool back of the hand of the person watching over her.

Jiang Congyue, who had been dozing by the bedside, immediately jolted awake. Her eyes were still bloodshot and heavy with exhaustion as she sat up abruptly, her voice hoarse. You’re awake. Don’t move too much. Does it hurt?

Jiang Le tried to shake her head, but the movement tugged at the wound, causing her to gasp and her face to pale further. I’m fine, she managed weakly, her voice dry and raspy, only able to manage a few simple words for now.

Jiang Congyue immediately rose and carefully moistened Jiang Le’s lips with a damp cotton swab, her movements as gentle as if handling a fragile treasure. Her fingertips trembled almost imperceptibly.

Su Wen…? Jiang Le whispered.

…She’s dead, Jiang Congyue replied, lowering her lashes to conceal the complex emotions in her eyes. The search and rescue team found only one of her shoes after searching all night. In that kind of situation, the chances of survival were practically zero…

Her voice remained calm, as if she were describing the fate of someone utterly insignificant.

Jiang Le fell silent for a moment.

Su Wen’s madness and death felt like an absurd and tragic drama. The woman who had once called her Lele and friend, yet obsessed only over her favorability rating, had vanished completely, taking both her truth and falsehood with her.

Neither of them felt any satisfaction, only a suffocating sense of unease.

Where’s the USB drive?

Jiang Congyue pulled the silver-white drive from her pocket and placed it in Jiang Le’s hand. In the chaos, I swapped the two drives. The one left at the scene was taken by the police as evidence.

Lin Yueying and Lin Zhen have been taken in for questioning, but unfortunately, there’s no direct evidence linking them to this. They’ll probably be released soon. Su Wen’s actions have been ruled as a personal act under mental breakdown.

Capital and power always find loopholes. This outcome was hardly surprising. No one would care how a madwoman obtained the USB drive or how she contacted Jiang Congyue.

Jiang Le, having regained some strength, looked at her and asked, What about you? Didn’t the police ask why you were there?

I slipped away in the confusion, Jiang Congyue said, a sardonic twist to her lips. Lin Zhen is in a deep depression, refusing to speak to anyone. The police couldn’t get a word out of him. Lin Yueying was even easier to handle—she’s all about the money.

Jiang Le recalled the text message she’d received just before rushing into the warehouse—clearly another of Jiang Congyue’s manipulations. In her panic, she hadn’t noticed the message was signed Su Wen, as Su Wen had always used the alias Li Xin to play on Jiang Le’s sympathy.

Jiang Le chuckled softly, marveling at Jiang Congyue’s meticulous planning, her every move calculated and flawless.

Jiang Congyue always had everything arranged perfectly.

Jiang Le closed her eyes, the pain from her injuries throbbing fiercely, a bitter ache spreading through her heart. She wanted to reach out and hug Jiang Congyue, to say, You’ve done so much. Thank you for everything, but she lacked the strength to lift her arm.

It’s over, she whispered. Everything’s over.

Though Jiang Le couldn’t embrace her, Jiang Congyue instinctively wrapped her arms around her.

Jiang Le looked up at Jiang Congyue. Then we…

We’re just beginning, Jiang Congyue said, pressing her head heavily against Jiang Le’s shoulder before gently nuzzling her.

A hundred days to heal broken bones, Jiang Le thought. Every day, Jiang Congyue brewed her various nourishing soups and broths, causing her to swell noticeably from water retention. From head to toe, she practically glowed with a greasy sheen.

Li Yan, Gu Li, and their group also came to visit. When they saw the two identical faces, they were initially stunned. But after Li Yan’s embellished retelling of the events, they quickly abandoned the injured Jiang Le to chat among themselves.

The two troublemakers hit it off immediately, their shared mischief creating an instant bond. It was as if they had known each other their whole lives.

Jiang Le and Jiang Congyue exchanged a knowing glance. See? Jiang Le’s eyes seemed to say. These are the friends you picked for me.

Jiang Congyue merely shrugged, unfazed.

Once Li Yan had finally finished her rambling story, everyone’s attention turned back to Jiang Le, who lay pale in her hospital bed.

Hehe, it’s rare to see Chairman Jiang, always so serious, like this. Come on, everyone! Gu Li pulled out a long selfie stick from who-knows-where.

At the sight of it, the group crowded around Jiang Le’s bed.

Click!

The crisp, rapid shutter sound rang out. Before Jiang Le could even raise a hand to shield her pale face, the photo was permanently captured in Gu Li’s camera.

In the photo, Jiang Le was surrounded by the group. Li Yan had her arm affectionately draped over Jiang Le’s shoulder, while the Michelin duo grinned widely on the other side. Jiang Congyue sat relaxed on the edge of the bed, a faint but genuine smile playing on her lips.

Most striking was her gaze. Instead of looking at the camera, her eyes were fixed on Jiang Le, filled with an undeniable tenderness and a quiet sense of relief.

Gu Li eventually developed the photograph, framed it, and placed it on the bedside table in their bedroom.

Jiang Le’s injuries gradually healed, and life seemed to return to normal, yet it was fundamentally different from before.

One evening, while Jiang Le was working on documents in the study, a dull ache resurfaced around the scar on her lower back. She frowned slightly.

Jiang Congyue, who had been quietly reviewing documents beside her, immediately stood up, moved behind her, and gently pressed her warm palm precisely around the aching scar, kneading with just the right amount of pressure.

Rest if you’re tired, Jiang Congyue murmured.

Jiang Le relaxed against the chair back, tilted her head to look up at her. It’s nothing, just a little sore. You’re more perceptive than the worms in my stomach.

Jiang Congyue’s fingers lightly combed through her hair. Of course I am.

Her words were casual, but why did she still seem to suffer so much? Jiang Le didn’t ask, only smiled.

Sometimes, Jiang Congyue would jolt awake in the middle of the night, gasping for breath, her body icy cold. Jiang Le would always wake instantly, pull her into her arms, and gently pat her back until her tense muscles gradually relaxed and she drifted back to sleep.

They licked each other’s wounds, silently mending their scarred pasts with this unspoken understanding, little by little.

Next vacation, let’s go to the beach, Jiang Congyue suggested.

Jiang Le paused, her WeChat message hanging in the air, then a faint smile touched her lips. Okay.

After that, they traveled to countless places together, experiencing breathtaking landscapes. At each destination, they took a photograph.

Eventually, the photos overflowed their bedside table, forcing them to dedicate an entire room to display them.

Sometimes, Jiang Le would idly flip through these photos. She had always felt that she and Jiang Congyue were nothing alike—Jiang Congyue so cheerful and vibrant, while she herself was reserved and quiet. But now, looking at the photos, she realized how radiant and joyful they both appeared in each one.

Jiang Le gradually began trying to coax Jiang Congyue into being even happier, even more lively.

But then, her hand froze mid-flip. She realized with a start that she was aging, while Jiang Congyue seemed to grow more radiant and beautiful with each passing day.

Finally, the day came when Jiang Le reached Jiang Congyue’s age. On this special birthday, they naturally invited their friends to celebrate.

Gu Li arrived first, shaking off the light snow from her shoulders. Wow, this is incredible! she exclaimed, marveling at their faces. You look exactly like twins!

Of course! Don’t you dare doubt the sculpting skills of China’s Michelangelo! Li Yan’s eyes sparkled as she excitedly nudged Chen Ting beside her.

Mi Lin arrived shortly after, carrying a heavy little box. Guess what I brought!

Li Yan looked over curiously. What is it?

Wine! Homemade, not too strong. My mom didn’t make enough last time when they were clamoring for it, but this time, you can drink to your heart’s content!

The group cheered with delight.

Jiang Congyue and Jiang Le hadn’t hired a chef the two lovebirds were happily experimenting in the kitchen, preparing simple, home-style dishes.

Once everyone had arrived, they gathered around the table, raised their homemade wine, and toasted, Happy birthday, Jiang Le and Jiang Congyue!

After dinner, they played a few rounds of games before preparing to cut the cake.

Jiang Le and Jiang Congyue sat side-by-side in front of the cake, which was adorned with 30 candles. They clasped hands, closed their eyes, and made a wish. The others filmed with their phones, excitedly singing Happy Birthday.

Finally, they opened their eyes simultaneously, blew out the candles, and exchanged a warm, smiling glance.

The others cheered, What are you two up to!

The joyous commotion continued as they moved from eating cake to smearing it on each other’s faces, spreading the festive cheer.

After the battle, everyone’s face was covered in cream, but Jiang Le and Jiang Congyue were the worst, only their bewildered eyes peeking through the mess.

Hahaha—

With a click of the camera, another photo and memory were captured.

After seeing off the boisterous group, Jiang Le and Jiang Congyue were too lazy to clean up the mess. They’d hire someone to do it tomorrow.

Whether it was the delayed effect of the low-alcohol homemade wine or their own hidden desires, the next moment found them lying side by side on the bed, their faces flushed as they gazed at each other.

That look ignited the fire in their hearts, and soon the sound of passionate kisses filled the room.

Jiang Congyue opened her arms, her face flushed, and whispered, Happy birthday, Jiang Le.

Happy birthday, Jiang Congyue, Jiang Le replied hastily, her eyes betraying her desire as she glanced up briefly before lowering her gaze again.

This time, she wouldn’t repeat her past mistakes.

The night deepened, and fine snow had begun to fall outside the window. Inside, however, the room remained warm and cozy, still radiating the lingering heat and intimacy of their passion. Jiang Le lay on her side, idly twirling strands of Jiang Congyue’s hair that had fallen across the pillow between her fingertips, her gaze tracing the serene lines of her sleeping face.

The old injury in her lower back always ached in cold weather, but now, enveloped in a profound sense of contentment, the discomfort seemed insignificant.

Jiang Congyue stirred in her sleep, her long lashes fluttering before she slowly opened her eyes. Meeting Jiang Le’s focused gaze, she smiled and instinctively nestled closer, her voice husky with sleep, Why aren’t you asleep yet? Aren’t you tired?

Just looking at you, Jiang Le replied with a gentle smile, her fingertips lightly brushing against Jiang Congyue’s increasingly radiant cheek. You’re so beautiful.

Jiang Congyue shot her a playful glare, but her lips couldn’t help curving upward. She wrapped her arms around Jiang Le’s waist, pulling her closer, and yawned languidly, After all these years, what’s so special about it now?

Jiang Congyue, Jiang Le said, lifting her head from her embrace, her eyes fixed on her. You’ve always loved beautiful people. Will you still love me when I start to grow old?

Hmm? Jiang Congyue chuckled as if she’d heard a joke, rubbing Jiang Le’s hair. Of course I will.

In those years, did you ever see me despise myself because of my aging, unattractive face? Besides, I spent far more time with that face than you ever did. Would you have hated me then? Hmm? Jiang Congyue’s eyes curved into crescents, her expression teasing.

Jiang Le immediately shook her head, her voice firm. No.

Jiang Congyue watched Jiang Le’s tense, defensive posture and chuckled again, affectionately pressing her lips to Jiang Le’s cheek. What you fear isn’t growing old, but me growing younger. You’re afraid this will push us further apart.

But Jiang Le, no one stops loving themselves just because they age. Just as I loved myself even when my face was covered in wrinkles, I will always, always love you.

Jiang Le felt dizzy, as if drowning in Jiang Congyue’s gentle, watery words. Then, Jiang Congyue’s arms tightened around her, drawing her into her embrace.

Jiang Le murmured a soft mm against Jiang Congyue’s chest, saying nothing more, simply clinging to her more tightly.

Life seemed to have truly sailed into a calm, warm harbor. They were like each other’s shadows, inseparable, understanding each other’s thoughts with a single glance.

The past had been locked away in the annals of time, leaving only the gentle, flowing rhythm of daily life.

Yet Jiang Congyue noticed Jiang Le growing increasingly anxious. Her obsession with maintaining her appearance had reached almost obsessive levels. She meticulously researched skincare products she had previously ignored, adhered to a strict exercise regimen, and meticulously controlled her diet.

Occasionally, she would stare blankly into the mirror, her fingers tracing the corners of her eyes and brows with feather-light touches, as if confirming something.

Jiang Congyue wanted to speak, but the words caught in her throat. She understood that Jiang Le’s greatest fear was her leaving.

Jiang Le felt her physical stamina waning. After occasional all-nighters spent working, she needed longer to recover. A few more strands of white hair had silently appeared. Gazing at the faint weariness beneath her eyes in the mirror, she couldn’t help but compare herself to the still radiant Jiang Congyue beside her.

They were supposed to be identical, yet Jiang Le felt as if time were flowing faster for her alone.

One day, Jiang Le excused herself to sort through old belongings and went alone to the room where their photographs were stored. She locked the door behind her and repeatedly flipped through the albums documenting their journeys and smiles, occasionally leaving clear marks on the photos.

Fine lines gradually appeared around her eyes, her gaze deepened with maturity, and occasionally, a hint of weariness could be glimpsed. In contrast, Jiang Congyue’s beauty seemed frozen in time the years had only made her more radiant and captivating, leaving no trace of aging.

Her fingers paused on a photo taken at the beach last year. The bright sunlight accentuated the crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes as she smiled. Beside her, Jiang Congyue’s skin was smooth and firm, her laughter unrestrained and radiant, making her look at least five or six years younger.

Eight years had passed since Jiang Congyue’s return.

As Jiang Le absently touched her face in a daze, a gentle hand clasped hers from behind. Startled, she snapped out of her reverie and turned around.

The person in the photo seemed to leap out of the frame and materialize beside her, wearing the same radiant smile. Why are you looking at photos again? Jiang Congyue asked.

Jiang Congyue had lost count of how many times she had visited this room this month. She wanted to give Jiang Le space to think, but she couldn’t bear to see her forced smiles every time she emerged.

Lele, Jiang Congyue whispered close to her ear, I’m going to tell you something in secret. I might be punished for it, but I can’t stand seeing you live in constant fear when we’ve finally found our way back to each other.

The moment Jiang Le heard the word punishment, she froze. She immediately shook her head, signaling she didn’t want to hear it, but the words still drifted softly into her ears.

Jiang Le stood rooted to the spot, her eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at Jiang Congyue. She murmured, Are you telling the truth?

When have I ever lied to Lele? Of course it’s true, Jiang Congyue replied, her brow furrowing slightly before breaking into a radiant smile.

She finally managed to coax Jiang Le out of the room. At first, Jiang Le’s face was flushed with wild joy as she repeatedly asked, Is it really true?

With each Yes from Jiang Congyue, a wave of calm washed over her heart.

From that day on, Jiang Le never felt anxious again. In fact, her complexion glowed even more than when she had been using skincare products.

That night, she whispered to Jiang Congyue, Forever… is there really such a thing as forever in this world?

Jiang Congyue, unusually serious, lay shoulder-to-shoulder with her, her expression serene. Yes. Life has an end, but that’s just a brief separation. Everything will eventually return in an eternal recurrence.

Recurrence…

Jiang Le closed her eyes and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

Jiang Congyue 57