When the Villain Falls Madly in Love with Herself - Chapter 9

Here, you don’t need to write your name on anything to prove it’s yours, Jiang Congyue said, crouching down to meet Jiang Le’s gaze. Her eyes, subtly similar to Jiang Le’s, were filled with unwavering conviction and a comforting promise. Jiang Le, you’re not at the Welfare Home anymore. You’re home now. Everything here belongs to you. There’s no need to mark anything.

Jiang Le tried to detect any falsehood in those familiar eyes, but she saw only unadulterated sincerity.

Jiang Congyue, Jiang Le said, her stubborn little face tilting upward, if I’m really your illegitimate daughter or granddaughter, just tell me straight. You don’t need to put on this whole act!

Jiang Congyue froze for a moment, then burst into uproarious laughter, tears welling in the corners of her eyes until she could barely breathe.

You little rascal! You’re not my illegitimate granddaughter. I brought you home simply because of fate. I took a liking to you, that’s all.

Jiang Congyue gazed at Jiang Le’s earnest face, tinged with a hint of embarrassment at being teased, her voice unusually gentle and sincere.

Jiang Le remained skeptical. Could someone truly be so kind to a stranger without any ulterior motive?

Alright, enough talk. Now, can you take out the treasures from your little backpack and put them on the table? Jiang Congyue steadied herself against the table, slowly rising to her feet. Her legs had grown numb from squatting for so long, a reminder of her age. She subtly stretched them.

Jiang Le’s fingers unconsciously rubbed along the seam of her pants. Every time she had been adopted before, she had prepared herself to be sent back at any moment.

Her meager belongings were always crammed into that small backpack, like a snail’s shell ready to be carried away at a moment’s notice. She never dared to display them openly. Though her possessions were pitifully few and easily counted, each item held her entire sense of security, too precious to lose.

The straps of your backpack are almost broken. I bought you a new one. Take it to school tomorrow, Jiang Congyue said, leaning against the table to rest as she watched Jiang Le slowly pull out her things.

Hmm… Jiang Le gently adjusted the shoulder strap and nodded slowly. She hesitated whether to take out the bank card that remained in her backpack.

Although Jiang Congyue might not care about the money on the card, Jiang Le had no way to explain its origin if asked.

Just as she was frozen in indecision, Jiang Congyue seemed to sense her struggle. She suddenly yawned softly, her voice tinged with weariness. Ah, I’m a bit tired. You can finish unpacking at your own pace. I’m going upstairs to rest for a while.

Watching Jiang Congyue’s figure disappear behind the door, Jiang Le’s tense shoulders instantly relaxed as she exhaled a long, silent breath. But before she could fully exhale, a wave of intense shame and frustration surged through her.

She furiously crumpled the old backpack against her chest, as if venting her anger on the worn fabric. She definitely saw through me!

How does she know everything? This woman is practically reading my mind!

In the end, Jiang Le carefully placed the bank card in a drawer. With that done, she threw herself onto the excessively soft, oversized bed and rolled around restlessly for several minutes.

While kneading the pillow, Jiang Le wondered, Could there really be such a thing as telepathy in this world?

For the rest of the day, Jiang Congyue remained upstairs handling official business. Strangely, both lunch and dinner featured dishes that perfectly suited Jiang Le’s tastes.

Knowing she faced the dreaded 6 a.m. wake-up call the next day, Jiang Le finished her evening routine early and buried herself under the soft covers, forcing herself to sleep.

Unfortunately, after a long while, she still couldn’t drift off. Frustrated, she sat up and pounded the bed.

Ugh… She tugged at her hair in annoyance. Desperate, she recalled a folk remedy she’d often used at the Welfare Home. Steeling herself, she raised her hand and gave herself a firm but not too hard slap on the forehead.

Whack!

A mild dizziness washed over her.

The effect was remarkable.

She shook her head, flopped back onto the pillow, and this time, her heavy eyelids finally drifted shut. Her consciousness sank into a deep, dreamless slumber.

The early morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a serene glow over the room.

Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!

Jiang Le jolted awake, springing to her feet. She glanced around in confusion, rubbing the back of her head. An earthquake?

As if sensing the commotion inside, Lin Qingyu maintained her gentle, composed smile, as if she hadn’t been the one violently pounding on the door moments ago.

Miss Jiang, you’re awake, Lin Qingyu said, glancing at her watch. It’s 605 AM. You have 30 minutes to wash up and eat breakfast. Your school uniform has been ironed and is on your desk. Please hurry.

Jiang Le looked over to see her black-and-white uniform folded with obsessive precision on the desk, its sharp creases perfectly aligned.

Got it, Jiang Le mumbled, rubbing her eyes. She casually tied her hair into a ponytail and swung her legs off the bed.

After splashing water on her face, she surveyed her reflection with a blank expression.

Perfect.

Jiang Le was surprised to see Jiang Congyue already sitting at the table, wearing her glasses and staring at her phone screen. Hearing the footsteps, Jiang Congyue looked up, her eyes crinkling behind the lenses with a warmth like morning sunlight.

Lele, come eat breakfast, Jiang Congyue called, waving her over.

Jiang Le had assumed she wouldn’t be here. After her outburst yesterday, the encounter felt awkward. She shuffled over stiffly and sat down, her gaze falling on the table. She froze.

A steaming bowl of white congee sat on the table, accompanied by several plates of refreshing pickled vegetables and a bamboo steamer filled with fragrant xiaolongbao.

Jiang Congyue took a sip of her coffee and chuckled, Oh dear, I heard yesterday you don’t care for these. Forcing things never works. Let’s get you something you actually like. Her tone was teasing yet indulgent.

Thank you… Jiang Le grabbed a xiaolongbao and stuffed it into her mouth. The savory meat filling burst with flavor, perfectly balanced between lean and fatty, and exactly to her taste.

Seeing her devour three xiaolongbao in quick succession, Jiang Congyue worried she might choke. She handed Jiang Le a cup of warm milk. Drink this, then the driver will take you to school.

Jiang Le gulped down the milk, took the new backpack from Jiang Congyue, and slung it over her shoulder. She murmured, I’m off to school, Boss Jiang…

Her words were so mumbled that Jiang Congyue didn’t catch the last part. She waved cheerfully as Jiang Le climbed into the car.

Settling into the plush car seat, Jiang Le felt as if the cushion had grown thorns. She fidgeted nervously, tugging at her backpack zipper. At her special school, few students were as physically intact as she was most had some form of disability. Even her former deskmate had been born blind in one eye.

Having had little interaction with normal people, Jiang Le felt a sudden wave of nervousness.

Miss Jiang, relax, Master Li, the driver, said gently, noticing her tense expression in the rearview mirror. My daughter, Li Yan, is in the same grade as you at this school. Boss Jiang specifically arranged for you to be in her class so she could look after you.

This didn’t ease Jiang Le’s anxiety. It wasn’t until they reached the school gate that she finally took a deep breath, thinking, Well, I’m here now.

After getting out of the car, the driver waved toward the school entrance. A middle-aged man and a girl with pigtails hurried over. The girl, wearing the same school uniform, radiated energy.

Mommy! the girl exclaimed, rushing to hug the driver.

The driver gently pinched her cheek and said, Yan Yan, this is Jiang Le, a new student in your class today. I have to rush to work. Can you show Jiang Le around the school and then take her to Teacher Liu’s office? Please?

Li Yan’s big eyes immediately turned to Jiang Le, who was standing behind her mother. Jiang Le’s expressionless, even slightly cool face instantly captured her attention.

A new classmate! she cheered, completely ignoring her mother’s reminders about taking care of Jiang Le. She brushed past her mother and, with the familiarity of an old friend, grabbed Jiang Le’s hand.

Hi! I’m Li Yan! What’s your name? Her voice was crisp and bright, like a lark’s song at dawn.

Jiang Le instinctively frowned when her hand was suddenly grasped, but the warmth radiating from Li Yan’s palm and her unrestrained enthusiasm made her suppress the urge to pull away. She replied stiffly, …Jiang Le.

Nice to meet you! Nice to meet you! I’m the class monitor, so I’ll look out for you from now on! Li Yan puffed out her chest, striking a pose that exuded the swagger of a street gang boss.

Then, this self-proclaimed Boss was immediately suppressed by the Empress Dowager.

What nonsense are you spouting! The driver flicked Li Yan on the forehead, knocking stars into her eyes.

Watching the mother and daughter’s affectionate banter, oblivious to their surroundings, and Li Yan’s quirky, lively energy, Jiang Le’s tightly drawn lips finally cracked into a brief, involuntary smile.

Alright, alright, stop fooling around! Li Yan’s mother handed them their backpacks. Hurry inside, you don’t want to be late! Yan Yan, take good care of the new classmate!

Yes, sir! Mission accomplished! Li Yan snapped to attention and gave a proper salute.

Then, grabbing Jiang Le, who was still a bit dazed, she charged through the school gates like a whirlwind. Come on, Jiang Le! I’ll show you around our school! It’s huge and so much fun!

Pulled along by Li Yan, this inexhaustible little sun, Jiang Le was whisked through the unfamiliar campus, listening to her chatter about the sports field, gardens, classroom buildings, and the school store.

Jiang Le felt the thin layer of ice that had been encasing her heart slowly melting under this unrestrained warmth.

She had never encountered such an energetic child before.

Finally, just before the bell rang, Li Yan, panting, dragged Jiang Le to the door of Teacher Liu’s office.

Teacher Liu was a middle-aged woman in her forties, wearing black-framed glasses and sporting a stern expression. Seeing Jiang Le and Li Yan enter, she immediately instructed Li Yan to help her move some books.

Jiang Le, Teacher Liu glanced at her, then at Jiang Le’s previous academic record. Hmm, your grades have always been excellent. However, our curriculum progresses faster than your previous school. If you fall behind, don’t hesitate to come see me after class.

Jiang Le met her gaze and nodded calmly, offering only a curt Mm. Her demeanor was cold and distant.

Hehe, Teacher Liu, all the books are moved! Li Yan, clutching two stacks of new textbooks, grinned as she sidled up. She had a natural knack for finding amusement even in the most serious settings.

Teacher Liu, though still not smiling, softened her tone noticeably. You’ve always complained about your deskmate distracting you in class. Perfect! Let Jiang Le sit next to you.

Wow! Really? Teacher Liu, you’re the best! Li Yan’s face lit up instantly. She hugged her books and scooted closer to Teacher Liu, showering her with compliments as if they were free.

With Li Yan’s constant chatter beside her, Jiang Le’s discomfort in the new environment faded considerably. Settling into her new seat, she opened the pristine textbook, a long-lost sense of calm washing over her.

But this tranquility lasted less than five minutes.

Why did you suddenly transfer here? Li Yan whispered, shielding her face with her book as she leaned in curiously.

Jiang Le glanced at the teacher just a few feet away, pressed her lips together, and nudged Li Yan with her foot, trying to warn her.

Hey, why did you kick me? Tell me already! Li Yan hissed, still stubbornly leaning closer.

She didn’t notice the surrounding reading voices had quieted slightly, her mind completely consumed by curiosity about why this new student had transferred.

Li, Yan, Teacher Liu’s voice, strained with suppressed anger, cut through the air from behind her book. Her eyes shot daggers at the restless little head peeking out from behind the pages.

Li Yan jolted upright like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. She frantically straightened her book, cleared her throat, and began reciting in a voice as loud and dramatic as if she were reciting revolutionary poetry A! B! C! D!…

Jiang Le stared at the Chinese textbook in Li Yan’s hands, lost in thought.

Hey, hey, hey, Teacher Liu! Li Yan tilted her head, covering her ear. It’s all my fault! Jiang Le had nothing to do with it! I was the one who insisted on talking to her! Punish me instead!

Whatever Li Yan had watched on TV the previous night, she was now putting on a full-blown performance, wailing and pleading with such melodramatic fervor that it seemed like she was starring in an epic tale of self-sacrifice and heroism.

Jiang Le watched Li Yan’s exaggerated performance and couldn’t help but burst into a pfft of laughter.

The soft chuckle echoed clearly in the silent classroom.

Teacher Liu, who had initially intended to single out Li Yan as a typical example, instantly locked her sharp gaze onto the utterly innocent Jiang Le.

And so,

On a beautiful morning, with a gentle breeze and the rising sun,

Two figures stood stiffly by the classroom door, like newly appointed guardian deities, one on each side.

One was Li Yan, her head drooping but her eyes still darting around mischievously. The other was Jiang Le, her face expressionless, her eyes vacant, as if she had already retreated into a state of detachment.

Jiang Le stared down the corridor, speechless, feeling her life was filled with meaningless absurdity. How did I end up here?

Li Yan scratched her head sheepishly. Hey, you know what they say… misery loves company! Look at this perfect weather—the sun’s just right, the breeze is gentle. It’d be a waste to enjoy it alone, right? Right?

Watch less of that brain-dead TV, Jiang Le said, glancing at her coolly before withdrawing her pitying gaze.

Li Yan flailed her arms and shrieked, What are you saying? What are you saying? This is art! Do you even understand art? That self-sacrificing monologue was so moving, so full of tension! I think I could totally be nominated for an Oscar! My dream is to become a great actor!

Heh, Jiang Le scoffed, See that stagnant pond?

Li Yan followed her finger, leaning over the railing to peer down. She blinked. Yeah, I see it. Hey, there are even fish in there! What about it?

The neglected pond was murky, with only a few half-dead fish struggling to survive.

Mm, Jiang Le nodded, her voice flat and emotionless. Those fish are done for.

Li Yan froze, her wide eyes filled with confusion. She glanced at the pond, then back at Jiang Le’s inscrutable face, furrowing her brow in deep thought.

Jiang Le had already finished reciting an entire textbook passage when Li Yan suddenly slapped the railing, her eyes widening with sudden realization. She whirled around, her eyes shining with excitement. I get it! I understand! Jiang Le! Are you the legendary reclusive master? Were you enlightening me just now?!

You were telling me, Li Yan exclaimed, waving her arms wildly, that to become a great actor, one must endure unimaginable trials! To forge an iron will! Like… like bringing that stagnant pond back to life! Turning the murky water clear! Reviving those dying fish! Right?! This is my ‘Carp Leaping Over the Dragon Gate’! Right?! Her face glowed with the exhilaration of having grasped a profound truth.

Jiang Le took a deep breath. Heh, I’m glad you understand.

She closed her eyes in resignation, and when she opened them again, her gaze held only a world-weary calm and the relief of having given up the struggle.

Forget it, forget it, she thought. Li Yan’s knowledge is too scattered. I can’t compete with her mental gymnastics.

Jiang Congyue 17