After Marrying the Villain with Seven Personalities [Transmigration into a Book]) - Chapter 14

Yi Chenqing had an exceptional memory for faces, events, and especially voices. She prided herself on the fact that if she had seen a person once or heard a voice even once, she would never forget it.

This was true for the woman she had spent that night with at the bar.

Yet, she couldn’t understand why, despite being neighbors, she had absolutely no memory of this beautiful woman named Linqiu. Even more perplexing was the fact that Linqiu’s voice was an exact match for the one on the phone—gentle and comforting, a perfect fit for her appearance.

This matter sat in her heart like a stubborn knot, making it impossible for her to focus on social pleasantries. She finally made an excuse to leave her high-spirited grandfather for a short while.

Declining the advances of several guests along the way, Yi Chenqing entered a private room on the first floor. She found the corresponding number and dialed, her gaze absently fixed on the red wine swirling in her glass as she tilted her wrist.

The call was answered instantly, snapping her attention back. That gentle voice came through the speaker, carrying a hint of hesitation.

“Hello.”

“Hello,” Chenqing replied formally. For some reason, a faint sense of anticipation rose within her. She asked slowly, “Are you currently at the Yi family gala?”

Xu Linqiu could tell: if that same voice carried a cold, aloof edge, it had to be Yi Chenqing herself. She wondered if the other woman had recognized her too.

Linqiu let out a silent sigh, pursed her lips, and nodded gently. “Yes, I am.”

“Then…” A notification popped up on the screen showing an incoming call from Old Master Yi. Chenqing paused, lifted her wrist to check her watch, and continued: “Could we meet at nine o’clock in front of the swimming pool in the Yi family backyard?”

The backyard of the Yi estate was filled with various species of flowers and winding gravel paths. The only distinct landmark was a large swimming pool—though, notably, it was used for raising ornamental fish.

Xu Linqiu hesitated for a few seconds before replying, “Alright.”

The call ended, leaving a trail of melancholy in her heart. She knew she shouldn’t have agreed. It was supposed to be a one-night stand, and discovering the partner was the neighbor’s younger sister should have been the cue to cut her losses immediately.

But she didn’t want to.

She liked the feeling of being with her. She liked… their kisses, and that night of abandon. Even if part of these mysterious emotions stemmed from novelty and physical attraction… and even if that night had been with the personality known as “Xiao Hong.”

But Xiao Hong was a part of Yi Chenqing, and these feelings were her current reality. At this age, “liking” someone was never simple. Why overthink it instead of just giving it a try?

Having cleared her mind, Xu Linqiu felt much more relaxed.

However, a sudden pat on her shoulder gave her a start. She turned to see Shi Ji and smiled.

“You haven’t done anything wrong, so what are you afraid of?” Shi Ji asked, tilting her head to shake out her slightly damp hair. “A light rain suddenly started outside, but by the time I stepped toward the villa, it stopped. Strange, isn’t it? I hope it’s not a sign that I’ll be unlucky today.”

“It won’t be,” Linqiu comforted her. The truth—that Xiao Hong was actually Yi Chenqing—almost slipped out, but she bit it back, opting for a more subtle approach. “Boss Hong asked to meet me at nine o’clock by the pool in the backyard. Do you want to come and take a look later?”

It was better to let Shi Ji discover it herself. If Linqiu said it directly, it would be embarrassing—after all, she had slept with the younger sister of the Yi family, a family very close to both the Xus and the Shis. If Shi Ji found out, she would surely tease her for “robbing the cradle.”

“Count me in! I want to see just how heavenly this Boss Hong looks to have enchanted our Lin-zi so completely.”

“I assume you two won’t just start passionately kissing the moment you meet?” Shi Ji teased with a wink, then scanned the crowded hall. Giving up on finding a specific face, she hooked her arm into Linqiu’s. “My parents are off talking business. Let’s grab some sweets and wait until nine. Honestly, this gala is so harmonious and pleasant.”

Xu Linqiu nodded. “Yeah.”

[Auntie, I’ve thought it over. I’m willing to give it a try.]

When Xu Yushan received this message, she froze, followed by a surge of wild joy. She grabbed Yi Yanbai, who was standing nearby, and looked toward the Old Master, but Yi Chenqing was nowhere to be found.

“Where is your sister?”

Yi Yanbai looked puzzled. “She’s been chatting with Grandpa and those old friends all evening. She said she was tired and went to get some water to catch her breath.”

“Oh~ then go find her.”

“I can just call her.”

“You child!” Xu Yushan chided her, then lifted her phone screen to Yanbai’s face, her voice brimming with delight. “See? Go get her. I want to tell her in person.”

Yi Yanbai squinted through her glasses to read the message. When she saw the content, she was stunned. “Is this from Sister Linqiu?”

“Of course! When your mother takes action, there are no mistakes. Stop talking and go!” Xu Yushan lifted her chin proudly.

Yi Yanbai nodded. “…Alright.” A flicker of hope rose in her heart. So, being brave really does work…

After sending the message, Xu Linqiu ate the last piece of cream from her fork. Shi Ji pushed her up from the sofa in the corner of the hall.

“Go, go! It’s time!”

The two walked toward the back door of the hall. The backyard was lit only by dim streetlamps. The wind rustled through the flowers and grass, lending the place an eerie atmosphere.

Shi Ji leaned against the door, looking thrilled. “You go first. I’ll wait ten minutes before heading over to sneak a peek.”

This gala is so peaceful, Shi Ji thought happily. I can even help Lin-zi’s romance along. The world really has changed for the better.

“Alright.” Xu Linqiu waved and followed the gravel path into the garden.

The air after the rain was damp. It wasn’t until the back door disappeared from view that she realized she hadn’t been here in years and no longer recognized the path. The cold wind made the leaves hiss. She didn’t want to turn back to ask Shi Ji, so she lowered her head and dialed “Xiao Hong.”

The call connected, but there was no sound on the other end. Linqiu spoke softly, “Um… I walked onto the gravel path from the back door, but I’m lost.”

Her voice held a touch of softness. Yi Chenqing, who had been standing stiffly by the pool, felt herself warm up for some reason. She stepped her small high heels into a puddle by the pool and turned slightly to watch the goldfish swimming in the dim yellow light.

“Have you reached the fork in the road yet?” Chenqing asked.

“Not yet…”

“Then keep walking straight until you reach it.”

“Okay.” Linqiu walked slowly, looking up at the pitch-black night sky dotted with a few stars. She reached the fork and smiled. “And now?”

“Turn right and go straight.”

“Mhm.”

“When the red Mandevilla vines give way to the Baby’s Breath, you’ll be there.”

The soft Mandevilla vines spiraled up their supports, their brilliant red flowers framed by green leaves, releasing a delicate fragrance in the breeze. Xu Linqiu responded with a soft “Mhm,” as if afraid to wake the sleeping flowers, and unconsciously quickened her pace.

Slowly, the light and airy clusters of Baby’s Breath came into view…

Yi Chenqing kept her eyes on the garden exit until she saw the pale blue figure emerge from the flowers. The breeze tossed Linqiu’s curly hair and lifted the hem of her slit dress, revealing long legs that shimmered under the streetlamps. She was smiling, her eyes curved like crescents.

It really is her…

Yi Chenqing’s heart hammered in her chest. She took a small step back, but her head suddenly throbbed. Recognizing this familiar sensation, she knew something was wrong. Before she could react, she lost consciousness, and her body fell straight backward.

Xu Linqiu’s brow furrowed. She dropped her phone and sprinted toward her.

With a massive splash, water sprayed everywhere. Fortunately, the pool wasn’t deep. Linqiu kicked off her shoes and dived in. The water was bone-chilling. The fish, thinking they were being fed, rushed toward her as she grabbed the sinking Yi Chenqing. She swam to the ladder and struggled to pull her back onto the deck.

The moment she laid her down, Linqiu pinched Chenqing’s chin and nose, took a deep breath, and pressed her lips against the other woman’s.

She delivered a breath, pulled back, and repeated the process. Finally, a violent cough erupted. Before Linqiu could celebrate, Yi Chenqing suddenly grabbed her by the collar.

The force pulled Linqiu down until their noses touched. The night wind blew against her soaked dress, bringing a damp chill, but it couldn’t block out the sound of their hammering hearts and intertwined breathing. Water from Linqiu’s hair dripped onto Chenqing’s face, neck, and collar.

Linqiu saw Chenqing’s long lashes, wet with droplets, flutter open. The deep brown eyes were filled with a mix of longing and an unidentifiable darkness.

“Stay away from Yi Chenqing,” a voice commanded. “You can only be mine. Do you hear me?”

Then, cool lips met hers. A hot, feverish tongue instantly swept into Linqiu’s mouth.

Linqiu’s hand instinctively tangled into the other woman’s wet hair while her other hand cupped her cheek, turning her passive stance into an active one…

What a dominant personality.

Linqiu’s lips curled into a faint smile. They ground against each other in a deep, wet kiss. In an instant, a sweet taste of cream filled the air, mixed with the sound of soft swallowing—an incredibly intimate scene.

Until Linqiu’s tongue was bitten, leaving it slightly numb.

She snapped back to her senses and opened her eyes, only to meet Yi Chenqing’s gaze—now cold, self-possessed, and clear.

Xu Linqiu instantly pulled away and sat up straight. Her gaze swept over the lingering moisture on Chenqing’s lips. With a racing heart, she offered a dry, nervous laugh.

“If I said I was just giving you CPR… would you believe me?”