Did I Succeed in Redeeming the Villain Today? - Chapter 92

Chapter 92: “Does Teacher Lu Want A Ride?”

To be honest, Lu Ning didn’t actually feel much regarding the two teachers gossiping about her.

Growing up, because of her relationship with Vice Principal Lu Jianbang, she had faced no shortage of doubts and scrutiny. However, doubts were just doubts. Lu Ning had always countered them with superior results.

But things don’t always go as planned. Lu Ning had tried her best to distance herself from Lu Jianbang’s shadow, but it seemed the effect was minimal. Since that was the case, there was no point in backing down anymore—especially now that Mu Qiuyu was standing up for her.

With that thought, Lu Ning felt even more emboldened. She shielded Mu Qiuyu, staring coldly at the two teachers in front of her.

Getting caught red-handed while badmouthing someone is perhaps the most awkward thing in the world—especially when that person is the daughter of a Vice Principal who is about to be promoted to the Education Bureau.

Seeing Lu Ning appear before them, the two women instantly wilted. “Oh, Xiao Lu… when did you get here?”

“Just now,” Lu Ning gave a vague time frame, intentionally not specifying which parts of their conversation she had overheard.

This made the already guilty pair even more anxious. Teacher Wang, who had been the main “cricket” (gossiper) just now, tried to salvage her image: “I didn’t mean it that way, Xiao Lu. Don’t overthink it.”

“Then what did Teacher Wang mean?” Lu Ning countered. “I’m young and inexperienced. I haven’t been at this school as long as a veteran like you. Perhaps Teacher Wang could translate your meaning for me?”

Her words, from choice of vocabulary to tone, lacked any hint of humility, leaving the other woman stammering. “Well…”

Teacher Sun, who was standing next to Teacher Wang, had a quicker wit and tried to patch things up: “What your Sister Wang meant was that she admires your father’s parenting. You see, being from a family of teachers, you’ve been influenced since childhood, so of course the child turns out excellent. She hopes she can have a father like yours in her next life.”

“Isn’t that right?” Teacher Sun nudged Teacher Wang with her elbow.

Teacher Wang nodded repeatedly. “Yes, yes, that’s exactly what I meant. Xiao Lu, look at me—I teach English, I’m used to direct translation, I’m just clumsy with words.”

Lu Ning gave a cold laugh and exposed her ruthlessly: “English doesn’t actually emphasize ‘direct’ translation like that. Teacher Wang has worked for seven years; how could you forget that?”

Teacher Wang froze in embarrassment. She looked to her companion for more help, but Lu Ning’s gaze shifted to the other woman as well. “Teacher Sun, you truly live up to being a Chinese teacher. Your reading comprehension skills are impressive. I really should learn more from you in the future.”

“No, no,” Teacher Sun laughed awkwardly. “We learn from each other, we learn from each other.”

“True,” Lu Ning nodded. She seemed lost in thought for a moment before looking back at Teacher Wang. “Then, Teacher Wang, let’s test our skills during this year’s Teaching Skills Competition. You’ll be signing up this year too, right?”

At this, Teacher Wang’s face turned even paler. She had been preparing for this competition since the start of the year. Lu Ning was a powerhouse among the younger generation; Teacher Wang had felt relieved earlier this semester when she heard Lu Ning wasn’t planning to join.

How did everything go so wrong today?

“Teacher Lu…”

Ring—! The class period has ended. Thank you for your hard work, teachers.

Teacher Wang wanted to negotiate, but the bell rang just in time. Lu Ning had no interest in continuing the “chat.” She checked her watch and turned to Mu Qiuyu. “Miss Mu, the timing is perfect. Let’s head to the Dean’s office together.”

The person who had been fierce and sharp just a second ago was suddenly wearing a gentle smile. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the corridor, illuminating Lu Ning’s face and outlining her spirited features. She seemed to be glowing.

Mu Qiuyu couldn’t help but feel a sense of astonishment at Lu Ning’s transformation. And admiration. A sort of “as expected of my person” admiration.

The feeling was incredibly strange to Mu Qiuyu, yet she couldn’t pinpoint its source. She didn’t believe she was close enough to Lu Ning for such feelings, so she suppressed the emotion and nodded. “Alright.”

“This way.” Lu Ning ignored whatever Teacher Wang wanted to say, pointed the way, and walked out with Mu Qiuyu.

As they stepped out together, Lu Ning noticed with confusion that Ji Xiao had disappeared.

Buzz.

The vibration in her pocket came at just the right time. Before Lu Ning could look for her, Ji Xiao sent a message:

“I won’t intrude on your ‘Heroic Rescue’ highlight moment. Good luck on your own from here!”

“[Sticker: Little penguin pinching a butt]”

Lu Ning appreciated Ji Xiao’s tact, and seeing the sticker made her let out a small laugh.

Noticing Lu Ning’s relaxed smile, Mu Qiuyu realized that Lu Ning had been quite stiff and restrained around her until now. Even when she was aggressively confronting her colleagues, Mu Qiuyu found her exceptionally vivid.

For some reason, looking at their side-by-side shadows, Mu Qiuyu found herself wishing Lu Ning could be that unrestrained around her as well.

Walking through the noisy corridor, Lu Ning felt a gaze on her. But when she looked up in confusion, Mu Qiuyu had already looked away. Lu Ning saw nothing but Mu Qiuyu’s calm expression. Thinking she had imagined it, she turned to Mu Qiuyu to introduce herself properly.

“Miss Mu, we were in a rush last time. I didn’t get to introduce myself. I am the homeroom teacher for your niece, Chen Nian. My name is Lu Ning.”

Remembering the recent incident, Lu Ning smiled bashfully. “You probably gathered that they were talking about me just now, but I’m not actually the way they described.”

Under Lu Ning’s serious gaze—a gaze seeking a shred of validation—Mu Qiuyu responded simply: “I know.”

Lu Ning looked at her, unsure which part she “knew.” Did she know the rumors? Or did she know Lu Ning’s true character? Lu Ning chose to believe Mu Qiuyu trusted her integrity.

Mu Qiuyu’s voice continued beside her: “Teacher Lu is Xiao Nian’s homeroom teacher. I’ve heard her mention you often lately. She says your classes are very interesting and that you are very responsible. Especially as a transfer student, she felt she integrated into the class very quickly.”

Hearing this, Lu Ning blushed slightly. “It’s nothing, just doing my job.”

Mu Qiuyu looked at Lu Ning’s somewhat youthful reaction, a hint of a smile in her eyes. She knew Lu Ning wasn’t lying. Lu Ning didn’t treat Chen Nian responsibly just because she was her niece. Another girl had transferred in at the same time as Chen Nian, and that girl had also integrated quickly; Chen Nian had mentioned it several times.

“Teacher Lu is very good at guiding students,” Mu Qiuyu commented.

Lu Ning smiled softly. Hearing that, she really wanted to tell Mu Qiuyu: I learned it all from you.

But she couldn’t. She could only offer a cryptic “Thank you.”

Mu Qiuyu attributed the thanks to her earlier intervention in the water room and replied plainly: “It was no trouble at all.”

Even if Mu Qiuyu had forgotten her, her subconscious still tilted toward Lu Ning. And she didn’t realize that she had recognized Lu Ning long before Chen Nian’s descriptions or the teachers’ gossip.

There weren’t many procedures left for Chen Nian. As the homeroom teacher, Lu Ning handled the handover with Mu Qiuyu. It was mostly formal business, and with the Dean present, there wasn’t much chance for private talk.

By the time everything was finished, Lu Ning hadn’t found a chance to chat more, but she had put on a great display of professional competence for the Dean. The Dean was very satisfied and, after the paperwork was done, signaled to Lu Ning: “Xiao Lu, go see Miss Mu out.”

This was a golden opportunity that Mu Qiuyu couldn’t refuse. Lu Ning nodded eagerly and walked out with her.

The afternoon sun scorched the earth, and the sound of cicadas filled the campus. Grade 10 students were listening to lectures lazily. Lu Ning, for once, ignored the students in her class who were daydreaming as she and Mu Qiuyu crossed the teaching building.

Lu Ning had imagined this scene many times. The sunlight brushed her face; though hot, she enjoyed it immensely. But such moments are destined to end, and they soon reached the parking lot.

Lu Ning decided to take the initiative: “Miss Mu, do you have time? Would you like to go for a cup of coffee?”

“Is it to talk about Xiao Nian?” Mu Qiuyu asked calmly.

If she used Chen Nian as an excuse, Lu Ning could certainly get Mu Qiuyu to come. But a person as sharp as Mu Qiuyu would realize it was a pretext, and Lu Ning’s already low “favorability score” would surely drop.

So, Lu Ning was exceptionally honest. “No, it’s a personal invitation from me.”

“Then there’s no need. I have things to attend to.”

As expected, she was rejected.

“I see.” Lu Ning felt a momentary flash of disappointment but kept the conversation going. “Miss Mu, your recent tour must be very tiring.”

“It’s alright. Actually, I feel ‘off’ when I have too much free time.” Mu Qiuyu looked at Lu Ning. She didn’t think Lu Ning would understand her; she was just using the sentence to create distance.

But she didn’t expect Lu Ning to say: “That’s because Miss Mu is doing what she loves. After all, no matter how much you travel for something you love, you won’t feel tired. If you went a day without touching the violin, your heart would probably feel restless, right?”

No flattery, no fawning. Lu Ning’s words broke through the defensive barriers Mu Qiuyu had used for years. It felt as if Lu Ning truly understood her.

Mu Qiuyu was surprised, but she nodded. “That is the logic.”

“It’s so good to be able to do what you love,” Lu Ning sighed, looking at her.

Mu Qiuyu could sense that Lu Ning’s tone wasn’t one of envy, but of relief. Relief that she had become a violinist and was doing what she loved. But clearly, they weren’t that close.

“We…”

Buzz, buzz, buzz.

Mu Qiuyu had many questions. She was just about to accept the coffee invitation when her phone rang at an inopportune moment. It was the director of the concert hall. “Excuse me,” she said to Lu Ning.

Lu Ning stepped aside to give her space. She couldn’t hear what was being said, but as the midsummer sun bathed Mu Qiuyu, Lu Ning used the light as a pen to secretly trace Mu Qiuyu’s image in her mind. Mu Qiuyu was wearing a simple long dress; she was thin and upright, looking like she had stepped right out of a screen. Even without her violin, she sparkled in Lu Ning’s eyes.

As Lu Ning reached the eyes in her mental drawing, she collided with Mu Qiuyu’s actual gaze. Her heart skipped a beat. She quickly composed herself, worried she had lost points.

However, Mu Qiuyu simply walked over and said apologetically, “There’s an issue at the concert hall. I have to head over.”

Lu Ning blinked, then laughed. “This time, you really do have an ‘issue.'”

She was referencing Mu Qiuyu’s earlier excuse for the coffee. Mu Qiuyu’s eyes also sparked with a genuine smile. “Yes,” she admitted frankly.

That frankness, however, highlighted the distance between them. Lu Ning realized Mu Qiuyu didn’t care about her image in Lu Ning’s eyes—even when her lie was exposed, she admitted it without shame. Right… it was only their second meeting. How close could she expect to be?

Falling from “intimate” to “complete stranger,” Lu Ning finally understood how the system Wutong must have felt. So, mimicking Wutong, she joked: “Then I won’t bother asking Miss Mu for a ride.”

Lu Ning was smiling, but for some reason, Mu Qiuyu saw a dimness in her eyes. She suddenly wanted to tell her that she could actually give her a ride to wherever she was going. But in the end, her logic won out over her sentiment. Why create a connection with this person? Even if she was Xiao Nian’s teacher, there was no need to be this close.

The words stayed in her throat until she opened her car door. As she drove out of the school lot, she saw Lu Ning’s silhouette in the rearview mirror, watching her leave. Lu Ning stood alone under the shade of the lush trees.

The midsummer day was full of brilliance everywhere except where Lu Ning stood in the shadows. Mu Qiuyu suddenly felt a pang of regret. She found herself wanting to have that coffee. She found herself wanting to give her that ride. They didn’t even have each other’s contact information; who knew when they would meet again?

Lu Ning’s comment about a ride was serious; she had no classes in the afternoon and left work early after seeing Mu Qiuyu off.

Emerging from the subway station, she walked toward a cluster of white buildings—a suburban sanatorium. Lu Ning’s mother, Chang Yuan, lived there.

As far back as Lu Ning could remember, Chang Yuan had suffered from a mental illness that waxed and waned. At first, it wasn’t severe, and Lu Jianbang could care for her at home. But as it worsened, Lu Jianbang came home late one night to find her having an episode—she had nearly strangled the young Lu Ning in her arms. He had no choice but to move her to the sanatorium.

With professional care, her condition hadn’t worsened and had remained stable for years. Chang Yuan had no hobbies except reading and tending to flowers. Lu Ning bought a bouquet from a nearby shop and headed to her mother’s room.

At 5 PM in summer, the sun was still high, though heavy clouds were drifting in, promising rain. Sunlight still reached the room, illuminating a woman in a white hospital gown. Her long hair was thick and lustrous, and she looked clean and beautiful. Her fingers resting on her lap were well-manicured; she was clearly well-cared for.

She seemed to be in a good mood, listening to something. Lu Ning noticed a man beside her—Lu Jianbang was peeling an apple for her.

“My skills are pretty good, right?” Lu Jianbang asked.

“Very good,” Chang Yuan praised, looking at the long, unbroken coil of apple skin.

“Then do me a favor and eat a few pieces. Xiao Ning had one yesterday and said it was very sweet,” Lu Jianbang smiled, handing her a slice.

Chang Yuan smiled back but stopped when she saw Lu Ning at the door. “Xiao Ning.”

Lu Jianbang looked over. His expression immediately turned stern. “You’re here.”

“I have no classes this afternoon, so I came to see Mom.” Lu Ning walked in with the flowers, feeling like she had disrupted a beautiful moment.

“Fine. Stay with your mother. I’m going home.” Lu Jianbang stood up and left.

“Bye, Dad.” Lu Ning watched him go, a trace of loneliness in her eyes.

“Don’t mind your father. He’s just like that, an old fossil who thinks he has to be a ‘stern father.’ But you saw it—behind your back, he calls you ‘Xiao Ning’ so affectionately,” Chang Yuan comforted her daughter, gesturing for her to come closer.

“I know,” Lu Ning nodded. She set down the flowers and took the remaining apple. “Mom, I’ll finish peeling the apple for you.”

“Okay,” Chang Yuan smiled. Perhaps because of her illness, she was exceptionally sensitive to the emotions of those around her. Seeing Lu Ning’s downcast eyes, she asked, “Xiao Ning, is something bothering you?”

The woman’s voice was warm and soft, enveloping Lu Ning. She looked up at her mother and nodded. “Yes.”

Chang Yuan patted her head. “Tell Mom about it.”

“Well…” Lu Ning thought for a moment. The “transmigration” story was too complex; she was afraid her mother wouldn’t understand. “I found a little hedgehog before. I helped heal its wounds, and it stayed with me for a long time. But now… it doesn’t recognize me anymore.”

“How could it not recognize you? Did you spend time apart?” Chang Yuan hit the nail on the head.

Lu Ning nodded. “We were apart for a while.”

“It’s alright,” Chang Yuan soothed, her thin fingers stroking the back of Lu Ning’s hand. “Just spend more time with the little hedgehog. Maybe in a certain moment, it will find you familiar and remember you.”

“Mhm.” Lu Ning nodded, then hesitated. “But… what if she isn’t my little hedgehog anymore?”

Chang Yuan was confused. “What do you mean? Did you mistake her for someone else?”

“I keep thinking… what if she isn’t her? This hedgehog looks exactly like the one I cared for, and I’m pouring all my feelings for the old one into her. Is that… a betrayal of the original hedgehog?”

Lu Ning’s eyes grew red. Chang Yuan’s heart ached for her.

“Silly child,” she patted Lu Ning’s head, guiding her patiently. “Will your heart lie to you? Will the details of your time together lie to you? Don’t be discouraged just because she forgot you. What happened in the past cannot be changed.”

Lu Ning looked at her mother, feeling strangely as if she understood that the “hedgehog” wasn’t a hedgehog. But Chang Yuan didn’t truly know; she was just a mother comforting her daughter.

Listening to her, Lu Ning slowly calmed down. Right. The system’s final task hadn’t been completed. She shouldn’t be discouraged or doubt herself.

“Mom, the apple is ready. I’ll wash my hands and put the flowers in a vase!” Like a resilient puppy, Lu Ning was “recharged.” She grabbed the flowers and went to the bathroom.

As the sound of running water drifted over, Chang Yuan stared blankly at the apple on the table. The setting sun glinted off the blade—a small knife, only the length of a thumb, but razor-sharp.

“Mom, is the apple good?” Lu Ning emerged with the vase and saw the apple was gone.

“It’s good,” Chang Yuan nodded gently.

“Shall I peel another one for you?” Lu Ning reached for the bedside table.

At that moment, silver light flashed. Seeing Lu Ning’s fair arm, Chang Yuan suddenly lunged with the knife.

“Ah!” Lu Ning was caught off guard, and the knife sliced across her arm.

“…Mom.” Lu Ning clutched her arm in pain, looking at her mother with trembling eyes.

Chang Yuan still looked gentle, but she held the bloody knife and smiled. “Xiao Ning, why are you running? Mom is peeling an apple for you.”

Lu Ning realized her mother was having another episode. She quickly pressed the emergency button with her bloody hand. Within seconds, medical staff arrived with a kit. They skillfully coaxed the knife from Chang Yuan and administered a sedative.

Throughout it all, Chang Yuan was quiet, without a single scream. Lu Ning looked at her innocent, confused mother and felt a piercing pain in her heart.

“Your mother just had a sudden episode. It’s nothing serious, don’t worry.” “In the future, make sure she doesn’t focus her attention too intensely on one thing.” “Luckily, the cut isn’t fatal. Don’t let it touch water for 24 hours. It’ll be fine in a few days.” “Don’t carry too much of a psychological burden.”

The doctor’s words echoed in her ears. Lu Ning felt utterly low. The subway station was crowded, and she walked slowly; soon, she was the only one left on the platform.

She thought she shouldn’t have told those things to her mother. Perhaps the existence of the system shouldn’t be known by anyone else. Her mother’s mental state was fragile; she couldn’t take such stimulation.

The air smelled of damp earth. As Lu Ning emerged from the station, she saw it was raining. And she had no umbrella. She opened her ride-hailing app, but the wait time for a taxi was over an hour.

She stood at the exit, watching the endless stream of cars, none of which could take her home. Sadness felt like the sudden rain, crashing down on her until she felt she couldn’t stand. She hugged her canvas bag and slowly crouched down on the steps.

Maybe it would be okay once the rain stopped. But when would it stop? She looked at the curtain of rain, which seemed to be scrutinizing her future with Mu Qiuyu.

Just as she was about to let out a sigh, a shadow fell over her. A very faint fragrance drifted through the damp air.

Lu Ning snapped her head up. The person holding the umbrella over her had features she would never forget.

Mu Qiuyu stood at a polite distance, her voice cool as she asked, “Does Teacher Lu want a ride?”

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