Forced into a Secret Marriage with the Villain, We Now Have a Child - Chapter 53.1

Earlier, Jian Chun had forced Jin Ziye to apologize and pay for Peng Zhiyang’s medical expenses. With the mountain of schoolwork piling up, she couldn’t stay at the hospital personally, so she hired a professional caregiver to look after the boy for the time being.

After getting out of the taxi, Jian Chun led Jin Ziye toward the classroom. Jin Ziye was in a foul mood; half of his allowance had gone to the hospital and the other half into Peng Zhiyang’s pocket. He didn’t even know where his next meal was coming from.

“Don’t go spouting nonsense once we’re inside,” Jian Chun warned. “Even if you dislike Peng Zhiyang, he’s still your classmate.”

“I know. I’m not going to waste my breath on that unlucky bastard,” Jin Ziye muttered, his face still dark.

Jian Chun glanced at him. “It’s good that you know. I should thank you for standing up for me, but don’t ever do something like this to a classmate again.”

“Fine,” Jin Ziye snapped. “From now on, I’ll just hit He Yin every time I see her.”

Jian Chun rolled her eyes. “Then you’d better warn your father in advance so he doesn’t have a heart attack.”

When they reached the classroom, Jian Chun saw Teacher Cheng supervising. He immediately stood up and stepped out to greet her.

“Teacher Cheng, I need a few moments with the students,” she said.

“Of course, of course. I’ll go take a stroll toward the restroom; take as much time as you need,” he replied helpfully.

Jian Chun nodded and gestured for Jin Ziye to go to his seat. Once he was settled, she slowly walked up to the podium.

The students looked up, their eyes filled with curiosity. They hadn’t seen Jian Chun all day; she had swapped her afternoon classes and even missed her usual periods, replaced by whoever was available. Some met her gaze with a smile before returning to their work.

With twenty minutes left until the bell, Jian Chun paced the room once before tapping the blackboard. “Everyone, pens down for a moment.”

The class looked up in unison.

Looking at their youthful faces—some curious, some impatient—Jian Chun spoke. “A lot has happened over the past few days. I’ve noticed everyone seems a bit restless. Is it because I haven’t given you enough homework?”

The class immediately erupted in “loyalty” protests.

“Teacher Jian, please! I’m already staying up all night!” “I still have to copy my corrections dozens of times, don’t do this to me!”

Jian Chun nodded. “You all know I haven’t even settled the score regarding the social media trending mess you caused last time.”

The room went silent. Jin Ziye curled his lip; the ‘low-pressure’ atmosphere of the last few days had been punishment enough.

Satisfied, Jian Chun continued, “Last night, Jin Ziye and Peng Zhiyang had a dispute. Peng Zhiyang is currently in the hospital and will be away for a few days. His progress will surely lag; since you are all classmates, try to help him catch up when he returns.”

All eyes snapped toward Jin Ziye in the front row. He let out a bored yawn, acting as if he couldn’t care less. If Jian Chun wasn’t right there, he probably would have pulled out a snack.

Jian Chun tapped his desk. Only then did he sit up straight.

“Jin Ziye has been disciplined. I hope everyone thinks twice before acting on impulse,” she said. “A demerit on your permanent record is not a good look.”

The students, knowing they didn’t have the “backing” Jin Ziye had, nodded obediently. They had no desire for disciplinary records.

“If you have any issues with your studies or personal life, you can always come to me,” she concluded before handing the class back to Teacher Cheng.

Returning to the office, Jian Chun found a few teachers packing up. He Yin’s desk was empty, though her computer and textbooks were still there. No one said much. The Principal had moved so quickly that no one had time to gossip or intervene.

Jian Chun grabbed her things and left. She didn’t seek out Yi Xueyang; she knew her friend’s personality—if Xueyang found out, she’d talk Jian Chun’s ear off for hours.

Having been on her feet all day, Jian Chun called Uncle Liu to pick her up. As she walked toward the gates, the daytime bustle faded into a quiet, floral-scented evening. The streetlights flickered as a few middle-aged joggers circled the track.

Halfway across the campus, she realized something was off. A shadow was following her, moving at a leisurely pace. Jian Chun turned around and saw a woman stepping out from the shadows into the light.

She was graceful, wearing a fitted skirt and a long coat, her long hair draped over her shoulders. As she approached, Jian Chun felt a sudden jolt of recognition.

The woman smiled warmly, looking as if they were old friends. Jian Chun hadn’t seen her at this school, but… she had seen her before. At her old school.

“Jian Chun, long time no see.”

The woman brushed her hair back. In her high heels, she seemed significantly taller than Jian Chun.

“You…” Jian Chun narrowed her eyes, hesitant to name her.

“Don’t tell me you don’t recognize me?” The woman laughed. She wore light makeup, but she still looked much like she did years ago.

“Ling Zheng? What are you doing here?” Jian Chun was stunned. She didn’t even have Ling Zheng’s contact information anymore.

“I thought you’d forgotten me,” Ling Zheng said smoothly.

“A little,” Jian Chun admitted. “You used to look like a tomboy.”

“So, do you prefer the tomboy me or the current me?”

Jian Chun gave a dry smile. “Neither, really.”

“Fair enough,” Ling Zheng replied. “I had a hard time finding your school. When I heard you weren’t in today, I decided to wait.”

“Is something wrong?” Jian Chun arched an eyebrow.

“Can’t I just want to hang out?” Ling Zheng looked her over. “I wasn’t planning on coming back, but since you and Yu Siyi still haven’t divorced, I got a bit impatient.”

“…” Jian Chun was speechless. Talk about being direct.

“I wanted to treat you to dinner,” Ling Zheng continued, “but at this hour, I suppose it’ll have to be late-night snacks.”

“I have to go home,” Jian Chun declined. “I have a child now, and I need to be there.”

“Oh? Is that so?” Ling Zheng’s tone was playful, her eyes scanning Jian Chun with curiosity.

Jian Chun had always been a bit wary of this woman. It wasn’t just because Ling Zheng was the “Original Female Lead” of the book; it was because Ling Zheng was unpredictable. Unlike others—even Feng Xue—whose actions followed a traceable logic, Ling Zheng was an enigma.

“Then I’ll see you home,” Ling Zheng offered.

“My driver is already here. I’ll have to decline your kindness.”

“I see.” Ling Zheng nodded. “That’s fine.”

Since they did have some history, Jian Chun softened slightly. “What have you been doing all these years?”

“Falling in love.”

“Falling in love?” Jian Chun was surprised, but she quickly masked it. It made sense; in the original plot, Ling Zheng’s story revolved around her repetitive, jealous romance with Feng Xue.

Neither of them spoke for a moment. Ling Zheng pulled out a slim cigarette and lit it. “Do you mind?”

Jian Chun shook her head. They walked toward the gate, the sharp click-clack of Ling Zheng’s heels echoing on the pavement.

When they reached the entrance, Uncle Liu was already waiting. Jian Chun’s phone pinged as she spotted the car. “I’m leaving then. Get home safe.”

“Mm. See you when I see you.”

Jian Chun got into the car without looking back. Ling Zheng stood in the shadows, a trail of white smoke drifting from her lips. She suddenly glanced back toward the dark campus. She had felt it—someone was following her. But when she turned, there was nothing but shadows.

Tch. Ling Zheng spat out a bit of smoke, feeling a sense of ill omen.

A few days later, news of a female teacher surnamed He assaulting/harassing a student hit the papers.

Although a pseudonym was used, the school was named. Gossip spread like wildfire among the students. People quickly narrowed it down—there were only five “Teacher He’s” in the entire middle and high school sections. After filtering for gender and attendance, only one remained who hadn’t shown up for work: He Yin.

Online, the comments were savage. “The one from Grade 10? The one who loves designer brands?” “Disgusting. How can a female teacher do that?” “Is it that ‘Most Beautiful Teacher’ school again? Talk about high visibility.” “I bet it’s a conspiracy. First the ‘Most Beautiful Teacher’ scandal, now this?”

While some were curious about the victim, the students of Class 10 stayed tight-lipped. They didn’t want to reopen old wounds.

Surprisingly, no one suspected Peng Zhiyang. When he returned to school a few days later, his classmates were unusually kind, offering him notes and buying him snacks. He was confused until someone let slip that they all pitied him for “getting beaten up by Jin Ziye.” He let out a breath of relief and happily returned to being the class ‘ghost.’

Jian Chun, meanwhile, was tired of being internet-famous. Everything she did was being scrutinized by netizens. She wondered how Yu Siyi had endured this for years.

Ling Zheng didn’t stop at one visit. She began showing up at the school frequently. One afternoon, Jian Chun went to lunch with her and brought Yi Xueyang along.

“Who is this gorgeous lady? Your friend?” Yi Xueyang whispered, eyes wide.

“Stop acting like you’ve never seen a person before,” Jian Chun teased.

“Hi, I’m Yi Xueyang, Jian Chun’s friend.”

“I’m Ling Zheng.”

Ling Zheng was perfectly charming and polite until they reached the small Lin Family eatery. “This place hasn’t closed yet?” she asked in surprise. Jian Chun shot her a look, and she went quiet.

“You’ve been here before?” Yi Xueyang asked. “Jian Chun and I were high school classmates.”

“Wait! You went to high school with her? Then… do you know Yu Siyi?”

Jian Chun’s brain stalled. She glared at Ling Zheng, her eyes screaming: If you dare say a word, I will…

Ling Zheng met her gaze with a playful, knowing smile. “We were in the same class.”

“WHAT?!” Yi Xueyang nearly fell out of her chair. “You were in the same class as Yu Siyi? Oh my god!”

Yi Xueyang was vibrating with excitement. Her idol’s classmate was sitting right in front of her!

Ling Zheng glanced at Jian Chun’s awkward expression and seemed to realize something. She smirked. “We were all classmates.”

“All of you?” Yi Xueyang froze.

“Mm. Including Jian Chun,” Ling Zheng added. “Didn’t you know?”

Yi Xueyang felt like she was going to faint. She grabbed Jian Chun’s hand. “Jian Chun! Why didn’t you tell me?! You were in the same class as Yu Siyi?!”

“Could you… maybe maintain your lady-like composure for one second?” Jian Chun sighed.

For the rest of the meal, Yi Xueyang was in a trance. She was best friends with Yu Siyi’s high school classmate!

After lunch, Ling Zheng followed them back to campus. “Don’t you have work?” Jian Chun asked.

“No. I find it very comfortable here. I haven’t felt this relaxed in a long time,” Ling Zheng said, taking a deep breath.

“How pathetic for you,” Jian Chun joked.

“It is. So, will you take me in?”

Jian Chun rolled her eyes. She knew Ling Zheng was flighty, but this was a new level. Ling Zheng eventually announced she had an appointment with the Principal to discuss a donation, so she didn’t need them to escort her further.

Jian Chun assumed Ling Zheng was actually busy and that she wouldn’t see her again that day. But after the final bell rang that evening, Ling Zheng was waiting outside again.

“What are you doing?” Jian Chun asked, annoyed. “You’re here every other day. I have a partner, you know.”

“So? There’s no wall that can’t be climbed,” Ling Zheng replied nonchalantly.

“…” Jian Chun was speechless.

As they walked down the familiar path toward the gate, a figure standing silently by a flower bed startled them.

Jian Chun’s breath hitched. As the figure stepped into the light, her heart nearly stopped.

Yu Siyi.

Yu Siyi was standing there, her presence commandingly quiet. “Jian Chun,” she said, her voice cool. “Come here.”