I Could Never Fall In Love With A Villain - Chapter 4

Chapter 4: What? Love at First Sight?

Liang Yunxi efficiently packed pair after pair of new shoes, smiling at Mu Yin. “All your shoes are packed, Miss Mu.”

Mu Yin tugged her hand several times but couldn’t break Mu Xuan’s grip, so she eventually let it be. Hearing Liang Yunxi, she looked at the girl with a faint, enigmatic smile. “Good service. I’ll look for you next time.”

To the onlookers, this automatically translated to: “I’ll be back to make your life difficult next time.” Consequently, the gazes fixed on Liang Yunxi turned into looks of pity.

However, Liang Yunxi didn’t feel uncomfortable at all. I earned this commission through my own ability—the thought swirled in her head, making her incredibly excited. Today’s sales were equivalent to what others made in months, or even a year. Now, she had some breathing room to pursue her dreams.

With this in mind, she said sincerely, “Thank you, Miss Mu.”

Just as she spoke, she noticed another gaze studying her. She instinctively looked over. It was the gentleman holding Miss Mu’s hand. He didn’t hide his gaze, though his eyes were dark and unreadable. Liang Yunxi felt a prickle of unease and tried to look away.

The next second, his expression returned to normal as he pulled out a card. “I’m paying.”

Liang Yunxi reacted quickly, taking the card. “Thank you, Sir.”

Mu Xuan’s final glance swept over Liang Yunxi’s nametag. Having memorized the name, he turned a sharp look toward Mu Yin. “I’ve settled your bill. Now, come home with me.”

Cai Xiaochun saw her opening and squeezed in. She was worried; she knew enough about the Mu family to know Mu Yin would face a scolding upon returning. She didn’t really dare face Mu Xuan, but for her friend’s sake, she forced a smile. “Brother Xuan, we haven’t finished shopping with Mu Yin yet… How about I personally send her home when we’re done?”

“Heh.”

That single “Heh” instantly stifled the rest of Cai Xiaochun’s words. She shrank her neck and gave Mu Yin a pitiful look: Sister, I don’t dare try again.

Mu Yin spoke up then: “I’ll walk myself. Let go.”

Seeing that Mu Yin looked normal and didn’t seem about to throw a tantrum, Mu Xuan finally released her. “You think I want to touch you?”

True, he thought. With so many people around, she would at least restrain her “young lady” temper and wouldn’t bring out those princess theatrics.

The siblings walked out of the store. Mu Xuan’s female companion, who had been ignored, hurriedly chased after them, saying something urgently to him. But Mu Xuan didn’t stop. Soon, she came to a halt with an ashen face, not daring to follow any further.

Watching this through the glass windows, the store erupted into gossip. “Who was that girl with Mu Xuan? I’ve never seen her.” “No idea. She looks so young and innocent, probably a college student.” “He’s eating well.” “I’ll message Mu Yin later to ask. I want the first-hand tea.”

…

The Role of the Villainess

The store, once bustling, fell silent. Liang Yunxi busied herself tidying tea cups while whispering to a colleague, “Sister, who were they?”

The colleague knew who she meant. “The Mu siblings. You know Tianmu Entertainment? Mr. Mu is the Vice President now, but he’s also the heir. Young, successful, and handsome… though he has a bit of a temper.” She phrased it delicately, as gossiping about guests was a taboo.

But Liang Yunxi could tell from her expression that Mr. Mu’s temper was more than just “bad.” She asked curiously, “What about Miss Mu?”

“She’s about your age, but she graduated earlier. I heard she works at Tianmu too… cough, but it’s just a idle position with no real management power.”

…

Mu Yin was actually in a good mood. The life countdown floating before her eyes had increased by nearly three days.

She had thought her plan failed because the Male and Female leads hadn’t “met” in a romantic sense today. But to her surprise, her life points still went up. This meant her “villainous work” was effective. Apparently, as long as everyone perceived the Female Lead (Liang Yunxi) as unlucky or of poor character because of her, she was considered a qualified antagonist.

Because of this, she didn’t bother arguing with Mu Xuan. She had to return to the Mu house sooner or later anyway; she might as well hitch a ride.

“That clerk… do you know her?” Mu Xuan asked, staring straight ahead as his hands gripped the steering wheel.

Mu Yin played dumb. “Which one?”

“…The one roughly your age.”

“Oh, I don’t know her.” Mu Yin drew out her words playfully. “Why? Love at first sight?”

“Nonsense.” Mu Xuan glanced at her while stopped at a red light. He couldn’t find a flaw in her expression. But… his eyelids flickered as that face appeared in his mind. Could it be such a coincidence?

Moreover, Mu Yin was acting strange today. Lin Ying had taught her “well”—she was usually very good at playing the obedient girl in public, so she shouldn’t have bullied someone in front of so many people.

Mu Xuan remained deep in thought the whole way.

…

The Mu Villa

As dusk arrived, the silhouette of the Mu villa appeared. Intricate carvings, rose windows, and wisteria-covered arcades looked romantic in the twilight. But the romance was purely superficial.

Stepping into the house, a heavy sense of oppression settled in. The villa was eerily quiet; the servants walked soundlessly, as if making a noise was a capital offense.

A middle-aged man sat on the sofa looking at his phone. He didn’t even raise his eyes. Lin Ying took fruit from a servant and greeted Mu Xuan warmly. “Quick, come have some fruit. These are freshly picked cherries, very juicy.”

Her gaze remained fixed on Mu Xuan, as if Mu Yin standing beside him were transparent. Unfortunately, no matter how warm she was, Mu Xuan didn’t acknowledge her and headed straight for the stairs.

Lin Ying didn’t seem to mind. After setting the fruit on the coffee table, she praised Mu Xuan to Mu Jiarong. “Xiao Xuan is such a good boy, he even knew to bring his disobedient sister back.” She finally looked at Mu Yin, her expression cold. “If only you were half as obedient as your brother.”

Mu Yin spoke up. “I’m curious about something. Mu Xuan isn’t your biological son, yet you spend all day buttering him up only to be ignored. Do you get so angry you smash pillows in your room at night?”

Mu Xuan’s foot paused on the step. He looked back at Mu Yin in surprise. Lin Ying froze, sputtering, “What nonsense are you talking about?!” Her reaction was part guilt and part humiliation.

Mu Jiarong was still looking at his phone, seemingly oblivious or indifferent to the drama. Thus, she had to suppress her fury for the moment. “Get over here and apologize to your father!”

“Apologize for what?” Mu Yin’s voice was filled with mock confusion. “Was yesterday’s matter not clear enough? If your ears aren’t working, go get a hearing aid. Sigh, it’s normal for bodily functions to decline with age; you don’t need to feel inferior about it. My brother is a breadwinner; seeing how much you flatter him, I’m sure he’d be willing to pay for it.”

“…” Mu Xuan leaned against the handrail, wanting to hear what else she had to say.

Mu Yin wasn’t done. “Oh. Or do you want to hear about what happened between Song Jinxun and me last night? What? Do I need to describe it in detail?”

“…” Mu Xuan instinctively perked up his ears. Lin Ying screamed, “Mu Yin! Are you insane?!”

Mu Jiarong finally moved. “Is this the ‘well-behaved’ daughter you taught?” Lin Ying silenced herself immediately. He looked up at Mu Yin, his eyes calm and devoid of anger. “No dinner for you.”

A predictable result. Mu Yin shrugged indifferently and went upstairs. She brushed past Mu Xuan without stopping.

…

Late Night Noodles

The atmosphere in the house grew even heavier. During dinner, Lin Ying acted as if she had forgotten she even had a daughter, smilingly playing the role of the “loving mother” while introducing dishes to Mu Xuan.

Late at night, Mu Xuan finished his work in the study. Rubbing his tired temples, he headed downstairs for a glass of water. As he reached the stairs, he heard movement in the kitchen and the aroma of food wafted over.

Standing in the shadows, he watched through the glass door. Mu Yin was skillfully washing vegetables, frying an egg, and cooking noodles. Although the Mu family had many rules, they didn’t exactly make their daughter do housework. He had heard Lin Ying scold her before, saying she would marry Song Jinxun and shouldn’t let her hands become rough.

He hadn’t expected Mu Yin to actually know how to do this. Mu Xuan’s feelings were complicated.

Mu Yin carried the steaming bowl of noodles to the dining room. She was about to pick up her chopsticks when she saw Mu Xuan standing silently in the shadows.

She hissed, “Are you cosplaying as a statue?”

Mu Xuan huffed, “Weren’t you forbidden from eating dinner?”

“He said ‘dinner.’ This is a ‘late-night snack.'” Mu Yin sat down and began enjoying her food. The aroma filled the air, and Mu Xuan realized he was hungry too.

He pulled out a chair and sat across from her. She had good manners, yet she ate with such obvious enjoyment. However, she had no intention of sharing.

“If you want to eat, cook it yourself.”

“…” Mu Xuan couldn’t help but remind her, “I settled your bill today.”

“Thank you. But if you want to eat, cook it yourself.”

“…”

The warm yellow light filled the dining room. Mu Yin ate heartily, tiny beads of steam condensing on the tip of her nose. She ignored them, and they trembled with her every bite.

Mu Xuan reached out and pulled a tissue for her. Only after he did it did he realize how unusual the gesture was. He started to retract his hand, but Mu Yin had already taken it and naturally wiped her nose.

However, there was no “thank you,” and she didn’t spare him another word. When she finished, she washed her bowl and—click—turned off the light as she headed back to her room.

She didn’t leave a light for him, nor did she give him a single glance. Mu Xuan leaned back, laughing in sheer exasperation.