I Could Never Fall In Love With A Villain - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: An Affair?

In the brightly lit walk-in closet, rows of dresses were wheeled in, and boxes of expensive jewelry were laid out before her.

Only at times like this did Lin Ying set aside her disdain and harshness, focusing all her attention on her daughter.

She had become so diligent because Mu Yin was going to the Song residence today.

Song Xingyao had returned to the country—well, although in Mu Yin’s eyes, he had already been back for several days.

But from the perspective of the Song family and others, the youngest son, who had been abroad for many years, was finally coming home. Naturally, that required a grand celebration and a warm welcome.

As Lin Ying adjusted the hem of Mu Yin’s skirt, she said, “It was originally just a family dinner, but somehow, more and more guests were invited. It seems tonight will be very lively.”

“Your brother will be there too. Be on your best behavior. Leave a good impression on your brother so you can get a larger share of the inheritance in the future… Don’t spend your days doing stupid things.”

Lin Ying’s thoughts were confined to her role as a petty, ill-mannered supporting character; they were impossible to correct. Thus, Mu Yin didn’t bother arguing, letting the words go in one ear and out the other.

Just then, a servant entered and said, “Madam, Miss, Mr. Song is here. He says he’s come to take the young lady to the Song residence.”

Song Jinxun was here to pick her up?

This man clearly opposed the marriage alliance, yet his surface-level etiquette was always so flawless that no one could find fault.

Sure enough, Lin Ying was overjoyed. Deciding to grant Mu Yin’s ears a mercy, she urged her to head out quickly.

“Nurture your feelings well,” Lin Ying didn’t forget to remind her. “You’ve graduated now, so the wedding date can be put on the schedule. Try to get it settled this year.”

…

It was sunset. Orange light spread gently across the ground, and a cool breeze rustled the trees.

Mu Xuan and Song Jinxun stood by the car talking, forming a rather handsome scene.

Song Jinxun was famous for his good temper. In his presence, even Mu Xuan’s foul mood would soften slightly. It wasn’t because one shouldn’t strike a smiling face, but because getting angry at such a person felt like punching cotton—useless.

Therefore, Mu Xuan disliked spending time with Song Jinxun.

He’d rather be with Mu Yin…

Strange, he thought. Why did that idea suddenly pop into my head?

Song Jinxun, standing beside him, suddenly smiled.

Mu Xuan turned around and saw Mu Yin approaching. She was wearing a dress that complemented her perfectly, making her look radiant. However, the frown on her face suggested she wasn’t happy.

Song Jinxun smiled and opened the car door, inviting her in.

Mu Yin didn’t look at him. Instead, she turned to the side and said, “I’m taking your car.”

Mu Xuan, with a cigarette between his lips, was momentarily stunned.

Song Jinxun was equally surprised.

After all, the poor relationship between the Mu siblings was well-known. They were paternal half-siblings; Mu Xuan had always loathed Lin Ying for being a mistress-turned-wife, so naturally, he had no kind words for her or her daughter. Unlike the Song brothers, they didn’t even bother maintaining a facade.

Mu Xuan didn’t care what others thought; he was always open about his dislike for someone.

If Mu Yin suddenly asked to ride in Mu Xuan’s car, nine times out of ten she would be rejected, likely followed by a round of cold sarcasm.

Song Jinxun said gently, “Shouldn’t you take my car instead?”

“No.” Mu Yin didn’t look at him. “I want to take Mu Xuan’s car.”

Mu Xuan pondered this in his mind. Her tone didn’t sound like a request or a plea at all… it was purely a command.

Song Jinxun was surprised by Mu Yin’s attitude today, but he maintained his decorum. “Why? Have I… done something to make you uncomfortable?”

“Yes. It’s good that you know.”

“Mu Yin.”

Seeing her persistence, Song Jinxun took a step forward to block her and lowered his voice. “You are my fiancée… My coming to pick you up is also the wish of the elders. If there is a misunderstanding between us, you can tell me. I can explain.”

Mu Yin curled her lips. “There’s no misunderstanding.”

She was just petty.

Mu Yin replied in an equally gentle tone, “You are my fiancé, but Mu Xuan is my brother. Who do you think is closer?”

Mu Xuan couldn’t hide his strange expression.

Has Mu Yin taken the wrong medicine today? Or was it because his company’s progress had been smooth lately, putting him in a decent mood, which made her misunderstand something?

At this moment, Mu Xuan really wanted to do something to embarrass Mu Yin. But in the end, he did nothing and even silently opened the car door for her.

Before getting in, Mu Yin paused. “Put out the cigarette and rinse your mouth.”

“It’s full of smoke. Too stinky.”

“…”

I’ve definitely been too good-tempered lately, letting Mu Yin walk all over me.

Mu Xuan snorted coldly and extinguished the cigarette.

Seeing Mu Yin get into Mu Xuan’s car, Song Jinxun could only return to his own car alone. He gripped the steering wheel, his fingers tightening slightly.

His heart was currently full of confusion. Previously, while Mu Yin didn’t exactly adore him, she would still show the expectant affection of a young girl under Lin Ying’s influence.

Now, why the 180-degree turn in attitude?

Song Jinxun lowered his eyes, deep in thought.

…

The Song family estate was nestled among lush trees.

The roads outside the manor were usually quiet with sparse traffic, but today they were lined with cars; the scale of the banquet was clearly not small.

Mu Yin felt a bit puzzled. “Is Song Xingyao’s homecoming banquet really this big of a deal?”

“Heh.”

“Can you talk properly?”

“…”

As Mu Xuan parked, he said flatly, “Initially, many uninvited guests showed up. Out of courtesy, the Song family couldn’t exactly kick them out. But once those people came, it became inappropriate for the Song family not to invite the other people they actually needed to maintain ties with.”

“So, the Song family simply expanded the scale of the banquet. It’s all about social networking.”

Mu Yin rubbed her chin. “So, the battle between the Song brothers has begun?”

Mu Xuan paused and glanced at her in surprise. He was taken aback by Mu Yin’s perceptiveness.

What was supposed to be a small family dinner had evolved into this. From an outsider’s perspective, even though Song Xingyao had been abroad for years, he was still highly valued by the Song family. Therefore, the reason those “uninvited guests” appeared in the first place was quite thought-provoking.

Mu Yin: “Wow, how exciting.”

“Exciting?” Mu Xuan’s tone was mocking. “You are supposed to marry Song Jinxun. Until he officially inherits the Song Corporation, the winner is still unknown… As for the current situation, for Song Jinxun, it’s just a hassle.”

Mu Yin was dismissive. “I might not necessarily marry him.”

“Then who else would you marry?”

Mu Yin got out of the car. Mu Xuan followed, intending to press further, but Song Jinxun had already appeared.

“Mu Yin… at least in front of the elders, we need to put on a show.”

Song Jinxun gestured for Mu Yin to take his arm.

Mu Yin didn’t take it. However, she wasn’t stubborn; she just didn’t want Song Jinxun to think she was easily manipulated. She didn’t object to entering the manor with him.

Song Jinxun didn’t mind. As long as Mu Yin entered with him, his task for today was considered complete.

As soon as they appeared, they attracted countless gazes. Judging by their appearances, they were undoubtedly a perfect match, looking like a painting as they stood there. However, very few people were truly offering blessings.

“Brother.”

A voice came from behind.

“Xiao Yin, you haven’t seen Xingyao in a long time, right?” Song Jinxun whispered with a smile, appearing intimately close.

Mu Yin’s gaze fixed on Song Xingyao. “Yes, boys really do change as they grow up.”

In reality—the two had just met last week.

After a few days, Song Xingyao’s hair had been trimmed, making him look refreshed and full of vitality. He seemed to be trying to hide his eccentricity, but the wildness and arrogance between his brows were impossible to fully suppress.

Song Xingyao’s smile broadened. “Long time no see… Sister-in-law.”

Mu Yin gave a fake smile. “Just call me by my name.”

“Actually, I also feel it’s a bit weird to call you sister-in-law… After all, we were alumni in elementary and middle school. Even if we weren’t in the same class, we were in the same year.”

“I remember you’re the same age as me? No wonder we have no generational gap when we talk… In the future, we will definitely get along very well.”

One could somehow read a hidden meaning in his words.

Song Jinxun remained unfazed. “Xiao Yin, shall I take you to greet the elders?”

The one with the most authority in the Song family now was the brothers’ grandfather. Old Master Song was seventy years old but remained sharp-witted. Seeing Song Jinxun and Mu Yin arriving together, he showed a rare smile.

“Xiao Yin is becoming more and more graceful.”

“You both are at the right age. It’s best to get married early.”

As soon as Old Master Song spoke, the surroundings went silent for a moment. Mu Yin kept her smile but had no intention of responding. This mess was for Song Jinxun to handle himself.

However, a burning gaze was fixed on her. Without looking up, she knew it was Song Xingyao.

Song Jinxun smoothly changed the subject. “Why don’t I see Pei Che?”

“That boy is the most willful of all. He’ll probably be late.”

Pei Che?

Mu Yin’s ears perked up. This was the male lead.

She had to wait until the male lead appeared no matter what. Her health points were almost drained, and she desperately needed a recharge.

Seeing the topic about to return to her marriage with Song Jinxun, Mu Yin immediately wanted to escape. She whispered, “Hold the fort yourself, I’m leaving first.”

Song Jinxun nodded. “Do you need me to have someone accompany you?”

“No need.”

Mu Yin stood up but was immediately greeted by other concerned elders. She gave a couple of awkward smiles and used the excuse of going to the restroom.

…

The banquet was crowded with guests coming and going; voices were everywhere, and it was quite noisy. Mu Yin couldn’t stand it and headed toward a quiet area.

The long corridor leading to the backyard was warmly lit and silent. Through the window in the distance, she could see the flowers in full bloom in the courtyard. In the darkening twilight, there was a different kind of beauty.

Mu Yin decided right then to stay in the courtyard for a while and return only after the male lead made his appearance.

She had only taken two steps when a hand suddenly reached out and grabbed her arm.

In the next second, she was dragged into a dimly lit room.

The door closed with a click.

Mu Yin’s back was against the wall, her arm still restrained. She looked up, and through the dim light, she could clearly see the silhouette of Song Xingyao.

“What is the meaning of this?”

“An affair?”