I Could Never Fall In Love With A Villain - Chapter 9

Chapter 9: Like a Perfect Match

“…You’re welcome.”

After a brief silence, Pei Che replied. He appeared very composed, showing no intention of engaging in further conversation.

Although Mu Yin felt quite disgruntled, she was the one who had tried to “steal a chicken only to lose the rice” (failed her own scheme). She really had no grounds to blame others. If blame was to be assigned, it was to her villainous script—how could she ever win against the “Protagonist Halo”?

Mu Yin refocused on the matter at hand. Remembering Pei Che’s profession in the original novel, she asked, “Does Mrs. Song have Munchausen Syndrome?”

Munchausen Syndrome—a rare but serious factitious disorder. Patients induce physical illnesses or manufacture symptoms, such as faking medical records, secretly taking medication, or even self-harm. They do this not for material gain, but because of an internal craving to be cared for or to be the center of attention. In short, it’s a psychological disorder.

Mu Yin’s sudden question forced Pei Che, who was about to leave, to stop. His gaze sharpened with a hint of inquiry. “Further examination is required for a diagnosis, but the symptoms do align with the characteristics of Munchausen Syndrome.”

He paused, then shifted the topic. “Why does Miss Mu ask me this?”

Mu Yin remained calm. “Didn’t you say you were a doctor? It’s perfectly logical for me to ask a doctor such a question.”

“I see. However, I assumed Miss Mu realized I only said that to soothe Mrs. Song.” Pei Che continued to look at her, his words becoming more numerous. “Strictly speaking, my degree is in psychology, so it wasn’t a complete deception.”

Mu Yin wasn’t really listening until the last sentence. She couldn’t help but reply snidely, “Oh, so you’re a psychology professor. Truly impressive.”

Pei Che corrected her: “Miss Mu, I did not introduce myself as a psychology professor.”

“…”

Pei Che: “But I do hold a position in the Psychology Department at Jiabei University.”

“…”

This man is doing it on purpose. Once he found a loophole, he had to dig into every detail until he was satisfied.

What else could Mu Yin say? She certainly couldn’t admit she had read the original script. She let out a “Heh,” mimicking Mu Xuan’s tone perfectly. “Fine, fine. Because I’m so ‘interested’ in you, I looked you up and searched your name online… Happy now?”

After finishing her lie without a hint of guilt, Mu Yin realized Mu Xuan’s technique of mockery was incredibly effective. It gave off an aura of arrogance. No wonder Mu Xuan loved being snarky.

Noted.

She thought she saw the corner of Pei Che’s mouth twitch slightly, but when she looked closer, he had returned to his usual state—calm as a pool of dead water.

Mu Yin breezily shifted back to her concerns. “Is Mrs. Song’s problem easy to solve?”

“It’s quite severe and requires active treatment.” Pei Che diverted the topic again. “Are you very concerned, Miss Mu?”

He didn’t want to talk much, and neither did she. She simply threw out an excuse: “She is my future mother-in-law, after all. Isn’t it normal for me to care?”

Recalling the marriage alliance between the Mu and Song families, Pei Che went silent for a few seconds before nodding slightly. Suddenly, his gaze landed on the top of her head.

Just as Mu Yin was wondering what he was doing, he spoke slowly. “Miss Mu, your hair isn’t dry yet.”

This man really likes to meddle. Mu Yin didn’t like blow-drying her hair and said indifferently, “It doesn’t matter. The weather is dry today; it can air-dry.”

Pei Che: “You’ll catch a cold.”

Mu Yin: “Thanks.”

Although she said thank you, she didn’t move back toward the room. She clearly had no desire to continue the talk and began walking out.

Pei Che: “It’s best to dry it.”

Is this guy persistent or just a nag? Just as Mu Yin was about to snap, she froze.

The blood-red numerical value floating before her eyes suddenly began to skyrocket. Her health points were increasing at an incredible speed.

What’s happening? I haven’t even finished the villainous act of pushing Liang Yunxi into the water!

The memory fragments in her mind were scattered and reorganized once more. The script had refreshed again.

Tonight was a nightmare for Mu Yin.

Driven by twisted affection, she actually tried to drag Pei Che into the lake—it remains unknown if she wanted a “mandarin duck bath” with him or if she was crazy enough to want a lovers’ suicide.

Mu Yin: “…” The only thing twisted here is this script.

Under the bright moonlight, after Mu Yin’s failed scheme backfired, two figures jumped into the lake one after another—perhaps it was fate, for this was how Liang Yunxi and Pei Che first met.

Together, they rescued the fallen Mu Yin. At this moment, they had no idea they were saving such a dark and shameful person.

Mu Yin decided to lay low for a while.

Mu Yin: “…” You’re the one who’s dark and shameful.

Cursing aside, Mu Yin felt a flash of inspiration. The script could be refreshed—meaning there wasn’t just one path of fate; there were branches. As long as she didn’t violate the core rules, she could still walk the path she wanted.

Her attempt to pull Pei Che into the water was judged as “twisted affection” or “yandere love.” This fit the villainess persona. After falling in, Pei Che and Liang Yunxi both went to save her, creating an indirect connection and finally meeting. This fit the villain’s role of driving the plot forward.

Though it was an accident… though the script was a mess of distorted facts… it produced a perfect result.

Good. This was very good.

Her health points had increased by over six months. Compared to the previous gains of mere hours or days, this was a massive leap—a total success.

Looking at Pei Che now, Mu Yin suddenly found him incredibly pleasing to the eye. She flashed a smile, her eyes filled with “maternal” kindness. “Sure, no problem. Thanks for the concern. Your care warms my heart. Even if I don’t dry my hair, I won’t catch a cold.”

Pei Che: “…”

…

Footsteps echoed as Song Jinxun appeared. He hadn’t changed clothes, still wearing his formal attire from the evening, every button neatly fastened and meticulous. Had it not been for the exhaustion on his face, one couldn’t tell so much had happened at the Song house tonight.

Seeing the two together, Song Jinxun was clearly startled. However, he quickly recovered and turned to Mu Yin. “Mu—”

He paused. Noticing Pei Che still standing there, he naturally changed the address: “Mu Yin, I’m so sorry about tonight. It caused you to get hurt.”

Mu Yin asked, “How is Mrs. Song now?”

Song Jinxun replied, “She took some medicine and is asleep.”

Then, Pei Che’s voice cut in: “Mrs. Song’s condition… it must have been going on for a long time, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, for a few years… She usually rests in another house. I didn’t expect her to suddenly come out… My apologies for the trouble caused to everyone.” Song Jinxun was vague, clearly not wanting to reveal too much.

But the rest was easy to piece together. The Song family likely considered Mrs. Song’s mental illness a disgrace. That’s why they pretended she was abroad when she was actually at home—possibly even locked away.

The noise of tonight’s banquet reached her ears. Whether she wanted to join the fun or knew her second son, Xingyao, was home, Mrs. Song—craving her family’s attention—found a way out. Upon meeting Mu Yin and the others, she tried to gain attention by faking illness.

As for that fruit knife… its true purpose was still hard to guess. Perhaps it was for self-harm, or perhaps because she was usually scolded for faking illness, she wanted to transfer that pain to others. Regardless, her condition was severe.

Pei Che spoke solemnly: “Mrs. Song needs immediate treatment.”

Song Jinxun remained calm. “She has been in treatment.”

“There is no effective drug therapy for this condition; in fact, medication might worsen her symptoms.”

“Yes, the doctors have mentioned that.” Song Jinxun didn’t want to elaborate. Family matters were too complex to explain in a few words—besides, Pei Che was a psychology professor, but he was also a member of the Pei family. In the world of the elite, there were too many conflicts; he was always careful about what to say.

He had finally managed to close the curtains on tonight’s drama; he couldn’t let more chaos ensue. Guests might swear they wouldn’t gossip, but who knew?

Song Jinxun looked back at Mu Yin and said warmly, “I’ll take you home.”

Mu Yin wanted to refuse, but remembering something else, she agreed. “Okay… but have you been drinking?”

Her undisguised expression of distaste was like a cool breeze, clearing the dizzying fog of the night.

Song Jinxun smiled. “I’ll have the driver take us.”

If the driver is driving, why can’t the driver just take me alone? Despite this thought, Mu Yin—having her own little schemes—nodded.

The two walked side by side toward the door. The warm light from the ceiling fell upon them, making them look like a perfect match.

Pei Che stood where he was. It was a long time before he slowly withdrew his gaze.

…

“Miss Mu!”

A crisp, energetic voice came from behind. Mu Yin turned around; as expected, it was Liang Yunxi.

“I’m so glad you’re okay!” The young girl jogged up, her eyes bright.

Mu Yin smiled back. “Thank you for saving me.”

“Oh, don’t mention it! My hometown is by the coast, so I’ve been a swimmer since I was a kid…” She chattered away, then suddenly noticed Song Jinxun nearby and immediately composed herself. “President Song…”

Song Jinxun remembered the intern who had delivered the computer. He nodded casually. “Thanks for your hard work tonight. I’ve arranged a driver to take you home; you can head out now.”

Liang Yunxi thanked him profusely and waved at Mu Yin. “Bye-bye, Miss Mu!”

“Bye-bye.”

Watching the two girls say their goodbyes, Song Jinxun withdrew an inscrutable look from Mu Yin.

Mu Yin… had truly changed. Can a person change this much in just a few days?

The butler stepped forward. “The Second Young Master still hasn’t been found.”

“Never mind. He’s likely out with friends.” Song Jinxun spoke flatly, then turned to Mu Yin with a smile. “I’ll deal with it when I get back. I’ll take Mu Yin home first.”