Marrying the Sweet Story’s Melodramatic Villainess [Transmigration] - Chapter 45

Cui Yi and the accompanying physician arrived at the scene simultaneously.

The snow in the mountains was mottled, and warm light pierced through the dense forest. Cui Yi regulated her breathing, her gaze scanning the chaotic scene. Suddenly, her pupils contracted sharply; within her line of sight, a massive, distinct claw mark had torn through the topsoil and was deeply embedded in the ground. It was the footprint of an adult tiger.

Cui Yi’s breath hitched, her chest tightening. She had simulated the scene in her mind beforehand and thought she was prepared, but at this moment, her ability to think vanished. Her mind momentarily went blank.

In a situation lacking any real firepower, how could a person possibly escape from the jaws of a large apex predator?

She could not think; she could not remain calm.

Cui Yi bit the tip of her tongue, the sharp pain calling back her reason. With a swallow, she tasted blood and forced her brain into high gear, quickly issuing arrangements: “Search in groups of five. Remember, our mission is to find people. If you encounter the beast, run.”

They hadn’t brought many guards. Upon hearing the news, Cui Yi had immediately sent someone to offer a heavy bounty to the local farmers to find strong men to help scour the mountain.

Once the arrangements were made, Cui Yi focused her attention on the casualties. Pei Sanniang was the most severely injured; her bones were dislocated, and her left arm bore deep claw wounds. As the physician reset her bones, cold sweat poured down Sanniang’s face, yet she didn’t utter a single sound.

Beside her, Pei Liuniang was crying uncontrollably, strands of hair matted to a face covered in tears and mud. Pei Sanniang offered a free-spirited smile. “What are you crying for? I survived through great fortune; you should be happy.”

Nearby, the injured Pei Erlang grinned. “Indeed, Liuniang simply hasn’t grown up yet.”

Pei Liuniang wiped her tears haphazardly, filled with guilt. “If it weren’t to save me, Third Sister wouldn’t have been hurt.”

Pei Sanniang grew solemn. “Liuniang, if it were any other blood relative today, I would have saved them just the same.”

Knowing Sanniang’s temperament, Liuniang didn’t argue but continued to sob. Pei Sanniang watched Cui Yi, who was busy deploying personnel, with a worried gaze. Seeing this, the ease in Pei Erlang’s expression also faded. The other Pei family members had various expressions, but all were praying that nothing had happened to Pei Mingjiao.

Pei Liuniang sniffled loudly, looking into the distance with equal dread. The situation had been chaotic; the tiger had attacked suddenly while she was with Second Brother and Third Sister. The guards had protected them, but humans were ultimately no match for a fierce beast. Liuniang had been frozen with fear; had it not been for Sanniang’s quick actions, she might have died on the spot. Because of that, Sanniang was injured, and the scent of blood had driven the beast into a greater frenzy.

At that critical juncture, Pei Mingjiao had suddenly appeared, making noise to lure the tiger away.

Recalling that scene, Liuniang’s tears flowed even more fiercely. Honestly, what were Pei Mingjiao’s guards doing? How could they let her wander the mountains alone? She was by herself and yet dared to play the hero. She couldn’t help but resent herself for being useless and a burden. “I am truly good for nothing.”

Hearing this, Pei Sanniang sighed faintly.

The search continued for nearly four hours. As the sun dipped below the horizon, a chilling wind began to whistle. Cui Yi’s face was a transparent white. Yan Linlang, who had arrived an hour ago to take charge, frowned at the sight. “Go back. I will keep watch here.”

Cui Yi refused her kindness. “No, I cannot be at peace.”

With that one sentence, Yan Linlang did not press further. Her phoenix eyes gazed into the darkening, bottomless forest; her heart was not as calm as her exterior suggested.

This forest was normally used for hunting and was inspected regularly; a large predator should never have appeared. Although it was found to be a lapse by her subordinates, and though coming here was a sudden whim, Yan Linlang could not help but suspect a conspiracy.

Deep in the forest, an experienced hunter pinched a bit of soil and sniffed it. He gripped the large bow slung across his back, his expression grave. “Watch out. We’ve reached its den.”

Roar—

Suddenly, a tiger’s roar shook the mountain.

The sound vibrated in Cui Yi’s ears. Her hands, hanging at her sides, clenched into fists. She bit her lip, staring in the direction of the roar, her heart filled with trepidation. For the first time, she prayed to all the gods and buddhas.

She prayed for her wife’s safety.

In the midst of the agonizing wait, the night grew as dark and impenetrable as a shroud. Suddenly, scattered points of torchlight flickered and danced. The waiting crowd felt a surge of excitement, hoping for good news.

A group of people, draped in winter frost, emerged slowly from the depths. Their faces shifted between light and shadow in the firelight; they couldn’t hide their exhaustion, yet their expressions were light and joyful. In the middle of the crowd, Pei Mingjiao was wrapped in a raven-blue cloak. Her features appeared vivid and beautiful in the orange firelight, her brows slightly upturned—it was clear she hadn’t suffered.

Cui Yi moved forward several steps uncontrollably.

As if sensing something, Pei Mingjiao looked across the firelight and gave Cui Yi a radiant smile.

Cui Yi’s spirit suddenly relaxed.

Beside her, Yan Linlang, who also breathed a sigh of relief, narrowed her eyes as she took in their interaction.

Pei Mingjiao ran over, her cloak swaying with her steps. Finally, she reached Cui Yi and held up a cub she had been hiding in her arms as if presenting a trophy. “Look! My prize!”

The tiger cub opened its misty eyes and gave a dazed yawn.

Cui Yi didn’t care about the cub. She pulled back the strange cloak wrapped around Pei Mingjiao to face the mess underneath. Her black-and-white clothes were stained with mud, particularly at the knees, which were caked with grime. With one look, one could tell how narrow the escape had been and how desperately Mingjiao had fought to survive, crawling on her knees to escape.

Cui Yi lowered her eyelashes. “Were you afraid?”

Pei Mingjiao, sensing something with an animal-like intuition, answered, “A little bit.”

Cui Yi gave an “mm.” “Go speak with your mother. She was very worried about you.”

To the side, Yan Linlang raised an eyebrow and reached out to pull Pei Mingjiao into an embrace. “It’s good that you’re safe.”

Nestled in Yan Linlang’s arms, Pei Mingjiao stole a glance at Cui Yi, feeling that she was acting strangely.

Although she had returned safely, they weren’t taking any chances. A female physician examined her and found only abrasions and numerous bruises; a bit of ointment would suffice.

Pei Mingjiao had already changed her clothes and was quite puzzled. “Why don’t I feel any pain?”

The physician said affectionately, “When you are too excited, you won’t feel pain. It will show up tomorrow.”

Learning it was only superficial injuries, Yan Linlang finally let go of her tension. Since it was late, they decided to stay at the villa for the night.

Once Yan Linlang left, Pei Liuniang said awkwardly, “Thank you.”

Pei Mingjiao immediately perked up, her chin tilting. “Yo, I never thought the day would come when you’d thank me.”

Pei Liuniang didn’t snap back as she usually did. With red eyes, she said, “I was immature before. I didn’t expect you to be so selfless. I’ll never go against you again.”

Pei Mingjiao huffed, looking arrogant. “It’s good that you know.”

Pei Liuniang stayed quiet and submissive.

Pei Mingjiao suddenly felt invigorated. “Hey, I’m suddenly a bit thirsty.”

Liuniang hurried to pour her a cup of water. Pei Mingjiao took a sip and raised an eyebrow. “Why is it flavorless?”

Just as Liuniang was about to move again, a hand reached out from the side, steadily holding a plate of pastries. To Liuniang’s surprise, Pei Sanniang said with a smile, “By all accounts, Jiaojiao is my savior as well.”

Seeing it was Sanniang, Pei Mingjiao immediately behaved and stopped causing trouble.

Cui Yi remained quiet at the side. The perceptive Pei Sanniang rose to bid her farewell, and once she left, the others followed.

Pei Mingjiao couldn’t keep her words in and immediately asked, “Yi-niang, what’s wrong?”

Cui Yi was startled. She stared fixedly at her vivid, lively wife. After a long silence, she let out a faint, melancholy sigh. “It’s truly unfair.”