The Villainess’s Darling [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 18

The dining room sat adjacent to the back garden, offering a direct view of the grounds through floor-to-ceiling windows. It was early autumn; the sun was brilliant, the breeze carried a crisp chill, and the flowers were still in full, vibrant bloom.

Yet, in stark contrast to the radiant sunshine outside, Ning Xiao’s mood was overcast with storm clouds and persistent rain.

She knew that a young girl’s heart was difficult to read, but she hadn’t expected Yun Can’er’s thoughts to be quite this impenetrable! Aside from the spike caused by the second plot point, the other thirty percent of the “Blackening Level” had risen for reasons that were utterly beyond her.

After finishing their meal and resting for a while, Yun Can’er resumed the tutoring session. Throughout the afternoon, Ning Xiao watched the girl’s expressions closely, searching for any sign of distress, but found nothing out of the ordinary.

The afternoon slipped away quickly. When dinner time arrived, Ning Xiao was careful not to make any sudden moves. She specifically requested Chef Zhang to prepare Chinese cuisine. Having finished dinner cautiously, she noticed that the Blackening Level hadn’t budged.

Was part of the reason for the morning’s spike simply that Can’er doesn’t like steak? Ning Xiao mused.

She realized that despite having read the novel, she didn’t truly understand Yun Can’er. She didn’t know her favorite foods, her interests, or her dreams for the future. It seemed she would have to have a proper heart-to-heart with the girl tonight.

At half-past seven, Ning Xiao took Yun Can’er for a stroll in the garden to help digest their meal. As the evening breeze brushed against her skin, Ning Xiao glanced at the girl beside her.

Yun Can’er was still wearing the oversized, thin white t-shirt she had on earlier. It made her look even more frail and delicate. As the cool air whisked away her body heat, she couldn’t help but shiver.

Ning Xiao immediately shrugged off her own jacket and draped it over Yun Can’er’s thin shoulders. “I wasn’t paying attention. If you’re cold, just tell me. I have plenty of spare jackets for you to choose from.”

Her mind had been so occupied by the Blackening Level that she’d neglected the girl right in front of her. Realizing this, she felt a pang of guilt. She knew Yun Can’er was the type who hated to “trouble” anyone, so how could she have let herself be distracted?

Wrapped in the jacket, Yun Can’er’s chilled body began to warm instantly. The fabric carried Ning Xiao’s elegant, vibrant fragrance and the lingering heat of her skin.

“I didn’t notice either. I’ll speak up next time,” Yun Can’er said, looking up. Her eyes were sparkling with an intensity that rivalled the brightest star in the night sky.

In that moment, Yun Can’er made a silent vow: she would never give Ning Xiao up to anyone—not even Shang Shaotan. She might not be a match for her now, but who could say what the future held? She would work harder to become brilliant and dazzling—someone who could stand by Ning Xiao’s side without being eclipsed by her light.

Ning Xiao noticed a strange look of determination in the girl’s eyes under the moonlight. Just as she was about to ask about it, Yun Can’er reached out and looped her arm softly around Ning Xiao’s. “Ning Xiao, I’m still a bit cold. Let’s go back inside.”

The question was instantly forgotten. Ning Xiao agreed and led her back.

Once upstairs in her bedroom, Ning Xiao guided her to the bed. “Sit here for a bit. I’ll go and run a bath for you. You’ll feel much better once you’ve had a hot soak and tucked yourself under the covers.”

Yun Can’er sat down, startled by the cloud-like softness of the mattress. Her body swayed slightly as she sank in. Ning Xiao caught her, unable to suppress a grin. “Don’t daydream, little one. Just sit tight and wait for me.”

As Ning Xiao turned into the bathroom, she didn’t see Yun Can’er’s face flush a sudden, brilliant red.

The bathroom was spacious, featuring a screen for watching videos while soaking and a large glass window overlooking the scenery. Once the tub was ready, Ning Xiao brought out a pair of new slippers and a fresh bathrobe. “There you go. You can soak for half an hour, but be careful not to fall asleep.”

Yun Can’er entered the bathroom and turned to close the door, but Ning Xiao followed her inside. Yun Can’er’s heart hammered against her ribs.

Is she.  Does she want to share a bath?

Suppressing her bashfulness, she whispered, “What are you coming in for?”

Ning Xiao tapped her forehead with a laugh. “What kind of unpure thoughts are you having? I just wanted to show you how to use the screen so you don’t get bored. I’m leaving as soon as I’ve shown you.”

Under the bathroom lights, Ning Xiao’s refined face looked as pale as snow, her red lips curved into a smile like peach blossoms in spring. Yun Can’er found it impossible to look away.

Seeing her dazed expression, Ning Xiao gently pushed her by the shoulders toward the tub. “Stop staring and get in. You need to warm up so you don’t catch a cold and mess up your monthly exams.”

****

After thirty minutes, Yun Can’er emerged wearing the snow-white bathrobe. Her thin frame and pale skin gave her a delicate, ethereal air.

Ning Xiao had already plugged in the hair dryer. She took Yun Can’er’s hand and led her to it. “Dry your hair slowly; don’t use the high heat setting. I’m going to have a quick soak myself.”

As Ning Xiao stood up to leave, Yun Can’er caught her sleeve. Ning Xiao turned back, confused. “Can’er? Is something wrong?”

Yun Can’er’s fingers recoiled, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. “Nothing. Go ahead.”

She was simply struck by the realization that Ning Xiao would be using the same bathtub she had just stepped out of, and the thought felt strangely intimate. “It’s nothing. Go and have your bath.”

Ning Xiao ruffled the girl’s damp hair. “If you get lonely out here, just come to the door and talk to me. I’ll be able to hear you.”

Yun Can’er nodded, and Ning Xiao finally stepped inside.

To be safe in case of any “emergencies,” Ning Xiao didn’t lock the door. She shed her clothes and stepped into the tub, her body instantly disappearing beneath a layer of white bubbles. She let out a long sigh of relief, sinking in until only her head remained above water, and closed her eyes to enjoy the peace.

Twenty minutes later, her alarm went off. She reached out to silence it, bubbles sliding off her smooth skin. The steam had turned her face the color of peach blossoms, and her eyes were misty and luminous under the lights.

She stood up lazily, reaching for the rack where her bathrobe usually hung only to find it empty.

Ning Xiao: 

Even if they were both girls and “exposure” wasn’t a massive issue, she couldn’t exactly just walk out like this! Just as she was weighing her options, a soft, tentative knock sounded on the frosted glass door.

Support The Villainess’s Darling [Quick Transmigration]