The Villainess’s Darling [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 33

Ning Xiao stared at Yun Can’er’s ears, which were still a deep shade of crimson. After a long silence, she asked, “Can’er, did I use too much force just now? Did I hurt you?”

 

Otherwise, why would her Blackening Value suddenly spike while I was just washing her hair?

 

Yun Can’er shook her head silently.

 

Ning Xiao was always like this, flirting with ambiguous words and then pulling away effortlessly, leaving Yun Can’er alone with a racing heart, drowning in the aftermath. She wanted to make it, so Ning Xiao had no chance to pull away.

 

Yun Can’er kept her head lowered, her damp hair hanging down as lines of water trickled from the tips.

 

Left with no other choice, Ning Xiao turned to System 13579 for help: [Xiao Qi, help me out. Why is a woman’s heart so hard to read?]

 

Host, I am just an ordinary system. I don’t understand the hearts of women either.

 

Ning Xiao: [Fine. Maybe reaching a 100% Blackening Value isn’t entirely a bad thing; at least then I can choose the direction of the plot myself.]

 

Though she knew a maxed-out Blackening Value wouldn’t be that simple, Yun Can’er’s stats were climbing steadily and she had no way to lower them. She could only wait for the inevitable. She just hoped Yun Can’er wouldn’t undergo a complete personality shift when the time came. Her current hardworking, adorable self was perfectly fine.

 

Ning Xiao applied the treatment to Yun Can’er’s hair and slid on a waterproof cap. “Wait thirty minutes before rinsing. I’ll take my shower now; you can play on your phone for a bit. It’ll be time before you know it.”

 

Ning Xiao patted Yun Can’er’s shoulder, signaling her to stand up.

 

Yun Can’er’s cheeks were flushed like small apples. Before leaving the bathroom, she stole a glance at Ning Xiao. Ning Xiao was busy drawing the water and didn’t see the possessive desire flickering like a flame in those dark eyes.

 

When Ning Xiao finished her bath and stepped out, she found Yun Can’er lying on the bed writing in a notebook. As Ning Xiao approached, Yun Can’er snapped the notebook shut with a sharp thud.

 

Ning Xiao’s eyes were sharp; she caught a glimpse of the word “Possess” on the page before it vanished.

 

Possess? Possess what?

 

The thought flickered through her mind, but she didn’t dwell on it. She said to Yun Can’er, “Come here, I’ll help you rinse your hair.”

 

Yun Can’er sat up, her dark eyes searching Ning Xiao’s. She hesitated, then asked, “You didn’t see anything, did you?”

 

Ning Xiao replied, “I was so far away, what could I see? Can’er, honestly, what did you write that I’m not allowed to look at?”

 

The more Ning Xiao spoke, the more suspicious she became.

 

Yun Can’er climbed off the bed and stuffed the notebook into her backpack, zipping it shut. “Nothing. Just some bored scribbles. Nothing worth seeing.”

 

Ning Xiao glanced at the bag, and Yun Can’er immediately blocked it with her body.

 

Ning Xiao was actually amused by the gesture. “No need to be so guarded. Do you really think I’d sneak a look at your diary?”

 

Yun Can’er walked over with a red face and grabbed Ning Xiao’s slender arm. “I’m not guarding against you. It’s just… boring stuff. Hurry, let’s wash my hair. My scalp feels so uncomfortable.”

 

Successfully diverted, Ning Xiao asked worriedly, “Why uncomfortable? Is it itchy? Or does it hurt?”

 

Yun Can’er pulled her into the bathroom and closed the door. “No, it’s just too stuffy. This isn’t breathable,” she said, pointing to the waterproof cap.

 

Ning Xiao helped her take it off. “You gave me a heart attack. I thought you were having an allergic reaction.”

 

System 13579 took offense: Host, how could a product from the System Mall cause an allergy!

 

[Alright, alright, I misspoke,] Ning Xiao said dismissively, sounding very much like a heartbreaker.

 

System 13579 had already printed out the Product Safety Certificate to show her, only for her to admit fault immediately.

 

System 13579: So frustrating! There’s no room for my Super System expertise to shine!

 

Ning Xiao tested the water temperature and began rinsing. As the treatment washed away, Yun Can’er’s hair felt like silk against Ning Xiao’s palms. Ning Xiao could tell the strands had become much stronger, and they looked strikingly dark and lustrous.

 

[Xiao Qi, isn’t such an instant result a bit too much? People will get suspicious, won’t they?] Ning Xiao asked.

 

System 13579 replied: Don’t worry. This is just the ‘wet’ effect. Once the hair is blown dry, it will return to looking like it did before, and then the changes will manifest gradually. I guarantee no one will suspect a thing.

 

Ning Xiao relaxed. After rinsing, she wrapped Yun Can’er’s head in a towel. Preventing her from looking in the mirror, she covered her eyes with her hand. “Let’s test your trust in me. Do you dare follow my lead?”

 

Yun Can’er said, “Why wouldn’t I dare?”

 

In this world, the person she trusted most was Ning Xiao. She knew that everyone else might betray her, but Ning Xiao never would.

 

When sight is taken away, the other senses become heightened. Yun Can’er placed her hands on Ning Xiao, following her lead. Her fingertips brushed against the warm fabric of Ning Xiao’s bathrobe—soft and carrying the scent of body wash. They used the same brand, yet the scent on Ning Xiao was different. On Ning Xiao, it was richer, sweeter, and far more intoxicating.

 

The hand over her eyes carried the same fragrance. The fine, tender skin pressed against her own was light and soft, like a flower petal resting on her lids. Yun Can’er greedily inhaled Ning Xiao’s scent.

 

She wanted to be closer, just a little closer—to merge with Ning Xiao until no one could ever separate them. But the distance from the bathroom to the bedroom was too short. Before she could savor it enough, they had arrived.

 

For Ning Xiao, she was only covering Yun Can’er’s eyes to hide the immediate change in her wet hair; she had no idea the girl was having such profound thoughts.

 

“Alright, sit down. I’ll blow-dry your hair.” Yun Can’er sat down obediently.

 

Before pulling her hand away, Ning Xiao said, “I’m letting go, but you’re not allowed to open your eyes. Don’t open them until I’m finished.”

 

“Why?” Yun Can’er asked, puzzled. If her eyes were closed, how could she look at Ning Xiao?

 

“So the contrast will be more obvious once it’s dry,” Ning Xiao explained. “Be a good girl, and I’ll give you a reward when we’re done.”

 

Ning Xiao was treating her like a child, dangling a carrot.

 

Yun Can’er’s heart leaped. A reward? Can I choose it? If I can, I want a kiss… She bit her lip, the tips of her ears turning red.

 

“Okay. I’ll be good. I won’t open them.”

 

Her voice was soft and sweet, making one’s heart tingle.

 

Ning Xiao uncomfortably rubbed her own ear. “I’m letting go now. Keep them shut.”

 

Yun Can’er closed her eyes, her long lashes brushing against Ning Xiao’s palm. As Ning Xiao moved her hand away, the sensation of those soft lashes seemed to linger. She rubbed her palm against her bathrobe before picking up the hairdryer.

 

Just as the system promised, once the hair was dry, it returned to its original thin, slightly reddish-brown state. Ning Xiao turned off the dryer, patted the top of Yun Can’er’s head, and said, “Look in the mirror. See if anything is different.”

 

Yun Can’er opened her eyes and walked to the vanity. Looking at the girl in the mirror with flushed cheeks and watery dark eyes, she said without blinking, “It really seems to have worked. I feel like my hair is darker.”

 

“?” Ning Xiao walked over, confused. Is what she sees in the mirror different from what I see? Ning Xiao looked at the reflection and then at the actual hair. “No, it isn’t. It looks exactly the same as before.”

 

Yun Can’er:

 

“Regardless, I want to thank you, Ning Xiao. Besides you, no one cares about the things I care about.” Yun Can’er turned to face her, the light in her eyes making Ning Xiao’s chest feel warm.

 

Ning Xiao felt herself blushing for some reason. “Why are you being so polite? It’s just a small thing.”

 

“It’s a small thing to you, but a huge matter to me,” Yun Can’er said earnestly.

 

There seemed to be a vortex in her eyes, and Ning Xiao found herself sinking into it. Their faces drifted closer and closer, and the atmosphere became increasingly heavy with tension…

 

Warning! Warning! The Female Lead is still a minor! Actions exceeding friendship are strictly prohibited!

 

Ning Xiao:

 

[Cough, Xiao Qi, it’s all a misunderstanding. I see Yun Can’er as a good friend; how could I do anything ‘beyond friendship’ with her?] That feeling just now must have been an illusion!

 

Ning Xiao abruptly took a step back, creating distance between them. “It’s late,” she said awkwardly. “Time for bed.”

 

They got into bed and turned off the lights, each sleeping on their own side, ensuring they wouldn’t even brush against each other.

 

In the silence of the night, Ning Xiao found herself suffering from insomnia. She began to replay every moment she had spent with Yun Can’er, convinced there wasn’t a trace of romance. The things she did and said… other girls did those for their friends too… right?

 

Yun Can’er wouldn’t misunderstand my feelings… right? And I haven’t developed feelings beyond friendship for her… right?

 

Lost in her doubts, she didn’t realize that dawn had arrived.

 

Ning Xiao hadn’t moved all night; her bones felt glued together. She sat up and stretched, her joints popping loudly. She crept out of bed to the washroom, then changed into a tracksuit in the walk-in closet and headed to the garden.

 

The November morning temperature was nearing zero. Ning Xiao exhaled, her breath turning into a white mist that merged with the fog outside. It was too foggy for a run, so she put on a mask and started walking through the garden at a steady pace. The cold air helped her think clearly.

 

After three laps, she felt centered enough to head back inside.

 

Father Ning was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper. Seeing her come in, he asked in surprise, “Xiao Xiao, why are you up so early?”

 

“I was a bit troubled and couldn’t sleep,” Ning Xiao said. “I thought I’d walk a few laps to clear my head.”

 

Father Ning noticed the dark circles under her eyes but hadn’t expected her to be so blunt. Most kids would try to hide the fact that they stayed up all night. He paused. “Why the insomnia? Is it something you’re comfortable talking to me about?”

 

Ning Xiao shook her head. “I can figure it out myself.”

 

He nodded. “Don’t carry burdens alone. Dad can help you.” He went back to his paper.

 

Mother Ning was in the kitchen learning to make breakfast from Chef Zhang. She came out with a plate of toast and gasped. “Xiao Xiao, did you not sleep last night?”

 

“The dark circles are that bad, huh?” Ning Xiao nodded. “You and Dad saw it instantly. I’ll have to find a way to cover them up before I see anyone.”

 

Mother Ning put the toast down and pulled Ning Xiao into a seat. She patted the back of her daughter’s hand and whispered, “Are you having boy troubles?”

 

“Mom… you’re too sharp.” She guessed it immediately.

 

“I’ve lived long enough to read between the lines,” Mother Ning said. “Does it have to do with that Shang boy?”

 

“No… definitely not him.” It could be anyone, but it certainly isn’t Shang Shaotan.

 

“Good,” Mother Ning said. “I never liked that boy. I couldn’t say it while you liked him, but a boy like Shang Shaotan isn’t right for you.”

 

Ning Xiao nodded in agreement. “I agree. He isn’t right for me.”

 

Sigh! Shang Shaotan being ‘wrong’ is one thing—at least he’s a guy. The situation with Yun Can’er is what’s really worrying. Ning Xiao had always viewed Yun Can’er as a beautiful glass vase that would shatter if not handled with care. She had protected her for so long; how did her heart suddenly start fluttering for her?! And she could feel that Yun Can’er felt the same.

 

Two people liking each other should be a good thing. But they happened to be the same gender… Ning Xiao sighed gloomily.

 

Once breakfast was ready, Mother Ning said, “Xiao Xiao, go call Can’er down for breakfast.”

 

Ning Xiao headed upstairs. When she pushed open the bedroom door, she found Yun Can’er already dressed and washed, sitting on the edge of the bed in a daze.

 

Her dark eyes were fixed on a single spot—gloomy and devoid of light. At the sound of the door, she looked up, and her eyes gradually filled with tears until they spilled over.

 

“Ning Xiao, where did you go?” Yun Can’er asked with a sob, crystalline tears rolling down her cheeks.

 

Startled, Ning Xiao rushed over to pull her into an embrace. “I woke up too early and went for a walk! Don’t cry!”

 

Yun Can’er’s tears fell even faster, her body trembling. “I thought… I thought you hated me…”

 

Ning Xiao gently stroked her soft hair. “How could I ever hate you? I like you best.”

 

But Yun Can’er wasn’t comforted. She buried her face in Ning Xiao’s shoulder and wailed, “I know… I know you didn’t sleep at all last night. Was it because of me…?”

 

“Can’er, it’s not…” Ning Xiao didn’t know how to explain.

 

Yun Can’er clung to her like a piece of driftwood in the ocean. “I know, I know… You don’t have to like me back. I can try to stop liking you. Just… don’t throw me away.”

 

Ning Xiao’s shoulder was soaked with tears. Her heart had never felt this heavy or aching. “Can’er, I will never throw you away.”

 

Yun Can’er was truly terrified. Last night, she felt the atmosphere between them change, but Ning Xiao hadn’t succumbed to it. Instead, she had pulled away quickly and told her to sleep. All night, Ning Xiao had lain there motionless, but Yun Can’er could tell by her breathing that she was wide awake.

 

Yun Can’er had thought of every possibility. Ning Xiao must have discovered her “unspeakable” feelings. Ning Xiao treated her as a best friend and cared for her, yet she was ungrateful enough to harbor those kinds of thoughts. No one would be able to accept that.

 

At the first light of dawn, Ning Xiao had fled the room, leaving Yun Can’er lying there in a frozen state. She was convinced Ning Xiao was avoiding her—that she only shared a bed out of necessity and couldn’t wait to get away the moment it was light.

 

Yun Can’er looked up through her tears. “Ning Xiao, can we still be friends?”

 

Ning Xiao nodded earnestly. “Of course. If you want, I will always be your best friend.”

 

Yun Can’er sat up and took Ning Xiao’s hand in both of hers. Her eyes were now clear and bright from the tears as she choked out, “Then I want to be your friend forever. Your best friend.”

 

Ning Xiao’s earlier avoidance had terrified her. She had spent the night reaching a conclusion: if she couldn’t be with Ning Xiao, she would forever occupy the position of her best friend.

 

“Okay,” Ning Xiao said without hesitation.

 

In her mind, Yun Can’er was only sixteen too young to truly understand her own feelings. For now, it was better to maintain their status as best friends. As for anything else… that could wait until they were adults.

 

Maybe in a few years, after she helped Yun Can’er become beautiful and more people liked her, Yun Can’er wouldn’t be so insecure and would be able to fall for someone else.