The Villainess’s Darling [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 34

The ambiguity between Ning Xiao and Yun Can’er dissipated after their heart-to-heart, and the two resumed their usual dynamic.

 

On Sunday afternoon, as they were heading into school, they happened to cross paths with Shang Shaotan. The moment he spotted them, he bolted in the opposite direction as if avoiding a plague.

 

Yun Can’er frowned at his retreating figure. “What’s wrong with him? Are we really that terrifying?”

 

Terrifying enough, it seemed, for Shang Shaotan to forget all about maintaining his polished image.

 

Ning Xiao, however, knew exactly what was going on. “Remember before the break when I dragged him in front of Zhao Mengting for that row? He’s probably realized the truth and feels guilty seeing me.”

 

“What truth? I’ve almost forgotten about that. What was it actually all about?” Yun Can’er asked curiously.

 

“Let’s talk while we walk,” Ning Xiao said. “I heard this from my family. The Shangs and Zhaos were planning an alliance through marriage. Zhao Mengting transferred to Bo Ming Private High specifically to ‘cultivate feelings’ with Shang Shaotan.”

 

Seeing Yun Can’er’s eyes widen in surprise, Ning Xiao smiled and continued, “That was the cover story. In reality, Zhao Mengting had been bullying students at her old school so severely that several fell into depression or even committed suicide. The Zhao family couldn’t keep a lid on it anymore, so they pulled strings at the Education Bureau to get her transferred. The Shangs, who own this school, just happened to cross paths with them. To make things easy, the Zhaos used the ‘engagement’ excuse to dump her here at Bo Ming.”

 

“When I argued with them the other day, I let that slip, and it turned out Shang Shaotan had no idea about the marriage alliance. Honestly, he owes me a huge favor. If it weren’t for me, he’d end up married to her.”

 

Yun Can’er looked down. “Why did you expose it? Wouldn’t it be better if they just got married?”

 

Ning Xiao: How do I explain that I only did it because the system took over my body for the plot point?

 

“Actually…” Ning Xiao began, trying to find the right words.

 

“No need to explain, I understand,” Yun Can’er interrupted with a smile. “Ning Xiao, do you still have feelings for him? It makes sense. He has a terrible personality and he’s petty and bad at studying, but he is one of the better-looking boys. It’s normal to be attracted to his face.”

 

Ning Xiao burst out laughing. Was that a compliment or an insult?

 

“Who told you I still liked him? Those feelings died ages ago! He looked alright as a kid, but he’s getting uglier by the day. I have very high standards for looks; I’d never settle for him now.”

 

Yun Can’er’s expression dimmed. She had almost forgotten—Ning Xiao was a total “face-con” who prioritized beauty. How could she ever expect Ning Xiao to love her with a face like hers?

 

Unaware of Yun Can’er’s thoughts, Ning Xiao continued, “Preventing that marriage was a good deed. They say saving a life is better than building a seven-storied pagoda. I’ll give all the karma points I’ve earned to you, so you can get whatever your heart desires.”

 

Yun Can’er’s heart fluttered. Was it all for me? She touched her cheek. If only she could become beautiful… Ning Xiao was so stunning that whoever stood beside her in the future would need to be just as radiant.

 

 

After Shang Shaotan urged his father to look into the Zhaos, Father Shang immediately hired investigators. They discovered that they weren’t the only ones digging; another group was also snooping around. While the Shangs were focused on the reason for the transfer, the other group was doing a comprehensive sweep of everything related to the Zhao family. Father Shang told his people not to clash with them.

 

A week later, Father Shang personally visited the school to show the report to his son.

 

“The Zhaos really had a nerve,” Father Shang said, suppressed rage in his voice. “Trying to palm off a daughter with a sociopathic personality on our family!”

 

Reading the report, Shang Shaotan felt goosebumps crawl up his arms. “They targeted us because we own Bo Ming. When she first arrived, she acted cute and charming; no one could have guessed she was a sociopath. If Ning Xiao hadn’t pushed for the school-wide mental health screening, I might have actually fallen into their trap.”

 

On this point, Shang Shaotan felt a spark of gratitude toward Ning Xiao. However, he figured this gratitude just about balanced out their past grievances. They were even.

 

Father Shang’s eyes twinkled as he looked at his son. “I remember the Ning girl is quite a beauty. She’s followed you around since you were little. She must like you. If you’re interested in her, the family won’t object.”

 

Shang Shaotan pictured Ning Xiao’s face and immediately frowned. “I don’t like women who are all style and no substance!”

 

“I recall she’s ranked first in both monthly exams,” Father Shang laughed. “You can hardly call her ‘no substance.’ She’s got the brains and the beauty.”

 

Knowing his father was stubborn, Shang Shaotan didn’t bother arguing. Instead, he said, “Actually, I prefer the girl who used to be rank one.”

 

For some reason, even though Yun Can’er was plain-looking, she always occupied his thoughts. It felt like fate; like he was meant to be with her.

 

Father Shang thought for a moment. “Ah, the girl recruited by Uncle Sun? The one on a full scholarship with a 500,000-yuan stipend because of her background? So, my son likes the inspirational type.”

 

Shang Shaotan turned slightly red at the teasing. “Dad, given our family’s status, I don’t need a marriage alliance, do I? What are your requirements for a daughter-in-law? Would someone like Yun Can’er be okay?”

 

“You’re only sixteen and you’re already thinking about marriage?” Father Shang chuckled. “Dating is fine, but marriage is at least ten years away. Are you sure you’ll still like her in ten years?”

 

“I’m certain,” Shang Shaotan said confidently. He didn’t know where the confidence came from, but it was there.

 

His father sighed. “You might like her for ten years, but will she like you? No one knows what the future holds.”

 

Shang Shaotan went quiet. That hit a nerve. Yun Can’er didn’t have any feelings for him at the moment, and he couldn’t guarantee she would in a decade, especially with Ning Xiao constantly in the way.

 

Ning Xiao, Ning Xiao… she’s always there, messing things up!

 

He didn’t have the heart to lie and say she’d definitely love him. His father patted his shoulder. “A woman’s preference is simple: the more outstanding a man is, the more she’ll like him. Work hard and take that rank one spot back to show her!”

 

“…” With Ning Xiao around, that’s probably impossible. Ning Xiao and Yun Can’er were the two insurmountable mountains on his academic path.

 

---

 

Back in class, Shang Shaotan’s eyes instinctively searched for Yun Can’er. She was busy solving problems. Her face wasn’t particularly beautiful, but her bright, dark eyes added a certain charm to her features. Her hair also seemed to be getting darker.

 

As he stood at the door staring at her, Ning Xiao returned from visiting her friends. Seeing him staring at Yun Can’er with what she deemed a “creepy” look, she promptly kicked him in the shin.

 

“Ow!” Caught off guard, he nearly collapsed from the pain.

 

He steadied himself against a desk and glared at her. “Ning Xiao! What was that for?!”

 

“You have a fiancée, yet you’re still staring at Can’er like a creep,” Ning Xiao sneered. “I should be asking you what you’re doing!”

 

Shang Shaotan, never one to win an argument against her, stammered, “Truly, ‘women and small-minded men are the most difficult to deal with!’ I won’t lower myself to your level!”

 

He turned to leave but was blocked by a leg as he tried to pass the podium. He looked up into the emotionless eyes of Zhao Mengting.

 

“Zhao Mengting, do you need something?” he asked, frowning.

 

“What did you just say?” she asked.

 

“Just now? It’s between me and Ning Xiao. Don’t poke your nose into things that don’t concern you!”

 

“Heh.” Zhao Mengting stood up and walked right up to him. Being quite short, she only reached his neck and had to look up to see his face—an angle from which even the most handsome man looks unattractive. She mocked, “Do you think you’re something special, Rank Three Student Shang?”

 

He was baffled by her sudden hostility. They hadn’t spoken for a week, and the engagement was dead. Why was she stopping him?

 

As more classmates started to notice, Shang Shaotan decided not to waste time on someone so clearly unstable. He tried to step over her leg to leave. Zhao Mengting raised her leg higher and stood in his path, physically blocking him.

 

Ning Xiao sat down next to Yun Can’er to watch the show. Dog eats dog—the drama of the year.

 

“Move!” Shang Shaotan snapped. “We have nothing to do with each other. I don’t have time for this!”

 

Zhao Mengting’s gaze turned eerie. “Repeat what you just said and apologise, then I’ll let you pass. Otherwise… you won’t like the consequences.”

 

She pressed her tongue against the roof of her mouth, tasting the faint tang of blood. She hadn’t “disciplined” anyone in days and desperately needed a release. Shang Shaotan’s comment about women had rubbed her the wrong way, making him the perfect target.

 

Shang Shaotan didn’t want a physical fight in the classroom, so he thought back.  Women and small-minded men are difficult to deal with’? I was talking to Ning Xiao, not you. Why are you taking it personally?”

 

Zhao Mengting’s doll-like face remained cold and haunting. “I am a woman, and I am small-minded. Whether I’m difficult is none of your business. Apologise, Shang Shaotan.”

 

He wanted to scream. Compared to Zhao Mengting, Ning Xiao was a saint. How did he ever think Ning Xiao was the most troublesome person in the world?

 

“Confucius said that, not me,” he said coldly.

 

“Then get Confucius to apologise to me,” she countered. “Otherwise, stay right where you are.”

 

“I can’t exactly summon him, can I? Fine, I’ll stand here. The bell rings in two minutes. You won’t be able to block me once the teacher arrives.”

 

“Why not?” She leaned in close to his ear. “Don’t forget… I’m a mental patient. I can commit a crime without being held legally responsible. Even the teachers are afraid of me.”

 

Shang Shaotan realized she was past the point of caring. She was even using her secret diagnosis as a threat. He bit his lip. “Fine. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said it.”

 

“Said what?” she asked with a sweet, doll-like smile that made his skin crawl.

 

“I shouldn’t have said that women and small-minded men are difficult to deal with. I’m sorry. I’m sorry to you, and to all women and small-minded people. I was wrong.” He spat it out in one breath. “Happy now?”

 

She smiled with satisfaction. “Quite.” She moved aside slowly and returned to her seat. Her hand immediately dove into her desk to grab her utility knife, and she began neurotically scratching the inside of the desk.

 

If Shang Shaotan had been a second later, she might have plunged the blade into his stomach. He was lucky.

 

---

 

That afternoon during PE, the unthinkable happened. Zhao Mengting suddenly lunged and plunged a utility knife into Shang Shaotan’s stomach. She pulled it out immediately, and blood sprayed across the floor.

 

The teacher and students were paralysed with shock. No one knew she had a knife, let alone why she would attack him.

 

Ning Xiao frowned and moved to subdue her. Yun Can’er grabbed her hand, tears in her eyes. “Don’t go! She’s completely lost it, you’ll get hurt!”

 

Ning Xiao patted her shoulder. “I’m strong, I’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

 

She stepped forward. As Zhao Mengting raised the blade again, Ning Xiao seized her wrist and twisted it with force. With a scream, Zhao Mengting’s wrist went limp, and the knife clattered to the floor. Ning Xiao pinned her face-down on the ground and shouted to the teacher, “Call an ambulance! Get him to a hospital!”

 

Throughout the chaos, Ning Xiao remained perfectly calm. Her composure acted like a sedative for the panicked students. The PE teacher called the ambulance and then He Yue, who promised to notify the parents immediately.

 

The teacher walked over. “I’ll take over,” he said, offering to pin Zhao Mengting.

 

“She’s incredibly strong when she’s manic,” Ning Xiao said bluntly. “You won’t be able to hold her.”

 

The PE teacher turned beet-red, embarrassed to be told he couldn’t handle a teenage girl.

 

“Can’er, take everyone back to the classroom for self-study. We don’t need a crowd here,” Ning Xiao instructed.

 

He Yue arrived shortly after, her face ashen. She regretted ever taking Zhao Mengting into her class. Shang Shaotan was curled on the ground, pale and groaning in pain.

 

“Ning Xiao, should I apply pressure to the wound?” He Yue asked, instinctively looking to the student for guidance.

 

“No need,” Ning Xiao replied. He Yue obeyed without even asking why. It was obvious—the bleeding had already slowed significantly; the white tracksuit was stained red, but it looked worse than it was.

 

Shang Shaotan still had enough energy to bicker. “Why ‘no need’? I’m dying here! Will you take responsibility if I bleed out?”

 

Ning Xiao rolled her eyes. “I didn’t stab you. Why is it my responsibility? You can feel if it’s still bleeding or not.”

 

“Can’t someone at least help me sit up?” he complained. Even now, he was worried about looking pathetic when people arrived.

 

“It’s a crime scene,” Ning Xiao said flatly. “Don’t disturb the evidence.”

 

“What crime scene? I’m not dead yet!”

 

“Oh, so you’re full of life then? Maybe I should let her go so you can go another few rounds with her?”

 

“You!” Shang Shaotan nearly coughed up blood from the irritation.

 

 

The ambulance arrived five minutes later. Father Shang arrived ten minutes after that in a police car. The officers handcuffed Zhao Mengting and led her away.

 

Father Shang thanked the police before walking over to Ning Xiao and bowing deeply. “Thank you.”

 

Ning Xiao helped him up. “Uncle, it’s fine. He’s my classmate; it was the right thing to do.”

 

“I heard everything,” he said. “If you hadn’t stepped in, who knows how many more times she would have stabbed him… It’s my fault. I should have expelled her sooner.”

 

“The Zhao family isn’t easy to deal with, after all…” Ning Xiao said pointedly.

 

Father Shang’s eyes sharpened. “Wait… were you the one who sent the other investigators?”

 

Ning Xiao nodded with a smile. “She was a ticking time bomb. The Zhaos weren’t going to let her leave quietly, so I had to find another way. If the family falls, she can’t stay at Bo Ming. Uncle, would you be interested in a partnership?”

 

“Absolutely,” he replied. They shook hands, and he stepped aside to make several urgent calls. With the Shang and Ning families united, the Zhao family collapsed overnight. Without her family’s protection, one can only imagine how Zhao Mengting fared in custody.

 

Shang Shaotan’s wound healed within a week; the small blade had pierced skin but couldn’t get through bone. With Zhao Mengting gone, Class 1 returned to normal. Ning Xiao and Yun Can’er remained close, Shang Shaotan remained annoying, and Yuan Wei remained devoted to Ning Xiao.

 

When Wu Qing and the others heard about Ning Xiao’s heroism, they suspected she had risked her life for Shang Shaotan. They took turns lecturing her to cherish Yun Can’er and not break her heart over him. It took a month of Ning Xiao explaining herself and not speaking to Shang Shaotan for them to finally believe she wasn’t “cheating” on Yun Can’er.

 

Three years of high school passed in the blink of an eye. After her initial meteoric rise, Ning Xiao’s grades intentionally dipped slightly each time, dropping her to rank two by year eleven and into the top ten by graduation.

 

During the first half of year thirteen, Ning Xiao finally saved enough points to buy the “Advanced Beauty Pill” for Yun Can’er. Yun Can’er’s appearance improved steadily, and by the time she took her arts entrance exams, she had become a stunningly elegant young woman.