The Villainess’s Darling [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 35

In March, Yun Can’er received her transcripts from three prestigious institutions: the Beijing Film Academy, the Central Academy of Communication, and the Ocean Media University. She had achieved the top score at all three. Ning Xiao offered to throw a celebration for her, but Can’er declined.

She told Ning Xiao they should wait until the official admission notices arrived before celebrating properly.

Meanwhile, Yao Xiangying, knowing that Yun Can’er was receiving financial support from Ning Xiao, frequently sent Yun Baiwei and Yun Yan to Class 1 to “cry poverty.” Ning Xiao didn’t hold back at all, bluntly insulting them and driving them away.

Yun Baiwei and Yun Yan ultimately cared about their dignity. They couldn’t stand the judgmental whispers from the students of Class 1. Regardless of how much Yao Xiangying pressured them afterward, they never stepped foot in Class 1 to find Yun Can’er again.

Once the National College Entrance Exam (Gaokao) ended, there was a waiting period before the results were released. Ning Xiao took Yun Can’er on an overseas trip, returning only when the scores were about to be announced. Upon their return, Ning Xiao had Can’er stay at the Ning residence, giving the Yun family zero opportunity to contact her.

Yao Xiangying didn’t truly grasp the extent of the Ning family’s wealth until Yun Yi looked it up specifically to show her. Seeing the string of zeros on the computer screen, Yao Xiangying nearly fainted.

“Bi—bi—billions?” her voice screeched, the pitch so high it made Yun Yi’s ears ring.

Yun Yi frowned. “Stop acting like you’ve never seen the world. It’s Can’er’s good fortune to be on such good terms with Ning Xiao. As long as they maintain their friendship, the benefits Can’er receives will be endless.”

Yao Xiangying stood up with trembling hands and paced around the room, her heart gradually settling from the initial shock into a simmering resentment.

Clutching her chest, she spat, “Can’er, Can’er! That brat is getting all the benefits, but what does that have to do with us?! Has she given you a single cent? They say you raise children to support you in old age, but we’ve raised a white-eyed wolf. She stays away from home all day, enjoying her life of luxury while ignoring her own family.”

Getting more worked up, she continued, “Do you remember? I just asked Baiwei and Yun Yan to go ask her for a little money. And what happened? Baiwei and Yun Yan were publicly humiliated because of her. Now that she has a powerful backer, she doesn’t give a damn about this family anymore!”

At the time, Yun Baiwei and Yun Yan hadn’t dared to admit that it was Ning Xiao who had scolded them; they had shifted the blame entirely onto Yun Can’er. Yao Xiangying already disliked Yun Can’er—even though the girl had grown increasingly beautiful, it was a type of beauty completely different from the rest of the Yuns, and it did nothing for her mother.

Ever since hearing that story from her daughters, Yao Xiangying had held a grudge. Whenever she felt slighted, she would bring the incident up to berate Can’er’s character.

Yao Xiangying wasn’t tired of saying it, but Yun Yi was certainly tired of hearing it.

“Enough! You bring this up every single time,” Yun Yi snapped. “What’s the point of telling me? Can’er isn’t here to hear it!” Having said his piece, he retreated to the bedroom and shut the door, wanting no more of her nagging.

However, Yun Yi’s words gave Yao Xiangying an idea. She followed him, pushing the door open to squeeze inside.

“Old Yun, what did you just say? That Can’er can’t hear me? Exactly! Can’er can’t hear us!” Yao Xiangying clapped her hands, a gleam in her eye as if she were staring at a pile of gold.

Yun Yi leaned against the headboard and glanced at her. “You’re happy she can’t hear you? So you’re just going to poison my ears instead?”

Yao Xiangying ignored the jab. She sat down beside him, her tone shifting to a conspiratorial whisper. “Listen to me first! You and I both know our family’s finances are average. We’re raising three kids. Baiwei and Yun Yan’s grades are poor; the universities they’re attending in the capital have high tuition, high dorm fees, and the daily expenses are astronomical. Those two alone need five thousand yuan a month!”

She continued, “Things aren’t like they used to be. Can’er hasn’t participated in any competitions for a long time. No competitions means no prize money. How are we supposed to improve our lives? On your salary of seven or eight thousand a month?”

Yun Yi, seeing she still hadn’t reached the point, said impatiently, “What exactly are you trying to say? Get to it.”

Yao Xiangying patted his shoulder. “Don’t rush, I’m getting there. I have a plan. I want to see if you think it’s feasible.”

“Mhm.”

“How about we go make a scene at the Ning residence?”

Yun Yi was startled, yet his mind immediately began calculating the possibilities. “Make a scene? The Nings are a massive family. They have security at every entrance. How could we even get close?”

Yao Xiangying had already thought it through. “Can’er has hardly been home since the tenth grade. The only time she came back recently was to get her documents for that trip. She’s still a minor! As her guardians, we have a responsibility to look after her. The Nings might call it ‘staying over,’ but it’s more like kidnapping! They’re preventing us from seeing our underage daughter! We’ll go there and demand to see her. If they won’t let us in, we’ll call the police. If we do get in, I’m going to demand twenty or thirty million from them”

Her eyes shone with greed, as if the money were already in her hands.

Yun Yi was genuinely shocked this time. “You dare ask for twenty or thirty million?”

They had never even seen two or three million, yet she was aiming for thirty. It was beyond his wildest expectations. He shook his head, clicking his tongue. Truly, a woman’s heart is the most ruthless; she’d use her own child without a second thought.

Yao Xiangying glared at him. “The Nings have billions! Twenty or thirty million is just a drop in the bucket for them. If they give me the money, I’ll consider Can’er ‘gifted’ to their family. Is the daughter I raised for so many years not worth that much?”

Yun Yi felt the plan was risky, but he didn’t try to talk her out of it.

What if it worked?

It was a staggering amount of wealth. As long as there was a one percent chance of success, it was worth a shot.

The day Ning Xiao and Yun Can’er returned to the country happened to be the day the Gaokao results were released. Ning Xiao’s parents had taken two days off work specifically to wait for the scores.

Mother Ning looked visibly nervous. She tried to strike up a conversation to keep the girls from getting too anxious. “So, how was the trip? Did you have fun?”

Yun Can’er nodded. “Very happy.”

Ning Xiao added, “With me around, even a bad mood turns into a good one.”

Mother Ning laughed. “You… I don’t know where you learned to be so cheeky. You’re getting more talkative and less serious by the day.”

Ning Xiao blinked innocently. “How am I not serious?” She turned to Can’er. “Can’er, am I not serious?”

Can’er looked at Mother Ning, who said, “Don’t be afraid of her. Tell the truth. I’ve got your back.”

Ning Xiao reclined on the sofa, her posture lazy and elegant. Her long lashes cast shadows over her eyes. “Exactly, Can’er, don’t be afraid of me. I’m not a big scary tiger; I won’t eat you.”

Yun Can’er’s appearance had changed significantly over the years, but because the change had been gradual, none of her classmates suspected plastic surgery. Her small, exquisite face featured bright, obsidian-like eyes, and her petite frame had developed the curves of a young woman.

She smiled and said, “Auntie, Ning Xiao is wonderful to me. She took care of everything while we were abroad.”

Mother Ning was pleased but pretended to be disappointed. “Aya! I forgot you two are a team. I shouldn’t have even asked.”

The lighthearted atmosphere was interrupted by the ringing of the telephone. Father Ning, sitting closest to the landline, picked up the receiver.

“Hello?”

The three women went silent, watching him intently.

Father Ning nodded several times. “Mhm, I see… Haha, she’s a good kid, she doesn’t need much supervision. Yes, I’ll treat you to dinner sometime. Alright, goodbye.”

“Who was it?” Mother Ning asked expectantly.

Few people had their home number. A call at this hour almost certainly meant the results were in. Yun Can’er sat up straight, her eyes fixed on Father Ning. Only Ning Xiao remained relaxed. She didn’t care much about her specific score as long as she stayed in the capital.

Father Ning didn’t keep them in suspense. He beamed. “It was a call from Fang Lei.”

Mother Ning rushed to ask, “What are their scores? Is Can’er the top scorer for Science?”

Yun Can’er’s hands subconsciously balled into fists.

Father Ning nodded, his eyes crinkling with joy. “Can’er scored 715. She is the provincial Science Zhuangyuan (top scorer)! And Xiao Xiao scored 696, she is the provincial Liberal Arts Zhuangyuan!”

“Two Zhuangyuans in one house! My God!” Mother Ning clutched her chest, feeling as though she might faint from sheer happiness.

Three years ago, she never would have dreamed Ning Xiao could achieve this. In her mind, Ning Xiao’s academic turnaround was entirely due to Yun Can’er. Without Can’er’s friendship, how could Ning Xiao have changed so much?

“Can’er, thank you.” Mother Ning hugged Yun Can’er tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face.

Can’er was stunned for a moment before hugging her back, her own eyes welling up. She wasn’t one for crying, but the emotion of the moment was overwhelming. Ning Xiao gently patted the top of her head in silent comfort.

Can’er sniffled and blinked back her tears. “Auntie, I should be the one thanking you. If it weren’t for your family, my three years of high school wouldn’t have been this happy.”

Father Ning interrupted their emotional moment. “I’m not finished yet! Can you wait a bit before crying?”

Mother Ning: “…” The atmosphere was ruined; she couldn’t cry now if she tried. “What else?”

Father Ning explained, “Since we have two provincial top scorers, the provincial newspaper wants to come to the house for an interview. I’ve already agreed.”

Mother Ning nodded. “Can’er wants to be an actress, so getting some media exposure early is good.”

Ning Xiao asked, “When are they coming?”

“Tomorrow.”

Mother Ning stood up, suddenly flustered. “Why tomorrow? That’s too soon! The house hasn’t even been properly staged!”

Father Ning laughed and pulled her back down. “The house is cleaned every day; there’s no need for a special overhaul. Don’t worry. The reporters are coming tomorrow afternoon. Tomorrow morning, you can find a couple of stylists to give Can’er and Xiao Xiao a beautiful look. Let’s aim to stun everyone.”

Ning Xiao chuckled. “Dad, look at the news. Have you ever seen a Gaokao top scorer get an interview with a full professional makeover?”

“You don’t have to,” Father Ning insisted, “but Can’er definitely should. She’s going to be a big star. Any time she shows her face, she has to look beautiful.”

Ning Xiao disagreed. She turned to Can’er. “Can’er, do you want a full styling session?”

Can’er shook her head immediately. “Uncle, I don’t need it. It might be too much. People might think I’m just trying to show off.”

The Ning family had businesses in the entertainment industry, but Father Ning didn’t manage them personally. His understanding of the industry was superficial. He asked Ning Xiao hesitantly, “Would people really say that?”

Ning Xiao nodded. “Definitely. She’s a student right now, not a celebrity. A clean, fresh look is best. Putting on heavy makeup and styling would just attract ‘haters’ for her.”

Father Ning regretfully dropped the idea.

The next day, Father and Mother Ning got up early to head to a pre-booked studio for their own styling. If the students couldn’t do it, they—as the parents at least had to look polished for the cameras.

By late morning, only Ning Xiao and Yun Can’er were at home. Ning Xiao was researching old news reports, trying to anticipate what the reporters might ask. Standard questions were fine, but she was worried about “trap” questions, like why a student with such high scores would “waste” her brain at a film academy.

Ultimately, Can’er had decided on the Beijing Film Academy. A provincial top scorer choosing an arts college was unprecedented. In many people’s eyes, acting was still seen as a superficial or even “gritty” profession beneath a top scholar.

Ning Xiao shared these concerns with Can’er. “Think about how to answer so we don’t give them anything to twist.”

Can’er nodded, but her mind wasn’t really on the interview.

“Ning Xiao, have you decided which university you’re applying to?” Can’er asked nervously. Her long, thick lashes fluttered, and her dark eyes were strikingly beautiful.

“Probably either Jingda (Peking University) or Huada (Tsinghua University),” Ning Xiao replied. “I wanted to find a school closer to you, but with these scores, it would be weird if I didn’t pick one of those two. I checked, there’s a direct bus from both to the Film Academy, so visiting you will be easy. Once I buy a car, it’ll be even faster.”

Can’er shyly interlaced her fingers. “I can go visit you too,” she whispered.

For some reason, Ning Xiao’s throat felt dry. She looked away from Can’er’s exquisite features and cleared her throat. “It’s a long trip. Don’t get lost; I’ll come to you.”

The atmosphere between them turned slightly heavy with unspoken tension. Can’er was lost in her own shyness and didn’t notice Ning Xiao’s inner turmoil. If she had, she might have pushed further. But there was no rush; in five months, she would be eighteen.

Mother and Father Ning didn’t make it back for lunch. They called to tell the girls to eat without them. Finally, after 1 PM, they returned.

The couple walked into the living room arm-in-arm. Father Ning wore a perfectly tailored suit, the charcoal grey making him look particularly refined. Mother Ning wore a high-collared, sleeveless qipao in a misty blue that accentuated her figure, paired with a set of elegant pearls.

They looked like they were walking a red carpet. They stopped in front of the girls and did a little turn. “How do we look?”

Can’er cheered. “Wonderful! You’ll definitely be the stars of the show.”

Ning Xiao muttered, “Isn’t this a bit much?”

Mother Ning asked Can’er, “Is it too much?”

“Not at all,” Can’er replied. “It’s just right.”

Mother Ning pinched Can’er’s cheek. “Our Can’er is so sweet. Xiao Xiao only knows how to pour cold water on us. We spent six hours at the studio for this!”

Ning Xiao surrendered. “And you said Can’er and I were a team. I think you two are the real duo here.”

Uncle Ling brought out fruit and hot tea, showering the parents with praise until they were practically glowing with pride.

At 2:15 PM, fifteen minutes early, the reporters arrived. Along with the journalist and the cameraman, the Admissions Directors from both Jingda and Huada arrived as well—both looking scholarly in their glasses.

Upon entering the villa, the two directors immediately shook hands with the Nings. “We happened to run into the reporter, Xiao Li, and decided to come along to see the provincial top scorers. We apologize for the lack of notice.”

Father Ning waved it off grandly. Inside, he was bursting with pride. The top universities that everyone struggles to get into are now chasing my daughter!

“The kids are over there,” Father Ning said. “We respect their choices. As long as they’re happy, we support whatever school they choose!”

While the reporter began interviewing the parents, the two Admissions Directors, Director Wu from Jingda and Director Qian from Huada, approached the girls.

Director Wu looked at Can’er regretfully. “With your scores, you could pick any major at Jingda. We would put all our resources into your education. Going to the Film Academy… it feels like a waste of your talent.”

Director Qian from Huada agreed.

Can’er replied, “I don’t think it’s a waste to pursue a career I love. I’ve already made up my mind about the Film Academy. You should talk to Ning Xiao; she hasn’t decided yet.”

The two directors immediately swarmed Ning Xiao.

“I’m not sure which major you’re interested in,” Director Wu said warmly, “but Jingda has many programs ranked first in the country.”

“Huada has many excellent programs too,” Director Qian added, always a step behind.

Ning Xiao replied, “Looking at my home, you can tell my family is wealthy. I’m an only child, so I’ll eventually inherit the family business. I’m interested in Management or Finance.”

Both directors launched into their pitches. They were experts at recruitment and spoke eloquently, though what they said matched what Ning Xiao had already found online. Director Wu considered offering a scholarship to lure her in, but after glancing around the living room, where a single painting likely cost as much as a house—he realized money wouldn’t be much of an incentive.

Faced with their expectant gazes, Ning Xiao still couldn’t choose. She turned to Can’er. “Can’er, which do you think is better? Jingda or Huada?”

Can’er opened her mouth to speak, but when she saw the two pairs of eyes staring at her intensely, she froze.

“Why don’t we draw lots?” Can’er suggested. “If you can’t decide, let fate choose.”

Ning Xiao’s eyes lit up. “Great idea! Why didn’t I think of that?”

Director Wu:

Director Qian:

There was nothing they could do but wait for the “decree of fate.”

Can’er went to the side to make the slips of paper. She wrote “Jingda” on one and “Huada” on the other, folding them identically. She held them out to Ning Xiao. “Pick one.”

As Ning Xiao reached out to pick a slip, the hearts of both directors skipped a beat.

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