The Villainous Sister-in-law Mistakenly Marked as the Heroine (Transmigration) - Chapter 20.2
Xu Jiao scrambled off the bed, dropping to her knees on the carpet beside Lin Qile and hugging her legs pleadingly. “Sis, I was wrong, I admit it! Can we change the punishment, please?”
“Hmph.”
“Please?”
“Fine. Then do something for me instead.”
Xu Jiao nodded eagerly. “Just say the word! I’ll go through fire and water for you!”
“Help me investigate Rong Jing’s background things that aren’t publicly available online. The more private, the better.”
Since she didn’t have enough points to check Rong Jing’s background in the system, she’d find another way to learn about her. As a top student, if she couldn’t adapt like this, she didn’t deserve her annual scholarships!
“Got it! I’ll dig into her! But why do you need this? Is there some hidden reason behind your marriage?”
Lin Qile rubbed her chin. “She seems to see right through me, but there’s barely any info about her online. It’s annoying.”
“It’s not just her—you’re practically transparent to everyone.”
Lin Qile: “…”
…
The next day.
Lin Qile arrived at her company.
The moment she stepped out of her car, several reporters swarmed her, snapping photos before even asking a question.
“Miss Lin, is your marriage to Rong Jing meant to get back at Rong Wanning for betraying you, or is it genuine?”
“How did your relationship with Rong Jing start? Were you simultaneously involved with both her and her niece?”
“Miss Lin, online sources claim Rong Wanning was just a pawn in your and Rong Jing’s romantic game. Do you have any response?”
Microphones were shoved in her face as the reporters bombarded her with questions, leaving no room for her to speak.
Security quickly intervened, pushing the reporters back and finally giving her space to breathe.
Straightening her clothes, she faced the cameras. “My marriage to Rong Jing is serious. As for revenge against Rong Wanning, I don’t think she’s worth it.”
“Not worth it? You went to great lengths to please her before. The internet remembers.”
“True, but no one said you have to keep being a fool once you realize someone isn’t worthy of your sincerity.”
“Miss Lin, are you implying Rong Wanning betrayed you?”
She flashed a bright smile at the reporter. “I don’t want to mince words. When the internet overwhelmingly accused me of coming between Rong Wanning and Ji Zhao, this will be my first and last clarification: the night Rong Wanning and I got engaged was the first time either of us had ever met Ji Zhao.”
With that, she turned and walked into her company building.
Whispers followed her as she entered. Steeling herself, she made her way to her workstation.
Throughout the morning, curious glances kept coming her way though far friendlier than the hostile stares during the days she’d been cyberbullied. Most were just curious about her engagement to Rong Jing.
Chen Nan placed a cup of coffee on her desk.
“Thanks, Sister Chen.”
“Xiao Lin, can I ask you something?”
“Go ahead.”
Chen Nan leaned in conspiratorially. “Are you really marrying Rong Jing? The young CEO of Rong Corporation?”
She nodded while sipping her coffee.
Chen Nan froze for several seconds before deflating like a frostbitten eggplant, turning her back abruptly.
…?
What kind of reaction was this?
Curious, she moved closer with her coffee and overheard Chen Nan muttering, “My idol such terrible taste.”
Lin Qile’s face darkened.
“Sister Chen!”
Chen Nan turned back, unable to completely hide the resentment in her eyes. “What?”
“You’re not secretly in love with Rong Jing, are you?”
“Of course not!”
Under Lin Qile’s probing gaze, Chen Nan shrank back slightly. “Actually, I admire Rong Jing. As an omega myself, I know how difficult it is for omegas to advance in the workplace, let alone reach executive positions. But Rong Jing was the national top scorer in the college entrance exams that’s not just about intelligence, but physical endurance and overall capability. She outperformed countless alphas. You have no idea, she’s an idol to many omegas!”
Lin Qile nibbled at her cup. “National top scorer? That’s impressive!”
“Yes! She’s not a public figure, but she has just as many silent admirers as any celebrity. She’s our role model. So naturally, we’ve imagined many times what kind of alpha would deserve her.”
Chen Nan’s voice trailed off as she stole a glance at Lin Qile.
“Disappointed that such an outstanding omega ended up with someone like me?”
Chen Nan forced an awkward smile. “Xiao Lin, after working together this long, you’re not that bad. They say couples complement each other, if one’s strong, it’s fine for the other to be weaker. As long as you and Rong Jing truly love each other, I’ll give you my blessing!”
Lin Qile’s eye twitched. Was that even a compliment?
Suddenly, her phone rang.
An unknown number.
She answered. “Hello?”
“This is Rong Yihua.”
!!!
“Let’s have lunch together.”
“…Okay.”
Before leaving, she tried calling Rong Jing, but got no answer. She sent a text instead: Your mother wants to have lunch with me. Is this about giving me trouble over our marriage? Remember, you’re the one who proposed this marriage, not me. Come deal with your mother!
The private dining room across from her office was their meeting spot.
Seated across from each other in the private room, Lin Qile sat rigidly with clenched fists on her lap, back straight, smile strained.
“There’s no need to be nervous.”
Rong Yihua’s expression was calm. She bore some resemblance to Qi Song in that both had an intimidating presence, but Qi Song’s oppressive aura came from her aloofness and piercing gaze. Rong Yihua was different her entire being exuded a composed and restrained temperament, giving people the kind of oppressive feeling one gets when seeing a teacher they must respect.
“N-no, I’m not nervous.”
The moment she spoke, she wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.
“Rong Jing prefers mild flavors and can’t handle spicy food, but she always tries to control her body, refusing to show any weakness. When ordering, she deliberately chooses spicy dishes.”
What a masochist!
She muttered the complaint silently in her heart.
“Even when the spice becomes unbearable, she never says a word. She’s accustomed to bearing everything alone. As her mother, it breaks my heart, yet I feel helpless.”
Lin Qile fidgeted with her fingers, anxiously hoping Rong Jing would arrive soon. She truly couldn’t fathom why Rong Yihua had summoned her here today.
To recount Rong Jing’s hardships?
“Ah! Dad! Dad, what’s wrong with you?”
“Call an ambulance!”
Sudden cries erupted from outside. At the mention of ‘ambulance,’ Lin Qile dashed out without hesitation.
A middle-aged man lay unconscious on the floor, his lips turning blue, while a little girl wept beside him, calling out “Daddy.”
She quickly stepped forward, “Everyone, step back and keep the area clear.”
Kneeling beside the man, she began assessing his condition, “Patient is unconscious, pupils dilated, no respiration!”
She unfastened the man’s collar and belt buckle, lifting his neck as she alternated between rescue breaths and chest compressions.
When there was still no response, she calmly asked, “Little one, do you know if your father has any medical conditions? Or if he takes any regular medication?”
The girl sobbed uncontrollably.
“Daddy… Daddy’s heart hurts.”
Continuing the emergency procedures, she inquired, “Where does your dad keep his medicine? Can someone check if this gentleman has a bag there must be medication inside!”
A kind bystander helped search.
“Here’s the medicine from his bag.”
Someone handed it over. She examined it carefully and was about to administer it when a voice protested, “He’s unconscious, and the ambulance is almost here. Don’t give him random pills!”
“This is nitroglycerin his prescribed emergency medication. I’m a medical student, and I take full responsibility!”
With that, she parted the man’s lips and placed the pill beneath his tongue.
“The ambulance is here.”
Doctors and nurses rushed in, and Lin Qile stood aside to give them space.
After an examination, the doctor announced, “The first aid was administered promptly. Let’s get him to the ambulance now!”
Watching as the patient was carried away, Lin Qile finally relaxed and smiled.
This entire scene was quietly observed by Rong Yihua.
“Shall we continue our meal?”
Lin Qile turned to find Rong Yihua already heading back into the private room.
Resuming her seat, Lin Qile felt surprisingly less tense than before. Perhaps saving a life had reconnected her, however briefly, to the life she once knew.
Rong Yihua ordered two dishes and passed the menu to her, “Go ahead and order.”
“I’m fine with anything, Auntie. You can choose.”
“I prefer spicy food.”
Her eyes lit up, “Me too!”
Though her mother and Qi Song favored milder flavors, and she could eat anything, she had always been a spice enthusiast.
“What a coincidence.”
As the dishes arrived, they ate and chatted.
Rong Yihua asked, “How much longer until you graduate from medical school?”
She replied obediently, “One more year.”
“That’s good. Rong Jing often neglects her diet for work and has terrible stomach issues. After you’re married, you’ll need to take care of these things for her.”
Lin Qile paused, sensing a shift in Rong Yihua’s attitude had she become more amicable?
“I will, Auntie Rong.”
“When Rong Jing was little, both Bai Jiao and I neglected her for our careers. She lived in the military camp with my alpha father for three years. By the time I brought her home, she’d already grown accustomed to suppressing her omega traits, always striving to be the best at everything.”
So that’s why! No wonder this omega was as strong as a little monster!
“Rong Jing is the most capable omega I’ve ever met many alphas can’t compare to her.”
“You don’t mind that?”
“Why would I mind? I admire how Rong Jing excels at everything.” Recalling Xu Jiao’s complaints, she grinned. “When we were kids, she was that ‘perfect child’ everyone’s parents compared us to. We were all green with envy.”
Rong Yihua smiled. “I’m glad you don’t mind. That child isn’t very gentle, please be patient with her.”
“I—”
Bang!
The door suddenly swung open. Rong Jing stood there with slightly flushed cheeks, breathing heavily. After shooting Lin Qile a glance, she turned to her mother. “Mother, why are you here?”
Rong Yihua countered, “What’s wrong with having lunch with Qile?”
“I…”
Wiping her mouth, Rong Yihua rose slowly. “I’m done eating. I have a meeting this afternoon, but I’ll clear my schedule tomorrow to discuss your wedding date with Qi Song and Lin Xinrou.” She then looked at Lin Qile. “I’ll be going now.”
Lin Qile stood up. “Auntie, take care.”
After Rong Yihua left, Rong Jing marched up to Lin Qile and demanded, “What did you tell my mother?”
“Nothing much?”
Rong Jing stared at her, clearly wanting to say more but holding back.
Yesterday, when she’d insisted to her mother about marrying Lin Qile, her mother hadn’t objected but clearly disapproved. Why would she suddenly offer to discuss the wedding date tomorrow?
“What exactly happened?”
Rong Jing pressed, “What did you two talk about?”
“Your mother said you grew up in a military camp, so you’re fiercely competitive and not gentle at all. She asked me to be more understanding!”
“I don’t believe that!”
Lin Qile shrugged and sat back down to continue eating. “If you don’t believe me, why ask?”
“Lin Qile!”
“Your mother also told me to take good care of you. Now, I need to finish eating and get back to the office. I’m starving, I couldn’t eat properly with your mother here.”
Rong Jing glanced at the dishes on the table, swallowed hard, and sat down, picking up her chopsticks.
Lin Qile frowned. “What are you doing?”
“Eating. I haven’t had lunch either. I came straight here after seeing your message during my meeting.”
As Rong Jing reached for a spicy dish, Lin Qile remembered Rong Yihua’s words and blocked her chopsticks. “Don’t eat that!”
“Lin Qile, what did you just say?!”
“Waiter!”
A waiter hurried in. “How may I assist you?”
“Bring two more signature dishes mild ones, please.”
“Right away.”
After the waiter left, Lin Qile resumed eating.
Beside her, Rong Jing’s expression was complicated, her grip on the chopsticks tightening. “Why did you order more?”
Lin Qile swallowed a bite before answering, “If you can’t handle spicy food, don’t force yourself. You’ll only suffer later!”
“You… This is just a fake marriage. Don’t get too into your role!”
Rong Jing huffed in warning.
“Relax, I don’t have a masochistic streak!”
That remark didn’t sit well with Rong Jing. Her face darkened. “When have I ever mistreated you?!”
Lin Qile silently complained: You’re tormenting me every single moment!
But on the surface, she forced out a smile, “No no, Miss Rong, how could you possibly mistreat me? Your kindness makes me feel like I’m bathed in spring breeze.”
“Hmph, glib tongue!”
After dinner, they went their separate ways.
Rong Jing got into her car and casually took out her phone, only to see breaking news: [“Lin Family Heiress Isn’t Useless – She’s An Angel!”]
Accompanying the headline was a video clip showing Lin Qile’s rescue at the private restaurant.
Her eyes remained fixed on the footage.
The Lin Qile in the video was composed and calm, performing first aid methodically with precise, efficient movements. She seemed like a completely different person, radiating an irresistible brilliance.
Lin Qile thought to herself: I’ve been exposed.