The Villainous Sister-in-law Mistakenly Marked as the Heroine (Transmigration) - Chapter 24

The car hit the road.

Lin Qile couldn’t help but ask, “What did Rong Wanning want with you again?”

“She said you drugged me.”

“I absolutely did not!”

She blurted out the denial without hesitation.

Rong Jing took out her phone and replied coolly, “I know. You wouldn’t dare.”

Lin Qile gave a bitter smile. Was that supposed to be a compliment?

Just then, both their phones rang simultaneously. Rong Jing answered first. “Hello?”

It was He Yan calling.

“My mother just told me your mom called to book our hotel for your wedding. So when you announced at your niece’s wedding that you were marrying Lin Qile that wasn’t a joke?”

“No.”

There was silence on the other end for several seconds before He Yan suddenly exploded, “Have you lost your mind?! Why would you marry a scumbag like Lin Qile?!”

“I—” “Aaaah!”

Rong Jing turned at the piercing scream to see Lin Qile wincing and pulling her phone away from her ear. She mouthed, “My friend,” before putting it back. “Xu Jiao, shut up! You’re deafening me!”

Both of them were enduring their friends’ noisy interrogations.

“Getting married at the end of the month?! Don’t tell me you’re doing this because of a baby?”

Lin Qile wanted to cover the phone’s microphone, but it was too late, Rong Jing had clearly heard.

“Rong Jing?” He Yan, hearing the commotion, called out uncertainly.

Rong Jing replied calmly, “The wedding’s set for the end of the month. Organize a gathering tonight. I’ll bring her so you can ask whatever you want then.”

“Fine.”

Hanging up, Rong Jing turned to Lin Qile. “Tonight. You can bring your friend along.”

“Can I skip it?”

Rong Jing arched an eyebrow, and Lin Qile quickly corrected herself, “I’ll be there on time!”

“Good girl.”

Good girl, my ass!

…

That night.

Lin Qile and Xu Jiao got out of the car together and headed toward the hotel across the street. Xu Jiao was practically bouncing with excitement. “Are we really about to step into Rong Jing’s inner circle?”

“I guess so.”

Xu Jiao shot her a look. “Stop acting all mysterious. The fact that you bagged the unattainable Rong Jing has already spread like wildfire. Everyone’s calling you a legend now, dying to know how you pulled it off.”

Lin Qile forced a weak smile. “More like she bagged me.”

“Pfft, as if. What could Rong Jing possibly see in you? Sure, you’re an alpha, but this is Rong Jing we’re talking about. She could have any alpha she wants with a snap of her fingers. And yet, in the end…”

Xu Jiao gave her friend a once-over.

Lin Qile felt the sting and huffed, “What’s wrong with me? How am I not good enough for her?”

“Well, your family backgrounds are at least somewhat matched. Everything else? Just… average.”

“Xu Jiao, whose side are you on?”

Xu Jiao quickly threw an arm around her, laughing. “Relax! The fact that you landed Rong Jing already puts you above ninety-nine percent of alphas. Come on.”

The moment they stepped into the bar, Lin Qile immediately sensed hostility along with the oppressive weight of alpha pheromones. Her body stiffened the second she crossed the threshold.

“What’s wrong?”

Xu Jiao, a beta, was oblivious to the pheromones and the deliberate aggression radiating from the unfamiliar alphas in the room.

“I don’t feel well.”

Lin Qile quickly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Alpha pheromones naturally repelled each other. Under normal circumstances, everyone kept their pheromones well-contained. Releasing them usually served only two purposes: first, to attract a desired omega, and second, to intimidate other alphas.

What she was sensing now was clearly intimidation and hostility.

But ever since she arrived in this novel world, aside from Ji Zhao once releasing pheromones to intimidate her, she hadn’t encountered any other alphas behaving this way.

“Oh look, Rong Jing’s alpha is here!”

A spotlight suddenly shone on her, forcing her to shield her eyes from the glare.

“What the hell are you doing?!” Xu Jiao cursed outright.

The music in the bar stopped. In the dim lighting, Lin Qile could make out the crowd of partygoers surrounding her.

Xu Jiao leaned in and whispered, “They’re giving you a warning shot across the bow.”

Lin Qile spoke up, “Could you move that spotlight first? It’s hurting my eyes.”

He Yan, leaning against the second-floor railing, flicked her wrist, and the spotlight immediately shifted away.

Finally able to see clearly, Lin Qile noticed about a dozen people in the bar alphas, omegas, and betas judging by their scents. The high-ponytailed woman on the second floor was clearly their leader.

“Hello everyone, I’m Lin Qile. Has Rong Jing arrived yet?”

He Yan slowly descended the stairs. “Not yet. She’ll be here later. She asked us to entertain you first. I’m He Yan, Rong Jing’s good friend. Everyone here is Rong Jing’s friend.”

Standing before Lin Qile, He Yan looked her up and down with a mix of disdain and amusement.

No wonder Rong Jing had been so evasive when questioned repeatedly. If her alpha was Lin Qile, she’d be embarrassed to admit it too.

Rong Jing was a few years younger than them and not part of their circle, but her reputation was well-known among them. The spoiled, willful alpha heiress brainless and lacking in character had long been a laughingstock in their social circle. Now, this very joke had somehow become the other half of their untouchable ice queen.

The feeling was akin to discovering that the prized cabbage they’d carefully nurtured had been trampled by a pig.

The more He Yan looked at Lin Qile, the more displeased she became.

“So you’re the alpha who’s been messing with Rong Jing’s pheromones lately.”

Lin Qile nodded.

“We heard you’re marrying Rong Jing at the end of the month. But marrying our Rong Jing isn’t that simple. You’ll have to pass our tests before we accept you as her rightful alpha.”

Lin Qile’s eye twitched. Tests? “What kind of tests?”

“This is a bar drinking, of course!”

With a wave of He Yan’s hand, people immediately began setting up the drinking challenge.

An array of colorful cocktails, hard liquor, and even mixed drinks appeared before her.

Lin Qile stared at the hundreds of glasses laid out, feeling a throbbing pain in her temples. She was only a casual drinker at best. Were they trying to marinate her in alcohol?

Help me, System!

[Host, He Yan is Rong Jing’s closest friend. Gaining her approval would greatly benefit your married life.]

It’s just a fake marriage! Why should I care about married life?!

[I can’t help you here.]

When will you stop being so useless?! Stand down, I’ll figure this out myself.

She swallowed hard and forced a smile as she looked at He Yan. “Miss He, I’m actually not much of a drinker.”

Before He Yan could respond, a woman in a tank top stood up. She immediately felt an overwhelmingly hostile alpha pheromone directed at her.

The woman had dreadlocks, was chewing gum, and stood nearly six feet tall with strikingly long legs.

Walking over to the liquor table, the woman sneered at her, “What’s wrong, coward? Scared?”

“I’m not scared!”

She stepped forward to face the woman directly.

The hostility in the woman’s eyes was palpable. “If you can’t outdrink me, you don’t deserve Rong Jing, you loser!”

Tsk.

Was this woman secretly in love with Rong Jing?

That had to be the explanation.

But to have a crush on Rong Jing that omega whose explosive power surpassed even most alphas was this woman some kind of masochist?

“Do I have to drink?”

Looking at the colorful array of alcoholic drinks on the table, she really didn’t want to down all this random liquor for Rong Jing. As a top-notch medical intern, her professional ethics simply wouldn’t allow her to engage in drinking contests!

Especially not for some big-shot villain she was desperate to escape!

“If you don’t drink, we won’t acknowledge you as Rong Jing’s alpha,” He Yan explained from the side. “And we won’t attend Rong Jing’s wedding.”

“Fine, I’ll drink.”

After hesitating for three seconds, she picked up a glass, closed her eyes, and forced it down. Surprisingly, it wasn’t that bad?!

It was a bit sweet, with a hint of mango flavor.

Glancing across the table, she saw the other woman had already downed three glasses and was speeding up, fourth glass, fifth glass…

Xu Jiao urged anxiously from the side, “Drink! What are you spacing out for? Don’t let them look down on you hurry up!”

She quickly grabbed the second glass, then the third…

…

Rong Jing was late due to traffic.

The moment she stepped into the bar, she saw Lin Qile standing on a platform, clutching a decorative liquor bottle half her height and acting wild. “I can still drink! Come on, let’s see who chickens out first! Xu Jiao, get me a bottle opener, I’m opening this one!”

“That’s a display bottle, not actual liquor! Get down from there, you’re embarrassing yourself!”

Xu Jiao yanked the unruly woman off the platform. Just as she was about to help her up, a cool voice came from behind: “Excuse me.”

Turning around, she saw a woman in a red dress and high heels, her wavy hair half-pinned up with an elegant hairpin, a blend of sensuality and refined beauty.

She immediately let go of her friend and stepped aside.

Lin Qile, still crouched on the ground hugging the bottle, slowly looked up and broke into a drunken grin. “Rong Jing.”

“You still recognize me, huh.”

Rong Jing gave her a glance before turning to her friend He Yan. “What’s going on here?”

“Just playing a little game with your alpha.”

“Hmph!” Lin Qile suddenly snorted, then grabbed Rong Jing’s hand to steady herself as she stood up, burying her face in Rong Jing’s shoulder. “They bullied me. They think I’m not good enough for you.”

He Yan was speechless: Was this woman actually tattling?!

What kind of alpha does that? How pathetic!

Rong Jing shot her friend a look before turning to the alpha who had been drinking against Lin Qile. “You were drinking with her?”

“Rong Jing, why would you choose her as your alpha? She’s completely unworthy of you!”

Rong Jing replied coldly, “That’s none of your business.”

“Exactly, it’s none of your business!” Lin Qile suddenly raised her head, glaring fiercely at the female alpha. “I am Rong Jing’s alpha, we’re getting married, just to spite you!”

With that, she abruptly pulled Rong Jing into a kiss.

Right in front of everyone!

Xu Jiao gasped, quickly pulling out her phone to sneak a photo.

Damn, her best friend was going all out!

He Yan wore a complicated expression, half wanting to intervene, half happy for her friend.

As for Rong Jing, she froze completely.

This was the first time Lin Qile had taken the initiative, let alone kissed her in front of so many people.

The two kissed as if no one else existed. Lin Qile’s pheromones surged with excitement, stirring Rong Jing’s own into restless agitation. In an instant, everyone in the bar except the betas could sense the shift.

“Ahem! Rong Jing!”

He Yan called out as a warning. She was glad her friend wouldn’t have to live like an ascetic anymore, but they shouldn’t start an R-rated scene in public.

Rong Jing shoved Lin Qile away, hissing, “Get a hold of yourself!”

Lin Qile frowned, lips parting as she panted heavily. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to the female alpha, arms tightening possessively around Rong Jing’s waist that single glance was a blatant claim of ownership.

“We’re leaving!”

Rong Jing dragged Lin Qile out of the bar.

The moment she shoved her into the car and got in herself, the overwhelming alpha pheromones inside nearly made her lose control. Her hands trembled on the wheel. “Lin Qile, rein in your pheromones.”

“I… can’t help it!”

Lin Qile suddenly grabbed the back of her neck, pulling her into another deep kiss.

“Mmph, stop!”

Lost in the kiss, Lin Qile only wanted more. It took all of Rong Jing’s effort to restrain her long enough to drive them back to the apartment.

The second they stepped into the elevator, Lin Qile was on her again, hands slipping under her clothes, lips sucking at her neck. “Ah can’t you hold back for one second?! Lin Qile, let go!”

“No… you’re so sweet…”

“We’re in an elevator, don’t—mmph—”

By the time they stumbled out, they were still kissing, stumbling toward the door. Rong Jing had completely surrendered to the onslaught. She knew how terrifying an alpha in rut could be but she’d never imagined it would be this intense.

The moment the door closed behind them, Lin Qile pinned her against the wall and tore her clothes off.

For two whole days.

Lin Qile’s rut lasted forty-eight hours. Rong Jing went from cooperating, to begging, to trying to escape none of it worked.

On the third morning, dawn’s faint light seeped through the curtains, scattering across the bed.

Lin Qile slowly opened her eyes only to find a face inches from hers, scrunched up like an angry little dumpling.

She froze for three seconds.

Then yanked her arm back and scrambled to the far edge of the bed.

Holy shit.

Alphas in rut were absolute animals?!

The car!

The living room, the couch, the shower,

Ahhh!

How could she have been such a beast?!

Rong Jing, dark circles under her eyes, didn’t even stir clearly exhausted. Her lashes were still damp, evidence of tears.

Fragmented memories flashed through Lin Qile’s mind.

The more she recalled, the paler her face became. She practically fled in panic.

If Rong Jing woke up now, she’d skin her alive!

She threw on her clothes in record time and bolted from the apartment.

She didn’t stop until she was out of the neighborhood.

The aroma of breakfast wafted through the air, and her stomach growled loudly as she followed the scent to a breakfast shop. She ordered enough for two people and began devouring the food ravenously.

Only after the meal settled in her stomach did she feel truly alive again.

But then it occurred to her she had eaten, but what about Rong Jing?

Inner demon: She’s the main antagonist, even more formidable than an alpha. Why bother about her?

Inner angel: She’s been at your mercy for two days! Now that your rut is over, you’re just going to abandon her? What a heartless jerk!

“I’m not heartless!”

After much hesitation, she bought another breakfast and headed back to the residential area.

Standing outside Rong Jing’s door again.

“I’ll just leave the breakfast here and go. I’ve done more than enough. She treated me like a blow-up doll for so long, and this is just once. Yeah, that’s right!”

She carefully opened the door.

And immediately froze.

At the bedroom doorway stood Rong Jing, wearing a spaghetti strap dress with one broken strap, her body covered in bruises of passion. She looked like a pitiful girl who had just been violated.

Guilt flooded her mind instantly.

She stepped inside, closed the door, and carried the breakfast to the living room. “Have some breakfast first, then I’ll take you to the hospital.”

“I thought you left.”

The tone was icy, but if Lin Qile had looked closely, she would have noticed the faint traces of grievance and helplessness mixed with Rong Jing’s exhaustion.

“I didn’t leave. I… I went to buy you breakfast.”

She ingratiatingly lifted the breakfast bag, set it down, then hurried over to support Rong Jing at the bedroom door. “Thank you… for staying with me through my rut these past two days.”

“I’m hungry.”

“Let’s eat then.”

She helped Rong Jing to the sofa.

The moment Rong Jing sat down, her expression twisted in discomfort. Lin Qile quickly steadied her. “Did I hurt you? I’m sorry, I really couldn’t control myself. You have heats too, you understand, right?”

“Feed me.”

“Right away.”

She took out the breakfast and carefully fed Rong Jing.

After breakfast, she wanted to take Rong Jing to the hospital, but Rong Jing refused, instead calling He Yan.

He Yan arrived quickly.

Taking one look at Rong Jing’s condition on the bed, she turned and glared viciously at Lin Qile. “Are you even human? She’s an omega, couldn’t you have been gentler?!”

This time it really was her fault. She bowed her head in apology. “I’m sorry.”

“Enough, He Yan. Have her go buy the medicine.”

“Hmph.”

He Yan scribbled down three medications and handed the list to her. “Go to the pharmacy and get these.”

“Okay, I’ll go right now.”

The moment Lin Qile left, He Yan peeked to make sure she was really gone before returning to the bedside. “She still doesn’t know you’re pregnant, does she?”

“No.”

He Yan was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, she said, “Why haven’t you told her? This is too reckless. You’re pregnant, how could you let her go wild like this?!”

Rong Jing replied sullenly, “What could I do? She was in rut.”

“Inhibitors!”

“Oh… it was too urgent at the time. I didn’t think of it.”

He Yan sat on the edge of the bed, studying her friend with a probing gaze. “You’re always meticulous. How could you not think of it?”

Rong Jing’s eyes flickered as she changed the subject. “Is the baby okay?”

“Fortunately, there’s no threat of miscarriage. But you’re injured, so stay in bed for the next few days.”

“Mm.”

“Aren’t you going to tell her? Pregnancy is such a big deal, and you’re not just any omega. Given your previous hormonal coldness, the chances of conception were supposed to be low. You need to take extra care, especially since you’re about to marry her. She should take responsibility as a mother.”

“I don’t need her to take responsibility.”

“Why?”

Rong Jing’s lips moved slightly, but she didn’t know how to explain it to her friend.

Lin Qile didn’t like her at all. Whether it was sleeping together or getting married, it was all agreed upon under her threats. The whole world thought Lin Qile was desperate to marry her.

Only she knew that Lin Qile couldn’t wait to avoid her.

But she didn’t care. She just needed to enter the Lin family. Only by entering the Lin family could she begin her revenge!

Lin Qile returned soon after.

He Yan still didn’t have much goodwill toward her. After explaining how to take care of Rong Jing, she left.

“Rest well. If you need anything, just call me.”

Lin Qile placed hot water and snacks on the bedside table.

Rong Jing glanced at her. “Don’t you need to go home?”

“I already told my mom. She said I should stay here to take care of you. Also, she said we should pick out rings.”

“Rings?”

“Yeah, but since it’s a fake marriage, we don’t need to take it too seriously. I can just order a pair of rings online for 9.90 with free shipping.”

Rong Jing’s face darkened. “9.90 for a pair?”

Lin Qile nodded cheerfully. “Yep.”

She was studying medicine, which would take eight years. During that time, one of her high school friends got married. At the wedding, the couple used a pair of diamond rings that cost 9.90 with free shipping, saying it was to avoid losing the real ones in the chaos of the ceremony.

“Don’t worry, the fake ones these days are really well-made. For 9.90, you get big diamond rings. Only experts can tell they’re fake.”

“I don’t wear fakes!”

Lin Qile muttered under her breath, “It’s all fake anyway.”

“Lin Qile!”

“Fine, fine, whatever you say.”

If she couldn’t win, she could at least avoid the argument.

“Rest well. I’ll be outside if you need anything.”

With that, she slipped out of the bedroom.

…

The next day, they both went back to work.

The wedding preparations didn’t require their input at all. Lin Xinrou and Bai Jiao took full charge.

Even the rings the two mothers selected ten pairs and sent them for the couple to choose from. The staff first went to Lin Corporation, where Lin Qile was struggling with the monthly business summary, completely overwhelmed.

“Miss Lin, here are ten pairs of rings. Please choose the one you like.”

Without even looking up, she said, “I don’t care. Let Rong Jing pick.”

The staff hesitated, waiting for her to react, but she remained indifferent. Eventually, they left in disappointment.

At Rong Corporation, Rong Jing had just finished a meeting when the jewelry store staff presented her with the wedding rings.

She casually picked up a pair to examine.

“Did you take these to Lin Corporation?”

“Yes, Miss Rong.”

She rubbed the ring in her hand and asked, “Which one… did she choose?”

The staff hesitated before answering, “Miss Lin was too busy to choose. She said it’s up to you.”

Hearing this, Rong Jing’s expression turned icy. She put the ring down and walked toward her office.

The staff was stunned.

If neither of them chose, what were they supposed to do?

“Miss Rong, Miss Rong!”

They hurried after her, holding the ring box.

“Both of your parents are waiting for you to pick the rings.”

Rong Jing sat at his desk, picked up the documents, and spoke coldly, “Pick a pair and give them to her.”

“Huh?”

They were wedding rings, and he was letting an outsider choose?

“I’m busy. See yourself out.”

The staff member had never encountered such a situation before, but seeing Rong Jing’s icy, unapproachable expression, they had no choice but to leave in frustration.

Once the office door closed, Rong Jing angrily slammed the documents onto the desk.

“Lin Qile, you’ve really outdone yourself this time!”