The Villainous Sister-in-law Mistakenly Marked as the Heroine (Transmigration) - Chapter 40.2

Gently, she pulled Rong Jing into her arms and closed her eyes.

The October night was chilly, and Rong Jing, feeling cold, instinctively sought warmth in her sleep, inching closer and closer.

Lin Qile’s eyes widened as she watched the other woman burrow into her embrace.

As Rong Jing wrapped her arms and legs around her, the shock in Lin Qile’s eyes slowly melted into something tender and delighted something she didn’t even realize herself. She hugged Rong Jing back, murmuring softly, “You always accused me of sneaking into your arms at night, but it turns out you were the one rolling into mine.”

The face so close to hers was anything but cold now instead, it was serene and peaceful.

Unable to resist, she leaned down and kissed her.

But once she started, she couldn’t stop.

“Mmm…”

Rong Jing stirred awake, waves of heat washing over her. Her dazed expression quickly turned to shock. “Lin Qile… what are you doing?”

“Sorry, I couldn’t help myself…”

The consequence was thud!

Lin Qile, who had been sleeping soundly, was suddenly kicked off the bed. Jolted awake, she met Rong Jing’s equally flustered and indignant gaze. Her face burned crimson. “G-good morning!”

“Good morning my ass! Just because you don’t have work doesn’t mean I don’t!”

Having vented some of her anger with that kick, Rong Jing got up to change.

Lin Qile watched her. She had seen Rong Jing undress countless times before, but for some reason, though she’d always felt a stir, it had never been like this, just the sight of her now made her heart pound as if it might leap out of her chest.

“I’ll make breakfast, then drive you to the office.”

“Hmph!”

Rong Jing finished changing in a few swift motions and stormed out of the bedroom.

Lin Qile grabbed a bottle of cold water from the fridge, downing it in one go to quell the heat inside. Pressing her forehead against the fridge door, she muttered, “It’s not like it’s the first time… why am I like this?”

Taking a deep breath, she headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

After breakfast, she volunteered to drive Rong Jing to work.

“I’m sorry. If I take you, you can sleep a little longer in the car.”

Rong Jing was genuinely exhausted, so she agreed.

The moment Lin Qile started the car, she noticed Rong Jing had already fallen asleep in the passenger seat. Guilt and a pang of heartache rose in her chest.

Rong Jing shouldn’t have to work this hard this was supposed to be her burden.

When they arrived at the company building, she glanced at the still-sleeping Rong Jing and checked the time, deciding not to wake her immediately.

Only when there were ten minutes left before work did she gently rouse her.

Rong Jing blinked groggily.

“We’re here.”

“Mm.” Rong Jing adjusted her state, about to get out when she seemed to remember something. She turned back to Lin Qile. “Don’t forget about the birthday banquet tomorrow.”

“I remember. I’ll take the car and pick you up after work.”

Rong Jing gave her a surprised glance but said nothing before stepping out.

Watching Rong Jing enter the company, Lin Qile turned the car around and headed downtown.

She needed to buy a birthday gift for Bai Jiao. Though her dislike for Bai Jiao was on par with her hatred for Qi Song, she still had to keep up appearances.

Just the thought of Rong Jing made her feel overwhelmed. Initially, she didn’t dare to tell Rong Jing about Qi Song and Bai Jiao’s secret, fearing Rong Jing’s anger might be directed at her. But now, her hesitation stemmed from not wanting to see Rong Jing hurt.

System, is there any way to have the best of both worlds?

[That depends on what you do. In the original story, Bai Jiao’s harm towards Rong Yihua was the main factor that led to Rong Jing’s downfall.]

“Sigh.”

…

On the day of Bai Jiao’s birthday.

Lin Qile dressed up early, but just as they were about to leave, Rong Jing received a phone call. “What did you say?”

She looked at Rong Jing.

After hanging up, Rong Jing’s expression turned serious as she turned to her. “I need to go to Lin Corporation. There’s an issue with a project.”

“I’ll go with you.”

She didn’t want to go to the Rong family alone. Aside from Rong Yihua, she had no desire to interact with any of the Rong family members.

But Rong Jing said, “You go ahead. I’ll join you later.”

“Alright.”

Since Rong Jing was dealing with Lin Corporation’s affairs, it would be inconsiderate to refuse. She forced a smile. “Then I’ll go to the Rong family first and wait for you.”

“Mm.”

They parted ways downstairs.

Lin Qile drove to the Rong family. Though she had mentally prepared herself, the sight of Ji Zhao as soon as she stepped out of the car still made her frown.

“Well, isn’t this car yours?” Ji Zhao sneered. “Lin Corporation is drowning in debt. I heard you even sold your sports car. Tsk tsk, how pitiful.”

“Ji Zhao, do you know what you look like right now?”

“What?”

“A rabid dog that’s gotten lucky, thinking it’s superior and barking incessantly.”

Ji Zhao’s face darkened. “You!”

Lin Qile scoffed. “Do you know what happens to dogs like that? They get beaten to death because they’re utterly detestable.”

“Lin Qile!”

Just as Ji Zhao was about to step forward, Bai Jiao’s voice rang out from the steps in the distance. “Ji Zhao, you’re here! Come inside, it’s cold out.”

“Alright.”

Even though Lin Qile was also present, Bai Jiao only called for Ji Zhao.

Lin Qile wasn’t bothered. Holding her gift, she followed Ji Zhao toward the entrance.

“Grandma.”

Ji Zhao greeted Bai Jiao with a smile. Bai Jiao’s expression stiffened for a few seconds before she managed to regain her composure. “I’ve told you, calling me that makes me sound old. You and Wanning should call me by my English name, Annie.”

“Pfft.”

Lin Qile couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

Grandma!

Hahaha!

The lover’s daughter calling her “grandma” would make Bai Jiao Qi Song’s mother, no wonder her expression was so stiff.

“What are you laughing at?”

Bai Jiao shot her a displeased glance. “Where’s Rong Jing?”

Lin Qile composed herself. “She’s working overtime. She’ll be here soon.”

“Working overtime on my birthday. How busy.”

Bai Jiao muttered sarcastically before turning to enter the house.

Following her into the living room, Lin Qile saw many guests likely all Rong family relatives. Rong Wanning, a celebrity who had temporarily retired due to her pregnancy, was surrounded by a group of people.

Spotting Ji Zhao, she stood up with her large belly. “Ah Zhao.”

“Careful.”

Ji Zhao walked over to support her, the picture of a harmonious couple.

With this contrast, everyone’s gaze naturally shifted to Lin Qile.

Rong Yihua came downstairs and, not seeing her daughter, asked, “Where’s Rong Jing?”

“Mother, something came up before we left. She went to handle it and said she’d come as soon as possible.”

Bai Jiao asked coldly, “Is it Lin Corporation’s business or Rong Corporation’s?”

“Lin.”

“Hmph.”

Bai Jiao’s expression grew increasingly unpleasant. She simply ignored her and walked over to the relatives.

Rong Wanning, heavily pregnant and supported by Ji Zhao, sized her up. “Lin Qile, you and your mother really are the type to turn a deaf ear to the outside world, only knowing how to leech off others. My aunt has to run between two companies every day, and here you are, playing the absentee boss. Disgusting!”

She forced a smile off her face, reminding herself internally to save face for Rong Jing after all, this was her home.

“Wanning, that’s enough.”

Rong Yihua’s sharp reprimand cut in.

Rong Wanning pouted but fell silent.

Ji Zhao smiled and interjected, “Alright, let’s open Annie’s gifts. We spent a long time picking them out. Annie, I hope you’ll like them.”

Bai Jiao turned to Ji Zhao, her expression instantly warming like a spring breeze. “Of course, I’m really looking forward to it.”

Everyone placed their gifts on the table.

Rong Yihua’s was undoubtedly the most extravagant, a diamond necklace. Ji Zhao’s was a delicate little box. Bai Jiao solemnly opened it to reveal a jade Buddha pendant.

“Annie, Wanning and I went to the temple to have this blessed by the master. May it protect your health and safety.”

“How thoughtful of you, Zhao Zhao.”

Bai Jiao picked up the pendant eagerly. “Here, put it on for me.”

After Ji Zhao fastened it around her neck, she even hugged her, her affection overflowing.

When it came to Lin Qile’s gift, Bai Jiao’s expression turned indifferent, almost disinterested in opening it. Seeing this, Rong Wanning took the initiative to unwrap it, revealing a gold bracelet.

“I don’t like gold jewelry. It’s so tacky,” Rong Wanning sneered, lifting the bracelet. “This is downright pathetic. Lin Qile, even if your family went bankrupt, you didn’t have to embarrass yourself like this, did you?”

“Wanning, she’s bankrupt now. We can’t expect her to keep up appearances like before,” Ji Zhao chimed in, smirking at her.

Lin Qile took a deep breath. She had known today would be humiliating.

Endure it.

For Rong Jing’s sake, she had to endure it.

But Rong Wanning’s next remark crossed the line.

“Did your mother not come because she was too ashamed to show up with a gift this cheap?”

“Rong Wanning, your aggressive, venomous attitude is something your fans should see. Let them witness what their beloved ‘pure jade maiden’ is really like! Do your unborn child a favor and accumulate some karma!”

“Lin Qile, how dare you?!” Rong Wanning trembled with rage.

“If you can’t even understand what I’m saying, how do you even read scripts,”

“Lin Qile!”

Bai Jiao’s sharp rebuke cut through. “This is the Rong family. We won’t tolerate an outsider lecturing one of our own! Is this the upbringing the Lin family gave you?”

“She provoked me first. Is the Rong family’s upbringing about teaching their children to slander and humiliate their elders?”

“What elder are you? Don’t think just because you married Rong Jing, you can start acting high and mighty!”

Rong Yihua stepped in. “Enough. We have a guest.”

Everyone turned toward the door.

There stood Qi Song, holding a gift, smiling at the entrance. “What a lively gathering.”

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