The Villainous Sister-in-law Mistakenly Marked as the Heroine (Transmigration) - Chapter 45

After divorcing Rong Jing, Lin Qile genuinely struggled for a while. Even though she knew their marriage had been fake and that Rong Jing could never truly love her, the fact that they had parted so effortlessly still left her feeling somewhat unable to accept it.

Truly, the villainess was the villainess, capable of picking things up and putting them down without hesitation.

Not like her, always hesitating and overthinking, never accomplishing anything in the end.

Pulling herself together, Lin Qile tried hard to regain her composure. After all, she still had to console her hopelessly romantic mother and couldn’t let Lin Xinrou worry about her on top of everything else.

Soon enough, Lin Qile adjusted her mindset and began planning her career. Although she had passed her medical exams, the question of where to complete her residency remained. Given the terrible reputation of the original owner of this body, it was a real headache and she didn’t want to rely on connections either.

As she sat with her chin propped on her hand, sighing, Lin Xinrou walked over and asked with concern, “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Are you thinking about Rong Jing again?”

“No, I’m not!”

Lin Qile hurriedly denied it, afraid her mother would start imagining things.

But Lin Xinrou’s hopeless romanticism wasn’t something that could be changed in a day or two. She blatantly ignored Lin Qile’s denial and, as if infected by the mood, let out a long sigh before pressing further, “Sweetheart, why did you and Rong Jing really get divorced? You never tell me anything. Did Rong Jing cheat on you too?”

“Mom, stop guessing. I already told you, we just weren’t compatible!”

Lin Qile explained helplessly. There was no way she could reveal that their marriage had been a contractual arrangement from the start. The more she thought about it, the more stifled she felt, and by the end, her voice was thick with unmistakable grievance.

Seeing this, Lin Xinrou immediately pulled her into a hug and comforted her, “Alright, alright, sweetheart. Mommy won’t ask anymore. If you’re sad, just cry it out. I’m here for you!”

Lin Qile hadn’t actually felt that upset before, but now, infected by her mother’s emotions, her eyes unexpectedly grew moist. She didn’t even know what she was sad about just that her chest felt tight and sour, as if she’d bitten into a raw lemon.

The thought that she and Rong Jing now had no connection whatsoever made her feel even worse.

The more she dwelled on it, the more miserable she became, until tears began falling uncontrollably.

Lin Qile quietly sobbed in her mother’s arms. Lin Xinrou, already prone to melancholy, was further affected by her daughter’s tears. As she patted Lin Qile’s back, she too began crying pitifully, “My poor daughter… Why must we mother and daughter suffer such misfortune? Wuwu…”

The two of them clung to each other, weeping.

Lin Xinrou, in particular, seemed to recall past sorrows, and the more she cried, the more tears flowed.

Witnessing this, Lin Qile quickly snapped out of it. With a resigned sigh, she comforted her mother until the tears subsided before bringing up her plans. “Mom, I’m not a child anymore. I can’t just idle around forever. I’ve decided to start my residency at the hospital. You’ll have to take care of yourself while I’m gone.”

Lin Xinrou blinked in surprise. “Sweetheart, are you really sure you want to be a doctor?”

“Yes. Being a doctor is my dream.”

Lin Xinrou smiled faintly. “Maybe it’s in the blood. Your grandfather was a doctor when he was young.”

“Grandpa was a doctor?! Wasn’t he a university professor?”

“Your grandfather was a very skilled doctor back in the day, but because of a medical dispute, his hands were injured, and he could never practice medicine again. After that, he changed careers. We never dared bring it up, afraid it would upset him.”

“Then I’ll definitely become a doctor who makes Grandpa proud!”

“That’s the spirit. Your grandfather’s former students are doing very well now. I could, ”

Lin Qile quickly interrupted Lin Xinrou, speaking earnestly, “Mom, there’s no need for that. I want to become a competent doctor on my own merits!”

“Sweetheart, what’s gotten into you?”

Noticing something was off, Lin Xinrou looked at her with concern.

What was wrong? Well, nothing much, really. She just felt a little insecure.

But wallowing in self-pity wasn’t her style. Recognizing her own shortcomings only made her work harder to catch up. She wanted to become better, good enough to walk side by side with Rong Jing, to be seen as her equal.

Lin Qile pushed aside her thoughts and flashed a bright smile. “Mom, I want to become even better, as outstanding as Rong Jing, and make you proud!”

“Oh, sweetheart! I believe in you. You’ve always been my pride!”

Lin Xinrou’s eyes welled up with tears, clearly moved beyond words. Lin Qile sighed inwardly and rubbed her forehead. Her mother was wonderful, but her temperament was… well, hard to describe.

After much effort, she finally convinced Lin Xinrou to let her try on her own.

Lin Qile gathered her documents and began reaching out to hospitals for residency training. Everything went smoothly so smoothly it was almost unbelievable. After all, the first hospital she contacted accepted her right away.

It wasn’t until later, during casual conversation, that she learned the person who recruited her was actually the prized student of one of her grandfather’s former pupils. Though she had insisted on not relying on family connections, those ties seemed to follow her everywhere. It was bitterly ironic.

Especially when she overheard a conversation that made her cringe.

“Lin Qile, Granddaughter of Elder Lin. Take care of her.”

“Ah, the young mistress! I’ve heard she’s quite unreliable. What’s she doing here, causing trouble?”

A bitter chuckle. “Come on, we still have to respect Elder Lin’s reputation. Just assign her to some easy position and get her out of our department as soon as possible.”

“Fine, fine. I’ll handle it, Director.”

The deputy dean, accompanied by a middle-aged man in a white coat, approached Lin Qile with a beaming smile. “Xiao Lin, this is Director Liu. He’ll arrange your rotation schedule.”

Lin Qile quickly greeted him politely. “Director Liu, thank you for your guidance!”

Seeing her humble attitude, Director Liu’s expression softened slightly. “Xiao Lin, is there any department you’d prefer?”

“Director, I’m fine with anything. I’ll follow your arrangements.”

“In that case, start with obstetrics. We happen to have two doctors on maternity leave.”

And so, Lin Qile was assigned to the obstetrics department, where Director Liu led her to He Yan’s office.

“He Yan, show Xiao Lin the ropes. She’ll be with you for two months.”

After a brief introduction, Director Liu left to attend to other matters.

The moment he was gone, He Yan looked at Lin Qile and burst out laughing. “Well, well, ex-wife, what brings you here?”

Although He Yan wasn’t very familiar with her, she was Rong Jing’s good friend and had even served as a bridesmaid at their wedding. Lin Qile never expected their reunion to be so awkward.

The title “ex-wife” made Lin Qile flush crimson, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Harsh words, typical of Rong Jing’s friends.

Seeing Lin Qile’s discomfort, He Yan decided to spare her further teasing and instead scrutinized her. “Director Liu said you’re here for residency training?”

Lin Qile nodded vigorously. “Yes! Dr. He, I’ll be in your care from now on.”

“Hold on, hold on! I can’t mentor you!” He Yan cut her off mercilessly, shooting her a sidelong glance before clasping her hands in mock plea. “Miss Lin, I’m swamped every single day. Have some mercy spare me, and spare the poor pregnant women who already have it hard enough!”

With that, He Yan grabbed the ultrasound report and strode out, leaving this hot potato for someone else to handle.

Lin Qile, who had been silently chanting stay calm, could no longer hold back. She blocked He Yan’s path, frustration and helplessness in her voice. “Dr. He, I know you’re Rong Jing’s friend, but I hope you won’t let personal feelings interfere with work. I’ll do my best to meet your expectations.”

“You? Seriously…” He Yan looked at her, biting back her words.

You, a clueless fool who didn’t even know your own wife was pregnant and now you want to work in obstetrics? What a joke!

But since Rong Jing had forbidden her from spilling the truth, He Yan nearly choked on her restraint. With a derisive snort, she waved Lin Qile off. “Wait here. I’m going to talk to the director. I can’t handle a VIP like you.”

After He Yan stormed off, Lin Qile slumped into a chair in defeat.

Was she really going to slink away like this?

“Qile?”

A cheerful voice snapped her out of her thoughts. She looked up to see Wu Xue walking in, clad in a white coat.

Lin Qile stood in surprise. “Wu Xue? What are you doing here?”

“I’m in internal medicine now. There’s a pregnant patient admitted, and the director asked me to fetch Dr. He for a consultation,” Wu Xue explained before grinning. “What about you? Are you here for residency?”

Lin Qile forced a weak smile, unsure how to respond.

How could she admit she was about to be kicked out before even starting?

Noticing her hesitation, Wu Xue frowned. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

Lin Qile shook her head. “It’s nothing. I just might not be able to stay…”

Before she could finish, the door was kicked open, and He Yan barged back in, fuming. “Damn it, this is bullying! Who the hell dumps trash like this on me?!”

Lin Qile, likely the “trash” in question, felt deeply insulted. This was too much.

Even if she quit, she wasn’t going down without a fight.

Taking a deep breath, she braced herself for a retort, only for He Yan to shove a patient file into her arms and snap, “Study this. You’re coming on rounds with me in an hour!”

“R-rounds? I can stay?”

Ignoring Lin Qile’s stunned delight, He Yan turned to Wu Xue. “What is it?”

Wu Xue glanced at Lin Qile before answering, “Dr. He, a pregnant patient was admitted to cardiology. We couldn’t reach you by phone, so Director Yang sent me to get you for a consultation.”

“Got it. Let’s go.”

After taking a few steps, He Yan turned back and vented her frustration by shouting at Lin Qile, “What are you standing there dumbfounded for? Hurry up and review the medical records. I’ll take you on rounds when I get back.”

“Oh, oh, right.”

Lin Qile quickly sat down to review the medical records, looking every bit like a bullied young wife.

Wu Xue followed He Yan out the door and, before leaving, gave Lin Qile an encouraging gesture.

Lin Qile, rarely receiving kindness from a new colleague, secretly flashed a “V” sign in return.

She began reviewing the medical records earnestly.

She studied them with great focus. Many theoretical concepts were easy to learn, but the real challenge lay in consolidating and internalizing that knowledge. Actually treating patients brought an intangible pressure that made her nervous.

He Yan returned about an hour later, briefly explained a few things to Lin Qile, and then told her to change into her scrubs and join her for rounds. The obstetrics ward was the only department where patients could bring laughter and joy, the birth of a child could bring genuine smiles to everyone’s faces.

Lin Qile followed behind He Yan, quietly observing her every word and action. Occasionally, He Yan would offer a few instructions. The rounds went relatively smoothly, especially since the plump, fair-skinned babies were so adorable that Lin Qile couldn’t help but gush repeatedly.

“These babies are so cute, like little angels!”

He Yan shot her a complicated glance and muttered under her breath, “Rong Jing must be blind to fall for such an idiot.”

Her voice was too soft for Lin Qile to catch.

Lin Qile leaned in and asked, “Dr. He, what did you just say?”

“I said, how could someone as clueless as you decide to study medicine? Don’t you realize how irresponsible that is to patients?”

Lin Qile’s face fell instantly, and she couldn’t resist grumbling, “Dr. He, you’re just as sharp-tongued as Rong Jing!”

“Oh, really?”

A chilling, eerily familiar voice though it didn’t quite sound like Dr. He’s, cut through the air.

Lin Qile froze mid-step, suddenly losing all courage to move forward.

He Yan turned back and gave her a sympathetic look before pushing the door open with a smirk. “Rong Jing, what brings you here all of a sudden?”

Rong Jing?

Those two words struck like a thunderbolt, leaving Lin Qile utterly stunned.

Her luck was truly abysmal. She’d merely muttered a careless remark, and of all people, the subject of her complaint had overheard it.

At that moment, Lin Qile wished she could just drop dead. The impulse to turn and flee surged through her, but reason told her that doing so would only make things worse. After all, given Rong Jing’s vindictive nature, even dodging a kick from her was forbidden.

As if marching to her execution, Lin Qile trembled her way inside, forcing a bright smile. “R-Rong Jing, long time no see. How have you been lately?”

After speaking, she nervously looked up, meeting Rong Jing’s piercing gaze head-on.

Cold, deep, icy like jade!

Her pitch-black pupils felt like daggers shooting straight at Lin Qile, who was momentarily stunned. But her attention was quickly drawn to Rong Jing’s face. Her features were as exquisitely beautiful as ever, though her angles seemed sharper now, her aura more aloof like an unattainable snow-capped pine.

She didn’t look well. She’d lost weight.

Lin Qile’s thoughts raced as Rong Jing spoke coldly, “Lin Qile, it seems you’ve been holding a grudge against me for a long time. You can’t even go anywhere without badmouthing me behind my back.”

“That’s not what I—”

“Alright, you can leave now. I need to talk to He Yan.”

The unyielding tone cut her off, and Lin Qile had no choice but to turn around and exit once more.

He Yan, observing Rong Jing’s darkened expression, casually sat down with one hand in her pocket and teased, “Pregnancy sure has made you temperamental. What happened to the always composed and inscrutable Young Director Rong?”

Rong Jing shot her a glare. “Did you tell her?”

“Would I dare?”

Only then did Rong Jing’s expression soften slightly. Her gaze drifted to her abdomen, and for once, her usually indifferent face betrayed a hint of uncertainty and surprise. She hesitated before speaking, “I… I think I felt her move? Is that normal?”

Amused by this rare display of vulnerability, He Yan couldn’t help but chuckle. “You’re almost four months along, feeling fetal movement is completely normal. Come on, let’s take you to the VIP room for an ultrasound.”

The two left the office and entered the VIP examination room.

Rong Jing carefully lay down. After performing the ultrasound, He Yan studied the results intently before reassuring her, “Everything looks fine. You just have slightly low amniotic fluid. Have your nutritionist adjust your diet, and it should be fine.”

“Mm.” Rong Jing nodded, then sat up and straightened her clothes.

He Yan flicked the ultrasound image twice and drawled, “Honestly, you just had an ultrasound last week. There’s no need to come in so often. People might think you rushed here after getting my message just to see that blockhead Lin Qile, ”

“Enough!”

Clearly struck a nerve, Rong Jing snapped in embarrassment and anger.

But He Yan, having known her for years, was unfazed. Instead, she deliberately prodded at the sore spot, smirking as she asked, “The divorce is finalized, and soon the pregnancy won’t be a secret anymore. How do you plan to handle this?”

Rong Jing lowered her eyes to her abdomen and replied hoarsely, “The Rong family can certainly afford to raise one child.”

“Glad you’re taking it in stride. Lin Qile might be a bit dim, but she’s got no shortage of admirers.” He Yan stroked her chin, deliberately dragging out her words. “Just don’t go interfering with her new relationships later that’d be downright pathetic.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, just making conversation.”

He Yan feigned innocence.

Rong Jing’s expression darkened as if recalling something. “That Wu Xue has she been assigned to your department?”

“No, but we’re colleagues. Grabbing meals together, chatting, showing concern… who knows what might, ”

Before she could finish, Rong Jing had already turned and stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

He Yan grinned, closed the door, and hurried after her, teasing, “Stay for lunch in the cafeteria! You might run into a certain someone.”

“Get lost!”

Meanwhile, Lin Qile, completely unaware she had become the subject of discussion, sat quietly in the cafeteria, shoveling food into her mouth.

Beside her sat Wu Xue, who kept initiating conversation on various topics, radiating enthusiasm as if afraid of any awkward silence.

Lin Qile responded with occasional “mhms” and “ahs,” eager to finish her meal and leave.

At first, she had been too dense to realize Wu Xue’s intentions. But today, Wu Xue had repeatedly “comforted” her about the divorce while subtly signaling that she was single and open to dating someone who’d been married.

If Lin Qile still didn’t get the hint now, she’d have to be an idiot.

Wolfing down the last of her food, Lin Qile hastily stood up. “I’m done. Take your time, I need to go review some case files.”

But before she could take two steps, Wu Xue chased after her.

The two walked silently through the cafeteria and into the deserted hospital corridor when Wu Xue suddenly called out to Lin Qile.

“Lin Qile, I like you!”

No matter how much she tried to avoid it, she couldn’t escape this moment!

Lin Qile turned around awkwardly, hesitating as she replied, “I’m sorry, Wu Xue. I just got divorced and don’t want to think about relationships right now.”

Wu Xue froze for a moment before blurting out, “But wasn’t your marriage fake?”

“How did you know that?”

“I’m sorry, I overheard it by accident on the cruise ship.”

After explaining, Wu Xue took a few steps closer to Lin Qile, her eyes reddening as she said, “I’ve liked you for a long time, but back then, you were still married, I couldn’t interfere in someone else’s marriage. But now that you’re divorced, why can’t you give me a chance?”

“I’m sorry!”

Lin Qile wasn’t good at rejecting people, so she could only stammer out those two words repeatedly, unsure of how to soften the blow.

“You know I don’t want to hear ‘sorry.’ Why not? Why can’t you give me a chance?”

As Wu Xue spoke, her eyes grew redder, as if she were on the verge of tears if Lin Qile refused her one more time.

“Really, I’m sorry!” Lin Qile fumbled through her rejection. “You’ll definitely meet someone better. We’re just not right for each other.”

The next moment, tears rolled down Wu Xue’s cheeks.

Panicked, Lin Qile hastily pulled out a tissue and clumsily wiped them away, apologizing profusely, “I’m sorry, really, I didn’t mean to make you cry, but we’re just not compatible…”

Wu Xue forced a smile, taking the tissue from Lin Qile’s hand as she wiped her tears. “I understand. I’m sorry for putting you in this position. I was too impatient. Just pretend I never said anything can we still be friends?”

Before Lin Qile could respond, Rong Jing strode over, her gaze fixed sharply on the hand that had just offered the tissue.

A sudden, inexplicable guilt washed over Lin Qile, giving her the absurd feeling of being caught in an affair.

Then she remembered they were already divorced. Struggling to appear composed, she greeted, “Rong Jing, Dr. He, what brings you here?”

Rong Jing swept a cold glance over her and sneered, “What, did I interrupt something?”

The words dripped with sarcasm. Lin Qile had no idea what she’d done to provoke her this time, but based on past experience, she knew better than to argue, she could never out-talk Rong Jing, much less outfight her.

Besides, the situation was already awkward enough with Wu Xue’s tear-streaked face.

Wanting to avoid further conflict, Lin Qile ignored Rong Jing and turned to Wu Xue instead. “It’s almost time for work. Maybe you should head back first.”

“Mm, I’ll go ahead.”

Wu Xue murmured her reply before walking away.

Lin Qile was about to speak properly to Rong Jing when the latter abruptly shoved past her, brushing her arm aside as if she weren’t even there.

Startled, Lin Qile instinctively moved to grab Rong Jing’s arm but hesitated, afraid of angering her further.

“Rong Jing, I need to talk to you.”

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