Forced to Become the Female Villain's Doting Wife (GL) - Chapter 21

After Su Xianxian finished her speech, she felt as if she were standing on the moral high ground. She felt that even the normally icy Jiang Cuo would currently be a head shorter than her in terms of aura. She expected Jiang Cuo to apologize with a face full of guilt and then offer some heartfelt words of gratitude.

But to her surprise, after Su Xianxian finished her tirade with her chin held high, she peeked out of one eye to check Jiang Cuo’s expression, only to find it was nothing like what she had imagined.

Jiang Cuo had a look of sudden realization, as if she had finally understood something.

Su Xianxian was completely bewildered. What did she understand? Why is she reacting like this?

Jiang Cuo stuck out the tip of her tongue and licked her slightly dry lips. The pain on her lower lip made her heart skip a beat, and she couldn’t help but rub it with her thumb and index finger.

“Classmate Su… do you want me to take responsibility?”

Su Xianxian: “Huh?”

Nani? Which sentence, which reaction, which expression made Jiang Cuo misunderstand to this extent? What “take responsibility”? What on earth? I am… very pure!

Jiang Cuo sat straight on the hospital bed, looking levelly at Su Xianxian with an “I see through everything” expression.

Su Xianxian said all that just to get some sweetness from me, didn’t she? What “taking liberties”? She wants me to take responsibility? After playing hard-to-get for so long, has she finally stated her true thoughts?

Jiang Cuo wasn’t going to let Su Xianxian have her way so easily. She had automatically translated the shock on Su Xianxian’s face into the guilt and embarrassment of having her little scheme exposed.

She calmly lifted the quilt, got out of bed, put on her shoes, and went to the washroom to freshen up. She then spoke to Su Xianxian naturally, “Alright, Classmate Su. I’m ready. We can go to class.”

Su Xianxian didn’t know how many times her pupils had shaken in the last two days. It was just too bizarre. The mountain of scripts and the imposing aura she had prepared were skillfully dismantled by a single sentence from Jiang Cuo. And why had the atmosphere suddenly turned strange again? Had the initiative shifted back to Jiang Cuo?

She was indignant!

[Trash System: Congratulations, Host, on unlocking the right to manage your assets! You can now control your own money. This means the Host’s money can be spent on herself as well as on others.]

Su Xianxian’s head was filled with question marks.

[Trash System: Friendly reminder: The Host has not yet unlocked the right to invest assets. This means your money can only be spent, not invested to make more money. So, please do not overspend or be extravagant. We also hope the Host continues to work hard on missions!]

Su Xianxian’s entire face was a picture of speechlessness. She realized she was still too naive; the dog system’s traps were endless.

Meanwhile, for some reason, Jiang Cuo was in a great mood. Her icy aura had softened considerably, her face was bright, and her phoenix eyes sparkled with light. She was a sharp contrast to the gloom-ridden Su Xianxian.

Inside the luxury car, Su Xianxian and Jiang Cuo sat in separate corners. Jiang Cuo sat primly and meticulously, her high ponytail swaying in the breeze. On the other side, Su Xianxian looked like a ruffled bird, her hair messy and her spirit deflated. It was quite a misleading sight.

On the surface, Jiang Cuo was looking out the window at the scenery, but her peripheral vision was fixed on Su Xianxian. Seeing Su Xianxian looking listless, pouting slightly with weary eyes, Jiang Cuo’s lips curled up. She was in an excellent mood.

Saying I “took liberties”—she just wants me to take responsibility for her. Weren’t those words just a roundabout way of confessing? Going through such lengths just to have a connection with me—she really worked hard.

Otherwise, if she just wanted to be friends, wouldn’t sending me to the hospital be enough? Why spend the whole night taking such careful care of me? Su Xianxian is so rich with countless servants; when would it ever be the Eldest Miss’s turn to provide personal care?

And that pitiful look she put on… maybe she knows I like “Little One.” Because the puppy always looks at me with those pitiful eyes, Su Xianxian saw through it and imitated her? Is she trying to gain my sympathy to attract my attention?

At this moment, Su Xianxian must be racking her brain for ways to make me take responsibility.

The cold wind from the window made Jiang Cuo’s hangover headache feel better.

Once they reached school, the teacher called them into the office briefly to show concern but didn’t ask many questions. Jiang Cuo returned to her seat. Glancing at the still-depressed Su Xianxian, she took out the notes and textbooks she had organized from her desk. She pushed them closer to Su Xianxian with her index finger, right in front of her.

When Su Xianxian saw Jiang Cuo taking the initiative to talk to her, she got goosebumps. She repeatedly shifted to the left, trying to stay away from Jiang Cuo so that the other girl’s crisp, cold scent wouldn’t fill her nose. She absolutely could not let the thought that the Big Villain was “really beautiful and exactly her type” enter her head. And she had to ignore those strange, misleading words the Villain said.

[Trash System: Why is the Host thinking so much? Didn’t the Host already perform a heart-to-heart analysis for Jiang Cuo while bathing the puppy in the bathroom? And Jiang Cuo’s Disgust Value dropped then. Maybe after yesterday’s events, Jiang Cuo trusts the Host completely and has decided to be best friends. Isn’t it normal for friends to do these things? Why overthink it? Why resist?]

Su Xianxian’s gaze was blank as she processed the system’s words. After the explanation, her eyes suddenly lit up. Right! Why am I overthinking?

Wasn’t this exactly what she wanted? It had worked! Jiang Cuo had opened up to her and was being extremely friendly. Why was she being so awkward? Wouldn’t that look weird?

Thus, Jiang Cuo saw Su Xianxian change from depressed to excited, and then from excited to calm. A bright smile appeared on the face that had been gloomy since morning. Su Xianxian turned to her with a sweet smile, said “Thank you,” placed the books in her desk, and said nothing else.

Jiang Cuo’s lips couldn’t help but curl up slightly. Could a simple set of notes make Su Xianxian this happy?

Su Xianxian was very satisfied with her own reaction. This was the way—even best friends need to maintain boundaries. She was very clear about her sexual orientation, but Jiang Cuo… Jiang Cuo wouldn’t have feelings for her. In the original book, Jiang Cuo was the one person who remained clear-headed from start to finish, standing out in this romance-brained world. So even though Jiang Cuo had opened up, she had to maintain boundaries to avoid annoying her.

Jiang Cuo placed her finger on the desk. Seeing Su Xianxian put away the books and say nothing more, she frowned. Her finger tapped lightly on the desk—tap, tap, tap. The slightly upturned corner of her mouth pulled back down, and her cold aura began to rise again.

What is with Su Xianxian? I gave her my textbooks, why hasn’t she brought up the tutoring? The monthly exams are coming up. Does she want to be at the bottom again and be laughed at? I thought she had finally wised up and decided to study hard. It turns out it was all bullshit; she’s still as unmotivated as ever.

An inexplicable irritation rose in Jiang Cuo, made worse by the fact that Su Xianxian seemed completely unaffected. She turned away and sat primly, no longer looking at Su Xianxian.

But then Jiang Cuo snapped back to reality. Why do I care so much? What does Su Xianxian’s grades have to do with me? She did help me once, but hasn’t she caused enough trouble for me in the past? I gave her my notes to pay back the favor. I should just mind my own business. Why meddle?

A flash of annoyance at herself passed through Jiang Cuo’s eyes, and she turned her focus to her practice problems.

Both were immersed in their own thoughts. Even when class started, they didn’t notice that Su Lian, who originally sat behind Su Xianxian, had swapped seats to a far corner.

Su Lian sat dazed in her seat, secretly holding her phone under the desk. She was numb, unable to hear anything the teacher was saying. Her hands were shaking. She stared fixedly at her textbook, her eyes—usually disguised as pitiful—were now bloodshot.

The screen showed a text from Su Jianxiu:

“Lian’er, Daddy has been ruined by Su Xianxian. She caused my company to go bankrupt. Now Daddy has no money for Mommy’s treatment. If we can’t get money from Su Xianxian, the hospital will stop Mommy’s medicine. They won’t even give her a chance for emergency care anymore.”

Why did this happen?

Su Lian’s ears were ringing, and her brain couldn’t process it. Yesterday was supposed to be the day her mother sent a letter. They were supposed to be sitting on the sofa, warmly reading the letter together. Why hadn’t her father mentioned that her mother’s condition had worsened? Why the sudden bankruptcy?

Su Xianxian did this?

Su Lian glanced at Su Xianxian with a numb look. She saw Su Xianxian smiling brightly, listening to the teacher, looking like she was in a great mood. Su Lian gritted her teeth, her “innocent” face turning into a grimace of resentment.

Was it because I harmed Jiang Cuo yesterday? Su Xianxian was angry and took it out on Daddy, causing the bankruptcy? If Daddy hadn’t gone bankrupt, there would be money for Mommy. Mommy would have gotten better eventually.

Su Jianxiu had told her that once she graduated high school, she could visit her mother. There were only six months left. Why? Why did it become like this?

Su Lian asked herself why over and over, finally focusing all her burning hatred on Su Xianxian’s back. Yesterday, Su Xianxian had grabbed her by the collar and told her to come at her directly and not take it out on Jiang Cuo. But today, it felt like the heavens had played a massive joke on her. Isn’t Su Xianxian just as despicable? I did it, I should bear it. Why destroy Daddy’s company and make Mommy pay for my crime?

Every second waiting for class to end was agonizing for Su Lian. But she endured. Since childhood, her best skill was waiting. She waited while watching others’ faces; she waited for the big picture; she waited for her own schemes. Every time, she got what she wanted. This time was no exception; she would make Su Xianxian taste the bitter fruit.

When the bell rang, Su Lian’s face was pale. she put back on her tragic, innocent expression and walked softly toward Su Xianxian’s desk like a ghost.

After being enlightened by the system, Su Xianxian was in a good mood. Seeing Su Lian like this, she didn’t mind. She had warned her yesterday. According to Su Lian’s status as a minor character with less screen time than a cannon fodder, she probably couldn’t cause much trouble.

The classroom was noisy, but in the next second, Su Lian fell to her knees in front of Su Xianxian. The sound of her knees hitting the floor silenced the room. Instantly, all eyes were on them. Even Jiang Cuo frowned.

Seeing Su Lian kneeling and weeping, Su Xianxian’s right eyelid twitched. She had a bad feeling. Su Lian spoke in an extremely pitiful voice, loud enough for everyone to hear, “Sister, I was wrong. Please forgive me. I know I was childish to frame Classmate Jiang. I shouldn’t have swapped that drink for—”

Faster than thought, before Su Lian could say the word “alcohol,” Su Xianxian reached out and covered her mouth. She shouted, “Money, money, money! You’re here for money again! Su Jianxiu is not my father anymore; he divorced my mother! You aren’t my legal sister! You have a mom and a dad, why do you keep asking me for money? When Su Jianxiu chose a mistress, did he not think that karma would come for him?”

Most people in class loved gossip and knew Su Jianxiu had abandoned Su Xianxian’s mother for a mistress to have Su Lian, but because they were afraid of Su Xianxian, no one dared to say it openly. To prevent Su Lian from mentioning yesterday’s incident—which would make Jiang Cuo uncomfortable and increase her Disgust Value—Su Xianxian immediately changed the subject to draw the crowd’s attention away.

However, Su Xianxian’s words confirmed Su Lian’s internal suspicions. Su Lian’s eyes widened in disbelief, and she tried to break free from Su Xianxian’s hand. Su Xianxian’s grip was strong, so Su Lian resentfully bit down hard on her palm.

Su Xianxian hissed in pain. Why did Su Lian suddenly go crazy? She glanced at the onlookers and dragged Su Lian out.

Jiang Cuo, distracted, scratched her textbook with her finger before suddenly standing up and following them out. But when she left the academic building, she paused. Why am I getting involved in Su Xianxian’s family matters? Why is my body moving on its own? Even so, she followed them to a corner and hid, making sure Su Xianxian didn’t notice her.

Su Xianxian dragged Su Lian to a deserted corner of the sports field and pushed her against the wall before releasing her hand.

“What is wrong with you?”

Now that they were alone, Su Lian stopped acting. She dropped her pitiful mask and glared viciously at Su Xianxian. Su Xianxian was stunned. What is this? Su Lian looks like I’m her mortal enemy. In this book, the original host was the victim, okay? Where does a mistress’s daughter get the nerve to be this arrogant?

“Was it you?!” Su Lian’s fists were clenched, nails digging into her palms, as she snarled at Su Xianxian.

Su Xianxian rubbed her hand and used a tissue to wipe away Su Lian’s saliva. Although she didn’t like Su Lian, the girl was just a 2D character to her. She mostly felt indifference. But since Su Lian was boldly causing trouble, she had to pay attention.

Su Xianxian frowned, dropping her casual act. “I thought I made it clear yesterday: don’t start trouble in front of me.”

Su Lian flinched at her tone, her aura weakening, but thinking of her mother, she stood her ground. “Su Xianxian, stop pretending to be innocent! You are the worst person in the world!”

Su Lian knew Su Xianxian wouldn’t give her money. She and Su Jianxiu had spent years trying to get Su Xianxian’s assets. Su Jianxiu told her that money belonged to their family and that Su Xianxian was the villain who occupied it. He said people only stayed silent because of Su Xianxian’s money, and that people bullied her because they were afraid of Su Xianxian.

“Don’t you like Jiang Cuo? I’ll make sure you never get her! I’m going to destroy your relationship! Besides your stinking money, what do you have? Don’t think people like you; they just like your money! You aren’t worthy of Jiang Cuo!”

Su Lian loved seeing Su Xianxian’s rage when she couldn’t get what she wanted. She wanted Su Xianxian to suffer. And once Su Xianxian got angry, she would act without thinking and surely do something extreme. If Su Xianxian hit her here, she would “scam” her for the medical fees for her mother.

Su Xianxian was baffled by Su Lian’s yelling. This is so weird. Why is this part of the plot? Is the system using her to annoy me?

Su Lian was ready to be slapped, but after waiting for a long time, she saw Su Xianxian looking bored, as if she couldn’t even be bothered to deal with her. This made Su Lian even angrier. What is this? Does she look down on me? Su Xianxian did such terrible things, how can she be so calm?

Su Xianxian’s patience was fading. She let out a yawn and replied carelessly, “Whether I like Jiang Cuo is none of your business. Are you too bored? Haven’t you noticed everyone is dating? If you have time to watch me, why don’t you get a partner yourself? I just like Jiang Cuo, what are you going to do about it?”

Jiang Cuo was hiding behind the wall nearby. Every word Su Xianxian said entered her ears clearly. Her finger paused, her heart felt a strange pang, and she involuntarily began picking at a small stone on the wall.

What is Su Xianxian talking about? Why is she saying these things to Su Lian? “Like” or “don’t like”… If Su Lian spreads this, the class will misunderstand again. Who knows what those gossips will make up? Why does she say one thing to my face about being “best friends” and say another thing to someone else behind my back? If I hadn’t followed her today, I really wouldn’t have heard this.

Jiang Cuo’s usually icy eyes were devoid of coldness now. She looked down at the ground. Her tall, slender figure was conspicuous on the field, her hair tied in a high ponytail. But if anyone got close, they would see that her bloodless face was covered in a faint blush. Her lips were pursed, her fingers were picking at the wall, and her toes were kicking at the dust on the ground.

Jiang Cuo looked up as if enlightened. She remembered those four words that had come to mind the other day: Playing hard to get. She frowned and shook her head in annoyance. If Su Xianxian finds out I followed her down here, won’t I be falling right into her trap?

Jiang Cuo left the corner and walked back to the classroom.

Su Xianxian’s words were entirely unintentional, meant only to irritate Su Lian. But Su Lian wouldn’t stop pestering her. “Stop watching me all day. If I get angry, I’ll hit you, believe it or not? Go study or get a boyfriend. Why watch me every day? It’s annoying.”

Su Xianxian didn’t want to deal with her anymore. She waved her hand in a mock threat and walked away without looking back.

Only Su Lian was left stunned in place. Nothing she had predicted had happened. An inexplicable sense of powerlessness rose from her heart, and tears began to fall uncontrollably. This was the first time Su Lian had cried with genuine emotion since growing up. Su Xianxian had changed so much she couldn’t believe the things her father said were done by her.

But what could she do? The only person she could rely on was Su Jianxiu. Light drives out darkness, and as a creature of darkness, she could only huddle with another mass of darkness for warmth. She wanted to be like Jiang Cuo and be treated that way by Su Xianxian. But she knew it was impossible.

As Su Xianxian walked up the stairs, she recalled Su Lian’s look. It was as if she were being manipulated. Has Su Lian been brainwashed by Su Jianxiu? Where does a mistress’s daughter get so much resentment? Besides, she had never heard who Su Lian’s mother was.

Su Xianxian shook her head. Forget it. Those are the grudges of the previous generation; they have nothing to do with me.

She returned to the classroom and sat down. She really wanted to slump in her seat, but with Jiang Cuo there, she sat primly and acted like a serious student. After all, to be a “Study Tyrant’s” friend, she had to become one herself and blend into Jiang Cuo’s world. Though she seemed like a waste on the surface, she was actually a “Study God.” To protect Jiang Cuo’s ego and keep her cover, she would reveal her power step by step.

Su Xianxian suddenly felt like she was the “Big Boss” and everyone else was just a kid.

But then, Jiang Cuo suddenly leaned toward her, making Su Xianxian’s breath hitch in nervousness. She felt Jiang Cuo’s crisp, pleasant scent approach, and then the other girl said something completely out of the blue.

Jiang Cuo paused, as if the words were hard to say, but finally spoke with a deliberately cold face:

“You’re worthy.”

Author’s Note:

Jiang Cuo: You understand what I mean, right?

Su Xianxian: Abba abba abba?