Saving the Pitiful Villain (GL) - Chapter 27

Yun Yuandao’s second younger brother was named Yun Guye, and his third younger sister was named Yun Chilu, both of whom were already over sixty years old.

Because their mother died young, Yun Yuandao never failed to provide for them, usually giving them whatever they asked for.

Unfortunately, their appetite grew larger and larger. They illegally embezzled over 2 billion in public funds. After being discovered, they had a falling out with Yun Yuandao.

They moved out of the Yun Mansion after that.

The pharmaceutical sector of the Yun Group was under their names. They never managed the business, only took the money.

In the study, Jiang Shangxue sat upright in front of the screen, her expression detached, tinged with a coldness.

Yun Guye and Yun Chilu must have heard some rumors. They insisted on attending the meeting today. The online meeting, originally scheduled to end at six, had been going on for an hour longer and was still filled with trivial talk.

Yun Guye: “Sister-in-law, my Keke has a chance to enter the National Research Institute of New Economics next year! Her violin playing is excellent since childhood, winning many international awards! Teaching one child is teaching; teaching a few more isn’t much trouble.”

Yun Chilu: “That’s right! Although my two children are still young, they have been outstanding since childhood. They are definitely better than the wild child who grew up in some unknown corner. If you raise them from a young age, they will be closer to you later.”

Yun Guye: “This weekend, we’ll send the children to the mansion.”

Yun Chilu: “That’s the logic. It will also give Yun Wu someone to keep company with.”

Yun Guye and Yun Chilu sang in harmony. They had heard the news that Jiang Shangxue had not only started interfering with the Yun Group’s affairs but also seemed to intend to properly raise that suddenly appearing wild child.

Thinking of the shares Jiang Shangxue held, they threw all caution to the wind, calling her “sister-in-law” affectionately.

Their own sons and daughters were failures, but at least their grandchildren were promising. They couldn’t wait to send them to Jiang Shangxue, as if doing so would guarantee the Yun Group would belong to their grandchildren later.

The other participating project members were wide-eyed, daring not to say a word, quietly observing the drama of the wealthy family from close quarters.

When Yun Wu walked to the study door, she heard every word clearly.

She instinctively stopped her steps.

Before long, she heard Jiang Shangxue say, “I’ll consider it.”

The voice was exceptionally clear.

Yun Wu’s dark eyes silently stared into the empty space. A strong sense of self-disgust suddenly welled up in her heart.

Disgust toward herself.

How could she be so foolish as to think Jiang Shangxue was treating her differently? The Yun family had many children. Jiang Shangxue could raise as many as she wanted.

She didn’t even have the right to ask one more question now.

She was just a wild child.

Yun Wu clenched her hand into a fist, then slowly released it. Then, she walked forward and gently knocked on the door.

“Auntie Jiang, it’s time for dinner.”

The girl’s voice was soft, pleasant, and clearly audible to the other end of the screen.

The room immediately fell into a subtle silence.

Jiang Shangxue’s expression was detached, her eyes reflecting the cold light of the screen, devoid of the usual gentleness. She looked somewhat cold, like the bright moon suspended in the sky—hard to reach.

Yun Wu bit her lip. A sudden illusion arose in her mind.

As if this cold, inscrutable appearance was Jiang Shangxue’s true face, and the gentleness she had perceived was merely a deliberate facade.

Yun Wu lowered her eyelids, coldness surfacing in her eyes.

Ultimately, it had nothing to do with her.

All she needed to do was win Jiang Shangxue’s favor, make her feel heartache, make her reluctant to let go, and make her willingly clear the obstacles to her inheritance of the Yun Group.

A flash of surprise crossed Jiang Shangxue’s eyes. She had heard movement outside earlier and thought Yun Wu had already eaten dinner without her.

“The meeting will end here today.”

With that, Jiang Shangxue closed the laptop. Her gaze fell on the well-behaved Yun Wu. A hint of warmth appeared in her eyes.

Yun Wu kept her head down and didn’t notice the change in Jiang Shangxue’s expression.

Since Yun Yuandao’s death, the outside world had been closely watching the personnel changes at the Yun Group. The most scrutinized position was who would succeed the chairman.

According to the Yun Group’s tacit rule, the largest shareholder would take over.

But Jiang Shangxue’s reputation was very bad—extremely bad. Coupled with the intention to terminate the collaboration with Huamei Pharmaceuticals, certain interested parties had seized the opportunity to spread negative public opinion against the Group.

To stabilize the board of directors, Jiang Shangxue had to first stabilize Yun Guye and Yun Chilu.

That was why Jiang Shangxue patiently dealt with them.

At seven in the evening, the sky outside was completely dark.

Jiang Shangxue gently rubbed her wrist and stood up. She walked to the door. Seeing that Yun Wu still refused to look up, she felt strange but didn’t dwell on it.

She raised her hand and ruffled Yun Wu’s hair, then naturally put her arm around her shoulder and walked toward the dining table.

“Why are you home so early today?”

Suddenly embraced, Yun Wu shivered slightly. That faint, pleasant fragrance began to linger in her nostrils again.

Holding her breath for a moment, Yun Wu finally said, “I’ve mostly finished reviewing the Liberal Arts concepts. I want to start preparing for the Nanda independent admissions exam myself.”

Yun Wu didn’t hide her intention of getting into Nanda.

Jiang Shangxue was silent for a while, then led Yun Wu to sit down at the dining table.

Nanzhou University was one of the most famous institutions of higher learning in China. Its economics, mathematics, and physics departments were renowned worldwide, and its admission score was the highest every year.

Thinking of the book’s description of Yun Wu’s academic performance plummeting in her senior year, Jiang Shangxue patted her shoulder, encouraging her in a gentle tone. “While working hard to prepare, you also need to maintain a good state of mind for the exam so you can perform well.”

Jiang Shangxue didn’t ask about her latest test scores or ranking.

For some reason, Yun Wu felt a slight relief and nodded. “Okay.”

Because the scheduled meeting had been interrupted, Jiang Shangxue had only simmered the soup, but there were two other dishes on the table: stir-fried okra and celery stir-fried with shrimp.

Yun Wu had made them. They looked very light from the colors.

Jiang Shangxue picked up a few pieces of each to taste. The flavor was surprisingly good.

However, someone Yun Wu’s age should prefer stronger flavors. Jiang Shangxue guessed that Yun Wu was accommodating her own taste.

Thinking that the child had not only cooked but had also waited for her to eat together, Jiang Shangxue’s eyes brightened with a few more shades of warmth.

At the same time, the heartache in her chest swelled like dense foam.

Jiang Shangxue put a piece of pork rib in her bowl. “The stir-fry is delicious. Wu Wu is so good.”

Her praise was normal.

It was impossible to tell if it came from the heart or was merely habitual.

Yun Wu licked her lip, quickly glanced at Jiang Shangxue. Her expression showed no fluctuation, but her heart was throbbing with warmth.

The soft light from the side of Jiang Shangxue’s cheek bathed her, radiating warmth.

But remembering Jiang Shangxue’s phrase, “I’ll consider it,” the warmth in her blood irreversibly cooled down.

Yun Wu’s eyelashes fluttered. She silently sped up her pace of eating.

“Auntie Jiang, I’m finished. I’ll go back to my room to review now.”

“Alright.”

Yun Wu was usually sullen, but today she seemed a little off. Jiang Shangxue couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was.

After dinner, Jiang Shangxue sat at the table, looking at Yun Wu’s room, deep in thought.

The night grew deeper. The air slowly cooled. Jiang Shangxue allowed the coldness to completely envelop her.

A long while later, Jiang Shangxue took out her phone and contacted Meng Meng.

【Jiang Shangxue: Find a new tutor. One who specializes in training for the Nanda independent admissions exam.】

【Meng Meng: Understood, CEO. But can you confirm the specific tutoring time?】

Jiang Shangxue rubbed her fingers on her knee, pondering for a moment.

【Jiang Shangxue: Undetermined. But find a suitable one and finalize the arrangement first. The tutoring fee will be paid regardless.】

【Meng Meng: Understood, CEO.】

Meng Meng put down her phone, looking slightly dazed.

The CEO is looking for a tutor. Is it for her daughter?

No. Meng Meng quickly shook her head. Based on the news she heard today, it should be for her stepdaughter.

Meng Meng herself came from a single-parent family, living with her father. After her father remarried, her stepmother treated her very poorly, and they eventually divorced.

Thinking of the warm atmosphere she felt at the CEO’s house that day, Meng Meng sighed heavily, filled with unspeakable envy.

So, the relationship between a stepmother and stepdaughter can be that good, even in a wealthy family notorious for dramatic conflicts.

That evening, Jiang Shangxue continued to handle Group affairs. Yun Wu concentrated on studying the historical exam styles of Nanzhou University’s independent admissions exam in her bedroom.

Early in the morning of the next day, Jiang Shangxue wasn’t in the living room, but a packed breakfast was on the table.

Yun Wu walked over and touched it; it was still warm.

The next three days were the same. The two only managed to spend a brief moment together during dinner in the evening.

Moreover, Jiang Shangxue became increasingly busy, starting to carry her porridge into the study on the fourth day.

She didn’t notice Yun Wu’s deepening gaze.

On the fifth day, Auntie Chen returned.

Jiang Shangxue still didn’t come out to eat, asking Auntie Chen to bring the porridge into the study.

After Yun Wu finished eating, she helped Auntie Chen clean up the dishes.

“Oh, my little darling, you don’t need to help me.”

“It’s nothing, Auntie Chen. Just a little chore.”

Yun Wu replied distractedly, her gaze intentionally or unintentionally sweeping toward the study door. The coldness pressing on her eyes grew more intense.

That evening, Yun Wu studied until two in the morning before feeling sleepy.

This continued for another four or five days.

Late one night, Jiang Shangxue’s stomach began to ache again. She climbed out of bed, preparing to find medicine to ease the pain.

Unexpectedly, she heard movement from Yun Wu’s room.

It was very late. The area was quiet enough to hear a pin drop. Jiang Shangxue, holding her cup, walked over quietly. She hesitated at the door for a moment, then pushed the door open directly.

The warm yellow desk lamp was on in the room. Yun Wu faced the light, her shocked expression clearly visible.

Jiang Shangxue walked over without a word, her gaze briefly lingering on the computer screen.

It displayed several complex mathematical solution formulas.

Jiang Shangxue stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly leaned over and pulled the pen from Yun Wu’s hand.

“Go to sleep.”

Jiang Shangxue’s face was partially hidden in the shadow, and her tone was restrained. Yun Wu couldn’t clearly see her expression, making her feel inexplicably dazed.

And slightly nervous.

Her vision was blocked by the light. Yun Wu slowly blinked her eyes, remaining motionless.

Was she too scared, or just afraid?

Jiang Shangxue looked down at her, clearly seeing the dark circles under her eyes, indicating she hadn’t slept well for more than just tonight.

It’s only been a few days that I wasn’t paying attention, and the child has overworked herself into this state.

Barely suppressing the anger in her heart, Jiang Shangxue sharply tapped her forehead with her finger. “Still not moving?”

“Oh,” Yun Wu lowered her head in a panic, then got up and climbed into bed. Once in bed, she buried her head under the covers.

She was both annoyed and amused.

“Sleep properly,” Jiang Shangxue’s tone was severe. She withdrew her gaze and turned off the desk lamp.

It was stuffy under the covers. Yun Wu was completely tense, holding her breath and listening to Jiang Shangxue’s retreating footsteps. She unconsciously pursed her lips.

Only when the sound of the door closing echoed did Yun Wu stick her head out and take small breaths.

The room was pitch dark. Yun Wu felt the heat on her face, unsure what emotion she was feeling.

She hadn’t locked the door recently since there was no need to avoid Jiang Shangxue.

But Yun Wu hadn’t expected Jiang Shangxue to walk in so abruptly at this hour.

At the same time, Yun Wu felt frustrated. Why do I always become nervous and stiff around Jiang Shangxue, as if my thoughts are frozen?

After tossing and turning for what felt like forever, Yun Wu finally felt a sliver of sleepiness.

The next morning, Yun Wu hesitated for a moment before opening the bedroom door. Jiang Shangxue wasn’t awake yet.

She gently let out a breath, washed up more quietly than usual, and then swiftly grabbed her breakfast and left.

It was the twentieth joint exam during the day. Yun Wu’s thoughts gradually focused on the test paper, and her mind temporarily returned to its calm state.

Tomorrow was another exam.

After school, Yun Wu stood at the school gate, struggling for a while before deciding to return to the East Villa community.

The independent admissions exam was approaching. She didn’t have much time left.

As soon as she opened the door, Yun Wu looked up.

Jiang Shangxue was sitting at the dining table, looking at her with an unreadable expression.

Yun Wu was slightly startled internally but didn’t show it. She pretended to glance elsewhere and called out.

“Auntie Jiang.”

“Mhm. Come and eat.”

The atmosphere was somewhat strained.

Yun Wu wanted to speak several times but couldn’t say anything.

Jiang Shangxue noticed her out of the corner of her eye. Seeing her sullenly eating white rice, the last bit of a smile on her face faded.

She immediately scooped several pieces of meat into Yun Wu’s bowl. Only after watching her eat it did Jiang Shangxue’s expression slightly ease.

“Is the pressure from studying very high lately?” Jiang Shangxue asked abruptly.

Yun Wu swallowed, honestly answering, “The independent admissions exam has been moved up. There isn’t enough time to prepare.”

Quietly observing Jiang Shangxue’s expression, Yun Wu’s throat tightened. Her action of swallowing seemed particularly difficult.

Jiang Shangxue silently observed Yun Wu’s movements and pushed the water cup toward her.

It was the cup Jiang Shangxue had been drinking from.

“Have some water.”

“Thank you, Auntie Jiang.”

The strained atmosphere between them never fully eased.

“What about the finger cots from last time?” Jiang Shangxue suddenly asked.

Lowering her eyelashes, Yun Wu hesitated for a long time before answering, “I didn’t make it clear. Someone gave me the wrong box by mistake.”

It sounded like a very reasonable explanation.

Jiang Shangxue didn’t ask further. The two finished dinner in subtle silence.

After Yun Wu swallowed the last bite of rice, Jiang Shangxue abruptly said:

“The latest you can stay up is eleven o’clock. You are not allowed to lock the door. I will come in to check on you at irregular times.”

Jiang Shangxue’s eyebrows were long and slender. When she didn’t smile, they looked like thin, sharp blades. Her dark eyes were deep and focused. Without gentleness to mask them, they seemed capable of cutting through a person’s facade, peering into unspeakable secrets.

Yun Wu nervously avoided her gaze and nodded.

That night, Yun Wu still found it difficult to fall asleep. She lay flat on the bed. After what felt like forever, she thought she heard someone open the door in her drowsy state.

After two nights of restless sleep, on the third night, Yun Wu finally couldn’t take it anymore and set her alarm for two in the morning.

Waking up, she reached out and turned off the alarm. In the quiet space, only her own breathing could be heard.

Yun Wu quietly got out of bed, walked to the desk, and turned on the computer. She didn’t turn on the lamp. The sound she made was very slight, almost none.

But just as she sat down and opened the computer, her bedroom door was pushed open.

“Yun Wu.”

It was the first time Jiang Shangxue had called Yun Wu by her full name. Her emotions were no longer restrained. There was clear anger in her voice.

Yun Wu froze, completely at a loss.

Her extended hand remained suspended in the air for a long time, unmoving.

She let out a very faint sound. “Auntie Jiang.”

Jiang Shangxue ignored her and strode toward her.

Her steps were steady, one after another, as if treading on Yun Wu’s heart. Her heartbeat beneath her left ribs hammered frantically.

Jiang Shangxue held a two-finger-wide, foot-long sandalwood ruler in her hand. Its color was lustrous. It reflected a chilling light in the sparse, hazy illumination.

Jiang Shangxue rested the ruler near Yun Wu’s hand, her expression stern. “Hands out.”

Yun Wu’s throat constricted. After a brief struggle, she obediently extended her right hand.

The ruler lightly tapped her palm, but the expected pain didn’t fall. Instead, she heard Jiang Shangxue say, “Left hand.”

Slap!

Slap!

Slap!

The sound of the ruler cutting through the air was sharp.

Three hits, delivered heavily. The flat red marks quickly swelled. Jiang Shangxue turned and switched on the lamp. The light suddenly became bright. Yun Wu’s eyes filled with shallow moisture, either from the pain or the sudden light.

Jiang Shangxue never compromised on matters of principle.

Seeing Yun Wu’s pitiful appearance, she showed no sign of softening.

Yun Wu’s body was already riddled with various minor issues. If she continued to treat herself this way, she would surely have a short life.

Angry and anxious, Jiang Shangxue’s chest rapidly rose and fell a few times. She suppressed her fury and said in a deep voice, “To the side of the bed.”

Yun Wu couldn’t help but shiver. Jiang Shangxue’s face was dark, suggesting she was extremely angry.

She clutched her sleeve, wanting to say something in explanation, but she saw the intense impatience in Jiang Shangxue’s eyes and timidly swallowed her words.

Yun Wu slowly walked to the side of the bed, putting one leg up on the edge, preparing to climb in and sleep as she did that night.

But she hadn’t expected a rough force to come from behind, pushing her down onto the bed according to her posture.

Yun Wu instinctively tried to struggle, but her position made it impossible to exert force. She twisted for a long time but couldn’t break free.

Panting, Yun Wu lay sprawled on the quilt, her voice trembling. “Auntie Jiang, what are you doing?”

The response was a sharp sting of pain that exploded on her backside.

Yun Wu violently flinched. She could barely maintain her composure, and her voice suddenly rose. “Auntie Jiang!”

The response was still the sharp slap, slap sound.

The force hadn’t lessened at all. Yun Wu’s eyes welled up with a burning, stinging heat. Tears fell uncontrollably, plop, plop. An intense sense of shame mixed with sharp pain overwhelmed her.

Her struggling motions grew smaller and smaller. Yun Wu buried her head under the quilt, muffled sobs escaping her throat.

After an unknown time, Jiang Shangxue let go of her and said coldly.

“If I catch you again, you’ll move out. I will no longer be responsible for you.”