Villainess_In_Melodramatic_Novel C21

Chapter 21: Becoming the Ex’s Sister-in-law (Part 2)

After the kiss, Shi Can slightly pulled away, their noses still almost touching, her breath warm and intoxicating. Yu Liuxue’s face turned crimson, her ears burning as if they were bleeding. She leaned back against the cool wall, batting her eyelashes pitifully, “Miss Shi?”

Her voice was soft and alluring, like a kitten’s mewl.

Shi Can released her, resuming her dignified composure, “Your room is tidied up. Go and rest.”

Yu Liuxue couldn’t help but look up at Shi Can. Her skin was a sickly pale, almost translucent, as if one could see the blood flowing in her veins. Her pupils were dark, like fine ink, and her elegant, cool demeanor appeared slightly wistful under the light.

Shi Can sat back in her wheelchair, noticing Yu Liuxue still seated on her desk with her legs closed, her striking skirt cascading over her delicate, white calves. Shi Can’s throat subtly shifted, “Aren’t you leaving?”

Yu Liuxue snapped back to reality, quickly responding, “I’m going, I’m going. I won’t disturb you any longer, Miss Shi.”

Hurriedly, she jumped off the desk, accidentally twisting her ankle, and Shi Can inadvertently steadied her, “Be careful.”

The soft touch of Shi Can’s hands made Yu Liuxue shiver, prompting her to run faster. With a “click,” the door unlocked, and Yu Liuxue, using all her strength, sprinted away, vanishing from Shi Can’s sight.

Yu Liuxue ran a good distance away, sitting alone in the Bai family’s garden, scratching her head, “System, what’s up with Shi Can?”

The system stammered, eventually saying, “Host, please wait, I’ll find out right away,” before quickly leaving.

The more Yu Liuxue thought about it, the more baffled she became. She read Ke Bailing’s introduction word for word, suspecting perhaps Shi Can had past involvement with Ke Bailing.

The system returned with a peculiar tone, “Host, prepare yourself mentally.”

Yu Liuxue sat up straight, “Go ahead, I’m resilient.”

The system hesitantly replied, “Shi Can… she took the domineering CEO script meant for the male protagonist.”

Yu Liuxue: “…?”

The male protagonist’s script can actually be taken? Isn’t the male protagonist of this world too weak?!

Yu Liuxue’s interest piqued, “Who’s the male protagonist? How did Shi Can take his script?”

It turned out the male lead was an employee at the Bai company. After joining, he advanced smoothly, earning the favor of Chairman Bai. When the chairman handed the company’s management to Shi Can, she began noticing the male protagonist was suspicious. Although ordinary in competence, the male protagonist received widespread praise. Thus, Shi Can, a cunning figure, placed obstacles in his path, taking two years to dismantle his power and connections, eventually ousting him with a single document.

The world’s male protagonist was of humble origins, using the Bai Group as his stepping stone. The male protagonist, leveraging connections and experience, quickly built a notable company within three years, almost acquiring his former employer.

But now, with his aura taken by Shi Can, he lived an ordinary life, devoid of ambition, merely surviving.

Yu Liuxue was left speechless, followed by palpitations of fear. This is major trouble!

“Dear, is it too late for me to distance myself from Shi Can?” Yu Liuxue cried, clutching a nearby column. She only wanted to cuckold Bai Shuang and complete a supporting character’s mission, yet somehow became entangled with a woman daring enough to seize a male protagonist’s script.

“You said Shi Can took the domineering CEO script from the male lead, right?” Yu Liuxue asked, despondent.

The system earnestly affirmed, “Yes, Host.”

Yu Liuxue’s appearance was too downcast for the system not to feel pity, about to console her. Suddenly, Yu Liuxue flipped to her feet, “A CEO script?! Does that mean we get to indulge in all sorts of… explicit things?!”

System: “…” Just consider my good intentions wasted.

Yu Liuxue regained enthusiasm, “If Shi Can likes me, wouldn’t she protect me unconditionally if someone bullies me?”

“Look at me, Yu Liuxue, lucky enough to rise from supporting character to lead!”

System: Think what you will, I’m done talking.

Yu Liuxue cheerfully accepted her fate, entering the room Shi Can prepared. Initially, the room felt cozy but upon second glance, things seemed off. She tentatively twisted the knob of a door on her wall, revealing a more spacious bedroom beyond. The gray-white minimalist decor screamed CEO taste. Yu Liuxue pointed at the over-two-meter-wide bed, shaking her head, “Isn’t this bed a tad too big?”

“What does Shi Can intend to do with me here?”

System failed to warn her in time, as Shi Can stood silently behind her, “What position do you want to try?”

Startled, Yu Liuxue clung to the door, grinning awkwardly, “Miss Shi, you’re back?”

Shi Can glanced from her to the bed, her gaze meaningful, “Rest early; I won’t be returning to sleep tonight.”

Alone, Yu Liuxue tossed and turned on the bed, eventually resorting to playing with her phone.

Before long, a midnight post from Ke Bailing appeared on socials:

[Just like flowers, just like willows, the ephemeral youth departs. Tears fall quietly, the Yangtze River spreads east and west, a pair of mandarin ducks fly apart…]

“Did Ke Bailing break up with Bai Shuang?”

“I suspected as much; I’ve seen Bai Shuang and Ke Bailing’s best friend, Ruan Ni, being intimate numerous times. Only Ke Bailing was oblivious.”

“The term ‘best friend’ is ruined by people like Ruan Ni.”

“What do you know? Bai Shuang always liked Ni Ni; Ke Bailing just barged in and snatched Bai Shuang away. Ke Bailing is a white lotus, a scheming green tea b*tch who steals girlfriends shamelessly.”

“Are you Ruan Ni’s friend? Everyone knows Bai Shuang relentlessly pursued Ke Bailing until she agreed. Ke Bailing never wanted Bai Shuang’s money or power, just her sincerity. Now they slander her as a mistress; if I were Ke Bailing, I’d be furious.”

“In conclusion, Bai Shuang is trash.”

Bai Shuang: I think I’m being insulted again.

Ruan Ni scowled at her phone while friends consoled her, “Ke Bailing is cunning, turning public opinion against you as a homewrecker with just a social post. She was always a threat.”

“Ni Ni, you shouldn’t have befriended Ke Bailing. You saw her as a friend, but she saw you as a rival.”

Ruan Ni’s expression paled, exhaling slowly. “Regardless, I am at fault. I’ll apologize to Bailing tomorrow, hoping for forgiveness…”

“Apologize? For what? You’re forbidden from doing so!”

Ruan Ni cracked a weary smile, gripping her phone despondently, as friends belittled Ke Bailing. Ruan Ni asked them to leave, craving solitude amidst the tumult.

“You’re okay alone? Want me to call Bai Shuang?”

“No need, you all can leave now,” she assured, feigning strength.

Once alone, Ruan Ni shook off her forlorn facade, biting her lip and gripping her phone, seething. After contemplation, Ruan Ni updated her status:

[Ever thought clarity spoke for itself, forgetting the power of rumors.]

She hadn’t blocked Ke Bailing, allowing Yu Liuxue to see it. Yu Liuxue sprinted to like the post on socials, and left it at that.

Meanwhile, gossip thrived as people speculated: “Who’s winning between Ke Bailing and Ruan Ni? [Vote]”

“My bet’s on Ruan Ni.”

“Likewise, one vote for Ruan Ni.”

“Ke Bailing liked Ruan Ni’s post! Is that royalty approval?”

Since Bai Shuang had blocked Yu Liuxue, she remained clueless of Yu Liuxue’s actions. Instead, upon seeing Ruan Ni’s post, she felt puzzled, reaching for her phone before a drinking buddy approached conspiratorially, asking, “Bai Shuang, did you really break up with Ke Bailing for Ruan Ni?”

Bai Shuang gave him a flat look, kicking casually, “None of your business.”

He chuckled, “You know I’ve long fancied Ke Bailing, just respected her as your girlfriend, stayed away. Is it truly over? Mind if I pursue her?”

Bai Shuang got up, phone clutched, finally grumbling, “Whatever.”

She slipped past the throngs under lights and music to a quiet terrace, hesitating five minutes over her phone before dialing Ruan Ni.

Recalling Ke Bailing’s allure when single, pursued fervently, Bai Shuang felt an inexplicable dissatisfaction creep in.

Ruan Ni awaited Bai Shuang’s call, ruminating unpleasant scenarios. Was Bai Shuang having second thoughts? She absolutely couldn’t allow that, resolving to initiate instead.

“Shuangshuang, where are you?”

Bai Shuang puffed a half-lit cigarette at the bar, “At the bar.”

“I’ll come over—”

“You have classes tomorrow, sleep early.”

The call cut off, Ruan Ni’s nails imprinted painfully. “Classes? When has Bai Shuang ever bothered attending?”

Ruan Ni wrestled unease, helplessly.

Many had spent the night sleepless, stirred by the latest gossip about Ke Bailing, while she enjoyed a peaceful rest, waking refreshed and radiant.

Yu Liuxue yawned, stepping barefoot onto the carpet as she prepared to dress for the day.

Shi Can’s intentions seemed long preordained—how else could the clothing and accessories match so flawlessly? Yet the summarized storyline had offered no clues, leaving Yu Liuxue with unanswered questions.

After half an hour of indecisive picking, the system nudged her. “Host, you’ll be late for school.”

Yu Liuxue finally settled on a crisp white shirt with a more masculine cut. Carefully buttoning it from the bottom up to the third, she then pulled out a pair of form-fitting black shorts. “What do you know? Today’s my first public appearance post-breakup—I’m bound to turn heads.”

Whatever you say goes.

Glancing in the mirror, she slipped on black boots. “Off to school.”

As the bell rang, the absence of the ever-reliable Ke Bailing did not go unnoticed. Even the teacher raised an eyebrow, asking, “Do Ke Bailing’s roommates know where she is?”

A girl hesitantly replied, “Teacher, Bailing isn’t feeling well today…”

“More like she’s too busy returning what she stole,” a group of flashy girls sniggered, while others silently assumed her absence was due to heartbreak.

The teacher, considering it a private matter, chose not to intervene.

“Clop-clop-clop…”

Yu Liuxue rushed into the classroom, slightly out of breath. “Sorry for being late, teacher.”

The teacher instinctively asked, “Are you Bailing?”

Yu Liuxue blinked. “Don’t I look like her?”

She didn’t.

Ke Bailing had always been simple and proper, the perfect goody-two-shoes. But today, despite maintaining some restraint, she looked completely out of character. The teacher’s gaze lingered briefly on her long, shapely legs, curiosity flickering before they finally said, “Go to your seat.”

Yu Liuxue was dressed charmingly, her micro-curled hair gleaming with a soft luster. She carried a small white bag, her sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal delicate, alabaster wrists. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow that made her appear both refined and alluring.

“Breaking news! Ke Bailing has completely transformed post-breakup!”

A gallery of over a dozen meticulously taken photos—flawless from every angle—was posted, sparking intrigue.

“Did Ke Bailing really move on from Bai Shuang? Even her style has changed…”

At Shi Can’s office, Bai Shuang lounged on the sofa, lazily scrolling through her phone. Across from her, Shi Can observed quietly.

“Having second thoughts?” she asked.

Bai Shuang quickly locked her phone and dodged the question. “Why did you call me to the company?”

“You are your father’s heir. It’s time you start managing the company.” Shi Can gestured for Jiang Xu to bring in a stack of documents. “My health is declining. Your father needs assurance that you’re ready to take over.”

“Not interested.” Bai Shuang stood up, phone in hand, her tone indifferent. “Since you’re already running the company so well, you might as well continue.”

“That’s your father’s decision, not mine.”

Bai Shuang froze for a moment before replying, “Then tell him I’m not interested.”

Jiang Xu hesitated. “Miss Shi…?”

Shi Can’s expression remained unreadable. “Relay her words to the chairman.”

Meanwhile, Yu Liuxue hadn’t seen Shi Can for days. Despite being officially hired, she had been thrown into endless company training. Yawning, she flipped through her notebook. “Day nine of missing Shi Can… longing.”

A voice interrupted her thoughts. “Ke Bailing, Miss Shi wants to see you in her office.”

Yu Liuxue instantly snapped her mouth shut, energy returning in an instant. “Coming!”

Jiang Xu led her to Shi Can’s office, exchanging a knowing wink before leaving, which only left Yu Liuxue puzzled. She hesitated before speaking softly, “Miss Shi, you called?”

“Change your clothes. You’re accompanying me to a reception this afternoon.”

Reception? Boring. Yu Liuxue’s enthusiasm plummeted. “Oh.”

Shi Can’s gaze lifted, scrutinizing her expression. “Not interested?”

Yu Liuxue quickly shook her head. “No, definitely interested.”

Lately, the lack of drama from Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni had left Yu Liuxue feeling bored. As she dressed, she idly wondered what kind of trouble Ruan Ni might stir up tonight.

As expected, Shi Can’s habitual reliance on her wheelchair was evident. Yu Liuxue helped her into the plush interior of an extended Rolls-Royce while Jiang Xu efficiently stowed the chair away. Soft music played in the background, and the cabin was stocked with fine wine and crystal glasses.

Yu Liuxue’s gaze inadvertently drifted to Shi Can’s flawless, porcelain-like legs. She was still staring when Shi Can’s voice pulled her back. “What are you looking at?”

“Your legs are so white…”

Bad move. She had said too much.

Shi Can chuckled softly. “Do you like them?”

I do, but you won’t let me touch them.

Summoned by a glance, Yu Liuxue shifted closer, only to feel Shi Can lean in, resting lightly against her shoulder. Her voice was low, almost teasing. “After today’s work, I’ll reward you.”

Yu Liuxue’s eyes sparkled. Reward?

What kind of reward?

Shi Can offered no further explanation, but Yu Liuxue was instantly energized. “Miss Shi pays me; fulfilling my duties is only natural.”

When Shi Can brought Yu Liuxue along once more, many had assumed she was just a passing guest and were surprised by her repeated presence. She remained composed, assisting Shi Can seamlessly in discussions while disregarding the curious gazes directed at her.

Whenever conversations turned to Yu Liuxue, Shi Can rarely responded, leading others to instinctively pick up on the unspoken cue and refrain from pressing further.

Meanwhile, Ruan Ni attended a gathering hosted by the parents of her friend, He Lu. The event was made more bearable by He Lu’s pointed jabs at Ke Bailing, helping to soothe Ruan Ni’s lingering frustration. Determined to reclaim her pride, Ruan Ni posted pictures flaunting a lifestyle clearly above Ke Bailing’s.

Arriving at the banquet hall arm in arm with He Lu, Ruan Ni suddenly stiffened.

“Ni Ni, what’s wrong?”

He Lu followed her gaze and her expression darkened. “Ke Bailing?!”

“What is she doing here?” Annoyance flickered across He Lu’s face. Already resentful of Yu Liuxue for Ruan Ni’s sake, seeing her at her father’s event only worsened her mood.

“How dare she show up? I’ll have her thrown out.”

Ruan Ni caught her wrist, stopping her. “Lu Lu, calm down. If Miss Shi brought her, forcing her out would embarrass Miss Shi as well.”

He Lu hesitated, then relented. “What do we do, then?”

Ruan Ni smiled slyly. “Come with me.”

Yu Liuxue, catching a glimpse of them from the corner of her eye, sighed. “They’re everywhere.”

The system chimed in, “Host, Bai Shuang is here too.”

Bai Shuang had been forcibly dragged in by her father, who scolded her in a low voice, “Now that you’ve graduated, it’s time for you to take responsibility. Instead of wasting time drinking and smoking outside, you should be shadowing Shi Can and learning how to manage the company. Given her condition, she deserves your concern.”

Bai Shuang lazily lowered her head. “Aren’t you in perfect health?”

Her father’s face darkened in frustration. “You’re staying here tonight. No running off elsewhere.”

Bai Shuang shrugged indifferently—just another place to drink, nothing more.

As she wandered through the venue, her gaze landed on Shi Can, surrounded by a group of business elites. As she approached, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar yet startling figure—her ex-girlfriend.

She stopped abruptly.

Yu Liuxue was standing within the group, her lips curved into a perfunctory smile. Subtle makeup enhanced her delicate features, and her rose-red lips were striking against her otherwise understated appearance.

This wasn’t the Ke Bailing she remembered.

It seemed that since the breakup, Bailing had only flourished—thanks, no doubt, to Shi Can.

Bai Shuang leaned against a nearby pillar, arms crossed, her gaze fixed coldly on Yu Liuxue’s newfound boldness.

Just then, a playboy swaggered over, whistling. “Damn, Bai Shuang, your girl’s got a killer figure.”

“Ex-girlfriend,” Bai Shuang corrected flatly.

The playboy blinked in confusion. “Huh?”

“I said, she’s my ex.” Bai Shuang repeated impatiently before turning away.

The playboy scratched his head, then took another long look at Yu Liuxue—realization dawning.

Bai Shuang’s ex was now thriving under Shi Can’s wing.

Was this turning into a dramatic sisterly love triangle over a woman?

The playboy wasted no time spreading the gossip.

As the evening fully set in, Bai Shuang caught wind of a ridiculous rumor—her own sister had stolen her woman. Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Who started this nonsense?”

Ruan Ni quickly stepped in, soothing, “Shuangshuang, don’t be mad.”

“Time reveals a person’s true nature. I’ve known Bailing for so long, yet I never expected her to be this type.”

Ruan Ni lowered her head regretfully. “Even if Miss Shi holds power now, she’s still your sister…”

The idea of her ex-girlfriend entangling with her own sister struck a nerve, a faint sense of betrayal creeping in. Bai Shuang’s expression darkened.

Sensing her silence, Ruan Ni wisely stopped talking.

Meanwhile, Yu Liuxue, upon hearing the latest gossip, sighed dramatically. “Exposed so soon? Doesn’t that kill the thrill of future ventures?”

Shi Can, who had been lost in thought, glanced over. “Tired? Go rest for a bit.”

Tired? No way. Life was far from dull when she was the kind of person who dared to steal the male lead’s script.

“I’m fine,” Yu Liuxue replied, smirking. “I just spotted Bai Shuang and Ruan Ni.”

Her mind worked quickly: Since the CEO’s woman is the central script object, and now Shi Can holds that role, doesn’t that mean I belong to Shi Can?

The system fell into speechless silence. “…” Genius logic.

That means I can skip the engagement drama and just relax while playing games with Shi Can!

System: “…” Completely unnecessary.

Ruan Ni had been scheming for hours, waiting for the perfect moment. As soon as Shi Can was called away, leaving Yu Liuxue unattended, Ruan Ni struck.

Tears welled up, spilling over as she approached with a sorrowful expression. “Bailing, I was wrong. Please… let me explain.”

Yu Liuxue instantly slipped into character, crossing her arms in irritation. “Alright, explain clearly. What exactly is going on between you and Bai Shuang?”

Meanwhile, on the terrace, Bai Shuang took a slow drag from her cigarette. The moment she heard the voices of her ex-girlfriend and her current one, she froze—then, instead of stepping forward, she stayed put, secretly eavesdropping.

Ruan Ni had deliberately chosen this location, hoping to provoke Yu Liuxue into saying something that would further stain her image in Bai Shuang’s eyes.

“Bailing, please listen to me.”

“Go ahead.”

Under the soft glow of the stars, Ruan Ni met Yu Liuxue’s bright, scrutinizing gaze and suddenly felt stripped bare. Guilt and frustration surged within her, her carefully planned act beginning to crumble.

Tears fell as she choked out, “Bailing, it’s my fault. Shuangshuang did nothing wrong. I’ve had feelings for her for so long, but I never had the courage to confess. It wasn’t until I lost her that I realized how much I regretted it…”

Yu Liuxue tilted her head, unimpressed. “That sounds like your problem. How does it involve me?”

Ruan Ni: “…”

Still unwilling to give up, she pressed on. “Bailing, we’ve always been close. Maybe that led to misunderstandings. If I made you uncomfortable, I sincerely apologize on Shuangshuang’s behalf…”

Yu Liuxue blinked. “And in what capacity are you apologizing? As her girlfriend?”

“Alright then, Bai Shuang sure moved on quickly…”

Ruan Ni immediately cut her off. “But Bailing, didn’t you also move on just as fast? From breaking up with Shuangshuang straight into a relationship with her sister. Miss Shi is family—you must know how that looks?”

Oh, I know. That’s the whole point.

From the terrace, Bai Shuang finally lost patience. “Ke Bailing, let’s talk.”

Yu Liuxue: “…” Are you two seriously this toxic?

“No talks.”

But knowing Shi Can would question her later, Yu Liuxue dutifully summoned two fake tears, eyes reddening as she turned and ran.

Shi Can lazily lifted her gaze. “Upset?”

Jiang Xu scratched his head. Ke Bailing had barely been with Miss Shi for two weeks and had already stirred up a scandal about sisterly betrayal. It was nonsense, of course, but still—what a mess.

Yu Liuxue straightened up, putting on a brave front. “No, just got sand in my eye.”

Jiang Xu glanced around. Sand? What wind? There’s no breeze tonight.

Shi Can gave a single glance before instructing, “Take her back to rest.”

Jiang Xu nodded. “Yes.”

As he watched Yu Liuxue retreat, he muttered, “Surprisingly shrewd.”

Yu Liuxue bowed modestly. “Thank you for the compliment.”

Jiang Xu nearly choked. That wasn’t a compliment! Have some humility!

With Shi Can staying elsewhere that night, Yu Liuxue followed her to a hotel. By the time they arrived, her feet were aching from the heels. The moment she hit the bed, she barely moved, slipping into a dream.

Then, something warm brushed against her earlobe, her chin, her collarbone—trailing downward in teasing strokes.

A shiver ran through her. Yu Liuxue jolted awake.

“Miss Shi?”

The CEO narrative was starting, wasn’t it?

Any feigned resistance dissolved into compliance, carried away in a wave of indulgence.

Much later, with her lipstick smudged and her breathing still unsteady, Yu Liuxue felt Shi Can’s palm settle lightly against her shoulder blades.

“Did Bai Shuang bully you tonight?”

Yu Liuxue’s face burned red, her voice barely above a whisper, “Bai Shuang didn’t bully me. Clearly, it was Miss Shi who did.”

Shi Can, satisfied, leaned in for another kiss.

Just as Yu Liuxue thought things were about to escalate, Shi Can suddenly pulled away and stood up. “I have a negotiation soon. Get some rest.”

Yu Liuxue: “…?” Left alone to pine?

With teary eyes, she watched longingly as Shi Can disappeared into the elevator.

“So unfair… Why couldn’t she ravish me first?”

Just then—

“Ke Bailing.”

A cold voice interrupted. Bai Shuang gripped Yu Liuxue’s wrist, her tone dark as she spat out her name.

Yu Liuxue turned, startled. “Bai Shuang?”

She quickly composed herself, slipping back into indifference. “Why are you here?”

But Bai Shuang’s eyes were locked onto something else—those bright red, kiss-swollen lips. Her expression darkened.

“Who were you with?”

Before Yu Liuxue could answer, Bai Shuang stormed into the room, slamming the door shut behind her. She backed Yu Liuxue against the wall, eyes burning.

“Speak.”

Yu Liuxue blinked. Did Bai Shuang not see Shi Can leave?

Tonight had already been a mess for Bai Shuang. Now, standing here, seeing her ex disheveled, lipstick smudged as if she had been thoroughly ravished, her frustration surged into anger.

They had dated for years, yet Ke Bailing never allowed a kiss—barely even held hands at times, always putting on airs of virtue. And now? Here she was, turning into a shameless gold-digger overnight.

Fury clouded Bai Shuang’s thoughts. Without thinking, she acted on impulse, leaning in to forcibly claim a kiss.

Yu Liuxue, caught off guard, had just one thought: Is Bai Shuang planning to cuckold her sister too?