Transmigrated as the Villainess’s Vicious Fake Stepmother - Chapter 22

Chu Qian’s face tightened slightly at the sound. She rolled her eyes in exasperation. “You are still a child. What nonsense are you talking about? Qin Ru is a girl, I am also a girl, and she is still underage. Do you understand?”

“She is an adult now.”

“…I still do not like girls.” Chu Qian was left completely speechless.

Zhan Se looked her up and down slowly, her eyes filled with mockery.

Chu Qian suddenly recalled the woman lying in her bed when she had first arrived. She touched her nose with slight embarrassment.

When Zhan Se noticed her uneasy expression, her face turned cold at once. Her gaze cut into Chu Qian like a blade.

“Even if you have any ideas, keep them to yourself. My father only passed away recently.”

She strode away, leaving Chu Qian standing there.

Chu Qian was confused. What did that even mean? Why did it feel as if she had just been caught cheating?

She trailed after Zhan Se in frustration. Zhan Se’s long legs carried her quickly, and she kept her distance on purpose. By the time Chu Qian reached the door, Zhan Se had already left in a taxi. Chu Qian stomped her foot in anger and walked toward the bus stop.

There were only a few people at the stop. Most students in the area either took a taxi or had family drivers. Chu Qian sat on a bench with her head lowered, staring at her shoes while she waited for the bus.

It was not that she could not afford a taxi. She simply felt it was a waste of money. Why pay sixty yuan when the bus only cost three? Waiting was just dull.

She took out her phone to pass the time.

In the back seat of her family car, Qin Ru glanced up and spotted Chu Qian at the bus stop. She lifted an eyebrow and said, “Driver, stop the car.”

The moment the female lead spoke, 4521 panicked. “Stop right there! You cannot touch the villainess! Do not even think about it!”

It clung to Qin Ru’s shoulder with its tail, but the effort was useless. With a small movement, it was dragged along helplessly.

“Relax. You said yourself that Chu Qian is only a minor character. Since she does not affect the main plot, it is fine.”

“She is still the villainess. Her ending is death, and a miserable one at that.”

“That has nothing to do with me. Zhan Se will deal with that.” Qin Ru spread her hands.

“You do not even want to follow the plot. You only want to seduce the villainess.” 4521 exposed the truth without mercy and scolded her sharply. Its small face tightened, and its round mouth puffed like a steamed bun.

Qin Ru gave a slight shrug. “An electronic system like you will never understand the wonderful feeling of physical harmony in human life. What a pity.”

She paused for a moment, then walked toward Chu Qian step by step. “This person is very different from everyone else in this world. Do you not want to know why she is deviating from the original plot?”

4521 hesitated before giving a small nod. “I do.”

“Then that settles it. I need to have a good, deep talk with this beautiful villainess.”

“…Get lost.”

Qin Ru hid the gleam in her eyes and put on a harmless, gentle expression. She stopped in front of Chu Qian.

“Sister Qian, what a coincidence. We meet again. Why are you here alone?”

Chu Qian looked up and saw the female lead standing before her, which startled her. Her first instinct was to walk away, yet she quickly changed her mind. This was the female lead and she needed to befriend her. For Zhan Se’s sake, it was important to build a good relationship.

“So it is you, Qin Ru.” Chu Qian smiled. “I am waiting for the bus home.”

The original owner of this body had a delicate and pretty face, with bright and lively features. When she smiled, her large eyes sparkled warmly and easily won others’ favor. Chu Qian herself was gentle but carried a hint of fiery spirit, like a beautiful and docile kitten that occasionally showed its claws.

Qin Ru could not take her eyes off the woman before her. She recalled the way Chu Qian had stood protectively at noon. She was fiery, adorable, a little timid, and somewhat fawning. It was a complex mix, yet each part was appealing.

Her gaze traveled over Chu Qian’s figure. She was about the same height as Qin Ru, wearing a black base shirt and flared jeans that shaped her curves. She had the kind of figure Zhan Se, with her plain build, could never match. Her face was a nine and her body a ten.

Even 4521 could not bear to watch. It turned away in frustration. As it moved, Chu Qian thought she caught a glimpse of something blue drifting past, though when she blinked, it was gone.

“I see. In that case, shall I give Sister Qian a ride?” Qin Ru’s eyes curved with a smile.

“Eh?” Chu Qian was taken aback. The girl’s expression stayed warm and open.

She thought about refusing but realized it was a perfect chance to build rapport. “Would that be alright? I would not want to trouble you.”

“It is fine. We are going the same way.”

Chu Qian wondered to herself, I have not even told you my address, yet you already know we are headed the same way? This female lead’s words were far too smooth.

“West District, Yunlan Villa. Is that along your way, Qin Ru?”

Qin Ru smiled warmly. “Whether it is or not, it will be.”

Something about it felt off, but Chu Qian could only laugh softly. “Then I will trouble you.”

Just as the original story described, the female lead’s family was indeed wealthy. Even the car sent to collect her was a Bentley. It was Chu Qian’s first time in such a luxurious vehicle and she felt a touch of unease.

Qin Ru’s sharp gaze followed every movement and caught each subtle change in expression. She found Chu Qian more and more endearing.

“Sister Qian, are you comfortable? I will have the driver start the car.” Qin Ru leaned forward to fasten Chu Qian’s seatbelt. Her arm brushed against Chu Qian’s shoulder, and she caught the sweet creamy scent on her, the same as the strawberry almond mousse tart from lunch.

Chu Qian noticed nothing unusual and simply felt touched. The female lead truly is gentle and kind, nothing like that cold little brat at home.

“Thank you.”

“You are welcome.” Qin Ru’s smile was warm and bright, almost angelic.

The ride was pleasant. Qin Ru guided the conversation toward cooking, a subject Chu Qian excelled in, which helped her relax. She also spoke about small moments from her school life. By the time they reached the villa district, Chu Qian no longer felt nervous.

Since outside cars were not allowed inside, Chu Qian stepped out after thanking her. Qin Ru leaned from the window, her eyes showing reluctance. “That was quick. We still have so much to talk about. Sister Qian, can I come to your shop every day? I want to learn how to make desserts.”

Chu Qian was delighted. “Of course.” This was the perfect chance to hold onto the female lead’s thigh.

“Then it is settled. Sister Qian, goodbye.”

“Yes. Goodbye, Qin Ru.”

“Do not be so formal. Call me Xiao Ru, Ah Ru, or Ru Ru.”

Chu Qian nodded. “Then… goodbye, Xiao Ru.”

“Mm. Goodbye, Sister Qian.”

Inside the car, 4521 felt sick from the sweetness. “Your fake innocence is disgusting.”

“As long as it works, who cares?” Qin Ru folded her arms and smiled. “I can follow the plot line, but if I do not break it, you stay out of my business with Chu Qian.”

“…Let me calculate the plot deviation.” After a pause, 4521 replied, “Fine. As long as you end up with the male lead or deal with the villainess, I will not interfere.”

“Deal.”

…

“How did you get home?”

Chu Qian had barely stepped inside when she heard the question. She looked up and saw the little girl standing by the table, holding a cup and watching her coldly.

Her legs trembled. “I… I took a taxi.”

Zhan Se’s gaze swept over her like a searchlight, making her feel completely exposed. Thankfully, she soon looked away.

Chu Qian let out a quiet breath of relief, went to the kitchen for ingredients, and returned to find Zhan Se setting a Mercedes car key on the table.

“You can drive, right? This is my car. Use it to get to work.”

Chu Qian looked at the key. For some reason, she felt a faint unease inside.