Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 222: I’ve Liked That Person for a Long, Long Time
Song Lianhe immediately recalled what she had told Shen Wu—how she was kidnapped and brought here, and how her heart already belonged to another...
’Since I know the man before me is the male lead, with all his powerful plot armor and predetermined character traits, I should take this chance to secure my survival. As long as he shows the slightest bit of compassion, I might just be able to save my own skin!’
So, she lowered her gaze and deliberately softened her voice. "I’ve been in love with that person for a long, long time..."
As she recounted her story with heartfelt emotion, Zhou Junlin stared at her in a daze. His mind filled with images of her pursuing him in the past...
"What does it matter if the world laughs at me? I was simply pursuing my true love without reservation. What’s wrong with that? Even though... he is married now, I have never regretted it."
Song Lianhe put on a carefree air, lifted her head, and gave him a brilliant smile. "I have loved boldly and passionately, so I have no regrets in this life. To see the man I love happy is my greatest happiness."
The woman before Zhou Junlin’s eyes was smiling, yet she looked so frail and fragile that it made his heart ache for her.
’I never knew I was so important to Song Lianhe. I never knew she loved me this deeply!’
He stared at her blankly for a long time, as if to engrave her current appearance into his very soul. He watched until she smiled and said, "Now, I’ve let it all go."
In that instant, the fullness in his heart suddenly vanished, leaving only an empty ache.
The man pursed his dry lips. "You... have you really let it all go?"
"What else can I do? In his eyes, I’ve probably become something to be feared and avoided," she said with self-deprecation. "He runs from the very sight of me, afraid I’ll tarnish his reputation."
"It’s not like that!" he blurted out.
Song Lianhe froze, looking at him in confusion.
Realizing he’d lost his composure, Zhou Junlin bit his lip and reined in his emotions. "He wouldn’t think that," he said softly. After a pause, he added, "At least... after finding out how you truly feel, he... he definitely wouldn’t think that way anymore."
Song Lianhe’s heart leaped with joy. ’Yes, this is exactly what I wanted! For you to go soft on me!’
’Men are naturally inclined to protect the weak. Instead of constantly fighting him, it’s better to lower his guard and appeal to his sense of compassion.’
Then she continued haltingly, "Sigh... if only he... were as kind-hearted as Young Master Shen Wu." But she quickly shook her head. "No, it’s better that he never knows."
He paused. "Why?"
"Some things, once done, cannot be undone. Since he’s already married, he shouldn’t be disturbed by other women."
Only after hearing her words did an image of Song Xilan flash through Zhou Junlin’s mind.
’That’s right, I’m already married. And to the woman I always thought I loved.’
In that moment, Zhou Junlin felt a wave of melancholy wash over him.
Just then, Gu Ha came in.
He cleared his throat, interrupting his master’s thoughts, then leaned in and whispered, "Prince, the horses... Quickly, ask her about the warhorses..."
Zhou Junlin lowered his gaze and composed himself. ’I have to focus on the matter at hand.’
"By the way, do you know... what’s going on with those several hundred fierce horses from Wu Qi Country outside the city?" Afraid his question was too abrupt, he added, "I told you before that my family deals in horses, so naturally I’d be interested in such fine steeds."
He took a quiet step forward, staring at her. "The Hu Shang you met at Drunken Immortal last time, he was a horse merchant, wasn’t he? But weren’t his horses hijacked by the Fengming Gang? So... when Kong Yu showed up at my shop, he must have been there for you, right? In that case, this batch of horses..."
’So, he’s after my horses.’
It was no wonder. The fierce horses of Wu Qi Country were top-quality warhorses. Two hundred of them could form a light cavalry unit, perfect for serving as a vanguard or for surprise attacks.
’In the original novel, Zhou Junlin realized this very early on, too.’
Song Lianhe nodded candidly. "That’s right. I’m the one who got them."
’I can’t hide this, especially with Kong Yu involved. He hates my guts; there’s no way he’d keep a secret for me.’
Zhou Junlin looked at her with newfound respect. "Miss Song, you are truly... full of surprises."
"You flatter me, Young Master Shen Wu."
"Since you’ve always wanted to return to Ling’an, Miss Song, why are you helping the Heir North King? Or could it be... that you have other plans?"
’Other plans?’
Song Lianhe stared at him, stunned.
’Could he know that I’m helping Zhou Cangyan build his own Light Cavalry Army?!’
Seeing her stunned expression, she looked for all the world like someone whose guilty secret had just been exposed.
Zhou Junlin stared directly at her and took another step closer. The distance between them was now so small that it made Da Xi burn with silent fury.
She looked for an excuse to step forward, but Gu Ha suddenly blocked her path. "Our young master has something for your lady. Please come with me to retrieve it."
Da Xi glared at him, only then realizing the man before her was much taller, forcing her to tilt her head back to meet his gaze.
Gu Ha gestured with his hand. "This way, please."
Song Lianhe spoke up. "Da Xi, you can go."
Though reluctant, Da Xi had to obey her mistress’s command. She followed Gu Ha out of the shop.
’It’s for the best,’ Song Lianhe thought. She didn’t want Da Xi to overhear too much. ’There are some things she wouldn’t understand, and a misunderstanding would only make things worse.’
Seeing that she had intentionally dismissed her maid, Zhou Junlin understood.
"What is it that you wanted to tell me, Miss Song?"
"Er... I’m actually..."
"Could it be... that everything you’ve done... has been for the man you love?"
"Huh?"
Song Lianhe stared at him blankly.
’So he thinks these horses are a gift for him?’
He saw her remain silent, just staring at him blankly. Her astonished eyes couldn’t hide a single secret, yet they were so clear and bright that they made one’s heart stir.
Zhou Junlin found himself walking toward her again. Song Lianhe instinctively backed away, putting distance between them.
"Do you love him that much?"
His voice was a little hoarse, his gaze turning feverish.
"I..."
Song Lianhe’s mind was racing.
"If he knew of your devotion, Miss Song, he would surely be moved."
"...Uh, I hope so."
Zhou Junlin continued to advance, backing her into a corner until she had nowhere left to go.
"I greatly admire your deep love, Miss. How about you let me help you?"
"You’ll help me?"
"Yes. I will help you deliver this gift, and at the same time, I will convey your feelings to him. If he knew, he would surely do everything in his power to rescue you."
His tone was solemn and insistent.
’Based on my understanding of the male lead, he became the protagonist for a reason. He has a certain charisma, and he’s a man who keeps his word.’
’Of course, he never showed any of those positive traits to me, the Villainess.’
’But Zhou Junlin is the male lead, not some naive fool. He wouldn’t be so easily tricked by a few words. His meaning is obvious.’
’If I’m truly so "deeply in love" with him and genuinely want to return to Ling’an, then I have to show some sincerity.’
’Clearly, this batch of horses from Wu Qi Country is that pledge of sincerity.’
’Honestly, I’m not afraid of having a complete falling out with him. Worst case, we just go our separate ways. But my grandparents are still in Ling’an, along with my Medical Clinic, Sister Cao, Shuang Ye, and the others.’
’If one day Zhou Cangyan starts following the original plot and Sui Bei splits from Da Cheng, all those people will inevitably be dragged down with me.’
