Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 35: I Just Wanted to Kill Them

Zhou Junlin’s face was weathered, a clear sign he had traveled through the night without rest. Still, it couldn’t hide his handsome, elegant, and aloof disposition. When those star-like eyes gazed over, it was like being powerfully drawn in by an invisible force...

’What’s even more amazing is that after the male lead appeared, the halo above the female lead’s head grew even brighter!’

’Standing together, even a blind man would have to admit: what a perfect couple!’

This turn of events, driving the plot forward, gave Song Lianhe another sudden realization.

’With the protagonist’s halo in play, things were about to get intense, just as I’d figured.’

Zhou Junlin walked over and helped Song Xilan up just as she was about to curtsy. His cold eyes shifted to Song Lianhe. "What are you trying to pull now?"

He spoke like a husband at his wits’ end, questioning his detested, frumpy wife with a mixture of exasperation and disgust.

Song Lianhe stared at him, her gaze cold and so unfamiliar it made Zhou Junlin frown.

’But he quickly figured it out. How could this fiancée of his—in name only—change her attitude so completely overnight? How could the adoration in her eyes, which had followed him for so many years, simply vanish? The answer was simple: she was playing hard to get!’

At this realization, Zhou Junlin sneered inwardly, a mocking smile playing on his lips.

’I have to admit, Song Lianhe is showing some cleverness this time. But she’s underestimated me. Why would I ever play along with her?’

’Especially when compared to his beloved right here, Xilan is like flawless white jade—pure and elegant. And Song Lianhe still delusionally hopes to win my favor? It’s utterly laughable.’

"Greetings, Your Highness, Prince Ling."

Mrs. Liu immediately stepped forward and bowed. Then, dabbing the corner of her eye with a handkerchief, she said haltingly, "Your Highness, you’ve finally returned. If you had been any later, my daughter and I might not even have a place to call home..." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

As she spoke, she actually managed to squeeze out a few tears. "Your Highness, there’s something you don’t know. Even the General was punished with caning! At his age, that’s like surviving a trip through the Ghost Gate! And all of this... it’s because of her!"

She raised a slender finger, her eyes filled with resentment, and pointed directly at Song Lianhe.

Zhou Junlin’s brow furrowed even deeper. He glanced back at the woman he loved. Song Xilan’s eyes were red, and she was gently biting her crimson lip, looking so aggrieved it would make anyone’s heart ache for her.

He knew Song Lianhe used her status as the legitimate daughter to bully Xilan. It was easy to imagine how, in the days since he’d left Ling’an City, Song Lianhe must have relentlessly tormented her.

A flicker of anger appeared on Zhou Junlin’s handsome face. He looked up at Song Lianhe and asked icily, "What do you have to say for yourself?"

Song Lianhe scoffed. She tilted her head up and shot Zhou Junlin a sideways glance, her voice even colder than his. "I have nothing to say. Everything they said is true. I was trying to kill them."

Shuang Ye’s eyes widened in shock. "Miss!!"

’You can’t just say things like that!’

Pang Jiliang’s eyes opened slightly, and he looked over at her.

Xuan Mei also spared her a rare glance, and surprisingly, there was even a trace of admiration in their eyes...

Shuang Ye’s mouth twitched. ’The people of the Prince Qing Mansion... are really something else.’

"Fine! Since you’ve admitted it, don’t blame this Prince for what comes next..."

Before he could finish, a deep, languid voice drifted in from outside. "And then what?"

Song Lianhe froze and immediately looked toward the door.

Zhou Cangyan entered with his Shadow Guards. His dark gaze swept over her for a moment before casually shifting away.

Song Lianhe noticed that as soon as Zhou Cangyan appeared, the halos above the main characters’ heads flickered as if hit by magnetic interference, then slowly began to fade.

Song Lianhe gasped. When she looked at Zhou Cangyan again, her eyes were filled with admiration.

’As expected of the villain who’s a major player throughout the whole book!’

’His presence is so powerful it can even suppress the protagonists’ halos! He’s such a powerful backer—I have to latch onto him no matter what!’

Seeing him, Zhou Junlin gave a slight bow. "Greetings, Imperial Uncle."

Zhou Cangyan grunted in acknowledgment, walked past him, and went straight to Song Lianhe. The butler, Xuan Mei, and the others stood respectfully to either side.

Song Lianhe immediately shot to her feet, her pretty face wreathed in a smile. Her attitude was eager and attentive. "You’ve returned, Your Highness? Please, sit. I’ve kept the seat warm for you!"

Zhou Cangyan raised a brow almost imperceptibly. He didn’t refuse, and impassively took the seat.

Pang Jiliang moved to serve tea, but Song Lianhe immediately intercepted him. "Let me, let me!"

Pang Jiliang glanced at the Prince. Zhou Cangyan’s gaze was lowered, and he said nothing to stop her. After a moment of consideration, Pang Jiliang slowly stepped aside.

Song Lianhe poured the tea and offered it with both hands, the very picture of reverence. "Your Highness, please have some tea."