The Villainess Awakens After Marrying the Male Lead’s Brother - Chapter 25

It was only nine o’clock, and there were still quite a few cars on the street, their engines roaring as they passed through the slightly open windows.

Yet, despite this, the atmosphere inside the car became increasingly tense.

Damn it, Yao Xi.

Just wait!

In a short time, Wen Yu had already subjected Yao Xi to a hundred and eight cruel tortures in her mind.

Why didn’t she have any defenses at all?

Look at Yuan Tan, so serious!

Directly send a text message.

If Yao Xi sends a voice message, she should be on guard!

Wen Yu let out a sob, covering her face and leaning towards the other side of the window, feeling utterly miserable.

Then, she peeked through the window.

Jiang Yunyan glanced at her, the window view wasn’t clear, and it wasn’t clear what expression he had, but it didn’t seem like embarrassment or anger?

It shouldn’t be, right?

Her big brother had seen the world!

Just as she was thinking, she saw him pick up his phone.

The screen was still lit, the man quickly glanced down, then looked at the road, handing the phone over with his right hand, “Your phone.”

No, it’s your phone.

Wen Yu didn’t want this hot potato, but she dared not refuse.

Carefully receiving it, she was still very uneasy.

Huh?

Gone?

Wen Yu slowly sat up straight, this time directly putting the phone in her pocket, stirring her hands bored, glancing at the person on the left. Yes, as Yao Xi said, his hands were really good-looking, very exquisite.

No wonder just looking at his hands made him so excited.

Unfortunately, he was like an unattainable flower, untouched by love.

Wen Yu suppressed the subtle feeling in her heart and whispered, “Big brother, I didn’t mean to offend you.”

Apologizing in time would make it less likely to get beaten.

This was the conclusion she drew from observing Jiang Yunjin. Of course, with her around, even if Jiang Yunjin apologized, he would still get beaten.

But after she finished speaking, the man next to her didn’t answer. The car fell into silence until it slowly stopped in front of a barbecue restaurant. Wen Yu heard a calm and restrained voice, “Well, it’s okay.”

Wen Yu hadn’t reacted yet; her car door was already opened. The man leaned over, unlocking her safety buckle.

Wen Yu jumped out, and he gave her a little support.

Just as she was about to say something, the restaurant staff had already run over, welcoming them, “Are you here for a meal? Please come this way!”
Certainly!

Wen Yu immediately pulled Jiang Yunyan with joy: “Big brother, let’s go in quickly!”

The two were ushered in by the receptionist and went straight to a private room. Glancing at the menu, Wen Yu randomly ordered, turning to ask midway, “Big brother, what do you want to eat?”

Why does it feel like his mind is elsewhere? Wen Yu suspiciously glanced over.

The man beside her shook his head, “No need, I’m not eating.”

Wen Yu: … Ruthless! Coming to a barbecue place and not wanting anything? No wonder he’s successful; who can match such self-discipline?

She silently gave a thumbs up, handing the menu to the waiter.

This place seems popular; when they entered, the hall was mostly occupied, and only one private room remained, considered lucky.

Surprisingly, the serving speed was quick. Before Wen Yu felt bored, waiters brought two trays.

The aroma of cumin and chili from the grilled skewers filled the air. Jiang Yunyan had specifically instructed, so there wasn’t too much chili, just a thin layer. However, the taste still made Wen Yu, who hadn’t eaten barbecue in a long time, almost salivate.

“Put them here for reheating.” The waiter opened the electric grill, attentively placing the skewers on it, and the grill automatically flipped.

Wen Yu bravely waited for a minute, then quickly picked up a skewer and took a bite.

Mmm!

Delicious!

Tender meat, rich flavor from marination, a slight spiciness stimulating her dull taste buds due to a cold – truly enjoyable!

If only there were carbonated drinks right now.

Of course, Wen Yu understood the situation, knowing Jiang Yunyan had already compromised a lot today. She didn’t dare to ask for much, eating obediently and quickly.

Seeing Jiang Yunyan next to her, frowning for a moment, wanting to say something, but watching the young girl’s joyful expression, he swallowed his words. He picked up a disposable cup, poured himself a glass of plain water, and leisurely took a sip.

Busy enjoying the barbecue, Wen Yu glanced over midway, seeing those elegant hands gently holding the cup, bringing it to his lips.

She couldn’t help but marvel; he truly lived up to the standard executive, even with self-discipline evident in sipping water from a plastic cup, creating an illusion of sipping fine wine.

温瑜 regretted in her heart, then devoured the barbecue at an even faster pace.

Eating until her stomach felt uncomfortable, she was half-supported back by Jiang Yunyan.

To the point where her stomach was overworked, making her even sleepier. When she regained consciousness, she found herself lying in bed, already asleep.

As for how Jiang Yunyan slept, she had no idea. Anyway, when she woke up the next day, she occupied the entire bed alone, feeling quite comfortable.

However…

For the entire day, Wen Yu dared not speak, hiding in her room all day due to a headache. Jiang Yunyan didn’t come back that night, being busy with year-end work. Wen Yu was happy about it and even ate a little extra for dinner.

In the evening, lying in bed, she played on her phone until late at night, indulging in her younger siblings’ melon.

Su Lengyue and the second male lead in the novel, Chu Feng, were photographed hugging, then entering a hotel together, not coming out. While entering a hotel is common, the hugging photos led to various speculations.

More importantly, Jiang Yunjin was rumored to be involved with a long-haired beauty, shifting public speculation from Jiang Yunjin cheating to them having already broken up and found new partners.

This ignited a fierce online battle among fans of Jiang Yunjin, Su Lengyue, and Chu Feng. Chu Feng’s fans were trying to snatch Jiang Yunjin’s fans, Su Lengyue’s fans were criticizing Jiang Yunjin as a scumbag, suggesting Su Lengyue choose Chu Feng instead, praising his low-key nature and few rumors.

Wen Yu, engrossed in the online drama, couldn’t put her phone down, disrupting her carefully adjusted biological clock.

The next morning, when Wen Yu went downstairs for breakfast, she saw a haggard Jiang Yunjin at the Jiang’s house. It surprised her – why was he back? Shouldn’t he be coaxing the female lead?

Jiang’s mother, with a dark expression, treated her son disdainfully and warmly served breakfast to Wen Yu. When it was Jiang Yunjin’s turn, she coldly sneered, “What are you eating? Nothing for you outside?”

Jiang Yunjin, nervously: “Mom, I’ve explained everything. It’s all a misunderstanding. It won’t happen again. Can you let me eat? I haven’t eaten anything since last night…”

Spending three hours squatting outside his girlfriend’s hotel room, a ten-minute meeting, and then being driven away – the bitterness couldn’t be expressed, seeking some comfort at home.

However, returning home, his heart was even more battered than being outside.

Jiang’s mother sarcastically remarked, “Why are you still talking to me even if you’re dead? Now you know how urgent it is. Why weren’t you urgent when you spread the rumors yourself?”

As a woman, Jiang’s mother could empathize. Her son was unreliable, causing trouble for such a sensible daughter-in-law.

Jiang Yunjin awkwardly scratched his head, saying with little confidence, “I wasn’t in a hurry. Xiao Yue and Chu Feng have nothing at all. I know…”

“Not in a hurry, yet flew back overnight? Tsk~” Jiang’s mother directly mocked him.

Jiang Yunjin: “…”

He was speechless.

Wen Yu: “…Pfft.”

Watching the drama for so long, sorry, but she couldn’t help it.

Jiang’s mother was her mouthpiece, and she couldn’t speak now, so she could only watch Jiang’s mother perform. It was quite satisfying.

Little did she know, when Jiang Yunjin heard her laughter, he immediately glared at her, looking like he had caught her red-handed, excitedly saying, “Mom, she went out for barbecue with my elder brother the day before yesterday!”

Jiang’s mother:?

Wen Yu: !!!

江云瑾 sneered, “Let’s harm each other. I’ve been accustomed to this, but I used to endure it for the sake of Wen Yu being my sister. Now it’s different – she’s my sister-in-law! Her husband plans to beat me up for the New Year!”

This grudge must be avenged, but when?

“You think I know?” Jiang Yunjin gloated, receiving a slap from his mother, who demanded, “Speak, stop being vague!”

“…Your security was too tight, so the paparazzi mistook me for my older brother. They came looking for me with photos, and I bought them off,” Jiang Yunjin explained.

They thought he was cheating and wanted to blackmail money. Jiang Yunjin resentfully thought about it; he was in such a plight and had to buy the photos for them. He wished he could bill his older brother, but he didn’t dare, fearing more beatings.

As for billing Wen Yu? She was too broke.

Wen Yu: “…”

Unexpectedly implicated, she menacingly said, “Just wait!”

Her voice was slightly hoarse, making it more noticeable.

Jiang’s mother looked at her two children, one giving her a headache more than the other. She coldly snorted, “So, you ate barbecue until you lost your voice. I was wondering why you haven’t spoken these past few days, thinking of becoming a refined young lady, huh?”

Wen Yu: *Facepalm*

With her current hoarse voice, no one would buy her cute act; she could only endure scolding.

Jiang Yunjin laughed, but his mother immediately scolded, “What’s so funny?!”

Jiang Yunjin fell silent instantly, leaving Wen Yu to suppress a laugh. Fortunately, she wasn’t as arrogant as Jiang Yunjin, so Jiang’s mother didn’t say much.

Unwilling to accept it, Jiang Yunjin whispered, “Mom, she went to eat barbecue even though she had a cold!”

Jiang’s mother sighed, “I know, but the eldest wants to indulge her. What can I do? If you’re capable, let your girlfriend feed you.”

Jiang Yunjin: “…”

He understood now.

Seeking warmth at home with Wen Yu was a mistake!

Especially seeing Wen Yu’s triumphant smile, he felt infuriated.

—

Jiang Yunjin left at noon that day, busy with filming and limited free time.

Wen Yu took throat medicine, spent the afternoon with Jiang’s mother, and finally managed to ease her mother-in-law’s resentment over the barbecue incident, restoring a smile.

However, the consequence was tasteless dinner.

Eating, Wen Yu couldn’t help reminiscing about the barbecue from a couple of days ago.

But this time, she dared not do anything.

During dinner, Jiang’s father returned.

Wen Yu subconsciously looked behind him, the door closed, only Jiang’s father present.

Jiang’s mother asked, “Why are you back so early?”

Taking annual leave soon, the company was busy. Usually, at this time, the Jiang family—father, son, and even Jiang Yunjin—were the busiest. Jiang Yunjin participated in various New Year’s Eve galas, even the top-tier ones, and was quite occupied.

Jiang’s father replied, “I wanted to come back early to accompany you.”

The second son didn’t focus on dating, got into trouble, and the wife dug up old issues. His father wanted to come back early to accompany his wife.

Jiang’s mother glanced at the girl who was now focused on her meal, her smile carrying a mysterious meaning. “Oh, so you’re leaving the work to the eldest? Busy during the New Year, leaving it all to him?”

Jiang’s father hesitated, then, with a reluctant tone, said, “Should I go back and do some work?”

Wen Yu: …

In terms of prowess, it seemed Jiang’s mother was more formidable.

Jiang’s mother chuckled, glaring at him without kindness, “What do you mean ‘go back’? The eldest is strong, a bit tired is nothing to be afraid of.”

Jiang’s father breathed a sigh of relief; he didn’t need to go back today. However, he added, “The end of the year will indeed be busy. I’ll come back with the eldest tomorrow.”

Wen Yu glanced at Jiang’s father.

Sweet smile.

Jiang’s father works hard, but it’s even harder for Big Brother to handle such a big company alone.

Little did he know, Jiang’s mother snorted, “He secretly takes Xiaoyu for barbecue, and you still need to help him?”

“What?” Jiang’s father was surprised.

Jiang’s mother cares more for the children; why would she say such a thing?

Just as he wondered, he saw Jiang’s mother give him a wink, indicating him to look beside.

Jiang’s father looked over and saw Wen Yu with a sulking face, biting on a small steamed bun. However, she hesitated and didn’t dare to say anything, leaving him speechless.

Jiang’s mother chuckled. It was just a casual remark. She couldn’t bear to let her son work alone until late at night, but the matter of eating barbecue and losing her voice couldn’t be overlooked easily.

She couldn’t really do anything to her daughter-in-law, who is still unwell, so she could only tease her a bit.

Seeing this, Jiang’s father had to go along, “Okay, I’ll come back at six every day from now on. The rest will be up to the eldest son.”

After saying that, he noticed the little girl’s face wrinkling up.

Jiang’s parents exchanged a silent laugh.

—

Wen Yu guiltily lowered her head to eat, unaware of the silent exchange between Jiang’s parents. Feeling responsible for Jiang Yunyan’s trouble, she had little appetite. After finishing two small steamed buns and half a bowl of congee, she went upstairs.

She also sent a message: [Sorry, big brother. Mom and Dad said you have to come back at six every day, and the rest of the work is up to you because I got caught eating barbecue…]

[Timid.jpg]

The man entertaining others placed his phone on the table, and it made a subtle sound, enough to draw attention.

The woman sitting next to him instinctively looked over.

But soon, the phone was blocked by a slender hand, hiding everything from view.

Jiang Yunyan, listening to the partner, swiftly slid his fingers, opened WeChat, and saw a message along with a timid cat emoji.

Almost instinctively, he pictured Wen Yu in his mind—arched eyebrows, big watery eyes, a face full of guilt and embarrassment.

He really wanted to pinch her.

His Adam’s apple moved as he quickly finished the drink in his glass. The cold liquid slid down his throat, helping him regain composure. He then typed: [It’s okay.]

When about to send the message, Jiang Yunyan hesitated for a moment, deleted it, opened the camera, and took a photo of the table. No faces were captured, only some glasses and dishes. After sending it, he typed: “【It’s fine, just some socializing, don’t worry】.”

Wen Yu, who was scrolling through Weibo, received the message and fell into silence. Socializing is so exhausting! She cursed herself for being greedy.

Regret overwhelmed Wen Yu; why couldn’t she resist the temptation? Suddenly, she remembered that she wanted to thank Jiang Yunyan but forgot amid her busy filming schedule.

Wen Yu decided to do something about it. Checking her savings, untouched for three months, she winced at the reduced amount. She opened luxury brand websites and selected a gift.

After the purchase, witnessing her diminished savings, she felt a mix of satisfaction and guilt. She took a contented shower.

After getting out, she remembered she hadn’t replied to Jiang Yunyan yet. As she prepared to respond, she saw a message from Yuan Tan: “【Little fish, do you have a sister-in-law now?】”

Wen Yu: What?

Confused, she thought everyone knew about Su Lengyue and Jiang Yunjin’s relationship. Did the plot change midway? No, she’s already married to Jiang Yunyan, and now a brother suddenly appears?

Wen Yu’s eyebrows furrowed as she quickly opened Yuan Tan’s message: “【What’s going on, what’s going on?】”

Yuan Tan: “【Forwarded link—Former T-stage goddess back to the Jiang family?】”

Opening the link, it featured a marketing post introducing the T-stage goddess. Irrelevant details, but the important part was the image. A group of people left a restaurant, and the focus was on a man and a woman. Though the man’s face was partially obscured, they seemed like an attractive pair.

Wen Yu’s expression turned blank. Exiting the link, she opened the photo Jiang Yunyan sent her. Zooming in, she noticed something familiar at the bottom left—part of the logo of a certain cosmetics brand?

Was this what Jiang Yunyan meant by “socializing”?

Wen Yu smirked and typed: “【That’s fantastic】”

Jiang Yunyan: ?