Transmigrating Into a Book, the Villain Becomes the White Moonlight!

107: Chapter 17 A Ridiculous ArgumentThe grievance in Lin Wan’s chest had long been swallowed by a raging fire, burning her internal organs with searing pain.

Her fingers gripping Mu Xue’s arm tightened unconsciously, her nails nearly sinking into the other woman’s delicate skin.

Mu Xue hissed in pain, her brow furrowing as she instinctively tried to break free, while explaining urgently, ”When I was with him... he never mentioned you! It was only later... later that I found out you two had an engagement!”

This explanation carried a hint of pale weakness, yet it stated a partial truth—when that relationship began, she truly did not know of Lin Wan’s existence.

”When I helped you, found a hospital for your father, and contacted experts, you already knew about my relationship with him! You were playing dumb back then! Acting innocent!”

Lin Wan’s voice rose, echoing in the empty restroom, every word dripping with blood-like anguish.

She remembered the helping hand she had extended to Mu Xue out of sympathy and a vague sense of responsibility as Su Bai’s fiancée; at this moment, it felt incredibly ironic and disgusting.

Mu Xue jerked forcefully, breaking free from Lin Wan’s grip, leaving several faint red marks on her arm.

The long-suppressed mix of inferiority, resentment, and grievances that had nowhere to be told was also completely ignited by Lin Wan’s blunt accusations.

She raised her tear-glistening eyes and looked directly at Lin Wan. Her voice was no longer weak, instead taking on a sharp, desperate edge:

”You blame me? Lin Wan, if your relationship with him was really that good, that unbreakable, how could there have been any room for me? How could it have been my turn to appear by his side?!”

These words accurately pierced Lin Wan’s most private sore spot.

It was true; when the engagement was first set, she felt only resistance and estrangement toward Su Bai, and the two were like strangers.

Mu Xue’s appearance had happened to fill that exact void in time.

But could that be an excuse?

”Your family has money and power; you were born with everything! What do I have? Back then, I couldn’t even scrape together my father’s medical fees!” Mu Xue’s tears finally fell, but her voice grew more agitated, carrying the indignation accumulated over years.

”I was just... bought by him for two years of my time! One was willing to buy, the other was willing to sell—a fair trade! You can’t keep your own man, so why are you taking your anger out on me? Who are you to blame?!”

”Heh.” Lin Wan trembled with rage at these words, her thread of reason snapping completely as she lashed back recklessly, ”You think that by sleeping with him for two years, you can transform yourself and climb into the Su Family’s gates? You’re dreaming! Just because the Nangong Family gave you a gold plating, you really think you can fly up and perch on a branch? You will never become a phoenix!”

”I never thought about entering any Su Family gates!” Mu Xue retorted shrilly, her chest heaving violently.

”When I was with him, I didn’t even know what his family did! I did need the money, what did I do wrong! You think everyone is like you, born to have an engagement with the Su Family?!”

This last sentence completely tore open the chasm of class and circumstance between the two.

The quarrel abruptly escalated from emotions to a more cruel mutual attack concerning background, choices, and reality.

In the cramped space, there was only the sound of their rapid breathing and trembling voices.

”Miss... the Master would like you to come over for a moment.” At some point, the restroom door was pushed open a crack, and a girl wearing the uniform of a Nangong Family servant peeked in timidly, speaking in a low voice.

”I understand.” Mu Xue took a deep breath, raising her hand to forcefully wipe the tear stains from her face, her eyelashes still wet and clumped together.

She took one last look in the mirror at Lin Wan, whose face was pale but whose eyes held a certain resolve, and said hoarsely, ”I truly didn’t know you existed back then, but this matter... from beginning to end, is not my fault.”

With that, she didn’t stay any longer. Straightening her back, she followed the girl and quickly left the cramped, powder-keg of a space, the sound of her high heels gradually fading in the hallway.

Silence returned to the restroom, leaving Lin Wan alone.

She stared blankly at her reflection in the mirror—hair slightly messy, eyes red, and makeup looking somewhat wretched. The violent heaving of her chest gradually calmed, replaced by a cold, almost numb emptiness.

After a long while, she suddenly grabbed the expensive handbag beside her and smashed it against the smooth mirror with all her might!

”Thud!” With a dull sound, the mirror remained intact, but the handbag bounced onto the floor, its contents spilling out.

Looking at the mess on the ground, Lin Wan slowly crouched down and picked up the scattered items one by one, returning them to her bag with mechanical movements.

Then, she stood up, faced the mirror, and carefully tidied her hair and dress, touching up her smudged lipstick until her reflection regained its usual, nearly perfect, and cold appearance.

Only, there was no longer any warmth in those eyes.

She pulled open the door and walked out, her back straight as if the loss of control during the argument had never happened.

Inside the lounge, the atmosphere was entirely different.

Several exquisitely framed oil paintings were carefully propped on special stands. Mr. Nangong was pointing at one of them, recounting its legendary origin and artistic value to Su Bai and several other talented young men gathered around the table. His tone was warm, like that of a learned and generous elder.

”Xue’er is here, perfect timing.” Seeing Mu Xue enter, Mr. Nangong immediately cut off his explanation. A kindly smile spread across his face as he reached out to pull the still-distracted Mu Xue to his side, enthusiastically introducing her to the young men, ”This is my daughter, Mu Xue. She just returned to the country not long ago; she’ll be counting on you young talents to look after her in the future.”

He introduced them one by one, and finally, his gaze landed on Su Bai, his smile seemingly deepening. ”This is the young master of the Su Corporation, Su Bai. Young and promising, he is a leader among the younger generation in our City A.”

Su Bai didn’t wait for Mr. Nangong to finish his pleasantries, nodding casually as he cut in, ”We know each other. We went to the same school.”

”Oh? Such a coincidence? Haha, it seems fate has brought you together!” Mr. Nangong was startled for a moment, then clapped his hands and laughed heartily, appearing as if this were truly an unexpected surprise.

Su Bai just watched him perform, his mind as clear as a mirror.

With the way the Nangong Family had gone to such lengths to investigate the Su Family, how could they not know about his past with Mu Xue?

This old fox was putting on quite an act.

While laughing, Mr. Nangong surreptitiously observed Su Bai.

He saw that although Su Bai appeared nonchalant, his gaze would occasionally sweep over Mu Xue standing by his side.

He had bet correctly! This Young Master Su clearly still had lingering feelings for Mu Xue, or at least, he cared.

He struck while the iron was hot, his tone becoming more earnest, though his words were addressed to all the young people present, while his gaze landed subtly on Su Bai. ”Since you are old acquaintances, you should visit each other more often. I am getting old and often have to handle business overseas. Here at home, Xue’er has just returned and is unfamiliar with the place. I’ll have to trouble you all, especially you peers like Young Master Su, to take care of her.”