Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 80: The Second Miss is Quite the Character

Chapter 80: Chapter 80: The Second Miss is Quite the Character

Word was that Song Xilan had been personally escorted home by Zhou Junlin last night. Song Xingfeng had immediately invited him into the study, and the two spoke for a long time. When Zhou Junlin left, his expression wasn’t very good.

Afterward, Song Xilan was forced to kneel in the ancestral hall as punishment. Mrs. Liu went to plead for her, but ended up being punished alongside her. Song Xingfeng even specifically sent guards to keep watch. Early this morning, when the ancestral hall doors were opened, the mother and daughter were carried out, looking weak.

Shuang Ye had heard all of this from Zhang Xi.

Xuan Mei returned the next day as well. Her face was a little pale, and when Song Lianhe asked where she had been the previous night, she wouldn’t say.

After breakfast, the group headed to the clinic.

From a distance, they saw a tall woman in a veiled hat standing before the shop, peeking inside from time to time.

Four guards flanked her. She tried to leave several times, but they always blocked her way. "The Commander has given his orders. Miss, please turn back."

Cao Ying turned back in a huff. Just then, Song Lianhe approached with a grin. "Sister Cao, starting your shift so early?"

Cao Ying scoffed. "I’m here, aren’t I? What more do you want?"

"If you’re going to be an employee, you should at least act like one." She pushed the door open as she spoke and went inside. Cao Ying gritted her teeth and followed. "Song Lianhe, don’t get too smug! If my brother hadn’t forced me, I would never have come to this stupid clinic of yours!"

"In that case, your brother is far more sensible than you are."

Song Lianhe didn’t waste any more words on her and had Shuang Ye hand her the uniform.

"This uniform is hideous! I’m not wearing it!"

"Hm. Then I suppose I’ll have Commander Cao personally..."

"...I’ll wear it!"

Cao Ying dawdled for a moment, but recalling her brother’s warning, she shot Song Lianhe a glare and reluctantly went to change.

Soon, Yan Wen arrived as well.

Su Huaqing was trailing behind him as usual.

Song Lianhe pretended he didn’t exist, walking up to Yan Wen with a smile. "Manager Yan, you’re so dedicated! But the metropolitan examinations are just around the corner. You should go home and focus on your studies for a while. You can come back when the clinic officially opens."

’By then, I’ll not only have King Qing’s support, but also the backing of the era’s Top Scorer. I could probably strut down the street sideways and no one would dare stop me!’

’The thought of living so high and mighty was so wonderful, she was afraid she’d wake herself up from laughing in her dreams.’

But Yan Wen frowned and hurried forward. "Why did you leave without a word yesterday? And how did you end up at the Imperial Palace?"

She froze. "You know?"

Yan Wen pursed his lips, saying nothing.

Su Huaqing, however, fanned himself and chuckled. "The Second Miss Song causing a ruckus at the Empress’s flower-viewing banquet—who hasn’t heard of such a heroic feat? I am thoroughly impressed, truly."

Song Lianhe ignored him. It dawned on her that Yan Wen’s question was likely his way of asking about Song Xilan. She quickly explained, "I don’t have time to go looking for trouble with Song Xilan. They started it; I just gave them a taste of their own medicine."

’She knew about Yan Wen’s feelings for Song Xilan and was afraid he would fly into a rage on the beauty’s behalf and wash his hands of the clinic completely.’

Yan Wen’s frown deepened. He looked at her, seeming to want to say something but holding his tongue.

Su Huaqing suddenly spoke up. "Heh, the Second Miss is truly a passionate soul."

’This guy is so passive-aggressive,’ Song Lianhe thought. ’He’s definitely up to no good.’

"What, are you trying to stick up for your precious Prince Ling?"

It was no secret that Su Huaqing was in Zhou Junlin’s camp, but Song Lianhe was the first to point out their connection so bluntly.

Su Huaqing snapped his fan shut, his face a mask of righteous indignation. "Prince Ling does not belong to my family. If we’re talking about connections, His Highness ought to be considered part of the Second Miss’s family, not mine."

’Listening to this guy say such infuriating things with a perfectly straight face made her want to poison him mute!!’

Yan Wen felt helpless. ’His friend was usually so easygoing and magnanimous. Why did he become so petty whenever Song Lianhe was around? This was hardly the behavior of a gentleman.’

*

Song Lianhe chose an auspicious day for the clinic’s grand opening. She gave it a simple name: "The Medical Clinic."

Su Huaqing was full of praise for the name, declaring it to be profoundly meaningful.

’Song Lianhe didn’t know about profound or not. All she knew was that she was going to make her business bigger and stronger, until everyone in the entire Da Cheng empire could use the patent medicines she developed!’

On opening day, neighbors and locals all gathered to watch the excitement. Shuang Ye and Cao Ying handed out candy to the crowd.

Yan Wen stood inside the main hall while Ah Yu stood at the entrance.

The four of them wore matching indigo uniforms, standing tall and looking sharp. Even Cao Ying’s posture and expression had changed after a few busy days.

A moment later, Su Huaqing also emerged, wearing the same style of long robe.

His long hair was tied back, his hands clasped behind him. He carried himself with a graceful bearing, exuding an almost otherworldly, immortal-like aura.

He stopped in front of Song Lianhe and spread his arms, gesturing to his own attire. "Meaning?"