The Villainous Classmate is My Lucky Star Chapter 272 (Part 2) End
Translated by Pure
Extra 8.2: Chi Jingxi's Perspective
During the annual Snow Prayer Festival at Songhai Academy, Chi Jingxi wasn't particularly keen on such entertainment activities. However, he found himself unable to resist Mu Yang's persistent insistence on attending, so he reluctantly accompanied him.
Upon arriving at the venue, Chi Jingxi was immediately jostled, resulting in his entire body being infused with the scent of makeup. Suppressing his annoyance, he swiftly instructed someone to prepare a fresh set of clothing and retreated to his exclusive resting room to change. Having participated in the Snow Prayer Festival the previous year, he still recalled the location of the room.
However, he hadn't anticipated finding someone already occupying the room.
This individual was adorned in an ink-black gauze attire, their long hair secured with a red hairpin, a fair complexion complemented by crimson lips, and a pair of large, almond-shaped eyes. Upon locking gazes, a flicker of panic flashed across their expression.
Though the person before him only spared a fleeting glance before averting their gaze, obscured partially by their hair, Chi Jingxi recognized them instantly.
It was Little Cripple.
Sensing something awry, Chi Jingxi stepped into the room and instructed his attendants to fetch him fresh attire. Instead of rushing off, he leisurely explored the surroundings.
Seated, he turned to address Wen Yantong, but the first three utterances from the latter were imbued with lies.
Already irritable, Chi Jingxi bristled at the deception, his temper on the verge of erupting.
Unexpectedly, before he could even begin, Little Cripple started whimpering, as if deeply aggrieved. Seeing him with his head bowed and his small frame shrinking, appearing quite pitiable, Chi Jingxi felt the urge to strike him.
I really want to hit him.
Chi Jingxi wasn't inherently severe. It wasn't his habit to mete out punishment for trespassing in his quarters. Yet, jostled by a collision with a woman and already in a foul mood, he admonished Wen Yantong with a stern visage and sharp words.
But witnessing Little Cripple readily donning female attire for the performance and frequently making quibbles with his glib tongue, Chi Jingxi promptly instructed him to leave.
…
Wen Yantong consistently displayed a palpable fear in his presence, a sensation Chi Jingxi keenly perceived.
However, this fear held a distinction from that of others.
From birth, he'd been showered with favor. In the imperial city where anyone might claim kinship to the royal family, Chi Jingxi reigned supreme atop the pyramid. His standing wasn't solely owed to the emperor's favor; his irascible nature played a significant role.
Unlike the Fifth Imperial Prince, Cheng Xin, he didn't extend smiles and kindness to others. Instead, anyone who provoked him risked a beating.
Numerous individuals trembled in his presence, their fear stemming from the might behind him, his esteemed lineage, and formidable connections.
Yet, Wen Yantong feared him on a personal level.
He didn't cower before Cheng Xin or Mu Yang. He could even strike up amicable relations with the Prime Minister's legitimate daughter and engage in pleasant discourse with the Seventh Imperial Prince, Cheng Xiao.
But it was only Chi Jingxi who instilled fear in him. Each time their gazes locked, the terror in his eyes spoke volumes…
Chi Jingxi sat amidst the ambiance of the Snow Prayer Festival, lost in contemplation.
As the traditional melodies began to fill the air, he glanced up to see Wen Yantong, typically submissive and obsequious in his presence, now seated amidst the women on stage. With the xiqin cradled in his lap, he delicately plucked at its strings, seeking to harmonize the unfamiliar tune with the soft melodies of the accompanying instruments.
In that moment, Chi Jingxi couldn't help but entertain a thought: Perhaps he had been overly harsh.
When Chi Jingxi used to see Wen Yantong, he found little to admire about him.
In contrast to his usual appearance—clad in bulky garments, sporting thickened eyebrows, walking with a limp, coupled with a distressed expression during physical training in martial arts class, the figure before him, adorned in a brocade dress, delicately applying makeup, and skillfully playing the xiqin, appeared more fitting.
Perhaps he had a natural inclination for feminine attire.
However, Chi Jingxi harbored these thoughts discreetly, refraining from voicing any insulting remarks.
The rapport between Wen Yantong and Mu Yang flourished, a fact not lost on Chi Jingxi.
Despite Wen Yantong's frail demeanor and occasional incomprehensible actions, Chi Jingxi noted that he lacked any trace of ulterior motives or domineering behavior, especially in his frequent interactions with Mu Yang.
Wen Yantong appeared to move through life without a clear agenda. His attention would wander when picking up a textbook, yet his eyes would light up at the sight of food.
He's just stupid.
It just so happened that Mu Yang was also stupid, so the two of them got along well.
Following the Snow Prayer Festival, the first snow arrived swiftly. Shao Jing's winter was always chilly, but this year's snowfall surpassed previous ones in intensity. With the roads impassable, Chi Jingxi and his companions had no option but to remain within the confines of Songhai Academy.
Although Songhai Academy provided personal dormitories, Chi Jingxi and others of similar status typically chose not to utilize them, leaving these rooms vacant. However, the sudden heavy snowfall compelled them to seek shelter within the Academy. It was during this time that Chi Jingxi discovered Wen Yantong's unexpected audacity, as the latter had boldly claimed Chi Jingxi's bedroom for his own use.
Upon arriving at his bedroom with his attendants, Chi Jingxi found two maids stationed at the door. The room was filled with items that clearly did not belong to him, scattered about in plain sight. Among them, the sight of the Xiqin hanging on the wall confirmed without a doubt that Wen Yantong was using his bedroom without permission.
‘He was quite good at picking— to have selected his room out of all the options available.’ This was Chi Jingxi's first thought.
Chi Jingxi's anger was palpable, evident even without words. His face darkened, casting a shadow of fury that made the maids guarding the door tremble in fear. They fell to their knees, too terrified to utter a word, let alone plead for mercy.
"Where is he?" Chi Jingxi demanded in a deep, commanding voice.
"An– Answering to the Little Marquis, Wen gongzi is taking a bath," one of the maids replied, her voice trembling with fear.
Throughout the journey, Chi Jingxi never once carried an umbrella, allowing snowflakes to blanket his ink-black hair. Upon entering the room, the snow melted, trickling along his eyelashes and tracing the contours of his chilly yet striking features. "He truly considers this place his home."
The maid prostrated herself, too afraid to reply.
After a moment of contemplation, Chi Jingxi decided it wouldn't be appropriate to drag the naked Wen Yantong out of the bathroom. So, he stood in the room in silence.
The door to the room stood open, allowing the cold wind to howl inside. The charcoal fire had long been extinguished, leaving the room chilly despite the lingering scent of medicinal herbs that the wind couldn't dispel.
The aroma emanated from the medication Wen Yantong had been using, instantly noticeable upon approach.
Standing in the room, Chi Jingxi observed silently. Cheng Xin, feeling the cold, instructed his servant to shut the door before exploring the surroundings with curiosity.
It wasn't until he heard Wen Yantong's sudden outcry, his own frustrations still lingering, that Chi Jingxi turned to find Little Cripple enveloped in an entire quilt. This left Chi Jingxi's words of interrogation hanging in his throat; he was suddenly rendered speechless.
With his already short stature and injured leg, the weight of the quilt made it difficult for Wen Yantong to move. He looked up at Chi Jingxi with a puzzled expression, wondering why he was there.
Coincidentally, this was exactly what Chi Jingxi wanted to ask.
Wen Yantong appeared clean and fresh after his bath, with water droplets still clinging to his hair around his ears and steam rising from his face. His charcoal eyes widened innocently, giving him an air of harmlessness. Yet, there was also confusion in his gaze, as if he had no idea who the owner of the private dorm room was.
Chi Jingxi's initial anger simmered as he contemplated Wen Yantong's situation. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of annoyance at how adeptly Wen Yantong had managed to deceive him. It was as if the sparrow had occupied the dove's nest, arrogantly enjoying his bedroom as if he looked down on Chi Jingxi completely.
Upon questioning, Chi Jingxi learned that Wen Yantong had no knowledge of the dormitory's owner and had been secretly arranged here by the Fu Residence's legitimate daughter to nurse his injured leg.
Unbeknownst to him, someone had inhabited his bedroom during his absence, arranging household items throughout the space. The room was adorned with heaters, narrow couches, folding screens, and decorative fans, meticulously organized and permeated with the scent of medicine.
Chi Jingxi's anger dissipated somewhat. He wasn't one to hold petty grudges. If Wen Yantong genuinely didn't know about the arrangement, then he couldn't be blamed for the situation. After all, it was Fu Tanghuan who orchestrated it all.
As the weather turned bitterly cold and a sudden snowstorm hit, all the dormitories in Songhai Academy were occupied. As Mu Yang and Fu Zixian rushed in, engaging in a heated argument, Chi Jingxi found the atmosphere unbearably noisy.
Amidst the barrage of words hurled back and forth, he was ultimately depicted as a callous and unfeeling individual.
Did they truly believe he would compound the hardships of a cripple with a broken leg in such inclement weather? Moreover, Wen Yantong had a good relationship with Mu Yang.
After ushering everyone else out, Wen Yantong remained behind.
Chi Jingxi had never shared a room with anyone before. He disliked the feeling of interruption when he was deeply focused. However, when Wen Yantong was quiet, he moved like a lethargic cat, making almost no noise, as if his presence went unnoticed.
He slept quietly on the narrow couch behind the folding screen. Before Chi Jingxi fell asleep, he had forgotten about the presence of another person in his room.
Upon waking up the next day, he discovered that he was covered with two large cloaks: one was his own, and the other belonged to Little Cripple. No wonder he felt weighed down.
During the night, when the charcoal fire had gone out, no one had come to replenish it. As a result, Wen Yantong had fallen ill, developing a high fever due to the insufficient covering on his body, and remained in a delirious state on his couch throughout the day.
Before departing, Chi Jingxi dismissed the negligent maid. However, when he returned, Chi Jingxi discovered that Wen Yantong's fever had not abated and was worsening.
The vulnerability in a person's eyes when they're sick evoked a sense of pity. Reflecting on Wen Yantong's previous mention of his humble home and his act of covering him with the only available cloaks during the cold night, Chi Jingxi felt a surge of sympathy towards him. He instructed his servant to purchase medicine and even had them prepare food for Wen Yantong.
For the first time, he exhibited patience in caring for Little Cripple.
Dealing with sick individuals proves truly troublesome.
After sharing the room for two days, once the snow-covered path was cleared, Chi Jingxi returned home.
From that day forward, Wen Yantong frequently accompanied Mu Yang, and over time, Chi Jingxi began to deliberately overlook his presence, silently acquiescing to his position among his friend group.
Chi Jingxi had never concerned himself with the social distinctions between individuals of varying status. Regardless of Wen Yantong's background in a merchant family, in his view, he was simply a Little Cripple who enjoyed chatting with Mu Yang and occasionally displayed pragmatism.
However, this all changed when the incident occurred at Nian'an Temple.
It was only when he sensed something awry at Nian'an Temple that Chi Jingxi realized the gravity of the situation. In the dead of night, someone emerged from beneath his bed. Responding swiftly, Chi Jingxi fought back and subdued the intruder, and at the same time, uncovered a secret passage leading to an unknown destination.
In this hidden passage, he unexpectedly encountered Wen Yantong, and both found themselves surrounded and ambushed by a group of assailants whose identities remained unknown. Armed with lethal weapons, these assailants showed no mercy; Chi Jingxi recognized the imminent danger.
While he remained unfazed by the threat, Chi Jingxi knew that Wen Yantong lacked martial skills, with his frail arms and legs no match for the robust and skilled attackers.
Distracted by his concern for Wen Yantong, Chi Jingxi inadvertently sustained injuries during the chaotic struggle in the darkness. His garments became stained crimson with fresh blood, and the pain seared through his bones. Despite the agony, he persevered until all threats were neutralized. Once the danger had passed, he instinctively checked on Wen Yantong, fearing the worst.
He found tears brimming in Wen Yantong's eyes, a palpable fear etched onto his trembling countenance, but no major wounds.
Though consumed by terror, Wen Yantong managed to maintain composure amidst the chaos. Guiding Chi Jingxi to find an exit, he gently settled him onto the bed before darting out to seek assistance.
Chi Jingxi retained vivid memories of the events that followed.
Having lost a significant amount of blood, he felt his strength wane, and the chill creeping into his fingertips.
Recollection brought to mind Wen Yantong's quivering fingers as he tended to Chi Jingxi's wounds, handling him as if he were handling precious and fragile porcelain. It was as though an unspoken decree to handle him with the utmost care and importance was written across Wen Yantong's expression.
Chi Jingxi could still feel the warmth of Wen Yantong's soft fingers as they enveloped his own. He watched as Wen Yantong instructed a servant to fetch hot water. Using a cloth soaked in the warmth, Wen Yantong gently dabbed at Chi Jingxi's eyes and nose, wiping away the traces of blood from his neck and gradually warming his chilled extremities. As he glanced down, Chi Jingxi noticed Wen Yantong’s hands stained red from the hot water, yet he persisted in requesting more scalding water.
Gradually, Chi Jingxi's consciousness began to blur, his body growing weaker with each passing moment, overwhelmed by an intense fatigue. Though tempted to succumb to sleep, Wen Yantong's continuous chatter, addressing him as "Little Marquis," prevented him from drifting off entirely.
In moments of fleeting wakefulness, Chi Jingxi observed the fear etched in Wen Yantong's eyes, as if she dreaded the possibility of him slipping into eternal slumber.
For the first time, he patiently engaged with Wen Yantong's incessant dialogue.
Chi Jingxi sensed the genuine and unreserved concern and fear expressed by Wen Yantong, much like Mu Yang and Cheng Xin who were also present.
Each person was akin to a flower, diverse in shapes and hues, yet Wen Yantong resembled a flower bud sprouting by the roadside—unremarkable and easily overlooked. Even amidst the bustling activity of passersby, his presence went unnoticed.
However, when this bud finally unfurled into full bloom, its radiance was undeniable. Once attention was directed towards it, its uniqueness became apparent, setting it apart from all others.
"Wen Yantong." Chi Jingxi uttered his name for the first time.
Wen Yantong appeared surprised upon hearing his name, then smiled and remarked, "Little Marquis, this is the first time you called me by my name! I’ll remember this. You can't call me Little Cripple again in the future!"
Chi Jingxi couldn't help but find it amusing.
This runt had actually been nursing a secret grudge all along.
The end
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