[Congratulations, Host! The 33rd villain mission has failed. The storyline has been reset. Please begin anew.]
[Host, please persevere. Do not give up; success lies just ahead.]
Jolted awake, Su Chen tumbled out of bed. He was immediately greeted by the system's mollifying message, which only stoked his rising frustration.
In his original life, Su Chen was a dedicated civil servant. The relentless grind of his daily routine, however, eventually led him to a mysterious system.
This system whisked him into a novel titled "The Return of the God of War."
Within this narrative, "The Return of the God of War" unfolds the tale of Qin Yu from one of the top ten prestigious families. Abandoned, he rises in foreign lands, becoming a legendary God of War.
Upon his triumphant return, he navigates challenges, amasses a following of enamored women, and crafts a vast business empire.
Had Su Chen been reincarnated as this formidable character, he'd be overjoyed.
Alas, he wasn't the heroic protagonist but the adversary.
Within the confines of the novel, Su Chen is the esteemed heir to the influential Su family in Kyoto.
His mother, a celebrated business magnate, has earned her stripes internationally. The Su family, replete with wealth and power, is a force to be reckoned with.
Yet, in a twist of fate, his character covets the novel's lead female character.
The system's directive seemed straightforward: guide the narrative seamlessly.
This entails rivaling the protagonist, Qin Yu, and vying for the leading lady's heart. His own missteps inadvertently cast the protagonist in an even more favorable light.
Su Chen's illustrious lineage merely acts as a catalyst for Qin Yu's rise to prominence.
At first, Su Chen assumed the task would be straightforward, akin to playing a role in a play.
Yet, he faced repeated setbacks.
"Why is this happening? I'm done! Even if the reward is tens of billions, I've nearly completed the task! How can you claim I failed?"
Feeling deflated, Su Chen contemplates forgoing the substantial reward.
However, a stark realization dawns upon him: he can't return to his former world until the mission is complete.
With no response from the system, Su Chen's exasperation grows.
[Mission failure. Please start over.]
His faith in the system's efficacy is dwindling.
Nevertheless, it seems an unexpected twist in the plot has precipitated this failure.
"I can't believe I won't overcome this!"
In a blaze of light, Su Chen finds himself once more in the world that feels eerily familiar yet so alien.
"What direction has the storyline taken now?"
[Chapter 27, Engagement Dinner, Slap in the Face]
"Damn it, isn't this the plot where I'm going to be slapped in the face?" Of course, Su Chen remembered that scene.
Although Lin Qingyan is the heroine, she has been engaged to him since childhood. And the original Su Chen truly adored Lin Qingyan. He was even willing to trail behind her like a loyal dog.
However, to a rascal like Su Chen, Lin Qingyan obviously had no regard. According to the storyline, tonight would be the night they call off the engagement. Then, Su Chen, not wanting to accept it, even contemplates forcing Lin Qingyan to stay, threatening her in various ways. At this juncture, the hero, Qin Yu, steps in. He fiercely confronts Su Chen. And this confrontation made Qin Yu a sensation in Kyoto.
"I'm telling you for the last time; if I don't succeed this time, I'm done," Su Chen declared menacingly. Yet, the system paid him no attention. This was not the time to be caught up in these sentiments.
Sounds of commotion echoed from outside. With his vast experience, Su Chen knew exactly what was happening. Undoubtedly, a gathering of the elite. Being the engagement dinner of the Su family's eldest son, currently perceived as the head of the top ten families, it was a prime networking opportunity. As expected, all the high society from Kyoto turned up, making it a grand affair. All these theatrics were designed to highlight Qin Yu's grand entry.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. "Who is it?" Su Chen's train of thought was disrupted, and he was understandably irked. But there was no answer. He grew curious, wondering who in the household would dare act this way towards him.
Upon opening the door, a captivating figure with an enchanting aura stood before him. Her white V-neck shirt framed her fair skin perfectly, paired with a short pleated skirt, revealing her long, bare legs. For a moment, Su Chen was taken aback, finding himself at a loss for words. Drawing upon years of experience, he knew that many women had long legs, but without stockings, imperfections would inevitably show. However, the long, flawless legs in front of him triggered an almost irresistible urge to touch them.
Upon lifting his gaze, Su Chen immediately averted his eyes, his annoyance evident. Frowning, he inquired, "Su Xian'er, what are you doing here?" Ignoring him, Su Xian'er strode in confidently and seated herself. With a playful grin, she teased, "What's wrong? Can't your sister come and see her brother's engagement?" "I even brought you a gift. Care to see?" As she spoke, she presented a beautifully wrapped gift box.
Su Chen glanced at it briefly without taking it. His mind raced, surprised that Su Xian'er had not only visited him but also brought a gift.
Su Xian'er was his sister. Since childhood, she had been a top student and now temporarily headed their mother's company. Why temporarily? Because all these assets would ultimately belong to Su Chen.
This dynamic had caused friction between them. Su Xian'er was resentful that Su Chen, despite his wasteful ways, was destined to inherit the vast family fortune. Constantly, she plotted to seize the inheritance for herself. Although the original Su Chen doted on his sister, trusting her implicitly, the current Su Chen harbored no fond feelings for her.
Because he is familiar with the whole plot, he knows that under this sister's gentle appearance, a devilish face is hidden.
It can be said that Su Chen's death and the downfall of the Su family are closely related to her.
Based on the super settings of "Urban Shuangwen", this beautiful Su Xian'er does not possess the bloodline of the Su family.
The Su family even seems to be her enemy. Eventually, she becomes the woman of the male lead, Qin Yu. However, this happened after Su Chen's death.
Previously, whenever Su Xian'er saw him, she always showed a look of disdain. She had no respect for Su Chen. Yet today, she not only put on a friendly face but also brought a gift.
Could there be some ulterior motive? Seeing the suspicion in Su Chen's eyes, Su Xian'er felt a pang of unease. A hint of regret flashed in her eyes. In her previous life, she had failed in her duty as a sister, letting down Su Chen's expectations and causing her heart to be filled with remorse.
Back then, she never truly recognized Su Chen's worth, viewing him as an uneducated wastrel, even treating him as an adversary. Only later did she realize that her brother's capabilities far surpassed hers, but he had always yielded to her.
It was only after Su Chen's death that everything he had arranged gradually came to light, thanks to his backup plans. She also learned that it was the Qin family that had murdered her parents.
In the end, she defeated Qin Yu and restored the Su family's honor, becoming a formidable presence. Regrettably, by then, the best parts of her life were already behind her. Having been reborn, she's determined not to let history repeat itself.
She's even more resolved to prevent the schemes of Lin Qingyan and Qin Yu. In this lifetime, she vowed to protect her brother.
The look in Su Xian'er's eyes flashed a hint of murderous intent.