The original storyline had completely collapsed, which meant that Su Chen had been busy all day for nothing. Feeling a bit dejected, Su Chen pondered for a moment and decided not to go back for now. Firstly, explaining things about Zhao Menghan would be tricky. Moreover, he needed to keep Zhao Menghan by his side; otherwise, the plot would be challenging to develop further.
As for Su Xian'er, he thought, "I'm just a supporting antagonist. Why would I bother about what the female lead thinks?" However, just as he made up his mind, his dormant phone vibrated. Casting a curious glance at it, he frowned. The message from "Little Witch Sister" read: "Brother, why aren't you coming back?" Su Chen chuckled. From this coquettish manner, he could tell without looking that Su Xian'er was definitely plotting something. Without hesitation, Su Chen typed a response, "I'm not coming back; I have things to do."
Only a fool would return. In reality, Zhao Menghan was just an excuse deep in his heart. Put plainly, he was unwilling to face Su Xian'er. Every face-to-face meeting made him feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles. Regardless, he would never go back. The allure was too strong, and if he didn't handle it carefully, his image as a submissive villain would collapse, marking the start of another cycle.
To make things more complicated, no matter how overtly it was hinted that his heart belonged only to Lin Qingyan, Su Xian'er still stubbornly tries to seduce him, not recognizing her place. Su Xian'er's message continued, "But my stomach hurts so much today, I can't move, and I'm alone at home. Can you come take care of me? If you don't want to, then let it be. I can't bother you anyway. You never cared for me. Let me suffer."
Without hesitation, Su Chen replied, "I'm on my way," and immediately set off in his luxurious car, a Lamborghini Veneno. However, his swift actions startled Zhao Menghan, who thought something major had happened. "What's wrong, young master Su? Is there some emergency?" she asked. "My sister's having stomach pains, and I need to care for her. Find a place to stay for the night, and I'll meet you tomorrow," he said, thinking it would be inconvenient today.
Taking Zhao Menghan home now, with Su Xian'er being unwell, might infuriate the latter. The more Su Chen thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He had done so much for Su Xian'er and yet wasn't appreciated. Zhao Menghan interjected, "In that case, you should take me with you. I might know what's causing her pain, and I might be better at helping her." Su Chen, realizing the potential severity of menstrual pain, agreed.
Especially considering Su Xian'er's personality, it'd be better to have Zhao Menghan's assistance. Inside, Zhao Menghan sneered, doubting the authenticity of Su Xian'er's complaints. She suspected this was all a ploy by Su Xian'er to garner Su Chen's sympathy and deepen their bond.
As their car sped along, Su Chen, sitting inside the Veneno, watched Zhao Menghan drive intently. He tried calling Su Xian'er multiple times, but she never answered. Worried something had happened to her, he shook the thought off, thinking that she's capable and he's probably not even a match for her. If anything did happen, though, it'd be a real mess. No matter what, he couldn't let her suffer, especially recalling her past gentleness towards him.
Meanwhile, in the spacious villa, Su Xian'er, wearing casual attire, revealed her enticing collarbone. She lay on the sofa with her legs up, a pillow clutched between them, humming a tune.
The extremely short skirt revealed her pale skin, and her ten toes were crystal clear and charming. There was no hint of any stomach pain from her relaxed appearance. As for the phone on the table, she had deliberately turned it off.
Su Xian'er's enchanting phoenix eyes would occasionally glance out of the window; the corners of her mouth first showed a smile, then her eyes were filled with resentment, clearly showing her current anxiousness and restlessness. At this moment, she resembled a wife deeply in love, waiting for her beloved husband to return, yet fearing an unexpected mishap. Her heart was fraught with anxiety.
"Why hasn't Su Chen returned? Would he not come back? How dare he! However, there's a possibility. He's shameless. I am his sister. No way! If he dares not to come back, I'll ignore him for life. No, if he doesn't return, I'll beat him up and cage him, only allowing him to see me from now on. I blame my past foolishness; I once avoided Su Chen because of our familial ties.
Now, after finding out we're not blood-related, I can't even win back my brother. I don't understand. Even though I've been so proactive and caring, how can Su Chen still dare to look for other women? It must be that woman, Lin Qingyan. What does she have that I don't? I miss Su Chen so much."
In an instant, Su Xian'er felt extremely helpless in the vast mansion, all by herself. As she was getting annoyed, suddenly there was a noise outside. Her face brightened immediately. Preparing for the return, she ran to the restroom, turned on the hot water to drench her forehead, then forcefully pinched her fair cheeks until they turned bright red. She even forced herself to tear up to appear pitiful.
Soon after, Su Xian'er quickly lay down on the sofa, clutching her stomach, her demeanor dramatically shifting from contentment to excruciating pain. "It hurts so much! My stomach!" She whimpered, "Big brother, where have you gone?" She portrayed immense pain, curling up on the sofa, shivering pathetically. Anyone who saw her in this state would probably want to do everything for her.
Suddenly, Su Xian'er frowned, seemingly dissatisfied with her performance. She then turned around to present her backside, thinking it more enticing. She then sneaked a pleased smile. At this moment, Su Chen thoughtfully returned home with Zhao Menghan. Upon entering and seeing Su Xian'er in pain on the sofa, he felt uneasy and quickly approached, asking, "Su Xian'er, are you alright? Why are you in so much pain?
Maybe drink some hot water?" Hearing this, Su Xian'er hesitated, internally complaining about the suggestion of hot water. Her hesitation made Su Chen think she was too weak to respond, causing him to feel pity.
Turning around, her demeanor was a stark contrast from before. She spoke in a feeble voice, "Brother, you're finally back. I thought you abandoned me and wanted me to die." She sounded very aggrieved. Su Xian'er's current state left Su Chen in a daze, reminding him of their childhood. As she grew up, she always had a cold demeanor, exuding an intimidating aura.
She didn't have a fierce look in her eyes, but her presence alone emitted an oppressive feeling. She was instrumental in helping Chen Jing's company grow. Even though she wasn't as famous as Lin Qingyan, she was feared more, like a demon, because she seemed to have no weakness. However, now, clutching her stomach, she looked pitiable.
"Brother, can you hug me? Maybe the pain will go away." Su Xian'er's eyes appeared misty, as if she was about to cry. Su Chen finally held her, letting her rest her head on his chest. Leaning against Su Chen, Su Xian'er felt her face getting even redder. "Xian'er, your face is so hot. Are you running a fever?"
During the summer, Su Chen wore light clothes, and he suddenly felt the heat from her face. He touched her forehead, finding it burning hot, becoming more concerned. "It's not a fever, just stomach pain," she said. Su Chen, seeing her so flushed, assumed it was from the immense discomfort.
"Can you rub my stomach for me?" Leaning against Su Chen, Su Xian'er voiced this request, her heart filled with immense anticipation. At the same time, she felt slightly flustered, believing her request to be rather shy. Would this count as an intimate gesture? Although shy, the longing in Su Xian'er's heart was undeniable.
At that moment, Su Chen's brows were deeply furrowed, completely oblivious to the change in Su Xian'er's mood. He nodded slowly, "Alright, I'll rub it for you." As he adjusted his position, he pondered.
Having such a beautiful woman like Su Xian'er close to him indeed stirred some impure thoughts. The softness of Su Xian'er's delicate body, seemingly boneless, felt incredibly comforting to Su Chen, making his heart race. Additionally, her intoxicating scent overwhelmed him.
Su Xian'er whispered, almost inaudibly, "Yes, touch me!" Su Chen was taken aback. Something felt off to him. However, seeing Su Xian'er's request, he ceased hesitating and placed his hand on her stomach, rubbing it gently over her thin clothes. "You're so kind to me, big brother. I thought you'd ignore me," Su Xian'er said, her voice melodious, perfectly fitting her delicate and beautiful image. However, upon hearing her words, Su Chen's expression changed dramatically, a realization hitting him.
Su Xian'er was right! I'm supposed to be the villainous side character. Why am I caring for one of the lead female characters? It's out of character. Su Chen reflected on the series of events, concluding that he should have ignored Su Xian'er's call.
Under some unforeseen circumstances, the main male character, Qin Yu, should have stepped in to help her, kindling a spark between them. Now, what should he do? He thought in alarm, "What if all this mess makes Su Xian'er truly fall for me?"
Just as Su Chen was floundering in confusion, a notification chimed, [Congratulations, host! Task completed. Points +500] What's happening? Has the system finally responded? However, what did completing the task mean? Su Chen was perplexed. He hadn't been 'humiliated' by the protagonist recently, yet the task was showing as completed. It meant his actions during this period had led to a 'humiliation,' although he wasn't fully aware of it. That must be it.
Another chime resounded, [Congratulations, host! Continuing task completion. Special reward: Heart of Desire] The system elaborated, [The Heart of Desire, as the name suggests, can boost one's energy. As Su Chen often mingles with the high society, many there have diminished desires and almost no vitality. Helping them find joy promises boundless benefits] Su Chen blinked in surprise. "Isn't this the legendary elixir?" he thought, considering the potential benefits, especially for influential people.
Gazing at Su Xian'er nestled against him, he chuckled mischievously. At that moment, a voice interrupted, "Perhaps it's best to take the young lady to the hospital." Zhao Menghan, who had been silent till now, spoke. She had long suspected that Su Xian'er was pretending. Initially, she chose to remain silent, observing and learning. But seeing Su Xian'er asking Su Chen to rub her stomach, she couldn't hold back.
"Indeed," Su Chen agreed, looking at Su Xian'er, "Let's head to the hospital." Su Xian'er responded weakly, "No need, I'm feeling better. Just continue rubbing, and I'll be fine." Su Chen hesitated. With newly acquired points to consider, he was reluctant to waste any effort without cause. This brief pause gave Zhao Menghan an opportunity.
Zhao Menghan whispered, "Let me take care of the young lady. I have experience in this area." Su Chen, relieved, immediately agreed, clearing a path for Zhao Menghan. Su Xian'er's mood plummeted. Her meticulously laid plans were disrupted by Zhao Menghan. "Jealous woman," she thought bitterly. Although she had long noticed Zhao Menghan's interference, she chose not to confront her.
In her previous life, Su Xian'er had noticed Zhao Menghan early on and was very wary of this woman. It was because Su Chen had shown a fondness for Zhao Menghan at that time. Later, through investigation, she learned that Zhao Menghan was surprisingly a top-tier assassin, hiding close to Su Chen. Unexpectedly, after being reborn, she met the person she despised the most again. The mere thought that Zhao Menghan, serving closely beside Su Chen, would naturally have a greater opportunity to earn his affection irritated him deeply, considering her an annoying woman, thinking he was oblivious to her schemes.
Zhao Menghan introduced herself, "I am Zhao Menghan, the young master's servant. I will be attending to him closely from now on." She was well aware of Su Xian'er's hostility towards her and made that statement deliberately to provoke and gauge her. She remembered in her previous life that although this woman had a strong aversion towards her, her affection for Su Chen was not so blatant. Now, however, she seemed to be eager, often casting glances at Su Chen. Narrowing her eyes, Zhao Menghan was very clear about Su Xian'er's unusual feelings for her brother, Su Chen, and found the young girl's challenges amusing.
Su Chen, sensing a palpable tension in the room, decided it was time to intervene. "From now on, Zhao Menghan will stay here to attend to my daily needs," he said, trying to defuse the situation. He couldn't understand why the two women were so confrontational, as if they were bitter rivals. Su Xian'er now appeared completely healthy and glared fiercely at Zhao Menghan. Remembering the past, where Su Chen and Zhao Menghan flaunted their affection for one another in front of her, Su Xian'er felt immense displeasure. The reason she agreed to keep Zhao Menghan around was to make sure she experienced the feelings she had felt before.
Zhao Menghan said softly, "The young miss is indeed impressive, being able to stay with the young master for so long." It was a sarcastic remark, implying that spending a lot of time together was of no value if one didn't truly have the other. Listening to their conversation, Su Chen had the impression that Zhao Menghan and Su Xian'er were fighting for dominance, and he was the prize they were competing for. But no, that must be a misconception.
It's a common delusion among men, thinking that every beautiful woman is interested in them. How could these two female leads, who haven't shown interest in the main male character, Qin Yu, possibly be interested in him, the secondary antagonist?
Especially after receiving a system notification about completing a task, he was even more convinced that these female leads harbored ill intentions. However, he missed the system's final note: [This system is for plot disruption. Note: Due to intense competition and rivalry in this field, this will only be explained once to avoid detection.] Su Chen's thoughts were elsewhere, so naturally, he didn't notice this.
Su Xian'er was now determined to go head-to-head with this woman, Zhao Menghan. Her dear foolish brother was so naive; he didn't even realize he was being targeted by this malicious woman. But that didn't matter. Su Xian'er was confident that she'd make sure Zhao Menghan knew that her brother, Su Chen, would only fall in love with her.
Subsequently, Su Xian'er energetically returned to her room. She now desperately needed external support. Without it, it would be hard to triumph over these women. She quickly dialed a number, seeking the strongest backup. "Auntie Zhang Li, could you please help me with something?" she asked. "Yes, exactly like that. You must help me win over Su Chen." After the call, Su Xian'er wore a delighted smile. In her eyes, Zhang Li was extremely experienced in matters of the heart. With her involvement, success was assured.
After settling matters, Su Chen lay in bed, contemplating the day's events. Suddenly, his phone rang. He picked it up. "Su Chen, have you gone to bed yet?" a voice inquired. "Not yet, mom. What's the matter?" he replied. "It's nothing major. Zhang Li has organized a dinner and hopes you can come." Zhang Li? Su Chen instantly remembered another storyline. He happily agreed, "Alright, I promise to accomplish the mission."
Ah, another wonderful day was about to begin. Zhang Li was a formidable woman. If Su Chen, the antagonist, was to name someone he feared the most, it would undoubtedly be Zhang Li. "I hope this performance succeeds," Su Chen sighed with emotion.
At that moment, Zhang Li, who was lying in bed, suddenly perceived some indistinct voices reaching her ears.
Su Chen's voice lamented, ["Such a distressing day. I'm so fed up. These women are so unreliable, and yet I have to keep playing along."] He continued, ["Lin Qingyan hasn't settled things on her end. Instead, Su Xian'er seems to be the one with issues. Why does she seem so enamored with me, the villainous character?"]
Thinking about the next day, Su Chen admitted, ["I'm meeting Zhang Li tomorrow. The mere thought scares me. That woman lacks any sense of style, always wearing such tacky clothes. If only they were shorter and a bit more revealing, they would look so much better."]