episode_0013

“Shit!”

Xu Nian clutched the wig, her mind in chaos.

For some reason, she couldn’t shake the feeling that her life lately had been… strange.

Ever since obtaining the simulator, Xu Nian had suddenly realized that her future seemed destined for one of two paths: either being killed by Su Qingya or being imprisoned by her.

Could it be that as the short-story arc of the comic approached, the ending would inevitably veer uncontrollably toward these outcomes?

Was this the destined fate of the villainous fake heiress and the righteous true heiress?

But… none of this behavior looked remotely righteous.

What kind of heroic protagonist would go around clipping their lover’s wings?

And you’re not even cultivating the Path of Ruthlessness!

Damn world’s will—this is who you chose as the protagonist?!

The more Xu Nian thought about it, the angrier she got.

One line from the simulator had stuck with her.

Su Qingya was the one who tried to sneak off to that kind of place behind my back, and yet she dares to question me instead?

This made absolutely no sense.

Fuming, Xu Nian stormed into the bedroom and promptly delivered a few sharp slaps to Su Qingya’s ass, leaving faint red marks.

Maybe it was because it felt oddly soft, but she couldn’t resist giving another squeeze.

There. Consider it payback.

“Pathetic Qingya, can our relationship really never go back to how it was before—sweet, innocent, and completely safe?”

So, it seemed her reverse-yandere plan hadn’t done much. But she couldn’t stop shaping the future now.

She still had to keep Su Qingya firmly in check, or else the girl might do something reckless.

Xu Nian’s fox-like eyes glinted with contemplation.

Actually, when she thought about it, this final crisis with Su Qingya had an easy solution.

All Xu Nian had to do was take a different door out, restore her usual appearance, then circle around from the opposite side…

At that point, the one getting a lesson wouldn’t be Xu Nian anymore.

“Pathetic Qingya, this is an illness—and it needs treatment. But don’t worry, Dr. Xu Nian will find a way to cure your delusions~ Just wait for me like a good little loser~”

With a soft laugh, Xu Nian slipped out the door, carefully ensuring it was locked from the outside before finally relaxing.

She hadn’t chosen her rewards just yet—they were all too vague for her liking. Better to save them for later and see if she had a real need for them.

Later, instead of heading straight to the parking lot, she took a slight detour and boarded the subway.

Xu Nian could feel countless gazes lingering on her. Even with a mask on, her beauty and poise were impossible to conceal—whether it was her delicate facial structure or her graceful, petite figure, everything about her drew attention.

Dressed conservatively yet elegantly, she held onto the subway rail with gloved hands, standing quietly like an exquisite piece of art draped in fine clothing.

She happened to notice a heavily made-up girl sitting a short distance away, dressed quite revealingly, yet for some reason, nowhere near as eye-catching as Xu Nian.

The relentless stares were starting to annoy her. There’s a more mature, more sensual beauty right over there—why is everyone staring at me instead?

“U-Um, excuse me… Could I get your contact info?”

A timid voice suddenly sounded beside her.

Xu Nian ignored it.

“Miss, uh, ma’am—could I please get your number?”

Unwilling to give up, the person stepped directly into Xu Nian’s line of sight.

Sighing internally, Xu Nian offered a polite smile: “Sorry, but I can’t. My girlfriend wouldn’t like that.”

The guy froze. He never would’ve guessed that this seemingly flawless girl was actually…

His entire worldview had just been shattered.

So… the competition for beautiful women wasn’t just other men—but women too?!

Ignoring his stunned expression, Xu Nian exited the subway when her stop arrived.

She merged seamlessly into the crowd, vanishing almost instantly.

“Hey handsome, how about me?”

The heavily made-up girl from earlier suddenly stood up and approached him.

Now that he got a better look, the guy realized she was actually kind of attractive—delicate features, pretty face.

But he quickly waved her off.

“Sorry, I… I prefer a more natural look.”

Fuming, the girl stomped back to her seat.

That one moment of boldness had doomed her to a lifetime of social anxiety—and now the people around them were whispering and pointing.

The city now had two more heartbroken souls.

It didn’t take Xu Nian long to reach her destination.

“Do you have a reservation?”

The hostess greeted her with a bright, professional smile.

“Mm… I-I’m here to meet someone. Where… where would A307 be?”

Her voice was so soft and sweet it practically melted the hostess on the spot.

“Oh my, what an adorable little thing—A307? Let big sis take you there.”

“Thank you… sis.”

Xu Nian couldn’t help but feel relieved—thank goodness I’m not the protagonist, or else the staff would’ve found some petty reason to pick on me.

Like, “Someone as shabby as you doesn’t belong here.”

Instead, everyone was treating her warmly.

Riding the elevator to the third floor, the hostess led her to a private room and knocked discreetly.

“Enter.”

A deep, magnetic voice resonated from inside, carrying both authority and composure.

The hostess quickly opened the door, bowing slightly. “Mr. Lin, your guest has arrived.”

The man inside had sharp brows, piercing eyes, and an air of regal confidence—like a lion lazily surveying his domain.

Xu Nian had to admit… he was handsome.

Her gaze, half-hidden behind her bangs, burned with intensity as she stared straight at him.

“And you are?”

His eyebrow lifted in question.

“I… I’m—um, big brother… S-Sis isn’t feeling well today—she caught a cold yesterday, so… she asked me to come instead… If… if you don’t want to see me, I-I’ll just ask a few things and leave…”

“Do I look like a sounding board to you?”

His tone was cold, his words unreadable.

Xu Nian paused. According to the simulator, he wasn’t supposed to reject her like this.

She’d prepared everything before simulating precisely for this moment.

Her system was too low-level, always giving vague summaries with no clear steps.

So she had to plan her actions beforehand, ensuring the simulation would follow her intended path.

“What are you waiting for? Sit.”

…Oh. Just a tsundere, then.

“So, you’re really her sister? What’s your name?”

Xu Nian took the furthest seat possible. Noticing her wariness, the man smirked, seemingly pleased.

“M-My name is… Su Qingnian.”

Her voice was tiny—barely above a whisper.

Whether soft-spokenness is charming or annoying depends entirely on the speaker’s looks.

For someone as delicate and lovely as Xu Nian, it only enhanced her allure, making her seem even more fragile and in need of protection.

Too bad she’d forgotten one crucial detail—this CEO had misogyny.

The two bodyguards nearby were openly staring, their cheeks faintly flushed… but the man himself just looked irritated.

“Can’t you speak up?”

“Y-Yes! My… My name is SU QINGNIAN!”