Manipulative Ploy

[Author's Notes: This chapter is dedicated to Nosliw, a great and kind person who helped me remember the deets of this book and has led me to finish this book with the help of her suggestions. Thank you so much for reading my outlines and for giving feedback! ^^ You're indeed a blessing to a writer like me who experienced an intense writer's block. :') I'm really happy to know you and brainstorm with you~!]

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Ruo Xi's world spun with turmoil as she grappled with the aftermath of her failed scheme. Staring at the news coverage, a mix of frustration and disbelief clouded her features.

'This is not what I was expecting to happen at all! Darn it—why did it all fail!?'

Her attempt to disrupt Pan An and Shu Xian's relationship had spectacularly backfired, inadvertently strengthening their bond rather than driving them apart.