Zhang Li's Plot Succeeds, Su Chen Cries

Qin Yu's eyes brimmed with unstoppable fury. Gazing at Zhang Li, the epitome of mature intellect and peerless beauty, nestled in Su Chen's embrace, he was reminded of his torment by Ye Lanxiang for three continuous days and nights. Every time he was on the brink of regaining consciousness, she would strike him with relentless force.

His traumas were not only mental, but under such brutal onslaughts, his already injured self suffered even more. Qin Yu despised Su Chen, and equally so, the women who helped him. However, he felt powerless in the current situation.

Refusing to accept this fate, a more sinister plan began to form in Qin Yu's mind. He promptly left the parking lot to avoid being discovered by Su Chen. Zhang Li stared at Su Chen, seemingly lost for words. [What on earth are you trying to do, Zhang Li?]

As Su Chen voiced his thoughts, Zhang Li finally snapped out of her daze. Her cheeks turned a shade of pink under Su Chen's scrutinizing gaze, a genuine flush of shyness. Su Chen couldn't help but internally comment on the situation. This must be the privilege of being the male lead! Just one look from him, and this delicate beauty was already flustered. He assumed that it must be some inherent charm he possessed that attracted the female lead so easily.

"Zhang Li, you are truly beautiful and tempting, so you should be more careful," Su Chen remarked, letting go of his pride. How come his mindset changed so drastically? He had said similar words as a villain to Lin Qingyan. Zhang Li, fighting back her laughter, turned redder. "It's alright, as long as you're with me."

Upon uttering these words, even Zhang Li seemed shocked. What was that about? She had inadvertently fallen into Su Chen's rhythm. Su Chen felt even more compelled to comment on the absurdity. Truly, who in a sane world would say such things?

As both were lost in thought, Su Chen suddenly received a system notification. The next mission appeared. But when he saw the mission, Su Chen was stunned. It wasn't about Zhang Li getting drugged in a hotel, providing an opportunity for a heroic rescue. Instead, it was a plot he was all too familiar with: the kidnapping of the female lead. In the original story, he had kidnapped the 'queen of the righteous path', Chen Yuxin, out of jealousy towards Qin Yu. The male lead eventually rescued the female lead, sealing their bond. But now, the target was Zhang Li, and the kidnapper, to Su Chen's shock, was Qin Yu.

Upon seeing this, Su Chen couldn't believe his eyes. After rechecking multiple times, he realized it was indeed true. Could it be that Qin Yu was nearby? Recalling the surroundings, Su Chen indeed sensed that detestable aura. This made him elated. Ecstatic even. He finally had a chance to get back at Qin Yu. Although he never planned to confront Qin Yu, it seemed that fate had other plans. For Su Chen, who had experienced 33 reincarnations as a villain, this was indeed a cause for celebration. Even though he hadn't executed a perfect villain's role since his rebirth, at least the storyline was progressing normally. But this created a major problem.

He speculated that perhaps the system pitied him and intended to let Qin Yu play the villain's role to aid him. In Su Chen's opinion, a protagonist like Qin Yu was the most suitable candidate for the antagonist's role. Such a thought made Su Chen appreciate the system even more. He mentally commended the system. However, just as he was reveling in these thoughts, the system sent him another prompt.

Su Chen felt light-headed. 

System: "This is a mandatory mission. If you do not successfully rescue Zhang Li, the world will restart!" 

Damned system, he thought. It couldn't properly manage the male and female leads, and now it's pushing the blame on me.

What can I even do? It was already bad enough that his villain character would restart, but now that he finally managed to become the protagonist, why must it still restart? Isn't there any justice left in this world?

System: "I'm doing this for your own good. Isn't defeating your enemies satisfying?" 

Nonsense! Su Chen didn't believe for a second that the system had good intentions. There must be some ulterior motive behind all this.

As he ruminated in his thoughts, Zhang Li also received a new script. After a brief look, she was clearly displeased. While she was fine with Su Chen saving her and possibly reciprocating his efforts, what did it mean to be kidnapped by Qin Yu? The mere thought of Qin Yu made her nauseous.

Zhang Li, considering her options, decided on a plan to keep Qin Yu away. But, considering that she had already received the script, it implied that the detestable Qin Yu was already on his way. What to do now?

She turned to Su Chen and said, "Let me make a quick phone call. Please wait for a moment." 

"Is there something I should be aware of?" Su Chen asked, glancing at her with confusion. 

Seeing Su Chen's face inching closer, Zhang Li's face turned a shade redder, "Do you want to listen to women's matters?" There was evident tension in her eyes.

Finding Zhang Li's reaction suspicious, Su Chen didn't press further. The storyline was about to unfold, and he couldn't afford to waste any more time. With the threat of a system restart looming, he let her make the call.

Once Zhang Li had found a secluded corner and was sure Su Chen wasn't following, she felt relieved. Her dislike for Qin Yu grew even more. She felt she made the right choice in Su Chen – at least he was morally upright.

After a brief call, she returned, suggesting, "Let's head to the bar, Su Chen. It's getting late." With a lightened mood and a hint of anticipation in her eyes, she led the way. Bars were intriguing places, and while Zhang Li usually remained indifferent, this time with Su Chen, she felt an inner spark ignite. The anticipation grew.

"Alright, let's go quickly!" Su Chen was even more eager to get to the bar. The plot was set to unravel there, and given the system's threat, he had to act swiftly.

The two headed to the bar, each lost in thoughts on how to progress the plot.

Peach Blossom Source! This was supposed to be where Su Chen kidnaps Chen Yuxin. Now, it's the place where he needs to rescue Zhang Li, and the stakes were extremely high.

Upon entering, Zhang Li instantly became the center of attention. Those seeking thrills were naturally drawn to her allure. But the Peach Blossom Source was where the powerful and influential gathered, and many recognized Su Chen despite his casual attire. Their lecherous gazes at Zhang Li were immediately withdrawn.

Fearful of Su Chen, some even stepped aside, thinking he was pretending to be weak while actually being strong. They had seen this trope too often on TV: the underdog turns out to be the most powerful, delivering a hard slap in the face to those who underestimated him. They avoided provoking Su Chen, fearful of offending this influential young man.

All these reactions left Su Chen dumbfounded. 

[Damn it! Why do these people now understand the concept of "pretend to be weak, but actually strong" when it comes to me? But they didn't have this idea when Qin Yu was showing off?] 

[Seriously, if they don't want to act anymore, they should just say it!]

"Pfft!" Zhang Li accidentally let out a laugh.

Su Chen looked at her with confusion.

"Who would've thought? Even dressed like this, people still recognized you as the young master of the Su family right away," Zhang Li teased.

"You feeling cheeky, huh? Be careful, or you'll find out why the flower is so red!" Su Chen said, grabbing her fair hand.

Who's afraid of whom?

(▼ヘ▼)

Zhang Li was clearly not pleased with Su Chen, but she couldn't reprimand him now. Instead, she shot him a disapproving glance.

That one look reminded Su Chen of his childhood days, dominated by this female tyrant named Zhang Li. His face instantly darkened.

[Wait for it, Zhang Li. Soon, you'll be kidnapped by Qin Yu, and when I come to rescue you and you fall in love with me, I'll exact my revenge.]

[I still remember how you tormented me during my baths. It's payback time.]

With these thoughts, Su Chen cast a thoughtful glance at Zhang Li's voluptuous figure.

"You order the drinks; I need to use the restroom." After settling down at the bar with Zhang Li, Su Chen thought about creating an opportunity for Qin Yu to kidnap her.

But Zhang Li wouldn't let him leave that easily. She began to make small talk, "Su Chen, is the wine good?"

[It's decent. Once you drink it and pass out, you'll wake up next to me, and there's nothing you can do about it!]

"Why don't you try it and let me see?"

Zhang Li continued her incessant chatter, "Actually, I'm quite good at holding my liquor, remember the banquet?"

Su Chen simply ignored her, quickly hiding. After all, if he stayed, what would happen if Qin Yu decided to leave?

As Su Chen left, Zhang Li's eyes sharpened, even revealing a hint of murderous intent. She had spotted Qin Yu in the bar, clearly there with the intention to kidnap her.

Disgusted, she thought, he would stoop to any low just to achieve his goals.

"If you're trying to hurt me, don't blame me for being ruthless."

After uttering these words under her breath, a large group entered the bar, led by a towering figure. The influential figures in the bar showed even more fear upon seeing this newcomer than they had with Su Chen.

"Qin Yu, how dare you come to a place like this without me? Are you trying to cheat on me?"

"You nagging woman, get lost! I have serious business here!" After saying this, Qin Yu spat.

Memories flooded his mind. Thankfully, due to certain circumstances, Qin Yu wasn't fully compromised.

But if he was targeted again, it would spell doom.

The newcomer was Ye Lanxiang.

She was in the midst of preparing for her wedding with Qin Yu when she received this piece of news. Without hesitation, she brought her entourage to the bar.

And sure enough, she found Qin Yu.

The nature of bars was well-known, and Ye Lanxiang wasn't going to tolerate such behavior. Even if it might happen, she absolutely would not allow it.

She angrily confronted Qin Yu, "You have to come back with me today!"

"Or else, you won't get the antidote!"

Qin Yu's face paled. His body was poisoned by Ye Lanxiang and required regular doses of the antidote to survive. Initially, Qin Yu had planned to visit Zhang Yuwan for the cure.

But an encounter with Su Chen changed his plans. And now, Ye Lanxiang had confronted him. Qin Yu clenched his fists.

Although he tried to appear defiant, he knew the consequences of not complying. He didn't dare to gamble. Ye Lanxiang seemed to sense Qin Yu's hesitance.

She approached him, whispering, "Don't worry, I'll treat you fairly."

"Don't you want Su Chen dead? I can help you."

As she spoke, Ye Lanxiang moved behind Qin Yu. But Qin Yu didn't want Su Chen dead. He wanted Su Chen to lose everything, to feel the worst pain imaginable. He wanted Su Chen to wish he was dead. And he wanted the Su family destroyed.

Ye Lanxiang's words indeed resonated with Qin Yu.

Ye Lanxiang was deeply attracted by Qin Yu's domineering aura.

A man with such a presence should only belong to me, Ye Lanxiang. No one else can take him away.

Suddenly, Ye Lanxiang's hand, which was as large as a bear's paw, struck out, hitting Qin Yu at the back of his neck.

In a swift motion!

With a thud, Qin Yu instantly lost consciousness and fell to the ground.

"My precious, you truly give me peace of mind when you're asleep," she cooed.

Ye Lanxiang single-handedly lifted Qin Yu onto her shoulder.

"This time, let's have a baby together!"

She spoke loudly. It seemed intentional, perhaps to flaunt her victory. She then left with her entourage, leaving a stunned crowd behind. After a moment of silence, the place was abuzz.

"What just happened? I thought the relationship between Qin Yu and Ye Lanxiang was just a rumor, but it seems to be true!"

"Wow, I never thought Qin Yu would be submissive enough to be with Ye Lanxiang."

"Hahahaha!"

The crowd couldn't contain their laughter. Even Zhang Li revealed a smug smile. It was she who had informed Ye Lanxiang. "Qin Yu, enjoy your romantic night with Ye Lanxiang," she said, continuing to wait for Su Chen at the bar.

Meanwhile, in the restroom, Su Chen checked the time and thought it was about right to leave. Otherwise, if anything happened to Zhang Li, it would be troublesome.

"Young Master Su, what are you doing in the restroom? You missed quite a scene earlier. You would've enjoyed it had you seen it," someone greeted Su Chen as he emerged from the stall, speaking in a puzzling manner.

"Young Master Su, did you hear about Qin Yu, the one who's always been against you?"

"What happened to Qin Yu?" Su Chen panicked.

It seemed something had happened to Qin Yu. Damn it. Can't the male protagonist be more competent? Following that, Su Chen received the shocking news. Though he wanted to laugh, he couldn't bring himself to.

Why did this happen? With Qin Yu taken away, how could he rescue Zhang Li? It's over. Another reset was imminent. At that moment, Su Chen mentally cursed Qin Yu and his entire family.