The Start Of It All

[“ What do you say, Shun Song? Will you take on this mission? “]

“ Why are you asking me of all people? “

[“ First and foremost, you’re an avid reader, and secondly, are you satisfied with the novel’s ending? “]

—

Rewind to three months ago, I, Shun Song stumbled upon a mobile web novel. The name of the book was “ Blinded By Love.” The story itself was very intriguing and kind of had a nice ring, or so I thought. I regretted it in the first half of the story.

“ What the hell? How could he do something like that? “

I took a liking to the antagonist of the novel, Zhu Ming Yue. Zhu Ming Yue is a Dhampir (half vampire, half human) who fell head over heels in love with Lidian Hyster, a dog demon whom she thought loved her just as much as she loved him. Doing everything for him in the name of love and risking her life for him on numerous occasions, she was shattered when she caught the love of her life entangled in a passionate kiss with none other than her half-sister, Zhu Zhi Rong, a full-fledged vampire.

Zhu Zhi Rong had always mistreated Zhu Ming Yue since very young and all of that mistreatment was due to her bloodline. Catching the two together was seen as a betrayal to Zhu Ming Yue who in a fate of rage unleashed her vampiric powers on the cheaters but unfortunately, she was easily neutralized by the pair, meeting a tragic ending at their hands.

“ How could you end it like this? “ I shouted, given the injustice that had been befallen upon my favorite character. “ This is so not fair. Zhu Ming Yue didn’t deserve such an ending. “ I wept, sorrowly.

Heartbroken and shattered, I fell asleep in tears but I could never have guessed then what I would be faced with the next day.

The next time I opened my eyes, I was in a pitch-black room, with no light to localize myself.

Looking around me, I could see nothing but darkness. Mumbling, “ Where am I? What is this place? “ A window suddenly flashed right before my eyes and as I looked at it closely, I realized it was a system window.

“ Isn’t this what you call a system window or something? What is it doing here? “

[“ Welcome to you, Shun Song! “]

“ Who said that? “

As I asked, a flying thing showed up in front of me. Looking closely, it was a female elf child. She was flying above my head in circles. As she circled me numerous times, something flashed inside the system window, and in capital letters was written, [“ REVERSE THE STORYLINE! “]

“ Reverse the storyline? What storyline am I supposed to reverse exactly? “

As that question popped from my mouth, the system window flashed once more, and in capitalized characters was written, [ “ BLINDED BY LOVE! “]

I flinched when I read the name. “ Blinded By Love! What is the meaning of this? “

[ “ Allow me to explain everything to you, Shun Song! “ ]

The female elf-child was standing before me once more. This time, however, she wasn’t circling me and was standing still. I had so many questions that I needed answers to, so my only option was to attentively listen to her as she explained things to me.

[ I’m Mia and I’m the system’s guide and I’m also to guide you in this universe. As you might have or not already guessed by now, you’re inside the web novel series, “ Blinded By Love! ]

[ The system window in front of you is to aid you with your missions. Not to mention that you’ll be receiving rewards each time you complete a quest. All you have to do is follow the status quo and I as your guide will aid you in whichever way I can. ]

Looking at the status quo which said, [ “ REVERSE THE STORYLINE! “ ], Shun Song asked the guide, " Why was I brought here and why am I to reverse a storyline? “

[ That I cannot answer you as I’m only just a guide. If you’d like to have your questions answered, you’ll have to complete the status quo. As your status quo indicates, you may reverse which way of the storyline. This is entirely up to you, however, you cannot drastically change things either, so think carefully before making a decision. Also, in this universe, you’re nothing but an extra. Whether that will change or not is entirely up to you, so what will you decide, Shun Song? Will you take on this mission? ]

I was taken with confusion even more than before. Something was sure to me now, I had transmigrated inside the web novel “ Blinded By Love! “ I was reading several months back, but why? More importantly, if I’m here, does that mean I’m dead or still alive? This is all so confusing. Why did such a bizarre thing have to happen to me?

[ What have you decided, Shun Song? Will you take on the mission? ]

“ I can’t, I’m sorry! “ I shared my feelings regarding this strange phenomenon happening to me. “ I can’t pinpoint my finger as to why I was the one chosen for this. Why ask me of all people? “

In response to my question, Mia told me, [ First and foremost, you’re an avid reader, and secondly, are you satisfied with the novel’s ending].

Thinking of Zhu Ming Yue’s tragic ending at that time, I uttered, “Of course, I’m not satisfied with the ending, but what can I do about it? It’s not as if I can change the ending or something. “

Just as I muttered those words, I was engulfed with a thought and as I looked at Mia, I asked her, “ You said just now I could change the storyline however I wished but had to be careful nonetheless, didn’t you? “

[ Yes! ]

Grinning maliciously, I asked Mia again, “ Does that also include the ending? Is it possible for the ending to be changed? “

—

If I could change the ending, then Zhu Ming Yue wouldn’t have to meet a tragic end and the storyline wouldn’t have to conclude on a cliffhanger. I was truly upset by how things ended for her, but if I could reverse her fate somehow, I’d gladly do it.

[ Why do you want to change the ending instead of the beginning? ]

In response to the question, I said, “ Changing the beginning would only move the storyline a bit, but what I want to accomplish is even grander. What I want is to make a tragic change to the storyline as a whole by starting with the ending, but I don’t know whether that’ll be inhumanly possible or not. “

Listening to what he wanted, Mia retorted affirmatively, [ You have such great wisdom, I like it. Do as you wish, Shun Song! As your guide, I’ll always be with you every step of the way].

Delighted by the answer, I said sternly, “ In that case, the part of the storyline I’d like to reverse will be Zhu Ming Yue’s tragic end! “

[ Very well, Shun Song! Before I forget, don’t think you’ll be doing any of this for free. When the mission’s completed, you may be granted a wish of whichever kind].

A wish? Does that mean I could return home?

“ Let’s not talk about this now and focus on what’s the most important currently! “ I uttered, sternly.

The system flashed at that moment and when the light dimmed down, I was given free assets and rewards like skills and even a rank had been assigned to me.

“ What’s all this? “ I was taken aback by all the rewards.

[ Those are welcome gifts granted to you by the system. As you might have already noticed, your current rank is zero. To upgrade that rank, you need to complete missions one way or another. You have free will].

Smirking at that moment, I said, “ I already know how I'm going to upgrade my rank, so let’s go and save my favorite character! “

[ As you command, Master! ]

Meanwhile, Zhu Ming Yue was dazzling in her white dress and while looking at herself in the mirror, the face of the man she loved flashed before her eyes and she grinned.

“ Are you being delusional again, little sister? “

Hearing a gothic voice behind her, Zhu Ming Yue turned around, only to meet Zhu Zhi Rong, her half-sister.

Advancing toward her, Zhu Zhi Rong touched her face in disdain and said, “ Why did you get so pretty for exactly? “

“ Is it for Lidian Hyster? Do you seriously think he loves you as he claims he does? “

Retorting, Zhu Ming Yue asked, “ Why do you hate me so much? What have I ever done to you? “

“ Do you seriously have to ask this? “ She shouted. “ The simplest fact that you exist is a sin in itself. You should never have existed. Can’t you understand such a simple thing? “

“ I understand, Sister. Now, could you please leave my room? “

Turning around to apply the final touches of her makeup, Zhu Zhi Rong suddenly splashed hot boiled coffee all over her dress.

“ It burns! “ She echoed in pain. “ Why did you do that for Zhi Rong? “

Mocking her, Zhu Zhi Rong said to her face, “ That should put you in your place, little sister. Remember that the simplest fact that you’re still breathing is thanks to me because I have some use for you. Don’t make the mistake of believing you can be happy, Ming Yue! As long as I’m here, that baseless dream of yours will never come to pass. “

Walking out of her room, Zhu Ming Yue stumbled on the floor. Just then, the butler walked in, and seeing her state, he rushed to her side and aided her in getting up and sitting on the bed.

With worry engulfed in his eyes, he asked, “ My lady, are you alright? “

“ Yes, Thomas! “ She faked a smile in front of him but the butler knew better that she was faking it.

“ Are you sure you’re alright? “ He asked doubtfully of her words to which she affirmed she was fine.

Not wanting to push the matter further, the butler walked out of her room. Standing up, she looked at the mirror and muttered, “ It doesn’t matter what Zhi Rong makes me go through. As long as I have his love, I can go through anything in the world. “

An hour later, Zhu Ming Yue met with Lidian Hyster who was waiting for her in the garden.

Dashing toward him in a black dress, Lidian Hyster, as if mesmerized by her unequal beauty, grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it gently. “ You look stunning in this dress, Ming Yue. “ He said as their eyes met.

Instead of responding, Zhu Ming Yue simply stood there, staring at him without a word. “ What’s wrong, Ming Yue? “

Hesitant, she asked, “ Do you truly love me as you claim you do? “

Staring into her cold-daggered eyes, Indian Hyster retorted, “ Where is this coming from all of a sudden? Are you doubting my love for you? “

“ No, it’s not that. I was only wondering why you would love me, that’s all. “ She answered nonchalantly.

“ Of course I love you, silly. “ He hugged her. “ How could you doubt my love? I love you so much, Ming Yue.“

Hugging him back, She uttered nonchalantly, “ Wouldn’t you rather be with Zhi Rong? “

Letting go of her for a moment, he asked, “ I see where this is coming from. Did Zhi Rong tell you anything? “

“ It doesn’t matter what she said. “ She nodded. “ What matters is whether you love me or not. “

“ What I fell for in you is your heart, Ming Yue and that will never change. I love your soul and how pure you are. “ He said in confidence to which Ming Yue hugged him and said, “ I love you too, Indian and please forgive me for doubting your love even for a second! “

“ It’s alright, Ming Yue. I love you. “

Three months later, as Zhu Ming Yue was out hunting monsters, Shun Song who was close by was gazing upon her in admiration.

[ Won’t you go to her, Master? ]

“ Now is not the time for us to meet. The ending will be taking place a month from now and that’s when I’ll be taking action, not before that time. “

Feeling as if someone was spying on her, Zhu Ming Yue looked around her but saw no one nearby.

“ It must have been my imagination. “

Whereas, Shun Song was neutralizing monster after monster, gaining experience points in the process. Now at level five, Shun Song wasn’t satisfied with his current standing.

[ Master, shouldn’t you take a break now? ]

“ No, not now. “ He spoke. “ Lidian Hyster, not only is he a formidable opponent but he’s also of rank A. My current rank could merely brazen him at all. I need to get much, much stronger or I might not succeed in saving her in a month. “

—

At the Zhu Household, Ming Yue received gifts from Lidian almost every day. Fulfilled, she was happy that there was at least one person who loved her with all his heart.

Every day she was given brewed tea to drink. The tea itself had a weird taste which Ming Yue didn’t like. She was told by her half-sister the tea had regenerative abilities good for her. That was all it took for Ming Yue to be convinced.

The brewed tea rendered her weak each time she drank it, going as far as vomiting blood each time, even more than usual. Each time it happened, Thomas, the butler would suggest she consume blood for her recovery but each time, she would answer the following, “ I won’t consume any blood, let alone a human’s blood. “

There was even a day when she got so sick that Lidian came to her bedside. Patting her head gently, Ming Yue uttered in a weakened state the following, “ As long as you’re with me, I can withstand anything or anyone. Your love is all I need. Thanks for being here with me and for loving me so much. “

Time went by and Ming Yue recovered her strength only slightly. Two months later, as their anniversary was approaching, Ming Yue went shopping for a gift, however, things didn’t go the way she planned them.

Thrown out of all the shops she visited, Ming Yue was walking aimlessly on the road when she landed on a stylish pen across the street. The stylish pen was imbued with magic and grew per its user. Finding the stylish pen to be a fine gift, Ming Yue bought it on the spot.

A month later, Zhu Ming Yue put on her most beautiful dress and went out very happy. For once, her half-sister wasn’t home to render her day a nightmare.

Heading to the soulless crystal palace, Ming Yue was titling on her legs joyfully as she held Lidian’s gift preciously.

“ I wonder what gift Lidian will give me on this day. I can’t wait to see him. “

Mounting the stairs, she heard voices from afar and she recognized one of them to be that of her half-sister, Zhi Rong.

Fearing the worst, she hurried over, and when she reached the entrance and was about to walk in, she heard moans.

“ I love you so much, Zhi Rong. How could I stay away from you for so long? “

!

“ I wonder about that myself sometimes. My foolish sister thinks you love her so much. If she were to see us now, she wouldn’t be able;e to believe her eyes. “

“ What can I do? If not for her powers, how could I get interested in a Dhampir like her? Compared to her, you’re more to my taste, Zhi Rong. “

Stunned by what she saw and heard, the gift Ming Yue was holding fell to the floor. Feeling a deep pressure in the air, the walls and everything surrounding it started trembling.

“ What’s happening? “ Zhi Rong asked Lidian who answered, “ How would I know? Things were fine just a while ago, so how could this—---------- ? “

Not ending his statement, Lidian Hyster and Zhi Rong rushed to the exit and that’s when they stumbled upon Ming Yue whose powers were fully unleashed.

“ Ming Yue, what are you doing? “

“ How could you? Just how could you? How could you do this to me? “

Unleashing her full vampiric powers at the pair of cheaters, Indian Hyster blocked the blow with a barrier.

“ I loved you so much. How could you betray me with my sister? How could you do this to me? “

Overtaken by grief, Ming Yue unleashed her powers at full power but unfortunately for her, she was neutralized each time by Lidian and Zhi Rong who returned the impact to her with double the power.

Propelled to the ground by the impact, Indian approached her and while smirking in disdain, he said, “ You’d like to know why I did this to you, don’t you? Listen and take note! “

—

“ I’ve never loved you, Ming Yue. It was nothing but a sham which I led you to believe. I was only just interested in your powers and now, you have become useless to me. Once you’ve died, your powers will automatically belong to me. Isn’t that great, Ming Yue? “

Horrified by the man in front of her eyes, she asked in horror, “ What are you talking about, Indian? What did you do to me? “

Vomiting black blood, Ming Yue asked in horror, “ What’s this? Why is my blood black? What did you do? “ She shouted.

Standing next to Lidian, Zhi Rong said in mockery, “ Oh, sister! Why didn’t you listen to me when I told you to stop dreaming? Didn’t I tell you Lidian would never love someone like you? “

—

“ You should have realized from the beginning you were no match for him. “ She laughed hysterically.

“ Yes, you’re right! “

“ What? “

Zhi Rong and Lidian were stunned when Ming Yue agreed with them as she managed to stand on her feet.

“ You two sure belong together. A pair of cockroaches should stand together. “ Ming Yue smirked at the cheating pair who felt offended by her words.

“ Ming Yue, you—-------------- “

Unleashing their powers at Ming Yue, she mumbled faintly, “ I guess this is the end. It isn’t that bad when I think about it. From beginning to end, I was hated and mistreated. The man I thought loved me immensely turned out to be nothing but a cheat. This is a far better ending for someone like me. “

“ Goodbye, Ming Yue, and thank you for sacrificing yourself for us! “

“ Your powers will be better-taken care of, don’t worry! Rest in peace! “

Before the unleashed powers could attain Ming Yue, something unexpected happened. A strong barrier neutralized their powers, rendering them useless.

Zhi Rong and Lidian were furious with how easily their attack power had been neutralized out of nowhere. Ming Yue who was lingering on her feet lost balance and as if she was about to fall, she was caught by a good-looking man.

“ Who are you? “ That’s all she could mumble before falling unconscious in the man’s arms.

“ Zhu Ming Yue? Zhu Ming Yue? “

Calling out to her, there was no response. Effortlessly lifting her, Shun Song glared at the cheating pair before vanishing right before their eyes.

“ What was that? “

“ Who was that man and why did he come to Ming Yue’s aid? “

—

“ No matter, she doesn’t have much time left. It was pointless to save her. “ Lidian smirked while Zhi Rong chuckled.

During that time, at the Zhu Residence, Shun Song showed up with an unconscious Ming Yue in his arms.

Seeing her appalled state, Thomas, the butler rushed to her side. “ What happened to you, my lady and why are you covered in blood? “

Staring at the man holding his mistress, Thomas asked, “ Who are you, young man? “

“ I’m Shun Song and—--------- “

Before he could continue, Thomas uttered, “ Let’s finish this discussion later! There are more pressing matters at hand. Come with me, please! “

Heading to Ming Yue’s room and laying her on the bed, the butler introduced himself before Shun Song.

“ Nice to meet you, young man. I’m Thomas Clover and I’m the butler of this household. Thanks for bringing my lady home. May I ask how you found her? “

Shun Song narrated everything to Thomas and how he came to save her from Zhi Rong and Lidian’s clutches.

The moment he was done narrating everything to the butler, he said, “ Thanks for saving my lady’s life. Had she ended up dying at their hands, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to see her for the last time. “

Stunned by the butler’s words, Shun Song asked, “ What are you trying to say? “

As tears rolled down his eyes, he retorted, “ My lady is on the verge of dying. “

!!!