Villain – Peeking at the Diary, the Female Leads’ Personas Collapse

Chapter 58

Jin Lan glanced at Chen Fan several times, while Chen Fan muttered inwardly:

“A patch of clouds in the northwestern dark sky,

The crows have all left, leaving only phoenixes,

Do not come over, do not come over,

By no means come over!”

Yet, to everyone else, this created a completely different scene.

“Of course, it’s Jin Lan—what a strong mindset!”

“Yes, after having her secret revealed, she can still sit calmly next to Chen Fan. She’s truly powerful.”

“Chen Fan has also improved. If it were the old him, he’d probably have lashed out right away. Let’s not forget that Chen Fan’s father ranks much higher than Jin Lan.”

Lin Qingyue, overhearing the second-generation wealthy heirs’ conversations, looked confused.

“Why are you focused on that? Can’t you consider that maybe Jin Lan likes Chen Fan?”

Chen Fan put down his champagne and said, “Sister Jin Lan, what’s this about?”

“Long time no see; I missed you.”

“Is that so? Well, I’m a bit flattered. You’re busy supporting Ye Aotian and playing your role with me every day; must be exhausting.”

“Think what you want. There’s nothing between me and Ye Aotian.”

Whether you’re connected or not doesn’t matter; I’m convinced you are. Wait, I’ve been tricked. They definitely have something going on, especially with so many people present, including William. Meaning the closer she gets to me, the more she’s taking advantage of me, counting on the fact I wouldn’t dare make a fuss. Counting on the fact I wouldn’t dare argue with her. She really is the top strategist, clever indeed.

Chen Fan looked at Lin Qingyue in the distance, who was gazing toward the entrance.

Aha, waiting for Ye Aotian, no doubt. No wonder she came as soon as I invited her. She knew Ye Aotian would be here. No surprise, she’s the female lead, and sleeping with a worn-out shoe doesn’t affect her attraction or feelings for him at all.

Seems my worries were unfounded. The heroine’s character hasn’t been ruined, and the plot hasn’t derailed. They’re all here to watch me make a fool of myself—aren’t I clever?

Lin Qingyue looked toward the door, awaiting the arrival of a new heroine, excited about how many more would come today.

The door opened. Ye Aotian and William walked in, side by side, chatting and laughing. Two figures followed closely behind him, one male and one female.

Ling Xiaoyun and Ling Yuyan, two members of the Ling family.

The crowd gasped in shock. Although people knew little about Ling Yuyan, everyone knew about Ling Xiaoyun. He was a member of the Ling family.

The Ling family, renowned for traditional Chinese medicine, owned numerous clinics, and countless big shots sought out the Ling family for medical treatments. And Ling Xiaoyun, a rising star of his generation, stood behind Ye Aotian, leaving everyone in awe.

Could this mean the Ling family was aligning with Ye Aotian, openly challenging the Chen family?

Although the Chen family had deeper roots, the Ling family was also a formidable family.

At this moment, all eyes turned to Chen Fan. The enmity between Chen Fan and Ye Aotian had grown deep over time. Today, Chen Fan invited these wealthy heirs to watch Ye Aotian embarrass himself. However, it seemed like the tables had turned, as the Ling family’s appearance made it clear that Ye Aotian was no longer easy prey.

Chen Fan felt immense joy inside, but on the surface, he had to feign anger. He crushed the cup in his hand, and Zhu Yeqing, holding a tissue, helped wipe his hand.

It wasn’t easy for Chen Fan to bleed, but to put on a convincing act, he had to exert extra force to make a little blood appear.

Seeing Chen Fan, William said, “Oh, this must be the young master of the Chen family?”

Chen Fan stood up and approached William, saying, “Hello, Prince William. Welcome to Qincheng. I believe we can be good friends. Don’t be swayed by certain people.”

Ye Aotian chuckled mischievously, looking at Chen Fan. “Is that so?”

Standing between them, William looked at Ye Aotian, then at Chen Fan, and said, “Mr. Chen, I think you misunderstand. Ye and I have been friends for a long time. In your hometown terms, we’re brothers. I think in China, I’d prefer not to make too many friends. Sorry, Chen, but thank you for your offer.”

‘However, I’d be delighted to collaborate with you on the bidding.’

After that, he and Ye Aotian walked away.

Leaving Chen Fan bewildered.

Confused, frustrated, resentful, angry.

At that moment, a multitude of negative emotions washed over Chen Fan’s face. He had truly embodied the image of a humiliated wealthy heir.

Some people stifled their laughter, only to be met with a sharp glare from Chen Fan.

Returning to his seat, Chen Fan felt overjoyed inside but had to maintain his composure in front of everyone.

The plot was intact, the character was intact, and damn, my previous worries were indeed unnecessary. How satisfying!

Chen Fan looked at Zhu Yeqing.

Zhu Yeqing appeared confused. “Why are you looking at me? Got a problem?”

What’s with your brain? You act out your part; I’ll play my role as an undercover. Why can’t we just do our own things without interfering?

***

Chen Fan knew that his character had begun to turn evil, and this phase of humiliation had to happen. However, there was another plot element following this—the storyline involving him and Zhu Yeqing.

This was Zhu Yeqing’s first time appearing at the “card table,” so to speak. Many people now knew of this woman, who was as beautiful as Lin Qingyue but appeared beside Chen Fan only as his secretary.

Yet, after Chen Fan was humiliated, his darkened persona required him to do something extreme to prove he was indeed a villain.

[About to slap her, to be honest, I’ve never actually done this scene.]

[Not that I’m some good guy or anything, but … hitting a woman, I really can’t bring myself to do it.]

[Even if I tied up Lin Qingyue, I still wouldn’t be able to do it. My upbringing tells me there’s simply no need for such actions. Luckily, as long as I don’t disrupt the main storyline, it’s fine.]

“Hit me? You dare to hit me?”

What kind of ridiculous character setting was this?

Both Zhu Yeqing and Lin Qingyue saw the diary update and, watching Chen Fan staring at his phone, realized he was preparing himself. The upcoming scene required him to portray darkness, arrogance, and even cruelty.

In the original novel, Chen Fan had to slap Zhu Yeqing. But he found he couldn’t bring himself to do it. Perhaps, that was just how Chen Fan was.

After all, he couldn’t really be a psychopath deep down.

Zhu Yeqing finished reading this part of the story and felt a mixture of emotions in her heart. She had underestimated Chen Fan. She’d thought he was just a lecherous guy, but she didn’t expect him to have a softer side.

It was truly an endearing quirk.

Quietly, Zhu Yeqing poured Chen Fan a glass of champagne. However, the champagne spilled onto the table. And it splashed onto Chen Fan as well.

“What are you even doing? What do I keep you around for? You clown!” With that, he picked up another glass and poured it directly onto Zhu Yeqing’s face.

This could more or less count as the slap.

Zhu Yeqing looked down, her face filled with grievance, remembering everything she’d read in the novel in preparation. Her expression conveyed a look of helplessness, and she kept her head down, apologizing over and over again.

Many second-generation wealthy heirs at the scene watched this unfold and felt an inexplicable sense of pity. Everyone in Qincheng knew that Chen Fan had a stunning beauty by his side, supposedly someone he had picked up. But with such a beautiful woman, if it were them, they’d feel nothing but love—how could they bear to hurt her?

Chen Fan, clearly, was someone without decency.

Zhu Yeqing lifted her head slightly and saw a glint of joy in Chen Fan’s eyes. Thankfully, her acting skills were still on point. She mentally applauded herself.