At the Banquet, the hall buzzed with movement. As guests mingled and passed by, some glancing curiously at Shi Qingyin, whose commotion was impossible to ignore. Her presence drew stares, but the servants, though unafraid of her personally, couldn’t shake their conditioned instinct to obey. After all, the madam had dismissed (fired) over thirty people on her very first day in the household. “Excuse me, I didn’t know you were a friend of the master. May I ask your name? I’ll go inform the master,” a servant said respectfully. Shi Qingyin raised her chin arrogantly, her pride evident. “My name is Shi Qingyin, and I’m from Xia Country” (a fictional or historical Chinese-inspired country, indicating prestige or foreign sophistication).
The servant nodded and left to deliver the message, leaving Shi Qingyin standing confidently in the hall. Shen Xizhou, on the other hand, felt a deep flush of embarrassment. He wanted nothing more than to dig a hole and disappear (a Chinese idiom expressing extreme embarrassment) at her audacity. Once the servant was out of earshot, he quickly pulled Shi Qingyin back. “What are you doing? Claiming to know the castle owner like this… aren’t you afraid of being proven wrong?” The castle owner’s identity was shrouded in mystery. Even when the castle became an online viral sensation (widely shared on social media platforms, typical of Chinese internet slang), nobody knew whether the owner was male or female, much less anyone personally acquainted with them.
Just four days ago, the castle’s owner had moved in with his wife. And now, another grand ball was about to be held—a rare opportunity for guests to meet the elusive owner. And here Shi Qingyin, who had never met them before, was boldly claiming friendship with the castle’s owner—and on his very own territory. Shen Xizhou could almost feel the weight of potential humiliation if the owner found her claim audacious or false. Shi Qingyin’s confidence, however, was unshakable. “No, I feel it in my gut. The castle owner and I are very close. He might even give me the castle if i ask ,” she said, her tone full of certainty. “Yinyin?” Shen Xizhou frowned, incredulous. Where did this unshakable self-assurance come from? Yet, strangely, he believed her. Her confidence radiated a charm that was impossible to ignore. If she wanted something, she would have it.
With a decisive motion, Shi Qingyin raised her phone and captured a stunning photo of the castle. “Take a picture of me with the castle,” she instructed Shen Xizhou. This was one of the world’s top ten tourist attractions (an elite, must-see location recognized globally). Most visitors could only photograph it from across the water. Shi Qingyin, however, could roam inside, dine there, and even stay overnight. Simply by being here, the castle felt like hers. Seeing her elation, Shen Xizhou relaxed. He obediently took several photos of her with his phone and even enlisted the help of the servants for group shots. Once satisfied, Shi Qingyin opened Shi Ning’s chat window without hesitation, sending both pictures and messages.
[Shi Qingyin: Sister, Xizhou and I went out to play. This castle is beautiful, and there’s a ball tonight. I’ll stay in your dream fairytale world for you.] Shi Ning, still putting on makeup, froze in confusion at the message. [Ning: ???] She couldn’t fathom it. How could Shi Qingyin, here, coincide with her honeymoon abroad? It must be the charm of the female lead (a trope in Chinese storytelling where the protagonist seems to follow or appear wherever significant events happen). Without this, the villainous supporting character wouldn’t have a plot—or survive.
[Shi Qingyin: Sister, don’t be angry, don’t be sad. Next time, I’ll persuade Xizhou to let you stay in the castle for three days and experience a princess-like life.] The question marks on Shi Ning’s face were practically exploding. [Ning]: It’s far too late at night for this “Fragile White Lotus” performance. My ears are starting to ring from all the rehearsed pity—do us both a favor and try speaking like a human being for once.
Shi Ning truly couldn’t understand what Shi Qingyin was trying to say. Not being angry? Not being sad? And that part about persuading Shen Xizhou to let her stay at the castle for three days— Did Shi Qingyin genuinely think this castle belonged to Shen Xizhou?
—
On the other hand Shen Qingyin contine to type [Shi Qingyin: Brother Xizhou insisted on bringing me here early for our honeymoon—to stay at this castle, with fireworks filling the sky, a Cinderella-style ball, and even a pumpkin carriage!]
(“Pumpkin carriage” refers to the fairy tale “Cinderella,” where a magical pumpkin transforms into a carriage—a symbol of romance and princess-like fantasy in Chinese internet storytelling as well.)
[Ning: Did your mother pick up your placenta and raise you? How can you not speak like a human being?] (This is a harsh Chinese internet insult implying someone lacks basic manners or human sense of communication.) Shi Ning understood perfectly. Shi Qingyin was showing off her relationship with Shen Xizhou and the princess-like castle. But she was doing it so obviously, yet pretending to be innocent— It was honestly ridiculous. And laughable.
—
[Shi Qingyin: Sister, don’t be jealous, and don’t be angry. I’ll persuade Brother Xizhou to bring you here as well. After all, this is your childhood dream.] Shi Ning: … Shi Qingyin—who only wanted to show off—was so fake it bordered on absurd. Shi Ning didn’t even feel like replying anymore. She simply sent a single emoji: [🐪✒️] (a playful, nonsensical internet-style emoji combination—often used humorously to express “whatever” or “I’m done responding,” similar to Chinese meme culture “沙漠之笔” “desert pen” meaning dry, empty, or forced expression)
—
She had just finished her conversation with Shi Qingyin when— Shen Xizhou sent her a message. 【Shen Xizhou: Where are you?】 Shi Ning glanced at it but didn’t reply. She was too lazy.
【Shen Xizhou: You’re also on vacation on Scarlet Moon Island, right? You’re here…】 He even sent her the location—along with a picture of a dazzling, princess-like castle. 【Shen Xizhou: I’m attending a ball at this castle. Take a taxi to the entrance and wait for me. I’ll have a pumpkin carriage come pick you up.】 (Again, the “pumpkin carriage” represents fairy-tale romance—something Shen Xizhou believes will appeal to Shi Ning’s supposed dream of princess fantasies.) 【Shen Xizhou: I know you’ve always wanted to attend a ball—like a princess and prince in a fairytale world. Tonight… I can dance with you as your prince.】 After sending that message— Shen Xizhou genuinely felt like he was being thoughtful. Perfect. Considerate. A man who could fulfill dreams. At this very moment, he was still thinking about Shi Ning— still believing he was helping her realize her childhood fantasy.
—
Shi Ning on the other hand stared at his message. Then at Shi Qingyin’s. Then back again. Her evaluation of both of them could be summed up in just four words: “Crazy couple.” Seriously— how did people like this become the male and female leads? Shi Ning felt a strong urge to have them both kicked out of the villa. But then— comments flooded across her vision. [The maid has already gone to find the villain Qin, and she knows the female supporting character invited the male and female leads.] Shi Ning: ??? She didn’t invite anyone! She didn’t even know they were on the island!
—
[The female supporting character really likes this castle—but she hates the villain Qin. Just to provoke him…] [When Shen Xizhou told her he liked the princess castle and wanted to give it to Shi Qingyin, she had the villain give away the castle he personally commissioned for her!]
Shi Ning: ??? This… was the original plot? Was Shi Qingyin really that brainless in the original storyline? No wonder she treated this castle like her own territory— It was literally written that way. [At Cinderella’s ball tonight, the female supporting character and the male lead will work together to drug the villain Qin, and then elope.] [However, the villain Qin’s willpower is too strong. He resists the drug and brings the female supporting character back himself!]
—
[It’s tonight! Our piano scene is about to begin!]
[This is one of my favorite villain couple scenes—the female supporting character is pressed against the piano by the villain Qin, her eyes bloodshot, gripping his collar, while he lifts her princess dress—]
—
[Clap clap clap… tinkling~ oh dear~ oh dear~]
[It truly creates a uniquely melodic piano performance!]
Shi Ning’s face flushed red instantly.
“!!!” So this is how the “piano scene” comes about?! But— things are different now. She has spoilers. She knows everything. She won’t cooperate with Shen Xizhou. She won’t drug anyone. And she definitely won’t be part of any elopement. So… This so-called piano scene— won’t happen at all… right , still Shi Ning’s cheeks burned as she imagined the scene described in the comments. She quickly covered her face with both hands.
“I can’t think about this… I can’t imagine it.” It was too frightening. Strangely enough, a thought flickered through her mind— If she hadn’t run off with Shen Xizhou… if she hadn’t been caught by Qin Heye… Then, as a young couple, maybe they could have shared something just as sweet and intimate… But the very thought made her want to disappear all over again.
—
Seeing her reaction, the makeup artist grew anxious. “Young Madam, is there something wrong with my makeup?” Shi Ning lowered her hands and shook her head immediately.“No, it’s fine.” It was just that— she, along with the girls in the comments, had fallen into… impure thoughts.
[Our heroine, thrown into the forest, has a miraculous encounter!] [It was there she saved a metaphysical master, who then willingly stayed by her side and helped her resolve a geomantic issue in Plot 15 in the western part of the city.]
(“Metaphysical master” refers to a feng shui or metaphysics expert in Chinese culture, often believed to influence luck, fate, and energy flow. “Plot 15” indicates a valuable piece of land tied to this supernatural problem.)
[So our heroine is extremely lucky for the male lead—he buys Plot 15 for 100 million (a massive sum), the metaphysical master resolves the issue, and this becomes a huge bargain that leads to the complete downfall of the Qin family.]
[The villain Qin finally loses to the male lead!]
[This time, the villain—under the influence of drugs—mistakes our heroine for the wicked supporting character and almost assaults her. How disgusting!]
[Hilarious! Shi Qingyin, dressed in the supporting character’s outfit, willingly climbed into the villain’s bed, only to be recognized immediately, kicked away, and thrown into the forest to be left for wild animals. How could he possibly assault your heroine?]
[The villain Qin is actually the most innocent one! He didn’t even mistake her. Even under the effects of drugs and losing rationality, his mind wasn’t controlled by his body. He would rather die than touch another woman!]
[If the villain hadn’t thrown the heroine into the forest, how would she have even gotten that opportunity?]
—
Shi Ning: !!! Shi Qingyin is still here—and she still gets her opportunity?! And not just that— She actually found a way to resolve Plot 15!
She really does deserve to be the heroine. Heaven is practically chasing after her, handing her opportunities one after another. But with spoilers like this… Could she take someone else’s opportunity midway? Shi Ning lowered her voice, muttering under her breath .“Stealing the female lead’s opportunity as the villainous supporting character… shouldn’t be a problem, right?” Anyway— she was already the villainous supporting character. Stealing opportunities like this— that would fit her role perfectly.
As Shi Ning continued reading the comments, gradually piecing together the original plot for tonight. In the original story: Qin Heye was worried that Shi Ning would fall ill from being confined in the attic, so he took her along on a so-called honeymoon trip. Shen Xizhou, knowing this, also brought Shi Qingyin to the island on a vacation. Then he found Shi Ning and told her he would take her away from Qin Heye— but only if she obeyed him. Following that— Shi Ning drugged Qin Heye. Shi Qingyin then urged Shi Ning to leave quickly with Shen Xizhou by boat, while she stayed behind to cover their escape. And then— Shi Qingyin, still dressed in her princess gown— planned to climb into Qin Heye’s bed and impersonate Shi Ning? Shi Ning: … Was the original Shi Qingyin really that foolish? Throwing herself into danger like that— practically walking into a trap?
This won’t do. If she wanted to “steal” Shi Qingyin’s opportunity— she couldn’t just abandon the plot or randomly change things. At the very least— Shi Qingyin needed to be thrown into the forest at the right time… and encounter that metaphysical master. That settled it. Shi Ning picked up her phone and sent a message to Qin Heye. 【Ning: Shi Qingyin and Shen Xizhou are here for the ball. Don’t kick them out.】Meanwhile— Qin Heye had changed into a new tuxedo. Expensive. Impeccable. The tailored suit accentuated his tall frame and refined presence, giving him an air of elegance that fit perfectly within the castle. Standing by the window, he looked down at the lively scene below. From a distance, he resembled a prince straight out of a fairy tale. A new butler stepped in quietly and stood behind him, bowing respectfully.
“Master Qin.”
Qin Heye had just picked up his phone. His gaze landed on Shi Ning’s message. His brows furrowed slightly. Then— his cold eyes swept across the crowd below. And immediately— he spotted them. Shen Xizhou. And Shi Qingyin. At that moment— Shi Qingyin had just edited a caption and was about to post a new update. Then suddenly— she felt a chilling gaze fall upon her. Sharp. Cold. Like a blade… or the gaze of death itself.
A shiver ran down her spine. Instinctively, she looked up toward the upper floor. She couldn’t see clearly there is only a tall, slender silhouette there . For a fleeting second— she felt a strange sense of familiarity. Like… Qin Heye.
But she quickly dismissed the thought. If Shi Ning were really here with Qin Heye on a honeymoon— then based on her current personality—
she would have already messaged her to show off. Especially after what she had just said earlier about bringing her to the castle. Shi Ning would never be silent. She would be sarcastic. Sharp. Cynical. But never— jealous.
Reassured, Shi Qingyin smiled faintly. She uploaded her photos. [“My princess castle, living my fairytale life with my favorite prince~”]
The comment section filled instantly. People questioned her online whether the castle truly belonged to her. But Shi Qingyin didn’t reply. She only liked a few comments. Feeling her vanity satisfied.
Upstairs Qin Heye turned to the new butler. “What is it?” The butler replied respectfully. “There are guests from Xia Country—Shi Qingyin and Shen Xizhou. They wish to see you.” A pause. “They also said we’ve been disrespectful to them… and are demanding that you fire the staff.”
Qin Heye’s expression darkened instantly. “Have you spoken to the young mistress?”
“Not yet.” His brows tightened further. Shi Ning hadn’t been informed yet— then how did she already know? The new butler hesitated.
“Master Qin… we discovered a maid acting suspiciously today.” Qin Heye’s gaze turned colder. “What is it?” The butler hesitated again.
“I’m not sure if I should say…” Qin Heye’s voice dropped, icy and sharp “Then don’t say it.” The butler froze. But then— remembering his duty— he forced himself to continue. “The maid said… the young mistress plans to run away tonight with Shen Xizhou from Xia Country. They’ve already arranged the route… and even prepared a yacht.”
The temperature in the room dropped instantly. A suffocating killing intent filled the air. The butler trembled. “Master Qin…?” Qin Heye said nothing. His expression had turned completely cold. Then— without another word— he turned and walked out of the room. The butler wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and hurried after him. “Master Qin! Where are you going?” But Qin Heye did not answer. He simply left. Fast.
And without hesitation.
Shi Ning, having finished her makeup, so she lifted the hem of her skirt slightly and stepped out of the room with light, eager steps. The moment she saw Qin Heye, her eyes lit up. A bright smile spread across her face, and she was about to rush toward him.
“Qin—” but than she saw a string of red bullet screen
[The villain’s murderous aura is terrifying!] [He has already caught the maid who helped the female supporting character escape.]
[Now he’s coming to settle the score—can the female supporting character withstand the villain’s overwhelming pressure?]
[Look at that piano downstairs—it’s worth over three million (a luxurious grand piano, often a symbol of status and elegance). The villain is soon “on top of” the vicious female supporting character, with the piano playing!] [Although pianos shouldn’t get wet, they “got wet” later .]
Shi Ning: !!! Her steps froze mid-motion. She lifted her gaze to Qin Heye. His expression was cold—icy, even—clearly on his way to confront her.
Then her eyes flickered downward— toward the grand piano placed in the living room below. For a moment, her mind went blank. Her instincts screamed at her. Was it— too late to run now?
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