Arc.
1.18
The Wicked Child of the Stepmother
After Nian Zhen realized (in his heart) that he liked Xie Yan Jing, two months had passed.
He’d fully recovered from his injuries, Chun Long had been sentenced to one month in jail for assault, and the Chun family had moved out of the city.
The drama seemed to have blown over, and everyone’s lives resumed as usual.
Yet, despite all his efforts, Nian Zhen still hadn’t managed to land a single successful scheme against Xie Yanjing.
The male lead had now graduated from high school, ranking at the top of the country’s top university in Business Administration.
Meanwhile, Nian Zhen was barely scraping by with his finals, though Elder Xie was thrilled and promptly gifted his grandson some land and a small company.
Chairman Xia, not to be outdone, threw an extravagant party to celebrate his son’s accomplishments.
Meanwhile, Du Yao was now seven months pregnant and had gotten the son she’d hoped for, filling the Xie family with even more joy.
Naturally, Nian Zhen reaped the indirect benefits as well.
The system had vanished entirely, and Aunt Du had mysteriously stopped plotting against Xie Yanjing.
Nian Zhen was very confused, but Du Yao wouldn’t explain why.
Instead, she urged him to please Xie Yanjing, making Nian Zhen feel as though he had been sold off.
The celebration was massive, and though Nian Zhen had little to do with it, he’d been wrangled into an expensive suit.
Xie Yanjing was taken by his despicable father, Chairman Xia, who was famous for having a brilliant and talented son, to be introduced to those high society people
Du Yao, as Xie Heng’s wife, was also required to attend.
Small in stature, she still appeared elegant even in her advanced pregnancy, her aura brighter than ever, no doubt due to Xie Heng’s constant care.
The other ladies in the room envied her, while Nian Zhen dutifully escorted her with the look of an innocent and harmless child.
Du Yao used the opportunity to introduce him to the other young masters and young misses, expanding Nian Zhen’s social circle.
Since Du Yao was pregnant, she didn’t stay long at the event.
Chairman Xie personally escorted her out to reinforce his image as a devoted family man.
Nian Zhen, on the other hand, was left standing beside Xie Yanjing, who was, of course, the center of attention, as the party also subtly signaled the harmonious relationship between Xie Heng’s new wife’s son and his own son.
The Xie family was in a phase of peace and harmony.
Holding a glass of sparkling red juice, Nian Zhen wasn’t twenty yet and therefore not allowed to drink alcohol.
The waiter kept serving him snacks.
Meanwhile, Xie Yanjing abandoned his usual aloofness and mingled, eventually getting pulled away in another direction, leaving Nian Zhen to his role as the unimportant extra.
No one paid much attention to him—
Except for a young man with a gentle and elegant face.
He wore a light blue suit.
His almond-brown hair gleamed, and he seemed about Nian Zhen’s age.
Nian Zhen found him surprisingly handsome, as if he radiated a subtle light.
“Hello, I’m Lu Ming.
It’s nice to meet you.
May I ask your name, young master…?”
“Hello, I’m Meng Zhenzhen.
It’s nice to meet you, Young Master Lu.”
Lu Ming had approached Nian Zhen first, and right from the start, this young man was incredibly gentle and friendly.
He seemed to genuinely like Nian Zhen, eager to make friends with him.
Before long, they felt quite comfortable talking.
Young Master Lu was the same age as Xie Yanjing but had a boyish face, appearing several years younger.
He was also about seven or eight centimeters taller than Nian Zhen.
[Host!! This is the protagonist’s romantic interest!!]
Out of nowhere, the missing system suddenly shouted out.
Nian Zhen was stunned, realizing where the radiant aura came from.
This was the person destined to save Xie Yanjing from his life of darkness!!
Lu Ming smiled gently, carrying himself with refined elegance.
When he spoke, his voice was soft and kind, with not a hint of arrogance.
Nian Zhen felt immediately outclassed.
He was just a little white lotus and no match for a genuine romantic lead.
[…]
So, in the end, my brother will end up with him, huh?
Nian Zhen felt a sudden pang of sadness.
“Are you hungry, Zhenzhen? My father mentioned that the banquet dinner would be starting in about twenty minutes.”
Lu Ming asked with concern, noticing that Nian Zhen had already finished his glass of red juice.
Look at him.
How considerate, down to the smallest details. Find the original chapter at g.com.
And me?
I spend my days eating, sleeping, reading novels, plotting wicked schemes, and setting traps for my brother.
If he ever meets someone like Lu Ming, he’s bound to like him more than me.
“I am hungry, Ming-ge.”
Nian Zhen replied.
Lu Ming handed him a small plate of appetizers and even called over a server to bring him a glass of water.
“Thank you, Ming-ge.”
“Don’t mention it, Zhenzhen. Have a little snack to tide you over.”
Why is he such a good person?
Compared to someone as sincere as Lu Ming, Nian Zhen looked so vile and underhanded.
But System, you’re back now, huh?
Don’t think I forgot about you.
[…] The system that never truly left, quietly lurking in the background all this time.
But it had to make excuses.
[Host, the system hasn’t been very stable. I may come and go, especially since the plot has veered significantly off course.]
Oh?
So tell me, what is my brother’s hatred level for me at right now?
Big brother has been so nice to me lately.
If his hatred level is still high, that means he’s just pretending!!
[…]
What is it?
Tell me right now.
[Z…zero, Host.] The system stammered in response.
Now, it was Nian Zhen’s turn to fall silent.
“What are you doing over here, Xiao Zhen?”
The familiar, cool voice came from behind him, and when Nian Zhen turned, he saw Xie Yanjing in a sleek black suit, his hair styled away from his face, showing off his sharp brows and deep, dark eyes.
He exuded a powerful, mature charm—completely different from his usual self.
He was growing into a man, while Nian Zhen still looked every bit the high schooler in comparison.
“Big Brother,” Nian Zhen greeted the male lead with a smile.
Seeing both main characters standing side by side, Nian Zhen finally understood what perfect match truly meant.
The pain in his chest flared, and the smile on his face became even sweeter.
Xie Yanjing was taken aback.
He couldn’t hear Nian Zhen’s thoughts.
That was because, at this moment, Nian Zhen’s mind was completely blank, his outward appearance the only indication that he was fine.
“Big Brother, this is Ming-ge—Young Master Lu Ming.”
He introduced the other person.
Xie Yanjing had already noticed them talking for a while, noticing Nian Zhen’s constant smiles toward the other man.
The young master of the Xie family felt displeased, though he didn’t show it.
Now, standing closer, he realized this Lu Ming guy was not only handsome but also exuded a gentle aura.
And what was this?
After just a short conversation, Nian Zhen was already calling him “Ming-ge.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Young Master Xia.” Lu Ming, still perfectly composed, raised a brow ever so slightly, picking up on the hostility coming from Xie Yanjing despite having done nothing wrong.
Nian Zhen, feeling painfully out of place, excused himself to go to the restroom, slipping away from the two of them.
For the first time, he knew what it felt like to have a secret crush on someone—only to face heartbreak.
Even looking like this, he was still destined to be the unlucky little white lotus.
Nian Zhen snuck back up to his room at the Xie mansion and managed to grab a bottle of wine from the kitchen on the way.
He intended to drown his sorrows with it.
His mission was ruined, his heart broken—his life was truly pitiful.
The entire bottle was downed by Nian Zhen in no time.
If he didn’t feel drunk after that, he was practically invincible.
Meng Zhenzhen’s body, however, had never had any alcohol, so it hit him hard.
[Host, I’ve administered a sobering tonic, but Meng Zhenzhen’s body has a weak tolerance. Your current state is not great.]
“Thanksssss, hic.”
Nian Zhen regained his senses, but his coordination was shot.
He stumbled to the bathroom to wash his face, trying to refresh himself.
Checking the time, he realized the banquet must have ended by now.
He opened his door, stumbling down the hallway, bracing himself against the walls for support—all the way to Xie Yanjing’s room.
He was going to confront Xie Yanjing and settle things once and for all.
[Host, please calm down. You’re not entirely clear-headed yet. Maybe heading back to your room is a better idea.]
No way!!
I need to get answers.
I want to know what my brother really thinks of me so I know how to move forward with my life as a pitiful little white lotus.
I know what I’m doing.
System, I’m fully aware.
The alcohol just gave me some courage, that’s all.
[… The system will cheer you on, Host.]
He hadn’t quite reached the main character’s room when he saw Xie Yanjing coming toward him.
“Big Brother…” he called out.
Xie Yanjing, seeing Nian Zhen stumbling toward him, quickly walked over.
Nian Zhen’s face was flushed, his eyes glossy, and his gaze locked onto Xie Yanjing with deep emotion.
At that moment, he could see only his big brother.
He watched as Xie Yanjing frowned slightly, reaching out to feel his forehead in concern.
A sudden burst of courage overtook Nian Zhen, and he reached out, tugging Xie Yanjing’s tie to pull him down, pressing a quick kiss against his lips.
“What do you two think you’re doing!!”
The exclamation rang out as Nian Zhen was roughly shoved backward, his back hitting the opposite wall.
All he could see was Xie Yanjing’s face, cold as ice, and a look of shock in his eyes.
Xie Lanzhong stormed in, quickly positioning himself in front of Nian Zhen.
The cane he used for support was raised high and struck Nian Zhen’s arm with great force.
“How dare you act like this with my grandson, you depraved fool. Get him out of here, now, before I lose all patience!!”
Tears sprung to Nian Zhen’s eyes from the pain.
He looked up to see the furious Old Man Xie glaring down at him, cane in hand, hurling insults at him.
Glancing behind him, he caught a glimpse of Xie Yanjing, who had his head down, not looking his way at all.
Xie Lanzhong’s bodyguards quickly grabbed Nian Zhen and dragged him out.
“Grandfather, please, Xiao Zhen was just drunk.
He didn’t mean…”
“Don’t think I’m unaware, Xie Yanjing.
Have you forgotten your responsibilities?
You are the Xie family’s heir, and someday you’ll need an heir of your own!!”
Xie Lanzhong’s voice was steely.
Bodyguards restrained Xie Yanjing, forcing him to kneel before his grandfather.
Xie Lanzhong then raised his cane and struck Xie Yanjing’s back repeatedly.
“If you don’t give up on this, you must know what I’m capable of. I built the Xie family, and I’ll never allow you to destroy everything in your generation. Do you understand me?”
A withered hand lifted his grndson’s chin and squeezed it harshly before letting go with a shove.
Xie Lanzhong stormed off in anger.
Xie Yanjing remained kneeling, head bowed, his fists clenched as he struggled to contain the storm of emotions inside.
When he finally rose, he noticed Xie Heng, standing in the shadows nearby.
Father and son exchanged glances in the heavy silence.
“I’m sending Zhenzhen abroad. This is the only thing I, as your father, can do for you now.”
Xie Heng finally spoke after a long pause.
He lowered his gaze, his hands at his sides clenching tightly, hatred welling up within him.
Xie Lanzhong—that bastard—was becoming more ruthless with each passing day.
It was as if he was witnessing the same torment he had endured in his own youth.
The meaning behind these words was clear: sending Zhenzhen away was to protect him, to keep him safe from the clutches of Xie Lanzhong.
For a son born out of obligation rather than love, he believed he was doing all he could.
“If you’re capable enough…bring him back yourself.”
Xie Heng added before turning to leave.
Xie Yanjing stood motionless, a bitter smile crossing his face.
The truth was, Xie Heng had more power to help Xiao Zhen than he let on—but he wouldn’t.
And why?
Because he had a new son on the way, a son who could be his ally in a rift with Xie Lanzhong.
Xie Heng would be the greatest beneficiary if Xie Yanjing broke ties with his grandfather.
They all left him with no choice… forcing him onto this path.
Xiao Zhen’s broken gaze from moments ago lingered in Xie Yanjing’s mind.
Xie Yanjing had only pushed him away to protect him, having seen Xie Lanzhong approaching from a distance—but it had all been too late; everything was already beyond saving.
[The male lead’s inner darkness has increased to 90%]
In the end, he had lost the person he cared about… all because he was weak and lacked the true power to act freely—still held captive to others’ control.
Xie Yanjing’s gaze turned cold and unfeeling.