Chapter 45 - What Does It Mean to Be a Villain?

Chen Fan’s character development was simple. At first, he planned to rely on his family connections to climb the ladder step by step. But with Li Long dead and Ye Aotian taking over his power, Chen Fan decided to focus on developing his own company.

In truth, Chen Fan just wanted to prove to Lin Qingyue that he could succeed on his own, without relying on his family’s influence. But in reality, such a scenario was nearly impossible.

Many people still had to show respect to Chen Tianqiang, his father. However, that was a story for another time.

Today marked the first signs of his transformation into a villain, so he needed to act the part well.

“You wait outside for a bit. I’ll head upstairs and be back shortly,” he said to Zhu Yeqing.

Zhu Yeqing nodded.

Chen Fan entered the building. Many people greeted him as he made his way upstairs to Lin Qingyue’s office.

“Is Ms. Lin in?” he asked her secretary.

“She is.” The secretary, however, clearly didn’t think much of Chen Fan. She always had a higher opinion of Ye Aotian and had been telling Lin Qingyue about him recently, including how Ye Aotian had single-handedly defeated Li Long the previous day, which she found very cool.

If you asked Chen Fan, these characters all had a twisted worldview.

A man who killed others was somehow seen as “cool”? Ridiculous.

Chen Fan pushed open the door to Lin Qingyue’s office and walked in directly.

“Here, Xiaoyue,” he said, pulling out a necklace. “This is Burberry’s latest commemorative edition. I thought it would suit you, so I bought it.”

Reject me, please. Throw it away, toss it at my face—I can take it. Be firm, don’t hesitate, and don’t be polite. I can handle it, no problem. I’ve got thick skin.

Lin Qingyue lifted her head and looked at Chen Fan, a hint of gentleness in her eyes.

This made Chen Fan break out in a cold sweat. Something was off—seriously off.

Lin Qingyue stood up and said, “Thank you. You shouldn’t have.”

What the hell? I didn’t spend a dime on this! It’s fake!

According to the plot, Chen Fan was supposed to give her the necklace, then get it thrown back in his face, which would lead to his transformation into a villain.

But now … why isn’t she giving me the reason to turn to the dark side? This can’t be happening—it just can’t.

“Uh … you like it?” Chen Fan asked.

“Yes, I do. Would you help me put it on?”

What?! This story is getting ridiculous! You’re the female lead, you’re supposed to love the male protagonist. How could you start having feelings for me now?

Wait, are you trying to play both sides? I see, so this is what it means to be a female lead. No, wait … my dad came back yesterday. Maybe she’s just afraid of my dad. After all, my father is very protective.

Chen Fan stood behind Lin Qingyue, gently placing the necklace around her neck.

Today, she was wearing a simple long dress, with light makeup and her hair tied up. Her collarbone was clearly visible.

Chen Fan thought for a long time. He had to move forward with his villain transformation, no matter what.

To hell with it—let’s go!

Chen Fan suddenly embraced Lin Qingyue.

“Xiaoyue, please, be my girlfriend. I beg you—I really love you.”

Lin Qingyue was startled, her mind completely blank.

How dare you be so bold?

Although Lin Qingyue had started to develop a slight affection for Chen Fan, she still wasn’t ready for this. And that didn’t mean he could touch her like this.

Lin Qingyue immediately stepped on Chen Fan’s foot.

Chen Fan didn’t feel any pain at first. He paused, then began grimacing in pain and let out a cry.

He released her.

Lin Qingyue turned around, raising her hand to slap him.

But Chen Fan grabbed her wrist.

“How dare you! You actually dared to hug me?”

“I really like you—why don’t you like me?”

“I don’t dislike you, but why would I like you?”

The time had come.

Look at the female lead’s expression—those angry eyes, that frustrated look.

She must be feeling awful, loving Ye Aotian and then being touched by someone as despicable as me. See? This is the reality. This is acting at its finest. I’m telling you, girl, if this were real life, you’d win the best actress award.

“Don’t act so high and mighty, Lin Qingyue. Let me tell you, liking you is a favor. Your little Lin family isn’t even on my radar.”

Lin Qingyue froze, staring at the furious Chen Fan.

“You must like that peasant, right? I knew it. You like him. When your company’s finances ran into trouble, you didn’t come to me—you went to him! You even tried to push me away. Fine, you’re all just lying to me, aren’t you?”

“I … that’s not how it is.”

I don’t care if it is or isn’t! Stop interrupting me and let me finish my lines. Honestly, no professionalism as an actress.

“It doesn’t matter if you were lying. It’s all the same now. Li Long is dead, so you should be happy, right? Ye Aotian killed him. He’s probably consolidating Li Long’s forces right now. Soon, he’ll have his own company. Then you two can fly off into the sunset together, isn’t that right?”

No, that’s not how it is!

Lin Qingyue was genuinely flustered, her eyes welling up with tears.

She’s crying … wow, she’s really crying.

As expected, a female lead’s tears are meant to be protected by the male protagonist. But sadly, the male lead isn’t here right now.

“Here’s your choice—either be with me, become my girlfriend, or watch your family go bankrupt. I’ve got my own company now, and I’m ready to play. I’ll take my time, and I’ll destroy you all.”

The more Chen Fan spoke, the more he immersed himself in his role as a gradually blackening rich heir.

Damn, look at me. This is what you call acting. This is real acting! Man, this feels amazing.

“I … I’ll be your girlfriend.”

“What … since you’ve made your choice, then don’t blame me for—wait, what did you just say?”

Lin Qingyue cautiously approached Chen Fan, tugging at his sleeve.

“I said, I’ll be your girlfriend.”

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