Chapter 77

“I’m not clueless. If Anna doesn’t want to come back, I have other plans. But I’ll trouble you to look after her for me.”

Awakening at dawn, Chen Fan mulled over the Duke’s words, feeling increasingly puzzled about life. The world has changed. Really, the plot has gone off track.

[July 15th, clear skies, mood sour: An annoying woman has arrived at my place.].

[Last night, Anna confessed her feelings to me. Damn, I panicked. I was worried the plot would fall apart. Luckily, the Duke assumed Anna only said she liked me to protect Ye Aotian.].

[Turns out the Duke doesn’t actually like Anna. Makes sense; the protagonist wouldn’t go for someone used. Then again, this guy’s already chasing after hand-me-downs. Tsk, tsk, this protagonist’s fate is pretty much doomed.].

[No idea if this crazy woman will leave. She’s a nuisance.].

Waking up, Anna read the diary entries, her sadness turning to excitement. So, there’s more to my story. Damn you, Chen Fan. If you’d told me sooner, I wouldn’t have felt so lost.

This revelation made everything clear—if she hadn’t read the diary, she would have obediently married the Duke per her family’s arrangement. But since they’d never be truly close, she’d eventually end up with Ye Aotian, probably after the Duke found another woman, making her a laughingstock and sparking her desire for revenge.

Yes, that’s exactly something I would do,

Anna thought, amused. She knew herself well enough to realize she’d impulsively do something foolish when frustrated. Remembering her drunken confession to Chen Fan last night, her cheeks flushed. Damn, why did I say that?

[Nothing big happening today, though I should celebrate Zhu Yeqing’s birthday.].

[This part isn’t in the novel’s main storyline. According to the plot, Ye Aotian should be healing, so this is my free time. I’m thrilled.].

[Zhu Yeqing’s probably the one I spend the most time with. Though I know I shouldn’t like her, I still want to take care of her—she feels like family to me.].

[If I weren’t a villain, I’d marry her on the spot.].

[Looks like I need to make contact with Zheng Shaoyang, Zheng Qiang’s son, and attend his birthday party there.].

Satisfied with his diary entry, Chen Fan sat back, anticipating his reward.

[Ding! Congratulations, host. You’ve successfully made a diary entry. Master-level Form Intention Fist awarded.].

Another martial art, and at the master level. What’s the use of this? Am I supposed to act like a tiger?

But as Chen Fan felt the surge of strength within, he realized his power had significantly increased. If Big Bear attacked again, Chen Fan could crush him easily. Not bad.

After reading the diary, Zhu Yeqing blushed and huffed. Seriously, this guy—why say such sappy things? Is he confessing feelings? He’s too much!

Chen Fan opened the door, noticing two women sitting in the living room. “Having breakfast?”

Zhu Yeqing said, “Young Master, your breakfast.”

Sitting at the dining table, Chen Fan said, “The Duke told me something he asked me to pass on to you. He does have a woman he loves, but she’s someone from lower background.”

“Really?” Anna said in surprise.

Zhu Yeqing scratched her head, rolling her eyes. That woman’s acting—seriously, get some training. This is terrible.

Watching Anna’s exaggerated expression, Chen Fan felt exasperated. This woman has a screw loose. Or are all foreigners a bit off?

“The Duke wants to know if you’re willing to go back and marry him. Or should we wait?”

“I’ll call the Duke. If he says so directly, I’ll agree. It’s a good arrangement for both families.”

“Good,” Chen Fan nodded. “The Duke also mentioned that if you’re unwilling to return right away, you can stay here for a while and do whatever you like. Just let him know.”

“No need. I have money and don’t need to rely on him. By the way, I heard you were attacked yesterday? Need bodyguards?”

“Not necessary. That incident won’t repeat. If anything, you’re the one who needs bodyguards.”

Anna huffed and turned her head away. With her worries eased, she felt like she was reborn, no longer gloomy but invigorated, as if she’d been given a second chance.

“I’ll enjoy life to the fullest. After marriage, I’ll have plenty of social obligations to deal with.”

“Let me give you a piece of advice: Don’t get too close to Ye Aotian. It’s bad for your and the Duke’s reputations.”

“And if I insist on being close to him?”

“The Duke’s anger isn’t something you can handle. The Duke respects you; I hope you’ll respect him. After all, he’s acknowledged me as his brother.”

“Really? So, if I get involved with Ye Aotian, the Duke will retaliate against him?”

Exactly! Go ahead, get close to him.

“Fine, I’ll think about it.”

So, they’re really sneaking around. Damn protagonists, carrying on right under my nose without me noticing.

“Zhu Yeqing, after breakfast, I’ll take you shopping for some new clothes. You’ve been my loyal protector, and I can’t let my people go unrewarded.”

Zhu Yeqing nodded enthusiastically.

“I want to come too,” Anna said.

“Not taking you.”

“No, I insist. Zhu Yeqing took care of me these past few days. Since it’s her birthday, I want to attend and bring a gift.”

Fine, today’s storyline is casual anyway.

Meanwhile, Ye Aotian slowly opened his eyes. His villain’s constitution had allowed his severe injuries to heal quite a bit.

Xiao Lan, watching over him, asked, “Are you alright?”

“I’ll be fine. What’s going on with Chen Fan?”

“Apparently, he’s celebrating Zhu Yeqing’s birthday, and they’ll be at Zheng Qiang’s club.”

Damn it.

Ye Aotian struggled to get up, but the pain made it impossible.

“We can’t let him take the lead. Zheng Qiang isn’t the problem; Zheng Shaoyang is. That man has unique insights into finance and stocks.”

“What should I do?”

“Go meet him on my behalf. Use my name; he should be willing to give us some face. I’ll tell you what to do.”

Xiao Lan nodded.

…

By noon, Chen Fan was beginning to understand the meaning of suffering. On a typical day in the novel, this day was just part of his “routine,” a filler period allowing him to relax and enjoy life. After all, in the entire novel, the one woman who loved him till the end was Zhu Yeqing, so he felt compelled to treat her well.

Shopping for clothes wouldn’t normally take too long, but these two women wanted everything, treating the store like their personal wardrobe.

“Zhu Yeqing, try this one. I think it suits you,” Anna urged, holding up an outfit.

Zhu Yeqing hesitated. “This … feels too revealing. I’d prefer a cheongsam with just a modest slit.”

“Why are you worried? It’s Chen Fan’s store; wear whatever you like. Right, Chen Fan?”

“It looks great. Though maybe wear it privately for me,” Chen Fan added.

“You … really like it, Chen Fan?”

Do I like it, or don’t I? I’m the villain. Why do you care what I think?

Chen Fan was just speaking off the cuff as a villain would, never expecting Zhu Yeqing to be so moved. This woman … she’s got a problem.

“Yes, I like it.”

Zhu Yeqing smiled contentedly and put the outfit in her bag.

With clothes bought, it was on to shoes and other items. Anna’s noble background gave her an exceptional fashion sense, and Zhu Yeqing was as lively as a little elf, radiating happiness and excitement.

She felt like it had been ages since she’d laughed like this. It was just as Chen Fan’s diary had described: she and Chen Fan shared a kind of loneliness. Perhaps he was the only family she could choose for herself.

In fact, she’d long moved past her desire for revenge; she just couldn’t admit it. When Chen Fan decided to celebrate her birthday, Zhu Yeqing fully let go of her hatred.