Chapter 91

But her? She felt like she was just a side character, someone who would later serve as the protagonist’s loyal fighter or perhaps a “sponsored” university student.

Why is my storyline so terrible? she wondered, glaring at the two women. I know my plot is lackluster, but why pit one female lead against another?

Cursed author — why couldn’t you have given me a better backstory?

Unable to direct her resentment toward the author, Mu Jinli settled on blaming the protagonist.

“I’ll put on a perfect show,” she said defiantly.

“Good luck,” Ling Yuyan replied, “Let’s all go out to eat after the performance.”

“Thanks, but I think I’ll head back to the dorm afterward.”

Actually, Ling Yuyan had her own plans — she’d been tracking a serial offender in Qincheng and was determined to catch him. Despite the plot’s intentions, she stayed true to her path.

Lin Qingyue, watching Mu Jinli’s growing discomfort, couldn’t help but sympathize. During her university days, she too had been the recipient of embarrassing declarations, the worst being from a guy who had awkwardly asked her to ride on his bike while spouting a cheesy line or two. That kind of thing could scar you for life.

The clock struck 7:30, and the audience settled down, eagerly awaiting the start of the show.

At that moment, Ye Aotian rushed in, holding a book on traditional Chinese medicine. Finding a seat at the back, he opened the book and began reading. His mission was clear: earn his medical license to restore his company’s stock.

As the host announced the beginning of the show, the principal took the stage.

“This morning, an incident took place in the cafeteria,” he began. “And it made me proud. We’re a medical school, and our students’ instinct to help when someone collapsed made me genuinely happy. When you’re on the road in the future and see someone in need, remember that you’re a doctor, a healer. We may not be famous, but I hope this school becomes known through your actions rather than merely through its graduates. Understood? Now, I won’t keep you any longer from enjoying the beautiful performances.”

The audience chuckled, and Ye Aotian nodded in respect, impressed by the principal’s sincerity and understanding why even the Chen family hadn’t managed to exert influence over the school.

Once the principal concluded, the host began announcing performances, and students started to take the stage. The displays of talent by the seniors were dazzling, each club striving to outshine the others, showcasing their youth and energy.

In the corner, the female leads quietly observed the performances.

Lin Qingyue couldn’t help but wonder how things might’ve been different if she hadn’t studied abroad. Would she and Chen Fan have attended the same university? Would they have been together, hand in hand, supporting each other’s dreams? Watching the stars and moon together?

Damn you, Ye Aotian,

she thought. You ruined everything. No matter what I do, Chen Fan will always be wary of me now.

She envied Zhu Yeqing, who could stay by Chen Fan’s side, enjoying his warmth and security. Still, she took comfort in the thought that Ye Aotian, with his many entanglements, was bound to be betrayed eventually.

Finally, the audience’s attention turned to Mu Jinli, who stepped on stage. The guzheng was placed before her, and as the music began, her clear voice rang out.

Chen Fan perked up, surprised by how captivated he was. I usually skip scenes like this, but her voice is genuinely impressive.

Her voice, trained by martial arts, was strong and vibrant, reminding Chen Fan that she could easily become a successful singer.

She sang verses from the Shijing:

“The drum resounds, stirring the warriors to battle.

As our countrymen fight, I march southward alone,

Following my friend Zizhong, to quell Chen and Song.

But none lead me home; I bear my worries alone.

Where can I find peace? Where is my horse?

I seek it under the trees, knowing life and death intertwine.

I grasp your hand, to grow old together as planned.”

The guzheng’s haunting notes emphasized the solemnity of war, lending depth to the poetry.

Not bad,

Chen Fan admitted. This part of the novel, with its poetic touches, showed that the author had a hint of literary flair, even if it leaned toward pretentiousness. Even he had to admit, Mu Jinli’s performance was magnificent.

Next to him, Jin Lan smiled, thinking how outlandish it was that such a refined woman would fall for a shallow confession. It was absurd.

An author with some serious issues, Chen Fan thought. He creates this goddess-like character and makes her fall for the first man to confess to her, claiming it’s because no one else dared to approach her. Who’d believe that?

The performance ended, catching Ye Aotian’s attention. He put down his book, captivated by the enchanting woman on stage.

Such a woman as my wife would be perfect. Though his goal was to earn his license, if a beautiful girl like her came along, he wouldn’t say no. Lin Qingyue’s betrayal had wounded him, but it only strengthened his resolve.

After the show, Chen Fan went backstage with flowers, just as Lang Qingfeng had done in the novel.

“Here you go, Jinli. You were fantastic tonight.”

Mu Jinli accepted the flowers, beaming as she thanked him. “Thank you, really.”

“Well, I won’t keep you from changing.”

“How about I treat you to breakfast tomorrow?”

“If I manage to wake up, I’ll join you.”

Like that’ll happen, Chen Fan thought. After tonight, Mu Jinli would have her heart set on Ye Aotian, leaving him as the temporary sidekick.

By 8:00 PM, Chen Fan positioned himself in the grove where Mu Jinli would pass, comfortably sipping a soda and munching on snacks. He had even brought some variety to switch things up from his usual sunflower seeds.

This was his prime spot to witness Mu Jinli discard the flowers, prompting the protagonist’s entrance for a heartfelt confession, and Chen Fan’s own appearance to be humiliated in classic villain fashion.

Now this is how a web novel is supposed to go.@@novelbin@@

“Hey, can I have some?”

Chen Fan glanced at the woman beside him and reluctantly offered her some fruit. Forget it. I’m exhausted. Let the world explode.

“Mind sharing a bit?” another girl asked.

Chen Fan handed out more. Fine. This time, there are enough for a mahjong game.

“Is there enough for me too?”

With a deep sigh, Chen Fan passed over the last of his stash.

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