Chapter 7: Deserves a Beating

“Ah, so satisfying!” Tang Xin stretched out lazily on the sofa, her soft, delicate frame draped in a water-blue dress. She basked in the post-meal contentment, savoring the satisfying fullness brought by the seafood feast.

By the window, Yue Yuze was trimming the leaves of a money tree. As he lifted his gaze slightly, his eyes landed on the woman sprawled on the sofa. Her lithe figure was fully displayed, her face glowing with satisfaction. Her lips, slightly swollen from the spicy crayfish, appeared even more luscious and inviting—like a blooming red rose extending an unspoken invitation.

Snap!

A branch of the money tree was inadvertently snipped off by his scissors.

Yue Yuze snapped back to reality, lowering his gaze to the severed branch in his hand. A wave of irritation swept through him.

Had he actually gotten distracted by that woman?

Ridiculous.

He tossed the scissors aside and turned to leave.

He had intended to head upstairs and ignore her completely, but as he passed by the sofa, the sight of her relaxed posture—complete with her slightly exposed collarbones under the V-neck dress—caught his eye. It was a sight that could easily ensnare any man’s thoughts. Of course, not his.

Still, this woman was, in name, his wife. Such an unrestrained display was unacceptable.

“Wearing a dress and lying around like that—good thing no one’s here to take pictures. Is this how a public figure should carry herself?” he remarked coldly as he walked past her.

Tang Xin sat up, blinking at him in confusion. “But… we’re at home.”

“Even at home, it’s not okay!” he retorted. Did she not realize that even her relaxed posture was dangerously alluring?

“Fine, I’ll go back to my room!”

Ugh, this annoying male lead!

How had she not noticed before how meddlesome he was?

The original Tang Xin had loved lounging on the living room sofa. Why hadn’t he complained about it back then?

So annoying.

She pursed her lips, glancing at him as she walked past. Her look was one of clear disdain.

Yue Yuze raised an eyebrow slightly.

He felt her silent frustration, almost as though she were lamenting his lack of romantic insight.

The thought made his heart stir for a moment.

Could she be doing this intentionally?

Based on their past interactions, Tang Xin knew very well that any time she entered his room, he would react with anger. Was she now trying a different tactic, opting instead to flaunt her charm openly in the shared space of the living room?

With this in mind, Yue Yuze relaxed.

He even let out a soft chuckle.

His earlier displeasure at her reckless behavior—ignoring the presence of others—vanished entirely.

Tang Xin: …Why are you laughing? Are you insane?

“Yue—”

Before she could finish, the butler hurried in, his tone urgent. “Young Master! Miss Lin Shiyin has arrived!”

The female lead!

Tang Xin’s eyes widened in excitement as she eagerly anticipated meeting the goddess she had created.

But she quickly remembered the plot.

This moment was pivotal in the story—a dramatic and emotional turning point.

For Lin Shiyin, it was a bittersweet day. Seeing the man she secretly loved, only to discover he already had a wife.

For Yue Yuze, his long-lost first love had returned from overseas, only for his vile contract wife to maliciously reveal their hidden marriage out of jealousy.

Indeed, Tang Xin had caused trouble in the original plot!

It was the kind of trouble that made Yue Yuze want to strangle her.

After all, their contract explicitly stated—besides a massive alimony clause—that their marriage must remain secret.

Tang Xin’s jealousy had driven her to flaunt her status as Mrs. Yue in front of Lin Shiyin, shattering her heart.

Lin Shiyin was left devastated, while Yue Yuze silently grieved for her.

Recalling this, Tang Xin glanced at Yue Yuze, only to hear him say coldly, “Tell her I’m not home.”

Tang Xin: …

What’s going on?

Male lead, this isn’t how you’re supposed to react!

She quickly realized her role as a “cannon fodder wife.”

Perhaps the plot had shifted. The male lead seemed smarter now, wary that her “dangerous presence” might ruin things.

By refusing to see Lin Shiyin, he was ensuring the secret marriage wouldn’t be exposed. This way, he could protect his first love and explain things later, once the divorce was finalized.

With this in mind, Tang Xin whispered to Yue Yuze, “President Yue, you should see her. I promise I won’t interfere! I swear I won’t tell anyone about our marriage!”

Yue Yuze gave her a complex look, but before he could respond, the person in question had already entered.

“Yuze…” Actress Lin Shiyin stood at the doorway, her eyes filled with emotion as she gazed at him.

Tang Xin immediately stepped away, distancing herself from Yue Yuze. “Young Master, your guest is here. I’ll go make tea.”

As she spoke, she trotted toward Lin Shiyin with a polite smile. “Miss Lin, please come in.”

Lin Shiyin glanced at her and smiled. “Thank you.” Then, she stepped inside.

Tang Xin walked over and pulled the butler, who was standing frozen, away.

“Miss Tang, you…”

“How was my acting? Pretty good, right?” Tang Xin asked, dragging the butler toward the dining room and instructing the staff to prepare tea.

“Well… yes, it was quite good… ha-ha…” The butler gave her a complicated look, unsure of what to say.

Miss Tang clearly harbors feelings for the young master.

Yet, for his happiness, she’s willing to pretend she’s just a maid.

Such devotion… it’s truly admirable.

The butler hadn’t been fond of Tang Xin in the past. Her attitude toward the household staff was average at best, sometimes even dismissive, and she blatantly coveted someone she shouldn’t, violating the rules of the contract.

But now, the butler thought, perhaps she’s just a young woman in love, prone to making mistakes. And now, for the sake of the young master, she’s willing to step back at a critical moment. It’s entirely unexpected.

Though, about the young master and Miss Lin…

–

When it was time to serve the tea, Tang Xin insisted on doing it herself.

She took the chance to admire her creation—her stunningly beautiful female lead—up close.

“Thank you.” The female lead accepted the cup of tea with a warm smile.

Ah, what an enchanting smile.

Lin Shiyin’s beauty was just as Tang Xin had described in her story: delicate features, an elegant temperament, and the grace of a classic Oriental beauty exuding a soft, timeless charm.

She was both resilient and gentle, the kind of woman who could make any man’s heart melt.

No wonder Yue Yuze was drawn to her. If Tang Xin were a man, she would have fallen for Lin Shiyin too.

“You can leave now,” Yue Yuze said coldly, casting a sharp glance at Tang Xin.

What kind of look was that?

Adoration?

How dare she look at Lin Shiyin with such… such fervent, admiring eyes? Those eyes… they should belong to him alone!

“Alright.” Tang Xin, sensing the male lead’s suspicion and disdain, smiled obediently. “If you or Miss Lin need anything, just call me.”

Yue Yuze: …Are you enjoying this little act too much?

Lin Shiyin, her gaze as gentle as water, turned to Yue Yuze. “Yuze, your maid is adorable. What’s her name?”

Tang Xin had just turned to leave but couldn’t resist looking back, ready to introduce herself to her goddess.

However, Yue Yuze beat her to it.

“She’s called Tang Qianqian…” His tone was cold and full of sarcasm.

Tang Xin: What now?

Yue Yuze shot her a frosty glance before continuing to speak to Lin Shiyin. “Qian as in ‘to owe,’ and Qian as in ‘needs discipline.’”

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Author’s Note:
Tang Qianqian: …What did I ever do to deserve this? QAQ