Chapter 1 : Silence, is the theme for tonight

The clock has already pointed to eight o’clock.

As expected, the bell rang in the cold villa, echoing in the huge living room, as harsh as a dull knife.

The sumptuous dishes on the dining table, unsurprisingly, have all turned cold.

Yu Zhi saw the woman beside her hesitate to speak, and the smile she had been trying to maintain finally faded, sighing softly:

“Aunt Chen, am I so annoying?”

The delicate eyebrows of the young girl furrowed, gazing at the ticking stopwatch with a sense of sadness, like a fairy trapped in the mortal world by emotions, making onlookers unable to help but feel pity.

Aunt Chen immediately comforted her and said, “How could it be? Everyone likes you very much; you are the pearl of Ningcheng.”

“Mr. Just returned to the country; there must be a lot of things to take care of, so he couldn’t come back for dinner tonight.”

Yu Zhi bites her lip, still immersed in her own melancholy: “But… he stayed abroad for a whole two years, why won’t he even make a phone call to me?”

“Even the news of his return to the country…”

At this point, Yu Zhi lowers her head, trying hard to conceal her emotions.

The figure wrapped in a pure white dress appears even more slender.

Seeing such a scene, who wouldn’t feel a pang of heartache?

Aunt Chen is considered an elder in the Jiang family, having watched Jiang Qianchen grow up since childhood. At this moment, she couldn’t help but harbor grievances against him in her heart, saying, “Then let’s not wait for him. Let’s eat something first. Today I made your favorite vegetable soup.”

Under the other’s strong persuasion, Yu Zhi reluctantly sipped a spoonful or two of the soup, eventually put down the spoon as if she had no appetite, and returned to her room with melancholy.

—Then she locked the door, hummed a cheerful tune, and stood in front of the mirror admiring her beauty in that prosperous era.

[Host, your acting skills are becoming more and more exquisite.]

Seeing Yu Zhi’s face, which was just flooded with tears, instantly relax and become joyful, without a hint of tearful love, the system couldn’t help but sigh.

“Thank you for the compliment.”

Yu Zhi removed the makeup from her face. In order to show her longing for Jiang Qianchen, she deliberately applied a layer of foundation and even added a hint of dark circles under her eyes.

Even with the lightest shade, her skin, devoid of the ghostly complexion, appeared radiant and translucent, like fine porcelain.

A slight smile, without make up on her face, is enough to captivate a nation.

Yu Zhi looked at her reflection and pitied herself for a while. Unfortunately, her beauty could only be appreciated by herself, as she was married to that despicable man, Jiang Qianchen, which forced her to live alone for two years.

It was no surprise to Yu Zhi that Jiang Qianchen wouldn’t be returning to the villa for dinner today.

After all, as the malicious former wife of the male lead, she was nothing more than a supporting character in the story, and her marriage to the male lead, Jiang Qianchen, was merely a cold and indifferent alliance.

At first, Yu Zhi couldn’t believe that she had transmigrated into a book. She had always been the center of attention, like the moon surrounded by stars, high above the rest, and had never played a supporting role in someone else’s story.

—Until her wedding day, when she activated the Supporting Character System, and read through all the plotlines, did she remember this bedtime story.

In the novel 《Ferocious Love of the Wealthy CEO》, the male lead Jiang Qianchen is a tycoon of the business empire, with the ability to influence and control. Ruthless, cold-blooded, and heartless, no one can get close to him, yet he dotes on the female lead, Lu Zhenzhen, alone.

Lu Zhenzhen is innocent and lively, pure and unpretentious, unlike other alluring and cheap women. Although she often acts foolishly and makes mistakes, she always wins the admiration of many excellent supporting male characters. In a certain accident, she was rescued by the male lead Jiang Qianchen and captured his heart at first sight.

The male lead’s iconic golden-rimmed glasses are unforgettable to all readers. Jiang Qianchen, who is usually as cold as a coffin, becomes solemn and restrained in a suit, but when he takes off his glasses, he transforms into a dark playboy. When he encounters the female lead, he transforms from an iceberg to a raging fire, initiating an indescribably intense romance.

In the president’s racing competition, he emerged as the champion, coupled with his eight-pack abs and slim waist, earning him the title of the most desirable man globally for women.

As a supporting character, she loves the male lead but receives cold treatment in return. Despite appearing gentle and virtuous on the surface, she is actually scheming and malicious. Even after being exposed, she relentlessly pursues the male lead, becoming the most malicious stumbling block in the love story of the main characters, ending in an extremely tragic fate.

—Not only publicly announcing the divorce in front of all the celebrities in Ningcheng but also receiving only a small villa as part of the divorce settlement.

Upon hearing this news, Yu Zhi felt dizzy and almost fainted.

The system hurriedly added, [Don’t worry, dear. Our supporting character system comes with benefits.]

[As long as you complete all the scenes of the infatuated supporting character, you can break free from the shackles of the plot and live freely!]

Yu Zhi: “… So I only get this little property after my divorce?”

System: [Yes, dear.]

System: [Or you can choose the script of the supporting character’s counterattack, pursue the male lead Jiang Qianchen to obtain his true love, unlock the ‘fiercely pressing against the wall to kiss’ blackened play scene, and still complete the mission.]

…But that’s not necessary.

Yu Zhi decisively chose the first option.

Just kidding, her pursuers could line up from here to France, why would she hang herself on Jiang Qianchen, a tall and cold man with a crooked neck? And to play along with the blackening, it’s not like she has Stockholm syndrome.

After the divorce, there’s a wide world out there, plenty to accomplish. Jiang Qianchen, that despicable man, left her with just a bit of property as if to dismiss her, not even worth as much as the items in her entire closet. Why should she bother trying to understand his thoughts all the time, hoping he’ll change his mind? Is it because of his age or his cold demeanor?

Isn’t she just playing the role of a foolishly infatuated supporting character? Yu Zhi chuckled to herself, she’s too good at playing the white lotus.^[1]白蓮花(báiliánhuā) = White Lotus, The term “white lotus” is a popular internet slang widely used online, referring to someone who appears pure on the outside but is actually dark … Continue reading

Although she did feel a bit reluctant to part with that 9.9-carat pigeon egg diamond ring. It was not only unique in weight and quality, but also personally designed and crafted by a master, making it truly one of a kind in the world. This sparkling jewel, unmatched by anyone who didn’t understand it like she did, would eventually end up gathering dust.

Yu Zhi stood in front of her wardrobe, choosing tonight’s pajamas.

She couldn’t break character in front of the plot’s characters. Once the despicable man returned from his overseas business trip, she’d have to start playing “white lotus” 24/7 again.

Jiang Qianchen likes gentle and harmless girls. He likes black, straight hair, and pure white nun-like long skirts that cover everything down to the ankles. For the sake of the supporting character’s deep affection persona, Yu Zhi couldn’t dye her hair vibrant colors, couldn’t perm it into instant noodles hair, and definitely couldn’t wear short skirts.

It’s a shame about this newly arrived sexy lingerie, only worn once before being forced to hide away in the closet and collect dust.

Tonight was the last indulgent and beautiful time.

Yu Zhi poured herself a glass of wine from Jiang Qianchen’s collection, ready to enjoy it slowly after soaking in a rose bath. Then she began her skincare routine, making sure to keep everything from her hair to her toes exquisitely perfect.

Finally, she lay in bed with a face mask on, setting a timer for her skincare routine. Once the essence had been fully absorbed, she could lie in bed, play on her phone, and fall asleep.

Yu Zhi snuggled under the covers in her lace camisole nightgown, watching a silly video that almost made her laugh loud enough to alert the neighbors, but she held it in to avoid the servants outside from noticing. Tears of laughter welled up in her eyes as she was about to share the video with her best friend Lin Ruixuan, when suddenly, she felt a chill behind her:

“I heard from Aunt Chen that you haven’t been in a good mood lately.”

A deep, low voice echoed in the room. Jiang Qianchen stood at the bedroom door, handing Aunt Chen, who held the keys, his suit jacket. His sleeves were rolled up to his forearms, revealing smooth yet powerful lines, and his wristwatch exuded an air of understated luxury and elegance. His expression was calm, with a hint of authority still lingering in his brows.

?!?!

‘Is Jiang Qianchen some kind of spirit now? Why didn’t I hear any sound when he walked in!’

Yu Zhi couldn’t help but feel relieved that she had paused the video just now; otherwise, she would have had to spontaneously sing a song about being cool at this moment. She quickly locked her phone screen and curled up under the covers, pretending to be asleep and not needing any cues.

Yu Zhi: As long as I don’t open my eyes, I don’t have to get up and perform J

The rose-scented air was tinged with a hint of alcohol.

Jiang Qianchen loosened his tie, noticing the person in the bed shrinking as if quietly sobbing in sadness, and he rarely offered an explanation:

“I have a welcoming banquet tonight and couldn’t come back for dinner. I’m sorry.”

—Oh, I accidentally forgot about you, will make sure it doesn’t happen next time.

Hearing Jiang Qianchen’s insincere apology, Yu Zhi rolled her eyes under the covers. She couldn’t stand his demeanor, always rational and indifferent, never caring about anyone.

Since Jiang Qianchen spoke up, pressured by her infatuation with the male lead, she reluctantly peeked her head out from under the covers, stealing a glance at Jiang Qianchen before lowering her gaze.

“It’s okay, I don’t blame you, Jiang gege,” Yu Zhi began her sweet talk, “Work matters more, after all.”

Her face, the size of a palm, was filled with teary-eyed innocence. She portrayed the image of a wealthy and understanding noblewoman, deeply affectionate yet considerate.

Yu Zhi felt like she deserved an Oscar for her performance.

Jiang Qianchen responded nonchalantly and adjusted the room’s temperature.

“Is there anything you’ve been wanting recently? I’ll have Secretary Xu send it over.”

“What about that dress from last time?”

Jiang Qianchen is practically the spokesperson for outdated straight male aesthetics, selecting clothes devoid of any sense of fashion, all in the style of dignified and elegant intellectual noblewomen. Yet, according to the role assigned to the supporting female character, she had to graciously wear them and flaunt them at the banquet, playing out the drama of “the big shot doting on his little wife.” Every time this happened, Jiang Qianchen would show his approving gaze.

Yu Zhi scoffed in her heart, but she maintained her composure, gently saying, “Jiang gege’s taste is certainly impeccable. But I don’t really have anything special in mind; I don’t lack anything.”

“No need to send me more clothes.”

She didn’t want to dwell on the fear of being dominated by various long dresses.

Yu Zhi: What’s the point of wearing a dress if you’re not showing any legs?

But, what a coincidence, tonight she was wearing a short satin camisole nightgown, perfectly outlining her exquisite figure, curvy and alluring, with delicate collarbones, very charming.

The style leaned towards minimalism, with very little fabric.

As for styles like these, which old men like Jiang Qianchen couldn’t accept, as a devoted white lotus to him, she would absolutely not wear them.

Yu Zhi went to great lengths to prevent Jiang Qianchen from approaching the bed, making him go to the bathroom first to shower, then hastily changing into a cute cotton pajamas before bringing him the pre-made hangover soup.

Hopefully, there won’t be any secret revealing moments, right?

Yu Zhi lay peacefully on the left side of the bed, turned on a bedside lamp, prepared to drift off to sleep.

The bathroom door was pulled open, amidst swirling mist, a man emerged, parting the mist, casting elongated shadows on the floor. Water droplets cascaded down his neck, disappearing into his bathrobe.

Jiang Qianchen stood in front of the wardrobe, contemplating for a while, before finally selecting a piece of black fabric from among many men’s undergarments.

“What’s this?”

Silence, is the theme for tonight.

Yu Zhi saw her provocative lingerie quietly hanging in the air, her breath catching.

Snowflakes fluttered, the north wind whispered.