Chapter 38 – She’s Not Worthy

Their words were blunt—almost cruel.

Her chest and her legs were simply the shape she’d been born with.
“Perfect” only existed through surgery, and she’d never felt ashamed of her own figure. Yes, when an extra kilo crept on she would diet, but ordinary or flawless, this was her body and she’d always liked it.

“Maybe she’s rich?—
Which family? Never seen her in C‑City—
Must be from out of town.”

The unseen women behind the shrubbery shifted from mocking her looks to guessing her background—sure that if Qin Shi liked her she had to be either stunning or heiress‑class.

Excuse me?
Did they really think Qin Shi so shallow? But hadn’t she herself carried the same prejudice? In novels the male lead’s partner is always peerless—so by default she, a mere NPC, could never qualify.

A tightness pinched her chest, then loosened. Fortunately she wasn’t actually Qin Shi’s girlfriend; no need to feel hurt.
Cheered by that thought, she turned toward the guest‑room wing, yawning from her all‑nighter.

Just then two familiar voices floated from the conservatory—Hu Xun and Zhou Jian‑yu.
“…Does Qin Shi really like Sister Huan‑huan?”
“I don’t think they suit each other at all. Different worlds—how could that work?”

Li Huan‑huan froze, smile slipping. Not worthy… different worlds…
Yet she didn’t storm in; they were Qin Shi’s friends, not hers. And besides, weren’t they right? Qin Shi was the story’s protagonist; she was background text. She pressed a hand to her ribs, forcing a wry grin. Good thing it’s all pretend.

She glanced toward the main pool and spotted Qin Shi—impeccable in his suit—standing beside an elegant woman in a pink gown. Prince and princess; a perfect match. The earlier whispers replayed in her head.

Her hand tightened on her shell purse. Yes, time to wake up. She fanned her hot cheeks, turned away and headed toward the smaller rear pool to clear her thoughts.

Behind her, Hu Xun’s muffled voice continued—

“I mean Qin Shi isn’t good enough for her—she’s so kind, his life’s too messy…”

She didn’t hear the rest. Reaching the secluded pool, she exhaled, trying to collect herself—when a sudden shove from behind sent her tumbling into the water.

With a splash, the jade peony became a drowning flower.