Chapter 25: This Is Her Set!

Jiang Lili is quite pretty. Her parents had hoped she would land a wealthy husband at this banquet, but instead, her mind is entirely occupied with gossip about the protagonist and the male lead—oh, and me, the cannon-fodder villainess.

However, because she dislikes Lin Xianxian, she intentionally sides with Qin Xinxia, even helping her out, and eventually succeeds in becoming the heroine's friend.

Furthermore, upon discovering that the heroine is actually a student of Lina, Jiang Lili is pleasantly surprised and collaborates with her to establish a domestic brand. Naturally, any brand associated with the heroine flourishes, and the crisis facing the Jiang family is resolved as a result.

But that is a later development. In the early stages, the Jiang family’s capital was secured because she befriended Shang Beiming’s girlfriend, and those looking to curry favor with Shang Beiming helped the Jiang family out of respect for him.

Lin Xianxian stares at Jiang Lili, lost in thought.

This Jiang Lili is truly lucky. By becoming friends with the heroine, she has latched onto a powerful supporter. Not only will she have no worries about her career later on, but she will also end up in a relationship with Lan Xingyang, a friend of the male lead.

It’s such a pity for Lan Xingyang. He originally possessed capabilities no less than the male lead’s, but because his wife, Jiang Lili, was always lowering her status to grovel before Qin Xinxia—and because her birth family was constantly causing trouble, demanding money and favors—he was perpetually forced to remain a step below the male lead.

Lan Xingyang?

Shang Yang frowns upon hearing this. Lan Xingyang is the younger brother of his close friend, Lan Xingchen. Lan Xingchen has been in poor health and has spent these years recuperating abroad, leaving the Lan family business in Xingyang's hands. Lan Xingyang and Shang Beiming are close, a state of affairs Shang Yang has always welcomed, given that their families have been friends for generations.

Lan Xingyang and... Jiang Lili?

Shang Yang glances at Jiang Lili, who is currently gossiping about his future wife to others, and shakes his head. This person is not suitable for the Lan family. However, if Lan Xingyang is as obsessed with Jiang Lili as Shang Beiming is with Qin Xinxia, then there is nothing he can do.

Just as he thinks this, he hears Lin Xianxian’s inner voice continue:

This Jiang Lili doesn't just plant people inside the Lan company, severely impacting Lan Xingyang’s career; she is also prone to hysterical outbursts, throwing tantrums and threatening suicide. After they marry, Lan Xingyang is left mentally exhausted, spending every day cleaning up the messes left by Jiang Lili and her family.

Ultimately, Lan Xingyang ends up disabled while trying to save Jiang Lili. Jiang Lili, overwhelmed by "guilt and sorrow," flees abroad for several years, staging a dramatic "runaway wife" scene, while Lan Xingyang is left not only to endure the agony of his physical disability but also the torment of his wife’s departure.

And it all began because Jiang Lili became close with the heroine. After all, without the heroine, Lan Xingyang would never have met her.

What’s even more absurd is that Lan Xingyang had no interest in Jiang Lili at all. It was Jiang Lili who fell for him at first sight, and the heroine then found ways to set them up. Whenever she and the male lead were present, they would always call Lan Xingyang along. Over time, Lan Xingyang came to view Jiang Lili as one of his own.

Later, Jiang Lili pretended to be schemed against by a "vicious villainess"—me—and intentionally took a drug, trapping herself and Lan Xingyang together. Once things were done, Lan Xingyang felt both regretful and sympathetic toward her. Since the male and female leads had both witnessed it, he was forced to take responsibility.

Afterward, Jiang Lili gave birth to his child. Because Lan Xingyang and his brother were orphans raised by their grandfather, he always placed great importance on family. That is why he remained so good to Jiang Lili afterward; he simply hoped his child could have a complete home.

Having reviewed the plot, Lin Xianxian feels a bit speechless herself.

Why is it this trope again? Can’t this author write anything else? No, System, I didn't do anything! Why must I bear the consequences of framing Jiang Lili? Is the villainess just a scapegoat for everything?

Lin Xianxian feels indignant.

No, I am going to change the plot! Jiang Lili shall not become the heroine’s friend, and I won’t let her ruin Lan Xingyang! After all...

She shifts her tone, even sounding a bit appreciative:

Lan Xingyang is one of the few men in this world I truly admire. Although he is an accomplice to the protagonists, he is not only handsome, capable, and patient, but also deeply responsible and loves children. Jiang Lili barely pays any attention to the child after they marry; their son has become somewhat autistic from her gaslighting. Only his father, Lan Xingyang, is the sole light in his life...

Sigh, Lan Xingyang is such a good man!

This author is quite skilled at writing male characters, but it’s a pity that in this story, all the good men exist only to serve the heroine and her friends. Even my Uncle Shang has a favorable impression of the heroine!

Thinking this, Lin Xianxian glances at Shang Yang with a resentful expression.

Shang Yang, who is still wearing a forced smile because she just expressed admiration for Lan Xingyang:

"..."

With a sigh, Shang Yang says, "I’m going to make a call."

"Go ahead."

Lin Xianxian doesn't pay it any mind. In any case, Shang Yang doesn't have any significant role in this part of the plot.

As soon as Shang Yang leaves, someone at the banquet whispers: "Shang Yang must have left in a huff because he couldn't stand the old man announcing that he's handing the Shang family business over to his nephew!"

Lin Xianxian: "..."

Forget it, they’re just extras. They are nothing more than NPCs in this world.

Wait, here comes the plot driver. A young lady from the Lin family, whom Lin Xianxian doesn't know well, tugs at her: "Tsk, look at the mess Qin Xinxia is wearing. It must be some no-name brand. Let's go over and mock her!"

Lin Xianxian sighs inwardly.

Here it comes, the classic plot for the cannon-fodder villainess: mock the heroine and then get slapped in the face. I have to be humiliated in front of so many people; how pathetic.

Whatever, I’ll just pretend I’m acting in a drama and this is the set. Come on, the best actress is about to take the stage!

Several people nearby overhear these words and look at Lin Xianxian with surprise. Ning Feng has been observing the reactions of everyone present, recording the names of those who look at Lin Xianxian with strange expressions. Then, he watches as Lin Xianxian walks toward her so-called "film set."

Under the gaze of the crowd, Lin Xianxian walks toward Qin Xinxia.

Qin Xinxia is being sidelined at the moment. Even though many present know she is the girlfriend Shang Beiming insists on marrying, no one has come over to initiate a conversation. After all, given their status and backgrounds, no one wants to lower themselves before Shang Beiming formally introduces her or before Qin Xinxia truly becomes his wife.

"I say, you goaded me into buying so many clothes, claiming they were all things you didn't want, only to show up wearing... this?"

Lin Xianxian looks Qin Xinxia up and down, then says with disdain:

"Don't tell me you made this yourself? Tsk, tsk, there’s no private custom tailoring here. Nobody would dare wear anything that isn't a limited edition or a new season’s gown to an event like this!"