It's all your fault! Look at the mess you've caused! I've been spoiling you too much! That's why you're like this!"

Zhao Bao was exasperated, breathing heavily. "And you're still ignoring the facts? These facts can't just be brushed aside!"

"Father, please stop! Stop saying these things..."

Zhao Yao was almost in tears, crying her heart out. She couldn't understand why even her father was scolding her. She was just a pitiful woman—why was everyone bullying her?

Seeing his daughter in such a state, Zhao Bao finally suppressed his anger. "Fine. Anyway, I'm warning you—stay away from Xiao Chen. He's colluding with evil forces and is bound to be wanted soon. If people find out we still have ties with him, it won't end so simply..."

Zhao Yao froze when she heard this. She had been thinking about how to help Xiao Chen just moments ago.

"I... I understand."

"Good." Zhao Bao nodded, his gaze sweeping over the gathered clan members. He declared, "Although we've lost the Chen family's support, there's no need to panic. Our Zhao family has business ties with many other families, so there's nothing to worry about."

As soon as he finished speaking, several people entered from outside.

"Patriarch Zhao, my master asked me to inform you that the medicinal herb deal we discussed is now void."

"Patriarch Zhao, my master also decided to cancel the deal for the batch of jade orchids."

"Patriarch Zhao, the same goes for us. Additionally, our shop collaboration will not be renewed."

"And the Sun family..."

"And the Zhou family..."

Watching the family representatives pouring in with bad news, Zhao Bao's face darkened so much it seemed like it could drip ink.

"Damn it! Damn it! Why are these people kicking us while we're down?!"

---

In the Zhao family's backyard, Zhao Yao cried softly. "Heh, this is what men are like. Promising to love me forever, and now look at this..."

Now all Zhao Yao could do was let out a cold laugh.

"Men really are all liars. Don't you agree, Su Menghan?"

She turned to her friend standing beside her.

Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

Su Menghan was her best friend, a woman whose beauty and figure were on par with her own.

For as long as she could remember, she'd always confided in Su Menghan.

"That Chen Anlin is truly despicable. Poor Xiao Chen—he tried so hard..." Su Menghan sighed lightly.

"Yes, Menghan. And now, those families are all turning against us. What should I do? My family is even suggesting I speak to Chen Anlin and beg for his mercy..."

"Absolutely not! Chen Anlin treated you so poorly—this is exactly what he wants, to make you bow down. You mustn't give in. You need to show him that even without him, you can rise higher and make him regret it!" Su Menghan advised, gripping Zhao Yao's hand.

"Really?"

"Of course. Men don't cherish what's too easy to get."

"But my family's situation..."

"If the sky falls, your father will handle it. Didn't you say your father is exceptionally talented and might reach the fifth rank in a decade or two? Chen Anlin's parents are only fourth rank; if your father becomes fifth rank, they should show him some respect."

Su Menghan spoke with a hint of hesitation, even doubting her own words.

"So you're saying I should keep giving Chen Anlin the cold shoulder? Completely ignore him?"

"Absolutely. And honestly, I think breaking up with him was the best decision you ever made."

Su Menghan's smile widened.

But when Zhao Yao glanced at her curiously, Su Menghan quickly reverted to her usual expression.

"You're right, Su Menghan. Thank you for standing by me during this time."

Su Menghan smiled gently. "Of course. We're best friends, aren't we?"

After consoling Zhao Yao for a while, Su Menghan eventually left. But instead of returning home, she quietly made her way to Chen Anlin's residence.

---

"Miss Su Menghan is requesting to see me?"

Chen Anlin, who was just about to begin his cultivation, froze momentarily as he recalled the minor villainess from the novel.

"Her..."

Chen Anlin remembered.

Su Menghan, Zhao Yao's childhood friend, had grown up alongside her.

However, in the original story, she was no kind soul. She was one of the early minor antagonists, pretending to care for Zhao Yao while secretly sabotaging her.

Her goal was simple: to break off Zhao Yao's engagement with him and claim him for herself.

That's right—Su Menghan liked him.

In the novel, Su Menghan had made several covert advances toward him. But Chen Anlin, deeply in love with Zhao Yao, paid her no mind.

After he was killed by Xiao Chen, Su Menghan was devastated. Upon learning from Zhao Yao that Xiao Chen was responsible, Su Menghan flew into a rage and hired assassins to take him out.

But Xiao Chen wasn’t easy to deal with.

Repeated assassination attempts failed, leaving Su Menghan increasingly bitter. She eventually turned to cultivating demonic arts...

---

Recalling these events, Chen Anlin sighed and instructed the servant, "Let her in."

Soon, Su Menghan stepped into the courtyard, her gaze admiring the man she had long been infatuated with.

"Young Master Chen," Su Menghan greeted him with a slight bow, her tone tinged with excitement.

Having confirmed that Zhao Yao and Chen Anlin's engagement was truly over, she had rushed to his side, hoping to seize the opportunity.

At times, she couldn't understand what made Zhao Yao so special. Why did Young Master Chen love her so much?

Wasn't she more appealing?

To win Chen Anlin's affection, Su Menghan had schemed relentlessly in the shadows. Now that Zhao Yao was out of the picture, it was finally her chance.

Chen Anlin scrutinized the beauty before him, his gaze deep. He stepped closer and gently lifted Su Menghan's chin, his fingers brushing against her smooth skin.

"Young Master Chen, please restrain yourself."

Su Menghan was startled by his sudden action but secretly thrilled.

Could it be that Young Master Chen was finally noticing her?

Years of effort had finally paid off!

However, she maintained a facade of shyness, appearing nervous yet alluring.

Her coquettish demeanor was irresistible.

Unbeknownst to her, Chen Anlin was highly amused.

"Tell me, why have you come to see me?"

"I wanted to advise you to calm your anger. Also, I can keep an eye on Zhao Yao for you. If there's any news about Xiao Chen, I'll inform you immediately."

"Really? But I’m still very angry right now."

Su Menghan's pupils contracted slightly. She bit her lip and asked, feigning hesitation, "Young Master Chen, how can I help you vent your anger?"

"What do you think?"

Chen Anlin's hand slid down from her chin, brushing her collarbone.

Su Menghan trembled slightly, her chest rising and falling. "Young Master Chen, if you keep this up, I... I won’t talk to you anymore."

What a flirt!

"You’re far more interesting than Zhao Yao," Chen Anlin suddenly remarked. "From now on, you’re my woman."

"That’s impossible!" Su Menghan lowered her head, her voice barely audible.

"It’s an order."

With that, Chen Anlin pulled her into his arms and led her into the house.

"I have something to show you."

"What is it?"

Though nervous, Su Menghan was also a little expectant.

Despite her feelings for Chen Anlin and her willingness to sabotage her best friend for him, she felt conflicted.

She wasn’t ready to give herself to him

yet.

"Don’t worry," Chen Anlin reassured her. "We’re just going to take a look. Nothing more."

"But..."

Half-heartedly resisting, Su Menghan allowed herself to be led inside.