Chapter 2: The Male Lead’s Hypocrisy

Just as Shen Shuyi was momentarily stunned, Pei Dongzhou strode over to her with long, confident strides. His warm breath brushed against her cheek, and his cold voice, like a demon from the depths of hell, whispered, “Cousin, do you know that the last person who threatened me has lost both head and life?”

Leaning against the wall, the chill of the stone sent a shiver through her. Her hair was tousled by the wind—disheveled and wild. Suddenly, she recalled that in the original story, Pei Dongzhou was a madman, and his favor toward her was always at a brutal -100.

“C-Cousin, I-I was just joking a little, please don’t take it seriously,” Shen Shuyi stammered, poking his chest lightly. But as soon as her fingers touched his coat, he disdainfully brushed her hand away.

All she wanted now was to put some distance between herself and this dangerous creature. Taking a few steps aside, she hurriedly said, “I won’t disturb you and cousin’s happiness any longer. I’ll make some space for you.”

Just as she reached for the door, Pei Dongzhou’s gentle voice sounded behind her: “Cousin, do you happen to still have something of mine that hasn’t been returned?”

Shen Shuyi thought, How could I have taken anything from him?

Her mind was in a whirl, and as she hesitated, the man’s warm breath brushed her neck. It felt as if a venomous snake had licked her skin, weakening her legs.

She turned around helplessly and found Pei Dongzhou was very close—close enough to see each long, curled eyelash, distinct and clear. His face was not only handsome, but his eyes were deep and mysterious as the ocean, unfathomable.

The sudden surge of such beauty stunned her: “W-what?”

Pei Dongzhou’s left hand rested against the door, effectively trapping her within his domain.

Shen Shuyi thought he was out of his mind, about to press her against the wall. But instead, he reached out and took a small pouch from her sleeve.

Great. The hundred taels she had just swindled hadn’t even warmed her hands before the male lead took it back.

He pulled out a single silver coin from the pouch and tossed it to the ground. “A reward for cousin. No thanks needed.”

Her face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment. If his favor toward her hadn’t dropped to -98%, she might have risked a confrontation.

But now, it was clear she must not offend this heir of the Pei family any further.

Pei Dongzhou admired the expression playing across Shen Shuyi’s face for a moment, then his tone turned cool: “Move aside. Cousin is blocking my way.”

She stepped aside obediently, watching him walk away with graceful strides.

Sensing her gaze, he glanced back with a soft expression filled with concern. “Cousin, return home early. Don’t let Grandmother worry.”

His gentle demeanor made it seem as if no unpleasantness had ever occurred between them.

Shen Shuyi cursed the male lead silently. Were it not for the knowledge that his favor toward her was nearly -100, she might have believed he truly cared.

She cursed inwardly but maintained a calm exterior. “As you say, cousin.”

Satisfied with her submissive attitude, Pei Dongzhou departed.

Shen Shuyi finally relaxed, repeatedly checking that his favor hadn’t dropped further before feeling at ease.

No matter what, today wasn’t in vain. She had completed two tasks and made some progress.

Just as she thought to return to the Marquis’s residence, Xia Nianchu appeared from nowhere, shy and timid. “Cousin, what were you and the heir doing just now in the private room?”

She scrutinized Shen Shuyi’s clothing and hair for any signs of disorder.

“Don’t mention it. The heir gave me a harsh lecture,” Shen Shuyi replied, wanting to avoid any entanglement with the female lead.

Unexpectedly, Xia Nianchu blocked her path at the stairway. The female lead’s delicate, classical features and deep eyes, like a serene pool, gave her a fragile, harmless appearance. “I’m new to the capital and all alone. Cousin, could you help me with something, please?”

Shen Shuyi found the female lead somewhat ridiculous.

Xia Nianchu was the protagonist, and she was the expendable supporting character. Why would the female lead ever need the supporting character’s help?

When Shen Shuyi remained silent, Xia Nianchu sighed softly, her gaze timid. “If you don’t help me, I’ll have no choice but to fall down these stairs. Then everyone in the capital will know you pushed me out of jealousy, and you won’t be able to marry off.”

Shen Shuyi slowed her pace and met Xia Nianchu’s clear, threatening eyes.

In just one look, she knew Xia Nianchu was serious.

“Fine, I’ll help you,” Shen Shuyi said, passing by her and exiting the Moon-Viewing Pavilion.

Xia Nianchu was surprised at how readily Shen Shuyi agreed. She hurried after her. “Are you really willing to help me?”

“What do you want me to help with?” Shen Shuyi asked purely out of curiosity about the female lead’s scheme.

Help the female lead? Not in this lifetime.

Xia Nianchu blushed. “Help me win the heir’s favor.”

Shen Shuyi: ???

Was the female lead sane? She wanted Pei Dongzhou herself but expected Shen Shuyi to do the work?

No, the female lead knew the original owner liked the heir. This was clearly a cruel, heart-wrenching trap.

“Since the heir already despises you, even if you drug him, it won’t be a big loss. Once I and the heir have a secret rendezvous, you can find someone to catch us in the act. Then the heir will have no choice but to marry me…” Xia Nianchu slowly revealed her perfect plan.

She recalled how close she had come to kissing Pei Dongzhou today and felt a pang of regret. If she married him, she would become the Marchioness. Thinking of Pei Dongzhou’s handsome face made her blush and heart race.

Just as her mind wandered, Shen Shuyi suddenly pushed her to the ground without warning.

About to scold her, Xia Nianchu was stopped by Shen Shuyi’s concerned voice: “Oh dear, cousin, how could you be so careless? Get up quickly; so many people are watching. I have business to attend to and must return to the Marquis’s residence.”

Without giving Xia Nianchu a chance to react, Shen Shuyi hurried away.

Only Xia Nianchu was left, fuming with frustration. She had underestimated Shen Shuyi, this infatuated girl who was actually quite cunning.

After dealing with both the male and female leads, Shen Shuyi returned exhausted to the Pingyang Marquis’s residence and dragged her heavy steps into the Fusang Courtyard where she lived.

She took a moment to check the favor ratings of the other two Pei brothers toward her.

Not looking had been blissful ignorance; looking now shocked her.

Very well, Pei Xizhou, the third young master, had a favor of -90%, and Pei Sizhou, the fourth, was at -95%.

She was just one step away from crossing the threshold into the realm of death.

Only Pei Nanzhou had not interacted much with her; his favor remained at -20%.

At that moment, Xia Nianchu burst into the Fusang Courtyard: “Cousin, you promised to help me, and you can’t go back on your word!”

Shen Shuyi responded leisurely, “What did I promise you?”

Xia Nianchu, adopting her usual fragile tone, said, “When you were at the Moon-Viewing Pavilion, you clearly agreed to reconcile me with the heir…”

“Oh, did I? I don’t remember saying that,” Shen Shuyi replied with a mocking smile.

The female lead had such audacity—plotting to trap the heir herself and yet wanting Shen Shuyi to take the fall. Dirty deeds for her to do, while she maintained the image of a pure and kind-hearted flower.

Did she look like a fool?

——

Hehe, a new story begins. Just like that, it’s started. Are there any beautiful fairy sisters out there?