Villain – Peeking at the Diary, the Female Leads’ Personas Collapse

“If Chen Tianqiang is alive, maybe Chen Fan would be fine. But what if Chen Tianqiang dies? If Chen Fan squanders everything, then what?”
“Our daughter can earn money. I don’t think she’d choose foolishly. I trust her judgment.”
Lin Guofu replied, “Alright, I understand. We should keep our distance from Ye Aotian’s people anyway. They’re always fighting. Honestly, if our daughter liked him, I’d be worried.”
…
Chen Fan was humming a tune, enjoying his alone time. Finally, he had a chance to rest.
The protagonist was injured and focused on growing his pharmaceutical company, which he then used to strike at Chen Fan’s business. This was the next phase of the story.
But this part of the story was brief, a transitional chapter that would pass quickly. During this downtime, Chen Fan planned to disappear for a while. Meanwhile, Ye Aotian would develop his business and become entangled with Ling Yuyan.
That section was supposed to be a light romantic subplot between Ye Aotian and Ling Yuyan, as the Ling family had a background in traditional Chinese medicine and was naturally involved in the pharmaceutical industry.
Just then, the door opened, and Chen Fan saw a soaking-wet Anna standing there. He sighed, “Princess Anna, I think I made things quite clear, didn’t I?”
Anna replied, “Let me stay for a while. I don’t know where else to go. My brother’s gone back. I’ll only stay one night, and then I’ll leave.”

But seeing Anna’s pitiful expression, Chen Fan softened and said, “Would you like a drink?”
Anna nodded, grabbed the wine from the table, and took a big gulp.
“Chen, I don’t like the Duke, but I don’t know what to do. Maybe I’m like Lin Qingyue.”
“Are you here to mock me, Princess?”
Anna said, “No, I’m serious. You might not understand. When a woman doesn’t like a man but is still expected to marry him, she feels lost.”
Chen Fan genuinely wanted Anna to leave. If she left, the one person who could disrupt the story would be gone, and everything could proceed smoothly.
He poured her a glass of wine. Despite everything, Anna’s storyline was rather tragic, with far less attention than other female leads. Once the protagonist won her over, he clashed with the Rothschild family in a power struggle. After that, Anna’s role quickly diminished because Ye Aotian would encounter new women.
As for the Duke, he didn’t even truly like Anna; for him, it was all about saving face.
“Are you the devil? I’ve told you this so many times.”
Anna kept talking, seemingly aware of the storyline, though Chen Fan refused to listen. Anna understood that he had limits.
“Princess Anna, you’re drunk. Go rest. Zhu Yeqing, escort Princess Anna to her room.”
Anna thought. She pulled out her phone and called the Duke.
“Anna, what is it?”
“I don’t like you, Duke. We barely know each other, I don’t even know your age, and I already have someone I love. I don’t want to marry you. I don’t want to be with you.”
Chen Fan froze.
The Duke was initially furious but quickly composed himself, replying, “I understand. You’re worried that I’ll retaliate against your family, aren’t you?”
“I don’t like you. I like Chen Fan. This man—I love him.”
The glass Chen Fan was holding dropped to the floor.
Beside him, Zhu Yeqing turned away, struggling to hold back her laughter.
Chen Fan waved his hands desperately.
The Duke said, “You’re drunk, Anna. I’ll think about the marriage arrangement. Don’t worry; I don’t like forcing women.”
Angry, Anna threw herself into Chen Fan’s arms and kissed him without hesitation.
“I said I like Chen Fan.”
Without a word, Chen Fan struck Anna with a swift hand chop, knocking her out and handing her over to Zhu Yeqing.
“Take her to her room. She’s drunk.”
Zhu Yeqing nodded.
Chen Fan faced the Duke on the screen and said, “I can explain.”
“No need to explain. I trust you, Chen. I know if you were like Ye Aotian, Anna would already be yours.”
“Also, Chen, you’re still a virgin, aren’t you? Haha!”
Chen Fan was speechless but also oddly hurt.
“Anna may have been drinking. Actually, this marriage was arranged by our family, and I don’t like Anna either. I have my own love, but we are from different worlds, and my family wouldn’t approve.”
—Chen Fan remembered that in the original novel, after marrying Anna, the Duke never touched her. He was out every day, and according to Anna’s account in the novel, the Duke had a mistress. This was also why Anna eventually sought out Ye Aotian.
In short, Anna had been “betrayed” and wanted to “betray” in return.
Now, Chen Fan was unsure, as her early appearance had thrown everything off.
“Although I’m not particularly interested in Anna, the marriage will proceed. Once she wakes up, tell her that I’m willing to go along with this for both families.”
“I’ll relay the message. And what about Ye Aotian?”
“Hmph. Just because I don’t love Anna doesn’t mean Ye Aotian can escape my wrath. Publicly defying me, the Duke? He should be prepared for my fury. I’ve nearly decimated his overseas business. Chen, do your best to destroy his domestic assets. If you need help, let me know, my friend.”
“Don’t worry; I can handle him.”
But Chen Fan had a nagging feeling—Anna might genuinely like him. And the Duke seemed to think Anna had feelings for Ye Aotian but was only pretending to like Chen Fan to protect him.
Yet, watching the Duke’s confident face, Chen Fan’s heart was breaking.