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

But her? She felt like she was just a side character, someone who would later serve as the protagonist’s loyal fighter or perhaps a “sponsored” university student.
she wondered, glaring at the two women.
Unable to direct her resentment toward the author, Mu Jinli settled on blaming the protagonist.
“I’ll put on a perfect show,” she said defiantly.
“Good luck,” Ling Yuyan replied, “Let’s all go out to eat after the performance.”
“Thanks, but I think I’ll head back to the dorm afterward.”
Actually, Ling Yuyan had her own plans — she’d been tracking a serial offender in Qincheng and was determined to catch him. Despite the plot’s intentions, she stayed true to her path.
Lin Qingyue, watching Mu Jinli’s growing discomfort, couldn’t help but sympathize. During her university days, she too had been the recipient of embarrassing declarations, the worst being from a guy who had awkwardly asked her to ride on his bike while spouting a cheesy line or two.
The clock struck 7:30, and the audience settled down, eagerly awaiting the start of the show.
At that moment, Ye Aotian rushed in, holding a book on traditional Chinese medicine. Finding a seat at the back, he opened the book and began reading. His mission was clear: earn his medical license to restore his company’s stock.
As the host announced the beginning of the show, the principal took the stage.
“This morning, an incident took place in the cafeteria,” he began. “And it made me proud. We’re a medical school, and our students’ instinct to help when someone collapsed made me genuinely happy. When you’re on the road in the future and see someone in need, remember that you’re a doctor, a healer. We may not be famous, but I hope this school becomes known through your actions rather than merely through its graduates. Understood? Now, I won’t keep you any longer from enjoying the beautiful performances.”
The audience chuckled, and Ye Aotian nodded in respect, impressed by the principal’s sincerity and understanding why even the Chen family hadn’t managed to exert influence over the school.
Once the principal concluded, the host began announcing performances, and students started to take the stage. The displays of talent by the seniors were dazzling, each club striving to outshine the others, showcasing their youth and energy.
In the corner, the female leads quietly observed the performances.
Lin Qingyue couldn’t help but wonder how things might’ve been different if she hadn’t studied abroad. Would she and Chen Fan have attended the same university? Would they have been together, hand in hand, supporting each other’s dreams? Watching the stars and moon together?
She envied Zhu Yeqing, who could stay by Chen Fan’s side, enjoying his warmth and security. Still, she took comfort in the thought that Ye Aotian, with his many entanglements, was bound to be betrayed eventually.
Finally, the audience’s attention turned to Mu Jinli, who stepped on stage. The guzheng was placed before her, and as the music began, her clear voice rang out.
Chen Fan perked up, surprised by how captivated he was.
Her voice, trained by martial arts, was strong and vibrant, reminding Chen Fan that she could easily become a successful singer.
She sang verses from the
:
The guzheng’s haunting notes emphasized the solemnity of war, lending depth to the poetry.
Next to him, Jin Lan smiled, thinking how outlandish it was that such a refined woman would fall for a shallow confession. It was absurd.
Chen Fan thought.
The performance ended, catching Ye Aotian’s attention. He put down his book, captivated by the enchanting woman on stage.
Though his goal was to earn his license, if a beautiful girl like her came along, he wouldn’t say no. Lin Qingyue’s betrayal had wounded him, but it only strengthened his resolve.
After the show, Chen Fan went backstage with flowers, just as Lang Qingfeng had done in the novel.
“Here you go, Jinli. You were fantastic tonight.”
Mu Jinli accepted the flowers, beaming as she thanked him. “Thank you, really.”
“Well, I won’t keep you from changing.”
“How about I treat you to breakfast tomorrow?”
“If I manage to wake up, I’ll join you.”
Chen Fan thought. After tonight, Mu Jinli would have her heart set on Ye Aotian, leaving him as the temporary sidekick.
By 8:00 PM, Chen Fan positioned himself in the grove where Mu Jinli would pass, comfortably sipping a soda and munching on snacks. He had even brought some variety to switch things up from his usual sunflower seeds.
This was his prime spot to witness Mu Jinli discard the flowers, prompting the protagonist’s entrance for a heartfelt confession, and Chen Fan’s own appearance to be humiliated in classic villain fashion.
“Hey, can I have some?”
Chen Fan glanced at the woman beside him and reluctantly offered her some fruit.
“Mind sharing a bit?” another girl asked.
Chen Fan handed out more.
“Is there enough for me too?”
With a deep sigh, Chen Fan passed over the last of his stash.