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

“A new generation’s witch. If that’s all the courage you have, it really tarnishes the title.”
Both of them had copies of the journal, and they both knew the other also had a copy as well. They both were acting—just waiting to see who had the better performance.
“That’s my business. You should focus on your own matters, or we’ll end up with rumors. So, are you saying Ye Aotian will become a star?”
“Who knows? What do you think?”


Zhu Yeqing turned her head away, not bothering to respond.
In Cao Zijing, Zhu Yeqing could see the shadow of Jin Lan. They were so alike that she wondered if Jin Lan could even compare to Cao Zijing.
Indeed, that’s how it was portrayed in the novel. Jin Lan was Ye Aotian’s top strategist, but in many instances, she fell short.
But Chen Fan’s reckless decisions would ultimately lead to failure, particularly if Cao Zijing were to play a true villain. It might end up like
, leaving only a name in the end.*


…
After Cao Zijing finished taking some initial costume photos, she didn’t need to handle much else herself. The photos and advertising copy were enough for promotion.
Zhu Yeqing prepared some fruit for Cao Zijing and said, “The boss said I should take care of you.”
“Oh, so you should know I’m allergic to dragon fruit, right? What’s this?”
“Oops, is that so? I didn’t know. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, my mistake.”
Cao Zijing chuckled and picked up a piece to eat.
Zhu Yeqing was shocked and said, “Are you crazy?”
“Lesson one for you: remember, the weaknesses I show to others are the ones I choose to reveal, not my real weaknesses. Humans without weaknesses aren’t human.”


“If Ye Aotian auditions, would you want him to pass?” Zhu Yeqing tentatively asked, completely unable to read this woman. She was genuinely worried that this woman would harm the young master in the end.
To Zhu Yeqing, the young master’s safety was always the top priority.
“I don’t know. Let’s see his own abilities. Whether he passes or not, I don’t decide that. I’m an actress, not capital, young girl, understand?”
“I’m only a few months younger than you.”
“Then you’re still a young girl. Also, to remind you, the entertainment industry is full of people playing mind games, but none can beat me.”
Her icy eyes and half-smiling expression increased her danger level in Zhu Yeqing’s mind.
Meanwhile, a new guest arrived at the company. Chen Fan brought Jin Lan to see Cao Zijing.
With such a famous star coming by, of course, Jin Lan, being the leader, had to show up.
“Hello, sister.” Jin Lan extended her hand to Cao Zijing.
“Wow, sister, you’ve maintained yourself so well; there’s no trace of time on you.”
Jin Lan laughed politely, controlling her emotions, knowing this woman was subtly asserting her dominance.
But she couldn’t find any good counter to it.
“You’re the one who looks better.”
Chen Fan rubbed his temples, feeling a headache. This woman is seriously something else. Whatever, he decided not to bother—she’s an extraordinary case.
The main thing was that this woman’s character still hadn’t broken down, which was baffling.
In Chen Fan’s understanding, most of the female protagonists around him had practically lost their original personalities. If it weren’t for the ongoing plot … Chen Fan would probably lose it.
Even though this scene had nothing to do with the plot, it seemed rather entertaining to watch.
Zhu Yeqing thoughtfully offered Chen Fan a handful of sunflower seeds and said, “Young master, here, eat some.”
Chen Fan nodded.
Seeing that they were already peeled, he thought, indeed, Zhu Yeqing was the most considerate.
Meanwhile, Jin Lan and Cao Zijing went from being strangers to seemingly close sisters.
“Sister, what skincare brand do you use for your hands? They feel amazing and are so effective.”
“You’re the amazing one, staying youthful all these years without any rumors of aging.”
“Hehe, thank you, sister, but I heard Little Fan used to be your secretary, so why did he stop? Did he make you angry? If so, let me apologize on his behalf. You really shouldn’t get mad—anger is bad for your health …”
Zhu Yeqing was left dumbfounded.
Not only her, but even the crew shooting this scene was stunned.


Chen Fan sighed, asking, “So, who do you think won?”
“Cao Zijing won. Jin Lan seems to be struggling.”
“Don’t worry, watch carefully; Jin Lan won’t lose that quickly.”
Jin Lan adjusted her hair and said, “It’s nothing, just a pity. I took training Little Fan seriously, but he and I ultimately went our separate ways.”
“Huh, sister, could it be that you also like Ye Aotian? My Little Fan despises Ye Aotian; he thinks that guy is just a big jerk, a complete loser. Sister, you wouldn’t like such a loser, right?”


Jin Lan wanted to lash out. Anything could be mentioned, except the novel’s setting. Because, in the story, she was Chen Fan’s legitimate wife, meaning they were destined to be together from the start.
And her? If she didn’t know about the journal, she might really have ended up with Ye Aotian.
At this moment, Tao Xiaoyao entered without saying much, sitting beside Chen Fan, yawning and continuing to play her game.
In that instant, Jin Lan knew she’d lost. Damn it, she let her take the upper hand.
Mysteriously, Chen Fan felt that this woman, with her bodyguard status, probably wouldn’t last long.
Jin Lan quickly recalled the plot and said, “No, I don’t like Ye Aotian. But sister, I heard he’s planning to become a star. You think you’ll end up acting in a film with him?”
“I … probably won’t.”
“Oh, is that so? But what if you do? I’ve heard many people develop feelings for their co-stars. Sister, you wouldn’t fall for Ye Aotian, would you?”
“I … I won’t. I shouldn’t.”
A smile appeared on Jin Lan’s face.
At that moment, she knew she’d won.
But just as Jin Lan thought she had it in the bag, Cao Zijing got up, went directly to Chen Fan, and took a sip of his drink.
“I’m a bit thirsty. Oh dear, Little Fan, sorry, I drank from your drink. That won’t make you mad, will it?”


Zhu Yeqing subtly gave a thumbs-up beside Chen Fan.




Jin Lan sighed; damn it, no wonder Chen Fan called her a top-tier
*.


This was a hardcore woman.
“I’m just here to see some stars today. By the way, if you have time, take in the scenic mountains and rivers of Qincheng—they’re quite beautiful.”
“Don’t worry, sister. During filming breaks, I’ll have Little Fan drive me around. He’s a skilled driver, you know.”
Jin Lan had had enough and stood up, leaving directly.
Tao Xiaoyao raised her head, yawned, squinting her eyes, and said, “Pretty boring, isn’t it, Chen Fan?”