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

“Yeah, it’s pretty boring. By the way, what have you been up to recently, as a bodyguard?”
“Not much. My daughter wants to practice martial arts, so I’ve been training her for a few days. You don’t have any issues here, do you? She mentioned filming—is she acting with Ye Aotian?”
“That countryside boy? Like he knows anything about acting. But since Cao Zijing’s here, switch over the security duties. You protect her instead. She represents the Cao family.”


Tao Xiaoyao replied, “Got it. But that’ll cost extra.”
“No problem; just take it from the finance department.”
Cao Zijing pulled Chen Fan’s arm, resting her head on his shoulder, and said, “Little Fan, you’re so wonderful, so considerate. Lin Qingyue doesn’t know what she’s missing out on with such a good man. Isn’t it infuriating?”
Chen Fan chuckled, “I’ve said before that my business with Lin Qingyue is our own. I don’t like outsiders meddling. Mind your own affairs and remember your job.”
Cao Zijing pouted and said, “Sorry, don’t be mad. I’ll apologize; will that do?”


Chen Fan shook her off, turned, and walked away.


***
Around noon, after a simple lunch, a designated driver took Cao Zijing to the specific filming location.
This new movie was a Republic-era series, and Qincheng still had some alleys and streets that closely resembled that period.
In the car, Tao Xiaoyao was intensely focused, battling a game on her phone.
“Tao Xiaoyao, Yasha, Sis, why did you choose to be Chen Fan’s bodyguard?”
Without looking up, Tao Xiaoyao replied, “People need to do something, right? My daughter’s grown up, so I need to prepare a dowry for her. When she marries, she’ll likely have to contend with her mother-in-law, so I need to stay strong.”
“In my memory, your old team had quite a few people, and you adopted your late comrade’s daughter. If my memory serves right, Ye Aotian’s grandfather was also one of your old comrades.”
“You’re wondering why I didn’t help Ye Aotian but chose to help Chen Fan instead, right?”
This was something Cao Zijing couldn’t understand.
The journal clearly mentioned the mother-daughter story. This plotline was uncomfortable to see, even for Cao Zijing.
She couldn’t believe that this woman before her wouldn’t be a protagonist; nearly every woman mentioned in the journal turned out to be one.
Thus, Tao Xiaoyao’s decision was something Cao Zijing had to consider deeply.






“Helping or not helping is a matter for the younger generation. The path they take, where they go, and how they get there—that’s for them to decide. We older folks … we can’t control it.”
Finishing her sentence, she quickly touched her face and said, “Ah, why did I let myself think of being old? I’m still a young lady, very young.”
“Haha, Sis, if you were a celebrity, you’d definitely have a cute, young-girl persona.”
“Of course! I still look quite young. Speaking of Chen Fan’s company’s endorsement, if they wanted me, I’d be perfect for it. But I’m curious why they chose you—it’s not like you’re that scary.”
Cao Zijing laughed, turning slightly and unfastening two buttons.
Tao Xiaoyao glanced over and said, “You win. I won’t compete. You’re impressive.”
Cao Zijing nodded and asked, “So, if Ye Aotian asked you to kill Chen Fan in the future, would you?”
“Sure, if the price is right, I’d make a move. Don’t think I’d fall for Chen Fan or anything. I’ve killed more men than he’s seen women—how could I like him?”
Tao Xiaoyao’s stance was understandable; knowing the journal didn’t mean she had to develop feelings for Chen Fan.
Without knowing the plot, maybe there’d be a story there. But, with knowledge of the plot, Tao Xiaoyao decided to stick to her role.
Avoiding Ye Aotian was the first rule; Tao Xiaoyao was sure she wouldn’t like him in the future.
But liking Chen Fan? That wasn’t even a question. Knowing only his file, who knew what the real Chen Fan was like?




As for Chen Fan … Tao Xiaoyao considered him the smartest of them all.
The car arrived at the destination, and the two got out.
Cao Zijing led Tao Xiaoyao to the set and greeted the director.
“I must say, Qincheng is truly beautiful. I’ve never seen such a lovely city.”
Cao Zijing asked, “Director Zhao, how’s the casting for the protagonist coming along?”
“We’re taking our time with it. But Fei Fei called me today, saying he knows a really handsome guy who’d be perfect for this movie.”
Cao Zijing asked, “Oh, and the female roles?”
“We’re still casting. We’ll let you know once the selections are done. Want to check out the male lead casting?”
“Sure.”
Tao Xiaoyao looked up at Cao Zijing, a bit surprised that this woman, knowing the plot, would still engage with the protagonist.
It was indeed interesting.


Other female characters could also have stayed, but the more Ye Aotian disgusted them, the more they chose to avoid him. You’ve got to admire her. No wonder she’s the female villain; she’s ruthless enough.
After they entered the set, the casting began.
As a series of handsome young men entered, Tao Xiaoyao watched happily, just as men like watching beauties, women enjoy looking at handsome guys too.
But, for her, it was just for fun.
“Sis, did you see anyone you like? If you’re interested, I can introduce him to you.”
“No need. I’m still a maiden, not interested.”


Reasonable or not, she was a maiden. Don’t ask too much—what the author says goes.
“These young men look great. Why aren’t you choosing one?”
Cao Zijing said, “It’s a Republic-era film, about warlords. The male lead can’t be too soft. If he’s overly effeminate, it won’t work. But you know the industry; everyone’s going for that soft look, and you rarely see a tough guy.”
Tao Xiaoyao nodded and said, “That’s true. Skinny arms and legs are no good—these guys’ arms aren’t as sturdy as Chen Fan’s, you know.”


At that moment, the door opened, and Fei Fei entered with a young man. As soon as he entered, he greeted the director.
“Director Zhao, look who I brought! I’m telling you, this guy’s going to be a superstar.”


Tao Xiaoyao and Cao Zijing both looked at Ye Aotian, and Ye Aotian looked back at the two women.
One was Chen Fan’s bodyguard, the other his fiancée.


Director Zhao looked at Ye Aotian and said, “Not bad. This guy has the looks; he’s no softie. But looks aren’t everything. Kid, what skills do you have?”
“Acting—I can learn. And I pick things up fast.”
A


irector Zhao looked at Fei Fei and said, “Are you sure? He’s untrained. Fei Fei, we trust your eye, but acting isn’t just something you pick up overnight.”