A Delicate Beauty Holding a Villain’s Script - Chapter 31.1

During these past few days, driven by a mixture of guilt and lingering fear, Yu An did not dare to force Li Rangnian into any “harmonious activities.” Instead, he doted on him and served him like a little ancestor.

If Li Rangnian saw something he liked while scrolling through videos, Yu An would buy it without a second thought. If a luxury brand released new clothing, he would order it with a wave of his hand. Knowing Li Rangnian was a picky eater, he constantly cycled through new recipes and frequently invited Michelin-starred chefs to the house to prepare grand feasts, all just to satisfy Li Rangnian’s appetite.

After eating and drinking his fill, Li Rangnian and System 051 both collapsed onto the sofa like salted fish, unwilling to move. Li Rangnian sighed, “The life of the wealthy is truly sinful!” It didn’t just make the body lazy; it corrupted the will.

[No, we cannot continue being this decadent!] The little ball of light, 051, propped up its round belly and climbed up, shaking its host’s hand. [We have to do the mission!]

“Alright…” Li Rangnian responded weakly, his peach-blossom eyes blinking. “Is the next step to seduce the Protagonist Top (Gong)?”

051 nodded: [Yes, and there just happens to be an opportunity tonight.]

Lately, for reasons unknown, Yu An had become keen on introducing Li Rangnian to his friends, seemingly wanting Li Rangnian to integrate into his social circle.

He took Li Rangnian to one gathering after another. Amidst the fragrant dresses, elegant shadows, and clinking wine glasses, the fragmented light in the beauty’s eyes would scatter like the shimmering reflections in a wine cup.

His languid long hair was lightly tossed by the breeze, his waist moved gracefully, and his faint scent was a presence more captivating than any melodious music. Thread by thread, it drifted into people’s noses and lingered around them, making them ache to reach out and touch him.

At the very moment one couldn’t help but want to reach out, the beauty would give a charming laugh and throw himself into the tall man’s embrace, leaving the guests staring at his slender figure in a state of loss. Only that lingering fragrance remained, plucking at their heartstrings.

When a guest spoke with Yu An, the beauty would lean against the man’s shoulder, obediently listening to words he didn’t understand. At these times, his eyes were bright, reflecting the brilliant light of the crystal chandeliers like a sea of stars.

Most of the time, as the conversation progressed, a guest would steer the topic toward the beauty, casually inquiring about any information regarding him. The beauty, however, would blush to the tips of his ears and hide behind the man like a game of hide-and-seek, allowing others to see only his fair, delicate fingertips resting on the man’s arm, faintly tinged with red.

Those spirited peach-blossom eyes would peek at the guest from the shadows, offering a shy smile that left the onlooker utterly infatuated.

After a few gatherings, Li Rangnian’s reputation had spread completely. The entire upper-class circle knew of this beautiful “wife.” In the crowded banquets, countless people watched the treasure in Yu An’s arms from the shadows; the moment he relaxed his guard, they would rush forward to snatch him away.

Yu An understood what those gazes meant. While his heart was filled with jealousy and dissatisfaction, it only made him more firm in his resolve. He wanted to bring Li Rangnian into the light and let everyone know that this was the person he intended to spend the rest of his life with.

Tonight’s banquet was held at a hot spring resort, nestled against mountains and water, just as the maple leaves were at their most brilliant. To sip a cup of sake, soak in the hot spring, and admire the fiery red maple forest was truly a beautiful thing.

As night fell, the city was brightly lit, with half the sky saturated by light pollution. It was as bright as day, without a single star in sight.

At the resort entrance, countless luxury cars drove in one after another. Small round tables were arranged neatly on the open grass for the guests. In another area separated by a wall, the hot springs were decorated in an ancient, traditional style. Dense steam rose slowly, blurring the boundaries of the space.

In the middle of the lawn was a swimming pool. Many handsome men and beautiful women were dressed lightly, jumping into the water to play, sending splashes everywhere. Those on the shore were dressed impeccably, clinking glasses and dispersing in small groups, the low hum of small talk never-ending.

Surrounding the resort was a vast, continuous maple forest. In the golden autumn season, the maple leaves burned like fire; under the illumination of the lights, they seemed to come alive.

Jiang Cunshu took a glass of red wine from a waiter, swirled it slightly, and nonchalantly scanned the surroundings.

They were all familiar faces, utterly boring.

“I heard that person is coming too…” A whisper reached his ears. He hadn’t intended to listen, but the subsequent conversation caught his attention.

“Which person? Why so mysterious?” the other person asked, not catching the drift.

The man was speechless. “You don’t know? It’s the Yu family’s young master’s little lover. Haven’t you seen him? The rumors have been going crazy in the circle lately. Originally, everyone thought it was just for fun, but for some reason, that Young Master Yu actually took it seriously.”

“Wait, you actually believe that?” the other man laughed mockingly. “Where is there any sincerity in our circle? Isn’t it all just for a temporary thrill, to be tossed aside once they’re bored?”

“Don’t be so skeptical. From the look of him, he’s truly fallen in deep,” the man said with conviction. “Besides, once you see that little lover, I guarantee you’ll lose your soul and your mind too.”

The other man waved his hand dismissively, saying mockingly, “Fine, I’ll wait then, to see just how he’s going to enchant me.”

A bunch of idiots. Jiang Cunshu sneered inwardly. He tilted his head and took a gulp of wine, the taste cold and astringent as he swallowed.

A black stretched Rolls-Royce entered the parking lot. A waiter bowed respectfully to welcome the guest from afar: “Sir, welcome! Please follow me.”

Polished leather shoes stepped onto the ground. The tall man had sharp features; his vest outlined his full chest muscles, emphasizing his broad shoulders and narrow waist. An expensive suit jacket was casually draped over his arm.

The waiter immediately stepped forward to take the suit and led him toward the lively venue.

As soon as the nearby guests saw him, their expressions turned eager, and they approached him with raised glasses:

“Mr. Han, long time no see.”

“Only a few days since we last met, and Mr. Han has become even more handsome, hahahaha!”

“How does Mr. Han have the time to come and play?”

The man, surrounded like a star among the moons, wore a constant, practiced smile. He dealt with them neither coldly nor warmly, his eyes sweeping across the venue intentionally or unintentionally, as if expecting something.

Colored lights flickered in the shadows as a perfect couple arrived at the entrance. The waiter put on a professional smile and looked up, but the words of welcome suddenly stuck in his throat.

Someone happened to look over, and suddenly, the air grew still. It was as if someone had pressed the pause button; time seemed to stand still.

The beauty was dressed in a vivid red strapless gown that hugged his curvaceous body. His skin was as white as snow, and his chest rose and fell slightly. Transparent lace covered the alluring spring scenery, while the tight-fitting dress perfectly traced his graceful lines.

Stacked roses bloomed passionately at the hem of the skirt, revealing calves as white as lotus roots. The side of the dress took inspiration from a qipao, featuring a high slit; as the beauty walked, his jade-like legs flashed obscurely in the shadows. It left onlookers parched, wanting nothing more than to tear it open.

Everyone’s gaze lingered on his exquisite, beautiful face. His lightly traced willow-leaf brows were neither too light nor too dark, appearing somewhat soft. Thick eyelashes guarded those shimmering peach-blossom eyes, which tilted up slightly. With every ripple of his gaze, he was constantly seducing.

His nose was straight, and perhaps because it was too cold outside, the tip of his nose was slightly red, making him look somewhat adorable. His lips were full and crimson, coated with a bit of lip oil that gave them a watery sheen, like a succulent strawberry.

His entire face was perfect, like a masterpiece meticulously carved by God. His figure was even more beautiful; the dress made his waist appear so thin it could be cinched with one hand. His legs were long and straight like flower branches, and his skin was so white it seemed to glow, like a rose blooming in the snow.

His glossy long black hair was braided into a loose side-plait resting on his shoulder, with a red ribbon woven through it. The trailing end disappeared into his chest, making his face appear even smaller. With a pointed chin and a fair little face, he looked as pitiful and lovely as a lotus rising from the water, breath-takingly beautiful.

Gulp…

Someone swallowed audibly. However, no one was in the mood to mock him because everyone was stunned by the beauty’s appearance; for a moment, no one spoke.

Wearing such an expensive dress for the first time, Li Rangnian felt uneasy. He only felt a chilly breeze occasionally creeping in from under the skirt and through the chest area.

His feet were clad in a pair of high heels encrusted with crystals, with vibrant red roses decorating his delicate ankles. As he moved, faint blue veins appeared, and the muscle lines on his calves were exceptionally smooth.

He took each step carefully, fearing he might trip, and clung tightly to the man’s arm, not daring to let go. His entire mind was focused on himself, so he naturally didn’t notice the silence of the room.

Yu An’s image today was quite different from usual. His hair was combed back and fixed with gel; the top looked voluminous and shiny. The lack of bangs made his features appear more three-dimensional, brows like sword strokes and sharp phoenix eyes.

He wore a white high-neck knit sweater under a deep blue suit, which was finely tailored and had a subtle sheen. His overall style was steady yet elegant. He looked radiant, his arm resting casually on his waist as he supported the beauty by his side.

The two distinct colors did not clash; instead, they complemented each other. One could see the effort put into their outfits at a glance.

Damned thing, he’s terrified people won’t realize they’re wearing a couple’s outfit. Jiang Cunshu’s gaze was practically glued to the beauty, unable to look away, finding Yu An increasingly unpleasant to the eye.

Although his gaze was burning, it wasn’t that conspicuous since he was lost among the crowd.

In the moment while everyone was dazed, Han Xiangbai was the first to move. He strode forward and reached out his hand, his eyes fixed firmly on Li Rangnian, though he spoke somewhat coldly: “Long time no see, Yu An.”

The fathers of the two families were acquainted, and they had some business dealings, but in truth, the two rarely met. Their only prior meeting was that day at Yu An’s house.

Yu An looked indifferent. Out of etiquette, he returned the handshake, but both sides released immediately within half a second, as if they had touched an electric current: “Mr. Han, so it’s you.”

Immediately after letting go, both couldn’t help but move their hands behind their backs, rubbing their fingertips against their suits. Disgusting.

The interaction between the two was like a stone thrown into a lake, breaking the silence. The stagnant atmosphere suddenly tore open and came back to life. The sound of conversation rose again, with whispers and heads turning as obscure gazes swept back and forth between the three.

Han Xiangbai turned, his gaze dropping to Li Rangnian, his eyes dark: “A pleasure.” He extended his hand as he spoke.

Hearing his voice, Li Rangnian looked up and bumped into those deep eyes; his heart began to pound nervously.

Why is Han Xiangbai here?

In a brief daze, he raised his hand and lightly placed it on the man’s dry, warm palm. With just a brief touch, his delicate skin was rubbed red by the calluses on the man’s palm. His fair fingertips trembled and were quickly withdrawn by their owner.

The speed was so fast that Han Xiangbai’s hand remained frozen in mid-air for a moment before he slowly pulled it back. He rubbed his fingertips, savoring that delicate texture.

Li Rangnian didn’t dare look at him again. He merely increased his grip on Yu An’s arm, speaking softly: “Hubby, I’m tired. Let’s go inside and sit down.”

“Alright, it’s been hard on you, wifey.” Yu An, naturally distressed that he had been standing for so long, led him to an empty round table and sat him down, picking out a small cake to hand to him: “Eat something to line your stomach.”