Villainess_In_Melodramatic_Novel C01

Chapter 1: The Overbearing CEO’s White Lotus (Part 1)

At midnight, scattered stars lit the sky, with the bright moon overhead, and a gentle breeze brushed through a row of pine trees dusted with silver frost.

A milk-white light slanted onto the sofa, where a graceful woman lay, her body curved. Her long hair, like a waterfall, cascaded down beside her fair neck. The luxurious, gold-peach-colored dress clung softly to her skin, with a slender wrist peeking out from the wide sleeve—a wrist so delicate it seemed it might break with a twist. Layers of cold light fell on her skin, giving it a lustrous, porcelain-like sheen.

Forced with vast knowledge not her own, Yu Liuxue furrowed her crescent-shaped eyebrows like a new moon, instinctively curling up. Her picturesque skirt flowed down her smooth legs to the ground, spreading brightness throughout the room. Someone “clicked” open the front door, and footsteps grew louder, as if noticing the uncomfortable woman on the sofa, hesitated momentarily, then casually passed by, disappearing upstairs.

“System,” Yu Liuxue opened her eyes, her calf hanging casually off the sofa. A silver chain tinkled with her movement around her slender ankle. Twirling the silk belt around her waist on her fingertips, she wiggled her round, pink toes before placing them on smoke-grey slippers. Yu Liuxue stood up and shuffled around the room twice, nonchalantly asking, “What wish does the female support character have this time?”

“To stop the female lead, Lin Qingyin, from being with Yao Yishu.”

Hearing this simple request, Yu Liuxue seemed momentarily stunned, then replied casually, “I’ve said it before, don’t bother me with such trivial matters.”

The client making this wish was named Qing Wu, the only daughter of the Du family in Nancheng. Twenty years ago, the Du family and the Yao family were equally powerful, and their children were betrothed. Twenty years later, the Du family’s glory had faded, while the Yao family had grown tremendously in power, dominating Nancheng. The Yao family coerced the Du family into breaking the engagement.

Shortly after breaking the engagement, Qing Wu discovered her former fiancé was passionately pursuing Lin Qingyin, a goddess in the entertainment industry known for her icy and noble demeanor. Lin Qingyin had become a sensation in just three years, though her background was unknown. Rumors circulated that she was the child of influential political figures, but no one knew the truth.

News of the playboy Yao Yishu reforming and earnestly pursuing Lin Qingyin spread throughout the city. Hearing this from her assistant, Qing Wu, overcome with jealousy, rushed to Lin Qingyin’s film set to confront her, but was caught by paparazzi who constantly monitored Lin’s scandals. That night, the story broke, ruining Qing Wu’s good-girl image.

Moreover, upon learning about Qing Wu’s actions, Yao Yishu immediately blacklisted her. For a long time thereafter, Qing Wu could not get acting roles or earn money after being shelved by her agency. Eventually, she couldn’t afford rent or utilities and was evicted, resulting in malicious gossip spreading online. Unable to cope with these hits to her career and personal life, Qing Wu committed suicide one cold night by jumping into a river.

As she plunged into the water, Qing Wu regretted her actions. If life could begin anew, she vowed to seek revenge against Lin Qingyin to make her understand the cost of stealing someone else’s man.

Yu Liuxue skimmed through the story outline of this world and couldn’t help but comment, “Isn’t this girl a little crazy? Clearly, it’s Yao Yishu who’s at fault!”

However, she noted that three years ago, the original host had worked with Lin Qingyin, and Lin had publicly expressed goodwill toward her. But Yu Liuxue believed that Lin’s remarks were merely polite gestures recognizing the original’s dedication and hard work.

As Yu Liuxue finished her comment, there was a stir at the staircase. Lin Qingyin, having removed her makeup, descended in silk pajamas. Her small, glowing face was strikingly beautiful. Leaning on the railing, she glanced gently downward with dark eyes as deep as the night, fixing Yu Liuxue in a cold gaze.

Suddenly, Yu Liuxue furrowed her brows in apparent pain, clutching her chest and crouching down, her elbow on the sofa, knees on the cold floor, beads of sweat on her forehead. Clinging to her golden dress, her lips parted in shallow breaths as she performed convincingly, “As long as you stop Lin Qingyin and Yao Yishu from being together, right?”

The system’s hesitant voice echoed in her mind, “Yes.”

That settled it.

Sorry, Yao Yishu, your leading lady is great, but she’s mine now.

The woman in front of the sofa looked pale, her fingers clenched tightly into fists. As Lin Qingyin passed, she paused, and Yu Liuxue seized the chance, her voice feeble, “Qingyin…”

Surprised to hear her name called, Lin Qingyin’s brow furrowed imperceptibly.

Yu Liuxue reached toward her weakly, “Qingyin, I’m ill.”

The system remained silent. What kind of illness is this?

Lin Qingyin and Qing Wu were currently filming a reality show together. Though there were few staff members in the villa and no one noticed this side of things, cameras were everywhere. After a few moments of complex emotions, Lin Qingyin calmly walked over and crouched before Yu Liuxue, “Where’s your medicine?”

“In… in the suitcase,” Yu Liuxue replied, her upper body swaying as she wrapped around Lin Qingyin’s neck, her chin resting on Lin’s pale neck, warm breaths displacing Lin’s loose hair near her ear.

Lin Qingyin froze, unprepared for this intimate gesture from the woman who had been distant all day.

She remained crouched for a while, her expression unreadable as she briefly glanced at the weak Yu Liuxue, her lips forming a subtle arc.

“I’ll carry you upstairs to rest,” Lin Qingyin said, placing an arm under Yu Liuxue’s knees and lifting her gently. Her pink skirt trailed across the marble tiles before disappearing up the stairs.

Satisfied, Yu Liuxue leaned against Lin Qingyin’s chest, mimicking the posture of a bird seeking comfort, as her fingers tugged at Lin’s loose pajama collar, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of snowy skin beneath. As Lin looked down, Yu Liuxue stopped, diverting Lin’s attention by softly saying, “Qingyin, I feel terrible.”

Lin Qingyin kicked open the bedroom door and gently placed Yu Liuxue on the bed. Hearing this, Lin Qingyin’s eyes blinked coldly, her gaze falling on Yu Liuxue’s pale face. “Where does it hurt?”

“Here.” Yu Liuxue guided Lin Qingyin’s hand to her heart, where Lin’s slim hand rested, its gentle warmth seeping through the fabric, evoking a soft sigh from Yu Liuxue. She lay on her side before Lin, one dainty ankle extending from her skirt to cautiously hook around Lin.

“Qingyin, will you stay with me?” Yu Liuxue whispered.

“I don’t want to be alone here.”

Under her palm, Lin Qingyin felt soft skin and a chaotic heartbeat, hesitating briefly as she studied the woman before her.

Qing Wu, who had signed with one of the largest agencies and whose popularity was soaring, was never viewed by Lin as competition. But Lin couldn’t deny the striking beauty of the face before her: arched brows like distant hills, eyes gleaming with emotion, a graceful nose, and tender lips like moist flower petals, lushly wet.

Her ornate costume highlighted her charming, noble demeanor, and an elusive allure graced her exquisite face.

For a brief moment, Lin Qingyin lost herself, withdrawing her hand without a word. “I’ll get your medicine.”

Qing Wu’s suitcase was in the corner, unzipped. After obtaining Qing Wu’s permission, Lin examined it thoroughly for medicine but found none, only romance novels with titles like “Fiery Little Girl: The Innocent Wife of the School Heartthrob” and “Genius Baby: Daddy, Please Leave.” Dumbfounded, Lin didn’t know whether to comment on the novels or Qing Wu.

Lin subtly covered the books with clothes and said, “I couldn’t find it. Did you forget to bring the medicine?”

Turning back, Lin was met with Yu Liuxue’s bright, puppy-like eyes. With evident disappointment, Yu Liuxue watched Lin quietly cover the novels. “I was sure I brought it,” Yu Liuxue replied faintly.

Before the words faded, Yu Liuxue lay back on the bed, wrapping herself in a vulnerable posture and turning from Lin. “Qingyin, I feel like I’m going to die.”

The system remained silent, thinking, “If the Oscars don’t give you an award for Best Actress, it’s a real shame.”

Lin Qingyin found herself speechless. Behind her, everything fell silent, and Yu Liuxue strained her ears to catch the sound of soft footsteps and fabric swishing nearby. A gentle, almost imperceptible breath fell on Yu Liuxue’s ear, prompting her to keep her eyes closed as she whispered, “Qingyin, are you still here?”

“Qing Wu,” Lin Qingyin replied, lowering her voice deliberately.

Her tone carried a hint of probing.

Yu Liuxue flinched slightly before masking it with a feigned weakness. She rolled onto her back, gazing up at the woman beside her, “Qingyin, what are you saying?”

“I don’t understand.”

Lin Qingyin’s lips curled into a quiet smile, then she unexpectedly lowered herself and kissed Yu Liuxue’s plump lips.

“Do you understand now?”

—

—In Chinese web novels, White Lotus “小白莲” (xiǎo báilotus) is derived from “白莲花” (báilotus flower), a term often used to describe someone who appears pure, innocent, and kind on the surface but may be manipulative or have ulterior motives underneath.