The grand banquet hall of the Marquis' estate glittered under the warm glow of lanterns, their golden light spilling across polished floors and jeweled gowns. Laughter and music twined together like threads in a tapestry, weaving an illusion of harmony. But Lin Yue, seated gracefully near the head of the hall, knew better than anyone - this was supposed to be a pivotal chapter in the novel she had fallen into.
Tonight, the "original heroine" would arrive.
A pitiful, gentle girl from a ruined family, destined to capture the male lead's heart with her teary eyes and fragile demeanor. In the book, the heroine's first appearance had everyone moved, while the villainess - this body she now occupied - made herself a laughingstock.
Lin Yue smirked into her wine cup. Let's see how long your halo shines before I snuff it out.
The herald's voice rang out:
"Introducing Miss Bai Xian, daughter of the late Minister Bai."
Gasps filled the hall as a young woman in pale pink stepped in. She looked like she might break under a strong breeze, her lashes trembling as if tears hovered just behind them. The perfect tragic beauty.
"How pitiful…" someone whispered.
"So delicate… the heavens must pity her."
Lin Yue set her cup down with a crisp clink, her voice lazy yet sharp.
"My, how touching. The poor little flower blooms again, even after winter frost."
The crowd tittered nervously - classic villainess lines. All eyes turned toward Mo Chen, the infamous warlord, waiting for him to step forward and shield the "delicate flower" as written in the script.
Bai Xian's eyes glistened with hope, her body trembling just right for sympathy. Surely, the terrifying Mo Chen would soften for her, just as the book had described.
But instead, Mo Chen rose slowly and crossed the hall with steady steps. His imposing figure silenced the crowd instantly.
Bai Xian's lips curved faintly, ready to receive his attention.
Yet he did not stop before her.
He walked straight past her without even a glance.
The warlord stopped at Lin Yue's side, his tall shadow draping over her seated form. Resting one hand lightly on the back of her chair, his low voice carried effortlessly through the hall.
"Yue, the hall is noisy. Are you tired? I'll escort you out."
A stunned silence fell.
Bai Xian froze, her practiced expression cracking as disbelief flickered across her face. This wasn't the script. This wasn't supposed to happen.
Lin Yue tilted her head, savoring the moment. She rose with deliberate grace, sliding her hand into Mo Chen's. Her smile was a blade wrapped in silk.
"How considerate," she purred. "Truly, my general knows me best."
And just like that, the feared warlord and the "villainess" left together, leaving the so-called heroine to wilt under the burning stares of the court.
For the first time since waking up in this story, Lin Yue felt the exhilarating thrill of absolute control.
She didn't just own the script -
She was tearing it apart, line by line.