The Devoted Villain Only Wants to Survive, but the Heroine Refuses to

Tears welled up in Hongwen Zhang's eyes as he grabbed Hao Wang by the collar. "I've died six times already. This time, I'm playing it safe. I have to survive till the end."

Hao Wang blinked, utterly confused. "Boss Zhang, can you speak human language, please?"

Hongwen Zhang pulled him into a tight chokehold, gritting his teeth. "Brother, if you handle this task well, I've got a brand-new sports car in my garage—a Porsche. It's yours."

Hao Wang's eyes widened. "A Porsche?! For real?!"

"Yours."

Tears streamed down Hao Wang's face as he clasped his hands together in gratitude. "The god may be vast, but not as vast as Boss Zhang's kindness. My life, my soul—they all belong to Boss Zhang from now on!"

"Enough with the dramatics. Go prepare some gifts for my god-grandfather and bring the car around. I'm going to visit him."

"Yes, Boss!"

At the Lu Family Estate.

Hongwen Zhang stepped into the elderly Qiu Lu's room, placed the gifts down respectfully, and exchanged a few pleasantries.

Just as he was plotting his escape, the butler walked in. "Master, the eldest daughter of the Xia family has arrived. Young Master Huan is with her, and they've brought someone—a so-called divine doctor."

Qiu Lu raised a brow. "Isn't Linglong already renowned for her medical skills? Why would Huan bring another doctor? Oh well, let them in."

"Oh, come on!"

Hongwen Zhang's internal alarms blared.

System, are you messing with me?! There's no escape, is there?!

This was obviously part of the later plotline: Linglong Xia's treatment would fail, Qiu Lu would be on the brink of death, and then—cue the grand entrance of Aotian Long.

Aotian Long would perform a miraculous save, Linglong Xia would admire his godlike medical skills, her heart would waver, and Qiu Lu would be endlessly grateful.

From there, it was a straight path to Aotian Long securing not only Linglong Xia but also Wanning Lu, the Lu family's eldest daughter, in a conveniently romantic double conquest.

None of this involves me! Why am I even here?! Can't I just leave quietly?!

Hongwen Zhang shot to his feet, flashing a polite smile. "God-grandfather, you should rest well. I've got urgent matters at the company—I'll take my leave now."

Qiu Lu gently waved his hand. "No… stay."

Damn it.

Qiu Lu really liked him. Too much, in fact.

But Hongwen Zhang had zero emotional attachment in return.

According to the plot, he'd eventually exploit Qiu Lu's trust, dragging the Lu family into disaster. Naturally, this would lead to Aotian Long heroically swooping in to save the day—and, of course, beating Hongwen Zhang into a crippled mess as part of the grand finale.

Without him betraying Qiu Lu, Aotian Long wouldn't have a reason to make his dramatic entrance.

Without Aotian Long's entrance, Linglong Xia and Wanning Lu wouldn't fall head over heels for him.

It's all a domino effect for the protagonist's harem, isn't it?!

As a textbook villain, Hongwen Zhang's sole existence was apparently to serve as a plot device for the hero's rise to glory.

Why me?! Why must I suffer for Aotian Long's romantic escapades?!

Internally, Hongwen Zhang roared against the heavens:

I WILL DEFY MY FATE!

MY DESTINY IS MINE TO CONTROL!

I'll see if there's a back door to slip through ...

Grandpa Lu clutched Hongwen Zhang's hand tightly, refusing to let go. Hongwen Zhang forced a stiff smile while trying to pry the old man's fingers away.

"Grandpa Lu, you'll be fine! I really need to leave now. Let go… let go…"

Out of everyone's view, Hongwen Zhang resorted to smacking the elderly man's hand repeatedly. And thought "Let go, let go, come on… still not letting go?!"

At that moment, Linglong Xia stepped into the room, her face cold and expression stern.

"Hongwen Zhang," she said icily, "Grandpa Lu adores you so much, and yet you've barely been here five minutes before you start shouting about leaving. Where's your conscience?"

Hongwen Zhang froze when he spotted Linglong Xia—and then he noticed Xunhuan Lu walking in with Aotian Long.

The moment Aotian Long laid eyes on Hongwen Zhang, his gaze narrowed, radiating deep-seated hatred.

Ah, yes, Hongwen Zhang mused bitterly. A villain must evoke hatred at first sight to fulfill his role properly.

Then, he glanced at Linglong Xia.

Oh…

What a perfect loli style !

Though already an adult, her petite and well-proportioned figure gave her an eternally youthful appearance. Her delicate features were impossibly refined, with bright, intelligent eyes and a button nose. But the real kicker? That petite frame supported an incredibly well-developed chest that strained against the buttons of her JK uniform.

Her outfit—a schoolgirl-style uniform paired with crisp white thigh-high cotton socks—made her slender legs look even more enticing.

Linglong Xia greeted Grandpa Lu politely and began examining him.

["Tsk tsk… this little girl stopped growing vertically and focused all her development elsewhere. Definitely going to be a heartbreaker in the future!"]

["Man, what a sight… A loli with explosive proportions who likes wearing uniforms? A feast for the eyes!"]

Linglong Xia suddenly turned her head, her glare sharp as knives.

"What did you just say?"

"Huh? I didn't say anything!"

"You did! You pervert!"

Xunhuan Lu quickly interjected, "Linglong, calm down. Boss Zhang didn't say a word."

Linglong Xia hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing her face. Did I imagine it?

She shot Hongwen Zhang one last glare before turning back to Grandpa Lu and continuing her examination.

["Wow… Her proportions are just flawless!"

"An explosive little loli who wears uniforms… Tsk tsk, Aotian Long is one lucky bastard!"]

Linglong Xia's head snapped around again, her eyes practically on fire.

Hongwen Zhang froze mid-thought, his face blank.

Linglong Xia's gaze swept over the others in the room. Strangely, no one else seemed to have heard anything. Their expressions remained neutral, as if nothing unusual had happened.

Moreover… the voice didn't sound like it had been spoken aloud. Could it be… his inner thoughts?

While Hongwen Zhang was busy mentally ogling Linglong Xia, a chill ran down the back of his neck. Slowly turning his head, he found Aotian Long glaring at him, his eyes brimming with icy malice.

Linglong Xia couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong, but it wasn't exactly something she could explain to others. Who would believe her anyway?

After finishing her examination, Linglong Xia smiled at Grandpa Lu. "Grandpa Lu, it's just a few blocked blood vessels. I'll clear them with acupuncture. Please, relax!"

But Aotian Long spoke up, his voice calm yet firm: "Lady , I don't think it's that simple."

Linglong Xia stood up and looked at Aotian Long. "Who are you?"

Xunhuan Lu immediately stepped forward. "Oh, I forgot to introduce him. This is my good friend, Aotian Long! His medical skills are extraordinary. I specifically brought him here to treat Grandpa."

Linglong Xia's face remained stern. "I know all the renowned doctors from the Northern Region, but I've never heard of a so-called 'miracle doctor' named Aotian Long. Grandpa's health is of utmost importance, Xunhuan. You shouldn't trust just anyone so easily."

"Hahaha!" Aotian Long laughed. "Lady, as the saying goes, true masters rarely reveal themselves, and those who do are rarely true masters. Don't underestimate people."

Just as Linglong Xia was about to retort, she suddenly heard Hongwen Zhang's internal monologue:

[Yes, this is exactly the right rhythm. Keep it going!]

[You'll botch Grandpa Lu's treatment, leaving him at death's door, and then Aotian Long the hero will swoop in to save the day!]

[This initial bickering is just romantic tension in disguise. Later, you'll fall for him, willingly become part of his harem, and be best friends with Shuying Feng!]

Linglong Xia turned sharply to glare at Hongwen Zhang, her face pale with fury.

'What nonsense is this?!

My medical skills will fail? I'll leave Grandpa Lu half-dead?

And then I'll join this loudmouth's harem? Along with Shuying Feng?

Who does Shuying Feng even think she is? Always acting so superior, with that insufferable face. Me, in the same harem as her? Absurd!'

"Shut your mouth!"

Hongwen Zhang froze, and everyone else in the room fell silent.

He pointed at Aotian Long. "He's over there."

"I'm talking about you!"

Hongwen Zhang was on the verge of tears. "I didn't even say anything! Ask anyone here!"

Aotian Long chuckled. "Lady, Grandpa's illness… I fear that in the entire Northern Region—no, in all of country—only I, Aotian Long, can cure him."

Linglong Xia was about to explode.

One person kept muttering incessantly in his mind, while the other was talking with insufferable arrogance.

One was more annoying than the other!

"When I'm performing acupuncture, both of you—be quiet!"

She shot both men a sharp glare before turning her attention back to Qiu Lu and beginning her acupuncture treatment.

In the background, Hongwen Zhang shook his head, his internal monologue resuming:

[What a pity! The 'Nine Needles of King Wen' is an exceptional acupuncture technique, but this little girl is being far too cautious. She avoided two critical acupoints, and this oversight will send Grandpa Lu waving to the death.]

[Just wait for Aotian Long to step in at the last moment and save the day. Linglong Xia will undoubtedly worship him after that.]

[Ah, such a shame for Linglong Xia—as a loli, no,t as a talented young doctor. Rising to fame so early, only to end up as part of Aotian Long's harem.]

Linglong Xia's heart skipped a beat.

This scoundrel… actually understands medicine?

She had indeed used a more conservative acupuncture technique just now, and she had avoided two risky acupoints.

How did he see through that?

When did he become so knowledgeable about medicine?

Suddenly, Qiu Lu began coughing violently. His body shook uncontrollably, blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes rolled back.

Xunhuan Lu screamed, "Grandpa! Grandpa! Linglong, what's happening? This is a disaster!"

Linglong Xia's face went pale, but she had already pinpointed the problem.

Aotian Long stepped forward confidently, pulling out his needle kit. "Step aside, lady. I'll bring Grandpa back from the brink of death!"

"Grandpa is still alive."

Linglong Xia said firmly, her voice unwavering. She grabbed a silver needle and, without hesitation, plunged it into a critical acupoint.

Sure enough, as the needle pierced the acupoint, Qiu Lu's condition immediately improved, though he remained unconscious.

Aotian Long was stunned!

The needlework Linglong Xia had just performed was entirely different from her earlier approach. She had suddenly become bold, and her precision in targeting the acupoints was impeccable!

As she prepared for the next needle, Aotian Long subtly moved his hand within his sleeve, fingers poised to interfere…

Hongwen Zhang, who had been keeping a close eye on Aotian Long, noticed his suspicious movements—the slight backward shift, the focus in his eyes, and the gathering energy in his fingers.

His heart skipped a beat.

[Oh no! This guy's about to sabotage her treatment!]

Without hesitation, Hongwen Zhang rushed over and grabbed Aotian Long's arm. "Brother Aotian!"

Aotian Long flinched in shock. "Huh? Oh… wh-what's the matter?"

"Nothing, really. I just wanted to say… you look so cool!"

"…Oh. Uh, thanks?"

"You're welcome."

Linglong Xia had already caught wind of Hongwen Zhang's inner monologue and was initially startled. However, she couldn't afford to lose focus during such a critical moment. She glanced slightly to the side and caught a glimpse of Aotian Long's suspicious hand gesture.

At that exact moment, Hongwen Zhang blocked her line of sight—and coincidentally blocked Aotian Long's interference as well.

Linglong Xia completed her treatment. Slowly, Qiu Lu's complexion regained its healthy flush, and within less than a minute, his eyes fluttered open.

"Linglong…"

"Grandpa Lu."

"It's so reassuring to have you here. Don't leave again. Stay in Snow City."

"Grandpa, just focus on resting and recovering!"

Qiu Lu, still weak but improving, asked, "Where's Hongwen? My eldest grandson?"

Hongwen Zhang immediately stepped forward. "Grandpa, I'm here."

"Hongwen… why does my hand hurt so much?"

Hongwen Zhang glanced at the elderly man's hand, now red and swollen from the earlier slaps.

"Oh, it's nothing, Grandpa. Just improved blood circulation!"

Aotian Long was fuming.

His moment to shine had been utterly destroyed halfway through!

Damn you, Hongwen Zhang!

Everywhere he turned, this guy was there, ruining his plans.

When Hongwen Zhang turned around, he noticed both Aotian Long and Xunhuan Lu glaring at him.

Grandpa Lu dotes on this Zhang kid way too much! thought Xunhuan Lu bitterly. I'm the actual grandson here!

Meanwhile, Hongwen Zhang mused internally:

[Good heavens, I need to get out of here. Aside from Grandpa Lu, who's half-dead, everyone here seems like they'd strangle me if given the chance.]

[Aotian Long wants me dead because I blocked his romantic advances. Xunhuan Lu wants to kick me out because his grandpa likes me too much. And Linglong Xia… well, she's hated me since we were kids, and today she seems especially irritated, like she'd snap my neck if she could.]

[Time to make my escape.]

Linglong Xia caught this fleeting thought and couldn't help but smile faintly.

But then, recalling how Hongwen Zhang had stepped in to help her moments ago, her heart softened slightly.

Maybe this guy isn't completely heartless after all.

At that moment, Hao Wang approached Hongwen Zhang, leaning close to his ear and whispering urgently, "Boss Zhang, something terrible has happened. You need to get to the pharmaceutical factory immediately!"

Hongwen Zhang's eyes widened in shock.

[The pharmaceutical factory?! Something's gone wrong?!]