Endless anticipation and yearning had simmered within her, finally submerging her for three long years.

When she finally arrived here, her hands trembled.

When she learned about him, sorrow gripped her heart.

He had a girlfriend now—a girl utterly unlike any character in his novels.

For some reason, she sensed Yun Mingxin had deliberately made her unique, refusing even to replicate her within his stories.

This tenderness softened her heart a little, yet left a faint tang of bitterness.

Still, she felt relief: they seemed to have broken up.

It might be immoral, but she wouldn’t lie to herself. Joy was joy, impossible to hide.

Both women came from wealthy families.

Her own personality differed vastly from that girlfriend’s.

The breakup was undoubtedly good for her.

But a woman’s intuition whispered: this wouldn’t end so simply.

That girl would likely regret it.

Her feelings for Yun Mingxin were tangled, yet one thing was clear—she wouldn’t let anyone hurt him again.

She had to scrutinize every woman near him, one by one.

This author sparked a fierce possessiveness in her.

It stemmed from gratitude. She truly owed him for rescuing her mind,

teaching her to anticipate tomorrow, to yearn for beauty.

She’d once heard how a Chinese writer’s fantasy novel helped an addict quit drugs and abandon suicide.

She hadn’t believed it—until three years ago, when she found her own light.

She’d let no one shatter it.

A beautiful figure flashed through Kujou Yukihime’s mind.

She was a uniquely formidable rival.

Kujou Yukihime turned her gaze inward, lifting a slender hand. Her sleeve drifted with fragrance.

She favored black—a deep void that set off her flawless porcelain skin.

She, too, radiated charm, lacking nothing compared to her rival. Only their auras differed.

That girl’s presence was like a snow lotus. Hers resembled a peony.

Kujou Yukihime closed her eyes, pondering briefly, then dialed a number.

"Xiao Si, contact the Su family. We’ll consider partnering with them."

"Shouldn’t we think it over, Sister? The Sus aren’t much weaker. Our advantage wouldn’t be clear."

"No need. I won’t lose."

"I am Kujou Yukihime!"

The other end fell silent—clear consent.

After hanging up, Kujou Yukihime reopened the novel.

A new chapter had dropped. She savored it, always spotting hidden gems in subtle details.

As she read, her cheeks flushed.

Like fresh silkworm silk coated in crimson glaze, tempting to bite.

Yun Mingxin was driving again.

This time: Kanna and the male lead’s three-day wilderness school trip.

Yun Mingxin himself was a closet carnivore, restrained by real-world rules.

But in his novel? No such limits. The protagonist was his unfiltered avatar.

The male lead devoured everything—under the sofa, beneath the dining table, on the balcony, in the shower…

Old news for seasoned readers, but for Kujou Yukihime—untouched by such scenes—it was a jolt.

Gradually, she calmed, settling into the rhythm.

Kujou Yukihime read with serene grace, nothing like a yakuza princess.

More like an ancient empire’s crown princess.

Lost in her world, she never imagined how her words would ripple through Quanjiang.

The Su family was colossal—not in numbers, but in scale.

Vast wealth flowed through few bloodlines.

Inside a grand Su-owned hotel, five girls gathered.

Each was stunning—campus goddess material anywhere.

Yet beside the girl at the center, they faded into insignificance.

No one showed impatience. They’d lived in her shadow since childhood.

Beside Su Xiaoyue sat a sporty, energetic girl.

"Xiaoyue, why’d you break up with him?" one asked.

Su Xiaoyue glanced at her, voice flat. "I don’t know."

"Honestly? He’s blind. Dumping someone like you? I’d slap him."

"Yeah! Lowlifes stay lowlifes. He gives me creepy vibes."

"That guy your uncle introduced was better—young director at a top firm, gorgeous too."

...

All but the girl nearest Su Xiaoyue joined the chorus bashing Yun Mingxin.

Su Xiaoyue’s brow furrowed deeper with every word.

A blemish on her pristine face—like a stain on a perfect painting.

She hated this. These girls barely knew him.

*No more meetups. No more business ties with their families.*

Strangely, the girl who felt nothing now felt discomfort.

Only the second time in her life.

The first was her mother’s funeral.

Wei Lu, Su Xiaoyue’s childhood friend, noticed none of this.

Shock painted her face—almost fear.

She’d just seen Su Xiaoyue *make an expression*.

Absurd. After fifteen years, this was the first time.

Chatter buzzed around her.

Wei Lu snapped. "Shut it!"

The three froze, eyes locking onto her.

Wei Lu was lively. Su Xiaoyue’s closest friend.

She knew Yun Mingxin was genuinely good.

Even brief contact had sparked her own quiet admiration.

Self-reliant. Exceptional. Thoughtful.

All rare qualities.

She’d hoped he’d thaw Su Xiaoyue’s icy heart.

But love was foreign to her too. She’d only suggested Su Xiaoyue search Zhihu for advice.

The breakup stunned her.

*Maybe Xiaoyue just doesn’t understand feelings yet.*

But today proved she *had* them. Yun Mingxin had awakened them.

Could such a man be "low"?

Wei Lu’s glare swept the table.

"You know who holds real power in Xiaoyue’s family? Her grandfather. One word from her, and he’d break Uncle Su’s legs."

"She chooses Yun Mingxin over some spoiled heir. Who are you to judge?"

"Money? To her, it’s just a pile of worthless paper."