“Wait, who are you?”

Qin Ke fixed the person before him with a scrutinizing gaze.

Having just been roughed up by Meng Wanyu’s bodyguards, he no longer dared underestimate anyone standing in his path.

Still… seeing Lu Chengzhou, he figured this guy couldn’t be anyone important.

At most, a waiter. Or an extra.

“Hmm…”

Standing among them, Lu Chengzhou felt a flicker of unease.

Neither side was exactly made of upstanding citizens.

But to keep the plot from twisting into something as frustrating as the original story, he knew he had to act.

Wasn’t a supporting male lead’s purpose precisely to take the fall?

If this moment could also bring him closer to the male lead—perfect.

One survival rule for side characters: pick the right side.

No matter if the leads were right or wrong, just agree.

This world favored them. Following their lead never failed.

Riding their momentum? Also a sure bet.

Lu Chengzhou forced calm into his voice. “Young Master Qin need not ask who I am. I simply speak a word of fairness for Young Master Lin. He celebrates his birthday once a year. Today, he hosts; you are the guest. If unnecessary misunderstanding ruins the mood… wouldn’t that fall on you?”

Though Lin Chen was the unreasonable one, Lu Chengzhou defended him!

Discerning onlookers’ expressions shifted subtly.

Yet this biased mediation struck exactly the right chord with Lin Chen.

His gaze toward Lu Chengzhou softened visibly.

Toward Qin Ke? Grew darker.

Daring to snatch someone from under his nose—pure disrespect.

Lu Chengzhou could’ve stayed silent. Avoided offending Qin Ke.

Given his standing, crossing Qin Ke would make future days difficult.

Why step forward? To uphold Lin Chen’s face.

And Lin Chen wouldn’t stand idle. This was no longer Lu Chengzhou’s dignity—it was the Lin family’s honor.

Had Lu Chengzhou known Lin Chen had imagined all this in seconds, he’d have marveled at his imagination.

(He didn’t. Lin Chen wouldn’t say.)

Qin Ke let out a cold laugh. “I was just asking—who *are* you? Not every Tom, Dick, and Harry gets to lecture Qin Ke.”

“He’s my buddy,” Lin Chen cut in before Lu Chengzhou could speak. “His words are mine.”

Lu Chengzhou held two wine glasses. Lin Chen had taken one. Qin Ke hesitated on the other.

Lin Chen snatched it and thrust it into Qin Ke’s hand. “Young Master Qin… you wouldn’t refuse this drink, would you?”

Qin Ke’s smile froze.

If Lu Chengzhou offered it? He could refuse.

But Lin Chen? Could he?

Drinking meant surrender.

Lin Chen was the one being unreasonable—why should *he* yield?

Ridiculous!

“Heh. Young Master Lin, so *righteous*,” Qin Ke sneered, took the glass, and downed it in one gulp.

Then turned and walked away without a glance.

Su Qiaoman didn’t even get to speak.

For Lu Chengzhou? A massive relief—this severed their ill-fated tie clean.

[Successfully altered original plot! Acquired life skill: Master Chef.]

“Master Chef?” Lu Chengzhou blinked. What use was that? He wouldn’t touch a spatula. Mastery would be utterly wasted.

Just as dejection crept in, Lin Chen called his name.

Lu Chengzhou turned.

Lin Chen raised his glass with a meaningful glance. “Lu Chengzhou. You did well today.”

Su Qiaoman watched him gently, eyes full of unspoken words—though she dared not overstep, mindful of Lin Chen.

From afar, the Meng sisters exchanged glances.

The elder Meng sister smiled faintly. “This Lu Chengzhou… not simple at all.”

Meng Wanyu lowered her eyes, silent.

She saw the risk he took. *If Lin Chen rejected his act… would he seek my help tonight?*

…

Over an hour later, the banquet wound down.

Su Qiaoman and Lin Chen slumped “asleep” beside sofas—both very much pretending.

Lin Chen’s friends tactfully left. *Space for the two of them*, they thought.

*He’ll wake at midnight. Alone with her. Perfect.*

But Lu Chengzhou saw through it.

Su Qiaoman waited for him to take her away, as promised.

Lin Chen faked sleep to see if she’d leave.

A brutal choice loomed: offend the female lead? Or the male lead?

Offend Lin Chen—simple-minded, favor reset to zero. Tonight’s effort, wasted.

Offend Su Qiaoman—seemingly gentle, deeply scheming. Revenge would follow.

As Lu Chengzhou weighed his options, a familiar voice spoke behind him.

“Huh? Su and Lin both asleep?”

Meng Wanyu stepped close, two sturdy bodyguards at her heels. Clearly prepared.

Lu Chengzhou shot her a grateful look.

“In that case,” Meng Wanyu said lightly, “I’ll do a good deed and see Su home.” She signaled her guards forward.

Before they reached Su Qiaoman, Lin Chen shot up, blocking her.

“Miss Meng—taking someone away so casually? Improper, isn’t it?”

*How dare she ruin his plan!* Meng Wanyu was a headache… yet he couldn’t touch her.

Meng Wanyu clicked her tongue, waved the guards back. “Don’t trust me? Fine. You, me, and Lu Chengzhou—we three escort her home. Reassured now?”

Lin Chen choked on words.

Meng Wanyu laughed. “What’s wrong, Lin Chen? Planning to keep her here… and *take advantage* while she’s drunk?”