Chapter 112: Chapter 112: Yue Ning’s Ambitions
When Yue Ning arrived home, she noticed she was the only one around; the siblings hadn’t returned.
She collapsed on the bed, chest rising and falling heavily.
"This world is moving in a different direction compared to the novel," she whispered to the ceiling. "It feels like there are more schemes here than in the book."
’That is normal. The female lead halo has been transferred to you to prevent this world from collapsing.’ The system replied with a matter of fact tone.
Yue Ning instantly sat up. "Halo? Transferred to me?" She frowned. The system often spoke in riddles she didn’t fully grasp.
’Yue Chen was the female lead in the novel, wasn’t she?’
"She was," Yue Ning admitted warily, unsure where this was heading.
’I told you that since you transmigrated here, there would be a butterfly effect. Do you remember?’
Yue Ning nodded.
’When Huo Feng took her away, Yue Chen’s halo completely collapsed. Normally, that would trigger the destruction of the world. But in your case, the halo was transferred to you.’ The system paused, as if weighing its words.
’My best guess is that the author of this novel inserted a plot twist.’
Yue Ning’s brows drew together, confusion swirling in her eyes. "I still don’t understand."
’What I mean is... your actions here are influencing the author in your real world. She must have rewritten the plot, and now you are her focus.’
Yue Ning exhaled slowly. "So, in essence, I am the female lead now?"
’Correct.’ It admitted.
"Wow." The word slipped out. The thought was surreal.
"Then what happens to Yue Chen?" She asks again.
’She fades into the background. She’s no longer important to the story.’
Yue Ning nodded in relief. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with her again.
"Now that I think of it, I don’t have many friends. It’s good to build connections." She stroked her chin in thought. "I want to create the biggest novel community in this city, but I don’t know where to start."
The system fell silent, almost taken aback by her words.
’Are you certain? Building such a community requires knowledge, effort, and time. Are you willing to invest in it?’
"One hundred percent. I know I’m not the only woman who loves novels. My goal is to create a circle where we read, share ideas, and review together."
She paused, then added with quiet determination, "It will help me build a reputation among the rich ladies. I don’t want to just stay at home."
The system remained wordless, processing her ambition.
"Of course, this is only a small venture. My true goal is to build the largest bookstore in this city. But first, I need an identity." Yue Ning rubbed her palms together, excitement brimming in her eyes.
’I understand your intentions. But for now, focus on your mission. Afterward, you can discuss your plans with Huo Feng.’
"Right... the mission." Her shoulders slumped, her enthusiasm waning instantly.
She toyed absentmindedly with her fingers, thoughts circling back to the danger ahead.
Song Kai’s name surfaced in her mind like a shadow. He was a predator waiting patiently for prey.
The system sighed silently, then decided to offer her a fragment of help.
"Huo Mingjie."
Yue Ning’s heart raced. "Huo Mingjie?" She waited for the system’s elaboration, but it went silent.
Her eyes narrowed, understanding what she had to do. She would have to keep an eye on him. It would’ve been easier if they still lived in the ancestral mansion.
Resting a finger against her lips, she pondered her next move.
With a deep breath, she grabbed a novel to distract herself. Maybe Huo Feng can watch him instead. ’The system didn’t say I had to complete the mission alone.’ She thought to herself.
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Meanwhile, in another residence, Kang Beichen stood motionless, his gaze cold and unyielding as it bore down on Yue Chen.
She was huddled in the corner, trembling, her wide eyes darting in fear.
"No, don’t come near me. I’m carrying Beichen’s child—the Kang family heir. You can’t harm me... they won’t let you go."
She shook her head frantically, desperation in every word.
Kang Beichen sighed, stepping forward.
He reached out, but she flinched violently, shrinking back. "Don’t... touch me. I want Kang Beichen. I want Kang Beichen!"
Kang Beichen stood rigid, his gaze locked on the fragile figure trembling in the corner. Yue Chen’s hair was tangled, her clothes wrinkled, her eyes wild and unfocused. She looked less like the arrogant woman he once knew and more like a bird with broken wings.
"Don’t... don’t come closer," she stammered, pressing herself tighter against the wall. Her voice cracked as she pleaded, "I can’t go back there... I can’t. Please don’t let him lock me up again."
Her words trembled with fear, but Beichen didn’t need her to explain. He knew exactly who haunted her. Huo Feng’s presence lingered here, tainting her with fear and terror.
"You’re carrying my child," he reminded her flatly, though his jaw was clenched. "That alone is why you’re still here."
Yue Chen’s tear-filled eyes snapped to him filled with desperation. She scrambled forward on her knees and seized his sleeve with trembling fingers. "Then you’ll protect me, won’t you? You won’t let him touch me again? I’ll behave—I’ll be obedient. Just... just don’t let him send me back there."
Beichen looked down at her. The once proud woman who schemed and clawed for status was gone. What remained was a hollow shell which was broken by fear, and driven by desperation.
For a long time, he said nothing.
Finally, he pulled his arm free from her grip. "You will stay here until the child is born," he said, his voice cold and measured. "But do not mistake this for affection, Yue Chen. You and I are finished."
Her lips trembled, but she nodded quickly, relief and despair mingling in her gaze. "I understand. I’ll do anything you say. I just... I just don’t want to see him again."
Beichen turned his back to her, hiding the flicker of unease in his eyes. He could not love her, not after all she had done, not after seeing her like this. But the child... the child was his responsibility.
Behind him, Yue Chen’s soft sobs filled the silence, her shoulders trembling. The once proud lady was now broken.
Beichen’s hands tightened at his sides. He had chosen to protect the heir she carried, but in that moment, he realized something bitter: This broken and terrified woman would haunt him more than any enemy ever could.