So I'm the Villain

[Proud, theatrical, universally adored heroine × aloof, lovesick, devoted hero]

After awakening to the truth, Li Qing dutifully followed the plot, hoping to finish her mission and get the System unbound as soon as possible. She finally made it through the plot and got the System unbound, but before she could enjoy even a few days of freedom, the sky came crashing down.

[Ding! Congratulations, Host. You have successfully activated the System.]

That damn System had lied to her. It had never been unbound at all! Li Qing looked at the familiar mission target standing in front of her and couldn't help sneering. What a scumbag.

He wasn't just trash, he was also pretending to be devoted. Other people's Systems helped their Hosts reach the pinnacle of life, but hers only made her obediently follow the plot and become a stepping stone for the leads, or, more accurately, for the male lead.

“I don't even have any scenes. I'm not even an NPC.” Li Qing had a clear understanding of her role as the villainess. Besides, even the heroine had been replaced, so what did this plot have to do with her?

[Host, you are the antagonist.]

She'd gone from villainess to antagonist, but her role as the male lead's stepping stone remained unchanged. Li Qing's eyes narrowed. One day, she'd chop this System to pieces. When the System kept trying to boss her around, she shot back, “Are you the antagonist, or am I?”

With the male lead: Humiliate him as much as possible.

With the female lead: Why won't she listen to reason?

[Host interference level too high. Interference has exceeded 90%. The System will initiate the punishment mechanism.]

A punishment mechanism? Li Qing didn't care in the slightest. She couldn't resist mocking it aloud. “Oh? Then go ahead and try.”

Mini-scene 1

Li Qing approached Gu Jingzhi, another antagonist, to propose working together.

“Gu Jingzhi, you're a good partner.” Li Qing held out her hand and gave him a rare, fairly sincere smile.

“I'm honored by your favor, Miss Li.” Gu Jingzhi's eyes showed undisguised delight as he took her hand. His other hand curled into a fist beneath the table.

“Remember, Antagonist Number Two has to listen to Antagonist Number One.” Li Qing stood and patted Gu Jingzhi on the shoulder, raising an eyebrow as her long, narrow eyes gleamed with amusement.

Gu Jingzhi was perfectly happy to be called Antagonist Number Two. He played along with Li Qing. “Understood, Miss Li.”

Mini-scene 2

Li Qing lounged in her chair, watching Gu Chen face a group of directors who were grilling him, his expression cold and vicious. She crossed her legs and lazily accepted a grape from Jiang Li. “Are you sure you won't help your nephew?”

Jiang Li really was thoughtful.

“He's the male lead, and I'm the antagonist.” Gu Jingzhi lowered his eyes, snatched the grape Li Qing had just brought to her lips, and stuffed it into his mouth as he watched her startled expression. His teeth crushed the fruit. “You and I are on the same side.”

Theme: Your life is in your own hands. Don't give up.