Have the Male and Female Leads Finally Wised Up Today?

[Female Lead's Perspective]

I've heard of people transmigrating into a book they've read, but never into a book their friend was reading. And I transmigrated into the body of a supporting female character who helps the leads get together, a complete plot device who doesn't even deserve an ending!

Fine, I can be a plot device. I can play this like a big murder-mystery game where I clear levels and defeat monsters. Maybe once the leads get their happy ending, I'll be able to go back.

But what am I supposed to do when the actors refuse to follow the script?! I'm not playing a role that's meant to be adored by everyone, so could all you gentlemen please behave yourselves?

[Male Lead's Perspective]

I should have put my career first, obeyed my parents' wishes, and married a well-bred young woman from a family of equal standing. That was until she entered my sight...

I watched her use her stay with an aristocratic family to attach herself to a rising court official.

I watched her suffer over so-called love, crying as if her heart were breaking.

I watched her, insatiably greedy, get involved with one man after another!

Without knowing when it happened, I found my own heart caught up in it all.

But she walked away, leaving not a trace behind.

It doesn't matter. I'll just win her back.

[Little Scene]

At the waterside pavilion, Jiang Mei put down the obscure, difficult-to-read ancient book and rested her head on the chaise lounge. Half asleep, she heard footsteps drawing closer. The cool early-summer breeze carried the distinctive scent of Chinese fir from the man.

The footsteps stopped in front of her. Jiang Mei could feel the man watching her. She didn't want to wake up. She was used to playing dumb, and pretending to be asleep was a piece of cake. The man said nothing for a long time. Only when she heard him start to leave did Jiang Mei secretly breathe a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, cool lips pressed against hers. Jiang Mei's thoughts surged, but she didn't dare move a muscle. How could a refined, self-restrained young gentleman like him behave like a lecher, secretly taking liberties with his cousin? Fortunately, the kiss was over in an instant, and Jiang Mei decided to keep pretending to sleep.

A large hand turned her face back toward him, and the man's kiss returned. He was no longer content with a brief taste. He held Jiang Mei's lips between his and kissed them again and again, even cruelly gripping her chin to force her mouth open and expose her tongue, taking whatever he wanted!

The overwhelming scent of Chinese fir enveloped Jiang Mei. The man's broad chest was in front of her, and the back of the chair was behind her. There was nowhere to escape. At last, the man's desire subsided. Jiang Mei pulled her hand free from his tight grip and slapped him hard!

Jiang Mei's eyes reddened. "I told you, the person in the side room that day wasn't me. Why are you still doing this?"

The man caressed her brow and eyes, his tone resolute. "That doesn't matter anymore. It's broad daylight this time, so don't think you can wriggle out of it." Even if she did, it wouldn't matter. I would keep pursuing her.

Reading Guide:

1. Both leads are virgins, one-on-one romance.

2. The focus is on the romance, and the plot serves the relationship. Their feelings will take time to grow.

3. Set in an alternate world, with a jumble of dynasties, official titles, and cities. Don't take it too seriously.

Theme: I still don't know what I want, but I know very well what I don't want.