I Take Down the White Moonlight by Playing the Victim

Qi Jue, son of one of the Nine Exiled Immortals, is decisive and ruthless, exceptionally strong, handsome, rich, and born into a distinguished family. His admirers could line up all the way from Wushan to the gates of Qianshan Sect.

But his heart belongs only to his moonlight, his senior brother Bai Chuqing. In his eyes, Bai Chuqing is insecure and sensitive because he grew up poor. He is timid and indecisive because he thinks things through carefully. He is dark-hearted because he suffered misfortune as a child.

As for Su Mingyu, with whom he once spent a night, Qi Jue always figures the man has everything he could want already. One more person like Qi Jue makes no difference, and one less wouldn't matter either.

Bai Chuqing, with his tragic background, is far more pitiful.

With his sharp tongue honed to perfection, Qi Jue gives the world a clear demonstration of how to pine for someone with complete sincerity while being utterly transparent about his scumminess.

Until, years later, Qi Jue happens upon a drunk Su Mingyu. His eyes are faintly red at the corners, a vision of breathtaking beauty. The strong liquor burns his throat, but what it draws out is not tears. It is the endless loneliness and desolation in his eyes.

Qi Jue: I've got one hell of a thing to say, but from now on, I'll never be able to say it.

*

Su Mingyu is handsome, rich, and born into a distinguished family. He thinks winning Qi Jue over is a sure thing, but Qi Jue has eyes and a heart only for that pitiful Bai Chuqing.

Su Mingyu gives up. Who else here wasn't a little cabbage in a field, unloved by their father at three and uncared for by their mother at five?

After devoting himself to the art of playing the victim, Su Mingyu finally succeeds in taking the top spot.

But taking the top spot was never his goal.

Deep down, as Su Mingyu watches Qi Jue chase after Bai Chuqing, he can only laugh. He thinks someone as cold-spoken, sharp-tongued, and aloof as Qi Jue deserves to never find love.

Until, later on, Qi Jue stands there in white stained with blood, his face cold as ever, yet still firmly shielding Su Mingyu with his own body.

Only then does Su Mingyu realize that this man has not only a cruel mouth, but also a dependable back.

*

When the truth comes to light, Qi Jue looks at Su Mingyu, whose heart is black through and through. "Why did you let me go?"

"Because..." Su Mingyu turns Qi Jue's face toward him and says something he will never believe again: "My heart has already begun to love you."

Manipulative beauty top who plays the victim (Su Mingyu) x sharp-tongued, aloof noble-born bottom (Qi Jue)

Theme: With great power comes great responsibility