Shen Jiang is the protagonist on the receiving end in a danmei novel where readers bet on love interests. He's gorgeous and free-spirited, and every frown and smile of his is captivating. A photo snapped by a passerby earned him the top spot on the Interstellar Beauty Rankings for eight years in a row.
He plays four men against one another. A single glance is enough to leave them lovestruck and fighting over him.
A handsome duke of noble birth kneels on one knee to kiss the tips of his toes, willingly clasping a chain around his own neck and begging for his favor.
The ruthless, decisive marshal smiles gently, his steel-softened heart melting for him. In full view of everyone, he gives Shen Jiang his silver-white badge, meaning: From this day on, I share my glory with you.
A painter who has only ever painted landscapes and still lifes, and never painted another person, has a secret hideaway no one knows about. It's filled with portraits of Shen Jiang.
The empire's richest man, who cares only about profit, is willing to give up a contract worth billions just because Shen Jiang casually says, "I want to see you."
He thinks he's got them all wrapped around his finger, unaware that the author has been laying the groundwork in secret. One day, the flowers and glory he possesses will turn into poisonous thorns and leave him battered from head to toe.
The pursuing lead's perspective
Lu Wen'ao transmigrates into a danmei novel, becoming the lecherous ruler with the shortest reign in history.
Because he covets Shen Jiang's beauty and tries to force him into submission with his power, the duke and the others eventually join forces to depose him.
Lu Wen'ao: ...
To avoid arousing suspicion, he keeps up the lecherous act in public while secretly gathering talent and gradually taking control of the throne for himself.
He keeps his head down as a background character amid the leads' tangled love and hate, quietly making a fortune. But...
At the royal banquet, the four love interests bow and invite Shen Jiang to dance the first dance. Instead, he turns gracefully and holds out his hand to the ruler seated on the throne.
Lu Wen'ao, who's just attracted a wave of resentment: ...
"To be honest, I have a leg injury."
Flirt all you want. If I fall for you, I lose.
The receiving lead's perspective
The first time Shen Jiang meets the ruler, he thinks the man's eyes are clouded, full of desire for him.
The second time they meet, the ruler is still absurdly lecherous, but his eyes are clear.
Curious, Shen Jiang tests the waters and slowly draws closer, hoping to see the man lose himself in desire for him. Every time, though, he fails.
Until at last, when he's fallen to rock bottom and is covered in mud, the man pulls him from the poisonous thorns and shelters him beneath his wings.
Emotionless transmigrator on the pursuing end x scheming, flirtatious beauty on the receiving end
Theme: Be a good person.
