C2 The Antagonist's Fate System.
At a time like this, there was no room for gentleness—survival was the priority!
Zhou Yingxue's foggy mind snapped to attention as she swallowed mouthfuls of water.
Just when she was finally hauled up for a breath of fresh air, she was plunged back into the depths.
After a relentless cycle of five dunks, Zhou Yingxue seized the opportunity to yell, "Stop!"
Qin Xiaoliu paused, "Oh? Awake now?"
Soaked to the skin and coughing violently, Zhou Yingxue glared up at the man before her—a man with a hint of handsomeness.
His methods were ruthless! Had he no concept of chivalry?
"Who are you? What do you want with me?"
Qin Xiaoliu laid out the situation in simple terms.
Hearing his explanation, Zhou Yingxue went pale, retreating instinctively, "So, what's your plan now?"
Qin Xiaoliu, at a loss for words, spread his hands, "If I were after you, would I bother waking you up?"
"Relax, I have no designs on you. You're safe."
"I'll let you go, but I need your cooperation."
Zhou Yingxue's tension eased slightly at Qin Xiaoliu's assurance. He was right; if he had wanted to harm her, she'd have been in trouble long ago.
Yet, the notion that he harbored no feelings for her stirred an inexplicable sense of disappointment within her...
Still, she remained on guard, "And why should I trust you?"
Qin Xiaoliu flashed a smile, "Because I know you're the young miss of the Zhou family."
Zhou Yingxue's mouth fell open in astonishment, staring at Qin Xiaoliu.
Her greatest secret was out!
It was unthinkable that anyone would know of her connection to the Zhou family!
How could he possibly know?
Was he sent by her family for protection?
No, that couldn't be!
The Zhou family's servants would never treat her so harshly!
Yet, he seemed to know the truth!
Was it just a guess?
Striving for composure, Zhou Yingxue countered, "What are you talking about? The Zhou family? I know nothing of it."
Qin Xiaoliu gave her an exasperated look and said, "Miss Lin, I don't have time for your theatrics."
More acting? He'd be risking his neck!
Qin Xiaoliu's blunt revelation left Zhou Yingxue feeling somewhat embarrassed...
He didn't seem to care, though, and went on.
"It's simple. Just don't go around claiming I've been with you."
Zhou Yingxue herself wasn't of much value to him; it was the backing of the Zhou family he was after.
Her face flushed at his words. "Are you insane? I would never admit to that!"
"No, that's not it at all! Nothing happened between us, so there's nothing to admit or deny, okay?"
Qin Xiaoliu dismissed her with a wave of his hand, "Fine, let's leave it at that. You're free to go."
"Just remember what you've said. If you spread lies, I'll let the whole world know you're the Zhou family heiress."
That threat should hold some weight, considering the Zhou family had its fair share of adversaries.
Even if they were both merely stepping stones for the protagonist to woo Zhou Yingxue, she wasn't even acquainted with the protagonist yet!
Zhou Yingxue was torn. She had never encountered a man like this before.
He was not only immune to her charms but was actively trying to distance himself from her.
And now he was eager to send her on her way?
Utterly ridiculous...
This man... he was slightly irritating, yet intriguingly enigmatic!
Zhou Yingxue was ready to depart, but she paused, turning back to question Qin Xiaoliu.
"Could you tell me who it was... who sent me here?"
Qin Xiaoliu let out a soft laugh. At least she had the sense to ask. Zhou Yingxue wasn't entirely clueless.
He was on the verge of revealing the truth when he suddenly held back.
This was an opportunity!
Feigning concern, Qin Xiaoliu said, "I don't know. The person who got in touch with me was very secretive. All I know is that he's a man, apparently with some medical knowledge, skilled in combat, and roughly 1.8 meters tall. He casually mentioned a woman named... Zhao Wan'er, claiming she's someone's close friend."
Qin Xiaoliu observed Zhou Yingxue's reaction closely...
He had dropped hints so obvious they were nearly explicit—could she really be so clueless?
The scapegoat he had chosen was none other than the protagonist!
After all, a showdown with the protagonist was inevitable.
Might as well be proactive and strike first!
When Qin Xiaoliu noticed Zhou Yingxue's face shift to an expression of sudden understanding mixed with gravity, he knew his words had taken effect.
Just then, a voice echoed in his mind.
[Ding!]
[Villain Luck System activated...]
[Congratulations to the host for successfully altering the course of the story. You have earned 1,000 luck points!]
[Would you like to enter the draw?]
Qin Xiaoliu was elated. As a transmigrator, how could he not have a system?
Without hesitation, he chose 'Yes.'
[1,000 luck points expended for the draw!]
[Congratulations to the host for gaining +100 Charm Value.]
Instantly, Qin Xiaoliu sensed a transformation within himself.
His bones subtly shifted, seemingly adding a bit of height, his limbs lengthened slightly, and even his gaze sharpened.
Yet, Qin Xiaoliu was not content; in fact, he was somewhat vexed. He had hoped for Force Value.
What good is handsomeness compared to combat prowess?
But time was on his side, and having the system was what mattered.
The system was straightforward to use, offering only support without any superfluous features—exactly what he had anticipated.
He had no fondness for systems that treated their hosts like pets.
"That's all you need to know. Now go, or you'll be too late."
Zhou Yingxue nodded, her gaze drifting over Qin Xiaoliu with a touch of bewilderment. Had he become... significantly more attractive?
The room brightened, allowing her a clearer view of Qin Xiaoliu's features: his eyebrows sharp as blades, his face chiseled, his eyes deep and enigmatic.
He exuded an inexplicable, unique aura...
Zhou Yingxue caught herself staring, quickly averted her eyes, her cheeks flushed and her heart racing. She chastised herself silently.
"Pah! Zhou Yingxue! What on earth are you daydreaming about? He's a bad guy!"
Despite her inner conviction, her curiosity about Qin Xiaoliu's true identity only deepened...
