I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 147

Chapter 147

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Lin Qingyang couldn’t believe it, his eyes widened, and Chu Lishu beneath him couldn’t help but focus and listen.

Jing Rouyin intermittently gave some instructions, and it could be inferred that she was indeed maneuvering among the three families. When arranging things, she was also cautious and careful, with a sharp mind.

Among the women Lin Qingyang knew, besides Pei Jin, he had not seen anyone with such a agile performance. It was like dealing with two different people compared to her emotional display just a moment ago.

Lin Qingyang wanted to communicate with Chu Lishu. When he looked down, he found that Chu Lishu was no longer paying much attention to what was happening outside. He seemed uninterested and instead started observing the surroundings. Since his body didn’t hurt, he began to explore around, trying to see if there was anything hidden here.

Lin Qingyang quickly signaled Chu Lishu with hia eyes to snap out of it and focus on the main points.

Why is he so calm in the face of such explosive news? She used to be your fiancée!

Zhang Mama had already left after receiving the instructions because Jing Rouyin’s bath was in a separate room, some distance away from the main room, making their conversation even more convenient than before.

“It’s not important information,” Chu Lishu spoke as he saw Lin Qingyang looking shocked.

“Isn’t this considered important?” Lin Qingyang was puzzled.

Now there are still guards from Yuan Ye outside. Anyway, there’s no escape. Chu Lishu decided to explain it to Lin Qingyang.

“Many people are showing goodwill to all three families, and the information provided is not that important. Even if she doesn’t send someone to convey it, with the influence of those families, they can easily control it themselves. She can play her loyalty in front of the three families without raising suspicions of betrayal because the information is insignificant. She’s smartly protecting herself from attacks by any of the families. Also, in the future, when any of the families achieve victory, she will have enough credit to reappear in everyone’s sight. She wants to save her life and continue her phoenix-like existence. This is indeed the best current method. She’s smarter than I imagined,” Chu Lishu explained, probably making a comparison between Jing Rouyin and the previous Miss Jing in her cognition.

Although Lin Qingyang had some suspicions, Chu Lishu quickly helped him clear his thoughts.

She doesn’t belong to anyone; she just wants to invest in different people. As she mentioned earlier, if the crown prince is Yuan Ran, she is at ease because he will undoubtedly ascend to the throne. However, Yuan Ye is a far cry from that, and given the current situation, Jing Rouyin will not put all her eggs in one basket. So… she collaborates with all three families to show goodwill.

Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but fall silent, his emotions truly difficult to express at the moment. Although Jing Rouyin’s words about Yuan Ran were uncomfortable, one couldn’t help but feel sorry for this girl. He didn’t know what Chu Lishu’s attitude towards Jing Rouyin was now. After all, she hadn’t harmed Yuan Ran back then; it was the one implicated who ended up in the current situation. Therefore, she harbored deep resentment towards Yuan Ran.

According to the main character’s mentality in the original plot, he wouldn’t treat those who resented him kindly. Presumably, this is why Jing Rouyin didn’t receive the same treatment as Mr. Cao and the others.

It seems that in the original plot, the male lead discovered Jing Rouyin’s actions and took advantage of the situation by adding some elements to the aphrodisiac, manipulating the situation to create chaos between the two. This served his purpose of dealing with Yuan Ye. In his view, he simply gave the two a little push, and he didn’t care about Jing Rouyin’s original plan as long as it achieved his goal.

Would Chu Lishu still think the same way now? Lin Qingyang was struggling a bit and couldn’t help asking, “Can’t it just be about saving her life? Maybe she’s desperate, and the phoenix-like existence is just talk. In reality, she might not want to be involved in royal struggles anymore. Being sacrificed once is unlucky enough, especially for a young girl in her early twenties.”

Chu Lishu asked, “Do you sympathize with her?”

Lin Qingyang hesitated for a moment, nodded, and quickly added, “Although she insulted the former Crown Prince, whom I admire, considering her own situation, I can’t help but feel some sympathy.”

A talented young woman came from the south with the expectation of reaching great heights, but she was instead thrown into hell, facing various hardships, unable to return home, and even afraid to go out and meet people. Isn’t that unlucky enough?

Perhaps Lin Qingyang’s words pleased Chu Lishu, as he responded in a more relaxed tone.

“She’s quite unlucky, but the path she’s on now is her own choice. In fact, she has many ways to stay alive and leave. That incident happened almost four years ago, and if they didn’t kill her back then, they’re even less likely to do it now. The most critical moment has long passed. Moreover, the Empress Dowager sent her out, wanting to get rid of her. If she didn’t stay in the center of the capital, none of the three families would have targeted her. Why would she be in danger? She stays because she feels resentful about her experiences in these years. Perhaps there’s also a fear of death. In her view, she can only survive by conforming to destiny.”

Lin Qingyang felt that Chu Lishu’s explanation seemed to make sense, but he also thought it might be his one-sided speculation. “How can you be so sure?”

Chu Lishu replied, “Take the matter with Yuan Ye, for example. As long as Yuan Ye unilaterally likes her, she can stay alive and even ask Yuan Ye to let her leave here. However, she didn’t do that. Using the method of both resisting and welcoming, along with the aphrodisiac, she captured Yuan Ye’s heart, making him infatuated with her but never able to have her. That’s the gamble she placed on Yuan Ye. She hopes that when he ascends to the throne, he will overcome all obstacles to welcome her as his empress. As for the Eldest Prince and the Third Prince, she hasn’t figured out a way yet and can only show goodwill for now.”

Lin Qingyang listened in astonishment, and in the end, he had to admit that Chu Lishu seemed to have seen through Jing Rouyin. If it was not out of necessity but her own choice, Lin Qingyang really had nothing to say. Being manipulated by the Chu Lishu in the original plot, he could only say that might makes right.

But Lin Qingyang still had one thing he didn’t understand. If she was afraid of others harming her and wanted to show goodwill to the other familiess, why did she always act as if she were still infatuated with Yuan Ran? Wasn’t Yuan Ran taboo for many people?

Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but seek clarification from Chu Lishu.

“She has always portrayed herself as loyal to the former Crown Prince to the public, but it’s actually a necessity. After all, her identity is there. Even if she joined others in cursing the former Crown Prince back then, she couldn’t escape her connection. In a situation with no way out, doing this can, over time, win sympathy and a good reputation. People think she is virtuous and righteous. Most importantly, it attracts Yuan Ye’s attention. Yuan Ye… probably desires something that belongs to his elder brother the most. That’s why he’s so infatuated with Jing Rouyin. That’s probably the root cause.”

After all, when Yuan Ran was still around, Yuan Ye had never even seen Jing Rouyin, let alone talk about liking her.

“As for the other two families, they naturally understand that her actions are for show. Otherwise, she wouldn’t try to show goodwill to them. Her actions actually make them think she’s clever and open to cooperation.”

Lin Qingyang might not be able to imagine the predicament Jing Rouyin was in at that time and just sighed, “She really should have left here. It’s too complicated, and one wrong step could lead to…”

Lin Qingyang glanced at Chu Lishu.

“It’s actually easy to understand. For a woman, leaving here means her family won’t accept her, and others wouldn’t dare to marry her. If she can’t be open-minded and free, reconnecting with the phoenix-like existence is the only way to change her situation of isolation and helplessness. Seeking benefits inevitably comes with risks. As I said before, this is the path she chose. Even if she makes a mistake, she can’t blame others. Look at this…”

As he spoke, Chu Lishu took out the small box he had found in this space. Earlier, Chu Lishu had even smelled it twice, his expression peculiar.

“What is it?”

“Imperial Palace secret medicine, induces passion and aids conception.”

Lin Qingyang immediately widened his eyes.

“I guess she brought it out from the Imperial Palace. In fact, she had long made up her mind. Regardless of who becomes the emperor in the future, she’s prepared to sacrifice herself to ensure her own future path.”

Lin Qingyang was already too shocked to speak. Could it be that the medicine mentioned was either used by the male lead in the original plot or prepared by Jing Rouyin herself? What a complicated situation!

“Now that we know Jing Rouyin’s situation, what’s your plan…”

“Didn’t you ask me at the beginning if I had any way to ruin Yuan Ye’s reputation? I immediately thought of Jing Rouyin,” Chu Lishu interrupted directly.

Lin Qingyang’s heart skipped a beat, holding his breath, waiting for Chu Lishu to say something. However, he noticed that Chu Lishu had shifted his attention and was attentively listening to the sounds outside.

“What’s going on?” Lin Qingyang quickly lowered his voice.

“There was water sound just now, and now it’s gone. Also, I didn’t hear the sound of water draining,” Chu Lishu pondered for a moment. “Jing Rouyin should be asleep. There’s no one in the room at the moment. We can go out…”

Go out? What for? Could it be… Lin Qingyang suddenly noticed that Chu Lishu was still holding the medicine box, and his heart trembled. Is he really going to do this?

Lin Qingyang’s pupils contracted. The medicine box, an empty room, and Yuan Ye coming later—everything was in place. The male lead could easily take action.

As per the male lead’s character, he wouldn’t miss such an opportunity.

However, Jing Rouyin’s choice of path is her own matter. Yet, if Chu Lishu takes the initiative now, it would still be exploiting the girl’s innocence and reputation, causing her to live a more difficult life henceforth. After all, Jing Rouyin doesn’t want such a thing to happen.

What should he do? Should he stop it? Can he stop it?

Chu Lishu suddenly reached out and patted Lin Qingyang on the back. Lin Qingyang thought he was signaling to move away, thinking that Chu Lishu wanted to go out. Lin Qingyang was torn inside and quickly said, “There are guards outside.”

Chu Lishu paused, chuckled softly, and said, “I naturally know. I was thinking of going out to understand the situation outside, but then I thought it wasn’t necessary. Once they go to see the lanterns, it will be safe here.”

The tightly wound emotions in Lin Qingyang seemed to pause as if someone had hit the pause button, and a gentle touch was felt on his stiff back.

“I feel like you’ve been trembling all this time. Can’t hold on anymore? Is it hurting again at the back? Well, I’m not hurting now. You can lean on me.” Chu Lishu said slowly, as if this was what he cared about just now.

“I-I’m fine… you…” Lin Qingyang’s voice trailed off. He couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Didn’t Chu Lishu think of using Jing Rouyin to frame Yuan Ye?

But at that moment, 【Ding, Main Mission 2, Mission 5: Help the male lead design a plot to harm Prince Yuan Ye’s reputation failed. Deducting 50 points, total 140 points, plot progress: 46%.】

Lin Qingyang’s breath hitched. Although he was prepared, why did it happen so suddenly? He hadn’t even had a chance to struggle in despair. Something’s not right. Clearly, there was still a chance for the male lead to take action. How did the system determine it as a failure? Could it be…

Did the male lead voluntarily give up on the idea?!

In other words, even if this mission failed, he won’t set up such traps in the future?

Lin Qingyang was at a loss for words for a moment, feeling an oppressive sensation in his chest. He had just been convinced that Chu Lishu wouldn’t let this opportunity slip by. After all, it was like having a cooked duck delivered to one’s mouth.

“What’s wrong?” Chu Lishu looked at Lin Qingyang in confusion.

“Since we’re not going out, then what you just said…” Lin Qingyang lowered his eyelids, speaking in a muffled voice.

“Ruining Yuan Ye’s reputation?” Chu Lishu didn’t expect Lin Qingyang to be so persistent about this. He suggested, “We can spread the news that Yuan Ye is involved with the former Crown Princess.”

Just that? Lin Qingyang felt an even heavier weight on his chest. So the male lead didn’t consider… that kind of thing from the original plot?

Has he really changed so much?

“What’s wrong? Do you think it’s inappropriate?”

Lin Qingyang quickly shook his head. Obviously, with decisiveness in killing and a ruthless heart, he could walk more smoothly and further on this bloody path. And now, with the male lead’s temperament mellowing, was this ultimately a good thing or a bad thing? He just didn’t want the male lead to do something morally wrong. He hoped that when the male lead looked back in the future, he could do so with a clear conscience.

Chu Lishu smiled slightly, not revealing his other plan. In fact, when he discovered that Jing Rouyin was actively getting close to Yuan Ye, he did consider helping them, given the potential benefits. However, he knew Jing Rouyin’s future situation would be extremely miserable. He knew Lin Qingyang probably wouldn’t want to see that, and since he was the cause of it, this was his second option.

But just a moment ago, after Lin Qingyang explained and circled around various points, Chu Lishu understood. He sympathized with this woman, so that last trace of hesitation disappeared.

Cancel the second option.

“Spreading such rumors can be easily dealt with by the Cheng family, and the effect is likely to be small. So, timing is crucial. You can overlay this accusation on another design to get a bonus effect. But everything still depends on…” Chu Lishu slowly began to speak, already calculating where to implement this plan.

After talking for a while, he realized that Lin Qingyang hadn’t spoken. Chu Lishu raised an eyebrow in confusion, meeting Lin Qingyang’s gaze. In an instant, he was stunned.

The deep gaze made Chu Lishu’s cheeks flush, and his heartbeat quickened.

What’s going on? Everything was fine… Could it be that the lingering effects of the Love Intoxication Fragrance are still affecting him? Was he unable to control himself while pressing down on me? I suggested he press down, but he hesitated. Could it be that his body has already… Should I divert his attention? But, it’s a bit pitiful, and it makes me feel sorry for him.

Lin Qingyang was indeed watching Chu Lishu. His heart couldn’t calm down for a long time after the failure of this mission. It wasn’t because of the deducted points, but because of Chu Lishu’s transformation. He felt guilty for doubting him earlier. Clearly, Chu Lishu had become much better, having gone through so many terrible things. Lin Qingyang didn’t dare to expect too much from Chu Lishu’s character, given the circumstances. However, Jing Rouyin didn’t owe him anything. The fact that he let go of this opportunity really surprised Lin Qingyang.

He wanted to see Chu Lishu more clearly, to realize that Chu Lishu was no longer the vengeful avenger from the original plot.

He’s really good, good-looking, good-natured, good in every aspect.

Really… good.

Suddenly, he seemed to see Chu Lishu blushing. Was he really blushing? Given the limited lighting, he couldn’t see clearly, so he could only let his imagination run wild. Chu Lishu seemed to have a slightly awkward expression, but it added a touch of charm.

A beautiful person being shy stirs something in the heart.

It left Lin Qingyang wide-eyed and completely stunned.

His long, slightly tousled black hair scattered over some jewelry. Due to the recent bone-setting, his clothes had been pulled apart, and although they were reluctantly closed afterward, the neckline couldn’t fully close. It remained slightly open, revealing fair skin that seemed to emit a silvery light in the dim environment.

His captivating phoenix eyes, usually piercing with a gaze that seemed to see through one’s soul, blinked nervously for a moment. His black feather-like eyelashes fanned and trembled, as if conveying something. The clear waves in his eyes, the distinct black and white pupils, reflected his own face with a soft, watery glow.

Lin Qingyang felt his breath hitch, and his heartbeat seemed to be seized by something.

The only thought in his mind was, he really is something…

In an instant, Lin Qingyang seemed to have lost his senses. He slowly lowered his head, and a gentle kiss fell on those slightly lowered eyelids.

Chu Lishu was dumbfounded, and Lin Qingyang was equally shocked.

It felt like time had stopped, with only the quiet environment and the enclosed space, their world seemed to consist only of the two of them. The touch was gentle, warm, and tender.

Chu Lishu’s heart turned into a complete mess. Should he push away? Should he stop this? What was his original plan for Lin Qingyang? He should follow the arrangements that were good for him, shouldn’t he? He should… he should…

However, Lin Qingyang had been suppressing the desire to get closer to him for so long. How could Chu Lishu bear to push him away?

Chu Lishu used tremendous willpower to contain his softened heart. No matter what, the environment here didn’t allow Lin Qingyang, this foolish person, to act recklessly.

He quickly turned his head away, avoiding further escalation of the situation. He decided to wait for the right moment when… when it was suitable for Lin Qingyang to get close.

At the same time, Lin Qingyang, shocked, also snapped out of his trance. Was he going crazy?! Did he no longer care about this world? What was he doing?!

Quickly back away!

You see, even the male lead dodged himself!

Character traits are character traits, and the male lead is a typical straight guy!

He’s really living on the edge!

“My neck… it’s too sore, I hit you, I’m sorry,” Lin Qingyang said in a hoarse voice.

Chu Lishu paused, “Hmm, it’s okay. I told you not to support yourself a long time ago.”

Fortunately, the male lead had no intention of pursuing the matter. Their relationship remained good, and even if the male lead knew about his secret crush character trait, he wouldn’t harbor any hostility toward his awkward actions.

Feeling embarrassed, Lin Qingyang bowed his head and nestled against Chu Lishu’s neck, burying his face in Chu Lishu’s long hair. His face was likely turning red, and his heartbeat couldn’t seem to settle.

It must be from being startled.

Just now, it must have been an accident. He got too excited, much like how people might hug or kiss someone close to them in a fit of joy.

Lin Qingyang tried to rationalize the situation. No, he wasn’t overly excited just now. It must be the lingering effects of the Love Intoxication Fragrance. Yes, that’s it! There must still be remnants of the addictive substance in his body, causing his reactions to be more unusual than an average person. Otherwise, how could he have imagined the male lead with a cute and shy expression? It couldn’t be the male lead; he must have mistaken him for a cute and shy girl, influenced by the lingering effects of the Love Intoxication Fragrance.

It was just a momentary confusion and infatuation! Nothing significant!

Lin Qingyang, feeling a bit guilty, tried to distract himself. However, the intoxicating scent of Chu Lishu’s hair surrounded him. It carried a hint of pheromones, overwhelming his senses and making him feel dizzy.

Blushing, Lin Qingyang quickly turned his head to avoid burying his face in the long hair, attempting to escape the alluring fragrance. Yet, as he turned, he was faced with the elegant, fair neck of Chu Lishu. Looking up, he saw the ear with the distinctive mole.

Lin Qingyang’s pupils contracted, a shiver running down his spine, and he could only awkwardly close his eyes to escape the overwhelming sensation.

Please spare me, Love Intoxication Fragrance! Don’t harm me!

As Chu Lishu naturally felt the sensitive neck being continuously sprayed with a scorching breath, his body became more tense. Despite feeling pity in his heart, he could only endure it.

Just at that moment, there was commotion outside, indicating that someone had returned.

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