Chapter 1: The Villainous Young Master Awakens
The golden light of sunset bathed the campus of South City University. Maple trees rustled in the breeze, and ripples spread across the lake.
Trần Lạc opened his eyes. For a moment, he didn't know where he was. The spacious room, with its luxurious furnishings, felt more like a five‑star hotel than a student dormitory.
In the mirror appeared a handsome, cold face. Deep eyes, a high nose bridge, lips curled into a faint, mocking smile.
He realized he had transmigrated.
> [Story‑Insight System activating…]
Character: Trần Lạc – Young Master of the Trần Family.
Influence Level: ★★★★★
Initial Mission: "Rescue the female lead Hạ Thanh Nguyệt at Lecture Hall B to open up your destined romance."
Trần Lạc frowned. Destined romance? Sorry, not interested.
He slipped on a silver‑gray suit jacket, every movement exuding the air of someone born to be admired. But in the depths of his eyes, a cold glint flashed.
> If I save her, the plot will drag me into the male lead's script.
No—I'll walk a different path.
Let's see, system… who's really in control here.
Lecture Hall B – The Classic Scene
Noise echoed down the hallway. From the second‑floor balcony, Trần Lạc looked down toward the courtyard.
Hạ Thanh Nguyệt—radiant like she had stepped out of a painting—was cornered by a few rough‑looking students. She shrank back, her bright eyes silently pleading for help. This was exactly the scripted scene: all he had to do was rush in, hold out a hand, and a fated romance would bloom.
He… walked straight past.
The onlookers were stunned.
> "Huh? Young Master Trần isn't going to step in?"
"Weird… he always helps girls…"
Trần Lạc didn't even glance back. Let's see if the original male lead can handle it without me.
A Different Path
He turned down a stone‑paved path leading to a quiet garden.
There, at the corner, a girl crouched, gathering scattered papers.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, falling softly on her long black hair. Her pale blue skirt fluttered in the breeze. She lifted her head—her eyes were clear, but tinged with exhaustion.
Lâm Vân.
The system stayed silent. No alerts, no missions.
It was as if she… didn't belong to the script.
Trần Lạc tilted his head slightly, studying her. This girl had no radiant halo, only a trace of sorrow, like someone who had endured too much.
> "Excuse me…" Her voice trembled slightly. "These are my papers."
He stepped forward, crouching to help pick them up. Their fingers brushed accidentally. Lâm Vân flinched.
> "You… are Lâm Vân?"
She froze. "You… know me?"
He smirked. "Not only do I know you. I intend… to change your entire life."
Her eyes widened. Before she could respond, he handed her a sleek, embossed business card.
Trần Group – Special Recruitment.
> "Tonight. Eight o'clock. Paradise Above the Clouds." His low voice sounded like an order.
"I… don't need a job." She shook her head.
"It's not a job." He leaned closer, his gaze deep and unreadable. "I need someone… who doesn't belong to this script."
Lâm Vân bit her lip, a strange premonition rising in her chest. This man… was nothing like anyone she had met before.
A Message – A Decision
In his mind, the system chimed again:
> [Alert: Female lead is being bullied! Original male lead approaching!]
Trần Lạc chuckled softly and pressed the business card into her hand.
> "Come with me, and you won't have to endure a single moment more."
"I… don't believe you." Lâm Vân's voice shook.
He leaned close, his breath warm against her ear:
"Then try believing me—just once. Don't regret it."
She froze, cheeks flushing pink. For the first time in years, Lâm Vân felt her heart racing wildly.
Trần Lạc turned and walked away, his shadow stretching long across the stone path under the evening sun.
In his mind, the gears of countless plans began to turn.
And Lâm Vân stood there, gripping the business card as if it were a lifeline.
> "Young Master Trần… just who are you?"