The entire room fell silent.
What was going on?
What the hell was going on!?
For three whole years, Lu Chengwen had clung to Leng Qingqiu like a shameless leech, doing everything possible to drive away any man who got close to her—all to make her his.
And for those three years, every time the engagement was mentioned, Leng Qingqiu would explode in fury, declaring she'd rather die than submit.
But now?
Things had completely flipped.
Lu Chengwen didn't want to marry her anymore—while Leng Qingqiu agreed to the engagement?
He had gone insane!
He turned his head in disbelief, staring at her.
[Big sister, what the hell are you doing!? Agreeing to the engagement—what kind of death wish is that?! You're supposed to be part of Long Aotian's harem! You're supposed to be licking his boots, not mine! If you do this, Long Aotian's gonna kill me for sure!]
[That bastard got close to you on purpose just to play the weakling, show off at the perfect moment, and win you and your family's favor!]
[Then you'd fall for him, give him your entire family fortune, and everything would go according to the damn plot! Stick to the script, woman!]
Leng Qingqiu sneered at him.
You want to break off the engagement?
Did you ask for my permission?
You disgusted me for three years, and now you think you can just walk away because you feel like it? You really believe I'd go become some bodyguard's harem girl?
Fine. I'll make you regret ever thinking that.
Let's see exactly how that so-called Long Aotian plans to drag me into his little harem!
And besides… being suddenly able to hear Lu Chengwen's inner voice had left her completely stunned. He seemed to know things no one else should.
She didn't know what kind of trick he was playing, but right now, the best move was to make sure his plans failed completely.
The parents of both families were overjoyed, chatting excitedly about the upcoming wedding—how to arrange it, where they'd live, who'd take care of the grandkids…
Lu Chengwen pulled Leng Qingqiu aside, panicking. "Qingqiu, are you… are you out of your mind today?"
Leng Qingqiu snorted. "I'd say you're the one acting strange."
Lu Chengwen tried to calm himself down. "Alright, alright, no need to argue. But this engagement—it's a no-go, really. We've got to fix this, I'm serious."
Leng Qingqiu felt triumphant.
For three years, she'd had no way to deal with this shameless pest.
He had no shame, no pride, no limits. He'd used every dirty trick imaginable.
He'd driven her insane.
And now, seeing him sweat bullets and spin in circles like a headless chicken… it was glorious.
Serves you right, scumbag!
Lu Chengwen said anxiously, "Qingqiu, are you just doing this because of pressure from the elders? Think about it—am I annoying?"
"Extremely."
"Do you hate me?"
"Hate you."
"Do I disgust you?"
"Super disgusted."
"Then why do you still want to get engaged to me?"
"Because I want to."
Lu Chengwen stared at her, dumbfounded. Maybe he didn't know this woman as well as he thought.
Meanwhile, the families had already reached an agreement, ushering the two into the garden with wide smiles.
Lu Chengwen's mind was a complete blur.
Standing on the stage beside Leng Qingqiu, his thoughts were racing.
[It's over! In just a few minutes, Long Aotian's going to burst in, kick my leg into pieces, and steal Leng Qingqiu away!]
[So this is fate? Even when I know what's coming, I still can't change a damn thing?]
[Why is Leng Qingqiu acting so weird today!? She's supposed to hate me!]
Leng Qingqiu narrowed her eyes as she listened to his thoughts, completely shocked.
This guy—not only could she hear his thoughts, but he also seemed to "know how things would unfold"?
Was Long Aotian really going to appear?
The host's voice rang out, brimming with excitement. "Ladies and gentlemen, by the wishes of both families, I'm honored to announce a grand event! The Lu family's young master, Lu Chengwen, and the Leng family's eldest daughter, Leng Qingqiu, will hold their engagement ceremony on the tenth of next month—"
"I object!"
A security guard stepped out from the crowd—the official male lead of this story, Long Aotian.
The host frowned. "Guards, remove this lowly security officer!"
Lu Chengwen's knees went weak the moment he saw him.
He instinctively took a step back.
Leng Qingqiu glanced at Lu Chengwen, utterly stunned.
He was right!
Long Aotian strode toward the stage. The host tried to push him away but was effortlessly thrown off the platform.
Leng Qingqiu glared. "Long Aotian! What do you think you're doing?"
Long Aotian grasped her shoulders. "Qingqiu, don't worry. I won't let anyone force you into anything. Your destiny should be yours to decide!"
To be honest, if the story had gone as written, Lu Chengwen would've been his usual shameless self, the Lu family would've pressured the Lengs with power, and her own parents would've approved the political marriage. In that situation, Long Aotian's sudden act of defiance would've been touching—heroic even.
A few days ago, he had saved her in an accident, displaying remarkable skill and courage, earning her admiration. That was why she had hired him as her personal bodyguard, and she had indeed begun to think highly of him.
But now, with Lu Chengwen's "spoilers" ringing in her head, everything felt twisted.
She saw Long Aotian's every word and gesture as manipulative—scheming for her family's fortune. He felt even slimier than Lu Chengwen!
Leng Qingqiu brushed off his hands. "Long Aotian, you're just my bodyguard. My personal affairs are none of your business."
"Qingqiu, I know what you're worried about. But don't be afraid—while I'm here, no one can force you into a marriage!"
Lu Chengwen nodded slightly.
[Of course, look at you go, you self-righteous bastard.]
[I'm sure you've got plenty more heroic lines prepared. Go on—speak your lines, Justice Man. As the mighty War God, it's your job to make everyone think you're a saint.]
[Go ahead, start your performance!]
Long Aotian turned toward the guests and declared loudly,
"The four great families of Snow City—shame on you! You've abandoned honor and profit through corruption, now sacrificing a young woman's happiness for political gain! Have you no shame? Do you even care about Qingqiu's feelings!?"
Lu Chengwen clapped from behind.
[Beautiful! Qingqiu, your cue—cry, damn it! The man just gave you the perfect setup. Cry already!]
Leng Qingqiu glared at him coldly, her eyes blazing with fury at the mockery.
Lu Chengwen froze under her glare, awkwardly lowering his hands and pretending to look away.
Long Aotian continued, "Uncle Leng, Aunt Leng—Qingqiu is your daughter. How could you push her into a pit of fire? Everyone in Snow City knows what kind of trash Lu Chengwen is! How can you marry your daughter to such scum without guilt or shame?"
Leng Qingqiu snapped, "Since when does a mere bodyguard get to lecture my family? You're fired! Leave immediately!"
Long Aotian blinked.
Huh!?
Something was wrong.
This wasn't how things were supposed to go!
The crowd began murmuring.
"Who is this guy? Does he have no manners?"
"Interrupting an engagement ceremony? What a creep!"
"Look at him—thinks he can win over the young lady? What a joke!"
"Ugh, he's got that sleazy vibe all over him!"
Lu Chengwen was on edge.
[Why are you people yelling!? Stop raising his aggro value—he's gonna start hitting people any second now!]
[Everyone, calm the hell down!]
Then a burly Lu family bodyguard stormed up and grabbed Long Aotian by the collar. "Hey, punk! This is Young Master Lu's big day, and you're picking a fight? You see this? This fist is the size of your head!"
Long Aotian sneered.
A mere mortal dares threaten me? I could end your life with a flick of my finger.
He closed his eyes, tilting his chin up proudly. His first battle to fame was about to begin!
Honor. Glory. Beauty.
From this moment forth—they would all be his!
He took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and opened his eyes, bursting with domineering aura. "Since you wish to fight, I'll show you what it means when the War God returns! Today, I shall—huh!?"
Thud!
The big man was suddenly gone.
Looking down, Long Aotian saw that Lu Chengwen had tackled him to the ground, pinning him down.
The bodyguard struggled to get up and fight, but Lu Chengwen held him tight, both of them rolling on the floor.
"My good brother! Calm down, calm down!" Lu Chengwen shouted, panicking.
He had to calm him down!
This was supposed to be the protagonist's first victim! After this guy died, Long Aotian was supposed to break his leg next!
Lu Chengwen didn't want his leg broken!
Nearly in tears, he pleaded, "Brother, don't—don't do it. Please, on my account!"
The big man froze. "Young Master Lu… you call me brother?"
Panting, Lu Chengwen nodded. "Yes, good brother—brothers for life."
The man's eyes filled with tears. "Young Master Lu treats me as a brother! I'll take care of that bastard for you!"
Long Aotian grinned. "Good! Come at me then!"
Lu Chengwen gritted his teeth, still pinning the man down. "If you're my brother, don't move!"
Sure enough, the man froze in place.
Leng Qingqiu yelled angrily, "Long Aotian! Have you made enough of a scene? Get out! I said get out!"
Long Aotian was stunned.
"Qingqiu, did the Lu family threaten you? Don't worry. In my eyes, they're nothing but ants."
Leng Qingqiu's expression twitched.
What kind of corny nonsense was that!?
"Long Aotian, you're fired. Collect three months' pay and leave—now. I don't even want to look at you."
Long Aotian suddenly "understood."
Qingqiu must be pretending to cut ties with him to protect him from the Lu family's influence! She didn't know he was the returning War God, and she didn't want him to get hurt.
How noble!
My woman truly is remarkable!
Even Lu Chengwen was breaking down inside.
[Big sister, you don't have to protect him! I swear I'll behave, I won't cause any trouble! Please just take him and leave me out of your damn plot!]
Leng Qingqiu glanced at Lu Chengwen, who was lying on the ground holding a sobbing bodyguard, and couldn't help but find the sight absurdly funny.
For years, she'd never seen any redeeming quality in this man, but right now—seeing him flustered, desperate, and ridiculous—he almost looked… endearingly pitiful.
A small smile tugged at her lips. "Chengwen, get up."
Long Aotian turned toward Lu Chengwen, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
Lu Chengwen froze.
[You've got to be kidding me! He's mad at me now? I didn't even do anything!]
Just then, a crowd of Lu family guards came charging in.
"Brothers! Someone's trying to steal our Young Master's woman! Get him!"
They rushed in, waving batons.
Lu Chengwen's face went pale.
He's the War God, you idiots!
You're just walking EXP points! Stop adding fuel to the fire!
If you provoke him now, my legs are done for!
[Heavens above! Earth below! Why is this quest so damn hard to survive!?]