Chosen One, how did I end up as the villain?

Explore the fantasy novel genre; there's bound to be one that suits you.

After watching them all disappear, Qing'er glanced at the two of them with a smile.

"Miss, I'll head back to the manor now!"

Without waiting for a reply, she quickly went to Qin Huaiyu's side.

"Young Master, I'm entrusting Miss to you. Remember to escort her safely back to the manor."

"Qing'er!"

Chu Yanxi was embarrassed and annoyed; her pretty face was as red as a ripe apple, adorably so.

Qing'er pretended not to hear and ran away in a flash.

...Holy crap, they've already betrayed their master?

Qin Huaiyu was speechless. They had only met once, and they were already so trusting? Did he look that kind?

The subtext isn't, "You're a good person..."

"You little rascal, Qing'er! I'll teach you a lesson when we get back," Chu Yanxi said, her face flushed with embarrassment.

"This girl is ignorant and has made Young Master Ba laugh at her."

"It's alright, I think she's just being genuine."

Qin Huaiyu smiled and continued:

"Since it's just the two of us left, how about we take a walk together?"

"good!"

Chu Yanxi uttered a single word in a barely audible voice, then lowered her head and walked toward the main hall.

Woman, aren't you just provoking people to commit crimes?!

Seeing that she looked as shy as a female lead in a study film, Qin Huaiyu didn't hesitate for a moment and quickly followed her.

After all, I was a big shot with 10GB of hidden content in my past life, how could I let my reputation be ruined?

The two of them walked through the hall and arrived at the lakeside corridor.

The shimmering water reflects overlapping shadows, the bright sun seems to veil the blemishes like a layer of red makeup, and the willows sway gently in the breeze, bringing a touch of autumn coolness.

Feeling the coolness, Chu Yanxi's flushed face subsided. She steadied herself and said:

"Young master, how do you feel about your first time in Jian'an?"

"........."

Qin Huaiyu was taken aback. "You know?"

Chu Yanxi smiled slightly. "Of course, with your talent and strength, even if you try to hide your abilities, you must have some fame. You must have just entered the city."

...Um, isn't this woman supposed to be naive and innocent?

Qin Huaiyu was somewhat unsure how to handle Yanxi's behavior, given her sudden change in demeanor. He thought for a moment and said:

"As expected of a princess, you are truly intelligent. I just arrived in Jian'an yesterday, and I never expected to have the opportunity to participate in the academic society today and meet you. I am very lucky."

As for how it feels, well, like a naive young boy going to the city, everything is new and exciting.

"puff"

How can he be so interesting!

Chu Yanxi couldn't help but laugh out loud, "You call yourself a silly boy? Then who in this school is smart?!"

"Of course there is, it's you!" Qin Huaiyu said against his will.

"......."

Chu Yanxi rolled her eyes dramatically, but she was secretly delighted. This was the first time she had ever experienced such a playful compliment; it was quite unique!

However, she still had questions.

"I heard you came to the association with Li Chengye. Are you related to the Li family?"

"No, we just met on the way to Jian'an and traveled together, so we got to know each other a little."

Qin Huaiyu spoke roughly, then suddenly seemed to remember something and asked:

"Yanxi, how much do you know about Li Chengye and the Li family?"

"I wouldn't say I know them very well; I'm not very familiar with these young masters from prominent families, but I do know the general outline."

Chu Yanxi frowned and thought for a moment before saying:

"Li Chengye is said to be the most unpretentious among the sons of noble families. He does not have the typical spoiled brat behavior and gets along well with everyone."

He knew everyone, from wealthy young men to beggars on the street, and he seemed to particularly enjoy going out to collect folk songs and sketches, often staying away from the city for long periods of time.

Especially in the past year, no one has seen him; today is the first time he has appeared.

Well, so that guy is actually a good person among the young masters of noble families. Qin Huaiyu pursed his lips and continued listening without interrupting.

"As for the Li family..."

Chu Yanxi hesitated for a moment, then said:

"They seem to be a good family. They not only have good relations with other families, but also with my father's county government. Many construction projects in the city have been funded by the Li family."

The son is on good terms with people, and the Li family is on good terms with powerful families... Why does this feel so familiar?

Qin Huaiyu inexplicably felt like he was reliving a TV drama, but...

"What do you mean by that?"

"Hehe, I can tell from your expression that you already have the answer, why did you need to ask me?"

Chu Yanxi smiled brightly, like a sudden warmth in a cool breeze that touched the heart.

...I underestimated this girl.

Qin Huaiyu shook his head helplessly and sighed:

"Alas, the saying goes, 'A woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent.' With your intelligence, who would dare marry you?"

"You're the same. It's good for a man to be strong and healthy. Being too smart doesn't make you feel safe." Chu Yanxi's eyes curved into crescent shapes, looking very cunning.

"Haha, then we'll be unwanted by anyone!" Qin Huaiyu laughed.

Chu Yanxi also laughed heartily.

However, this joy did not last long before she suppressed it.

"Alright, let's get down to business. What are you going to do about Gongsun Shu? He's unlikely to let this go easily!"

"That's a question for you. If it weren't for your final coercion, he wouldn't have been driven to the point of hating me," Qin Huaiyu said, spreading his hands in exasperation.

Chu Yanxi put on an innocent expression and said:

"You can't wrong me. It was clearly Li Chengye who stood up for what was right."

Wow, that's a smooth way to shift the blame!

Qin Huaiyu stared at Chu Yanxi.