When Wang Haoran regained consciousness, he found himself lying on a large bed in a suite. A white quilt covered him, but the bedsheet beneath him was missing, as if someone had deliberately taken it away. Outside the window, it was pitch black. Checking the time, he realized it was already three in the morning. The room was empty except for him; Tang Bingyun was nowhere to be seen.

However, Wang Haoran noticed a system notification message, received while he was unconscious. The message read:

[Congratulations to the host for being taken by one of the female leads, Tang Bingyun, triggering double rewards: 2000 villain points, -100 protagonist halo from Yan Guishan, -100 female lead halo from Tang Bingyun, and +200 villain halo for the host!]

The reward was substantial, setting a new record. Yet, Wang Haoran wasn’t particularly pleased. Firstly, he had no awareness throughout the event, as if he had simply fallen asleep and then woken up. Secondly, he felt frustrated. As a supervillain, he should be the one taking the initiative. But being outsmarted by the female lead was utterly embarrassing…

Wang Haoran brooded for a while, unable to resist silently complaining about Tang Bingyun. Why use knockout drugs? No interaction at all—wasn’t she tired? And even if she used knockout drugs, she left without a word. What did she take him for? Damn!

…

During the afternoon break, Qin Yunhan, thinking about Wang Haoran, took the opportunity to call him to meet in the garden. The garden was quiet, with only a few couples around, so it wouldn’t attract attention.

“What’s wrong? Are you unhappy? Did I upset you again?” Qin Yunhan asked nervously, noticing Wang Haoran’s expressionless face and apparent gloom.

“I’m just thinking about some study problems, so I got a bit distracted. I’m fine,” Wang Haoran replied, unwilling to reveal anything about Tang Bingyun, and used it as an excuse.

“What school are you planning to apply to?” Qin Yunhan couldn’t help but ask.

“Qingling University,” Wang Haoran responded immediately. Qingling University wasn’t in the top ten nationwide, but it wasn’t far off. With his grades, he could attend top-tier schools, but he didn’t want to be too far from Qingling. The Wang family’s influence was mainly in Qingling, and he could leverage their power to deal with the protagonist. In an unfamiliar city, he’d have no connections beyond money, making things inconvenient.

“Are you really choosing Qingling University?” Qin Yunhan asked joyfully.

“Yes,” Wang Haoran nodded.

Qin Yunhan gazed at Wang Haoran, feeling a bit emotional, and leaned her head on his shoulder.

[Ding, the host has deeply moved the female lead Qin Yunhan, gaining 300 villain points!]

Wang Haoran was momentarily stunned. Qin Yunhan’s voice came through:

“I haven’t been very diligent in my studies, so my grades aren’t great. I have no hope of getting into top universities, but I can definitely get into Qingling University.”

She suddenly looked up with her watery eyes at Wang Haoran:

“Are you really willing to give up the best universities for me and choose Qingling University? Won’t you regret it in the future?”

Wang Haoran was slightly taken aback. His choice of Qingling University wasn’t because of Qin Yunhan. She really had a knack for overthinking.

“I’ve already decided. I’ll choose Qingling University because I don’t want to be apart from you,” Wang Haoran said affectionately.

[Ding, the female lead Qin Yunhan’s affection for the host increased by 5, current total affection is 95 (undying devotion).]

[Ding, the host has altered the plot direction, gaining 200 villain points!]

“Haoran…” Qin Yunhan was so moved she didn’t know what to say, closing her eyes slightly and tilting her pretty face up. Her charming and confused demeanor would make anyone’s heart flutter.

Wang Haoran was about to lean down to fulfill Qin Yunhan’s small wish when his phone inconveniently rang.

“I’m at your school gate. Come out quickly; I’ll take you somewhere,” said the voice on the other end.

“Oh, coming.”

Wang Haoran hung up the phone.

“Who was that?” Qin Yunhan asked, unable to resist after hearing Wang Haoran’s conversation.

“A rich lady is looking for me. I have to go,” Wang Haoran replied.

[Ding, the host has made the female lead Qin Yunhan feel jealous, gaining 100 villain points!]

Qin Yunhan frowned slightly, seemingly wanting to go with Wang Haoran.

“The rich lady is Zhen Li. Are you sure you want to come with me?” Wang Haoran teased.

“Zhen Li, isn’t that your mom…” Qin Yunhan’s worry turned to joy, quickly waving her hand:

“You go, you go. I won’t go.”

She felt like a shy bride afraid to meet her in-laws, lacking the courage to follow Wang Haoran.

At the school gate, the elegant Zhen Li was leaning against a Ferrari. Seeing Wang Haoran come out, she immediately smiled and praised him:

“My precious son has become even more handsome.”

“Where are you taking me?” Wang Haoran asked, waiting for news from Zuoqiu Chenyu. He was worried that if he went too far with Zhen Li, he might miss the exciting showdown between Shen Kang and Yan Guishan.

“A top-tier banquet with many prominent business figures from Qingling attending. I’ll take you to make an appearance so they know you, preventing them from offending you in the future,” Zhen Li explained bluntly.

“I have classes this afternoon,” Wang Haoran was reluctant. Going as a super-rich second-generation was quite showy, but it didn’t seem meaningful.

“It won’t take too long. I’ll bring you back in time for class,” Zhen Li said, dragging Wang Haoran into the car.

Before long, Zhen Li brought Wang Haoran to a sprawling private luxury villa. Many luxury cars were parked outside, indicating a large turnout for the banquet. Zhen Li parked the car and led Wang Haoran inside the villa. People who knew Zhen Li greeted her respectfully as they passed by.

Zhen Li took the opportunity to introduce her son. Upon hearing this, people showered Wang Haoran with compliments, praising his looks and height. In Qingling’s business circles, Wang Xiang and Zhen Li were quite famous. Wang Xiang’s wealth ranked in the top five in Qingling, and Zhen Li’s company, National Beauty and Heavenly Fragrance, was publicly listed, placing her among the top three female billionaires in Qingling City. Additionally, Zhen Li’s family background was also strong.

Zhen Li was well-respected, and apart from a few top business moguls, others in the business world treated her with courtesy.

“Son, when you graduate, if you have conflicts with anyone, don’t hold back. Just teach them a lesson. If anything happens, your mom will back you up,” Zhen Li advised earnestly.

Wang Haoran listened, feeling a bit speechless. Fortunately, he wasn’t a brainless villain. Otherwise, hearing Zhen Li’s words, he might have gone out causing trouble, only to accidentally provoke a powerful protagonist and end up ruining himself.

With this in mind, Wang Haoran suddenly had a thought. With so many prominent figures at the banquet, could there be a protagonist present?