Black Peony is 29 years old this year. Her real name is Zuoqiu Chenyu, the “Chenyu” from the idiom “沉鱼落雁” (chén yú luò yàn: sinking fish and falling geese)1.

When she was six, her parents were killed due to gang disputes. Since then, she has been following her grandfather, who was involved in the underworld.

The death of her parents left a deep shadow in Zuoqiu Chenyu’s heart and planted seeds of hatred. Her ruthless nature was forged from this experience.

After her grandfather’s death, 18-year-old Zuoqiu Chenyu took over his territory, becoming the big sister of the underworld. Over the next five years, her reputation spread far and wide, earning her the nickname “Black Peony.”

The peony is a symbol of unparalleled beauty and elegance, describing Zuoqiu Chenyu’s allure. The “black” part naturally refers to her ruthless nature. Thus, the nickname “Black Peony” was born.

At the height of her power, all the business tycoons in Qingling City would tremble at the sight of her. However, as society gradually stabilized, Zuoqiu Chenyu’s influence waned, and she couldn’t act as recklessly as before.

Moreover, the gray businesses she once engaged in were no longer viable, forcing her to turn to legitimate ventures. But Zuoqiu Chenyu hadn’t received much education and lacked business acumen, resulting in significant investment losses, with nearly nine out of ten ventures failing.

This bar is the only successful investment of Black Peony. Even so, its monthly profit is only a few hundred thousand, barely enough to support her subordinates and maintain her lifestyle.

Zuoqiu Chenyu considered disbanding her subordinates, letting them find their own paths. However, her grandfather’s dying wish was for her to inherit his territory. She didn’t want him to die with regrets.

Moreover, her subordinates were unwilling to disband. They had no skills, little education, and their only asset was their strength. If they sought work, they would likely end up doing manual labor on construction sites. But these guys were used to a carefree life and wouldn’t want to do such work.

To maintain her grandfather’s “territory,” Zuoqiu Chenyu was troubled, dreaming of getting rich. She was once a glorious big sister, but now she’s just a businesswoman worried about money.

If someone had asked her to accompany them for drinks seven years ago, Zuoqiu Chenyu would have sent her subordinates to deal with them without hesitation. But now, she bows her head for a living.

A million for a bottle of wine is a great deal. She has a good tolerance for alcohol and can drink at least five bottles. Five bottles would mean five million. It’s easy money.

As for the possibility of someone taking advantage of her? Zuoqiu Chenyu isn’t worried at all. No man has ever taken advantage of her.

“Lead the way!” Zuoqiu Chenyu instructed the drink server girl.

…

“Young Miss, why are you in a place like this bar? It’s too degrading. If your father knew you were here, he’d be heartbroken!” Xiao Yifeng said to Qin Yunhan.

“How is coming to a bar degrading?” Qin Yunhan found it amusing and then warned angrily, “I’m telling you, don’t report this to my father, or you’ll be in trouble!”

“If you want me to keep it a secret, you have to promise to keep your distance from Wang Haoran,” Xiao Yifeng bargained.

“That’s ridiculous. What does my relationship with Wang Haoran have to do with you?” Qin Yunhan retorted.

“He doesn’t look like a good person. Bringing you to a bar must have ulterior motives, probably to get you drunk and take advantage of you!” Xiao Yifeng said.

“You’re overthinking it. I came with him willingly,” Qin Yunhan sneered, clearly impatient. “Why am I even talking to you? Stay away from me. Nothing good ever happens when you’re around.”

As soon as she finished speaking, a dozen young men rushed over, surrounding Wang Haoran and Qin Yunhan. Among them were two staggering young men who had been kicked by Wang Haoran earlier. Clearly, they were here for revenge.

“I told you, you’re a jinx!” Qin Yunhan glared at Xiao Yifeng, both nervous and angry.

“Young Miss, don’t worry. I’ll protect you.” Despite the aggressive demeanor of the dozen young men, Xiao Yifeng remained unfazed.

“Brothers, it’s that guy!” The two young men angrily pointed at Wang Haoran.

“Aren’t you good at fighting? Go deal with them,” Qin Yunhan commanded Xiao Yifeng.

“Young Miss, I’m only responsible for protecting you. The rest is none of my business,” Xiao Yifeng shook his head, refusing. This group was clearly here to trouble Wang Haoran, and he was more than happy to see Wang Haoran get beaten up.

“Xiao Yifeng, I order you to go, or I’ll have my dad fire you!” Qin Yunhan urged.

“Young Miss, there are too many of them. I must prioritize your safety. I’m sure Uncle Qin would understand,” Xiao Yifeng replied, unfazed.

“You!” Qin Yunhan stomped her foot in frustration.

“I don’t need his help. I can handle it myself,” Wang Haoran reassured Qin Yunhan, lightly patting her shoulder to calm her down. With his current combat power, even Xiao Yifeng wasn’t his match, let alone these hooligans.

“What happened?!” Before Wang Haoran could act, a woman’s commanding voice came from the crowd.

The crowd parted, revealing a seductive woman striding forward.

“Boss.”

“Boss.”

…

The young men greeted her respectfully. Witnessing this, Wang Haoran’s eyes flickered as he instinctively assessed the seductive woman.

Her off-shoulder black and red floral dress accentuated her graceful curves. Her wine-red wavy hair cascaded naturally over her shoulders. Her flawless, fair face showed no expression, yet exuded an indescribable allure. Her long, white legs moved gracefully, naturally enchanting.

Just a few glances made Wang Haoran’s heart race and blood surge. He couldn’t help but use his X-ray vision. Her figure was simply… lethal…

Fearing embarrassment, Wang Haoran quickly retracted his vision. Judging by the young men’s reactions, this woman must be Black Peony.

With such beauty and a unique background, she fits the archetype of a big sister female protagonist in urban novels. Zuoqiu Chenyu met these criteria.

Wang Haoran immediately spent 100 villain points to check.

Female Protagonist: Zuoqiu Chenyu

Combat Power: 191

Charm Value: 279

Protagonist Aura: 453

Skills: Innate Allure, Advanced Assassination Techniques

Favorability towards Host: 0 (Strangers)

She really is a female protagonist…

  1. “沉鱼落雁” (sinking fish and falling geese) is an idiom used to describe a woman’s beauty so profound that it causes fish to sink and geese to fall from the sky. ↩