“Before you question me, I have something to ask you,” Yang Jingwan, unafraid of the imposing Su Lang, confronted him directly:

“Was our marriage a year ago just a coincidence, or did you orchestrate it from behind the scenes?!”

“You’ve found out? So Tianjizi told you. No wonder he disappeared without a word,” Su Lang admitted frankly, seeing no point in hiding anymore:

“Yes, the troubles your family faced were orchestrated by me. I arranged Tianjizi’s fortune-telling to lead to our marriage.”

“If I hadn’t figured it out, you would have ruined my life! Why did you do this?!” Yang Jingwan was both heartbroken and angry.

“Years ago, you gave me a bowl of rice when I was a beggar. I couldn’t forget your kindness. After achieving success, I came back to repay you by ensuring your happiness.”

Su Lang’s eyes reflected distant memories, filled with deep emotion.

Initially, the guests thought this was a beautiful love story, a tale of gratitude turned romance.

However, Yang Jingwan’s response quickly shattered that illusion.

“You must be crazy! I was kind to you, and you repay me with betrayal?!” she exclaimed, frustrated by his twisted logic.

“How is this betrayal? I married you to protect you for a lifetime.”

“Please, I don’t even like you. Who wants this sham of a marriage? This is no different from being forced!”

“Do you know who I am? Marrying me is a blessing, an honor you don’t seem to appreciate!” Su Lang’s arrogance was palpable, as he believed Yang Jingwan should be grateful to him for what he considered a generous act.

To him, a bowl of rice was worth a lifetime of gratitude.

The guests observing were stunned. The romantic story they had imagined was, in fact, a grim tragedy.

Some knew Su Lang’s reputation as a War God, but even that didn’t justify his actions.

Suddenly, a recording played over the speakers at the wedding venue, interrupting the tense atmosphere.

“I want 2 billion in cash.”

“Is this a protection fee?”

“You can think of it that way.”

“It takes time to gather 2 billion in cash.”

“You have five days. I also need some money right now.”

“This is a supplementary card with a 200 million limit. The password is six sixes.”

“Woman, you’re obedient. I’m very satisfied with you.”

…

The man’s voice was unmistakably Su Lang’s.

The guests were shocked. If true, the recording revealed Su Lang as a blackmailer.

Demanding 2 billion in cash was audacious.

As the first recording ended, another started playing.

“The wedding went over budget, 2 billion isn’t enough. I need another 2 billion.”

…

The crowd was speechless – not just 2 billion, but 4 billion!

Everyone’s gaze turned towards Su Lang, now suspecting his true nature.

Su Lang’s expression turned dark. The voice was undeniably his, but such conversations weren’t supposed to be overheard.

His eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on Cheng Rui.

“We all know who the man in the recording is. But the woman being blackmailed? That’s right, it’s me,” Cheng Rui declared.

The crowd was in uproar.

“This Su Lang, useless as he is, turns out to be a swindler. And here I thought he was some big shot. Pfft!” Li Manli commented disdainfully.

…

Around them, people were murmuring and casting suspicious looks at Su Lang.

[Ding, the host’s manipulation has greatly damaged the protagonist Su Lang’s image, earning 800 villain points, Su Lang’s protagonist halo -40, host’s villain halo +40!]

Angrily, Su Lang turned to Cheng Rui:

“Sneaky woman, you betrayed me!”

“I only followed your orders because I feared for my life. Claiming betrayal is absurd when you’re the blackmailer and I’m the victim. Have you no shame?” Cheng Rui retorted sharply.

“You…” Unable to out-argue her, Su Lang gave up and mentally added Cheng Rui to his list of targets.

He planned to deal with her later.

“Madman! You’re an absolute madman!” Yang Jingwan glared at Su Lang, seething.

“And is this why you… betrayed me? Finding some random guy and pulling a stunt like this, how cheap can you be?” Su Lang’s face twisted in anger.

“You’re wrong. I didn’t just find anyone. I truly love him!” Yang Jingwan declared.

“Truly love him…” Su Lang was thrown off balance.

[Ding, the host’s manipulation has caused the protagonist Su Lang’s mentality to become unbalanced, earning 500 villain points, Su Lang’s protagonist halo -25, host’s protagonist halo +25!]

“Who is he? Who is he? I want to kill him, tear him to pieces, leave no one in his family alive!” Su Lang erupted, his aura raging.

People around felt the oppressive energy.

Yang Jingwan was terrified but still wanted to protect her beloved.

“I… I would rather die than reveal who he is!”

“Fine. I’ll kill you first, then find him!” Su Lang’s eyes burned with murderous intent.

[Ding, protagonist Su Lang has turned evil, protagonist halo shattered, losing protagonist status.]

Wang Haoran was surprised by the system’s notification.

He had encountered several protagonists, but it was the first time one had lost their status by turning evil.

Then it made sense – as a son-in-law protagonist, Su Lang’s murderous rage towards the female lead was indeed a dark turn.

Turning evil meant losing his protagonist role.

Meanwhile, Su Lang moved to strangle Yang Jingwan.

Wang Haoran stayed put, having no plans to intervene.

As a major villain, exposing his strength publicly wasn’t wise.

Besides, Su Lang lacked the power to follow through on his threats toward Yang Jingwan.

Wang Haoran, having claimed Yang Jingwan as his own, believed she was safe.

Just as Su Lang advanced, he stopped abruptly, as if struck, and collapsed, drenched in cold sweat.

“Why can’t I muster any strength?!” Su Lang was horrified at his sudden weakness.

He quickly deduced, “It’s the wine! There’s something wrong with the wine!”

It was too late for him, however.

Enemies at the wedding, initially hesitant because of Su Lang’s reputation, seized the chance.

Screams erupted amongst the guests, throwing the venue into chaos.