Villain: Without morals, you can’t be manipulated!

Chapter 43 A Self-Sacrificing Drama Unfolds

No matter how strong someone was, they couldn’t win against sheer numbers. Zheng Yu’s face was swollen and bruised, and he had probably broken a few ribs.

In the end, he was only able to escape thanks to a few of his more loyal underlings dragging him away, barely holding onto his life. As Zheng Yu was carried off, he shot a venomous glare at Qi Lin.

But Qi Lin simply smirked, his lips curving into a devilish grin. He was beginning to enjoy this feeling of power and influence that money brought. Zheng Yu was just a small fry. The real star of today’s show was Wang Siling.

“Anyone here want to make some quick cash? I need actors for a little show. 100 yuan per person.”

Qi Lin addressed the thugs who had just helped beat up Zheng Yu. Each of them was still clutching a handful of hundred-yuan bills. After witnessing Qi Lin’s wealth and ruthlessness, they no longer looked at him like an easy target.

“Boss Lin has spoken! Who would dare refuse?”

“Just say the word, Boss Lin! I’d do it even without the money!”

“I want in too!”

The crowd of thugs was getting rowdy, all eager to participate.

Seeing this, Qi Lin actually felt a headache coming on. He only needed five or six people, but now he had a massive mob willing to follow him.

If too many people went, they might even attract the police. In the end, Qi Lin randomly picked a few and handed them each 100 yuan.

“See that guy over there? Take a taxi to the riverside and start harassing the girls next to him. But listen up—verbal harassment only, no touching. If anyone lays a hand on them, I’ll chop your hands off myself.”

“When he steps in to protect them, beat him up. But be careful—don’t injure him too badly. Once I show up, you stop.”

“Then you say this—‘If you want us to let this guy go, hand over 10,000 yuan. If not, we’ll break one of his legs today.’”

Qi Lin laid out the script for them.

At first, the thugs were confused. But then it clicked.

Oh!

So Boss Lin was planning a heroic rescue act! Though… it was obviously a staged heroic rescue.

Realizing this, the thugs exchanged knowing looks, their expressions turning strange. Boss Lin truly lived up to being a graduate of Minzu High. Even after leaving, he hadn’t forgotten his old tricks.

But what they didn’t realize was that Qi Lin wasn’t playing some cheap “hero saving the beauty” trick.

He was orchestrating something far more elaborate—a self-sacrificing act. Having Wang Siling sacrifice herself to save Yu Chen would be far more effective than a simple staged rescue.

_____

At Jianghan City, Riverside Embankment, alongside the Jianghan River was a long embankment lined with willow trees and flowers, offering a scenic view of the mighty Yangtze.

Descending the steps of the embankment, one could wade in the water, collect shells and stones, or simply cool off during the summer heat.

Because of this, the area had become a favorite date spot—fun yet completely free. At this moment, Wang Siling was sitting on the steps, wearing shorts and a t-shirt, her sun hat shading her face.

Leaning back on her hands, she playfully kicked the water with her small feet, completely at ease. She was even humming an unknown tune, her radiant smile showing just how good her mood was.

And why wouldn’t she be happy?

Yesterday, Qi Lin had personally waived the 12,000 yuan debt she owed. That meant she no longer had to kiss Qi Lin, nor would she have to endure his harassment. She was finally free from that annoying scoundrel!

Now, she could return to the peaceful life of an ordinary student. But for some reason, memories of that heart-racing kiss with Qi Lin kept replaying in her mind.

His mischievous smirk…

The warmth of his lips…

The thought made her cheeks flush a little.

Just then, Yu Chen sat down beside her, holding out a bottle of ice-cold mineral water.

“Here.”

He handed the drink to the girl he adored.

“Thanks~”

Wang Siling flashed him a sweet smile as she took the bottle. Yu Chen melted on the spot, utterly enchanted by her beauty.

“By the way, where’s Xiaoxiao and the others?”

Wang Siling asked curiously.

Xiaoxiao was a classmate of theirs.

Earlier that morning, a few girls had invited Wang Siling out, while Yu Chen had conveniently joined them later.

In reality, the girls were covering for Wang Siling and Yu Chen, helping them spend time together.

“They went to buy a bunch of snacks and drinks. It took me a while to finally get them to leave us alone.”

Yu Chen chuckled, though there was a trace of heartache in his voice.

Before, inviting Wang Siling out had been so easy. But ever since Qi Lin interfered, he couldn’t even visit her house anymore.

How was he supposed to ask her out properly now?

Cursing inwardly, Yu Chen thought, Damn you, Qi Lin!

If it weren’t for your interference, I wouldn’t have to go through so much trouble just to see Siling!

But so what?

Siling is mine! No matter what you do, she’ll never even look at you!

___

“Ah! What are you doing? If you come any closer, we’ll scream for help!”

“Yu Chen, come here quick! These guys are harassing us!”

Just as Yu Chen was about to pour his heart out to Wang Siling, a high-pitched scream echoed from the embankment.

“Xiaoxiao and the others!”

Wang Siling’s expression froze, her body tensing with concern.

Yu Chen heard it too. His face darkened instantly. Xiaoxiao and the other girls had only come along because of him and Wang Siling—he couldn’t just ignore them.

Moreover, he was the only guy here. If he didn’t step up now, how would Wang Siling see him?

Would she think he was a coward?

“Siling, stay here and don’t move. I’ll go check it out.”