I Am More Paranoid Than the Villain – Chapter 22

Her Obsession

Such a thin waist, I can’t bear it

News of the male lead’s luxurious birthday party had spread throughout the class ahead of time.

Regardless of whether they were boys or girls, everyone wanted to attend.

Lin Shu wore a smile, watching the excited and hopeful expressions on those people’s faces with arrogance and pride.

A girl came up to Shen Man, and deliberately said in a low voice, “Class Monitor, do you know who Shao Qi invited to his birthday this time?”

Shen Man shook her head with an innocent look on her face.

The girl pouted, unwilling to give up. She quietly glanced at Lin Shu, her tone turning jealous. “Look at how smug Lin Shu is. She’s definitely going to attend.”

“Class Monitor, Shao Qi probably invited you too, right? After all, he gave you a gift last time.” As she spoke, her voice became increasingly jealous.

Shen Man smiled faintly and said, “How about I go ask Lin Shu for you?”

A trace of fear instantly appeared on the girl’s face. Not daring to offend Lin Shu, she quickly shook her head. “No, that’s not necessary. That’s not necessary.”

After saying that, the girl hurried away.

Shen Man scanned the room.

Many girls in the class were casting hostile, jealous gazes at Lin Shu, yet Lin Shu’s arrogant and smug ‘Young Miss’ demeanor remained unchanged. The smile on her face grew even more provocative, as if she didn’t take any of them seriously at all.

Lin Shu’s family background and status were plain to see, and with her character set as a spoiled, domineering, and vicious female supporting character, she always put on the airs of a ‘Young Miss’ when interacting with her classmates.

Coupled with the help of Tan Kai, the outstanding second male lead, many students in the class had complaints about her but didn’t dare to show it to her face.

Shen Man, however, didn’t dislike Lin Shu’s pampered arrogance.

In her eyes, Lin Shu was just a spoiled rich girl who seemed a bit clever but was actually a bit foolish. She was only a little vicious with her words and hadn’t done anything particularly out of line.

But it was this person, who was still considered relatively kind in the early stages, who would eventually turn into the vicious female supporting character despised by everyone, all for the sake of the male lead.

Thinking of Lin Shu’s undisguised affection for the male lead, Shen Man frowned slightly.

During this period, her various acts of doting on and yielding to Lin Shu seemed to have not changed Lin Shu in the slightest.

On the contrary, Lin Shu’s dislike and resistance towards her were completely undisguised.

The peaceful coexistence between the two of them was entirely dependent on her own lack of fuss and tolerance.

As Lin Shu enjoyed the envious and jealous gazes of those people, she felt an unusual line of sight on her.

She turned her head and met Shen Man’s pair of pitch-black eyes.

Lin Shu’s heart tightened, and she glared back angrily.

Shen Man smiled slightly and stood up.

Lin Shu was startled, and her heart instantly began to race.

Watching Shen Man sit down next to her, she lifted her chin high and said irritably, “Why are you sitting next to me?”

“I want to sit with Shushu.” Shen Man replied with a light laugh, her eyes gentle.

Lin Shu’s eyes flickered. She pursed her lips and turned her head away.

The classroom instantly fell silent as everyone’s gaze turned to the doorway.

Tan Kai and Shao Qi appeared together, their arms slung over each other’s shoulders.

Tan Kai was smiling with warm and hearty laughter, while Shao Qi had a cold and indifferent expression.

Shen Man raised an eyebrow, a flash of surprise in her eyes.

Lin Shu was so surprised she stood up directly, staring in astonishment as Tan Kai walked over.

Tan Kai and Shao Qi sat down in the seats behind the two of them.

Lin Shu came back to her senses, blinked her eyes, and quietly glanced at Shao Qi before pulling on Tan Kai’s arm and asking in a low voice, “When did you and Shao Qi get so close?”

Shen Man was also very curious and looked at Tan Kai.

Because of their ‘love rival’ relationship, the two were famously like water and fire that cannot contain each other, and Tan Kai was also always finding fault with Shao Qi and constantly had to compete with the male lead.

Tan Kai scratched his head, a little embarrassed, and said with a loud laugh, “This is the friendship between us boys.”

As he spoke, he patted Shao Qi’s shoulder.

The expression on Shao Qi’s face remained cold, but he didn’t dodge, clearly agreeing with this statement.

Shen Man found it incredible, yet also inexplicably felt it was within reason.

Two teenage boys of similar age and comparable family backgrounds—one sunny and cheerful, the other cold and aloof—had complementary personalities. It seemed normal for them to become good friends.

“Shao Qi is having a birthday this time, so we have to help him celebrate it well,” Tan Kai said with a smile.

Lin Shu pursed her lips happily and took the opportunity to ask, “Shao Qi, what kind of gift do you like?”

“No need,” Shao Qi refused coolly.

“It’s your birthday, how can you not get a gift?” Lin Shu continued, the smile on her face not diminishing.

Shen Man looked at Lin Shu, her fine eyebrows slightly furrowed.

“Lin Shu, this birthday party was arranged by Shao-bomu¹. We just need to go and celebrate happily with Shao Qi. No need to buy gifts,” Tan Kai said with a smile.

“Who doesn’t give gifts on their birthday?” Lin Shu retorted, pouting. “Giving a gift represents blessings and feelings. We girls all want to receive gifts on our birthdays.”

“We boys don’t care about that. As long as the person shows up, it’s fine,” Tan Kai said heartily, nudging Shao Qi with his elbow. “Don’t you agree?”

Shao Qi nodded with a cold expression.

Hearing this, Shen Man looked at Shao Qi, smiled, and asked in a low voice, “Why did you invite me?”

“Yeah, why invite her?” Lin Shu followed up, unconvinced.

Shao Qi looked up, glanced at the two of them, his expression indifferent. “My dad’s idea.”

After saying that, he lay his head on the desk to sleep.

A trace of doubt appeared in Shen Man’s eyes, and she continued, “Shao-shushu² has never even met me. Why would he invite me to such an important banquet?”

Shao Qi remained lying down and didn’t answer.

Shen Man looked at Tan Kai.

Lin Shu also looked at Tan Kai, her pair of bright almond eyes even more curious than Shen Man’s.

Tan Kai shook his head. “I don’t know either.”

He thought for a moment, then added, “Maybe it’s because you’re beautiful and kind-hearted, so even though Shao-shushu has never met you, he likes you a lot.”

Lin Shu immediately shot Tan Kai a glare. “Where is she beautiful and kind-hearted?”

Shen Man chuckled, her voice lowering. “Does Shushu think I’m not good?”

Lin Shu’s heart trembled. She snorted and said nothing.

Tan Kai yawned and said, “I played games with Shao Qi all night yesterday. I’m so sleepy. I need to sleep for a bit.”

After he finished speaking, he comfortably laid his head down to sleep.

Shen Man stared at her textbook, her long, slender, and fair fingers holding a black pen, spinning it rapidly.

Throughout the entire class period, she didn’t write a single word.

Lin Shu glanced over, let out a smiling ‘Tsk’, and said, half-mockingly and half-surprised, “So even a bookworm has a day when she doesn’t study.”

Shen Man smiled, the corners of her eyes lifting as if she were plotting something. She said, “Shushu, I think some things can be changed.”

Lin Shu couldn’t understand the deeper meaning of this smile but instinctively sensed a trace of danger.

She shrank to the side, increasing the distance between them.

Shen Man lowered her voice and said with a smile, “Do you remember a question I asked you?”

“What question?” Lin Shu frowned.

Shen Man leaned in close, her red lips moving towards that delicate white earlobe, her breath exhaled like an orchid. “Why do you like Shao Qi so much?”

“He’s so cold to you, yet you don’t care at all, and you can even set aside the pride of a Young Miss.”

The warm breath brushed against her cheek and neck. Lin Shu felt a tickle and quickly raised a hand to cover her cheek, her delicate little face flushed pink.

Her heart raced, and amidst her annoyance, she felt a bit flustered. She stared at Shen Man warily. “What’s it to you? I just like him!”

“Is that so?” Shen Man’s lips curved, her eyes growing deep.

Lin Shu instantly felt like a rabbit being stared at by a wolf, and a chill ran through every inch of her skin.

She wanted to avoid her gaze but was unwilling to show weakness, so she bit her lip and glared back fiercely.

Shen Man smiled and returned to her own seat.

For the rest of the class, Shen Man took notes diligently.

Lin Shu, bored, doodled in her book with her pen. She turned her head and saw a strand of jet-black hair fall from beside Shen Man’s ear, forming a beautiful arc.

That exquisite and stunning side profile looked beautiful, pure, and harmless.

But that pair of pitch-black eyes was sometimes frighteningly deep.

Lin Shu shook her head, quickly driving the terrifying thoughts from her mind.

Shen Man noticed this movement and stopped her pen. “Hm?”

Lin Shu felt inexplicably guilty, quickly lowered her head, and pretended to write.

Tan Kai woke up from his nap and noticed that the atmosphere between the two in front of him was a bit strange.

He reached out and tapped Lin Shu on the back. “What’s wrong with you two?”

Lin Shu turned around, her tone fierce. “None of your business. Go back to sleep.”

“I’ve had enough sleep,” Tan Kai said with a satisfied smile. He started chatting with Lin Shu, saying mysteriously, “Do you know who else is going?”

Lin Shu’s curiosity was immediately piqued. She leaned closer and asked in a low voice, “Who else?”

Shen Man stopped her pen and listened quietly to their conversation.

Tan Kai listed some names, including both boys and girls.

After hearing them, Lin Shu pouted. “Why are these women going too?”

“They are all young masters and misses from families that have business dealings with the Shao family. It’s normal for the Shao family to invite them,” Tan Kai said with a smile.

Lin Shu was still dissatisfied, muttering under her breath, “More annoying people.”

“What?” Tan Kai didn’t understand.

Lin Shu turned her head away, too lazy to explain.

Shen Man understood.

If these rich young ladies went, they would be Lin Shu’s formidable rivals.

This grand birthday banquet wasn’t just for celebrating the male lead’s birthday.

---

Amidst Lin Shu’s anticipation, the male lead’s birthday drew closer and closer.

Lin Shu looked at the word “Friday” on her phone and began to smile happily.

Shen Man was sitting on the sofa reading a magazine, occasionally looking up to glance at the person beside her.

Lin Shu met her gaze, raised the corners of her eyes arrogantly, and said with a smug smile, “Shen Man, are you planning to wear those cheap clothes of yours to the birthday banquet?”

Shen Man looked down at what she was wearing.

A plain-colored long dress paired with small white sneakers—ordinary and cheap. When she wore it to school, she relied entirely on her aura to pull it off.

But for a grand occasion like a birthday banquet, wearing casual clothes would definitely be inappropriate.

And in her closet, she had no clothes suitable for a grand occasion.

Lin Shu’s smile grew even happier. “You’re so poor, I knew you couldn’t afford new clothes.”

Shen Man smiled, her face showing no anger from the insult. She said lightly, “Shushu seems to have a lot of clothes. I wonder if I could borrow one to wear?”

“Don’t even think about it!” Lin Shu refused flatly.

Shen Man was in a bit of a predicament.

The grander the occasion, the more prone people were to making comparisons. Her status compared to those young misses was worlds apart, like an ugly duckling mixed in with white swans. If she dressed too shabbily, she would only be mercilessly ridiculed.

Lin Shu watched from the side, showing no intention of helping at all.

Shen Man put down the magazine, her eyes lowered as she thought of a way to handle the situation.

The doorbell rang.

Shen Man glanced at He-yi³, who was cooking in the kitchen, and got up to open the door.

Standing outside was a woman in a work uniform.

The name tag on the woman’s clothes displayed a store name and her name. She was carefully holding an exquisite box in her arms.

The woman spoke first, her smile enthusiastic. “Excuse me, is Miss Shen Man here?”

Shen Man glanced at her, frowning in confusion. She nodded and asked, “What can I do for you?”

“This is a gift from a gentleman. Please sign for it.” The woman handed over the box and took out a pen, placing it on top. “Please sign here.”

Shen Man quickly signed her name and carried the box inside.

When Lin Shu saw the logo on the box, she hurried over and asked in astonishment, “Who sent you such an expensive gift?”

“I don’t know,” Shen Man replied with a smile, opening the box.

A pricey red evening gown came into view, along with a pair of high heels in a matching color and a small note.

Shen Man picked up the note. On it was somewhat familiar handwriting.

“Thank you, classmate Shen Man, for taking care of Shao Qi these days. A small token of my appreciation, I hope you will accept it.” The signature was “Shao Qi’s father.”

Lin Shu leaned over. Seeing the signature, she stared at Shen Man in shock. “Why would Shao-shushu send you a gift?”

“He said it’s to thank me,” Shen Man put the note away and closed the box again.

She casually placed it on a small cabinet, sat back down on the sofa, and continued reading her magazine.

Lin Shu stood without moving, her eyes fixed on the box, the flames in them looking as if they wanted to burn it to ashes.

After staring resentfully for a while, Lin Shu’s eyes darted around. A smile appeared on her face, and she ran excitedly to Shen Man’s side. “Weren’t you just asking to borrow one of my gowns?”

Shen Man turned her head and raised an eyebrow.

“You can trade this gown with me, and you can pick any of the clothes in my closet,” Lin Shu said happily.

Shen Man chuckled. Her slender fingers turned a page of the magazine, rubbing the edge of the paper as she said slowly and deliberately, “Thank you for your kind offer, but I don’t need to borrow a gown anymore.”

“You’re really not going to borrow one?” Lin Shu gritted her teeth, glaring at Shen Man angrily.

“Mm.” Shen Man nodded faintly.

Lin Shu snorted and ran back to her room.

Shen Man heard the door being slammed shut with a ‘PENG’. She closed her magazine, her gaze falling on the gift box.

She couldn’t return this gift, and she would definitely have to attend the male lead’s birthday banquet.

If Lin Shu had a better attitude and begged her a couple more times, she might have just gone along with the Young Miss’s wishes.

But given Lin Shu’s proud and unreasonable nature, it seemed she wasn’t capable of begging anyone.

He-yi came out of the kitchen with dishes and said with a smile, “Manman, go call Miss Lin to come eat.”

Shen Man nodded, got up, walked over to knock on Lin Shu’s door, and said loudly, “Shushu, time to eat.”

Lin Shu opened the door. The annoyance from before was gone from her little face, replaced by a smug smile. She glanced at Shen Man haughtily and said, “I don’t care about your gown.”

“That’s good. Come eat. He-yi made your favorite soup,” Shen Man smiled calmly, ignoring the provocation.

After the two finished dinner, He-yi brought out a plate of cut fruit.

Lin Shu lay comfortably on the sofa, watching TV and eating fruit, looking completely at ease.

Shen Man glanced at her, took the gift box, and returned to her room.

The gown seemed to have been tailor-made for her; it fit perfectly when she put it on.

The shoes were also a perfect fit.

Shen Man took off the gown and changed into comfortable pajamas.

She could roughly guess that Shao Qi’s father ‘knew’ her very well. Besides information like her height and measurements, he had probably investigated her other matters thoroughly as well.

If she had encountered such a person in the workplace, she would definitely be certain that the other party had ulterior motives, and she would naturally counterattack without hesitation.

But since this was happening in this novel, and the male lead’s father had never shown his face, she couldn’t figure out the other party’s true intentions for the time being.

Could it be that it was truly just because she was the class monitor, and he was thanking her for her care?

Shen Man frowned.

Having experienced all sorts of schemes, threats, and temptations in the workplace, she was really a bit unaccustomed to the ‘innocence’ of these people.

So far, among the people she had come into contact with, the one with the worst intentions was that girl named Yan Jie.

But the worst trick this Yan Jie could think of was just to damage her books.

She found such petty tricks to be childish and laughable, incapable of causing her any harm.

Among the other characters, the male lead had a cold personality, didn’t like to talk, often skipped class, and would just sleep when he did come to class, keeping a very low profile.

If it weren’t for his exceptionally handsome face, he would basically have no presence.

The second male lead was enthusiastic and cheerful, hanging out with the boys in the class all day, with their topics of conversation mostly being about basketball and games.

He was very popular, got along well with both boys and girls, and also got along with students from other classes.

Lin Shu was like a little princess who loved to be pretty. Every day she dressed herself up beautifully, went to school on time, and came home when it got dark.

In class, she would just daze off or play on her phone, and after class, she would meet up with her little group of friends.

Other than being pampered and having a spoiled and domineering personality, everything else was fine.

When she was provoked to anger, she would just glare with wide eyes, and once her anger subsided, she would play with her again.

These characters were much simpler than many people she had met.

School life was also much more relaxed than working in the corporate world, even better than her own student days.

Shen Man’s lips curved into a smile, and she pushed these complicated thoughts out of her mind.

---

Early on Saturday morning, Lin Shu got up and started making a clanging noise in her room.

Shen Man finished washing up, dressed in loungewear, and went out for breakfast.

She walked to Lin Shu’s door and, through the half-open door, saw Lin Shu leaning back in a chair, doing skincare treatments on her face, neck, and hands.

“Shushu, time for breakfast,” Shen Man said.

“I’m not eating,” Lin Shu said, her voice muffled by the face mask she was wearing.

Shen Man glanced at her and turned to go to the living room.

She slowly ate her breakfast and then read a magazine in the living room.

It was almost noon when Lin Shu finally came out of her room.

“Shen Man, look, what do you think of my outfit today?” Lin Shu asked excitedly, deliberately striking a pretty pose.

Shen Man looked up, a flash of astonishment in her eyes.

The delicate and soft young girl was wearing a red formal gown that revealed her exquisite and beautiful collarbones and fragrant shoulders. A butterfly bow at her waist added a touch of playful cuteness, and the ribbons hanging from its ends were elegant and nimble. Her usually smooth hair had been specially curled, with wavy strands hanging down on both sides of her forehead, making her small face look even more petite. Paired with a set of white star-shaped earrings, she possessed both a girlish sweetness and a sexy, charming allure.

“Hurry up and say it, do I look good or not?” Lin Shu urged nervously, her eyes wide and shining as brightly as stars.

Shen Man put down her magazine, her red lips pursed slightly, looking as if she were seriously contemplating.

Just before Lin Shu was about to get angry, she smiled and said, “No matter what Shushu wears, she’s always the best-looking.”

Lin Shu was not satisfied with this answer. She pouted and looked at He-yi, saying, “What do you think? Don’t be as perfunctory as Shen Man.”

He-yi quickly looked her over carefully and praised her with a sincere smile, “Miss Lin, you look very beautiful in this dress, even more beautiful than those celebrities on TV.”

Shen Man let out a ‘pfft’ and started laughing.

Lin Shu frowned in dissatisfaction, pouting as she questioned, “What are you laughing at?”

“Nothing.” Shen Man shook her head, suppressing her smile.

Lin Shu shot her a glare and took out her phone to find good lighting in the room for a selfie.

He-yi walked over to Shen Man’s side and asked in a low voice, “Manman, when are you two leaving? Will you be back for dinner?”

Shen Man glanced at the time and said, “We have to leave in about half an hour, and we’ll probably be back very late. You don’t need to prepare dinner, please go to bed early.”

“Okay, you two be careful when you’re out,” He-yi reminded her.

Shen Man nodded and got up to change her clothes.

Compared to Lin Shu, who had spent the entire morning meticulously getting ready, Shen Man only put on some light makeup that was neither too heavy nor too plain. Her smooth hair was left down casually, giving her an elegant look that was both pure and coolly detached.

She walked out of her room and her gaze met Lin Shu’s.

The two were wearing the exact same shade of red.

Lin Shu smiled proudly. “There’s still time for you to change your gown. You can pick one from my closet.”

“Thank you.” Shen Man refused faintly, saying, “We should go downstairs.”

“Hmph.” Lin Shu was annoyed, her smug smile freezing on her face.

The two of them went out, one after the other.

Just as they got outside, Tan Kai’s car arrived.

The boy, dressed in a pricey custom-made suit with his hair specially styled, had an added air of mature handsomeness.

Tan Kai looked at the two of them wearing the same red color, his brow furrowing slightly. “Did you buy your clothes from the same store?”

Even someone as careless as him knew that wearing the same outfit was an awkward situation, especially at an important event.

Shen Man sat in the back, smiling faintly, seemingly not minding at all.

Lin Shu sat in the front, smiling smugly as she asked, “Who do you think wears it better, me or her?”

“This…” Tan Kai was in a difficult position. He looked back and forth, not knowing how to answer.

“Of course Shushu looks better,” Shen Man answered with a smile, her expression gentle.

Tan Kai immediately nodded in agreement.

“Good to know you have some sense,” Lin Shu said haughtily, but she didn’t feel happy at all, having no joy in winning.

She lowered her head to play with her phone, not speaking to either of them.

Tan Kai quietly glanced at Shen Man, his eyes filled with undisguised amazement and praise.

Shen Man gave a polite smile, turned her head, and looked at the scenery outside.

Tan Kai embarrassedly tugged at his bow tie and started the car.

---

Shao Qi’s birthday party was held in a private villa facing the sea and surrounded by mountains on three sides, with incredibly beautiful scenery.

There were more girls than boys attending the party, each one dressed up beautifully.

Shen Man and Lin Shu’s appearance in matching colored outfits instantly attracted the attention of many people.

Those people wanted to mock them for wearing the same thing, but they couldn’t find any fault.

The same color, extremely similar styles, worn on the two of them, created completely different vibes.

One was cool and elegant, the other was delicate and charming; they had already become the focus of the entire venue.

Lin Shu knew many of the girls and quickly started mingling with them.

Shen Man didn’t want to join the crowd and stood in a relatively remote and quiet corner.

From time to time, boys would come over to strike up a conversation, and Shen Man would handle them with a detached but polite attitude.

A boy walked up to Shen Man, his smile tinged with frivolity. “You must be the great school flower Shen, right? I’ve long heard that you’re very beautiful, and seeing you today, you’re indeed not bad.”

The boy’s gaze was like he was appraising a commodity, lacking the proper respect.

Shen Man frowned.

From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of a white figure walking this way.

She recognized it was Yin Ruxu, and a flash of surprise crossed her eyes.

Yin Ruxu also saw Shen Man and showed a gentle smile, saying softly, “Shen Man, this is my cousin⁴ Luo Wei⁵.”

“There’s no one here who doesn’t know my name,” Luo Wei said with a smug smile, reaching out to put his arm around Shen Man’s shoulder.

Shen Man took a step to the side, avoiding the gesture.

A flash of annoyance appeared on Luo Wei’s face, and he moved closer.

Lin Shu’s voice came from behind them. “Luo Wei, what are you doing?”

Luo Wei turned around, his face changing to a smile. “I was wondering who it was. Turns out it’s the great Miss Lin. You look really beautiful today.”

“Of course,” Lin Shu smiled proudly. Seeing Yin Ruxu, she snorted disdainfully. “What are you doing here?”

“I brought her,” Luo Wei immediately said.

“Take her somewhere else. Don’t loiter in front of me, it hurts my eyes to look at you,” Lin Shu sneered.

A look of embarrassment flashed across Luo Wei’s face. Not daring to act out, he said angrily to Yin Ruxu, “Why are you still here? Get going!”

Yin Ruxu bit her lip, aggrieved. She looked pitifully at Shen Man and left with tears in her eyes.

Shen Man wore a polite smile on her face and didn’t say a single word.

After the two had left, she looked at Lin Shu and gave a grateful smile. “Thank you, Shushu, for helping me out.”

“Who wanted to help you? I just can’t stand a certain someone,” Lin Shu said, haughtily lifting her chin, her face full of arrogance.

Shen Man chuckled, suddenly reaching out and brushing her hand across the girl’s fair, rosy cheek.

Lin Shu was startled and wanted to turn her head to avoid it, but the hand had already been withdrawn.

She widened her eyes and glared at Shen Man. “What are you doing?”

Shen Man chuckled lightly and opened her palm, revealing a fragment of a leaf.

Lin Shu was instantly at a loss for words, biting her red lip awkwardly.

The lively venue suddenly fell silent.

Everyone’s gaze turned to the same spot.

A middle-aged woman, dressed very lavishly, was smiling as she held the arm of a handsome young man.

Shen Man looked over.

The expression on Shao Qi’s face was still cold, not changing in the slightest just because it was his birthday.

The middle-aged woman scanned the crowd, her gaze lingering on Lin Shu for a second, before she smiled and said loudly, “Thank you all for coming to Shao Qi’s birthday party today. I hope you have a great time, and please forgive us for any shortcomings in our hospitality.”

The polite words were spoken with great arrogance.

The venue erupted in enthusiastic applause.

Lin Shu clapped happily.

Shen Man’s expression was cool as she lightly brought her fingers together, her applause faint.

“Now, at this important moment, Shao Qi will choose a girl to dance with. I wonder who will be so lucky?” Shao Qi’s mother said with a smile.

Shao Qi hung his head and didn’t move.

Shao Qi’s mother’s face became a little embarrassed. She said in a low voice, “If you don’t choose, I’ll choose someone for you.”

Shao Qi looked up with cold eyes, scanned the crowd, and walked in a certain direction.

Watching Shao Qi walk towards them, Lin Shu’s excited little face flushed red. She couldn’t help but grab Shen Man’s arm, cheering excitedly in a low voice, “Shao Qi must be coming to ask me to dance. I really want to be the first girl to dance with him.”

Shen Man’s eyes flickered slightly. She inconspicuously moved a step forward, perfectly blocking Lin Shu.

Shao Qi stopped in front of the two of them and said expressionlessly, “Are you willing to have the first dance with me?”

His words were directed at both of them, making it impossible to tell who he was speaking to.

Lin Shu shyly lowered her head, pursing her lips as she smiled and nodded.

Shen Man’s lips curved into a light smile as she made a gesture to raise her hand.

A figure blocked her view.

Shen Man looked up and saw it was Tan Kai.

She paused for a moment, and the direction of her raised wrist changed, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Lin Shu’s vision went dark. She looked up and saw Tan Kai blocking the light, asking with some displeasure, “What are you doing?”

Tan Kai smiled, slung his arm around Shao Qi’s shoulder, and said loudly, “Shao Qi, let’s eat cake first! We can do this dance thing after we eat cake.”

As he spoke, he led Shao Qi back.

Seeing this, a flash of anger crossed Shao Qi’s mother’s well-maintained face, but she still maintained a smile and said, “Tan Kai, what are you doing? It’s not too late to eat cake after the dance.”

“Auntie, I’ve been starving since this morning, just thinking about how delicious your family’s cake is. Can you let me eat cake first?” Tan Kai said with a smile.

The smile on Shao Qi’s mother’s face cracked.

In front of so many people, she couldn’t refuse Tan Kai and lose face. She gritted her teeth and ordered the butler to bring out the cake.

Shao Qi cut the cake with a cold expression. As he lowered his head, a very faint smile appeared.

Shen Man noticed this expression.

She instantly understood that this was a scene jointly staged by the male lead and the second male lead.

Although she wasn’t sure what their purpose was, it had indirectly achieved her goal of not letting Lin Shu dance with a man.

The maids distributed the cake.

Shen Man took a small bite and then set it aside.

In order to maintain her figure and show off her most perfect curves, Lin Shu hadn’t eaten a single thing since the morning.

She was quite hungry by now and quickly finished her slice of cake.

“Shen Man, don’t even think about dancing with Shao Qi!” Lin Shu said in a low voice, a fierce tone in her words.

“As long as you don’t dance with him, I won’t either. If you insist, then I’ll have to compete for it.” Shen Man chuckled lightly.

“You…” Lin Shu was so angry she choked. She took a sip of juice to calm herself down. “Why do you have to go against me?”

Shen Man smiled meaningfully but didn’t answer the question.

Most people hadn’t finished their cake when Shao Qi’s mother spoke loudly again, “Now, let’s continue with choosing a dance partner for Shao Qi.”

As soon as she finished speaking, several bodyguards immediately surrounded Tan Kai.

Shao Qi and Tan Kai looked at each other.

Tan Kai shrugged helplessly.

Shao Qi’s expression became even colder. He walked straight towards Shen Man and said, “Please dance with me.”

Shen Man chuckled lightly and raised her hand.

The moment it was about to land, it was caught by a fair hand.

Shen Man turned her head.

She saw Lin Shu’s pouting little face.

“Why her?” Lin Shu squeezed Shen Man’s hand tightly, questioning angrily, “You should be dancing with me!”

“Sorry, the person I invited is her,” Shao Qi said coolly, his gaze fixed firmly on Shen Man.

Shen Man revealed a pleased smile, expressing her willingness.

“No! She can’t dance with you,” Lin Shu gritted her teeth, speaking forcefully.

“But, I want to dance now,” Shen Man said with a faint smile.

Lin Shu was instantly provoked. She looked back and forth between the two of them, then grabbed Shen Man and said angrily, “You want to dance so badly? I’ll dance with you!”

“If you won’t let me have my way, I definitely won’t let you be smug either.” She said this through gritted teeth.

Shen Man smiled slightly, a glint of a successful scheme flashing in her eyes, and she clasped that soft hand in return.

They were standing far away, and they were wearing clothes of the same color.

From a distance, the two red figures intertwined, making it somewhat difficult to tell them apart.

Seeing that Shao Qi was still not making a move, Shao Qi’s mother raised her voice to urge him, “Shao Qi, why haven’t you invited your dance partner yet?”

“She’s not willing,” Shao Qi turned and replied indifferently.

Shao Qi’s mother was furious, mentally blaming Lin Shu for being tactless.

Not wanting to lose face, she looked around and said loudly, “Anyone who is willing to dance with Shao Qi, please come forward.”

Instantly, many girls ran over excitedly.

Shen Man noticed that even Yin Ruxu was among them.

“What are you looking at? I won’t let you go over there,” Lin Shu smiled smugly, like a victorious kitten.

“Then Shushu will have to compensate me by dancing a good dance with me,” Shen Man chuckled lightly, leaning in to breathe by Lin Shu’s ear. “Such a thin waist, if I let someone else hold it, I will…”

The rest of her words disappeared between her red lips.

Lin Shu’s heart suddenly began to race.

A wave of heat crept up her back, spreading over her neck and dyeing her delicate little face a beautiful crimson.

She subconsciously took a step back. The warm breath of another woman seemed to linger by her ear, making her earlobe burn and her heart pound.

Shen Man smiled, quietly admiring the beautiful sight of the beauty’s blush.

Soft, soothing music began to play in the venue, and a shower of petals fell from the sky, the bright red color decorating every corner with a romantic atmosphere.

In an instant, everything became soft and beautiful.

Lin Shu was stunned by the romance before her and couldn’t help but reach out to catch a rose petal.

Suddenly, a force wrapped around her waist, pulling her into a soft embrace.

“Shushu, it’s time to dance,” Shen Man whispered softly, her pitch-black eyes filled with gentleness.

Like the shower of petals, it was beautiful and moving.

Lin Shu’s eyes froze.

Before her brain could react, her body was already swaying and dancing to the music.

Their hands were clasped together, equally slender and fair, fingers intertwined as if they were the most perfect fit.

A petal fell, landing right on their joined fingertips, spun beautifully once, and then slowly drifted to the ground.

Lin Shu’s gaze couldn’t help but follow it.

Shen Man chuckled lightly. “Shushu, when you dance with me, you have to be serious, otherwise…”

“Ah…” Lin Shu cried out in surprise as her body spun around involuntarily.

The red skirt swirled out in a graceful arc, like a blooming rose, soft and gorgeous.

Lin Shu was lost in this beautiful dance, with no spare energy to think about anything else.

Shen Man smiled with satisfaction.

The dance ended.

Lin Shu panted lightly, a beautiful blush appearing on her small face.

Shen Man stood aside, looking relaxed and smiling radiantly.

“How are you so good at dancing? I could barely keep up,” Lin Shu asked, her eyes filled with surprise and, at the same time, a refusal to admit defeat.

Shen Man casually caught a falling petal and held it to her nose to smell it lightly. “When dancing with Shushu, of course I have to perform at my best.”

Her expression was nonchalant, yet it also seemed deeply affectionate. The gesture of smelling the rose carried a flirtatious charm.

The sky full of flying roses could not compare to the light smile on her lips.

Lin Shu stared blankly, her heart beating abnormally fast.

After a moment of daze, she quickly came back to her senses and said resentfully, “Don’t be so smug. It’s not like I lost to you.”

Shen Man chuckled lightly, released her hand, and let the petal fall naturally.

Lin Shu paused, her expression changing. She stared at Shen Man with a strange look in her eyes. “Do you dance with girls often?”

“Is Shushu jealous?” Shen Man didn’t answer, asking instead, her expression pleased.

“Who’s jealous? I was just asking casually,” Lin Shu snorted, walked to the side, and picked up the drink she had been drinking, taking a large gulp.

Shen Man watched from behind, her eyes deep.

The other dancers all stopped one by one.

Shao Qi’s mother hastily said a few words and left with a gloomy face.

Shao Qi also disappeared shortly after.

The lively birthday party suddenly became somewhat awkward.

Everyone looked at each other, unable to understand the current situation.

The bodyguards around Tan Kai withdrew.

Tan Kai walked towards the two and said with a smile, “The cake is finished. Let’s go back.”

“Going back so soon?” Lin Shu was confused, looking around for Shao Qi. “Where’s Shao Qi?”

“Probably went back to play games,” Tan Kai said.

“Play games? It’s his birthday today, he should be here celebrating with everyone, right?” Lin Shu was surprised, completely unable to understand.

“Don’t worry about that. I’ll take you two back first,” Tan Kai said with a smile, seeming to be in a good mood.

Lin Shu was still confused.

Shen Man seemed to have understood a little. She smiled and said, “Shushu, the dance is over, and the cake is eaten. Naturally, it’s time to go back.”

As she spoke, she put her arm around Lin Shu’s shoulder in an intimate gesture.

The sudden warmth of her body so close made Lin Shu’s heart panic, and she subconsciously tried to pull away.

However, her foot suddenly stumbled, and her body fell to the side.

Shen Man calmly caught the girl’s soft body. Her fingers wrapped around that slender waist, caressing it twice as she said with a smile, “Shushu, be careful.”

A tickle spread across Lin Shu’s waist, and she couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Shen Man, you…”

She looked up to protest, but her gaze met a pair of eyes as calm as still water, and her laughter instantly froze.

Shen Man’s fingers tightened slightly. She helped Lin Shu up, half-holding and half-supporting the girl’s body as she said with a smile, “We should go back.”

Her gentle tone carried a firmness that was impossible to refuse.

Lin Shu’s heart skipped a beat, and she obediently followed her out.

Tan Kai drove the two of them away.

Shen Man and Lin Shu sat side by side in the back, one on the left and one on the right, separated by the maximum distance.

Tan Kai felt it was a bit strange and asked with a smile, “What’s wrong, Lin Shu? You don’t seem very happy.”

“Dancing with a woman, how can I be happy?” Lin Shu asked, her little face puffed up in anger.

Shen Man smiled, crossing her legs. Her skirt fell open, revealing her fair, slender calves. She said slowly, “I think it was quite enjoyable.”

“I thought you two danced quite well. It’s a pity I didn’t record it,” Tan Kai said, a hint of regret in his voice.

Lin Shu immediately glared at him. “You just don’t get it!”

“I do know how to dance,” Tan Kai said with a smile.

Lin Shu didn’t want to waste any more words on him. She glared at Shen Man, her gaze inadvertently falling on the patch of snowy white skin that was exposed.

Meeting the faint smile in Shen Man’s eyes, her heart panicked, and she quickly turned her head away.

Shen Man chuckled lightly, changed her posture, and straightened her skirt. She leaned over towards Lin Shu and, as if coaxing someone, whispered softly, “Shushu, are you still angry with me?”

Lin Shu didn’t speak, haughtily turning her head away to avoid the breath that fell by her ear.

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