Villain Is Bodyguard of Heroine’s Poisonous Stepmother

White Rose didn’t ask where these two women came from, understanding all too well the principle that the more one knows, the faster they meet their demise.

“From now on, these two will stay by your side, ensuring your safety,” Chen Luo told White Rose.

“Alright.” White Rose couldn’t, and didn’t dare, refuse.

She realized these women were likely sent by Chen Luo to monitor her. Indeed, Chen Luo had summoned Qiuzhu and Dongju for this very purpose and didn’t even spend his own money on it. The one billion had come from White Rose’s funds.

“Take this.” Chen Luo presented a round, white pill exuding a faint fragrance of medicinal herbs. White Rose hesitated, wondering if it was poisoned.

Chen Luo read her thoughts, “Don’t worry, it’s not poisonous. It’s specially formulated to treat your injuries.”

The punch earlier must have caused internal injuries to White Rose, not to mention the bruise marks on her neck from being choked. Consuming the pill would heal these wounds. It had cost Chen Luo 100,000 yuan to trade for it from the system. A bit of sweetness to follow the harshness.

After swallowing the pill, White Rose felt a warm sensation throughout her body. The bruising on her neck disappeared, and even the pain in her abdomen was gone. She felt incredibly comfortable. Even some of her old, minor ailments seemed to have vanished. It was like a miracle drug.

“Now, mobilize whoever you can to help me with something,” Chen Luo said, pulling out a photograph. “Keep an eye on this person. Monitor all his movements closely. He’s very powerful, so be careful not to be discovered by him.”

The person in the photo was, of course, Ye Chen.

“Is it just surveillance?” White Rose asked Chen Luo, looking at the picture of Ye Chen.

“Correct, just keep an eye on him, and don’t engage him rashly.” Chen Luo warned White Rose. He knew that if White Rose’s underlings clashed with Ye Chen, they would undoubtedly be severely defeated and end up gifting their heads to their enemy.

“By the way, is White Rose your real name?” Chen Luo asked as he was leaving.

“No, my real name is Bai Meixiang,” she replied.

White Rose was merely a nickname from the underworld; her real name, Bai Meixiang, was known to only a few. Most people had come to accept White Rose as her actual name.

“That’s a beautiful name,” Chen Luo complimented. He instructed Qiuzhu and Dongju to follow White Rose’s commands and then left the Rose Bar.

Watching Chen Luo leave, Bai Meixiang felt a sense of relief mixed with an indescribable emotion. Her pride, built up over the years, was shattered mercilessly by Chen Luo. Facing death made her realize that, after all, she was just a human being.

Once inside his car, Chen Luo mused to himself, “I’ve really risen to a higher level now.”

From having nothing when he first arrived in this world to his current power and influence, it hadn’t even been a month.

“No matter how powerful the protagonist’s halo is, it can’t compete with my cheats,” he said confidently. As he grew stronger, Ye Chen became less and less of a concern. Although killing Ye Chen was difficult due to his protagonist’s halo, he couldn’t outmatch Chen Luo.

However, Chen Luo didn’t let success go to his head. He remained cautious. As long as Ye Chen was alive, Chen Luo couldn’t let his guard down. Dealing with a protagonist was tricky, a moment of carelessness could allow them to grow to a level beyond his control.

***

Back in the villa, Zhao Yingxuan had returned to the secret room once more.

“You tricked me.”

Upon seeing Zhao Yingxuan, Xiao Qingxue glared at her with murderous eyes. Remembering Chen Luo’s mocking her for being foolish and being deceived by Zhao Yingxuan’s low-level tactics, she wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide in.

“You’re just too stupid,” Zhao Yingxuan said, delivering a crushing blow to Xiao Qingxue with her words.

Fuming, Xiao Qingxue glared at Zhao Yingxuan, who was unfazed by the murderous look. With Chunmei by her side, Zhao Yingxuan felt confident that even if Xiao Qingxue attacked, she wouldn’t stand a chance against Chunmei.

“Don’t be angry. After all, everyone gets fooled at times.”

In truth, Xiao Qingxue had been tricked because she panicked after being kidnapped. It was hard for anyone to stay calm in such a situation.

“I’ve come to show you something interesting. Do you want to see it?” Zhao Yingxuan took out a laptop, smiling at Xiao Qingxue.

“Trying to deceive me again? Do you think I’ll fall for the same trick twice?” Xiao Qingxue asked, expressionless.

“Just take a look,” Zhao Yingxuan suggested, turning up the volume deliberately.

A video played, causing Xiao Qingxue’s face to flush with embarrassment. It was a video of her. Xiao Qingxue, gritting her teeth, tried to snatch the laptop away, but Zhao Yingxuan stepped back, avoiding her grasp.

“Take a good look at your own performance. I think your ‘acting’ needs improvement. You can come to me for tips in the future,” Zhao Yingxuan teased.

Enraged, Xiao Qingxue’s face turned red as she attempted to attack Zhao Yingxuan but was quickly subdued by Chunmei.

“Too bad you can’t hurt me. Annoying, isn’t it?”

Zhao Yingxuan was adept at provoking others, and Xiao Qingxue, losing all semblance of her usual composed demeanor, was nearly driven to explode in anger.

“What do you want?” Xiao Qingxue asked furiously.

“I want you to obediently listen to me, how about that?” Zhao Yingxuan leaned in close to Xiao Qingxue and proposed.

The thought of Xiao Qingxue being utterly subservient to her made Zhao Yingxuan’s spirits soar uncontrollably.

“You’re dreaming,” Xiao Qingxue retorted.

“Dreaming, am I?” Zhao Yingxuan sneered. “Should I promote your ‘movie’ by sharing it in the company’s internal group chat, perhaps?”

Xiao Qingxue’s face changed instantly. In the eyes of everyone at the company, Xiao Qingxue maintained an impeccable image. If Zhao Yingxuan were to release the video, her life would be utterly ruined. She would rather die than face such shame.

“I will never obey you willingly. I’d rather die,” Xiao Qingxue remained defiant.

“Perhaps you should reconsider your terms,” she conceded, despite her reluctance. She couldn’t bear the thought of the video being publicized.

The corners of Zhao Yingxuan’s mouth curled up slightly. She had no intention of sharing the video with others. It would upset a certain someone, and she was well aware of men’s possessiveness. However, using it to threaten Xiao Qingxue proved to be very effective.

Once someone compromises for the first time, a second and third time follows, possibly endlessly.

Watching Xiao Qingxue, once so noble in character and status, fall from grace brought a sense of achievement to Zhao Yingxuan. Whether it was the effect of her villainous aura or her inherent wickedness, Zhao Yingxuan reveled in doing evil deeds.

“Qingxue, I am your stepmother after all. I wouldn’t want to be too hard on you. Come on, call me ‘Mom’,” she taunted.

Xiao Qingxue’s face contorted in disgust. She had never deigned to call Zhao Yingxuan ‘Mom’ before, and she found it impossible to do so now. She had only one mother, and it certainly wasn’t this vile, fox-like woman. Reluctant as she was, Xiao Qingxue found herself cornered, with Zhao Yingxuan holding her Achilles’ heel.