Gu Yingxi’s persistent clinging gave Ning Yunhuan the unpleasant sensation of being indecently molested by a rogue. Remembering how she used to trail after the girl like a little puppy in her previous life, she finally couldn't help rolling her eyes twice, silently questioning the heavens in exasperation.

Having finally shaken off Gu Yingxi, just as Ning Yunhuan finished class and was trying to sneak home, her phone rang right on schedule. Lan Lingyan’s somewhat cold voice sounded from the other end: “I’m outside the school gate!”

That single sentence nearly made Ning Yunhuan burst into tears. She didn’t know what terrible karma she had accrued. Having been granted a rebirth, she no longer wished for revenge; she only wanted to keep far away from these demons and monsters. As long as they didn't bother her, she absolutely wouldn't waste any effort seeking retribution. But for some unknown reason, she had somehow entangled herself with this very source of calamity.

And because he had given an order, Ning Yunhuan didn't dare refuse!

She braced herself and walked toward the school exit, her mind racing about what to do next. As soon as she stepped out, before even spotting Lan Lingyan’s car, a slightly surprised shriek echoed from not far away: “Junior schoolmate!”

The voice was somewhat sharp and piercing. Since it wasn't the middle of the day, there weren't many people coming and going at the gate, making the area outside seem rather deserted. The security guard at the classroom entrance couldn't help but peek out from his booth window when he heard the delicate cry, but upon clearly seeing the situation unfolding, he quickly retracted his neck, pretending he had seen nothing.

Ning Yunhuan followed the sound and saw Gu Yingxi currently being held by a medium-built, slightly chubby man, struggling desperately to run toward her.

Whether the female lead was inherently prone to attracting trouble or not, Ning Yunhuan had no intention of intervening. After all, as the protagonist of this racy narrative, Gu Yingxi’s inherent purpose was to collect admirers and constantly sample all sorts of handsome men. In her past life, Gu Yingxi suffered immense anguish because of this, and Ning Yunhuan had foolishly sympathized with her, only to realize later that she was the one who deserved pity.

The female lead was different from a side character like her. If the female lead encountered trouble, the male lead would naturally come to her rescue. But if Ning Yunhuan got into trouble, she would truly be dead, with no chance to rise again. Because without one side character like her, countless others would immediately step up to continue adding obstacles for the female lead!

Certain that the male lead would descend regardless of whether she helped, Ning Yunhuan merely glanced in Gu Yingxi’s direction when she heard her call, then turned her head away as if she hadn't seen anything.

The man holding Gu Yingxi, whose face resembled a pig’s head, was a final-year student at the Imperial Capital University. With his qualifications, he certainly couldn't have enrolled based on merit; he relied on connections! In her previous life, Ning Yunhuan already knew this man currently gripping Gu Yingxi. His name was Li Yukuan, and his father was the mayor of the capital, a man of considerable power. Li Yukuan was the mayor’s only son, spoiled rotten since childhood. Not only was he lecherous, but many modestly attractive impoverished female students had suffered at his hands.

Yet, precisely because his father was the mayor, no one dared to cause trouble for him even after being wronged. This made him notorious throughout the Imperial Capital University. The security guard had clearly recognized him, which was why he had quickly shrunk back. After all, Li Yukuan would always compensate the women he used with money; in the past life, he never caused any major incidents—unfortunately, he eventually provoked the one person he shouldn't have: the great female lead!

As a seasoned side character, Ning Yunhuan naturally spent more time near the female lead. But Li Yukuan didn't even qualify as a supporting character; at best, he was mere cannon fodder!

His lust was reckless, and his appearance was far from distinguished, yet he dared to provoke the female lead in the end. Naturally, he was dealt with by a certain powerful man later on, who was utterly bewitched by the female lead’s body, and in the process, his father was stripped of his position as well!

Seeing this clearly, Ning Yunhuan naturally turned to leave. A more frantic cry echoed from behind her: “Junior schoolmate, junior schoolmate, save me.” After saying this, she seemed unable to shake off a nagging conscience, so after a pause, she shouted loudly: “Junior schoolmate, don’t come over, don’t worry about me, mmph…” After saying this, Gu Yingxi seemed to be in extreme pain, and tears streamed down her face!

Ning Yunhuan fiercely suppressed the urge to slap her twice, her anger rising in hot waves. Gu Yingxi appeared benevolent and magnanimous on the surface, but that cry had already drawn the attention of everyone present.

Her voice was exceptionally sorrowful. Though there weren't many people at the gate right then, several car windows were rolled down, and heads poked out to watch.

“Beauty, what’s your name? Even the Heavenly King himself couldn’t save you today. Do you know who my father is? If you stick with me, you’ll have no shortage of benefits!” The cannon fodder, unaware he was heading toward his doom, rather mockingly shouted at Gu Yingxi, then reached out to stroke her cheek. After satisfying his urge, he turned and saw Ning Yunhuan, his eyes lighting up with lust: “Your looks aren’t bad either; come over here obediently!”

Gu Yingxi was held tightly in Li Yukuan’s embrace, tears glistening right at the edge of falling—a truly pitiful sight.

And the cannon fodder male, apparently not satisfied with just one woman, was now lecherously walking toward Ning Yunhuan. Damn it, I'm catching shrapnel just by lying down!

As expected, nothing good ever happened when she crossed paths with the female lead. Ning Yunhuan cursed a few times internally, but pretended not to hear and sped up her pace, beginning to run. The Ning family was merely an ordinary merchant household; although wealthy, they were nothing in this city of the Imperial Capital. Since ancient times, the saying went that the common people must not contend with officials, and that applied here. Even with some connections, the Ning family could absolutely not be compared to a city mayor, especially the mayor of the nation’s capital!

The moment she saw Ning Yunhuan trying to flee, Gu Yingxi immediately panicked and instinctively called out: “Junior schoolmate, wait for me! Senior Li, go chase her…” After saying this, she seemed to snap back to reality, clamping her mouth shut, tears welling in her eyes, and quickly falling silent.

But Ning Yunhuan had already heard what she said. Just as she suspected—the female lead from her past life who was outwardly kind but inwardly selfish to the core! She let out two cold laughs and ran even faster. Her legs were already weak and trembling, and the bruised areas on her calves began to ache faintly. Hearing the footsteps behind her drawing nearer, Ning Yunhuan grew anxious. The security guard who saw Gu Yingxi get caught dared not speak up, but the same applied to her now.

She couldn't help but curse Gu Yingxi in her heart. Ning Yunhuan managed a few steps with her stiff legs before she slammed directly into a solid chest and was enveloped in a pair of arms wrapping around her.