After Transmigrating into a Sadistic Novel, the Socially Anxious Sickly Beauty Just Wants to Sleep - Chapter 14

Some time passed. One day, Yan Zhimuo finished his work and returned home in the morning. He had lunch with Jian Anmian, and afterward, they both changed into formal attire, preparing to head out for the banquet.

This was a fairly ordinary charity gala hosted by the Wang Group, which focused primarily on the garment industry. The event was held at a well-known five-star restaurant in the city.

The car stopped in front of the red carpet, and a valet immediately walked to the back row to greet them. However, the man dressed in a luxurious and elegant jet-black suit opened the driver’s side door and stepped out himself. He walked past the valet to the passenger side, leaned over to open the door, and extended a hand inside with a smile.

The man before him was as elegant and handsome as a prince; the scene felt like something out of a fairy tale. As a green and naive youth, Jian Anmian couldn’t withstand it; his face flushed instantly. He shyly placed his hand in the man’s palm and allowed the man to shield the top of his head, guiding him out of the car. Then, with the man holding his hand, they walked toward the hall with steady, composed steps.

The valet froze for a moment, then quickly grabbed the car keys Yan Zhimuo tossed to him and went to park. As he walked away, he couldn’t help but steal glances back, looking with envy at the tall, handsome man and the fair, beautiful youth.

The sound of cameras clicking echoed around them. Only then did Jian Anmian notice that many reporters had gathered. He instinctively tightened his grip on the man’s hand.

“Afraid?” Yan Zhimuo lowered his head and leaned close to Jian Anmian’s ear, asking in a low voice.

“Mhm…” Jian Anmian nodded gently, stealing a timid glance at the man. He was afraid the man would think he was useless—being this old yet still so cowardly.

However, the man’s lips curled up. For some reason, he seemed to be in a good mood. He gently patted the boy’s head and even praised him: “Good child, don’t be afraid. I’m here. We’ll just sign our names and head inside quickly. Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on things; they won’t dare report on this recklessly.”

Jian Anmian trusted the male lead’s words unconditionally. He didn’t care much about the exposure, but the man’s attitude gave him a full sense of security. He whispered a “thank you” with a red face.

He couldn’t help but think that it was no wonder the original protagonist remained so devoted to the male lead no matter how much he was mistreated. It was because the male lead was truly a very charming, mature man. It was simply too easy for a green youth just out of high school to fall for such an outstanding individual.

Indeed, being a “scumbag” required capital.

Unfortunately… he wasn’t the original host. He had already locked away his heart; he was destined not to fall in love with the male lead in this life.

…

After Yan Zhimuo led Jian Anmian away, the reporters immediately began whispering excitedly:

“Holy crap, I heard long ago that the most promising successor of the Yan Group married an 18-year-old boy who just finished the college entrance exams. It’s actually true!”

“What’s the big deal? If you were that rich, your wife would still be in kindergarten right now.”

“…Life is hard enough, don’t expose the truth like that, bro.”

…

The hall was decorated with gold and splendor. Vermilion silk drapes hung heavily before the windows, and the stone pillars were carved with exquisite beauty. Celadon vases filled with fresh, delicate flowers were placed around the room.

Upon entering, as expected, Jian Anmian saw Secretary Liu and Special Assistant Yuwen approaching to greet Yan Zhimuo. The two of them were not invited guests but part of the entourage; they didn’t use the main entrance but entered through the side door early to wait for Yan Zhimuo.

Waiters in uniform carried trays of wine glasses, moving toward them with smiles. Yan Zhimuo reached out and took a glass, politely declining the waiter’s tray when it moved toward Jian Anmian.

Not far away, a young lady in a shimmering blue evening gown saw Yan Zhimuo. Her eyes lit up. After greeting the elders beside her, she raised her glass and began to walk over.

Yan Zhimuo caught the movement out of the corner of his eye and gave an imperceptible signal to Yuwen Chi: “Yuwen.”

“Understood, President Yan.” Yuwen Chi immediately smiled, raised his glass, and walked over, ruthlessly blocking the lady’s path to Yan Zhimuo.

“Miss Rong, hello. I am Yuwen Chi, President Yan’s special assistant. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Yuwen Chi extended a hand to Miss Rong with a smile.

“Hello, Assistant Yuwen. President Yan, he…” Miss Rong looked up anxiously, trying to see Yan Zhimuo, but could only see the man’s retreating back as he walked further away.

Yuwen Chi decisively stepped forward, completely blocking Miss Rong’s line of sight, and said with a fake smile, “President Yan has other matters to attend to and fears he might neglect you, so he specifically asked me to come and greet you.”

Miss Rong: “…”

…

On the other side, Jian Anmian vaguely heard Yuwen Chi’s voice and paused slightly.

Miss Rong? That surname… he seemed to have heard it somewhere before.

Yan Zhimuo didn’t look back once. Holding Jian Anmian’s hand, he said, “Come, let’s go greet the hosts.”

Secretary Liu followed closely behind them, ready to intercept drinks for Yan Zhimuo at any time.

As Jian Anmian walked, he couldn’t help but look back. Miss Rong was gazing toward them with an unwilling expression, her longing eyes meeting Jian Anmian’s for a brief moment.

Suddenly, Jian Anmian’s eyelid twitched. He remembered now—this Miss Rong was the one the scumbag father had recommended for an arranged marriage. She was also the woman in the novel who almost ended up in bed with the male lead.

“What’s wrong?” Yan Zhimuo noticed Jian Anmian was acting strangely. He leaned in and asked softly, using his dry, warm palm to gently massage the back of Jian Anmian’s head. “Is your head still dizzy from the car ride?”

“No… I’m fine,” Jian Anmian replied, licking his dry lower lip.

“If you feel unwell, tell me. We don’t have to stay at this banquet.”

“…Mhm.” Jian Anmian’s expression was preoccupied; his mind was still on Miss Rong.

Yan Zhimuo frowned slightly. He didn’t know why the boy’s mood had suddenly plummeted—it seemed to have started right when Miss Rong tried to approach him.

Miss Rong?

Yan Zhimuo paused, suddenly feeling as though he had discovered the truth.

Could it be… the little one is jealous?

Realizing this, Yan Zhimuo felt an unprecedented surge of joy. He couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile. He affectionately pinched Jian Anmian’s earlobe and declared his loyalty in a domineering tone: “Don’t worry. I have no interest in Miss Rong.”

Yan Zhimuo’s sudden declaration stunned Jian Anmian: “Huh?”

Yan Zhimuo looked down at Jian Anmian, lifting his chin slightly. The “tail” behind him was practically wagging. With an arrogant and proud tone, he announced: “I don’t like women.”

Jian Anmian was utterly baffled: “…”

I… I know! Because you are the protagonist of a BL novel!! Of course you don’t like women!!

What on earth is there to be proud of in that?!