I Turned Out to Be the Paranoid Villain's White Moonlight - Chapter 10

Along with Yu Wanqiao’s affirmation, Zhan Yao also received a brooch.

“For me?” Zhan Yao asked, looking down at the brooch in her palm. It was shaped like a feather, crafted in enamel, and inlaid with pearls and diamonds. It wasn’t large, but it felt high-quality and substantial in her hand.

The brooch had likely been held in Yu Wanqiao’s hand for a while; it still carried a trace of her warmth. Lying quietly in her palm, its presence was striking.

“Yes,” Yu Wanqiao nodded. “I thought it suited you, so I bought it.”

Not bad, quite pretty.

“Thank you.” Zhan Yao’s favorite thing in life was receiving gifts. She was already mentally pairing the brooch with her various gowns. “Is it the Savile brand?”

“Yes,” Yu Wanqiao replied. “Good eye, Yaoyao.”

Zhan Yao knew the brand. A brooch of this quality would cost at least 150,000 yuan.

“You shouldn’t have,” Zhan Yao said happily. Reciprocating the gesture, she decided to give Yu Wanqiao a bright smile. “Wanqiao, you’re so sweet.”

She looked stunning when she smiled—her round almond eyes curved into crescents, and her lips were red and full. She possessed a natural innocence in her appearance, but her spirit was lively and cute. Looking into her eyes, it felt as though the fatigue of a whole day could be swept away.

Yu Wanqiao nodded gently and checked the time. It was time for Zhan Yao to rest. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll head back to my room.”

“Okay,” Zhan Yao replied, watching her back until Yu Wanqiao reached the door.

Suddenly, Yu Wanqiao turned around. “By the way, there is a banquet tomorrow that I need you to attend with me. It’s an elder’s birthday. He prefers quiet, so there won’t be many guests. We just need to show up and have a few drinks; we won’t stay long.”

“Sure,” Zhan Yao agreed immediately without objection. “Do you need me to cooperate and put on a show?”

Yu Wanqiao paused. “If you are willing.”

“OK.” Acting was Zhan Yao’s specialty. If you paid her for a 100% performance, she’d give you 150%. “Satisfaction guaranteed.”

Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, looking like a proud and cunning little peacock. Yu Wanqiao looked at her, a hint of a smile finally blooming in her eyes. After a few seconds of silence, she said goodnight.

“Yaoyao, get some rest early.”

A night of sweet dreams.

In the morning, Zhan Yao woke up in her luxury bed and enjoyed the view outside. The sun was bright, and the breeze was accompanied by birdsong. Directly below her room was the garden. The servants who were “slacking off” yesterday were already hard at work today, planting seasonal flowers and plants according to her specific instructions.

Overall, everything was wonderful. This was much better than living in a dormitory.

Zhan Yao stretched and instinctively thought of that idiot Xu Yingxi. That woman had heard some rumors and truly believed Zhan Yao had been “kept” by some nouveau riche. She had bombarded Zhan Yao’s private messages for over half an hour last night like a rabid dog.

Zhan Yao ignored her completely until an hour later when she mercifully replied with a single character: [?]

Xu Yingxi, who was currently at a meeting miles away, was nearly dying of anger behind her screen. Realizing that Zhan Yao’s wings had grown strong and her temper had flared, she knew that simply scolding her wouldn’t work. She softened her tone, trying to appeal to emotion and logic.

Dog Xu: [Yaoyao, you’re still young. You don’t understand the dangers of society. I’m just worried about you; I’m afraid you’re being tricked by some scumbag.]

Zhan Yao: [Scumbag? Are you introducing yourself?]

Dog Xu: [I know you’re still angry. You’re only doing this to spite me. In reality, you still love me, don’t you?]

Zhan Yao: [Give it up. There is no future between humans and dogs.]

Dog Xu: [Come back to me. What do you gain by being with him? Money? You aren’t that shallow.]

Zhan Yao was amused by that one. Sorry, but I really am that shallow.

Your Sister Zhan: [I don’t even want money? Are you hallucinating?]

Your Sister Zhan: [Besides, she has both wealth and looks. I’ve gained both a person and a fortune. I’m living my best life. Don’t @ me.]

Your Sister Zhan: [Blocked. I am destined to be the woman you can never have.]

Xu Yingxi was nearly driven to madness. When she tried to send another message, it was indeed blocked.

Having won the early morning battle of wits against the “dog-scum,” Zhan Yao was in a great mood and even ate an extra piece of bread for breakfast.

After the meal, she “inspected” the garden. The life of a wealthy lady was boring, which is why social gatherings were necessary. It wouldn’t do to have guests over only to be mocked for having no taste.

“Build a rockery here,” she said, personally taking charge of the planning. “Put a swimming pool over there, and run a slide directly down from the second floor. The front gate is too far; I’m too lazy to walk all that way.”

“And here…” she said, stopping in front of a gazebo.

The servant following her to take notes quickly said, “Miss Zhan, this gazebo has the best view. Sitting here, you can see the entire garden. I imagine you’ll be hosting tea parties with other ladies; this would be the perfect place for refreshments and scenery.”

“Mhm, not bad.” Zhan Yao entered the gazebo to experience it for herself. The view was indeed excellent. “Then do as you said.”

“However, this table has to go,” she added.

“Understood,” the servant nodded. “I’ll make sure it’s replaced with the highest quality marble table.”

“Ah, no need for that.” Zhan Yao rejected the idea after a moment’s thought. “Change it to a mahjong table. I can play a few rounds here when I’m bored.”

Mahjong…

The System was shocked: “You know how to play mahjong?”

“There’s nothing I don’t know.” Zhan Yao smirked, crossing her arms proudly. “This is the basic self-cultivation of a wealthy young lady.”

The System had never heard of a socialite being raised to play mahjong, but it didn’t dare talk back. “Yes, yes, of course.”

Time flew by, and evening arrived.

Zhan Yao had been busy all day. After dinner, she went upstairs to choose a dress. She had researched the brooch Yu Wanqiao gave her; it was a new release from Savile that wasn’t even available in domestic boutiques yet. People online were dying for it. She had no idea how Yu Wanqiao got it.

This made her love the brooch even more; she had to show it off at the banquet tonight. However, she was having trouble finding a dress to match it.

While she was hesitating, Yu Wanqiao pushed the door and walked in. Zhan Yao didn’t know when she had returned, but she was already dressed.

It was a deep black gown. The cut, style, craftsmanship, and fabric were all flawless. On her, it looked both “ascetic” and noble. Somehow, Zhan Yao thought she looked like a beautiful black swan. But while the swan was ready, the little peacock wasn’t.

“Come and help me,” Zhan Yao said, picking up several dresses from the bed. “Which one suits me better?”

“They are all beautiful,” Yu Wanqiao said. “But I think this one might be more suitable.”

She handed a brand-new dress to Zhan Yao. Only then did Zhan Yao realize she was carrying something. Yu Wanqiao was so good-looking that she hadn’t noticed anything else.

Trusting Yu Wanqiao’s taste, Zhan Yao went to the bathroom to change. This dress was also pure black, similar in cut to Yu Wanqiao’s, but with bright, subtle designs at the chest and hem. It was the perfect blend of sexy and playful, matching Zhan Yao’s aura perfectly.

“Does it look good?” Zhan Yao was satisfied. She checked herself in the mirror before walking out and doing a twirl in front of Yu Wanqiao.

“Beautiful,” Yu Wanqiao nodded, her lips curving slightly. She seemed pleased with the result.

“Do you like it, Yaoyao?” she asked.

“I do,” Zhan Yao replied instinctively. Anyone with eyes could see it was perfect.

She met Yu Wanqiao’s gaze and sensed a deeper meaning in the question. Suddenly, she understood. Everyone wants to be needed and praised—someone like Yu Wanqiao was likely no exception.

She stepped forward and gave Yu Wanqiao another sweet, soft smile, just like the night before: “Wanqiao, you’re so sweet~”