Volume One, Chapter 9: Changing a Single Word Leaves the Male Lead Stunned

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Fu Chun’er set down her brush as a voice echoed in her mind from the system.

[Today's task completed. Reward: one chance to modify a single character or word. Host, would you like to unlock the next chapter?]

One chance to alter a single character or word—quite a valuable opportunity.

Fu Chun’er was about to respond when a knock sounded at the door.

“Eldest sister, are you there?” a youthful voice muttered outside.

Her hand paused. She picked up a wooden box from the table and rose to open the door.

Indeed, it was Fu Heng standing outside. Fu Chun’er’s expression flickered with surprise. “Brother Heng, what brings you here?”

Fu Heng’s eyes reddened at the affectionate address. Suppressing the emotions swelling within, he softly asked, “Eldest sister, do you still remember me?”

As dusk fell, the light in Fu Chun’er’s side chamber was dim, and she couldn’t quite discern the redness in his eyes. She simply nodded. “You’re calling me eldest sister—how could I not recognize you? Here, this is your birthday gift from your sister.”

Fu Heng’s initial disappointment at the familiar address faded upon hearing of the gift. His eyes sparkled like a loyal dog’s as he carefully cradled the box. “I shall cherish this dearly. Come with me, eldest sister—I want to introduce you to a friend.”

Fu Chun’er felt a twinge of suspicion. In her previous life, it took quite some time for Fu Heng to grow close to her; now, not only was he actively seeking her out, but he seemed unusually warm.

Then she realized—it must be because last time she attended the birthday banquet, but this time she did not, triggering a shift in the storyline, as the system had mentioned... an uncontrollable influence?

Without pondering too long, she was pleased to see her brother so joyful and nodded in agreement. “Alright.”

They passed through the winding corridor, nearing the main hall, where beneath an apricot blossom tree stood a youth dressed in a blue scholar’s robe.

Fu Heng’s eyes brightened as he waved, calling out, “Brother Shangguan, Brother Shangguan!”

Shangguan Hao turned at the voice and smiled faintly upon seeing Fu Heng. However, when his gaze fell on Fu Chun’er beside him, he suddenly froze.

The girl wore a simple, plain gown yet possessed a beauty as radiant as moonlight. When she lifted her eyes toward him, her delicate brows and flowing gaze held an indescribable purity, evoking a sense of fated connection that made his heart ache slightly...

At this moment, Fu Chun’er’s expression was complex.

She should have anticipated this—only someone as close to Fu Heng as this friend could be introduced to her.

In his youth, Shangguan Hao was already a refined gentleman, gentle and elegant. His eyes, like mountain mist and bamboo dew, always imparted a calm serenity when they fell upon her. When she was embroiled in rumors with Yin Lingxiao, he had braved family opposition to formally propose, granting her a brief respite. Though her heart never truly moved, she accepted the match, choosing to respect him as a husband.

But... Yin Lingxiao detested him.

When people spoke of the peerless Shangguan young master, they invariably compared him to the equally renowned and valiant Marquis’s heir. Their families and appearances were evenly matched, and since childhood, Yin Lingxiao’s hatred for him was no secret.

This animosity only intensified Yin Lingxiao’s possessive obsession over her, casting a shadow over her life. Even a chance encounter with Shangguan Hao would upset Yin Lingxiao, who would then torment her with greater fury.

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Fortunately, this was a private banquet hosted by the Fu family. In his youth, Yin Lingxiao disliked such occasions and would not show up unannounced.

Fu Heng cheerfully led Fu Chun’er forward. “This is the eldest son of the current prime minister, Lord Shangguan—Shangguan Hao. He studies at the Imperial Academy with me, began his education two years before me, and is a year older than eldest sister. Brother Shangguan is well known in the capital for his refined tastes—he enjoys poetry, tea brewing, and playing the zither, and is a man of upright character...”

For the first time, Shangguan Hao did not interrupt his friend’s praise. His gaze trembled slightly before he said gently, “Miss Fu, it is an honor.”

Fu Chun’er’s fingers curled subtly as she thought, times have changed.

In this life, Yin Lingxiao had yet to meet her; for now, she was safe.

“Lord Shangguan, the pleasure is mine...” she began.

Before she finished, the main hall suddenly erupted with noise as a servant rushed in, announcing the arrival of an esteemed guest.

An ominous feeling unnerved Fu Chun’er for no reason.

The next moment, Fu’s father’s face lit with joy as he strode to the door. “Nephew Lingxiao’s esteemed presence graces us—our humble abode is truly honored!”

Fu Chun’er’s expression shifted; it really was him. How could this be...

The system voice sounded: [Host, do not forget—the male lead can appear beside his beloved at any time.]

Fu Chun’er: “...Damn the beloved.”

Fu Chun’er: “Unlock the script, quickly!”

The suspended book flipped open on its own and swiftly located the current scene. Her eyes landed on the bold words: [Yin Lingxiao enters]. Instantly, she regretted coming to the main hall with Fu Heng.

But it was too late—the next part of the plot was even more urgent: [Yin Lingxiao, guided by Lord Fu, casually glanced at Fu Heng, then noticed the person standing beside him...]

Fu Chun’er’s heart jolted. She immediately grabbed her brush and moved it to the words [Yin Lingxiao enters].

No matter how she fled, the male lead’s bond with his beloved meant he could appear anytime.

Might as well put an end to it once and for all—change it to: Yin Lingxiao dies upon entering!

System: […Not allowed. The world consciousness cannot harm the male lead.]

Fu Chun’er’s eyes darkened. Just as Yin Lingxiao stepped over the threshold, she suddenly thought better of it and quickly erased the words.

The system’s voice grew anxious: [Host, think twice. This change will only waste your chance.]

Fu Chun’er sneered coldly and altered “enters” to “returns.”

System: […] Impressive. You really know how to play.

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At the entrance, guests eagerly welcomed Yin Lingxiao, showering her with endless flattery: “Young Marquis, your reputation precedes you!” “Young Master, long time no see, your elegance remains!”

Then they saw Yin Lingxiao cast a cold glance at Lord Fu, ignoring everyone else.

Without a word, she turned and left.

The door slammed shut with a thud, sending dust flying into the faces of those present.

All exchanged puzzled looks. Lord Fu’s expression was as sour as if he had just eaten something foul.

Was this Young Marquis Lingxiao deliberately coming to make a statement at the Fu residence?

He was certainly cold and aloof.

*

At that moment, Yin Lingxiao stood quietly outside the Fu residence, head bowed in deep thought.

The youth pressed his lips tightly, as though suppressing something. His slender hand unclasped the water gourd at his waist, opened it, and drained it at once. The fiery liquor bit down his throat, burning from mouth to lungs.

Suddenly, a fierce wind rose from nowhere, whipping his robe about. Yin Lingxiao snapped awake.

His sharp features knit into a rare expression of genuine confusion.

He did not know why he had come to the Fu residence, nor why he left so abruptly.

A servant had presented an invitation to the Fu family’s young master’s birthday banquet, which he had tossed aside carelessly. His father mentioned a young lady brought from the countryside, said to be around his age and strikingly unique in appearance. He had no interest in seeing her.

Yet when he became aware again, he was already inside the Fu residence.

Amid the bustling crowd, his eyes immediately found the woman behind Fu Heng. Only half of her snow-white face was visible, her gaze lowered quietly in the manner of a noble lady abiding by etiquette. Though she should have left him indifferent, an inexplicable attraction stirred within him, compelling him to draw closer.

But in the next instant, inexplicably, he turned and left.

As if possessed by a spirit.

The neighing of a spirited horse interrupted his thoughts. He pressed down on the saddle for leverage, smoothly swung himself onto the mount, and glanced back once more at the Fu residence.

Strange events had been occurring lately: mysterious heavenly flames, firecracker tubes shaped like gunpowder barrels, and now this chaotic turmoil in his heart...

It seemed he needed to return to the military camp and regain his composure for a few days.