The Villain Only Wants to Survive, But Heroine refuses toFollow Script

Jon and Davis both turned their attention to Edward.

Edward hurried over, taking in Davis's outfit and silently giving it a thumbs-up in his mind. Now that's what I call professional! Truly professional!

Just look at him: head-to-toe in bargain-bin clothing, driving a rickety tractor, and even wearing shoes with exposed toes. This was the quintessential appearance of a protagonist—completely unremarkable, exuding an air of humble beginnings.

A proper protagonist had to start off like this, looking as inconspicuous and pitiful as possible so that every snob and passerby would sneer and taunt them. Then, at the critical moment, they'd display their brilliance, shocking everyone. Follow that with an emotional, grandiose monologue to turn disdain into admiration.

From there, the elite would begin to notice them, and beauties would fall head over heels. The entire world would start revolving around them…

Sigh, so enviable.

Comparison really is the thief of joy.

Edward glanced at himself and immediately felt second-rate. Here he was, dressed in a custom-tailored, luxury suit; wearing handmade Italian leather shoes; sporting a limited-edition watch worth over four million; seated in a two-million-dollar luxury vehicle. Beside him were a fiercely loyal lackey and a stunningly attractive secretary.

[ But compared to him, what was he?

What else did he have besides all of this?

What. Was. He?! ]

Jon broke the silence, declaring, "Mr. Edward, don't worry, I'll take care of this guy right away…"

"Stop!" Edward barked, glaring at him. "Apologize to Davis!"

"Huh? My Lord, you want me to apologize to this—this lowlife?"

"Shut up!" Edward gave him a swift kick. Grabbing Jon by the arm, he ordered, "Apologize!"

Jon, thoroughly aggrieved, muttered reluctantly, "Sorry."

Edward forced a smile, turning to Davis. "Davis, what a coincidence! It was our fault just now. Please, go ahead—after you…"

But something felt off. Edward sniffed the air cautiously and took a deep breath. Instantly, a wave of dizziness hit him, and he staggered back, clutching his forehead.

Jon quickly steadied him. "Mr. Edward, are you alright? I told you this guy must've fallen into a cesspool…"

"Shut up! That's… the smell of his cologne."

"Huh? Co… cologne?"

Edward, regaining some composure, looked at Davis. "Davis, let me offer you some advice, man to man. Maybe try a different brand of cologne. This one's… a bit overpowering."

Davis frowned, deep in thought. Even after all that rain, the smell hasn't gone away? Could it be I've just grown accustomed to it? This won't do. I can't meet women like this—I need to clean up.

Damn that storm! It left me in this sorry state.

And speaking of storms, why was there no rain in the city?

Just then, Sophia accidentally pressed a button in the car, and the radio came to life:

"Today, an unusual weather phenomenon was observed in the city. While most areas remained sunny, a single patch of storm clouds produced heavy rain. Interestingly, the cloud seemed to follow a specific path, moving from the suburbs along the highway toward the city, at a pace similar to that of a tractor. Witnesses also noted it paused briefly near a sewage treatment facility. Many residents captured photos and videos of this rare sight…"

Everyone turned to look at Davis.

Davis's mouth twitched as he forced a smile. "Well, isn't that… fascinating? Ha! What a peculiar cloud, wouldn't you say?"

Edward, noting Davis's drenched appearance but wisely deciding not to comment, nodded. "Oh, yes, very peculiar indeed. Clouds like that, how strange."

Sophia turned off the radio and stepped out of the car. When she saw Davis, she looked surprised. "Davis?"

"Sophia." Davis's expression softened as he smiled.

[ So beautiful. Davis Thought.

Sophia really is stunning, a true classic beauty. But what sets her apart is her unique temperament—it's simply unmatched. She's the kind of woman who makes a man want to… heh heh heh. ]

Davis said earnestly, "I went back to research some ancient texts about your mother's illness. I've made some progress, so I came today specifically to help treat her."

Sophia felt a wave of warmth in her heart.

A few days ago, she had to take the subway to save time and had encountered a harasser. It was Davis who had stepped in to protect her.

He was the first man in the world to stand up for her.

Though he wasn't conventionally handsome, and his attire was plain, what did that matter?

She herself was just a small nobody, relying on a high-paying but morally ambiguous job under Mr. Edward to pay for her mother's medical bills.

But Davis was brave, intelligent, decisive, and skilled.

To be his friend, to feel his warmth and protection—it was something she had never experienced before. It was like having an older brother she could lean on, a happiness she'd never known.

Edward took one look at the situation.

[ [ Great! Perfect! The story can progress like this—no problem on my end! ] ]

[ [ Next, let Davis take Sophia to treat her mother's illness. Once that's done, Sophia can follow him, and I can hand her over properly. ] ]

[ [ Finally! Three days of effort, and there's progress at last. Stay calm, maintain the pacing, and naturally… let the two of them pair up. ] ]

Sophia was startled.

[ What's Mr. Edward thinking?

Why does he keep pushing Davis to treat my mom? How does he know Davis knows medicine?And how does he know so much—things I don't even know myself? 

No, wait!

The first person who took care of me, protected me, and genuinely cared for me wasn't Davis—it was Mr. Edward! ]

She thought back. It was Mr. Edward who hired her, despite her lack of qualifications.

[ He'd joked that it was because she was attractive, sexy, and had long legs. But now, in hindsight—didn't he already have plenty of beautiful, sexy women with long legs around him?

No, it was intentional. He gave me a chance to earn a good salary to support my mother.

He'd insisted me wear stockings and short skirts every day, claiming it was to be "pleasing to the eye." Looking back now, he was encouraging me!

He understood my insecurities, so he made me showcase my figure and charm, helping me believe in myself, appreciate myself, and develop my natural strengths.

When he said I had a submissive nature and teased my relentlessly, it wasn't just mockery. He was training me, forging me resilience, strength, and independence.

He wanted me to withstand workplace pressures and harassment and live boldly, freely.

He'd known all along that I endured everything for my mother. He didn't expose me, didn't condescend to offer charity, but instead deliberately teased and pressured me—even to the point of breaking me.

It was all to make me believe that everything I achieved was through my own efforts, not his handouts.

He wanted me to see him as a "bad guy" so that, one day, when I had another choice, I could leave him without guilt and pursue her own future.

What a noble character Mr. Edward has! What a sublime soul! What a man worthy of admiration—my Mr. Edward! ]

Edward saw the emotion in Sophia's eyes, tears welling up as her gratitude surged. He nodded in satisfaction. Good, the timing is just right.

Edward said, "Alright, Sophia, go with Davis. I hope your mother recovers soon. Oh, and Davis is a rare talent destined for greatness. You might as well resign and follow him. Once your mother's illness is cured, your financial pressure will ease. I'll have finance issue you two years' salary—enough to live on."

Davis scratched his head. What the—? This guy's so easygoing? I was ready to fight him if he caused trouble, but he's… surprisingly agreeable. Totally different from the rumors.

Davis smiled. "Boss Astor, you're quite magnanimous today."

"Of course, of course, learning from you, Davis."

Davis turned to Sophia. "Sophia, let's get back quickly and treat your mom."

Sophia smiled faintly. "Thank you, Davis. I appreciate your kindness, but Miss Lewis has already agreed to operate on my mom next week. As for my job…"

She looked at Edward with gratitude. "I owe Mr. Edward so much. I can't repay his kindness, and I won't leave him or the Astor Group. I'll follow Mr. Edward loyally, through thick and thin!"

Edward felt as though they were conspiring to mess with him. What's wrong with the plot I set up? What's the issue here? Just follow the storyline!

I've humbled myself, risking getting smacked by the protagonist, to pave the way for your happy future. Can't you just stick to the script? What's with the 'through thick and thin' nonsense? Trying to steal the spotlight, are you?

Davis was equally surprised. "Sophia, don't you trust my medical skills? Frankly, no one else in the Northern Region but me can cure your mom."

Sophia smiled and shook her head. "Miss Lewis is a renowned doctor with extensive family medical resources. She's agreed to perform the surgery, so it should be fine. But thank you, Davis, for your concern."

Edward massaged his temples, exasperated. "How about this: go with Davis and let him try. If he can cure your mom in no time, then there's no need for Miss Lewis. How about that?"

"I'd rather wait until next week. I've already discussed it with my mom. If Miss Lewis can't do it, I'll trouble Davis."

Edward exploded. "I said go, so go! Why all this hesitation? This is such a great opportunity—he's here, I agree, and I'm even giving you money. He'll definitely cure your mom, and he'll treat you well in the future. You won't rank low in his harem, so what more do you want?!"

"Harem… harem?"

Edward froze, realizing he'd let something slip in his excitement.

Davis frowned. "Boss Astor, you can't just say whatever you want. Sophia and I are just friends. I see her as a sister."

"I know, I know. I got carried away—my apologies."

But Sophia wasn't budging. Edward clenched his teeth and made a decision. "Sophia, you're fired."

Sophia was stunned. "Why?"

Edward smiled. "No reason. Go with Davis."

Sophia grabbed Edward's hand. "Mr. Edward, please don't fire me. My mom's surgery needs money, and her medication costs money. I can't lose my job…"

"I'll pay for the surgery and the medication—but only if you resign."

At this moment, a voice rang out: "She doesn't need to resign."

Edward turned angrily. "Who dares interrupt? Come out if you've got the guts!"

But when he saw who it was, Edward immediately cowered.