The villain turns into the infatuated second male lead

The pallid-faced, stern young man visibly relaxed as soon as the drunkard collapsed. Before anyone could react, he too fainted, catching Yin Zhiyi slightly off guard.

Yin Zhiyi’s concern faded as he watched the man fall, realizing the shattered glass on the ground hadn’t been cleared yet. Committed to completing his task well, he quickly stepped forward and caught the unconscious Qiu Yiyuan.

His injuries were severe. Without immediate treatment, he could only hope the protagonist’s halo would be enough to save him.

“Can you hear me?” Yin Zhiyi teasingly pinched his pale face, trying to wake him up. Without the male lead’s cooperation, moving an unconscious adult man with his current physical condition would be difficult.

This was the first time he had been this close to Qiu Yiyuan.

Seeing the redness on the male lead’s face, he gave up trying to wake him. Instead, he put his arm over his shoulder, intending to get him to the car, even if he had to be a bit rough.

Just then, a slightly surprised female voice called from behind, “Ling Su?”

Pausing while stabilizing Qiu Yiyuan, Yin Zhiyi recognized the familiar voice. He turned awkwardly with Qiu Yiyuan, seeing a pretty and clear-faced woman, Xia Wanshi, his other target and the female lead.

This alley is quite busy, he thought.

Maintaining his usual expression, he mimicked Ling Su’s tone, frowning with concern, “Xiaoshi, didn’t I tell you not to walk through alleys alone at night?”

“This isn’t the time for that.” Xia Wanshi, fearing he would tell her parents, quickly changed the subject. Walking over to Qiu Yiyuan, she gasped upon seeing his condition, “Is this your friend? He’s badly hurt. Did he do this?” she asked, pointing to the drunkard on the ground, whose smell made her nauseous. She had only taken a shortcut home, not expecting to witness a fight. Recognizing Ling Su had kept her from running away.

“I’m not sure. I saw the drunkard about to hit him when I arrived,” he explained, omitting details and maintaining his role, “The priority is to treat his wounds.”

“I’ll help you,” she offered, thinking there might be a reason not to call the police. She decided to question the injured man once he woke up, helping to carry him despite the blood and dirt.

Yin Zhiyi felt the burden lighten with her help. She didn’t exhibit any special connection to Qiu Yiyuan, so she remained silent.

They quickly reached the car at the alley’s entrance, where she suggested, “Why not treat him at my place? It’s closer.”

With their childhood betrothal, she considered her friend’s opinion, though she was focused on saving the man.

Understanding the plot, Yin Zhiyi knew that the male and female leads’ deep bond would form during the recovery period. He planned to reduce their interaction time once Qiu Yiyuan’s condition stabilized.

Yin Zhiyi, living in this world for nearly thirty years, viewed it as real. The plot could change, he believed.

Using Ling Su’s familiar gaze, he softly agreed, “Okay.”

The car’s engine roared in the quiet night. Xia Wanshi glanced at her friend, feeling something was off despite his usual demeanor.

Knowing Ling Su since childhood due to their parents’ friendship, she found him to be the perfect gentleman. Yet, she could not develop romantic feelings for him, seeing him as a brother. Despite her lack of understanding of love, marrying him seemed acceptable.

Her family’s wealth wasn’t significant among the elite but was notable among ordinary people. In college, she lived in her own spacious apartment, with one room converted into a music room. Qiu Yiyuan was placed in the guest room.

Under the bright light, Qiu Yiyuan’s pale face seemed peaceful and relieved, though unconscious. In his dreams, he saw a gentle man under the moonlight, whose warmth contrasted the cold wind. This comforting presence became a recurring image.

Suddenly, the gentle man’s face twisted, replaced by his adoptive brother’s playful smile, asking lazily, “Where do you think you’re going, Yiyuan?”

Startled, his awareness returned, his slight movements caught by Yin Zhiyi. Feigning unconsciousness, he tried to assess the situation through their conversation.

Yin Zhiyi, amused by his reaction, picked up a pair of scissors from the prepared tools.

“Is that drunk okay?” Xia Wanshi asked, watching Ling Su skillfully treat the wounds. She worried about the consequences if the drunkard was seriously injured, still considering calling the police.

“I was careful. Don’t worry,” he reassured her, using sterilized scissors to cut away Qiu Yiyuan’s clothes, many of which stuck to his wounds.

The cold metal made his back stiffen. Staying still, he listened carefully, ready to act if needed.

Seeing a nearly circular wound on Qiu Yiyuan’s leg, Xia Wanshi whispered, “Ling Su…”

“It’s a gunshot wound,” Yin Zhiyi replied calmly.

Hearing the sensitive topic, Qiu Yiyuan grew wary, prepared to defend himself despite being saved.

Yin Zhiyi anticipated his thoughts, knowing the original plot. Ling Su had suspected Qiu Yiyuan’s complex identity and suggested sending him away to avoid trouble. The female lead, however, insisted on caring for him until he recovered, earning his gratitude.

Reassured by her friend, Xia Wanshi scrutinized the blood-stained man, now seeing his handsome features. She felt conflicted, knowing the risks but unable to abandon him.

The room fell silent. Unlike her hesitation, Qiu Yiyuan felt like he was awaiting judgment. Yin Zhiyi broke the tension, smiling wryly, “We’ve brought him here. Let’s help him recover and send him away once he’s better.”

Understanding the plot, he wouldn’t let the female lead make the decision. He took charge, feeling Qiu Yiyuan relax.

Xia Wanshi, though unsure, refrained from speaking, feeling a strange familiarity with the man’s face.

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