Chapter 32: The Beautiful Villain Has Evolved Again

Villain:
Compared to minor antagonists, a villain has more significant screen time. Their actions and the conflicts they create serve to propel the plot and influence the world of the book. The design of a villain should not merely be a tool for the protagonist to slap in the face; it should also reveal the ugliness and absurdity of human nature. Such characters must pose a genuine threat to the protagonist, thereby driving the protagonist's growth and highlighting their righteous image. Once a villain has been drained of their dramatic value, their end is often wretched and desolate, lacking a peaceful conclusion.

"Sullen" (Men-Sao):
Refers to someone who appears calm and reserved on the outside, not easily expressing their emotions or thoughts, yet possessing an incredibly rich inner world. They reveal their true self only in specific situations or when facing specific people.

These two descriptors flashed through her mind in succession. Tian Xiang froze, then silently pulled her hand away, looking at Meng Cheng'an with deep unease and apology.

"I'm sorry..."

Last time he helped her call for help, he became a minor antagonist. This time he saved her, and his character profile had evolved again. Just thinking about him being drained of his dramatic value and meeting a tragic end made Tian Xiang feel...

*Sigh*, what was she supposed to do?

Tian Xiang was so anxious she could hop on one foot; she felt like she had brought him nothing but trouble. Meng Cheng'an had no idea what was going through her head. Thinking she was apologizing for the incident just now, he wiped his face with a handkerchief and said, "It's nothing." Since he had rushed over, he had already considered the consequences.

Tian Xiang knew exactly what he meant by "it's nothing."

She felt utterly powerless. She was the only one in the world who could see these labels, and the only one who understood what they meant. She would rather the retribution fall on herself than drag anyone else into it.

"Damn it!"

Tian Xiang wiped her face in frustration. Seeing that Meng Cheng'an's clothes were soaked, she said apologetically, "There's still time; why don't you go back and change?"

"Alright."

Meng Cheng'an brushed some tea leaves off his shoulder and looked toward Lu Feng, who was standing not far away, his eyes cold. "What did he do to you earlier?"

Earlier...

Tian Xiang only then remembered that the "scum" Lu Feng was still there. She turned and glared at him. "Why are you still standing there?" It was because of this piece of trash that she had implicated Meng Cheng'an.

Lu Feng looked at the two of them with an ambiguous expression and a faint smile. After sweeping a provocative gaze over Meng Cheng'an, he walked away.

Meng Cheng'an's eyes looked strange, too; no man could tolerate that kind of provocation. Tian Xiang hurried to soothe him. "Don't pay him any mind. He’s a lunatic, something’s wrong with his brain. Let me tell you, you two work in the same office and have a lot of professional contact, so you absolutely must not get close to him, and definitely don't confront him. That guy..."

Tian Xiang couldn't explain the protagonist tag. She thought for a moment and said, "I discovered a secret about him!"

Meng Cheng'an: "?"

Tian Xiang said with a conflicted expression, "That guy doesn't just have designs on pretty female comrades; he doesn't want to let go of good-looking male comrades either. You..." She glanced at Meng Cheng'an’s handsome face, now washed clean by the tea. "You're quite good-looking."

Having been inadvertently teased, Meng Cheng'an blushed. He glanced at Tian Xiang and said, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting?" Then, he turned and fled.

Tian Xiang called out after him, "Remember what I said!" Meng Cheng'an didn't respond.

Tian Xiang sighed worriedly and began cleaning up the office with a broom. When Chen Yong returned with his lunch box, he saw Tian Xiang tidying up the office and even brewing tea for Director Li.

*Is there really a need for all this?* Chen Yong thought to himself. However, remembering that Tian Xiang had made him lose face earlier, he felt a bit annoyed and didn't want to talk to her.

The office lunch break was two hours, from twelve to two. During this time, those who lived nearby could go home, while those who didn't want to travel ate at the cafeteria and either rested in the office or took a nap. Tian Xiang chose to sip tea while reading the newspaper.

As the start of the workday approached, the others in the office arrived one after another. First came Feng Rui, then Qu Yingchun and Tao Huilan.

Tao Huilan was very enthusiastic. She brought a few apples and started handing them out to everyone, even giving one to Chen Yong, but she pointedly ignored Tian Xiang. It was clear she was deliberately building alliances, isolating Tian Xiang, and bribing for votes. With three people competing for two positions, there was no need for her to fall out with Chen Yong; she only needed to unite everyone else to push Tian Xiang out.

Crisp, sweet apples—they didn't just cost money; they required ration coupons. Naturally, everyone accepted them. Chen Yong, being a bit dense, even asked Tao Huilan why she didn't give one to Tian Xiang.

Tao Huilan rolled her eyes. "Do you think my things are free? I only have this many. If you feel bad for her, give her yours!"

Chen Yong finally understood. He looked at the apple in his hand, hesitated, and then handed it to Tian Xiang. Although he was still angry about the incident in the cafeteria, everyone else had one, and it looked pathetic that she didn't.

Tian Xiang didn't need this kind of thing. She said calmly, "As an organizational worker, one must remain steadfast in their principles. One cannot be like some people who, because they aren't performing well at work and fear losing the vote, resort to petty bribes and improper means to compete. This is a serious violation of discipline."

A small apple might seem like a simple gift between colleagues to build rapport, but it could also be framed as a bribe. After all, it was too early to call them colleagues; it wasn't yet known who among the three would be leaving.

The four of them looked at the apples in their hands with awkward expressions. Feng Rui and Qu Yingchun understood clearly now: this young girl from Sanli Lane was sharp-tongued and certainly not someone who would let herself be bullied. Qu Yingchun didn't care and simply kept her apple. Feng Rui and Chen Yong took their apples back out, signaling they intended to return them to Tao Huilan.

Tao Huilan glared at Tian Xiang, furious. "You girl from Sanli Lane, are you picking a fight on purpose?"

Tian Xiang flipped through her newspaper. "Heh, some people are just getting angry out of shame."

"You!" Tao Huilan was about to explode with rage.

Just then, Li Huai arrived. Seeing an apple on his desk, he asked, "Where did this come from?"

Tao Huilan put on a smile again. "Director Li, my father bought them. Since it's my first day, he told me to bring them to treat everyone and let you all have a fresh snack."

Tao Huilan’s father was the factory director; anyone with any sense knew to show him some respect. As long as Li Huai accepted this apple, Tao Huilan wouldn't be accused of petty bribery. After all, if everyone in the office was on her side, Tian Xiang’s dissatisfaction would just be seen as individualism and a lack of respect for the collective.

*Director Tao’s apples, eh?* Li Huai weighed the apple in his hand, then handed it back to Tao Huilan.

"Apples like this require coupons and are expensive. You should keep it and eat it yourself. I'll pass; I don't really care for them."

How could anyone not like such a good thing? It was clear he didn't want to accept it. Tao Huilan had a fiery temper, so she took it back immediately. If he wouldn't take it, fine! She’d eat it herself!

With Li Huai setting the example, the others quickly handed back their apples, even Qu Yingchun, who had initially accepted hers. Tao Huilan’s face turned green with anger, yet she had to force an awkward smile as if nothing was wrong.