Chapter 2: The Male Protagonist

Chen Jinzhou did not expect her to change her mind so quickly; he hung his head, lost in thought as if faced with a daunting dilemma. Chen Xingmiao knew well that he doted on his daughter, and that the Chen estate was far superior to the Xiao family. However, in these ancient times, once a marriage contract was set, it was as fixed as a nail in wood, involving the reputations of two houses. If not for that Concubine Zhou stirring up trouble, she certainly wouldn't have been forced into such a demeaning marriage. But, to hell with it—earning points was what mattered.

"Very well!" Chen Jinzhou sighed deeply, his face etched with exhaustion. "Since things have come to this, prepare yourself. In three days, I will ensure you are married off in splendor!"

"Thank you, Father!" Her face lit up instantly, her eyes sparkling. Five hundred points, here I come!

Seeing her so jubilant, Concubine Zhou seemed to realize something. "Second Miss, you aren't thinking of fleeing your own wedding, are you?"

As soon as these words left her lips, the faces of Chen Jinzhou and Chen Shuwan, which had just relaxed, turned grave once more.

*Flee? Flee your grandfather!* This old woman was far too diligent, always looking for ways to trip her up.

Chen Xingmiao quickly spoke up, "This concerns our family's honor. As a daughter of the Chen house, I should share in its burdens. No matter what Xiao Ziyu is like, I will follow where I am led—I am prepared to face whatever comes!" She held her head high, projecting a resolute image, as if the words "devoted to the Chen family" were written across her face.

Concubine Zhou was clearly unwilling to let it go, but just as she was about to speak again, Chen Jinzhou coldly cut her off. "Enough. Let us all leave and let Chuntao come in to attend to her. Xiao Miao, get some rest."

*Phew... finally gone.* Watching the group depart, Chen Xingmiao finally let out a sigh of relief.

Soon, the door was gently pushed open again, and a young maid carrying a washbasin hurried in with small, quick steps. She set the basin aside and rushed to the bedside, gripping Chen Xingmiao’s hand tightly. "Miss, Chuntao was so scared! Are you feeling better?"

This little maid seemed quite loyal. Chen Xingmiao hopped off the bed and spun around, her lips curling into a smile as she said, "Look, I’m as fit as a fiddle."

"Miss, you really should lie back down." Chuntao, startled, hurriedly pulled her back to the bed.

Chen Xingmiao felt helpless. *Lie down? I’ve already transmigrated; who could just lie here?* With the wedding approaching, she had to have some fun before the big day! "Oh, Chuntao, I’m going to fall apart if I stay in bed any longer. Come on, take me out to the streets for a stroll."

Chuntao’s face was full of hesitation. "But..."

"I am the Miss, so listen to me. Get me dressed—we’re leaving!"

Chuntao was eventually unable to resist Chen Xingmiao and began to help her dress. Sitting before the bronze mirror, Chen Xingmiao looked at her reflection and couldn't help but touch her face. She had only just reached womanhood; this skin, plump with collagen, was impossibly tender—something no skincare product could ever replicate.

"Miss is always so beautiful," Chuntao said as she skillfully and meticulously pinned up her hair.

Chen Xingmiao looked at her reflection and smiled with satisfaction. Though she had acted in many period dramas and had stylists create all sorts of exquisite hairstyles for her, compared to this, the bun crafted by the hands of an ancient maid possessed a unique charm.

"Let’s go!" She impatiently pulled Chuntao out the door.

The streets were bustling with people, merchants gathered in crowds, and the scene was lively and prosperous. Peddlers and laborers moved in an endless stream, and the cries of vendors hawking their wares echoed constantly. Carriages rolled by slowly, as if one could hold the prosperity of the city in the palm of one's hand, and one could occasionally hear the passengers discussing the shifting tides of the world.

Chuntao, carrying various items of different sizes, trotted behind Chen Xingmiao, beads of sweat already forming on her forehead. "Miss, Miss, please slow down..."

Chen Xingmiao stopped and, seeing the panting Chuntao, reached out to take the items from her. "Miss, you mustn't! Let Chuntao carry them." The little maid was so startled she hurriedly hid the items behind her back.

Chen Xingmiao ignored her and snatched some of the things away anyway. "You’ll be accompanying me often from now on, so why stand on ceremony?" As she spoke, she looked around. Such a marketplace could previously only be seen on film sets or television. Now, experiencing it firsthand, she found the local customs and atmosphere so rich. It was just a shame that she had been out for so long and hadn't seen anyone who looked like a male lead. And that Xiao Liu hadn't said a word—it was infuriating!

Just as she was thinking this, the bustling crowd suddenly parted to both sides, followed by the sound of rapid hoofbeats.

"Miss, watch out!" Before Chen Xingmiao could react, she heard Chuntao’s terrified voice in her ear.

The next moment, she felt her body being violently yanked by a force, and her hands naturally pressed against a stranger’s chest.

"Damn it, are you blind?" the person on the horse cursed as they galloped away.

"Miss, are you alright? Are you hurt?" Chuntao rushed to her side, tears welling up in her eyes.

Chen Xingmiao looked at the man before her. He wore a snow-white robe and possessed a slender build; he seemed to lack muscular definition, yet he remained perfectly proportioned. The bruise at the corner of his mouth was jarring, but it failed to obscure his refined features. *I can’t believe there are actually men this good-looking!* Chen Xingmiao couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

"I’m fine, Chuntao." She steadied herself and turned her gaze back to the man. "Thank you for just now. May I ask who you are, sir?" Given his dramatic entrance, if he wasn't the male lead, he had to be the second male lead, right?

"It is well that you are unharmed, Miss. Do not dwell on it." The man’s voice was deep and pleasant. With that, he picked up the cloth he had dropped on the ground, brushed off the dust, and vanished into the crowd.

The street quickly returned to its former hustle and bustle.

"Miss, that scared Chuntao to death. You are getting married soon; it would be better to stay in the estate for these next few days..."

As the two walked home, Chuntao fretted with concern, but Chen Xingmiao didn't hear a word of it. She was busy calculating how to ask Xiao Liu who that person was as soon as she got back. She couldn't shake the feeling that such an entrance was surely not that of a simple NPC.

Back in her chamber, Chen Xingmiao took a sip of water. "Chuntao, I’m a bit hungry. Go to the kitchen and get me something to eat."

"Yes, Miss."

After sending Chuntao away, Chen Xingmiao ensured the doors and windows were shut and called out for Xiao Liu.

[What does the host need, calling me out like this?] Xiao Liu didn't seem fully awake, his lazy voice laced with a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Tell me, was the man who saved me on the street today the male lead or the second male lead?"

Xiao Liu pondered for a moment, as if deciding how to answer. [In a sense, he is the male lead.]

"Then do I have any missions related to the male lead?"

[Host, don't overthink it. Just settle in and get married. Happy wedding, by the way.]

Chen Xingmiao sprang to her feet, waving her hands in the air, her face the picture of frustration. "Xiao Liu, you’ve run off again!"