Chapter 30: Dead Last in KPIs

This man is truly strange. First, he refused to sell her stationery, and then he treated her to a meal.

Chen Xingmiao couldn't help but complain to herself, wondering if everyone in this script was this wealthy and… foolish?

"Right, I should be going."

The man gave a leisurely whistle, and a spirited horse galloped over from the edge of the distant woods. The horse’s build was robust, its hooves kicked up dust, and its mane flowed wildly in the wind.

"My name is Han Xu. Until we meet again, little lady."

He patted the horse’s neck gently, swung into the saddle, and with a sharp cry of command, rode off into the distance.

Han Xu? *Hanxu*—reserved? That name was easy to remember.

Chen Xingmiao took out a handkerchief to elegantly wipe her mouth. Just as she prepared to head home, she looked up and locked eyes with a sharp, mean-spirited face. She couldn't be bothered to pay any mind and turned to leave.

"Only married a short while and you’ve already learned how to flirt with other men?" Concubine Zhou reached out to block her path.

"Concubine, do you take me for someone like you?" Chen Xingmiao tilted her chin, her expression filled with disdain.

Concubine Zhou’s brows knit in fury, her lips trembling as she glared at the woman before her.

"You! Keep that sharp tongue of yours. Don't think that just because the Master dotes on you, you can do as you please. I advise you not to drag the Chen family’s name through the mud!"

Chen Xingmiao parted her lips, letting out a short, mocking laugh that sounded as if it were squeezed through her teeth, carrying a trace of chilling frost. Concubine Zhou instinctively took a step back, a deep frown forming on her forehead.

"Concubine, you had better worry about your own affairs." Her voice was cold and clear, her gaze piercing through Concubine Zhou like an icy blade.

Slowly, Chen Xingmiao’s eyes drifted to Concubine Zhou’s lower abdomen. Despite the loose clothing, the slight, rounded bulge was hard to conceal.

"What are you doing!"

Concubine Zhou’s face turned deathly pale in an instant. A flicker of panic flashed in her eyes as she instinctively reached out to protect her belly. She tried to maintain her composure, but her trembling lips and inability to meet Chen Xingmiao’s gaze betrayed her. Her footsteps were unsteady, and her body recoiled once more, unbidden.

"Just showing concern for you, Concubine. Be careful—if you do too many wicked deeds, your child might also…"

Chen Xingmiao paused, a cold warning flickering in her eyes. Though she didn't finish the sentence, it carried the weight of a thousand pounds. She lifted her chin slightly, exuding an unquestionable air of authority, a faint, icy smirk lingering on her lips.

"You!"

Concubine Zhou’s heart skipped a beat. How did this little wretch find out? Nothing could happen to the child before it was born, or else how would she maintain her standing in the Chen household? Her hands, hidden within her sleeves, twisted together tightly. Her palms were slick with cold sweat, and her eyes darted about, not daring to meet the girl’s gaze.

Chen Xingmiao stopped wasting her breath. She threw one last cold glance at Concubine Zhou and walked away with a triumphant stride.

Watching her retreating back, the initial panic in Concubine Zhou’s eyes was gradually replaced by a sinister gloom. She bit her lower lip so hard it turned white, yet she did not stop. Her hands at her sides were clenched into fists, her sharp fingernails digging deep into her palms, but the stinging pain could not extinguish the rage and hatred surging within her.

Chen Xingmiao, Chen Shuwan—one day, she would drive them all out of the Chen family!

Chen Xingmiao hummed a little tune, feeling exceptionally pleased. She had watched so many dramas about household and palace intrigue; surely, she could outsmart this old woman?

Just as she was thinking this, she arrived at her front gate. Chen Xingmiao reached out and pushed the courtyard door open.

Xiao Ziyu was sitting at the stone table in the courtyard, holding a book, his expression so focused that it seemed the rest of the world had nothing to do with him. The sunlight spilled onto him, outlining his handsome profile and lending him an air of gentle scholarly grace.

This little villain really is quite good-looking…

Chen Xingmiao tiptoed behind Xiao Ziyu, a mischievous smile on her face. She suddenly reached out and covered the man’s eyes, purposely lowering her voice. "Whose man is being so diligent today?"

Xiao Ziyu froze for a moment. He reached up, gently moved her hands away, set his book down, and used his other hand to lightly pinch the girl’s nose.

"Hmm?"

Chen Xingmiao tilted her head, her eyes shining as she looked at him, her long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings, the playful smile still dancing in her gaze.

A smile curled the corners of Xiao Ziyu’s lips as he spoke slowly.

"Chen Xingmiao’s."

How is this little villain getting better and better at flirting?

Chen Xingmiao thought back to her own actions just before sleep the previous night. A blush slowly crept across her face as she gently pushed him away and took a step back.

"Husband, you have to go to the academy tomorrow, so keep studying. I’m a bit tired, I’m going to go lie down for a while!"

Without waiting for his reply, she scurried back to her room, slammed the door shut, and leaned against it, letting out a long sigh.

[Host, good morning…]

A sleepy voice resonated slowly in her mind.

Xiao Liu? Fine, you! You’re never around when I need you most. Where have you been this time?

Xiao Liu gave a sheepish laugh upon hearing this.

[Sorry, Host. I’ve been busy with KPI assessments lately and got a bit lazy.]

KPI? You systems are also caught up in this rat race?

At the mention of this, Xiao Liu let out a heavy sigh; it seemed the longer it was bound to the host, the more its original mechanical nature faded.

[Yes, Host. Our KPI is ranked dead last…]

What? Dead last? Xiao Liu, are you sure you didn't misspeak?

Chen Xingmiao’s jaw nearly hit the floor. Dead last? She had been a Best Actress in the real world! Being a Best Actress meant she was a top-tier star; if she wasn't ranked first every time, she was at least in the top three! To think she had now fallen to… dead last?

Chen Xingmiao shook her head helplessly. Thinking about how long it would take to complete her mission, she couldn't help but lament internally—

Heaven, life is truly getting harder by the day.

[Oh, come on, Host, cheer up! We’ve only just begun!]

Seeing Chen Xingmiao so discouraged, Xiao Liu’s voice grew urgent.

If you didn't sabotage me so much, we wouldn't be in last place. But speaking of which, what’s the deal with that Han Xu I met today? He can’t just be an ordinary NPC, right?

[Han Xu? One moment, Host.]

After Xiao Liu’s voice cut out, it was followed by the sound of crackling static as it searched for information.

[Found it! Han Xu is the Crown Prince in this script—the male lead.]

The Crown Prince? The male lead?

Chen Xingmiao pulled out a chair and sat down. She poured herself a glass of water and downed it in one gulp, her mind churning.

If he’s the male lead, doesn't that mean there will be a romantic arc between us, and we’re destined to end up together? But I’m already married to Xiao Ziyu…

At this thought, she hurriedly shook her head.

Xiao Liu, no way! I’m a woman from the 21st century; I can't handle polyandry.

[…]

Xiao Liu’s mouth twitched slightly. The host’s train of thought was truly… unique.

Why did it feel like the "dead last" ranking for next month was already beckoning?