Rebirth: After Becoming the Villainess-Chapter 87: What Do You Think of This Prince?

Song Lianhe jumped back in fright, nearly hitting the door. Just then, Zhou Cangyan shot out a hand to brace her back, pulling her toward his chest in one fluid motion. Caught completely off guard, Song Lianhe crashed into him.

"Ah, Prince... I’m sorry, I’m so sorry..." Song Lianhe apologized in a flurry.

’Oh, heavens! This is the villain’s chest!’

’How many lives do I have to spare?’

’How could I dare to run into him?!’

She tried to struggle free, but Zhou Cangyan showed no sign of letting go. His cool palm remained on her back, pulling her even closer. His voice was cold and raspy. "Weren’t you looking for someone to pose as your sweetheart? What do you think of me?"

She had been wondering what was wrong with the villain today, but his words nearly made her die on the spot!

She gaped at him, dumbfounded, her words stumbling out. "Pr-Pr-Prince..."

’Is he kidding me?’

’I could ask anyone, but I’d never dare ask him!’

"Prince, you must be joking. How could I dare!"

"And why not?"

He was being unusually aggressive tonight.

’In my memory, Zhou Cangyan isn’t the type to press for answers, and he certainly wouldn’t make things difficult for a woman—especially not one who offers no benefit to his grand ambitions.’

Song Lianhe suddenly caught the scent of alcohol on him and had a moment of realization.

"Prince, have you been drinking?"

Zhou Cangyan arched an eyebrow, his expression full of impatience. "Answer my question."

’Yep, that’s it. And he’s had quite a lot to drink, too.’

"Er..." Song Lianhe chose her words carefully. "You are a Prince, and you’re also Prince Ling’s Imperial Uncle. If I were to ask you, wouldn’t that be deliberately stirring up conflict within the Royal Family? Tell me, do you think the Holy Emperor would let me off the hook? One is his son, the other his dear brother. He can’t choose between them—it’s like choosing between the palm and the back of your hand. He wouldn’t be able to punish either of them! So, he’d just have to punish someone else! And I’d be the convenient, unlucky fool to take the fall."

Zhou Cangyan remained tense, his cool, indifferent eyes still fixed on her.

"Besides, look at my status... it’s still somewhat useful. That’s why, despite my terrible reputation, the Holy Emperor still decreed my marriage to Prince Ling. Now, you’ve just returned to the city from the frontier and you’re already meddling. What would that make the Holy Emperor think? What would the entire imperial court think? What would the people of Ling’an City think? And what would all the Wangcais and Ah Huas roaming this street think?!"

Only then did the man’s hand slowly drop. The cold smirk that tugged at his lips was thick with sarcasm. "So, you were doing this for my sake?"

His hand had been cool to the touch, yet Song Lianhe felt as if the spot on her back where it had rested was now searing hot.

Before she could even catch her breath, that icy hand was on her again, gripping her chin. "And Su Huaqing is a suitable choice? Aren’t you afraid he’ll meet a gruesome end?"

’Su Huaqing is part of the Ling Prince Faction. I approached someone from the rival camp instead of him. With his colossal pride, how could he possibly tolerate that?’

At this thought, she immediately pasted on a smile. "It’s precisely because Su Huaqing is one of Zhou Junlin’s men that I was certain Prince Ling wouldn’t make things difficult for him. He can’t afford to lose the loyalty of his followers before his grand ambitions are realized."

Zhou Cangyan scoffed. "You seem to know him quite well."

The young woman lowered her gaze deferentially. "Hehe, know your enemy and know yourself, and you can fight a hundred battles without defeat."

Zhou Cangyan released her and clasped his hands behind his back, turning to the side. In the moonlight, his handsome features seemed almost ethereal. As Song Lianhe caught an accidental glimpse of his profile, a sudden sense of familiarity washed over her...

’It’s like... I’ve seen him somewhere before.’

"I will handle this matter."

"You can’t do that..."

The man turned back slowly, one eyebrow cocked. "Or perhaps, you’re truly smitten with Su Huaqing, and this is all just a convenient excuse to be with him."

"Of course not..."

"Mr. Su has been visiting the medical hall frequently, and today he even filled in for you, acting for all the world like he’s half the owner here. It wouldn’t be out of the question for feelings to have developed between you over time."

"There’s really nothing between us..."

"If you truly do admire him, I will stake my military honors on it and petition the Holy Emperor to let you two lovebirds be together."

"..."

Song Lianhe immediately took two steps back and gave him a formal salute. Each word was clear and firm. "I beseech you, Prince Qing, to lend your aid and help me dissolve my engagement to Prince Ling."

Zhou Cangyan stared at her for a moment before casually closing his eyes. His tone was dismissive. "I’ll consider it."

Song Lianhe ground her teeth in silent frustration.

’The villain in the original story wasn’t this difficult to handle! He was supposed to be ruthless and decisive!’

He started walking out at a leisurely pace, then suddenly glanced back. "As for Su Huaqing, forget about him."

She quickly gave an obedient reply, but inwardly she was thinking, ’I know you can’t stand anyone associated with Zhou Junlin, but did you have to be so blunt about it? I would have understood even if you were a little more subtle!’