Chapter 13: I Beg You to Betray Me!
Lu Ziyan’s appearance was a deliberate twist orchestrated by the author. Having just returned from a location shoot, she happened to be staying at the Longteng Hotel.
It was the original author’s setup for her encounter with Ye Bai.
According to the original plot, Lin Tai would bring thugs to seek revenge on Ye Bai, while Lu Ziyan recorded everything from behind.
As a professional director, she noticed Ye Bai’s graceful moves the moment he fought, his image perfectly matching the male lead of her movie script.
Her curiosity about him grew. Later, when Lin Tai discovered Lu Ziyan’s secret recording, he angrily confronted her, demanding she delete the video.
But who was Lu Ziyan? As the Lu family’s princess, she wasn’t one to tolerate Lin Tai’s attitude and uploaded the video online instead.
Furious, Lin Tai nearly struck her. At that critical moment, Ye Bai, alerted by Hecate’s call, rushed in to save Lu Ziyan and gave Lin Tai another beating.
Lu Ziyan’s fondness for Ye Bai soared, and she invited him to star in her film.
The incident quickly spread online, with the Lu family fanning the flames, sparking a nationwide boycott. Ye Bai became a beloved public idol, while Lin Tai’s reputation was ruined, turning him into a pariah everyone wanted to crush.
That afternoon, Lin Tai booked a flight. Though Ling Weifeng resisted, he was forcibly sent to Hainan.
Lin Tai returned home with Hecate.
Upon entering, he found Lin Zhentian sitting on the sofa, reading a newspaper.
Seeing his father, Lin Tai’s heart stirred. Though Lin Zhentian was a minor character in Emperor’s Return, to Lin Tai, he was the best father in the world.
“Dad, thank you.” The gratitude came from the depths of his heart—Lin Zhentian had sacrificed so much for him.
“What’s wrong with you?” Lin Zhentian was startled by his son’s sudden thanks, growing more worried.
“I know about Xiao Yuxuan and Shihan. I’ve grown up—I can handle things myself now.” Lin Tai bowed deeply to Lin Zhentian before heading upstairs.
“???” Lin Zhentian watched his son’s retreating figure, his mind filled with confusion.
What about Xiao Yuxuan and Xia Shihan? He had no idea what had happened!
In his room, Lin Tai paced back and forth. Today’s plot had once again thrown him for a loop.
With Ye Bai gravely injured, he’d likely be out of commission for a while.
“Hecate, you did well today,” Lin Tai said, his gaze complex as it fell on her.
“Serving Young Master Lin is my duty,” Hecate replied, warmed by his concern—this was what she’d always sought.
Anyone who dared harm Lin Tai would pay dearly!
“…” Lin Tai rolled his eyes helplessly. This wasn’t praise!
He’d thought Hecate was a normal heroine, but she was even more extreme than Xia Shihan.
He’d watched closely—her kick was aimed to cripple Ye Bai permanently, with no pretense.
Lin Tai couldn’t figure it out. Was Hecate betraying Ye Bai by being this ruthless?
In the original story, every heroine was loyal to Ye Bai until death. What had changed?
His mind couldn’t keep up with reality’s shifts.
“Take rest. And whatever you do, don’t tell anyone about Lu Ziyan having that video of us fighting,” Lin Tai instructed. Since Xiao Yuxuan’s persona hadn’t shifted, he had reason to believe Hecate’s hadn’t either.
The banquet’s altered plot must have led Hecate to gain his trust this way.
Yes, it had to be it—Lin Tai kept reassuring himself.
In that case, Ye Bai was truly ruthless, sacrificing himself to let Hecate earn his trust. Worthy of a male lead! Risking permanent injury to execute the plan.
With that dedication, failure was impossible!
Lin Tai was starting to admire Ye Bai’s endurance.
“Please rest assured, Young Master Lin, I won’t breathe a word,” Hecate said with unwavering resolve. She’d never do anything to harm Lin Tai again.
“…” Wait, you’re really not going to tell?
Lin Tai noticed something off in Hecate’s eyes. This was bad. He’d brought it up to encourage her to spill it! If she didn’t, how would the plot move forward?
“Uh … if you’re threatened and have to tell, I won’t blame you,” Lin Tai coughed, hinting again.
“Please rest assured, Young Master Lin, even if it costs me my life, I won’t betray your secrets!” Hecate was deeply moved. Her boy was sometimes too kind.
Because of that kindness, he’d been manipulated by Ye Bai. But no matter—let Lin Tai remain kind. She’d handle all the darkness alone!
All the light should shine on her beloved boy.
“…” Pfft, Lin Tai nearly spat blood. Another round of loyalty pledges?
If he didn’t know Hecate was Ye Bai’s diehard, he’d think she was ready to die for him.
“I believe in you!” Please, betray me!
As Hecate left, Lin Tai gave her an encouraging look.
Go ahead and betray me boldly!