The Villainess is a Marionette - Chapter 12

Ding!{You've awakened the Echo System.}Scarlett Jerkins' dream was simple: wealth and the freedom to indulge. But when she let love in, she regretted it as her life was brutally cut short by her husband's family, ending a six-month coma but fate had other plans.Scarlett's eyes flickered open to an unfamiliar world, guided by an enigmatic system that revealed her new reality: an apocalypse world where monsters born from history deceased roamed free.She discovered that she was among the chosen members chosen by the system destined to save humanity. But this newfound purpose felt like a curse. Having escaped death only to face it again was a cruel twist of fate. And to make matters worse, her life was now tied to Garvin Johnson, her former rude, spoilt brat boss, whom she must protect at all costs.As she navigates this treacherous realm, she must confronts twisted creatures born from history's deceased. With the three elements at her command, she must gather resources, slay monsters, and safeguard Garvin.Scarlett's drive for survival becomes a quest for redemption, fueled by her past traumas and newfound purpose. As stakes escalate, Scarlett and Garvin face impossible choices, forging alliances with other chosen members who were handsome men and confronting enemies in a desperate bid to ensure humanity's survival.

Duplicity is true
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Bian Xi entered an NP novel. Although the heroine in the book is difficult to flirt and chase, she has a fish pond, and Bian Xi happens to be one of the fish.
This is outrageous!
Bian Xi turned his head and swam out of the fish pond, carrying her empty small purse and acting as a fish pond administrator, not only teaching how to be a man but also teaching the heroine, as long as the money is in place!
It’s just why the heroine always sticks to herself?
Said to be so cold and difficult to flirt, how can you be fierce and coquettish to yourself and still love to act like a coquette?
Bian Xi: Please walk away, the fish you raised is coming to bite me.
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Lightning protection:
1. The harems have a strong sense of existence, but they are mainly for laughing and promoting emotional lines.
2. Jiang Yinqi is an artist, but will not be involved in the entertainment industry

Content tags: urban love, special liking, wear books
Search keywords: Protagonists: Bian Xi, Jiang Yinqi ┃ Supporting roles: A group of idiots ┃ Others:
One sentence introduction: I want to be the white moonlight that the heroine can’t get!
Purpose: Where there is a will, things will come true

- Description from novelbuddy

“Look at me,” he said, voice barely above a whisper, like he wasn't just asking her to see him—but to choose him.She did.And oh God.The moment her eyes met his, it was like the floor tilted. His gaze wasn't cold anymore. It wasn't guarded or teasing. It was raw. Fierce. Wrecking. Like he saw through every layer she'd tried to hide.She swallowed hard. Her legs trembled.Her heart betrayed her, pounding so hard against her ribs it seemed like it wanted to break free.Why did his eyes soften like that, as if she was delicate glass, and he'd do anything to keep her from shattering?She swore she was going to melt right there.And he didn't even kiss her.Didn't have to.That one look—his fingers brushing against her skin like he owned the right, it was more than any kiss she'd ever had. More dangerous. More intoxicating.Her lips parted, maybe to speak, maybe to breathe, but nothing came out. Nothing could.The tension between them tightened—thick, electric, blinding.If he moved even an inch, it would be over.But he didn't.And that restraint? That maddening, infuriating, goddamn beautiful control made her want him even more.“Let me handle this,” he whispered. “You don't have to trust Conor. Just trust me.”Her eyes dropped to his lips. They were so close now she could feel the whisper of his breath. Her heart pounded harder, like it wanted to escape.“Please stop doing that,” she murmured. For a fleeting second, nothing moved, then he dropped his hand.His brows drew together. “Doing what?”“Touching me,” she whispered. “Especially when you're trying to make a point. You did it in the restroom too.”“Why do you think I'm doing that?” he asked, voice husky now, softer.Synopsis:At an elite college, falling for the rich, cold son of a bi-llionaire wasn’t part of the plan, especially when his brother is tied to her mother’s mysterious death.But from the moment Merlina steps onto campus, the chemistry is undeniable. He’s detached, arrogant, and everything she should stay away from. Yet no matter how hard she tries, she can’t ignore the pull.She’s here for a degree, but her real mission is uncovering the secrets of her mother’s past at this very school. As sparks fly between her and the guy she should keep her distance from, she’s torn between two things: exposing the truth and protecting her heart from falling for him.The deeper she digs, the more dangerous things get. Anonymous threats, dark secrets, and a guy who’s starting to think her obsession with the past could ruin everything. When the truth finally breaks free, it threatens everything she’s worked for—the truth, her heart, and the fragile bond she shares with him.With everything at risk, she must choose: expose the truth, or hold on to the one person who makes her feel truly alive.

Dual Cultivation is an art. The more you focus on doing the art, the worse it becomes. Only when doing it becomes part of the art itself, does one truly experience it to its fullest.