[GL] I'm Just A Side Character... So Why Is The Heroine Chasing Me?!-Chapter 17: Drugged?!

Lan Yue found herself standing inside a place she had only ever imagined.

No—fantasized about.

Tall vermilion pillars rose into the night sky, carved with coiling golden dragons that shimmered beneath hanging palace lanterns. White jade floors reflected the lights like still water, and the air carried the faint scent of incense, wine, and blooming night flowers. Everywhere she looked, there was silk, gold, and restrained arrogance.

A royal palace, she thought dazedly.

A real ancient imperial palace.

For a brief moment, Lan Yue almost forgot how unlucky her life was.

Then she noticed the looks.

They weren’t subtle.

Whispers floated through the banquet hall like gnats.

"Who is she? I’ve never seen her before."

"She’s with the Zhao family, isn’t she?"

"Is she a relative? Why does she look so plain?"

Lan Yue swallowed and glanced sideways.

Zhao Lingxi walked calmly ahead, her back straight, her expression cold and unreadable. She wore a simple pale-blue dress—elegant but understated, almost out of place among the dazzling silks and jeweled hairpins around her.

It was like throwing a white crane into a flock of peacocks.

"Look, sister," Zhao Ruoqing giggled softly, nudging Zhao Lingxi’s arm. "Everyone’s talking about you."

Zhao Lingxi spared her a brief glance—empty, distant—before looking away again.

For a split second, Zhao Ruoqing’s smile faltered.

Then it returned, sweeter than before.

"Ah!" she exclaimed suddenly, grabbing Zhao Lingxi’s hand. "Big Sister, look! You still remember Qin Wen, right? Brother Wen—we’re over here!"

She waved enthusiastically.

A young man who had been conversing with several guests turned around.

He smiled.

Warm. Gentle. Polite.

Lan Yue’s nose scrunched up.

Ah yes. This bastard.

Qin Wen excused himself from the guests and walked toward them, his steps calm and measured. He looked every bit the refined noble disciple—handsome features, clean robes, eyes full of concern.

A walking green flag.

A certified scumbag.

Zhao Lingxi’s expression didn’t change, but Lan Yue noticed her fingers slowly curl into her sleeves.

"Ling-Ling?" Qin Wen called softly. "Is that really you?"

Lan Yue nearly choked.

Ling-Ling?

Author, explain yourself. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Before Zhao Lingxi could respond, Zhao Ruoqing suddenly pushed her forward.

Zhao Lingxi stumbled, nearly falling into Qin Wen’s arms before she steadied herself.

"You’ve grown so much," Qin Wen said affectionately, lifting his hand to rub her head.

Zhao Lingxi dodged instantly.

His hand froze mid-air.

For a moment, Qin Wen looked... hurt.

"It’s been so long," he said gently. "Do you not remember me?"

Zhao Lingxi stared at him.

Then—slowly—her lips curved upward.

It was a soft smile. A gentle one.

And yet Lan Yue felt a chill crawl up her spine.

"I remember you," Zhao Lingxi said calmly.

"Brother Wen."

Zhao Ruoqing’s gaze flickered sharply between them.

Jealousy flashed—quick, ugly—before she let out a small cry and pretended to stumble.

Qin Wen caught her immediately.

"Ruoqing!" he said anxiously. "Are you alright?"

"I... I’m fine," Zhao Ruoqing sniffed, eyes glistening.

Lan Yue turned her head away.

No. Nope. Not today. I am not paid enough—actually, I’m not paid at all—to watch this.

She scanned the hall instead.

The Crown Prince hadn’t arrived yet.

According to the original story, this banquet wasn’t just a celebration—it was a selection banquet. The Emperor was gravely ill, and the court was unstable. The Crown Prince needed a consort from a powerful family to solidify political alliances and suppress factional disputes.

Naturally—

Zhao Lingxi was the target.

Lan Yue shrugged internally.

I’m just a maid. None of this is my business.

Her stomach growled.

Now if only I could steal some food...

"Well, well," a sharp female voice cut in.

"What is she doing here?"

Lan Yue’s ears twitched.

She turned.

A young woman stood nearby, dressed in crimson robes trimmed with gold. Her chin was lifted arrogantly, eyes sharp with disdain. Two female attendants hovered behind her like loyal dogs.

Xu Yao.

One of Zhao Lingxi’s many future enemies.

"Why did they allow a murderer into the palace?" Xu Yao sneered.

Zhao Ruoqing immediately stepped forward. "Please don’t speak like that, Sister Xu. My big sister—"

"Or what?" Xu Yao interrupted, flicking her hair contemptuously. "She’s a useless cripple who can’t even cultivate properly."

Zhao Lingxi didn’t react.

Lan Yue, however, clenched her jaw.

Qin Wen finally frowned. "Enough."

Xu Yao turned on him instantly. "Brother Wen, why are you defending her?!"

Before Zhao Lingxi could speak, Zhao Ruoqing leaned close and whispered urgently,

"Big Sister, quickly apologize. Xu Yao is a senior disciple of Heavenly Vast Sect. Even Brother Wen studies there. We shouldn’t offend her."

Lan Yue blinked.

Why the hell should she apologize?

Before anyone could respond, a loud announcement echoed through the hall.

"The Emperor is unwell and cannot attend!

The Crown Prince shall preside over the banquet!"

Everyone dropped to their knees.

Lan Yue followed suit just in time.

Footsteps echoed.

Mo Tian entered.

He wore black-and-gold robes, his presence heavy and commanding. His expression was lazy, indifferent—yet every cultivator in the hall straightened unconsciously.

He ascended the throne-like seat prepared at the front.

"Yes," Lan Yue thought faintly. He’s sitting there. Of course he is.

"The banquet may begin," Mo Tian said calmly.

Music resumed.

Xu Yao straightened smugly, clearly emboldened by her status. Heavenly Vast Sect—one of the most prestigious cultivation schools in the realm. Even the Crown Prince himself was a senior disciple there.

A month from now, Lan Yue recalled grimly, the sect will recruit new disciples.

That’s when Zhao Lingxi’s nightmare truly begins.

Mo Tian’s gaze drifted.

It stopped on Zhao Lingxi.

Silence rippled.

He stepped down from the dais and approached her directly.

Whispers exploded.

Mo Tian leaned closer, his voice low.

"If you want the Nine-Reversal Phoenix Restoration Pill," he murmured, "meet me at Moonshadow Courtyard tonight."

He straightened and walked away as if nothing had happened.

Xu Yao’s face twisted.

Zhao Ruoqing’s nails dug into her palm.

"Big Sister," Zhao Ruoqing said suddenly, her voice sweet and curious, just loud enough to draw ears. "Do you... know the Crown Prince?"

Zhao Lingxi didn’t even blink.

"No."

The single word fell flat and cold.

Xu Yao, who had been standing nearby with her arms crossed, immediately scoffed. "How could she?" Her lips curled in contempt. "A country bumpkin like her—no, that’s too kind. Someone even lower wouldn’t dare dream of knowing His Highness."

Her sharp gaze swept over Zhao Lingxi from head to toe.

"I bet she tried to seduce him," Xu Yao added coldly.

Lan Yue’s eyebrows twitched.

Wow. Straight to slander. Sister, you don’t even need evidence anymore?

Zhao Ruoqing gasped softly, immediately stepping forward as if flustered. "No, no! Sister Xu, please don’t say that. My big sister wouldn’t do something like that!"

Her words were defensive, but her hands tightened around her sleeves, knuckles whitening.

Zhao Lingxi remained silent, her expression unchanged.

Xu Yao snorted. "Whether she did or not, she certainly knows how to attract trouble."

Before the tension could escalate further, Qin Wen spoke up gently.

"Enough," he said, his tone calm but firm.

He turned to Zhao Lingxi and gestured toward a nearby tray held by a servant.

"Ling-Ling," he said with a familiar warmth that made Lan Yue’s scalp itch, "try these osmanthus honey cakes. They were prepared by the imperial kitchen—soft, sweet, and fragrant. You used to like pastries like these."

The small plate was lifted closer.

Golden-brown cakes, delicately shaped, the faint scent of osmanthus drifting through the air.

Lan Yue’s stomach growled.

Her eyes locked onto the pastries.

Holy shit... they smell amazing.

Her mouth watered uncontrollably.

Mistress. Mistress please. I’ve been surviving on leftovers and humiliation. Just one bite. I swear I’ll guard you with my life afterward.

Zhao Lingxi, unfortunately, could not hear Lan Yue’s desperate inner prayers.

She stared at the pastries with an unreadable expression.

Qin Wen’s smile slowly stiffened.

"I’m sorry," he said after a pause, withdrawing his hand slightly. "I thought... you would like them."

Zhao Ruoqing immediately leaned in closer, lowering her voice so only Zhao Lingxi could hear.

"Big Sister," she whispered softly, her tone gentle and coaxing, "don’t be like this. Brother Wen offered them sincerely. Everyone’s watching... if you refuse, they’ll misunderstand again."

She paused, then added quietly, "It’s just a pastry. There’s no harm."

Lan Yue’s heart skipped a beat.

Wait.

Her gaze sharpened, snapping from Zhao Ruoqing to the pastries.

Something tugged at her memory.

This scene.

This moment.

Her blood ran cold.

Oh shit.

The pastries!

Zhao Lingxi slowly raised her hand.

Her fingers were slender and pale, steady as she picked up one of the osmanthus honey cakes. She examined it briefly before bringing it to her lips.

Lan Yue’s eyes widened.

"No—" she almost blurted out.

Zhao Lingxi took a bite.

The pastry crumbled softly, releasing a sweet fragrance.

Lan Yue felt her scalp explode.

Fuck. FUCK. This is it.

This is the plot point.

In the original story, Zhao Lingxi wouldn’t feel anything immediately. The drug was subtle—slow-acting, dissolving spiritual defenses, making her vulnerable later that night.

Lan Yue clenched her fists.

How could I forget something this important?!

Zhao Ruoqing watched carefully.

Xu Yao’s lips curved into a faint, satisfied smile.

Qin Wen relaxed, his expression easing once Zhao Lingxi ate.

Only Lan Yue stood frozen, her mind screaming.

Something bad is going to happen.