Lin Xi's shrill protests echoed down the corridor, but no one came to her defense. The Ji family's decision had struck harder than any slap.
Ji Yunxi watched quietly, arms folded. Lin Xi's panic was like music to her ears. A fake can't survive without the support of her puppet masters.
Just then—
[Ding! Task update: The fake heiress's dependence has been weakened. Optional mission unlocked: Expose the mastermind behind her backing. Completion reward: 1,500 points.]
A slow smile spread across Ji Yunxi's lips. "Expose the mastermind, huh?"
The system chimed again. [Host, would you like to purchase investigation tools from the mall?]
"Not yet," she whispered. "Why waste points when my dear male lead is already digging?"
Across the hall, Mo Liancheng leaned lazily against the wall, arms crossed. His dark eyes never strayed from Ji Yunxi. To outsiders, he looked aloof, but the truth was far different—his every move was calculated to shield her.
That evening, the Ji family mansion was anything but peaceful.
Ji Feng, the second uncle, stormed into the study, voice booming. "What do you mean cut off Lin Xi's allowance?! That girl has been raised as family for years. Do you want her humiliated at school?"
Father Ji's expression darkened. "It's already humiliating that we raised the wrong daughter for eighteen years. Lin Xi isn't blood. She's had enough privileges. It's time Yunxi takes her rightful place."
Ji Feng slammed the desk. "You're making a mistake. Lin Xi is obedient, unlike that wild Ji Yunxi. Do you think outsiders will respect a girl who grew up poor?!"
Unseen by all, a figure stood silently on the balcony above, listening—Mo Liancheng. His lips curved in a thin smile. So it was you, Ji Feng.
The next morning at school, whispers spread again.
"Did you hear? Ji Yunxi's uncle is furious about Lin Xi losing her allowance.""Uncle? So the fake heiress still has someone behind her?"
Ji Yunxi caught the gossip, her sharp eyes glinting. Perfect. The rope is tightening.
She deliberately cornered Lin Xi after class, her tone deceptively sweet.
"Funny, isn't it? Even after losing the Ji family's support, you're still so arrogant. Tell me, Lin Xi—who's feeding you now?"
Lin Xi froze, face paling. "N-No one!"
Ji Yunxi leaned close, her whisper soft but venomous. "Careful. The more you deny, the faster the truth comes out."
The system chimed again. [Host, pressure applied successfully. Probability of Lin Xi exposing her backer: 62% and rising.]
Mo Liancheng arrived just in time to hear Ji Yunxi's taunt. His protective instincts surged—he wanted to tear apart anyone who dared corner her, even in words. But when he saw her steady, unshakable expression, pride flickered in his chest instead.
She doesn't need me to fight her battles. But if someone dares cross the line—I'll destroy them before they blink.
For Lin Xi, however, the line had already been crossed. And the one holding her puppet strings was about to face Ji Yunxi's wrath.