From cannon fodder villain to beloved heroine

Yan Rugo watched the mysterious figure that was faintly visible in the distance with wariness, her heart filled with doubt.

The dark figure moved with lightning speed, almost making her think it was her imagination, but the chill in that instant truly penetrated her skin.

Her heart raced, her gaze fixed on that direction, as if she could sense that mysterious aura through the air.

The people around them were completely oblivious, immersed in the joy of this victory.

Madam Qin smiled and chatted with the noble ladies around her, praising Yan Rugo's talent from time to time.

Master Bai weaved through the crowd, occasionally offering a few pointers, appearing quite satisfied.

Those around her felt only admiration and joy; no one noticed Yan Rugo's unusual behavior.

However, beneath the lively atmosphere of the poetry gathering, undercurrents were brewing.

The tables and chairs were scattered haphazardly, and some unfinished wine glasses lay strewn on the floor. A faint scent of ink and flowers filled the air.

Yan Rugo frowned; this apparent calm made her even more wary.

Just then, she noticed that in a corner not far away, Miss Su was talking quietly with Young Master Hua, and the two of them had gloomy and furtive expressions.

Miss Su's gaze kept sweeping towards Yan Rugo, her eyes flashing with resentment and anger.

Young Master Hua frowned deeply, clearly plotting something.

Yan Rugo's heart sank; she knew these people wouldn't give up easily.

She gently patted Xu Yun's hand, signaling him to pay attention to the movements of the two people.

Xu Yun nodded slightly, his gaze sharpening.

Those around them were still immersed in the afterglow of the poetry gathering, and no one noticed the secret collusion and scheming.

Madam Qin and Master Bai were still chatting happily, while the noble ladies were showing off to each other; everything seemed harmonious.

Yan Rugo took a deep breath and secretly considered her options.

She cannot confront them directly, otherwise she will only expose herself.

She needs to cleverly leverage Madam Qin's prestige to defuse these potential threats.

"Ruge, what did you discover?" Xu Yun asked in a low voice, his eyes filled with concern.

Yan Rugo smiled slightly, already having made up her mind.

She gently took Xu Yun's hand, but said, "Don't worry, I have a plan."

"

Before she finished speaking, a slight commotion suddenly arose among the surrounding crowd, as if some kind of unease was spreading.

Yan Rugo's gaze swept over everyone, her resolve growing stronger.

She knew this was just the beginning.

Yan Rugo's lips curled slightly, and a sly glint flashed in her eyes, like a hunting cat.

"Madam Qin, look at the lingering charm of this poetry gathering, it's truly unforgettable." As she spoke, she affectionately took Madam Qin's arm, her voice so soft and sweet it could melt your heart.

This maneuver is a perfect example of "borrowing the east wind"—he did it so skillfully.

Madam Qin was feeling quite flattered by the compliments from the ladies around her, and when Yan Rugo took her arm, she was overjoyed.

She replied with a smile, "Yes, Ruge is a truly intelligent child. Her poetry today has broadened my horizons."

Yan Rugo pressed her advantage, glancing at Miss Su and Young Master Hua not far away, and deliberately raised her voice: "However, while this poetry gathering is wonderful, it's inevitable that some things will linger, such as the whispers of certain people, which are rather..." She paused deliberately, a meaningful smile playing on her lips, her eyes practically saying: I saw right through your little tricks!

Miss Su and Mr. Hua instantly turned pale, like cats whose tails had been stepped on, wishing they could disappear into the ground.

They were whispering amongst themselves, but Yan Rugo called them out in public, making it a complete social disaster.

Miss Su's exquisite makeup was almost cracking, and Young Master Hua clenched his fists so tightly that the muscles on his face were twitching.

Although Madam Qin did not understand the hidden meaning in Yan Rugo's words, seeing the unpleasant expressions on Miss Su's and Young Master Hua's faces, she vaguely understood something.

She had always liked intelligent younger generations, and she admired Yan Rugo even more. So she smiled, patted Yan Rugo's hand, and said kindly, "What are you saying, little girl? Haha!"

Yan Rugo smiled sweetly on the surface, but she was secretly overjoyed.

This move was a masterful example of "using minimal force to deflect a great attack," easily defusing a potential crisis. She couldn't help but give herself a big thumbs up in her mind.

Just then, Master Bai stroked his beard and walked up to Yan Rugo with a look of satisfaction. "The literary gathering will be held in the south of the city the day after tomorrow. I hope you can come and participate so that I can broaden my horizons."

"

As soon as these words were spoken, the people around her immediately erupted in excitement, all casting envious glances at Yan Rugo.

To be so highly regarded by Master Bai is an immense honor.

Miss Su and Young Master Hua were so jealous that their eyes turned red, and they wished they could rush up and tear Yan Rugo to pieces immediately.

Yan Rugo smiled slightly and replied modestly, "Master Bai is too kind. Rugo only knows a little bit. It is truly an honor to have your appreciation." In her heart, she thought, "Master Bai is really a wonderful person. He directly offered me a 'golden signboard' like a divine assist."

People around her came forward to congratulate her, and the sounds of flattery were endless, making Yan Rugo even more dazzling.

Miss Su and Mr. Hua stood there like two defeated roosters, their faces ashen, utterly humiliated.

Surrounded by a crowd, Yan Rugo smiled brightly, but suddenly felt a warm hand gently grasp hers.

She turned her head and saw Xu Yun with a faint smile on his lips, his eyes filled with tenderness and doting affection.

He said softly, "Let's go, it's getting late."

Yan Rugo nodded, a playful smile flashing in her eyes, and said softly, "What's about to get even more interesting..."

Xu Yun's deep eyes were now filled with tenderness and admiration, as if they could drown a person in that affectionate lake.

He gently put his arm around Yan Rugo's shoulder, his movements as tender as if he were protecting a rare treasure.

Yan Rugo leaned into his arms, and a sweet, ambiguous atmosphere filled the air between them, as if pink bubbles were floating in the air.

The people around them looked at the perfect couple with nothing but envy in their eyes, their sourness almost overflowing.

Madam Qin cleared her throat and said solemnly, "Ru Ge is truly a rare and talented young woman. I have broadened my horizons today! I have decided that I will definitely introduce Ru Ge to more people in the aristocratic circle in the future, so that everyone can see the rising star of our Yan family!" These words were like a thunderclap, and Yan Ru Ge was overjoyed.

Her little face was flushed, and she looked as excited as a kitten that had stolen a fish.

This is a crucial step for her to gain a foothold in this world!

Upon hearing this, the noble ladies around them first stared in shock, then their eyes widened in a mixture of envy, jealousy, and hatred, their gazes practically piercing through one's soul.

Just as Yan Rugo was basking in the joy of being recognized, a murmur suddenly broke out in the crowd, as if some secret was spreading rapidly.

"I heard that there will be even more formidable opponents participating in the next event, and they are all said to possess extraordinary skills!" This news was like a cold wind, instantly dispelling Yan Rugo's joy and replacing it with a trace of worry.

She frowned slightly, pondering to herself, "Can I really handle this new challenge as easily as I have this time?"

A fleeting hint of worry crossed her eyes as she turned to Xu Yun and said, "I..."