Transmigrated as the Villain's Lackey, I can Sign in to the plot

"Huaimeng! I—"

Zhao Haoqian barely got a word out before Yao Huaimeng's cold voice cut through the air.

"Mr. Zhao! This is working hours. Just because you have nothing better to do doesn't mean the rest of us don't. Do you understand?"

Her sharp tone left Zhao Haoqian speechless. He opened his mouth but couldn't find a comeback.

[Tsk! I forgot how blunt this first heroine can be when she roasts someone!]

[Too bad she's about to turn into a hopeless simp!]

Can we not mention simping?

Yao Huaimeng shot a quick glance at Ye Liuyun, subtly clenching her fists.

"Huaimeng, listen…"

Zhao Haoqian quickly pulled himself together. "If you're busy, that's fine! I don't mind waiting. And if you ever need help, just say the word—I'll take care of it for you!"

Good grief.

If this wasn't the definition of groveling, what was?

[This fool usually has some dignity. Did the heroine's aura hypnotize him or what?]

That's crazy!

By now, Yao Huaimeng had pinpointed the source of the mysterious voice in her head—it was Zhao Haoqian's follower, Ye Liuyun.

She shot him a sideways glance, intrigued.

If this was a novel world, how would the plot unfold next?

Noticing that Zhao Haoqian was still staring at her with puppy-dog eyes, Yao Huaimeng pushed her thoughts aside and shook her head, her voice icy.

"There's no need. Whatever problems my company faces, I'll handle them myself."

The way she carried herself—strong, independent—was undeniable.

But no matter how cold she was, Zhao Haoqian wasn't about to back down. He kept talking, trying to worm his way into a conversation.

Classic simp behavior.

Ye Liuyun, like the rest of the followers, just stood off to the side, watching.

Right when Yao Huaimeng was about to get fed up and head back inside—

[It's almost time for the male lead to show up!]

Male lead?

Now that piqued Yao Huaimeng's curiosity. Who exactly was this so-called protagonist?

"What's going on here?!"

A sharp voice interrupted the scene, drawing everyone's attention.

A young man in a security uniform strode over confidently.

"Long Tian?"

Yao Huaimeng blinked, recognizing him.

Her grandfather had arranged for him to be here, supposedly for her protection.

She didn't know much about him, but she hadn't expected that this seemingly ordinary security guard would turn out to be the main character of some novel!

[Here we go! Showtime!]

Ye Liuyun was fully in spectator mode now.

[The strongest ex-mercenary goes undercover to protect the stunning CEO and win her heart!]

[Classic novel trope right there!]

Strongest mercenary?

Yao Huaimeng had no idea Long Tian carried such a backstory.

[Ah, this is it!]

Ye Liuyun watched as Long Tian walked over with that signature overconfident smirk.

[The male lead makes a dramatic first entrance, the heroine keeps a straight face but secretly swoons, her heart racing!]

Amused, Ye Liuyun shot a glance at Yao Huaimeng.

She was probably already mesmerized by the male lead's charm!

[…Wait.]

[Why is she looking at me instead?]

Was this a glitch? No way she was supposed to be paying attention to him!

[Must be my imagination! This girl is nothing but trouble!]

Ye Liuyun wasn't here to get involved. He just wanted to trigger the plot and complete his system check-in.

Besides, it wasn't like these so-called heroines were the only pretty women in the world.

There were plenty of beautiful women out there without all the baggage!

"…"

Did he just call me trouble?

Yao Huaimeng felt her composure slip for the first time in ages.

Nobody had ever described her like that before.

And now this random guy thought she was a hassle?

Her signature ice-queen demeanor cracked—just a little.

"Who the hell are you?"

Zhao Haoqian frowned at the approaching Long Tian.

"Me?"

Long Tian smirked, tapping his chest. "I'm just a security guard."

The arrogance in his voice was completely at odds with his job title.

The bystanders, who had assumed he was some rich heir, burst into laughter.

"Pfft!"

"Where does he get this confidence?"

"A security guard acting all high and mighty? Is this a joke?"

Their jeers didn't faze Long Tian at all. He only had eyes for Yao Huaimeng.

[Let them laugh. The bigger the mockery now, the louder their gasps will be later!]

[Yeah, gotta make the protagonist's first big moment extra dramatic!]

It was about to go down.

Ye Liuyun debated whether to intervene or sit back and enjoy the show.

[Full-level Bajiquan, ready to go!]

[…Wait. My role is a villain's sidekick, right?]

[Oh no. Does that mean I'm the one getting beat up later?]

Oh great, turns out I'm the clown in this scene!

[Pfft! And here I thought the heroine was the one simping!]

"…"

Yao Huaimeng had almost laughed at Ye Liuyun's earlier commentary.

But as soon as he started roasting her, her face darkened.

How was any of this her fault?!

But before she could respond, Long Tian stepped forward, grinning.

"She's pissed," he thought. "Of course she is. Who wouldn't be, dealing with this kind of nonsense?"

If he could get rid of Zhao Haoqian, he'd earn some points in her eyes.

Smirking, he tilted his head.

"You're causing a scene in front of the company," he said to Zhao Haoqian. "Take your flowers, take your lackeys, and leave."

Nobody expected Long Tian to be so blunt.

Zhao Haoqian's smile vanished, his expression darkening.

"What if I don't?"

A tense silence settled over the crowd.

The showdown had officially begun.