The Cliche Script of a Hero Saving a Beauty

Jingzhou, the Li Family residence.

In the study, sandalwood incense curled in the air.

Li Xiujian sat in an antique armchair, rolling two polished walnut kernels in his palm, their dull clacking echoing in the quiet room.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he studied his son, Li Jinchuan, who stood before him. There was a calculating glint in his gaze, mixed with scrutiny.

"I need you to go to Anhe County for a small task," Li Xiujian said, his tone deceptively calm yet laced with unquestionable authority.

Li Jinchuan bowed slightly, his expression respectful, though a flicker of irritation lay hidden in the depths of his eyes.

He despised being treated like a pawn, even by his own father.

"What do you need, Father?"

"At Anhe No. 1 High School, there’s a senior-year girl named Ye Ruoxi," Li Xiujian said slowly. "I want you to 'bump into' her."

He emphasized the word "bump" deliberately.

Li Jinchuan was sharp enough to grasp his father’s intentions immediately.

Still, he was puzzled. Why would his father take an interest in a girl from such a remote place?

Was there something special about her?

"So, you want me to stage a cliché hero-saves-the-damsel scenario?" A mocking smirk tugged at his lips. "That’s a bit too predictable, don’t you think?"

"Predictable, but effective," Li Xiujian retorted coldly.

"Especially for a girl like her—starved for affection, sensitive, desperate for protection. And this Ye Ruoxi, poor background but top grades. People like her are always torn between pride and insecurity. Lonely, guarded. A well-timed 'rescue' would plant a seed in her heart."

He set the walnuts aside and pulled a photograph from his desk drawer, sliding it toward Li Jinchuan.

The picture was clearly taken without her knowledge—a girl with a cold, stubborn expression. Ye Ruoxi.

"This girl is the key to dealing with the Lu Family in the future," Li Xiujian said, his eyes glinting with malice.

"I’ve already arranged everything. When you get to Anhe, wait on the route she takes home from school. A few troublemakers will harass her. All you need to do is appear at the critical moment."

Li Jinchuan picked up the photo, his thumb brushing lightly over the girl’s delicate, sharp cheekbones.

He had to admit, there was something intriguing in Ye Ruoxi’s eyes—an untamed defiance.

Though he scoffed at the outdated script, his father was right. Against the Lu Family, no piece could be overlooked.

"Understood, Father." Li Jinchuan pocketed the photo with a slight nod. "I’ll handle it."

As his son walked away, Li Xiujian picked up the walnuts again, a cruel smirk twisting his lips.

Years ago, Lu Chengsi had allied with several powerful families to bring the Li Family down from its pinnacle, reducing them to their current state.

Now, it was time for the Lu Family to pay their debt.

Lu Chengsi, the downfall of your family will begin with your eldest son’s household!

---

Anhe County, No. 1 High School.

The school bell rang, shattering the quiet as students burst into chatter and laughter.

As usual, Ye Ruoxi packed her bag in silence and walked out of the classroom.

But just as she reached the school building’s entrance, a familiar voice called out behind her.

"Ruoxi, wait up."

It was Su Yang.

Ye Ruoxi paused, turning to look at him. Her clear eyes held a trace of confusion. "Aren’t you working at the computer store today?"

"The boss closed early," Su Yang said, his gaze flickering away.

It was a clumsy lie.

Earlier that afternoon, he’d received a call from a mysterious man’s subordinate in Jingzhou.

The voice on the phone had been terse but firm—someone had been tracking Ye Ruoxi’s movements. Su Yang was to accompany her home without fail.

To help him identify the threat, they’d sent a photo of a strikingly handsome yet sinister-looking man.

Li Jinchuan.

Su Yang didn’t know who these people were, but he understood one thing—he was Ye Ruoxi’s first line of defense.

"Let me walk you home," he said, stepping closer. His tone left no room for argument.

Ye Ruoxi studied him carefully.

She was perceptive enough to sense something off about Su Yang today.

But if he wasn’t going to explain, she wouldn’t pry.

Everyone had their secrets.

Besides, she knew Su Yang—frail-looking but dependable.

One of the few who had shown her warmth in these years.

"Alright," she murmured in agreement.

Side by side, they walked home, their shadows stretching long under the setting sun.

The path through the urban village was a maze of narrow alleys, and one particular shortcut—dark, damp, its walls covered in graffiti—was Ye Ruoxi’s daily route.

Just as they stepped into the alley, trouble struck.

Three delinquents with dyed hair and ripped jeans emerged from the shadows, blocking their way.

The leader, a guy with bleached-blond tips, whistled lewdly, his eyes raking over Ye Ruoxi.

"Hey there, pretty. School’s out? How ‘bout you come have some fun with us?"

Ye Ruoxi’s expression turned icy. Instinctively, she took half a step back, her hand slipping into her bag to grip the heavy fountain pen Lu Chenyuan had given her.

Su Yang immediately moved in front of her, shielding her with his thin but rigid frame.

"What do you want?" His voice trembled slightly from tension, but his eyes were unwavering.

Ye Ruoxi watched him—his slight figure, the faint tremble in his stance, yet so resolute.

For the first time, she thought, Su Yang really was a good guy.

The old Ye Ruoxi had struggled just to survive, her mind filled only with studies, college dreams, and escaping this wretched place. She’d never dared hope for anything more.

But ever since the Lu Group’s sponsorship, things had started looking up.

Maybe… she could afford to consider other possibilities in life now.

The blond thug blinked in surprise.

Their instructions hadn’t mentioned a bodyguard.

But seeing how scrawny Su Yang was, he sneered.

"Playing the hero, kid? Know your place. Scram now, or we’ll beat you up too!"

"Yeah, mind your own business!" the green-haired lackey jeered.

Su Yang didn’t respond. He simply stood firm, an unyielding barrier.

Enraged, the blond threw his cigarette to the ground and snarled,

"Fine! Have it your way! Get him!"

With vicious grins, all three lunged at Su Yang.