The Story in 3 Sentences
Lily Qin, betrayed by her family and discarded by her fiancé, starts as a victim of their cruel scheme, forced into a marriage with the formidable and enigmatic Zhuo Jingren .
A sharp shift occurs as Lily sheds her victimhood, embracing her role as a cunning strategist who turns the tables on her enemies, proving she is far from the helpless pawn they believed her to be .
The story’s direction arcs towards a powerful, unconventional romance where two self-proclaimed villains forge an unbreakable alliance, finding love and triumph in a world that labeled them as antagonists .
Why It Stands Out
1. The CEO Villain Who Actually Listens
This isn’t your typical domineering, emotionally stunted CEO. Zhuo Jingren, while dangerous and wealthy, is utterly captivated by Lily’s mind and spirit, prioritizing her desires and respecting her schemes, making their power dynamic refreshingly balanced and deeply satisfying .
2. Scheming Heroine, Zero Apologies
Lily Qin throws out the rulebook for passive female leads. She’s gloriously unapologetic, wielding her sharp business acumen and common sense like weapons, orchestrating elaborate revenges and manipulations with a smile that chills her enemies to the bone .
3. Comedy Born from Corporate Warfare
The novel masterfully blends high-stakes revenge and romance with laugh-out-loud moments, turning boardroom takeovers and social sabotage into a darkly comedic spectacle where the punchlines are delivered with designer heels and cutting one-liners.
Characters That Leave a Mark
There’s Sheng Xi – the kind and gentle daughter of a legendary general, whose pampered existence offers a stark, often humorous, contrast to Lily’s cutthroat world, serving as an unwitting foil and occasional source of genuine warmth .
You’ll meet Liam Arison, who is Lily’s venomous ex-fiancé, the “dumb ex-fiancé” whose initial betrayal sets the entire plot in motion and whose continued presence serves as a constant, irritating reminder of the life Lily left behind .
And Gu Yelin? They’re the one who navigates the complex family dynamics hinted at within Zhuo Jingren’s orbit, their interactions adding layers of personal history and potential conflict to the central couple’s journey .
The Flaws Fans Debate
Some readers find the sheer number of chapters leads to pacing issues, with certain revenge plots feeling drawn out or repetitive over the 913-chapter span.
The “scheming and evil” nature of the female lead, while a core appeal for many, can be off-putting for readers who prefer more traditionally empathetic protagonists .
A few fans note that while the romance is compelling, the initial setup leans heavily on familiar tropes of betrayal and forced marriage before the unique character dynamics truly take flight.
Must-Experience Arcs
Ch. 1–50: The Pawn’s Gambit – Lily’s humiliating downfall and her cold, calculating acceptance of the marriage to Zhuo Jingren, setting the stage for her transformation from victim to victor with a series of shrewd, early maneuvers .
Ch. 300–400: Corporate Conquest – Lily fully embraces her role, using her position and intellect to dismantle her enemies’ empires piece by piece, showcasing her business brilliance and the deepening, unspoken alliance with Zhuo Jingren.
Ch. 800–913: Villains’ Victory Lap – The final consolidation of power and love, where past enemies are decisively crushed, lingering threats are neutralized, and Lily and Zhuo Jingren’s unconventional happily-ever-after is secured on their own, unapologetic terms.
Killer Quotes
“Don’t flatter yourself. This is all about profit. I only want you to pay for what you owe me…”
“I am seeing you today because we have something in common. We’re both villains in somebody else’s eyes. And I think it’s time for us villains to get our own happy ending. Don’t you think so?”
“Hah! I am a strong and independent woman of the 21st century. I know what I want. But if you insist on giving your body, I will take it too!”
Cultural Impact
The novel sparked a dedicated fanbase drawn to its “powerful couple” and “revenge” themes, becoming one of author TheBlips’s most recognized works on Webnovel .
Readers frequently praise its break from clichés, celebrating Lily’s intelligence and agency, with memes and discussions often centering on her iconic, ruthless one-liners and her dynamic with the devoted Zhuo Jingren .
Its popularity is evident in its high completion rate and the volume of reader reviews, solidifying its status as a standout in the urban romance and comedy genres for its unique, villain-centric love story .
Final Verdict
Start Here If You Want:
A female lead who outsmarts everyone and takes zero prisoners.
A romance where the male lead is obsessed but never controlling, respecting the heroine’s power.
A hilarious, over-the-top revenge fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
Study If You Love:
Deconstructions of the “villain” archetype in romance, exploring moral ambiguity and self-identification.
The evolution of the strong, independent female lead in webnovels, moving beyond physical strength to strategic genius.
The use of comedy and satire within the urban romance genre to critique social and corporate power structures.
Avoid If You Prefer:
Sweet, innocent heroines who win through kindness alone.
Short, tightly paced narratives without sprawling subplots.
Romances that avoid any morally grey or outright antagonistic behavior from the main characters.
