Genshin Impact: Villain Life Sim

Lucas and Ningguang were both at the top of their games, each harboring ulterior motives. While their conversation brimmed with flirtation on the surface, deep down, they both wanted nothing more than to utterly destroy the other.

Meanwhile, Yelan stood in the corner, holding a finely crafted recording device, quietly capturing this rare spectacle.

"Well then, weren't you here to admire calligraphy?" Ningguang walked over to her desk and smiled. "I've always heard that the Tianshu is exceptionally knowledgeable. Tell me, do you recognize this script?"

Lucas stepped forward to examine the calligraphy. The strokes were bold and unrestrained, wild yet masterful. He nodded. "I recognize this. It's a reproduction of an inscription by a famous calligrapher named Shao from a hundred years ago. Known for his cursive script, this piece is called the 'Wild Script of Shao.' Am I correct?"

To maintain his persona of erudition, Lucas never stopped studying, even after breaking free from the Fatui. Whether it was art, music, calligraphy, or poetry, he had dabbled in them all.

Ningguang's smile deepened. "You truly are well-versed. They say this style is incredibly challenging. Would you like to attempt a reproduction of the 'Wild Script of Shao'?"

"Of course," Lucas replied with a sly smile. "But first, I'll need a closer look at your piece to study its form before I can use the willow-branch brush to write it in one fluid motion."

Legend had it that Master Shao practiced calligraphy on the seashore, using willow branches as brushes and the sand as his canvas. To honor his legacy, later artisans crafted special brushes from willow branches, calling them "Shao's Willows."

As Lucas's devilish smile grew, Ningguang felt both a flicker of disgust and an undeniable sense of pride.

So even someone as calculating as Lucas can't help but fall for my charms, she thought smugly.

The Wild Script of Shao was a prized piece that Ningguang had never shown to anyone before. But to trap Lucas, she was willing to make a small sacrifice.

After all, it's just a piece of calligraphy. Ningguang had no intention of letting Lucas actually write anything.

What she didn't know was that Lucas had already seen through her plan.

Not only did he intend to defeat Ningguang at her own game, but he also planned to take the precious script for himself.

The calligraphy was covered by a protective, near-transparent sheet of fabric. Carefully, Lucas lifted the covering to reveal the perfect cursive strokes beneath.

Truly the work of a master. Each detail of the Wild Script of Shao was near-perfect. Lucas couldn't resist lightly touching the page.

"Be careful," Ningguang said with a slight frown. "This script is incredibly precious and has never been copied. Don't damage it."

"How can I assess the paper's quality without touching it?" Lucas pulled his hand back with feigned reverence. "They say Master Shao created this by the sea, and one can almost smell the ocean breeze in the paper."

"Stop fixating on the paper," Ningguang redirected. "Focus on whether this Wild Script of Shao is an authentic work of the master."

Because of Master Shao's fame, many fraudsters forged his inscriptions to drive up prices, making authentic pieces exceedingly rare and highly sought after.

Lucas studied the work for a moment longer before touching the seal's texture with his fingertip. He explained, "Authentic seals, as they age, don't darken or develop a foul odor. Instead, their colors remain vibrant and emit a subtle fragrance. The layers and clarity of this seal's imprint are flawless. This is undeniably genuine."

"Impressive," Ningguang admitted, unable to withhold her praise despite their animosity. "But simply recognizing authenticity isn't enough. Can you replicate it with your willow brush?"

Finally, getting to the point.

Lucas chuckled internally but maintained a composed smile. "No rush. My willow brush hasn't been used in a while and might be dry. First, I'll need to wet the brush by tapping it on the seal."

What an elaborate performance, Ningguang thought, her irritation mounting. Still, she followed his suggestion, delicately cleaning and wetting the brush until ink began to drip smoothly from its bristles.

"Truly an excellent brush," Lucas praised, watching intently. "Ningguang, your brush is as extraordinary as you are."

"Flattery won't get you far," Ningguang replied with a coy smile. "The brush is ready—start writing."

Lucas grinned. "Before tackling the Wild Script of Shao, I'd like to warm up by copying your Xue Bai's Riverboat."

The Xue Bai's Riverboat was another treasured piece in Ningguang's study, an impromptu poem written by Xue Bai during a snowy river journey. Liyue's history featured two renowned calligraphers named Xue Bai, known as "Elder Xue Bai" and "Younger Xue Bai."

The poem praised Xue Bai's soft yet powerful strokes, likening them to snow's softness and steel's strength.

Ningguang silently cursed. Lusting after my Wild Script of Shao is bad enough—now he wants to lay hands on my Xue Bai's Riverboat too?

Yet, with no alternatives left, Ningguang reluctantly displayed the cherished piece and hung it before him.

"You're lucky today," she said, voice laced with forced generosity.

Lucas concealed his glee as he began copying the Xue Bai's Riverboat, simultaneously stealing glances at the Wild Script of Shao. Just as he prepared to push further, Ningguang suddenly exclaimed, "Guards! The Tianshu is trying to defile me!"

Exactly as expected.

Lucas feigned shock, hurriedly stepping back. "Ningguang, what are you saying?"

At that moment, Yelan emerged from behind a bookshelf, holding the recording device. A sly smile played on her lips. "Lord Tianshu, we've captured all of your despicable actions on film."

It must be said, the three individuals present were all exceptionally skilled actors.

Especially Yelan—if Lucas hadn't already fully controlled her, he might have genuinely believed she had defected to Ningguang's side.

But now, the real show was about to begin.

"Well, how was my acting?" Ningguang asked as she adjusted her clothes, a smirk on her lips. "Good thing I stopped you in time, or you might have actually succeeded in your little scheme."

Yelan pretended to turn off the recording device. "The entire scene has been captured. With a little editing, this will become a damning documentary of the Lord Tianshu attempting to take advantage of the Tianquan."

"I see now..." Lucas feigned realization, staring at the two women before him. "You two teamed up to frame me!"

"That's right! I'm here to destroy you!" Ningguang, feeling triumphant, dropped all pretense and sneered. "Not only do I have this footage to ruin you, but I've also prepared evidence of your collusion with the Fatui."

"The Fatui?" Lucas feigned shock. "I've never had any dealings with the Fatui. How could you have evidence?"

"Oh, you'll see," Ningguang teased. "You've left more traces than you realize."

Lucas narrowed his eyes. "So, the silk price hike in Qingce Village last year...?"

"That was me," Ningguang admitted smugly. "I hoarded the silk in advance, then sent people to burn the cotton fields and made a fortune."

"And the corrupt official's suicide in the first half of the year?"

Ningguang laughed. "Also me. That man knew things that could have jeopardized me. Eliminating him was the safest option."

Ordinarily, Ningguang was careful and reserved, never one to reveal her hand so recklessly. But today, feeling that she'd finally "solved" the problem that was Lucas, she let her guard down, bragging about her shadowy deeds.

"I see now," Lucas said, suddenly dropping his feigned panic. His demeanor changed to one of calm confidence. "Yelan, did you record all of that?"

"Every single word," Yelan replied, patting the recording device in her hand.

Ningguang's expression froze, and her voice trembled. "Yelan... you..."

"Apologies," Yelan stepped forward and knelt beside Lucas, pressing her head against his hand. "Master, how did I do?"

"Excellently," Lucas said, squeezing her cheek. "You've earned your reward."

"This... this can't be happening," Ningguang muttered in disbelief. "Yelan, I treated you well. Why would you betray me?"

"You did treat me well," Yelan replied wistfully. "But betraying you might hurt for a while. Betraying my master? I wouldn't survive it."

"Dear Tianquan," Lucas said, holding up the recording device, "this footage will soon circulate throughout Liyue. Would you prefer they see you 'practicing calligraphy,' or perhaps hear all about your dirty deeds? Or both?"

"Even I felt a surge of excitement watching that footage," Yelan added with a coy smile. "If the citizens of Liyue saw it, the esteemed Tianquan might become the face of 'Wild Script Shao'!"

"And once the truth is out, I suppose I'll take over the Jade Chamber," Lucas said, glancing around the room. "Just like you and Yelan once stole the Yan Shang Tea House from me."

The mention of the Yan Shang Tea House struck a chord. Those words were like a key, unlocking a decade-old memory Ningguang had buried deep.

"You... you're that boy from back then," she murmured. "But... this face..."

"A face is just another mask," Lucas said, shaking his head. "And now, Tianquan, I've removed your mask. So, what's next? Do you choose ruin, or shall we negotiate terms?"

"I don't know how you turned Yelan against me," Ningguang said with a bitter smile. "But I'm not someone who submits easily."

Lucas tapped the polished wooden floor with his foot. "Even if I take your precious Jade Chamber?"

Ningguang's face betrayed a flicker of hesitation, but she gritted her teeth. "Even if you do, the Jade Chamber will always be my child."

"How touching," Lucas mocked. "Maybe I'll turn the Jade Chamber into a private club for the filthiest, most despicable activities imaginable..."

To Ningguang, the Jade Chamber was a treasure, her pride and joy. Hearing Lucas's words felt like watching her child be cast into the abyss.

"Enough! Stop talking!" Ningguang snapped, her voice trembling with rage.

"Oh, and your three little secretaries," Lucas added with a grin. "Maybe I'll employ them as hostesses for the club. Yelan, you'll have some new friends."

"No need," Yelan interjected with a pout. "Master, one pet is more than enough."

"You fiend!" Ningguang, usually composed and dignified, finally lost her temper. Behind her, golden Geo crystals materialized, surging toward Lucas.

Although Ningguang was only a four-star character in the game, her prowess in both the storyline and combat was undeniable. Yet she rarely needed to resort to violence to achieve her goals.

Now, however, backed into a corner, Ningguang had no choice but to fight. Even if it meant killing Lucas and Yelan to protect her reputation.

But Lucas swiftly drew his iron whip. With a few sharp cracks, he deflected the incoming Geo crystals with ease.

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