Villain: Manipulating the Heroines into hating the Protagonist

Chapter 59 The Ikea Effect

Wang Jian promptly embarked on a journey towards the lair of the Miracle Angel Tribe on the same day.

As he approached the entrance to the Miracle Angel Tribeʼs lair, Wang Jian came to a halt and drew upon his mastery of the Shadow Manipulation technique, summoning forth a pitch-black doppelganger to infiltrate the stronghold.

The shadowy replica wasted no time in slipping into the lair, shrouded in darkness and all but invisible to any who might try to detect its presence.

Lin Fengʼs daily routine was gruelling as he dedicated himself to rigorous physical training. He could be seen lifting heavy weights, running uphill, and practising his martial arts techniques with utmost discipline.

Meanwhile, Han Xifeng, along with her mother and other female members of her tribe, were gathered in a tent, discussing the tribeʼs safety.

Han Xifeng proposed the idea of hiring mercenaries to protect the tribe, but her suggestion was met with scepticism from the other women. They feared that these mercenaries might turn on them and pose a threat to their safety instead.

Despite Han Xifengʼs persistent arguments, the other women remained firm in their opposition to the idea of hiring outside help.

At this moment, Han Xifeng felt someone poking her back. As she turned around, she saw no one there.

Just as she was about to turn back, Han Xifeng noticed some words written on the ground.

Her eyes widened as she saw the message.

It was a simple sentence, but it shocked her to the extreme.

”Come meet me at the usual spot – Wang Jian.”

After reading the message, Han Xifeng could no longer remain calm. She excused herself from the meeting and left the lair quickly.

She turned around and made sure that no one was pursuing her as she headed to the spot where Wang Jian was waiting for her.

Han Xifeng was taken aback by Wang Jianʼs sudden appearance, and she looked at him with a mix of suspicion and curiosity. ”What are you doing here? And why did you summon me?” she asked, eyeing him warily.

Wang Jianʼs face had a grim look as he replied, ”There is a certain situation at hand.”

Han Xifengʼs brow furrowed in confusion, ”What do you mean?”

Wang Jian leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.

”Fen Shuying has left her hideout and is living in my estate. She wants to investigate her fatherʼs death, and I promised to help her,” he said, relishing in the way Han Xifengʼs expression changed from confusion to apprehension.

”And... how does that relate to me?” Han Xifeng asked, her tone cautious and guarded.

Wang Jian answered her, ”She wants to meet Lin Feng and confirm whether the rumors are true and whether he is her fatherʼs murderer or not.”

There is no telling what will happen if the two meet.

Once Fen Shuying meets Lin Feng, she will realize he isnʼt her fatherʼs murderer. Lin Feng will also work with her and try to find the true assailant. He will support her along with her clan, and this was unacceptable for Han Xifeng.

”…No way! I canʼt allow her to meet him!” Han Xifeng instantly responded.

Wang Jian wore a worrisome expression as he explained, ”If I continue to evade this meeting, Fen Shuying will only become more determined to meet Lin Feng.”

Ha

n Xifeng shared the same concern and brainstormed a solution.

Suddenly, a cunning plan dawned on her as she spoke, ”I have a plan. What if I meet her and tell her that it was indeed Lin Feng who killed her father because of my request? I am sure she will believe me.”

Wang Jian internally smiled as he heard her words. This was exactly what he wanted to hear.

Wang Jian employed a clever psychological trick known as ”The Ikea Effect” to manipulate Han Xifeng into supporting his plan. Instead of proposing the idea himself and facing her opposition, he allowed her to come up with it on her own, knowing that people tend to value things they have created or contributed to.

By playing this game, Wang Jian ensured that Han Xifeng was fully invested in the plan and would do whatever it took to make it work.

”Thatʼs a good start, but we need to scrutinize the plan further. Any flaws could jeopardize our success,” Wang Jian advised, his mind racing with possibilities.

”Hmm,” Han Xifeng responded, lost in thought.

The pair spent the next hour in deep discussion, ironing out the details of the plan until they were confident it was foolproof. Satisfied, they went their separate ways.

”Be prepared. The plan will be put into action tomorrow afternoon,” Wang Jian declared before leaving.

As soon as he departed, Wang Jian made a beeline for Fen Shuyingʼs estate to share the news with her.

On the other hand, Han Xifeng returned to the lair. She gathered her loyal subordinates and informed them of this meeting with Wang Jian.

She also added, ”Keep this news from Brother Feng. You know of his hatred for Wang Jian. He will never allow me to go to this meeting if he knows of it.”

”Donʼt worry, young miss! Nobody will know of this secret,” her servants solemnly promised.

”Good,” Han Xifeng responded with a smile.

”I donʼt want to lie to Brother Feng, but this meeting with Wang Jian is necessary to find more information regarding that assault on the Night Dagger Clanʼs camp. It will be disastrous if the assailants target us.”

These final words easily convinced her subordinates, who were still sceptical.

As the evening approached, Wang Jian arrived at the estate where Fen Shuying was staying. He quickly scanned the premises and spotted Lady Xia in the living room, sipping tea.

He quickly demanded, ”Where is Fen Shuying?”

Lady Xia was startled by his question but replied quickly, ”Sheʼs training on the grounds.”

Wang Jianʼs eyes glinted with an unsettling focus as he made his way to the training grounds. There, he observed Fen Shuying intently as she practised throwing daggers with precision.

”I have one bad news and one good news for you, Shuying,” Wang Jian spoke.

”What is it, Lord Wang?” Fen Shuying asked. Her eyes were still fixated on her target as she continued her practice.

”The bad news is that Lin Feng refused to join us at the meeting. However, the good news is that Han Xifeng will be substituting for him in the meeting. She has even promised to inform us of the truth behind your fatherʼs demise,” Wang Jian spoke.

Those words immediately caused Fen Shuying to turn in his direction and ask, ”She knows the truth?!”

Wang Jian responded with a shrug, ”She does claim to know of it.”