Qin Ao is the male lead of the novel, the biological grandson favored by the grandmother. He is portrayed as hypocritical and ruthless, eventually filing for divorce against Mu Xuehui after their marriage. He is Qin Yan's stepbrother, though they share no blood relation. In the original storyline, he and Mu Xuehui overcome many hardships caused by Qin Yan's scheming, but ultimately end up together. He represents the traditional male protagonist who benefits from the heroine's sacrifices. His character is marked by ambition and a lack of empathy, as seen in his divorce battle where he denies Mu Xuehui's value and wishes her death. He is the son of Miao Shufang's husband from a previous marriage, making him Qin Yan's stepbrother. He is preparing for the college entrance exam, which is a significant plot point. His relationship with Mu Xuehui is central to the story's conflict. He is male and serves as the antagonist in some respects, though not purely evil.
