After Transmigrating into a Book as Cannon Fodder, I Pampered the Villain - Chapter 19

Chapter 19: Bewitched

“I had no idea that the relationship between my Left Guardian and that little girl from the Tianqiu Sect had blossomed to the point of exchanging gifts.” Yan Huaixi’s voice was unnervingly gentle, but the arc of her smile was chillingly cold. This contrast sent a fresh wave of cold sweat down Yu Yingxia’s back.

Yan Huaixi was truly angry.

Yingxia scrambled to decode the underlying threat. This villain was a paranoid soul by nature, and the original owner had already left behind a mountain of bad impressions. If Yan Huaixi suspected she was getting too close to her mortal enemy, Yingxia might find herself turned into a human “firework” before the day was out.

“My Lord, your subordinate only seeks to gain Fang Yuetong’s trust. I have no other motives.” Yingxia quickly began listing the strategic benefits of befriending the protagonist. First, her trust provided a perfect cover for their identities; second, it allowed them to stab Yin Duo in the back from the shadows. She even pointed out that the most vital ingredients in Yan Huaixi’s recent medicines were brought by Fang Yuetong herself.

As she spoke, Yingxia felt a twinge of guilt. Fang Yuetong really is a good kid. I’ll pack extra sweets for her next time.

However, she failed to notice that Yan Huaixi’s expression didn’t soften; if anything, it became even more peculiar.

“So, you are saying… you are merely playing a part with her?”

Yingxia found the phrase “playing a part” a bit odd in this context, but to dispel the villain’s suspicion, she bit the bullet and nodded. “Yes.”

“Heh.” Yan Huaixi let out another cold laugh.

A liar through and through. She didn’t even spare that child.

Yingxia felt that even with a healthy heart, Yan Huaixi’s laughter would eventually scare her into a medical emergency. What now? Is “playing a part” not good enough? The moods of a villain were truly impossible to gauge.

Spotting Yan Huaixi’s lingering gaze on the white jade pin, Yingxia had a sudden flash of inspiration. she held the pin up with both hands, offering it like a ritual sacrifice.

“My Lord, this pin would suit you much better. May your subordinate help you put it on?”

“Forget it. It was a gift to you; how could I take what you love?” Yan Huaixi waved her hand dismissively, but her eyes remained glued to the jade. Yingxia realized immediately: She definitely cares!

Yingxia decided she could never wear the jade pin. If she did, this “Living Yama” would find an excuse to torment her daily.

Yan Huaixi shifted her gaze to Yingxia’s hair. Ever since the Changsheng Sect fell and she woke up, this woman had been dressed with extreme simplicity. She had called Fang Yuetong “silly,” yet it seemed the girl’s observational skills were sharper than her own; Yingxia’s attire was a bit too plain.

While Yingxia was desperately trying to figure out how to “smooth the big cat’s fur,” she heard a low command: “Don’t move.”

The scent of medicine clinging to Yan Huaixi enveloped her. Yingxia’s body stiffened instantly, her tension palpable. Yan Huaixi reached out and delicately slid a Red Jade Butterfly Pin into Yingxia’s hair.

The pin was translucent and exquisite, with a butterfly at the top so lifelike it seemed as if blood were flowing through its wings. It was clearly a treasure of the highest grade.

Yan Huaixi produced a mirror a magical artifact with a surface as clear as ice, far sharper than any bronze mirror. Yingxia saw the red pin immediately. It was beautiful, but a chill ran through her soul.

The original owner had seen a similar pin before. Yan Huaixi had once bestowed it upon her most trusted Right Guardian. That guardian had betrayed her, and it was the original owner who had to collect the body. The Right Guardian had died miserably, her blood forming the shape of butterfly wings beneath her, while the pin itself had vanished.

“It is beautiful. Thank you for the reward, My Lord,” Yingxia said, her heart heavy. Fine. I already have a Puppet Mark on my heart; what’s one more pin? One bomb or two, it makes no difference. I can’t escape anyway.

The pin provided a brilliant splash of color that made Yingxia’s skin look even fairer. Yan Huaixi was satisfied to see her own “mark” on the girl.

In reality, Yingxia didn’t know that this pin was vastly different from the Puppet Mark or the one the Right Guardian had held. It was both a deterrent against betrayal and a powerful protection. Crafted from Yan Huaixi’s own blood, the pin would protect the wearer as long as they remained loyal.

“Since you like it, wear it from now on,” Yan Huaixi said. She brushed her fingers over the red jade, and the brilliant glow instantly dimmed, making the pin look like a common, unremarkable accessory. She had used an illusion to hide its true nature so it wouldn’t attract unwanted attention to a “mortal” Yingxia.

“Since My Lord bestowed it, I shall wear it every day.”

Yingxia had no other choice. She poured out sweet, flattering words to calm the “big cat.” Yan Huaixi could hear the sycophancy, yet she found that while she usually loathed such talk, she quite enjoyed it coming from Yingxia.

A genuine smile flickered in Yan Huaixi’s eyes, but she quickly suppressed it. She had more “debts” to settle than just the Fang Yuetong matter.

“Enough. Your tongue is always so clever,” Yan Huaixi said, lightly tapping the area over Yingxia’s heart. The Sect Leader, who had executed countless traitors, showed a rare moment of melancholy. “I have heard even sweeter words before. Unfortunately, they said one thing while their hearts plotted another. In the end, I threw them all into the Corpse Pits.”

“You won’t be like them… will you?”

Yingxia’s empathy got the better of her. Even in this tense moment, she felt the profound loneliness beneath Yan Huaixi’s words. In the Changsheng Sect, betrayal was as common as a meal.

Suddenly, Yingxia reached out and grasped Yan Huaixi’s hand. Before the villain could react, Yingxia pulled that soft, cold hand and pressed it firmly against her own heart.

Yan Huaixi felt the steady, powerful thrum of a heartbeat. Beyond that, she realized her palm was resting against something exceptionally soft.

Her breath hitched. A rare look of bewilderment crossed her eyes.

“Your subordinate’s loyalty can be witnessed by the sun and moon. If it puts you at ease, My Lord, I am willing to have a restrictive seal planted right here,” Yingxia said with such raw sincerity that Yan Huaixi was momentarily stunned. She already had the Puppet Mark and the pin; Yingxia didn’t mind one more if it bought her some peace.

Yingxia had prepared for many reactions, but she never expected Yan Huaixi to snatch her hand back with such lightning speed! It felt like the villain had been burned or touched by poison.

Yingxia looked up, confused. The Great Villain met her eyes for a split second before frantically looking away, hiding her right hand behind her back.

“Forget the seal. Just remember your words.” Yan Huaixi turned and hurried away, leaving Yingxia staring blankly as the bedroom door slammed shut.

Why is she getting more moody lately? Yingxia sighed. At least I survived this round.

Inside the room, Yan Huaixi stared at her right hand. That soft sensation bloomed in her mind again, making her hand tremble. Normally, she wouldn’t have overthought it, but with the memory of that scandalous drawing fresh in her mind, her logic was being overwhelmed.

Since Yu Yingxia has improper thoughts about me… was that move intentional?

Is she… is she trying to bewitch me with such methods?!

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