After Transmigrating Into a Cannon Fodder, I Got a Happy Ending with the Female Lead [Transmigration Into a Novel] - Chapter 29
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- After Transmigrating Into a Cannon Fodder, I Got a Happy Ending with the Female Lead [Transmigration Into a Novel]
- Chapter 29 - Payment: 500,000
A stranger arrived at the villa. Xiao Qing hid in her room, refusing to come out, and even her meals were served to her by Yue Xi.
Other than Ji Shuang, she didn’t like any living people, not even Pei Ying—she could barely tolerate her simply because she had provided them a place to stay.
At this moment, the stranger was in the living room chatting with Ji Shuang. Yue Xi held a tub of ice cream, secretly feeding Xiao Qing.
Xiao Qing scooped it one spoonful at a time. With a little bit smeared on her mouth, she looked like an adorable little bunny.
“Big sister, who are they? Why are they at our house?”
Yue Xi didn’t know either, but from bits and pieces of the conversation, she guessed that they were probably people from Ji Shuang’s company, trying to convince her to take a certain job.
Ji Shuang kept refusing, and the two had been persuading her for half an hour without success.
“They are your sister Shuang’s bosses. They’ll be leaving soon.”
Xiao Qing nodded and scooped a spoonful of ice cream for her.
“Big sister, you eat some too. It’s really good.”
Yue Xi opened her mouth, feeling the cold rush inside her mouth, and instantly felt invigorated.
In her past life, she had been somewhat health-conscious and rarely ate cold foods, though she didn’t go overboard—fried chicken and cola she would still eat. Schrödinger-style health.
Yue Xi always thought she was very healthy, until she saw Pei Ying putting goji berries in a thermos cup in the middle of summer, and realized how far she was from being truly “health-conscious.”
Being healthy is something that needs to be taught by a professional. She was just a lowly cultivator; what did she know about health?
Yue Xi shivered from the cold, and Xiao Qing teased, “Big sister, you’re so weak.”
Unwilling to admit defeat, Yue Xi took a big spoonful, swallowing it with tears in her eyes as cold air seemed to rise from her throat.
After all, she was no longer a teenager; she couldn’t compete with a child.
Xiao Qing’s beautiful eyes were filled with a smile, and she pointed to the corner of her lips.
“Big sister, here.”
Yue Xi reached out to wipe it and asked, “Here?”
Xiao Qing shook her head. “No, the other side.”
Yue Xi tried again, but still didn’t get it right.
Xiao Qing leaned closer and said, “Here.”
She kissed Yue Xi’s lip corner and used her tongue to lick off the cream.
Yue Xi’s heart skipped a beat, staring at Xiao Qing in shock. But Xiao Qing, as if nothing happened, continued eating her ice cream, acting as if that act was nothing compared to her dessert.
Yue Xi suppressed her dark thoughts, raising her eyes only to return to her usual composure.
Xiao Qing was still a child and acted according to her instincts. As an adult, Yue Xi had to restrain herself and be the responsible elder guiding the child.
Once the ice cream was finished, the two visitors still hadn’t left, and Xiao Qing was starting to get restless.
“When will they leave? It’s so hot in here.”
There was no air conditioning, and the heat had made her irritable.
Yue Xi patted her head, soothing her. “It should be soon. I see Sister Shuang’s expression; she doesn’t have much patience left.”
Xiao Qing’s face turned slightly red, beads of sweat forming on her forehead. When Yue Xi’s arm brushed against her face, she instinctively leaned closer.
“Big sister, your hands are so cold and refreshing.”
She then turned and hugged Yue Xi, pressing herself against her in a way that startled the three people in the living room.
The two girls were awkwardly sprawled on the floor, Xiao Qing pressed against Yue Xi, her face buried against her, seeking comfort like a small puppy.
Yue Xi held her up and said to Ji Shuang, “Don’t mind us, you continue.”
Ji Shuang’s eyes tightened, warning her silently not to make any moves on Xiao Qing.
The two visitors were a livestream platform agent and a dating show assistant director. They had been trying to persuade Ji Shuang to no avail and were about to leave when a new opportunity appeared.
The assistant director, Cheng Peng, said, “You must be the Taoist from the livestream? I’ve admired you for a long time. Could you honor us with a chat?”
Ji Shuang knew Xiao Qing disliked strangers and flatly refused.
“You’re bold, expecting an immortal to honor you with a meeting. If the Taoist comes out, it’ll cost one million. Pay up, then I’ll let her out.”
Ji Shuang’s patience had worn thin; she didn’t care about courtesy.
People who are rude often get more respect; she didn’t need to be normal.
The agent was embarrassed and signaled Cheng Peng to be more polite, but Ji Shuang ignored it. She was a minor livestreamer with no entertainment connections—why should she appease them?
Cheng Peng hesitated, then said, “One million is too high. But if you join our show, I can negotiate for this amount.”
He held out a hand, fingers spread.
Ji Shuang scoffed: “Fifty thousand? You’re joking…”
“Five hundred thousand,” Cheng Peng interrupted, “plus your labor fee, it totals one million.”
Ji Shuang didn’t care about splitting with Yue Xi, but wondered why Cheng Peng would offer such a sum to Yue Xi.
She hadn’t even asked what Yue Xi was supposed to do yet, but hearing five hundred thousand, Yue Xi couldn’t ignore it.
What could be more important than money? Nothing.
Before Ji Shuang could question Cheng Peng, Yue Xi had already stepped forward.
“Really, five hundred thousand?”
Cheng Peng appraised her, eyes gleaming. Recently, strange events had occurred, and he recognized her as a true expert.
“Yes, as long as the Taoist agrees, money is not an issue.”
The show had been in preparation for a long time. Once the guest list was released, it immediately went viral. Companies invested further. No matter how difficult, the show had to go on.
Initially, Ji Shuang was contacted due to her popularity to bring viewership, but after refusal, they planned to approach others. What made Cheng Peng change his mind? Partly, it was Yue Xi.
Recently, several accidents had plagued the crew: broken legs, car crashes, collapsing sets, and even a tsunami on a remote island.
Everything was abnormal. Cheng Peng thought they needed a professional to handle it.
They contacted Taoist associations but only got half-hearted practitioners, who burned a few talismans and declared all was well—yet the problems persisted.
Seeing Yue Xi’s video of exorcising ghosts sealed the deal; he had to personally meet her.
Ji Shuang still didn’t know—the real target was Yue Xi, not her.
In her previous life, Yue Xi had worked for years without saving ten thousand. Five hundred thousand was a huge sum for her.
But such generosity implied the task wouldn’t be easy.
“What do you want me to do for this much money?”
Cheng Peng gestured for Yue Xi to sit. “It’s like this: Ms. Ji is a spiritual livestreamer. We’ve invited her for activities such as haunted house investigations. We need you to protect the guests’ safety.”
This haunted house was truly haunted.
Ji Shuang had already explored two of Ming City’s three cursed locations; the third was next. The show aimed to capitalize on this for publicity.
Given the recent incidents, a secure plan was essential; otherwise, no one knew how many of the eight guests would make it out alive.
“Not so simple, huh?” Yue Xi immediately saw through it.
According to her knowledge, the show would last ten episodes over three months. If they only needed her for one, the money would be too easy.
Cheng Peng admitted: “To be honest, many strange things have been happening. We hope the Taoist can ensure the guests’ safety throughout.”
The eight guests included two top-tier actors, an internationally famous model, a boy band singer, and other well-known personalities. Any mishap would be unbearable.
Yue Xi thought it wasn’t difficult. Ji Shuang was unlucky but resilient. As for the others, giving them a protective talisman would suffice.
Typically, spirits don’t target those with strong life energy. Successful people in their fields weren’t likely to be harmed if they avoided unnecessary risk.
Yue Xi considered agreeing but needed Ji Shuang’s consent.
Their eyes met; understanding passed instantly.
Ji Shuang crossed her arms: “I wasn’t going to join, but since the assistant director personally came, I’ll give face.”
Mainly to let Yue Xi earn money; she didn’t care about dating shows.
Cheng Peng happily presented two contracts.
“These are for Ms. Ji and the Taoist. Review and sign if all is well; I’ll take them back for stamping.”
Ji Shuang examined the contracts, realizing the true intent. She was the pawn.
Yue Xi checked the clauses—nothing unfavorable—and signed.
The shoot was set to begin in three days, a tight schedule.
On the recording day, Yue Xi went as Ji Shuang’s assistant. Spotting a familiar face, she realized this was serious.
No wonder Cheng Peng invited a Taoist—there really were unclean forces.
Xiao Qing clung to Yue Xi, following her wherever she went. During filming, they found a place to rest, Xiao Qing shielding herself under an umbrella.
“I’ll stay with you, big sister.”
Yue Xi knew her stubborn nature and didn’t insist, fanning her with a small handheld fan.
The first day was a meet-and-greet. Guests introduced themselves briefly.
The show rented a luxurious three-story villa with a garden, swimming pool, and lawn.
Filming continued until evening. Although supposedly fully closed, the guests returned home individually afterward.
When Xu Ruoci appeared, the night darkened instantly, thick mist covering the moon.
Xiao Qing looked up and murmured, “It’s angry.”
Yue Xi focused on Xu Ruoci and Fan Xing. Xu Ruoci had faint black lines around her, draining her energy, while Fan Xing also had lines but was feeding her energy instead.
Fan Xing said something, and Xu Ruoci glared at Yue Xi.
“Did you join this show because of me?”
Fan Xing flustered: “I came here to find a partner!”
Xu Ruoci: “A partner?”
Fan Xing: “Yes, what else?” She brushed past, intentionally bumping her.
Yue Xi realized—they were rivals, as she had suspected.
On the way home, Fan Xing had a flat tire. Other guests had private cars, but Ji Shuang’s humble car was provided by the show.
Yue Xi suggested escorting her for safety, and Ji Shuang quickly understood and greeted Fan Xing.
Fan Xing, two years younger than Ji Shuang, had a crush on her. Seeing Yue Xi and Xiao Qing in the backseat, she was excited.
“This is the Taoist from your livestream?”
Ji Shuang introduced: “This is Taoist Yue Xi, and her sister Xiao Qing.”
Fan Xing: “Nice to meet you.”
After observing Fan Xing for a few minutes, Yue Xi asked, “Miss Fan, did something happen six years ago?”
Fan Xing was startled. “You can tell?”
How did Yue Xi know? Was it true that cultivators had such insight?
Yue Xi silently smiled and handed her a talisman.
“This is a gift for first meeting—a protective charm.”
Fan Xing accepted it, nervous: “Did you see some misfortune for me?”
“No. The assistant director said strange things have been happening. This is for psychological comfort.”
Fan Xing relaxed, her impression of Yue Xi and Ji Shuang improving.
Returning home, Yue Xi helped Xiao Qing settle back into bed, while Ji Shuang watched sternly.
Xiao Qing, not yet asleep, came to lie beside her, saying nothing.
Yue Xi gently stroked her hair. “What’s wrong?”
Xiao Qing looked up, sulking: “Big sister, why did you leave me alone?”
Yue Xi laughed and pinched her nose. “I didn’t leave. You’re already a big kid; you should learn to sleep alone.”
Xiao Qing hugged her arm, whining: “No, I’m scared to sleep alone.”
She had braved haunted houses yet feared sleeping alone?
Xiao Qing buried her face in Yue Xi’s embrace. “I’ll sleep with you anyway.”
Yue Xi took a deep breath, secretly smiling. She’d have to endure this all night.
Xiao Qing rubbed her neck and suddenly kissed her chin.
“Big sister, I’m not a kid anymore.”