Did I Succeed in Redeeming the Villain Today? - Chapter 42

Chapter 42: Do I Make You Feel Good, or Does She?

The spring sun was brilliant, and the clear sky was as blue as if it had been washed. Sunlight streamed through the windows at the back of the classroom, making the kitten’s round blue eyes shine like gemstones. Animals cannot hide their physiological responses, and those dilated pupils weren’t just showing curiosity.

Lu Ning didn’t know where this surge of emotion came from, but looking at that young girl’s bulging pocket made her throat feel as if it had been pricked by a needle. She couldn’t make a sound. She didn’t know how to bring this up to Mu Qiuyu. Would she be grateful for the warning? Or would she be disgusted by the interference?

After all, during youth, “puppy love” feels like something that must be written at the top of a bucket list. When Lu Ning was in school, she had spent every day hoping for a love that she would never forget—even though she ended up staying single through high school, college, and into her working life.

Would someone as taciturn and cold as Mu Qiuyu be interested in this kind of green, campus romance? If she accepted someone else’s advances, would their relationship remain as… good as it was now?

Lu Ning had never been a secure person, and her unease was fermented by anxiety. As the sun hit the back of the class, the distance between her and Mu Qiuyu—which was only a step away—suddenly felt vast. Was this love? Lu Ning knew it wasn’t; it was her wretched, damn possessiveness.

It was then that Wen Ningning finally plucked up her courage and walked over to Mu Qiuyu. “Qiuyu, your throat must be uncomfortable after talking for so long. I heard this brand of throat lozenges is really good, so I bought some specifically for you.”

As she spoke, Wen Ningning pulled a box from her pocket. The metal tin had a bright bow tied on it, clearly decorated with care.

“I can’t take it.”

Faced with such a thoughtful gift, Mu Qiuyu didn’t even spare it a glance, refusing with her head lowered.

“But…” Wen Ningning felt defeated, her voice growing smaller.

Mu Qiuyu didn’t wait for her to finish. She raised her head and spoke before the other girl could: “My family is strict. Early dating isn’t allowed.”

Mu Qiuyu had used this same line when Shi Jin brought a kitten to harass them. Wen Ningning realized belatedly that when Mu Qiuyu said those words then, she wasn’t just talking about cats. The young girl’s face turned bright red instantly. Under Mu Qiuyu’s cold gaze, her flickering eyes had nowhere to hide. She stammered, “I—I… I’m sorry to bother you.”

With that, Wen Ningning clutched her box and walked away, her steps hurried and uncoordinated—the sound of a breaking heart.

Li Xiang watched Mu Qiuyu withdraw her gaze the moment the conversation ended. She blinked and said, “Cat-cat, don’t you think Qiuyu is a bit too indifferent?”

“Meow~” Finally, Lu Ning regained her voice.

She tucked in her neck and let out a very soft cry. It seemed to agree with Li Xiang, yet it also sounded like a meaningless, random noise. When people feel guilty, they lose their momentum. A human playing a cat is no different.

Lu Ning knew that because Li Xiang’s relationship with Mu Qiuyu was improving, she had begun to assume Mu Qiuyu was easy to get along with. She had likely forgotten the chilling sense of detachment Mu Qiuyu radiated when she first sat next to her.

As Lu Ning’s logic summarized this, her “pierced” heart healed rapidly. The tightness in her throat vanished as if it had never existed. Her anxiety receded like a tide, taking her unease with it. Watching the girl’s retreating back, she realized she was wretchedly relieved.

She was relieved that Mu Qiuyu remained so unyielding and unsympathetic; she was relieved that her host hadn’t been “reformed” by her influence too much. She was still the “person” closest to Mu Qiuyu.

While Lu Ning understood that Mu Qiuyu’s cold style was destined to cause resentment in others, she wasn’t afraid. Mu Qiuyu could handle it, and Lu Ning would always stand by her side. Anyone else might betray Mu Qiuyu, but she never would.

“Damn, what’s she so proud of?”

“She certainly has the capital for it.”

“Hmph, she’s just relying on a pretty face. What capital? I want to see if she has a ‘crazy’ day coming.”

Lu Ning’s heart was occupied by an unnamed emotion, becoming firmer than ever. She didn’t notice that her worries were seemingly coming true. Mu Qiuyu’s decisive rejection had sparked resentment in some; eyes hidden in the shadows turned red with rage.

“We need to find more people to handle this.”

“Leave it to me. People at First High have been annoyed with her for a long time.”

As time passed, the spring days grew longer. The setting sun chased the students home, lazily staining the horizon red only after they had mostly arrived.

Walking up the streets of the Gongshu District, Mu Qiuyu brought Lu Ning home. This time, the red-roofed house—usually dark—was lit up like its neighbors. Familiar piano music echoed in the quiet foyer. As Mu Qiuyu pushed the door open, the wind ruffled the hair on her forehead.

The air was thick with the scent of menthol cigarettes. Mu Qiuyu looked toward the living room at Mu Jingqin, who was watching a variety show. An ashtray sat on the clean table, filled with several twisted cigarette butts leaning against each other. The thin curtains fluttered, and the balcony windows were wide open. Meanwhile, the fresh air system was humming, struggling against the incoming breeze.

For a moment, Mu Qiuyu didn’t know whether to say Mu Jingqin remembered there was a minor in the house who shouldn’t breathe smoke, or if she was just stupid enough to run two conflicting solutions at the same time. Of course, Mu Qiuyu didn’t say any of this out loud, simply offering: “I’m back, Aunt.”

Lu Ning chimed in, meowing at the woman who had agreed to let her stay: “Meow~”

In the past, Mu Jingqin would never have turned around. But this time, she looked back toward the foyer, beckoning with her finger. “Little dirty cat.”

Lu Ning instinctively looked at Mu Qiuyu before realizing the “little dirty cat” was herself. She immediately protested: “Meow! (I am not!)”

The kitten’s cry was bright. Mu Jingqin leaned over the back of the sofa, her eyes casually yet carefully scanning Lu Ning as she stood by Mu Qiuyu. Her brow furrowed. “I haven’t seen you for a few days—how did you grow so much? Does a normal kitten grow this fast?”

When you’re together every day, changes are hard to notice. but after a long gap, they are obvious. Lu Ning marveled at how Mu Jingqin lived up to her reputation as a boss who ran a large company; she was indeed sharp. But that sharpness was bad news when directed at her. To distract her, Lu Ning raised her tail high and walked toward the sofa.

“Meow~” The kitten stopped by the sofa, letting out a sweet cry at the “two-legged beast.”

Mu Jingqin’s memory of the cat was still stuck on Lu Ning’s half-dead state at the pet hospital. The kitten before her now had oily, fluffy fur and round, crystal-blue eyes looking up at her. Innocent and cute, she looked a thousand times better. Mu Jingqin couldn’t help herself; she reached out and rubbed Lu Ning’s head. “Seems like life has been good while I was away. You’ve gained so much weight.”

“Meow! (I have not!)” Lu Ning couldn’t stand being called fat and protested loudly, even using her claws to snag Mu Jingqin’s pant leg. The durable denim was scratched, leaving a white mark. Mu Jingqin looked down at the kitten’s bold behavior and narrowed her eyes.

As the cat acted out, a shadow fell over her head. Mu Jingqin reached out and nimbly grabbed Lu Ning by the scruff of the neck. The kitten froze as if its pressure points had been hit, paws dangling. Mu Jingqin pulled Lu Ning into her lap. “Little thing, what are you trying to do?”

The movement was seamless, remarkably similar to how Mu Qiuyu used to restrain her. Truly blood relatives, Lu Ning thought as her nose was enveloped by the woman’s heavy perfume. She didn’t like the scent and squirmed in Mu Jingqin’s arms.

Just then, Mu Qiuyu walked over calmly. She held her schoolbag, showing no intention of going to the kitchen for dinner. “I’m going upstairs to do homework.”

Lu Ning made a move to follow, but she hadn’t escaped Mu Jingqin’s grip before being pressed down. “You ungrateful thing, do you know who’s supporting you?”

“Meow~” Lu Ning felt wronged. She wasn’t being supported by Mu Jingqin; she was living in this world thanks to her Host! Although… given her Host’s current situation, she still needed this guardian. Thinking of this, Lu Ning wilted. Living under someone else’s roof was tough. Rather than making Mu Qiuyu bow her head, it was better for her, the cute kitten, to take the hit.

“Meow~” After some mental preparation, Lu Ning submissively started “making biscuits” on Mu Jingqin’s lap. Under the living room lights, she looked like a fluffy loaf of black bread—easy to bully. Mu Jingqin’s intentions were clear; she reached out, flipped Lu Ning over, and began a rare, gentle belly rub.

Admittedly, Mu Jingqin was skilled. Her fingers were warmer than Mu Qiuyu’s. Rubbing Lu Ning’s belly didn’t make her feel like she’d get an upset stomach; instead, the rhythmic circling was incredibly comfortable. Lu Ning slowly relaxed, her black fur spreading out with her limbs. The kitten narrowed its eyes in bliss, purring loudly as she enjoyed the service.

Seeing the cat like this, Mu Jingqin rubbed Lu Ning’s chest fur vigorously. “Little dirty cat, does that girl usually treat you like this? Do I make you feel good, or does she?”

“Meow~ (The Host, obviously!)” Lu Ning answered with a lazy, drawn-out cry. Stupid humans always tried to measure things with effort and love, but cats aren’t like that. They are an unpredictable species. While she was satisfied with the service, her heart always belonged to Mu Qiuyu.

Mu Jingqin couldn’t understand the answer and assumed the cry meant “You.” She smiled. “At least you’re sensible.”

Thump.

A door closed on the quiet second floor. Mu Jingqin looked up to see a light turn on in Mu Qiuyu’s room, only to vanish as the door shut. Displeasure flickered on the woman’s face. She complained to the kitten: “Is that girl the same way at school? With that attitude, she probably doesn’t have any friends, does she?”

“Meow! (Not at all! Many people in class like Mu Qiuyu! She has many friends!)” Lu Ning stretched her front legs, vigorously refuting the claim. But as she said it, she remembered Mu Qiuyu’s “hidden friend.” It had been a month since the task was completed, and she still hadn’t found them.

“Well, that’s for the best. Our family doesn’t allow early dating.”

Lu Ning was worried when she heard Mu Jingqin speak with a sigh of relief. To her, this was the only benefit of having Mu Qiuyu around. Mu Jingqin then looked seriously at Lu Ning: “Did you hear me? No early dating. No falling for guys with dyed blonde hair.”

As she spoke, she rubbed Lu Ning aggressively. Lu Ning felt her soul leaving her body. A vision of Shi Jin’s cat from before flashed through her mind—the shadow of that cat was inescapable. In the chaos, the kitten raised its paws and declared firmly: “Meow! (I wouldn’t date a blonde cat even if the sky fell!!)”

Since Mu Jingqin wasn’t a cat—and certainly not the Host—she couldn’t understand the promise. After a final aggressive snuggle, she ruthlessly abandoned the cat. “Fine, I’m going to sleep. Staying up late causes wrinkles.”

Lu Ning finally understood why cats in videos resisted being “smothered” by humans. If a giant beast several times your size, with a mouth large enough to swallow your head, picked you up and kneaded you at will—ruining the fur you spent all day grooming—you’d be angry too!

Lu Ning slumped on the sofa in a very human fashion, exhaling a ghost of a breath. Flattering two-legged beasts was hard. Flattering stressed adult ones was even harder.

“One more thing.” Mu Jingqin turned back just as she stood up.

Lu Ning immediately retracted her “human” posture. Mu Jingqin said: “If you ever see any signs of that girl dating, kill it. I’ll buy you dried fish if you do.”

At the mention of dried fish, Lu Ning’s eyes snapped open. She trotted to Mu Jingqin with her tail up and gave a firm “Meow!”

Mu Jingqin laughed at the cat’s cheap behavior. She pinched Lu Ning’s face and looked down at her. “Do you even understand what you’re agreeing to? You little dirty cat.”

Lu Ning understood perfectly. Today’s encounter with Wen Ningning had made her uneasy too. While campus romance is beautiful, minors shouldn’t date! Especially since Mu Qiuyu hadn’t been fully “reformed” yet. If some “White Moonlight” appeared and turned the tragic “darkening” path into a “villain loses their love” path, what would she do? That wouldn’t just be bad for Mu Qiuyu; it would be bad for the “White Moonlight” too!

Lu Ning shook her head vigorously. She couldn’t tell if she was acting for Mu Qiuyu’s sake or for her own selfish interests, but she decided to plant the seed in Mu Qiuyu’s mind: Host is forbidden from dating.

Scheming all the way, the kitten trotted upstairs and entered Mu Qiuyu’s room. She hopped onto the desk and called out sweetly, “Host, I’m back~”

Mu Qiuyu looked up and asked coldly, “So you remember the way back?”

“Of course! No nest is better than the Host’s nest.” The kitten’s fluffy tail swayed under the lamp, casting a shadow like a feather over the exam papers. As she approached, she affectionately touched her forehead to Mu Qiuyu’s.

The familiar scent gave Lu Ning confidence for the lie she was about to tell: “Just now, the Great Master System issued a new directive. Every system is required to educate their Host on the precautions of underage dating.”

Silence fell over the desk. The bright moon hung outside the window, illustrating the quiet of the spring night. After hearing Lu Ning out, Mu Qiuyu slowly raised her eyes and gazed at the kitten that was being so unusually proactive in acting spoiled. The girl’s dark eyes were drowned in the night; without any stars, they seemed deeper than the darkness itself.

Lu Ning was terrified by the gaze. Her confidence vanished, and she made the classic mistake of a liar: she offered an unprompted explanation. “It’s a task within the system. I must inform you.”

Mu Qiuyu had known for a long time that there were some traps she was willing to walk into. At this moment, her pressed lips parted under the kitten’s earnest gaze, and she agreed as requested: “Fine.”

Lu Ning was overjoyed. But before her happiness could last, Mu Qiuyu added: “But first, you have to agree to one requirement of mine.”

“What is it?” The kitten tilted its head.

Under her blinking eyes, she saw Mu Qiuyu reach out. The girl easily picked up the several-pound kitten with one hand and told her in the calmest, most cruel voice in the world:

“Let me give you a bath.”

Support