Entangled with a Gloomy Creep in an Explicit Novel - Chapter 12

The male lead truly lived up to his title; just a casual leak of his domineering aura was enough to stir up a bloodbath.

Leaning against his chest, Jin Yongyi felt her fear recede, only for a wave of long-overdue grievances to well up in its place.

Her mouth puckered, her eyes tightly shut, and she burst into a loud wail, “Why did you take so long to get here?! I almost died here!!”

Zhao Fuzhou froze, stopping in his tracks to look down at her.

“Do you have any idea what kind of mega-pervert lives here? He touched me inappropriately…” Jin Yongyi sobbed so hard she could barely catch her breath, her clenched fists raining down hard, frustrated blows against his chest, “and he even wanted to turn me into some… some kind of Barbie doll…”

In this fictional world, she had initially felt like an detached outsider. Whether it was demons or ghosts, to her, they were nothing more than settings in a book. Sure, she felt afraid, but deep down, she knew none of this existed in the real world; it was all fake.

But then she had witnessed a corpse that died in an utterly gruesome state. Just over ten minutes ago, that very corpse had been holding her, talking in her ear. One moment he was arrogantly flexing his power over her, and the next, he had met such a miserable end. She felt terrified by this visceral, agonizing reality, yet the person she shared the deepest bond with in this world hadn’t been by her side.

Jin Yongyi cried without restraint, her eyes like broken faucets as tears gushed out in torrents.

While her vision was completely blurred by tears and she could see nothing, Zhao Fuzhou stared at the glistening teardrop on the back of his hand. As if possessed by a sudden whim, he reached out to catch her falling tears one by one in his palm. Each drop that struck sent a tingling numbness straight through his fingers to his heart. Frowning slightly, he slowly brought his fingertips to his lips and gave a gentle suck.

“When he was bullying you, why didn’t you cry?”

This guy was actually smiling! At a time like this, instead of comforting her, he was uttering nonsense. Feeling even more wronged, Jin Yongyi pressed her face against his chest, rubbing her tears and snot all over his clothes.

“If you had come a little earlier, I wouldn’t be crying now! If you had come a little earlier, that villain wouldn’t have bullied me either!”

A faint smile graced Zhao Fuzhou’s face as he let the last teardrop slide from his palm. “Mu Qingfeng arrived quite early.”

“That is different!”

“How is it different?”

Jin Yongyi lifted her head from his chest, rubbed her eyes, and said crossly, “Only when you are by my side do I feel a little more at ease.”

“…”

The moment the words left her mouth, Jin Yongyi regretted it. She lowered her head, silently cursing herself for letting her mouth run wild whenever her emotions became unstable. They had only known each other for a few days, and the male lead had no idea that their fates were tightly bound together; in his mind, she probably did not even qualify as an ordinary friend. It would be a miracle if he was not repulsed by her sudden, heavy dependence on him.

But suddenly, a hand pressed against the back of her head, gently nudging her inward. She rested dazily against the crook of Zhao Fuzhou’s neck, watching his Adam’s apple bob up and down.

“If you truly think that way, I will not wander too far from you in the future.”

Jin Yongyi blinked, completely at a loss. She could clearly feel that Zhao Fuzhou was in an exceptionally good mood. Truth be told, she had originally planned to write an 800-word essay praising his heroic rescue to the high heavens. It was just that she had never experienced that kind of trauma in all her years of growing up, so she could not hold back and cried in a thoroughly embarrassing manner.

But it seemed her boss was actually quite susceptible to this approach.

“Oh, right!” The lightbulb in Jin Yongyi’s brain finally turned on. Looping her arms around Zhao Fuzhou’s neck, she sat halfway up in his embrace and shouted toward the palace doors, “Mu Qingfeng!!”

She had been so overwhelmed with excitement upon seeing the male lead that she almost forgot about Mu Qingfeng. He was a thoroughly good guy; his first instinct in a moment of crisis had actually been to protect her. Although she had been in a complete daze at the time, she would definitely keep such a noble deed close to her heart.

Patting Zhao Fuzhou’s shoulder, Jin Yongyi said urgently, “This unapproved structure is about to completely collapse. Mu Qingfeng is still inside. Can you please save him?”

Zhao Fuzhou continued to walk forward at an unhurried pace, replying calmly, “Well, it is mostly collapsed. He is probably dead by now.”

Jin Yongyi: “?”

She felt he could still be resuscitated. After all, he was a character with an actual name; just like her, he definitely would not be written out of the story so easily.

Besides, Mu Qingfeng had not even contributed anything to the male lead yet. There was absolutely no way he was dead.

“It is fine, I will go save him. If I cannot make it out, you absolutely must remember to come rescue me.” Kicking her legs, Jin Yongyi hopped down from his embrace, gave a quick wave, and ran back.

Her arm was suddenly grabbed, and she was yanked right back. She found Zhao Fuzhou staring at her expressionlessly, asking a seemingly random question.

“Are you this enthusiastic toward everyone?”

“But isn’t he…” your underling?

She kept the last two words to herself. Instinct told her that Zhao Fuzhou disliked Mu Qingfeng, perhaps because their previous conflict had yet to be resolved.

Jin Yongyi moved closer, gently hooking her pinky finger around his and swaying it side to side. In a soft, sweet voice, she said, “I am just learning from you! When I encountered danger, you saved me. I want to be just like you, a great hero in the hearts of others. Besides, Mu Qingfeng just threw caution to the wind and risked his life to protect me. I cannot be an ungrateful wretch, right?”

As she spoke, a sweet smile graced her face. She tilted her head slightly and looked up at him, her eyes bright and captivating.

The softening in Zhao Fuzhou’s gaze was visible to the naked eye.

It had to be said that this boss of hers was surprisingly easy to coax; he would essentially give in to her as long as she threw a few compliments his way.

“Then I am off!” Jin Yongyi let go of his hand and turned to dash back toward the burning ruins. Any further delay and Mu Qingfeng might literally turn into a charred stick.

Before she could take two steps, Zhao Fuzhou swept her up by the waist, stating flatly, “No need.”

Before Jin Yongyi could register what was happening, a flash of silver light grazed past her hair, scaring her into tightly locking her arms around Zhao Fuzhou’s neck. The silver light zipped into the pile of collapsing debris and re-emerged a moment later. Only then did she see clearly that it was Zhao Fuzhou’s silver sword, except it was carrying a half-dead, violently blood-vomiting Mu Qingfeng.

Jin Yongyi was dumbfounded. She stole a sideways glance at Zhao Fuzhou. He, however, maintained a perfectly normal expression and a steady stride. But if that was the case, why did his bonded sword keep stopping to vibrate violently on the spot every now and then?!

Mu Qingfeng spewed out a mouthful of blood with a loud cough and lost consciousness entirely.

Jin Yongyi: “…”

Deliberate. Totally, completely deliberate! Bosses are all petty, narrow-minded creatures!

After a night of chaotic twists and turns, they slipped back into the Night Realm before dawn broke. Zhao Fuzhou led her to an inn, smoothly booked a room, and naturally placed her onto the bed. Behind Zhao Fuzhou, the silver sword seemed exhausted from the heavy lifting; she could even perceive its profound dissatisfaction from the way the blade trembled. Carrying Mu Qingfeng, the silver sword floated over to an open space not far from the bed. It vanished in a flash, and without a support structure, Mu Qingfeng crashed onto the floor with a dull thud.

Face-first, no less.

Horrified, Jin Yongyi instinctively reached her hand out, but remembering her boss’s pettiness, she froze.

Sure enough, Zhao Fuzhou looked down at the corpse-like Mu Qingfeng, his face entirely devoid of warmth.

“Um…” halting mid-sentence, Jin Yongyi looked at the floor stained red with blood. After weighing her options, she spoke up anyway, “He looks like he is about to die.”

“Yes,” Zhao Fuzhou replied indifferently.

“He really is about to die, we have to…”

“You want to save him?” Zhao Fuzhou interrupted, turning his gaze toward her with his habitual smile.

Jin Yongyi froze.

Why did this question send shivers down her spine? She truly had developed PTSD from that evil tree demon!

After a brief internal brainstorm, Jin Yongyi climbed off the bed, walked over to his side, and clung to his arm. “Not me, you. Saving a life is worth more than building a seven-story pagoda. You constantly deal with demons on your journeys, so injuries are inevitable. If you encounter a powerful demon, it might even threaten your life. I do not want you to be in any danger. Saving him can be seen as accumulating good karma for yourself, all right?”

“Oh, come on, please? All right?”

As she spoke, she snuggled a fraction closer and blinked at him with an expression she hoped looked purely benevolent.

Zhao Fuzhou watched her silently. After what felt like an eternity, his pupils contracted slightly, and his eyes finally crinkled into a gentle curve as he nodded in agreement.

Jin Yongyi let out a quiet sigh of relief. This was honestly exhausting. Though Zhao Fuzhou appeared mild-tempered on the surface, he was actually a narcissist who loved sweet talk; the moment his ears were not pleased, he was bound to cause trouble. Fortunately, after three years of being a corporate slave, her ability to spout absolute nonsense on the fly was well-practiced. Besides, Zhao Fuzhou was incredibly handsome and treated her flawlessly, so she was more than happy to feed him compliments. He was nothing like her balding boss in reality, where she had to take a fifteen-minute paid bathroom break to calm down every time she smiled at him.

In the Night Realm, there was a physician capable of treating any severe internal or external affliction, short of bringing the dead back to life.

The moment Jin Yongyi heard Zhao Fuzhou mention this physician, she hurriedly dragged him out the door. Any later and Mu Qingfeng would genuinely bleed to death. Zhao Fuzhou compliantly let her lead him by the hand, casually providing verbal directions from behind.

After turning down several twists and turns, they arrived at a tailor shop. Jin Yongyi stopped dead at the entrance, staring blankly up at the name on the signboard.

An employee welcomed them inside, and Zhao Fuzhou walked in naturally, conversing with the shopkeeper, “We visited last night. Do you still have the record of this young lady’s measurements? Please bring out a few of the most fashionable dresses in her size for her to try on.”

“Ah, yes, yes! Please wait a moment, young master!” The shopkeeper mentally celebrated the arrival of a massive order and hurriedly signaled the workers to fetch the garments.

Seeing that Jin Yongyi was still standing outside, Zhao Fuzhou walked over, took her hand, and guided her to the changing area.

“Wait, wait, wait… we came to find a doctor, why are we buying clothes?” Jin Yongyi quickly pulled him back.

Zhao Fuzhou saw nothing wrong with the situation. Taking a few sets of dresses, he held them up against her to measure the fit. His gaze swept over her entire frame, only explaining unhurriedly when he caught the profound confusion in her eyes, “Though the Night Realm is not as heavily restricted as the outside world, wandering around the streets in nightwear will still invite gossip. Furthermore…”

Stepping closer, his fingertips brushed against her collar as he looked down at her. “This nightgown has gathered quite a bit of dust.”

The distance between them was less than half a finger’s width. The distinct scent belonging to the youth enveloped her, inexplicably triggering a familiar memory. While Jin Yongyi was still lost in a daze, she was pushed behind the fabric curtain with a soft chuckle.

Before she could overthink, a female shop assistant helped her change into a blue dress that fit perfectly. It had to be said that the clothes in this tailor shop were breathtakingly beautiful. Jin Yongyi was thoroughly smitten and wished she could buy them all using Zhao Fuzhou’s money. Amidst her admiration, she suddenly recalled the quest reward given by the system, an entire wardrobe packed with terrifying items made of human skin. Could she even wear that stuff? What an absolute waste of resources!

The assistant beside her behaved like a human dictionary of compliments, pouring out one flattery after another until Jin Yongyi felt like she was floating on clouds.

Shaking her head, Jin Yongyi stopped the assistant from making her try on more outfits. She rushed out from behind the curtain, locked her eyes onto Zhao Fuzhou’s silhouette at the front counter, and dragged him away without giving him a chance to speak.

She marched forward with valiant, aggressive strides, determined to secure the physician and save Mu Qingfeng’s miserable life within ten minutes.

When she was led by the nose once again, Jin Yongyi genuinely lost her temper.

Zhao Fuzhou nonchalantly strolled into a breakfast eatery. Judging by his demeanor, he was a regular; the owner swiftly served up two bowls of mini wonton soup and two pork buns. Zhao Fuzhou even wiped down a chair for her and set up her utensils. Instead of telling her to sit, he simply looked at her with a smile.

Jin Yongyi felt this was highly inappropriate, her brow already furrowed.

Mu Qingfeng’s life was literally hanging by a thread, and they just had to eat right now?

Zhao Fuzhou picked up a jar from the table, gestured toward her, and asked, “Would you like some vinegar?”

To avoid being late, Jin Yongyi had grown accustomed to a fast-paced morning life of buying food on the go. In truth, sitting down inside a breakfast shop offered an irreplaceable sense of cozy, everyday life; the food was best enjoyed piping hot.

Her stomach let out a timely, loud rumble. Her feet disobeyed her brain as she walked over, plopped onto the chair, licked her lips, and said, “Add some chili oil too.”

Zhao Fuzhou’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “All right.”

Following a night of exhausting turmoil, the chicken drumstick Jin Yongyi had eaten the previous evening had long since digested. Shoveling this steaming hot breakfast down her throat, she quickly entered a state of pure bliss, left completely wanting more.

It was not until Zhao Fuzhou actually brought her to the medical clinic that she sheepishly lowered her hand from rubbing her full stomach.

After Zhao Fuzhou explained the basic situation to the physician, they rushed back to the inn. Along the way, Jin Yongyi stole several glances at him.

She had initially assumed Zhao Fuzhou was intentionally delaying time so Mu Qingfeng would kick the bucket. Yet, the look of profound hope in his eyes as he conversed with the physician could not be faked.

Thinking back carefully, his trip to the tailor shop was to buy her clothes, and his stop at the breakfast eatery was out of concern that she might be hungry.

Though the timing was a bit off, and arguably a little wicked, he had undeniably prioritized taking care of her above everything else.

The more Jin Yongyi thought about it, the more touched she became. She directly grabbed his hand, her eyes glistening with emotion, lacking only the urge to yell out that being his underling was truly fantastic!

Zhao Fuzhou’s expression softened as he smiled back at her.

Seeing the two of them putting on a melodramatic display of affection, the physician swallowed his request for assistance. His old bones had to exert an immense amount of effort just to flip the bulky man on the floor over.

After a long while, the physician finished the treatment. Unable to endure it any longer, he let out a heavy sigh, interrupting them, “To hold onto a breath of life after suffering such severe injuries means he is destined for good fortune in the future. Are you two… truly acquainted with him?”

“Huh?” Jin Yongyi turned her head, running over in surprise to squat beside Mu Qingfeng, who was splayed out on the floor. “I knew it! There is no way he would die.”

Gratefully grasping the physician’s hand, she said, “Thank you so much, doctor! If he died, I would not know how miserable my future days would be!”

Good colleague, good homie, the road ahead is still very long; we must share our joys and sorrows and support one another!

The physician found her enthusiasm a bit overwhelming. Managing to pull his hand away from the ecstatic girl, he turned around, only to find the young master staring intently at the injured patient on the floor. Sensing the probing gaze, Zhao Fuzhou looked over, the corners of his mouth slowly arching upward, yet his eyes possessed none of the warmth found in a normal human being. The physician instantly broke out into a cold sweat. Pressing a hand to his forehead to avoid eye contact, he walked out with hurried steps.

As he tried to pass the young master, his path was blocked.

The physician felt as though he were facing a formidable enemy.

A hand holding a pouch of silver coins was presented before him, followed by the youth’s voice, “Doctor, do not forget your consultation fee.”

Peering upward slightly, the physician caught sight of the upper half of Zhao Fuzhou’s face. Devoid of that eerie smile, it possessed a chilling coldness that struck dread into whoever looked. Footsteps echoed from behind as the young girl’s cheerful voice chimed in, adding a ripple of life to the dead silence of the youth’s countenance.

“Yes, yes! The doctor possesses a miraculous touch; he deserves to be paid extra.”

Zhao Fuzhou’s brow twitched as he forcefully stuffed the silver into the physician’s arms.

The physician hunched his back and scurried away trembling. Jin Yongyi wondered just how much silver had been given for it to be so heavy that he could not even straighten his waist. She trusted Zhao Fuzhou’s generosity implicitly; after all, the two outfits he bought her could easily match luxury limited-edition prices in the modern world.

Since he was willing to pay for Mu Qingfeng’s treatment, he must have accepted him deep down.

“Let us move him onto the bed. The floor is cold; it would be bad if a fever sets in and worsens his condition.” Jin Yongyi shuffled back to Mu Qingfeng’s side, lifting one of his legs to test the weight.

Zhao Fuzhou did not respond. She could not lift him on her own and was just beginning to fret when a familiar silver light flashed. In the next second, she saw Mu Qingfeng hoisted high into the air and callously hurled onto the bed.

Jin Yongyi: “…”

Mu Qingfeng actually regained consciousness for a brief split second, coughed up another spray of blood, and plunged back into a coma.

The entire room fell into a deathly silence. Jin Yongyi stood frozen on the spot for several minutes before stiffly shuffling over to the bedside, her hand trembling as she checked his breathing.

Oh my god.

That was a close call. He almost got murdered.

“Let us leave. We should not disturb him further,” Zhao Fuzhou walked gracefully over to her side, offering a brilliant smile.

“…” Jin Yongyi looked at him as if he were a lunatic, replying helplessly, “I think I will stay and watch over him.”

“Why?”

“…”

Do you really want me to say it out loud?! Obviously because I am afraid you will kill him!!

Zhao Fuzhou glanced at the person on the bed, his smile fading considerably. “You ought to rest.”

“It is fine, it is fine! You go rest. I have something to tell him when he wakes up.” Pausing, Jin Yongyi repeated with utmost gravity, “Something very important!”

Zhao Fuzhou did not insist further. He looked down at her for a long moment, then left with a soft, mocking chuckle.

Exerting an immense amount of effort to straighten Mu Qingfeng out and tuck him securely under the blanket, Jin Yongyi dragged a chair over. Just as she sat down to catch her breath, the system notification tone echoed inside her mind.

【Your dearest System is online!】

【Host, please accept your fourth quest: The best way to relieve exhaustion is none other than taking a hot bath! Please help the male lead wash away the dust from his body and cleanse the fatigue of battle!】

Jin Yongyi: “?”

What kind of nonsense is this?!