Fake Cannon Fodder A Becomes a Sensation in Romance Variety Shows - Chapter 39

Under the shade of a parasol tree on the quiet old street, two beautiful women sat side by side on a bench.

Wen Huiyun inched closer to Ye Zhuoyan, her left hand resting on the wooden plank of the bench, stealthily sliding to the left.

Closer, just a little closer.

Her fingers lifted slowly, like the tentative antennae of a snail, shyly reaching forward before retreating again, pausing briefly, then stretching out once more.

Her fingertips brushed against soft skin. The person beside her remained still, her lashes curved, the corners of her lips lifted slightly, pretending not to notice.

Reassured, Wen Huiyun let her hand settle gently over Ye Zhuoyan’s fair right hand.

Ye Zhuoyan’s hand was delicate, smooth from hand cream, soft as cotton, with a sweet vanilla fragrance. Wen Huiyun couldn’t help but want to hold it and knead it playfully. ≥ω≤

Leaning slightly to the left, Wen Huiyun whispered, “Miss Ye, would this count as doing something naughty? I’m not quite sure perhaps you could enlighten me?”

A parasol leaf drifted down, brushing past Ye Zhuoyan’s fluffy beret, her dark hair cascading gently over her shoulders and back.

Her cheeks were fair, tinged with a translucent pink, like tender lotus blossoms in early summer. Wen Huiyun gazed at her as if admiring a delicate work of art.

Suddenly, a gentle force squeezed Wen Huiyun’s left hand. Ye Zhuoyan flipped her hand over, palm up, taking the lead as she entwined their fingers, slotting hers between each gap, hooking her fingertips over the back of Wen Huiyun’s hand, pressing and rubbing the soft flesh between her fingers.

Ye Zhuoyan’s voice was playful, like a clever little oriole: “Mhm~ Consider yourself enlightened.”

Wen Huiyun’s hand tingled from her teasing, her fingers and knuckles flushing pink. Ye Zhuoyan sat upright, but her eyes curved mischievously, as if saying: This is what counts as a little naughty. ( ≥u≤ )

Wen Huiyun had underestimated her.

Thank you for the lesson, wifey she’d strive to improve.

“What number does that bus say on top?”

“006?”

Ye Zhuoyan pouted. “Wrong, it’s 008. I’ve been telling you to get glasses forever, but you refuse.”

That was the original owner’s stubbornness.

Wen Huiyun was slightly nearsighted, but it didn’t affect her daily life, so she hadn’t bothered with glasses.

“But I look terrible in glasses.”

“You could wear contacts.”

“I find those uncomfortable.”

Ye Zhuoyan frowned in concern. “What if one day you can’t see my face clearly anymore? You wouldn’t even be able to help me shape my eyebrows.”

Sh-shape her eyebrows? (=0v0=)

The words hit Wen Huiyun’s heart like a soft marshmallow, duangduangduang no, not an attack, this was pure coquetry.

Wen Huiyun quickly backtracked. When it came to her wife, she had to take things seriously. “You’re right, eye care is important. I’ll get a pair of contacts when I have time. But I’m a little nervous about the eye exam. You’ll have too.”

Before she could finish saying come with me, the bus pulled up smoothly in front of them.

Ye Zhuoyan rose gracefully, the hem of her knit dress sliding down her full thighs like melting ice cream.

Still holding Wen Huiyun’s hand, she led her forward.

Since it was the first stop, the bus was nearly empty.

They settled in the back, cracking the window slightly open, sunglasses and masks securely in place.

Ye Zhuoyan tucked her hands into her sleeves, revealing only a few rounded fingernails, cute as little grapes.

“What will I need then?” Ye Zhuoyan asked.

A strand of dark hair slipped from the graceful curve of her swan-like neck, falling against the swell of her chest.

Wen Huiyun reached out, and Ye Zhuoyan’s gaze followed her movement as Wen Huiyun gently tucked that mischievous strand behind her shoulder.

“You have to protect me.”

Wen Huiyun lowered her head, nuzzling her nose lightly into the fragrant strands of Ye Zhuoyan’s hair, murmuring shyly.

Ye Zhuoyan’s eyes trembled faintly, her expression softening. “Why are you afraid of getting your eyes checked for glasses?”

Wen Huiyun grew even more embarrassed, her face nearly burying itself in the crook of Ye Zhuoyan’s neck. “There’s a monster inside the little red house.”

“There’s no such thing.”

“I don’t believe you. The optometrist told me to stare at it, and it went ‘whoosh! whoosh!’ sometimes far, sometimes close, like a monster could jump out any second.”

Wen Huiyun acted it out vividly, ducking closer to Ye Zhuoyan as she made the “whoosh” sounds.

“Pfft! HAHAHA!” Ye Zhuoyan tried her best but couldn’t hold back, her bright eyes sparkling with laughter. “Wen Huiyun, what will you do if this gets recorded and shown to the audience? How can there be an alpha in this world scared of an optometry booth? 0(∩o∩)0”

Wen Huiyun grinned smugly. “Do you know why some alphas can stomp on cockroaches without hesitation when they’re single, but start screaming ‘Baby, I’m scared!’ once they’re in a relationship?”

“Oh? Why?”

“Because single alphas don’t have a girl they like to protect them, so they have to be strong on their own.”

Ye Zhuoyan’s smile suddenly froze as she stared at her, her bright eyes filled with nothing but Wen Huiyun’s face. She said, a girl she likes.

Wen Huiyun’s expression turned triumphant, like a proud little devil, her imaginary tail practically wagging in the air.

“But I’m different look who’s here!”

Wen Huiyun pressed her palms together, then pointed both index fingers at Ye Zhuoyan, her lips curving like a crescent moon.

Ye Zhuoyan played dumb. “Who?”

Wen Huiyun turned to look out the car window, where the scenery rushed past.

Feigning ignorance: “I won’t say. You haven’t agreed to go with me for the eye test yet.”

Tsk tsk tsk, look at this little alpha sulking by the car window, pouting and fuming, pretending to ignore someone while sneaking glances at them out of the corner of her eye?

Ye Zhuoyan’s body moved before her brain could react, her palm gently stroking Wen Huiyun’s fluffy hair, her voice tender. “Alright, alright, I’ll go with you. I’ll protect you. Let’s see which little booth dares to scare you.”

Wen Huiyun nuzzled against her, purring happily in her throat.

She wasn’t afraid of any little booth.

She just coveted Ye Zhuoyan’s gentleness and care.

Shh, keep her secret, okay?

But the audience had no intention of keeping Wen Huiyun’s secret:

[Acting. Wen Huiyun, keep acting.]

[If you want Ye Zhuoyan to pat your head, just say so. Don’t be like this single alphas feel attacked (grumpy face).]

[Yunbao, dismantle the surveillance cameras, got it? Married for five years, and I still stomp on cockroaches instantly when I’m alone, but the moment my wife’s around, I scream for her (facepalm). I really am scared, but when I’m alone, I have no choice but to tough it out.]

[Damn, I was just peacefully eating instant noodles by the roadside, and I got kicked twice! Fists clenched 0皿0.]

With the show’s camera crew following them, Ye Zhuoyan couldn’t openly mention searching for memories or ask Wen Huiyun if she had recalled anything. Instead, she pointed out objects that held many memories for Wen Huiyun and shared stories from their past.

Ye Zhuoyan whispered into Wen Huiyun’s ear, ensuring the cameras wouldn’t pick up their conversation.

“That little shop over there was really popular when we were in elementary school. They were the only ones who could get a certain model of toy gun. You bought one, but on your way home from school, some older bullies cornered you in an alley and took it as ‘protection money.'”

Wen Huiyun was shocked. “I was that unlucky as a kid?” So the original owner had it rough.

Ye Zhuoyan pressed her lips together and nodded. “Yeah, they really preyed on the weak.”

“Look over there Lawrence Music Store. You used to go there after school to listen to people play the piano. It was rare for you to stay still when music was playing. You loved the violin the most.”

As she said this, a fleeting image crossed Ye Zhuoyan’s mind.

Her eyes dimmed for a moment, but the shadow quickly vanished.

Wen Huiyun asked, “Did I know how to play?” Did the original owner have any musical talent?

Ye Zhuoyan shook her head. She frowned slightly, hesitating as if there was more to say, but after a brief silence, she kept quiet.

Wen Huiyun didn’t care about the original owner’s preferences and instead asked Ye Zhuoyan, “What instrument do you like listening to?”

Ye Zhuoyan was taken aback. Wen Huiyun had never asked her something like this before.

“Me?” Ye Zhuoyan gave a helpless smile. As a classical dancer, her public persona was that of an ethereal, refined artist her supposed preferences, like the guqin listed on her profile, were all fabricated for image.

But looking at Wen Huiyun’s earnest expression, she hesitated before answering, “Electric guitar.”

Wen Huiyun nodded silently, committing it to memory. She knew nothing about instruments, but she could buy an electric guitar and try learning.

The bus moved steadily forward as Ye Zhuoyan continued whispering to Wen Huiyun.

“You used to love the pizza from that place, but after middle school, you suddenly stopped liking it.”

“That road leads to the antique market. You went there a lot after you got into collecting.”

“We’re almost at A University.”

They ate spicy hotpot in the college district’s backstreet. After losing a few rounds of their “sugar control” debate with Ye Zhuoyan, Wen Huiyun bought her a serving of strawberry fried yogurt.

“Your grades weren’t good enough to get into A University. My mom told me your dad donated a batch of precision instruments to secure your spot.”

Even though it wasn’t her own past, Wen Huiyun felt secondhand embarrassment. How mortifying.

“I originally wanted to study computer science or statistics, but my family insisted I continue with dance. Your old faculty is over there Business Administration.”

Following Ye Zhuoyan’s gesture, Wen Huiyun saw several stately academic buildings standing under the glow of the sunset.

In the distance, the laughter of students carried youthful energy.

Streetlights flickered on one by one. Skateboarders rolled past, and bicycles carried roommates on their rear seats.

Wen Huiyun was handed a few club recruitment flyers. Fragmented images flashed in her mind dazzling camera flashes, trembling violin strings, a banner celebrating A University Orchestra member Ke ** for winning some prestigious award.

And then, a glamorous gown studded with rhinestones, a striking head of golden hair, bright red lips drawing close as someone intimately linked arms with her.

Suddenly, a spilled glass of red wine splashed onto a pristine white dress across from her blindingly vivid.

The images were broken and indistinct. Every time Wen Huiyun tried to focus, a sharp headache forced them away.

“Huiyun? Are you feeling okay?”

Ye Zhuoyan’s voice snapped Wen Huiyun back to awareness. She quickly smiled and said, “It’s nothing, just a sudden dizzy spell. I’m fine now.”

“Could it be the chilly wind? It’s getting colder now that it’s dark. Come on, let’s go buy some hot drinks by the sports field.”

As they passed the School of Economics, students were just leaving the humanities and social sciences building next door.

A group of students surrounded a stern middle-aged man as he stepped out.

“Professor Ke, can the new perspective on ethnic integration during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period be approved for research? I’ve already uploaded the preliminary proposal to you.”

“Professor Ke, could you spare some time to review my paper? I’ve already removed the section on ‘Five Minerals Powder’ as you suggested.”

“Professor Ke—”

Hearing the commotion, Wen Huiyun glanced over and accidentally locked eyes with Professor Ke.

Ye Zhuoyan also looked in that direction and instinctively gripped Wen Huiyun’s sleeve, trying to pull her away.

“Wen Huiyun?” Professor Ke frowned, dismissed the students, straightened his tie, and strode toward her.

Wen Huiyun was utterly confused was this someone the original host had known? How awkward. Should she pretend she didn’t remember?

Ye Zhuoyan looped her arm through Wen Huiyun’s, standing tall beside her with a cool, distant smile. “Hello, Professor Ke.”

Professor Ke gave Ye Zhuoyan a brief glance, his frown deepening before he turned back to Wen Huiyun. Though he tried to remain composed, the tremor in his voice betrayed his anger.

“How dare you show your face at this school?”

Wen Huiyun: “?”

Seeing her blank expression only infuriated Professor Ke further, but he suppressed his rage in the crowded campus. “Don’t let me see you again.”

Wen Huiyun was baffled. “I—”

Ye Zhuoyan tugged her away, quickly leading her off.

Wen Huiyun asked, “What’s that old man’s problem? Why did he yell at me?”

Ye Zhuoyan blinked a few times, glanced back to ensure Professor Ke was out of sight, and then explained.

“Well, it’s because you used to be quite mischievous. He’s a history professor, and you once broke a very important teaching artifact of his. He’s held a grudge ever since and still remembers it.”

Wen Huiyun sighed. Ah, another mess left by the original host.

She could understand historical artifacts weren’t just ordinary teaching tools. Even compensation couldn’t make up for the cultural loss.

A cold dampness clung to her palm. She took Ye Zhuoyan’s hand and said softly, “Zhuoyan, your hands are clammy.” She started slipping off her coat to drape it over Ye Zhuoyan.

With a gentle smile, Ye Zhuoyan’s bright eyes shimmered like moonlight on a clear spring.

She pulled Wen Huiyun’s sleeve back up and interlaced their fingers, leading her toward the sports field where lights flickered in the night.

“I’m not cold. But if you buy me a cup of hot milk, I’ll feel very warm.”

Wen Huiyun’s heart stirred, melting into tenderness deep inside.

She draped an arm lightly around Ye Zhuoyan’s shoulders from behind, fingertips resting softly as if shielding her from the night breeze.

They walked forward like that, barely touching yet intimately close.

“With or without sugar in the milk?”

Wen Huiyun: “Without!”

“Hmph.” Ye Zhuoyan pouted.

Wen Huiyun chuckled helplessly and told the vendor, “Just a little bit.”

Sitting by the bleachers with their hot drinks, they heard rhythmic chants of “One, two, three, four, two, two, three, four!” echoing from the underground classroom beneath the stands.

Curious, Wen Huiyun craned her neck. Ye Zhuoyan patted her knee and smirked mischievously. “Want to go down and take a look?”

“What’s down there?”

Ye Zhuoyan pulled her toward the back of the stands. “Come with me!”

The skylight of the underground classroom let in the bright lights from the sports field above.

Dance mirrors lining the walls reflected the figures inside, a few students rehearsing, along with Wen Huiyun and Ye Zhuoyan.

This was an after-hours public dance studio, where several students were busy preparing for the New Year’s Eve performance, paying no attention to them.

Ye Zhuoyan wrapped an arm around Wen Huiyun’s waist, her other hand gliding along her arm like a nimble serpent, slowly trailing down to her wrist. Her fingers tapped lightly before slipping between Wen Huiyun’s, intertwining tightly.

Their warm bodies were nearly pressed together. Wen Huiyun kept her head lowered, her breath brushing against Ye Zhuoyan’s forehead.

Ye Zhuoyan was so close.

Her delicate brows, her bright eyes, her soft, flawless cheeks, those cherry lips that seemed just a bite away.

The rhythmic music pulsed through Wen Huiyun’s eardrums and heart, her scent glands tingling faintly with warmth.

Breathing unevenly, Wen Huiyun murmured between her lips, ” I don’t know how to dance.”

“Don’t be shy.” Ye Zhuoyan suddenly rose onto her tiptoes, her lips grazing Wen Huiyun’s earlobe. “I’ll teach you, senior.”

Ye Zhuoyan’s fingers teased lightly, tracing delicate patterns along the smooth skin of Wen Huiyun’s hand. Wen Huiyun felt waves of tingling electricity coursing through her body, enveloped by the sweet scent of vanilla cotton candy.

Her breath grew feverish, warmth pooling low in her stomach.

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