I Can’t Keep Being a Scumbag Anymore—What Should I Do? [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 12

It was nearly midnight when Ran Muqiu finally returned to his home in the city center.

He was exhausted to the core.

He had originally intended to come home and rest immediately after school; after all, today had been a high-intensity workout for both his brain and his body.

Even if, after all that effort, the progress bar remained at zero.

However, after school, Li Zhu had been waiting outside the gates to ask if he needed help with his homework. Remembering that he did indeed have a mountain of assignments—including a graded test paper that required a parent’s signature—Ran Muqiu reluctantly agreed. He followed Li Zhu, and they both grabbed shared rental bikes to head back to the tenement building.

When Ran Muqiu saw Li Zhu hop onto his bike without even adjusting the seat—his long legs comfortably reaching the ground—he suddenly recalled his own embarrassing experience from before. His pride as a “Sponsor Gong” suffered a minor explosion.

Noticing the boy’s slumped shoulders and pouting lips, Li Zhu asked what was wrong. Once he learned the reason, he suppressed a smile and lowered his own seat significantly.

The tall boy looked rather cramped pedaling that bike, but he accompanied Ran Muqiu all the way back to the tenements nonetheless.

In the dark alleyway beneath the building, as they parked the bikes, Ran Muqiu’s mood had just begun to improve. He was about to speak when Li Zhu suddenly seemed to remember his “duties” as a sponsored partner and simultaneously forgot Ran Muqiu’s rule about no kissing without permission and started getting touchy-feely.

Ran Muqiu pushed him away and put on his best “Sugar Daddy” face to scold him several times. Only then did Li Zhu stop, though he did manage to press a couple of kisses onto the boy’s fingers before asking what he wanted for dinner.

All in all, due to various reasons, Ran Muqiu didn’t get home until very late.

After a quick wash, he changed into his pajamas and collapsed onto the bed. He was out almost the moment his head hit the pillow, forgetting even to say goodnight to 233.

The world was silent.

Ran Muqiu was in a deep sleep when a long-awaited voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

【Target [Feng Qin]: Heartbreak Value +5! Keep up the good work, Host!】

Ran Muqiu: ?

Ran Muqiu jolted awake, clutching his blanket as he sat up. It took a good while for the news to register.

He thought he was still dreaming.

After all, he hadn’t heard that mission progress notification for nearly three months.

Back when he was just a “Mob Character” in various worlds, the tasks were usually simple—things like “Stay near the Protagonist Shou’s lackey for thirty hours”—and the notifications would broadcast in his head 24/7 like they were free.

He rubbed his eyes and asked softly: 【System?】

233: 【I’m here.】

Still groggy, Ran Muqiu asked uncertainly: 【Did, did Feng Qin’s Heartbreak Value just go up?】

233: 【Yes, it increased by 5 points. Currently, Target ‘Feng Qin’ has 5 points of Heartbreak Value, while Target ‘Li Zhu’ remains at 0.】

Ran Muqiu: “?”

After repeatedly confirming that Feng Qin’s value had indeed spiked by five points and that there was no bug in the system, Ran Muqiu’s disbelief turned into utter bewilderment.

【What on earth happened?】

He checked the time: 12:30 AM. For the value to jump that much, something must have happened recently to make Feng Qin miserable.

But Ran Muqiu carefully retraced the day’s events: the game, the seat swap, even the pants incident.

Aside from losing the basketball game, it seemed like Feng Qin had come out on top in every other interaction.

What was wrong with the Protagonist Gong?

Could it be that he went home, replayed the loss in his head, and got so upset that he hid under his covers and cried?

Ran Muqiu’s mind filled with imaginary lines of doubt.

As a Gong, he shouldn’t be that fragile, right?

The next morning, Ran Muqiu arrived at school early, feeling quite cheerful.

Regardless of how it happened, the Protagonist Gong had only been around for a few days and his value had already jumped. After three months of effort, finally seeing a glimmer of hope was worth celebrating!

If he could analyze why the value increased and keep it up, he might finish the mission early.

However, the moment he entered the classroom, he froze.

The three seats in the far corner had clearly been moved.

Yesterday, Feng Qin had forced “Chubby” to swap seats so he could sit next to Ran Muqiu—a move clearly intended to steal Li Zhu away. But now, the seat next to Ran Muqiu was occupied by Chubby again.

Ran Muqiu stood by the desk, thinking for a few seconds.

Just then, Chubby entered from the back with his water bottle. Ran Muqiu pointed at the seat and asked what was going on.

“Ah,” Chubby said, looking equally confused. “Brother Feng moved it back himself. He was here at the crack of dawn.”

He pointed to his own face, making a distorted, sour grimace. “His face was pulled so long, looked like his wife had run off with someone else. I didn’t dare cross him.”

Ran Muqiu sat down, lost in thought.

With Feng Qin moving away, his plan to observe him up close had gone up in smoke. Ran Muqiu remained distracted all morning.

During the lunch break, the class monitor came by with a ledger to register people for next week’s camping trip at Mount Mo. Ran Muqiu held his pen, but after writing two words, he couldn’t help but glance over at Feng Qin.

“Brother Qiu,” the monitor, a clean-cut boy with glasses, noticed his distraction and spoke up. “You wrote the wrong name.”

“Huh? Oh, right.”

Ran Muqiu snapped back to reality, only to find he had written “Feng Qin” in the signature space.

He had spent so long pondering the mystery of the Protagonist Gong’s heartbreak that he’d accidentally written the guy’s name as his own.

With reddened ears, he hurriedly borrowed an eraser from Li Zhu and scrambled to rub out the mistake.

After carefully signing his own name, Ran Muqiu turned to Li Zhu. “Are you going to the camping trip next week?”

The trip was a major plot point in the original script.

In the story, the Protagonist Shou had already developed feelings for the Gong, but due to his “contract” with the Scum Bully, he kept his feelings hidden. However, during the lottery for tent assignments, the Shou used a small trick for the first time, ensuring his name was on the same slip as the Gong’s.

This act, of course, had sent the School Bully into a jealous frenzy.

Li Zhu pulled his gaze away from the tip of Ran Muqiu’s pen. “Mm,” he said quietly. “I’ll go.”

Ran Muqiu felt a surge of energy.

If both the Protagonist Gong and Shou were going, things would definitely happen. If he could stir the pot, he might get another chance to farm Feng Qin’s Heartbreak Value.

Three days flew by, and the day of the trip arrived.

While it was called “camping,” it was essentially Nancheng High’s annual autumn outing. Each grade went separately, classes chose their own locations, and everyone departed by bus after school on the day before.

This year, Ran Muqiu’s class had chosen Mount Mo.

As the school bully, Ran Muqiu had a reputation built over several years. Weeks ago, a boy from the Student Council—hoping to get on his good side—had brought the list of potential destinations to him for first pick.

At the time, Ran Muqiu was taking a nap on the rooftop and was exhausted. The boy was incredibly talkative; Ran Muqiu had barely managed to finish picking when the boy refused to leave, grabbing his arm and saying a lot of nonsensical things.

Ran Muqiu was deeply annoyed, but the boy was polite, wore glasses, looked scholarly, and spoke gently, so he couldn’t just lose his temper for no reason.

In the end, the boy was chased off by Qin Wei, who had appeared on the roof for some reason.

Back to the present.

Ran Muqiu sat in a lounge chair that had been set up early. He had a small table and a full spread of snacks; he didn’t have to lift a finger, just eat and watch everyone else work.

In moments like these, Ran Muqiu felt the Transmigration Bureau had at least done him one favor by giving him this role.

Qin Wei and “Slim Monkey” were setting up the barbecue grill. Halfway through, drenched in sweat, Qin Wei ran over. “Brother Qiu, you can’t eat spicy food, right?”

The lounge chair was a bit large and Ran Muqiu was slender, so he was curled up lazily inside it. Because the surroundings were noisy, Qin Wei leaned in close to ensure he was heard, looming over like a friendly bear.

Ran Muqiu blinked and nodded.

Truly one of my most capable lackeys. Even though he’d never explicitly stated his preferences, the guy knew. Satisfied, Ran Muqiu reached out and patted Qin Wei’s shoulder.

Qin Wei froze as if he’d been struck dumb, staring blankly at Ran Muqiu’s lips without saying a word.

Puzzled, Ran Muqiu waved a hand in front of his face. Qin Wei suddenly snapped to attention, scrambled to his feet, and turned away without another look. He barked at Slim Monkey and the others, “Hurry up! Throw out all the chili, pepper, and spices!”

Slim Monkey mocked him for being a suck-up, and Qin Wei cursed, kicked at him, and made a show of rolling up his sleeves to throw a punch.

Just as he reached out, he locked eyes with Feng Qin, who was carrying tent equipment.

The moment he saw Feng Qin’s face, Qin Wei’s expression stiffened. Recalling some unpleasant memory, he turned and bolted.

Feng Qin didn’t pause for a second. He set the tent materials down in a spacious clearing and set to work by himself.

On the other side, Ran Muqiu, having nothing to do, rested his chin in his hand and watched Feng Qin pitch the tent without blinking.

Since Feng Qin had been generous enough to grant him five Heartbreak points, Ran Muqiu now looked at him like a glowing, golden cheat code. His minor personality flaws—like his irritating mouth—meant nothing in the face of such rapid progress.

As he observed him, Ran Muqiu even admitted for the first time that the Protagonist Gong was indeed exceptionally good-looking. He was a perfect match for the Protagonist Shou—the classic handsome Gong and cold Shou dynamic.

Thinking of something, Ran Muqiu’s lips curled up and his eyes crinkled. He was already fantasizing about the wonderful vacation life he’d lead after completing the world.

Suddenly, he felt a gentle tap on his left shoulder.

Ran Muqiu quickly pulled his gaze back and turned around.

Li Zhu was half-crouching beside him. His features were sharp and clean, and his hair was still damp with mist—he had likely just washed his face at the mountain spring.

He was handsome in a very pure way.

“What’s up?” Ran Muqiu asked.

Li Zhu pointed to the pile of tent materials in the clearing behind them. “Should I go set up the tent now?”

Ran Muqiu dazed for a moment before the meaning of the words sank in. “Are you sleeping in a tent with me tonight?”

His reaction made Li Zhu pause. He countered, “Aren’t I?”

Ran Muqiu thought: Of course you aren’t supposed to be.

According to the original plot, the Protagonist Shou—knowing that staying with the School Bully would lead to more rough treatment—had used a trick to get himself assigned to the Gong’s tent.

But now.

Ran Muqiu looked at Li Zhu’s expression and remembered that time at the tenements when Li Zhu had practically rushed to wash up so he could sleep with him.

It was obvious. Because the current Ran Muqiu hadn’t done anything monstrous to him, Li Zhu didn’t find the idea of sharing a tent scary. On the contrary, he seemed quite forward about it.

Ran Muqiu felt a bit awkward. He actually wanted to sleep alone, but since Li Zhu had asked, he couldn’t think of a reason to refuse—after all, his persona was that of a lecher who constantly lusted after the Protagonist Shou’s body.

So he blurted out an excuse, “O-okay then. Go ahead and set it up.”

Li Zhu gave him a few looks, said nothing more, and walked toward the clearing.

Ran Muqiu sighed, wondering how he was going to bluff his way through the night. He looked up, only to lock eyes with Feng Qin once more.

At some point, Feng Qin had stopped what he was doing. He was staring at them, his thin lips pressed tight and his expression dark. He looked a little terrifying.

Ran Muqiu was jolted by the look, his eyes widening slightly.

He glanced left and right, confirming there was no one else in that direction and that Feng Qin was indeed looking at him. He couldn’t help but sit up straight.

Seeing him like this, Feng Qin pursed his lips and looked away, turning his head sharply.

Despite the turn, the profile of his face made it clear his lips were pressed into a flat line, radiating an obvious, foul mood.

Ran Muqiu studied his profile, then turned to cast a distant look at Li Zhu. A thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

Feng Qin’s Heartbreak Value spiked out of nowhere, could it be because he’s jealous?

To test his theory, the moment Li Zhu left, Ran Muqiu stood up impatiently and headed toward Feng Qin.

Feng Qin was currently half-crouching, using a hammer to drive wooden stakes for the tent corners into the soil one by one.

The early autumn weather was already turning chilly. The boy wore a thin sweatshirt with the sleeves pushed up to his forearms. Perhaps because setting up a tent alone was strenuous, the blue veins on his arms were slightly prominent, and the tension in his muscles and knuckles showed the force he was using.

Ran Muqiu stood beside him for a while. When Feng Qin tilted his head to the left, he followed to the left; when he tilted his head to the right, Ran Muqiu followed to the right.

Yet, Feng Qin never spared him a single glance, treating him entirely like thin air.

He was a completely different person compared to a few days ago.

Seeing this behavior, Ran Muqiu became even more certain of his guess.

It took Feng Qin ten minutes to secure the four corners. He packed up his tools, wiped the sweat from his brow, and stood up. He’d barely taken a step before Ran Muqiu blocked his path.

Feng Qin looked down at him expressionlessly. He finally deigned to acknowledge him, but his tone was cold and distant. “What is it?”

Ran Muqiu stared at him without blinking. “Nothing.”

“Nothing? Then why look for me?” Feng Qin stared at his face, his Adam’s apple bobbing uncontrollably. “Isn’t Li Zhu over there?”

As soon as he said it, he seemed unable to help himself and closed his eyes, looking troubled by his own undisguised jealousy.

Ran Muqiu’s eyes lit up slightly.

Bingo! His guess was right.

The system only told him to farm Heartbreak Value. Because of his preconceived traditional notions, Ran Muqiu had naturally assumed that the heartbreak had to be inflicted by the task-taker personally.

But he had overlooked one point: this mission was different from the previous ones—it had broken the rules by having two targets. If he analyzed it carefully, he’d realize the mission never specified that the heartbreaking act had to be committed by the host.

In other words, if Feng Qin gained Heartbreak Value because of someone else—like Li Zhu—it would still reflect in the mission progress!

The protagonists loved each other deeply. Even if they weren’t in love yet, they were bound to start soon.

And the Protagonist Gong had witnessed his crush being intimate with Ran Muqiu several times, while the Protagonist Shou seemed completely oblivious to the Gong’s feelings. Of course he would feel heartbroken.

This had to be why Feng Qin’s Heartbreak Value increased!

Feng Qin was over half a head taller than Ran Muqiu. Standing face-to-face, the height difference was stark; Ran Muqiu lacked any presence and had to crane his neck to look at him.

“Li Zhu is setting up the tent, so I have no one to talk to.” Ran Muqiu put his hands behind his back and peered over. “So, I came to see how your tent is coming along.”

“No Li Zhu, so you come to me? What exactly is our relationship?” Feng Qin narrowed his eyes, mocking him. “Don’t you have a whole crowd of people waiting to suck up to you?”

He was referring to Qin Wei, Slim Monkey, and the rest.

Ran Muqiu didn’t know why Feng Qin was bringing up other people. After thinking it over, he said, “But none of them can compare to Li Zhu.”

As he spoke, he intentionally shot a glance toward Li Zhu.

Sure enough, the moment those words left his mouth, Feng Qin’s face darkened instantly.

He followed Ran Muqiu’s gaze to the other side.

In a clearing not far away, the tall, slender boy was half-kneeling on the ground, pitching a small tent. The general frame was already up; all that remained was to secure the corners and lay out the bedding.

Tents came in three-person and two-person sizes. The one Li Zhu picked wasn’t large; it was clearly only enough for two people to sleep in.

Two big guys squeezed together at night they’d feel each other’s body heat with every slight movement.

And Ran Muqiu’s body was so soft.

The scene he’d witnessed in the dark alley last time flashed through Feng Qin’s mind. The discomfort in his heart became increasingly palpable, as if he’d swallowed a bitter pill.

“Is he really that good?”

His words were so thick with sour jealousy that they felt foreign even to himself, yet he still couldn’t stop. “You two aren’t actually sleeping together tonight, are you?”