I Quit Being This Female Lead (GL) - Chapter 2

What is a banquet hosted by the wealthy like? Mang Ke tried to imagine it. She couldn’t. However, judging by the location Xun Fangyun sent her, it was a beach hotel—the city’s only seven-star hotel. Just this choice of venue indicated it was certainly an expensive banquet. It was said to be for a certain tycoon’s elderly father turning 80, so the setup was grand, with political figures and social elites all in attendance—a very magnificent event.

Below the location sent by Xun Fangyun, Mang Ke also received a note: Wait for me to pick you up from home this afternoon

Mang Ke propped her chin on her hand, resting on the desk, fiddling with the message on her phone. She opened it and closed it, then opened it again. “Sigh…” Mang Ke sighed. She was about to marry Xun Fangyun, yet she still didn’t know how to talk to her.

But… Was marriage part of the ‘contract’ terms? Mang Ke harbored doubts about this, but having already transmigrated into a novel, the marriage clause wasn’t surprising anymore. She just wondered if finding another wife outside now would count as bigamy. Her mind was racing with a million thoughts, but her hand only managed to reply with a simple 【Ok】, appearing both cold and cute.

At noon, after eating, Aunt Liu knew Mang Ke was attending a banquet in the evening, so she didn’t prepare anything too greasy, opting instead for some vegetables and congee. “Remember to eat something again before you go in the afternoon,” Aunt Liu reminded Mang Ke as she served her pumpkin congee. “Otherwise, you won’t get full from the banquet food.” Mang Ke nodded.

Aunt Liu also said, “Remember to remind Miss Xun not to drink too much alcohol at the banquet; her stomach isn’t good, and drinking too much for socializing really hurts the stomach.” Mang Ke nodded. Aunt Liu then asked, “Is there anything Mang Ke would like to eat tonight? How about a sandwich?” Mang Ke thought for a moment and said, “Add a smoked sausage slice inside.” Aunt Liu smiled, nodded, and went back to the kitchen to busy herself with other things.

The entire afternoon passed quickly. By the time Xun Fangyun returned by car, Mang Ke had already changed and was sitting in the living room. Xun Fangyun was still wearing a black coat and skirt. She seemed a little unhappy today, and the sound of her entry was slightly louder than usual. Mang Ke sat obediently on the sofa and greeted her with a smile: “You’re back~” The little wavy line made her voice sound energetic.

When Xun Fangyun looked up, she saw Mang Ke, who was already dressed up, wearing a silver gown adorned with tiny diamonds that seemed dazzling under the light. Her exposed arms were as fair and clean as jade lotus roots, and her chestnut-colored long hair was slightly curled at the ends, resting on her shoulders, giving her an inexplicably obedient appearance.

Xun Fangyun stared in silence for a long time before finally speaking: “You didn’t put on makeup?” Mang Ke blinked her eyes. “No, I don’t know how to put on makeup.” Xun Fangyun walked up to Mang Ke, her gaze lingering on her rather elegant lips for a while before she said, “Aunt Liu, go to the bedroom and bring my makeup case.” Aunt Liu suddenly appeared from somewhere, responded with an affirmative, and went upstairs to retrieve the items.

Watching Aunt Liu’s retreating back, Mang Ke couldn’t help but say, “I don’t think I’m ugly either. Is makeup really necessary?” She hated the feeling of her skin being unable to breathe under foundation, and once wearing makeup, she couldn’t be casual. Every glance and smile needed to be managed so as not to rub off the powder and lipstick, which was very uncomfortable.

Xun Fangyun sat down next to Mang Ke, reached out, and lifted Mang Ke’s chin, examining her as if she were an item for sale. “Makeup will make you look more energetic.” Since the other person had said so, Mang Ke felt awkward refusing any further. She could only sit on the sofa and watch as Xun Fangyun took the cosmetics Aunt Liu brought and applied makeup to her.

It had to be said, a focused woman looked exceptionally beautiful. Especially a woman with the refined air of Xun Fangyun, applying lipstick to Mang Ke—the sight was both endearing and serious. Mang Ke was momentarily mesmerized. She felt the two of them were very close, and her nostrils were filled with a sweet and captivating fragrance—she couldn’t tell if it was from the cosmetics or the scent emanating from Xun Fangyun.

As Xun Fangyun leaned over, her black long hair brushed against Mang Ke’s arm, causing a slight tickle that made Mang Ke’s heart restless. The wicked little devil inside her heart suddenly popped its head out. Her lips look so good; they must feel soft to kiss. Her hair is so beautiful; I wonder if it’s just as soft in bed. Her collarbone also looks delicious. And the chest encased in that blouse—it seems to have a nice texture…

The little devil poked at Mang Ke’s heart with a small stick, screaming: Take her! Take her! Take her! Take her! Take her!

Xun Fangyun’s expression remained placid, and her tone was equally calm as she said to Mang Ke, “Keep looking around like that, and I’ll dig your eyes out.” Mang Ke: “…” The little devil disappeared instantly with a bang.

The slick sensation on her lips felt unfamiliar. Mang Ke instinctively pursed the corner of her mouth, but Xun Fangyun gripped her chin, forcing Mang Ke to look up. “I haven’t finished applying it. Don’t move randomly.” Xun Fangyun’s serious look made Mang Ke feel a bit amused, so she couldn’t help but say, “You look like a makeup artist right now.” The other party didn’t reply. Mang Ke felt a bit disappointed; this woman was truly cold.

After the makeup was done, Xun Fangyun also went upstairs to change into her gown and apply light makeup to herself. Mang Ke sat in place, watching Xun Fangyun carefully trace her eyebrows and apply rouge in front of the mirror. For the first time, she felt watching a woman put on makeup could be so pleasing to the eye.

Xun Fangyun finished getting ready around five in the evening. If they didn’t leave soon, they would be late. “Aunt Liu, we’re leaving,” Xun Fangyun placed her things on the coffee table and said to Aunt Liu, who was busy in the kitchen, “Tidy up the living room.” “Leaving already?” Aunt Liu rushed out with two sandwiches and said to Xun Fangyun, “Your stomach isn’t good. Eat something before you go.” Xun Fangyun shook her head. “It’s too much trouble, and I’m not hungry.” “You can take them even if you’re not hungry.” “I don’t like carrying bags.”

“This…” Mang Ke looked at Aunt Liu’s conflicted expression and said, “Just put them in my bag. My bag is big.” Aunt Liu nodded, and before Xun Fangyun could refuse, she stuffed the sandwiches in, along with some lozenges and a refreshing capsule, before telling them both, “Come back early tonight. It’s unsafe late at night.” “Got it~”

Leaving with Xun Fangyun, Mang Ke sat in the passenger seat, looking at the items in the bag, and couldn’t help but chuckle. “Aunt Liu is so thoughtful; she prepared everything for you.” Xun Fangyun nodded. “She does take good care of me.” Mang Ke looked at the smoked sausage slices夹 in the sandwich, smiled contentedly, and zipped up the bag.

Traffic was heavy due to the evening rush hour, but thankfully this was a wealthy area with fewer cars and people. The two only drove for half an hour before reaching the hotel. Mang Ke looked out the rolled-down car window at the uniquely shaped hotel and couldn’t help but stare blankly. The setting sun’s afterglow refracted from the horizon, casting a lake-like sheen on the west-facing wall of the hotel. The sea breeze brushed against Mang Ke’s hair, and the scent of the coast filled her nose. From a distance, the scene was as beautiful as an oil painting.

Mang Ke sighed as she looked outside. “It’s so beautiful. I wish time could freeze here.” Xun Fangyun glanced casually out the window. Her black eyes showed no ripple of emotion, as still as a stagnant pool. She was indifferent to such a magnificent scene. What use is beauty? Xun Fangyun withdrew her gaze. It was all fake. This world, including the people around her, was all fake.

Mang Ke did not forget Aunt Liu’s instructions. Before Xun Fangyun got out of the car, she reminded her to eat the sandwich. The two quickly stuffed down a sandwich and took a few sips of water before getting out of the car and heading to the banquet hall. Although the banquet was set for seven o’clock, the lobby was already crowded with people around six.

Xun Fangyun and Mang Ke were led to the banquet hall. As soon as they entered, several people walked toward them, enthusiastically greeting Xun Fangyun. Mang Ke stood a step behind her, listening to conversations filled with words she didn’t understand. But what did it matter? All she needed to do now was act as Xun Fangyun’s beautiful vase; nothing else was important.

After chatting for a while, the other party seemed to finally notice Mang Ke behind Xun Fangyun and asked curiously, “Fangyun, who is this…” Xun Fangyun glanced at Mang Ke and said calmly, “My fiancée.” “Ah, so you are the rumored fiancée.” The other party seemed very surprised. They extended a hand to shake Mang Ke’s and said excitedly, “Miss is truly beautiful. May I know your name?”

“My name is Mang Ke,” Mang Ke said with a smile. “Mang as in mango.” “Mang Ke?” The other person paused, then turned to look at Xun Fangyun and asked subconsciously, “Isn’t the person marrying you the young lady from the Qi family? Why is her surname Mang?”

Instantly, Mang Ke realized she had misspoke and tried to awkwardly explain, but then she heard Xun Fangyun cut in: “None of that matters.” Mang Ke immediately fell silent. It doesn’t matter… Xun Fangyun said to Mang Ke, “I need to go meet some guests. You can look around here. If you’re thirsty, there are champagne and fruit platters over there.” Having said that, Xun Fangyun left with her friends, leaving Mang Ke standing alone.

Watching the black figure disappear into the crowd, Mang Ke couldn’t help but let out a long sigh. This woman was too cold; it was hurtful. Mang Ke complained inwardly. Who attends a banquet and abandons their fiancée? It looked like she would have to give her a good talking-to when they got home to teach her what ‘hierarchy’ meant! While grumbling internally, it didn’t stop Mang Ke’s enthusiasm for eating from the fruit and dessert table.

It was a seven-star hotel, after all. There were many pastries Mang Ke had only seen on television. She casually picked up a pastry to try it. The sour taste was a bit strange, but it wasn’t unappetizing.

“Excuse me…” Just then, a voice sounded behind Mang Ke, asking, “You’re with President Xun, right? Could you come over and lend a hand?” Mang Ke turned around when she heard a familiar name and saw a slightly baby-faced man standing behind her.

“Are you talking to me?” Mang Ke pointed to herself. The man nodded. “You’re President Xun’s secretary, aren’t you? I’m Yue Yin’s assistant. She’s in a bit of trouble right now. Since you know everyone, could you come over and lend a hand?”

Mang Ke thought for a moment. She didn’t know what about her made the man think she was a secretary, but she did hear a familiar name. Yue Yin? Isn’t she Xun Fangyun’s ‘white moonlight’ (first love)? Do I have to interact with her this soon???