The Cannon Fodder Roles I Play All Become White Moonlights [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 8

Ling Yuanbai and Su Qingmeng met alone for the second time at the same KTV, in the same private room.

Su Qingmeng deliberately arrived a few minutes late. As expected, the seemingly gentle and refined man frowned and said indifferently, “I don’t like tardiness. I hope this is the last time.”

“Alright,” she replied with a pleasant smile, taking a seat opposite him, the same spot as before.

“Tomorrow, I’ll have Cui Minmin apologize to you in front of the entire school.” Ling Yuanbai kept his promise. He asked for Su Qingmeng’s bank card and promptly transferred 500,000 yuan to her. But before she could leave the room, he called her back.

It wasn’t just Ling Yuanbai who stopped her; the system’s piercing alert also sounded: [Host, please follow the plot to seduce Ling Yuanbai and say to him, ‘It’s Ling-senpai I like.’]

Su Qingmeng halted and looked at Ling Yuanbai with confusion. “Is there anything else, Ling-senpai?”

Ling Yuanbai scrutinized Su Qingmeng from head to toe, his gaze ultimately settling on her eyes.

The most beautiful part of Su Qingmeng was her eyes. They could be as clear and candid as they were now, or as cunning as a fox. Though she, like him, wore a mask of hypocrisy, she seemed to done it or discard it at will, embodying an unconstrained freedom.

Ling Yuanbai didn’t want to dwell on the peculiar feeling in his heart. Once a mask was worn, it should remain forever, whether for him or for her.

“Ling-senpai?”

“I heard that Fang Mo and his advisor are developing new software, with the core components stored on his computer.” Ling Yuanbai spoke slowly and deliberately.

Su Qingmeng stared directly at him, her eyes clearly unwilling. “When we first discussed this, Ling-senpai, you only asked me to become his girlfriend. There were no other conditions. Adding tasks on the spot like this is rather difficult for me.”

Ling Yuanbai smiled gently at her reluctance. “This isn’t an additional task; it’s a separate transaction. All you need to do is bring his computer to me. I’ll pay extra for it.”

Though he used the word “bring,” both of them knew it meant stealing. Su Qingmeng returned to stand before him, her smile on her face but her eyes icy. “Ling-senpai, you do have a sense of humor. Though I may be greedy for money, I’m not foolish. I can’t do something illegal.”

Ling Yuanbai glanced casually at Su Qingmeng’s eyes. Those typically enchanting peach-blossom eyes were now unusually cold and sharp, appearing even more captivating than her usual ingratiating smiles.

He liked this look in her eyes, but unfortunately, compared to his cold younger brother, his own heart was even harder.

After a brief moment of distraction, Ling Yuanbai handed Su Qingmeng a document. “After reading this, I believe you’ll want to make this deal with me.”

Su Qingmeng took the document and turned pale after just flipping through two pages. It contained detailed records of the orphanage director’s health condition, a plot point not included in the system’s original script.

She had been quietly altering the plot, yet the changed storyline had unexpectedly struck back, hitting her where it hurt the most.

In truth, she had already experienced something similar in her original world. When was that again?

It was also her eighteenth year. She thought that by giving up her studies, she could start earning money early and let her orphanage mother live a better life sooner. Unfortunately, before she could earn any money, her orphanage mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away far too soon. Little did she expect that in this world, whether real or illusory, she would have to relive such an experience.

“I’ve consulted cancer specialists. In her condition, without treatment, she only has about half a year left. But if she receives proper care, she could live another seven or eight years without issue.”

Ling Yuanbai stared into Su Qingmeng’s reddened eyes. Crystal tears shimmered in their depths, like ice melting in an instant, cold yet pitiful, enough to stir anyone’s heart. Unfortunately, his heart remained frozen.

He spoke cruelly, “Her life-or-death rests in your hands.”

Su Qingmeng closed her eyes, allowing a tear to slide gently from the corner of her eye, as if making a final decision or hiding her vulnerability. When she opened them again, aside from the lingering redness at the corners, her gaze was clear, as if untouched by sorrow. “Fang Mo is extremely guarded. Even though I’m his girlfriend now, I’ve never seen him use a computer. So,”

She took a step forward, closing the distance between them. Tilting her head up to look at him, her distinct black-and-white eyes blinked softly, her lashes still glistening with the remnants of tears, lending a dewy sheen to her red lips. Ling Yuanbai was certain his heart was cold, yet faced with Su Qingmeng’s enchanting presence, his heartbeat faltered twice.

“So what?” Ling Yuanbai took a breath before asking with a smile.

“So, ” She lightly brushed her hair aside, her gaze shifting with a captivating charm that flowed from her brows to the tips of her hair. “Young Master Ling, could you help me first?”

Many called him “Young Master Ling,” but when it came from Su Qingmeng’s lips, it carried an inexplicable allure. Ling Yuanbai awkwardly averted his gaze and replied indifferently, “I’m not a philanthropist, Su Qingmeng.”

Yet, even from the corner of his eye, he could still see her clearly, her slender, pale arm boldly resting on his shoulder, gently tugging at his collar…

Ling Yuanbai pressed his lips tightly together, reacting sharply as he grabbed her hand. Su Qingmeng lowered her gaze to his grip on her wrist. His watch was fastened without a gap, but the abrupt movement had pulled his sleeve up slightly, revealing a faint red scar that extended from his wrist into the sleeve, long and clearly years old.

Su Qingmeng recalled the few times she had seen Ling Yuanbai; he always wore long sleeves with buttons fastened meticulously. Though it was early autumn, most people still wore short sleeves. It wasn’t just his personality, he was hiding something.

She pretended not to notice, blinking innocently and cooing sweetly, “Young Master Ling, you’re hurting me.”

Though a simple statement, her delivery made it sound laden with ambiguity. Ling Yuanbai’s expression stiffened momentarily, but Su Qingmeng had already taken advantage of his brief hesitation to slip from his grasp, retreating to a safe distance, neither too close nor too far.

Ling Yuanbai narrowed his eyes slightly. This delicate girl was as agile and cunning as a cat, testing his limits with every encounter, only to feign obedience once she had probed enough.

Suddenly, he realized that choosing Su Qingmeng from the start was like picking a double-edged sword. But he didn’t like the feeling of losing control, even if it was a double-edged sword, he wouldn’t allow its blade to harm him.

He slowly adjusted his glasses, showing no trace of being provoked, and spoke as gently as ever: “I don’t like people getting too close to me. Keep your seductive tactics to yourself and use them less on me. As long as you behave, I can help you first.”

“Alright,” Su Qingmeng nodded, looking utterly docile, a stark contrast to the seductive woman she had been moments before.

Ling Yuanbai glanced at her like this, his fingers rubbing together thoughtfully. He took out a jewelry box, retrieved a ruby necklace, walked behind Su Qingmeng, and fastened it around her slender neck. “This necklace is a reward for being obedient.”

Su Qingmeng lowered her head to look at the ruby on her chest, it was large and looked expensive.

Maintaining their close posture, she tilted her head back to gaze up at the tall man, as if she might fall into his embrace at any moment, and asked with an air of innocence, “Didn’t Senior Ling say he doesn’t like people getting too close?”

Her tone held a mix of confusion and temptation, naive yet alluring.

Ling Yuanbai recalled the moment she had touched him and quickly withdrew his hand. Even so, his fingers had brushed against the exposed skin of her neck.

It felt different from when she had touched him.

He took two steps back, but the sensation on his hand lingered.

She turned to face him directly, her pale fingers resting on the ruby. Her eyes shifted twice, and she didn’t press the earlier question, as if she had been won over by the jewelry. She asked cheerfully, “Does it look good?”

Su Qingmeng had fair skin, and the red gem made her look even more like a porcelain doll.

Ling Yuanbai smiled faintly. “Not bad. If you can make Fang Mo and Shen Yue fall out and resign from the Western restaurant, I can arrange for an expert to conduct further examinations for the orphanage director.”

Su Qingmeng’s cheerfulness faded slightly. “Actually, I don’t quite understand. How did someone as poor as Fang Mo offend you? In Young Master Ling’s eyes, shouldn’t we all be like ants?”

“What? After being his girlfriend for just a few days, you’re already reluctant?” Ling Yuanbai’s tone was mocking, his sharp gaze fixed on Su Qingmeng as he searched for any trace of affection for Fang Mo. Fortunately, her eyes remained clear and emotionless.

Su Qingmeng’s fingers stroked the ruby back and forth, as if carefully tracing something. The contrast of red and white was captivating, and Ling Yuanbai’s gaze unconsciously drifted downward. But the next moment, he realized where his eyes had landed and quickly averted them.

Su Qingmeng gave a sweet smile. “What are you saying, Senior Ling? Compared to Fang Mo, what I like is Senior Ling?”

She drew out the last word, her smile as sweet as a piece of cake. Ling Yuanbai was momentarily stunned, but she quickly added five more words: “…’s ruby necklace.”

Ling Yuanbai had already known, but hearing the last part still made the corners of his mouth twitch downward involuntarily. “It’s best if that’s the case.”

Walking out of the KTV, Su Qingmeng looked up at the sky. It was no different from the sky in her original world.

“System, did I complete the task just now?” Su Qingmeng asked softly.

[The host has completed the designated plot.] The system replied without any fluctuation, but it earned a light laugh from Su Qingmeng. She smiled and said “thank you” to the system, grateful that its appearance had informed her this was not her original world.

It was still early, so Su Qingmeng strolled around leisurely. By the time it grew dark, she happened to arrive at Fang Mo’s Western restaurant. Whether by coincidence or not, she unexpectedly ran into Chen Li and Cui Minmin at the entrance.

It was unclear what mindset drove this couple, who had fallen out and reconciled, to dine at this restaurant again. However, being young, they still lacked thick skin, their smiles froze upon seeing Su Qingmeng, especially Cui Minmin.

She stared at Su Qingmeng for a long time, gripping Chen Li’s hand with all her strength until he told her to let go. Only then did she force a fake smile and say to Su Qingmeng, “I’m sorry about that.”

Su Qingmeng smiled back at them as if nothing unpleasant had happened, but her words left no room for compromise: “I’ve already spoken with the school broadcasting department. You can go directly there tomorrow at noon.”

“Wh-what?!” Cui Minmin widened her eyes, staring at Su Qingmeng in disbelief.

Su Qingmeng’s smile grew even sweeter as she said considerately, “I thought about it, and the most convenient way for the whole school to hear your apology is to use the school broadcast station directly.”

“You!” Cui Minmin wished she could tear Su Qingmeng’s face apart on the spot.

Su Qingmeng seemed to be genuinely concerned for Cui Minmin. “Don’t worry, Minmin. Even if some students aren’t on campus at noon, I’m sure someone will post about it on the school forum. There’s no need for you to make another apology post.”

Cui Minmin was on the verge of losing control, but Chen Li immediately pulled her back and said, “Don’t forget what Young Master Ling said.”

At the mention of Ling Yuanbai, Cui Minmin deflated instantly and could only glare viciously at Su Qingmeng.

Fang Mo had spotted the tension between Su Qingmeng and Cui Minmin from afar. Without a second thought, he strode over and shielded Su Qingmeng behind him, glaring coldly at Chen Li and Cui Minmin.

The fierceness in his eyes made the couple step back in fear.

Chen Li still had feelings for Su Qingmeng, but after she had met with Ling Yuanbai that day and then started dating Fang Mo, and now with Ling Yuanbai insisting that Cui Minmin apologize to Su Qingmeng, he felt something was off. Despite his lingering affection, his instinct for self-preservation told him to stay out of this mess.

He tugged at Cui Minmin. “Let’s go to another restaurant.”

Cui Minmin had chosen this Western restaurant specifically because Fang Mo worked there part-time. She couldn’t stand the idea of Su Qingmeng having a proper boyfriend and wanted to ruin their relationship.

She stole a glance at Fang Mo but was intimidated by his sharp glare and didn’t dare look longer. Turning to Su Qingmeng, she suddenly exclaimed in shock, “Wasn’t this ruby necklace bought by Young Master Ling at the auction? Why is it with you?”

Fang Mo whipped his head around and indeed saw the striking ruby necklace. Even in the dim light, its red hue was dazzling.

His gaze shifted upward to meet Su Qingmeng’s eyes. She blinked innocently at him and said, “What ruby necklace? This is just a glass necklace I bought today. Do you like it?”

Cui Minmin was convinced she could tell the difference between a ruby and glass, and she wanted to say more. But Chen Li, breaking into a cold sweat, thought to himself how foolish Cui Minmin was for not considering why Ling Yuanbai would give Su Qingmeng a gift. Suddenly turning assertive, he cut her off and dragged her away without giving her a chance to speak.

Su Qingmeng exchanged a glance with Fang Mo, then suddenly linked her arm with his and cooed, “The pay at this restaurant is too low. Your girlfriend has to wear a fake necklace, how pitiful! Let’s find another place to work, okay?”

She leaned almost entirely against his arm. Fang Mo felt his heart thump heavily twice before a sudden unease washed over him. Something about Su Qingmeng felt off.