The Cannon Fodder Supporting Female Character is Still Alive Today - Chapter 32
Chapter 32: Covert Plot (6)
… the girl seized the opportunity to run away, but Su Mubai was pinned to the ground by the men.
The white horse was struck with a whip and immediately became docile, unwilling to suffer further.
Su Mubai was then tied hand and foot by the two men and thrown into a carriage.
After being thrown into the carriage, Su Mubai found several young women inside who seemed to have also been captured. However, all of them were gagged, so Su Mubai couldn’t communicate with them.
At first, he could offer comfort through his eyes, but later, the men blindfolded him with a black cloth.
Su Mubai said, “During the journey, I heard the two men say they didn’t have enough people and planned to use me to make up the numbers. Later, I was blindfolded and delivered to a certain place, where I heard someone say I was a man and refused to take me, even scolding the two men.”
“So, they sold me to that Qi Laosi instead. My clothes were also forced onto me by Qi Laosi.”
26
After listening to Su Mubai, Bai Yao lowered her eyes and quietly followed the plot line.
It seemed that because the timeline was already messed up, Su Mubai, who should have safely arrived in Jiangqi, encountered unexpected misfortune again.
Black-clothed men, carriage, capturing girls.
Given the situation, it seemed another major plot point was about to be triggered prematurely.
27
The plot failed to be triggered.
When Bai Yao and Luo Qi returned to the carriage stable with Su Mubai, the two stable hands, along with the horses that were supposed to be there, were all gone.
Only a few empty carriages remained, and a neatly placed cloth bag was sitting on a table inside the room.
Su Mubai walked over, picked up his bag, and checked it, saying, “Everything is still here.”
Luo Qi said, “Someone tipped them off ahead of us.”
Bai Yao looked around and saw that several cabinets in the room were open, suggesting they had left in a hurry.
“Since you are also going to Jiangqi,” Bai Yao said, looking at Su Mubai, who was holding his bag, “why don’t you travel with us?”
To avoid any more unexpected incidents along the way.
28
When Bai Yao finished speaking, Su Mubai’s eyes immediately brightened, but he held back from answering.
He then turned around and quietly looked at Luo Qi.
29
?
Wait, I asked you a question. Why are you looking at Luo Qi?
Could it be that the supporting character’s romantic feelings have reawakened after Luo Qi’s heroic rescue…
Before Bai Yao could finish her thought, she heard Su Mubai say, “I hope Young Master Luo doesn’t mind.”
Su Mubai sincerely said, “Young Master Luo and Miss Bai have a deep, loving relationship. Mubai greatly wishes you both happiness, but the current situation is truly…”
After experiencing so many unfortunate events one after another, he was genuinely worried.
Luo Qi quietly listened to Su Mubai’s words, then smiled and replied, “It’s fine. I don’t mind.”
30
?
Director.
Are there a few too many things to poke fun at in this dialogue? Where should I even start?
Bai Yao wanted to speak several times but held back her explanation in the end.
Forget it.
Luo Qi will change back into women’s clothes after we return to Jiangqi anyway.
This is just because I’m too lazy to waste my breath.
Actress Bai Yao declares.
It’s definitely not because I want to prevent Su Mubai from getting close to Luo Qi…
Returning Home
31
Traveling with Bai Yao and Luo Qi, Su Mubai indeed didn’t encounter any more strange incidents.
The three soon arrived in Jiangqi. Just past the city gate, they met Xia Qian, who had come to greet them.
“Hey!” Xia Qian ran over, waving, and said, “I heard from Rui Niang that she ran into you, and calculating that you should arrive today, I came to wait early.”
He looked at Bai Yao and asked, “But Miss Bai, wasn’t our Young Master supposed to take you home? Why did he bring you back here?”
Bai Yao: “…”
Great.
I have to repeat the made-up story again.
Bai Yao silently swallowed, wetting her dry throat. She was about to explain what she had originally told Luo Qi, but before she could start, she heard Luo Qi speak.
Luo Qi decisively replied, “From now on, Siyi Manor is Yao Yao’s home.”
Concise, clear, and pleasing to the ear.
Xia Qian was stunned when he heard this, but Siyi Manor also took in many young girls. Hearing Luo Qi say this, he didn’t raise any further questions.
He then saw Su Mubai nearby and asked, “And this Young Master is?”
Su Mubai replied, “I am Su Mubai. I came to Jiangqi to look for someone and was fortunate enough to travel with Young Master Luo and Miss Bai.”
Xia Qian’s eyes scanned the scholar’s gentle and handsome face, and a hint of an ambiguous expression appeared on his face.
32
?
Wait, what’s with that lewd look in your eyes?
Seeing the change in Xia Qian’s expression, Bai Yao suddenly realized.
Damn it.
How could I forget about this!
In the original book, Xia Qian was completely obsessed with shipping couples (CPs).
If Su Mubai and Luo Qi were a couple, Xia Qian would definitely be the biggest fan leader of their CP.
And this big fan leader was about to be awakened right in front of Bai Yao…
33
Director!
Are there too many scenes for actor Xia Qian?
Actress Bai Yao requests a scene change!
34
Director: Request rejected.
35
Watching the smile on Xia Qian’s face deepen, Bai Yao nervously took a step back and stood beside Luo Qi. She then heard Xia Qian say, “Su Mubai, Bai Yao?”
Grinning, Xia Qian said, “One is Bai, and one is Mubai. Young Master Su’s name is truly like a pair with Miss Bai!”
Bai Yao: “…?”
What the heck???
36
After happily stating his discovery, which he considered quite cultured, Xia Qian turned to Luo Qi, waiting for a compliment.
But as soon as Xia Qian turned his gaze, he saw Luo Qi looking down at him with an expression that was far from friendly.
Xia Qian: “?”
Su Mubai quickly said, “Brother, don’t talk nonsense!”
Su Mubai stepped forward and urgently said to Xia Qian, “My name Mubai was given by my elders at home and has absolutely no connection with Miss Bai! Miss Bai and Young Master Luo are deeply in love; please do not talk nonsense!”
Xia Qian: “Ah?”
Completely bewildered by Su Mubai’s words, Xia Qian looked away blankly, glancing at Luo Qi and Bai Yao again.
Then his gaze fixed on Bai Yao. After a long silence, Xia Qian said, “Are you… a man?”
37
Young Xia Qian.
In his decade-plus of life, he had experienced both misfortune and great fortune.
Misfortune, like his mother leaving him and leaving him as a small orphan.
Fortune, like meeting Luo Qi and gaining a new home called Siyi Manor.
For Xia Qian, he had witnessed much of the world’s complexity, but luckily he had a clever little mind, capable of keeping track of accounts and understanding people’s affairs.
But Xia Qian, who prided himself on not being foolish, suddenly felt utterly confused today.
Xia Qian looked at Bai Yao for a long time, still convinced she was clearly a girl.
Just looking wasn’t enough. Xia Qian decided to use his hands.
So he reached out, intending to poke Bai Yao’s face to see if she was wearing some kind of skin-mask.
But he was immediately struck on the hand by Luo Qi.
38
“No…” Unable to use his hands, Xia Qian turned back to Su Mubai and asked, “What is going on? How are they in love?”
Su Mubai asked confusedly, “Is there anything wrong with that? Seeing how excited you are, do you perhaps have feelings for Miss Bai…”
While Su Mubai was speculating, Xia Qian said, “Aren’t they both women?”
Xia Qian: “Ah?”
Su Mubai: “?”
While Xia Qian and Su Mubai were in their confusing exchange, Bai Yao quietly grabbed Luo Qi’s hand and moved away, saying, “… Farewell.”
Immediately, both Xia Qian and Su Mubai looked toward Bai Yao, wanting to ask more questions.
But before they could speak, Luo Qi lifted her arm to embrace Bai Yao’s waist, launched off the ground, and flew away.
Siyi
39
Luo Qi carried Bai Yao and flew directly back to Siyi Manor.
“Young Master? Our Young Master is back!”
As the news spread, people from the Manor ran out to greet them, making the inner courtyard lively for a moment.
Everyone then saw the Young Master land, still holding a young girl in her arms.
A young girl holding a plate squeezed out of the crowd, saying, “Young Master, you’re back just in time! Quick, try the pastries I just made!”
A white porcelain plate was presented before Luo Qi and Bai Yao. It was piled with several round, plump little dumplings, some pink, some green, looking adorable.
After standing steady, Wei Siyu looked at the person beside Luo Qi and asked, “Oh, who is this Miss?”
Bai Yao replied, “I am Bai Yao.”
Luo Qi said, “Yao Yao will be living in Siyi Manor from now on.”
Most of the people in the Manor were those who had nowhere to go and were taken in. They were understanding and didn’t pry, simply welcoming Bai Yao.
Wei Siyu smiled, “Miss Bai, try these pastries! They are especially delicious!”
Unable to refuse the kindness, Bai Yao picked up a small dumpling and put it in her mouth. It was soft, sweet, and indeed excellent.
Bai Yao gave a thumbs-up: “Delicious!”
Luo Qi looked at Bai Yao’s shining eyes and smiled, “Siyu’s pastries are always very well made.”
Bai Yao was startled, “Siyu?”
Wei Siyu smiled nearby, “I’m Wei Siyu. Miss Bai can just call me Siyu like everyone else.”
40
Bai Yao quickly searched her mind for related descriptions.
Wei Siyu, formerly a little beggar struggling on the streets of Jiangqi, was later found by Xia Qian and brought back to Siyi Manor.
According to the arrangements in the original book, the later plot would be propelled by Wei Siyu.
However, the timeline is completely chaotic now. I wonder if the plot will change again.
41
While Bai Yao was pondering, someone nearby asked, “Young Master, didn’t you run into Xia Qian on your way back? He went out early to greet you.”
Before Luo Qi could answer, there was a sound of running from the entrance. Xia Qian appeared at the door, leaning on the frame and panting heavily.
Su Mubai dismounted from his horse behind Xia Qian and followed him into the courtyard.
Xia Qian walked up to Luo Qi and Bai Yao, saying, “Phew, after all that, it turns out it was all a misunderstanding.”
After Luo Qi and Bai Yao left, Xia Qian and Su Mubai rushed back to the Manor, clarifying the situation along the way.
It turned out Su Mubai thought Luo Qi was a man.
Xia Qian thought, No wonder he mistook Luo Qi and Bai Yao for a couple.
Although he still couldn’t figure out why neither Luo Qi nor Bai Yao had explained the truth to Su Mubai, Xia Qian felt that the misunderstanding was at least cleared up.
Xia Qian said to Luo Qi, “Why did you leave so quickly? You nearly killed me.”
Luo Qi glanced at him but didn’t reply.
Su Mubai gave a simple self-introduction to everyone. His eyes constantly flickered between Luo Qi and Bai Yao, but he didn’t say anything in the end.
The group fell silent for a moment. Fortunately, someone nearby suggested, “Young Master, you all must be tired from the journey. There’s food ready in the kitchen. Why don’t you have a meal first?”
42
After eating, Bai Yao was led by Luo Qi to a room and settled in.
The room wasn’t very large, but it had excellent lighting and was clean and comfortable.
Watching Bai Yao put down her small cloth bag with great satisfaction, Luo Qi asked, “Yao Yao, do you want to rest for a while?”
“I’m fine.” Bai Yao turned back to Luo Qi and said, “I don’t feel tired after eating.”
Luo Qi smiled when she heard this and said, “Then let’s go out for a walk.”
Bai Yao said, “Okay.”
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Luo Qi led Bai Yao to a clothing shop.
Luo Qi asked, “Yao Yao, which one do you like?”
Bai Yao blinked at a row of exquisite dresses and said, “They are all so beautiful.”
Luo Qi smiled, “Then can you help me pick one?”
Bai Yao was momentarily stunned, then realized.
Luo Qi was going to change back into women’s clothes for her.
Bai Yao immediately smiled and said, “Okay!”
44
Two people walked into the shop. Although they were dressed in common clothes, their demeanor was quite imposing.
At the time, Bai Yao was admiring the dresses with her back to the two people. The proprietress of the shop was following Bai Yao, but the two men stopped the proprietress and said, “Madam, please help us identify someone.”
As he spoke, one of them took out an ingot of silver and handed it to the proprietress. The other quickly unfurled a scroll, saying, “Madam, please look at the person in this painting. Have you ever seen her?”
Bai Yao heard the question and subconsciously looked toward the scroll. As soon as she saw it, her breath hitched.
The painting depicted a woman of breathtaking beauty, with her hair in a high bun and a radiant smile.
The painting was a black-and-white ink drawing, but it didn’t diminish the woman’s stunning beauty at all.
The woman in the painting resembled Luo Qi in women’s attire by about seventy to eighty percent.
Bai Yao’s gaze quickly dropped, and she saw the characters in the corner of the portrait.
“Qing Fan.”
Luo Qingfan?!
Bai Yao quickly looked back at Luo Qi, who also had her eyes lowered, her gaze fixed on the portrait.
While the proprietress was still admiring the painting, Bai Yao seemingly casually took a step sideways and pulled out a dress in front of her.
Pretending to examine it closely, Bai Yao used the dress to shield herself and Luo Qi.
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“At first glance… she seems a little familiar, but I don’t think I’ve seen her.”
The proprietress smiled, “Although my shop can’t claim to be the best in Jiangqi, it’s a place frequently visited by young ladies. If there really was such a great beauty in Jiangqi, I would definitely remember her.”
“Please look again carefully.”
The person holding the painting said, “The person we are looking for might not be exactly the same as the one in the painting, but the general aura is similar.”
The proprietress heard this and looked closely at the painting again. But after thinking carefully for a long time, she still said, “I’m sorry, gentlemen, I truly haven’t seen a young lady like this. Even the most beautiful Flower Queen in our Xingyue Brothel is far less stunning than the woman in this painting.”
Hearing the proprietress say this, the two men exchanged a look, put down the silver, and then took out another portrait.
Hearing the sound of paper being unfolded, Bai Yao felt an inexplicable panic in her heart.
“Then how about this young lady? Have you seen her, Madam?”
The proprietress looked at the portrait and paused.
After a short silence, Bai Yao heard the proprietress reply, “Haven’t seen her either.”
“Then we apologize for the disturbance.”
Saying this, the two men put away the portraits, turned, and left.
The proprietress turned to look at Bai Yao, who was clutching the dress, and said, “Miss, did you fancy this dress? You have excellent taste. The style of this dress is exceptional. I’ll get it down for you to try…”
“No, no need.”
Bai Yao let go of the dress, subconsciously avoiding the proprietress’s gaze. Bai Yao turned her head to the side and said, “I looked at it and I’m still not quite satisfied. I’ll browse some more.”
“Okay.” The proprietress looked at Bai Yao, winked at her with a meaningful smile, and said, “Take your time browsing, Miss.”
Bai Yao was startled, looked at the proprietress, and then realized.
That second portrait was probably Yun Niao’s portrait.
The proprietress had just covered for her.
“… Okay.”
Saying this, Bai Yao gave the proprietress a grateful look, took Luo Qi’s hand, and walked out.
Luo Qi was also preoccupied with the portrait of her mother she had just seen, so she didn’t speak, allowing Bai Yao to lead her out of the shop.
Bai Yao’s mind was racing, focused on getting Luo Qi back to the Manor first. After taking a few steps, Luo Qi called out to her, “Yao Yao…”
Before she could finish her sentence, someone suddenly placed a hand on her shoulder.
Then a voice said, “This… little brother?”
Bai Yao’s steps instantly froze.
With her back to the person, Bai Yao recognized the speaker as the one who had been holding the scrolls earlier.
Luo Qi immediately manipulated her breath to lower her voice and asked, “What is it?”
Hearing the clearly masculine voice, the person was stunned. He focused on Luo Qi’s face and was silent for a moment.
However, Luo Qi was in male attire at the moment, without makeup. A sense of heroic spirit shone between her eyebrows, looking completely different from the naturally alluring Luo Qingfan in the painting.
Then another voice said, “What are you doing? Are you confused? We are looking for a young woman.”
The man looked at the fake Adam’s apple on Luo Qi’s throat. He couldn’t spot the flaw, so he said, “My apologies. I mistook you for someone else.”
46
Bai Yao didn’t understand. How could the people from the General’s Residence have found Jiangqi already?
Bai Yao even momentarily suspected that Si Qingyu had gone back on her word and told Yun Yingnan about her.
But Bai Yao immediately thought that even if that were the case, Si Qingyu shouldn’t know Luo Qi’s identity. Even if the General’s Residence sent people, it should only be to look for Yun Niao.
In the original book, the reason Yun Yingnan was able to find Luo Qi was that in the subsequent plot, Luo Qi changed back into women’s clothes and used herself as bait to rescue Wei Siyu, who had been kidnapped.
During that time, an itinerant painter happened to see Luo Qi in her female attire. Overwhelmed by her beauty, he immediately rushed home and painted a portrait of Luo Qi from memory.
Half a month later, the painter went to Shangjing and hung his paintings at a stall. The portrait of Luo Qi was also displayed.
Later, the people from the General’s Residence accidentally discovered the portrait that bore an uncanny resemblance to the former General’s wife.
When Yun Yingnan saw the painting, he immediately concluded that Luo Qi was the daughter of himself and Luo Qingfan.
Following the painter’s trail, the people from the General’s Residence tracked them all the way to Jiangqi and began searching for Luo Qi based on the portrait.
But now, the plot hadn’t even started. How did the people from the General’s Residence get here?
And they were holding Luo Qingfan’s portrait.
47
The General’s Residence.
Xiao Ping sat on a wooden chair, sipping his tea slowly.
Yun Yingnan, sitting across from him, asked, “How does Sir possess such divine abilities?”
Xiao Ping replied, “It’s not divine ability, just a chance ability to have more perceptive senses than ordinary people.”
Xiao Ping put down his teacup and said seriously, “My ability is limited. I can only deduce that the General’s two daughters are both in the southern cities, but I can’t pinpoint the exact location.”
Yun Yingnan said, “Sir has already helped me greatly. I have dispatched men to all the places Sir mentioned. If they are found, I will reward Sir handsomely.”
48
Watching the two men walk away, Luo Qi turned back to Bai Yao and called out again, “Yao Yao.”
Bai Yao looked back at Luo Qi, composed herself, and replied, “Mm.”
Luo Qi lowered her eyes and admitted frankly, “Those two people just now were probably looking for me.”
After many years, suddenly seeing her mother’s portrait again brought back painful, old memories. Luo Qi was inevitably saddened.
Seeing Luo Qi’s forlorn look, Bai Yao felt a pang of heartache. She squeezed Luo Qi’s hand and said, “Mm, I know.”
Actually, they are also looking for me.
Luo Qi thought that Bai Yao’s “knowing” was because Bai Yao had seen her in women’s clothes and recognized the similarity between her and the person in the painting.
Luo Qi said, “Although I don’t know who those people are, the person in that painting is my mother, who has passed away.”
Bai Yao didn’t answer immediately. She took a step forward and gently embraced Luo Qi.
Luo Qi was momentarily stunned, then heard Bai Yao comfort her, saying, “It’s all over.”
The sour emotions gradually subsided. Luo Qi returned the embrace, holding Bai Yao in her arms, and said, “Mm.”
Burying her head against Luo Qi’s chest, Bai Yao mumbled, “I won’t look at the women’s clothes anymore.”
They can’t find them.
If Luo Qi were taken back to the General’s Residence, she would likely follow the heartbreaking plot of the original book again.
It won’t happen again.
Clutching Luo Qi tightly, Bai Yao thought, This time, Luo Qi has her by her side, and she will definitely protect her well.
Changing Appearance
49
Wei Siyu stood behind Bai Yao and asked, “Miss Bai, are you sure you want to do this?”
“Mm.” Bai Yao nodded to Wei Siyu and said, “Thank you for your trouble.”
Hearing Bai Yao’s confirmation, Wei Siyu reached out her hand and said, “It might feel a bit unusual at first, but you’ll get used to it after a while.”
Bai Yao tilted her neck to facilitate Wei Siyu’s work, saying, “Siyu, if you don’t have anything important to do lately, try not to leave the Manor.”
Wei Siyu asked curiously, “Why?”
Bai Yao said, “This area isn’t very safe, you know. There were incidents of girls being kidnapped before.”
Wei Siyu thought for a moment and said, “Mm, you’re right. But since Young Master and Xia Qian rescued that batch of girls last time, it seems like no one has gone missing in Jiangqi.”
Bai Yao said, “You can’t be too sure. You’re a pretty young girl, so you should be extra careful.”
Wei Siyu said, “Mm, I know.”
Hearing that Wei Siyu didn’t seem to take it very seriously, Bai Yao was about to try convincing her again, but then Wei Siyu said, “Miss Bai, don’t talk for now. I need to make this stick tightly.”
Bai Yao immediately swallowed her words. Wei Siyu fiddled with it carefully for a while and said, “Done! Miss Bai, feel it.”
Bai Yao reached up and pressed her throat, indeed feeling a protrusion that felt like flesh.
Bai Yao said, “The texture feels so real!”
It was even more realistic than the props she used when filming before.
Wei Siyu smiled, then moved the mirror for Bai Yao, saying, “Miss Bai… oh no, it’s Young Master Bai now.”
Bai Yao looked at the mirror. A face appeared in the reflection, with hair high up in a bun, and eyebrows drawn upward toward the temples. She looked exactly like a young man.
Wei Siyu also admired Bai Yao’s appearance and smiled, “Wow, you really look like a completely different person.”
50
Character Bai Yao, disguise get.
Standing up and smoothing the hem of her clothes, Bai Yao said, “I’m going to show Luo Qi!”
Bai Yao pulled open the door and was about to walk out, but then quickly slammed on the brakes and stepped back.
“Su Mubai?”
Bai Yao looked at the person standing at the doorway and asked, “Why are you standing here without saying anything?”
Looking at Bai Yao’s appearance, Su Mubai was stunned for a moment before recognizing her. Then he said, “I’m leaving tomorrow, and I came to say goodbye to Miss Bai. But why are you dressed like this?”
Bai Yao said, “It’s nothing. I suddenly wanted to try cross-dressing and broaden my acting range.”
Su Mubai: “…”
Su Mubai didn’t understand what Bai Yao meant, but he was already used to her speaking style. He glanced inside at Wei Siyu and said, “May I speak with Miss outside for a moment?”
51
Following Su Mubai all the way to the back courtyard, Bai Yao realized that Su Mubai’s “leaving” probably meant going to the Jiangqi Prefecture Office with the letter of introduction.
After walking for a while, Su Mubai stopped and turned back to Bai Yao, saying, “Miss Bai, I actually understand.”
Bai Yao looked at Su Mubai and asked confusedly, “Understand what?”
Su Mubai said, “… You didn’t tell me your true identity before, probably because you were worried I wouldn’t be able to accept it right away, like little brother Xia Qian, right?”
Bai Yao: “Mm?”
Su Mubai took a step forward and said sincerely, “Although I have never encountered such a thing, I have read about it in books.”
Su Mubai said, “Being a woman and falling in love with another woman is not wrong, nor is it something impossible. There are many kinds of love in the world, and this is one of them.”
Bai Yao was momentarily stunned by Su Mubai’s words, then she heard him say, “Mubai once offered his blessings to Miss Bai and Young… Miss Luo, and I will not change that now.”
Bai Yao looked at the earnest Su Mubai and, after a long silence, asked, “Perhaps, do you know what ‘daddy’ means?”
Su Mubai was startled and said, “No.”
Then why are your opinions so progressive and thorough?
Bai Yao said to Su Mubai, “For the first time, I feel you truly deserve to be Male Supporting Character Number One.”
Su Mubai: “?”
Not dwelling on the meaning of Bai Yao’s words, assuming it was praise, Su Mubai said, “What Mubai said is sincere. However, I will be leaving Siyi Manor tomorrow. I can only wish Miss Bai…”
Bai Yao quickly interrupted, “No, no, no need for wishes!”
The toxic blessing is definitely not welcome.
Bai Yao said, “Go ahead.” After thinking for a moment, Bai Yao added, “You must work hard over the next few days.”
According to the plot progression, Su Mubai would become involved in a subsequent case, working with Qin Wufang to uncover the major corruption behind it, then heading to Shangjing to begin a new official career path.
With the timeline being pushed forward, the case plot might happen very soon.
Su Mubai said, “Good, Mubai will work hard.”
52
In the room on the west side of the Manor, the “temporarily unable to accept” little brother Xia Qian was discussing the day’s events with Luo Qi.
In Siyi Manor, Xia Qian was the only one who knew Luo Qi’s true identity. Today, he accidentally received news that people from the General’s Residence in Shangjing had arrived in Jiangqi, seemingly looking for someone.
Xia Qian immediately suspected they might be looking for Luo Qi. After asking Luo Qi, his suspicion was confirmed.
Xia Qian asked, “It’s been so many years, why would they suddenly look for you? And they came straight to Jiangqi.”
Luo Qi shook her head.
Xia Qian said, “There’s one thing I don’t know if you’ve heard. The Liu family was massacred.”
Luo Qi frowned, “The Liu… family?”
“Yes,” Xia Qian said, “Liu Ningyue’s entire family… died overnight just recently. Also, right after you left with Miss Bai, I received news that Liu Ningyue also died in the General’s Residence.”
After many years, the name sounded unfamiliar, and her appearance was difficult to recall clearly.
But upon hearing it, the image of the woman’s face, twisted in a mocking smile, still vaguely flashed in Luo Qi’s mind.
Luo Qi was silent for a moment, then asked, “Who did it? People from the jianghu?”
Xia Qian shook his head, saying, “I’m not sure about the Liu family, but Liu Ningyue was probably killed by… Yun Yingnan himself.”
Luo Qi’s brow furrowed deeply. Xia Qian said, “Although they changed the official story, the news from Shangjing suggests that Yun Yingnan uncovered some old secrets. The Miss of the General’s Residence also disappeared afterward.”
Xia Qian said, “I’m afraid she met a terrible fate too.”
Luo Qi nodded. She recalled the name of the Miss Xia Qian mentioned, Yun Niao.
Although they had lived together in the General’s Residence for a time, Luo Qi didn’t have a deep impression of her “sister,” nor any memorable interactions.
The other party seemed to have been very timid since childhood, staying in her room all day.
Xia Qian said, “So I suspect Yun Yingnan might have been responsible for the massacre of the Liu family too. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be possible for a whole family to die and no clues to be found.”
Xia Qian speculated, “Do you think he might have found out that he wronged your mother, and in a fit of rage…”
Luo Qi lowered her eyes and said, “Regardless, it has nothing to do with me.”
Luo Qi looked up and said, “I am Luo Qi now, and I have no connection with the General’s Residence.”
Xia Qian said, “… Mm, I know your thoughts. I’m not telling you this to bother you, but I felt this matter was related to you and that you should know.”
When Xia Qian first learned about Luo Qi’s background, he had asked Luo Qi if she harbored any resentment.
But Luo Qi had said then, “I haven’t thought about going back, nor do I want to waste my life on meaningless grievances.”
Everything related to the General’s Residence had gradually faded with her mother’s death.
Luo Qi said, “That year, I woke up in a farmhouse. Master Gui Wang told me that my mother died of depression because she loved that man too much but couldn’t get a response from him.”
Luo Qi said, “I only vaguely remember that it seemed to have something to do with that concubine named Liu Ningyue, but I don’t remember it clearly.”
After that severe illness, her memory was somewhat damaged, and many things were unclear.
Xia Qian said, “Don’t think about it if you can’t remember. It’s good that you can let go. We are doing great here at Siyi Manor. I don’t think it’s any worse than the General’s Residence.”
53
Infected by Xia Qian’s exaggerated tone, Luo Qi smiled and changed the subject, saying, “Your business is growing bigger and bigger. Your intelligence network even extends to Shangjing.”
“Hehe.” Xia Qian scratched his head and smiled, “Jokes aside, my porcelain business in Shangjing is actually doing quite well.”
Luo Qi said, “Then congratulations.”
Xia Qian laughed and waved his hand, then said, “Oh, right, Su Mubai said he’s leaving tomorrow.”
Luo Qi nodded, “Mm.”
Su Mubai had mentioned during their journey that he would go to the Prefecture Office after arriving in Jiangqi.
“But…” Xia Qian said, “I’m a little curious. It’s one thing not to tell him you’re a woman, but why did you let him misunderstand you and Miss Bai?”
Luo Qi lowered her eyes when she heard this. Then she looked at Xia Qian, realizing he genuinely couldn’t understand.
After a brief thought, Luo Qi said, “Yao Yao was captured into Black Cloud Fortress recently. I also went into the fortress to rescue her.”
Xia Qian said, “I know that. You told me.”
Luo Qi said, “When I found Yao Yao, she was being harassed by a bandit.”
Xia Qian hadn’t known these details. He immediately asked, “Something like that happened?”
Luo Qi said, “At the time, the bandit wanted to bully Yao Yao. But I knocked him unconscious in time, and he didn’t succeed.”
Xia Qian said, “Ah, that’s really good. Thank goodness you got there in time.”
Luo Qi said, “I knocked him unconscious in time, but Yao Yao was very scared. She was crying in my arms, trembling all over from fear.”
Xia Qian imagined the scene and said, “Sigh, any girl would be scared facing something like that…”
Luo Qi looked up at Xia Qian and said, “At that time, I felt very angry. For a moment, I even had the urge to kill.”
“Mm, that’s normal… huh?” Xia Qian asked confusedly, “You what?”
Luo Qi looked at Xia Qian and repeated frankly, “Seeing Yao Yao so distressed and frightened, I don’t know why, but I felt extremely angry.”
Luo Qi said, “For a moment, I wanted to kill that man.”
Xia Qian knew that Luo Qi was always a gentle person. So Xia Qian asked, “Did he… do something particularly outrageous?”
Luo Qi said, “He pinched Yao Yao’s face.”
Xia Qian: “…”
Xia Qian said, “That’s worth a good beating, but it’s not enough to… Why were you so angry?”
This doesn’t fit Luo Qi’s character.
Luo Qi said, “When I saw Yao Yao sad, my emotions were a little out of control.”
Xia Qian asked, “How long have you two known each other? Why are you so concerned about her?”
Before Luo Qi could answer, a voice from the side said, “I know!”
Wei Siyu pushed the door open and ran in, saying, “Because of love! Young Master, you must have fallen for Miss Yao Yao!”
Seeing that it was Wei Siyu, Xia Qian immediately waved his hand and said, “Go, go, go. What do you know, little girl?”
“Why wouldn’t I know!” Wei Siyu puffed out her cheeks in annoyance. She looked at Xia Qian a few times and whispered, “I know very well.”
Xia Qian was stunned by Wei Siyu’s gaze, but then said, “You know Luo Qi is a girl, so stop meddling.”
Xia Qian turned back to Luo Qi and said, “Ignore her. The little girl talks nonsense all the time. You…”
Luo Qi, however, said, “It is love.”
Xia Qian: “Ah?”
Luo Qi looked at Xia Qian seriously and said, “I do feel a very strong liking for Yao Yao.”
54
Bai Yao, who had just arrived outside the door, was startled and clapped a hand over her mouth.
Night Search
55
Bai Yao quickly squatted down, holding her breath, listening to the movement inside the room.
Inside, Xia Qian was stunned by Luo Qi’s sudden words, his eyes wide, having lost the ability to speak. Wei Siyu, however, exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Luo Qi.
In the quiet night, Bai Yao huddled in the corner, her elbow pressed to her chest, feeling her heartbeat accelerating, clear and distinct.
And a certain soft emotion, which had been deliberately ignored, sprouted from the bottom of her heart, like a small plant struggling to emerge, wanting to occupy her entire left atrium.
Admit it.
The flower in your heart, you want to bring her home.
56
EMERGENCY ALERT:
CHARACTER BAI YAO, EMOTIONAL SEXUALITY ZONE IS ON THE VERGE OF COLLAPSE!
WARNING! WARNING!
PLEASE REMOVE ABNORMAL DATA AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, OR THE PROBABILITY OF TURNING GAY WILL BE ONE HUNDRED PERCENT!
RECEIVING INSTRUCTION, BEGINNING CLEA—
Having held her breath for too long, Bai Yao slightly loosened the hand covering her mouth and gasped lightly, trembling a little.
Then Bai Yao raised her hand and patted her head.
Cl-clearance my foot! Ap… Apply for reconstruction!
Reconstruction?
AFTER RECONSTRUCTION, YOU WILL BE COMPLETELY GAY. PLEASE CONFIRM AGAIN!
A large collection of past interactions flashed quickly through her mind. Bai Yao swallowed.
Con… firm.
Hey, hey, hey, I didn’t want to turn gay. It’s Luo Qi who offered herself up first!
57
OK.
RESPECTING CHARACTER CHOICE, RECONSTRUCTION BEGINS.
58
Inside the room, Xia Qian finally regained his composure and asked Luo Qi, “You…”
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