The Villain Has A Yuri Halo [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 59.1

Mu Linglong had given this statement much thought. With her parents gone, she no longer had a home to return to. Following her clan back wasn’t a long-term solution, so her parents had planned everything meticulously, urging her to get along with Li Ju, a human, and adapt to the human world in advance. She was to leave only after her clan had settled all matters.

Even in death, her parents’ love for her had paved the way for her future.

Handing over the family assets to the clan was their hope that the clan would treat Mu Linglong well, out of consideration for the inheritance. Li Ju’s temporary care was entrusted to her because they believed her to be a kind human who would look after their daughter properly.

Now that Mu Linglong and Li Ju had declared their love for each other, she had no intention of returning to her clan.

Mu Linglong affectionately wrapped her arm around Li Ju’s, her voice brimming with joy. “Rongguang, I have a new family now!”

“Lover,” Li Ju corrected gently.

Li Ju’s correction made Mu Linglong feel deeply valued, her eyes shimmering with affection.

She had once been a solitary bird migrating south, but on this journey home, she had found a new companion.

Mu Linglong’s eyes curved into crescent moons as she smiled at Mu Rongguang. “Rongguang,” she said shyly, “if your mother asks about this, please explain it for me.”

Mu Rongguang desperately wanted to ask Mu Linglong if this was real or just a pretense. Hadn’t they promised to be lifelong friends? As the merman who had always treated her best in the clan, he had secretly hoped she would one day be his partner.

Mu Linglong’s fear of humans had always kept her isolated. Even her own clan regarded her timidity as an oddity. But as the mermen grew more familiar with the human world, they dismissed those who feared humans as mere outliers. Mu Rongguang had accepted her, becoming her closest friend.

Why had this seemingly settled matter suddenly changed?

And why was Li Ju, the woman he had stabbed, a merman?

Mu Rongguang’s dazed expression stirred a strange unease in Mu Linglong. “Rongguang, are you feeling unwell?” she asked anxiously. “Oh, right—who ambushed you this time? Was it those evil mermen who killed my parents?”

No one could understand the bitterness in Mu Rongguang’s heart as he gazed deeply at Mu Linglong.

If Mu Linglong had merely offered a perfunctory, insincere word of concern, Mu Rongguang wouldn’t have been moved in the slightest, let alone heartbroken.

But he knew Mu Linglong genuinely cared about his well-being, even as he understood their relationship was strictly platonic.

Forcing a smile, he replied, “I’m fine, my body is strong. I just feel guilty for harming my own kind in self-defense.”

Mu Rongguang struggled to suppress his resentment. His gaze toward Li Ju carried an air of haughty superiority, the confidence born of his noble lineage.

“Our clan has always cherished mermen,” he declared. “It’s impossible for any of our kind to be wandering outside. You must be a stray from another clan. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Mu Rongguang, son of the Clan Leader of the Hai Xi Clan!”

Mu Rongguang’s mother was the esteemed Clan Leader, governing the mermen of their clan. Her immense contributions had made her the natural successor to the leadership. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, her son Mu Rongguang would inherit the mantle. Yet the Clan Leader knew her son lacked the necessary qualities. He was indecisive and lacked social finesse, prone to acting on emotion rather than reason. While loyal and compassionate, he lacked the cold, rational judgment required of a leader. Thus, the Clan Leader favored Mu Zhixia as her true successor.

The fact that the Clan Leader sent Mu Zhixia to retrieve Mu Linglong spoke volumes about the Clan Leader’s high regard for Mu Zhixia. Under the Clan Leader’s deliberate cultivation, Mu Zhixia’s control over Mu Rongguang was more of a selfless tolerance. In essence, Mu Zhixia served as Mu Rongguang’s other pillar of support, all part of the Clan Leader’s long-term strategy.

Even Mu Linglong had noticed this scheme. She only ever saw Mu Rongguang as a friend, never entertaining any deeper feelings. After all, Mu Rongguang already bore Mu Zhixia’s mark.

Thus, Mu Linglong never bothered to ponder the source of Mu Rongguang’s unusual behavior.

Li Ju frowned slightly, her indifferent gaze settling on Mu Rongguang’s face. “You’re the Clan Leader’s son?” she asked. “Does being the Clan Leader’s son give you the right to stab people? Well, from this moment on, I’m the Clan Leader too! A Clan Leader who only governs one Merman still counts, right? So, does that mean I can stab you and then introduce myself with condescension?”

As Mu Linglong smoothed Li Ju’s fur, she glanced disapprovingly at Mu Rongguang. “Rongguang,” she said, puzzled, “you’re not usually like this. What’s wrong with you today?”

Li Ju’s icy gaze pierced Mu Rongguang’s heart like an ice pick. Mu Rongguang shifted his gaze awkwardly, knowing she had seen through him.

Li Ju ruffled Mu Linglong’s hair, her movements practiced as she drew Linglong close. Her warning glare made Mu Rongguang feel like he was facing a fierce lone wolf, one who would never allow anyone to covet Linglong.

Mu Rongguang raised his hands in a gesture of surrender, saying sheepishly, “I thought you were human back then. I was afraid you’d expose my true nature, so I panicked and hurt you. I apologize. If you want, you can return that knife cut.”

Li Ju had never liked Mu Rongguang, and now that she knew he was also a merman, her disdain only deepened.

This family only needed one merman. Her own identity had brought Linglong’s schemes upon her, trapping her in that basement. Even though her memories told her Linglong had done these things, she felt no hatred in her heart. Calling herself a “simp” wouldn’t be an exaggeration. More importantly, she loved Linglong. Let her scheme as she pleased; she was no match for Li Ju anyway.

Li Ju had willingly lived in the basement and devoted herself to serving and caring for Mu Linglong. Now, a merman had suddenly appeared, and it was clear from the start that he harbored ill intentions toward Mu Linglong.
How could I possibly like him? Li Ju thought bitterly. Not unless Mu Rongguang dies.

No one heard Li Ju’s silent resentment, but Mu Linglong clearly saw the loathing in her eyes.

Mu Linglong assumed Li Ju was still bothered by the stab wound from their earlier confrontation. Her heart had long since tilted in Li Ju’s favor. She pressed her lips together and whispered, “Rongguang, it’s understandable that my wife resents you. That knife wound caused her so much suffering. Maybe…”

“I don’t intend to hold you responsible for the grudges between us,” Mu Rongguang interrupted.

Li Ju placed her hand over Mu Linglong’s mouth, her hand still resting on her shoulder. She winked playfully at Mu Linglong and said, “I won’t hurt you, but I have one condition.”

A pang of sorrow struck Mu Rongguang’s heart. He had already sensed Mu Linglong’s partiality, which was only natural. He should understand her position—if his own lover had been harmed, he would have made the same choice. Yet why… did it still hurt so much?

“Tell me.”

“I don’t want you to take Linglong back with you this time.”

Mu Rongguang’s tense expression relaxed. He had been bracing himself for Li Ju to make some impossibly demanding request, but her request was surprisingly simple.

He saw the tender affection in Mu Linglong’s eyes, and her delicate, painterly face bloomed with a joyful smile.

While Mu Rongguang had suspected Li Ju might try to make things difficult for him, she had instead made a request concerning Mu Linglong.

Had he underestimated the bond between Li Ju and Mu Linglong?

She had been stabbed in the abdomen, yet she only had this one request.

A misty haze seemed to gather in Mu Rongguang’s sorrowful eyes. He would never stoop to forcibly separating Li Ju and Mu Linglong, nor would he foolishly pursue Mu Linglong himself.

They were just friends.

“You really don’t want it back?”

Li Ju shrugged. “I’m not that generous. But you’re Linglong’s friend, so there’s no need for me to return it. Besides, having this between us might be a good thing.”

Li Ju grinned slyly, openly revealing her calculated scheme.

She felt the knife wound was a worthwhile price to pay. It had earned her Mu Linglong’s concern and made Mu Rongguang too ashamed to face her—a double win.

Mu Rongguang clearly recognized Li Ju’s transparent ploy. He couldn’t help but admire her cunning, her ability to manipulate the situation to her maximum advantage. Truly devious!

Mu Linglong couldn’t resist scolding, “I knew you were up to no good!”

Li Ju’s smile didn’t fade as she lazily patted Mu Linglong’s head. “That’s why Miss Mu should learn from me,” she said with a playful smile. “Didn’t you say yourself? ‘Teach your apprentice, starve your master.’ It’s fine if I’m a little wicked—you’ll keep me in check in the end anyway.”

Mu Linglong couldn’t help but chuckle, retorting, “Nonsense! You’re all smooth talk and empty words!”

Li Ju cheerfully accepted Mu Linglong’s “affection.” Turning to Mu Rongguang, she drawled, “Well? Do we have an agreement?”

Mu Rongguang had no room to refuse. He couldn’t take Mu Linglong away, nor did he have any reason to do so.

He shook his head dejectedly. “It seems I have no choice but to agree.”

“Then I won’t keep you for dinner.”

In other words, she was showing him the door.

Mu Rongguang looked like he wanted to say something to Mu Linglong, but hesitated.

Mu Linglong, ever perceptive, spoke up: “Rongguang, I’ll work hard to live well here and make the most of my life. Thank you for always caring about me. You’re my only friend, so of course I’ll wish you well too. I hope you get to live the life you’ve always dreamed of.”

Li Ju pursed her lips, a hint of jealousy in her expression, but said nothing. Her eyes urged Mu Rongguang to leave quickly.

Mu Rongguang swallowed his reluctance, took a deep breath, and smiled faintly. “Thank you, Linglong.”

“Linglong, stay here,” Li Ju suddenly changed her mind, addressing Mu Linglong.

Mu Linglong smiled knowingly. “Are you going to see Rongguang off?”

“With his broken arm and leg, how could I not see him off, especially since you asked?” Li Ju went all out to win Mu Linglong’s favor, showcasing her tenderness and attentiveness. Mu Linglong gazed at Li Ju with adoration, then playfully said, “Honey, you’re so thoughtful!”

Li Ju smiled, adjusted her glasses, and turned to Mu Rongguang. Her voice was cheerful as she said, “I’ll drive you.”

Mu Rongguang’s lips twitched. He was increasingly convinced that Li Ju harbored malicious intentions. She clearly loathed him, yet she was putting on a show of kindness for Linglong’s sake. How could Linglong have fallen for someone like her?!

“No need,” he snapped.

Before Mu Linglong could intervene, Li Ju said with a mocking smile, “Oh, I get it. You’re afraid to ride with me, worried I might try something? The son of the Clan Leader, yet so easily intimidated.”

Mu Rongguang’s eyes widened, and he retorted fiercely, “Who said I wouldn’t ride with you?! I’ll go!”

Li Ju pulled her car keys from her bag, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Keep up.”

Mu Linglong frowned, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over her. Had Li Ju used this same provocation tactic on her before?

That detestable human! Just wait until I get back—she’ll pay for this!

But with Mu Rongguang present, Mu Linglong had to maintain her facade. She smiled sweetly and said, “Be careful on the road, dear.”

Li Ju tilted her chin in acknowledgment of Mu Linglong.

She walked ahead, while Mu Rongguang followed slowly, leaning on his cane.

“Your daring to come see Linglong alone today,” she asked, “does that mean you’ve finally shaken off those little tails of yours?”

Mu Rongguang was once again struck by Li Ju’s sharp intuition. He replied coolly, “Yes. I would never allow Linglong to be put in danger.”

Ignoring his boast, Li Ju pressed, “When are you leaving?”

“That’s none of your concern! Don’t think that just because you’re with Linglong, I’ll accept you!”

Li Ju’s lips curled into a smirk as she glanced back, her eyes narrowed. “I’ve never sought acceptance from you strangers, let alone…”

Let alone the fact that I’m not even a Merman.

“Let alone what?”

Li Ju dangled the bait, then brushed it off. “Nothing. You wouldn’t want to hear what I was going to say anyway.”

Her memories might be fragmented, but both System 666 and A’Ci had confirmed the truth: Li Ju was human, not a Merman.

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