Transmigrated as Cannon Fodder, Unable to Escape the Black Lotus Villain - Chapter 18

Did she… like Ning Qi?

Mu Xin stood frozen on the spot as if struck by lightning. Their eyes were vacant, but her mind was frantically replaying every moment spent with Ning Qi.

Ever since Ning Qi returned from abroad, Mu Xin had spent almost all her time with her. The current Ning Qi gave Mu Xin a very different feeling; whether it was her image or her personality, she was completely different from before. It was as if they were two entirely different people.

The current Ning Qi had been playing the role of a protector, chasing away those who harbored small schemes or malice toward her. Beyond that, Ning Qi’s care for her manifested in every possible way.

Mu Xin had grown accustomed to the lunches Ning Qi meticulously prepared for her every day. She was used to going to school and coming home together. In the evenings, they would huddle in a room together to solve practice problems, sometimes chatting about what they would do once they got into B University.

Without realizing when it started, Mu Xin had become accustomed to having Ning Qi by her side at all times. All she had to do was reach out or turn her head, and she could see or touch her.

But as for what exactly she felt for Ning Qi, she had never truly thought about it. Perhaps it was because Ning Qi was always right in front of her eyes that she subconsciously avoided considering the question.

However, Mu Shengge’s words today made her suddenly realize the issue. What exactly were her feelings for Ning Qi?

Were they friends? Best friends?

It felt like that, but not entirely. They were more intimate than friends or best friends, and she deeply loved that feeling of intimacy.

So, did she like Ning Qi? Was that why she loved being with her? Why she worried about her and felt jealous when others got close to her? Was it also because she liked Ning Qi that she had adapted to Ning Qi’s daily morning and goodnight kisses?

Mu Xin didn’t understand; she felt her thoughts were in a state of chaos. The irritable emotions made her lose any desire to continue entangling with Mu Shengge. Without sparing a glance at the several people in front of her, she maneuvered her wheelchair, intending to leave.

However, Mu Shengge and the others had no intention of letting her leave so easily. The three of them stood shoulder to shoulder, blocking Mu Xin’s path completely.

“Pfft, Mu Xin, where are you in such a hurry to go?”

Mu Shengge circled Mu Xin twice, as if she had spotted something amusing. “Mu Xin, you don’t actually like that Ning Qi, do you? Heavens, that’s so disgusting.”

Mu Shengge pointed at Mu Xin, laughing uncontrollably along with Mu Yu and Mu Qianqian. To think that Mu Xin actually liked women, and of all people, that straw bag Ning Qi.

Everyone in the four great families knew about the four children of the Ning family. The three older brothers were all “dragons among men,” achieving extremely high honors in their respective fields. Only Ning Qi was self-righteous and arrogant; aside from causing trouble, she knew how to do nothing.

“Move,” Mu Xin said, looking at the laughing trio. The gloom in her heart grew heavier. It seemed she had been far too merciful to these “sisters” of hers. “Mu Shengge, I have no interest in talking nonsense with you here. Get lost.”

“Heh, I won’t. What’s the rush? Let’s talk about that Ning Qi.”

Mu Shengge completely failed to notice the brewing hostility in Mu Xin’s eyes. In her view, Mu Xin was simply someone whose shameful secrets had been exposed and was trying to flee. She would not let Mu Xin have her way.

“Mu Xin, if Ning Qi found out about this, what would she think? Aren’t you two on great terms? How do you think she’d look at you then?”

As she spoke, she watched Mu Xin, hoping to see a look of panic or loss. But she was disappointed. Mu Xin’s eyes held only a coldness that made her instinctively take a step back.

Mu Shengge swallowed hard. “You… I…”

She wanted to say something, but Mu Xin paused, and the coldness on her face suddenly vanished. In the next second, the person who had been freezing a moment ago suddenly put on a pitiable and aggrieved expression.

???

Mu Shengge wondered if she was seeing things. Had Mu Xin surrendered? Thinking this, Mu Shengge felt a bit smug. It seemed Mu Xin really was terrified of Ning Qi finding out.

“Mu Xin, how about you beg me? If you beg me, I won’t tell Ning Qi. How about that?” Mu Shengge walked up to Mu Xin, speaking in a condescending tone. She was already prepared to hear Mu Xin’s low-voiced, humble pleas. She was wondering just how she should reject her to truly vent her spite.

“I’m right here. I wonder what it is you want to tell me?”

A flat voice laced with anger interrupted Mu Shengge’s beautiful fantasy, dragging her back to reality in an instant.

“Who is it?”

She turned around in annoyance, wanting to see who was so blind as to ruin her fun. But when she saw the short-haired girl standing behind her, staring at her, her arrogant flame was extinguished instantly.

“Ning… Ning Qi?”

Mu Shengge never expected Ning Qi to suddenly appear here. Although they all secretly thought Ning Qi was a useless straw bag, everyone envied her. She was pampered by her entire family; she didn’t even have to bother with the struggles and rules of the wealthy elite. One could even say that Ning Qi was the only “true” daughter of a wealthy family.

And now, having been caught red-handed badmouthing her behind her back, if Ning Qi decided to cause trouble…

Mu Shengge was at a loss, standing there stupidly looking at Ning Qi, her mouth hanging open.

As it turned out, Ning Qi didn’t even spare her a glance as she walked toward them, passing straight by her side. Ning Qi walked coldly to Mu Xin’s side. Looking at the person who was biting their finger with a look of grievance, her faked indifference shattered in an instant.

“What? You lied to me and ran out here, and now you’re the one feeling wronged?” Ning Qi crouched down and poked Mu Xin’s puffed-out cheek, speaking with a smile.

“No, I didn’t mean to. They are my cousins. I thought it wouldn’t be a big deal, but…” Mu Xin’s tone was soft and gentle, and while her attitude in admitting her mistake was good, the sense of grievance was almost overwhelming.

Ning Qi felt a tug at her heart, her hands moving faster than her brain. “Alright, if someone bullies you, just bully them back. What’s there to be aggrieved about?” Ning Qi reached out and hugged Mu Xin, letting her lean against her shoulder.

“Mm.” Mu Xin hugged Ning Qi back. As if unintentionally, she glanced toward Mu Shengge, a smirk playing at the corner of her lips.

Not far away, the trio of Mu Shengge were completely stunned. Looking at Mu Xin, their expressions were indescribable, looking as miserable as if they had swallowed flies.

Mu Shengge felt like she was going to explode with rage. She didn’t know Mu Xin was so good at playing the victim. Although they had indeed come to find trouble with Mu Xin, they hadn’t gained the slightest advantage over her—they had only received many of Mu Xin’s cold glares.

And yet, what was she seeing now?! The moment Ning Qi arrived, this person started acting pitiable? Even more ridiculous was that Ning Qi actually believed it.

She really wanted to grab Ning Qi by the collar and shout at her: Hey! Didn’t you see her smiling?! Beauty truly is a distraction!

“Alright, what did they say?” After a while, Ning Qi felt it was enough. She released Mu Xin and asked, her gaze falling upon the invitation. Her eyes darkened.

Ning Qi had waited in the classroom for half a period without seeing Mu Xin return, and she couldn’t sit still. She used her computer to hack into the school’s surveillance system, found Mu Xin’s location via the playground cameras, and rushed over.

“Um, it’s just the Mu family banquet. They gave me an invitation. I was upset, so we had an argument.” Being watched by Ning Qi, Mu Xin subconsciously hid the truth. Or rather, she didn’t know how to bring it up.

Could she tell Ning Qi: Because someone said I liked you, I got angry? Mu Xin couldn’t say it. Mu Shengge was right; she didn’t dare let Ning Qi know about this. Because regardless of how Mu Xin felt herself, if Ning Qi knew she was being misunderstood like this, what would she think? Would she distance herself?

Mu Xin didn’t dare gamble. She looked at Ning Qi, who had a face full of worry and irritation, and her heart felt a faint warmth. She tightened her grip on Ning Qi’s arm.

This particular distress… it was better to keep it to herself for now.

After hearing Mu Xin’s explanation, Ning Qi picked up the invitation. The red background and gold plating made Ning Qi frown. It seemed the events described in the book were referring to this banquet. Furthermore, they had invited the entirety of G City’s high society, and had specifically come to give an invitation to Mu Xin, the heir of the Mu family.

Beyond wanting to humiliate Mu Xin, this banquet would definitely not be simple.

“I’ll go to the banquet with you.” Ning Qi didn’t think of trying to talk Mu Xin out of going. Mu Xin was the heir; even if she knew it was a trap, she had to go. What Ning Qi had to do was pull out all those people hiding in the shadows.

“Qiqi, it’s actually not a very important banquet. How about…” Mu Xin didn’t really want Ning Qi to get involved in this mess, but Ning Qi didn’t say a word, just stared straight at her. This caused Mu Xin to swallow the rest of her words. “Then… let’s go together.”

Mu Xin grabbed Ning Qi, the hesitation on her face vanishing. If Ning Qi wanted to go, she could go. After all, Ning Qi would have to see her true self sooner or later.

Ning Qi nodded and looked toward Mu Shengge while holding the invitation. “No need to send an invitation to the Ning family. I’ll be going with Xinxin when the time comes,” Ning Qi said nonchalantly, waving the invitation. “By the way, gossiping behind people’s backs isn’t a good habit. When you get back, your parents should teach you what manners are.”

Ning Qi glanced at the trio, then pushed Mu Xin away.

“Xinxin, look, it’s getting late. How about we just go shopping?” “You want to skip class?” “What do you mean skip? I asked for leave!” “Then… let this be the only time!” “Hehe, Xinxin is the best.”

…

The voices of the two grew more distant, but Mu Shengge, who remained on the spot, looked increasingly terrible.

“Shengge, what do we do now?” Qianqian asked worriedly. Ning Qi’s final words clearly showed she was holding a grudge. She was just a minor figure from a branch of the Mu family; if the Ning family really came looking for trouble, she would at least get a heavy scolding.

“We’ll talk about it when we get back. Ning Qi can’t really do anything to us.” Mu Shengge spoke as she led the way out. Although she made it sound easy, she felt an uneasy feeling in her heart.

G City’s Largest Commercial Plaza

At five or six in the evening, the area was crowded. On the busy commercial street, a strange pair drew everyone’s attention, achieving a nearly 100% turn-head rate wherever they went.

“Qiqi, why don’t you put me down?” Mu Xin leaned against Ning Qi’s back, her arms around her neck, her face slightly flushed.

“It’s fine, it’s very easy.” Ning Qi carried the person while still walking as if she had wings, nearly leaving Huo Liuxue—who was pushing an empty wheelchair behind them—in the dust.

Originally, Mu Xin had been sitting in the wheelchair, but Ning Qi felt it was too much trouble to keep putting her down and picking her back up, so she just carried her. Besides, Mu Xin was very light and smelled sweet and soft; Ning Qi was actually a bit reluctant to put her down.

“Hey, I’m saying, can you slow down? We’re shopping, not power walking!” Huo Liuxue was beyond speechless. If you young couple wanted to play at being sweet, why make her look like an idiot by pushing an empty wheelchair?

“Oh.” Ning Qi responded, slowing her pace. Mu Xin shifted on her back and pointed toward a shop ahead.

“Qiqi, let’s go look over there.”

Ning Qi looked up and saw it was a pajama shop. “Okay, let’s buy a set so we don’t have to go back and get one,” Ning Qi thought. She had been staying at the Mu house for a few days without bringing clothes; her pajamas were all borrowed from Mu Xin. Thinking of this, her face heated up.

While Xinxin’s scent was wonderful, she still needed to be careful. She wasn’t a pervert.

“Hello, welcome.” The shop assistant’s eyes flashed with surprise upon seeing the two, her gaze lingering unconsciously on Mu Xin.

“Hello, we’re just looking.” Ning Qi’s eyes swept quickly through the shop, finally stopping at a white, fluffy set of pajamas. Her eyes lit up instantly. “Hello, please take that one down for me… for my friend to try.”

Mu Xin froze. Following Ning Qi’s gaze, her eyes widened when she saw the white pajamas.

Bunny pajamas?