Transmigrated as the Cannon Fodder Boss of the Disabled Heroine - Chapter 44

Pei Yujiang wasn’t well-versed in musical instruments, nor was she an audiophile, yet the melody of the piano seemed to pull at her heartstrings like an invisible thread, swaying gently in its tender, fluid embrace.

She had no idea how long the soothing notes had been playing. Immersed in her work earlier, she hadn’t noticed the music outside. But now, she found herself completely captivated.

The piano wasn’t an instrument known for its penetrating sound, but the emotions it conveyed were no less powerful than any other. Pei Yujiang closed her eyes, letting the cold wind brush against her face, yet she felt none of winter’s chill. Instead, the restlessness in her heart gradually settled, no longer as agitated as before.

She glanced around, trying to locate the source of the music, but couldn’t spot anyone playing. Some windows had their curtains drawn, so Pei Yujiang stood on her tiptoes, a risky move and leaned over the balcony railing, straining to pinpoint the direction. Eventually, she traced it to Yu Zhiwan’s side of the building.

At first, Pei Yujiang never would have imagined the music came from Yu Zhiwan. Though she wasn’t musically inclined, she knew that playing like this required years of practice, something not easily achieved overnight. Yu Zhiwan had been blind from birth, so how could she possibly play the piano so beautifully?

It suddenly struck Pei Yujiang that, in many ways, Yu Zhiwan had consistently defied her expectations. Time and again, she had proven capable of things Pei Yujiang assumed a blind person couldn’t do.

She had long known Yu Zhiwan wasn’t an ordinary blind woman, but each new revelation still left her astonished.

A piano wasn’t a small item, Pei Yujiang didn’t even know when her neighbor had acquired one. Since Yu Zhiwan hadn’t asked for her help with installation, she must have arranged for delivery and setup with the movers.

After enjoying the impromptu concert for free, Pei Yujiang immediately returned to her room and sent a voice message:

“Was that you playing just now?”

She didn’t get an immediate reply. Less than a minute later, the music started again, as if the pianist had paused briefly before resuming.

Pei Yujiang didn’t ask again. She simply stood quietly on the balcony, listening as one piece flowed into another.

Yu Zhiwan was skilled in so many ways. The more time Pei Yujiang spent with her, the more she realized that the female lead truly lived up to her role, a jack-of-all-trades. Even blindness and physical limitations couldn’t hinder her talents.

If she had been born without disabilities, her life would undoubtedly have been even more brilliant.

But Pei Yujiang couldn’t shake the memory of what the system had warned her when she first arrived in this world: The female lead will bring about the apocalypse. Such a scenario would only unfold if Yu Zhiwan was pushed to the brink of despair and fully succumbed to darkness. Pei Yujiang had harbored suspicions before but never dared to confirm them.

Yet as events unfolded and clues gradually surfaced, she couldn’t help but wonder, what if that zombie test subject was connected to Yu Zhiwan?

The first time this thought clearly formed in her mind, Pei Yujiang had been startled by her own speculation. But lately, the feeling had only grown stronger.

Otherwise, there was no explaining the system’s initial warning about the female lead destroying the world. Aside from the artificially inflated Cannon Fodder Value meant to distract her, the Blackening Value for the female lead still existed proof that Yu Zhiwan truly had the potential to turn completely dark.

Yu Zhiwan was an Omega who knew no martial arts. How could a delicate woman destroy the world? If someone had told Pei Yujiang this before, she would have dismissed it as nonsense. But as Yu Zhiwan revealed more of herself, Pei Yujiang gradually began to feel uncertain.

The private room for the evening was booked at the most luxurious KTV in Xiangcheng.

This wasn’t just any ordinary KTV, it was an exclusive club, rumored to cater to high-profile clients year-round, with impeccable privacy measures and tight-lipped staff.

Chen Lulu was a celebrity, and the industry friend she brought along was also a star. Neither of them lacked money, but they feared being swarmed by fans. It was said they splurged on this location first for some singing and fun, then for late-night snacks.

They had already booked the private room before informing Pei Yujiang, who naturally couldn’t object. She planned to treat them to an upscale restaurant afterward to return the favor.

But it wasn’t until she entered the club that Pei Yujiang truly experienced the opulence of Xiangcheng, this sprawling metropolis.

A young, beautiful receptionist personally tied a sheer blindfold over her eyes. The fabric was soft, neither stiff nor dirty, and carried a faint fragrance but it made it nearly impossible to see the path ahead.

Even Yu Zhiwan, who had claimed to be blind, was required to wear a blindfold and be guided by staff. With every door they passed, Pei Yujiang heard the sound of a code being entered and a lock clicking open, which struck her as amusing.

She felt like some kind of undercover agent meeting a contact.

While waiting for the staff to open the next door, Pei Yujiang leaned down and joked with Yu Zhiwan:

“Anyone would think we’re meeting some big shot in here…”

No sooner had she spoken than a sweet, crisp voice recited a scripted line:

“Apologies for the wait. Our establishment’s procedures are rather meticulous, thank you for your understanding. Please hold still while we remove your blindfolds. B23 is your reserved entertainment area. Should you require anything, simply press the service bell. I am attendant Xiao B.”

Xiao B stepped forward to remove Pei Yujiang’s blindfold, then retreated respectfully. Another attendant did the same for Yu Zhiwan before both staff members exited.

Only then did Pei Yujiang realize the hidden grandeur inside.

Before her was a themed room, dominated by black tones that, under the lighting, didn’t feel oppressive. The polished black stone door shimmered with an iridescent glow. Pei Yujiang moved closer, running her fingers over it, and realized this was likely an expensive type of stone, not some common decorative material.

The surface was smooth and translucent, its texture substantial. Before she could recall its name, Yu Zhiwan, who had also touched it, murmured softly:

“This is obsidian quite good quality, likely ice-grade.”

Obsidian wasn’t the most expensive stone, but rainbow-eye ice-grade was among its priciest varieties, valued at around a thousand or two. The fact that this club could afford to mass-produce an entrance door from ice-grade obsidian spoke volumes about its financial power.

The interior was a hidden marvel, but Pei Yujiang wasn’t in a hurry to enter. Instead, she stroked the polished stone appreciatively and remarked:

“This obsidian is strangely beautiful.”

The stone’s translucent hue and smooth texture would make a lovely bracelet. Although Pei Yujiang had never collected stones before, working at Yuet Rong had inadvertently sparked her interest in such decorative pieces.

“But obsidian isn’t supposed to be worn at night.”

Just as Pei Yujiang was admiring it, Yu Zhiwan’s sudden remark caught her off guard. She quickly asked why.

“Obsidian has calming properties. If you can’t sleep, wearing it as a bracelet at home can improve blood circulation and help you fall asleep faster. But its main purpose is to ward off evil and neutralize negative energy.”

“However, obsidian can’t always be used like at night, when it’s practically useless. Since yin energy is stronger after dark, it interferes with the stone. The obsidian might even become corrupted by malevolent forces, losing its effects or even backfiring on the wearer.”

Yu Zhiwan’s voice was soft and featherlight, drifting like a wisp of down. As the lights dimmed slightly, Pei Yujiang glanced at the Omega’s snow-white face, her heart suddenly pounding uncontrollably.

“That last part was a lie.”

Just as Pei Yujiang’s nerves began to tense, Yu Zhiwan, sensing her proximity, reached out and lightly tapped her forehead.

“Superstitious nonsense isn’t worth believing, you know.”

Caught off guard, Pei Yujiang let out a startled “Ow!” and jerked her head back, making Yu Zhiwan stifle a laugh. The two were still playfully bickering when footsteps echoed from inside.

Chen Lulu, dressed in casual wear, pushed open the door and jogged down the hallway. Hearing the commotion, she quickly waved at Pei Yujiang and Yu Zhiwan.

“Over here! There’s a VIP guest today…”

Pei Yujiang raised an eyebrow, teasing, “Did you invite some award-winning actor or A-list celebrity?”

She hadn’t expected her joke to actually hit the mark, assuming Chen Lulu was just playing along. But Chen Lulu’s expression shifted, and she hastily waved her hands.

“No, no, it’s the wife of Xiangcheng’s city mayor.”

The nation was divided into twelve states, each governing multiple cities. Xiangcheng fell under the jurisdiction of the Fifth State, and its mayor referred to as the “Xiangcheng Mayor”, held considerable power and status.

Though the mayor’s wife wasn’t an official title, she certainly wouldn’t normally mingle with ordinary people. Pei Yujiang froze for a moment before frowning slightly.

“I thought it was just us hanging out? Why invite the mayor’s wife?”

Seeing her displeasure, Chen Lulu hurried to explain:

“It wasn’t me! Fang Nianjing’s friend arranged a private room for the mayor’s wife’s gathering, it was a last-minute notice. But I heard she’s easygoing and doesn’t put on airs, so don’t worry too much.”

Chen Lulu’s industry friend, Fang Nianjing, was an Alpha known for her domineering charm and sharp tongue, a dream partner for many.

Pei Yujiang wasn’t particularly close with Chen Lulu, only attending out of politeness after repeated invitations.

Had it been her own friends, she wouldn’t have minded. Fang Nianjing’s reputation far surpassed Chen Lulu’s, but since Pei Yujiang paid little attention to celebrity culture, she felt no pressure at all.

But Mayor Xiang’s wife was completely different from them. It was baffling why she had invited officials to the gathering, which made Pei Yujiang somewhat displeased.

However, since they were already here, it wouldn’t be polite to leave abruptly in front of the mayor’s wife. Now that the wife knew they were coming, and considering Pei Yujiang still had to establish herself in Xiang City, she had no choice but to swallow her discomfort and go along with it.

After explaining the situation to Yu Zhiwan, Pei Yujiang followed Chen Lulu through a dazzling glass corridor, turning left and right before arriving at a door.

Chen Lulu smiled apologetically and personally opened the door for them.

Pei Yujiang had expected to walk into a rowdy, chaotic scene maybe even something unspeakable. After all, Chen Lulu had mentioned this was a party, and the so-called parties of the wealthy were usually wild affairs. As long as no drugs were involved, it was already considered having some restraint, often filled with attractive men and women and deafening music.

But when she stepped inside, aside from the background music in the private room, there was no sign of disorder.

The first thing Pei Yujiang noticed was a tall, long-legged Alpha standing there, seemingly in conversation with someone else. There was also a petite Omega sitting quietly, puffing on an e-cigarette.

After a quick glance, Pei Yujiang quickly confirmed that this must be Mayor Xiang’s wife.

The mayor of Xiang City was a woman, and so was her wife. She wasn’t particularly beautiful at least, compared to the celebrities and other strikingly attractive people in the room, she appeared rather plain. The most notable thing about her was her gentle eyes, giving off a non-threatening vibe.

“Madam,” Chen Lulu called softly upon entering.

Noticing their arrival, the mayor’s wife immediately set down her e-cigarette. Her gaze instantly landed on Yu Zhiwan’s legs, after all, it was rare to see a disabled person in a place like this.

Though she was the mayor’s wife, Pei Yujiang had been a high-ranking officer in her past life. Even without flaunting her status, during wartime, even the governors of the continents had to show her respect. Meeting her required polite hospitality, so Pei Yujiang felt no fear toward this woman.

She greeted the mayor’s wife with calm composure.

The wife smiled slightly and nodded. “Hello.”

Fang Nianjing, who had been chatting with someone else, turned and asked casually, “Now that everyone’s here, shall we start picking songs? Any requests? If not, I’ll just choose randomly.”

Pei Yujiang wasn’t much of a singer. She had come to this entertainment venue mostly for the atmosphere, so she waved her hand, signaling for Fang Nianjing to pick whatever she liked.

As actresses, Chen Lulu and Fang Nianjing occasionally dabbled in singing for cross-industry collaborations. To warm up the room, they selected a few songs they knew well.

Chen Lulu could sense that Pei Yujiang’s impression of her had soured due to the last-minute notification about the gathering. Eager to redeem herself, she picked several sweet, upbeat songs she excelled at, filling the private room with her melodious voice.

Though Chen Lulu wasn’t a professionally trained singer, she had a naturally pleasant voice, and soon, the cheerful music lifted the mood in the room.

As the song ended, a chime sounded and several waiters filed in. Some brought fruit platters and beer before retreating, while others stayed behind, apparently to entertain the private room’s occupants.

With unfamiliar officials’ wives present, Pei Yujiang had no interest in joining in and lazily lounged on the sofa, cracking sunflower seeds. The fruit platter served at this club was of high quality, she had just popped a grape into her mouth, finding it juicy and sweet, the flesh plump. The seeds were also fragrantly roasted with a faint floral aroma.

While Fang Nianjing was switching songs and preparing the microphone, a female attendant eagerly began massaging City Chief Xiang’s wife’s shoulders. Chen Lulu, pretending to be tired from singing, took a break and sat beside Pei Yujiang. Casually spearing a piece of apple, she offered it to Pei Yujiang while leaning close to her ear amidst the music, whispering:

“The Madam and the City Chief have been married for seven or eight years, and they have a very loving relationship. The City Chief dotes on his wife immensely. It’s said that whenever the Madam goes out to have fun, the City Chief is fully aware of it.”

The attendant massaging Madam Xiang’s shoulders was also an Omega, not even a Beta, suggesting the woman simply enjoyed being pampered.

As Chen Lulu spoke, Pei Yujiang could feel the moist warmth of her breath against her eardrum, like ants crawling. The moment she finished, Pei Yujiang subtly shifted away.

She could indeed tell that City Chief Xiang adored his wife.

Pei Yujiang mused.

The City Chief’s salary was certainly substantial, but without corruption, his net worth would at most be comparable to Pei Jinhuai’s.

Yet Madam Xiang wasn’t exactly dripping in gold and silver, but every piece she wore was custom-made luxury.

A quick glance earlier had revealed that even the soles of her high heels were made of Lantian jade. Crafting shoes from jade required immense effort and followed ancient techniques obtaining such custom pieces undoubtedly cost a fortune.

Who would have thought Madam Xiang was this wealthy?

Even Pei Jinhuai, who spoiled the original Pei Yujiang, hadn’t indulged her to this extent. As an official’s wife, Madam Xiang didn’t even bother hiding her lavishness in public.

This Alpha female City Chief was recorded in historical texts as someone who loved her people like her own children, willing to stand with Xiangcheng’s citizens in times of crisis. Pei Yujiang had naturally held some goodwill toward the City Chief, whom she’d never met.

But then it struck her the historical records even detailed how the City Chief’s relatives, including her seventy-year-old mother, had refused to leave and personally cared for displaced civilians. If she had a wife, one so deeply in love with her, why hadn’t the wife appeared in those accounts?

Pei Yujiang was curious but didn’t show it. After exchanging a few words with Chen Lulu, she quietly settled in to listen to the singing.

Fang Nianjing was now performing. Her voice was magnetic, low-pitched, smooth in delivery yet with a sensual enunciation and tone that quickly drew listeners in.

Fang Nianjing loved singing old tunes and was now performing Blame It on the Moon. The lyrics flowed through her voice in lingering melodies as the KTV’s dazzling lights cascaded over the Alpha’s striking features, accentuating her sharp beauty.

Madam Xiang, itching to join, picked up a microphone and began singing the second half with her.

The mayor’s wife had a somewhat slurred voice, an indescribable quality her singing was full of emotion but devoid of technique, lulling Pei Yujiang into drowsiness. Already sleep-deprived these past few days, she soon found herself leaning against the leather sofa cushions, her thoughts teetering on the edge of dreams.

After a while, the mayor’s wife finished singing and turned to see Pei Yujiang sprawled asleep on the sofa. Noticing Yu Zhiwan sitting silently in her wheelchair, also dozing lightly with her head tilted, she didn’t take offense. Instead, she patted Chen Lulu understandingly and said:

“Your two friends don’t seem very comfortable around me. Shall we go to another room to have some fun?”

The entire private room was like a suite, complete with a hallway, separate rooms, and even gender-segregated restrooms, spacious enough to justify the exorbitant nightly fee.

Chen Lulu felt both nervous and unsure. She glanced at Fang Nianjing, then at Fang’s friend. The friend nodded and quietly slipped out first, followed by the giggling hostesses who had been accompanying them.

Soon, only the thrumming background music remained in the room, masking the steady breathing of the two women.

Still uneasy, Chen Lulu sent Pei Yujiang a message after leaving. When no reply came, she sighed and tucked her phone back into her pocket, switching it to vibrate mode so she’d feel any notifications immediately.

A few minutes after the group departed, Pei Yujiang slowly opened her eyes, no longer appearing the least bit tired.

She had sensed a trace of sleeping pills in her water earlier odorless and tasteless, difficult to detect in small doses. It would only make one feel drowsy, as if from lack of rest.

The KTV lights flickered between dazzling and dim. Later, they shifted to match the mood of the ballad being sung, casting most of the room in shadow, with the brightest glow concentrated on the screen.

Seizing the opportunity, Pei Yujiang had stuffed tissues into her padded jacket and poured the water onto them. After finishing the glass, she pretended to collapse from exhaustion.

She wanted to see what they were up to.

Though she had seemed distracted earlier, she had actually observed everyone’s movements closely. Fang Nianjing and Chen Lulu appeared to be mere bystanders, but the mayor’s wife and her so-called “friend” had been exchanging meaningful glances the whole time.

Pei Yujiang turned off all the room’s switches except for the background music, including the heater, then stood in the center and began a meticulous inspection using her phone’s flashlight.

She discovered a pinhole camera unactivated and after confirming it wasn’t on a timer, she relaxed and turned everything back on.

It had been a long time since Pei Yujiang had done anything like this, let alone in peacetime. But circumstances forced her hand. The mayor’s wife was shrouded in suspicion, and she wouldn’t rest easy until she uncovered the truth.

After preparing everything, Pei Yujiang pressed her ear to the door. The soundproofing was too effective, she couldn’t hear a thing. Just as she was about to carefully ease it open with minimal noise, a clear voice spoke up behind her:

“Whatever game you’re playing, why didn’t you invite me?”

This time, Pei Yujiang was genuinely startled.

Her hand jerked, nearly flinging the door wide open.

The woman tiptoeing by the door looked like she’d been caught in the act of an affair, strands of hair sticking to her slightly disheveled face as her eyes widened in shock.

Her long lashes lifted when she opened her eyes wide, making her naturally elongated eyes appear round and startled like a frightened rabbit. It was an uncharacteristically dazed expression, a stark contrast to her usual demeanor.

Pei Yujiang curled her long legs beneath her, watching helplessly as Yu Zhiwan leaned closer, hands braced on her wheelchair as she slowly closed the distance.

The fresh scent of Omega pheromones lingered around her, neither too close nor too distant. Despite the physical gap, Pei Yujiang felt as if her olfactory nerves were being gently tugged. Yu Zhiwan’s voice, light as a feather, tickled her ears again and again:

“Hurry up, I’m feeling playful and want to be with you.”

The multiple meanings behind “want to be with you”:

1.We could fight side by side (Fish Sauce’s uncomprehending version)

2.Let’s go out and explore together

3.We could also be together

Support