Chapter 14: The Villain’s Strangeness
Another crisis averted! The bar incident that was supposed to happen tonight was ruined, keeping Wen Yang a virgin. Ning Chu was in a pretty good mood.
But the punishment he anticipated didn’t come. Clearly, those vixens hadn’t given up on Wen Yang just yet.
This also made him realize that the short tale of the Small Royal Text had no real narrative connection. Otherwise, after he completely disrupted the initial plot, there should be no more plot related to Wen Yang afterward.
“The twin plot is clearly the fourth short story… What about the second and third? Is the sequence of events a mess because the time frame wasn’t specified?”
As soon as he returned to the dormitory, Ning Chu opened his novel on his phone and quickly skimmed through the twin plot again.
“This is giving me a headache; I can’t predict where the plot is going.”
He had thought the events would unfold in the order of the novel, but it had been thrown into disorder.
“What are you mumbling about?” Wen Yang walked up behind him and reminded, “Send me your home address, your parents’ careers, phone numbers, and ID number. I need to fill out a form.”
“Okay.”
Ever since that night he got caught reading the novel, Ning Chu had moved it to his phone. With the small screen, even if he was reading openly, it was hard to spot.
“Shaoqing, I need you to send me those details too.”
Wen Yang turned to Zhang Shaoqing. After waiting for a moment without a response, he gently pushed his shoulder and leaned down to look at the computer screen.
“Why are you ignoring me when you’re not even playing a game?”
“Got it, don’t bother me.”
Zhang Shaoqing suddenly looked up and snapped back in annoyance.
Wen Yang scratched his head in confusion. “Just remember to send me the info.”
He didn’t pay much attention, but Ning Chu turned back, narrowing his eyes at Zhang Shaoqing.
This guy had come back from a phone call tonight with a gloomy aura – a cold expression, randomly snapping at his roommates. Something must have happened.
Wen Yang and Wang Jie were busy with their own stuff, and everyone has bad days, but Ning Chu was quite concerned. Every few minutes, he glanced back at Zhang Shaoqing, worry written all over his face.
Could it be that the girl Zhang Shaoqing liked found another man?
Or maybe something happened at his home?
Ning Chu was fretting, particularly worried that Wen Yang would suddenly turn dark and become that heartless villain.
Drugging, hypnosis, coercion, confinement, S.M… every moral and legal taboo was touched upon. This guy in the book didn’t consider himself human at all.
If he were tossed into a lawful society, he’d definitely get a life sentence for multiple crimes.
If this guy truly turned dark, Ning Chu could only choose to run away!
Suddenly, hearing the noise of a chair moving, Ning Chu turned back again, only to see Zhang Shaoqing had already stepped out onto the balcony, lighting a cigarette.
He realized this was a good opportunity.
Adjusting his mood and expression, Ning Chu switched to a caring smile and dashed out to the dormitory balcony.
“Shaoqing~”
Zhang Shaoqing hung his head, his eyes lifting slightly as he coldly replied, “Get lost.”
“…”
Ning Chu felt awkward; his smile froze.
“You used to be quite outgoing. Why are you acting more withdrawn now?” He walked toward the bathroom with a grumpy look, muttering, “And you used to say I was the one being moody.”
Upon entering the bathroom, after hearing no protest from Zhang Shaoqing, Ning Chu turned back, adopting that concerned look again, “What’s wrong? Talk to me.”
“Hah, to make you feel better?”
Zhang Shaoqing was aggressively defensive now.
“Not really…” Ning Chu was starting to lose his patience; he had never been good at comforting others and was getting cold-shouldered for his trouble.
Zhang Shaoqing sighed deeply, turning back while leaning on the balcony railing, staring out at the little garden outside the dorm.
He fell silent, expressionless as he drew on his cigarette. But soon enough, a gentle fragrance wafted by, and that innocent little boy stood beside him, mimicking his stance, gazing out as well.
“…”
“I’ll keep you company; I have nothing to do anyway.”
“No need.”
Ning Chu lowered his head, fiddling with his nails, sighing softly, “You guys think I play too poorly to join your games. Playing alone isn’t that fun.”
“Since there’s nothing to do anyway, might as well enjoy the breeze while waiting for lights out, then take a shower and sleep.”
Zhang Shaoqing glanced at Ning Chu beside him and pulled a cigarette from his pocket, offering it to him.
Ning Chu awkwardly reached to take it.
“Forget it.” But as soon as Zhang Shaoqing saw him actually going to take it, he stuffed the cigarette back into his pocket. “Why would a little kid smoke?”
“Gee~”
On a summer night, the breeze on the balcony was refreshingly cool, unlike the scorching heat of the day, reminiscent of steam rising from a hot pot. The two leaned against the balcony railing, savoring the gentle wind and the brief tranquility.
Originally, Ning Chu just wanted to keep Zhang Shaoqing company, hoping his roommate would remember his kindness even after turning into a villain and wouldn’t come after him.
But the tranquil summer night made him reminisce about his past life…
Fortunately, he had no parents, no girlfriend, and owed five hundred bucks on a loan. Counting it all up, he had come out ahead.
Not many people get to fleece Ma Yun!
After an unknown time, Zhang Shaoqing finally spoke up, “Does your stomach still hurt?”
“Yeah, a bit, but it’s nothing serious.”
“Let’s avoid that Sichuan restaurant next time.”
“…”
“You’re acting all delicate like a woman.”
“Who do you think you are!”
Irritated, Ning Chu couldn’t help but curse under his breath. If it weren’t for Zhang Shaoqing’s unique status, he wouldn’t even try to timidly counsel him!
But just then, Wang Jie called from inside, “Ning Chu! Shaoqing! I bought some barbecue and drinks. Want to join?”
“See? Now that’s a normal guy.”
Zhang Shaoqing chuckled lightly and turned back to head inside.
“I can’t drink…”
Plus, with the recent revelation that the plot didn’t follow the novel’s chronological order, if something related to Ning Chu suddenly happened and he got drunk, wouldn’t that lead to all sorts of trouble?
“Quit standing there like an idiot.”
“Not a single nice word…”
Ning Chu shot a glare at Zhang Shaoqing’s back, irritated.
Though he didn’t learn why this guy was suddenly in such a low mood, it seemed to be just a small matter that had affected his spirits; otherwise, he wouldn’t have bounced back so quickly.
Upon entering the dorm, he noticed the central area was already laid out with two boxes of barbecue and some crayfish. Wang Jie and Wen Yang weren’t waiting for him, already munching away, and Zhang Shaoqing quickly dashed over, snatching the last skewered chicken leg.
“Leave some for me!”
“Chill, you don’t drink, so just eat a bit.”
“I drink cola!” Ning Chu rushed over to the table, craning his neck to find his favorite skewers while asking, “Where are the gloves? Are there no gloves left?”
“Make some space! Make some space!”
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