Chapter 156 (1/2): I’ve Been Exposed?

After a moment of connecting the dots, [A Love Letter] suddenly saw the light.

Goodness, those seemingly honest words were just paving the way for the final line.

Looking at it all together, not only does he not sound like he’s trying to sweet-talk anyone, it actually comes off as perfectly natural.

By setting himself up as an honest man, that last line wouldn’t make the girls suspicious.

Damn, this guy’s a real expert.

Turns out the clown was me all along?

[Worldly Dreams of the Past] patted him on the shoulder and laughed, “Young man, you still think he’s a fool now?”

[A Love Letter] looked bitter.

“Fine, I’m the fool.”

[Worldly Dreams of the Past] didn’t say anything more. He himself hadn’t expected [Carefree] to say something like that.

Was it luck, or did the kid plan it all along?

If it’s the latter, then this guy’s acting skills are top-notch.

A certain private, small, independent room.

The box was a small room temporarily built out of glass, designed to look like a standard living room.

Mu Qingxue sat on the sofa, and without Chen Xiaoyan’s performance to watch, she was left bored, scrolling through videos on her phone.

The glass door of the room slid open, and Qiu Xue brought Chen Xiaoyan in.

Mu Qingxue’s face lit up. She quickly stood up, grabbed her hand, and brought her to the sofa.

“Xiaoyan, come chat with me, I’m bored out of my mind!”

“What’s going on with you?” Chen Xiaoyan glanced around the room.

[March Without Snow] was also here, along with another girl—she must be Qianrenxue.

“Qiu Xue won’t let me go out, I’m so stifled,” Mu Qingxue whined.

“Uh…”

“Qingxue, just bear with it, it’s for your own good. Your illness really isn’t suited to going out.”

“That’s right, Missy, even Xiaoyan’s saying so. Don’t even think about sneaking out,” [March Without Snow] chimed in.

“I’m fine with that, as long as Xiaoyan stays and keeps me company.”

“Uh… Xiaoyan, what do you think?” All three turned to Chen Xiaoyan.

“Didn’t Qiu Xue ask me to host the Jiajiang and Choujiang program?”

Now the pressure landed squarely on Qiu Xue.

Seeing her Missy’s unhappy look, Qiu Xue shivered and forced herself to explain, “I thought the main and vice Banzhuxi should host those segments, but Missy can’t go out, so I could only ask Xiaoyan.”

“Lingling, isn’t there already an emcee?” Mu Qingxue said calmly.

Calm or not, Qiu Xue knew better than to think Mu Qingxue wouldn’t mind when it came to Chen Xiaoyan.

As long as it involved Chen Xiaoyan, her Missy’s tolerance was always zero.

“Yes, Missy, I’ll go ask him to host the rest of the program.”

“Mm.” Mu Qingxue nodded, then reached out her hand. “Give me the Jiangsang Mingdan.”

Qiu Xue quickly put the notebook in front of Mu Qingxue.

She glanced at it, then pushed the notebook toward Chen Xiaoyan.

“Xiaoyan, look over this list. Anything you want to add?”

“I’d rather you didn’t ask me…” Chen Xiaoyan really didn’t want to take on that job.

If she got it wrong, she’d end up offending people.

“You’re the vice Banzhuxi, you’re part of Xueyange. Who else would I ask?” Mu Qingxue’s tone held a hint of reproach, and a bit of dissatisfaction.

She hoped Chen Xiaoyan would treat Xueyange as her own home, together with herself.

“But I don’t know everyone’s situation. How would I know if someone deserves it?”

“Think back to the last Ping’an Town guild war. Was anyone’s performance outstanding?”

With that, Chen Xiaoyan understood.

She took the notebook and looked over the Jiangsang Mingdan.

Her own name was listed at the very top, the font several times larger than anyone else’s.

That was expected.

If she hadn’t led the Shenwei squad to tank all that damage, forget having a few dozen survivors—even one left standing would have been a miracle.

First place—well deserved.

Yutian and Little Junior Sister were also listed.

Yutian didn’t leave much impression at the time, but Little Junior Sister did.

If she hadn’t covered the retreat, Chen Xiaoyan would’ve been dragged down by [Peerless Under Heaven], with no chance to escape.

There were other IDs too, but most of them were unfamiliar.

After confirming all nine Shenwei were on the list, Chen Xiaoyan had no objections.

As for the rest, she kept quiet.

Just let Qiu Xue and the others decide.

Heh, not like I’m the one paying.

If the list got changed now and someone found out, there’d be hell to pay.

Besides, Mu Qingxue only asked if she had additions—nothing else.

“No, that’s all.”

“Alright. Qiu Xue, stick to this list.”

“Understood, Missy.”

Qiu Xue clutched the notebook and retreated swiftly, signaling to the other two Xue before leaving.

Qianrenxue and [March Without Snow] exchanged a glance, looked at Mu Qingxue and Chen Xiaoyan, and instantly understood Big Sister’s intentions.

“Missy, I’ll go check for any security risks.”

“I’ll go with Qianqian.”

Mu Qingxue smiled slightly, knowing their intentions, and winked at them.

But still, well done.

“Alright, don’t be long.”

“Mm-hmm.”

As they left swiftly, Chen Xiaoyan sensed something off.

Now it seemed she and Mu Qingxue were the only two left in the room.

Mu Qingxue sipped tea with her right hand, scrolled her phone with her left, not saying a word.

Chen Xiaoyan didn’t know what to say either and looked around nervously.

But in her mind, she kept complaining about Mu Qingxue.

What’s with this girl?

Wasn’t she bored and wanted me to chat with her?

But you’re not saying a word—how am I supposed to start a conversation?

Ridiculous.

After a few minutes, Mu Qingxue set down her teacup and looked at Chen Xiaoyan—or more precisely, at the necklace on her neck, her eyes narrowing.

“Xiaoyan, your necklace is really pretty. Where’d you get it?”

“This?” Chen Xiaoyan lifted the gemstone and said, “It was a gift from Chongchong, nothing valuable.”

That made Mu Qingxue’s mouth twitch almost imperceptibly.

Nothing valuable?

You think my taste as the Mu family heiress is for nothing?

That pink peach-blossom gemstone—just from the color, it’s clearly worth a fortune.

Easily hundreds of thousands, at least.

“Oh, really? Then give it to me—I quite like it,” Mu Qingxue joked.

She really did like the gemstone. That little influencer had good taste, but it didn’t belong on Chen Xiaoyan.

Chen Xiaoyan put the gem down, smiling awkwardly.

“Qingxue, if you want a necklace, I can give you one.”

“What’s wrong with this one?”

“This one was a gift from Chongchong. If I gave it to you, she’d be mad.”

“Xiaoyan, won’t I be mad then?”

“Uh…”

Mu Qingxue’s sudden assertiveness made Chen Xiaoyan freeze.

“What’s with that look, Xiaoyan?” Mu Qingxue said, moving closer.

Her smile was gentle, radiating warmth and comfort, but to Chen Xiaoyan, it looked like the smile of a devil.

Mu Qingxue kept closing in, making Chen Xiaoyan panic.

She quickly edged to the side.

But the further she moved, the closer Mu Qingxue got.

Until she reached the edge of the sofa, with nowhere left to go.

“Qingxue, why do you want this necklace so badly?” Chen Xiaoyan forced a smile.

“Because just looking at it makes me uncomfortable.”

“Then I’ll just take it off, okay?” Chen Xiaoyan quickly reached up to remove the necklace.

Mu Qingxue’s lips curled slightly.

“Nope. As long as it’s on you, I feel uncomfortable.”

“Uh…” Chen Xiaoyan’s hand froze, staring blankly.

“How about this—give me the necklace and I’ll agree to any request of yours. Any at all.”

Chen Xiaoyan looked at her, half believing, half doubting.

For real?

She’s not just fooling me, is she?

Sensing her suspicion, Mu Qingxue repeated solemnly, “Xiaoyan, I’m not joking. Any request. What do you say? Tempted?”

As soon as she finished, she propped her hands on the sofa, smiling radiantly, her face coming very close.

So close, Chen Xiaoyan could feel her breath.

She quickly turned away.

“I got it, I got it! Can you not get so close?”

“Then answer me.”

“Answer what?”

“Give me the necklace, and I’ll agree to anything.”

“I don’t believe it. Will you give me a hundred million right now?” Chen Xiaoyan turned back and teased.

As she turned, their eyes met.

They just stared at each other, silent.

The room fell completely quiet.

No telling how long passed before Mu Qingxue smiled and sat up.

“Xiaoyan, you’re greedy,” she teased, half-pouting.

“I was kidding, don’t take it seriously,” Chen Xiaoyan hurriedly explained.

Mu Qingxue spread her hands, smirking, “Too late, I already took it seriously.”

“My secret stash is just about enough, and I don’t have anywhere else to spend it. Might as well give it to you.”

“Uh…” Chen Xiaoyan was tongue-tied. Then, pulling a bitter face, she pleaded, “Don’t…Qingxue, spare me. I really was just joking.”

Even if you actually gave it to me, I wouldn’t dare take it.

The moment I accepted that hundred million, who knows if I’d still be myself.

Probably the very next day, Mu Qingxue’s billionaire dad would come after me.

Scamming money from Mu Rongchang’s daughter?

Kid, I admire your guts.

Men, drag her out to the sea!

Can’t even imagine what would happen. Maybe not that dramatic, but no way I could accept the money.

“If you want me to spare you…”

Seeing Mu Qingxue’s mischievous grin, Chen Xiaoyan didn’t dare answer.

“Just agree to one thing, and this will be over. Want to think about it?”

“What is it?” Chen Xiaoyan wasn’t about to agree blindly.

Mu Qingxue propped her chin on her hands, blinking cutely.

“Just don’t lie to me anymore.”

“That’s it?” Chen Xiaoyan forced a smile.

Isn’t that what I’m doing right now?

“Is it that hard?” Mu Qingxue frowned, her eyes and expression both showing discontent.

“No, no, it’s fine. Alright, I promise you, from today onward, I won’t lie to you.”

Chen Xiaoyan gave in.

But she left herself an out: from today onward.

So, the ones before today don’t count.

Heh, clever me.

But then, Mu Qingxue’s next sentence instantly broke her guard.

“Xiaoyan, can you tell me who Chen Xiaoyan is?”

That hit her like a bolt of lightning.

She stammered, “Uh…That’s me, of course.”

“You’re acting weird, Qingxue. Why are you saying my name and asking who I am?”

She was tense all over, nowhere to put her hands, eyes darting everywhere but Mu Qingxue, voice unsteady, obviously guilty.

Clearly, she was panicking.

Mu Qingxue picked up her phone, opened her photo album, zoomed in on a resume sent by Qiu Xue, and held it up.

“Take a look.”

Chen Xiaoyan saw her own resume on the phone, her lips trembling, body going limp.

If not for the sofa, she’d have collapsed to the floor.

Her mind was mush, unable to think.

Right now, one thought echoed in her head.

I! Am! Exposed!

How?

How did her resume end up on Mu Qingxue’s phone?

Did she investigate me?

Damn, how could I have been so stupid? Wasn’t it obvious?

And I still wondered?

“Xiaoyan, I need to apologize to you.”

“Huh?” Mu Qingxue’s sudden apology caught her off guard.

“You didn’t log in to the game last time. I got worried, afraid something happened to you, but I had no way to contact you. So I asked Qiu Xue to check your Q number.”

“Turns out the Q number’s real name was someone called Chen Xiaoyan—a man.”

“I asked Qiu Xue to look up this Chen Xiaoyan, and discovered he lives where you do.”

“But you said you had no siblings.”

Every word Mu Qingxue said hit Chen Xiaoyan like a sledgehammer.

She closed her eyes and sighed.

If she’s found out this much, I’m definitely exposed.

After hiding for so long, I’m exhausted. Might as well confess.

If it’s not mine, holding on is pointless.

Why bother being so stubborn?

“Actually, I—”

“Xiaoyan, tell me: does this Chen Xiaoyan have some dirt on you? Is he threatening you? Is that why you’re forced to obey him?”

Seeing Mu Qingxue’s murderous glare and icy tone, Chen Xiaoyan wasn’t scared at all.

She actually wanted to laugh.

Has this girl read too many novels?

She’s imagining this kind of plot?

“Pfft…hahaha!”

“What’s so funny?” Mu Qingxue froze.

Chen Xiaoyan said seriously, “Qingxue, please, read fewer web novels from now on, okay?”

For the first time ever, Mu Qingxue blushed.

She did read books to pass the time at home.

So what?

What’s wrong with that?

Wait, no—that’s not the point!

The point is, Chen Xiaoyan is a man!!!

“Xiaoyan, don’t change the subject! Who exactly is Chen Xiaoyan? Is he dangerous? If you want, I can take care of him for you.”

“Uh…” Chen Xiaoyan’s eyes widened, nervously asking, “How are you going to take care of him?”

Mu Qingxue gave a cold smile.

“Hmph, leave that to Qiu Xue. Guaranteed, he’ll disappear without a trace.”

Chen Xiaoyan swallowed hard. Now she was scared.

Judging by her tone, this isn’t her first time doing this sort of thing.

Are all rich families above the law?

We live in a society governed by law, you know.

“You’ve done it before?”

“Done what?”

“Ahem, killed someone.”

“No, why would I kill anyone?” Mu Qingxue looked at her, puzzled.

“You just said Qiu Xue would ‘take care of’ Chen Xiaoyan without a trace.”

Mu Qingxue rolled her eyes, amused.

“Xiaoyan, do you really think I’m a killer in your eyes?”

“Isn’t ‘take care of’ him just…killing him?” Chen Xiaoyan blurted.

“Of course not. I meant sending him to Africa to mine.”

Chen Xiaoyan’s mouth twitched.

How’s that any different from killing? One’s a quick death, the other’s a living hell—the latter is even worse.

“You almost led me astray again. So, can you tell me now who Chen Xiaoyan is?”

Chen Xiaoyan hesitated for a while.

Mu Qingxue wasn’t in a hurry, patiently waiting.

“Qingxue, there’s a long story behind it. Let me figure out how to tell you, okay?”

Mu Qingxue smiled, her expression gentle as a crescent moon.

“Okay, but you can’t lie to me about it.”

“I won’t, I won’t,” Chen Xiaoyan quickly nodded, faster than anyone.

No worries, ten years from now, maybe I’ll know how to say it.

I’ll tell you then.

“So, let’s talk about my issue.”

For some reason, Mu Qingxue’s tone sounded especially well-behaved.

“What is it?” Chen Xiaoyan blinked in confusion.

“I investigated you,” Mu Qingxue said, looking down.

Now Chen Xiaoyan noticed her tone was really soft.

No matter how much a phoenix pretends to be weak, it’s still a phoenix.

Would I dare take advantage of that?

Definitely not.

“It’s fine. You were worried about me, I understand.”

“No, you have to punish me or I’ll feel guilty.”

“Uh…”

Seeing Mu Qingxue’s expectant look, Chen Xiaoyan was speechless, choking on her words.

“Ahem, it’s really fine, I’m not mad at you (yeah, right).”

“How should you punish me… Maybe just scold me?” Mu Qingxue muttered.

“Qingxue, are you even listening to me?”

“Scolding’s too mild. Better just hit me.”

Chen Xiaoyan broke out in a cold sweat.

Seriously, this is getting out of hand.

Would I dare lay a hand on you?

If I tried, I’d be the one carried out on a stretcher.

“Come on, Xiaoyan, do it.”

Mu Qingxue stood up, sticking her butt out at Chen Xiaoyan.

Chen Xiaoyan was dumbfounded.