Little Pink Starfish

Information about the two flashed through Gu Bai’s mind in an instant.

Chen Yuanhao, the second legitimate son of the Chen family—highly talented but without inheritance rights.

Above him was an older legitimate brother, but from a different mother. Simply put, he was the son of his father’s second main wife.

Normally, in such situations, his mother should have been the delicate, pitiful white lotus—the true love of his father—while his older brother would be the unfortunate, neglected child.

But in reality, it was the opposite.

The current head of the Chen family was not particularly strong in cultivation. Had he not been the only surviving direct heir of his bloodline, he wouldn’t have even become the patriarch.

And being weak in cultivation was one thing, but he also had a hopelessly romantic heart.

When he was young, the Chen patriarch fell deeply in love with a courtesan from a brothel. It was love at first sight, admiration at second sight, and by the third, he wanted to marry her.

Of course, as the head of an aristocratic family, there was no way he could take a courtesan as his first wife—the family elders would never allow it.

Restricted by the family, the Chen patriarch didn’t dare to bring the courtesan home, but after doing everything a couple could do, she ended up pregnant.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t blessed with good fortune—she did give birth to a son, but she died in childbirth.

The Chen patriarch was devastated, heartbroken, and threw a fit until the family elders finally allowed him to posthumously recognize her as his first wife in the family records, making their son the legitimate heir. In exchange, he agreed to an arranged marriage and had another wife—who later gave birth to Chen Yuanhao.

As expected, the Chen patriarch went out of his way to guard against his new wife and second son, determined to pass the family inheritance only to his eldest.

By family rules, this was correct, but in terms of influence, there were still many people who supported Chen Yuanhao.

Naturally, Chen Yuanhao became the mortal enemy of both his father and elder brother—an eyesore, a thorn in their side.

Eventually, Chen Yuanhao gave up fighting and went to study at Qingtian Academy, where he was easily admitted. There, he met Qiu Tu and the protagonist.

Under the protagonist’s overwhelming charisma, he was smoothly recruited and became one of the most loyal followers—strategist number one.

Qiu Tu’s background, however, was far more complicated.

Not in terms of his family, but in terms of himself.

He was a demon person, someone who had suffered deviation in cultivation during his teenage years. However, he had extraordinary talent and, despite his energy flowing in reverse, he miraculously didn’t need to consume humans.

—Of course, this was only because his cultivation level wasn’t high enough yet.

But as he advanced, Qiu Tu gradually began to experience bloodlust-induced euphoria. In desperation, he sought out Qingtian Academy for help.

However, after meeting the protagonist, he became the protagonist’s subordinate—and in return, the protagonist covered for him.

Considering that the protagonist was someone who had once devoured an entire city, Qiu Tu’s issue seemed almost insignificant in comparison.

Perhaps Qiu Tu had struggled in the past, but after meeting the protagonist, he never suffered again. ╮(╯▽╰)╭

Chen Yuanhao and Qiu Tu were two of the protagonist’s most loyal followers. Throughout the story, they remained by his side. The protagonist, though naturally distrustful of people, heavily relied on these two.

For example:
—Need someone to handle the aftermath of a romantic affair? Find Chen Yuanhao.
—Need someone to eliminate the collateral damage from said affair? Find Qiu Tu.

With follower number one and number two, the protagonist’s life became so much easier!

Both of them were a few years older than the protagonist, and by the time he enrolled in Qingtian Academy, they were already inner courtyard members. It made sense that they would be here now for the academy’s entrance exams.

Especially Chen Yuanhao—he was an expert at networking. He didn’t establish his own faction, but he had ties to nearly every faction out there. He was practically universally connected.

With that in mind, it made perfect sense for him to come visit.

Gu Bai sighed.

Although this world was full of psychopaths, maybe transmigrating into this book wasn’t the worst.

After all, this was his first novel—the one he had poured his heart into. He knew all its settings by heart. If he had been thrown into one of his later, mass-produced novels… he wouldn’t even remember which characters existed!

Gu Bai had mastered the art of expressionless daydreaming while maintaining an air of nobility, but he could no longer fool Qi Guan Rui.

Qi Guan Rui noticed that ever since these two stray men entered, Gu Bai’s expression had become slightly unfocused, his gaze occasionally lingering on them…

What’s so special about them? Qi Guan Rui’s gaze darkened.

Gu Bai had no idea what was going through his Xiao Shan’s mind. After his brief moment of nostalgia about meeting the protagonist’s underlings, he immediately decided to keep his distance.

These two might have decent personalities, but…

Heh.

Did they think he would keep walking time bombs that might lead the protagonist straight to him?!

Absolutely not! Not even a “gentleman’s distant friendship” level of acquaintance!

In the original story, every subordinate, friend, relative, lover, and even distant aunt or cousin of the protagonist was thoroughly exploited.

There was no way in hell Gu Bai was giving the protagonist any excuse to know who he was!

He had to be extra cautious!

And so, the conversation went as follows:

Chen Yuanhao: “I have long heard of City Lord Ziche’s great reputation and admired your noble bearing. I hope my visit does not offend.”

Gu Bai: “Mm.”

Go ahead, flatter me all you want—did you think I’d fall for it?

Chen Yuanhao: “Since the City Lord is also here to study, I shamelessly hope we might form a connection. If anything goes wrong during the entrance exam, I wonder if the City Lord might lend a hand?”

Gu Bai: “Hmph.”

As if I don’t know how the exam works? Any wu jun under twenty-five gets in automatically. What are you even afraid of?

Chen Yuanhao: “Although, with our talents, it shouldn’t be too difficult.”

Gu Bai: “Mm.”

No shit. Nice try, but I still don’t trust you!

Chen Yuanhao: “I wonder if the City Lord is aware that the inner courtyard… is not exactly peaceful.”

Gu Bai: “I know.”

Oh, so you want me to think things are dangerous and team up with you? Nope, not happening!

Chen Yuanhao: BLABLABLA…

Gu Bai: Mm.

An hour later, Chen Yuanhao had downed five cups of tea just to keep his throat from drying out.

Qi Guan Rui smiled.

That tea? I refilled it.

He couldn’t use anything too obvious, but he had ever so slightly laced the tea with his own natural toxin.

It wouldn’t kill. It wouldn’t even be noticeable.

The only effect?

From now on, the person who drank it would never be able to hide from the toxin’s origin.

No matter what, Qi Guan Rui instinctively felt these two would be useful.

And besides…

Qi Guan Rui stared at the back of a certain someone’s head, his pupils darkening.

The way they chatted so casually with Ziche Shubai… was truly irritating.

Gu Bai remained perfectly neutral. He politely responded with an occasional “Mm”, but not a single extra word.

Eventually, Chen Yuanhao must have realized they couldn’t linger any longer. He pulled Qiu Tu up and bid farewell.

Gu Bai’s gaze flickered when he noticed Chen Yuanhao grabbing Qiu Tu’s arm.

…Are they—?

But he quickly shook his head.

Ugh, my mind is getting dirty.

I’m the author. Who would know better than me?

Even if I wrote them looking like a couple, they’re purely “brothers in arms,” okay?

Sure enough, after a few steps, Chen Yuanhao let go, and Qiu Tu seemed unbothered.

Gu Bai nodded to himself.

Ah, yes. In novels, even if two men share a bed, it’s just “sleeping side by side.” Not even a trace of romantic tension!

A moment later, he felt Qi Guan Rui’s hands still massaging his shoulders and said, “Xiao Shan, see them out.”

Although he hadn’t promised them anything, he couldn’t completely sever ties either. Otherwise, if these two later became the protagonist’s subordinates and casually said a few bad words about him in front of him, what if that lunatic protagonist suddenly decided he wanted to try a new “flavor” and came looking for him?

I can’t risk that! My Hun Yuan Wu Body is too exceptional!

What if it turns out I taste amazing?!

So he couldn’t just coldly ignore them and let them walk away—that would seem too indifferent. But he also couldn’t send them off himself—that would appear too warm and welcoming.

The best choice? Let Gu Xiaoshan handle it.

After all, that’s what a personal bodyguard was for… surely Xiao Shan wouldn’t mind.

As expected, Qi Guan Rui showed no surprise.

He didn’t know why Ziche Shubai was refusing to form ties with two seemingly promising individuals, but… he was delighted by it.

There was no doubt—he loved Ziche Shubai’s personality.

Aloof. Distant. Unapproachable…

Except to him.

To him alone.

Calmly, Qi Guan Rui escorted them to the entrance. His smile was as warm as a spring breeze.

“The City Lord is a man of few words, wholly devoted to the martial path. If there was any neglect in hospitality, I ask for your understanding.”

Chen Yuanhao flicked his fan lightly, looking completely at ease. “The City Lord’s straightforward nature proves he is a true gentleman. We deeply admire him—how could we possibly hold any grievances? We only hope he does not find our visit intrusive.”

Qi Guan Rui’s smile grew softer. “The City Lord… will not mind.”

His hands, clasped behind his back, quietly tightened.

And yet…

This pain still isn’t enough.

If that’s the case, then why does the violent rage inside me feel like it’s boiling even hotter?

After parting ways, the two sides quickly went in opposite directions.

Qi Guan Rui walked swiftly, not slowing until he re-entered the room.

The moment he saw Gu Bai’s indifferent expression, the roaring fury inside him finally subsided.

Meanwhile, Chen Yuanhao and Qiu Tu had moved to a more secluded area.

Now, they could speak more freely.

Chen Yuanhao’s usual carefree demeanor vanished, replaced by a rare seriousness. “Qiu Tu, what do you think?”

For once, Qiu Tu didn’t argue with him. Instead, he responded directly, “Deeply hidden and unfathomable.”