It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Mu Manor, side hall.

Mu Zhi’an, now changed into fresh clothes, entered the elegant hall and laid eyes on the renowned beauty of Tianxuan City.

Unlike their daytime encounter, tonight, she wore a white double-breasted jacket that complemented her graceful figure. The cinched waist of her long skirt accentuated her ample bosom and slender waist, while below the hem peeked a pair of delicate, light-colored boots.

Her hair was styled simply with a jade hairpin, a few loose strands framing her delicate and captivating face, lending her a touch of exotic beauty.

She cradled a cup of freshly brewed tea in her hands, her gaze downcast, seemingly lost in thought. She was so engrossed that she didn’t even notice Mu Zhi’an’s arrival.

Mu Zhi’an took a seat beside her without a word, poured himself a cup of tea, and quietly observed the beauty in her contemplative state.

After a while, Bai Ruoxi seemed to snap out of her reverie. She turned her head slightly, her lips parting in surprise.

“Young Master Mu? When did you arrive?”

She quickly lowered her head in apology. “Forgive me. I was preoccupied with other matters and didn’t notice your presence.”

He paused, then continued, his tone shifting slightly. “Speaking of which, I must confess to a bit of curiosity. What brings you to the Mu Manor at such a late hour, Miss Bai, especially on a night like this?”

It was already past hai shi—in modern terms, past eleven o’clock at night.

It was well past bedtime for most. For Bai Ruoxi to brave the heavy rain and venture out so late at night, there had to be a pressing reason.

Bai Ruoxi seemed to stiffen. She opened and closed her mouth several times, unable to find the words.

Her slender fingers nervously pleated the fabric of her skirt, her eyes filled with conflict.

An awkward silence descended upon the hall.

Mu Zhi’an regarded her curiously, then took a sip of his tea, breaking the silence. “Miss Bai, if there’s nothing else, I’ll have someone escort you back.”

He made to stand.

Panic surged through Bai Ruoxi. She reached out and placed her hand on his arm, stopping him. “Young Master Mu, please. I truly do need your help.”

Mu Zhi’an sighed softly. “If this isn’t about the Bai family, I’m all ears.”

Bai Ruoxi froze. She stared at him, her eyes a mix of confusion and despair.

Initially, she’d assumed that Mu Zhi’an, blinded by his infatuation, would jump at the chance to solve the Bai family’s problems. After all, it was the perfect opportunity to win her favor. The young master of the Mu family, swooping in to save the day and claiming the beauty as his reward. It was a classic tale.

However, in the span of a single day, Mu Zhi’an had changed.

He no longer seemed to care about the “goddess” he’d once pursued.

Bai Ruoxi couldn’t tell if he was truly over her or if he was merely waiting for her to make the first move. But right now, she didn’t have a choice.

The Bai family was backed into a corner by the Gongsun family and the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce. Regardless of Mu Zhi’an’s intentions, her only option was to swallow her pride and beg for his help—to plead with the very wastrel she’d secretly scorned.

BOOM!

A clap of thunder echoed through the hall, followed by a gust of wind that extinguished the candles, plunging the room into darkness.

As Mu Zhi’an reached to relight the candles, he felt a delicate hand on his arm.

The touch was cool and soft, sending a shiver down his spine. He turned his head instinctively.

At that moment, a flash of lightning illuminated Bai Ruoxi’s flawless face.

She had unfastened the top two buttons of her jacket, revealing a hint of smooth, pale skin. She reached for his hand, her eyes shimmering with a alluring light.

“You mentioned needing sufficient incentive, Young Master Mu,” she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. “Would this suffice?”

“……”

Mu Zhi’an was speechless.

He’d imagined countless ways Bai Ruoxi might react to his rejection, but this… this was unexpected.

Bai Ruoxi was a proud woman. If there were three slots for Tianxuan City in the Two Polarities Sect, her talent alone would secure her one.

She had no shortage of admirers. She was the dream girl of countless young men in Tianxuan City.

Mu Zhi’an frowned slightly. He squeezed her hand gently. “Miss Bai, I’m not that kind of person,” he said, clearing his throat.

Bai Ruoxi bit her lip, stealing a glance at him, her eyes welling up. But she didn’t pull away.

She’d already prepared herself for this.

Did he intend to… do it right here in the hall?

A blush crept up her cheeks. She felt a surge of both resistance and resignation.

Resistance, because despite his handsome features, Mu Zhi’an’s past behavior disgusted her.

Resignation, because the Bai family was in dire straits. She had no other choice.

Closing her eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering slightly, she tilted her head up, offering him her lips. In the flickering light of the rekindled candles, they glistened enticingly.

Mu Zhi’an stared at her for a long moment, then sighed softly. He gently pried her hand away from his.

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes fluttered open. She looked up at him, her gaze filled with confusion. “Young Master Mu?”

“Miss Bai, I believe you misunderstood my words.” Mu Zhi’an took a sip of his tea. “I said I needed something of value to persuade the Mu family, not something of value to persuade me.”

The distinction might have seemed minor, but in reality, it was significant.

If it were up to him alone, he’d gladly accept either Bai Ruoxi or the Meridian Connecting Pill. In fact, he wouldn’t say no to a beautiful woman offering herself to him.

But to involve the entire Mu family, a more substantial bargaining chip was required.

“You’re a beautiful woman, Miss Bai.”

He looked at her flawless face. She was so perfect she seemed almost unreal. But right now, her eyes held a hint of sadness that would have melted the heart of any other man.

“A woman’s true allure lies in her dignity and grace. Those qualities are what made you so captivating, Miss Bai.”

“You should cherish them.”

He reached across the table and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Then he patted her shoulder gently.

“As for the Bai family… this is not something you can handle alone. Let it go.”

Bai Ruoxi stared at him, stunned.

Had he rejected her?

Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined that the most beautiful woman in Tianxuan City would be turned down, especially by the notorious rake that was Mu Zhi’an.

It was laughable. Utterly absurd!

No one would believe that Mu Zhi’an had rejected her advances.

Mu Zhi’an glanced towards the doorway, where Wei Mengrou stood silently in the shadows. “Mengrou,” he said casually, “please see Miss Bai out.”

He winked at Wei Mengrou, as if to say, “What do you think? Don’t I look like a perfect gentleman?”

Wei Mengrou, her sword strapped to her back, stood tall in the doorway. Her long hair, draped over one shoulder, gave her an air of capable confidence.

She glanced at the seemingly gentle and refined young man before her. Noticing his self-satisfied smirk, she rolled her eyes and turned away dismissively.

Mu Zhi’an chuckled to himself, unfazed by her reaction.

It couldn’t be helped. His reputation as the bully, Mu Zhi’an, was too deeply rooted to be easily erased. It would take time and effort to change her perception of him. But he was determined to do so.

“This way, Miss Bai,” Wei Mengrou said, turning to Bai Ruoxi.

Bai Ruoxi, still reeling from the shock, rose to her feet and followed Wei Mengrou towards the door.

She paused after taking a few steps, then turned back to look at the young man seated calmly in the hall. “Is there truly nothing you can do, Young Master Mu?” she asked softly.

Her voice was devoid of its usual arrogance. Instead, it was tinged with a strange mix of emotions.

This young man… he’d changed overnight. Initially, she’d assumed that he was after her. But now, it seemed she’d been mistaken.

When Mu Zhi’an didn’t answer, her smile turned wistful.

Without the Mu family’s help, the Bai family would likely crumble.

She bowed politely to Mu Zhi’an and turned to leave.

Suddenly, Mu Zhi’an spoke. “I’ll need some time to consider this matter.”

This situation involved both the Gongsun family and the Morning Glory Chamber of Commerce. Intervening rashly, while it might force them to back down, would undoubtedly create resentment.

However, he couldn’t simply stand by and watch as the Bai family was crushed. If such a powerful family were to be swallowed whole by the Gongsun and the Chamber of Commerce, who knew what ambitions they might set their sights on next?

Bai Ruoxi’s eyes widened, a flicker of hope igniting within them. “Thank you,” she whispered.

Mu Zhi’an waved his hand dismissively.

Bai Ruoxi nodded in understanding and turned to leave.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside.

“Let me in! Ruoxi is in danger!”

A young man’s voice, frantic and high-pitched, cut through the night.

Mu Zhi’an’s lips curled into a knowing smile. He turned to Bai Ruoxi. “It seems your knight in shining armor has arrived.”

Bai Ruoxi’s childhood sweetheart, the once-gifted, now-fallen Ye Yu, had arrived.

The “protagonist” has entered the stage. Is this where I get slapped in the face? Mu Zhi’an thought to himself, taking a sip of his tea.

He turned towards the entrance, a strange sense of anticipation building within him.