The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness - Chapter 258



36. Secret (Two-in-One, Monthly Ticket Request at the Beginning of the Month)

Will the protagonist be short on money?

Of course.

In many novels of the overpowered protagonist type that Mu En read in his previous life, the issue of resources is a hurdle that the protagonist must face in the early stages.

In fact, many protagonists are defined by their poverty throughout the story.

Because to play the comeback game, their identity—at least in the early stages—cannot be too noble.

Just like Ariel, before she took down her disdainful siblings, her identity was merely that of a lowly illegitimate daughter. The reason she could play the game of black against black so skillfully now is that she had to survive like this since childhood.

Even now, as the first heir to a count, she cannot receive the full support of the entire count family like Mu En, because there are still many people eyeing her position due to the large family.

Let alone the fact that even if she did gain the full support of the count family, it wouldn’t necessarily cover her expenses.

Because the so-called overpowered protagonists tread a high-end path, consuming ten or a hundred times the resources of ordinary people, in exchange for nearly invincible combat power and top-tier potential at the same level.

For example, Ariel’s study of magic is already expensive, often referred to as “noble tricks.”

Moreover, the ancient magic she studies has become extremely rare and horrifically expensive due to the scarcity of many materials in the present, so it’s not just burning money; burning money at least has a process—hers is essentially just throwing money away.

However, for an outstanding overpowered protagonist, while resources are indeed a hurdle, overcoming it shouldn’t be too difficult.

For instance, in the original story, Ariel was indeed in a tight spot for a while, but with the help of her master in a spiritual state, she managed to fill the resource gap by creating a large number of ancient magic scrolls and special magical items for sale on the black market, even using some black-on-black methods to successfully patch up the resource leak.

Like a glutton, she sweeps up and devours every opportunity and resource she encounters, turning it into a part of her strength—that is what a so-called overpowered protagonist is.

But why did this time turn out unexpectedly?

I remember last time she was poor because the black market was closed; this time…

Wait, could it be that the black market is closed again?

A bolt of lightning struck through Mu En’s mind, and suddenly, everything became clear.

Don’t ask why Ariel’s items can only be sold on the black market, because as the protagonist of the story, she has another characteristic: many of the things she possesses are those that cannot be seen in the light before she becomes powerful!

Thus, in the entire academy arc of the original book, most of Ariel’s resources come from black market dealings, picking up bargains, and some black-on-black incidents during unexpected events.

The black market…

Just a few days before the arrival of the Silent Moon, many noble lords were conscripted by His Majesty the Emperor, and the entire city was under martial law… Naturally, the black market could not operate.

As for black-on-black…

If Ariel had successfully stolen the ancient dragon’s blood, she would have been set for a long time without worrying about money.

But the ancient dragon’s blood… was taken by Mu En.

Even this Silent Moon event, which originally did not belong to the plot of the book, was caused by Mu En.

“So… in the end… after all the twists and turns… the root of everything… is still because of…”

Me?

Mu En was dumbfounded.

What kind of ultimate luck is this, where my little butterfly flapping its wings caused a storm… and it all inexplicably landed on Ariel’s face?

After figuring everything out, a wave of guilt surged up in Mu En’s heart.

Is this the black hole effect of the protagonist?

Sucking everything in? I’m in love.

“But that doesn’t make sense.”

Mu En suddenly snapped back to reality and looked at Liya:

“Ariel shouldn’t be in such dire straits for money, after all, I just gave her a million not long ago!”

Mu En recalled the money he had excitedly given to Ariel when she awakened him.

Even if you throw money around, a million has to last for a while.

It’s only been a few days?!

“Y-You’re the one to blame!”

However, upon hearing this, Liya not only showed no gratitude towards Mu En but instead glared at him with anger.

“I’m to blame?”

Mu En’s expression was strange, “What did I do?”

“Ariel has been acting very strangely lately.”

Liya said, her eyes slightly red:

“Every night, she stares at the million you gave her, mumbling things like ‘I won’t let your scheme succeed,’ ‘I won’t yield to a mere million,’ ‘this money can’t corrupt me,’ and so on.

Clearly holding a fortune, yet not spending a single cent, instead living more frugally, it’s like… it’s like she’s possessed!”

“……”

Mu En was momentarily taken aback by the words, then couldn’t help but chuckle bitterly while covering his forehead.

So that’s how it is; that stubborn protagonist still doesn’t trust him and certainly won’t casually accept his goodwill.

The one million he casually offered her only aroused her suspicion.

As expected, as the once troublesome yellow-haired villain, it wouldn’t be so easy for her to forgive him.

“So, you’re sneaking out to play music and earn money to help Ariel through her tough times?”

“Mm…”

Liya nodded gently, “Ariel has no idea where all her money has gone. Although I can feel that she’s making progress every day, but…

With her eating nothing but black bread every day, her body is definitely going to suffer.”

Liya pouted, “If this continues, she really won’t grow up.”

“……”

Looking at Liya, who was wholeheartedly thinking about her childhood friend, Mu En suddenly found himself at a loss for words.

What is this? Life is tough, and the childhood friend is selling her art?

It felt like the plot had already veered off in a ridiculous direction.

“But, Liya…”

Mu En sighed deeply and looked at the girl who had been speaking with her head down, gently asking:

“What about you? You’re earning money for Ariel; what about yourself?”

“What?”

Liya looked up, her little face filled with confusion.

“Your studies.”

Mu En said seriously: “What will happen to your studies?”

You see, as a candidate saint undergoing trials in the Church of Life, Liya’s studies were far from simple.

Her saintly coursework absolutely could not be neglected.

Not to mention that during this crucial time, with the Saint Ceremony approaching to determine the position of the saintess, she could not afford to slack off.

Ariel’s frenzied consumption of resources to grow her strength during this period must also be to help prepare for Liya.

But she hadn’t realized that this had led to Liya, who should have been focused on her studies, sneaking out to earn money out of concern for her.

“My studies… my studies won’t be affected.”

Liya fidgeted with her fingers and said softly:

“I only sneak out at night; I still have plenty of time during the day.”

“Then when do you study during the day, earn money at night, and rest… when does that happen?”

“……No, it’s fine.”

Liya paused for a moment, a reassuring and charming smile appearing on her delicate face:

“Actually, the Holy Light spell can also dispel fatigue. I can manage!”

“……”

Mu En looked at her, his gaze flickering for a moment.

How could it be fine?

Even if the Holy Light could alleviate physical exhaustion, how could it soothe mental anguish?

As someone who often honed his spirit in the dark tomes, Mu En understood that the dryness of the spirit was far more unbearable than physical fatigue.

No, regardless of whether it was out of guilt towards Ariel or some other reason, he had to help her.

Thinking this, Mu En instinctively reached for his storage device.

But Liya immediately noticed his movement and exclaimed anxiously:

“Just to let you know in advance, I… I won’t accept your charity, nor do I want your filthy money!”

“……This isn’t charity; it’s a thank you for saving me earlier.”

“I already said, I didn’t really save you, and if you want to thank me…”

Liya touched the bracelet on her wrist and whispered, “The money from before was already enough. Although it was tough, I still want to earn my rewards through my own efforts.

After all, this is the first time I’ve truly relied on my own strength to help Ariel.”

“……”

Mu En couldn’t help but gaze into the eyes of the girl before him once more.

Clear, bright, carrying an indelible fatigue, yet still… so resolute.

So, was it the long-term companionship that made her adopt Ariel’s stubbornness, or was this seemingly fragile future saintess inherently like this?

Since that’s the case…

“Liya, I’ll be returning to the academy soon.”

“Hmm?”

Liya looked at Mu En in confusion, not understanding why he suddenly said something so strange.

“For a true noble, music appreciation is a required course.”

“But unfortunately, the renowned Saint Maria Academy doesn’t have a dedicated music appreciation class.”

“So…”

Mu En extended his hand towards Liya, smiling as he said:

“Liya, may I hire you as my private musician at a salary that befits your status as a performer?”

……

“Private musician?”

After a brief moment of daze, Lia suddenly widened her beautiful eyes, hugging her magnificent chest as she stepped back, warily staring at Mu En:

“You… what do you want to do?”

As she spoke, her face, which had just calmed down, suddenly turned as red as a peach, nervously stammering:

“C-could it be… that you really are going to use this excuse to lure me to a deserted place, just like Ariel said, and then do those beastly things to me?

To make me like this… that way… and put me in all sorts of shameful positions? And I… wuu…

…No, absolutely not! I will never let you succeed!

I… I am…”

“…”

Watching Lia’s intense reaction, Mu En couldn’t help but twitch his lips.

What on earth did that b*stard Ariel instill in this pure girl!

“Lia, I already said it’s at the academy.”

Mu En explained helplessly:

“Under the cover of the Great Secret, how could I possibly do anything beastly to you?

If I really did, all you’d have to do is shout, and Professor Prang would come and strangle me to death.

And if you’re still worried, I can pay you per performance. The moment you feel I have any ill intentions towards you, you can terminate it immediately.”

“But…”

“There’s no ‘but’.”

Seeing the conflicted girl, Mu En knew that continuing would only lead her to come up with countless reasons, so he suddenly grinned, revealing his long-prepared trump card:

“Lia, you wouldn’t want Ariel to find out that you’re out here performing to make money, would you?”

“Uh…”

Lia’s delicate body trembled, and she let out a mournful cry, her cute, rabbit-like eyes glaring at Mu En with a flush of anger:

“You… despicable.”

“Just consider me despicable.”

With his DNA released, Mu En felt a wave of relief, smiling as he raised his hand and asked, “So, what’s your decision?”

“…”

It felt as if a century had passed.

Not knowing what kind of entanglement and struggle was happening in that little head of hers, after Mu En’s urging and a long silence, Lia’s gaze flickered, biting her lip, and finally, she reached out her hand…

But just as that delicate, pale little hand was about to make contact, she suddenly fixed her gaze on Mu En, seriously saying:

“Mu En Campbell, you… you can’t possibly be trying to hit on me, right?”

“Pfft…”

Mu En almost spat out a mouthful of old blood, looking utterly shocked:

“Where did you see that?”

“Ariel said that when a man suddenly treats you particularly well and goes around in circles trying to help you, it definitely means he wants to hit on you.”

Liya tilted her head, speaking with utmost seriousness:

“Ariel told me to stay away from such people.”

“…”

So, what on earth did Ariel instill in her?

Is this the power of the old seductress? Before sharpening the knife, she’s already thinking about getting insurance.

Mu En let out a soft sigh, carefully observing the girl before him.

With her pure and adorable appearance, flawless beauty, and a top-tier figure that could stir any man’s desires, she was absolutely captivating.

Moreover, with her future identity as a saintess, one must wonder how many men could resist her?

And according to the timeline, although a certain old seductress was already sharpening her knife, Liya’s feelings for Ariel should still be in the innocent stage of childhood sweethearts.

After all, her emotional events, the sacred ceremony that would determine her identity as a saintess, had yet to begin.

There was still room to pry.

But…

From noble mtl dot com

If Mu En really dared to pry even this much, let alone ask for forgiveness, he would probably be killed directly by the furious Lord Feng Aotian.

“Rest assured.”

Mu En looked at Liya, smiling without a hint of impurity:

“I absolutely have no such thoughts about you.”

“Really?”

“More real than pearls!”

“You promise.”

“I promise!”

“Don’t you dare lie to me.”

“I swear to the goddess!”

Mu En puffed out his chest, raising four fingers of his other hand, speaking earnestly:

“If I ever hit on classmate Liya, let me be dismembered alive by a firewood knife!”

“…”

Liya looked at Mu En with bright eyes, her adorable gaze sweeping across his face, seemingly trying to discern how much of this man’s verbal words were true or false.

After a long while, just as Mu En was struggling to maintain his expression, Liya suddenly broke into a smile, causing the flickering candlelight in the restaurant to pale in comparison.

“Well, since you don’t seem as bad as Ariel said, I’ll believe you this once.”

She grasped Mu En’s hand and playfully shook it.

“Then please take care of me, Mr. Employer.”

“Yes, please take care of me, Miss Musician.”

Mu En smiled slightly as well.

Thus, with their hands touching, a secret contract that belonged solely to the two of them was established within this quiet and enchanting restaurant.

……

……

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