The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness - Chapter 275



53. The Rise and Fall of Daily Life

“Ha.”

Mu En let out a long breath, opened his eyes, and stared blankly at the white, misty light of day.

His gaze was dazed for a moment, as if he hadn’t yet returned from the scene he had just witnessed, until a cold sensation flowed into his mind, completely pulling his soul back from that night of blood and blades.

Sparse snowflakes drifted down from the horizon, melting against his skin, while the bare branches of the phoenix tree were coated with silver frost, resembling a masterpiece under the brush of a painter.

He was sitting under the familiar sycamore trees, surrounded by a profound silence, undisturbed.

Serene and beautiful.

“It’s been a while since I practiced in the Black Book; I feel… is it that I’ve been playing too thrillingly?”

Feeling the vague emptiness in his mind due to mental exhaustion, along with the phantom pain that seemed to linger in his limbs, Mu En rubbed his temples and couldn’t help but show a bitter smile.

Unknowingly, this originally pampered son of a duke had become someone who could no longer sit still.

Clearly, he had just escaped from the clutches of Teacher Meila not long ago, able to enjoy this carefree time, yet not only at night, but even with just a moment of distraction, he found himself once again standing in the virtual space created by the Black Book, facing those nearly real memories, holding Elizabeth.

The clash of blades, the struggle of flesh and blood, fighting with death on the line.

Surprisingly, it was somewhat exhilarating.

Wait…

Mu En jolted.

Exhilarating?

How could he feel exhilarated by the pain of being stabbed?

Could it be that he had endured so much pain that he had turned into a masochist?

“No, no, no, that’s not it!”

Mu En shook his head vigorously in denial.

The reason he felt exhilarated was merely because his brain was frantically releasing dopamine to counteract the physical pain.

Just like those who frequently work out become increasingly addicted to exercising, this wasn’t a sign of psychological distortion towards masochism; it was simply the most normal chemical reaction in the body.

“That’s right, I’m determined to be the man on top; how could I be a masochist?”

With a scientific explanation at hand, Mu En smiled contentedly and relaxed his body, completely slumping onto the bench.

In any case, he needed to unwind first…

“Mu En Campbell!”

The sudden familiar call startled the snow resting on the branches.

“You’re really here!”

“Hmm?”

Mu En casually tilted his head to dodge the falling snow, then looked in the direction of the voice.

A cascade of black hair fell freely, and her unadorned features didn’t offer much in the way of stunning beauty, but were quite pleasing to the eye, with a confident, carefree smile gracing her lips.

The girl had her hands on her hips, and beneath her somewhat oversized simple uniform was her signature… flat chest.

Ariel.

And… behind her was Lia.

However, Lia deliberately turned her head away from Mu En, showing no intention of speaking, and Mu En naturally wouldn’t seek out any awkwardness.

The gaze shifted back.

Mu En glanced at Ariel’s deliberately puffed-up chest, unable to help but show a hint of pity.

No change at all.

But then again, according to Lia, Ariel has only been able to eat black bread every day during this time. It would be strange if there were any changes.

“What are you looking at?” Ariel suddenly raised her brows, snapping sharply.

“Cough, cough.”

Mu En awkwardly cleared his throat twice to cover up his impolite gaze, smiling as he said:

“Long time no see, Ariel. How have you been lately?”

“Hmph, don’t act so fake. We’re not that familiar.”

“…”

Still as unfriendly as ever.

“So, did you need something from me?”

“Well… I just saw you back in class lately, so I came to return something to you.” Ariel crossed her arms, speaking coldly.

“Return something to me?”

Mu En was taken aback.

He didn’t remember Ariel owing him anything.

Just as he was puzzled, he saw Ariel pull out a huge suitcase.

She opened it.

Inside, of course, was filled with cash that Mu En was familiar with.

“Take this one million back. I don’t want your dirty money!”

“… So it really is this?”

Mu En sighed, “You don’t need to return it. I told you, this is my compensation for what I did to you in the past, and also my gratitude.”

“I don’t want it.”

Ariel pouted, sneering:

“Who knows what you’re up to? You think this will corrupt my soul and make me let my guard down? Dream on!”

“…”

“Anyway, take your dirty money back. We owe each other nothing!”

Ariel tossed the suitcase at Mu En, grabbed Lia, and turned to leave.

Mu En looked down at the suitcase in his arms, then glanced at Lia, who hadn’t said a word, and called out to Ariel’s back:

“Really don’t need it? I heard you’ve been having a tough time lately. I can consider it a loan to you, interest-free.”

“……No need.”

Ariel’s body paused for a moment before she spoke firmly:

“I will overcome all those difficulties through my own efforts. I don’t need your pity!”

“Is that so?”

“Of course, you wouldn’t understand, you who sneakily sleeps here during the day, wasting time,” Ariel scoffed.

“Wouldn’t understand, huh…”

Mu En tilted his head and thought for a moment, then smiled nonchalantly: “Well, then there’s nothing I can do.”

Since Ariel didn’t want it, he certainly couldn’t force her, could he?

“Hmph.”

Ariel snorted coldly, pulling Lia away, her back proud like the brave hero in a story, about to step courageously into…

But halfway through, the brave hero suddenly turned around, marching step by step towards Mu En with an imposing presence.

She stretched out her small hand.

“Hmm?”

“The box…”

“What?” Mu En looked confused.

“I said the box!”

Ariel gritted her teeth, embarrassed and angry:

“Boxes cost money too. You wouldn’t want to take it for free, would you?”

“…”

In the end, the brave hero turned back for the 126 Aimi’s box money.

……

A few minutes later.

A figure returned to this place.

It was Lia.

“Sorry.”

Lia came in front of Mu En, clenching her fingers, and said softly:

“Ariel is too stubborn.”

“I don’t recall having anything to apologize for,”

Mu En raised an eyebrow at her, smiling:

“And isn’t Ariel’s temper rather cute?”

Stubborn.

It can also be called persistence.

Holding firm to one’s principles, clinging to one’s beliefs.

Without these strong qualities, even if one possesses fortune and opportunities, it would be impossible to become the destined protagonist in this terrifying worldview.

In a sense, it is not surprising that Ariel would make such a decision at this moment.

However, being too focused on the path ahead can lead one to subconsciously overlook the people around them.

Just like the lovely girl standing before Mu En.

“Then I’ll begin.”

“Mm.”

With no excessive words, in this sycamore forest where no one else was present, as agreed, Lia picked up the violin and began to play.

Mu En closed his eyes and listened.

The melody flowed like a stream, gently smoothing away fatigue.

Unknowingly, Mu En drifted into a dream…

…

“Did… did I not play well?”

After an unknown amount of time, when Mu En opened his eyes again, he saw Lia’s pouting, adorable face.

“You made me so bored that I fell asleep!”

“Ah, sorry.”

Feeling no longer empty-headed, Mu En contentedly stretched and smiled:

“It’s not that it was too boring; on the contrary, this wonderful music that makes me feel incredibly at ease is quite rare.”

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Mu En took a stack of bills from the million Ariel had just given him and handed it to Lia, teasing:

“Be a bit more confident, Miss Lia. You are my highly paid private musician; if you’re not worth it, I certainly won’t pay.”

“Hmph.”

Lia took the money, letting out a cute huff, and for some reason, her pretty face turned red again.

…

After Lia left, Mu En still reclined on the bench, watching the sky grow darker, listening to the laughter and playful shouts coming from not far away after the afternoon classes ended.

“I always feel… it has calmed down.”

No evil gods.

No enemies.

No life-and-death crises.

No hellish battlegrounds.

And certainly no machete poised at my throat at any moment.

Classes.

Cultivation.

Slaying monsters in the dark tomes, enduring the torment under Teacher Meila.

Listening to Classmate Lia’s wonderful music, occasionally sneaking out of the academy to secretly meet with senior sisters, spending delightful nights.

Everything, so peaceful.

“This is what I’ve longed for, the beautiful daily life of campus.”

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Feeling this intoxicating atmosphere, Mu En instinctively curved his lips into a happy smile.

No matter what, the villain couldn’t possibly stir up trouble again so soon, and with Teacher Meila presiding over the academy, nothing unexpected could happen again.

Even in the original book, this part of the plot was merely glossed over; nothing unforeseen could arise.

So, taking this opportunity, I should enjoy it well…

“Recently quite leisurely, Mu En Campbell.”

But just then, at the other end of the bench, a familiar figure suddenly appeared before Mu En.

He was dressed in a meticulously tailored gentleman’s suit, a top hat perched perfectly on his head, seemingly not askew in the slightest. He tightly gripped a silver cane, adorned with exquisite gems and engraved with mysterious patterns.

He sat on the bench without warning, his tone tinged with a hint of teasing, yet his aged face remained stern and serious.

“Professor… Plang?”

Mu En’s smile instantly froze, his head stiffly turning to look at the old man beside him, a sudden ominous premonition surfacing in his heart.

“I’ve been attending classes properly lately, I haven’t skipped!” Mu En instinctively straightened up, speaking loudly.

“I’m not here to hold you accountable for skipping class.”

“Then… then I didn’t force Lia; our relationship is pure…”

“Rest assured about that too.”

Professor Plang shot Mu En a glance that was half-smile, half-serious, and said:

“Although I admit I’m an old stickler, I’m not so rigid as to prevent a fair exchange that is mutually consensual.

…As long as you don’t truly take it too far and bully the poor girl, the academy will turn a blind eye.”

“Haha, is that so…”

Mu En replied with a dry laugh, his mind racing.

Not here to catch me skipping class, nor to stop my dealings with Classmate Lia…

What does Professor Plang want?

I haven’t done anything wrong recently!

It can’t be that he’s here to discuss life ideals with me!

“Mu En, my student.”

Just as Mu En was feeling puzzled, Professor Plang spread his fingers and gripped his cane, a serious and aged face suddenly revealing a kind smile that made Mu En even more uneasy.

“Do you know about the Holy Rite of Life Church?”