Jian Yue and Tian Tian exchanged a glance. After taking in the situation before them, both of their moods grew heavy.
Especially Tian Tian, her tears simply wouldn’t stop.
Jian Yue, on the other hand, was far calmer. He quietly placed the documents back in their box and turned toward the door.
When Tian Tian saw him walking away, she hurried after him, calling, “Brother, where are you going?”
“Back,” Jian Yue said without hesitation. “If we stay here, it’ll be dark soon. You know better than I do how dangerous it gets after nightfall.”
Tian Tian paled instantly. She didn’t dare linger, quickly following close behind him. As they walked, she asked, “Brother… aren’t you afraid?”
“Of course I’m afraid.”
Her eyes widened. “Then why do you look so calm?”
“Because there’s no point panicking,” Jian Yue replied evenly.
The setting sun spilled through the trees as they stepped outside, its golden light catching on his shoulders and wrapping him in a warm glow.
It gave him an air of quiet steadiness, a mature calm that seemed unshakable. He looked down at Tian Tian, pressed a hand over his growling stomach, and said lightly, “Let’s eat first.”
Tian Tian blinked. “…Oh.”
The two of them made their way back to the residence in silence.
Jian Yue was still trying to figure out what to do next when the system’s panel suddenly flickered to life before his eyes.
Main Quest 1 Triggered! Correct the World’s Storyline.
Quest Title: A Butler’s Duty
Quest Objective: As a proper butler, you must fulfill your responsibilities. When the President and the Heroine meet, say the designated lines and help advance the plot.
Reward: One-time Skill Use with No Cooldown.
Jian Yue’s eyes brightened instantly. “Well, that’s generous!”
Honestly, he had almost forgotten that this was still a novel world and that he was technically just an NPC butler inside it.
“What lines? Do I get a script?” he asked eagerly. “Show me, I’ll memorize it.”
A moment later, the system sent a few lines of dialogue to him. Jian Yue skimmed through them, a confident smile spreading across his face. “That’s easy! Leave it to me. I’ll make sure the plot moves along perfectly!”
The system went quiet for a long moment, then vanished.
After returning to the mansion, Jian Yue and Tian Tian split up. As she was about to leave, he hesitated, watching her back for a few seconds before finally saying, “About that lantern, if you can, try not to use it.”
Tian Tian paused mid-step, turning to him in confusion. “Why not?”
Jian Yue had caught a strong whiff of corpse oil on her earlier. The scent had grown much stronger than before, stronger even than when they’d first visited Granny Li’s house.
At first, he’d only thought the lanterns were ominous. But after everything he’d seen and the whispers he’d overheard in the ancestral hall, he was now certain those lanterns were anything but harmless.
“There’s something wrong with that lantern,” he said quietly. “If you trust me, don’t use it.”
Tian Tian bit her lip. “But if I don’t, it’ll be dangerous at night. Everyone else in the archaeological team uses one.”
Jian Yue’s voice stayed calm. “I’ve said what I needed to say. Whether you listen or not, that’s up to you.”
He turned and walked away without another word.
To be honest, life and death were fated things. He’d done his part by warning her; if she chose not to believe him, that was no longer his concern.
After they parted ways, Jian Yue returned to his room, washed up briefly, and headed for Shen Yushu’s study. On the way, he mulled things over.
Sure, the quest said he had to “complete the story,” but how was he supposed to do that when he didn’t even know who the female lead was?
He was still thinking when he reached the door of the study. Before he could even knock, he heard a deep, composed voice from inside, Shen Yushu’s voice, snapping in anger:
“Damn it, woman, you’re playing with fire!”
Jian Yue froze for a beat, then his heart leapt.
Well, speak of the devil!
He’d been wondering who the heroine could be, and now it looked like he’d stumbled right into the perfect scene. Excitement bubbled in his chest. So what kind of woman could possibly make Shen Yushu lose his composure like that?
Full of curiosity, he knocked politely. “Young Master.”
“Come in,” came the curt reply.
Jian Yue pushed open the door, stepping inside and immediately froze where he stood.
Wen Yu was in the room, holding some kind of small wooden box. From its carved grain and shape, it looked almost identical to the ritual tools crafted by the village carpenter’s family, except this was a miniature version. There was even a faint glow flickering within.
And yes, it was literally on fire.
There were so many things wrong with this picture that Jian Yue didn’t even know where to start.
He cleared his throat, “Young Master, are you discussing official business? Should I step out?”
Shen Yushu noticed the way Jian Yue’s eyes had been darting toward Wen Wan since he entered. His expression darkened slightly.
…Was Wang the butler seriously jealous?
Suppressing a sigh, Shen Yushu cast him a brief glance, “No need. Wen Yu is the leader of the archaeological team. Madam’s condition has worsened lately. They found some herbs in the mountains that, when burned, produce smoke with calming and sleep-inducing effects. We’re going to test it tonight.”
Jian Yue’s gaze flicked toward the so-called “herbs.”
The longer he looked, the more familiar they seemed.
Wait a second, that was store bought sleeping grass!
He and Wen Yu locked eyes for a moment. Neither said a word. A silent understanding passed between them.
Keeping his face straight, Jian Yue said dutifully, “That’s wonderful. Young Master can finally rest easy, then.”
“Mm,” Shen Yushu said, rising from his chair. “Let’s go check on her.”
Everyone began heading toward the old madam’s quarters in the rear courtyard.
Jian Yue followed behind, his thoughts a chaotic swirl.
He truly hadn’t expected the heroine to be a player.
If she was the female lead, that meant she’d have to go through the entire romance arc with Shen Yushu. That included all the emotional development and possibly… sleeping together.
…Then where was he supposed to hide when the ghosts came at night?!
Would Shen Yushu still take him in after falling for her?
Ugh, no. None of that was his business. He just needed to focus on saying his scripted lines. That was his job as the butler.
As they walked, Jian Yue couldn’t help sneaking glances at Shen Yushu now and then.
Shen Yushu, feeling those eyes on his back, grew increasingly uneasy.
What was wrong with this butler?
He’d only been speaking to a woman about medicine, was that really something to glare over? They weren’t that close!
Still, as long as Wang didn’t cross the line, Shen Yushu decided to let it slide.
Everyone had their own thoughts as they walked.
It was Wen Yu’s first time visiting the back courtyard. She looked around with a gentle smile and said, “This place is so well-kept. You’ve really taken good care of Madam.”
Her words had barely left her mouth when Jian Yue, ever the dutiful butler, immediately chimed in, “Of course. You’re the first woman the Young Master has ever brought home, after all.”
Wen Yu blinked, stunned, and then blushed faintly. “I… I am?”
Jian Yue nodded with utter sincerity. “Of course.”
Up ahead, Shen Yushu turned back just in time to see Jian Yue leaning in close to Wen Yu, the two of them standing far too near for comfort. His eyes narrowed, a dry chuckle slipping from his lips.
But before he could say anything, Jian Yue struck again, smiling brightly. “Yes, yes! It’s been so long since I’ve seen the Young Master smile like that.”
Shen Yushu: “…”
Jian Yue finished his line and looked at Shen Yushu expectantly, clearly waiting for praise.
Inside, he was smug. According to the script, this was the part where Shen Yushu, a little flustered but secretly pleased, would reply coldly with something like, “Wang, you talk too much.”
Then the atmosphere would turn warm and subtle, and the story would move smoothly along.
Except…
Shen Yushu turned, gave him a long look, and then smiled coldly as he said, “You’re the first man I’ve ever brought home, Butler Wang. Do you have too much free time these days, to be spouting nonsense? And why are you still standing there staring at her? Get over here!”
Jian Yue: “…”
That… was not in the script.
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
Coffee: useful. Translator: useful. You: potentially useful.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
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✦ thank you for reading ✦
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ChaptersChapter 1 · Master, Calm DownChapter 2 · This Damn ValleyChapter 3 · The Old slave Is here!Chapter 4 · Shocked my Friend?Chapter 5 · Life Doesn’t have that many viewers but Live doesChapter 6 · Science is Primary productive ForceChapter 7 · A one million in a card!Chapter 8 · You’re First Person to reject Young MasterChapter 9 · He saved meChapter 10 · Your Life is mineChapter 11 · This village is such a Mess!Chapter 12 · Little GoblinChapter 13 · Who should be afraid of whom?Chapter 14 · I, an honest person, don’t understand these thingsChapter 15 · The world is finally upside downChapter 16 · Made a decision that went against our ancestorsChapter 17 · Young Master hasn’t laughed so happily in a long timeChapter 18 · Brother, you smell so good!Chapter 19 · Licking everything to the endChapter 20 · This mental state is too advancedChapter 21 · Enough, let’s stop this farce!Chapter 22 · Young master, please let me explain!Chapter 23 Part 2 · You’re playing with fire!Chapter 23 Part 2 · You’re playing with fire!Chapter 24 Part 1 · The light of righteousness shines upon the earthChapter 24 Part 2 · The light of righteousness shines upon the earthChapter 25 Part 1 · You two-faced man!Chapter 25 Part 2 · You two-faced man!Chapter 26 Part 1 · Butler Wang, I see you still retain your charmChapter 26 Part 2 · Butler Wang, I see you still retain your charmChapter 27 Part 1 · I’m straight, bro!Chapter 27 Part 2 · I’m straight, bro!Chapter 28 Part 1 · This is a blatant violation of citizens’ portrait rights!Chapter 28 Part 2 · This is a blatant violation of citizens’ portrait rights!Chapter 29 Part 1 · The domineering CEO falls in love with me!Chapter 29 Part 2 · The domineering CEO falls in love with me!Chapter 30 Part 1 · Take this Five million and leave my son!Chapter 30 Part 2 · Take this Five million and leave my SonChapter 31 Part 1 · Biting me means you’re arrogantChapter 31 Part 2 · Biting me means you’re arrogantChapter 32 Part 1 · Has butler realise his mistake?Chapter 32 Part 2 · Has butler realise his mistake?Chapter 33 Part 1 · The simple master-servant relationship has soured!Chapter 33 Part 2 · The simple master-servant relationship has soured!Chapter 34 Part 1 · A one-night stand by the domineering CEO leads him to fall in love with meChapter 34 Part 2 · A one-night stand by the domineering CEO leads him to fall in love with meChapter 35 Part 1 · This tastes damn sweet!Chapter 35 Part 2 · This tastes damn sweet!Chapter 36 Part 1 · I will take responsibility for youChapter 36 Part 2 · I will take responsibility for youChapter 37 Part 1 · He will never drink again!Chapter 37 Part 2 · He will never drink again!Chapter 38 Part 1 · He said he didn’t want itChapter 38 Part 2 · He said he didn’t want itChapter 39 · Now is not the time to ask for a title!Chapter 40 Part 1 · Brother Dao, how can I live without you!Chapter 40 Part 2 · Brother Dao, how can I live without you!Chapter 41 · What a human-like beastChapter 42 Part 1 · This damned ancestral hall has successfully caught my attention!Chapter 42 Part 2 · This damned ancestral hall has successfully caught my attention!Chapter 43 · After the overall situation is fully opened upChapter 44 · Village chief, are you really that vigorous for your age?Chapter 45 · Butler Wang, I love you!Chapter 46 · What exactly do you see in me?Chapter 47 · I swear to GodChapter 48 · All I want to do is die with himChapter 49 · I’m going to kill themChapter 50 · Who would like Shen YushuChapter 51 · Young master, I want to cling to you tightly!Chapter 52 · They’ve run away together! They’ve run away together!Chapter 53 · Sworn BrothersChapter 54 · My boss is the best in the world to meChapter 55 · I want you all to be buried with him.Chapter 56 · It’s a beautiful day outside Wanfu VillageChapter 57 · You don’t have anyone you want to seeChapter 58 · I’m married! Married!Chapter 59 · The Cold Prince’s SweetheartChapter 60 · Young master, this old servant has arrived! ~Chapter 61 · Who else could do something so outrageous?Chapter 62 · Boy, I got my eyes on youChapter 63 · Does Butler Wang really want to see him that much?Chapter 64 · Come on, call me Dad!Chapter 65 · Other men might have it too!!Chapter 66 · Being obsessed with love is indeed a major problemChapter 67 · He’s playing the devoted second male lead!Chapter 68 · The number one person to wash underwear with a cold face!Chapter 69 · Young master, will you be back for dinner tonight?Chapter 70 · Others ask for money to save peopleChapter 71 · Wang, please don’t die!Chapter 72 · My current identity is that of a father!Chapter 73 · Here’s your chance to confess!Chapter 74 · That’s definitely someone with connections!Chapter 75 · This is my personChapter 76 · How come you’re already married?Chapter 77 · I’m going to pester you, young master!Chapter 78 · How do you turn a straight man gay?!Chapter 79 · Am I Butler Wang’s mistress?!Chapter 80 · He really does have a fiancé!Chapter 81 · Don’t stay with himChapter 82 · Man, you asked for this!Chapter 83 · Was he just acting like this?Chapter 84 · The second male lead is about to turn the tables and become the master!!Chapter 85 · This trick is cheapChapter 86 · How dare you cheat on me!Chapter 87 · Are you an undercover agent sent by Butler Wang?Chapter 88 · I think of my master day and nightChapter 89 · These wealthy families really know how to have funChapter 90 · You possess such advanced talent that you can enter Hope IslandChapter 91 · Be my Consort!Chapter 92 · Young Master, are you really angry?!Chapter 93 · I swear I will only love you!Chapter 94 · Who bullied you?Chapter 95 · Just a quick favor!Chapter 96 · This is no challenge for him at all!!Chapter 97 · He’s no match for them!Chapter 98 · Xiaoyu, I only love youChapter 99 · This is Butler Wang’s territory!Chapter 100 · Is this how you treat your savior?Chapter 101 · You two are definitely a family!Chapter 102 · Who is your mother-in-law?Chapter 103 · Are we really going to send him to his death?Chapter 104 · He married him againChapter 105 · How can someone be so carefree?Chapter 106 · Butler Wang has done immeasurable good deeds!Chapter 107 · Only those who survive can be considered heroes!Chapter 108 · Since we’re going toChapter 109 · I love youChapter 110 · I will never leave you again.Chapter 111 · The Overbearing King’s Gentle PamperingChapter 112 · Mainly, I kind of want to be your auntChapter 113 · Don’t easily test my limitsChapter 114 · He’s seducing me!Chapter 115 · Uncle opened the doorChapter 116 · The world of the wealthy is such a mess!Chapter 117 · Your old servant is here!Chapter 118 · Xiaoyu, you’ve gone astray!!!Chapter 119 · Uncle, you have to keep this a secret!Chapter 120 · Who’s child is this?Chapter 121 · Butler Wang really has a crush on me!Chapter 122 · One person has surrounded everyone!Chapter 123 · Are you guys playing this fancy?!Chapter 124 · Even gamers are working for him!Chapter 125 · If you fall into the river, I’ll save you first!Chapter 126 · What a troublesome little devilChapter 127 · Does the Puppet Master app have anti-fraud features?Chapter 128 · You’re a scorpion demon incarnate!Chapter 129 · How about we give it a try?Chapter 130 · The dog shit will arrive faster than your knife!Chapter 131 · Is he hungry too?Chapter 132 · We even stayed a few days less than them!Chapter 133 · How about I marry you so you can take my place?Chapter 134 · This is truly a team full of villains!Chapter 135 · It’s clearly an auspicious omen!Chapter 136 · Is it normal to think my brother smells good?Chapter 137 · You’re the biggest capitalist here!Chapter 138 · What happened to true love?Chapter 139 · Romantic types are strictly prohibited from participating in horror dungeons!!!Chapter 140 · What should I do with Butler Wang!?Chapter 141 · Butler Wang! The most courageous man ever!Chapter 142 · What are you doing?!Chapter 143 · Man, you’re playing with fire!Chapter 144 · I heard a heartbeatChapter 145 · Can puppets also have superb kissing skills?Chapter 146 · What else is real then?!Chapter 147 · Seduction? That won’t work on me!Chapter 148 · What is my uncle doing?!Chapter 149 · Uncle, you don’t treat others like this!Chapter 150 · I’ll give you five million!!Chapter 151 · We’re true love!Chapter 152 · Sister-in-law, I genuinely want to help you!Chapter 153 · They can even find an excuse to sleep together!Chapter 154 · Butler Wang iis popular among young people.Chapter 155 · Who says Butler Wang’s strategy guide is bad?Chapter 156 · I’ll remarry the moment you’re in your coffin!Chapter 157 · Now it’s your turn to beg me or not