Help! I'm the Plot Device: Just Here to Save the Heroes

Hangovers, Head Rubs, and Hidden Talents"

"Zhao Yuanzhou," he murmured to himself, lips curling. So he's your weakness. Let's see how long you can keep him safe from me.

🧶🐱🧶

After Yan An vanished through the window, the room felt strangely emptier than before. Morning light had barely settled across the floor when Yichen's attendants bustled in, fussing with robes, hair, and hat.

Jerry sat there like a mannequin, brain still fried from last night.
The veil hat went on, a folding fan pressed into his hand. Not regal and heavy like a prince today-just a well-dressed young master heading out.

Outside, the streets already hummed with life. Hawkers shouted, drums echoed from a distant square. Jerry tilted his fan against the crowd's glare.
"System," he muttered. "Task for today?"

The system whirred. "Nothing special. You're free. Just one simple condition."

Jerry arched a brow. "Which is?"

"Don't stir up or jump into any problem."

Jerry gave a dry laugh. "With my luck? That's impossible."

Sure enough, fate didn't wait long.

He bumped into Xu Ming not far from the palace gate. The boy was already dressed light, clearly sneaking off for his own wanderings.
They fell into step together, weaving through the lively throng.

"What's going on? Feels like half the city's poured onto the streets," Jerry asked, lowering his voice beneath the veil.

Xu Ming blinked. "Did you forget? Preparations for the San Yue Festival-the big one. Three months of celebrations, ending in the third month. Weddings, rituals, street fairs. Everyone calls it the most auspicious season of the year."

Jerry forced a nod. "Ah. Right. I remember."

Inside, he hissed: "System. The hell is that?"

The system chimed: "A ritualistic festival instituted after the annihilation of the Shadow Clan. It honors the Crown Prince's victory' and symbolizes casting out demons."

Jerry's smile faltered behind the veil. "Oh boy. Imagine Yao Daren being forced to watch people celebrate the slaughter of his clan every single year... cruel."

He shook his head, pushing away the thought.

Before his mood could sink further, the sound of cheering rose nearby. They followed the noise to a tavern courtyard where a crowd had gathered. Banners fluttered: Painting Competition - Theme announced on the spot.

Xu Ming tugged Jerry's sleeve, grinning. "You want to watch? Or-hah-don't tell me you plan to join? Yichen, forgive me, but even your calligraphy looks like crawling ants. Do you really think you can paint?"

Jerry snapped his fan shut with a cheeky smile. "It won't hurt to try, right?"

Before Xu Ming could drag him back, Jerry signed his name.

Meanwhile, in the shadow of a tea stall across the street, Yan An watched silently.

🐱🧶🐱

Tavern Courtyard

The tavern's courtyard had been cleared for the event. Long wooden tables stretched across the space, each set with brushes, inkstones, and powdered pigments. A red banner read in bold calligraphy:

"Theme: Silent Farewell."

Xu Ming folded his arms and leaned against a post, muttering, "Silent what? That's too abstract. You'll make a fool of yourself."