Chasing You (Arc 8+)

Showstopper (XIII)

Lining up just as the did in primary school, they each went up to the box and pulled out a slip of paper. After, they would gather in their previous groups and huddle together, discussing who they had obtained as a roommate. He Xiao and the other three waited until the line was almost gone before they lined up as well. Retrieving a piece of paper, they too went back to their seats. Bai Taohua pouted as she glanced at her piece of paper, "Why can't I be in the same room as you~?"

She did not conceal her disappointment one little bit and continuously kept her eyes on He Xiao. It was definitely her chance! She should've been able to room with this beautiful shou but who knew what kind of trick was pulled and she was stuck with someone else. Letting out a deep sigh, she continued to whine. "My hopes and dreams... Shattered so easily. How can fate be so cruel~?!"

Bai Taohua had planned a whole night's worth of conversation to talk over with He Xiao but now she can only get little snippets when she met him. Glaring at Xiao Rui, she felt as if some parts of the plots were unalterable. At first, she was shocked to meet the cannon fodder that was pitiful but deserving of his punishment. From the book, there weren't much details other than his name that was listed and very vague description of him and his actions in the novel. The reason for his actions wasn't even specified why he chose to go up against the protagonist. That was what made her curious about why this pretty little thing here had chosen to walk towards a dead-end road.

She had long come to an understanding that the book's depiction of the characters only touched the surface of the water. After meeting them in person, Bai Taohua realized that they were an actual living person and not just words being read. They were in 3D, something tangible, and were able to express and experience a myriad of emotions. She had adored the protagonist in the novel, not because she liked him. It was obviously because her rotten eyes had paired him up with someone else, and built a ship for them. Bai Taohua saw Xiao Rui as her grandchild and a beautiful specimen to protect until the right person came along.

The beautification given by the novel was only 2D and superficial; reality was much more different and things were more dynamic. She had seen him struggle personally and saw all of his effort and hard work when she first transmigrated into 《Rebirth of an Idol》. So, she became even more attached to Xiao Rui. As his fairy godmother, she took it upon herself to help create a path for him.

Bai Taohua first dealt with the fates of the poor cannon fodders that were dispensable, serving as fillers. She would try and curve the ladder leading up to their dim future, as a means to get them out of the way. They didn't need to become the unnecessary stepping stones for the protagonist and create more work. But, somethings just were meant to be.

And so, after doing all that she could do as her status was now a bystander more than the female protagonist, she watched them walk into their grave. She admitted that she was no saint, neither was she was God. Bai Taohua could not simply alter their fates just because she wanted to or because she sympathized with them, everyone had minds of their own and this was not her story. So the consequences of their actions, they would have to bear with it on their own.

She concealed the look of worry in her eyes as she gazed at him. She did not want him to fill his role as a cannon fodder. Crossing her fingers, she hoped that He Xiao would not be a difficult one to deal with. Taking a deep breath, she scooted closer to him and beckoned him to lean closer.

Bai Taohua whispered, "Make sure to stay far away from Xiao Nongzang and no matter what he asks, reject it."

Lending her his ear, He Xiao was surprised by her words. He had assumed that she would ask him a personal question perhaps on his sex life, but he didn't think that she would warn him. He Xiao chuckled, "Don't worry, older sister Bai. I know to steer clear from dirty pus¹."

Choking on the words of caution she was about to spew next, she burst out laughing. "Bwahaha! That's a new one!"

Hai Pixiu and Xiao Rui wrinkled their brows as they looked at Bai Taohua. Giving a look of pity, he patted his friend's shoulder.

Hai Pixiu's lips twitched, "..."

Wrapping his arm around her, he pulled her into his arm. He whispered something into her ear, causing her to blush and cease her movements and laughter. Bao Bao who had been eavesdropping blushed as well and covered his face. How shameless. (｡・//ε//・｡) He Xiao just blinked his eyes. What could the second male lead have said for the two of them to act like so? He wanted to ask his system but his (BB) eyes clearly displayed his unwillingness. How could he repeat those kinds of words? Those were for son-in-law to say to him.

Jiang Man gathered everyone's attention once more. "For what room you will be using, one of the slips will have the room number on the back of the sheet."

With that, they all flipped their sheets of paper around. Xiao Rui read the number and letter combinations out loud, "B2."

Hai Pixiu, "C1."

Bai Taohua, "C2."

She shook her head and sighed with regret, "Too bad we're not on the same floor, younger brother He."

Seeing that everyone had acquired what they needed, Jiang Man rounded everyone up. "Now that the roommates have been settled. Let me explain further on about the 《All Stars》 for you."

---

¹Here He Xiao uses the villain's first name but rearranges the character and with a different meaning for the characters. His first name: 弄脏 nongzang means to make dirty, to defile. Vs. How He Xiao compared him as: 脓 nong means pus and 脏 zong means dirty = Dirty pus.