Do You Like Me That Much? Miss Villainess

Heyang, the Bai family.

The elderly patriarch of the Bai family, over seventy years old, leaned on his cane. Beside him was the family's martial arts arena where a group of young people were sparring.

Recently, he found watching young people practice quite interesting.

Especially keeping track of the younger generation's progress, then guessing who would fail in the next martial demonstration and who would make a surprising breakthrough. Best of all would be if some child could teach his disobedient granddaughter a lesson, making her work harder.

He had even manipulated things behind the scenes, arranging for a junior who had been at the eighth rank for half a year to face off against Bai Yuyu.

He just wanted little Bai to focus more.

Unexpectedly, she actually won?

The old master Bai pondered, his cane lightly tapping the ground. Before he realized it, a middle-aged man with a serious expression walked up behind him.

"Little Yu hasn't returned yet?"

The old man didn't turn around, both hands resting on his cane as he asked.

"She just left. How could she be back so quickly?" The middle-aged man sighed helplessly. "You're really something. Why do you want to meet little Yu's recent friend? She has a lively personality and many friends. There's nothing strange about that, is there?"

"Friend?"

The old man glanced at him, the crow's feet at the corners of his eyes slightly narrowing:

"What kind of friend is so generous that they would give little Yu a mystical weapon? Do you have such friends?"

"A mystical weapon?"

The middle-aged man was visibly stunned. He was the current head of the Bai family, busy with affairs, and hadn't seen his daughter's martial demonstration, so he didn't know exactly what had happened earlier.

But hearing this term, he couldn't help but reveal a skeptical look, as if to say—

Old man, did you see wrong?

A mystical weapon was one rank below the legendary divine artifacts. Although it couldn't compare to divine artifacts at all, it was still a priceless treasure.

Even with the Bai family's accumulation over several hundred years and the prestige of the Duke Bai title, they only possessed three mystical weapons.

A friend gave her one? What kind of friend is this? Could you introduce them to me too?

"You don't understand, and that's to be expected!"

The old master glared at him fiercely, unconsciously putting his hands behind his back and looking up at the sky: "I'm also wondering, yes, what kind of friend would willingly give away a mystical weapon? If it were me, would I have such courage?"

"Perhaps it's youthful ignorance?" the middle-aged man guessed.

"Guess who little Yu's recent friend is?" the old man asked, knowing that his son had been busy lately and hadn't had time to pay attention to a friend his daughter had only known for a short time.

"..."

The middle-aged man felt somewhat ashamed, unable to answer.

As the head of the Bai family, with recent undercurrents flowing through Heyang City, many matters required his personal attention. In the past, he would personally vet his daughter's friends, but now he had completely entrusted this task to his father.

"You're quite the good father."

The old master gave a light snort but didn't say more, understanding his difficulties.

"If it were an ordinary friend, that would be fine. Although little Yu lacks strategic thinking, her combat power is still among the top of her peers. But her new friend is Mu Qinglan, from Prince Qi's family!"

"The Martial Saint's daughter?" The middle-aged man's expression changed slightly.

The old master Bai nodded slightly, his expression solemn:

"That Princess Mu has poor health and is rumored to have a domineering and arrogant personality. But from her recent actions, I've been shocked to realize that her strategic thinking is first-rate. She certainly wouldn't fail to recognize a treasure like a mystical weapon."

"Since she's willing to give a mystical weapon to our Bai family, our Bai family must acknowledge this favor!"

Bai Yuyu hadn't detailed the process inside the mystical weapon secret realm.

After all, even with her experience, she knew that Mu Qinglan's performance was too abnormal and conspicuous.

She had to help keep it secret.

But the fact that she went out with Mu Qinglan couldn't be hidden.

So after easily defeating her opponent, Bai Yuyu ran to her grandfather, circled around a couple of times, and after the old master noticed the object on her back, she selectively simplified the story.

But even so, the old master Bai was dumbfounded.

Mystical weapons, the Bai family had them. Weapons containing moonlight power, he was also looking for. Even the secret realm that Bai Yuyu went to was one he had pointed out.

But who told you to bring back a mystical weapon?

Wasn't the phenomenon at that secret realm not even up to the level of spiritual weapons?

The old master Bai was speechless for a long time, his mouth slightly open, making Little Bai feel quite satisfied. It wasn't until much later that he remembered that little Yu's mystical weapon had been given to her by a friend, and he strongly requested to meet this friend of hers.

'I originally thought that after little Bai returned from this trip, she would be ready to settle down. I didn't expect this turn of events!' ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ N0velFire.ɴet

The old man was speechless.

"Isn't a mystical weapon quite good?" the middle-aged man tried to persuade.

"Then, what is the price?"

Duke Bai put his hands behind his back, staring at his family's disciples, imposing without anger.

The middle-aged man fell silent. This was a mystical weapon, a mystical weapon! But for the Bai family, which didn't even have a third-rank Grand Master yet, what was the price?

The rise and fall of a family was a cycle.

In the "Destiny" world, due to the difficulty of the Heaven Gate and the challenge of achieving second-rank Martial Saint status, it was almost impossible to have an eternally lasting second-rank family.

Resources were important but not the only factor.

The descendants of second-rank experts wouldn't have poor talent, but to reach the same heights as their ancestors truly required the perfect combination of timing, geography, and human factors.

With a second-rank expert in residence, producing third-rank Grand Masters wasn't difficult.

But the chance of producing another second-rank expert was less than one in ten.

The Martial Saint's daughter was willing to give little Yu a mystical weapon, but they had to be vigilant.

Yes, what was the price?

As the two were silently looking at each other, the old master suddenly turned his head to look in a certain direction. The middle-aged family head belatedly realized that there seemed to be a sudden commotion coming from the entrance.

"Have they arrived?"

The old master gripped his cane, sighed, and walked in that direction.

A distinguished guest had arrived, and as the host, he had to welcome them.

What attitude to adopt was another worry.

Alas.

○

Front courtyard.

"Look, Mu Mu!" Bai Yuyu smiled as she pushed the wheelchair, her steps light, looking as if she had just eaten honey, extremely happy. She pointed at the houses on both sides and introduced: "This is my family's front courtyard. There's a martial arts hall, a private school, there's, there's..."

Mu Qinglan couldn't help but turn to look at her: "I'm a guest. You don't need to introduce everything in such detail."

"Hmph, there's indeed not much to say about these things," Bai Yuyu gave a light snort: "Let me tell you about my grandfather's embarrassing stories. If he dares to give you a hard time, you can retort!"

Mu Qinglan sighed helplessly: "It's not that serious, is it?"

Bai Yuyu stopped in her tracks, lowered her head, her voice as thin as a mosquito's: "I've made quite a few friends, but grandfather has never before said he wanted to meet one."

Bringing a friend to meet the family? Little Bai had never heard of such a thing.

Isn't that something people do with someone they like...?

Mu Qinglan thought for a moment, then comforted her: "He probably just wants to ask about your mystical weapon. I've seen many storms. This small matter is nothing."

"Mys-mystical weapon?"

Bai Yuyu was stunned. The weapon Mu Mu gave her was a mystical weapon?

She knew it was extraordinary, but limited by her eighth-rank perspective, she had only thought it was a spiritual weapon, the kind usable up to the fourth rank.

But a mystical weapon?

Even second-rank experts without divine artifacts used mystical weapons...

"Mu Mu, you gave me a mystical weapon? I, I... I should return it to you!" Bai Yuyu's little face turned red with emotion. She knew how precious mystical weapons were, and precisely because of this, she found it hard to understand why Mu Mu was so good to her.

"This mystical weapon is of no use to me. Consider it an investment."

"But, but... but this is too precious." Bai Yuyu lowered her head dejectedly, her little heart pounding.

Mu Qinglan couldn't help but laugh.

"Does little Bai think she's not worthy?"

She turned around, lightly touched Little Bai's hand, opened it, and counted: "Disciple of a second-rank expert, innate destiny trait, illustrious family background, diligent in practice. Little Bai, which aspect of you do you think isn't worthy of my investment? At worst, just repay me more in the future. Don't let me lose out."

The white-haired girl's eyes were as gentle as water.

Bai Yuyu had her fingers pried open by her, and her heart wasn't so nervous anymore.

"I, I... I'm just worried that they all think I'm reckless and not very smart. I'm also afraid I won't live up to Mu Mu's expectations. But if Mu Mu says so..."

As Bai Yuyu spoke, she finally raised her head, trying hard to look directly into her eyes:

"I'll work hard! I'll be worthy of Mu Mu!"

The light in the young girl's eyes was like the rippling reflections on spring water, making one feel joyful just looking at them, reluctant to look away.

Mu Qinglan knew that even if Bai Yuyu didn't have those feelings before, now she probably did.

Did she like it?

Sometimes, the natural progression of emotions only needs to be gently pierced at the right place.

She smiled softly: "Yes, I believe you."

Bai Yuyu tilted her head and smiled, silly-looking, but the sunshine seemed to brighten up too.

She hopped forward with small steps, pushing the wheelchair, completely ignoring the old man at home, inviting her to stroll through the garden: "My home is quite large. Mu Mu can play at my home all day. If you get tired, just sleep directly. We have guest rooms, and my bed is also big."

"Little Bai, don't!" Mu Qinglan recalled a meme from her previous life.

Bai Yuyu looked at her curiously but didn't say anything, just gave a small snort.

Was her home so unattractive?

The two of them playfully bantered as they went to the back courtyard.

The back courtyard was where the Bai family members lived, quite large, divided into several separate courtyards. As Bai Yuyu pushed Mu Qinglan along the path, there were naturally some mild discussions.

"Who's that?"

"The young miss's girlfriend, what else? In one word, sweet!" This was from a shipper.

"Nonsense! The young miss is only sixteen!" Someone wailed like a ghost.

"Inside information, a distinguished guest invited by the old master." Another insider whispered.

Bai Yuyu didn't bother with them, her big eyes sweeping around, giving a slight glare. No one dared to say anything to their faces, only watching as the two went far away.

"Sweet."

After a while, the shipper sighed deeply.

As the Bai family's daughter and the daughter of the family head, Bai Yuyu had an extraordinary status. When she was old enough to live separately, she was given a quiet separate courtyard.

The courtyard was clean, with two maids for cleaning.

After pushing open the door, Bai Yuyu expertly led Mu Qinglan inside, sitting on the bed.

Little Bai's boudoir was very clean, showing that she was a child who loved cleanliness. There was also an open book on the desk. Mu Qinglan glanced at it as she passed by—it was a martial arts book. Quite diligent.

Bai Yuyu noticed her appraisal and said with a grin: "How's my room?"

"I can't tell it's little Bai's room." Mu Qinglan was indeed somewhat surprised.

Bai Yuyu secretly twisted her mouth.

Her room was actually usually messier, but before Bai Yuyu went out, she had specifically instructed the maids to clean the room well, which is why it looked this way.

"It's not usually like this, is it?"

"How dare you baselessly tarnish my reputation!"

"In the Six Bureaus, your office is messy."

"Oh, that's because there are too many people! Next time I'll take you to see my room at home, it's definitely much cleaner!"

"Ahem!" At this moment, someone outside the bedroom finally couldn't stand it anymore: "Yuyu, I told you to bring the distinguished guest home, why did you bring her to your bedroom?"

Old master Bai had been waiting in the reception hall for a long time, but people hadn't shown up.

It was quite puzzling.

After a while, he asked someone and learned that his flighty granddaughter had directly brought the person back to her own bedroom! How improper! This almost made the old man's beard stand on end.

Bai Yuyu pouted, thinking it was because grandfather insisted on meeting Mu Mu that this happened. She clicked her tongue and deliberately said:

"Grandfather said it was a distinguished guest, but he's not willing to come out and welcome her personally?"

Old master Bai puffed up his beard and glared, thinking, oh no, this granddaughter has really grown up and can't be managed. The cute little cotton-padded jacket has turned into an ice block, only knowing how to stab at his heart.

He didn't go to welcome her because he was conflicted, wasn't he?

Mu Qinglan was indeed a distinguished guest, but if he, the dignified Duke, personally went out to welcome a Martial Saint's daughter, wouldn't it seem too obsequious if word got out? It wouldn't be good for the Bai family's reputation.

But she had, after all, given a mystical weapon. Even if the Bai family didn't want to publicize it, it was a great favor.

Worthy of such courtesy.

He had planned to apologize after meeting her, but unexpectedly, his sweet little granddaughter had started this first?

Behind him, the middle-aged head of the Bai family was also stunned.

His daughter, how had she become so close with an outsider? Her previous friends hadn't been this close, had they?

Should I scold little Yu? But she just achieved something. If I scold her, will she run away from home?

The Bai family head became confused.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Mu Qinglan took the initiative to smooth things over: "This junior Mu Qinglan pays respects to Duke Bai and Uncle Bai. Little Bai just spoke frankly for a moment. As a junior, I naturally don't need the two of you to lower yourselves to welcome me."

Bai Yuyu listened from the side, feeling slightly displeased in her heart, but liked Mu Mu even more.

Because this time, it was indeed her family members who were in the wrong!

It's not scary when everyone is good, what's scary is comparison. With this comparison, it made Mu Mu seem more reasonable.

Old master Bai sighed, waving his hand.

"A distinguished guest has come, and this old body couldn't welcome you. It's the Bai family's fault."

"Please forgive us."

The Bai family head consciously withdrew, and as he left, he glanced at Bai Yuyu, signaling her to follow him out and not get in the way.

Little Bai, seeing this, didn't want to go out in her heart, but she pouted, giving Mu Qinglan an encouraging look, and ran out.

Outside, the sunshine was bright.

But the young girl's mood had gone from sunny to partly cloudy today.

Mainly because she was worried about Mu Mu in the room. Her grandfather was so cunning, he wouldn't bully Mu Mu using his status as an elder, would he?

Old master Bai was truly pitiful. Previously, he had been Little Bai's closest family member, but when someone else came along, she turned against him. Not only was her heart with the other person, but old master Bai had also become a cunning old man.

"Little Yu likes her very much?"

The Bai family head, Bai Qinhu, looked at his anxious daughter and said.

"Of course."

Bai Yuyu casually replied. Her relationship with her father wasn't bad, but it certainly couldn't compare to her previous relationship with her grandfather.

Seeing that his daughter still seemed angry, Bai Qinhu explained:

"Don't blame your grandfather. After all, your grandfather is Duke Bai, representing the Bai family's face. If word got out that he personally went out to welcome that friend of yours, and malicious people spread rumors, it wouldn't be good for either of our families."

"I know already!"

Bai Yuyu turned away. She just couldn't help feeling dissatisfied.

That was a mystical weapon, a mystical weapon! With the family's inheritance over the centuries, they couldn't keep divine artifacts anymore and only had a few mystical weapons left. If the Bai family was like this, what about other families?

Ordinary fourth-rank families without inheritance, if they had this opportunity, would probably even want to enshrine the person!

You're all bad, boo hoo.

"If you're not satisfied, talk to the old man when he comes out. I'll go deal with the matter of you bringing someone to your boudoir," Bai Qinhu was troubled and said helplessly: "Have you thought about what people will think if you take someone to your boudoir on their first visit?"

"..."

Bai Yuyu felt guilty, knowing she hadn't considered this properly.

Fortunately, her father wasn't in the mood to lecture her too much. After instructing her a bit, he hurriedly left.

Bai Yuyu sat in the separate courtyard, bringing over a small stone stool, gazing at the room from afar, resting her chin on her hand and watching.

They said that when her grandfather was serious, it was always about important matters.

But she was just worried about Mu Mu... Really...

○

In the room, old master Bai, seeing that his not-at-all-obedient little granddaughter had left, finally secretly sighed in relief and apologized:

"Princess Mu, regarding what just happened, the Bai family was inconsiderate and has offended you greatly."

He didn't want Mu Qinglan to misunderstand that his apology was forced, so he said it again.

Mu Qinglan also took the opportunity to step down, nodding and saying:

"Duke need not be so formal. Qinglan is a junior, there's no need to address me by title. The Duke is highly respected, calling me Qinglan is fine."

Both were old foxes. Mu Qinglan saying this, Duke Bai couldn't possibly agree:

"Princess Mu's words are too serious," the old master's expression was solemn as he clasped his hands together and gave a slight bow: "You gave little Yu a mystical weapon. No one in the Bai family would dare to be so disrespectful to you."

"If necessary, this old man will address you as Miss Mu."

"Fine."

Mu Qinglan nodded, thinking to herself, little Bai, your father and your grandfather seem to have much higher intelligence than you.

Old master Bai got straight to the point:

"May I ask Miss Mu, since you know it's a mystical weapon, why are you willing to give it to little Yu?"

"Little Bai also contributed. If she heard this, she would definitely be unhappy." Mu Qinglan laughed.

Hearing this, old master Bai shook his head:

"I know little Yu's abilities. If it were truly a mystical weapon secret realm, she would have no reason to make it through the dangers and obtain the weapon."

As he spoke, he asked puzzledly:

"Please enlighten me, Miss Mu."

"The Bai family also knows about little Bai's talent, don't you? An innate destiny trait is enough for me to make some investment in advance. Moreover, little Bai and I are already friends, so this isn't particularly surprising, is it?"

Old master Bai's expression was complex. This counts as not surprising?

And my dear granddaughter, how did you tell her everything? This is an innate destiny trait! Don't you have any secrets at all?

"Besides, little Bai isn't getting it for free. She owes me a favor."

"Not just little Yu," the old master said solemnly: "The entire Bai family owes you a favor."

"Oh?"

Mu Qinglan smiled slightly, her expression somewhat meaningful:

"Since Master Bai says so, then I'll be bold and make a small request."