She quietly opened the door, stood under the eaves, and gently closed it. A light rain was still falling, and with nothing else to do, she decided to practice the song she had learned the day before.
Her voice was soft, almost imperceptible in the rain. Xiao Yuan was immersed in the world of music, as if she could temporarily forget the embarrassment of the previous night and the fluttering in her heart. Her voice was clear and melodious, carrying the innocence and shyness of a young girl, like spring rain nourishing the earth.
However, she was unaware that inside the bamboo house behind her, Jiuxiao was quietly watching her tenderly through the crack in the door. He listened to her melodious and beautiful singing voice, which had a unique charm even without accompaniment.
It was clearly just a whim of Jiu Xiao's, but Xiao Yuan took it to heart and practiced here early in the morning. This touched Jiu Xiao deeply, but also made him feel a little guilty.
Whether it's about singing or what happened last night, I feel somewhat sorry for her. Since I'm going to get stabbed anyway, what's there to hesitate about? I'll just go for it.
Besides, there are some things that need to be clarified with Xiaoyuan sooner or later. There's no time like the present; if he backs down now, it will be even harder to bring it up later. Jiuxiao decided to find a suitable opportunity to apologize to Xiaoyuan and confess his feelings.
After singing the last line of lyrics, Xiaoyuan smiled with satisfaction and turned to go back inside.
My period is big!
Just then, Jiuxiao seized the opportunity and took the initiative to push open the door.
Xiao Yuan was startled when the door was suddenly pushed open from the inside. She looked towards the doorway, and their eyes met in the air. When she realized it was Jiu Xiao, Xiao Yuan's cheeks flushed instantly. She lowered her head, somewhat at a loss.
Jiuxiao slowly stepped forward and said softly, "Xiaoyuan, you sang very well. I... um... I really like it."
Xiao Yuan looked up in surprise, meeting Jiu Xiao's sincere gaze, and the flutter in her heart surged again. She pursed her lips and whispered, "You...you heard everything?"
Jiuxiao nodded, a hint of apology flashing in his eyes: "Yes, I heard everything. Actually, I must apologize to you about this."
"Apologize...?"
Xiao Yuan murmured repeatedly, utterly puzzled as to why Jiu Xiao had to apologize to her.
Jiuxiao nodded and continued, "Yes, I apologize. At first, I actually wanted to tease you and get you to learn to sing. I just wanted to see how troubled you were... Of course, I wasn't lying about wanting to hear you sing."
"So I'm very sorry, Madoka-sama! Please punish me as you please... ah, no, I mean, I hope you can forgive my willfulness this time."
After Jiu Xiao finished speaking, he bowed deeply, his attitude sincere and earnest. Of course, this was on the premise that he would retract the abstract statement that had almost slipped out of his mouth.
After hearing his words, Xiaoyuan shook her head.
"It's okay, Jiuxiao-jun, I know you didn't mean any harm... Um... it's a little embarrassing to say... but actually I'm also enjoying it a bit. And I'm happy that you can listen to me sing."
Upon hearing this, Jiuxiao was overwhelmed with emotion. "Yuan Shen, oh my god, how can you be so adorable? Were you raised on cuteness?"
Jiu Xiao couldn't help himself. He reached out and gently stroked Xiao Yuan's hair, saying softly, "Xiao Yuan, thank you. From now on, I will be more careful with my words and actions so as not to bother you anymore."
Xiaoyuan's face turned even redder, and through her hair, you could vaguely see that the roots of her ears were also red. She lowered her head even further, almost burying it in her chest. Her voice was barely audible as she said, "Nine Heavens Lord, please don't do this, I'm not a child anymore..."
Jiu Xiao immediately withdrew his hand, which had been unconsciously stroking Xiao Yuan's head. He scratched his head somewhat awkwardly and laughed, "Sorry, Xiao Yuan, I was being presumptuous. But seeing your reaction, I just couldn't help it... Ahem, let's get down to business."
Xiao Yuan responded softly, trying to calm her racing heart. She looked up at the sky with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.
"It's important. Does Lord Jiuxiao have anything else to say?"
After organizing his thoughts, Jiu Xiao continued, "It's about last night. I'm sorry, I was half asleep last night..."
Upon hearing about what happened last night, Xiaoyuan reacted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, hurriedly replying, "N-no...it's okay, I know Jiuxiao-jun didn't mean it. And I was also wrong for not stopping you in time. But this is a one-time thing, this can't happen again, Jiuxiao-jun can't do anything to betray Sania."
I wonder if Xiaoyuan saw through Jiuxiao's thoughts and preemptively shut down what he was about to say. Don't let Xiaoyuan's usual dazed and silly demeanor fool you; she's actually quite sensitive when it comes to matters of the heart.
Just as Jiu Xiao knew that Xiao Yuan had feelings for him, Xiao Yuan could also vaguely sense that Jiu Xiao had feelings for her. However, for the kind-hearted Xiao Yuan, stealing someone else's love was something she would never do in a heartless and insane way.
As for the idea of three people being together, Xiaoyuan had never even considered it. It was utterly unthinkable to her, far beyond her comprehension. She firmly believed that true love should be pure and exclusive, without any other emotions mixed in.
Not to mention adding another person!
Xiao Yuan's reaction was exactly what Jiu Xiao had expected; she was a true warrior of pure love. The only thing that surprised Jiu Xiao was that Xiao Yuan had so quickly sensed his feelings, catching him completely off guard.
But! Who says a harem can't have pure love stories? (Outrageous statement)
If the direct approach is blocked, then a roundabout strategy will suffice. Jiuxiao has always been serious about building a harem.
Chapter 53 It seems I've arrived at the wrong time.
"What do you mean by 'I've wronged Sania'?" Jiuxiao asked knowingly.
When Jiuxiao asked her this question, Xiaoyuan stammered and didn't know how to refute it for a moment.
Jiuxiao used "Intimidation" on Xiaoyuan, and the effect was outstanding, reducing Xiaoyuan's defense by 100%.
Seeing that Xiaoyuan was taken aback, Jiuxiao continued, "Let me ask you a question. Suppose Miss A and Miss B both fall in love with Mr. C, and Mr. C also likes both of them. In order for everyone to be happy, what do you think Mr. C should choose?"
"Huh?" For a moment, Xiao Yuan was stunned. She didn't understand why Jiu Xiao would ask such a question.
After thinking for a while and not finding an answer, Xiaoyuan passed the buck to Jiuxiao.
"Then, what do you think we should do to ensure everyone's happiness?"
Without the slightest hesitation or reservation, Jiu Xiao shamelessly said, "Only children make choices; adults, of course, choose to have it all."
Xiao Yuan's eyes widened and her mouth slightly agape upon hearing this, clearly taken aback by Jiu Xiao's answer. She remained stunned for a moment before saying, "But...but, isn't that too selfish? Love should be exclusive; how can you like two people at the same time? Besides, isn't it against the law?"
So, Xiaoyuan is too kind. The right thing to do in this situation would be to just call him a scumbag and walk away. Jiuxiao has a firm grasp on Xiaoyuan's personality, which is why he's so shameless.
Jiuxiao continued to argue, "The law only stipulates that you can only marry one person, it doesn't stipulate that you can't date several girlfriends at the same time."
This kid has really figured out the law. Even if Professor Luo came, he'd have to give him a thumbs up and maybe even a few good whacks. The law can be unconventional, but it can't be wicked!
"Besides, love is inherently selfish. I think you completely don't understand. Let's take the ABC example from earlier. No matter whether C chooses A or B in the end, the remaining person will definitely get hurt. If C doesn't choose any of them, all three people will get hurt. You see, no matter what they choose, someone will get hurt, right?"
Xiao Yuan nodded noncommittally, looking like she was about to be completely fooled by Jiu Xiao.
Seeing this, Jiuxiao pressed her advantage, saying, "But my plan can at least minimize the damage. C can like both A and B at the same time, giving them care and companionship, ensuring that neither of them feels neglected. Wouldn't that create a world where no one gets hurt?"
Jiuxiao spoke with conviction, not at all finding what he was saying to be outrageous. "Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown. To have a harem, one must have a thick skin!" If he couldn't even get past this internal hurdle, he should probably abandon this unrealistic idea as soon as possible.
Because Jiuxiao knew this, he never backed down.
Xiaoyuan listened to Jiuxiao's words, her brows furrowed, clearly experiencing a fierce internal struggle. Her long-held belief in love was being challenged like never before. She wanted to refute him, but found herself unable to find compelling arguments to disprove Jiuxiao's views.
"But...but...even if you can date two people at the same time, in the end you can only marry one of them, right?"
Not knowing how to properly refute Xiaoyuan, she ultimately chose to resort to the law to restrain Jiuxiao's dangerous ideas.
"Does Xiaoyuan think the law is more important, or happiness?"
"this......"
Xiao Yuan knew exactly what answer Jiu Xiao wanted, and although she felt inexplicably annoyed by his confident demeanor, she couldn't bring herself to lie to herself.
"Shouldn't...happiness be more important?"
"Happy? I knew it..."
Jiuxiao murmured, showing no surprise on his face, as if he had expected Madoka's choice all along. After all, in the world of Madoka Magica, Madoka herself had said: for the sake of the magical girls' hopes, she would break these rules.
Having gotten the answer he wanted, Jiuxiao immediately seized the opportunity to climb up the pole.
"So, it's forgivable that I like Sania and Xiaoyuan, and want to be with you two, right?"
Although they are not monogamous in the traditional sense, at least all three of them can find satisfaction and happiness to some extent.
A world where only Fate is injured... doesn't exist. The child is still young and can be raised for a few more years.
Upon hearing this, Xiao Yuan's face instantly turned bright red. He hadn't expected Jiu Xiao to reveal his true intentions so quickly; the map of the Yan Kingdom was far too short.
"Um... isn't this a bit too early for us? At the very least, we should talk to Sania first..."
Before Xiaoyuan could finish speaking, Jiuxiao embraced her delicate body. He knew that at this moment, he had to be firm, leaving Xiaoyuan no choice but to obediently accept this affection.
As expected, Xiaoyuan, suddenly embraced, calmed down, her words cut off. Silently enduring the warmth of Jiuxiao's embrace, her heart pounded like a drum, and the blush on her cheeks seemed to bleed. Her thoughts were also in turmoil at this moment, a mixture of shock and bewilderment from the sudden confession, and a small expectation for this relationship.
Already exhausted by many things, she needed a safe haven, and Jiu Xiao's appearance largely filled the void in her heart, giving her an unprecedented sense of security. In a sense, Jiu Xiao took advantage of her vulnerability.
Xiao Yuan nestled in Jiu Xiao's arms, listening to his strong heartbeat, and her heart gradually calmed down. Heaven had sent her to this unfamiliar place, and she had met Jiu Xiao and everyone else; perhaps it was all an arrangement by the gods.
Since she couldn't forcefully refuse, Xiaoyuan began to convince herself internally. If Jiuxiao knew, he'd probably jump for joy.
Deep down, Xiaoyuan didn't reject the relationship; it was just that it all came so suddenly and strangely that she felt somewhat lost. She'd inexplicably become the "other woman." If it were just her dating Jiuxiao, Xiaoyuan wouldn't be so conflicted.
She had been regretting never having been in a relationship when she thought she was going to die, but little did she know that the gods would play such a cruel joke on her. A love triangle—this was something Xiaoyuan had never seen before in her life.
Looking at Xiaoyuan nestled peacefully in his arms, Jiuxiao didn't make any more vows or promises. He simply stroked her hair gently, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility. He knew that time would tell.
However, at that moment, the bamboo door behind them was suddenly pushed open. Sania stood in the doorway, looking expressionlessly at Jiuxiao and Xiaoyuan, who were embracing each other.
"It seems I've come at the wrong time."
Chapter Fifty-Four: No, You've Come Just in Time
Sania's voice was calm and indifferent, devoid of any emotion. This startled Jiu Xiao and Xiao Yuan. Xiao Yuan quickly broke free from Jiu Xiao's embrace, her face flushed even more, standing there helplessly, unsure how to explain.
Jiuxiao also seemed somewhat embarrassed, unsure how to handle the sudden chaotic situation. Although he had informed Sania beforehand, he still felt a little guilty when the time came.
He wondered if he should simply learn Li Xunhuan's moves.
The saying "If you don't court death, you won't die" applies to any world. But there are always some brave souls who choose to go against the grain.
Jiuxiao encouraged himself internally, and, trying to appear calm, waved to Sania, signaling her to come over.
Sania had been listening behind the door for a long time. Although she was initially very angry, after calming down... well, she was still angry. Fortunately, unlike Xiaoyuan, she didn't live in modern times and was raised with a monogamous system.
Sania traveled here from another world in the last century, where it was perfectly normal for men to have multiple wives and concubines. But that didn't mean she wasn't angry. They hadn't even finished eating what was in their bowls before they were already eyeing what was in the market. This trend had to be curbed, otherwise she couldn't imagine how outrageous Jiuxiao would become in the future.
Since there were other people present, Sania decided to give him face for now and deal with him later when no one was around. Besides, it wouldn't be good to leave Xiaoyuan here like this, since she might become her sister in the future.
Thinking this, Sania walked up to Jiuxiao, meeting his gaze. But what Jiuxiao did next made her realize—it was an eye-opener.
As Sania approached, Jiuxiao put one arm around her and the other around Xiaoyuan, who was still pretending to be an ostrich. Before they could react, he said in a very flamboyant way, "No, you've come at just the right time."
Both of them were stunned, never expecting Jiu Xiao to be so shameless. Sania, in particular, was so enraged by Jiu Xiao's audacity that she laughed. Grabbing Jiu Xiao's ear, she gritted her teeth and said, "Wow, Jiu Xiao, you've won over Xiao Yuan in just a few days. And that twisted logic you just spouted, did you plan it all out in advance...?"
Jiu Xiao winced in pain as his ears were grabbed, but he refused to let go of the girls, enduring Sania's beatings and scolding. He was in the wrong; there was no excuse. If he couldn't even bear such a small punishment, what right did he have to talk about loving them?
Xiao Yuan watched in stunned silence, the expected barrage of criticism not directed at her. All her anger was vented on Jiu Xiao, but seeing Jiu Xiao in pain, she felt a pang of pity.
She quickly reached out and grabbed Sania's hand that was twisting Jiu Xiao's ear, explaining, "I'm sorry, Sania, I was also at fault. If I had firmly rejected him from the beginning, perhaps this wouldn't have happened. Please let Jiu Xiao go; look, he's in so much pain that tears are welling up in his eyes..."
However, Sania didn't let go. Her eyes darted back and forth between Jiuxiao and Xiaoyuan. Looking at Xiaoyuan's sincere pleading for Jiuxiao, she was slightly moved. What a silly girl! She was almost completely fooled by Jiuxiao just now, but now she's speaking up for this scumbag.
No wonder Jiu Xiao likes her so much; who wouldn't be confused? Besides being cute, she also has such a great personality. In Jiu Xiao's words, she's a little angel.
Perhaps even Sania herself didn't realize that she had already found reasons in her heart for Jiuxiao's philandering... It can only be said that being loved really makes one fearless.
With Xiaoyuan already in this state, Sania naturally couldn't retaliate against Jiuxiao any further. She sighed and silently straightened Jiuxiao's disheveled collar. She said earnestly, "I don't know if I owed you something in my past life, but you've gotten off easy in this one. But if you ever dare to let me and Xiaoyuan down, I'll... I'll..."
After thinking for a long time, Sania finally couldn't bear to say those vicious words. She just patted Jiuxiao's chest gently, her eyes filled with a hint of warning and helplessness.
Seeing that everything was finally settled, Jiu Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief. The most difficult step had finally been taken; from now on, he just needed to let them gradually adapt. Adjusting himself to a comfortable position, he embraced the two of them again, feeling that it had all been worthwhile.
The world-famous painting – Fate is sleeping.
The three of them hugged for a while, then Sania said impatiently, "How long are you going to hug me? Hurry up and make breakfast."
"Okay, okay, I'll be right there, you guys chat, you guys chat."
Xiao Yuan had wanted to help Jiu Xiao prepare breakfast, but Sania pulled her away. Jiu Xiao wondered what the two girls were talking about. He guessed Sania was probably trying to comfort Xiao Yuan... Knowing Xiao Yuan's personality, he figured she'd have a hard time getting over interfering in someone else's relationship.
Upon seeing this, Jiuxiao couldn't help but exclaim: "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for!"
Breakfast was prepared the same way as last night; Jiuxiao used himself as a stove to make a simple stewed taro. Since it was breakfast, too much oil wouldn't be good, so no meat was added. Finally, a skewer of bananas that I had picked on my last trip back to camp was grilled.
Fate was also awakened by the enticing aroma of food. Perhaps because she was in the prime of her growth period, Fate always slept longer than the other girls. Thankfully, Fate didn't discover what happened this morning, otherwise Jiuxiao's authority as the elder brother would have been jeopardized.
At breakfast, everyone sat together, but the atmosphere was strangely stiff. What should have been a time to build rapport was instead filled with awkwardness due to the morning's events.
Xiao Yuan would occasionally steal a glance at Jiu Xiao, but as soon as their eyes met, she would immediately lower her head and pretend to be eating seriously. This girlish demeanor touched Jiu Xiao, but he dared not make a move, because Sania was still watching him intently from the side.
Seeing that Jiuxiao was not eating, Fate picked up a piece of taro and held it to his mouth.
Jiuxiao paused for a moment, then opened his mouth and ate the taro that Fate offered, a warm feeling welling up inside him. He looked at Fate tenderly, his eyes filled with gratitude and affection. Seeing this, Fate revealed an innocent smile, a smile so pure it seemed to wash away all the filth of the world.
"Brother Jiuxiao, what are you daydreaming about? You can't skip breakfast."
His words, though still somewhat childlike, were full of concern for Jiuxiao.
Sania watched this scene from the sidelines, somewhat displeased. She and Xiaoyuan had agreed to ignore Jiuxiao for a while, but she hadn't expected Fate to turn out to be such a "traitor."
Is this what they mean by "there's a traitor among us"?
To prevent Jiuxiao from enjoying himself, Sania mocked, "Jiuxiao, why aren't you eating? Don't you like it?"
P.S.: I don't know if you guys like this kind of twisted plot. Nobody's saying anything, I'm almost afraid to write anymore. If you think it's okay, could you please add it to your favorites or vote for it?
Chapter 55: An eye for an eye (4K)
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