Noble Academy's Mob Character: Reborn as the Campus Heartthrob - Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Next Target

The corners of You Yuanxiu’s lips curved upward. He seemed to relish being cursed at, showing no anger but rather an odd delight.

“If you wish, I can be your dog.”

Qi Yuan stared in stunned silence.

Madman!

This guy is definitely insane!

Who in their right mind would volunteer to be someone’s dog?!

It’s no wonder Qi Yuan was shocked; this was his first time encountering such a situation.

Of course, he might encounter even more absurdities in the future, but that was for later. It didn’t lessen his astonishment in the present.

To be honest, Qi Yuan had always thought You Yuanxiu, with his thick eyebrows and large eyes, would never do anything as outrageous as his younger brother You Qinghe. But now he realized he’d been too quick to judge. The two were indeed brothers—in Qi Yuan’s eyes, they were equally baffling.

“What use would I have for you as a dog?” Qi Yuan asked, exasperated.

He expected You Yuanxiu to dodge the question, but instead, the man began to ponder it, as if genuinely considering how to answer.

The smile vanished from You Yuanxiu’s face, and a hint of self-deprecation crept into his voice. “At least I could be useful in some way.”

“Like… I could give you everything I have.”

If only I could keep you here with these things, it would be the best outcome—not you wanting nothing and, in an instant, reverting to how things were ten years ago, giving me hope only to abandon me again.

He didn’t voice these words aloud, but thought them as his gaze traced the lines of Qi Yuan’s face.

Qi Yuan sensed his unspoken thoughts. The hand clutching You Yuanxiu’s hair loosened, letting it fall limply onto the bed.

“You don’t need to do this…” Qi Yuan said, a hint of resignation in his voice.

You Yuanxiu lowered his eyes. “I’m simply willing, but I don’t want to make things difficult for you.”

“You should push me away.”

“You know I won’t.”

“I’m skilled at taking every inch you give.”

Qi Yuan cupped You Yuanxiu’s face in his hands. “But if I pushed you away directly, you’d be heartbroken, wouldn’t you?”

“And besides, would pushing me away really stop you from taking every inch?”

Hearing this, You Yuanxiu’s emotions smoothed out. “You’re right.”

“I’ll never give up on you.”

“Never.”

Qi Yuan didn’t truly believe in the word “forever.” Human hearts are fickle, and relationships ultimately rely on conscience. That’s why he preferred forming bonds with those of good nature, rather than trusting the fleeting sincerity of those with flawed character.

Beside the bed, Qi Yuan gazed at You Yuanxiu’s sleeping face.

After his probing, he was certain You Yuanxiu held no key to escaping this Dreamscape.

He sat for a while before rising to put on his coat, preparing to return home and strategize for his next test.

Qi Yuan’s departure went smoothly, likely because You Yuanxiu was already unwell and hadn’t instructed his subordinates to watch over him.

Or perhaps You Yuanxiu simply hadn’t anticipated Qi Yuan’s abrupt departure, treating him like a disposable tool used and discarded.

Not entirely devoid of decency, Qi Yuan left a note on the bedside table, where You Yuanxiu would likely see it first thing upon waking.

Having dealt with You Yuanxiu, Qi Yuan resolved to avoid appearing before him again in this Dreamscape.

He sensed that the people in this Dreamscape were all somewhat abnormal.

Could their abnormality truly stem solely from his disappearance? There had to be other factors at play, didn’t there?

Qi Yuan felt uncertain. He didn’t believe he wielded such power, yet reality seemed to contradict his assumptions.

He boarded the bus in silence, sighing inwardly as he gazed out the window at the snowy landscape for a long while before pulling out his phone to check the time. Realizing it was still early, he decided to grab a meal outside before heading home.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID—it was Qi Meng.

Has she noticed I’m out?

After a moment’s hesitation, he answered.

“Big Brother, when are you coming home?”

The question confirmed his suspicion—Qi Yuan showed no surprise whatsoever.

“I’m on the bus home. Almost there.”

He didn’t offer any explanation for his outing or what he’d been doing. He felt it wasn’t necessary.

Qi Meng didn’t press for details either, only asking when he’d be back. She’d brought takeout home, only to find her brother wasn’t there, prompting her call to check on his whereabouts.

She knew her brother was keeping secrets from her. It would be a lie to say she didn’t care, but Qi Meng understood that some things are best left unasked. When he’s ready to share, he will.

Qi Yuan had originally planned to eat out, but since his little sister had called to ask when he’d be home, there was a good chance she had brought takeout for him. In that case, he might as well just head straight home.

Back in the warmth of home, Qi Yuan longed to collapse, but he forced himself to eat, his primary concern being to gather information about his next target.

Chewing on his chopsticks, he asked You Qinghe.

Qi Meng: “Do you want to know about Jiang Wang’s current situation?”

She didn’t have much time; after a brief rest at home, she had to head to the He Family.

Qi Yuan hadn’t intended to ask now, but Qi Meng would likely return late tonight, and with work early tomorrow, her return time would be unpredictable.

Reluctant to delay further, he could only apologize to Qi Meng in his heart and promise to make it up to her in the real world.

“Mm, do you know anything?”

Qi Meng: “Yes, I do.”

“He’s… um…”

She paused, studying Qi Yuan intently. Seeing no reaction, she continued.

“He’s basically taken control of the Jiang Family. In recent years, he’s been expanding overseas, particularly into his mother’s family’s territory. With their backing, he’s been quite successful, swallowing up several long-established local powers.”

“I heard he returned to the country a few days ago and is recuperating at one of his estates.”

“Big Brother, you’re asking about him… do you have something you need from him?”

Qi Yuan nodded.

He was uncertain how to handle Jiang Wang. Dealing with You Yuanxiu, he could rely on his own abilities, but for Jiang Wang, he needed Qi Meng’s help.

“Can you help me get into Jiang Wang’s estate?”

Qi Meng: “Sure, no problem.”

It was a simple request.

Jiang Wang’s estate was vast, sprawling across an entire mountain. Not only did it boast stunning natural scenery, but it also had luxurious hot springs perfect for soaking—she’d visited before.

The estate was divided into two areas: one for accommodating wealthy guests who made reservations to enjoy the hot springs, and the other for Jiang Wang’s private residence and retreat. Whenever he returned from overseas, he would stay at the estate for a few days before leaving again.

“When do you want to go, Big Brother?”

“If it’s urgent, I can contact the estate’s butler right now. After dinner, you can leave straight away—he’ll handle everything.”

As she spoke, she met Qi Yuan’s curious gaze and explained, “I ran into Jiang Wang once at the estate and got the butler’s contact information. After all, he said he was your boyfriend and wanted to take care of me as your little sister.”

She genuinely admired her brother’s ability to attract so many admirers, especially since they all knew about each other and yet somehow managed to avoid disaster.

A wistful sigh escaped her lips. “You’re seeing Jiang Wang again… are you trying to get back together with him?”

Qi Yuan: “Huh? Why would you ask that?”

He genuinely couldn’t understand how Qi Meng had connected his visit to Jiang Wang with a desire to reconcile.

Qi Meng was remarkably candid: “You dumped him just a few days before you disappeared. What else could it be but wanting to reconcile?”

Hearing this, Qi Yuan couldn’t help but curse inwardly.

Recalling You Yuanxiu’s strange reaction—why he’d said he was being driven mad by Qi Yuan—a chilling thought struck him.

Damn.

Could it be that all three of them had dated me, and I’d dumped them all?

He felt like he’d stumbled upon the truth.

Qi Yuan touched his shoulder. You Yuanxiu’s bite hadn’t been very hard; it had stung initially, but mostly he’d been startled, hence his overreaction.

This made him realize that, considering his state at the time, You Yuanxiu had shown considerable restraint by merely biting him instead of strangling him.

Given this, it wasn’t surprising that Qi Meng would ask if he was seeking reconciliation with Jiang Wang. After all, who in their right mind would immediately seek out their ex after returning from a transdimensional journey, claiming urgent business?

Qi Yuan paused, then retorted, “It’s not about getting back together. It’s serious business. Don’t overthink it.”

Finding the key to escaping the Dreamscape—how could that not be serious business?

After hearing this, Qi Meng finally stood up, patted Qi Yuan’s shoulder, and said gravely, “Big Brother, remember: a good horse doesn’t graze on its old pasture.”

Qi Yuan: “………”

Since Qi Yuan said he had important business with You Yuanxiu, Qi Meng naturally assumed it was urgent.

So Qi Yuan found himself hastily packed up and dropped off at the Estate. He carried his backpack, wore a mask, and was bundled up tightly, leaving only his eyes visible.

After saying goodbye to Qi Meng at the Estate gates, he stepped inside.

In the main hall, a smiling middle-aged man with a kind face greeted Qi Yuan warmly.

This was the Butler Qi Meng had contacted. He welcomed Qi Yuan and immediately began guiding him around, introducing the Estate’s layout and the beautiful snow-covered scenery as they walked.

Their tour ended when they reached the gate of a courtyard.

Qi Yuan dismissed the Butler, closed the courtyard gate behind him, and couldn’t hide the fatigue on his face.

Without even taking a moment to appreciate the courtyard’s beauty, he went straight to bed.

Outside, a fierce wind howled.

By midnight, heavy snow had begun to fall.

Just then, Jiang Wang returned to the Estate by car after attending the He Family’s birthday banquet.

He had barely removed his heavy coat when the Butler arrived to report on the day’s affairs.

After the standard report, the Butler emphasized Qi Meng’s call.

“Patriarch, Miss Qi’s friend has come to stay at the Estate for a few days. He’s a young man, and their relationship seems quite… intimate.”

Jiang Wang paused, lifting his gaze to meet the Butler’s. “Quite intimate, you say?”

“Yes, Patriarch,” the Butler replied.

Jiang Wang showed no reaction, casually remarking, “Then I suppose I should meet him. Make arrangements.”