Why Do All the Villains Look at Me Like This? - Chapter 123

Four or five months had passed since the earth-shattering war between the Federation and the Empire. Both sides had reportedly suffered catastrophic losses, forcing them to declare a ceasefire. The citizens of both nations could finally begin to return to normal life.

Yet even now, the streets remained desolate beyond imagination. On an entire block, only two or three breakfast shops were open, and the lines for breakfast stretched endlessly.

Standing in the middle of one such line was a man with long silver hair, his head covered by a baseball cap pulled low, obscuring all but the sharp, cold line of his jaw. The man exuded an aura of danger, making it clear he was not to be trifled with.

“Achoo!” The elderly man ahead of him sneezed, his stooped back tilting backward as he stumbled into the Silver-Haired Man.

Instantly, the Silver-Haired Man’s gaze swept across the old man, utterly devoid of emotion, like that of a cold-blooded creature.

But when onlookers turned to investigate, they couldn’t quite make out his expression. It was as if the process of forgetting had suddenly accelerated, leaving only emptiness and silence in its wake.

In the emptiness of his mind, the Silver-Haired Man still felt a flicker of fear, an instinct for self-preservation etched into his genes.

He had sensed the elderly man’s approach long before the collision, yet he chose not to evade, even steeling himself mentally for the impact.

But when the collision finally occurred, he was still caught off guard.

By the elderly man’s scent.

The man was a manual laborer, his sweat-soaked clothes emitting a foul odor that instantly constricted the Silver-Haired Man’s pupils.

He swiftly manipulated space and airflow to seal away and obliterate the stench, simultaneously erasing the portion of his skin that had been touched.

Before the blood beneath the severed skin could even surface, the wound was already covered with new flesh. The onlookers remained oblivious to this terrifying process, the wound’s appearance and healing occurring at a speed far beyond human comprehension.

The man’s gaze then fell upon the elderly man, staring at the oblivious offender. He raised a finger slightly, but after a moment’s hesitation, he lowered it again.

As he lowered his hand, it pressed tightly against his side, veins bulging as if he were suppressing something.

The poor old man remained completely unaware of this complex internal struggle. He only vaguely remembered bumping into the man behind him, and that this dignified stranger hadn’t even scolded him.

He offered a simple, honest smile. “Young man, you’re truly kind.”

The Silver-Haired Man paid no attention to the old man’s words. He merely turned his head to look in a certain direction, a rare hint of barely perceptible anticipation flickering in his mercury-like eyes.

His gaze was fixed on a strikingly handsome young man standing there, who was currently holding a terminal, seemingly searching for information.

These two were Yao Huai and Meng Xuexiao.

Ever since proposing the trial period, Meng Xuexiao had been closely observing Yao Huai’s every move. In Yao Huai’s mind, this was part of his evaluation.

After the Federation and Empire declared a ceasefire, Yao Huai sent the criminals from Chu Sinian’s territory away and began traveling between the two nations with Meng Xuexiao, creating more opportunities for observation.

But for some reason, during the first month, Meng Xuexiao’s gaze had been almost inseparable from Yao Huai, clinging to him like a shadow. After that, however, Meng Xuexiao’s attention toward him gradually diminished.

For example, right now, Yao Huai had clearly restrained himself, refraining from killing the elderly man in front of Meng Xuexiao—a perfect opportunity to earn major points. Yet Meng Xuexiao didn’t even lift an eyelid.

What could possibly be so fascinating on that terminal that Meng Xuexiao can’t tear his eyes away? Yao Huai wondered.

Yao Huai waited a while longer—one minute, three minutes, five minutes. Finally, at the ten-minute mark, Meng Xuexiao’s gaze shifted from the terminal and met Yao Huai’s.

The corners of Yao Huai’s lips immediately curled upward.

But Meng Xuexiao, who had finally looked up, merely nodded at him before returning his attention to the terminal.

Yao Huai felt that something about this situation seemed off.

First, Meng Xuexiao had shown intense interest in him, but after a while, his attention gradually waned, resembling the “three-minute craze” described in the human books he had studied.

Had Meng Xuexiao grown tired of this observation period?

Or… did Meng Xuexiao regret staying by his side?

This was entirely possible, after all, it wasn’t the first time Meng Xuexiao had tried to escape his grasp.

Yao Huai’s hand clenched involuntarily, the veins that had been visible only on the back of his hand now snaked up his forearm.

“Sir, sir?” The vendor’s insistent calls snapped Yao Huai back to reality. The man even waved his hand in front of Yao Huai’s face. “Your breakfast is ready—two portions.”

Yao Huai loathed being disturbed, and the vendor’s persistent waving felt as irritating as a buzzing fly. But then he saw the exquisitely packaged breakfast being offered to him.

Two portions: one for himself, and one for Meng Xuexiao.

Yao Huai’s gaze softened again.

He carefully accepted the breakfast, as if afraid of damaging it.

…

Lately, Meng Xuexiao had been sensing something strange about Yao Huai, though he couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was.

Ever since Meng Xuexiao proposed the trial period, Yao Huai seemed to have awakened a sudden desire to perform. For instance, when buying breakfast today, Yao Huai had restrained himself before instinctively glancing at Meng Xuexiao, as if seeking approval.

Initially, Meng Xuexiao had suggested the trial period because he feared Yao Huai’s suppression of his true nature might only be temporary. During the early stages, he had kept a close watch on Yao Huai.

But as Yao Huai consistently behaved well, Meng Xuexiao’s concerns gradually faded.

This peaceful life even made Meng Xuexiao think that continuing to live with Yao Huai like this wouldn’t be so bad.

However, ever since they returned from buying breakfast that one time, Yao Huai’s demeanor had shifted. It wasn’t a drastic change, but… there was a subtle air of furtiveness, like he was hiding something.

Though it felt odd to describe a lofty God as “furtive.”

“Yao Huai…?”

Meng Xuexiao gazed at the man sitting beside him. Yao Huai still wore his usual baseball cap to suppress his divine aura, his lips pressed into a tight line, projecting an aloofness. Yet his eyes seemed unfocused, as if lost in thought.

Meng Xuexiao called Yao Huai’s name three or four times before he gradually responded, turning his gaze toward him.

Meng Xuexiao sighed and handed Yao Huai the half-cup of soy milk left over from breakfast. Yao Huai took it, then… promptly drifted back into his thoughts.

“Pop!”

A strange sound echoed, followed by the sound of liquid spilling.

Lost in thought, Yao Huai hadn’t controlled his grip and had crushed the paper cup, causing the beige liquid to spill all over his hand and clothes.

“…What’s going on with you?” Meng Xuexiao instinctively grabbed a tissue to wipe Yao Huai clean, but the next moment, the liquid vanished completely.

Yao Huai had simply drawn the soy milk away from his skin and clothes.

Meng Xuexiao blinked, realizing that even after all this time, he still wasn’t used to Yao Huai’s fundamental differences from ordinary humans.

Feeling somewhat awkward, he withdrew the tissue.

But the next instant, the soy milk reappeared on Yao Huai’s body, soaking his previously dry and neat clothes once more.

Startled, Meng Xuexiao reflexively pulled the tissue back a little further.

In the next moment, Yao Huai grabbed Meng Xuexiao’s hand.

The man snatched the papers back from Meng Xuexiao as if seizing a stolen object.

Holding the crumpled sheets, he frantically wiped at the damp spots, continuing even as the paper tore and crumbled beneath his hands.

This almost neurotic behavior made Meng Xuexiao’s eyes widen involuntarily.

When Yao Huai looked up, he caught the young man’s expression.

Earlier, Yao Huai had been so absorbed in thinking about buying breakfast that he instinctively cleaned up the spilled soy milk. By the time he realized what he was doing, he had already soaked himself in soy milk again, expecting Meng Xuexiao to help him wipe it off. But Meng Xuexiao had withdrawn his hand even faster this time.

And now, seeing the young man’s current expression…

This only reinforced Yao Huai’s suspicions from earlier that morning.

With a sudden “clang”, Yao Huai abruptly stood up.

Due to their travels, Meng Xuexiao and Yao Huai were staying at an inn, as usual. The commotion drew the attention of everyone in the inn’s lobby.

Given Meng Xuexiao’s earlier attempt to wipe away the spilled soy milk and the intimate atmosphere between them, the onlookers had already assumed they were a couple. Now, with this sudden outburst, whispers began to circulate, “This looks like a lovers’ quarrel, doesn’t it?”

Meng Xuexiao couldn’t care less about what the gossiping crowd was saying. His gaze instinctively turned to Yao Huai. These onlookers had no idea of the true stakes. If Yao Huai suddenly lost his temper, this wouldn’t be a simple “lovers’ quarrel.”

For a stark reminder, one need only recall the fate of the Pro-War Factions in the Federation and Empire, who had been utterly annihilated.

Meng Xuexiao also stood up, his entire body tensed, ready to react to any sudden developments.

But in the next moment, Yao Huai simply strode past everyone and walked out.

Meng Xuexiao, “???”

What exactly does “all bark and no bite” mean?

This must be it…

In fact… Yao Huai didn’t even make a sound as he left…

Should I chase after him?

Meng Xuexiao watched the man’s retreating figure, conflicted. The man walked silently, yet his departure carried an air of finality.

Meng Xuexiao stood up, but by then, the hotel entrance was deserted. He glanced down the street, where only a few scattered figures remained due to the tense atmosphere. A quick scan confirmed Yao Huai was nowhere in sight.

Has Yao Huai really left just like that…?

As Meng Xuexiao pondered, a figure approached him. “What’s wrong? Are you in trouble?”

The man wore a military uniform, his rank evident from the insignia. His bearing exuded an aura of uprightness.

Meng Xuexiao recognized the man’s face instantly: Su Xian.

It had been a long time since Meng Xuexiao had last seen Su Xian. Their last encounter was during his escape from Huai Sui. During his time stranded in the Empire, Su Xian had shown him considerable kindness, even attempting to rescue him from Huai Sui’s clutches.

“It’s not exactly trouble,” Meng Xuexiao replied, trying to downplay the situation. The matter at hand was far too complex to explain in a few words.

Moreover, considering Yao Huai’s manic frenzy during his clashes with his clones, Meng Xuexiao was reluctant to involve Su Xian in these matters. What if Yao Huai misunderstood? Su Xian’s life would be in danger.

But Su Xian didn’t seem convinced. “Really?”

Meng Xuexiao inwardly marveled at the soldier’s uncanny intuition, but outwardly he tried to downplay the situation. “Yes, really. Besides, the Federation and the Empire have declared a ceasefire. Things will only get better from here.”

Su Xian remained silent, his gaze fixed intently on Meng Xuexiao’s eyes. “But I heard you haven’t been doing well.”

“A few months ago, a silver-haired man suddenly appeared on the battlefields between the Federation and the Empire. He single-handedly annihilated most of the elite forces from both sides and captured a human young man.”

Su Xian’s bronze complexion seemed to deepen slightly. “If I’m not mistaken, that human young man was you, wasn’t it?”

“To slaughter so many humans and alien beasts single-handedly, that silver-haired man could practically be called a monster. Are you really willing to be with a monster? He’s a walking time bomb.”

“If you’re unhappy, I can—” Su Xian mimed drawing a knife. “I came here specifically for this.”

“You can’t kill him,” Meng Xuexiao said, his brow furrowing. “Besides, I don’t need your help. If you want to stay alive, you’d better stay far away from both him and me.”

A dark glint flashed in Su Xian’s eyes as he spoke, his voice almost hypnotic. “He can be killed. Every living thing, whether monster or God, can be killed. I have something that can kill anything.”

“I could kill him right now and take you to a place where you’ll be absolutely safe.”

“All you have to do is say yes.”

Su Xian spoke with unwavering conviction, leaning closer to Meng Xuexiao. In that moment, the man seemed to have created an intensely private space between his body and the inn’s entrance, as if the clamor from within had faded into silence.

The air was thick with conspiracy.

This made Meng Xuexiao uneasy, and the undisguised murderous intent in Su Xian’s eyes only intensified his discomfort.

Just as he was about to push the man away, a memory flashed through his mind.

It was when “Chu Sinian’s” plan had just begun. With a disturbingly casual yet malicious expression, “Chu Sinian” had provoked Major Chen, forcing him to follow the predetermined path step by step toward the inevitable conclusion.

Yao Huai had always been a master of deception, never hesitating to turn his darkest malice against himself.

He had killed all his clones and, when the truth that “Chu Sinian” and Yao Huai were the same person was revealed to Meng Xuexiao, ruthlessly pinned all the blame on Yao Huai’s identity.

Just like now.

After all, not everyone had the courage to wield a blade against a god—except the God Himself.

Meng Xuexiao scrutinized Su Xian before him, but apart from that initial feeling, he found no flaws in his disguise.

Of course. Yao Huai was an expert at impersonating others and shifting blame onto himself.

Meng Xuexiao nearly laughed in exasperation.

Did this man truly despise the Yao Huai identity so much?

“Alright, I think you’re absolutely right,” Meng Xuexiao said, adopting a more relaxed tone as he leaned against the hotel door.

“Honestly, I’ve been putting up with Yao Huai for far too long. I’ve dreamed of killing him. No one knows how I’ve endured these past few months.”

“And that ‘probationary period’ I mentioned earlier? It was just a lie to appease him. He’s so foolish—a god, yet he was fooled by a mere human like me.”

“…As expected.” Su Xian’s expression remained perfectly normal, tinged with a hint of satisfaction and understanding. Yet his eyes deepened several shades, as if some monstrous thing were lurking within, its horn just barely visible.

Even this small detail was enough for Meng Xuexiao to confirm his suspicions.

This guy really is Yao Huai!

Meng Xuexiao felt an overwhelming urge to slap him across the face and walk away.

He couldn’t understand it. How could a God be so cautious, always prepared to abandon his current identity and start anew?

Meanwhile, Su Xian was still pressing him, “When are you going to kill him?”

“Now! Immediately! Right now!”

“Just hurry up and kill him!”

“I’m not going to let him pass his probationary period without a fight!”

Meng Xuexiao finally reached his breaking point. Though his composure prevented him from actually slapping Yao Huai, he began striding purposefully toward the inn.

The tone and expression were enough for “Su Xian” to sense something was amiss.

The Silver-Haired Man’s skin stretched taut, revealing Yao Huai’s true face.

He wasn’t stupid; his mind quickly pieced together the truth.

“So, everything you said earlier was sarcasm?”

Meng Xuexiao ignored him, slamming the inn door shut. Yao Huai didn’t even flinch as the door nearly struck his face, his lips curving into a slight smile.

He pressed on, “If everything you said was sarcasm, then ‘I’m not going to let him pass his probationary period without a fight’ means…”

“…I already passed it?”

Meng Xuexiao refused to acknowledge him, not even glancing in his direction.

But the corners of Yao Huai’s lips curled higher and higher.

He thought, I already know the answer.