It's Hard Being the Bad Guy

Chapter 31

Warning: The translated content contains scenes of non-consensual physical intimacy, which may be disturbing or uncomfortable for some readers. Reader discretion is advised.

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Wen Ai stirred the noodles in his bowl and picked up a small strand, sending it into his mouth.

"Is it alright?" Lu Mingxiao sat across from him, holding a pair of chopsticks in his hand, but his eyes were fixed on him. "The chef in the kitchen said there are many ways to make egg noodles in the Central Plains, and this is the most common one."

"It's pretty good." Wen Ai swallowed the noodles, savoring the aroma of the scrambled eggs and lard in his mouth. He glanced at Lu Mingxiao. "Aren't you eating?"

"I am." Lu Mingxiao dipped his chopsticks into his own bowl of noodles, eating several mouthfuls before exhaling, "As long as you like it."

Wen Ai paused with his chopsticks. "This isn't cooked by you, is it?"

Lu Mingxiao's face immediately tensed. "Yes, do you... not like it?"

"It's not that I don't like it..." Wen Ai, noticing his strong reaction and recalling the rumors flying around the sect, hesitated. "You don't have to be so concerned about me. I'm just a guest, not that particular. It was just a small favor back then, and you repaying me like this, I'll owe you a favor in return."

Lu Mingxiao tightened his grip on the chopsticks, his lips forming a straight line. "I'm not repaying you."

Wen Ai silently ate a few bites of scrambled eggs, feeling that regardless of Lu Mingxiao's attitude, he should clarify things. Putting down his chopsticks, he spoke earnestly, "Master Lu, I know it might seem presumptuous to say this, but I've always considered you as a friend."

Lu Mingxiao blinked in surprise for a moment, then lowered his eyelids slowly. "I understand."

With this exchange, Wen Ai figured their planned trip down the mountain might be canceled. However, after breakfast, Lu Mingxiao still fulfilled his promise and took him down the mountain for a tour. Left Guardian followed along, introducing him to the local customs and sights, and they had a good time along the way.

On the main street, Wen Ai crunched on a crispy pancake. Ahead, he heard an argument escalating between two burly men, their faces flushed with anger, and somehow they began shoving each other, causing one to knock over a small stall by the roadside, scattering colorful trinkets everywhere.

The unfortunate female stall owner dared not voice her anger but scrambled to pick up the scattered items, looking particularly pitiful. Wen Ai walked over to help, and Lu Mingxiao gestured to his disciples to assist as well.

"That should be everything; the ground should be clear now," Wen Ai said, placing the remaining items back on the wooden board of the stall. The female stall owner suddenly grabbed his hand and tied a red string around his wrist, with a silver bell hanging from it.

Wen Ai looked up in surprise, meeting the eyes of the veiled woman. At first glance, she seemed familiar, but upon closer inspection, he realized it was just his imagination. Her eye makeup made her almost unrecognizable, as if she had been through the fire. Even her own mother might not recognize her.

The female stall owner pressed her right hand to her left chest, offering a gesture of gratitude to Wen Ai, though she still towered over him despite bowing her head.

Wen Ai shook the bell in his hand and smiled, "Thank you too."

Lu Mingxiao looked up at the sky and reminded, "Let's go back; it's time for dinner."