Cannon Fodder O Pretending to be A Will Lose Their Vest Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Inexplicably Ambiguous – Visiting Shen Shiyue’s Father

Sensing something, Jiang Chenyan took half a step back, widening the distance between himself and Shen Shiyue.

He was certain Shen Shiyue still wanted to kiss him.

That flash of red suddenly moved away, and only then did Shen Shiyue snap back to his senses. The dark light in his eyes faded slightly, and he lowered his gaze to hide a fleeting moment of awkwardness.

His fingertips naturally entwined with Jiang Chenyan’s slightly cool hand. “Let’s go.”

As they walked down the stairs, Jiang Chenyan’s peripheral vision caught a glimpse. A faint layer of red had appeared on the tips of Shen Shiyue’s ears, hidden under his black hair. It wasn’t obvious, but he saw it nonetheless.

Pure yet “smoldering” (悶騷 – mèn sāo)—no other term was more perfect for describing Shen Shiyue.

Downstairs, the night had saturated the city. Neon lights lit up, and streams of colorful light darted between buildings, weaving a brilliant and hallucinatory net that dyed the dark night sky with shimmering colors.

Jiang Chenyan didn’t want to return to school just yet. He was about to speak.

Shen Shiyue’s light-brain vibrated, but he didn’t avoid Jiang Chenyan at all.

“The person has been found… Mm, just follow the plan.”

Jiang Chenyan turned his head to look at Shen Shiyue and asked, “Who was it?”

“Professor Ariel.”

That man probably wants to kill me right now. Jiang Chenyan tucked his emotions away. “Tell the professor that I will personally apologize to him when the time comes.”

Professor Ariel’s voice came from the light-brain. It was obvious he was beyond furious. “Jiang Chenyan, do you dare to try pulling any more stunts?!”

Following that was a long string of nagging accusations…

Jiang Chenyan’s scalp felt numb as he listened. He quickly softened his tone toward the light-brain, acting incredibly obedient: “I was wrong, I was wrong, Professor. I’m apologizing now, so please don’t be angry.”

The other side of the light-brain suddenly went silent. In the next second, the sharp sound of the call being hung up rang out.

“…”

Jiang Chenyan stared at the black screen. Before he could even apologize, it felt like a punch hitting cotton—inexplicably frustrating.

Seeing Jiang Chenyan suffer a setback, a trace of helplessness flitted through Shen Shiyue’s eyes. This person always acted on a whim; he really did disregard the consequences sometimes.

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Rumble—

A deafening explosion pierced the night sky. In the distance, a cluster of fireworks suddenly erupted. The flames of gold and red, like falling meteors, trailed long tails as they continuously ascended. Following that, countless colored flames rose one after another, falling like a shower of starlight when they exploded.

Cheers from the crowd rose and fell, making it incredibly lively.

Jiang Chenyan looked up at this sudden grand spectacle, puzzled. “What happened today?” Usually, there wasn’t such a grand display; it seemed like they were celebrating an important festival.

Shen Shiyue was startled and looked back at Jiang Chenyan.

The brilliant fireworks bloomed in succession in the night sky. The colors reflected on Jiang Chenyan’s fair face. His cool, white skin turned crimson one moment and indigo the next, like a fluid painting.

It was the Alliance Memorial Day. Jiang Chenyan didn’t know.

Logically, everyone should have known.

Doubts began to sprout in Shen Shiyue’s heart. Just as he was about to speak, a matte-black shuttle approached silently and hovered in front of them.

Seeing this, pedestrians instinctively moved out of the way. Someone recognized the shuttle’s insignia. “Is that a shuttle from the Federation Special Forces?” “Why is it stopping here?”

The hatch slowly slid open to both sides, and a tall figure stepped out against the light and shadows. The man’s black uniform was sharply tailored, and the silver patterns on his epaulets were fine and exquisite, glinting with a faint cold light. It formed a stark contrast with the pure black uniform, exuding an air of authority amidst the low profile.

Jiang Chenyan guessed that this person was likely an Alpha.

He thought it was just a passing patrol officer and didn’t pay much attention. To his surprise, the man looked at them and walked directly toward them. He stopped in front of the two, gave a slight nod, and spoke in a low, respectful voice: “Young Master…”

Jiang Chenyan vaguely figured out the situation. He turned to look at Shen Shiyue, whose expression was cold.

Mm, Young Master.

He understood now.

The man in black glanced at Jiang Chenyan. Not daring to meet Shen Shiyue’s gaze, he stepped quickly in front of him. “The Master wants you to return for a visit…”

“I know.” Shen Shiyue’s thin lips parted. Even though he said that, he didn’t move at all, still standing in place.

“The Master specifically instructed that you return immediately.” The man in black leaned in half a step closer, clearly starting to grow somewhat anxious.

The Master is commanding you to return now; you cannot refuse.

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As Zhou Yi spoke, his gaze uncontrollably drifted toward the person beside Shen Shiyue. He stole a quick glance and then withdrew it.

Not very old, with exquisite features. This was Zhou Yi’s first impression.

His brow was sharp and cold. When he didn’t smile, he carried a hint of aloofness. His pupils were like they were soaked in ice water, radiating a faint coldness. His skin was so fair it appeared almost translucent.

This was the second impression.

He suddenly remembered that he had investigated this person’s photo as instructed by the main house. He looked better than in the photo.

The Young Master had always had a cold temperament and didn’t get overly close to others. Now, he was walking so closely with this high-rank Alpha who had appeared out of nowhere; it was truly too abnormal.

Shen Shiyue suddenly stepped forward two paces, firmly blocking Jiang Chenyan. “I still have some matters to handle. It’s not convenient for me to return now.”

Zhou Yi was stunned in place, his expression stiffening for an instant. He had followed Shen Shiyue for many years and rarely saw him defy a command.

His back was unexpectedly poked by a finger. The force was light, with a hint of intentional playfulness. Shen Shiyue’s frame froze, and a gap broke through the cold aura surrounding him.

He couldn’t help it; he was very curious. Jiang Chenyan was curious about everything regarding Shen Shiyue.

His family, his weaknesses—every side of him hidden beneath that cold exterior. The thought arose quite unexpectedly.

System: [Host, so sudden…]

Jiang Chenyan raised an eyebrow. He also felt it was sudden, but he had no intention of taking it back. A little bit, but I just want to go.

Zhou Yi was stunned, and Shen Shiyue also froze for a moment. A flash of surprise appeared in his eyes; he hadn’t expected Jiang Chenyan to take the initiative to suggest coming along.

Shen Shiyue turned to look at Jiang Chenyan, his gaze deep. “You want to go?”

Jiang: “Are you unwilling?”

“No.” Shen Shiyue immediately stepped aside to make room. “Then let’s go.”

Zhou Yi, “?”

Jiang Chenyan naturally walked in front. Zhou Yi rubbed his temples with a headache and couldn’t help but try to persuade Shen Shiyue: “Young Master…”

Shen Shiyue interrupted him, “There’s no need to say more. I know what I’m doing.”

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Seeing Shen Shiyue’s firm attitude, Zhou Yi finally didn’t dare to argue further and obediently shut his mouth.

Exquisite looks, disheveled clothes with some dust on them, thin frame, and somewhat arrogant.

This was Zhou Yi’s final impression of Jiang Chenyan.

The scale of the Shen family was far larger than Jiang Chenyan had imagined. Looking down from the shuttle, the courtyard was open and vast, with carved beams and painted pillars. The greenery was arranged with precision, and every corner exuded low-profile luxury. He couldn’t even see the end of it with one glance; it completely exceeded his expectations.

Jiang Chenyan thought to himself: This isn’t just having power; this is clearly having both power and wealth. The family background is incredibly deep.

The system spoke up: [Although he has an affluent family background, in order to depict the ‘beautiful, strong, yet miserable’ character setting, the protagonist shou’s childhood was very unhappy.]

Jiang Chenyan frowned. “He has money and power, yet he’s unhappy?”

It wasn’t his fault he couldn’t empathize. Although the original body’s family was well-off, he himself wasn’t.

While his own family’s conditions were passable, they were an ordinary family after all. Life was simple and plain. Having never experienced the life of a top-tier wealthy clan, he naturally couldn’t understand how someone with such material abundance could still lack happiness.

System: [Host, you don’t understand. The entire family was very strict with the protagonist shou.]

Jiang Chenyan’s brow furrowed. Strict?

He thought of Shen Shiyue’s always-cold face and his aloofness that kept people at a distance. He suddenly understood a bit.

The shuttle landed slowly. The moment the hatch slid open, Jiang Chenyan saw many bodyguards in black standing at the door, surrounding the Shen family residence tightly.

The group stepped off the shuttle, and Zhou Yi stepped forward quickly to lead the way. “The Master is already waiting in the front hall.” After finishing his sentence, he stepped aside to signal and walked into the house without stopping.

Along the way, Jiang Chenyan couldn’t help but look left and right. Truly wealthy.

The carpet beneath his feet was so thick it made no sound when stepped on. The paintings on the walls were clearly priceless.

The moment he stepped into the front hall, Jiang Chenyan instinctively wanted to avoid it. Before he could act, steady footsteps came from behind him. Looking up, a figure was slowly walking down the spiral staircase.

The newcomer must be Shen Shiyue’s father, Shen Qing. He looked very similar to the system’s description—tall, with a cold face. Time hadn’t left many marks on his face; instead, it had distilled into a daunting aura.

He was enveloped in an invisible low pressure. His gaze was as sharp as an eagle’s. Wherever he looked, the air seemed to stagnate. A sense of oppression pounced upon them.

Jiang Chenyan’s heart tightened, and he inexplicably felt an urge to flee.

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Shen Qing glanced at Jiang Chenyan. His gaze was calm yet carried an invisible pressure; clearly, he had already heard of Jiang Chenyan’s identity.

That child of the Jiang family…

“Your classmate?”

Shen Shiyue looked up, just about to correct him, “No, he is my…”

Jiang Chenyan’s heart tightened. Fearing that Shen Shiyue would say something sky-shattering and beyond expectations, he hurriedly spoke before Shen Shiyue, a polite smile squeezed onto his face. “Hello, Uncle. I am his good friend.”

Shen Shiyue, “…”

Zhou Yi, “…”

Shen Qing was expressionless and somewhat puzzled, not understanding why Shen Shiyue would bring Jiang Chenyan home.

He instructed Shen Shiyue: “Your grandfather has something to ask you. Go there now.”

Then he turned his head, his gaze returning to Jiang Chenyan. “I will also have a chat with this classmate of yours.”

The smile on Jiang Chenyan’s face froze instantly. His heart skipped a beat, and he instinctively fell silent.

The pressure level was pushed to the max.

Shen Shiyue’s brow furrowed. Clearly, he was unwilling to leave Jiang Chenyan alone. “Forget it. He can just stay by himself.”

Clatter!

A crisp sound of shattering rang out. A glass object slammed down at Shen Shiyue’s feet, shards flying everywhere.

Shen Qing’s face was dark and terrifying. In the system’s words, it was a waste of a good-looking face; his temper was enough to scare a system to death.

“Your courage has certainly grown after being out for a while. What? Are you afraid I’ll do something to him?”

Shen Qing took a step forward, his aura becoming even more daunting. He emphasized every word: “Don’t forget, I am your father!”

Jiang Chenyan stood stunned in place, his mind blank.

No wonder the system said Shen Shiyue’s childhood was unhappy. Shen Qing’s emotions were too unstable; he would fly into a rage and throw things at a moment’s notice, even in the presence of an outsider.

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Shen Shiyue kept his eyes lowered, his hair covering them. Jiang Chenyan couldn’t see his expression; he only saw the veins popping on the hand at his side, his knuckles clenched white.

Seeing that a major battle was about to break out, Jiang Chenyan’s heart tightened. He grabbed Shen Shiyue’s hand and spoke to smooth things over, “It’s fine, it’s fine. I’ll just chat with Uncle. You go see Grandfather first.”

Shen Shiyue looked down at their joined hands. “Sorry.”

Jiang Chenyan’s heart softened. He gripped his hand back tightly. “What is there to be sorry for? I’m the one who should be apologizing.”

He felt a bit of belated regret. He hadn’t thought much when coming here and had just burst in, instead putting Shen Shiyue in an embarrassing position.

No one wants someone they care about to see them at their most wretched and helpless. Jiang Chenyan understood this, so he regretted it.

“Jiang Chenyan…”

Jiang Chenyan looked up and responded: “Mm.”

“Then wait for me. I’ll be back soon.” Shen Shiyue knew exactly what Shen Qing was like.

“Alright.”

“…”

To the side, Zhou Yi stood in place, his back already soaked with cold sweat. His eyes darted back and forth between the two, his heart thumping.

This atmosphere, no matter how you looked at it, carried an indescribable ambiguity. They clearly hadn’t done anything, yet the air was sickly sweet.

Shen Shiyue went upstairs, and Zhou Yi silently backed away.

The servants nearby were already accustomed to this. With expressionless faces, they picked up tools and silently cleaned up the glass shards on the floor.

Shen Qing asked Jiang Chenyan, “Did that scare you just now?”

Jiang Chenyan lowered his gaze. “No.”

“Come and sit. You are a guest.” Shen Qing pointed to a sofa nearby, his tone flat.

Now you remember I’m a guest? When you were throwing things just now, how come you didn’t remember there was a guest like me?

Jiang Chenyan gave a forced smile and sat down.

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“He actually listens to you.” Shen Qing gave Jiang Chenyan a meaningful look. “You’re quite capable.”

Jiang Chenyan’s fingers paused slightly. Before he could respond, he heard the man speak again slowly: “Your relationship isn’t ordinary. I can feel it.”

Jiang Chenyan froze.

Shen Qing’s tone shifted. “You’re about to enter the Alliance, aren’t you?”

As expected, the other party had already looked into him.

“I’ve seen all your matches,” Shen Qing added slowly, his gaze sharp and dark, as if trying to see through Jiang Chenyan.

Jiang Chenyan suppressed the unease in his heart and looked up directly at him. “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Shen Qing raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips: “What? Getting anxious?”

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