Chapter 10: Princess Carry
Wang Ming: “…”
Wang Ming instinctively shrunk further behind Ao Chen, wishing Ao Chen would transform into a giant dragon and put him in his pocket—or, at least, let him climb in willingly.
As Wang Ming envisioned this “bright future,” he heard the chainsaw’s starting mechanism.
Wang Ming: “…”
The big one’s coming! Wang Ming mentally squawked.
“Hold on…” The Matchmaker, chainsaw in hand, approached, only to find one person missing.
“Weren’t there two people here? Where’d one go?” The Matchmaker stared at Ao Chen, a mixture of confusion and surprise on his face.
Ao Chen: “…”
Ao Chen, aware of Wang Ming hiding behind him, didn’t reveal him, remaining silent and still like a statue.
However, Wang Ming was discovered by the Matchmaker’s peering.
“What’s wrong, outsider? Weren’t you so confident?” The Matchmaker mocked.
“I chickened out,” Wang Ming shrugged, accepting the mockery.
The Matchmaker: “…”
The Matchmaker, usually skilled in verbal sparring, found himself facing an equally matched opponent. He was adept at sarcasm, but Wang Ming’s resignation left him helpless.
The Matchmaker: “…”
“Aren’t you going to fight back?” the Matchmaker asked encouragingly.
“No,” Wang Ming refused. “It’s tiring.”
The Matchmaker: “…”
“Fine,” the Matchmaker sighed. “But you can’t just give up!” He looked at his chainsaw. “When will I get to use this chainsaw…”
Wang Ming: “…”
“Where’s… their red string?” The Matchmaker abruptly asked, catching his breath.
Wang Ming: “…”
He’s definitely doing this on purpose, Wang Ming thought.
Though resigned, Wang Ming still had some fight left in him.
He emerged bravely from behind Ao Chen.
“Let’s do it,” Wang Ming said “bravely.”
The Matchmaker: “…”
“No need, no need,” the Matchmaker said, waving his hand. “I’m not the villain, no need for such drama.”
Wang Ming: “…”
Wang Ming’s fear lessened slightly due to the Matchmaker’s conciliatory tone.
“Just bear with it, it’ll be quick, it doesn’t hurt much,”
As Wang Ming relaxed, the Matchmaker added another “kind” comment.
Wang Ming: “…”
Ao Chen: “…”
“You’re human, you won’t feel pain,” Ao Chen explained, seeing Wang Ming trembling behind him.
“Oh, good,” Wang Ming nodded.
Then, something felt wrong…
“Wait a minute,” Wang Ming said. “You said humans don’t feel pain, meaning non-humans do? ” Wang Ming pulled Ao Chen’s arm.
Ao Chen glanced at his arm.
Wang Ming: “…”
Sorry, I didn’t know he cared about that, Wang Ming thought, shrinking his hand back like a frightened rabbit.
“Of course they feel pain, but the Crown Prince is a tough guy, he said he doesn’t mind,” the Matchmaker helpfully interjected.
“Oh…” Wang Ming nodded thoughtfully.
Oh no, my fear of physical pain is increasing again! Wang Ming felt a phantom pain, unable to pinpoint its location or intensity.
Wang Ming: “…”
This wouldn’t do. He had to ask.
He looked at Ao Chen, but since Ao Chen didn’t look back and seemed to dislike unnecessary physical contact, Wang Ming circled him, mimicking a fly’s movement, until Ao Chen noticed him.
“How much pain would you feel? Like, on a scale of one to ten… as painful as childbirth?”
Ao Chen: “…”
The Matchmaker: “…”
“I don’t know,” Ao Chen said. “I’ve never given birth.”
Wang Ming: “…”
He’s honest, Wang Ming thought, a practical man.
“Young man, don’t ask unnecessary questions. The Crown Prince is brave and won’t mind a little pain,” the Matchmaker scoffed.
“Being brave doesn’t mean he can’t feel pain,” Wang Ming retorted. Even heroes fear pain. They might overcome it, but that doesn’t mean they’re immune.
I’m a tough guy, but I’m terrified of physical attacks… If I scream, it’s justified, Wang Ming thought.
Ao Chen looked at him intently.
“Let’s not waste time. Let’s get this over with,” the Matchmaker urged, ignoring their conversation.
Wang Ming: “…”
Reluctantly, Wang Ming emerged from behind Ao Chen, still slouching, looking like a frightened quail.
The Matchmaker: “…”
He decided to ignore Wang Ming’s posture and quickly saw the red string.
“Your Highness, I apologize!” the Matchmaker yelled.
“Wait a minute,” Wang Ming interrupted.
The Matchmaker: “…”
“My back almost went out! What is it?” The Matchmaker glared at Wang Ming.
“Something.” Wang Ming nodded. “Why did you only apologize to the Crown Prince? What about me?”
Wang Ming questioned the preferential treatment.
The Matchmaker: “…”
Ao Chen: “…”
“What’s the point of arguing about this?” the Matchmaker asked.
“There is,” Wang Ming nodded. “I’m fighting for the rights of ordinary humans in the supernatural world!”
“Oh my God…” The Matchmaker sighed, seemingly defying his beliefs.
“Fine, fine, I’ll admit it,” the Matchmaker conceded. “I’m sorry for frightening you.”
“Okay,” Wang Ming nodded.
The Matchmaker took a deep breath, about to start the chainsaw, when he reflexively looked at Wang Ming, expecting another outburst.
There was none. Wang Ming stood proudly.
The Matchmaker: “…”
I judged him wrongly, the Matchmaker thought, pulling the chainsaw cord!
Wang Ming let out a terrified scream and jumped onto Ao Chen!
Ao Chen: “…”
Ao Chen was given a princess carry, but it was he who was carrying Wang Ming.
Ao Chen: “…”
Wang Ming: “…”
The Matchmaker: “…”
“Get down!” the Matchmaker yelled, advancing with the chainsaw.
“No!” Wang Ming screamed, clinging to Ao Chen like a koala.