It Turns Out, They Are the Protagonists

Chapter 72-2

It turns out, they are the protagonists : c72 p2

He pondered for a moment, then asked, “Do you have a way to restore it?”

She hesitated. “May I… examine it?”

He nodded. “Please.”

She reached for the tendril, and something unexpected happened.

As she touched it, the withered root seemed to rejuvenate. Its surface became smooth and lustrous.

A refreshing, herbal fragrance filled the room.

Ye Qian stared at her sister, her eyes wide with surprise.

Mu Zhi’an was also shocked, staring at the tendril, which was now glowing faintly.

He had examined it last night, even giving it to Bai Ruoxi to see if she could sense anything.

But it had remained inert, both in his hands and in hers.

Yet Ye Lingxuan had easily activated it?

She placed it back in the box, then looked up at him. “Only alchemists can nurture the Dragon Soaring Tendril. In ordinary hands, it will wither and die.”

“Then why were you able to activate it?”

He asked, his curiosity piqued. “Are you an alchemist, a talented one?”

“I apologize, but… that’s a secret,” she replied evasively.

If Ye Yu had acquired the tendril, he would only be able to nurture it. But Ye Lingxuan… she could directly utilize its power.

She hadn’t even known it was the Dragon Soaring Tendril until her protector, Old Wei, had identified it based on her description.

Mu Zhi’an picked up the tendril, trying to replicate her action, but nothing happened.

So all the treasures I’ve acquired from Ye Yu, they’re all ancient artifacts… and I can’t use any of them?

He felt a sense of cosmic injustice.

The bronze fragment and the Heavenly Dao Aura were Bai Ruoxi’s “cheat codes.” The Dragon Soaring Tendril was exclusive to Ye Lingxuan. Where’s my cheat code?

He sighed inwardly, his disappointment evident.

But it was alright. He would find other opportunities to exploit the protagonist. After all, Heaven would always favor the Chosen One.

He pushed the Spirit Stones towards her, then the box with the tendril.

She frowned. “What are you doing, Young Master Mu?”

“It would be a waste for me to keep it. Why don’t you hold onto it for now, Miss Ye? Once you’ve restored it, we can discuss how to divide it. Consider those two thousand Spirit Stones a storage fee,” he suggested.

She hesitated, glancing at the box, then at him.

Two thousand Spirit Stones was nothing to her. He was practically giving her the Dragon Soaring Tendril for free.

And in her hands, its value would be maximized.

She had already told him that simply being in an alchemist’s possession would prevent it from withering… yet he was still entrusting it to her.

For two thousand Spirit Stones?

It was obviously not about the money. The Mu family wouldn’t care about such a paltry sum.

But… she was tempted.

After a moment of contemplation, she nodded, accepting his offer.

“I’ll bring you the restored Dragon Soaring Tendril in a year.”

A year was enough to fully restore it, and to reap its benefits.

The atmosphere in the room had relaxed considerably. They chatted leisurely, his humor drawing laughter from the sisters.

After a while, Ye Lingxuan received a mental message.

It was Old Wei, inquiring about the situation.

He had suggested acquiring the Dragon Soaring Tendril yesterday.

She hadn’t planned to ask Mu Zhi’an for it, but he had offered it to her.

She set down her teacup, smiling. “The tea has gone cold. I’ll go downstairs and ask for a fresh pot.”

She left the room.

Ye Yu, who had been lurking outside, froze, holding his breath, and retreated silently.

He pressed himself against the wall of a nearby room, watching as she descended the stairs, her figure graceful and alluring. Once she was gone, he cautiously approached their room again.

Knowing Mu Zhi’an’s character, he wouldn’t miss this opportunity to take advantage of Ye Qian.

And when she was vulnerable, that was his chance to intervene.

He hadn’t felt much when they had called him “Brother Ye Yu.”

But hearing them address someone else as “brother” it sparked a fierce possessiveness within him.

They were his cousins! Why were they calling that womanizing wastrel “Brother Mu”?!

He clenched his fists, his nails digging into his palms, remembering their laughter, their easy camaraderie. His jealousy intensified.

As he had predicted, soon after Ye Lingxuan left, their voices echoed from the room.

“Qian’er, are you still angry?” Mu Zhi’an had moved to Ye Lingxuan’s seat, his gaze fixed on the innocent beauty beside him.

“I’m not angry. You’ve always been pursuing Sister Ruoxi. Now that you’re together. I’m happy for you,” Ye Qian replied, her voice a mixture of nervousness and something else.

He looked at her, his eyes intense. “Have you forgotten what happened in that private room yesterday?”

She blushed, remembering their stolen moment, holding hands beneath the table, her sister oblivious. A thrill of excitement coursed through her.

She whispered, “That was in the past, Young Master Mu—”

He gently clasped her hand, his gaze meeting hers. “Call me Brother Mu, alright?”

She felt trapped, like a rabbit cornered by a predator, his gaze burning into her. She lowered her eyes, unable to speak.

Ye Yu, listening outside, felt a surge of relief.

It seemed Qian’er was smarter than he thought. She knew Mu Zhi’an’s intentions.

“Brother Mu…”

Her voice, soft and hesitant, yet filled with an undeniable warmth, echoed through the room, shattering his hopes.

“Good girl. Are you wearing lipstick today~? Can I taste it?”

“Don’t… don’t do that, Sister will be angry.”

“Love is freedom, Qian’er.”

“Don’t… mm…”

He couldn’t bear it any longer. He flung open the door.

Mu Zhi’an was holding Ye Qian’s hand, his arm around her waist, his gaze fixed on her. She looked up at him, her lips parted slightly, her expression inviting.

Ye Yu’s expression hardened.

“What are you doing to my cousin, Young Master Mu?!”