Villainous Junior Chapter 53
Translated by Sylver (ko-fi)
Chapter 53: Picking Stars
Meng Chen was dazed by that sea of moonlight-colored flowers. It took him a long while to come to his senses. He turned his head and asked the person beside him, "...Where did you find these flowers?"
"These flowers are very common, they just don't bloom often," the Demon Venerable proudly repeated what Qing Hao had told him. "They're called Moon Frost Flowers. Legend has it they symbolize the purest feelings, and only the most sincere people can make them bloom."
The underlying meaning was: Look how sincere my feelings are for you!
"The garden is very spacious," the Demon Venerable observed Meng Chen's stunned expression, and immediately felt a sense of joy and accomplishment, "If you like them, I'll fill it all up for you!"
He actually did as he said, expanding the flower bed to be as large as the garden, and sowed another bag of seeds, filling the entire garden with Moon Frost Flowers. The Fangcao Palace happened to be right behind this flower garden. The man also very shrewdly placed an especially soft and comfortable beauty couch under the back window of Fangcao Palace, so that when Meng Chen was lost in thought in the future, he could sit here, look more at his flowers, and think more about him.
Not only that, he also prepared to keep up the momentum and strike while the iron was hot, to win Meng Chen's heart in one fell swoop.
So Qing Hao was summoned to the Xiuluo Palace once again.
Qing Hao also didn't expect that those Moon Frost Flowers would actually bloom for his Demon Venerable. He marveled inwardly, and so continued to help him come up with ideas to pursue someone without holding back. "In my years of experience reading novels, for the protagonist to win the beauty's heart, they usually need a classic plot to help, and that is the hero saving the beauty!"
He continued to explain enthusiastically. "Although you're already at the peak of the demon realm, Young Master Meng is just an ordinary person, he has no concept of your strength. So, at this time, we need to arrange a thrilling crisis. Find someone to play the role of a vicious ruffian to harass Young Master Meng! When Young Master Meng is trembling, terrified, and in despair, you descend from the sky to drive away the ruffian, hold Young Master Meng tightly in your arms, and say to him in a low, magnetic voice, 'I'm here, don't be afraid.' Young Master Meng will surely be captivated by your earth-shattering handsomeness and fall madly in love with you!!!"
He slapped his thigh, convinced even himself, feeling that this idea was really damn good!
The Demon Venerable also thought it was good.
Although some parts sounded a bit exaggerated, when he imagined the scene of Meng Chen getting scared with reddened eyes, then trembling and throwing himself into his arms...
Damn, his whole demon life would be complete!!!
"It's decided then," the Demon Venerable excitedly made the decision, "You'll play the role of that ruffian."
Qing Hao was about to nod happily when he suddenly felt something was wrong: "Huh???"
"In the entire demon realm, barely worthy of me taking action, it's only you and Fu Cang," the Demon Venerable said matter-of-factly. "If we're going to act, it has to be convincing enough. If the little ruffian doesn't even have Mahayana Realm cultivation, how can we create a sense of crisis?"
Qing Hao, the Demon Lord who used to make the entire demon realm tremble with a stomp of his foot but now was being forced to play a small ruffian: "..."
He still wanted to struggle a bit more. "Well, Fu Cang is actually a bit stronger than me, why don't you let him do it?"
"No," the Demon Venerable thought about Qing Hao's passionate speech just now and said, "His emotions aren't as full as yours."
Qing Hao: "..."
It felt like going back in time to slap himself twice. Why did you say so much!!!
But he didn't dare to disobey the Demon Venerable's orders, so he could only agree with a dejected face.
—--
"The weather is nice today, want to go out for a walk?"
"Look how pale your face is, you need more sunlight."
"Don't you feel stuffy staying indoors all day? Breathing fresh air is good for your health..."
Meng Chen closed his book with a "bang" and looked up at a certain demon who had been chattering non-stop and creating noise since earlier.
The Demon Venerable shrank his neck when glared at by him, and said weakly, "I-I just saw you staring at books all day, and was worried it might be bad for your eyes..."
The treasures he had given to Meng Chen had already filled several rooms, but unfortunately, the other party wasn't interested in any of them. The only thing he liked was reading books.
Meng Chen's head ached from his nagging, and he indeed hadn't gone out for a walk in many days, so he got up from the beauty couch by the window, put on his outer robe, and prepared to go out.
The Demon Venerable was overjoyed and immediately raised his foot to follow beside him.
Both of them were handsome in appearance and had exceptional bearing. One wore a spotless white robe, like an immortal descending from the Ninth Heaven. The other was in black clothing, elegant and noble, like an evil god walking out of the land of death. Walking side by side, they had an indescribable compatibility.
"The Venerable and Young Master Meng are truly a match made in heaven!"
"Ah, I've never seen such a well-matched pair of beauties!"
The demon palace servants they passed along the way began their exaggerated performances, clutching their hearts. Although their words were sincere, they also stemmed from the Demon Venerable's earlier earnest instructions.
"When I come out with him, you must praise us enthusiastically, praise us to the utmost," he had said in a deep voice. "Whoever praises best, I'll give them a raise."
This was also part of his plan to pursue Meng Chen. The environment has a great influence on people. When everyone around thinks that two people not being together would be against the natural order, the people involved are likely to develop such feelings too!!
"The Venerable and Young Master Meng are truly a perfect match made in heaven, a divine couple, talented and beautiful, hero and beauty, unparalleled in the world, a once-in-a-century compatible pair!!!" A servant twisted himself into a pretzel, frantically outputting praise. "Light this small one on fire, spiral me into the sky, and burst me into fireworks to add to the festivities for you two!!"
Meng Chen: "......"
His mouth twitched slightly, and he glanced at the man beside him from the corner of his eye. Unexpectedly, the other seemed to be very pleased with this flattery, showing an expression of "the young ones can be taught."
He suddenly felt worried about the future of the demon race.
—
Perhaps because the demon realm had become peaceful recently, there were many people in the market streets, bustling with activity, with a comforting air of ordinary life. A certain Demon Venerable, however, wasn't very satisfied. With so many people, how was he supposed to carry out his plan?
"That alley over there seems to have a new interesting shop," he made up a lie as his mind turned. "Let's go take a look."
Meng Chen didn't care where they went, so he followed him.
This place was far from the main street, secluded and quiet. Apart from the two of them, there were no shadows of other people.
"Um, I suddenly remembered I have an important matter I forgot to attend to," the Demon Venerable suddenly spoke up at this moment. "I'll be back soon, wait here for me for a bit."
Meng Chen gave him a strange look but didn't ask anything, just nodded in agreement. The man's figure quickly disappeared into the alley. Meng Chen stood in place, lost in thought for a while, when he suddenly noticed a signboard hanging at the corner of the alley that read "General Store."
He became a bit curious and walked over to enter the store.
The shop was small, and the layout inside was chaotic. There wasn't even a shopkeeper, just a few words hanging on the shelves. "Self-select, self-serve, pay as you see fit."
It was quite unique.
Though small, the shop had everything. It truly sold all kinds of things: magical tools, small ornaments, clothes, and even toys for children... Meng Chen scanned around and was about to leave when he suddenly saw a thin black book stuffed in the corner of a shelf, less than a finger's width thick.
His heart stirred, and he pulled out that book. The words on the cover had already faded and fallen off, only faintly recognizable was a character that looked like "回" (return/back). Inside, pages were missing and corners were torn, in a tattered state. It was hard to understand how the shop owner could even put such a thing out for sale. However, Meng Chen's eyes gradually brightened. He eagerly flipped through a couple of pages, becoming even more certain of something. His fingers pressed tightly on the pages, even trembling slightly.
Suddenly, a hand reached out from behind and pressed on his shoulder.
In that instant, Meng Chen, using the angle as cover, smoothly rolled up the book and tucked it into his sleeve, then turned around.
Unexpectedly, the one who tapped him wasn't a certain demon, but a stranger.
"Seeing that back view, I knew it was a beauty," the stranger looked quite good, but his words were somewhat frivolous. "Buying something? Call me something nice, and I'll buy out the whole store for you!"
Meng Chen frowned slightly and took a step back.
"Tsk, don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!" The man's expression suddenly changed, threatening viciously, "If you don't comply willingly, I'll have to use force!"
Qing Hao finished his lines and reached out to lift Meng Chen's chin.
Just as his fingers were about to touch, Qing Hao suddenly remembered this was his boss's person. If he actually touched him, he feared he'd be beaten to death, so he quickly pulled back.
But then he thought, if the act wasn't convincing enough to scare the beauty, he'd probably end up beaten anyway, so he tremblingly stretched out his hand again.
Meng Chen watched the man in front of him with a constipated expression, his finger extending and retracting five or six times. Finally, he spoke expressionlessly. "If you have paralysis, there's still hope if you treat it early."
Qing Hao: "..."
A certain demon hiding in the shadows couldn't bear it anymore.
Damn it, you're going back and forth so many times for a simple action, are you deliberately trying to take advantage of my future spouse!?
You're asking for a beating!
He finally rushed out, flying up with a kick that sent Qing Hao flying, then opened his arms to Meng Chen and said passionately. "Don't be afraid, I'm here!"
Meng Chen: "..."
He looked at the man posing with a complex gaze, his expression indescribable.
The Demon Venerable waited for a while, seeing the person in front of him with a cold face, and finally slowly lowered his arms, asking sheepishly. "You... you're not scared?"
If Meng Chen couldn't figure out what he was up to, his IQ would probably have to drop to the same level as the other party. He looked over with cool eyes and asked, "How old are you?"
The Demon Venerable answered instinctively. "I can't remember clearly. At least three thousand years old."
Meng Chen: "..."
The man realized after speaking that Meng Chen was calling him stupid. Thinking back on his own actions, he suddenly felt utterly foolish too. He lowered his head, embarrassed and dejected, thinking that this time he was done for, Meng Chen probably had an even worse impression of him now.
Meng Chen felt completely helpless, but also found it somewhat amusing. He looked at the man's dejected and extremely regretful appearance, feeling a little bit sorry for him. He turned back to scan the general store, picked out a uniquely styled ebony hairpin, and held it out to the man.
The man was stunned, looking at the hairpin and then at Meng Chen, uncertainly asking. "Is this... for me?"
Meng Chen made an "mm" sound. "If you don't like it, you can choose another—"
"I like it!" Before he could finish speaking, the man immediately snatched the hairpin, as if afraid Meng Chen would take it back. "This is a gift from you, you can't take it back!"
He held the hairpin, grinning from ear to ear. Though he was a powerful figure who could summon wind and rain, at this moment he treasured this inexpensive wooden hairpin as if it were some priceless treasure.
Meng Chen looked at his silly smile, the corners of his mouth also turning up slightly, but it was immediately suppressed by a heavy guilt in his heart.
His expression faded, he lowered his eyes, placed a bag of spirit stones on the counter, and left with the man.
—
Recently, everyone in the Xiuluo Palace had been living in a state of collapse.
Because after their Demon Venerable had them praise how well-matched he and Young Master Meng were with various flattering words, he now started having them praise a hairpin.
"This... this hairpin has a lustrous color, clearly made from the finest materials. Young Master Meng truly has an eye for treasures!"
"This...this hairpin has a unique shape, like a dragon soaring in the sky, it suits you perfectly, Venerable One!"
The Demon Venerable was very satisfied. He polished the ebony hairpin for the hundredth time, carefully inserted it back into his hair, and prepared to have them praise it again.
A servant fell to his knees with a thud, crying in despair. "Please spare me, Venerable One, I really don't have a single drop left!"
The Demon Venerable was in a very good mood, so he magnanimously waved his hand to dismiss them.
He felt that Meng Chen giving him the hairpin was a historic push in their relationship. He must keep up the momentum, seize the opportunity, and conquer the high ground in one go!
So he enthusiastically invited Meng Chen out for another outing.
"I'm not going," Meng Chen refused without thinking. This man's mind was always full of who-knows-what, probably coming up with some strange idea again.
"This time we're going to a great place!" the man hurriedly explained. "We're going to Wild Goose Bay to see the Star River Waterfall!"
Wild Goose Bay.
Meng Chen had known about this place before. It was a famous scenic spot in the cultivation world. He had thought before that if he ever left Taixuan Sect, he would definitely want to go and see this place.
He was silent for a moment, then agreed.
Those at the Tribulation Crossing Realm could travel a thousand miles in an instant, so they quickly arrived at Wild Goose Bay.
The unique thing about Wild Goose Bay was that it had no daytime.
Overhead was an endless river of stars, layered with light blue, azure, and deep blue, adorned with tens of thousands of twinkling stars, like a vast dream. Before their eyes was a vertically falling waterfall, which should have been white, but was reflected by the starry river into an icy blue. The splashing waves seemed like a ground scattered with sparkling diamond fragments.
"After drinking, one knows not if the sky is in the water, a boat full of clear dreams pressing down on the Milky Way." Now, though not drunk, one could not distinguish where the sky was and where the mortal world began.
Under a sky full of starlight, the Demon Venerable turned his head and asked Meng Chen, "Is it beautiful?"
"It's beautiful," Meng Chen looked up at this worldly wonder, sincerely exclaiming, "It's really... too beautiful."
His former self, confined to one corner, had seen too little. He truly didn't know that there were such wonderful sights in the world.
The Demon Venerable finally smiled, his features handsome, his gaze gentle. "I have something else to give you."
Meng Chen turned to look at him.
The man stretched out his hand, spreading his palm high towards the sky, gently shaking it, then clenched his fist as if he had grabbed something. Mysteriously, he brought it before Meng Chen.
Even with Meng Chen's keen mind, he couldn't guess what the other was up to for a moment.
The man gazed at Meng Chen's face, finally slowly opening his palm.
In the center of his palm lay an ice-blue star.
Meng Chen was stunned.
Even if a Tribulation Crossing Realm expert had great abilities, it was impossible to pluck a star from the Ninth Heaven. The man's earlier star-picking motion was just for show. In reality, he had taken the opportunity to condense the waterfall's mist in his palm, freeze it into ice, then shape it into a five-pointed star, which was then illuminated by the vast blue expanse above.
But no matter how you put it, what lay before Meng Chen was indeed a star.
"Here," the man pushed his palm forward a bit more, saying somewhat nervously, "For you."
I've given you flowers, and now I'm giving you stars.
So, can you be with me?
Hi guys, I’ve actually finished translating this whole novel. I plan to keep this schedule of updating 4x a week, but for those who want to read ahead and support me, please head to the novel shop here!
