Chapter 68- What an Idiot – Transcendental Translations

Get updated every time a new chapter is released and Get the Passwords to Password Protected Content at our Discord Server -> Click Here to Join now (Protected Content will be available within few days of release)

Chapter 68

【Uh… well, time to get the second lead to toughen up.】

After all, everyone in this book was naturally ambitious and willing to push themselves, even excessively so. If Luo Yu couldn’t manage it himself, he’d just let others do it. Better that than losing the heroine by accident while dealing with the second lead; that would truly be game over!

Sure, maybe his plan was a bit unethical, but he’d been cast in the role of a scumbag, so where was the point in ethics? Ethics wouldn’t help him finish the mission and get home, after all.

Next time, he’d tell Zhao Yuexi that he was merely arguing with the heroine because, to ascend the throne, he still needed the Jiang family’s support. He’d just tell Zhao Yuexi, “It’s all just a show with her; you’re the only one I truly care about.” This would not only soothe Zhao Yuexi but also buy him the time and space to rekindle things with the heroine.

Perfect! That’s exactly what he’d do!

Sending Zhao Yuexi back home by carriage, Luo Yu strolled down the street alone, humming a tune to himself. Wearing casual clothes, passersby assumed he was some well-dressed young noble rather than a royal. However, as they saw him happily walking on his own, some couldn’t help but think:

A young master strolling without any attendants, smiling to himself as if he left his wits at home.

Although no one could see the “dog system” as it floated in the air, it still distanced itself from Luo Yu by about two meters, not wanting to associate with his antics.

Luo Yu walked along, his footsteps almost light with satisfaction. He’d managed to appease the second lead, open time to approach the heroine, and maintain his scoundrel image! He was genuinely proud of himself—things were going smoothly, almost too smoothly.

He stopped abruptly, taking in a sharp breath and nearly shouting in the middle of the street. A passerby cast a disapproving look, covering their child’s eyes and whispering as they took a detour, “Don’t look, dear. He’s that landlord’s foolish son; if he gets mad, he’ll beat you.”

The system hovered in front of him, giving a little wiggle.

(Realizing a bit late, are we?)

【…Why would my wife be out shopping with Liu Xiyun right now? They aren’t supposed to be this close, are they?】

【Ugh, I was so focused on watching her that I forgot about Liu Xiyun entirely! Today, by rights, I shouldn’t even have run into my wife!】

(Good that you finally remembered.)

Luo Yu’s eyes widened, 【You didn’t plan to remind me, did you?!】

Onlookers observed the bewildered noble pacing along the street, huffing and stomping his feet, seemingly irritated at thin air. To the crowd, he looked like he might be about to start arguing with a figment of his imagination.

“Is he some kind of fool?”

“Definitely a fool.”

“Surely a fool…”

Luo Yu, oblivious to the murmurs around him, fumed as he argued with the system. He realized that he’d brought Zhao Yuexi to Thousand Treasures Pavilion solely to buy her jewelry, one of the rare events mentioned in the book. The original plot had used it to display the prince’s affection for her, showering her in riches to win a smile.

And so he’d reluctantly gone along with it, even if he found Zhao Yuexi insufferable. Dealing with her demands was mentally exhausting, leaving him craving the calming sight of his “wife” as a respite.

(The heroine “calms” you, does she? Even when she insults you, you’re overjoyed. Remind me, isn’t there a term for someone who enjoys insults and abuse? Oh, right—are you, by any chance, an M?)

【I just forgot for a second! What do you know, you obnoxious system? If you’re so capable, you go handle Zhao Yuexi instead, since you’re so good at sitting back and criticizing!】

Am I “distracted by beauty”? Luo Yu scoffed inwardly. It’s because I was mentally drained after being forced to play along with Zhao Yuexi all day! What would the system know? Who else but her could shop down an entire street without tiring? He was nearly reaching nirvana from exhaustion while the delicate flower of Zhao Yuexi stayed bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

(Oh well, Host, it’s probably no big deal. After all, nobody can predict every little outcome once the story diverges, right? So long as things seem salvageable, just keep going!)

Luo Yu rolled his eyes. 【All I want to do now is sleep!】

(Oh.) The system, suddenly thoughtful, replied, (But I doubt you’ll get much rest.)

【And why’s that?】

(Think back; what day is it? The 28th—originally, according to the storyline, you’re supposed to be heading over to Xiangxue House for… well, that. Have you forgotten?)

【Huh?!】

Xiangxue House? The name sounded suspicious, setting off alarms in his mind.

(Every 28th of the month is reserved for… well, you know, those kinds of things.)

【To do what exactly?!】 Luo Yu was getting anxious. 【I’m from a wholesome background, okay? Why would I go to some place like Xiangxue House? Even I can tell it’s a seedy joint just from the name!】

【Does the original character not know that Great Qi law forbids royalty and officials from frequenting such establishments? Once a month?! Is he going there on his monthly cycle or something?】

Besides, he didn’t remember anything in the original character’s personality about frequenting brothels monthly. Why on earth would he carry on with something so disgusting and irresponsible, especially with the risk of catching something he’d be stuck dealing with?

Stay away from gambling, drugs, and prostitution. Thanks!

(Host, I advise you to take this seriously.)

【Oh, I am. Dead serious. And there’s no room for debate. I refuse to believe that skipping a trip to a brothel will bring down the entire plotline.】

Firstly, he couldn’t recall any significant character working at a brothel or one with substantial influence over the story’s progression. Secondly, such an event was even more repellent to him than the forced date with Zhao Yuexi.

The values he was raised with made it clear: this was just plain wrong!

(Who said anything about sleeping with anyone? Geez… your mind is so dirty, Host.)

Luo Yu: What?

【Are you picking a fight with me?】

Everyone knew what “that” generally implied in these books.

【Spit it out. What exactly is supposed to happen there? Stop hiding key information!】

The system picked its nose indifferently. (Oh… not sure it’s worth going into.)

【Cut the crap.】

(Well, it’s not exactly wholesome business, alright? But I assumed you knew. Anyway, the whole point of going to Xiangxue House — which gets renamed to Condensed Flower House later on — is that it’s linked to the second life of the scumbag prince. Later, when the heroine investigates it, she discovers that it’s a brothel secretly involved in bribery, shady deals, and even criminal activities. It becomes a crucial piece of evidence in toppling the prince, the heroine catching on to his corruption. He’s supposed to go there every 28th for… well, business connections.)