Chapter 127: 4.41

Of course the most important thing right now wasn't the free make up classes but to lead Tang Muxin's train of thought to understand the situation at hand as well as recruit Pan Shuchun into their little ragtag group. 

Unfortunately while she has become more open minded to these supernatural things like transmigration and dragons, it's still hard for more normal people to immediately go to- oh, maybe the original transmigrator protagonist was replaced with a different transmigrator by some freak accident, that makes complete sense hahaha. 

Peh, you would have to be a special kinda of genius or a special kind of crazy to have that as your first guess ah.

After all, Pan Shuchun isn't an uncommon name, the temperament, interests and to some extent appearance has all changed so it's possible to believe that she might not be the real protagonist unless you had insider information like Jia Hyson. Without actually interrogating her about her background and specific family situation it would be hard to confirm her true identity. Even then she could choose to lie.

Jia Hyson sighs at this thought, recalling how hard it was for himself to change his identity in his original world even for a month or two to play around. Without social media and technology, ditching your old life and making up a new one here is pretty easy as long as you have the guts for it. 

Bebe: 'You're totally thinking about how you want to be a human just so you can try slag better in ancient times right?'

Jia Hyson: '…Psh. No.'

Bebe: 'Heh.'

Jia Hyson: '…' This is the longest relationship I've ever had with anyone and it's really starting to show here. I don't think I like it.

Bebe: 'Lemme guess. Your commitment issues are flaring up because you're aware at how eerily well Bebe knows you and you don't like it.'

Jia Hyson: '.........…..psh. no.' Fuck me this system has to die.

Ignoring Jia Hyson's commitment slash murder issues with his system, he really was pondering the job at hand. 

Hopefully if things go to plan, he can kill two birds with one stone by bringing Pan Shuchun into the fold and gain a bit of insight with how to best change one's appearance using various neat cosmetic tricks. Even if he couldn't, the foundation to learn it should still be present and he may even pick up how she makes her own products despite the inconveniences of the time period- a skill that would be very useful in non-modern worlds. 

Pan Shuchun is not only an interesting character, she serves as a good contrast to Tang Muxin while both being relatively strong females. Jia Hyson could personally see no downside by keeping her around however the question is how to do so without making it seem abrupt. After all, the readers are used to the four main characters of the group now, there has to be a decent build up before a new person can join the ranks.

Tang Muxin didn't know what Jia Hyson was thinking about, but her thoughts were on a somewhat similar wavelength. Right now she was considering how to approach and get to know the woman better.

After all, as a super spy assassin doctor how can she not feel a little uncomfortable that the so-called 'reliable data' that she had as a transmigrator and reader of the story this world was based on, was so thoroughly shaken. Even if this Pan Shuchun was or wasn't the original protagonist Pan Shuchun, it didn't stop her presence from severely changing things with her ambitions. 

Personally she was more inclined to believing that the real Pan Shuchun was still out there and this was a different transmigrator altogether who either coincidentally has the same name or purposely changed it to try brush up against a bit of that protagonist halo. Tang Muxin had read a lot of stories about how important a main character was in the story, how favoured they were by the heavens and fate- that's why you couldn't just kill them off. Unless heaven fucked up how could they so casually replace the main protagonist ah? Therefore clearly this shouldn't be the Pan Shuchun she thinks she is.

Heavenly Path and World's Consciousness: '…' We're so sorry (;-; (;-;  )

Of course, 'shouldn't' is not 'definitely not'. Everything right now is only deduction without evidence. It's better to confirm it and not be blindly confident in her own ideas. 

Thinking about it, Tang Muxin gave Pan Shuchun a shy, nervous smile. "Hey, as an apology for almost knocking you down, how about I offer you some breakfast?"

Pan Shuchun, who was still shocked silly at the admittedly very shocking presence of the gigantic black cock and the cute chibi dragon that may not be a dragon but come on, is totally a fucking dragon, finally snapped out of her daze. Digesting the words, all her previous questions about the two animals were thrown away in favour of bubbling joy. "Okay," She nods with a wide smile.

Pan Shuchun: Aiyah~ Even though she's clearly shy she invited me for breakfast? She must admire so much it's enough to overcome her introvertedness. As expected of my biggest fan! 

Unknowingly having been tagged with a 'Biggest Fan' card, Tang Muxin was just relieved it seems like this Pan Shuchun was quite easy going. Feeling that the other was very friendly, Tang Muxin happily introduced Da Gong and Jin Bao. It would be rude to ignore them after all.

Most importantly, Da Gong would be pissed.

Jia Hyson, listening to her thought process: '…Oi, lady, what about me? I also have feelings.'

Da Gong: 'It's okay, she doesn't care, but I always do.' (,,ಠ⊝ಠ,,)

Jia Hyson: 'Oh darling~♡' ("ˆ ³(,,ಠ⊝ಠ,,) ♡

Bebe: *vomiting noises*

"I'm sure you're wondering who these are," Tang Muxin gestures to the two animals.

"Oh my god yes," Pan Shuchun bursts out, "I was really worried you wouldn't bring them up." She added, a bit embarrassed at her manner. Maybe because she knows the girl is a fan of hers she subconsciously has relaxed her attitude and reverted back to her casual language from modern times. Luckily it seemed Tang Muxin didn't notice or mind.

Bending down, Tang Muxin lightly strokes the head of Da Gong who grudgingly bares it to give the human face in front of the stranger. "This is Da Gong, he's a rooster." 

Pan Shuchun: …No shit.

Tang Muxin then picks up Jia Hyson with fluid and well practiced motions. This caused Da Gong's feathers to ruffle a bit but quickly he calmed. After all, just like how Tang Muxin had gotten used to himself, he had also gotten used to her. At the very least Da Gong understood this human was very loyal to his worm, similar to his own human Ye Cheng. 

"This is Jin Bao…." She hesitates for a second before remembering that they weren't really hiding Jin Bao's identity anymore. Tentatively she took a breath and then boldly declared to Pan Shuchun, "He's a dragon." 

Jia Hyson cooperatively curled around Tang Muxin's shoulders and tried to show off his dragon body.

Pan Shuchun: ...…..You really might as well have not have said anything to be honest. 

Unfortunately Tang Muxin has always been the quiet type. And she and Pan Shuchun were really not familiar so naturally she didn't feel much need to elaborate unless asked. 

Pan Shuchun on the other hand was too embarrassed to ask. In the end the pair of ladies and animals went to the breakfast area and Pan Shuchun had to suffocate under her own curiosity, constantly stealing glances at the dragon and the rooster who was so big it almost reached up to her hips. If it wasn't for the distinctive tail feathers and cockscomb, she really felt like this could've been a turkey. 

A very large and… very angry… turkey…

"Hey, does the bird… Da Gong, ah, it looks like he doesn't like me?" Pan Shuchun leans in to loudly whisper into Tang Muxin's ear. She didn't bother lowering her voice but she quickly wished she did as the rooster, who had only been occasionally looking at her menacingly immediately turned his head and fiercely glared at her with his piercingly silver eyes. 

Even though it was just a bird, and had shouldn't have any facial muscles capable of expressing human emotions, it still felt weirdly clear that Da Gong was expressing great disgust and disdain. 

Pan Shuchun who has disgusted and been disdained by a cock: '…'

Seeing Da Gong's contemptuous gaze for once wasn't against herself, Tang Muxin felt both sympathetic and a faint sense of superiority toward Pan Shuchun. Patting the other woman on the shoulder, "Don't worry." 

Pan Shuchun: .....Oh, thanks. 

Her fan really was the shy introverted type. Pan Shuchun sort of wished she could say a few more words nonetheless. _(:3」∠)_ 

Getting to the lobby, they saw all the men in the group were already present. Though Meng Meng looked distinctively uncomfortable and unhappy, standing a few feet away from Yan Huizhong and Ye Cheng. And who could blame him? The sickly sweet smell of love could be smelt the moment you entered the room.

Yan Huizhong was sitting on his wheelchair as usual, but this time Ye Cheng, this big bulky young man, was sitting on top of his lap with a faint flush on his face. A possessive arm wrapped around his waist kept him from leaving despite the shameful position. Yan Huizhong seemed to take great delight in seeing the younger man embarrassed and shy and would whisper quietly into the other's ear while occasionally stealing Ye Cheng's tofu. 

Despite his naturally beautiful face, it was ruined by his own expression as he stared heatedly at Ye Cheng. It really looked like a lecherous emperor indulging in his new favourite concubine. Maybe because the prince was wearing a mask and hiding his identity he had completely thrown away his previous princely dignity and blatantly showed off his shameless beastly side. 

Seeing the arrival of Tang Muxin, Duan Mengyao, who had originally stood next to the pairing but had slowly ended up moving further and further away in an attempt to dissociate the nauseating couple with himself, acted like he saw his life saving grace. 

Bounding up like a large loyal dog to his owner who just arrived Duan Mengyao greeted Tang Muxin with bright eyes before his expression immediately cools back to his usual stone faced neutral expression as he presents a standard greeting to Pan Shuchun.

Pan Shuchun: '….' Do you have to be so blatant? Even if she was blind and deaf she could tell that this guy was so perfunctory with her that she might as well be air. 

"-and this is Cao Huizhong and Ye Cheng…" Tang Muxin fell silent as she finally saw the pair after being blocked by Duan Mengyao's large figure. 

Ye Cheng slapped the prince's wandering pig trotters*  and quickly stood up to say hello with only a faint flush to his cheeks. "Greetings miss, I am Ye Cheng, this is Cao Huizhong."

*perverted hands

Cao Huizhong merely snorted coldly. He had no intention of bothering with some random woman right now when he could be spending more time with his Ye Cheng. Only after being stared at by Ye Cheng did he reluctantly give a half hearted nod, and a very curt, "Good morning."

Pan Shuchun: '.....' This group of people is really rude ah. 

Still compared with the fake snobbish courtesy rampant in the capital she felt it was a little refreshing. Irritating. But in a refreshing way.

Luckily Tang Muxin and Ye Cheng gave her enough face and were comfortable enough to talk with. Ye Cheng especially was very compatible with herself she personally felt. 

Both of them were chatty, pragmatic and loves money, plus in terms of business she was an upcoming young talent that needed a supplier to satisfy her various needs in designing and Ye Cheng and Tang Muxin were new merchants who had various rare supplies. Even if their personalities were like fire and water they would still insist on making friends just for that last reason alone.

Pan Shuchun was so delighted with this fortunate turn of events that not only did she forget about the whole unanswered giant rooster and dragon thing, but she even insisted that they could eat at this inn for free for as long as they stay. 

It should be known the food was really good. Pan Shuchun understood the simple concept that you can attract customers with gimmicks but you can only keep them with quality. From the customer service to the pillows, each thing were all more than satisfactory. As a fashionable woman she knew a lot of diets and meal plans and therefore had a little cooking skill. All she needed was to hire a good cook with decent skill and an honest personality, then it just became a matter of giving them a few pointers and ideas. 

Ye Cheng after hearing that this expensive place was partly owned by Pan Shuchun was practically ready to kneel and worship her as his grandmother. "You really are amazing," He said emotionally. The price for a few night's stay here was enough to choke him, and yet this lady of a similar age to himself was responsible for helping make such an expensive establishment. The capital was truly on another level ah.

"I think you're pretty amazing yourself," Pan Shuchun sincerely admits as she admires the precious stones glittering in her hands. In order to show their abilities Ye Cheng had gone to his room to take a few small baubles they were planning to sell among other things to gain enough money to buy a shop. While Ye Cheng understood what they gained during their journey was expensive, Pan Shuchun who had a better understanding on what's trending in the capital's markets had a much better idea at how valuable these things were.

And she was deeply impressed and shocked.

If she gets her hands on these things… the price tags of her clothes, no, her clothing itself would immediately go up three levels!

If Ye Cheng was ready to call her grandma, Pan Shuchun had already recognised this group of merchants as her long lost ancestors ah!

Tang Muxin was happy to see that Pan Shuchun didn't disdain their merchant status and even wholeheartedly wished to do business with them, especially after seeing a few of their products at hand. 

However looking at the increasingly gloomy faces of Yan Huizhong and Duan Mengyao she also knew it wasn't good to keep insisting that they should continue to hang out with Pan Shuchun for the whole. Ye Cheng may not fully comprehend it but she certainly was very well aware that those two men had a short deadline before they were forced to leave them. Both were anxious to spend as much time as they could making happy memories and personally Tang Muxin fully understood and also wished for the same. 

If Pan Shuchun hadn't randomly popped up she would have definitely chosen to take this short period to indulge herself but unfortunately the old saying 'man proposes, god disposes*' still rings true. 

*Man's schemes are inferior to those made by Heaven.

'Let her babysit me and Da Gong,' Jia Hyson suddenly piped up, interrupting her musings. 'That way you guys can enjoy yourselves without worry and I can determine what's this person's deal.'

It was a lie to say that Tang Muxin wasn't tempted by the idea. After all it was a bit like she was an office lady who had been working throughout the year and was finally given a week off only to have her boss call her in and ask her to complete a pile of documents the day before her holiday. Now that her coworker offered to take the work for her she felt a mixture of gratefulness and guilt. 

Jia Hyson lazily waves his tail. As a fellow chinese how can he not know that Tang Muxin was going to start a typical polite back and forth where she would insist that his sacrifice wasn't necessary and he would insist back that it certainly was and she deserved to relax etc etc. Honestly, it was like fighting for the bill at dinner. 

'Tsk, don't start acting coquettish with me.' He scolds before she even says anything, 'Girl, I already have a nice fat cock at my service, and even Ye Cheng managed to get some last night. What about you ah? Are you just going to leave whatever it is with Meng Meng undefined? Just go ah. Sure Da Gong won't be happy about it but I can easily calm him down ah.'

Single dog Tang Muxin: '….'

Tang Muxin became even more embarrassed the more he talked. But Jin Bao made a lot of sense and she was indeed looking forward to spending some alone time with Duan Mengyao and see if her feelings were as deep as what she expected. Suddenly, she accurately grasped the most important part of what Jin Bao had said to her.

Tang Muxin: 'Wait… so does that mean you let him chase me back there?'

Jia Hyson: '…'

Jia Hyson: (∩❛ڡ❛∩) 'Maybe~?' 

Tang Muxin: (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ彡┻━┻