Chapter 084: What’s Wrong with You, Supporting Female Character?

In the original novel, because Qiao Yueru was a disciple of the Beast Taming Sect, she was extremely sensitive to the emotions of both animals and people. Whenever the male lead was happy or angry, she could sense it immediately, sharing in his joy or his indignation. Moreover, she was the first supporting female character to appear, and in such a classic hero-saves-beauty scene, so Yan Shu had put all her hopes on her, betting quite stubbornly.

Even as more and more supporting female characters appeared later on, and Qiao Yueru, realizing that the male lead treated everyone equally, developed the idea of a shared husband among several women—and even acted on it—Yan Shu never considered switching her bet to someone else.

After all, stories aimed at male readers were notoriously formulaic. She even felt that, even if a harem was inevitable, her chosen character would still be the main wife.

But now, Qiao Yueru seemed to be grouping her in as one of the harem as well, which left Yan Shu feeling rather conflicted.

Sensing Yan Shu’s gaze, Qiao Yueru bit her lip, then suddenly turned and asked, “Master Yan, do you know the junior sister who’s always with Junior Brother Xiao? They seem very close. Junior Brother Xiao is usually aloof, but they share an umbrella—surely, they must be intimate, right?”

Yan Shu: …

Supporting female character struggling to survive—please don’t question me!

Yan Shu’s feelings were complicated. Xiao Jihan had many admirers, and as his only friend, she was bound to encounter this kind of thing often. After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Yes, they are indeed close. I’m very glad they get along so well.”

Wasn’t her meaning clear enough?

She was just a broad-minded master who didn’t mind her disciple falling in love—didn’t even mind him having a wife!

She was not one of the harem!

Qiao Yueru was momentarily stunned by her words. She glanced at Xiao Jihan, who looked faintly pleased because of Yan Shu’s comment, and forced a smile. “Is that so? Master Yan really has Xiao Jihan’s best interests at heart.”

Yan Shu nodded quickly, “Of course. He’s my only disciple, so naturally, he’s my top priority.”

At this, Qiao Yueru’s smile became even more strained.

He Qiu, meanwhile, was focused on the word “only.” “Master Yan, are you not planning to take any more disciples in the future?”

Take more disciples?

The original owner and she were both academic underachievers; Xiao Jihan was entirely self-taught. His favorability score with her fluctuated often, and although it seemed stable for the moment, who knew what tricks fate might play in the future?

She could barely keep herself alive; why would she consider taking more disciples?

Yan Shu hurriedly shook her head, “I have no such plans at present. Unless a very special opportunity arises, I doubt I will in the future.”

He Qiu sighed, “I see. Then Junior Brother Xiao is truly enviable.”

Favorability: 9 (First Meeting)
Favorability: 10 (First Meeting)
Favorability: 11 (First Meeting)
Favorability: 12 (First Meeting)

The favorability score had jumped by four points in one go—Yan Shu was very satisfied with this conversation. She tilted her head, glancing at Xiao Jihan’s relaxed, handsome face, feeling he must be satisfied too, or he wouldn’t have increased her score.

As for the others, who could say?

Completely unaware of the effect her words had had, Yan Shu was quite oblivious to the shock she had delivered to Qiao Yueru.

At first, Qiao Yueru believed that Yan Shu had feelings for Xiao Jihan. After all, Yan Shu had not only expended her own lifespan to divine Xiao Jihan’s fate, but had also personally accompanied him into the secret realm out of worry—already far exceeding the bounds of a normal master-disciple relationship.

But later, seeing the usually aloof Xiao Jihan’s moods shift with Yan Shu’s every word, Qiao Yueru thought perhaps it was Xiao Jihan who harbored feelings for Yan Shu, while Yan Shu remained unaware.

But now, she understood!

So it turned out, Yan Shu and Xiao Jihan were mutually in love!

Qiao Yueru’s mind was in turmoil. In terms of appearance, there were likely few in the entire cultivation world who could rival Yan Shu; in terms of talent, she was unmatched. Such a peerless, noble woman, someone who could make others feel unworthy with a single glance, had lowered herself for Xiao Jihan, even going so far as to accept his closeness with other women for his happiness. And she—someone whose looks and talent were nothing compared to Yan Shu’s—what right did she have to stand by Xiao Jihan’s side, let alone feel jealous?

With Yan Shu and the junior sister, what chance did she have?

Qiao Yueru took a deep breath and glanced sideways at Xiao Jihan, her heart filled with disappointment.

Junior Brother Xiao’s appearance surpassed even that of Yu Wencheng, the most handsome man in the cultivation world, and at just twenty, he had already formed his core. Only Yan Shu could be considered his equal in the entire realm.

How could she dare to harbor such wishful thinking?

Moreover, Xiao Jihan had never shown her the slightest warmth; it was all just her own foolishness.

Thinking this, Qiao Yueru let out a bitter smile and made a decision in her heart.

She drew a deep breath and turned to address Xiao Jihan and Yan Shu. “Master Yan, Junior Brother Xiao, there are only a few days left until the secret realm closes. Junior Brother He and I still haven’t gathered enough points for our sect, so we won’t be joining you.”

Before Yan Shu or Xiao Jihan could respond, she quickly described the exact location of the ancient tree, then said, “We’ve already tried that forbidden area, so now it’s best to focus on our sect duties. I wish you both success in entering the forbidden area. We’ll take our leave now.”

Yan Shu: ???

Supporting female character, what’s gotten into you?!

Xiao Jihan nodded, “Thank you for telling us. I owe you a favor—if ever you need help, I won’t refuse.”

Though Qiao Yueru knew full well that Xiao Jihan would never keep her, nor feel any reluctance at her leaving, hearing his flat response still brought a pang to her heart.

Perhaps it was for the best; it was time to wake from this dream.

With a difficult smile, Qiao Yueru looked deeply at Xiao Jihan one last time. “Farewell.”

With that, she led the still-confused He Qiu away.

Watching their retreating figures, Yan Shu was bewildered.

What on earth was going on?

In the original story, Qiao Yueru and Xiao Jihan only met briefly outside the secret realm. The real turning point, the moment Qiao Yueru became deeply attached to Xiao Jihan, was during the hero-saves-beauty scene outside the teleportation array in the forbidden area.

At that time, Qiao Yueru had encountered a sixth-rank demon beast and nearly lost her life, but Xiao Jihan happened to pass by and rescued her. Only then did she fall deeply for him.

But now, Qiao Yueru had already left—the hero-saves-beauty plotline was gone!

First, the forced intimacy scene, which nearly cost her her innocence, had disappeared. Now, the hero-saves-beauty scene was also gone. Why did all the supporting female characters refuse to follow the script?

Yan Shu was deeply troubled. It wasn’t a big deal if the supporting girls didn’t follow the plot, since Xiao Jihan was cold by nature and would eventually ascend alone, leaving the supporting characters heartbroken. If they cut ties earlier, it might spare them future pain.

But the real problem was—she still hadn’t gotten to cuddle Gun Gun yet! Couldn’t she get just one opportunity?