TCFGBH Chapter 105

Xia Yan didn’t take this banquet seriously.

After all, he was just a cannon fodder character who would meet his end after fulfilling his storyline. He never entertained the idea of ascending to the throne. Naturally, he saw no need to curry favor with these nobles for personal gain.

The original owner’s status and personality lent him this confidence.

Standing at the center of the banquet hall, Xia Yan gazed nonchalantly at Grover and Edward, who were engaging in pleasant conversation. He seemed utterly unconcerned about X29’s ruler potentially supporting his rival’s claim to the throne.

His expression exuded arrogance and indifference but carried inexplicable confidence as if everything was within his grasp.

Most of the banquet attendees stole glances at Xia Yan, yearning to approach him. Yet, hindered by their neutral family alignments, they ultimately lingered outside his circle, unable to cross that threshold.

Xia Yan, however, harbored his own set of troubles.

Task Three from the system required him to deceive the protagonist shou into handing over the mecha blueprints.

Though he’d missed one rendezvous in the virtual world due to his intelligent brain being confiscated, he had since logged in nightly to “date” the protagonist shou.

The deeper their relationship grew, the easier it would be to secure the blueprints later.

However…

During their meeting the previous night, the protagonist shou’s gaze was peculiar—uneasy, tinged with guilt, and evasive, as though he’d done something wrong.

Xia Yan’s heart sank immediately.

His imagination ran wild.

Oh no! Could it be that the protagonist shou has already met the protagonist gong and fallen in love? Is that why he feels guilty about me, his current boyfriend?

No, no, no! According to the storyline, they were supposed to meet at the Central Military Academy.

But the system’s narratives have been wildly unreliable lately! Every world seemed to unravel!

Xia Yan: “…”

The system fell silent for three seconds before righteously declaring: [This world will definitely not collapse! Trust me!]

Xia Yan: […Okay.]

His tone suggested reluctant belief.

The system: […] This lousy boss is ruining my credibility.

In summary, Xia Yan was at an impasse.

Failure to complete Task Three meant no mecha modification, leaving him with fake S-level mental power, which was no match for the true S-level second gong, Huo Ruihe. As a result, Task Two would also fail.

With the prerequisite task unmet, subsequent tasks wouldn’t even be unlocked.

A complete deadlock!

Xia Yan maintained the original owner’s haughty demeanor outwardly but sighed inwardly, brainstorming. [999, does it have to be the protagonist shou’s blueprints?]

The system sounded confused: “Hmm?”

Xia Yan proposed an alternative: [Look, I’m here because Grover wants to win over a talented mecha engineer. If I have that engineer modify my mecha instead, could I still defeat Huo Ruihe?]

[No.] 999 dismissed the idea without hesitation. [Ludwig and Ian are protagonists because their talents surpass ordinary people.]

“…”

The system elaborated: [Ludwig’s mental power is rated as S on the surface, but in reality, he’s SSS. It’s just that the detector maxes out at S-level…]

Xia Yan was floored.

This was just like top students. Ordinary people score 100 because that’s their limit; top students score 100 because that’s the maximum score.

The system continued: [Similarly, the protagonist shou’s mecha designs are on a completely different level from everyone else’s.]

So, taking shortcuts? Impossible.

Xia Yan: […]

[If it doesn’t work out, we can abandon this world,] 999 tried to comfort him. [Next time, I’ll pick a simple, relaxing one for you.]

[…But what about all the side missions I’ve completed so far?]

The system: […]

Everyone knows that failing a world nullifies all points from completed tasks. This rule prevents hosts from exploiting easy tasks to farm points and skip to new worlds.

Rumor has it that failing three worlds in a row even results in point deductions.

…That’s probably false, right?

Still, this system was lenient with its hosts, offering full mental and physical protection and even allowing hosts to vacation in chosen identities, exploring worlds at leisure.

Of course, vacation worlds didn’t yield points.

999 ran a quick data check. Meanwhile, Xia Yan, unwilling to let all his completed work go to waste, declared: [No way! I’m not giving up yet!]

He massaged his temples, pondering how to approach the protagonist shou tonight when a voice suddenly broke his train of thought:

“Hello, you seem troubled. Is there anything I can do to help?”

“?”

Xia Yan followed the voice to see a stranger—a delicate, youthful boy.

He scanned the original owner’s memories but found no match for the face. Perhaps this was a newly ascended noble or a warrior promoted for border achievements… or possibly the mecha engineer Grover sought to recruit.

But what did that have to do with an arrogant noble heir?

The original owner had been spoiled rotten, bold and unyielding, never caring about others’ opinions, let alone flattering anyone.

“You?” Under the glittering lights, Xia Yan gave the boy a once-over. Finding nothing noteworthy, he lost interest and muttered dismissively, “Nowadays, anyone thinks they can talk to me.”

His words dripped with evident disdain.

Ian: “…”

The surrounding nobles, who had been covertly watching, chuckled mockingly at the boy’s failed attempt to engage.

Ian’s lips twitched as a hint of violence stirred within him.

These insufferable nobles… I’ll slaughter them all someday.

…Except for my boyfriend, of course.

Raised on a junk planet by space pirates, Ian had climbed the bloody ladder to usurp his adoptive father, ultimately becoming their leader.

His background and experience ensured he could never be a “good” person.

Still, despite Xia Yan’s coldness, Ian justified it in his mind. ‘He’s so kind to me in the virtual world! He’s probably just keeping boundaries with strangers here.’

What’s there to fuss over?

…His rose-colored filter was indestructible.

The boy’s delicate features softened into a satisfied smile, his cat-like eyes narrowing contentedly, like a pet thoroughly spoiled by its owner.

Xia Yan: “…”

Everyone else: “…” Is he a masochist?

The commotion drew Grover and Edward’s attention. Seeing this, Grover smirked faintly, delighting in the situation.

He understood Xia Yan’s reason for coming here and had worried about separating him from D.

But to his surprise, Xia Yan had thoroughly offended the boy upon arrival.

It was as if fate had aligned with his ambitions.

As a man of ambition, Grover lusted for ultimate power. Even though Xia Yan’s beauty had momentarily shaken him, he kept his composure and stepped forward with a smile, extending his hand. “Hello, D. I’m Grover Gillingham. We’ve communicated through virtual systems before, but this is our first meeting in person. Welcome to the Gemstone Capital.”

“?”

The boy reluctantly tore his gaze away from Xia Yan and responded perfunctorily, “Hello.”

Previously, Grover had only dealt with Ian’s subordinates, so Ian had no direct impression of him.

Just as they were about to shake hands, Ian suddenly remembered something a subordinate had said: If Xia Yan is the sister-in-law, Grover is our enemy…
Enemy!

The boy abruptly withdrew his hand. Under Grover’s startled gaze, Ian coolly said, “I dislike shaking hands.”

“…” Grover’s fingers twitched slightly as he reminded himself that geniuses often had quirks. Forcing down his simmering anger, he calmly withdrew his hand. “I apologize for offending you.”

The boy raised an eyebrow, his delicate features now laced with a hint of arrogance. “Good that you know.”

Grover: “…” Tired. Let the world end already.

The atmosphere in the hall grew tense.

As the banquet host, Edward couldn’t just stand by and watch the situation spiral out of control. Naturally, he stepped forward to mediate, introducing Ian to Xian Yan.

“…Mr. D has sold many mech design blueprints at our auctions, each one outstanding. A true genius of a designer,” Edward said, pausing briefly before adding subtly, “In three days, one of D’s designs will be the highlight of the auction.”

The highlight of an auction was reserved for the most valuable item, underscoring the boy’s extraordinary talent.

Ian puffed out his chest with pride, much like a peacock spreading its vibrant feathers, eager to impress his sweetheart.

Xian Yan: “…”

What’s the point of that? It’s not like you can replace the protagonist shou anyway.

Though he scoffed inwardly, he maintained an appropriate expression of mild surprise on the surface, once again sizing up the boy as if assessing his potential utility. His attitude shifted to one of amicable interest.

“Hello, I’m Xian Yan Gardner.”

His change in demeanor was so abrupt it was almost jarring.

Those deemed useless were brushed aside with cold indifference, as though their mere presence was a stain on his person. Those who proved useful were drawn in, his every move betraying an interest solely rooted in self-interest.

Such blatant opportunism left some feeling both disheartened and strangely drawn to him.

Ah, who taught the young master his etiquette? Could he at least try to act more convincing? The shift was too abrupt—it wouldn’t convey sincerity and might end up pushing the mech designer into Grover’s camp.

If that happened, what then?

The crowd: “…” Wait! Weren’t they supposed to be neutral? Why are they getting emotionally invested here?

Grover scoffed internally, thinking Xian Yan was overly sheltered and too naive. Just as he felt confident of his advantage, the boy unexpectedly engaged the young noble in a lively conversation, his attitude enthusiastic.

Edward: “…”

Grover: “…” Furious.

For the rest of the banquet, D clung to Xian Yan like a shadow. Despite his youthful appearance, with delicate features and upturned cat-like eyes, the boy radiated an air of innocent charm.

—In fairness, he was young, only twenty years old.

Though Xian Yan wasn’t interested in D, he couldn’t afford to alienate him, as his purpose for being there revolved around the mech designer. Playing his part, he maintained the perfect balance of politeness, responding to the boy’s chatter with occasional remarks.

Ian, on the other hand, proved a master of flattery. His sweet words were seamlessly interwoven with endearing gestures. Within minutes, he addressed Xian Yan as “brother.”

Xian Yan: “…” Help!!! Why is he so clingy?

By the banquet’s end, most guests remained, unwilling to leave. They watched Ian draw closer to the young noble, envy burning in their hearts.

Just a mere designer? Did he really think he could ascend to the heights of the Xia family?

But… what if he succeeded?

So frustrating! Someone, please take him down!!!

Grover, now relegated to mere background decor: “…”

Ian reveled in the envious gazes, thinking that while many desired him, only Xian Yan could have him. He began plotting to create a fake identity to enroll in the Imperial Central Military Academy after the auction. That way, he could openly be with Xian Yan.

But first… should he test the young noble’s feelings toward him?

Acting on impulse, Ian cupped his cheeks and asked coyly, “Brother Xian Yan, you’re so amazing. Do you have a partner?”

“…”

The word “yes” nearly escaped Xian Yan’s lips before he caught himself.

The original owner had dated the protagonist shou purely to steal the mech designs, with no feelings involved. This underhanded scheme wasn’t something he could openly admit to, especially in this setting.

At that time, Xian Yan had a sudden inspiration and told Ludwig, solely to deepen Ludwig’s negative impression of him.

Moreover, the protagonist gong was socially withdrawn, with no friends or interest in gossip. Hence, Xian Yan never worried about word spreading.

Here, however… Xian Yan’s gaze flickered toward Grover and Edward. A single slip could be catastrophic. Once exposed, how could he retrieve the blueprints, mock the protagonist shou’s naivety, and then make his escape?

No, he had to keep it a secret!

Raising an eyebrow, the young noble’s cold, flawless profile revealed no trace of hesitation. His soft, crimson lips curled in disdain. “No, I don’t need meaningless relationships to burden me.”

“Huh???”

Ian froze, momentarily stunned. He quickly amended his approach. Surely, the phrasing was off—they weren’t even at the partner stage yet. He tried again, changing the term: “How about someone you’re dating?”

“Of course not.”

“…” The warmth in Ian’s gaze gradually cooled, his sweet smile twisting into something unnerving.

“…Not even someone you’re interested in?”

The nobleman gave him a puzzled look, seemingly perplexed by his insistence. For the third time, he provided the same answer.

Ian: “…”

What the hell! He knew “Xu Yan” was likely after his designs, but after all the time they’d spent together—fighting mechs, training, and exchanging sweet nothings—this guy had zero feelings for him?

Ha! Liar.