In a Fantasy World as Cannon Fodder, I Got Entangled with the Heroine - Chapter 5

Chapter 5: An Awkward and Dangerous Atmosphere

Translation by: Weebsread👹

Crap, I’m finished!

Jiang Qian clasped his cheek, silently cursing his luck. He’d tried so hard to steer clear of trouble, yet here he was, smack dab in the middle of it.

Bai Piaoxue’s gaze landed on Duan Yuqing and Jiang Zixuan, standing just a little too close. Her tone was thick with mockery. “Well, well, isn’t this the Holy Son of Azure Mountain Sect? Who would've guessed you’re into women of ill repute?”

Duan Yuqing’s eyes narrowed, his voice edged with frost. “Bai Piaoxue, don’t test my patience. If you weren't the sect master's daughter, do you really think I’d tolerate you for even a second?”

“Oh my, is this a lover’s spat?”  

“This is the kind of drama I live for!”  

“So over the top… but honestly, I can’t look away.”  

“…”

Blending right in with the crowd, Jiang Qian leaned back, lazily popping sunflower seeds as if none of this had anything to do with him.

And honestly, in the original story, it didn’t.

By now, he was supposed to be long dead and forgotten.

Suddenly, Jiang Zixuan appeared by his side. Without warning, she asked, “Can I have some of your sunflower seeds?”

“Yeah, sure—” Jiang Qian handed her a small handful before realizing who it was.  

The moment he looked up and saw her face, he almost jumped out of his skin. “Jiang Zixuan?!”

“W-Why did you suddenly come over here?” he stammered, instinctively shuffling away.

Jiang Zixuan frowned, scrutinizing him.

Is this really the same arrogant, insufferable Jiang Qian?  

He seems like a completely different person.

“More importantly,” her voice turned icy, “why are you here with Bai Piaoxue?”

“The sect master’s daughter wanted to hang out, so I just—”  

Before he could finish, Bai Piaoxue swept over and seized his arm, clinging to him possessively.

What the—  

Let…let go of me!

Jiang Qian wrestled to free himself, but Bai Piaoxue’s grip was like iron.

With a glare at Duan Yuqing, Bai Piaoxue snapped, “If you don’t leave Jiang Zixuan alone, I’ll get together with him!”

Wait, how did I get dragged into your love drama?

Jiang Qian could only look at both of them in utter disbelief.

Duan Yuqing strode over, giving them both a cold, casual glance. “In that case, I wish you and Junior Sister Bai eternal happiness. My blessings to you, Junior Brother Jiang.”

He turned, the chill in his eyes melting as he looked at Jiang Zixuan. “Come on, Little Sister. Let’s go.”

“Mm.” Jiang Zixuan nodded, but just as she was leaving, she threw a dagger-like glare back at Jiang Qian. “Jiang Qian, I won’t let you get away with this!”

Then, she was gone.

Big Sis, I’m just a dead extra in this story! Why are you making things harder for me?

All I want is a peaceful, boring life. Why is that so impossible here?

Jiang Qian watched Jiang Zixuan walk away, a helpless ache filling his gaze.

Just then, Bai Piaoxue began sobbing, her face buried in Jiang Qian’s arm, looking for all the world like a heartbroken child.

“Why… why did he look at me so coldly?”

“Why…”

Jiang Qian felt her tears soaking through his sleeve and sighed.

If you can’t handle the game, why play at all?

“Senior Sister Bai, I’ve got a tanghulu here. Want it? Extra big—just for you!”  

A glossy, bright-red skewer of tanghulu appeared in his hand.

The word “tanghulu” was like magic—Bai Piaoxue’s tears stopped instantly. Her eyes locked onto the treat.

She let go of Jiang Qian’s arm, immediately grabbing the skewer.

“What are you all staring at?” She swept a cold glare across the crowd.

The onlookers scattered, fleeing for their lives.

Still as domineering as ever.

Jiang Qian couldn’t help but think so.

For the next several days, Jiang Qian found himself accompanying Bai Piaoxue all around Tianze City. Together, they wandered every inch of the city.

He didn’t forget to check in for daily rewards, but he’d had no luck—just useless trinkets, nothing worthwhile.

Sitting out in the courtyard, he rested his chin on his hand and grumbled, “Why have my rewards been so worthless lately?”

“Is it the location? Maybe I should try somewhere different…”

His muttering was interrupted as a young disciple hurried in, bowing with respect. “Young Master, the Patriarch requests your presence in the main hall.”

“Understood,” Jiang Qian said, getting to his feet and heading out.

In the main hall, the leaders of the three great clans and the city lord were all present.

Bai Piaoxue sat at the seat of honor.

Wait a second…  

Didn’t we agree to stay low profile? Since when does this look anything like low-key?

“Qian’er, come sit here!” Jiang Chenghai called out, all smiles.

Jiang Qian walked over and leaned close, whispering, “Dad, didn’t I tell you to keep it subtle?”

“I am being subtle!” Jiang Chenghai whispered back, completely sincere. “I only invited the three clan heads and the city lord, that’s all!”

Dad… do you even know what ‘low-key’ means?

Jiang Qian looked at his hopeless father and could only sigh and cover his face.

“We’re here!”  

Duan Yuqing and Jiang Zixuan arrived right then.

Jiang Chenghai blinked in confusion—he was sure he hadn’t invited these two. But who dared question Duan Yuqing?

“I invited them,” Bai Piaoxue announced airily.

Traitor! Why on earth would you bring them here? Are you trying to get me killed?

Jiang Qian could only sigh inwardly.

Duan Yuqing sat down as if he owned the place, then gestured to Jiang Zixuan. “Little Sister, sit with me.”

“No thanks, Senior Brother. I’ll sit over here.” Without hesitation, Jiang Zixuan took the seat right next to Jiang Qian.

Immediately, Jiang Qian felt Duan Yuqing’s murderous glare on him. He tried to get up—only for Jiang Zixuan to stamp firmly on his right foot, pinning him in place.

What is this?!

“Cousin, you… you’re stepping on my foot!”

“I know,” Jiang Zixuan replied coolly. Leaning in, she whispered in his ear, “If you even think about getting up and leaving, I’ll tell everyone you tried something indecent.”

Wait, wasn’t the heroine supposed to be innocent and upright? When did she get so cunning?

Jiang Qian stared, whispering back, “I haven’t done anything to you! Isn’t this a bit much?”

“Hmph! The way you humiliated me in the arena—that’s not something I’ll let go! I’ll stick to you like a shadow until I get my payback!” Jiang Zixuan huffed, cold as ever.

Humiliating her? Did I?  

Why don’t I remember that at all…?

Jiang Qian was genuinely confused. As far as he could recall, he hadn’t provoked her on the stage.

So, with Duan Yuqing’s icy stare boring through him and Bai Piaoxue piling food onto his plate with determined generosity, Jiang Qian suffered through every agonizing bite.

“Patriarch Jiang, congratulations on raising such an outstanding son! I have urgent business, so I’ll take my leave!”

“Haha, yes, congratulations indeed! I also have pressing matters. Excuse me!”

“And me as well!”

One by one, the three clan heads and the city lord escaped as fast as etiquette would allow.

“My boy, it’s your big moment. I won’t get in your way!” Even Jiang Chenghai found an excuse to duck out, abandoning his son without a second thought.

Thanks, Dad. Way to throw me to the wolves.

“Junior Brother Jiang, would you mind standing up for a moment?”