Protoganist's Sidekick Fights Back-Chapter 40: A Deception (2)

Su Kang carefully studied Yue Mei's expression, keenly watching for any subtle shifts in her demeanor. He wanted to see how she would react after hearing his words.

Yue Mei's POV

The soft morning light filtering through the garden's foliage felt almost cruel in its warmth, a stark contrast to the storm raging within Yue Mei.

She forced herself to take another bite of the spiced meat, yet the flavors that should have been exquisite were utterly lost on her.

Each chew felt laborious, as though she were merely going through the motions—an attempt to maintain a sense of normalcy while her mind spiraled into chaos.

Su Kang's arrival had changed everything. His presence, though outwardly calm and playful, held an undercurrent of knowledge and intent that unsettled her.

When he had jokingly suggested sending Su Ting with her, a wave of panic surged through her veins.

It was a crude, blatant reminder of her cursed physique. A fate that had dragged her all the way to this land, to this family, and to the man who might help her.

She kept her expression neutral, a carefully practiced habit. If not, she would have been toyed with by many people until her death.

When Su Kang had questioned her reasons for coming to Jiang State, she had answered with the well-rehearsed lie about seeking medicinal herbs.

But even as the words left her lips, she could see the doubt in his eyes—the knowing smirk that told her he saw right through her facade.

As he asked her purpose for coming to Jiang state, she had offered the well-rehearsed lie about medicinal herbs, the words hollow even to her own ears.

She had seen the doubt in his eyes, the knowing smirk that told her he saw through her carefully constructed facade.

But it was his next words that shattered her fragile composure, sending her world spiraling into chaos.

He spoke of punishment. He spoke of Su Ting losing a limb—because of her.

Her breath caught in her throat.

Lose a limb?

The words echoed, repeating like the dull clang of a war drum in her mind. She barely heard the rest.

She forced herself to turn her gaze to Su Ting.

His usual cheerful face was blank, shocked, but he did not resist the decision. He merely accepted it, as though it was simply another responsibility he had to bear.

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A wave of nausea surged through her.

Why? Why wasn't he fighting back?

Unlike her, he was free, he should spoke against it. He was decieved, he couldn't do anything in it.

Her hands, hidden beneath the wooden table, clenched into fists so tightly that her nails bit into her palms.

But outwardly, she remained frozen, expressionless, masking the turmoil that threatened to consume her.

She was Yue Mei—a cultivator from the Xuantian Empire, a person of power and mystery. She was not supposed to care.

She was not supposed to feel. It was for her own good. She could fight for him, leaving a favourable impression in his mind.

But as she looked at Su Ting—at the naive man who might be key to her freedom —one thought burned within her with terrifying clarity.

I will not let them hurt him.

(Third Person's P.O.V.)

A heavy silence blanketed the pavilion, thick with unspoken words and unseen tension.

Su Kang observed Yue Mei carefully, noticing the smallest of changes in her posture, the brief way her crimson eyes flickered toward Su Ting before she forced them away.

She was struggling.

Though she tried to hide it, her emotions had cracked, even if only for a brief moment. Su Kang had seen it.

He did not yet know why she had come here, or the full story behind her past. But he knew now—she wasn't indifferent. She cares for Su Ting.

And that was enough.

"Brother," Su Kang finally said, his tone gentler than before, "let's go. You need some fresh air."

Su Ting, still lost in his own thoughts, nodded without hesitation. The usual spark of mischief and playfulness in his eyes was absent, replaced by a quiet sadness.

He didn't look at Yue Mei neither said goodbye. He simply rose and followed his brother.

As they walked, Su Kang felt guilty for manipulating the situation like this. Using his brother's trust in him, he lied to him.

It left a bitter taste in his mouth.

But it was necessary.

"Fate, do you think obstacles in her destiny might be related to this?" Su Kang asked.

Fate responded in his mind,

"We'll, who knows. I can only guess about it. Since your brother is also favoured by heavens, I think he might be key to her obstacles."

Su kang agreed with this as well. Otherwise why would someone like her follow his brother for two weeks.

Should he lean into fate, allowing their connection to unfold and uncover the truth?

Or should he push her away, keeping her at a distance to protect his brother?

But was there even any danger in the first place?

He didn't have an answer for this yet.

But he would found out soon.

Back in the pavilion, Yue Mei remained seated, the warmth of the morning sun unable to penetrate the chill that had settled deep within her bones.

The spiced meat cooked by Su Ting lay forgotten on her plate, its aroma now a bitter reminder of her cursed fate.

Su Kang led Su Ting back to his residence, the weight of unspoken thoughts hanging between them like a dense fog.

Su Ting followed in silence, his usual energy absent, his mind clearly preoccupied.

Once inside, Su Kang turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Brother, tell me honestly—what do you feel about Miss Yue?"

Su Ting hesitated, his brow furrowing slightly. He seemed unsure, lost in his own emotions.

"I... I don't know," he admitted, avoiding Su Kang's gaze.

"It's strange. I feel like I've known her for a long time. There's a... pull, a familiarity that I can't explain."

Su Ting exhaled sharply, frustration flickering in his eyes. "Later, I thought maybe she had used some kind of charming spell on me. But I was wrong."

Su Kang listened quietly, absorbing his brother's words. He had suspected as much after watching his memories in the jade slip.

"Brother, I don't know if this is fate or something else, but I'm drawn toward her."

Su Kang sighed inwardly. His brother had fallen for her, whether he admitted it fully or not.

He placed a hand on Su Ting's shoulder, his tone firm yet gentle.

"If you truly care for her, you must tread carefully. Miss Yue is... complicated. We still don't know her true purpose here."

Su Ting knew that allowing his feelings to cloud his judgment could bring trouble—not just to himself, but to the family.

And then there was the question of his punishment. Had his brother lied?

But there was no need for his brother to lie about this when he deserved this. He brought a potentially dangerous person inside the family.

"Mother and father will be so disappointed in me," Su Ting thought bitterly.

He clenched his fists before nodding. "I understand, brother. I will be carefull."

With that, he left feeling down and bitter.

Su Kang remained in the quiet chamber. After thinking about it, he decided to wait for Yue Mei to take action first.

He will decide what to do after looking at her upcoming reaction.