### Chapter Thirty-Two: Turns Out It’s a Steam Girl
Actually, the day after that, Qin Hongye didn’t know what she was thinking and started investigating Yun Zhonghe.
Turns out, when she didn’t investigate him, everything was fine. But once she started checking him out, things went south real quick. Qin Hongye found out she had almost become Yun Zhonghe’s fiancée.
Her mother and Yun Zhonghe’s mom were once fellow disciples, and they hit it off so well they even made a pact: if they each had a child of the opposite gender, they’d betroth them and make kinship.
But later, for some reason, neither side brought it up, and it just faded away.
Still, he and she were actually supposed to get married.
Unexpectedly, she had such connections with that profligate. This realization stirred up all the emotions in Qin Hongye again.
No! How could someone like her care about this guy? Only someone as outstanding as Mu Jixue who’s kind and driven can catch her eye.
Admit it, Yun Zhonghe was pretty cool that day for standing up for Lin Zhongyu. But she heard his reputation in Cangzhou City was terrible, so this must have been a ploy to catch Mu Jixue’s attention.
To calm herself down, she secretly spied on the Yun mansion, hoping to find any dirt on Yun Zhonghe and expose his fakeness.
It did her no good. She found out Yun Zhonghe was incredibly diligent!
He spent every free moment practicing swordsmanship, enjoying every second of it. His face when reaching new realms seemed infectious, brimming with joy—unlike a freeloader with no work ethic.
Even Qin Hongye couldn’t help but watch him, spellbound by his relentless dedication until she felt hypnotized by it.
Or maybe she just happened to see him practicing swordsmanship, which had advanced rapidly even shocking her dad, the Xuantian Sect master.
Plus, Yun Zhonghe’s sword stance was too perfect, bordering textbook levels. Not something one or two days of practice could achieve.
She figured he must’ve practiced every move billions of times, reading through techniques daily. Thus mastering new techniques quickly and smoothly advancing his skill set.
Who would’ve thought the guy everyone despised was putting in more effort than most people?
What’s more, she saw a part of herself in Yun Zhonghe.
Isn’t she also regarded as a spoilt rich girl?
People assumed with a Sect Master father and a Chief Mother, she owed all her success to them, ignoring her own hard work.
Out of envy, they even whispered her down. But she wanted to prove herself and beat those rumormongers, only to end up labeled as someone abusing her privilege.
No matter how much effort she puts in, no one acknowledges her. Can anyone understand this feeling of despair?
Qin Hongye always felt lonely, until seeing Yun Zhonghe. Suddenly, she felt less alone.
So you’re like me too!
With these thoughts, all the bad rumors about Yun Zhonghe shattered in Qin Hongye’s heart.
She got somewhat annoyed, feeling she misunderstood Yun Zhonghe as insincere.
“If everything he said is true…”
Then it dawned on Qin Hongye.
That phrase she buried deep, “I am captivated by Miss Qin,” resurfaced.
If Yun Zhonghe wasn’t jesting and meant it seriously, then…
She became obsessed with it.
Her brain started to shut down, CPU overheating and smoke billowing from her head.
To this day, her mind cannot return to normal.
…
“Miss Qin? Why do you keep lurking around?”
Yun Zhonghe spotted the iconic red robe hiding behind a pillar. Then, while Qin Hongye wasn’t paying attention, he sneaked up behind her.
Qin Hongye nearly leaped out of her skin in shock.
She looked flustered, like a guilty little kid whose wrongdoings were discovered, hiding behind her bangs.
Because of Yun Zhonghe’s sudden appearance, she was caught off guard.
“Hah… Hah? Who said I was stalking you? Don’t say such nonsense! I… I was looking for a task, not finding you!”
Qin Hongye argued while blushing.
Watching this, Yun Zhonghe couldn’t help but admire her bashfulness.
Hmm… Indeed, quite adorable!
Back when he played that game in his previous life, he noticed how cute and nice Qin Hongye was designed. Why did they make her a villainous rich girl? What a waste.
At least give her another route, or a spin-off and DLC to bring out her potential and give fans a chance to appreciate fresh CGs.
He regretted not getting to see Qin Hongye in those risqué CGs back in the day.
Being watched so openly by Yun Zhonghe made Qin Hongye feel even more embarrassed; she could feel heat radiating from her face like a fire.
Didn’t he ignore Lin Zhongyu and Mu Jixue before? Why is he staring at her now, as if undressing her with his eyes?
This is too weird!
Qin Hongye hardly dared breathe.
Contrastingly, Yun Zhonghe felt an unprecedented ease, knowing he and Qin Hongye were both cannon fodder villains. No fear involved.
Indeed, being together with Qin Hongye is more comfortable.
Certainly, Lin Zhongyu was impressive, but as the protagonist, she made Yun Zhonghe feel pressured, yet Qin Hongye didn’t.
Seemed like befriending Qin Hongye was indeed a smart choice.
Hence, Yun Zhonghe reined in his gaze, adding a touch of amiability: “Miss Qin, were you searching for a task? Any specific one?”
“No, not really, I was just curious about spiritual herbs… wait, why am I telling you this!”
Suddenly, she felt Yun Zhonghe was being overly friendly, unsettling her.
Why was everybody respectful towards her, only this man acted like it was no big deal?
Had she known Yun Zhonghe was actually no slouch, she would’ve drawn her sword and stabbed him a few times.
Now… her heart raced with butterflies.
“Looking for herbs?” Yun Zhonghe caught the drift, speaking meaningfully.
“I advise caution when gathering them. Though Cangzhou’s spirits aren’t as thick as at Xuantian Sect, it’s still safer to take some extra pills and gadgets.”
Upon hearing this, Qin Hongye puffed her cheeks, arms crossed: “Hum… hum! Worrying about my safety?”
“Of course, I care. Hope you come back safe and sound.”
After all, you’re an important acquaintance.
To Qin Hongye, coupled with the recurring thoughts in her head, it lost its intended tone.
I’m captivated by you, Miss Qin, so I’m concerned about your safety, hoping you’ll be safe.
Wow… So cheesy!
Qin Hongye stared at Yun Zhonghe in disbelief, her face flushed, smoke beginning to rise from her head.
She covered her mouth, retreating, pupils widening: “You… You reckless rascal!”
What, did he just say such things in public?
Yun Zhonghe: ???
