Chapter 180: The Yellow-Haired Guy Finally Unlocks the Protagonist’s Inner Conflict
“Are you Yun Zhonghe?!”
It was uncertain who first shouted out Yun Zhonghe’s name, but immediately after, everyone around seemed to have heard something demonic, their bodies shaking violently.
“Yun Zhonghe? That playboy from the Cangzhou City Yun family?”
“Is he the one who made it to the thirty-fifth floor of the Myriad Path Divine Tower?!”
“Apparently, he only made it to the thirtieth floor, and the extra five levels were due to a glitch in the tower.”
The name of Yun Zhonghe reverberated through the entire hall; no one was untouched by the shock.
Su Xiaoxiao, standing unnoticed at the corner, felt quite bewildered. Being new to the Cultivation Realm, she was unaware of many details. From how others reacted, however, Yun Zhonghe seemed to be someone of immense importance.
Though some had a less favorable opinion of him.
Nevertheless, no one dared show any disrespect. Despite their lips moving, their eyes couldn’t hide their admiration.
Even those noble young masters from Suzhou City, who loved teasing her for fun, shrank back in fear, looking horrified.
Su Xiaoxiao did not know what conversation Yun Zhonghe had with the yellow-haired guy and others because she was too far away, but his actions clearly showed that he had thoroughly intimidated them.
Su Xiaoxiao knew that Yun Zhonghe was powerful, stronger than her, but she never imagined he would be this formidable.
At this moment, she couldn’t help but think about Yun Zhonghe’s words to her earlier: “My fate is mine, not heaven’s!”
Now, reflecting on these words, she felt she understood them profoundly.
“I am my own destiny… I can’t rely on others or wait for fate to change my circumstances.” She realized that the only one who could change her life was herself!
Isn’t that what Yun brother did? He smashed all the rumors with his own strength and earned respect!
She drew a deep breath. Now it finally dawned on her why Yun Zhonghe specifically told her those words. It was to awaken her, showing her by example how to earn respect!
She suddenly felt so grateful.
Growing up, never mind someone teaching her, even someone wanting to talk to her sincerely was rare.
Yet, Yun Zhonghe, who didn’t even know her well, helped her, supported her, and taught her. Not just charity, but guidance too, teaching Su Xiaoxiao how to gain respect.
Respect is never given; it must be earned!
At this moment, Su Xiaoxiao’s eyes welled up with tears. She felt the fear dissipate as she saw Yun Zhonghe’s tall and radiant figure before her—a towering presence of strength and confidence!
She finally understood why Lin Zhongyu always spoke so highly of Yun Zhonghe’s reliability.
This unconditional care made even the coldest world feel warm, evoking feelings of attachment.
Suddenly, she realized the support that now held her inner world together.
The great pillar bore Yun Zhonghe’s name proudly!
A pillar Yun Zhonghe had firmly planted, supporting her faltering self-confidence.
She felt the belief Yun Zhonghe instilled in her.
With trembling legs but no longer afraid, Su Xiaoxiao raised her head, no longer hiding behind thick bangs.
Her gaze burned, fixed on Yun Zhonghe’s back.
She had a new dream. To chase after that figure.
But Yun Zhonghe barely thought about these things at all.
He just wanted Su Xiaoxiao to calm down when they first met, so he improvised some motivational lines. When he noticed Su Xiaoxiao remained unstable, he pulled out a famous quote from his online library. Recalling it now, he felt a little embarrassed.
Odd, it feels like something similar happened before. Whatever, let’s leave it.
His eyes, now scanning the noblemen from Suzhou City, conveyed a cold detachment.
These young masters were dumbstruck. Who could have guessed they’d run into their living deity… err, god.
They all knew Yun’s dad was overly protective and that he recently gained fame by conquering the thirty-fifth level of the Myriad Path Divine Tower. Now, the Yun family was expected to rise as a top-tier family!
At this time, families allied with the Yun clan were hugging tightly onto the winning side, licking their boots.
The other families, even those not allied, were trying various tricks. Some even spread negative rumors about Yun Zhonghe to send their girls to Yun Manor for his favor.
These moves were all stopped by Chen and Tao Jiu’er.
Now these clueless troublemakers upset Yun Zhonghe, who promptly gave his father a “Spirit Message,” leaving these families in shock.
They wanted to beg at Yun Zhonghe’s feet.
Unfortunately, he ignored them and walked straight towards Su Xiaoxiao.
In that moment, Su Xiaoxiao once again became the main focus.
Unlike before, they were admiring with shock rather than mockery.
Could this Yun Zhonghe be defending the dreaded Plague God?!
Su Xiaoxiao felt dizzy, seeing so many eyes on her was uncomfortable.
“You need to stay calm, don’t run. If you can’t handle this, you’ll never stay strong.”
“Have no fear, I will protect you from any criticism. Just keep your chin high.”
“It’s up to you to earn respect.”
Yun Zhonghe whispered, calming Su Xiaoxiao’s fears and helping her to face the crowd confidently.
Huang Aotian and Su Xiaoxiao’s relationship has improved. Gaining some goodwill should be easy enough.
Although she dislikes social interactions, Su Xiaoxiao still hopes for friendship, affection, and respect. She needs guidance to bridge the gap between her closed-off world and reality.
Actually, in the original game, Su Xiaoxiao’s introverted nature is constant, even at the end when she is romantically involved with Huang Aotian, she still only interacts with Mu Jixue.
Still, reality is different. Since it doesn’t disturb the main storyline, Yun Zhonghe hopes Su Xiaoxiao can overcome her shadows and become his friend.
Just a glance from Yun Zhonghe filtered out the negativity, and she felt better.
Despite still wobbling, she followed him back to the table.
Yun Zhonghe surveyed the area.
His eyes seemed to say, “I’m having lunch here with the Plague God. Got a problem?”
No response.
Sure, some were more powerful, but they weren’t going to provoke such a prodigy.
Then Yun Zhonghe smiled at Su Xiaoxiao as if to say—see, as long as you’re strong, nobody can stop you.
Strength is key. Never let bad luck bring you down.
Plus, your bad luck can be your own strength.
Su Xiaoxiao pondered, understanding mixed with confusion.
When she glanced at his cheerful smile, she found herself almost mesmerized, snapping back to reality with embarrassment. She looked down, burying her eyes under her bangs.
Yun Zhonghe: “…”
What do you mean, all that effort and no change?
Yun Zhonghe felt discouraged.
Of course, she’s the protagonist, tough nut to crack. Naturally, it won’t be simple.
He did all he could. Now, he just needs to strategize to win her trust.
The noblemen approached, “Young Master Yun, we’re misunderstood. It’s all Zhu Yan’s fault…”
“Go away.”
Yun Zhonghe casually said, his tone indifferent as he didn’t want to listen, knowing their presence only disturbed Su Xiaoxiao.
The noblemen sensed the threat and fled in panic.
Zhu Yan glared angrily.
She just got her name dragged into this mess, being thrown under the bus!
d*mn! She knew these guys couldn’t be relied on.
She had no choice to ingratiate herself with these incompetents for more cultivation resources.
Her eyes settled on Su Xiaoxiao with resentment; wondering why Yun Zhonghe favored such a person.
Does he have a taste for masochism?
Right then, Yun Zhonghe glanced at her sharply. That look felt like a frozen icicle piercing her spirit, agony making her flee.
Watching Zhu Yan’s flustered retreat, Yun Zhonghe narrowed his eyes and withdrew his spiritual energy, stopping the Spiritual Spike.
It was just a lesson.
If she dared trouble Su Xiaoxiao further, he wouldn’t hold back.
