The Side Character Wants to Lie Flat-Chapter 65: Do You Have a Guilty Conscience?
Hua Manman keenly caught a keyword in the system notification—
Random Mission!
All the missions she had accepted before were part of the main storyline.
This time was different.
Hua Manman called out to the system in her mind, ’What’s the deal with this random mission?’
The system explained, "When an important character is in danger, the system will issue a random mission to ensure their safety."
’I can’t believe I have to play the part of a moronic, villainous side character *and* moonlight as an emergency responder.’
The system’s cold, mechanical voice sounded again.
"Time is limited. Please complete the mission as soon as possible, Host."
Every second counted. Hua Manman wasted no time and immediately spoke to Prince Zhao.
"Prince, I must return to the Zhong’an Bo Mansion immediately. Please allow me to go."
Li Ji sat in his wheelchair, watching her with a somber gaze.
"You and Hua Qingqing have never gotten along, have you? You should be happy to hear she’s being punished. Why would you want to save her?"
It might have been her imagination, but Hua Manman felt Prince Zhao’s gaze was so piercing it seemed to see right through her.
She instinctively lowered her head to avoid his gaze and mumbled under her breath.
"I don’t really like her, but she’s still my sister. I can’t just stand by and watch her get beaten to death.
Besides, that Song Ding fellow is utterly detestable. The thought of having to call him ’Brother-in-law’ in the future makes my skin crawl."
Li Ji asked, "Why can’t you look me in the eye when you answer? Are you hiding something?"
Fearing more questions would expose her, Hua Manman threw herself forward, clung to his arm, and said, almost throwing a tantrum.
"Fine, I’ll tell you the truth! I don’t want to stay here in the Prince Mansion and watch you marry another woman. I want to go back to the Uncle’s Mansion to get some peace and quiet. So, are you going to let me go or not?"
Li Ji lowered his gaze and could finally see her eyes.
He heard a single phrase repeating over and over in her mind—
’Say yes already! Say yes already! Say yes already!’
’It seems she really does want to go back.’
Li Ji asked unhurriedly.
"And what if I don’t agree?"
Hua Manman declared menacingly, "Then I won’t do my homework tomorrow!"
’Such a terrifying threat!’ Li Ji thought.
He reached out and pinched her soft, fair cheek, his tone tinged with indulgence.
"Fine, you can go. But you must be back before 9 p.m."
Hua Manman nodded without the slightest hesitation. "Okay, no problem!"
Li Ji casually unfastened the Qilin Jade Pendant from his waist and tossed it to her.
"Take this. If Elder Zhong’an won’t listen to you, show him this."
Overjoyed, Hua Manman quickly stowed the Jade Pendant away and thanked him gleefully.
"Thank you, Prince! You’re the best, best, best, best person I’ve met in my entire life!"
Not only did Prince Zhao give Hua Manman the imperially-bestowed Qilin Jade Pendant, but he also assigned two of his trusted aides to escort her.
Just as the boisterous wedding procession arrived at the main gate of the Prince Zhao Mansion, Hua Manman and her two trusted aides slipped quietly out of the Prince Mansion through a side entrance.
Tonight, the Prince Zhao Mansion was festooned with lanterns and filled with joyous celebration.
The Zhong’an Bo Mansion, however, was shrouded in gloom, the atmosphere thick with tension.
Inside the ancestral hall, Elder Zhong’an, Hua Dingzong, was repeatedly demanding to know if Hua Qingqing would obediently marry.
Every time, the answer was no.
Finally losing all patience, Hua Dingzong snatched the rattan cane from the steward’s hands, raised it high, and prepared to strike Hua Qingqing.
Lady He and the Old Madam were held back by servants outside the ancestral hall, forbidden from getting any closer.
Both women were frantic with worry.
Just then, a servant came rushing in.
"Mr. Bo! Lady Hua has returned!"
...
I’m dead tired. Good morning, everyone~
