The Beautiful Cannon Fodder Only Wants to Chase the Cold and Aloof Academic God Chapters 23, 24, and 25

Chapter 23

Of course, more importantly, Shen Mu now resembled that young man from the dream.

Since his youth, he occasionally had some strange dreams. Every time in those peculiar dreams, there would be the presence of two young men.

The surroundings of the young men were blurry, and though he could see the face of the other young man who was with him, Jin Yixiu knew that it was himself. That young man would smile, care, get angry, lean on him affectionately, act like a face-obsessed fool, throw himself into Jin Yixiu’s arms when he had a problem, and nag about eating on time.

And that young man, Jin Yixiu never really understood who he was, until yesterday when he encountered Shen Mu’s appearance and saw the image of that wooden door. Yesterday night, he dreamt of the same scene again, and this time, Jin Yixiu finally understood that it was Shen Mu.

Even though… Jin Yixiu looked at Shen Mu, who was still talking about eating on time in numerous ways, he could feel a terrifying emotion brewing in his deep pupils and a smile that curved upwards at the corner of his lips.

Even so, this Shen Mu had changed. Or perhaps, the current Shen Mu was the real one—the one who made him feel that way, the one he felt touched by. But Jin Yixiu was concerned about what had actually happened, after all, such things were somewhat mysterious, and even if he asked, Shen Mu would probably keep it to himself. So, he just needed to keep Shen Mu firmly by his side.

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Jin Yixiu suddenly chuckled softly and leaned closer to Shen Mu, “I don’t mind. Thanks for caring. But can you really keep an eye on my eating habits?”

Shen Mu was taken aback by Jin Yixiu’s enchanting smile. The cool and beautiful smile was simply breathtaking, let alone the fact that he leaned closer to Shen Mu. Those deep eyes, the beauty mark, the nose, and that captivating smile—his looks were beyond understanding!

Shen Mu was overwhelmed, completely charmed.

Fortunately, he didn’t nosebleed.

“Of course, I’d be delighted! Teacher Jin, rest assured and leave it to me. I’ll take care of everything and make sure you are well and healthy.” Shen Mu said firmly. This was such a great opportunity; he couldn’t afford to miss it.

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Chapter 24: The Clever Little Ghost

Upon hearing Shen Mu’s answer, Jin Yixiu lightly chuckled at the young man’s eager and expectant appearance—it was truly adorable.

“Teacher Jin, please eat. I have to go to the evening self-study session,” Shen Mu urged.

Jin Yixiu proceeded to open his lunchbox and started eating.

He ate with remarkable elegance, and Shen Mu couldn’t believe that someone could turn eating from a lunchbox into a five-star restaurant dining experience.

Shen Mu’s gaze was filled with heat, and Jin Yixiu suddenly paused, lifting his head to meet Shen Mu’s eyes, tilting his head slightly with a questioning expression.

What’s with the tilted head?

Shen Mu felt he should stop acting like this with Jin Yixiu, so he shook his head, feigned nonchalance, and turned away.

Little did he know that just moments ago, he had thought Jin Yixiu looked like a scenery, and now he himself had become the scenery in Jin Yixiu’s eyes.

Shen Mu had a lively personality, like a sunshine boy. However, his beauty was not of the robust kind; on the contrary, he was undeniably stunning. If he had to be described with one word, it would be “beautiful.” There was no doubt about it.

Jet-black hair, arched eyebrows, curled and dense eyelashes that fluttered like butterfly wings, a small and upturned nose, a complexion as smooth and delicate as porcelain, and those dark, sparkling eyes. He spoke gently and was a quietly beautiful sight while calmly enjoying his meal.

But sometimes Shen Mu was also fierce. Ever since he started scolding the protagonist, Jin Yixiu had noticed that side of him—assertive and intimidating. Fei Xinglan often told him to control himself, be more gentle and quiet when speaking, but that only attracted more admirers. Shen Mu realized.

He thought that if he genuinely liked someone, he could like them for any reason, just like that, without any particular logic. And it seemed to be true; Jin Yixiu found everything about Shen Mu incredibly charming, just like how a person sees beauty in their eyes.

Shen Mu and Jin Yixiu finished their meal in a warm atmosphere. Shen Mu was about to tidy up the table, but Jin Yixiu stopped him.

“Stay seated,” Jin Yixiu said, rolling up his sleeves, revealing his slender forearms and fair wrists.

Shen Mu complied and sat back down, watching Jin Yixiu busy around. At this moment, Jin Yixiu appeared like a considerate and capable homemaker—a truly ideal man.

Jin Yixiu pretended not to notice Shen Mu’s admiring gaze and calmly enjoyed the attention from this little admirer.

Jin Yixiu had never thought much about his appearance or how it might affect others, and, at times, it even brought harm to himself. However, now he suddenly felt grateful that he looked this way because, at least, it caught Shen Mu’s attention.

After tidying up, Jin Yixiu approached Shen Mu and asked to see his homework progress.

“Sure!” Shen Mu quickly took out his homework from the day before. He had been consciously trying to improve his accuracy in completing the assignments and actively participating in class discussions with the teachers, subtly influencing his family’s study habits so that the upcoming monthly exams wouldn’t feel so abrupt. He was truly becoming a clever little ghost.

Jin Yixiu received the homework, sat at the desk, and started reviewing it.

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Chapter 25: Malice

After going through Shen Mu’s homework, Jin Yixiu already understood the problems he faced. However, what surprised him was that some of the mistakes in Shen Mu’s answers seemed somewhat… deliberate?

Jin Yixiu’s voice softened, and he glanced at Shen Mu, who was engrossed in his phone. He raised an eyebrow, wondering. While the handsome Shen Mu was happily engrossed with his phone, he seemed entirely unaware of Jin Yixiu’s scrutiny.

As it was getting close to the evening self-study session, Jin Yixiu returned the papers to Shen Mu, and the two tidied up before leaving the dormitory and heading towards the school building.

Seeing the two walking together, people who knew them were extremely shocked. Everyone knew that Jin Yixiu detested any interactions with others, except perhaps for Xi Xiangyang. Now, there were rumors about Shen Mu, who was much talked-about, getting close to Jin Yixiu.

Seeing Shen Mu’s happy face as he chatted with Jin Yixiu, who was always responding to him, made others envy Jin Yixiu’s special treatment towards Shen Mu.

As for their esteemed main character, Shen Mu, he didn’t pay much attention to the surroundings. In fact, he was actively seeking conversation topics to get closer to Jin Yixiu. Seeing Jin Yixiu responding to him so attentively, Shen Mu thought it was nice—Jin Yixiu was calm on the outside but warm-hearted on the inside. He usually seemed aloof and indifferent, but in reality, he wasn’t as distant as others believed.

Feeling that his relationship with Jin Yixiu had become closer, Shen Mu tested the waters and said, “Ah Xiu?”

Jin Yixiu, by his side, didn’t seem to notice anything peculiar and simply replied, “Hmm?”

Shen Mu felt like he had a chance, so he invited Jin Yixiu, saying, “I was thinking, for better studying, could you come to my place on Saturday?” Shen Mu leaned close to Jin Yixiu, with his hands clasped together, and looked up at him. “Please~ Of course, if you have other plans, it’s also fine.” Shen Mu was daring and bold. He never imagined he would ever act this way, pursuing a guy. He felt like he had become audacious and fearless.

“…Sure,” Jin Yixiu looked at Shen Mu, who was acting playfully, and fell silent for a moment before replying, “No problem.” There was a slight curve on his lips, and Shen Mu suspected he was smiling, but in the blink of an eye, it was gone, and he thought he must have been mistaken.

Shen Mu didn’t expect Jin Yixiu to agree so readily, feeling that it seemed too good to be true. “Alright then, it’s settled! I’ll send you the address.”

While talking, they arrived at the corridors of their respective classes. Shen Mu looked at Jin Yixiu and tilted his head towards his own class. “Well then, I’ll go to class first. See you after school!”

“Okay, see you after school.”

Shen Mu waved to Jin Yixiu and walked towards his class, while Jin Yixiu headed to Class A.

However, from a distance, there were envious and resentful glares. Liang Feng from Class A watched Shen Mu and Jin Yixiu getting along so well and cursed Shen Mu in his heart. This little pest dared to chase after Luo Yuan and now was getting close to Jin Yixiu. Other than his looks and family background, what did he have that could compare?

Seeing Jin Yixiu seeming to favor Shen Mu, Liang Feng felt resentful and began to scheme. Since Shen Mu could do it, so could he. He believed that if Jin Yixiu had some discernment, he would choose him.

Shen Mu was aware of the malice directed towards him, but even if he knew, he wouldn’t care. After all, his time was better spent on tasks and battles with the protagonist. He couldn’t be bothered with people who were blindly self-confident and only cared about themselves. He had already seen through them.

As the heart of the protagonist swirled with schemes, elsewhere…

Shen Mu happily walked to his seat and looked around. Oh, Fei Xinglan hadn’t arrived yet; that guy was a bit slow.

Just as he was thinking about it, someone suddenly patted his shoulder.

Shen Mu turned around and saw that it was indeed Fei Xinglan.

“How was dinner?” Shen Mu asked.

“Nothing special, and you? How did it go with Jin Yixiu? I heard some rumors on the way here,” Fei Xinglan nudged Shen Mu with his elbow, his face showing a good-natured smile.

“Uh-huh~” Shen Mu leaned close to Fei Xinglan’s ear and whispered. Fei Xinglan listened attentively, and the result was…

“Tell me!”

“Shen Mu!” Fei Xinglan was frustrated and wanted to tickle Shen Mu, but he was interrupted.

“Shen Mu,” a classmate called out. Shen Mu looked in that direction, where a few male classmates were gathered, and one of them was talking. He usually had some connections with influential families.

“What’s up?” Shen Mu asked.

“What’s your relationship with Jin Yixiu? When did you become friends? We thought, besides Xi Xiangyang, he wouldn’t have any other friends,” the classmate said, and a few others, including some of his classmates, echoed his words.

“Yeah, it’s so unexpected. You went to find Jin Yixiu to play? I heard you didn’t even get an invitation.”

“Jin Yixiu playing? I can’t imagine him like that; it doesn’t match his image. He seems more like someone who knows how to fight.”

“Even if he knows how to fight, there are plenty of girls who like that. He’s just like a poor boy trying to act tough.”

“People like him are only good at pretending. He doesn’t even know how to eat properly, pretending to be poor.”

Listening to their conversation, Shen Mu felt irritated. They were saying all these mean things about Jin Yixiu just because he was outstanding in every aspect, attracting their malicious envy.

“What are you guys talking about?” Fei Xinglan also overheard and got angry.

“Oh, come on, Xinglan, there’s nothing we can do. Jin Yixiu is just too outstanding—he’s good-looking, smart, well-behaved, talented, and strong in every way. It’s only natural that he would be envied by some people,” Shen Mu sarcastically remarked.

“What did Shen Mu say? Who’s he saying is envious?”

“Does Shen Mu have a problem? Did he say something?”

“What the hell did you say, Shen Mu? Say it again if you dare!”

Clearly, Shen Mu’s words got on their nerves. Several of them surrounded Shen Mu and Fei Xinglan, and some even seemed ready to push Shen Mu.

Shen Mu quickly avoided their hands and gently pushed the one who tried to push him back. The commotion had already drawn attention from other students in the class.

“Who are you guys? If you have a problem, say it directly. And one more thing, take your hands off me.”

“Kid, you’re asking for trouble.” Shen Mu’s words and actions enraged the guy whose hand he pushed earlier. He already had a bad temper, and now he was ready to hit Shen Mu directly. The other guys who were surrounding them also seemed eager to use their hands.

Fei Xinglan quickly stepped in and pulled Shen Mu away, trying to avoid a physical confrontation. Some other classmates in the class also intervened and held back those guys.

“Please, don’t fight, let’s talk things out calmly,” a thin and weak boy squeezed through the crowd and stood between Shen Mu and Fei Xinglan, raising his hands to pacify the situation.

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