Chereads / Exposed, I'm the villain / Chapter 8 - her suspicion

Chapter 8 - her suspicion

That voice—she would never forget it, even in death!

It belonged to her lifelong nemesis: Xiao Han.

The one who was trying to steal away her childhood sweetheart, leading him down a completely different path—a path with another man!

During the entrance assessment, Mo Bai helped him out. At the time, she didn't think much of it. After all, even slackers need friends, right?

And besides, they were both guys. What was there to worry about?

But over time, she realized something was off. This guy was downright toxic!

It was as if he had some kind of magnetic charm. The moment he showed up, he would instantly steal all of Mo Bai's attention!

The two of them seemed as if they were destined to meet.

In just a matter of days, they became friends.

She didn't mind at first. After all, finding a kindred spirit was perfectly normal, right?

And so, within less than a year, the two of them had become inseparable best friends…

Xiao Han, too, started visiting Mo Bai Peak frequently, almost as if he had nothing better to do.

During that year, he figured out all of Mo Bai's preferences—his favorite food, drinks, and even the things he used—everything perfectly aligned with Mo Bai's tastes.

But that wasn't a big deal, was it? Anyone who stuck around long enough would naturally get a feel for those things. Hmph...

Take her, for example.

Mo Bai's preferences? She already knew most of them.

So it wasn't a big deal... The most important thing was that the other person was a man. What was there to be afraid of?

That is, until two months ago, when she returned from her training trip and went to find Mo Bai—only to see the two of them sleeping on the same bed.

At first, she didn't think much of it. After all, two grown men sharing a bed, what's so unusual about that?

It just meant they had a good relationship, right?

You'd agree, wouldn't you?

Of course, that's assuming Xiao Han hadn't looked at her with that "caught red-handed" expression—the kind that was pitiful yet smug—the moment he saw her.

That's exactly what she thought at the time…

She could still vividly recall that guy clutching his clothes with a shy expression:

"L-Lin Senior Sister, what are you doing here…?"

Ugh!! Disgusting!!

But even then, she didn't think much of it. At most, she just felt that the guy was a bit effeminate and nauseating.

After all, what could possibly happen between two grown men, right?

That is, until one of her junior sisters handed her a book:

The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation.

It was then that she realized—so two men could be a thing!!

Thinking back on it, that guy really did look kind of delicate. No, not delicate—handsome!

And suddenly, everything made perfect sense.

That guy must have been attracted to her slacker senior brother's charm!

He wanted to seduce him!

If it really came down to competition, she could accept losing to a woman.

But a man? What the heck?

Who do you think you are, trying to butt in? Are you out of your mind?!

So, based on this undeniable fact, she had been paying close attention to this matter these past few days.

Finally, she confirmed that the troublesome guy had, in all likelihood, already gone down that path.

But then came the critical question...

Had her slacker senior brother also started walking down that path?

With that question in mind, she'd been conducting her own investigation over the past few days.

And as a result of this whole mess, her already irritated feelings toward Mo Bai only grew worse.

Flirting with women was one thing, but now even men weren't safe? At this rate, would he be crossing species boundaries next?!

Did he not even care about her, his childhood sweetheart?!

So, when Mo Bai contacted her first, her immediate response was a sharp:

"Go eat crap!"

Then, without missing a beat, she marched straight over to his place.

Of course, her true goal was to confirm one thing—had he called that "good brother" of his as well?

Previously, she thought it was impossible.

After all, while her senior brother might be a bit lazy, he wasn't the type to walk down that road.

Especially with someone like her—a perfectly curvy and stunning junior sister—right by his side!

How could he possibly stray?

The later arrival of Fu An'an only confirmed her suspicions.

And so, she successfully transitioned from being a love rival to becoming a tool for testing whether her slacker senior brother was still a normal man.

Of course…

At first, she was quite satisfied with the results.

But now?

"With a childhood sweetheart like me around, if you still let yourself be wooed by some random man, wouldn't that mean I have absolutely no charm at all?"

"I, Lin Qingming, have never suffered such humiliation!"

"Answer me! Let me judge if you've really fallen for him…"

Lin Qingming's gaze was fixed on the communication talisman—or more accurately, it was fixed on Mo Bai.

Her expression grew increasingly dangerous.

If her slacker senior brother really had been led down that path…

Then she would have to "resolve" the situation herself.

And if she couldn't resolve it… well, heh.

Mo Bai explained calmly, saying that his earlier message was merely a test for the little spirit and a way to collect some villain points.

Who would've thought that silly guy would actually…

---

Meanwhile, outside a bustling tavern, a handsome young man held a jade talisman in his hand.

The smile on his face completely erased any lingering killing intent from the earlier battle, making him appear… sweet?

Xiao Han was truly thrilled at this moment.

A message from Senior Brother Mo Bai—how long had it been since he last received one?

The tone was just as warm and gentle as always…

"Everything is fine. Those Flame Demons can't trouble me anymore. Oh, by the way, I've collected some of the desserts you used to like from here. Also, would you like some of the local specialties?"

Xiao Han responded immediately, his voice carrying a hint of pride, like a child who had aced a test and eagerly awaited praise.

"Yes, of course! The fire crystal cakes from that area are the best!" Mo Bai quickly replied.

"Mm, get more of the fire crystal cakes, and a little of the other things too," Xiao Han said casually.

Receiving the message, Mo Bai's eyes lit up instantly.

Damn, as expected, it was his own brother being reliable!

Who cared if he was the main character or a destined rival?

Thinking this, she quickly added:

"Mm-hmm, as expected, you really know me best, Junior Brother. Oh, by the way, I just got my hands on some special stuff. I'll save some for you!"

"Mm, okay! We can enjoy it together later," Xiao Han replied.

"Delicious, together?" Lin Qingming's veins popped on her forehead.

A scene from the past flashed through her mind—Mo Bai feeding Fu An'an spicy strips.

Then, she glanced over at the two white jade boxes hanging on the hammock nearby.

In her mind, a horrifying image appeared—Mo Bai and Xiao Han sharing the same piece of spicy strip.

Her heart stopped.

Her breath caught.

"YAAAAHHHHH!!!"

"Why does that guy get treated better than me?! I don't have those kinds of perks!" Lin Qingming thought bitterly as she looked at the snacks she had brought in her storage bag.

It was hard to believe that she had lost to a man…

No, her slacker senior brother was just showing this tendency—there was still a chance to save him!

But with only herself and their recently strained relationship…

It was a bit of a challenge.

It seemed like she needed some help.

Thinking this, she turned her gaze to Fu An'an.

Her eyes narrowed, and a plan formed in her mind.

She took out a communication talisman and activated it.

Muttering softly, Fu An'an was startled for a moment, and then her expression darkened.

The previously indulgent look was replaced by seriousness as she spoke through the talisman:

"Junior Brother, you should cut off communication for now. I have something more important on my side."

The voice came through the jade talisman, reaching the other side.

Hearing the voice, Xiao Han furrowed his brows.

That voice was… Fu Senior Sister?

Had she come to find Senior Brother again while he wasn't around?