Chapter 10: The Original Male Protagonist's Aversion

After Lu Xi’s shout, a player hesitated, half-believing, and stopped in their tracks. She breathed a sigh of relief—fortunately, someone listened. That player was Meng Yuanyuan. Then, the villager who was about to collide head-on suddenly raised their farming tool and changed direction, as if completely oblivious to the motionless Meng Yuanyuan standing there. As for those few players desperately struggling at the brink of death, they perished gruesomely. Lu Xi’s words had been proven right. Everyone immediately began to imitate her, and sure enough, the villagers of Muguan Village became like headless flies, wandering in circles, wielding their tools aimlessly. On the barren land, only the footsteps of NPCs and the players’ anxious, hurried breaths could be heard. With more than half an hour until dawn, if they could just hold on a little longer, they would be free. When the mind is under severe stress, time seems to crawl interminably, each second dragging on like a year. When the first pale light of dawn crept over the horizon, it felt to them as if half a century had passed. At the moment of sunrise, the villagers all turned around in unison, their eyes vacant, movements stiff, and they collectively marched back into the village. Everyone finally exhaled in relief. The Muguan Village by day was a stark contrast to the one cloaked in night’s darkness. At dawn, after the rooster’s crow, smoke rose from every household, and life gradually revealed itself. After a restless night, except for Lu Xi who still looked spirited, the others bore dark circles under their eyes, yawning incessantly. The villagers were simple and hospitable, and during the day, the players stayed in the village where everyone was warmly welcoming. Of course, it would be even better if these people didn’t suddenly “mutate” at night. A few of the young men in the group planned to fetch water from the ancient well and boil it, while the girls went to the kitchen to see if there were any suitable ingredients. Meng Yuanyuan was arguing with her mother. “I told you last night not to bother with me, to hide first. Why did you keep interfering?” After escaping danger, Meng Yuanyuan started bringing up old grievances. “Mom, how many times have I said? When there’s danger, you just look out for yourself. I don’t expect you to be smart or strong, but could you please not act foolish at critical moments?” Zhang Qiulan looked guilty after being scolded by her daughter. Indeed, her daughter was clever and quick-witted, consistently earning high praise and rewards after passing several levels. In contrast, Zhang was often startled and distracted by the world around her. Furthermore, due to the game’s incomplete design, she barely met passing standards and relied on others’ efforts and sheer luck to survive each time. Even when she succeeded, she gained no rewards.

Lu Xi, with a lollipop in her mouth, walked at the rear, observing this scene carefully. Players in this novel world seemed to fall into three categories. The first were the strong—mostly members of the protagonist group or dark-hearted villains who would stop at nothing to win, employing any unscrupulous means. The second were the average—capable but not top-tier, unable to guarantee survival in every strange dimension but generally not prone to dying easily, barring bad luck or reckless choices. These players could usually survive longer if they avoided self-inflicted disasters. The last category included those like the original character—inept, with terrible luck, constantly falling into traps, or too weak to protect themselves without relying on others. They were collectively known as cannon fodder, or dead weight. Everyone was busy with their tasks after a night of turmoil, and a proper bath and rest were in order. Lu Xi was boiling water but didn’t feel hungry yet. Still, washing off the grime would feel refreshing. For a moment, there was a sense of harmony. Though this group might very well betray each other in dire moments, the present calm was real. It was the world’s law: survival of the fittest. Players formed alliances for mutual benefit and stabbed each other in the back for the same reason. Each harbored a demon within. Human nature was often far more terrifying than the NPCs here. Amid the bustling activity, Lu Xi glanced up and noticed only the world’s male lead, Ji Yunxuan, idling by the doorway, gazing at the clouds. Perhaps sensing her eyes, Ji Yunxuan turned his head. Their eyes met, and a blatant look of disgust flashed across the man’s. Lu Xi: “...” Oh heavens, she was innocent! She hadn’t done or said anything. How the original character would react to such a gaze from the male lead was unknown to her. As a lazy, timid person, realizing the male lead disliked her, she immediately wrapped herself in her “magic robe” and prepared to slip away. Out of sight, out of mind—maybe this would lessen his disdain? With no ambitions or goals, Lu Xi just wanted to survive till the end. That would count as completing the system’s task. Ji Yunxuan’s eyes followed her movement to the black cloak, and he frowned instinctively. “Where did you get that rag?” For some reason, seeing a black robe identical to those worn by wizards in movies stirred an inexplicable irritation—and a hint of uncertain... fear? But it was just a piece of clothing. Where did his unease come from? “Not picked up,” Lu Xi replied reflexively, not intending to lie. After all, who was Ji Yunxuan? The male lead of this novel world, a protagonist bathed in glory. The original work described him as a basket of virtues, radiating brilliance. A lie would be seen through immediately. Sometimes, ghost NPCs disguised as players appeared in the game world—she didn’t want to be mistaken for a spy and cut down immediately. “I stole it,” Lu Xi grinned. “Stole?” Ji Yunxuan was speechless, opening his mouth to say more. Lu Xi kept a deadpan face. “Because I have no manners and very little sense of morality.” She said it first to avoid his sarcasm. Ji Yunxuan: “...” At half past three in the afternoon, after everyone had rested well, they gathered in the largest room of the village hall. “Yuanyuan, want some water? You never drink enough, your lips are so dry,” Zhang Qiulan offered her daughter a cup. Meng Yuanyuan impatiently waved her hand away. “Can you not? Is this the time to worry about that? Everyone’s thinking about what to do next. Can you just be quiet?” The others stared at the two of them. Zhang Qiulan felt awkward and smiled sheepishly, withdrawing her hand. “Um... sweetie, I washed your clothes and hung them on the line by the granary...” “I know, I know! Mom, can you please shut up?” Meng Yuanyuan’s impatience grew, her brow furrowed in irritation. Girls her age were rebellious, independent, and fiercely proud. When her mother did something, or even cast a glance that seemed innocent to others, the girl would overthink it. “Sorry, everyone. My mom’s a bit annoying,” Meng Yuanyuan forced a sheepish smile and said, “Please continue.” A thin, petite girl named Gu Yun raised her hand and said, “Not everyone’s here yet.” Lu Xi was absent. Jiang Chen frowned. “Ignore her. The young lady’s just having a tantrum again.”