I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 76

Chapter 76

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“Wait! Is it… over like this?” Lin Qingyang hurriedly shouted.

But Chu Lishu didn’t even turn his head.

“Yes, it’s over,” he replied.

A sense of unease overwhelmed Lin Qingyang’s heart. Something didn’t feel right, but he couldn’t quite articulate it. As he watched Chu Lishu about to leave, he struggled for words, finally remembering, “Oh, by the way, Lin Qingxu…”

“His leg is broken. Under treatment.”

“That…that…the matter of the Ministry of Rites finding someone for the sacrifice, we were supposed to…”

“I have matters to attend to, I won’t go.”

What! What about my ,ossopm!

A bolt from the blue! Lin Qingyang felt something was off. He quickly climbed out of the bathtub, but Chu Lishu had already walked out briskly, not giving Lin Qingyang a chance to catch up.

“Young Master…did you have an argument with Young Master Chu?” Shuncai cautiously poked his head in from the door and asked, “When Young Master Chu left just now, his expression was quite unpleasant.”

Lin Qingyang could only change his clothes with a headache. “I was unilaterally tortured, the depths of a man’s heart are like the bottom of the sea.”

“Young Master Chu must be jealous. In that situation just now, who wouldn’t misunderstand?” Shuncai hurriedly came in to help. “But, I know, you still like Young Master Chu for sure.”

Hehe, Lin Qingyang chuckled twice. Jealous? How could that be? Clearly, it was his overly suspicious nature that was doubting him. Where did he go wrong?

Everything seemed quite reasonable to Lin Qingyang.

He couldn’t figure it out. Sometimes, when the difference in intelligence between two parties is too great, communication becomes impossible.

However, that was not the focus now. The main point was that the male lead wasn’t going to the Imperial Tomb. How would they find the remaining two members of the Shadow Wolves? If they weren’t found, his mission…

He would die!

“No, absolutely not!”

After changing his clothes, Lin Qingyang was about to leave immediately. However, Shuncai quickly blocked his way. “Young Master, don’t leave just yet. This is a specially brought back ginger soup from Young Master Chu. Drink it while it’s hot; it can prevent colds.”

Lin Qingyang paused, then noticed Shuncai had placed a basket of food on the table. Opening it, he found steaming soup inside.

“Chu Lishu brought this?”

“Yeah, isn’t Young Master Chu at the physician’s place checking on the Third Young Master? He was concerned about you catching a cold, so he seized the opportunity to get the best ginger soup and quickly sent it over. Originally, it was me who went to get it, but I bumped into him halfway.”

For some reason, Lin Qingyang suddenly felt a twinge of guilt, as if the male lead had been caring about him all along, and he, in turn, had made the male lead unhappy.

Lin Qingyang quickly finished the ginger soup and went to find Chu Lishu. However, he unexpectedly encountered the steward of the academy on the way.

Due to Lin Qingxu’s condition, he couldn’t walk, so Lin Qingyang needed to arrange for someone to go back and inform Marquis An Nan to send someone to pick up Lin Qingxu. Additionally, the subsequent classes were impossible to attend, so he hoped Marquis An Nan could come in person to the academy, and the academy would explain the situation to him.

Lin Qingyang had to helplessly organize these matters.

After finishing the arrangements, it was time for the afternoon martial arts class.

Lin Qingyang rushed to the martial arts field and finally saw Chu Lishu.

During the archery class, everyone was in line, and Lin Qingyang quickly approached. “Cousin, I have something to say…”

However, Chu Lishu wore a calm expression, his gaze almost not meeting Lin Qingyang’s, and he spoke without any politeness, “Second Cousin, please don’t disturb me during class.”

Lin Qingyang stiffened, and Chu Lishu moved forward to take a seat, clearly indicating that he didn’t want to be bothered.

This obvious attitude made Lin Qingyang sense a crisis. It seemed like the carefully built relationship was becoming strained.

“How are you guys?” Xu Wenze happened to be behind them and approached, pulling Lin Qingyang into their group for a more private conversation.

“I don’t know,” Lin Qingyang said awkwardly.

Xu Wenze comforted him by patting Lin Qingyang’s shoulder. “Communicate well; it will get better. Brother Lishu is not an unreasonable person. But you just caught a chill at noon; why not take a rest this afternoon?”

Lin Qingyang thanked Xu Wenze for his concern, but he didn’t have time to rest now. “I’m fine.”

Suddenly, Xu Wenze chuckled. “It seems like you all are quite healthy. Pei Jin unexpectedly came too. I thought he would definitely take a break.”

Lin Qingyang turned to look, and indeed, Pei Jin had come over as if nothing had happened. His willpower was indeed strong.

Suddenly, Pei Jin turned his gaze toward Lin Qingyang and the two locked eyes.

At that moment, a whooshing sound was heard, and the discussions in the arena instantly grew louder.

Lin Qingyang immediately looked in that direction. It turned out that Chu Lishu was shooting arrows, and one arrow hit the bullseye.

Lin Qingyang mumbled, “Strange, when did his archery become so good? Hasn’t he always been inaccurate?”

Of course, he was inaccurate. Chu Lishu had always portrayed the image of excelling in literary pursuits, avoiding any exceptional displays of skill. Why the sudden change today?

As Lin Qingyang was lost in his thoughts, there was another whooshing sound. This time, the people present gasped in surprise.

The arrow that Chu Lishu shot split the first arrow, which was already on the target, in half. The second arrow, steady and precise, embedded itself in the middle, hitting the bullseye again.

The martial arts teacher rushed excitedly to check.

Everyone was astonished by Chu Lishu’s remarkable archery skills and gathered around him, asking how his archery had suddenly become so extraordinary.

“This… could it be that Brother Lishu has been hiding his true talents?” Xu Wenze exclaimed.

Lin Qingyang furrowed his brows slightly. Suddenly, someone shouted, “Lin Qingyang, your cousin is injured, come quickly!”

Lin Qingyang rushed into the crowd and saw the martial arts teacher holding Chu Lishu’s injured hand, where a bleeding red mark appeared.

“He exerted too much force, got scratched by the bowstring. Take him to the physician,” the martial arts teacher said.

“I’ll go by myself…” Chu Lishu said, his head lowered.

Lin Qingyang felt a bit awkward. Without saying a word, he stepped forward to take over from the martial arts teacher, supporting Chu Lishu’s injured hand. He grabbed onto Chu Lishu’s arm and led him away.

However, as soon as they left the martial arts field, Chu Lishu shook off Lin Qingyang and raised his hand, saying, “No need to trouble Second Cousin. I can manage on my own. Please go back, Second Cousin.”

Lin Qingyang couldn’t stand the atmosphere. He stepped forward and said, “Chu Lishu, if you have something to say, just say it. What’s bothering you! If you doubt my explanation from noon, just say it!”

“You explained it very clearly, I have no doubts. I just think that for such a minor injury, there’s no need for two people to run around.” After saying this, Chu Lishu walked away without a second thought.

Lin Qingyang didn’t know what he was feeling. It was very powerless as if punching into cotton.

In the end, Lin Qingyang still followed behind, and when they saw the physician, he nervously inquired about Chu Lishu’s condition.

“It’s okay, clean the wound, avoid water, apply some ointment, and it’ll be fine.”

Lin Qingyang hurriedly asked, “Will it affect writing? Can it heal within five days?”

“It will heal.”

The physician’s answer relieved Lin Qingyang, but he saw Chu Lishu looking at him coldly.

“I said I won’t participate. Can’t Second Cousin understand?”

“Why?” When it came to this, Lin Qingyang became impatient.

“Do I need a reason not to go?”

“You… you clearly know this is a bonus to being a study companion in the palace, why wouldn’t you want to go?” Lin Qingyang said with an unpleasant expression.

Chu Lishu chuckled, “Yeah, it’s a bonus. That’s why Second Cousin wants to go so badly. But Second Cousin should give up; you won’t enter the palace.”

Whether in the past or now, he wouldn’t let Lin Qingyang get what he wanted, right? To enter the palace? Perhaps he’s afraid of him going in and assisting Pei Jin.

“You!” Lin Qingyang felt like he was about to be choked.

“If you want to go, you can go alone. But the original plan was for me and Xu Wenze. If neither of us goes, the head master probably won’t consider you and will directly replace the candidates.” Chu Lishu declared the harsh reality in a cold tone.

Lin Qingyang was so angry that he stood up, wanting to point at Chu Lishu’s nose and shout: “Whether you go or not, and whether you can find your subordinates or not, it’s your own damn problem!”

But after three rounds of going back and forth, Lin Qingyang backed down. For the sake of survival, he would endure.

“Can’t I plead with you?” Lin Qingyang softened his tone, “Although I don’t know where I angered you, can I apologize? You can punish me however you want. I admit it. Let’s go.”

“I’m not angry!”

“But you clearly are! You’ve been giving me the silent treatment. Our relationship shouldn’t be like this.” Lin Qingyang was truly on the verge of a breakdown.

“Our relationship… was originally that of cousins, right? Did you do something today to make your cousin angry? No!” Chu Lishu didn’t soften his stance as usual and directly said, “The wound has been treated. I’ll go back to the courtyard to rest in a while. Cousin, you should leave now.”

Lin Qingyang looked at Chu Lishu’s unyielding expression and felt his heart turn cold. It seemed that continuing the conversation at this moment was futile. He could only get up and leave.

It’s not that he’s giving up, but he wants to give it some time to cool down.

In fact, he had a rough idea why Chu Lishu was angry. Either his explanation didn’t satisfy Chu Lishu, or Chu Lishu discovered he was lying. However, he wasn’t clever enough to find the loopholes himself, fearing that more questions might lead to more mistakes. He could only temporarily gloss over it.

Close the door reluctantly, Lin Qingyang stepped out, feeling dejected as he walked out of the dormitory building.

“Watch your step.”

Suddenly, a voice rang out.

Lin Qingyang looked up in surprise and said, “How did you get here?”

The person who appeared was Pei Jin.

“I feel dizzy; so I come and get the medicinal patch.” Her body couldn’t hold up after all.

Lin Qingyang looked at Pei Jin, who was holding her stomach, and her complexion was indeed not good. “You came personally for such a thing?”

Aren’t there a bunch of attendants for this? Lin Qingyang inwardly complained.

Pei Jin frowned at him, too lazy to respond to his complaints, and asked in a low voice, “Did you leak anything afterward? Your relationship with your cousin is too close; I’m not at ease.”

“No!” If it weren’t for you, Young Lady, how could I end up in such a miserable state now? The thought of these two people continuing to have a connection in the future gave him a sense of frustration, as if a newcomer had taken over, and the matchmaker had been thrown by them over the wall.

Pei Jin nodded and then tilted his head, looking mysterious. “Considering your awareness of the situation, I kindly remind you that your cousin is definitely not simple. You better be on guard!”

“Huh?” Lin Qingyang was confused. Doesn’t this girl have any girlish feelings for the male lead up to this point? Doesn’t the male lead’s unbeatable handsomeness count for anything?

Pei Jin sneered at Lin Qingyang’s reaction. “Simple-minded, with your disposition, even if someone devours you alive, you might not realize it.”

“What are you talking about?” Lin Qingyang scoffed.

“Your cousin’s family has fallen, seeking refuge with you, attaching himself to you. Who knows what he’s scheming behind your back? He might be the second Lin Qingxu! He doesn’t appear as refined and innocent as he looks. He hides it well, and when he gets angry… there’s a hint of ruthlessness in his eyes. Someone like him must have gone through a lot; he’s not an ordinary person. You’re definitely not a match for him, so be smarter.”

Lin Qingyang looked at Pei Jin speechlessly. Was this girl afraid that Chu Lishu was too clever, worried that he might unravel his veiled words? Clearly, she was being cautious.

“I…”

“Young Master Pei really overestimates me. However, it’s better to discuss others’ affairs in private.” Chu Lishu walked out slowly from behind the half-door, apparently just about to leave when he unexpectedly encountered them talking here.

Pei Jin sneered, “I’m not afraid to say it to your face.”

Chu Lishu smiled, “It’s evident that Young Master Pei cares a lot about Second Cousin. Indeed, having a lifesaving favor makes a difference. But you’re overthinking. My relationship with Second Cousin is not as close as you imagine, nor have I ever depended on him. I won’t get closer in the future either.”

Having said that, Chu Lishu didn’t spare another glance at Lin Qingyang, taking brisk steps to leave.

“It seems he’s done pretending. Weren’t they quite close before?” Pei Jin sneered.

Suddenly, Lin Qingyang beside him moved, showing an intent to chase after Chu Lishu.

“What are you doing?” Pei Jin instinctively tried to stop him.

“It’s not him depending on me; it’s me depending on him!” Lin Qingyang anxiously explained, then hurriedly ran out like a gust of wind.

Pei Jin was momentarily stunned, then suddenly realized. Did Lin Qingyang… after not being interested in Xu Wenze, genuinely develop feelings for his own younger cousin? To fall for someone who hides their emotions so well, truly, he must be out of his mind!

Lin Qingyang didn’t come across Chu Lishu on his way back. Upon reaching the courtyard, there was no sign of him. Feeling disheartened, he continued attending classes. Until the evening, there was still no sight of Chu Lishu.

Lin Qingyang wished he could stay at their courtyard, waiting for everyone to return.

However, Xu Wenze advised Lin Qingyang to leave, suggesting that after a quarrel, giving both parties some space might lead to a better resolution than continually pressing the matter.

The next morning, Marquis An Nan came to pick up Lin Qingyang. As he arrived, the other students naturally came out to greet him.

Lin Qingyang finally saw Chu Lishu. After Chu Lishu finished explaining the situation that day to Marquis An Nan, he turned to Lin Qingyang, who answered a few questions.

Knowing that Lin Qingxu’s leg injury was severe and would leave lasting effects, rendering him unable to continue the classes, Lin Qingyang was well aware that Lin Qingxu had lost his qualification to become a study companion.

So Marquis An Nan suspected that he was up to something, and the possibility of Lin Qingxu being a study companion was always higher than Lin Qingyang. If Lin Qingyang ruined everything and didn’t become a study companion in the end, Marquis An Nan would find it somewhat intolerable. Moreover, he had turned Lin Qingxu into half a cripple, so basically, Lin Qingxu had no chance of becoming the heir to the Marquis.

“Father, if you have any doubts, just ask the third brother. I was only focused on saving people at that time,” Lin Qingyang impatiently replied, but his gaze had already drifted toward Chu Lishu. However, Chu Lishu did not look his way.

Before long, Lin Qingxu was lifted onto a sedan and carried inside.

Lin Qingxu’s face looked as if it had suffered a huge blow. Those eyes were filled with a vengeful gaze fixed on Lin Qingyang, as if hatred had overflowed.

Lin Qingxu didn’t fabricate anything; he spoke the truth. He was afraid that if he didn’t tell the truth, with Pei Jin as a witness, it might lead to even more complications. He couldn’t afford that, so he could only swallow his pride.

In the end, Lin Qingxu was taken away like that.

Lin Qingyang didn’t pay him any mind, quickly catching up to Chu Lishu who was about to leave.

“Lishu, I…”

“Cousin… don’t you have anything else to do? I’m busy. Can you please stop bothering me?” Chu Lishu’s words directly shut down Lin Qingyang, and then he turned and walked away.

This remark was overheard by Lin Qingwei and Lin Qingyao. Lin Qingwei had been trying to comfort Lin Qingyao, but upon seeing Lin Qingyang looking so defeated, she suddenly felt the urge to educate her brother.

Lin Qingyang also noticed the two of them. Seeing that Lin Qingwei seemed about to say something, but catching the look in her eyes, Lin Qingyang decided he didn’t want to hear it.

The strong feeling of having a hot face pressed against a cold butt made Lin Qingyang feel embarrassed. He could only lower his head and leave.

In the days that followed, although Chu Lishu continued to attend classes, he was nowhere to be found after class. Even when Lin Qingyang deliberately sat next to him, communication was impossible. Soon, rumors began to circulate.

It was said that Lin Qingyang harbored desires for Chu Lishu, attempting to harass him. Chu Lishu, upon discovering his cousin’s intentions, maintained his purity and avoided him as much as possible.

Amidst Lin Qingyang’s frustration, he suddenly received even more disturbing news from Xu Wenze.

Xu Wenze came to Lin Qingyang’s courtyard to find him, “It seems like Lishu doesn’t want to participate in the ritual preparations for the Ministry of Rites. He went to see the head master today, politely declined the invitation, and the head master is considering finding someone else.”

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