The Yellow-Haired Villain in Soaring Phoenix’s Novels Also Desires Happiness

Chapter 34: The Sun is Just Right (Big Chapter, Please Vote for the Monthly Ticket)

“If we’re talking about the hot topic, it would probably be that day, the mysterious disappearance of the blonde beauty.”

Celesia said, her gaze flicking over to Mu En, whose face had suddenly stiffened:

“Mm? You look a bit pale; are you feeling unwell?”

“No… not at all.”

Mu En snapped back to reality, forcing a smile:

“Didn’t I just say? I’m in great shape now, eating well and feeling good.”

“You should still pay attention to your own health.”

Celesia casually flicked the toothpick in her hand into the trash can and continued:

“Back to the topic we were discussing, although I haven’t actually seen that so-called blonde beauty, according to Wei Er and the others, she is a super beauty capable of stirring the desires of all men, the kind that would attract countless onlookers just by walking through the academy.”

“Is… is it really that exaggerated?”

Mu En wiped the sweat from his forehead:

“Could she possibly be more beautiful than you, Celesia?”

“I don’t think my beauty is anything special.”

Celesia lightly tossed her long hair, the silvery strands shimmering in the sunlight outside, enhancing her already stunning features.

“Although it’s possible that the situation the blonde beauty was in at the time heightened men’s protective instincts, since even Wei Er, as a girl, said so, her beauty must be genuine.

According to Wei Er, if it weren’t for the fact that the other party took her hostage, those students who suddenly experienced such a change probably wouldn’t have been able to organize themselves so quickly.”

“Haha, I see… It seems that the beauty contributed quite a bit, huh?”

“Indeed, but it was precisely because she was so much in the spotlight that when those students who were worried about her couldn’t find her later, it caused such a huge uproar.”

Celesia said:

“Apparently, the office of the administration was almost overwhelmed the next day.”

“And… what happened then? Was she found?”

“Of course not. The teachers in the administration office combed through the entire academy’s roster and student information and found no such person.”

“Ah, so she wasn’t found.”

Mu En’s eyes widened, and then he clenched his fist with determination:

“Then it must be the enemy’s conspiracy. Those guys from the male-only fraternity must have deliberately fabricated a beauty as a hostage to incite the students’ anger, just to attract hatred and quickly accumulate magical power amidst the students’ magical attacks.”

As he spoke, Mu En couldn’t help but feel indignant: “Those guys are truly despicable, actually using the students’ sense of justice and compassion! If I hadn’t been absent at the time, I would have smashed their heads one by one long ago.”

“Well, the professors probably explained it that way later,” Celicia nodded in agreement, naturally skipping over the more forceful part of Mu En’s speech.

“Did the professors really explain it that way?”

Mu En breathed a sigh of relief.

Since the professors had said so, even if those hormone-driven students were concerned about their past selves, they probably wouldn’t investigate further.

The storm would soon dissipate with time.

Of course, Mu En wasn’t afraid of their investigation; a nonexistent person wouldn’t pose any problems, no matter how much they looked into it.

What Mu En feared was that some particularly sharp-minded individuals, who had nothing better to do at that moment, might find some clues from that face, which, while feminized, still bore about thirty to forty percent resemblance.

So Mu En certainly hoped that this commotion would settle down as soon as possible.

“However… I do have a question.”

“Yes, what question?”

Feeling that things might not be so bad, Mu En’s mood brightened instantly.

“I might be able to help Celicia think it through.”

“It’s not a big question, but if you can help me think, that would be great.”

Celicia’s fair thigh lifted, her elbow resting on her thigh, fingers interlocked, supporting her chin. Leaning slightly forward, her cold gaze fixed on Mu En, she asked seriously, word by word:

“At that time… why did those heretics specifically name you—Mu En Campbell—to stand out using that blonde beauty?”

“……”

Celicia’s voice was cold, devoid of any emotion, yet these light words caused Mu En’s smile to freeze once again.

And as if she hadn’t noticed his abnormality, Celicia continued to ask:

“Could it be that, in the eyes of those heretics, that blonde beauty is someone important to you? Someone who could make you disregard danger and step forward?”

“……”

“Well, why aren’t you speaking?”

Celicia’s expression was unchanged, but her gaze held a profound meaning:

“Weren’t you just saying you would help me think?”

“This… or… perhaps…”

Mu En awkwardly smiled while avoiding Celicia’s sharp gaze, searching for an excuse.

But he knew that such reasoning would definitely not hold up in front of Celicia.

If she wanted to, she could trace his ancestry back eighteen generations with ease.

—

Moreover, with Celicia’s keen perception, if I told too many lies, I would definitely be caught in a flaw.

So at times like this, I can only play dumb!

“I… I don’t really know, maybe those heretics think I’m a very kind person, and they believe that if they casually mold someone’s appearance, I would take the bait,” Mu En explained:

“But in reality, that blonde beauty, whether real or not, has nothing to do with me!”

“But why are they specifically looking for you? They seem quite familiar with you. Have you done something to that True Love cult?” Celicia pressed on, firing questions one after another.

“No, absolutely not. They’re looking for me because… because…”

In a moment of panic, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, a flash of inspiration struck Mu En, and he said seriously: “I’m afraid it’s just because they covet my stunning beauty!”

“Stunning beauty?”

Celicia raised an eyebrow slightly: “What do you mean?”

“That True Love cult, isn’t it a male homos*xual group? And as one of the top handsome men among men, it’s only natural for them to take an interest in me.”

To avoid becoming a cross-dressing pervert in front of Celicia, Mu En decided to sacrifice a bit of his other dignity.

“Take an interest in you?”

Celicia scrutinized Mu En for a while, until he felt a bit of a prickling sensation on his scalp from her intense gaze, before she reluctantly nodded in agreement:

“Maybe, just in terms of appearance, you’re not bad at all. It’s not unreasonable for a male homos*xual group to take an interest in someone like you.”

“Right?”

“However…”

Celicia stroked her chin, speaking earnestly:

“In that case, you might want to be a little careful.”

“Be careful?”

Mu En was puzzled, “Careful of what?”

Could it be that there are male homos*xuals in the academy coveting my body?

“Although I don’t really understand things like male homos*xuals, tops, bottoms, and so on, I remember that Veer once mentioned to me.”

Celicia said with a serious expression:

“—In many stories like this, a person’s change in orientation often starts from being coveted by someone, followed by a fierce pursuit.

So, if you also start to like men, I think…

Celicia paused, “Duke Campbell would be heartbroken.”

“…Absolutely not! My orientation has always been normal!”

Mu En was taken aback, and suddenly broke down in tears:

“Don’t connect things from books to reality! And Celicia, you should really stop hanging out with that Veer. Her strange way of thinking is already starting to influence you!”

“Is it?”

—

“Very much so!”

“Hehe…”

Mu En was feeling both shy and annoyed when she noticed a rare smile forming at the corner of Celicia’s mouth.

Like ice and snow melting, spring waters rippling, even the brilliant midday sun seemed to pale in comparison to that faint smile.

“Are you feeling a bit better?”

“Mm?”

“I saw you rolling around on the bed just now, and I thought you must be feeling a bit stifled since you haven’t had anyone to talk to these past few days, so…”

Celicia tilted her head, carefully choosing her words, and softly said:

“I was just joking with you?”

“A joke…”

Mu En was taken aback.

Celicia, making a joke?

And the purpose of the joke was to help her relieve the boredom of being stuck in the hospital for days?

What a surprise.

But Mu En couldn’t help but feel a warmth in her heart.

“Thank you, Celicia.”

Mu En said, touched:

“I’m feeling much better now.”

“That’s good.”

“But can we change the subject?”

Mu En couldn’t help but show a pained smile.

“Such jokes can be a bit hard on the heart.”

Just a moment ago, Celicia’s serious expression had almost made Mu En think she had discovered something.

But upon reflection, Celicia wasn’t really that serious; she just always had that cold demeanor.

However.

It was precisely because she had been frozen for so long that when the ice and snow melted even a little, the warmth it brought was all the more moving.

It made one irresistibly curious to explore what kind of blazing sun lay hidden deep within her heart, once they crossed the endless storms of snow.

“It seems I’m indeed not good at making jokes, but since you asked, I’ll change the subject and chat about something else.”

She straightened her slender waist, her fair and strong long legs crossing in a different direction.

The smile at the corner of her mouth still lingered, making Mu En look forward to what gentle new topic she would bring up next.

“Therefore—”

Cecilia put away her smile and asked seriously:

“Why were you completely naked at that time?”

“……”

……

……

“It’s getting late, so I’ll take my leave first.”

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Cecilia stood up, preparing to leave.

If she didn’t go back soon, Viere, who was still helping with the documents, might really end up crying.

“Slow, take care.”

At this moment, Mu En didn’t even have the strength to stand up and see her off. After just chatting for a while, she felt completely exhausted, as if she had turned into a salted fish.

“By the way, someone asked me to convey a message.”

“Hmm?”

The salted fish struggled to turn her dead fish eyes.

“Who is it?”

“Classmate Rane.”

“Classmate Rane?”

Mu En jolted up:

“He’s okay, right?”

“He’s fine, but since he had close contact with the heretics, he needs to take a break from school temporarily for a comprehensive physical and mental examination, and to be observed for a while,” Cecilia said.

“That’s good to hear.”

Mu En breathed a sigh of relief.

For someone like Classmate Rane, who had almost been contaminated, this was probably the best outcome.

“So, what did he want you to say?”

“He said.”

Cecilia recalled for a moment, then recounted Rane’s words, verbatim:

“I saw it all, Classmate Mu En, you really are very handsome.”

“Did he really say that?”

Cecilia couldn’t imitate Rane’s tone, but just from those words, Mu En could feel the genuine emotions expressed by that honest young man.

So, Mu En genuinely felt happy for him.

“That’s good. When he returns to the academy, maybe we can become real friends.”

“…”

After relaying the message, Celicia, who was originally ready to leave, looked at Mu En’s joyful expression at that moment. She recalled that classmate, as robust as a bear, and the hint of “shyness” that had crossed his face when he asked her to convey those words.

It felt like…

“Mu En Campbell.”

“Mm?”

“Although I have no right to interfere with whom you like or who likes you, but…”

Celicia turned back, her expression serious as she cautioned:

“The Duke of Campbell will really be heartbroken.”

Mu En: ???

……

……

“Ha, I’m so tired.”

After Celicia left, Mu En completely slumped onto the hospital bed.

He felt as if his body had been drained of all energy.

“But, I don’t find it unpleasant.”

Staring at the white ceiling, Mu En couldn’t help but smile.

After all, he had seen a somewhat different side of Celicia.

“Let’s take a nap first.”

Mu En closed his eyes, preparing to rest and recharge.

Because after he was discharged tomorrow, he might not have such leisurely time again.

“Oh dear, it seems I came at the wrong time?”

Just as he closed his eyes, Mu En heard a familiar voice.

At the same time, a fragrant breeze wafted by, stirring his imagination.

“Senior Anna?”

Opening his eyes, he indeed saw the familiar silhouette, her fitted uniform accentuating her alluring figure.

“Did I wake you, junior?”

“No, I just lay down.”

Mu En was a bit surprised:

“But senior… didn’t you usually have classes in the morning, or library work? What brings you here?”

“Today there are no classes, and the library isn’t open for the time being.”

Anna walked into the room, holding a bag of fruit, and smiled at Mu En, her eyes crescent-shaped, with the tear mole at the corner of her eye adding a touch of charm.

“Today just happens to be the day for the junior’s ward to be open, so I couldn’t wait to come see you, but…”

Noticing the apples already placed beside Mu En’s bed, Anna raised her eyebrows in surprise:

“Clearly, I rushed over as soon as I got the news, yet someone else arrived before me. Junior, you’re more popular than I imagined.”

“It was Celicia.”

Mu En didn’t hide it, “She just got the news earlier and came to visit in her capacity as president.”

“Oh, I see…”

Anna set down the fruit in her hand and smiled as she asked:

“Does the junior want to eat an apple?”

“No, I just ate…”

Mu En instinctively wanted to decline, but at that moment, he suddenly noticed Anna’s gaze subtly glancing at the trash can.

Danger!

The word flashed through Mu En’s mind.

I can’t respond like that!

Mu En realized and quickly changed his answer:

“Sure, of course I want to eat! I really like apples!”

“Haha, I didn’t know the junior liked apples that much.”

Anna sat down in the still-warm chair, her smile bright:

“But since it’s the junior’s request, I’ll naturally oblige.”

So, she began to peel the apple.

Though not as skillful as Celicia, Anna was meticulous; the peel she removed, while not as perfectly shaped, was thin enough to let light through.

It was as if she wouldn’t give up even the slightest bit of the flesh.

“Here, for you, junior.”

Without separating the flesh, Anna handed the whole apple to Mu En.

“Hey, aren’t you going to eat, senior?”

“I’m not hungry.”

“But it’s just fruit; it won’t take up space…”

“Mu En, junior~”

Anna shot Mu En a playful glare, teasingly saying:

“At this moment, you really shouldn’t let down the girl’s heartfelt intentions.”

“……”

Looking at the biggest and roundest apple that Senior Anna had specially picked out for him.

Mu En couldn’t help but twitch his lips.

He always felt that what was contained within was not just simple goodwill.

Helplessly, Mu En still had no choice but to eat the apple whole.

Throughout this process, however, Anna was resting her chin on her hand, quietly watching him.

Mu En felt a bit uneasy under her gaze and couldn’t help but ask:

“Senior, is there something dirty on my face?”

“Nope.”

“Then what are you looking at?”

“I’m watching a pervert.”

“Huh? What pervert?” Mu En was taken aback.

“Aren’t you the pervert?”

Anna covered her mouth and chuckled:

“In front of the whole school, being completely naked, even I, as a senior, have to admire the level of your perversion, junior.”

“Not at all, it’s just because you…”

“Because of me?”

Anna smiled faintly: “What you just said is a bit irresponsible, junior. Although I did make you take off your clothes, that was because of the potion.”

Anna touched her white chin: “I certainly didn’t make you appear completely naked in front of the whole school.”

“……”

Unable to refute.

So Mu En could only lower his head in dejection, silently munching on the apple.

It seemed that the word “pervert” was something he couldn’t shake off for now.

“However… it’s quite handsome.”

“Hmm?”

Mu En raised his head in surprise, only to see Senior Anna staring at him, seriously saying:

“It’s very handsome to jump headlong onto a monster without hesitation, junior.”

“Where… where is that so?”

Mu En was momentarily stunned, then shyly scratched his head:

“In the eyes of outsiders, it’s just a neurotic pervert.”

“Not necessarily.”

Anna suddenly pulled out a newspaper and placed it in front of Mu En.

“This is…”

Mu En instinctively looked over.

The man in the newspaper had dazzling blond hair and a muscular build, clearly the type who could easily charm young girls.

—If only he were wearing clothes.

“News agency?”

Looking at the newspaper, Mu En immediately flew into a rage:

“They’re at it again?”

“Hehe, junior, it’s better not to get angry. This time they reported it truthfully. Even the student council can’t find fault with it.”

Anna pointed to the photo, where important parts were all pixelated, especially the conspicuous black hole below.

Although it was still easy to tell that the person in the picture was a well-known student from a certain college, the photo indeed had no outrageous elements.

Moreover, the headline was not as sharp and misleading as before; it simply stated:

“A naked man jumps from a high building in the dead of night, and the secret behind it is…”

—It’s strange if it doesn’t mislead people; it’s clearly still quite misleading!

Mu En fumed inwardly.

However, as he continued to read, he was taken aback.

Compared to the news agency’s usual exaggerated headlines, the content of the newspaper was much more serious.

In fact, more than half of it was a positive portrayal of Mu En.

Although the article repeatedly emphasized that Mu En was a suspected exhibitionist and possibly had an inexplicable relationship with the male teaching group.

Most of the article still praised Mu En’s courage to leap into the unknown when everyone else hesitated, jumping alone toward that monster.

At the end of the article, it quoted a statement from a well-known secretary of the student council.

“Although I really dislike Mu En Campbell, I have to admit, when he jumped down from the building, he was truly, truly handsome.

—But based on my years of experience with the domineering evil god falling in love with me, there will definitely be further developments after Mu En Campbell has a showdown with that classmate Ren. If there’s any news, please kick me, thanks…”

“……”

Mu En silently folded the newspaper, ignoring the last sentence that stung his eyes.

Then, he went back, reading the content of the report over and over again.

Finally, he lingered on the words “courage” and “handsome,” lost in thought.

“Actually, after this incident, plus the news agency’s clarification, your image in the eyes of those female students has improved quite a bit, junior.”

“Isn’t that just a perversion?”

“That’s different, junior.”

“Hmm?”

Mu En looked up in surprise, only to find that the senior had reined in all her frivolity and smiles, looking at him seriously.

Under the sunlight, she seemed to be enveloped in a solemn halo.

“When a person is drawn to that dazzling brilliance of yours, all your little flaws become insignificant.

So at that moment, compared to the trivial matter of you not wearing clothes, I think what more people see is your fearless courage and handsomeness as you leap into danger without hesitation.”

“…Feels like being a star.” Mu En murmured instinctively.

“Exactly, a star.”

Senior Anna suddenly grinned mischievously:

“Junior, you’ve already become the big star of the academy, so how about reconsidering my suggestion to debut? Even if you can’t be a girl idol, a boy idol is also possible, you know? I’ve even thought of a name for you…”

“Don’t even think about it! I absolutely won’t be any kind of idol, not even if I die!”

“Hehe… Your reaction is so amusing, junior.”

Anna giggled, and then, taking advantage of Mu En’s moment of distraction, she suddenly reached out and tousled his head full of golden hair into a messy nest.

“So—”

“Stop belittling yourself, junior.”

“You’ve already worked hard, and your efforts are paying off.”

“You’re already an excellent junior.”

“Senior…”

Mu En stared blankly, not resisting, looking at Senior Anna, who was shrouded in a sacred, gentle light, and suddenly felt a bit of a sting in his nose.

“Oh dear, junior, why are your eyes all red? You’re not about to cry, are you?”

“I got sand in my eyes.”

“Crying is also okay, you know. Senior’s embrace is very warm; you can borrow it for a bit.”

“I told you, it’s just sand in my eyes.”

Mu En turned his head away, trying hard to hide his embarrassment.

Anna looked at his back, smiling, and didn’t continue to tease him.

She simply waited until Mu En’s mood calmed down before taking out something she had prepared long ago.

“This is…”

Seeing the basic probability textbook on magic that Anna had pulled out, Mu En was once again taken aback.

“I think…”

Anna tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear and said softly:

“With Mu En’s personality, after holding it in for so many days, he should be restless by now.

So, I brought the textbooks.”

Anna tilted her head and asked:

“Do you want to have class? Junior?”

“…Yes!”

A sudden gust of wind swept into the room, blowing the light curtains open.

Countless rays of sunlight flooded in, spreading into clusters of dazzling yet blurred light spots.

Like the shimmering sea at noon.

The world became a blur, except for the girl flipping through the pages of the book, so clear.

At that moment, Mu En suddenly felt.

Finishing a month’s worth of content in just one month, which would take others a year and a month, didn’t seem like an impossible task.

Because the person teaching him was Senior Anna.