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

Chapter 52, The Past

“Hmm? Are you… inviting me?”

In response to the girl’s question, Mu En’s gaze suddenly sharpened.

This shy expression.

This hesitant speech.

Could it be…

But no, hadn’t he only met Shali twice?

“Mu… Mu En, don’t think too much into it. It’s… actually, it’s just my dad… yes, my dad asked me to invite you over to our house as a guest.”

Mu En’s gaze made Shali’s face turn even redder, as if it were on fire. She hurriedly explained:

“I wrote a letter to my dad before, telling him all about this, and recently he replied, scolding me for saying how could I just send Mu En away with a few cakes?

So he asked me to invite Mu En over to our house. He’s a well-known chef, and he wants to prepare a big meal to treat Mu En as an apology.”

“I see…”

Mu En understood, it turned out it wasn’t Shali herself, but rather her father.

That made sense; after all, the more one experiences society, the more they care about status and interpersonal relationships.

He must be afraid that his daughter was neglecting the son of a duke.

“I appreciate your and your father’s intentions, but I’m sorry, I already have plans for the open day,” Mu En said apologetically.

“But there are three days of open day.”

“I can’t be sure if I can make time. If I accidentally end up standing you and your father up, that would be even worse, wouldn’t it?”

“Is… is that so?”

Shali visibly became disappointed.

“Well, it can’t be helped. After all, someone like Mu En must be very busy during the open day.”

Why does it sound like I’m a scumbag who has multiple dates lined up?

Mu En’s lips twitched as he continued to comfort her:

“Sorry, Shali, for letting down your good intentions, but you really don’t have to. Didn’t I mention before that I never took that little misunderstanding to heart? You can go back and tell your dad that he doesn’t need to worry.”

“That’s not the reason…” Shali mumbled softly.

“Hmm? What?”

“Nothing… nothing at all.”

Shali shook her head in a fluster, then suddenly shoved a note that seemed to have been written in advance into Mu En’s hand:

“Since that’s the case, then Mu En, when you have time, do come visit us.”

“Hey? Wait a minute.”

“I will be waiting for you for the next three days!”

After saying that, before Mu En could react further, Shali ran away as if escaping.

……

“Lower District, 15 Durank Street.”

Standing still, Mu En looked at the note in his hand that seemed to have an address written on it, revealing a bitter smile:

“This is… going to be a bit troublesome.”

“Quite youthful, isn’t it, Mu En Campbell?”

A stern and rigid voice suddenly rang out.

An elderly man in formal attire, holding a silver cane, stood not far away, quietly observing Mu En like a silent old pine.

“Professor Plang? What are you doing here?” Mu En was startled, quickly stuffing the note into his pocket, and asked.

Are you also coincidentally visiting the hospital?

Professor Plang did not answer, but turned around and said:

“Follow me.”

“Hey? Is there something you need from me?”

Mu En looked confused, wanting to inquire.

But Professor Plang walked away directly, so Mu En hurriedly ran to catch up.

……

The Great Clock Tower.

Underground.

The Silver Well.

With a ‘ding’, the magically powered elevator opened its doors, revealing a strange underground world before Mu En’s eyes.

Beneath his feet, the ground was made of metal, reflecting clear images like a mirror, extending to the end of his sight, with pipes flickering with faint blue or red lights, intertwining like giant pythons, clustering in the corners, then flowing into the dark depths.

In the shadows on both sides, enormous and intricate mechanical creations stood like giants beside the road. The moment Mu En stepped on the ground, he felt two terrifying gazes sweep over him.

Under the immense pressure, Mu En couldn’t help but catch his breath, as if he were at the bottom of a deep sea.

“Don’t be afraid.”

Professor Plang reached out and patted him on the shoulder:

“That’s the gatekeeper of the Mercury Well; as long as you have permission, there’s no danger.”

As the pressure on him suddenly vanished, Mu En took a deep breath and couldn’t help but ask cheekily:

“What if I don’t have permission?”

“Nothing?”

Professor Plang’s tone rose for a moment, as if mocking.

“The first thing any enemy wishing to invade the Mercury Well must do is to deceive the gatekeeper.

If they can’t deceive…

Those who can’t have already died.”

His gaze flicked over to the ground near the elevator, where a large patch of dark red lay, like a dried bloodstain.

For decades, that ground, where many strong ones were turned to mush, has remained uncleaned.

Mu En felt a chill run down his back at Professor Plang’s words, shrinking his neck as his eyes darted to the steel giant, hastening his steps to keep up with the professor.

The footsteps echoed crisply in the empty, quiet corridor, reverberating like countless people tapping in the darkness, somewhat unsettling.

Mu En rubbed his arms, wanting to bring up a topic to dispel the chill in his heart, but with the stern and serious Professor Plang in front of him, he didn’t know what to say.

“Your father was also my student,” Professor Plang suddenly said first.

“Huh?”

Mu En was momentarily taken aback, then quickly regained his composure:

“Father also studied at St. Mary’s Academy?”

“Since the establishment of the academy, every heir of the Campbell family has attended.”

Professor Plang paused for a moment and continued:

“After all, the Campbell family is one of the founders of the academy and remains one of its major shareholders, holding the power to influence some significant decisions of the academy.”

“I had no idea the Campbell family was still a shareholder of the academy,” Mu En exclaimed.

“Don’t think too much of it.”

Professor Plang said coldly:

“According to the agreement made back then, only the Duke of Campbell can interfere in certain matters of the academy, so whether it was your father back then or you now, entering the academy is merely that of a student, with no right to dictate its affairs.”

“I have no such thoughts.”

Mu En scratched his head innocently.

Aside from the risk of being slapped against the wall by Professor Plang, there seemed to be no benefit in trying to dictate the academy.

He was not the kind of reckless young noble who would use his privilege to fill an entire swimming pool with champagne, peeking at the smooth thighs of young ladies beneath their white skirts under the guise of a ball.

He preferred black silk.

“So what was my father like when he studied at the academy?” Mu En asked.

“Your father…”

Professor Plang paused, as if lost in distant memories.

Then, his tone carried a hint of nostalgia.

“Back then, Longen Campbell was just like his title now.”

“Title?”

Mu’en thought for a moment: “The Lion King?”

“Exactly, the Lion King, the leader of the pride.”

A glimmer of sharpness flashed in Professor Plang’s aged eyes as he spoke:

“From the moment he entered the academy, he stood like a lion atop all beasts, radiant and dazzling.

Humility, bravery, a thirst for knowledge, devotion—these noble qualities shone like badges on his chest. Many students were captivated by his character, following him sincerely, and he always moved forward amidst the throngs of admirers.

The things he accumulated during his student days became the crucial foundation that allowed him to swiftly bear the banner of Campbell during that turmoil, the very event in which your grandfather met his unfortunate end.

He was a man who, at first glance, made everyone marvel at the name Campbell.

So…”

Professor Plang turned to Mu’en, his expression complex:

“A year ago, when I first saw you at the academy, I was so disappointed.”