Cannon Fodder – Chapter 31 – Crisis, Under Suspicion!

Standing under the shade of a tree, Chi Xiaocheng rolled her eyes, considering whether to approach and eavesdrop on their conversation, or perhaps butt in to assert her presence.

Rooted to the spot, she mentally reviewed the original host’s interactions with Si Chen. He wore glasses, was standing tall at 1.9 meters, and had a brooding demeanor.

Ye Liang, initially of modest standing in his family, had leveraged his clan’s resources to build his own business empire at a young age, using his influence to secure his position.

Dongfang Yang, on the other hand, was the doted-upon only son; free to live recklessly, burn through assets, and indulge in life’s luxuries.

Si Chen was different from both Ye Liang and Dongfang Yang.

As the second son of the Si family, the plot had him sidelined in the family power struggle, exiled from the capital to Jiuzhou City. Through his friendship with the female lead, Su Tao, he gradually amassed resources, eventually returning to his family for a triumphant face-slapping arc.

At this stage, his relationship with Su Tao was more of a pure, platonic friendship between opposite sexes.

However, as their interactions deepened, Si Chen slowly fell for this “white moonlight,” entering the fray of competition with the other male leads.

The original host had minimal interactions with him, confessing only once. That time, she had been so intimidated by his gloomy, bespectacled glare that she never dared provoke him again.

“But this much information isn’t enough.”

Chi Xiaocheng’s eyes flickered. “System, spend 200 emotion points to purchase chapters 120 to 160 of the original novel.”

Her memory only extended up to chapter 120, where the original host died and exited the story, replaced by a new antagonist, Chen Qian.

Now, thanks to her interference, the butterfly effect had already altered events. The later plot could only serve as a rough reference.

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As the memories flooded her mind, Chi Xiaocheng frowned. As expected, the subsequent plot had completely diverged from the current trajectory.

In the latter 40 chapters, half were dedicated to Su Tao grappling with Chi Xiaocheng’s death, overcoming her grief with the help of the male leads. The other half introduced a new “miracle doctor” male lead, revolving around healing her wounds.

Ye Liang, who harbored the highest affection for Su Tao, frequently clashed with this new male lead.

Meanwhile, minor characters like Dongfang Yang remained relegated to background roles even in the original story.

And Si Chen? Still “on his way,” so to speak.

“Though the later plot doesn’t mention it yet, his relationship with Su Tao hasn’t heated up. Maybe I can use this to my advantage now?”

Squinting at the chatting pair, Chi Xiaocheng hesitated over whether to assert her presence.

Suddenly, Si Chen, mid-conversation with Su Tao, abruptly turned his head. His penetrating gaze, sharp as a cobra’s, locked onto her, sending an involuntary shiver down her spine.

She immediately lowered her head and melted into the crowd, abandoning her earlier thoughts entirely.

Her instincts screamed: ‘This man is dangerous!’

After her hurried departure, Su Tao finally noticed Si Chen’s odd behavior and followed his gaze. “What’s wrong?”

Si Chen adjusted his glasses with a long middle finger, a glint flashing in his deep-set eyes. He smiled faintly. “Nothing. Where were we?”

Su Tao: “You were saying, if someone like a yandere existed in real life, how would you treat them?”

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Fleeing the school gates, Chi Xiaocheng muttered to herself, replaying that piercing stare.

“What’s his deal? I’ve never felt such oppressive energy before. It’s like he wanted to tear me apart.”

She silently vowed to avoid provoking Si Chen until she could properly defend herself.

Soon, she arrived outside Moonlight Café.

Having notified Dongfang Yang beforehand, the young master was idly waiting by the entrance, fiddling with his phone.

Chi Xiaocheng checked her reflection: a cute bear-print hoodie swallowing her petite frame, chestnut hair cascading down, two small white-lotus hair clips pinning up strands on either side.

Unlike traditional twin tails, these loose locks swayed with her movements, exuding a girl-next-door innocence.

She crept just outside Dongfang Yang’s line of sight, then leaped out. “Boss, waiting for me?”

‘Your little cutie has arrived!’

Dongfang Yang startled, the words flashing unbidden in his mind. Clearing his throat, he masked his reaction with a scoff. “The café’s AC was blasting too hard. I stepped out to cool off.”

“Oh…” Chi Xiaocheng sighed, then fixed him with a stare. “If you’d said you were waiting for me, I’d have been thrilled!”

Under her expectant gaze, Dongfang Yang’s heart inexplicably skipped.

He snorted dismissively. “Don’t flatter yourself, idiot. Pure coincidence.” With that, he strode into the café.

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Trailing behind, Chi Xiaocheng allowed herself a sly smirk. ‘Tsundere. If a direct hit like that doesn’t work, what will?’

Inside, Dongfang Yang briefed her on her duties. “Your job is to sit around, handle payments, and chat with customers. Just do whatever. If you can’t make coffee, Chu San will help.”

A burly, good-natured man behind the counter nodded. “Miss, I’m Chu San.”

Dongfang Yang waved a hand. “No need for formalities. She’s just another wage slave.”

Turning back to Chi Xiaocheng, he added, “For now, it’s just you two. Ask Chu San if you’re clueless. I don’t care what you do, just don’t bankrupt my café. Got it?”

Chi Xiaocheng nodded meekly. “Boss, can I use my phone at work?”

Dongfang Yang’s eyes twitched. “Don’t slack off.”

“Understood.”

‘Translation: Phone usage approved.’

It was obvious this was just a pretext to let her repay her debt. He probably never expected her to actually run the place.

The real purpose? A cover to shelter her.

Even if his motives tied back to Su Tao, his impression of her had clearly shifted.

With genuine gratitude, Chi Xiaocheng bowed deeply. “Thank you, Young Master Dongfang. I’ll do my best!”

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This “thank you” came from the heart.

‘He’s not a bad person. He’s just on the opposing side.’

‘Don’t worry, Dongfang Yang. I’ll take good care of Tao-Tao for you!’

‘Whether it’s kissing or bed scenes, I’ll silently chant your name to honor your contributions. You’ll have a role to play too.’ ¹ YURI NTR SUPREMACY!

Dongfang Yang had only come to introduce her to the café. He prepared to leave, but not without a final remark. “I don’t know what secrets you and Su Tao share, but whatever you do, think rationally. Don’t hurt her. Especially after last time, No more recklessness.”

Chi Xiaocheng’s heart lurched. She nodded rapidly, like a pecking chick.

‘Last time… the basement incident. He’s still suspicious!’

Though his opinion of her had improved, his doubts hadn’t faded.

‘”I was bullied into emotional collapse and developed psychological issues”—this excuse needs validation. I need despair-level trauma to justify the yandere persona.’

In that instant, Dongfang Yang’s probing gaze and Si Chen’s serpentine glare resurfaced in her mind.

Pulling out her phone, she messaged a contact labeled ”Liu Guijia”:

“Liu Guijia, your time to pay me back is now.”

‘Right now… I need to be bullied.’

Chi Xiaocheng slowly lifted her head, her rational eyes glinting with cold resolve.