Cannon Fodder – Chapter 58 – The Beginning of Su Tao’s Downfall

Wait, a chance to leave?

Su Tao suddenly realized she wasn’t completely without hope.

The relentless psychological pressure and persistent physical weakness had nearly made her forget one crucial detail Chi Xiaocheng mentioned earlier:

-”Fall for me and you can leave!”

Though the yandere version of Chi Xiaocheng was terrifying, that was mostly at the beginning.

After days of forced compliance, Su Tao had to admit there were moments when Chi Xiaocheng seemed almost normal.

So couldn’t she just pretend to love her?

As for what happened after escaping… she’d cross that bridge later.

This realization lifted a weight from Su Tao’s chest. Seeing Chi Xiaocheng acting perfectly ordinary now, she grew more confident.

‘Right, just don’t provoke her.’

Tentatively, Su Tao extended a hand. “Xiaocheng… can I pat your head?”

“You want to pat me?!” Chi Xiaocheng’s voice brimmed with delight as she pulled Su Tao toward the bed. “Come sit here, Tao-Tao.”

“Yes, right on the edge.”

She directed Su Tao with excitement. “Now… open your arms.”

“Like this?”

Su Tao awkwardly spread her arms facing Chi Xiaocheng.

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“Then… here I go!”

With a running start, Chi Xiaocheng leaped into her embrace.

The soft impact didn’t hurt. If anything, it felt comforting.

But when Su Tao noticed the fresh scars on Chi Xiaocheng’s arms, a wave of nausea threatened to resurface.

It quickly dissipated, though, as Chi Xiaocheng snuggled closer.

The petite girl wrapped her arms around Su Tao’s slender waist, pressing her cheek against Su Tao’s chest with a contented sigh.

“Okay Tao-Tao~ You can pat me as long as you want.”

Su Tao reciprocated hesitantly, her hands eventually settling on Chi Xiaocheng’s silky hair.

The tea-colored locks cascaded down to her waist: thick, smooth, and luxurious as satin. Holding this warmth, Su Tao couldn’t help but reflect.

‘It’s been four months since we last hugged like this… back before our fight during summer break after high school.’

The familiarity soothed her soul.

Burrowing deeper, Chi Xiaocheng murmured, “Tao-Tao’s embrace is so comfy… so warm… love it~”

For the first time in days, Su Tao smiled genuinely. “You always used to say that.”

“But it’s different now!” Chi Xiaocheng nuzzled Su Tao’s chest playfully. “Softer and nicer~”

The motion made Su Tao blush. “That’s just your imagination.”

“Aw, embarrassed?”

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“We’re both girls! Why would I be?”

Su Tao ruffled Chi Xiaocheng’s hair vigorously before freezing mid-motion.

Right… why am I embarrassed?

We’ve always been like this.

Yet Chi Xiaocheng’s constant declarations of “love” had undeniably altered their dynamic.

Once such feelings surfaced, they couldn’t be undone.

Come to think of it… her hair’s even softer than before.

And she smells amazing.

Her body’s so pliant.

Her skin so unbelievably smooth, like a child sheltered from hardship.

Her hugs, her smile… they heal the soul.

Just as Su Tao relaxed into the moment, Chi Xiaocheng suddenly lifted her head.

Their faces were mere centimeters apart when Chi Xiaocheng closed her eyes and tilted up expectantly.

“Tao-Tao… kiss me~”

Though they’d done this numerous times under various pretexts, such direct proximity was a first.

‘This isn’t… right, is it?’

A voice inside Su Tao screamed that Chi Xiaocheng was her lifelong companion. This distorted affection shouldn’t be indulged.

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Don’t do this!

Stop!

But… without compliance, how could she escape?

If she couldn’t even manage this, how would she fake affection convincingly?

‘Yes, I’m only pretending.’

‘Besides… I’m getting used to it.’

Whether from initiative or resignation, Su Tao leaned down this time out of her own volition.

Eyes shut.

So… nice.

Compared to the nauseating orange juice, this taste was lovely.

“Tao-Tao, can I pat your head now?”

After they parted, Chi Xiaocheng stood on the bed, eyes sparkling.

Certain this was the normal, adorable Xiaocheng, Su Tao nodded with a smile. “My hair isn’t as nice as yours.”

“Nonsense! I love everything about Tao-Tao.”

Small hands alighted on Su Tao’s head as Chi Xiaocheng sighed happily. “I’ve never gotten to do this before~ It’s like pampering a pet, so soothing.”

Realizing her wording, she hastily amended with flushed cheeks: “N-Not that I’m treating Tao-Tao as a pet! I just mean… because I love you….

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“I want to experience every possible roles with you in this lifetime.”

“Including owner and pet~

“Hehe~~”

Leaning closer, Chi Xiaocheng asked eagerly: “What kind of pet does Tao-Tao like?”

“Cats?

“Dogs?”

“Or…” A tiny thumb pointed at her own cheek. “Meeee?”

That adorable face was within touching distance, her flawless skin practically begging to be caressed.

This was undoubtedly the normal Chi Xiaocheng… yet traces of her yandere self shimmered beneath.

Su Tao bit her lip. “If I said I liked you… would you really obey me?”

“Of course!” Chi Xiaocheng nodded vigorously. “Pets must listen to their owners! Masterrrr~~”

Most would’ve surrendered already.

Su Tao gulped and looked away. “I… I prefer cats.”

“Oh?” Chi Xiaocheng tilted her head before suddenly mimicking paw gestures. “Meow~ Meow~~”

So….

So cute!!!!!