Chapter 3

Two young, beautiful women strolled into the town's most popular restaurant. It was made up of stone, and with two glass doors that acts as the entrance to the restuarant. Most of the wall was occupied by windows, and any passerby could easily peek in to notice how crowded it was in there.

There was even a queue outside as the waiter accommodated to the guests waiting for their seats.

"Miss Lan, Miss Katae, welcome to Plik. Your usual seats has been reserved on the second floor by the balcony." The waitress greeted respectfully, bowing.

Despite having top-notch chefs at home to prepare meals for them, all the nobles in the town of Aoi adored this restuarant. It wasn't because of its food, but the authentic drinks that the chefs personally made.

The food was fantastic, but the drinks were one of its kind.

"Thank you!" Hana chirped, heading up the stairs without waiting for the waitress to guide her.

The waitress was a newcomer, thus, she was taken aback by Hana's behaviour. She sneaked a glance up at Cecil, stiffening when her cold, onyx eyes were looking down at her.

I'll keep up a slight appearance of the previous Cecil Lan, just because.

"You are dismissed, we will head up by ourselves this time." Cecil waved her off, keeping her chin upright as she ascended the stairs.

Cecil sipped at her drink in an elegant manner, the cool liquid filling her mouth as a sweet yet refreshing taste tickled at her taste buds. She swallowed it down, a look of approval flashing past her eyes.

Since she has been transmigrated into this body, her taste buds belonged to this body as well. Thus, Cecil was eager to taste every single food or drink she had the opportunity to come across.

The novel stated how the drinks here were exceptional and nothing more. Now tasting it for myself, it is unbelievable.

It's so delicious!

Cecil took another sip, letting out a small, satisfied sigh. She glanced at Hana sitting opposite her, her lips curving upwards as she noted the young woman enjoying her drink happily.

"No matter how many times we come here, I never get tired of their drinks!" Hana beamed, relishing in her drink.

"Indeed." Cecil nodded, gazing at her drink with interest.

The drink was simply named "Cherry's Kiss", and when it was served, there were clearly two separate liquids. A bright red and pale blue liquid, with former at the top and the latter at the bottom. It was advised that the customers should mix them thoroughly before drinking.

On the side of the glass cup, there was a cherry accompanied by mint leaves hanging at the side. Cecil ate the cherry, which never had the opportunity to try, frowning a little at its taste.

It wasn't to her liking.

At least the drink was to her liking.

Their meals arrived the next second and they eagerly reached for their food. Alas, like the noble ladies they were, they had to refrain wolfing down the food, taking small bites, little by little.

Cecil was crying on the inside. She certainly wasn't groomed to be a noble lady since she was young, but this body of hers was. She could only follow the regal movements of her body and involuntarily eat her food bit by bit.

[ Mission 1 has been commenced! Protagonist detected nearby, please ensure to complete your objectives otherwise the mission would result in a failure.

Objective : Head down to the Plik and reenact the fateful meeting between the protagonist and the heroine.

Reward : 10 points ]

Cecil almost spit out her food at the sudden alarming notification. She was too immersed in the crispy yet fluffy texture of the well-seasoned food.

However, now, food had flew out from her mind as she immediately placed her utensils down and wiped at her mouth. She scanned her surroundings hastily until her eyes landed on someone blending into the crowd.

Tall, lean-figured man.

Short, ash blonde hair.

Grey eyes.

The great master protagonist is here!

There was a fanart years ago about the main characters in the novel. The author had praised the fan for drawing an accurate representation of her protagonist. Ever since then, Cecil had that image etched into her mind.

It's him, it's definitely him!

The great protagonist!

The master protagonist!

The supreme protagonist!

My darling! My little puppy!

My little Xue!

Bolting up from her seat, Hana was surprised as she paused from her eating, staring blankly at her best friend.

"Cecil?"

Hana noticed her best friend gazing down intently at something, her limpid onyx eyes were bright, so bright that Hana found it hard to look away from.

She knew her best friend possessed one of the most beautiful eyes she has ever seen, but those crystalline eyes mostly held little emotions. Even though it was still mesmerising, it was nothing compared to now.

Right now, her eyes seemed to be gleaming, turbulent; her eyes seem more dazzling than ever.

She looks so beautiful.

Hana eventually broke herself from the reverie, standing up slowly and stretching out her hand to tap on Cecil's hand.

"Cecil?"

Cecil felt warm fingertips brushing at her hand, and she snapped her head up. With Hana in her field of vision now, Cecil recalled the events of the novel.

Hana, at the very end, would betray the protagonist after he had almost completed his goals. From there on, it led to a path of self-destruction for him, and despite getting his vengeance and ridding the world of the evil villains, he still led a very lonely path.

He finally arrived at his ultimate goal, the rightful throne of the supreme goal went to him.

However, his spirit has already been broken from the fragments of his scattered soul that hasn't been fully assimilated. Thus, he grew insane from the loneliness and his unstable mind, the constant betrayal of the people present, as well as his past, haunted him too.

Hence, he ended up destroying the world, and the novel ended in such an abrupt way.

Cecil wanted to cough up her own blood, recalling such horrible events and how the novel spiraled downwards after.

There wasn't even a proper explanation of how Hana Katae betrayed him. The author simply stated that Hana eloped with the right-hand man of the big bad villain!

That revelation probably made Xue descend down further into madness, sigh.

...but not this time! Since I've already been brought here, I will change their fates!

I'll ensure Hana stays with Xue! They must have a happy ending!

I will ensure Xue will suffer lesser this time!

I'll be the loyal second lead in this novel! Sitting back and just watching my efforts sprout into big, gorgeous plants.

These two precious darlings, they deserve all the happiness in the world! And I will make that happen!

I'll be the best second lead ever, with the biggest second lead syndrome!

Cecil's eyes shone with determination and she grasped Hana's hand. Hana blinked at her, rather startled.

"Hana, pay close attention to the stairs, okay?"

"...?"

Cecil beamed at her, and Hana was taken aback.

She had never seen Cecil smile in an unbridled manner, and she only gaped at her stunning smile, nodding dumbly to her words.

Today, Cecil is showing so many of her pretty sides.

Hana thought to herself, smiling.

I hope she remains pretty like this, it really suits her.

The receptionist was busy with arranging the menu in his hands, before he saw someone stepping forward to the counter. He knew it was a customer, and gave them a customary bow and greeting.

"Hello dearest customer, how may I serve you?"

"A reservation under someone named Dok Chul."

The receptionist lifted his head up, plastering a polite smile on his face. At that moment he landed his eyes on the customer, his smile dropped.

A lean, tall man with porcelain skin combed through his ash blonde hair that reached his neck, letting out a short sigh. His eyes were closed, and he slowly opened them, revealing a pair of stormy, grey eyes as his straight eyebrows began to furrow. His thin, sensual lips grew even thinner as he pulled at them, showing an expression of slight annoyance. His handsome features were further enhanced by his straight edged nose with a gorgeous nose bridge.

"Is there no reservation under that name?" The attractive man questioned, his silvery voice becoming low.

The receptionist jolted from his daze, hurriedly checking the list of reservation. He sneaked a peek at the man before him, envious and astonished by his good-looking mien.

"Ye-yes, please proceed up to the second floor. It's the table closest to the window by the left, you should be able to see the name tag on the table." The receptionist struggled his words out, smiling nervously.

The man only threw out a soft "thanks" and made his way up the stairs.

The receptionist watched him go, noting the spear sheathed behind his back as well as his large backpack. He only wore a simple black singlet with loose black pants that was torn in some places.

He must be a vagabond.

"Are we waiting for someone special?" Hana asked curiously and Cecil only smiled knowingly.

"Oh, is it your date? You have a date? Wow!" Hana clapped excitedly, immediately jumped to a conclusion within a second, and Cecil coughed.

"No, you silly. Just watch, someone special will be climbing up the stairs at any moment now."

Two seconds later, a man with a stunning appearance stepped into view, carrying a backpack on his back, along with a spear.

It took Cecil a second and she recognised him completely.

Protagonist! Protagonist! Protagonist!

Xue! Xue! Xue! Xue!

He's here, he's really here!

The fateful meeting finally starts!

This scene happened in the original novel, but unlike the present Cecil, the previous Cecil was amazed by the appearance of Xue, she slipped and Hana stepped in to help her.

Due to the powers of being the heroine, Hana ended up stepping on Cecil's dress and causing Cecil to fall. Whereas, Hana was the one slipping now and she collapsed right into the protagonist's arms.

Cecil's eyes twinkled with glee, and she stepped behind Hana, estimating the distance between Xue and them.

She pushed Hana without mercy.

"Wah!"

The sharp scream garnered the attention of the crowd on the second floor, including Xue who turned to their direction.

Yes, yes yes yes! Plan succeeded! My favourite OTP, OTP OTP OTP! Go, go go go go!

Hana, as expected, fell into the embrace of Xue who unconsciously stretched his arms out to catch her.

Cecil recalled the exact events in the novel, where the two would tear up once their gazes met.

Just thinking of it made Cecil teared up too.

Ahh...these two, how lovely.

I love them.

I love this story.

Cecil, who was too caught up in the moment, hasn't retracted her arms, which was in an obvious pushing motion. Her bright eyes had turned misty, and a few pairs of eyes looked at her, regarding her with bewilderment.

"What's that woman doing?"

"She clearly pushed that lady!"

"Wait...isn't that woman the spoiled daughter of the Lan family?"

"Mother, she's so weird!"

Cecil even began sniffing, scrunching her nose, her arms still outstretched.

Hana, who felt someone catching her, released a breath of relief. She looked up to thank the person, only to stiffen.

Xue brought his head down to look at the woman he unknowingly caught in his arms. His reaction was similar to hers, stiffening up in an instant.

Hana's heart began drumming loudly in her arms, and she felt something tugging at her heartstrings roughly.

Her throat became dry as she struggled to swallow.

Xue too, had the same reaction as her once again. His cold expression from before cracked, revealing a vulnerable expression as his eyes grew red.

Hana's eyes were red too.

A teardrop slipped out from both of their eyes, and Cecil can imagine the scene before her, nodding her head in a knowing manner.

It's okay, cry you puppies.

You deserve to reunite and share the love once again.

Cecil sniffled twice.

My favourite OTP. Xuena! Xuena! Xuena!

Another sniffle.

"Ha--Hana?"

"You...are...?"

Xue gave her a shaky smile. "You can call me Xue."

Cecil's mouth mimicked the exact words they spoke, following the novel. At this point, people were already pointing surreptitiously at her direction, whispering softly.

No one was paying attention to the couple embracing lovingly, unlike Cecil who was fixated on them with a fervent look.

Cue the romantic music! Cue the sad piano and cue those amazing vocals with the heart wrenching lyrics!

Too bad Hana won't remember you, but don't worry Xue! She'll remember you soon enough, I'll make it work!

Don't worry, my precious babies!

"Are you...okay? How did you fall?"

"I'm alright, thank you. I-I just felt someone pushing me from behind..."

They both turned to look behind Hana, and the same culprit was mouthing things to herself, sniffling with misty eyes, her arms still remaining outstretched.

"..."

"..."

"...deserve everything! I will protect, I will attack! But most importantly, I will keep this OTP true!" Cecil mumbled to herself.

"...?"

"...Ce-Cecil?"

Cecil heard herself being called out, blinking rapidly. Her mind finally cleared and she gazed at the loving couple before her.

I feel like crying.

"Did you...push me?" Hana asked, perplexed.

"You pushed her?" Xue narrowed his eyes.

Ahhh! The protagonist is speaking to me!

Me! Me! Me!

Ahhhhhh!

"Yes, I did." Cecil answered honestly, giving them a smile.

Hana was speechless.

Xue continued narrowing his eyes at Cecil, his impression of her growing worse.

The whispers drew louder amongst the crowd.

Cecil finally understood what was exactly wrong with her admittance. She uttered a soft "oh", bringing her hands back as she hastily improvised on the spot.

"That's ri-right. I pushed you, what about it?" Cecil harrumphed, tilting her chin upwards.

Xue's fingers curled into a fist, his expression growing darker.

[ Mission 1 successfully completed! Reward : 10 points

Congratulations! ]

"Heck yes!" Cecil cheered in her mind.

[ Protagonist "Xue" has a bad impression of you.

Your original impression points of 100 has now been decreased.

Impression points remaining : 90

Warning: Once your impression points reaches 0, the original ending of Cecil Lan will be commenced. ]

The tears in her eyes slipped out and Cecil choked on her saliva, coughing harshly.

"AI500, why didn't you warn me about these impression points before?! Are you joking with me?!"

[ The impression points system was only implemented just now when you met the protagonist~ ]

"Fuck you!

[ Cecil Lan, please refrain from using vulgarities. There are children around here~]

"Do you know how the original Cecil Lan died?! Her arms and legs were chopped off, and the protagonist proceeded to whip her until her remaining body was cut in half!"

[ We have issued a warning in advance. Ensure you work hard not to end up like the original Cecil Lan ]

Cecil wanted to explode from anger.

What even is this AI500?! It's like an internet troll instead! A troll AI!

Hana rushed forward to her friend, Cecil had coughed until her face turned red.

"Cecil? Cecil? Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry....I only pushed you by accident just now." Cecil gasped out as Hana patted her back.

Hana forgave her easily and quickly, shaking her head. "It's alright, nobody was hurt and I'm fine."

Cecil wanted to cry at Hana's forgiving character.

Hana...this was why the previous Cecil Lan could get away so easily...

You should learn to defend yourself more.

Cecil risked a glance at Xue, growing pale at the sight of the gloomy expression on his face. His grey eyes were particularly piercing.

She recalled the death of the original Cecil Lan once again, cringing internally.

Great lord protagonist, please spare me!

I'm not that Cecil Lan anymore, I will be good and obedient, serving the two of you for life.

Hana supported Cecil, and she turned to look at Xue.

"Mr. Xue?"

Xue immediately turned to Hana, his expression softening. "Just Xue is fine."

"Alright, Xue. Would you like to accompany us for lunch? As a small thanks for helping me earlier."

"It's alright. I have a reservation here with someone."

"I understand--"

"May I know where to find you later, Hana?" Xue abruptly asked.

Hana was naive and kind by nature, and she already had a strong sense of familiarity upon seeing Xue. She beamed and told him her full name, and told him to come by to the mansion.

Cecil sighed inwardly.

If this wasn't Xue, I'm sure she'll hesitate for a moment and if the person persists, she'll just give him the same information she did to Xue.

Why did the author have to make such a gullible heroine?

Cecil felt pitiful for the protagonist who had to take extra care of her in the novel. She directed a pitiful glance to Xue, only to look away hastily when she noticed his scathing gaze on her.

They went back to their table, and both ladies could feel a pair of grey eyes on them. Alas, one lady felt a comforting, warm gaze while the other felt the murderous gaze.

Cecil certainly wasn't the former lady.

"My first day of meeting the protagonist, and he's already one step to killing me like the original Cecil Lan..." Cecil bemoaned to AI500.

[ Do not worry, you are only 90 points away. There is no possible way for 90 points to be gone within a day~]

Cecil was speechless. How was that supposed to make her better?

[ A new mission has arrived!

Mission 2 : Be the perfect Cupid!

Objective : Increase the future prospects of their relationship. OTP Xuena!

Reward : 10 points

Failure will result in a negative 10 points.

Clue : Any form of affections, PDA is definitely better! ]

Cecil accepted the mission with a heavy heart.

《 start 》

Hana...after twenty-three years, finally. We meet again.

Who was that woman who dared to harm you?

She seems to be your friend, it seems?

I do not get any good impression from her, something doesn't feel right about her.

...and if she wasn't your friend, just pushing her alone wouldn't have suffice.

《 stop 》