I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

“This is where I dwell, and it shall be your home henceforth.”

Returning to the secluded courtyard, Ye Yong set Hua Ningyan down, wishing for it to wander about, to grow familiar with its surroundings. At that moment, a shadow suddenly lunged before Hua Ningyan.

Who else could this shadow be but Xia Shiqi?

With its nose pressed against Hua Ningyan, it sniffed wildly, not much different from a pervert.

Hua Ningyan froze in fear; after all, it was but a fledgling, while the wolf before it was a crystallized beast. Coupled with the stark difference in their breeds, Xia Shiqi loomed larger, an imposing presence.

“Get away, get away.” Ye Yong kicked Xia Shiqi aside, then scooped up Hua Ningyan, gently stroking its fur to soothe its fright. “My apologies, I forgot to mention I have two wolf companions.”

Seeing Ye Yong cradle Hua Ningyan with such affection, continuously petting it, Xia Shiqi nearly erupted with fury, emitting a series of growls, clearly displeased.

“What are you barking for? Don’t you dare bully it, or I’ll smack your backside until it blooms.”

Xia Shiqi, undeterred by authority, continued to growl, as if to say—”You’ve changed. It’s one thing to have dogs outside, but now you bring one home? You no longer love me.”

Ye Yong understood this creature was like a stubborn husky—never winning a fight, yet never losing an argument, and he couldn’t be bothered to engage in a quarrel.

Hearing commotion from outside, Wu Xue, who had been cultivating in the room, hurried out.

“Young Master—” However, before she could joyfully call out to Ye Yong, her gaze fell upon the little white fox in his arms, and she froze in astonishment.

Then, Wu Xue approached Xia Shiqi. The wolf continued its incessant growling, while she regarded the little white fox with a hint of wariness, inquiring about its origins.

“I see, it’s a spirit fox.” Wu Xue’s focus seemed less on Ye Yong rescuing one of its kin, and more on: “In other words, it belongs to a rare breed with excellent potential, one that can transform into a human after reaching a certain level of cultivation, correct?”

“Indeed.”

“It’s a female, isn’t it?”

“That’s right…” Ye Yong felt a prickling sensation, as if Wu Xue’s words held a deeper meaning, sharp and to the point.

Yet, Wu Xue chose not to elaborate further; instead, Xia Shiqi continued its growling, casting Ye Yong a sidelong glance, its disdain unmasked.

Before long, Xia Shiqi strolled over, yawning, as if just awakened. It glanced at Hua Ningyan, then approached Ye Yong, sniffing curiously.

Although her appearance was similar to Xia Shiqi’s, with a slightly larger frame, Xia Shijia did not exude a sharp aura. Huaying Yan leaned in curiously, and Xia Shijia gently nudged her small head with a tilt of her own.

If before Ye Yong had been uncertain whether Xia Shijia was Xia Shiqi’s mother or sister, in this moment, it was clear—she was undoubtedly the mother. Only a mother could show such tenderness towards a young creature.

“Awoo! Awwo!” Xia Shiqi’s cries grew more fervent, and Xia Shijia turned to glare at her. At that, the cries diminished, though they persisted, a final act of stubbornness.

“Let’s all get along, shall we?” Ye Yong felt a sense of relief at Xia Shijia’s reaction to Huaying Yan. Thankfully, she was not as foolish as Xia Shiqi; she was a spirit beast of sound mind.

“If she bullies you, just tell me, and I’ll help you teach her a lesson.” Ye Yong pointed at the prime suspect, the wolf, before setting Huaying Yan down, allowing Xia Shijia to guide her through the surroundings.

Perhaps due to Huaying Yan’s small size, she was treated as a mere cub, and Xia Shijia doted on her. The wolf and the fox began to circle the courtyard together.

Xia Shiqi trailed behind, sneaky as a dog, her gaze fixed on Huaying Yan, as if she might strike at any moment.

Once the “animals” had departed, the conversation among humans began.

Ye Yong could see that Wu Xue had something to say, so he asked her if she was unwelcoming of Huaying Yan’s arrival.

—

02 The Fox Spirit

“Xia Xue, do you dislike foxes?”

“Not exactly dislike, but I have no fondness for them.” With only herself and the young master present, Wu Xue felt no need for restraint, speaking her mind freely.

“Why? Aren’t foxes quite adorable?”

As soon as Ye Yong’s words left his mouth, Wu Xue wore an expression of ‘as expected’: “Young master, I’ve read many books. Throughout history, many kings enchanted by fox spirits have neglected their duties, leading to the decline of their nations and ultimately, their ruin.”

“Books don’t always tell the truth, you know.”

“While not everything in books can be trusted, there are patterns to follow. Calling someone a fox spirit is certainly an insult, isn’t it? That alone suggests foxes aren’t exactly virtuous.”

“Uh…” Before Ye Yong could attempt to explain further, Wu Xue interrupted him, continuing her thoughts.

“Young master, it seems to me that you are showing signs of being bewitched. Though you are strong, your kindness makes you vulnerable to those who would take advantage. Beautiful and charming things may hide dark evils within. Perhaps everything that has happened before was a play they orchestrated, deliberately drawing close to you.”

Ye Yong, upon hearing this, could only exclaim in disbelief. Thankfully, he had read enough novels to avoid becoming paranoid; otherwise, after Wu Xue’s analysis, he might have genuinely suspected that Hua Ningyan was intentionally trying to approach him. Yet, in truth, it was Ye Yong who was the one orchestrating events.

When he had saved Hua Liangchen, Ye Yong had no idea he was Hua Ningyan’s brother. After letting him go, he recalled Hua Ningyan’s plight and began to buy informants in Qirong City. Later, upon receiving news and arriving at the dwelling of the Spirit Fox clan, he discovered that Hua Liangchen was the chieftain’s son and also Hua Ningyan’s brother. Immediately, Ye Yong centered everything he did around the word “fate.”

After all, coming specifically for Hua Ningyan and “accidentally” discovering her to take as a spirit pet would leave different impressions on the Spirit Foxes. The former would make them uncomfortable; given their united nature, they would likely be unwilling to hand over Hua Ningyan. The latter, devoid of ulterior motives, would evoke gratitude and a sense of indebtedness among the Spirit Foxes. If Ye Yong hinted at his intentions, they would be eager to offer Hua Ningyan to him.

The Spirit Foxes were Hua Ningyan’s kin, and if Ye Yong wished to win their favor, he naturally could not let relations with them sour. Being seen as a benefactor, as he was now, was undoubtedly a royal flush to start with. With such a good hand, Ye Yong had no desire to ruin it.

“You worry for me, and I am pleased. However, meeting her was truly a matter of fate. First, the Spirit Fox clan does not know me, and they could never have anticipated my appearance there; they would not gamble the lives of all their kin.”

“Even if they do not know the young master, the fox spirits would surely want to cause trouble upon seeing such a radiant human. How do you know there are no foxes among them skilled in astrology? Ancient tales warn us that fox spirits can be truly wicked, bringing disaster to nations. Young master, do not let yourself sink deeper; otherwise, even if I wish to help, you may see me as an obstacle, just as you do now.” Wu Xue’s expression was serious.

Ye Yong scratched his head, what to do now?