I Don’t Want to Be the Heroine Anymore - Chapter 2

What was a wealthy person’s banquet like? Mang Ke tried to imagine it.

She couldn’t.

But judging from the location Xun Fangyun had sent her—the Beach Hotel, the only seven-star hotel in the city—just the choice of venue alone indicated it would be an extravagantly expensive dinner.

She heard it was for some tycoon’s father’s 80th birthday, so the scale was grand, with all the political elites and celebrities attending. It was going to be a lavish banquet.

Below the location Xun Fangyun sent Mang Ke, there was an additional note: Wait for me to pick you up at home this afternoon.

Mang Ke rested her chin on her hands as she lay sprawled across the table, fiddling with the message on her phone—opening it, closing it, then opening it again.

“Sigh…”

Mang Ke exhaled. She was about to marry Xun Fangyun, yet she still didn’t know how to talk to her properly.

But…

Was marriage even part of the job description???

Though Mang Ke was skeptical, she had already transmigrated into this novel world, so marriage wasn’t that surprising anymore. The real question was whether finding another wife after this would count as bigamy.

Her mind was racing with wild thoughts, but all she typed in reply was a simple Okay, coming off both aloof and adorable.

At lunch, Aunt Liu, knowing Mang Ke would attend the banquet that evening, avoided greasy foods and prepared some vegetables and porridge instead.

“Remember to eat something before you leave this afternoon,” Aunt Liu reminded as she served Mang Ke pumpkin porridge. “Otherwise, you won’t get full from the banquet food.”

Mang Ke nodded.

Aunt Liu added, “And remind Miss Xun not to drink too much at the banquet. Her stomach is sensitive, and too much alcohol during social events will hurt her digestion.”

Mang Ke nodded again.

Aunt Liu then asked, “What would you like for dinner tonight, Mang Ke? How about a sandwich?”

After a moment’s thought, Mang Ke said, “Add some smoked sausage inside.”

Aunt Liu smiled and nodded before heading back to the kitchen to tend to other tasks.

The afternoon passed quickly. By the time Xun Fangyun drove back, Mang Ke had already changed and was waiting in the living room.

Xun Fangyun was dressed in her usual black coat and skirt, but today, she seemed slightly displeased, her entrance a little louder than usual.

Mang Ke sat obediently on the sofa, greeting her with a cheerful smile. “You’re back~”

The little wavy inflection in her voice was full of energy.

Xun Fangyun looked up and saw Mang Ke already dressed for the occasion. She wore a silver gown adorned with tiny diamonds that shimmered dazzlingly under the light.

Her exposed arms were as fair and flawless as jade, and her chestnut-brown hair, slightly curled at the ends, cascaded over her shoulders, giving her an inexplicably well-behaved appearance.

Xun Fangyun stared silently for a long moment before finally speaking. “You didn’t put on makeup?”

Mang Ke blinked. “No, I don’t know how.”

Xun Fangyun stepped closer, her gaze lingering on Mang Ke’s naturally pale lips for a while before saying, “Aunt Liu, go to my bedroom and bring my makeup kit.”

Aunt Liu, appearing out of nowhere, acknowledged the request and hurried upstairs to fetch it.

Watching Aunt Liu leave, Mang Ke couldn’t help but say, “I don’t think I’m ugly. Do I really need makeup?”

She hated the feeling of her skin not being able to breathe, and with makeup on, she couldn’t act freely—every smile or glance had to be careful not to smudge the foundation or lipstick. It was just uncomfortable.

Xun Fangyun sat down beside Mang Ke, reaching out to lift Mang Ke’s chin, scrutinizing her as if appraising a product. “Makeup will make you look more spirited,” she said.

With such a remark, Mang Ke couldn’t bring herself to refuse again. She could only sit on the sofa and watch as Xun Fangyun took the cosmetics Aunt Liu handed over and began applying them to her face.

It had to be said, a woman focused on her task was exceptionally captivating.

Especially someone like Xun Fangyun, a woman of such poise. The way she carefully applied lipstick to Mang Ke’s lips was both adorable and earnest.

For a moment, Mang Ke was entranced. She only felt how close the two of them were, her nostrils filled with a sweet fragrance—whether it was from the cosmetics or Xun Fangyun’s natural scent, she couldn’t tell.

Sweet, intoxicating.

Xun Fangyun’s long black hair brushed against Mang Ke’s arm as she leaned in, tickling her slightly—tickling her heart in a way that made it ache.

A mischievous little devil suddenly popped up in her mind.

Her lips look so pretty—they must be so soft to kiss.

Her hair is so beautiful too—I wonder if it’s just as smooth in bed.

Her collarbone looks delicious.

And those br3asts wrapped in that shirt—they must feel amazing…

The little devil poked Mang Ke’s heart with a tiny stick, chanting: Go for her, go for her, go for her, go for her!

Xun Fangyun’s expression remained indifferent, her tone cool as she said to Mang Ke, “Keep staring, and I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

Mang Ke: “…”

The little devil vanished with a poof, disappearing without a trace.

The slick sensation of the lipstick felt unfamiliar. Mang Ke instinctively pursed her lips, but Xun Fangyun pinched her chin, forcing her to lift her head.

“It’s not done yet. Don’t move.”

Xun Fangyun’s serious demeanor amused Mang Ke, who couldn’t help but tease, “You look like a professional makeup artist like this.”

The other woman didn’t respond.

Mang Ke felt a pang of disappointment—this woman really was cold.

Once the makeup was done, Xun Fangyun went upstairs to change into a formal dress and applied light makeup for herself.

Mang Ke stayed seated, watching as Xun Fangyun meticulously lined her brows and touched up her lips. For the first time, she found watching a woman apply makeup to be such a delightful sight.

By the time Xun Fangyun finished, it was already past five in the afternoon. If they didn’t leave soon, they’d be late.

“Aunt Liu, we’re heading out,” Xun Fangyun said, placing her things on the coffee table before calling to the kitchen, “Could you tidy up the living room?”

“Leaving already?” Aunt Liu hurried out with two sandwiches. “You have a sensitive stomach—eat something before you go.”

Xun Fangyun shook her head. “Too much trouble. I’m not hungry anyway.”

“You can take them with you even if you’re not hungry.”

“I don’t like carrying bags.”

“Oh…”

Seeing Aunt Liu’s worried expression, Mang Ke spoke up, “I can take them. My bag is big.”

Aunt Liu nodded and, before Xun Fangyun could refuse, stuffed the sandwiches inside, along with some lozenges and energy-boosting capsules. “Come back early tonight,” she urged. “It’s not safe out too late.”

“Got it~”

Once in the car, Mang Ke sat in the passenger seat, rummaging through her bag with a chuckle. “Aunt Liu is so thoughtful—she packed everything for you.”

Xun Fangyun nodded. “She really does take good care of me.”

Mang Ke looked at the smoked sausage slices in her sandwich and happily closed the wrapper.

The evening rush hour had caused some traffic, but fortunately, this was the affluent district—fewer cars and fewer people. The two of them arrived at the hotel after just half an hour.

Peering through the rolled-down car window, Mang Ke stared at the uniquely designed hotel, momentarily entranced.

The glow of the setting sun reflected off the sea, casting shimmering ripples of light on the western wall of the hotel. The sea breeze brushed against Mang Ke’s hair, carrying the distinct scent of the coastline.

From a distance, it looked as beautiful as an oil painting.

Mang Ke sighed in admiration as she gazed out the window. “It’s so beautiful. I wish time could freeze right here.”

Xun Fangyun glanced indifferently at the view outside. Her dark eyes held no emotion, as calm as stagnant water, utterly unmoved by such a breathtaking scene.

What was the point of such beauty?

Xun Fangyun withdrew her gaze. It was all fake—this world, including the people around her, was all fake.

———

Mang Ke hadn’t forgotten Aunt Liu’s reminder. Before Xun Fangyun got out of the car, she urged her to finish the sandwich. The two hastily ate their sandwiches and drank some water before heading into the banquet hall.

Although the dinner was scheduled for seven in the evening, the lobby was already crowded by six.

Xun Fangyun and Mang Ke were escorted to the banquet hall. As soon as they entered, a few people approached, greeting Xun Fangyun warmly.

Mang Ke stood just a step behind her, listening to their conversation, which was filled with words she couldn’t understand.

But what did it matter? Right now, she just had to be the pretty vase in Xun Fangyun’s household. Nothing else was important.

After chatting for a while, the group finally seemed to notice Mang Ke standing behind Xun Fangyun and asked curiously, “Fangyun, who is this…?”

Xun Fangyun glanced at Mang Ke and said calmly, “My fiancée.”

“Ah, so you’re the legendary fiancée!” The person seemed genuinely surprised, extending a hand to shake Mang Ke’s. “You’re so beautiful, miss. What should we call you?”

“My name is Mang Ke,” she replied with a smile. “Like the fruit, mango.”

“Mang Ke?” The person paused, turning back to Xun Fangyun in confusion. “Wait, wasn’t the one you’re marrying the Qi family’s daughter? Why is her surname Mang?”

Instantly, Mang Ke realized she had misspoken and awkwardly tried to explain, but Xun Fangyun cut in, “That’s irrelevant.”

Mang Ke immediately fell silent.

Irrelevant…?

Xun Fangyun turned to Mang Ke and said, “I need to meet a few guests. You can walk around here. If you’re thirsty, there’s champagne and fruit platters over there.”

With that, Xun Fangyun left with her friends, leaving Mang Ke standing alone.

Watching the black-clad figure disappear into the crowd, Mang Ke couldn’t help but sigh deeply.

This woman was just too cold. It was really hurtful.

Mang Ke grumbled inwardly. Who brings their fiancée to a banquet only to abandon them like this? It seemed she’d have to teach her a lesson when they got home—make her understand the meaning of respect!

Despite her silent complaints, nothing could dampen Mang Ke’s enthusiasm for the fruit platters and desserts.

After all, this was a seven-star hotel. Many of the pastries were things she had only seen on TV. She casually picked up a small cake and took a bite—the tangy flavor was unusual but not unpleasant.

“Excuse me…”

Just then, a voice came from behind Mang Ke, saying to her: “You’re with President Xun, right? Could you come help for a moment?”

Hearing the familiar name, Mang Ke turned around and saw a baby-faced man standing behind her.

“Are you talking to me?” Mang Ke pointed at herself.

The man nodded and said, “You’re President Xun’s secretary, right? I’m Yue Yin’s assistant. She’s in a bit of trouble now. Since we’re all acquaintances, could you lend a hand?”

Mang Ke thought for a moment, unsure what she’d done to make him think she was a secretary, but she did hear another familiar name.

Yue Yin?

Wasn’t that Xun Fangyun’s white moonlight? Was she really going to meet her so soon???