MVCFO CH47

Chapter 47: Cannon Fodder, Villain, Protagonist

With their goals set, Lin Xiangqi’s heart finally settled.

Throughout the holiday, he was immersed in reviewing and solving practice questions. Although Qin Xiao had promised that good exam results could exempt him from some homework, the practice problems Lin Xiangqi prepared for himself were no less demanding than the assignments.

Lu Cong, on the other hand, seemed more relaxed. His grades were consistently excellent, and his physical condition fully met the standards.

Regarding his pheromones, Lu Huo vouched for him, taking him for a special military medical examination to prove he could control his pheromones even in challenging environments.

The examination was complex, more like an assessment than a simple check-up, requiring three sessions: one during the winter break, one before the college entrance exam, and one before officially enrolling. The goal was to evaluate Lu Cong’s pheromone control across different time periods.

Lin Xiangqi wasn’t too worried about the results. According to the original novel’s setting, the military academy was eager to recruit Lu Cong, so they’d likely expedite his approval.

The only uncertainty was Lu Cong’s susceptible period.

However, Lu Cong had been stable lately. As long as he didn’t suddenly enter a susceptible period the day before the assessment, there shouldn’t be any issues.

Everything was progressing according to their plan, and Lin Xiangqi was even starting to look forward to the college entrance exam.

Of course, there were some minor variables.

Shen Qiaolan suddenly disappeared.

Lin Xiangqi only noticed this two weeks after school started.

Initially, he was so focused on studying that he paid no attention to school gossip or classmates’ chatter. Sometimes, even when Lu Cong tried to talk to him, he’d have to wait until Lin Xiangqi’s pen stopped moving.

Only Chen Qiutian dared to barge in front of Lin Xiangqi without tact, starting with, “After two weeks of thorough investigation, I can confirm: Shen Qiaolan has transferred schools!”

Chen Qiutian spoke while crouching sneakily in front of Lin Xiangqi’s desk, looking like a scout reporting back with intelligence. He was so focused on delivering the news that he didn’t notice Lu Cong’s cold gaze from the side.

Lin Xiangqi’s hand paused mid-question, his pen leaving a deep ink blot on the paper.

“Transferred?” Lin Xiangqi asked. “Is that true?”

Chen Qiutian, fully in character, replied, “Your Majesty, I wouldn’t dare lie.”

Lin Xiangqi thought for a moment. “What’s the reason?”

Chen Qiutian said, “Rumor has it that Shen family’s hospitals and businesses were exposed for some shady scandals, causing their stock prices to plummet—probably some elite family power struggle. As the heir, Shen Qiaolan either has to step up or lay low for a while.”

Lin Xiangqi frowned. This plot existed in the original novel but appeared in the latter half, with Shen Qiaolan himself exposing the scandals.

In the novel, the Shen family was already declining, riddled with scandals of massive bribery and ill-gotten wealth. Internal conflicts were severe, and more illegal activities surfaced, leaving the family in chaos and the company half-dead.

At that point, Shen Qiaolan inherited a mess and had to make tough sacrifices to save what was left…

Lin Xiangqi felt something was off and asked Chen Qiutian, “Who’d you hear this from?”

Chen Qiutian got excited. “Haven’t you been online? It’s all over the trending searches! The Shen family is the Alliance’s richest, so this is huge. Many of their businesses have been shut down, and I heard several board members have been arrested.”

With trending searches and shutdowns, it seemed the Shen family was doomed.

Lin Xiangqi had no sympathy for their situation—after all, they brought it upon themselves.

But this development deviated too much from the original plot.

This storyline was supposed to be a critical turning point for Shen Qiaolan’s growth as the protagonist.

The worst parts of Shen Qiaolan’s personality were shaped by the Shen family’s environment, so he was meant to personally dismantle it, marking his character’s highlight.

But now, Shen Qiaolan was just an 18-year-old high schooler, a decade away from taking control. At this stage, he lacked the means, resources, and access to the family’s power center.

Aside from acting out at school to express rebellion or seek attention, he was powerless.

Lin Xiangqi didn’t believe Shen Qiaolan could have orchestrated such a massive scandal.

If not him, who had the ability to expose the dirty secrets of the Alliance’s richest family at their peak?

And where was Shen Qiaolan now?

The original novel never mentioned him transferring again before the college entrance exam.

“That’s too weird…” Lin Xiangqi muttered. “Where’s his protagonist halo?”

Chen Qiutian exclaimed, “Brother Qi-zi, how are you so calm? Isn’t this shocking?”

Lin Xiangqi glanced at him, smiled, pulled out a handful of milk candies from his pocket, and handed them to Chen Qiutian, patting his head. “Good job reporting. Go play.”

Chen Qiutian happily munched on the candies and ran off to chat with others.

Suddenly, Lin Xiangqi turned to Lu Cong, looking serious. “Lu Cong, was it you…”

Lu Cong slowly sat up straighter.

Lin Xiangqi continued, “…who took my mistake notebook? I need it, but I can’t find it.”

Lu Cong paused, then said, “I didn’t.”

Lin Xiangqi shrugged casually. “Oh, maybe I left it at home. I’ll look tonight.”

Without hesitation, he picked up his pen and resumed his questions.

He seemed completely uninterested in the Shen family drama or Shen Qiaolan’s whereabouts.

Lu Cong gave him a deep look, a flicker of unease in his eyes quickly suppressed.

When the college entrance exam countdown reached 30 days, Lu Cong had to go for his second military medical examination.

This time, he’d be gone for three days, facing a more complex assessment. It wasn’t just about testing his pheromone control but also how his glands reacted under extreme conditions.

Lin Xiangqi worried he might enter a susceptible period during the assessment and offered to go with him.

Lu Cong didn’t agree.

The location was too remote, and the weather was harsh. He told Lin Xiangqi to wait at home.

Lu Huo also disapproved of Lin Xiangqi going, as an Alpha unable to stay apart from their Omega might signal a lack of confidence in pheromone control, potentially leaving a bad impression on the examiners.

Lin Xiangqi relented but remained uneasy.

So, the night before Lu Cong’s departure, Lin Xiangqi suggested that Lu Cong mark him.

Marking between an Alpha and Omega involved the Alpha injecting their pheromones into the Omega’s glands, but during the process, the Alpha’s glands would also absorb a large amount of Omega pheromones, which would linger in their system for a time.

Lin Xiangqi’s plan was simple: they could mark each other for an entire night, like when Lu Cong first helped him with pheromone therapy.

This would ensure Lu Cong wouldn’t enter a susceptible period during the three-day assessment.

But Lu Cong couldn’t accept the offer.

No gland activity was allowed 24 hours before the examination.

Lin Xiangqi looked at him pleadingly. “But what if…”

Lu Cong smiled, pulling him into his arms and rubbing his head reassuringly. “Don’t worry so much. Even if I enter a susceptible period, I can still pass the assessment.”

Lin Xiangqi didn’t believe him. “How do you know? You’ve never even properly experienced a susceptible period.”

Lu Cong kissed his cheek. “Yanyan, if I can’t pass a basic pheromone control test because of a susceptible period, it means I’m not qualified.”

Lin Xiangqi froze, realizing he was worrying too much.

The purpose of Lu Cong’s examination was to ensure he had sufficient control over his body. Otherwise, the military academy wouldn’t trust him enough to admit him.

Lin Xiangqi had almost tried to help him cheat.

“Alright, I’m overthinking,” Lin Xiangqi said, taking a few deep breaths to calm himself. “I believe you’ll pass. I’ll wait for you to come back.”

“Good. Wait for me,” Lu Cong said, cupping his face, unable to resist leaning in for a kiss.

Lin Xiangqi nimbly dodged.

Lu Cong: “?”

Lin Xiangqi crossed his arms in a forbidding gesture. “Kissing involves bodily fluid exchange too. If you lose control, it might stimulate your glands. No way.”

Lu Cong leaned closer, his nose gently brushing Lin Xiangqi’s chin. “Just one kiss. I’ll control myself.”

Lin Xiangqi pressed a hand to his face, pushing him back. “No, no. What if they detect my pheromones on you tomorrow and think we cheated? It’s not worth the risk.”

Though the logic was sound and caution was wise, Lu Cong felt like he’d shot himself in the foot.

He should’ve kissed first and argued later.

Fortunately, Lu Cong didn’t suddenly enter a susceptible period.

His three-day assessment went smoothly, with no surprises, and the results satisfied the military academy.

However, Lin Xiangqi, unused to being apart from Lu Cong for so long, struggled with insomnia.

Though they talked daily and video-called when time allowed, it wasn’t the same as having Lu Cong by his side.

For the first time, Lin Xiangqi realized he wasn’t self-sufficient.

Without Lu Cong, he slept late, woke up late, and was often tardy. In class, he was distracted, reverting to carelessly skimming test questions.

He forgot breakfast, ate whatever Chen Qiutian and others had for lunch, and ordered random takeout for dinner—none of it satisfying.

Thankfully, Lu Cong was returning that afternoon.

Lin Xiangqi was excited from the moment he woke up. He even went to the supermarket alone, buying snacks and fruit to welcome Lu Cong back.

The supermarket was crowded, and at first, Lin Xiangqi just felt squeezed. But then, he vaguely sensed someone following him.

He wove through the crowd, trying to shake the feeling of being tailed. But the more he moved, the more he realized it wasn’t an illusion.

Someone was indeed following him.

Lin Xiangqi hurried home, and the person behind him quickened their pace too. In that moment, a chilling thought struck him—

Was he about to die?

Though sudden, the idea wasn’t baseless.

Lin Xiangqi had always worried about the original novel’s plot, fearing Shen Qiaolan’s protagonist halo was too strong to overcome.

While he and Lu Cong had altered some events, the critical turning point—his death—hadn’t yet arrived.

His death was the novel’s biggest plot twist, the catalyst for everything that followed.

Though his illness was cured, the date of his scripted death was still some time away.

What if the plot suddenly forced itself back on track, ensuring he, the cannon fodder white moonlight, died no matter what?

Could this stalker be here to “correct the plot”?

Lin Xiangqi’s mind raced with these terrifying thoughts, his fear growing. Finally, he bolted, running as fast as he could.

The footsteps behind him grew louder—the person was running too!

Help, help, help!

Lin Xiangqi dropped his bags, sprinting desperately. Not watching where he was going, he crashed into a solid wall of flesh at a crossroad.

“—Ah!”

Such a hard body.

Who was it?!

Were they planning to kill him by collision?!

“Yanyan,” Lu Cong steadied him by the shoulders, rubbing his sore forehead. “Why are you running?”

Hearing that voice, Lin Xiangqi’s nose stung, and he threw himself into Lu Cong’s arms. “Lu Cong! You scared me to death, scared me to death.”

Lu Cong held him, patting his back gently. “What’s wrong?”

“Someone was following me.” Lin Xiangqi huddled in his arms, tearfully recounting every horrifying scenario he’d imagined. “Am I going to die? Is someone coming to kill me?”

“Don’t be afraid.”

Lu Cong frowned, shielding Lin Xiangqi as he looked toward the direction.

Even without seeing anyone, Lu Cong stayed alert. He released his pheromones, blanketing the street within a hundred meters. Soon, he sensed a faint, discordant energy, likely from another Alpha.

“Show yourself,” Lu Cong demanded coldly.

Lin Xiangqi, both scared and curious, peeked from behind him.

To their shock, the figure that emerged was Shen Qiaolan.

Under the dim streetlamp, Shen Qiaolan stood in the twilight, his already grim expression made more sinister by the shadows.

For months, Shen family had been hit by internal and external turmoil, with power shifting. Yet Shen Qiaolan, the public heir, had been absent.

Some speculated he’d been secretly sent out of the Alliance. Tabloids even fabricated stories about him committing suicide.

Lin Xiangqi had always believed Shen Qiaolan, as the protagonist, wouldn’t couldn’t be dead.

But he never imagined Shen Qiaolan would want him dead!

After being spotted, Shen Qiaolan stopped hiding. He took an anxious step forward. “Lin…”

Lu Cong’s pheromones surged, pinning him in place, as if a thousand pounds pressed down on him.

Lu Cong wasn’t calm.

He had orchestrated Shen family’s downfall.

He kept this from Lin Xiangqi, not wanting him involved.

Lu Cong had many ways to quietly eliminate Shen Qiaolan, tying the up loose ends. But ultimately, he didn’t feel necessary.

In the novel, they were sworn enemies, but in this reality, Shen Qiaolan hadn’t done enough to provoke Lu Cong’s murderous intent.

Or perhaps, Lu Cong feared that if he went too far and Lin Xiangqi found out one day, he’d think Lu Cong was too ruthless.

Lu Cong had left Shen Qiaolan a lifeline.

Even a weakened Shen family still had some roots after shedding its corrupt parts. Lu Cong assumed they’d send Shen Qiaolan away, making it nearly impossible for him to return to the Alliance Capital.

He hadn’t expected Shen Qiaolan to show up here.

Lu Cong didn’t fear Shen Qiaolan attacking. If he tried to harm Lin Xiangqi, killing him would be effortless.

But Lu Cong feared Shen Qiaolan revealing the truth.

If Lin Xiangqi learned how ruthlessly Lu Cong had acted behind his back, would he be scared, repulsed, or worse…

“Lin Xiangqi, I have something to say to you,” Shen Qiaolan said, his body bowing under Lu Cong’s oppressive aura, hand braced against the wall.

Lu Cong subtly intensified his pheromones, wanting to silence him permanently in that moment.

But Lin Xiangqi’s hand suddenly rested on Lu Cong’s gland, soothingly stroking it. “Lu Cong, relax. You’re releasing too many pheromones. It’s not good if passersby get caught in it.”

Lu Cong immediately reined in his pheromones, lowering his head obediently. “Sorry.”

Shen Qiaolan finally caught his breath. Just as he was about to speak, Lin Xiangqi cut him off:

“Shen Qiaolan, whatever you want to say, let me remind you: you provoked us first. I don’t bother others unless they bother me!”

Lu Cong slowly turned to look at him.

Shen Qiaolan finally got a chance to speak. “Shen family is finished, and I’m no longer the heir. I…”

Lin Xiangqi interrupted, hands on hips, fearless. “I did it all! I have memories of the original story, so I know all Shen family’s dirty secrets. I orchestrated everything behind the scenes. What about it?”

Lu Cong’s expression shifted, but Lin Xiangqi covered his mouth, continuing to confront Shen Qiaolan. “I’m telling you, Lu Cong and I are the ultimate villains. Protagonist or not, if you dare mess with us again, you’re dead!”

Lu Cong’s breathing trembled, his heartbeat erratic.

One thought consumed him: Lin Xiangqi knew. He knew everything.

But then, Shen Qiaolan let out an ill-timed laugh.

Lin Xiangqi and Lu Cong frowned, puzzled.

Shen Qiaolan said, “Looks like this time, I’m the only one who saw it… So what is this, my retribution?”

Lin Xiangqi grew more confused. “What are you talking about?”

“The dream changed,” Shen Qiaolan said, shocking them. “I’m no longer the protagonist.”

Lin Xiangqi and Lu Cong exchanged a glance, both thinking the same thing: Has Shen Qiaolan lost his mind?

“Are you okay?” Lin Xiangqi asked tentatively. “Are you clear-headed? Should we take you to a hospital…”

“You thought you were crazy too when you first realized you were this world’s cannon fodder, didn’t you? But what happened after?” Shen Qiaolan said with a smile.

Perhaps because his current state was so different from his usual arrogance, he seemed oddly credible. Lin Xiangqi couldn’t help but ask, “So, what did you dream this time?”

“I dreamed I was a cannon fodder meddling in the protagonists’ love story. But the protagonists’ hearts were united, their bond unbreakable. I had no chance and left in disgrace.”

He spoke with a touch of self-mockery.

Lin Xiangqi sensed something off. “Who are… the protagonists?”

Shen Qiaolan said two words: “You two.”

Lin Xiangqi: “…”

Lu Cong: “…”

Lin Xiangqi looked at Lu Cong. “Let’s call 120.”

Lu Cong nodded. “Okay.”

They strongly suspected that Shen Qiaolan, reeling from the Shen family’s downfall, had suffered a mental breakdown and had a nightmare.

Though Lin Xiangqi was also an awakened cannon fodder, he hadn’t had any dreams about the future since.

Every chapter of his and Lu Cong’s story was new, forged step by step, unbound by any script or setting.

So, Shen Qiaolan’s claim of having another dream held little credibility.

“Shen Qiaolan, I know the Shen family’s troubles hit you hard. How about this: if you get checked and have any issues, we’ll cover your medical bills…” Lin Xiangqi was genuinely worried Shen Qiaolan had lost his mind.

After all, a deranged protagonist was still dangerous to them, the “villains.”

But Shen Qiaolan seemed eerily calm. “Since you saw the original story, you should know I planned to do this in the future. You two acted ruthlessly, catching me off guard. But competition has winners and losers. I lost this round to… you both. I accept it.”

Lin Xiangqi stared at him. “You want another round?”

Shen Qiaolan shook his head. “You misunderstand. I came to you today not about Shen family. Lin Xiangqi, can I have a few minutes alone to talk—”

Lu Cong stepped forward, blocking Shen Qiaolan’s view. “Say it here, keep it brief.”

Shen Qiaolan seemed reluctant to meet Lu Cong’s gaze.

Understandable—an instinctive deference to a stronger Alpha’s pheromones.

Realizing he could now fully accept being cannon fodder, Shen Qiaolan gave a wry laugh, then asked Lin Xiangqi, “Can you tell me… how a cannon fodder saves themselves?”

Lin Xiangqi: “…Huh?”

He was lost.

He really wanted to call emergency services.

But Shen Qiaolan’s expression wasn’t joking.

“Are you sure it’s a new story, not just a random nightmare?” Lin Xiangqi asked seriously.

Shen Qiaolan nodded. “You should know the difference between a dream and awakening. I know what I saw was my future.”

Lin Xiangqi got serious. “What’s your ending?”

Shen Qiaolan said, “Death.”

Lin Xiangqi and Lu Cong froze. “What?”

“By us…” Lin Xiangqi mimed a throat-slitting gesture, “offing you?”

Shen Qiaolan rubbed his forehead. “No, I said you two are… this story’s protagonists. You probably have no reason to kill a cannon fodder.”

Lin Xiangqi, still adjusting to being a protagonist with Lu Cong, scratched his head. “Then what is it?”

Shen Qiaolan: “Shen family… specifically, my older brother. He’s sent people to hunt me down. Shen family’s in bad shape, but they still have significant assets outside the Alliance, which I control. But when I tried to leave the country, I spotted his men.”

Lin Xiangqi was shocked. “Wow.”

Lu Cong asked, “How did you escape?”

Shen Qiaolan: “Because of the dream, I foresaw some things. I knew where they’d ambush me. Desperate, I thought of Lin Xiangqi.”

Lin Xiangqi: “You want us to save you?”

Lin Xiangqi felt Shen Qiaolan’s predicament was partly their fault. If he asked for help, they could lend a hand.

But the question was: help him once, or indefinitely?

“I just need to confirm something,” Shen Qiaolan said. “How did you save yourself?”

He’d gone from protagonist to cannon fodder, while Lin Xiangqi had gone from cannon fodder to protagonist. What caused that shift?

Shen Qiaolan no longer craved reclaiming the protagonist role; he was mostly confused. He didn’t know which story he belonged to.

In the original story, he seemed to have love and success, but what he truly wanted was the “white moonlight” Lin Xiangqi from his memories, who was long dead.

His entanglement with the innocent substitute Omega was more about filling a void than genuine affection.

In the new story, seeing Lin Xiangqi and Lu Cong’s blissful happiness made everything feel meaningless. He knew their bond was something he could never claim, even if he tried.

Shen Qiaolan was lost.

Lin Xiangqi pondered, then stepped forward.

Lu Cong instinctively grabbed him, but Lin Xiangqi smiled and shook his head. “It’s fine.”

He approached Shen Qiaolan and said, “If what you’re saying is true, I want to thank you first.”

Shen Qiaolan was puzzled. “Why?”

“Until today, I had a knot in my heart. I feared ‘fate’ couldn’t be changed, that the protagonist’s halo was too strong, that no matter how hard Lu Cong and I tried, we couldn’t alter the original ending. That would’ve been too tragic.”

Lin Xiangqi looked at him, his gaze soft yet resolute. “But if, as you say, the story has changed, it proves all those ‘settings’ are just frameworks we impose on ourselves. Protagonist, cannon fodder, plot, ending—none of it matters. What matters is the change you make in this moment. That’s reality.”

Shen Qiaolan paused. “What do you mean?”

Lin Xiangqi: “You know what I mean. I succeeded. I proved nothing can trap someone who truly wants to break free. But you, Shen Qiaolan, are still trapped in the story, so you want me to teach you how to escape.”

Shen Qiaolan didn’t deny it. “Yes.”

Lin Xiangqi: “Forget the plot. Ignore the story. Focus on yourself.”

Shen Qiaolan: “…I still don’t get it.”

“I believe we don’t awaken in this world for no reason. Maybe our unwillingness lets us see possibilities for change. I wasn’t willing to die from illness because I have someone in my life I can’t let go of. I want to live well with him, so I had to write my own story.”

Lin Xiangqi looked at him and asked, “What about you, Shen Qiaolan? What’s your unwillingness? If you don’t know, find it. Once you do, you’ll break free.”

Shen Qiaolan: “I—”

Lin Xiangqi: “If you dare say your unwillingness is me, I’ll end you.”

At the same time, Lu Cong silently released oppressive pheromones.

Shen Qiaolan: “.”

He laughed, but unlike his earlier bitter self-mockery, this was genuine. “Thank you. I thought you’d despise me and refuse to talk.”

Lin Xiangqi said frankly, “I disliked the story’s version of you. But if you can rewrite your ‘character,’ you might be okay.”

Shen Qiaolan: “I’ll try to write a true story of my own.”

Lin Xiangqi: “Good luck, but don’t mess with us again!”

Lu Cong stepped forward, expressionless, and said to Shen Qiaolan, “Or I’ll kill you.”

This time, Shen Qiaolan wasn’t scared of Lu Cong. He sensed no killing intent in his pheromones.

He thought coming to find Lin Xiangqi this time was the right choice.

In the end, they temporarily took Shen Qiaolan in, but for less than two hours.

Lu Cong seemed eager to get rid of him. As soon as night fell, he arranged for a military helicopter to “escort” Shen Qiaolan out of the Alliance border.

To ensure Shen Qiaolan’s safety, Lu Cong even assigned two elite Alpha mercenaries as his personal bodyguards.

His sudden protectiveness and shift from hostility toward Shen Qiaolan likely stemmed from what Shen Qiaolan told him before leaving:

“Stories may change anytime, but in my dream, I saw you two living happily your whole lives. I think that part won’t change.”