Chapter 98: The Halo
Ding! [You have obtained a one-time Female Lead Halo Experience. Duration: 24 hours. Automatically equipped. Will take effect upon leaving the space. Note: Once equipped, it cannot be removed. It will disappear automatically when the time is up.]
“What experience?” Ning Xiyue’s face was full of shock.
The little turtle spirit kindly reminded her: “Host, it’s the Female Lead Halo Experience.”
“What halo?” Ning Xiyue’s expression turned horrified.
The little turtle nodded firmly. “The female lead halo.”
“Damn it, what bullshit female lead halo.” Ning Xiyue just wanted to curse, now despising this “mystery box gift” even more.
Hadn’t she already seen how those so-called female lead halos worked on the two real or fake female leads around her? Trouble of all sizes constantly swirled around them. To her, a female lead halo was anything but a good thing.
Seeing that the host didn’t like the item, the little turtle looked disappointed but quickly flew over to comfort her: “Host, don’t worry. This is good luck. Female lead halos are rare opportunities. Although the attributes of the one you opened are unknown, I believe it won’t be too bad.”
Ning Xiyue had her own understanding of what a female lead halo was. She helplessly shook her head, trying to shake off the imaginary halo above her head.
“All I can do is comfort myself. Even if it’s bad, there’s nothing I can do — it’s already on me and I can’t take it off. Whatever, I’ll just deal with whatever comes. I’ll try to think positively.”
Outside, the small team her eldest brother had sent out was still searching. Ning Xiyue didn’t want to go wandering around with a halo on her head right now — she was afraid something bizarre might happen.
So, she decided to stay in the study and study.
Her current study progress was:
– High school textbooks: 70% complete. She had already reviewed the whole book once and was now focusing on the key points. Thanks to the combined intelligence of herself and the original host, the difficulty level was 1 star.
– Encyclopedia of Weaving: 20% complete. She had almost mastered the types of vine weaving. Current average skill: 59 points — beginner level.
– Herbal Compendium: 30% complete. She had studied one-third of the herbs listed, all common ones, unlocked 10 totems, and learned 10 potion recipes.
– Postpartum Care for Sows: 80% complete. The content was fully learned and currently in practice.
– New Skill – Ginseng Cultivation: 0% complete.
– New Manual – Beauty & Health Secrets: 0% complete.
Ning Xiyue picked up her study plan and added “Ginseng Cultivation” and “Beauty & Health Manual” to the list.
On the first day of using the study room, she started with the latter.
The book contained various beauty and wellness recipes, divided into three main sections: Beauty, Skincare, and Health. Each section was further split into internal and external formulas.
At this stage, Ning Xiyue was most interested in the external skincare formulas in the “Skincare” section.
The recipes recorded there were essentially the same as modern skincare products.
This was a must-learn.
The more she read, the more excited she became — this was a treasure trove! And it could even be integrated with her herbal medicine studies.
She had to study this manual thoroughly — it would be her money-making tool in the future.
Ning Xiyue became so absorbed that time flew by. When she finally put the book down and walked out of the study, she noticed that her elder brother and Comrade Ji’s team were already on their way back from the cave entrance.
Her consciousness returned to her body, and the system’s notification sounded in her head:
Ding! [Female lead halo is now active.]
Damn it, she had almost forgotten about that.
Ning Xiyue felt nervous.
“Big brother, how is it? What’s the situation inside?” Ning Qingyuan, who was sitting beside her, stood up and waved, taking a step forward.
For some reason, that movement bumped into Ning Xiyue, who was just about to stand up.
Her body lurched forward uncontrollably, and even the tai chi skills within her couldn’t stabilize her.
“Careful!”
“Sis—!”
“Little sister—!”
Three concerned voices rang out at once as Ning Xiyue saw three figures rushing toward her.
Just as she was about to fall face-first down the stone steps, one tall figure darted in front of her in a flash.
She fell straight into Ji Yanming’s arms.
Saved in a critical moment by a tall, handsome, heroic man — from that moment on, she would remember the faint scent of soap on him. And thus began the path of entangled fate, grudges, and gratitude. At least, that’s what Ning Xiyue thought about the female lead halo as she landed in Comrade Ji’s embrace.
Damn this so-called female lead halo!!
What nonsense!
Feeling the firm chest against her, Ning Xiyue calmly stepped out of Ji Yanming’s arms. “Phew, that was close. Thank you, Comrade Ji.”
“Be more careful,” Ji Yanming said, his voice filled with concern and an unfamiliar gentleness.
When she stepped away from his embrace, his heart skipped a beat. His hands suddenly felt awkward, so he simply clasped them behind his back.
The faint fragrance that lingered at the tip of his nose made his heart beat even faster.
Her two brothers rushed over.
Ning Qingyuan’s face was still pale from fear. Feeling guilty, he said, “Sister, are you okay? It’s all my fault for being so clumsy.”
“It’s fine. Luckily nothing happened. Thanks, Old Ji.” Ning Qingzhi’s tense expression softened, then turned angry as he glared at his younger brother and punched his shoulder. “Can’t you be more careful and steady? You’re not a kid anymore!”
Ning Xiyue spoke up for her second brother, who was being blamed: “It’s not Second Brother’s fault. I was just distracted.” (Distracted by the stupid female lead halo.)
When she turned to move forward again, she slightly twisted her foot, and Ji Yanming, still worried, reached out to steady her. “Let’s talk outside. It’s not safe here.”
And so, Ning Xiyue was escorted out — supported on the left and right by Ji Yanming and Ning Qingzhi, looking exactly like a captured criminal, with a guilty family member following behind.
Ning Xiyue was absolutely unwilling — she had trusted the system, believing it wouldn’t be too bad, but damn it, this was how it started. Only a few minutes had passed, and she still had over 23 hours to go.
Determined to endure, Ning Xiyue resolved to brace herself and stay hyper-alert. “Comrade Ji, Big Brother, you can let go now. I’m not going to fall.”
She planted her feet firmly, using her tai chi skills to stabilize her stance.
Sure enough, once they let go, nothing happened.
Ji Yanming straightened up and looked at Ning Xiyue and Ning Qingyuan seriously and solemnly. “We’ll escort you down the mountain first. From now on, don’t come here again. Everything that happened here must remain strictly confidential — not a single word can be leaked. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Ning Xiyue and Ning Qingyuan were both sharp enough to nod seriously.
Ji Yanming’s expression softened. “I’ll apply for a reward for both of you.”
Ning Qingzhi, feeling relieved, said happily, “Let’s go. Down the mountain.”
As they made their way down, Ning Xiyue couldn’t help but worry that something else ridiculous might happen. She really didn’t have high expectations for this female lead halo.
But the rest of the trip actually went surprisingly smoothly.
