Trapped in Paradise (In a Hentai World, as a Trap)

Chapter Vol. 1 Ch. 90

Chapter 90: Feels Familiar

Afternoon, at the library.

Although the library only appeared in a short segment of the novel, Ning Chu still didn't have a good impression of it.

Mostly because in other similar novels, libraries had a tendency to be a hotspot for trouble.

He leaned on the desk with one hand supporting his chin, looking listless.

But while he appeared fatigued, his gaze was sharply focused, sweeping over all the women in the reading area, particularly lingering on Lily, who was sitting not too far away.

That succubus!

The next plot trigger was highly likely to involve that succubus, and Ning Chu was determined not to let anything happen that would lead to Wen Yang interacting with Lily.

If a plot event were triggered, even if Wen Yang stayed true to himself and didn’t get involved with Lily, there was no guarantee that Ning Chu wouldn’t end up turning into a girl!

He couldn’t bear the thought of losing his manhood, even if it was already shrinking out of existence!

"Why do you keep staring at her?" Wen Yang asked, noticing Ning Chu’s intense focus.

Ning Chu shot Wen Yang an annoyed glance. "Don’t forget, you promised not to talk to any girls. You’re supposed to stay away from them."

"Uh..."

"I’m keeping watch for you. If she tries to talk to you, just look at me, and I’ll signal you to get out of there."

Wen Yang thought Ning Chu was acting like a skittish bird—or more accurately, like a jealous boyfriend afraid that his significant other might be stolen away by another girl.

Ever since he had concluded that Ning Chu was a girl hiding in the boys' dormitory, Wen Yang had become increasingly convinced that Ning Chu had feelings for him.

It wasn’t narcissism—there was simply no other explanation for Ning Chu’s behavior towards him.

"How about we pick up a heating pad on the way back?" Wen Yang suggested, trying to change the subject since Ning Chu seemed bored. "It might help if you put it on your stomach."

"Yeah."

"This book is pretty interesting..."

Ning Chu responded with a non-committal hum, glanced at the book Wen Yang had pushed toward him, took a sip of warm water from his thermos, but soon his gaze drifted back to Lily.

Why was she here again? Could she already be targeting Wen Yang?

Or maybe this cold, introverted succubus, who was outwardly reserved but secretly passionate according to the book, was actually just a studious good girl?

Wen Yang was still a virgin, and his reserved nature meant he was easily flustered by a girl's advances. Meanwhile, Lily, as an ice-cold, introverted girl, didn’t seem likely to trigger any plot events with Wen Yang at this stage.

Unless Wen Yang took a sudden interest in her and pursued her.

But she was a succubus!

Ning Chu remained on high alert, terrified that he might miss a moment when Wen Yang could end up alone with the succubus.

"Don’t worry, I’m really not interested in her." Wen Yang sighed, sounding resigned. "Stop staring at her. You’re making her uncomfortable."

Lily had already noticed Ning Chu’s gaze, and she was shifting in her seat, clearly too uneasy to keep reading.

"I know." Ning Chu lowered his head, but inwardly scoffed at Wen Yang’s words.

What do you mean you’re not interested? Can you really decide that with just your words? Isn’t it your lower brain and the plot that make that decision?

Ning Chu sneaked a glance at Wen Yang’s lower body, only to see him sitting with his legs wide apart, a book resting on his lap, clearly tilted upward.

"......"

Why is this guy always armed and ready when reading? It’s terrifying!

And he’s even trying to cover it up with a book!

Clearly, his words don’t match his actions!

Ning Chu’s gaze lingered a little too long, and Wen Yang noticed. He immediately felt uncomfortable, stammering as he tried to explain, awkwardly using his elbow to press the book down in an attempt to hide it.

"This... that..."

Ning Chu leaned in to look at the book in Wen Yang’s hand. It wasn’t some racy novel or anything inappropriate.

"Hmm?"

Seeing Ning Chu’s half-closed eyes filled with suspicion, Wen Yang panicked even more, his face flushing a deep red.

"And you say you’re not interested in that succubus?"

"???"

You’re reacting just from glancing at her from ten meters away! This protagonist really is a lecherous scoundrel!

Wen Yang’s expression suddenly relaxed a bit.

Ning Chu, now thoroughly annoyed, stood up. "Let’s go! Take the book with you if you want to keep reading."

"Oh, okay!"

The two of them headed to the checkout counter, with Ning Chu idly standing by the door, holding his thermos, occasionally glancing back at Wen Yang as he processed the book loan.

He really couldn’t let his guard down for even a moment.

He sighed tiredly, but then heard the sound of leather shoes clicking in the hallway. Looking up, he saw Han Jingye walking out from around the corner.

"What a coincidence," Han Jingye said as he noticed Ning Chu, smiling as he greeted him. "Here to study at the library? You don’t look too well—make sure you’re getting enough rest."

"I was just about to head back."

Ning Chu watched Han Jingye curiously, noticing the inquisitive look in his eyes. Han Jingye casually explained, "I’m working on my dissertation. Came to gather some research materials."

"Dissertation?"

"I’m still working on my PhD. If all goes well, I’ll transition to a teaching position after I graduate."

"That’s impressive..."

Ning Chu marveled. As someone who struggled academically, he couldn’t even imagine becoming a university lecturer. He’d be grateful just to pass his finals without failing.

While they exchanged a few more words, Wen Yang finished his checkout process.

Stepping out of the library, he immediately noticed Ning Chu and Han Jingye chatting happily by the door.

Look at Ning Chu’s little face, full of admiration...

When the semester first started, Wen Yang had a good impression of Han Jingye, but now, the counselor’s image in his mind was rapidly plummeting.

Wen Yang walked up behind Ning Chu without saying a word and, with a hint of irritation, urged, "Let’s go."

Maybe it was time to confront Ning Chu about her gender and then impose the same rules on Ning Chu—no talking to any men.

Otherwise, it just wasn’t fair!

"Okay!" Ning Chu responded quickly. "I’m heading out."

"Take care. Get some rest." Han Jingye smiled warmly and nodded.

As they left the top floor of the library, Ning Chu seemed a bit distracted.

Seeing someone who was working hard to better themselves made him want to think about his own future... But with all the current messes piling up in front of him, he barely had time to think about the future.

He sighed wearily, but Wen Yang couldn’t hold back his question. "You seem to be getting along well with the counselor lately?"

"Not really," Ning Chu replied, shrugging it off.

"He doesn’t seem like a good guy to me!"

"???"

Ning Chu froze, surprised as he looked up. "When I used to say that about him, you didn’t agree with me."

"He looks like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a total scumbag."

"......"

Ning Chu stared at Wen Yang for a moment, taking in his disdainful expression toward Han Jingye, before softly asking, "Are you jealous?"

"No. You don’t let me interact with girls, so why should you get to interact with guys?"

That reasoning was somewhat acceptable! As long as it wasn’t jealousy!

"But I’m interacting with men!"

"But you look like a girl..."

Suddenly, the situation felt oddly familiar.

It was just like how Ning Chu always belittled the girls whenever he tried to convince Wen Yang not to go on dates or get into a relationship.