Chapter 188 – My Lady Heroine in the Holographic Online Game – Breaking Off the Engagement (02)
When Bai Tang entered the world, his phone rang immediately. He answered, and a pleasant male voice came through the line.
“I’ll talk to Uncle and Auntie about breaking off the engagement. I hope you won’t make things difficult for Yiran. Let’s part ways peacefully.”
With that, the man hung up, leaving Bai Tang completely dumbfounded.
“Who was that?” Bai Tang asked.
“It was the male lead, Tang Tang,” Qiu’er replied.
Having learned about many worlds from Qiu’er, Xiao A was speechless: “…The male lead just signed his own death warrant. There’s no saving him. Let him face the consequences.”
After Bai Tang assimilated the original host’s memories, he was furious at Qi Hongyi, who had just called to end their engagement.
Oh, so I’ve only just arrived and you already want to call it off? Fine, let’s break it off then. Don’t regret it later!
Qiu’er giggled. “Hehe, this plot feels familiar.”
Just like in the previous sentinel-guide world, the beginning is eerily similar. This time, Qiu’er was determined to guard the door and not let the male lead take advantage of the situation.
Bai Tang had arrived a bit late; the plot had already progressed to the point where he entered the game and made things difficult for Jiang Yiran. Because Qi Hongyi admired Jiang Yiran, he stood up for her and warned Bai Tang.
Jiang Yiran’s talk of “true love” made Qi Hongyi think he didn’t truly have feelings for Bai Tang, and that it would be better not to waste his time — hence the phone call just now.
Although Qi Hongyi hadn’t yet developed any real feelings for the female lead, Jiang Yiran had already fallen for him.
After Bai Tang exposed that he was deliberately targeting her, and seeing how ruthlessly Qi Hongyi treated Bai Tang, she began to think about breaking them up. That’s when she had a talk with Qi Hongyi.
Bai Tang was extremely upset — very upset. After learning about the current progress of the plot, he locked himself in his room and sulked until the butler came to call him for dinner.
Today was the Bai family’s weekly dinner gathering. No matter how busy they were, the entire Bai family always made time for this meal together.
The original host had two older brothers. The eldest was a highly capable businessman who was always busy with work. The second brother was a university student about to graduate — today, he had just returned from an internship.
The whole family sat together, watching Bai Tang angrily poke at his rice grains.
Second brother Bai Luo smiled and said, “Who made our Tang Tang angry? Tell me and I’ll go teach them a lesson.”
Bai Tang glanced at Bai Luo. “You can’t beat him.”
Bai Luo rolled up his sleeves and flexed his biceps. “You kidding me? I work out every day!”
Eldest brother Bai Rui also set down his newspaper, looking every bit the successful businessman — though his words were full of concern.
“Got into a fight with Qi Hongyi again, huh?”
It wasn’t a question. It was a statement. Whenever Bai Tang had a disagreement with Qi Hongyi, he would sulk by himself. It was always one-sided — Bai Tang getting upset, while the other party didn’t even bother to argue back.
Eldest Brother Bai had never really approved of the arranged marriage with the Qi family. It wasn’t that Qi Hongyi wasn’t good — in fact, he was outstanding in many ways. The only problem was that he didn’t like Bai Tang. But since the elders had already made the decision, the younger generation couldn’t say much about it.
“Ugh, it’s that Qi Hongyi again. I heard he’s obsessed with playing video games now, huh? Are games more important than our Tang Tang? Which game is it? I just finished my internship report and have plenty of free time — perfect chance to pay him a visit.”
Before Bai Tang could say anything, Bai Luo had already taken it upon himself to “teach” Qi Hongyi a lesson.
“Don’t worry, Tang Tang. Your second brother won’t go too hard on him.”
It felt really good to be defended like this. Bai Tang’s heart warmed. Hmph, so Qi Hongyi doesn’t like me? That’s fine — there are plenty of people who do.
But after comparing the Qi Hongyi from his memories with Bai Luo, Bai Tang hesitated.
“Second Brother… are you sure you can handle him?”
Sure, Bai Luo had pretty well-developed muscles, but Qi Hongyi’s physique was no joke either — solid eight-pack abs and a build that could rival Bai Rui’s. And Bai Luo couldn’t even beat Bai Rui.
The moment Bai Luo heard that, he felt challenged — his little brother was doubting his abilities! A man must never be told he’s not capable — in any aspect!
“Just wait and watch your second brother shine.” Bai Luo cracked his knuckles with a loud pop.
The last to sit at the table were Father Bai and Mother Bai. They were delighted to see their three sons getting along so well — what could make parents happier?
Dinner was cheerful and lively.
In the blink of an eye, it was the next day. Recently, Grandma Qi had picked up a new hobby — making desserts. Unfortunately, the younger generation thought her creations were more like “dark cuisine,” and only Bai Tang was willing to humor her.
Today, Grandma Qi suddenly had an idea for a new dessert recipe. When she called the kids over to help, they all found excuses to slip away. Left with no choice, she turned to her little fan — Bai Tang.
Today, Bai Tang showed up at the Qi house dressed in a little suit.
The moment Grandma Qi saw him, she hugged him tightly and exclaimed, “My sweet little darling baby!”
“Tang Tang, you look so handsome today. You’ve really given this old lady some face!” Grandma Qi held her head high as she looked around at the rest of the Qi family. Hmph! You all don’t like my desserts? Well, at least Tang Tang appreciates them!
Bai Tang smiled so sweetly, his eyes forming crescent moons, his pale little face glowing with a healthy flush.
“Grandma Qi, you’re not old at all — and you can make so many delicious treats! Of course I had to dress formally to match your amazing desserts~”
“Oh, my sweet little heart knows just how to make me happy. Come on, try one!” Grandma Qi pulled Bai Tang over to the table, watching with eager anticipation as he picked up a piece of dessert.
To be honest, Grandma Qi’s desserts weren’t exactly inedible — she just added a bit too much sugar. The sweetness was overwhelming; most people couldn’t handle more than a few bites. Coincidentally, Bai Tang loved sweet things, and Grandma Qi’s desserts were exactly to his taste. He ate one piece after another.
“So good~” Bai Tang mumbled, cheeks puffed out with food. In the eyes of the others, he looked just like a squirrel stuffing its cheeks.
Naturally, this scene also fell into the eyes of Qi Hongyi, who had just stepped through the door.
The boy sat at the glass table bathed in sunlight. The warm rays spilled over him, his soft hair gently falling over his forehead. His fair little face was tinged with a healthy blush as he chatted happily with Grandma Qi, his smile radiant and unguarded.
For some reason, Qi Hongyi’s heart skipped a beat.
It wasn’t the first time he had seen Bai Tang, but it was the first time his heart reacted this way.
“You’re back already, Hongyi? So early today — come try the desserts I made.” Grandma Qi noticed him and, with the intent of giving her grandson and Bai Tang a chance to grow closer, waved him over with a smile.
Qi Hongyi walked over and sat down beside Bai Tang. “Grandma,” he greeted, then turned to Bai Tang. “Tang Tang.”
Bai Tang’s smile faded. The sunlight hit his face, casting a soft shadow beneath his lashes.
“There’s no need to force yourself, Mr. Qi.” His voice was sweet and gentle like milk candy, but his words were unexpectedly sharp.
“Grandma Qi, I’m sorry, but I probably won’t be coming around as often anymore,” Bai Tang said apologetically.
After a night of research and planning with Qiu’er and Xiao A, Bai Tang had made up his mind: if someone dared to break up with him, they’d have to bear the consequences.
And now, he was following Qiu’er and Xiao A’s plan to the letter.
“What’s wrong, Tang Tang? Did Hongyi bully you? Grandma will teach him a lesson,” Grandma Qi said as she put down her teacup.
Then she turned to her grandson, scolding, “You brat, what did you do to upset my Tang Tang? Apologize. Now.”
Not only was Grandma Qi confused, but even the younger Qi family members — currently lying around the living room pretending to be dead after suffering from her desserts — perked up their ears to eavesdrop.
Bai Tang glanced at Qi Hongyi’s stunned expression and thought, Qiu’er was right. I’m here to complete a mission, not to be wronged.
Even if his heart still ached a little, he had to endure it.
Taking a deep breath, Bai Tang smiled at Grandma Qi. “Grandma Qi, Mr. Qi doesn’t have feelings for me. I think this engagement between our families was a bit rushed. He even told me very clearly last night that there’s another girl he likes. I don’t want to ruin his chance at happiness…”
By the end, the boy lowered his head, his eyes rimmed red.
This wasn’t an act — he was genuinely heartbroken.
He had crossed worlds, full of hope, to find his beloved… only to be greeted with a breakup the moment he arrived. That kind of pain was hard to bear.
“Hang in there, Tang Tang. We’re going to win this,” Qiu’er encouraged.
“Let the male lead experience what it feels like to be rejected. If he truly loves you, he’ll come back for you. If he doesn’t, then it’s a good thing to dump a scumbag. Please don’t be sad, Host,” Xiao A chimed in with comfort.
“I know. It’s just… my heart feels a bit tight. Thank you both~” Bai Tang replied in his mind.
Everyone present was stunned by what the boy had just said. Break… break off the engagement?
Qi Hongyi wanted to stand up and loudly deny it, but the truth was undeniable — he had brought it up the night before.
No. No, I don’t have a girl I like. Don’t cry…
For no reason he could explain, Qi Hongyi’s heart ached terribly. He had a sudden, overwhelming urge to pull the boy into his arms — but Bai Tang had already lifted his head.
“Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding, Tang Tang. If Hongyi’s done something to hurt you, just tell Grandma — I’ll scold him for you.” Grandma Qi still adored Bai Tang.
She smacked Qi Hongyi. “You little brat, did you say something like ‘break off the engagement’ to my Tang Tang?”
“I did say it, but—”
“You brat! And you dare admit it? What’s wrong with Tang Tang, huh?” Grandma Qi hit him again.
The boy’s eyes were slightly red, but he still spoke bravely, “Grandma Qi, it’s true. There’s no need to scold Mr. Qi. I understand that forcing a relationship never leads to happiness. Rather than getting married and making everyone miserable, it’s better to be honest before the wedding. That way, both Mr. Qi and I can find our own happiness.”
“Tang Tang, I didn’t—”
Before Qi Hongyi could finish, Bai Tang interrupted him.
He gave Qi Hongyi a deep bow.
“I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused you. Thank you for always tolerating my temper. I won’t be like that anymore. Please forgive the mistakes I’ve made in the past.”
Everyone was stunned by Bai Tang’s words, left speechless as they watched the exchange between him and Qi Hongyi.
No, that’s not it… I never rejected you.
Qi Hongyi couldn’t make sense of it. He had never felt anything for Bai Tang — or so he thought — so why was his heart now racing, why did it feel like it was being carved open with every word the boy said?
“I’m leaving now.” Bai Tang turned to go, a single crystal tear slipping down his cheek.
He left — cleanly, decisively.
The younger Qi family members, though peers of Qi Hongyi, didn’t dare say a word.
“You stupid boy. You just let such a good spouse walk away? Don’t you dare regret it later. I… I’m done with you. I’m so angry!” Grandma Qi huffed and stormed off with her cane.
And Qi Hongyi, left behind in the living room, was still trapped in his own confusion, unable to untangle the knot of his emotions.
Author’s Note:
The second update — a bit late, but here it is! Let the male lead stew in heartbreak. Tang Tang’s off to play games with Second Brother now, heehee~