《You said you hated men, why are your eyes now full of love?》 Chapter 1 - Sixteen and Afraid of School Violence "You slut!" The angry yell echoed throughout the classroom. "Slap!" The crisp sound of a slap broke the originally quiet atmosphere. In Ji Mu''s line of sight. The attacker didn''t hesitate to kick the desk in front of them. Books from the compartment scattered everywhere with a crash. "Ruan Qingqing, you act so innocent every day, but who doesn''t know the intentions of your heart?" The other party sneered coldly, the delicate makeup on her face unable to hide her sharp and mean nature. "Stay away from my crush. If I catch you running to him to complain again, next time it won''t just be a slap!" Her tone was full of warning. The girl in front of her remained silent, her eyes slightly red. There was a bright red mark on her porcelain-white face, making her already graceful figure look even more delicate. Her pitiful appearance caused the surrounding boys to pity her. If it weren''t for the fear of the bully''s tyranny, they would have surrounded her to comfort her. Ji Mu watched the whole scene and shook his head. So this is what they call school violence... The coldness of human hearts can be seen shrinking from society into this small campus. In an environment where bullies are exerting more and more pressure, bystanders, afraid to get involved, remain indifferent and coldly watch. Sometimes they even unintentionally deepen the victim''s hurt with careless words. Under the pressure of these many factors, it''s clear how difficult the situation becomes for the vulnerable. Terrifying, truly terrifying. Clearing his mind of these thoughts, he looked away and stopped paying attention. As an insignificant bystander, following the crowd is undoubtedly the best choice. After all, this has nothing to do with me, so why bother playing the hero? If I end up getting into trouble for interfering, it would be a loss. Thinking this over, Ji Mu adjusted his glasses and continued to organize his textbooks casually. "With that seductive face, flirting with men everywhere, it''s really disgusting." On the other side, the bully continued to verbally abuse the girl. "Ruan Qingqing, if my crush finds out that you''ve been flirting with the four-eyes next to you, do you think he''ll still help you like he did before?" ¡®...the four-eyes next to her...¡¯ Thinking about the glasses on his nose and his current position, a strange feeling arose in his heart. It seemed as if all the conditions were right. Could it be that they were talking about... "I just wanted to ask Ji Mu a question. Don''t make things up about our relationship!" "Aren''t you grateful that I stood up for you? If it weren''t for me, you probably wouldn''t have confessed your feelings to your goddess by the time you graduated." "Isn''t that right, Four-Eyes?" The prolonged tone had a clear meaning. Ji Mu recognized the underlying threat. This was simply about confirming the other party''s "assumptions" to better solidify the image of the pure and beautiful school beauty as a manipulative player. When rumors turn into undeniable proof, the bullied will undoubtedly face even more tormenting days ahead. The girl standing next to him realized this as well. Her thick eyelashes trembled slightly, and her fingers clutching the hems of her clothes had turned white, a thin layer of sweat forming on her palms. Having endured more than six months of deliberate bullying and witnessed the coldness and selfishness of human hearts, she had already anticipated what was to come. Chu Yashi''s father was a school principal with a powerful background, and she herself had a vengeful personality. Not to mention others, even the teachers didn''t dare to provoke her. So, no one would be stupid enough to insult this notorious school bully for a trivial classmate. Thinking this, Ruan Qingqing''s pale lips pursed and her eyes dimmed. A feeling of helplessness surged in her heart, as if she was trapped in an endless whirlpool, unable to escape no matter what. "Heh~" Chu Yashi saw the girl''s vulnerability and enjoyed her reaction, finding a twisted satisfaction in it. "Why so quiet, four-eyes?" Her gaze returned to the boy and she continued to press. "Do you think I''m wrong?" As she spoke, a dangerous glint appeared in her eyes, the malice and threat in them unmistakable. If you dare to say no, don''t expect to have a good time at school from now on! A classic threat tactic. Ji Mu immediately understood and felt a little scared. He was just an ordinary student, weak and timid, who had never experienced such a threatening situation. "Four-eyes, what are you dreaming about?" The bully baring his fangs began to approach, not giving him time to think. "What is your answer?" "I..." In front of the bully''s sharp eyes, Ji Mu shrank back. School bullying, huh? Just thinking about it is scary. "I want to say..." After hesitating for a while, he slowly stood up. He looked nervous and uncomfortable. Like Lin Chong who was forced to go to Liangshan, he slowly replied under the watchful eyes of his classmates. "None of your business." Editor¡¯s note: The mention of Lin Chong and Liangshan is in relation to a classic chinese novel called All Men Are Brothers (aka Water Margins). Chapter 2 - Sixteen and Afraid of Not Enough School Violence "........" The air suddenly fell silent and an atmosphere of silence spread. Chu Yashi, who had never been contradicted, obviously didn''t expect this answer. Looking at the scholarly four-eyes in front of her, she was stunned. She even doubted if she had misheard, "What did you say?" "Nothing, nothing." Standing next to the desk, Ji Mu waved his hand. Even now, his expression remained weak. "I just wanted to say that I was bitten by a dog when I was a child, and the way you''re acting now scares me a bit." The clearly spoken words came out of his mouth, and now even the other classmates had to believe it. So it wasn''t a hallucination, he... He was really provoking the bully!No?v(el)B\\jnn Wow! How dare he do that! Many people gasped, making a small contribution to global warming. Among the astonished classmates, Ruan Qingqing looked at the boy with a worried expression. She never expected him to behave in a way that was completely opposite to what she had imagined. They barely knew each other and had barely exchanged a few words. Under such circumstances, anyone would choose to stand by and do nothing. But why did Ji Mu decide to help her? Chu Yashi took in the series of expressions on the girl''s face. Her face darkened. Seeing the reactions of the other classmates, how could she not realize what was happening? Especially that bitch Ruan Qingqing, she was practically moved to tears! "Standing up to provoke me for a bitch, how brave of you, Four Eyes." Chu Yashi sneered coldly. A lowly piece of trash like you dares to defy me! "It seems that you really want us to pay special attention to you, the new transfer student." Wow, that''s terrifying. Listening to the bully''s sinister and cold tone, Ji Mu felt extremely uncomfortable. Scared, he couldn''t help but take a few steps back. Looking around, he sincerely asked the others for help. "Um... does anyone have a wild dog translator link? Urgently needed, I can''t understand what this thing is saying, so scared." Hiss- The sound of gasping filled the classroom more clearly than before. The other classmates wore identical expressions of shock. They silently looked at the seemingly frail four-eyes. An unprecedented sense of shared understanding unexpectedly filled everyone''s minds. Whose subordinate is this to be so fierce! "Good, very good!!!" Chu Yashi''s face alternated between red and white, her chest heaving violently. "Do you think I''m giving you face?" Just the sound of her teeth grinding made it clear how angry she was. "No thanks, I find you ugly." Ji Mu politely refused. "Stop daydreaming." In the face of her blatant malice, Ji Mu shook her head and corrected her. "No, what I mean is. Thinking of some unpleasant scenes, he sighed. "When I was cleaning the toilet today, the mop accidentally got some poop on it." "...?!!!" ¡°Are ¡¢you¡¢ ready?¡± The mocking voices stopped abruptly as he spoke. Their eyes slowly shifted to the mop the boy was pulling from the bucket. "You..." Seeing the unknown brown substance at the bottom of the mop, Chu Yashi swallowed, a sense of foreboding rising in her heart. What "you"? I''ve been waiting for my secret weapon, but what about you... In the bright light, Ji Mu tilted his head. "Are... you... ready?" The words were spoken softly, like a demon whispering. "Wait..." Sensing that something was wrong, Chu Yashi hastily extended her hand. But before she could finish her sentence, the boy had already decisively raised the mop and charged into the fray. Oh, my God! As the poop-stained mop head grew larger in her field of vision, she could no longer suppress her inner fear and screamed in horror. "Ahhh! Poop!! It''s poop!!!" Her reaction was intense, and her minions were no less startled. They ran as far as they could, as if their feet were greased. Their terrified expressions were as if their parents had caught them red-handed in the middle of the night. "Don''t come any closer!!!" Chaos ensued in the confined space. Other students, almost caught in the crossfire, couldn''t help but speak up. "Hey, can you be more careful? Swinging that disgusting thing around, it could land on us." "Yeah, at most you''d get a beating to learn a lesson. Why make the whole class stink?" "Tsk, typical poor student, so careless." "........" Fragmented voices reached his ears and Ji Mu stopped swinging. "Sorry, I almost forgot." Seeing the disdainful expressions of the others, he smiled apologetically. "You too." "???" Hearing this diabolical statement, the rest of the classmates were instantly stunned. What the hell do you mean by "you too"? And why are you smiling so shyly?! What the hell do you mean by "apologetic"?! So, from the perspective of the others... The boy wielded the mop like a madman, launching an indiscriminate attack. And his mop-wielding skills were surprisingly good, making it impossible to stop him. "Poop! The mop is covered in poop!" "Damn it! Damn it!" "Mom, I want to go home, boohoo." Chapter 3 - Ridiculous, Not Violent Enough Sounds of shock erupted one after another, and the crowd could no longer maintain their earlier stance of just watching the commotion. One by one, they fled in terror, clutching their heads and scurrying in all directions. Shrieks of agony echoed through the hallway of the entire floor. This demonstrated the damage a mop covered in excrement could do. Within minutes, all the students in the class had fled in panic, leaving the once noisy classroom empty and desolate. It was supposed to be a relaxed and easy time. However! Even though he had just appeared extremely fierce, he had actually been careful to maintain the difference in strength and angle. After all, a broom covered in excrement only retains its full deterrent effect before it actually makes contact with the enemy. So, after a series of intimidation tactics, he hadn''t even touched a single person''s clothes, let alone soiled the floor. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that his control over details had reached an amazing level! "If you cannot clean a room, you cannot clean the world." Casually throwing the mop into the bucket in the corner, Ji Mu clasped his hands behind his back and gazed up at the ceiling at a 45-degree angle, a sudden sense of loneliness as a master filling his heart. "Uh..." A soft, gentle voice reached his ears. Ji Mu turned to see the girl who had been bullied earlier standing behind him. Her beautiful eyes, filled with a deep, autumnal clarity, looked shyly over, like two clear, green ponds. Her face was delicate and charming, her skin as soft as sheep''s fat jade, glowing even more brilliantly as the sunlight streamed through the window. She was clearly the type with a gentle personality, unaware of worldly affairs - no wonder she was bullied by others. Ji Mu muttered to himself. His gaze didn''t linger on her stunningly beautiful face for long. He glanced at her and then looked away without hesitation. "Why haven''t you left yet?" "I..." Even though it was just a simple and ordinary question, Ruan Qingqing still felt a sense of helplessness. "I-I wanted to..." Her voice was soft and slow, like that of a small animal. She kept fidgeting with the hem of her clothes, as if that was the only way to relieve her inner tension. "I wanted to thank you, Ji Mu..." "No need." "Huh?" The delicate and gentle girl looked over in a daze. Noticing her confusion, Ji Mu lazily explained, "You were the one who provoked me first. I was just defending myself." "But..." Ruan Qingqing hesitated, but before she could say anything more, Ji Mu continued. "But on the other hand..." Suddenly remembering something, the young man casually pulled out a chair behind him and sat down. His knuckles tapped lightly but audibly on the desk, making a "knock, knock" sound. "Come to think of it, this whole ordeal was more or less because of you. A simple thank you isn''t enough - you owe me a reward." "Reward..." Ruan Qingqing froze for a moment. The girl, who hadn''t expected this at all, couldn''t help but be slightly stunned. Seeing that he had no intention of taking more, she gently reminded him, "Ji Mu, you can actually take some more..." "Just this much." Ji Mu waved his hand dismissively, cutting off her words. The crumpled bills dangled in the air. "Now we''re even." He looked away, not seeing her hesitant expression, and turned to head for the door. Ruan Qingqing stood frozen in place, left alone. She watched as his tall, slender figure gradually disappeared from view. A surge of complicated emotions filled her heart. It wasn''t negative, nor was it the same discomfort she felt when she was ostracized before. It was hard to describe. But... it wasn''t uncomfortable. In the empty classroom, the girl pressed her lips together. At that moment, she didn''t even notice that the bills in her hand were being deeply pressed and deformed by her thumb. "Ji Mu... is a good person." ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª "Made a clean 30 yuan, not bad." Ji Mu went up to the roof to catch some wind and stuffed the money into his pocket. Leaning against a good spot for some shade, he recalled the various experiences he had just gone through and closed his eyes with a yawn. He didn''t like to owe favors. Of course, he didn''t like others owing him favors either. So taking money was the perfect solution. Thirty yuan was an amount that was neither too much nor too little. Given the girl''s circumstances, it wouldn''t cost her too much and it wouldn''t seem too casual - just the right balance. It also saved her from worrying too much about today''s incident. But... While the favor issue was resolved, the encounter with school violence right after the transfer wasn''t a good sign. Especially that woman named Chu Yashi, she seemed to have a lot of influence in this school. Being targeted by such a local bully, the days ahead were bound to be chaotic. "Tsk." Ji Mu clicked his tongue and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. "What a hassle. Maybe I should just transfer again." [Ding¡ª¡ª] Just as he was muttering to himself, a cold electronic sound suddenly rang out. "Hmm?" Sensing something unusual, he suddenly opened his eyes. This is... Chapter 4 - The Six Month Deadline Has Arrived! [Ding] [+86 133 45698] [Just moved to the area, feeling lonely in the middle of the night and craving some excitement, feel free to come over] [Hey handsome, it''s so itchy down there~] Explicit and suggestive text messages appear on the screen. The teasing words stimulate the imagination. The bright and obvious invitation is like a man on a business trip finding a little card Seeing the text message that had made countless pure-hearted boys blush and their hearts race, Ji Mu couldn''t help but be drawn in. His fingers tapped on the screen. Instinctively, he opened the message and started typing a reply: [The Chinese comma should not be used between "ÏÂ" and "Ãæ". The Chinese comma indicates a pause in a series, but these two words do not form a series.] A few seconds later, the message showed up as successfully sent. Satisfied, he snapped his fingers. That''s better. You can''t have imprecise wording. Of course, he didn''t forget to send a thoughtful report and then block the sender. That''s what we call attention to detail. "I thought I had awakened some kind of cheat or system ability. What a waste of excitement." If you''ve been scammed, quickly download the National Anti-Fraud App Center! Ji Mu muttered to himself as he put his phone back in his pocket and continued to think about changing schools. "I wonder what the conditions are like at other schools." While muttering to himself, he looked up at the azure sky in the distance. Although the March weather was beginning to warm up, there was still a slight chill in the wind that blew against him. He lifted the collar of his coat. He was dressed rather lightly today, and if he stayed out in the cold wind much longer, he would probably catch a cold. As he put on his hoodie and started to leave, he heard the electronic sound again. [Ding] Again? It must be another spam message; he wouldn''t fall for it a second time. Ji Mu didn''t even bother to look at it and went straight to the roof door without hesitation. [The host has triggered a plot point, the system is activating.] The abrupt mechanical voice reached his ears. His steps gradually slowed. Unlike before, this time the voice seemed to echo in his mind. He couldn''t help but wonder, "Could it be..." The thought had just risen in his heart when a wave of dizziness suddenly hit him. It felt like an inexplicable loss of vision and balance. He held on to the wall and endured the discomfort and nausea. As a strange "buzzing" sound echoed in his head, the sensation of the world spinning slowly faded. When his vision returned, he saw a palm-sized humanoid creature hovering in front of him. The pointed ears resembled a miniature elf. [Hello, hello] Noticing his gaze, the little elf greeted him with big, swirling eyes. [Sorry about that, host. The physical reaction was caused by the loading of the system program. I apologize for not informing you beforehand.] Ji Mu''s chaotic thoughts began to clear. "System?" He reached out and poked the elf. The warm touch at his fingertips felt incredibly real, surprising him. Is it for real this time? Anyway... "I''ve been here for almost half a year and you''re only being activated now?" [Ahaha, well...] The system clumsily explained the reason. [The main problem was that transporting the host through the novel world consumed too much energy, causing the delay]. "Oh?" Ji Mu''s expression didn''t change, leaving it unclear whether he believed the explanation. After this simple exchange, the conversation fell into silence. [Uh...] Seeing the atmosphere growing colder and colder, the somewhat embarrassed system elf scratched his head and decided to break the silence. [Speaking of which, host, you''re amazing. Not only have you been able to live alone in an alien world for so long, but you''ve also managed to focus on your studies and get the highest score in the six-school joint exam]. [Remaining calm and positive through it all, it''s truly an honor for me to be contracted with such a host _] The sudden awkward compliment made Ji Mu look at him. As the other party had mentioned, he really wasn''t from this world, but from a place called Blue Star. But what was strange was: The person he had transformed into not only had the same name as him, Even their age, appearance, and experiences were exactly the same. Both of them were orphans who grew up in an orphanage without their parents, and both of them died suddenly while playing games late at night. Is this an inter-dimensional counterpart? After reading the memories of the original host, he quickly accepted the fact that he had transmigrated. Both sites are pretty much the same. What''s the difference where I live? The system rolled its eyes at him, feeling a bit annoyed. This kid didn''t seem to be afraid at all. It had been terrified the first time it saw it. [There is no need to say more. If the plot collapses to this extent, a world derived from the novel will naturally be destroyed]. Worried that the boy wouldn''t believe it, the system extended its finger and gently tapped his forehead. In an instant, countless fragments of images flooded Ji Mu''s mind. Mountains crumbled and tsunamis swept through. Mighty buildings collapsed and fell, with heavy dust and smoke swirling through the ruins. The silent despair was slowly devouring the entire world. Seeing such an apocalyptic scene, even someone as calm as Ji Mu couldn''t help but be affected. "Wow, this is more realistic than a 3D movie." Brother, that''s your focus? Hearing his astonished remark, the system was speechless. It really shouldn''t have expected any other reaction from him. [Originally, I was just a wandering system. My primary purpose in contracting with the host was to play a supporting role and quietly pass through all the major and minor plot points of the book.] Who could have known this would happen? The main characters all collapsed, and even the world was destroyed. [If the Space Management Bureau hadn''t discovered the anomaly, rewound time, and reset everything to the starting point, we would have been doomed along with this world.] As it spoke, it pointed upward. [The reason I was delayed for six months before being activated was because I was recalled by the Space Management Bureau for reassignment.] "Oh?" Ji Mu rubbed his chin and asked in turn. "So the new mission is to prevent this realm from coming to a destructive end?" [Yes]. The system nodded. [After all, this realm is formed by the fusion of four novels, which is unprecedented among countless smaller worlds, so the Space Management Bureau attaches great importance to it]. "How can we change and correct these broken plots?" [There is no need to go to such troublesome lengths]. The system spread its hands. [Since this novel world is mainly a BG (boy-girl) romance, you only need to change the female protagonists'' aversion to men.] [It doesn''t matter which man they end up with, as long as their view of men changes]. Simply put, the key is the female lead. It doesn''t matter who plays the male lead. Ji Mu replied with an "Oh," his expression revealing nothing. "When did the apocalypse happen in the last cycle?" The system''s eyes lit up, thinking that the boy had finally agreed to the task. [Ten years later!] It wobbled excitedly, its voice rising with joy. [Host, I''m telling you, we still have enough time, we should hurry...] Before it could finish its enthusiastic speech, the boy stretched lazily and said, "I see, that''s enough time. The system froze. [Huh? Enough for what?] Finally getting the information he wanted, Ji Mu looked relaxed. "Goodbye." [???] The System Elf stood there with her mouth half open and her brain crashing. Her inner turmoil was like tens of thousands of grass mud horses galloping across the plains. Although she hadn''t interacted much with the boy in her past life, she knew that he had a rather laid-back personality. But damn! Who would have thought he could be so casual? [No! Don''t do this, host! Please reconsider, ten years is not enough to live!] The system, on the verge of tears, flew beside the boy. [The days ahead are so full of excitement that ten years will pass in the blink of an eye.] [There are many decades in a lifetime. Can you really be content to live only one?] [Host, oh host...] No matter how much it tried to persuade him, the boy kept walking forward, showing no signs of changing his mind. In the end, he could only watch helplessly as his slender figure grew smaller and smaller in the distance. Exhaustion and despair surged through the system, causing it to slowly lower its arms in utter dejection. It''s over, it''s really over this time. If I don''t accomplish the goals of the task, even if I don''t perish with this world, I will be reconstructed when I return. How is that different from perishing! [Why, why on earth...] The head of the system hung in despair. [Completing the task would bring a reward of one billion and a return to Blue Star. Isn''t such a task enticing enough?] In a moment of distraction, Ji Mu, who had one foot in the roof door, suddenly stopped. [I don''t understand, I really don''t understand.] The system muttered softly with a pale face. Out of the corner of its eye, it suddenly noticed a dark shadow covering its entire body. It looked up and saw that the boy who had seemingly left had returned for some reason and was looking at it with a serious expression. "You just said, what reward for returning to Blue Star?" Chapter 5 - A Hopeful Thing Noon. The sky was high and clear, the trees lush and green. After leaving the rooftop, Ji Mu repeated his earlier question on his way back to the classroom. "System, are you sure that as long as I complete the task, I will not only be resurrected on Blue Star, but also receive a reward of one billion?" [Yes, Host]. The system''s little sprite replied weakly. This one billion reward is neither tokens nor lucky beans, but real RMB. It was also afraid that he would ask the same question over and over again, so it added a few more sentences after answering: "Once you return to Blue Star, the money will be immediately transferred to your bank card, and no force will detect any abnormalities." Upon hearing the system''s assurance, Ji Mu nodded slightly. "That''s very good." [¡û_¡û] There''s no one else here, why are you pretending to be so clueless? Watching the young man''s seemingly indifferent expression and the slight smirk on his lips, the system felt too exhausted to comment. "So he''s a money lover after all, what a waste of my words." While it grumbled internally, it didn''t forget to ask the main question: [Host, have you made your decision?] "Huh?" Ji Mu looked confused. "Does this still need to be considered?" "What a joke! This is a whole billion! Who wouldn''t be tempted by such a huge amount of money? Just putting it in the bank to earn interest would be enough for an ordinary person to achieve financial freedom. He can''t even imagine how happy he would be if he received this billion-dollar reward and returned to Blue Star. For the sake of the novel world, we time travelers have no choice but to act! Save the savior, Brother Lock. [.....6] After witnessing the young man''s performance, which was comparable to a State Banquet-level Master of Transformation, the system was left speechless. If only I had known that after completing the task in my previous life, I shouldn''t have run straight back to the system room to laze around. I wouldn''t have felt that sense of helplessness and confusion when talking to him, not even knowing his personality. Sigh, it''s just karma... Just as she felt lost, Ji Mu had already descended the stairs. Passing by the end of the corridor where the toilet was, his peripheral vision caught a glimpse. Since I''m already here, I might as well go in, right? As a time traveler from Blue Star, he thought it was still necessary to maintain some traditional Chinese customs. "Ruan Ruan, you''re being a little impulsive today." Just as he took a few steps towards the toilet, he heard a slightly magnetic male voice coming from the door. Ji Mu raised an eyebrow in curiosity. Who has nothing better to do but come here and chat, isn¡¯t this a bit too fishy? "Yes, the Chu Yashi girls have gone too far." A soft and gentle reply immediately followed. "You must be Ji Mu, right?" A polite question sounded from behind. Ji Mu, who was just one step away from entering the men''s room: Bad luck... He couldn''t pretend not to hear, so he had to turn around and face him. "Do you know me?" "Ji Mu, the top student in the six-school joint exam, how could I not know you?" The sophisticated rogue smiled slightly. "Let me introduce myself, Fu Rongjing, a student of Class 3, Grade 2." "Of course, I''m also Ruan Ruan''s good friend." The last part of the sentence was slightly emphasized, as if he deliberately wanted people to think that he had a special relationship with the girl. Ji Mu frowned upon hearing this. Damn, I really need to pee. If going to the toilet was just a whim before, now it''s a real urge. In short, very urgent. "What is it?" "Nothing much, I just wanted to ask you why you acted so recklessly at noon, Ji Mu." Fu Rongjing spoke slowly with a clear tone of reproach. "Classmates should get along well. What good is it to provoke everyone''s anger so recklessly?" "Besides, don''t you know that your actions will implicate Ruan Ruan?" At this point, Fu Rongjing, who always maintained his politeness, believed that he had made the boy realize the seriousness of the situation. However, his next answer made Fu Rongjing''s face darken slightly. "So, does this have anything to do with you?" "Ji Mu, this is a school!" Such an unreasonable reply made Fu Rongjing, who was usually gentle and elegant, slightly displeased. "Watch your words." Ji Mu indifferently replied, "Since you already know what happened this morning, you should also understand that someone provoked me first." "Who provoked who is not the point, what about the innocent bystanders?" Fu Rongjing continued to ask, avoiding the main issue, "At least this has nothing to do with other classmates in the class, right?" Ji Mu showed a doubtful look. "Are you referring to those guys who secretly took out their cell phones to take pictures while I retaliated with a mop?" Innocent? He found it hard to comment. A series of sneaky and malicious expressions, as if even ghosts knew it wasn''t out of good intentions. Clearly, they were all troublemakers. "What others do is their own business." Fu Rongjing, who could speak without feeling any pain, thought this was irrelevant. "That doesn''t justify attacking others at will." Early or late, they just had to pick that moment to take pictures. Who can guarantee that the video won''t be edited and posted online? It won''t be long before there''s an expose? video titled "Wow! It turns out that the top student in the six-school joint exam in the city is really like this! Never underestimate the evil in people''s hearts, because you never know whether the people you meet are angels or devils. So, when faced with such an unreasonable person, Ji Mu only wanted to say two words to him. "Brain dead." Chapter 6 - How Long Have You Had This Symptom? The smile on Fu Rongjing''s lips gradually faded. His usual calm expression turned slightly cold after hearing the unexpected insult. "Is this the attitude of Ji Mu, the top student of the six-school joint examination?" "Swearing is just an auxiliary word for emotions and has nothing to do with manners." Ji Mu shrugged her shoulders indifferently and said in a nonchalant tone, "If my words hurt you, don''t doubt my manners. I did it on purpose." Fu Rongjing was speechless for a moment. "No wonder Ji Mu could get first place. Only this eloquent mouth can surpass many people." Hearing the sarcasm in his words, Ji Mu didn''t even bother to look at him. "Academic achievement and eloquence have nothing to do with each other. Don''t use your twisted thinking to question the intelligence of ordinary people, Fu Student Council President." "Ji Mu." Fu Rongjing''s expression darkened, "Do I understand that you are deliberately insulting me?" Ji Mu didn''t hold back at all and even waved his hand dismissively. "Is there anything else? If not, stop standing here and blocking the way." Fu Rongjing''s expression kept changing, quite a spectacle. Ignoring the refined scoundrel''s face that kept changing like a color palette, Ji Mu looked at the girl beside him. Originally, he didn''t want to interfere in other people''s affairs, but since someone with a brain disorder had actively provoked her, he might as well help her. "Why are you still standing there? I think I heard the teacher looking for you." "Huh? Oh..." Ruan Qingqing was about to answer, but Fu Rongjing, who had been hovering around with his phone for several seconds, jumped in again. "Ruan Ruan, you can ask the class teacher later. Right now, the most important thing is to apologize to Chu Yashi." "But... but it was Chu Yasi and her friends who..." "Ruan Ruan!" Ignoring the girl''s resistance, Fu Rongjing interrupted again. "Does it really matter who was right or wrong? Must you let this stubbornness affect the long-standing stability of the class?" The girl pursed her lips, "I..." This struggle and sense of helplessness is a sign of impending compromise. He felt a sense of satisfaction. It''s always the same, he''s so good at controlling things. Just then, that annoying voice spoke up. "We should handle our class affairs ourselves, we don''t need Fu Student Council President to show us the way." Fu Rongjing felt a bit annoyed, but he had to regain his gentle and polite demeanor. "Ji Mu, that''s enough. We''re all students from the same school, how can I be considered an outsider?" It was too late for Fu Rongjing to stop her. He took a deep breath, and a flash of resentment crossed his eyes. "It seems I''m not the only one who likes to interfere." [Host, this child is provoking you]. The system, after watching for a while, approached quietly and whispered in his ear. Ji Mu couldn''t have missed it and he clicked his tongue, deliberately using the same tone to say, "It''s strange, isn''t it? Giving someone a good-hearted hint shouldn''t be considered interference, right, Fu Student Council President? You weren''t talking about me, were you?" A vein on Fu Rongjing''s temple throbbed. "Of course not." Even though he was still annoyed, he could only smile and give this insincere answer. The small system sprite looked at him with a hint of disdain. "What do you think you''re measuring, Mu? Why are you provoking me? You don''t even think about the level you''re at." "But I still want to advise Ji Mu, one sentence." Of course, it wasn''t over yet. Instead of giving up, Fu Rongjing wanted to regain control. "The class is a collective, and you''ve only recently moved here. If you act impulsively, you''ll only end up isolated." His cold words carried a blatant warning. "Consider the consequences and be careful not to be too rigid." Ji Mu opened her mouth wide, her expression exaggerated. "Wow, you can actually utter platitudes?" He even knows about being too rigid, what a high cultural level. Fu Rongjing''s face turned black and the fake friendly expression almost failed, "Ji Mu, what do you mean?" "Did you go to primary school abroad and not understand Chinese?" Ji Mu, annoyed by his feigned ignorance, gave him a look. "Maybe you should go out and get some sun more often. At least if you get a tan, no one will call you an idiot." A sincere piece of advice, he didn''t linger and turned to the bathroom behind him. He was still in a hurry, he had no time to argue with this idiot anymore. As for Fu Rongjing standing at the door, his expression had returned to calm. Damn it, damn it!!! He stared intently at the boy''s departing figure, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, fully revealing his true feelings at this moment. "Ji Mu... huh." It seems he has to make him realize that it''s not enough to be good at studying in this school! Chapter 7 - What a temper! Just before the bell rang for class, Ji Mu deliberately returned to the classroom. When his figure appeared at the door, the noisy atmosphere in the classroom was instantly silenced. Fear, contempt, curiosity... Different emotions focused on him. After this morning''s dramatic and abstract experience. Everyone couldn''t help but notice this ordinary looking four-eyed boy. Being the center of attention in the class didn''t bother him at all. He calmly accepted everyone''s gaze and walked straight back to his seat. Seeing his indifferent demeanor, the system sprite floating in the air marveled. [It seems that your actions today have had a great effect, and they''re all a little afraid of you now.] "This is not unusual." Ji Mu took the book he would need for the next class from the table and replied casually, "Anyone who''s ever been attacked by a mop will have a psychological shadow." The system sprite raised his thumb in admiration. [Not bad, host. Not a sound, but a thunderous remark]. Ji Mu didn''t react. Noticing that no one in the class saw the system hovering in front of him, he asked in his mind, "They can''t see you, right?" [Of course not. I''m just in a data form now, visible only to the host who signed the contract with me.] "I see." This was very similar to what he had just thought. Suddenly sensing something, he raised his head and turned to a certain spot, his gaze colliding with a pair of clear and bright eyes. Caught by the hero, Ruan Qingqing''s face quickly turned red. She hastily lowered her head, half covering her beautiful ears with a tinge of red. Ji Mu raised an eyebrow. Was he really so intimidating that she didn''t dare meet his gaze? [I guess your behavior this morning made quite an impression.] The system, reading the boy''s confusion, offered its own insight. [You didn''t see how everyone in the class avoided you like a snake, did you? It''s normal for a little girl to be afraid.] Ji Mu suddenly understood. "There''s some truth to that." Without dwelling on the topic, he went straight to the point. "The girl you just mentioned, is she Ruan Qingqing?" [That''s right, right.] The system sprite nodded like a chicken pecking at rice. [Host, do you want me to transmit the original plot to you?] "Could it be...?" Upon hearing this, Ji Mu had a suspicion in his heart. "What you said earlier about the novel''s fusion causing the characters to break, are you referring to them?" [That''s about right] The system explained. [It hasn''t broken too much, just that the moral bottom line has lowered a bit, and the characters themselves are still quite different from the original novel]. [The main problem is that these guys are disgusting because they would do anything to get Ruan Qingqing]. When the system mentioned this, a look of disgust appeared on its small face. [On the surface, they act like gentlemen and comfort the female lead, but in secret, they use all kinds of despicable methods to force her to be with them.] For example, they isolate and bully classmates, accuse the female lead of stealing, spread rumors everywhere, and so on. Such incidents are countless, all to make the female lead be abandoned by everyone, so that she has no choice but to rely on them. "..." Ji Mu was also stunned. "Is it that abstract?" High emotional intelligence: what kind of isolated yandere? Low emotional intelligence: Where did this group of lunatics come from? The system shrugged. [So, after discovering the truth, the female lead unsurprisingly turned dark.] It narrated the female lead''s journey of revenge, as seen during the world''s rewind process. [At first, she pretended to be compliant, using her first night as bait, secretly pitting the male leads against each other, and finally exploiting their weaknesses to take them down one by one.] [In the end, these rotten male leads fought each other for so long that they not only failed to get the female lead''s body, they didn''t even get a kiss from her before they died.] The system paused, its tone carrying a hint of gloating. [Serves them right, they got what they deserved.] Ji Mu stopped tapping on the table and lifted his eyelids behind his glasses. He glanced sideways at the girl sitting at her desk, attentively listening to the lesson. Her unadorned features were fair and beautiful, and her captivating fox-like eyes added a touch of allure to her purity. The sunlight fell on her like a filter. Like a flower that blossoms silently in the spring. Beautiful, breathtaking. [Tsk, no matter how you look at it, she seems soft and harmless.] Following the boy''s gaze to the girl, the childlike system shook its head with a mature demeanor, its youthful voice full of regret and emotion. [If it weren''t for the previous life, I couldn''t imagine that the female lead would turn into such a sinister and ruthless psychopath in the future]. Ji Mu calmly withdrew his gaze. The quill in his fingers twisted twice, drawing arcs under the light. "Tsk, wild." It seems like it won''t be so easy to earn that billion reward. Chapter 8 - Ghana~ [Host, the situation is clear now] After discussing for two classes, the system made a summary. [There''s still over a year left before Ruan Qingqing goes dark because of those rotten male leads, so we''d better change her negative perception of men before then]. Time is short and the task is difficult. It is about whether I can achieve my ultimate dream of financial freedom. Although Ji Mu knew that this task was not to be taken lightly, he really didn''t know where to start. After pondering for a moment, he decided to throw the problem to the almighty AI. "Do you have any idea how to do this, System?" The system didn''t disappoint him and quickly came up with a plan. [Well, it''s really not that complicated. As long as you get along with Ruan Qingqing, that should be enough.] Ji Mu felt a bit doubtful. "Are you sure?" Isn''t this a bit hasty? [Host, to untie the knot, you need the person who tied it.] Ji Mu sat on the eraser, and the system proposed its idea. [Since the main reason for the female lead''s aversion to men is man-made, we can solve the problem from the root cause, right?] Ji Mu tilted her head, roughly understanding what she meant. "You mean... generalizing from the particular?" [Exactly.] The system showed a confident expression. [As long as the female protagonist develops the idea that men have good sides as well during her interactions with the host, her negative sensory perception will definitely continue to decrease.] As it spoke, it lifted its leg and continued: [With time, this influence will also grow, and eventually the aversion to men will be completely eliminated.] [In short, just be good to them, and it''s best to reach the level of close friends who share everything.] Close friends? No secrets? Ji Mu frowned slightly, feeling an inexplicable uneasiness in his heart. ¡°This might be a bit...¡± [Oh no, host!] Before he could question this statement, the system''s exclamation interrupted him. Just then, the system seemed to receive some information, and it widened its eyes before jumping from the eraser. [The subsystem just told me that Ruan Qingqing is in danger. Let''s go check it out!] "Subsystem?" [It''s a program used to monitor the safety of the female lead. It will send an alert if she''s in danger.] It explained briefly and then urged: [Don''t ask so many questions now, the female lead is in danger.] Ji Mu didn''t say much more and quickly got up to leave. No matter what, this is a quarter of a billion soft sister coins. It has to be taken seriously, and you cannot be careless! They followed the system''s guidance, In less than a few minutes, they arrived at a bamboo grove planted by the side of the road near the north gate. As they walked along the gravel path, they saw several students with different hair colors gathered together. Among them, they could faintly see a slender figure being surrounded. [How despicable, a group of men cornering a girl like that.] The system clenched its fists in indignation. [Host, we must show our strength. We can''t let these punks look down on us!] Ji Mu gave a thumbs up. "No problem, I''ll take care of it." He glanced at the camera hanging above him to make sure the area in front of him was within its range and felt an immediate sense of relief. He took a step forward with one foot and held his breath. "Young master has arrived, everyone step aside!" "As I said, either pay up or... be my maid for two days." Having said that, he deliberately looked the girl up and down. In particular, he lingered on her ample breasts for a few seconds before deliberately licking his lips. "You!!" As the villain, the red-haired criminal undoubtedly played his role well. His thuggish demeanor was truly overwhelming. Noticing Ruan Qingqing''s discomfort from being stared at, Ji Mu stepped in front of her. Ji Mu blocked the insolent look and stepped closer to the red-haired criminal. The shrimp-headed guy looked at him provocatively, "What''s the matter, four-eyes? Do you have a problem with my compensation method?" Ji Mu didn''t even bother to raise his eyelids and stepped on the other man''s expensive sneakers with his size 42 Tebu shoes. "Your foreign goods are outdated. Domestic brands are the way to go now." The red-haired delinquent''s malicious expression froze for a few seconds. "How dare you!" Before he could react, one of his lackeys, eager to show off, rushed forward and barked, "Who gave you the courage to be so presumptuous?" The lackey stood with his hands on his hips, fully embodying the phrase "bullying the weak. "Even the teachers at school have to be polite to our boss. Do you know that our boss is a big shot?" Do you know what a school bully is? I''m just asking if you''re afraid. Ji Mu remained unperturbed and looked at him coldly, "Got it, go play.¡± His dismissive attitude made the red-haired delinquent''s face look like he had eaten ten pounds of dirt. And the most important thing... His foot was still stepping on the guy''s shoe. After being in school for so long, this was the first time someone dared to be so brazen in front of him. This was truly an invitation to death! The red-haired delinquent took a deep breath, a sinister look flashing in his eyes. "I''ll give you three seconds to move your foot and apologize to my shoe!" Ji Mu raised an eyebrow, and his Tebu shoe not only stayed firmly on the A-cone sneaker, but also kicked it back and forth a few times. The classic line, "This is my shoe apologizing to your shoe," naturally came out of his mouth. With a natural sense of pride, don''t play tricks in front of me, brother Mu. This arrogant attitude made the system watching from the sidelines take notice. Damn it! He''s really impressive. The red-headed criminal on the other side was naturally furious. "Not every animal can bear the price of provoking a lion." He twisted his whole face, clenched his teeth, and said menacingly, "It seems you want to suffer a little!" As he spoke, he raised his arm, ready to act. "Boss, wait a moment." The nearby lackey seemed to recognize Ji Mu''s identity and quickly whispered something into his ear. During their conversation, he occasionally pointed at the camera not far from them. The red-haired criminal''s angry expression gradually faded, and a few strands of fear crossed his eyes. "Hmph, four-eyes, don''t think you can rest easy just because you ranked first in the Six-School Joint Examination." He made an ominous throat-slitting gesture. "Just pray I don''t catch you. Once you''re out of school, you''re nothing!" After threatening with harsh words, the red-haired delinquent walked away like a stubborn and reluctant antagonist in a movie, dragging his lackeys with him. "Let''s go." The system at his side smiled and waved its hand. [Ghana~] Chapter 9 - Offend the School Bully and Still Want to Leave? "Let''s go, we should get back to class." After chasing away the disposable antagonist, Ji Mu walked along the gravel path toward the classroom building. The girl followed him and looked at his profile. After hesitating for a moment, she finally gathered the courage to speak. "Just now... how did Classmate Ji Mu get here?" "Me? I was just wandering around after class, got bored." Ji Mu continued to walk at a steady pace. Perhaps a potential crisis was averted in time, and he spoke with a hint of laziness in his voice. "I didn''t expect to meet you here. It''s quite a stroke of fate." Fate... If it hadn''t been for the young man''s intervention, she might have unwittingly owed someone ten thousand. At this thought, a feeling of gratitude arose in Ruan Qingqing''s heart. "About what just happened..." She pinched her fingers, but before the words were out of her mouth, the young man beside her seemed to have anticipated it and glanced sideways. "You''re not going to thank me again, are you?" "Uh..." Her thoughts were easily read by someone else, and Ruan Qingqing bit her lip lightly, feeling her face flush. Just when she was feeling a bit nervous, the young man''s casual voice came from above. "I mentioned this morning that when you receive help, you should offer appropriate compensation. A verbal thank you isn''t enough." "I, I understand." She raised her eyes to meet the young man, and she probably understood the meaning of his words. "Um..." she started to say, but before she could finish, he slowly raised a finger and said, "Just buy me a bottle of water this time." "Huh?" "Don''t think you''re getting the better end of the deal." The young man stretched lazily, unintentionally giving off a carefree vibe. "I want the most expensive one." This pretentious attitude didn''t scare her. She was inexplicably tickled, and Ruan Qingqing chuckled lightly, dispelling much of the discomfort caused by the awkwardness. "There are many expensive ones, which one do you want to drink?" Ji Mu thought that any would do, as long as he could drink it. After thinking for a few seconds, he casually mentioned a name, "How about oolong tea?" The girl''s eyelashes fluttered and her lips curved into a smile, "But... Oolong tea doesn''t seem to be the most expensive drink." "Then buy the big bottle." Hearing his nonchalant tone, she couldn''t help but smile. "Alright." It was strange. In just the short span of today, she had become quite familiar with the young man, yet he gave her a strange feeling. It was very relaxed and pleasant. Quite different from the tiredness she felt when interacting with others. It was as if she could shed all her pretenses for a moment and not have to hide. This feeling... was really quite good. __________ Time passed quickly, like an arrow, the fleeting moments slipping away. Birds flew across the crimson sky, the sea reflecting the approaching twilight. The clouds descended with an evening glow, the afterglow of the sunset bathing the entire school. "Time to go home after school!" Ji Mu, who had dozed off, came back to life. With a single strap backpack, he walked out of the classroom with a large bottle of oolong tea in his hand. Of course, it would be even better if tomorrow were Saturday. He expressed his regret. [Host, host, great news!] The system appeared excitedly. The burly man at the front, who stood at 1.9 meters tall, cast a shadow and exuded a strong, oppressive presence. He glanced at Ji Mu and spoke without hesitation. "So you''re Ji Mu, huh?" [Host, these guys are probably someone you annoyed at school today, and they were called to block you.] Seeing this arrangement, the system''s tone became serious as it analyzed the situation. [There are no cameras nearby. This is going to be difficult.] Ji Mu wasn''t worried at all. He had anticipated such a situation and already had a countermeasure in mind. He gave the system a reassuring look and stood confidently in front of the burly man, calm and composed. "Ji Mu? Who''s that? I don''t recognize him." "Kid, do you think you can fool me?" The burly man asked menacingly, almost spitting in his face. "Are you still denying it? Do you think I''m a three-year-old, easy to fool?" "But I''m really not." Ji Mu didn''t flinch, "You keep saying I''m that person, but you need to provide some proof." "Hmm?" The burly man''s eyes, like copper bells, stared intently, trying to find a flaw in the boy''s face. But after staring for a long time, he couldn''t find anything unusual, and a few traces of doubt arose in his mind. Damn it, could it really not be him? "What is going on? Chu Yashi clearly said that he had light skin, was tall and thin, wore round glasses, and looked like someone who deserved a beating. The burly man muttered to himself, repeating the original words, and a look of doubt appeared on his grim face. "Isn''t that what you said?" Ji Mu raised an eyebrow. Ignoring the almost comical expression of the system beside him, he feigned indifference and defended himself. "It''s quite fresh, don''t you think? Are all those with round glasses called by that name?" "Yes." The burly man scratched his head. "Then who are you?" "Me?" Ji Mu slowly lowered his head. "I am... Xu Jun Da (sob)." "???" The burly man unconsciously took a few steps back. What the hell. "All right, boss, you almost made the kid cry." One of the guys behind him, feeling sorry for the situation, patted his shoulder and said, "Since this guy isn''t who we''re looking for, let''s just let him go. There''s no point in keeping him here." The burly man nodded, agreeing with the logic. "So, Xu... Xu Jun Da, huh? Try not to wear round glasses from now on. I almost mistook you for someone else." He waved his hand like he was swatting away a fly. "You can go." Ji Mu''s eyes behind the glasses flashed with a cold light. Leave or not, but insulting someone like this is a bit too much. He clenched the bottle of oolong tea, his knuckles showing, as if he was about to stand up to the evil forces. "You..." "Still not leaving? Come on!" "Alright, I''ll go now." Ji Mu turned around and left quickly without looking back. We honest people don''t cause trouble, but we also fear trouble. He wiped away his sweat. ["..."] The system was speechless for a moment, thinking that the boy was about to fight. Had he really become angry in a fit of rage? Chapter 10 - 30 Seconds of True Manhood! The city lights were bright under the clear moon and starry sky. Inside the rented apartment, after eating, drinking, and showering, Ji Mu went back to his room and dried his hair. He went straight to the swivel chair and sat down, leaning on one leg. "System, open my personal attribute panel." The system looked over with a resentful expression, as if being ordered around like a servant. [Host, you could just silently think it, you know.] Really, treat it like a workhorse. The system muttered quietly, then reluctantly issued the command to the system room. The next second. A futuristic virtual screen slowly appeared in front of the young man. ¡¼Name: Ji Mu¡½ ¡¼Age: 16¡½ ¡¼Physical Strength: 60¡½ ¡¼Appearance: 90¡½ ¡¼Skills: None¡½ ¡¼Equipment: Dragon Replacement Glasses¡½ ¡¼Equipment Attribute: Wearing it reduces your Presence and 50 points of Appearance¡½. "Dragon Replacement Glasses?" Noticing the unfamiliar words on the tablet, Ji Mu asked in surprise, "When did I get this?" [Host, these are the round-framed glasses you''ve been wearing all along.] The system cleared up his confusion. [This is the new player package I gave you when you first crossed over.] [After all, the world had just reopened, and the Time-Space Management Bureau called me back urgently, so I didn''t get a chance to greet you after you woke up.] Ji Mu''s expression relaxed slightly. "I guess that''s why I felt so comfortable dozing off in class for the past six months." He had thought that the glasses were something that the original owner had brought with him. [Host, is this really important?] The system went silent. [Without the Dragon Replacement Glasses to hide your appearance, it would be difficult to live a peaceful life.] As he said this, the little goblin unconsciously looked at his face. Ji Mu''s face was clear, refined, and elegant, with a straight nose. His lips, moistened with water, seemed even more lustrous. With long, raven-black eyelashes, he had deep brown eyes like peach blossoms, and a mole under his eye added a touch of allure to his handsome face. With such a face, whether he entered the entertainment industry or became a duck, he could quickly become a top star. [Before the world reopened the last time, the host specifically requested that I give you the Dragon Replacement Glasses as a new player package.] The system said with a regretful face. [The Dragon Replacement Glasses are a rare gold card at the SSR level. If it weren''t for the compensation for my negligence, I wouldn''t have given it to you.] Ji Mu pondered. He had specifically requested this in his previous life... Even though he couldn''t remember the events before the world reopened, he understood the thoughts of his previous self. Time passed second by second. The speed of the wheel gradually slowed down, and his heart was beating wildly, like the waves of a lake that couldn''t calm down. As the hand was about to point to the Gold Skills section, this tense feeling reached its peak. Would he win? Ji Mu swallowed his spittle. At the moment he felt the most anxious, the spinning wheel finally stopped. Immediately after that, a dazzling golden light filled the room. In the next instant, he heard the system''s disbelieving exclamation. [Holy cow, did I really get a gold?!] Is this fake?! Rubbing his eyes, he quickly flew to the spinning wheel and checked it back and forth. But after countless checks, he found no fault. The dazzling special effects undoubtedly pointed to one fact. He really... got a gold. The eyes of the system gradually became dull. [Could such a miracle really appear in the world with a single draw?] Why didn''t I get it after drawing hundreds of times before? It fell silent. There was a hint of sadness, a touch of inferiority, and a little doubt about life in its eyes. Ji Mu looked at the system and said nothing. "Lucky bastard." Ignoring the adjacent pie chart that was already in a state of self-destruction, Ji Mu''s focus was already on the gold card he had just drawn. [Skill: Ancient Evil (Active Skill)] [Skill Description: Upon activation, for the next 30 seconds, you will be as powerful as the legendary Shen Dian Wei, with your physical strength increased fivefold, mastery of any weapon, and immunity to all negative conditions.] [Skill Summary:] ¡¼If you''re facing a thousand killers at once, it might be a bit tricky.¡½ ¡¼Will you lose?¡½ ¡¼You will win.¡½ [Note: After the effect of the skill wears off, your body will enter a state of weakness for up to two hours.] ¡¼Comment: Are you willing to be a coward for life or a hero for 30 seconds?¡½. Isn''t this the ultimate adrenaline rush? After looking at the whole circle, Ji Mu nodded in satisfaction. "No wonder it''s an SSR-level skill. Aside from the Weakness Buff, it''s actually quite overpowering." A pie chart that was in a state of self-destruction earlier had mentioned that the physical strength of an ordinary man was usually around 50. With a maximum limit of 100 points, his physical strength of 300 after using the skill was far too much. In other words, he was invincible! With the support of the Gold Card, Ji Mu felt a clarity and freshness he had never experienced before. With both legs propped up on the table, he carried Xiao Huohuo''s classic quote on his shoulders. Now, no matter what kind of school bully or big shot they are, they''re just small potatoes in front of him. Thinking about the threatening group he encountered this afternoon, a flash of determination appeared in his eyes. Everyone has their moment of glory, don''t take a fleeting moment for granted. That tough guy will definitely come back empty-handed! Chapter 11 - Another Him Nighttime. Towering skyscrapers shimmered with colorful neon lights, and the endless flow of vehicles crisscrossed the streets. Compared to the bustling city center, the southern district of Tianhua City on the outskirts of the city showed a desolation that didn''t belong to this city. This is a well-known slum. Row after row of dilapidated apartment buildings, their walls peeling and cracked. The yellowed street lights flickered on and off, and no one had come to repair them in nearly a year. Walking through the narrow streets, Ruan Qingqing returned home after work. "Qingqing, you''re back?" A soft female voice came. In the dim warm light, a woman of simple beauty wearing a simple dress came out of the kitchen with a tray. Taking off her mask, Qingqing forced a smile and said, "Yes, I''m back, Mom.¡± She placed the tray on the table, and the woman walked over to her and patted her head affectionately, "You must be exhausted.¡± The girl shook her head and rubbed her mother''s rough palm. "No, Mom, it was easy today. There weren''t many customers in the store." "Is that so? That''s good."@@@@ Ruan Chiyao gently took the girl''s schoolbag from her hand, not wanting to expose her daughter''s lie. "I just heated the food and washed my hands to prepare for dinner." As soon as she spoke, she felt an itch in her throat and couldn''t help but cough a few times. "Mom." Hearing the movement, Qingqing looked up and patted her mother''s back anxiously. "You are not feeling well, go back to your room and rest. I''ll take care of this." "It''s nothing." Looking into her daughter''s worried eyes, Ruan Chiyao gently reassured her. "I just took some medicine and I''m feeling much better now." "That''s even more reason to rest well." Qingqing, who was usually soft-spoken, was unusually firm. "All right, Mom, I''ll listen to you." Seeing her daughter''s attitude, Ruan Chiyao also gave up. "But can you wait until I see you finish eating before you go back to your room to rest, okay?" The girl hesitated for a moment before nodding slowly. "You''re such a good daughter." Ruan Chiyao smiled gently. "Wash your hands and eat, I''ll bring the food over." "Um." ... Dinner was not elaborate, in fact, it was quite simple. Just bean sprouts stir-fried with noodles and a bowl of ordinary seaweed soup. The girl didn''t show any dissatisfaction, and she ate with relish. Sitting across from her, Ruan Chiyao noticed her daughter''s thin face and smiled, but a hint of sympathy and guilt flashed in her eyes. Suppressing the sourness in her heart, she ladled a bowl of soup and pushed it towards her daughter, "Qingqing, did anything good happen to you today?" Obediently, Qingqing took a sip and looked up in confusion. "Mom, why are you asking?" Ruan Chiyao gently stroked the girl and said softly, "It''s just that you seem happier than usual." These penetrating gazes revealed a silent desire, as if they wanted to devour her whole In high school, this strange treatment became even more pronounced. Whether it was the boys in her class or the male teachers who considered themselves adults. Even when she wore ordinary casual clothes, they would pretend to act serious, but their eyes would often shift to her chest. Sometimes she heard the boys gossiping behind her back, talking about how her "figure was too vulgar" and other similar comments. She hadn''t done anything wrong, yet she was constantly subjected to hostility from the girls and overly attentive behavior from the boys. She hated this environment. Her personality gradually evolved into one that feared and avoided social interactions. If her mother''s wishes were not fulfilled, she wouldn''t even want to go to school. Going to school was the most painful thing for her. But her mother told her that she looked very happy today. Happy? Why should she be happy? Her fingertips glided over every inch of her skin, the soft touch slowly making her thoughts blur. The events of today replayed in her mind like a slow motion movie, frame by frame. When the image of that face with the round-framed glasses appeared, Ruan Qingqing''s thoughts stopped. Back then, when Ji Mu was the top scorer in the six-school joint examination, she was surprised that among the elite children who had received an elite education since childhood, someone could top the list. Out of curiosity about the top student, she often paid attention to him, intentionally or unintentionally. The young man often arrived at school just in time and was among the first to leave after school. He was very solitary in class and never initiated conversations with others. He always wore round-framed glasses and the proper school uniform, unlike other peers who flaunted their individuality with flashy, trendy brand names. Unlike the restless and boisterous boys typical of adolescence, he was the opposite - calm and collected. During recess, he would sit quietly in his seat, not attracting attention. Although his face, usually hidden behind thick glasses, was plain and ordinary, he was tall and had exceptionally good skin, even fairer than most girls. Thinking about the young man''s usual behavior, an inexplicable emotion surged in Ruan Qingqing''s heart. When she was being bullied by Chu Yashi, only Ji Mu stood up for her. It was Ji Mu who helped her three times in a row. And only Ji Mu never let his gaze linger on her chest when he looked at her. No matter how he spoke or interacted with her, She felt something she had never experienced before. That was... respect. Suddenly, Ruan Qingqing''s ears echoed with the question her mother had asked that night. Is he someone I care about? She pressed her hand to her chest and lifted her face, letting the warm water run down her cheeks. Ji Mu... seems different from the other boys. The image of him quietly watching her from behind after school earlier that evening, without having the courage to say goodbye, flashed through her mind. She applied gentle pressure with one hand, her fingers sinking into the soft, pale flesh. The force was a bit too much, causing her to involuntarily let out a soft gasp. "Mm~" Her long, thick lashes caught droplets of water, and her beautiful eyes were moistened. In the rising mist, her gaze seemed to take on a hint of dazed charm. "See you tomorrow." "Classmate... Ji Mu..." Chapter 12 - Sixteen Years Old, Respecting the Elderly and Loving the Young The sky began to lighten with the first hints of dawn. The newly awakened sun hovered in the vast blue sky, and rays of golden light pierced the clouds, dispersing the lingering twilight and casting its glow onto the streets and alleys. "Time to get up." Awakened by the noise, Ji Mu reached out to turn off the blaring alarm clock and sat up in bed with a quick movement. I hope those who are still asleep will fall out of bed. The system woke up at the same time: [...] What a wicked guy. Yawning, Ji Mu went to the bathroom to brush his teeth and wash his face. After dressing, he grabbed his shoulder bag and stepped out the door. Sunlight filtered through the dense foliage, casting mottled halos around him and bringing a wave of warmth. The glaring light made him uncomfortable, so he shielded his eyes with his hand. After a while, he slowly adjusted. Host, a new day has begun! Bathed in the warm morning light, the system waved its tiny fists energetically. Today, let''s keep up the good work and try to reduce the female lead''s dislike rating to over ten points! "Mm." With drooping eyelids, Ji Mu replied in a perfunctory tone, his sleepy demeanor in stark contrast to the energetic spirit of the system. [...] Host, be honest with me. Did you sneak out to play with glue last night? Is this glue thing serious? "Get lost." Got it. Ji Mu bought ten buns from the breakfast shop downstairs and ate them on his way to school. With his shoulder bag slung across his body, he walked leisurely through the crowd. Since his house wasn''t far away, he reached the school in less than ten minutes. [Boss, boss, look, it''s Ruan Qingqing!] The system that had "rolled away" for a few minutes came back and pointed to something. Ji Mu followed the direction indicated by the system. Not far away, a man in his forties was blocking a young girl and chatting incessantly. From his clothes, it was easy to tell that he was a teacher at the academy. [What''s this old geezer doing bothering the young girl?] Seeing Ruan Qingqing''s worried expression, the system''s mind was instantly flooded with scenes from at least ten inappropriate movies from a certain island nation, depicting older men preying on younger women. Thinking of those disgusting plots, the system, feeling a sense of immersion, became furious. [An old man trying to take advantage, host, go teach him a lesson!] Wow, so aggressive? "Maybe he''s just discussing academic matters with the female lead," Ji Mu calmly reassured. "You shouldn''t judge things based on their appearance alone. Don''t you understand the principle of not commenting without knowing the whole picture?" [That''s a load of crap. Who discusses academics in a deserted place like this? Can''t they talk in the office?] The system snorted coldly. [With that lecherous look, he doesn''t seem like a good old bird!] Ji Mu took a bite of his bun and chewed slowly. Has this guy eaten gunpowder today? Why is he so angry? "Forget it, at his age, he''s probably been teaching at this school for many years. We should respect the elderly and take care of the young.¡± After giving some appropriate advice, he moved closer to listen to the details of the conversation. "Ruan Qingqing, don''t be ungrateful! Do you really think that just because you got into this prestigious academy, you can reach the sky in one step?" "A lowly person is always a lowly person. Why are you pretending to be a chaste and virtuous woman in front of me?" As soon as Ji Mu arrived, he heard such explosive words: ........ No way, the face slap comes so fast? And is there anyone normal in this school? Why do I keep running into people like this every other day? [Host, you need to understand, as I said before, the excessive fusion of the novel has caused bugs in this world, and many plot characters have problems.] Ji Mu didn''t say anything and continued to watch the old man''s world-shattering remarks. The other party''s face was full of contempt, and his arrogant tone was unpleasant. "With that seductive look, do you really think I don''t know your little schemes?" "Be reasonable and agree to my demands. After all, you came to this school to climb the social ladder. It doesn''t matter who keeps you as a mistress." In the face of the man''s blatant malice, Ruan Qingqing bit her lip and bowed her head. The helpless grief felt like swallowing shards of glass, yet she had to endure the excruciating pain tearing through her insides without letting the blood spill out. A slender, tall figure stood in front of her. Without hesitation, he shielded her from the outside evil, just like before. Ruan Qingqing blinked as that indescribable feeling flooded her chest once again. "You call this help? Ridiculous. I wonder which sewer left its cover open and let you crawl out?" Ji Mu was unaware of the girl''s inner turmoil; he was busy confronting the old man. "To twist the truth so elegantly, you really have no shame left." "Twist the truth?" The man sneered, mocking someone''s ignorance. "An opportunity right in front of you, and you don''t know how to take advantage of it. In the end, you''ll just be a pawn to be passed around by powerful men!" He grew more agitated as he spoke, and in the end, whether others believed him or not, he certainly believed himself. "If you don''t want to be kept, why are you always seducing people? You put on a pitiful act every day just to catch a rich husband." Catch a rich husband? What nonsense! It is like an old lady crawling into bed, utterly ridiculous. "With calloused hands, what right do you have to point fingers at others?" Ji Mu raised his wrist and stretched, speaking with disdain. "If you are so lazy, why don''t you go to the hospital and check how much longer you have to live?" "You!!" The man''s face turned red with anger, his eyes filled with a murderous glare as he glared at Ji Mu. Clearly, this spoiled noble teacher was no match for the top student of the six-school joint examination when it came to arguing. "Am I wrong?" Knowing he could not win this argument, the man suppressed his anger and tried to change the subject. "Anyway, girls are going to get married when they grow up. What''s the point of studying so much?" "Oh?" Ji Mu took the opportunity to retort, "Since you put it that way, you''ll die one day too. What''s the point of living?" "You brat!!!" Under the boy''s sharp and soul-piercing words, the man''s years of composure crumbled. Even a clay figurine has a temper. As the dean of Yulan High School, he was used to everyone treating him with the utmost respect. But that brat not only disrespected him, but also repeatedly spoke disrespectfully. Does he think I''m an easy target?! "Don''t you dare refuse my kindness, you little bastard!" "So what if you''re good at studying? In this school, I have a thousand ways to ruin you. Remember, you lowly commoners are just toys for us rich people!" Gritting his teeth, his face twisted with malice, he began to spew vile language at Ji Mu, taking advantage of the fact that no one else was around. Ji Mu sighed softly. "Really, I''ve given you too much face, making you think you''re actually someone." Although he wasn''t naturally combative, that didn''t mean his temper was good enough to stand there and be insulted. Especially since this old man was getting more and more enthusiastic with his insults. So... Ji Mu quickly scanned the surroundings, then lifted his newly purchased Tebu shoes and kicked the man in the stomach like he was kicking a dead dog. Thud-- The direct left kick sent the unprepared old man sprawling to the ground. "Ugh..." The man clutched his stomach and groaned in pain. He looked up, his face filled with both agony and disbelief. "You, you!!" Ji Mu stepped forward and slapped the man''s face. Slap-- The crisp sound of the slap echoed. Just as the man stood up, he was slapped down again in an instant. "What about me?" Ji Mu stepped forward and looked down at them from above. You drink a little horse piss and think you''re all high and mighty, but the next moment, your life could be in danger! "You old thing, always thinking about food and forgetting to take care of yourself." Nearby, the system: [... ... ...] Redefining the concept of respecting the old and loving the young. Chapter 13 - Friendship Strategy in Progress "Ji Mu, how dare you!" The man held his swollen cheek with his right hand and glared angrily. "Assaulting a teacher on campus, you will definitely be expelled!" This is a serious offense. Even being the top student in the six-school joint exams won''t save you, I guarantee it. "Don''t speak too soon, old man." Ji Mu slowly took his cell phone out of his pocket. He tapped it a few times in front of the man. A familiar audio recording played from the device. "....... For an ordinary person from an ordinary class like you to be accepted is already a great favor." "As long as she agrees to my demands, I can easily help her cross social classes..." ".......Remember, you lowly commoners are just toys for us rich people!" The man''s face suddenly changed dramatically. The content that played from the phone was the entire process of him warning and threatening the boy. If this recording was made public, his career would be completely ruined. "Mr. Zhang, you don''t want people at school to know about this side of you, do you?" Ji Mu stopped the looping playback on his phone and asked calmly. "Let me ask you again, who is waiting to be expelled?" This man... The man''s body tensed, his teeth grinding in frustration. Seeing the boy''s harmless appearance, the man''s heart was filled not only with resentment and anger, but also with a fear he didn''t want to admit. ... After a thorough confrontation, Ji Mu managed to get a reasonable hush money from the man. Watching the man''s embarrassed retreat, Ji Mu contentedly put his phone back in his pocket. Another fruitful day. "The class bell will ring soon. Let''s go back to the classroom or we''ll be late." Ji Mu called to the girl behind him and walked towards the classroom building. After only a few steps, however, he noticed that she was standing still. He turned and waved his hand in front of the girl''s face. "Stunned?" The waving hand brought Ruan Qingqing''s distracted eyes back into focus. She blinked in confusion and shook her head. "No, no." She clearly looked worried. "Is that so?" Ji Mu didn''t press further. "Then let''s go." Ruan Qingqing focused her gaze on the boy in front of her. She knew. He had already noticed. He was just silently accommodating her without saying anything. Realizing this, an inexplicable impulse rose from deep within her soul. She stopped and clasped her hands. "Ji, Ji Mu..." Ji Mu snapped his fingers, signaling the girl to come to her senses. "Beauty is not a sin, but jealousy is." "Some people envy your beauty, while others covet you." "All these reasons combined lead them to make negative comments and slander you, hoping to drag you into the abyss with such malicious behavior." Meeting her gaze, he said slowly. "Just be yourself, you haven''t done anything wrong." Ruan Qingqing stood stunned. The boy stood with his back to the sunlight, his expression calm and natural, as if he could always bring an indescribable sense of reassurance to others. Her initially wandering attention was drawn to the first part of his words. Beauty... Was Ji Mu... complimenting her? As this thought suddenly popped into her mind, her ears began to burn a moment later. Her heart pounded wildly and the blood rushed to her limbs. Faintly, she could hear the sound of gurgling water. This... this feels so strange. She had been complimented on her looks before, but no one had ever made her feel as intensely shy as this boy. Am I... sick? "Still daydreaming? Have you figured it out yet?" The boy''s lazy voice came from above her. Ruan Qingqing averted her eyes, not daring to look at his face at that moment. She could only respond with a soft "Mm," barely audible like a mosquito. "This is good." The carefree Ji Mu didn''t pay much attention to the girl''s changes, assuming that she was still deep in thought. "Let''s go back to class. The bell has rung three times already; we''re definitely late this time." "I... I won''t do that again." "It doesn''t matter, just be careful." Halfway down the road, Ji Mu remembered the important thing. "By the way, don''t forget the reward." "Okay." Only after the heat on her face subsided did Ruan Qingqing raise her beautiful eyes. Even if Ji Mu didn''t mention it, she wouldn''t forget. "What does Ji Mu want?" Ji Mu thought for a moment. "Just like yesterday, buy me a bottle of oolong tea." After eating so many buns this morning, he felt a bit choked. "But this time a small bottle will do." "Huh?" "Why are you surprised? I''ve already lowered my demands." Ji Mu turned around to look at her. "Don''t think about skipping out or delaying payment, it''s not allowed!" The boy''s cautious tone successfully made Ruan Qingqing laugh. Her fox-like eyes, as vivid as glass, exuded a charm that contrasted with her pure appearance. Her eyes curved, filled with a gentle smile. "I won''t." Chapter 14 - As Steady As Ever [Host, host, great news!!] During the break, Ji Mu, who was sitting at his desk, wanted to relax. The system suddenly jumped out, full of excitement. [Do you know how much Ruan Qingqing''s aversion to men has decreased in just one morning?!] Ji Mu leisurely twirled his pen. "Don''t keep me in suspense, just tell me." [It dropped by a full ten points!!!] In just two days, it had dropped from -75 to -58. As expected from the host it chose, truly impressive! The system was overjoyed. At this rate, it wouldn''t be long before the aversion to the female protagonist of the first book was completely erased. Steady progress. [Host, we''ve taken another big step towards saving the world] Ji Mu was also quite surprised. He had only helped the girl get rid of the greasy principal and given her some advice. He hadn''t expected the aversion value to drop so much. An unexpected gain. [After these two days of interaction, I can even feel that Ruan Qingqing''s attitude towards you has become more familiar.] The system put its hands on its hips and began to take credit. [Right now, she definitely sees you as a friend, so the good friend strategy is definitely working]. "Indeed." To be fair, even though the system seemed stupid most of the time and had woefully low emotional intelligence, it didn''t drop the ball at critical moments. Ji Mu rarely agreed.@@@@ "In terms of artificial intelligence, you''re still quite excellent." [Hmph!] The system raised its chin, looking extremely proud. Not satisfied with that, it wanted the boy to praise it even more, when suddenly, the voice of the subsystem echoed in its mind. ¡¼Main system, there is a message to report.¡½ [A message?] Hearing that there was something important, it temporarily put aside its chat with the host and turned back to the system room. [What happened?] ¡¼Even though Ruan Qingqing''s aversion to men has decreased, her hidden darkness value has increased significantly.¡½ Hidden Darkness Value? [What is that?] The subsystem explained in a distant voice. ¡¼When the hidden darkness value reaches its peak, the character will be prone to darkness, obsession, and madness. In addition, physiological cravings will also increase.¡½ [Uh...] Obsessive? Strong physiological desires? Isn''t that basically a combination of a yandere and a nymphomaniac? [Sounds pretty scary. So, does this affect the mission?] ¡¼Based on current analysis, it has no effect.¡½ No impact? Then why mention it? The system immediately felt relieved. After all, by the time Ruan Qingqing truly went dark, her aversion to men would probably be gone, and the host would have become her close friend. Besides, as a basically kind-hearted heroine, no matter how crazy she became, she wouldn''t harm her best friend, right? The system pondered for a moment and decided that this logic was flawless. It waved its little hand. [No need to worry.] "Isn''t that right, Junior Ruan?" She ignored their seemingly joking but thoughtless remarks. Ruan Qingqing lowered her head and silently ate the food on her plate. Fu Rongjing was one year older than her. In the past, when she had been bullied by other girls, he had appeared to help her. She always remembered his kindness in her heart. But since then, he often appeared around her. He intervened in various aspects of her life in a way that seemed gentle on the surface, but was actually forceful. For example, he helped with cleaning, delivered her homework, bought extra water during gym class, and so on. Ruan Qingqing had clearly refused before, but it was always brushed off with a casual "I''m just helping out". "Alright, alright, stop joking around." Fu Rongjing''s helpless voice pulled her out of her thoughts. "Can''t you see that Ruan Ruan is unhappy?" On the surface, he seemed to be speaking on her behalf, but the indulgent tone was deliberately suggestive. Ruan Qingqing lowered her eyelids. Her long, thick eyelashes hid her emotions. Here it was again. Forced to endure his "special treatment". Yet Fu Rongjing himself seemed completely unaware. This boundless attention often led others to privately speculate that they were together. Some even went so far as to say that she was deliberately stringing Fu Rongjing along. No matter how hard she tried to explain, her classmates took it as a sign of guilt. She had tried to make it clear to Fu Rongjing that he should keep an appropriate distance from her. But he would just look upset and say that the innocent have nothing to fear. Finally... Fu Rongjing remained the gentle and elegant heartthrob of the campus. On the other hand, she became the target of bullying and hostility from more and more girls who admired Fu Rongjing, all because of the swirling rumors. The inability to change the situation gradually wore her down. Like a patient with a chronic illness, she could only watch as she sank deeper into the suffocating swamp. "What are you thinking about, Ruan Ruan? Why aren''t you eating?" Fu Rongjing''s voice, which he thought was considerate, came from next to her again. "No matter how many worries you have, you must remember to eat. Otherwise, if your stomach gets upset and you develop gastritis, what will you do?" Ruan Qingqing shook her head and did not answer. She maintained her original posture and silently ate her food in small bites. Fu Rongjing didn''t think much of it. After all, in the past, the girl often seemed so quiet and easy to bully. He smiled. Lowering his voice to make it sound as magnetic and charming as possible, he said, "I ordered a little too much today. I can''t finish it all by myself. Ruan Ruan, help me with some of it." As he spoke, he picked up a piece of meat and placed it on her plate. But in the next second, the hand holding the meat stopped abruptly in midair. The girl in front of him moved her tray aside. "No need." Ruan Qingqing raised her eyes. Those bright, clear fox-like eyes were no longer as cautious as before. Remembering what the boy had told her in the morning, she unconsciously tightened her grip on the metal edge of the tray. There was a hint of firmness in her sweet, soft voice. "I don''t want to eat it and I don''t like it." Chapter 15 - How Can You Make Me Lychee! The girl''s refusal made Fu Rongjing''s gentle expression stiffen. This reaction was unprecedented and unexpected for him. "How can you not want to eat? This piece of chicken is really tasty." He suppressed his displeasure for the moment and continued in a tone of feigned indulgence. "Don''t throw a tantrum. Eat more meat so you can grow taller. The dishes you ordered have no nutritional value whatsoever." "Yes, yes, Junior Sister Ruan, look at the dishes you ordered. They look like pig slop, so shabby." Seeing this, the companions around them began to cajole and persuade. "Just take it if Old Fu gives it to you, don''t be shy.¡± "Eat more so that you have the strength. Otherwise, even carrying those two big bombs on your chest will feel heavy." "Hey, watch what you''re saying. Can''t you see that Old Fu is sitting right here?" "Haha, sorry, my mistake, I''ll shut up." They were joking around, thinking their comments were harmless. It was as if they were teasing a new and amusing toy. Their unclean glances fell on them as if they were appraising merchandise. Disgusting and filthy. She took a deep breath, put the tray down and stood up abruptly. "I''ve already said, I don''t want to eat it and I don''t like it." Under the astonished gaze of everyone, Ruan Qingqing replied word by word. "I take care of my own health. Even if I only eat vegetables, it has nothing to do with you seniors." Her voice remained as soft as ever, but it no longer carried the same hint of timidness. The group of people who had just been laughing fell silent in an instant. It wasn''t so much because of the girl''s sudden change, but rather because she had been so openly disrespectful that they felt utterly embarrassed. She was just a lowly commoner, yet here she was, acting so high and mighty. It was like a prostitute putting up a facade of dignity. When Fu Rongjing got tired of her, there would definitely come a day when he''d get bored and discard her, treating her like a mere toy, just like her big chest. Fu Rongjing''s expression darkened as well. He had confidently bragged to his brothers that the young girl was almost fully trained, but now this happened. How would others view him in the future? "Ruan Ruan." He forced himself to smile at the girl. But there was no trace of warmth in his eyes. "Be good, don''t..." Bang! A sudden loud noise easily drowned out his deliberately lowered voice. The surrounding students who were eating were attracted by the commotion. They all fell silent and turned their heads to the source of the sound. "Xu Junda, right? You are clearly Ji Mu himself!" A stocky man, nearly two meters tall, pressed his palms against the table. He glared at the boy who was calmly eating his meal in front of him. The few lackeys surrounding him were also stocky and exuded an intimidating aura. "You really have a death wish, daring to mess with me yesterday." If that woman, Chu Yashi, hadn''t reminded him this morning, he wouldn''t have known that he had been tricked. The more the burly man thought about it, the angrier he became, almost bursting with rage. It was the first time in his life that someone had made a fool of him, and he couldn''t stay rational. "Damn it, you should ask around about my reputation as the Crazy Bear!" Standing not far away, Ruan Qingqing''s eyes widened in shock as she recognized the person confronting the burly man. Classmate Ji Mu! "Why is Crazy Bear here? What is that bully doing?" "What else? Looking for trouble, obviously." "I heard he beat a civilian student until he was unconscious a few days ago." "Tsk tsk, whoever he targets is in for a rough time." Hearing these comments, Ruan Qingqing''s face gradually turned pale. No, Ji Mu can''t be in trouble! Almost instinctively, without thinking, she started to rush towards the boy. "Ruan Ruan, don''t go over there." Fu Rongjing blocked her path. "It''s dangerous." "Move aside." Ruan Qingqing''s hands were clenched tightly at her sides. Her fingers turned white from the power. "I have to help Ji Mu!" Even though she knew it would be futile, she could at least buy the boy some time until the teacher arrived... The burly man''s face contorted in pain. Slap! Before he could react, the other side of his face received another solid slap. Unlike a few seconds ago, this slap was incredibly powerful. It felt like being hit by a raging bull. The immense force caused him to spin 360 degrees in the air before falling face first to the ground. "Cough cough." His stocky body twitched a few times, his expression a mask of agony. Pain. It hurt like hell. His head buzzed, not to mention his ability to stand. The whole process took less than ten seconds. It happened so fast that even the lackeys didn''t have time to react. The next moment, Ji Mu swung his right elbow at the chest of the lackey beside him. Bang! The swift elbow strike seemed to be possessed by a powerful force, sending the lackey flying backwards like an arrow and crashing into a slop bucket several meters away. A foul and disgusting mess washed over him. The lackey was dizzy and unable to get up, his mind blank with confusion. What the hell just happened? I was standing just a moment ago, how did I end up here? A few seconds passed. The remaining lackeys realized that something was wrong, but it was too late. Just as they were about to make a move, Ji Mu had already flashed in front of them. Slap! Slap! Slap! He raised his hand and slapped each of them. The 360-degree spin in the air was repeated. The level of professionalism exceeded that of the Filipino divers by tenfold. Afterwards, these lackeys ended up in the same state as their boss. Dizzy with the feeling that the world was spinning. With seven seconds left, Ji Mu turned around and straightened the tilted table. He even moved the nearby tables back to their original positions. The time limit for "Ancient Evil" had just expired. He pulled out his original chair, sat down, and took a leisurely sip of the hot soup that hadn''t spilled. His movements were smooth and seamless, like flowing water. The other people in the cafeteria were speechless, completely stunned by the scene they had just witnessed. Wow. He finished the fight and then sat back down to sip his hot soup. Elegant, so elegant. "Salt... salt..." A faint voice sounded from the floor. The burly man, having regained some strength, propped himself up on a chair and staggered to his feet. Seeing the other man recover from his dizziness so quickly, Ji Mu was not surprised. After all, he had only used less than thirty percent of his power. If he had used his full strength, these guys would have met their great-grandmothers in the next second. "Salt!" The burly man glared at him, his right cheek swollen like a pig''s head. His speech was slurred, temporarily preventing him from speaking clearly. "You think you can beat me and get away with it?" He spat out his threats incoherently. Though his appearance was somewhat comical, his burly physique still exuded an oppressive aura, and no one dared to laugh out loud. As he spoke, the burly man staggered to his feet. He seemed unwilling to accept defeat and wanted to fight again. The atmosphere became tense again. Ji Mu remained calm. He crossed his legs. The leisurely swinging motion hid his legs, which had begun to tremble with weakness. "Really, you''re not convinced?" Editor¡¯s note: I think the title is a play on words. ¡®Lychee¡¯ in chinese sounds similar to the hanyu pinyin of ¡®Reason¡¯. Chapter 16 - Verbal Battle with Scholars, Achievements Recorded The burly man glared at Ji Mu fiercely, but finally decided to back down. Although he was reckless, he wasn''t stupid. From the boy''s previous moves, it was clear that he was not someone the burly man could currently deal with. He looked inconspicuous and frail, but he turned out to be a skilled martial artist. Moreover, he was probably one of the legendary ancient martial artists. "Damn it." He cursed under his breath, gritting his teeth in frustration. Hunting geese all day, only to have one peck me in the eye. Even though he was an ancient martial artist, so what? He needed to regain his dignity! His cousin was an ancient martial artist as well. He didn''t believe that this four-eyed child could be stronger than his cousin! The lackeys who supported each other were on the verge of tears. Why didn''t you say that you were so powerful before? You acted so cowardly yesterday. They didn''t suspect anything and just thought that Ji Mu enjoyed playing the role of a pig to eat the tiger. ... In the cafeteria. Ji Mu continued to drink his tomato egg soup, maintaining his previous posture. In the midst of the noisy environment, he remained elegant and calm, his calm expression giving nothing away. Although his legs were shaking under the table as if he had Parkinson''s disease, the onlookers just assumed that the boss liked to shake his legs. [Host, I think I saw Ruan Qingqing. Should we go say hello?] The system that had been silent for a while hadn''t forgotten its main task. The host''s moves against those small fries were so cool right now. If he chatted with the female lead now, it might increase her liking and decrease her dislike. The system thought cheerfully. "No rush." Ji Mu replied calmly. "Let''s wait until my legs stop shaking." To avoid being noticed, he had divided the remaining half bowl of soup into dozens of sips. [Oh, okay.] After the brief commotion, the cafeteria returned to its usual order. However, most people''s eyes occasionally fell on Ji Mu. As they exchanged whispers, someone finally recognized the boy, as if their network delay had just caught up. "I think I know him. He''s Ji Mu, a transfer student from class 8, grade 1." "Oh, I remember now. Isn''t he the top student in the six-school joint exam that was in the news a few days ago?" "Top student? More like the crazy guy who chased away Chu Yashi with a poop-covered mop." "Wow, that guy is that impressive?!" The legend of the "Mop Warrior" continued to grow. Seeing them whispering, the system vaguely remembered this scene. In the previous life, the host was also quite famous in this school. However, the main reason was his extraordinary good looks. I remember that as soon as he transferred in, a group of wealthy young ladies followed him wildly. In the end, he even earned the title of "Scholar Hunk". Originally, he thought that the disguise of his ordinary glasses would make him blend in with the crowd in this life. Unexpectedly, he became famous again because of the "Mop Warrior" incident. [Fate is truly unpredictable.] The system sighed with a hint of wisdom. Meanwhile... Not far away, a pair of bloodshot eyes stared intently in that direction. Why, why, why! Fu Rongjing''s gentle face twisted for a moment, his eyes behind the transparent lenses cold and vicious. Realizing that her focus had drifted to strange places, Ruan Qingqing hastily took small steps back. In a soft voice with a slight nasal tone, she replied, "I-I''m fine." Ji Mu looked at her for a few seconds before straightening up. Why does it feel like this female lead is always daydreaming? "Ji Mu, don''t stand so close. Ruan Ruan might feel uncomfortable." Fu Rongjing, not wanting to be ignored, forcefully interjected. "After all, we''re all adults now, so we should respect boundaries." In this novel world, being 16 years old is considered adulthood. Although what he said made some sense, Ji Mu couldn''t care less about this guy. What is this idiot barking about? "Does your family sell water pipes? Piping up constantly." "You..." The boy''s simple retort made it impossible for Fu Rongjing to maintain his previously gentle and false facade. His face clearly showed signs of anger. Seeing this, one of his companions stepped forward to support him. "No way, no way. The top student of the six-school joint examination doesn''t even understand the concept of gender differences?" He said something sarcastic, his tone and expression making him look like he deserved a beating. Ji Mu was completely unaffected. After giving the other person a good look, he asked seriously, "What village''s dog are you, running around biting people? The mocking expression on Companion A''s face disappeared. Companion B, who couldn''t stand it, also chimed in provocatively, "Oh, what''s this? Are you getting angry?" Ji Mu replied lightly, "Who wouldn''t be angry after being bitten by a dog?" Companion B''s pockmarked face turned alternately green and white. "Hmph, as expected from a lowly commoner." Another companion, Companion C, followed with a cold sneer, "Your speech is so crude. Even if you won first place, it can''t hide the savage aura around you." "Is that so? And what are you using to define me, your dog''s mouth?" Ji Mu felt completely bored. "Since you look so ferocious, my QQ Farm is in need of a dog. Come work for me tomorrow." Companion C glared angrily. In just a few minutes of confrontation, the noble quartet not only failed to break through the enemy''s defenses. Instead, each of them was so enraged that their faces turned red on the spot. They were completely defeated. When Ruan Qingqing saw the young man skillfully dealing with the group''s taunts, she was stunned for a moment. It seemed that no matter what he did, he always maintained an air of composure. Even when he faced the school''s notorious bullies, he never seemed nervous. From the beginning, she had always been indifferent to the fights and brawls among the boys. She never understood what others found so "cool" about martial arts movies. But just now, her long-held perception was quietly changing. For in her eyes, the young man had always been a relaxed and lazy figure. Like a docile animal, without any aggression. But just recently, when he fought with the Crazy Bear, that nonchalant aura changed. It became sharp. It became dangerous. His swift and decisive movements were different from before, exuding coldness and strength at every turn. At that moment, everyone''s eyes were fixed on him. Ruan Qingqing was no exception. This wasn''t the simple and superficial "Suspension Bridge Effect" that people often talked about. She remembered how she had been stunned and lost her composure because of the young man. She couldn''t help but nervously stretch her slender, pale fingers to smooth the messy strands of hair at her ear. An indescribable feeling of shame washed over her, and she had no choice but to keep this little secret to herself. He really was... very handsome. Chapter 17 - What Time Is It? Lets eat first! [Oh my God! Ruan Qingqing''s dislike for men has dropped another five points!] When the noble quartet left in disgrace, they could not stand the humiliation. After receiving the information about Ruan Qingqing''s attitude change, the system quickly reported the good news. [Awesome skills! Dropping 15 points in a single day is insane. Even a grand sorcerer can¡¯t fast-forward through a movie that quickly.] It spun around excitedly in the air. His excitement was like a small dog being chased by the pet shop owner and suddenly falling into a pit. "Another five points down?" His gaze quickly shifted to the silent girl beside him. Ji Mu couldn''t help but feel confused. "I didn''t do anything, so why did her dislike value drop?" [Tsk, you don''t get it, do you?] A wise gleam flashed in the system''s eyes. It began to explain to the confused host. [Everyone wants a strong friend, and Ruan Qingqing saw you beat those burly guys to a pulp. She must feel incredibly secure now.] [With a sense of security, your friendship will naturally grow.] [As your friendship improves, her negative feelings towards men will naturally diminish]. "I see."@@@@ After the system''s thorough and logical explanation, Ji Mu finally understood. "I didn''t expect it to be so profound." [Tsk tsk, such simple and obvious reasoning is just basic knowledge. Host, you''re still too inexperienced.] The system puffed up with pride, feeling a strange sense of superiority in emotional intelligence. [Learn more from me, otherwise how will you become the heroine''s close friend in the future?] Ji Mu ignored it.dulhe raja He treated all those boastful words as nothing but hot air. The conversation ended quickly. He looked at the girl next to him and saw that she was once again lost in thought. Feeling a bit annoyed, he snapped his fingers, "Wake up." Ruan Qingqing snapped out of her daze and looked up. "Classmate Ji, Ji Mu..." "You daydream so many times a day, I might as well call you ''Silly Goose'' from now on." "Uh..." The girl blushed and muttered softly, "It''s not as exaggerated as you say." Ji Mu didn''t comment. His gaze shifted to the girl''s lunch tray and he raised an eyebrow. "Is this all you have for lunch?" Ruan Qingqing was slightly taken aback and followed his gaze to her tray. It was filled with nothing but vegetables, not a trace of meat in sight. Simple and meager. Just looking at it was enough to kill any appetite. She pulled her sleeves over her ankles and said hesitantly, "I... don''t have much of an appetite." As soon as the words left her mouth, she looked away awkwardly. Even she was confused as to why she instinctively told this lie. After all, she could usually take others'' scorn and ridicule in stride. "No appetite?" Ji Mu thought for a moment before asking, "Can you eat all these vegetables by yourself?" Ji Mu shrugged. If you don''t mind, why should I? She really is quite introverted. "Thank you, Boss Ruan, for the food. You''re very generous." He clasped his hands in a sincere gesture. "May Boss Ruan rise step by step, have a surplus year after year, get better and better grades, and become richer and richer." "N-no way." The young man''s exaggerated behavior made Ruan Qingqing give him a playful look. "Don''t tease me." There was a hint of shyness in her soft voice. Her beautiful eyes lifted slightly, and the flow of her gaze revealed a charm that contrasted with her pure appearance. Ji Mu couldn''t help but feel dazed for a moment. It wasn''t her beauty that stunned him, but rather the regret that he didn''t have his phone to capture this moment. If she became famous in the future, he could definitely sell this photo for a fortune. Compared to his regret, the floating system was already stunned, reacting almost like a normal human. Its eyes were dazed, almost drooling. Seeing this pig-like expression, Ji Mu secretly despised it. Was this an artificial intelligence? No self-control at all. Of course, he retracted his gaze. "Then I''ll get some rice and soup first." The white rice and soup in the school cafeteria were free, so this meal wouldn''t cost a penny. How delightful. [Host, did you notice the heroine''s embarrassment and deliberately act this way to help her conceal her self-esteem?] Noticing the fluctuations in the girl''s emotions, the system admired his high emotional intelligence. [I didn''t know you were so good at that.] "?" Ji Mu looked confused, "No, I just wanted to get a free meal." [...] Dude, you''re really not picky about food! Realizing it had thought too much, the system coughed awkwardly and tried to change the subject to cover its embarrassment. [The restaurants outside don''t require recharging the meal card, which is much more convenient.] Ji Mu didn''t tease it about its mistake. After all, when it came to the main tasks, this little pervert had indeed provided many practical and reliable ideas, so he had to give it some face. "Going back and forth is too much trouble." He replied lazily, following the system''s theme. "At this time, the chances of getting caught by the patrolling teachers while climbing over the wall are high, not worth it.¡± [Emm..] "Besides..." Ji Mu paused, a gleam of opportunism flashing in his eyes. "If I can get a free meal, why would I climb over the wall and spend unnecessary money outside? Why not take advantage of such a rare opportunity?" [Uh..] "By the way, I think there are some cheap side dishes in the cafeteria. Maybe I can ask the cafeteria lady for some. After all, not many people are eating right now." Listening to his quiet planning, the system was speechless. If you''re so stingy, why don''t you use the paper from the trash can when you go to the bathroom? Chapter 18 - Normal "Friendship" The setting sun painted the sky a rosy hue, its brilliant colors peeking through the clouds. The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Students filed out of the school gates in groups of three or five. Amid the honking of cars, the lively crowd quickly filled the street. Street vendors set up their stalls and shouted loudly, adding to the lively atmosphere. As Ji Mu watched others walk away in pairs, chatting and laughing, she sighed silently. Everyone else can happily go home to their families. But here I am, stuck listening to the teacher''s long-winded lecture. This is so annoying, I just want to go home and play games. "Ji Mu, I called you here because there''s something I need to tell you.¡± The homeroom teacher''s voice rang out from the office. "The college entrance exams are approaching, and as the freshman representative, you will be giving a speech to the seniors in two months." "A speech?" Ji Mu''s attention shifted from the window as he pointed at himself, "Me?" "Yes." Sitting in her office chair, the teacher took a sip of tea to moisten her throat before continuing. "At that time, various leaders from the city and the education bureau will also be present." "Ah, that..." "Take care of your appearance. It would be best to spruce yourself up a bit." Her gaze shifted to the boy''s seemingly ordinary face. After a moment of thought, the teacher made a more tactful suggestion. "You could take off your glasses. If you can''t see clearly, you could wear contact lenses." She had seen his true appearance without glasses in his student file. How to describe it... ²»ÄÜ˵²»ºÃ¿´°É,Ö»ÄÜ˵˧µÄ¾ªÎªÌìÈË¡£ ÆäËûµÄ²»Ì¸,¾Í¹âÍùÄÇÒ»Õ¾,ÔÙ¼ÓÉÏ¿°³ÆÑýÄõµÄѧϰ³É¼¨,Í×Í×µÄÈȶÈÊÕ¸î»ú¡£ ÕâÖÖÄѵÃÔÚÆäËûԺУÃæÇ°Ï԰ڵĻú»á,ÓñÀ¼¸ßУ¿É²»»á°×°×·Å¹ý¡£ ¡°Õâ...¡± ¼¾ãå²¢²»Çå³þ°àÖ÷ÈεÄСÐÄ˼,ÔÚÌý¼ûµ½Ê±ÒªÔÚÄÇô¶àÈËÃæÇ°ÕªÏÂÑÛ¾µ,ËûÄÚÐÄÒ»Íò¸ö²»ÇéÔ¸¡£ ¡°ÀÏʦ,ÎÒ¾õµÃÕªÑÛ¾µÒ².....¡± ¡°Ð£³¤ËµÁË,Ñݽ²·¢»ÓµÄºÃÁË,ÓÐÊ®ÍòÔªµ½¶þÊ®ÍòÔª²»µÈµÄÐÁ¿à·Ñµ±×ö½±Àø¡£¡± He wasn''t unattractive; in fact, he was stunningly handsome. Not to mention, just standing there with his exceptional academic performance made him a magnet for attention. Yulan High School wouldn''t miss this rare opportunity to show off in front of other schools. "This..." Ji Mu was unaware of the homeroom teacher''s intentions. When he heard that he would have to take off his glasses in front of so many people, he was extremely reluctant. "Teacher, I think taking off my glasses is..." The homeroom teacher suddenly added, "The principal said that if you do well in the speech, there will be a bonus of 100,000 to 200,000 yuan." Ji Mu''s tone changed abruptly, "Well... it''s not impossible." The homeroom teacher looked at him with a faint smile, "So you agree?" "Of course." Ji Mu puffed out his chest and made a grand declaration. "In order to contribute to our beautiful campus, it is our duty to do so without hesitation." Hearing this familiar line, the system sitting on his shoulder couldn''t help but roll its eyes. Money really does change people fast. ... After leaving the office, Ji Mu walked back to the classroom in a good mood. Getting a huge amount of money for free, this is awesome! [Host, don''t forget that if you take off your glasses, your days ahead will definitely not be peaceful.] The system couldn''t stand his delighted expression and couldn''t help but add fuel to the fire. [In your previous life, you were constantly harassed by a large group of girls. That life was so (enviably) miserable.] "What''s there to be afraid of? Anyway, I''ll leave by the end of next semester at the latest." It''s just being bullied for a while; I can handle it. [What?] The orange-red sunset spread across the sky above the campus like the wings of a cicada. The shadows of the roof railing next door were reflected in the quiet corridor. Ruan Qingqing held her backpack in front of her with both hands as she walked step by step beside the boy. In the refracted light of the setting sun, their shadows gradually overlapped. No matter how much she warned herself, her gaze kept drifting to him uncontrollably. Her mind began to wander. The boy''s skin was very light, a cool white. Unlike other boys, who often had the lingering smell of dried sweat, he exuded a faint scent of soap. His lips were also very attractive. The shape was well defined, as if created by a meticulous artist. Just one look and you could tell that kissing those lips would feel... No, that''s not right! What am I even thinking... "Classmate Ruan? Hey, silly goose!" A sudden loud voice ripped her out of her thoughts. Startled, Ruan Qingqing''s body trembled as if her embarrassing thoughts had been caught. She nervously avoided his gaze, muttering, "I''m here." "What were you thinking?" Ji Mu''s curiosity was piqued by her strange reaction. "You look like you''re planning something." "N-No..." His question only made Ruan Qingqing feel more guilty. Fortunately, he didn''t push any further and quickly changed the subject. "What do you want to add? The salesman is asking." "Huh?" Only then did Ruan Qingqing realize that they had gone to a stall selling jianbing (Chinese crepes). A lazy voice came from beside her, "I''ll treat you. Sweet sauce or salty sauce?" She instinctively raised her hand to refuse. "No need, how could I..." "You treated me to lunch earlier." Her refusal was interrupted and he gave her a reason she couldn''t argue with. "Now we''re even." Hearing this, Ruan Qingqing had no choice but to focus on the stall in front of her. She hesitated for a few seconds before shyly pointing at some vegetables. She didn''t dare to add anything else. Lettuce, shredded potatoes, cucumber strips, tofu skin... Ji Mu frowned. "Is that all?" "This is enough." Ruan Qingqing slowly shifted her gaze back and replied softly, "Adding more isn''t cheap, and... eating too much isn''t good for my weight." "Why do you think that?" Ji Mu looked her up and down in surprise. "Worrying about weight is pretty disrespectful to food, you know." "Huh?" "Never mind, I''ll add some more for you." Hearing the boy''s words, Ruan Qingqing quickly grabbed the hem of his shirt. Before she could say, "There''s really no need," he spoke up. "Any dietary restrictions?" "Just don''t add any mushrooms." Ruan Qingqing''s face turned red with embarrassment as she slowly let go of his shirt. "I''m allergic to them." How strange... Even though he''s so confident, I don''t find it annoying at all. I really... I don''t understand myself anymore. Chapter 19 - Famous Overnight Time flies and in the blink of an eye, two weeks have passed. Lazily slumped on the desk, Ji Mu watched with disinterest the dramatic scene outside the window, where two sparrows were fiercely competing for a mate. Seeing the boy''s prolonged inactivity, the system couldn''t help but feel a sense of urgency. [You''ve been lying around all morning again today.] Currently, the heroine''s affection level for men is stuck at -53.@@@@ The progress of the mission has slowed down drastically compared to the first two days. "Push for what? It''s only been a short time." Feeling a bit sleepy, Ji Mu stifled a yawn. "As long as we finish the mission before the first semester of the second year, it''s okay." It''s true that the emperor isn''t worried, but the eunuch is. [It''s true, but that doesn''t mean you can slack off like that.] The system replied, unwilling to back down. [But it''s not that you don''t care.] "Speak with evidence. Where did I slack off?" Ji Mu chuckled and asked methodically, "Did I not get along well with the task target these days?" Instead of just getting along, the two of them were practically inseparable at school. Except for going to the bathroom and when the teacher needed him, the girl would silently follow him wherever he went. Like a little tail. [Well...] the system hesitated. To be fair, it did. [Then why didn''t Prajna Instrument show any reaction?] "Come on, nothing happens overnight." The feelings were the same. "Getting Ruan Qingqing to fully accept me and not dislike men isn''t something that can be achieved in a day or two. It requires gradual cultivation and accumulation." [I know that, but there must be a limit to nurturing.] Prajna Instrument remained unresponsive, and the mood of the system was genuinely uneasy. [I can''t say that by the end of this semester, there will be no change.] "See, you''re getting anxious again," Ji Muyou said calmly. "When the time comes, things will naturally fall into place. Often, the more you rush to achieve something, the more likely you are to get the opposite result." Based on his assessment, his relationship with the girl had progressed from mere acquaintances to ordinary friends at most. Many things couldn''t be rushed. [Alright.] Unable to come up with any new ideas after much deliberation, the system had to give up. [You''re the host, you have the final say.] "As long as you understand," Ji Mu said with satisfaction. The sunlight outside was just right, falling on him comfortably. He half-closed his eyes, planning to take a light nap to refresh himself. It was still a long time before the lesson ended anyway. Might as well take a nap first. ________________________________________ "Classmate Ji Mu, Classmate Ji Mu." In his dream, Ji Mu felt someone gently nudging his arm. A soft voice kept calling in his ear. "Wake up." A rich scent filled his nose, and warm breath brushed against his face, tickling him slightly. His nostrils twitched slightly as he slowly opened his eyes. A delicate, dainty face filled his entire vision. "Silly goose?" Pressing a hand to his temple to relieve the drowsiness, Ji Mu sat up, his voice still groggy from sleep. "Is class over?" When she heard the term "silly goose," Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks flushed again. It wasn''t that she didn''t like being called that, it just made her feel a bit shy. "Class ended a minute ago. I saw you were still sleeping, so I thought I''d wake you up." "Thank you." Expressing his gratitude for the girl''s kindness, Ji Mu stretched lazily. "What''s the next class?" "P.E." After spending so much time with him, Ruan Qingqing had come to understand his personality a bit. After answering obediently, she added a reminder. "The PE teacher isn''t sick today." "Oh?" Ji Mu was slightly surprised. "Wait a moment." He looked at the message on his screen and sighed. "The teacher called me out of the blue. You rest here for a while." Everyone could hear the reluctance in his voice. Ruan Qingqing smiled softly and waved her hand gently. "Come back soon." "Mm." As she watched him leave the field, the smile in her eyes faded. Absent-mindedly, she walked over to the grassy area under the crooked tree and sat down. Ruan Qingqing rested her chin on her hands and stared blankly ahead. It seemed that with his departure, a piece of her heart was also missing. She felt an emptiness inside. The unknown always brings fear. She wasn''t sure if this change was good or bad... She didn''t know how much time had passed. Just as Ruan Qingqing was feeling confused about this change, several shadows slowly covered her from above. She slowly looked up, and when she saw the faces of the newcomers, her heart instinctively tightened. Why is it... "Hey, are you daydreaming?" Chu Yashi showed a malicious smile, looking over with evil intentions. "Bitch!" ... "I didn''t expect the six-school joint exam to be held again after only a month." As he left the office, Ji Mu shook his head helplessly, remembering the news he had heard from the teacher. It feels like a competition. To prove which school is better, these leaders really have too much free time. "I don''t understand why Ruan Qingqing noticed that four-eyed guy. He''s not even as good-looking as me." "Give me a break. If you have the guts, you should try to get the top spot as well." "Tch, it''s just good grades." Huh? Is someone talking about me? Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed a few unfamiliar faces sitting on a bench by the field, chatting. Curious, Ji Mu leaned forward to listen. The group of people didn''t notice his arrival and continued their passionate discussion. "But you know, Ruan Qingqing really admires strength." "What do you mean?" "Wasn''t she always ambiguous with Fu Rongjing before? Now there''s a top student and she''s following him around." "That''s like a bird choosing a good tree to sit on. You don''t understand." "But to be honest, her figure is really great. When she was running earlier, her chest was bouncing so much, it made me excited." "Let''s ask the top student later how it feels to be with the commoner school beauty." "Hehe..." ? The more Ji Mu listened, the more absurd it sounded. Seeing them getting more and more agitated, Ji Mu silently approached from behind and spoke in a low voice. "Those who can criticize me to my face will be rewarded greatly, those who submit written advice will be rewarded moderately, and those who criticize me in the marketplace and are heard by me will be rewarded slightly." The sudden voice startled the group. "What the hell?!" Ji Mu asked: "It''s from ''Zou Ji Advises the King of Qi to Accept Criticism''. Didn''t you learn that in middle school Chinese?" They looked at each other and were about to answer when the boy continued to speak. "So are you offering high advice, medium advice, or... low advice?" The group''s faces turned sour; the blatant insult was impossible to miss. However, they couldn''t retaliate because their gossip had been overheard by the subject. No matter how they argued, they were wrong. Remembering the boy''s terrifying strength, the group of cowards fell silent and scattered like birds and animals. Ji Mu didn''t bother to go after them. It didn''t matter anyway. Even if he taught those people a lesson, there would still be others who would spread rumors. Tsk. Who would have thought that my uneventful life would be so full of gossip? [Host, host, something terrible has happened!] While he was lost in thought, the system appeared from the system room, looking worried. [The alarm system flashed red. Ruan Qingqing is in danger!] Chapter 20 - Fighting Violence with Violence Smack! The loud sound echoed through the cramped, shabby women''s restroom. Dappled shadows from the trees outside filtered through the blinds, casting patterns on the dirt-covered tiled walls. The girl stood silently in a dirty corner, clutching her cheek. "Ruan Qingqing, do you really think that just because you follow that four-eyed nerd around all day, no one will dare touch you?" Chu Yashi''s lips curled into a cold smile. "Didn''t I tell you? If I catch you spying on the school heartthrob again, next time it won''t be just a slap." The young girl kept her head down, her expression unreadable, and remained silent. Chu Yashi frowned, a flash of displeasure in her eyes. With a sullen face, she stepped forward and grabbed the girl''s hair, pulling it up forcefully, forcing her to raise her head. The girl''s hair was disheveled, and her face turned pale from the violent tugging. "Heh." Seeing her pained expression, a hint of pleasure appeared on Chu Yashi''s face. "In front of men is not very good at talking, why are you acting mute now, is it possible that your mouth is only used to lick men''s ***, hmmm?!" Her words were dirty and insulting, and after she finished, she slapped her face hard again. The girl let out a muffled groan, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. Chu Yashi showed no mercy, grabbing the girl''s hair and pushing her to the ground. "First you seduce the heartthrob, then you go after Four-Eyes. Is scheming and clinging to men all you know how to do?" Looking at the girl kneeling on the ground, Chu Yashi''s eyes were filled with disgust. The words of contempt came out between her teeth. "Shameless. You''re nothing but a slut." She was actually pleased to see the girl getting involved with Four-Eyes. As long as this vixen didn''t cling to Fu Rongjing, did it mean that she had a chance? And what happened? After two weeks of trying, she finally managed to get the heartthrob to agree to a dinner date, only for him to tell her over the phone that he didn''t like girls who resort to violence. Chu Yashi''s heart sank at that moment. "Wouldn''t it be better to obediently follow Four-Eyes around as his sex slave? Why do you have to cause trouble?" If it weren''t for that bitch Ruan Qingqing, she would have been the heartthrob''s girlfriend by now. Damn it! "You just can''t see the good in people? Huh?" Chu Yashi''s eyes asked fiercely, her cheeks gradually showing a treacherous color. "Since you don''t want me to feel better, you don''t want to feel better either." She instructed the few people standing beside her. "Later, undress her and take some pictures so that the students in the school can appreciate how decent this common school girl''s body is." Her casual tone sounded flat, but the words she spoke were laced with malicious intent. "No..." Ruan Qingqing struggled to control her emotions, but her body still trembled slightly. "Please... no..." "No?" Chu Yashi snorted dismissively. "You have no say in this, you bitch!" After scolding her viciously and still feeling unsatisfied, she kicked the other girl again. "Disgusting! I can''t understand how any man could like a fake, pure bitch like you!" The girl curled up in the corner, her body racked with pain. She resembled an injured fox, helplessly licking her wounds and seeking solace in solitude. The sun''s rays were blocked by the dense foliage, robbing her of even the last bit of warmth. The baseless malice was like a biting cold wind, penetrating every part of her body. Biting her almost bloodless lip, she closed her eyes, her face pale as she endured the torment. Once again, just like before, she was forced to endure the pain of her bullies, even though she had done nothing wrong. "So cold, so painful..." She repeated these words to herself in silence, slowly and hopelessly. "Bang-" Suddenly, a loud and abrupt sound echoed through the air. The old, dilapidated wooden door of the toilet was violently slammed shut, crashing to the ground with a thud and sending a cloud of dust into the air. A powerful beam of light poured in, dispersing the darkness and cold in the room. A tall figure stood in the doorway, like a sturdy pine tree. "Cough, cough." Waving away the rising dust, Chu Yashi looked at the door. "Four-eyes?!" When they saw who had arrived, their eyes widened in disbelief. "Impossible, how did you know we were here?" This abandoned toilet was in a very secluded place; no one usually came here. How did he find it? Ji Mu ignored her shock. His gaze swept around the room, and when it landed on the girl huddled in the corner, he stepped on the fallen wooden door and entered the room. "You... gurgle gurgle gurgle gurgle." Chu Yashi: ??? I haven''t even said anything yet! "Sorry." Ji Mu released his grip, his tone genuinely apologetic. "I thought you wanted to continue drinking." "You!!! Chu Yashi''s hand shook as she pointed at him, her face a mixture of anger and disbelief. The air was filled with a pungent and unbearable stench. The thought of swallowing more than a mouthful of that disgusting water made her stomach churn violently. Her anger and frustration reached a boiling point, making her want to vomit and curse at the same time. A wave of pent-up rage blocked her chest and left her breathless. Finally, she rolled her eyes and fainted on the spot, overwhelmed by her own rage. Seeing her fall into a sleep that resembled that of an infant, the system couldn''t help but comment. [Young people really have it easy; they can fall asleep the moment they hit the ground]. Ji Mu''s expression remained calm and indifferent. He glanced sideways at the others. "Any of you want to stay and try?" The few girls who had been standing there frozen were jolted into action. They hurriedly dragged the unconscious Chu Yashi away and fled as fast as they could. Once they were all gone, Ji Mu turned his attention to the girl on the ground. Ruan Qingqing was kneeling, motionless, her expression blank as she looked at him. Her usually beautiful face was now pale and devoid of any color, her gaze unfocused, like a subtlety doll that had lost its soul. Ji Mu knelt down beside her. He didn''t say a word, just quietly raised his hand to brush away the cobwebs from her head. A heavy silence filled the air. After a long pause, her voice finally sounded, almost as if she was talking to herself. "Am I... a really annoying girl?" Ji Mu didn''t understand why she suddenly asked such a question. The girl continued, talking to herself in a low voice. "If I wasn''t annoying, they wouldn''t have thrown dead insects into my desk or torn up my homework and textbooks that I worked so hard on." "They wouldn''t have cut up my clothes on purpose and called me a beggar who lured men." "And they wouldn''t have pushed me around on purpose or poured cold water on me in the winter." Her voice was soft, and at the end a pale smile tugged at the corners of her lips, though her voice trembled slightly. "So... you think all this is... my own... fault..." The boy in front of her lowered his gaze silently and looked at her. He neither agreed with her self-blame nor said much to comfort her. "Does it hurt a lot?" This simple, gentle question made Ruan Qingqing''s nose tingle, and her vision gradually blurred with moisture. "No, it doesn''t hurt." Ji Mu smiled, a hint of helplessness in his expression. "Don''t lie at a time like this, even a child could see through it." Ruan Qingqing''s eyes grew hotter. Their playful concern made her emotions, which she had been holding back, suddenly burst forth. In an instant, all her grievances and bitterness flooded her heart. What should she do? She didn''t want to cry. But the tears wouldn''t stop. They fell, plop plop, one by one. It felt as if all the strength had been drained from her body at that moment. "I''m sorry, Ji Mu... I didn''t... I didn''t keep my promise to wait for you under the tree... They dragged me away... In the end, I still had to bother you... bother you to help me..." Her frail back bent and her forehead rested on his shoulder, tears wetting her eyes. "I''m sorry... I''m such a nuisance..." "I''ve caused you trouble again..." Tears slipped from the corners of her eyes with her intermittent sobs. The long years of repression had formed a meekness that made her blame herself all the time. "I''m sorry..." "Really... I''m so sorry..." The tears that filled her eyes blurred her vision, and at that moment a hand rested gently on her head. "It''s okay, silly goose." The boy''s voice echoed in her ear. His attempt to comfort her was a bit awkward, different from his usual lazy tone. "It''s okay." "Don''t cry." The warmth of her palm gently touched his hair, turning into tendrils that slowly crept down from his neck, along his spine, and finally to his chest. Beneath the uniform, his heart beat fiercely, like fireworks ignited under the night sky, exploding in a brilliant and magnificent display in the depths of his heart. The wounds, raw and deep, began to heal bit by bit. Time seemed to stretch endlessly. The sounds of the outside world gradually grew louder and clearer. Suddenly, Ruan Qingqing could hear the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves in the wind, the gradual calming of her own breathing, and the gentle words he spoke to her. "Ruan Qingqing, you have never been a girl who causes trouble." Chapter 21 - Call for backup, huh? He took the girl to the infirmary for a simple treatment. Perhaps due to her peculiar constitution, the ice pack had significantly reduced the swelling on her face by the time the lesson was almost over. [Host, Chu Yashi''s father is the principal of this school. Aren''t you afraid that she''ll take revenge after you humiliated her so badly?] the system on his shoulder pointed out the potential danger. Ji Mu wiped his fingers with the free disinfectant wipes from the infirmary. Since he had slapped Chu Yashi twice earlier, his hands were covered with various powders. He had to clean up properly. "I even beat up the dean, why should I be afraid of her?" If soldiers come, use generals to block them; if water comes, use earth to cover it. Since he had already insulted someone, he might as well insult them thoroughly. "If it really doesn''t work, I''ll switch schools with the heroine. We don''t have to stay here." The worst outcome wasn''t that bad, so there was nothing to be afraid of. Ji Mu had always been very clear about such things. The system was speechless. He really was the type to fight back if provoked. But if you think about it, when you are bullied at school, you have to take a tough stance and fight back to the end. Even if it was like hitting a stone with an egg, he had to make sure that the bully was covered in blood. Besides, the host himself was no easy target. The system clicked its tongue. It hoped that Chu Yashi wouldn''t be that stupid. ... In the afternoon. The bell for the third lesson had just rung. The teacher was about to start explaining today''s lesson when the homeroom teacher appeared at the door at an inopportune moment. "Ruan Qingqing, come to the office." The girl''s fingers hidden in her sleeves tightened slightly. Under the curious eyes of her classmates, she slowly stood up and walked out of the classroom. "Teacher, is something wrong?" "Did you have a conflict with students from another class this morning?" "Yes." Looking at the well-behaved girl in front of her, the teacher sighed softly. "Let''s go." She patted her shoulder, reassuring her gently. "It''s okay." Ruan Qingqing''s eyelids dropped slightly as she realized the impending storm. She instinctively looked back at the class. Seeing the boy''s face, her panicked heart began to calm. "Okay." ... Judging by the teacher''s demeanor, it seemed like Chu Yashi had brought her parents, the system speculated, feeling that it was probably right. It tugged at the boy''s ear. But why didn''t they call you, host? Ji Mu stopped twirling the pen. He knew that Chu Yashi would seek revenge at some point, but he hadn''t expected it to come so quickly. After roughly figuring out the reason, Ji Mu rubbed his temples. It seemed that he had to follow and check things out. With such an introverted personality, the girl was bound to suffer. Outside the door, the system that had just arrived and overheard their shameless conversation was utterly shocked. Wow, these people have once again redefined my understanding of shamelessness. With such villainous logic, anyone would feel inferior. Host, you must be careful. Ji Mu remained calm. "It doesn''t matter. I''ll take action." It''s all about being shameless and arguing irrationally. Let''s see who can be more disgusting! He pressed the door handle and pushed the door open. A creak. The sudden sound was out of place in the tense atmosphere and immediately drew everyone''s attention. "I can prove that Ruan Qingqing is not lying." Facing their instinctive glances, Ji Mu lazily leaned against the door frame and drawled. "Because the slap mark on Chu Yashi''s face was made by me." "Ji Mu?" The teacher frowned. She didn''t miss what he said and couldn''t help but feel another headache coming on. "What are you doing here?" Why was he causing trouble out of the blue? Ji Mu shrugged. "Nothing much, just trying to stop certain people from falsely accusing others." Oh no, why is he here! Seeing the boy suddenly appear, Chu Yashi''s face changed drastically, a strong sense of foreboding rising within her. The Dean''s expression was also unpleasant. That boy is definitely here to cause trouble again. I need to get rid of him fast. "Student, you can''t just walk around during class." Knowing the boy''s bold nature, the man feigned displeasure and tried to regain control of the situation. "Go back to your class right now." "Ji Mu?" The noblewoman''s eyes flickered when she heard the teacher address the boy. She seemed to remember something. "Isn''t he the one who ranked first in the recent six-school joint examination?" He doesn''t seem to have any background to speak of, just an ordinary commoner. She immediately relaxed and returned to her former arrogant attitude. "Even if he''s first, he has no right to protect a bully." After all, no matter how good his grades are, he''s still just a commoner. When he enters society in the future, won''t he still have to serve people like us? "Call their parents right away. I want to see what kind of parents would raise such an ill-mannered child." That familiar haughty tone... That''s not good! The memory of that humiliating incident flashed through the Dean''s mind, making his scalp tingle. "Ji Mu, wait..." He reached out to stop him, but it was obviously too late. "Tsk, I already said, the injury on Chu Yashi''s face was caused by me." The boy''s lazy voice rang out first. With his hands in his pockets, he walked over to the woman with an air of indifference. "Old woman, are you deaf?" The Dean''s vision went black and he almost fainted. Disaster! Chapter 22 - Respect the Elderly and Love the Young As everyone knows, in today''s society of skyrocketing prices, many young people find it difficult to live stable lives in expensive big cities on their meager salaries. Not to mention, most ordinary people spend their entire lives scrimping and saving just to be able to buy a house of their own. But at this moment, the noblewoman easily owned three houses. The left atrium, the right atrium. And her shattered defenses. "Old lady?!!!" The sudden increase in volume clearly indicated the noblewoman''s anger. "How dare you say that again!" The system on his shoulder was almost hurt by the roar, forcing him to cover his ears. [Damn, no wonder they''re mother and daughter. Their voices are loud enough to be human sonar.] It was so loud that it was almost deafening! Ji Mu, who bore the brunt of the outburst, took several steps back, feeling extremely uncomfortable. "Say it! Why aren''t you continuing?" The boy''s retreat was mistaken by the noblewoman as a sign of submission. Her face contorted with anger as she began to press aggressively. "Weren''t you quite arrogant just now?!" Admittedly, her overbearing stance even startled Ji Mu a bit. "Sorry, sorry." He apologized sincerely. "Could you please not shout at me? I''ve been afraid of dogs since I was a child." As he spoke, he continued with a look of lingering fear. "Especially old dogs." "You! What! Did! You! Say!!" The noblewoman''s eyes spit fire, turning red with anger in an instant. As a wealthy lady, she was used to being flattered everywhere she went. Now, to be openly insulted by a mere commoner was an outright provocation. "Ji Mu, do you think I can make it impossible for you to stay in Tianhua City?" Sensing that the noblewoman was truly angry, the dean quickly stepped forward to calm her down. "Ms. Chu, the young man is just being reckless and immature. Please don''t take it to heart." Although he was also angry with Ji Mu, he knew the importance of the upcoming six-school joint examination. Ji Mu was the face of Yulan High School, and nothing could happen to him at this critical time. He clearly understood the priorities. "Please calm down, Ms. Chu. You''re an adult, there''s no need to get angry with a child." He tried to calm her down while frantically signaling to Ji Mu. "Ji Mu, how could you be so rude to an elder? Apologize to Mrs. Chu right now." Apologize? Apologize to my foot! Ji Mu didn''t even acknowledge the two elders. Feeling that he had attracted enough attention, Ji Mu temporarily stopped arguing and turned to the task at hand. He carefully examined the girl from head to toe. No injuries. Emotionally stable. No tears. Good, it seemed like he had arrived just in time. "Classmate Ji Mu..." The Dean of Students was in agony. Damn it, you can''t win an argument yourself, so you drag me into it. This kid does whatever he wants, and he''s ruthless enough to hit me. How should I deal with him? He cursed inwardly but couldn''t show it. Just as he was struggling to find something to say to ease the awkward situation, the boy''s angry voice rang out again. "If no one gives you a way out, why not grab a chair yourself?" This remark felt like a stab to the noblewoman''s lungs, which immediately redirected her anger. "When the elders are speaking, do you think it''s your place to interrupt?" Her chest heaved violently as she felt the anger within her becoming harder and harder to suppress. "You look decent, but you have no manners at all. I really don''t understand why Yulan High School would let a vulgar person like you study there!" "Thank you, you look quite decent yourself," Ji Mu complimented her sincerely. "With your appearance alone, you could be the star of a horror movie without any makeup." The chain of rationality in the noblewoman''s mind snapped with a bang. "Are you looking for death? Are you crazy?" Her eyes almost spit fire and blood rushed to her head. It perfectly illustrated what it meant to be triggered a second time. Seeing the situation getting out of hand, the dean hurriedly stopped the noblewoman. "Madam Chu, please don''t be impulsive, don''t be impulsive!" Damn it, if it really comes to a fight, even ten of you won''t be able to stand up to him. Please don''t court death. I''m really too exhausted to deal with this right now. The dean was completely exhausted. In the past, this was a perfectly fine noble academy where he could do as he pleased. But ever since Ji Mu had moved in, his days had become more and more difficult. Why did they even let that troublemaker in? Damn it! Behind her, Chu Yashi wore a similarly confused and helpless expression. Weren''t we talking about the slap? Why did Mom suddenly start arguing with Four-Eyes? What exactly happened here? "Why are you stopping me? I have to teach that arrogant boy a lesson!" The noblewoman''s crow''s feet were visible from her anger. She was someone who took care of her appearance. To maintain her skin, she spent tens of thousands of dollars in beauty salons every year. Their age and appearance were their most sensitive points. But now, not only had they been touched, but they had been trampled upon ruthlessly. How could she remain calm? Rationality was thrown out the window in an instant. All she could think about was tearing that boy''s mouth apart! "Damned commoner! Throw him out immediately. I don''t want to see him at school tomorrow. Old Zhang, do you hear me?" Seriously? Do you even realize what outrageous things you''re saying? The dean suppressed his urge to retort, "Madam Chu, this is clearly against..." "Let''s see who dares!" Suddenly, a powerful voice echoed from outside the door. At the same time, the homeroom teacher standing in the corner sighed in relief, quietly exiting the text message screen on her phone and returning to the home screen. Finally, he''s here. Seeing the familiar figure, the Dean looked surprised. "Principal?!" Chapter 23 - At Yulan High, Actions Dont Need Proof "Principal?!" The head of discipline rushed forward, taking three steps in the time it normally took two. This man was as elusive as a dragon, rarely seen; every month, he spent only two or three days at the school. What had prompted him to visit the office today, and just when this particular problem had arisen? "Why are you here?" Remembering the principal''s fiery temper, he felt a sense of foreboding. "Just paying a visit." The deep, resonant voice rumbled from the man''s chest. The middle-aged man entered the office, his calm demeanor exuding an aura of authority that commanded respect without the need for anger. "What happened?" "It''s like this, Mrs. Chu..." The disciplinarian was about to explain, choosing his words carefully, when the sound of the wealthy woman''s crying suddenly came from behind him. "Principal, I need you to do something for me." She began her story with a pitiful tone, accusing before the facts were clear. "Not only was my child beaten by this person, but when I asked him to apologize, he started cursing at me. His attitude was terrible and arrogant, completely disregarding the rules of the school." As she spoke, the wealthy woman forced a few crocodile tears. The Chief of Discipline, who had witnessed the entire change in the wealthy woman''s demeanor, closed his mouth and silently stepped aside. Forget it, getting involved on either side would only bring trouble. He decided to stay out of this mess.@@@@ "Resorted to violence." The headmaster''s expression remained unchanged, his deep, piercing eyes showing no emotion. "Is that true?" "How could it not be! The slap on my daughter''s face was his, right before lunch. The bruise hasn''t even faded yet." The wealthy woman''s voice was filled with indignation, and her eyes filled with more tears. The wealthy woman abruptly pulled her daughter from her forgotten seat and pointed to the obvious mark on her face. "Principal, look at this. Is there still law? Is there still justice? A student, no matter how smart, shouldn''t be able to act recklessly just to get good grades." She pretended to wipe her eyes, her tone serious and sincere, making her words sound weighty. The principal responded with a noncommittal "hmm," acknowledging her words. "Did you hit Mrs. Chu''s daughter?" He turned to the young man, his face showing little change, but his tone was noticeably softer. "Yes, I did." Ji Mu admitted it outright, embodying the principle of taking responsibility for one''s own actions. The principal wasn''t surprised. After a moment of thought, he continued, "Why did you hit her?" Ji Mu coolly replied, "Because she was being a bitch.¡± This answer made the headmaster raise an eyebrow in surprise. After assessing the young man, he let out a light laugh. "I see." He then shifted his gaze to the wealthy woman, the smile fading from his face. "Why was your daughter such a bitch?" The wealthy woman was taken aback. After the short video ended, the office fell into a brief silence, with everyone wearing different expressions. Chu Yashi felt as if she had been struck by lightning, and cold sweat ran down her back. This was the scene from a few days ago when she had hired Crazy Bear to take revenge on the young man for the toilet brush incident. How could this be on Four Eyes'' phone! Ji Mu slowly put down his phone. This video was given to him by one of the henchmen under the big guy. Since the incident in the cafeteria where he bullied the young man, this punk had disappeared for a while, and no one knew where he had gone. Without their leader, the henchmen were afraid of being targeted and beaten, so they proactively approached Ji Mu to offer the video as a way to ensure their safety. "You''re pretty vicious for someone so young." After a few minutes of silence, the principal spoke slowly, breaking the awkwardness. His tone was calm, and the authority he had accumulated in his position over the years subtly conveyed a sense of strength. "Who''s right and who''s wrong here, I don''t need to explain, do I?" The noblewoman''s face grew pale, and a heavy shadow fell over her eyebrows. With the irrefutable evidence in front of her, any explanation would be useless. But to admit her mistake and stoop so low was incredibly annoying. She could tolerate the other nobles, but why should she admit defeat to a commoner? How could they deserve it? "Principal." The noblewoman took a deep breath, determined to make one last attempt. "Regarding the cooperation between the Chu Corporation and your school, I believe..." "I think you need to understand one thing." The principal''s voice cut through her words, firm and unyielding. The headmaster, of course, could not fail to hear the underlying implications in her words. He interrupted her coldly, his impatience evident in his tone. "It was your husband who asked to cooperate with me. It just so happens that Yulan High School was willing to give him that opportunity." He had no lack of money. The most important thing was to improve the reputation of the school he was leading. And Ji Mu was undoubtedly the most important piece of the puzzle. Anyone who tried to undermine the school''s reputation at this critical time, which would affect the exposure event in two months, would be seen as opposing him. The director turned to meet the woman''s gaze, his clear eyes flashing with a cold, threatening intent. "There are other companies in Tianhua City that want to work with me, understand?" The noblewoman''s body trembled, a chill running through her entire being. Under the intense pressure, she suddenly remembered what her husband had once mentioned about the director. The principal''s background was shrouded in mystery. He was rumored to be from a prominent family in the province, someone to be treated with great respect and never provoked. The Chu Corporation was only considered a middle-class noble family in Tianhua City, clearly not on the same level as the ancient, powerful families of the province. Fearing that she might have provoked a formidable entity, the noblewoman forced herself to suppress her resentment and lower her proud head. "I... understand." Chapter 24 - Friendship! "Mrs. Chu, it''s clear that your daughter was the first to make a mistake today, but considering that Ji Mu also hit her, we can consider it a truce." The principal spoke slowly, announcing his decision with a light touch. "Do you have any objections?" The question seemed to be asking for her opinion, but who would dare to say "no" at this moment? The noblewoman''s face turned grim as she reluctantly agreed. "No." The headmaster nodded slightly. Since the matter was settled, there was no need to waste any more words on unimportant details. His gaze fell on the boy standing there, yawning lazily, and the stern face of the headmaster broke into another smile. "How have your studies been lately?" Hearing the principal initiate the conversation, Ji Mu was somewhat taken aback. He straightened his posture and replied as usual, "It''s going well." The principal smiled, his voice soft and measured as he continued, "How confident are you about the upcoming inter-school exam?" "I''m confident, but not completely." When it came to exams, Ji Mu was always modest. "I should be able to beat the second place by about thirty to forty points or so," he added. "Damn, isn¡¯t that just being sure you¡¯ll take first place?" The head of the student affairs department, who had been lurking in the corner, nearly stumbled at the youth¡¯s words. So arrogant, and he still calls that not being very confident?! Even the principal couldn¡¯t help but be amused. "Good!" He was in a very good mood and reached out to pat the boy on the shoulder. "Just focus on your studies at school; you don¡¯t need to worry about anything else." In that short sentence, a lot of information was subtly conveyed. The wealthy woman felt dazed, her head throbbing with confusion. At that moment, she once again realized the weight the boy carried in the headmaster''s heart. The vengeful thoughts that had initially arisen from her resentment vanished in an instant. With the headmaster as a towering presence, any attempt to harm Ji Mu would be an invitation to death. The head of the student affairs department, who had served as a running commentary, was also shaken. As a seasoned veteran, how could he not understand the subtle message of the principal? After all, whether it was the second inter-school examination or the upcoming exposure ceremony, this young man was a crucial figure. If he doesn''t take good care of him, he''ll surely suffer the consequences. Damn it! The head of the student affairs department cursed inwardly. He was already annoyed with the brat''s class. Now he had to deal with another "Grandmaster." -- Friday. This was a special day for most students. If they could just grit their teeth and get through one more day, they would be rewarded with two full days of pleasant vacation. The orange twilight gave the classroom a warm glow. As the lesson drew to a close, many of the boys were already whispering about where they were going to have fun. The noise was low, but Ji Mu, sitting not far away, heard every word. When the word "Friday" reached his ears, he paused, momentarily distracted from his dual focus of playing cards with the system. It''s already weekend time again? Time really flies. Should I spend these two days playing games, watching anime, or reading novels in bed? Hmm, it''s a hard choice... [Host!!] Seeing that Ji Mu was hesitating, the system that was in the heat of the game urged him on. [What are you waiting for? Are you still playing or not?] Ji Mu replied absentmindedly. "I don''t want to, you play the card." [Oh.] The system didn''t think much of it, as it was only two cards away from winning. Determined to claim the title of Gambler King, this game was a must-win. [2!] "Silly goose, you don''t have to pay me every time." "Huh?" Ruan Qingqing''s delicate and beautiful features stiffened slightly. "What do you mean? Are you saying that the drinks I bring don''t suit your taste?" "That''s not what I mean." The pad of his finger traced the edge of the can, Ji Mu said lazily, "Don''t overthink it." "Then why is that?" The young man''s words were too abrupt. Of course, it was the rule he had set, but he suddenly broke it for no reason. Does this mean that one day in the future, the relationship between the two of them will suddenly become distant? A sudden wave of panic welled up in Ruan Qingqing¡¯s heart. ¡°Classmate Ji Mu, if you¡¯re upset because I bought a drink you don¡¯t like without asking, I promise I won¡¯t do it again.¡± She clutched her hands tightly, her usually soft and slow speech quickening slightly. ¡°You clearly said before that if someone wants help, they should offer a corresponding reward..." ¡°Stop.¡± Ji Mu raised a hand to halt her. He was unaware of the turmoil in the girl¡¯s mind. From his perspective, everything was straightforward. Since they were friends, it was only natural to help each other out; why bother with such petty calculations? "Actually, I said those things, but..." As he spoke, he leaned back in his chair, looking nonchalant. "I also said that I''m not willing to help others for nothing." Ruan Qingqing was taken aback. The carefree and radiant March sunlight filtered through the window grate. The young man looked over calmly, the warm glow of the sunset casting a rosy hue on his attractive thin lips. The next second, the words that reached her ears made her heart skip a beat. "But you''re different." The four words, lightly sketched, were like the first thunderclap of the vernal equinox, echoing against the surging waves that crashed against the rocks. The silence was shattered, never to return. Only Heaven knew how much faster her heart was beating, and how much effort it took to keep the tremor from showing on her face. Qingqing Ruan lowered her eyelashes and barely managed to keep her voice calm. "......All right, I understand." Under the backdrop of twilight, the edges of her ears had already turned a bright red. The girl''s unusual state was almost imperceptible, but the system in Ji Mu''s mind was in an uproar. [Holy shit, holy shit! Ruan Qingqing''s disgust for men had just dropped by ten points!] Seeing the change on the Banruo Instrument, the system did two backflips in excitement. [That''s amazing, host! I didn''t expect you to have that move!] His eyes beamed with enthusiasm. [By surprising her with a straightforward approach, you''ve effectively told the heroine that you two are no longer just ordinary classmates, but true friends.] It''s like when a classmate suddenly tells you that you''re the only one allowed to copy his homework, and no one else can even look at it. How could anyone resist such a special treat? The value of this friendship is bound to soar. [Who would have thought that the romantic formulas of TV dramas could be applied to building friendships? Brilliant! Truly brilliant!] Huh? Ji Mu was taken aback by the system''s effusive praise, and felt completely at a loss. He had only wanted to stop the girl from spending more money. At that time, he hadn''t thought much beyond that. "Tongtong." He let out a long sigh and corrected her. As a pragmatic person, it was important to recognize his own abilities. "Keep it down, I didn''t really want you to notice." [666] The system didn''t doubt him for a moment. It immediately began to shower him with praise. [No wonder you''re the top student in the six-school joint examination; your brain is really better than those low-emotion, straightforward guys.] After two weeks, the Prajna Instrument finally had another update! It wasn''t easy. [Host, you''re a genius!] Ji Mu lightly coughed and casually waved his hand. "All this is unnecessary. From now on, call me the God of Friendship." Chapter 25 - Little Tricks The evening glow dyed the western sky a deep red, cool breezes stirring the orange and pink clouds into lavish, silken patterns. In the blink of an eye, it was time to go home from school. Passing by various stalls, the air was thick with the enticing aroma of food. The vendors'' cries mixed with the setting sun, painting a picture of the city''s vibrant atmosphere just before dusk. "Boss, two *jianbing guozi." After browsing the street for a while, Ji Mu finally ended up at this snack stall. Also, just the fact that they are filling and plentiful makes them extremely cost effective. "Spam, pork loin, sausage, crispy intestines, and bacon."@@@@ He finally stopped, still somewhat reluctantly, after choosing five different meat options. "Make them both the same, but one without the cilantro and the other without the enoki mushrooms." "Sure thing." The vendor skillfully spread the dough on the iron griddle and began to prepare the jianbing guozi. Ji Mu stood off to the side, pulling out his phone to look up game guides to pass the time. While he waited, someone gently tugged at the hem of his shirt. His fingers paused on the screen and his gaze shifted to the girl, who was no taller than his chest. She looked up at him with pleading eyes, her small, delicate fingers fidgeting with each other. She clearly had something to say. "What''s wrong?" "Classmate Ji Mu..." Ruan Qingqing said quietly, "You don''t have to buy one for me." Ji Mu replied with a "Hm?" and casually slung her backpack over her shoulder. "Don''t you like it?" "No..." Ruan Qingqing shook her head. Actually, she liked it very much. Every time they passed the street vendors after school, she would occasionally be tempted by the delicious food and stop for a moment. But she would just smell the food and then go to work. There was little money left at home to pay for her mother''s medical expenses. She had to be frugal. "Really, I''m not hungry right now." Money doesn''t grow on trees. Ruan Qingqing understood the value of every penny. She also didn''t want Ji Mu to spend extra money just to take care of her. "Not hungry?" The lie in her words was too easy to see through. Combined with her embarrassed expression, Ji Mu could easily guess her true intentions. "Alright, I should have just ordered one then." He feigned innocence and showed the girl the payment screen on his phone. "But I''ve already paid, and I can''t ask the vendor to refund me now." As he spoke, the vendor finished making the two jianbing guozi and handed them to him, "Here you go, be careful, they''re a bit hot. This was a rather unfortunate turn of events. Ruan Qingqing opened her mouth, obviously at a loss for words to deal with this embarrassing situation. "I can''t eat coriander, and if no one eats this, it''ll just have to be thrown away." Ji Mu sighed regretfully. "Wasting food is a shameful thing to do." But the thought of not seeing him for the next two days... She lowered her eyelids, her fingers gripping the Jianbing Guozi wrapper and sinking into it slightly. Somewhere along the way, the weekends she once looked forward to the most had begun to lose their appeal. She didn''t enjoy them as much anymore. "Two more stops and it should be here." Ji Mu looked at the time on the bus schedule and muttered to herself. Not bad, the bus is coming pretty fast. "Ji Mu, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" A soft, gentle voice asked from behind him. Ji Mu''s gaze shifted away from the sign and he replied leisurely, "Not really, I''ll probably just stay home and play some games. After sharing his plans, he walked over and sat down next to the girl and asked casually, "What about you?" "I... plan to go to the downtown library tomorrow." Ruan Qingqing spoke quietly. "Next month is the second joint exam for the six schools, so I need to gather some materials and study hard." Ji Mu nodded inwardly. No wonder the heroine in the original story could drive several infatuated men crazy. Her diligent and hardworking personality is indeed very attractive. "But..." The girl suddenly spoke in a low voice, her expression troubled. "The downtown area is too big, I don''t know how to find the way to the library." Ji Mu was confused, "Don''t you have a map on your phone?" Ruan Qingqing avoided his gaze, her hand on her knee unconsciously tensed. "I... can''t really understand how to use it." "I see." Ji Mu nodded in understanding. "How about I go with you? I can help you find your way." Ji Mu didn''t hesitate. After a moment of thought, he finally gave the answer she had hoped for. "How about I take you there tomorrow?" Ruan Qingqing looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. "Really?" Her voice was soft and full of joy. Even though she was expecting some help, she couldn''t contain her happiness. Ji Mu replied without hesitation, "Of course.¡± After all, he could stay home and play on Sunday. "Tomorrow, I can just look at it as a chance to get some sun." [No way!] At that moment, the system, with its keen sense of detection, picked up the hint of a lie. [The heroine has such good grades, there''s no way she can''t understand a map]. Ji Mu tilted her head, "So?" [So...] The system said confidently. [She''s probably pretending not to understand the map to hide the fact that she''s directionally challenged!] Ji Mu couldn''t help but chuckle. Whether or not Ruan Qingqing was actually directionally challenged, he was glad that she had found a way to ask for his help. It was a small step, but it meant a lot. Translator note: Jianbing guozi is a popular Chinese street food, a type of savory crepe often filled with eggs, scallions, and a choice of savory sauces and toppings, typically served folded into a rectangular shape. Chapter 26 - What Does Her Turning Bad Have To Do With Us Being Brothers? It was night. It was raining heavily outside. Pitter-patter. The raindrops hit the window pane rhythmically, making a soft, continuous sound. Sitting at her desk, freshly showered, Ruan Qingqing had no intention of reviewing her lessons. The textbook was open in front of her, but her mind was far away from the complex and difficult problems. With her chin resting on one hand, her eyes kept wandering to the cell phone charging nearby. The screen glowed faintly, showing the time: 10:30 pm. The chat interface froze at the message she had just sent. [Xu Xu Qing Feng]: Classmate Ji Mu, can we meet at the subway station at the alley entrance tomorrow at 1 pm? It''s quite close for both of us. The light green battery icon was almost fully charged. Still no response from the other person. Has he fallen asleep... A soft, wordless murmur escaped her lips, and a feeling of disappointment spread from the corners of her heart. Even though they had only been apart for a few hours, she was unconsciously beginning to miss him. It felt like spending time with the boy during the day was just a drop in the bucket. It couldn''t ease the loneliness in her heart at all. Ruan Qingqing didn''t know what was happening to her. An indescribable emotion surged through her entire being, overwhelming and unreasonable. It affected her every moment. Whenever she had the courage to send a message to the boy, she would spend a long time editing, deleting, and rewriting on the keyboard, only to end up sending just a few words. She was anxiously waiting for an answer from him. If she had to wait too long, her mood for the whole day would deteriorate considerably. She hated this feeling of uncertainty and had been suffering from it for a long time. With a slow breath, Ruan Qingqing patted her cheeks. She forced herself to suppress her thoughts and tried not to pay attention to these trivial matters. As she walked to the wardrobe, she thought about doing something to distract herself. Various clothes were hanging on the hangers. Her eyes wandered over the different styles, but she hesitated, unsure which outfit would be most appropriate for meeting the boy. She had very few casual clothes, and all of her spring, summer, fall, and winter outfits were crammed into this small closet. Therefore, her choices were limited. If only I had a few more clothes... A girl who had never cared much for material things now longed to earn more money. That way, she could dress a little more brightly and beautifully. Maybe the person she cared about would look at her a little longer... Ding-dong. A message? Hearing the vibration from her phone, Ruan Qingqing reflexively put down the clothes in her hands and hurried to the desk. She didn''t even notice how fast and joyful her steps were. After unplugging the data cable, she picked up the phone and saw the message from him. [Wild Boy]: OK, but can we move the time up a little? How about around 11 AM? Of course! She would have done anything to meet the boy sooner. But why so soon? A look of confusion flashed in Ruan Qingqing''s eyes. Before she could ask the reason, a few more messages arrived from the other side. [Wild Boy]: This time is perfect to eat before going to the library. [Wild Boy]: There''s a place near the Port Subway Station that serves great rice bowls. [Wild Boy]: Especially their tomato shrimp and scrambled egg rice, it''s super delicious ???? [Wild Boy]: Let''s go together then. Together... Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks felt a little warm. Her gaze was fixed on the boy''s last message, and her beautiful eyes seemed to hold a pool of autumn water, looking incredibly captivating. [Xu Xu Qing Feng]: Mm-hmm, sounds good. As her thoughts grew hazy, she imagined herself becoming the few drops of sweat that trickled down the young man''s forehead as he drank Coke. Intimately feeling every inch of skin, sliding down to his Adam''s apple and finally disappearing into his slightly open collar, completely occupying those two prominent collarbone lines... "Haah~" Her full, rosy lips parted and closed, a heavy breath escaping into the dim light. The imagined scenes became clearer and more dangerous. The sheets showed wrinkles from being held tightly, and her steady breathing became rapid. The late night was always a hotbed of desire. The heat rose from within and any attempt at rationality crumbled before this unstoppable force. It was like an insatiable abyss, an endless longing. "Ji Mu..." A sigh of seeming surrender echoed in the dark room. Her beautiful eyes, half open and half closed, allowed only a glimpse of the spring colors of desire and passion. "Sorry... Just this once, okay... Just this once... I might think about doing something naughty with you." ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª [Host, why are you hesitating, just go for it!] Under the bright incandescent light. Looking at the boy''s miserable gameplay, the system was fuming. [Do you even know how to play? A handful of rice thrown on the screen, and a chicken could play better than you.] 0/25/0 My goodness, he must be a living saint to play the game without even killing anyone. "Can you say a little less, who''s playing anyway, you or me?" Ji Mu got a headache from the noise. "If you really can''t, then try." You can you up, no can no BB. [Fine, I''ll do it.] Little did he know, the system had been waiting for those words. After watching the boy play for so long, it was itching to take over. [Host, just watch me play, you''ll be speechless!] Just as it was about to confidently take control and perform an impressive move, it suddenly heard the disappointing voice of the subsystem. [Main system, stop playing for a moment, there''s an important report.] "Seriously, could your timing be any worse?" Annoyed, the system handed the phone back to the boy and retreated angrily into the system space. [What''s the big deal?] [Main System, there''s been a recent change in the Prajna Instrument.] The subsystem gave it the display device. The system took it and looked at it. Mission target: Ruan Qingqing Affection level for males: -43 Hidden Dark Level: 80% [? Where''s the change?] The subsystem has paused. [Main system, the mission target''s hidden darkness value...] [80%, so what''s the problem?] [Ah, well...] For the first time, a look of confusion appeared on the subsystem''s face. [What does it matter how high Ruan Qingqing''s darkness value is? Even if her hidden darkness value reaches 10000%, what then?] The system had a desperate expression. [By that time, the host would have already become very friendly with her. No matter what happens, she won''t hurt her good friend, okay?] After saying that, she left the room without looking back. [All right, from now on, don''t report anything related to the hidden blackening value to me, I''m busy.] Subsystem: [........] Chapter 27 - Making Friends Depends on You The next day. Ji Mu was awakened by the alarm clock. 10:45 That was the time he had set last night. Although he really wanted to sleep a bit more, he remembered that he had already agreed to accompany his task partner to the downtown library yesterday. Despite his drowsiness, he could only force himself to get out of bed. In the bathroom, the boy looked listless in the mirror. His deep brown peach blossom eyes were slightly dull, the color on his thin lips had faded, and his handsome face looked tired and lethargic. The system that had just woken up looked equally lethargic and weak. Both the person and the system had been obsessed with the game last night, fighting until four in the morning before finally falling asleep. Forcing itself to get up at this time was truly agonizing. It yawned lazily, [Good morning, host]. "What''s good about it? Nothing is good." Ji Mu pouted in resentment. Who invented ''good morning'' anyway? Who exactly has a good morning! [Host, it''s your fault for insisting on the ranking yesterday] The system replied angrily. [Otherwise, would we have stayed up so late?] Even if they had moved up, it would have been fine, but what happened? Not only did they not advance, but they also lost several stars. A huge loss. [We must be more restrained in the future. Doing this all the time will affect our condition too much. What if it delays the progress of the task?] Ji Mu agreed, the system made a good point. He spat out the white foam from his mouth. He washed his face with cold water, instantly feeling much more awake. "It seems I need to be more restrained." Staying up late every day to play games was clearly taking a toll on his body. [Today is the first time you are going out alone with Ruan Qingqing. You need to be in a good mood and try to reduce some of her dislike points,] the system advised as he struggled to stay awake. "Got it." He grabbed a towel from the rack and wiped his face, then picked up the black-framed glasses next to him. The originally handsome and elegant young man was instantly transformed into a nondescript, ordinary character. He looked at his bookish appearance in the mirror and nodded. Perfect, let''s go. ... With precise time management, he successfully arrived at the subway station at 11:10. "Great, not late." Just as he was about to boast to the system about his increasingly refined timing skills, he caught a glimpse of a graceful figure standing near the subway entrance out of the corner of his eye. "Here so soon?" He looked surprised. In his line of sight, the girl wore a light blue pleated dress with straps. Her thick, dark hair cascaded down her back, her slender waist flowed down to her skirt, and her legs were tightly wrapped in over-the-knee white stockings, making them appear straight and well proportioned. The brilliant light slanted across a corner of the subway emblem, the warm tones of the light bathing her as if favored by the heavens, further accentuating her fair and smooth skin. Compared to her usually conservative attire, her outfit this time was noticeably bolder. Pure, but not without charm. The contrast created by the combination of these two contradictory traits was enough to get most men''s nerves on edge. It wasn''t hard to confirm this by the way some passersby couldn''t help but look at her. When she noticed a rather handsome man approaching the girl to start a conversation, Ji Mu clicked her tongue in surprise. In the future, if someone liked this girl, he would probably fall in love with her quickly. With such charm, who wouldn''t be smitten like a dog? When Ji Mu saw that the guy didn''t seem to succeed and went back with an embarrassed look on his face, he shook his head. But it didn''t have much to do with him anyway. By the time this happened, he would probably have already returned to Blue Star with a huge sum of money and enjoyed a financially free retirement. Pulling himself out of his thoughts, he was about to walk towards the girl. The guy who had just failed to strike up a conversation was nudged by his companion. "Hey, how did it go? Did you get her number?" The guy was extremely frustrated, "Get her number? No way. She was so cold and barely noticed me." "I told you, with a girl like that, your chances are pretty slim." His companion raised his eyebrows knowingly, clearly expecting this outcome. Uh... "Ten... ten o''clock." She looked away, her earlobes warming by a degree. "So you were actually planning on lying just now?" Ji Mu spoke slowly, "Silly goose, that''s not a good habit." Ruan Qingqing''s face turned red. She mumbled softly, trying to explain, but couldn''t find the right words. "How about this." Seeing that his goal was achieved, Ji Mu stopped teasing her. "As punishment, I''ll pay for lunch later." The girl''s lips parted slightly. What kind of punishment is that? "Classmate Ji Mu, I..." "If you have any objections, you''ll just have to accept it. After all, you just made a mistake." Ji Mu didn''t give her a chance to refuse. Ruan Qingqing fell silent, feeling a bit annoyed. Ji Mu had tricked her again. She pouted, looking very much like a little fox silently protesting. Seeing this, Ji Mu couldn''t help but find it amusing. Why did it seem like the closer they got, the more she got upset? Girls are really hard to figure out. He thought to himself and decided to change the subject to divert her attention. "So, what made you decide to wear a dress today?" Sure enough, the sulking girl looked over immediately. "Does it.. Does it not look good?" "No, it''s very pretty." Ji Mu sincerely praised her, "It suits you very well." Ruan Qingqing didn''t say anything. However, the smile on her eyebrows indicated that her mood had greatly improved. Seeing that this tactic worked, Ji Mu was about to give her some more compliments when the girl in front of him hesitated and pursed her lips. "Then..." She took a deep breath, her captivating eyes meeting his without flinching, as if she had made up her mind. "Do you... like it?" Ji Mu was stunned for a moment. After a few seconds, he gave a thumbs up with an expressionless face and replied vaguely. "It''s pretty good." Strange, I''m not the one wearing it, so why are you asking me if I like it or not? He was a bit confused. [Huh? You don¡¯t even understand this?] The system, which had been silent for a long time, spat out some saliva and wiped its hair. Finally, it was the system''s turn. [Host, think about how girls interact with each other.] [When a girl dresses up beautifully and goes out, she definitely wants to ask her best friend if her outfit looks good, if they like it, and if it makes them look good together.] [And the only friend Ruan Qingqing recognizes is you. If she doesn''t ask you, who else would she ask?] "Oh... I get it now." Ji Mu suddenly understood. "So this also reflects the good side of friendship?" [Exactly.] The high-EQ strategist system confidently puffed out its chest. [At this rate, she''s probably starting to see you as a good friend rather than just a friend.] After all, only if the relationship reached that level would she specifically ask, right? Of course, it could also be because she likes the host and dressed up so beautifully on purpose. [Hahahahaha.] The system was amused by its own sudden thought and laughed heartily. Ridiculous, too unrealistic. This isn''t abroad, don''t make international jokes. Editor¡¯s note: Xi Zhi Lang looks like a type of jelly drink in China. Chapter 28 - You Were Never Meant to Be a Passing Breeze The sky was a clear blue. Maybe it had rained last night. The damp air had driven away most of the heat, and a cool breeze brushed against their faces, bringing more people out for an after-dinner stroll. "I must say that the tomato shrimp with scrambled eggs at this restaurant is the best. I noticed that a lot of people go there just for that dish." Inside the downtown library, Ji Mu talked about the lunch dishes. "Although it''s a bit expensive, the taste is really worth it." As she sat by the window and looked at the boy in front of her, Ruan Qingqing''s eyes were gentle. The sunlight was just right, and the sound of flutes and zithers could be heard from the forest. Soothing light music echoed in the room. In a secluded corner, with no one around, they chatted about their daily lives in voices only they could hear. Neither of them found it boring or tedious; they simply let time pass quietly by the window. She suddenly wished that time could slow down. If only this moment could be frozen, how wonderful that would be. "Let''s go there again next time we have a break." The boy''s voice pulled Ruan Qingqing out of her thoughts. "What do you think?" The afternoon light slanted through the window. He maintained a posture with his chin propped up, exuding laziness. He was like a cat taking a nap. Her gaze fell on his rosy lips and she quickly looked away as if burned. "Mm, okay." "Alright, it''s settled then." They hastily arranged another meal together. Ji Mu lay listlessly on the table, his eyes squinting behind his glasses. He had stayed up until four in the morning, and the music in the library was like a lullaby, making him want to take a nap. The boy''s tiredness was too obvious, and Ruan Qingqing couldn''t help but worry. "Classmate Ji Mu, you look very tired." "A little, mostly because I sleep lightly and the noise from upstairs always wakes me up at night." He told a small lie and leaned forward into a more comfortable position. "What about you, silly goose? You seem so energetic. Did you sleep well last night?" Last night? Ruan Qingqing''s breath caught in her throat. Remembering the absurd thing she did in the first half of the night, she stammered, "It was... okay..." Ji Mu didn''t notice her guilt; he was too tired to care. "Really? I''m so jealous of you for having such a good night''s sleep." He buried his head in his crossed arms, his lazy tone drawn out. "But knowing you, silly goose, even if you couldn''t sleep, you''d probably spend the time studying, right?" Hearing this outrageous praise, Ruan Qingqing was dazed for a moment. "Really...?" "Yes." Ji Mu yawned continuously. The sleepiness in his mind deepened, and his consciousness became hazy. "I can''t take it anymore, I''m really tired. I''m going to take a nap first. Remember to wake me up when you''re done with the review." With this last reminder, his drooping eyelids closed completely. As he was about to enter a dream where he would discuss philosophy with Zhuang Zhou, he didn''t notice the unusual behavior of the person sitting across from him. The girl pursed her pink lips slightly, her expression showing a complex emotion that was hard to decipher. My... personality? Yes, in his eyes, she had always been the image of a hardworking and serious good girl. After all, how could someone so introverted do something that contrasted so starkly with her pure appearance? But... Ruan Qingqing''s eyelashes dropped and her thoughts became unclear. Most people are born with two sides. Who would know if the side hidden underneath the facade of hypocrisy is far more malicious than the harmless appearance they present now? Just as she never admitted to being a good person. Her true self might be dark, or perhaps violent. Or maybe she harbored the purest malice towards men... Her skirt slid up a little more with the movement, revealing a hint of thigh, like a flake of snow, creamy and dazzling. Beneath long, curling lashes, a pair of bright, joyful eyes looked over. "Isn''t it amazing?" There was an inexplicable seductive undertone to the direct gaze. It made the system on the side feel parched just from watching. As expected from the female lead in a romance novel, the unintentionally pure allure she exuded was too tantalizing. Even a saint would find it difficult to resist. Instinctively, he glanced at Ji Mu. However, Ji Mu, feeling uncomfortable with the girl''s sudden closeness and lack of boundaries, shifted slightly to the side. "Yes, it''s amazing." System: [......] You have more self-control than Liuxia Hui! "Since we''ve finished the review, let''s get ready to go back." Ji Mu stacked the borrowed books into a pile as he spoke and prepared to get up. "I''ll return the books." "No need, Classmate Ji Mu." Ruan Qingqing reached out to stop him. "How could I bother you with such a small task? I''ll do it." "Hmm?" With his fingers casually resting on the books, Ji Mu asked, "Didn''t you just give me a lap cushion? Aren''t your legs numb?" The girl shook her head, still looking soft and obedient. "It''s okay, I can do it." Seeing her insistence, Ji Mu let go. He moved his legs out from under the table to the narrow passageway and motioned for her to go first. "Go slow, don''t fall." "I-I won''t." Holding the books in both hands, Ruan Qingqing stubbornly stood up and took a few steps to prove herself. However, the numbness in her thighs made her legs suddenly give way, and she struggled to keep her balance. The unexpected incident caused her to scream in panic as she stumbled backwards uncontrollably. A strong, swift hand reached out to steady her. Several books fell to the floor with a "crash". "Did you hurt yourself anywhere?" "No..." Ruan Qingqing buried her head in shame, her voice barely audible. At that moment, she found herself in an ambiguous position, falling into the boy''s arms. Her hands pressed tightly against his chest, the thin short sleeves offering no barrier. Through the slight obstruction, she could clearly feel the firm muscles of his chest. Thump, thump, thump- Her heart raced wildly. "Tha..." She raised her hand to thank him, but the messy strands of hair falling across her forehead obscured her vision. In her moment of confusion, a slender hand gently ran through her hair, brushing the loose strands aside and tucking them behind her ear. Her blurred vision cleared, and the young man in front of her clicked his tongue slightly. "I told you to be careful." To avoid disturbing others who were reading, he dragged out the end of his sentence. "Don''t be so stubborn next time. What if you really get hurt?" His warm breath brushed against her ear as he spoke. The originally lazy tone of his voice now carried a hint of tenderness and intimacy. "Be a good girl, okay?" His tone didn''t sound teasing or commanding. It felt more like... coaxing. Ruan Qingqing felt half of her body go numb to the bone. In order not to show any signs of weakness, she mustered all her strength to move from the boy''s lap to the side. "I''ll bring the books back. Just sit here and wait for me." Ji Mu crouched down to pick up the books and then walked towards the counter. He did not know how much his words and actions had stirred up a storm in her heart. Ruan Qingqing was half lying on the table. A cool touch pressed against her forehead, trying to quell the burning heat in her cheeks. But the memory of the intimate moment caused a fresh wave of red to spread across her skin, as if all the blood in her body had rushed to her face. This always happened, how could someone so easily disturb her peace of mind? What a rotten bastard you are, she thought. It just wasn''t fair. Chapter 29 - Exclusive Nickname [Huh? Ruan Qingqing''s dislike for men decreased by 3 points.] Noticing the change in the Prajna Instrument, the system that was about to catch up on sleep rubbed its eyes. Its sleepy little head immediately became alert. Ribbit! Such good news before a nap? [Host, well done! You''re getting better at this friend thing. ????????] While returning the book, Ji Mu''s fingers paused for a moment before placing the book back on the shelf. To be honest, he didn''t really understand why the disgust value suddenly dropped. After thinking it over, he guessed that he must have done something heartwarming that increased their friendship value, which in turn decreased the target''s negative perception of men. To sum it up, it was indeed his merit. Understanding this, Ji Mu shamelessly admitted it. "Of course." Who cares, making friends should be easy. Got it! ... The sun was setting in the west. The orange halo colored the clouds like an oil painting splashed with ink. By the time they left the library, it was almost 6 o''clock. "Sorry, Classmate Ji Mu, for making you accompany me for so long today," Ruan Qingqing said apologetically. Ji Mu nonchalantly put her hands in her pockets. "It''s nothing. The environment in the library is nice. I had a good nap. Actually, I should thank you." Thank me? Thank me for what... It took Ruan Qingqing a moment to realize what he meant. A rush of heat rushed to her cheeks and she turned her head, looking around nervously. "As long as you don''t mind me taking the initiative." "Don''t be so modest. Without that pillow, I would have woken up with a sore neck and aching arms." Ji Mu walked leisurely along the pavement. "What do you think, kind and silly classmate?" "Uh..." Why did he call me a silly classmate again?@@@@ For a moment, the shy girl didn''t know how to respond. His usual lazy voice continued to ring in her ears. "To thank you for your selfless contribution this time, I''ve decided to celebrate with a cheese burger." Ruan Qingqing looked back. The boy stood not far away, the streetlights casting a faint glow on his thin lips, adding an inexplicable allure that made it hard to look away. "I hear there''s a discount if we eat together. Would you do me the honor?" Large, black-framed glasses covered most of his face. The twilight sky had darkened to a deep gray, with only a faint light filtering through the scattered clouds, softly outlining the boy''s features. It was clearly an ordinary face. Yet, like a moth drawn to a flicker of fire in the twilight, she couldn''t find a way to refuse in her response. By the time she regained her composure, she realized that she had already followed him into the shop. Ruan Qingqing touched her cheeks, still warm from the lingering heat, and couldn''t help but scorn her own lack of willpower. If he wanted to kidnap her, it would probably be the easiest thing in the world. She''d probably even call two cabs herself. "Silly goose, there are several meal sets here. Which one do you want?" "Any, any is fine." She replied, adding quietly, "I''m not picky." "Alright." Ji Mu chose for a while and ordered two classic sets. "But I also said that you''re not just anyone." "I''m feeding you because I want to, that''s all." His speech was not fast, each sentence kept at a level she could clearly hear. Still, the words rang in her ears, leaving her at a loss, her breathing rhythm disturbed. "I..." "If you really care, when you make a lot of money in the future, you can pay me back for everything, okay?" The hustle and bustle of passersby on the nearby street seemed distant, leaving only the boy''s words echoing in her heart. Her heartbeat slowed half a beat. A sweet sensation flowed through her body, like honey that had been brewed for a long time, suddenly opened and sweet to the core, driving out any lingering resentment. Her ears grew warm and she whispered, "This... isn''t fair. Each time, her heart was thrown into turmoil by his teasing. She couldn''t always be the only one passive; it wasn''t fair. "Hmm? What''s not fair?" With one hand resting on his knee, Ji Mu was unaware of the girl''s bold yet playful thoughts. After calming her heartbeat, Ruan Qingqing said awkwardly, "You always call me silly goose, but I still call you Classmate Ji Mu." Ji Mu was taken aback. "You''re right, it''s too formal." He pondered for a moment, as if in deep thought. "So, what do you want to call me?" Ruan Qingqing''s clasped fingers trembled slightly. The boy''s permission caused her heart, which had just calmed down, to race once again. "Mu... Mu... Mu..." She wanted to say that one word, but due to her shyness and nervousness, she stammered for a long time without being able to say it properly. "Mu Mu?" Ji Mu misunderstood her intention. Following her lead, he replied, "Although it sounds a bit like a child''s nickname, it''s not unacceptable." An urgent look flashed in Ruan Qingqing''s eyes. No, that''s not it! Just as she was about to explain, his self-talk drifted into her ears like a gentle breeze. "No one has ever called me that before." She swallowed, the words stopping at her lips. No one... has ever called him that. Her heart suddenly tightened, deeply moved. Mu Mu... Ruan Qingqing murmured softly. Does that mean it''s a name just for me? A soft light flickered in her picturesque eyes as she softly murmured the two words. "Mu Mu." A second after she spoke, a light laugh came from above her head. Ruan Qingqing''s face turned red. He heard it... She raised her eyelids slightly and met his gaze. The dappled light and shadows hid his features, but his clear voice reached her ears, "I''m here." She covered her burning cheeks with her hands, trying to hide her embarrassment. "...Mm." Why does it feel like he''s coaxing a child? So unfair... Editor¡¯s note: I CAN¡¯T HOLD IT IN ANYMORE. KYAAAA MU MU!!!! While I think this is very cute, I wish Mu Mu would stop leading her on! Stop being so nice to her and making her fall for you!!! Chapter 30 - The Gathering of the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix, Great Things Will Happen! As evening approached, the floating glow in the sky faded, and the descending twilight carried a hint of dark blue. Walking out of the shop, Ji Mu stretched his hands behind his head, feeling relaxed and satisfied. "I''m so full." A beef cheese burger, chicken wrap, popcorn chicken, five chicken wings, and a cup of iced cola. A total of five items, this classic combo was definitely the right choice. Next to him, Ruan Qingqing smiled, "I''m stuffed too.¡± He touched his waist and abdomen, feeling his slightly swollen belly. At first glance, it wasn''t obvious; only a very close inspection would reveal the subtle bulge. [Host, aren''t you going to give her a little rub?] The system perched on the boy''s head teased mischievously. [You made her belly swell, shouldn''t you take responsibility?] Ji Mu didn''t bother to reply to the system''s deliberately misleading words. "Go work for UC Browser tomorrow." He looked at the girl next to him. She looked small, but her appetite was surprisingly good. No wonder her physical development was enough to outshine girls of the same age. "Your fighting strength is impressive today, almost catching up with me," he praised sincerely. "N-no, not really..." Ruan Qingqing stammered, "I was just too hungry today. I''ll be more careful next time." The boy''s teasing was casual and without any special meaning, but she still felt embarrassed. "Careful? Why be careful?" Ji Mu asked, tilting her head in confusion. Ruan Qingqing shrugged her shoulders, her voice deep and soft. "It''s just that as a girl, eating so much isn''t very ladylike." "Whether someone is ladylike has nothing to do with how much they eat. Even if it did, it would be about their eating manners," Ji Mu said nonchalantly. "You silly goose, your eating manners were much more ladylike than mine." Compared to his ravenous, starving appearance, the girl''s slow and careful chewing exuded elegance and serenity. She resembled those Western nobles who maintained perfect dining etiquette. Gradually convinced, the girl hesitated, "Really?" "Of course." Ji Mu shared his opinion, "Being able to eat well is a blessing. It''s a good thing, keep it up." Ruan Qingqing didn''t say anything, her fingers playing with a few strands of hair that had fallen across her chest.@@@@ Compliments again... It wasn''t the kind of flattery with an ulterior motive. It was more like a casual remark, but one that conveyed genuine sincerity. But... It is often these simple and unadorned compliments that can most directly cause emotional fluctuations. Under the streetlight, the boy stood in front of the notice board, the light accentuating his tall and upright posture, with an indescribable sense of nonchalance that especially attracted people''s attention. Ruan Qingqing watched him from the side, her wandering thoughts gradually spreading. Ji Mu was like a lot of other boys. He liked to play games, daydream in class, and sometimes even openly sleep during class. But he was also different from other boys. He wasn''t arrogant and never looked down on anyone. Despite his remarkable talent and academic achievements, he didn''t have the superiority complex that often comes with such strengths. Through the small transparent glass window, Ruan Qingqing leaned against the edge and gazed at the tall and slender figure. It was only when the bus started and the distance blurred the edges of the stop that she reluctantly looked away. Today... was really nice. Her tightly clenched hand on the railing loosened a bit, her palm sweaty and sticky, just like her current feelings. She felt both depressed and happy, her emotions a tangled mess she couldn''t quite articulate. Inside the bus, the occasional announcement of "Please be careful when turning left" played, and the seemingly aged overhead lights cast a warm glow that wasn''t as bright as it used to be. Ji Mu... Ruan Qingqing''s slender figure was hidden in the dim light, silently mouthing someone''s name in her heart. Just two short syllables. But they represented all the deeply buried secrets she had never spoken. "You young people have such a good relationship." The old man sitting next to her noticed her dazed expression and teased her with a laugh, "Are you reluctant to leave your little friend?" Ruan Qingqing''s eyelashes fluttered, her porcelain white skin turning rosy under the light. "No, I''m not." She was reluctant. But he wasn''t her boyfriend. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª [Wow, wow, wow! Ruan Qingqing''s dislike rating dropped by another five points!] Meanwhile, as Ji Mu walked back, he heard the system reporting the good news in his mind. [Amazing, host! Today''s goal has been exceeded, with a total decrease of eight points.] Currently, the female lead''s favorability toward males is fixed at -35. Not bad, not bad at all. Ji Mu remained indifferent. "You can always trust the god of friendship." As he always said, making friends was something he had mastered perfectly. [No wonder you''re the host, easily accomplishing what those guys with low emotional intelligence couldn''t.] The system, ever perceptive, chimed in support. [You really know how to make friends.] Ji Mu spat the toothpick he was holding into the trash can and raised his hand modestly. "Basic skills, nothing to brag about." [????????????????????????] [Host, from Ruan Qingqing''s initiative to change the way she addresses you today, it''s clear that she already considers you a good friend.] The system has started to analyze the current situation. [Our next goal is to move from a good friendship to an even closer bond.] [When you two become intimate soul mates, that will be the moment when Ruan Qingqing completely eliminates her aversion to men!] "In other words, we must continue to treat our target as well as possible. Ji Mu continued smoothly, "After all, making friends is not as complicated as dating. Only when they feel my sincerity will they reciprocate." "Am I right, System Strategist?" [Absolutely right!] The system was very satisfied. Its judgment was indeed correct. The chosen host not only had a high intelligence, but also an extraordinary understanding. In a short time, he had gained a truly loving female friend. What is pure friendship? This is true pure friendship! Chapter 31 - A Naughty Dream The bright moon hung high in the sky, casting dancing shadows on the trees. Just as the minute hand was about to strike eight, Ruan Qingqing returned home. "Qingqing, you''re back?" Hearing the noise, Ruan Chuyao came out of the inner room. When she saw the girl closing the door, she smiled kindly. "You must be starving to come back so late. I''ll go heat up some food in the kitchen." Ruan Qingqing stepped forward and held her hand, "Mom, I already ate outside.¡± Ruan Chuyao was surprised at first, then she looked at her daughter and smiled, "What kind of feast did you have? Your little belly is all bloated." Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks turned red. After an hour-long bus ride, the food she had eaten earlier had long been digested. There was no way it was as exaggerated as her mother said. "Mom, you''re teasing me again." "Look at you, even when you''re angry, you sound so delicate." Ruan Chuyao patted the girl''s head affectionately and didn''t tease her any more. "Did the boy you went out with get home safely?" She casually asked, "Did you send a message to make sure he got home safely?" Ruan Qingqing nodded and started to answer when she suddenly realized that something was wrong. "Mom," the little fox puffed up in slight annoyance, "you''re trying to get information out of me again!" Ruan Chuyao gently pinched her daughter''s cheek. "Do you really think your mother is clueless? I can tell from your cheerful face that you went on a date with a boy." "N-no, I didn''t." Now it was Ruan Qingqing''s turn to feel guilty. Her eyes darted around, avoiding direct eye contact. Seeing her daughter''s reaction, Ruan Chuyao''s initial suspicion was immediately confirmed. "Qingqing." She hesitated, then sighed, clearly remembering some unpleasant events from the past. "Your constitution is special. Most men who approach you have ulterior motives." "Mom!" Faced with her mother''s serious advice, Ruan Qingqing''s usual obedient and gentle demeanor changed, and her tone became noticeably more agitated. "Mu Mu is definitely not like that. If most of the men who approach me have bad intentions, then Mu Mu is definitely one of the few exceptions!" "Alright, alright, Mom understands. If Qingqing says he''s not, then he''s not." Ruan Chuyao quickly patted the girl''s head, gently reassuring her. "As long as you know what you''re doing. No matter what happens, you must always protect yourself." Hearing this, the little fox, who had been bristling, gradually calmed down. Calming down, she remembered her earlier overreaction and turned her face away in embarrassment. But this shyness didn''t last long before Ruan Chuyao said with a teasing smile, "But to call him Mu Mu so intimately, your relationship must be quite good." Ruan Qingqing''s face instantly turned bright red like a boiled shrimp. She wanted to retort, but could only stammer incoherently. "I-I-I... I''m going back to my room now, Mom." She turned her head awkwardly and tried to escape to her room. "Qingqing." A soft sigh came from behind. "If you have time, invite him over. I''d like to meet him." Ruan Qingqing''s footsteps suddenly stopped. Her mother''s sigh was light, but it resonated deeply in her ears. Such a short sentence, yet filled with deep meaning and complexity. It conveyed fear, worry, and advice... A mixture of emotions, all of which she could understand. Holding the doorknob that she had yet to turn, Ruan Qingqing was momentarily lost in thought. ... The night was gradually getting darker. The clouds in the sky parted to reveal the bright moonlight. The shadow of a stray cat quickly darted through the streets and alleys. At this hour, most people were already deep in their dreams, but the window of the girl''s room still had a faint glow. After taking a bath, Ruan Qingqing stared blankly at the dark ceiling above her, her mind replaying her mother''s words. Although not explicitly stated, the underlying message was one of deep mistrust. She understood her mother''s concern. In this society, people''s hearts are hard to fathom. No one can be sure whether those close to them have ulterior motives. That''s why her mother was worried about her ability to judge people correctly, afraid that she might be deceived or hurt by a charming but deceitful man. Ruan Qingqing looked at her body. She wore nothing underneath, her limbs and waist were slender and frail, yet her chest was full, outlined by the white nightgown, and her pale skin was smooth and delicate. In the end, no matter how well developed any part of her body was, it was still just a body with the same physiological structure as any other woman. He solemnly told her, "You are not just anyone.¡± She thought of the soft evening breeze blowing through the treetops. He sat at the table, answering each word with a light laugh, "Here I am.¡± Every fragment, every frame, was him. An indescribable chill lingered in her blood, spreading through her veins and arteries, reaching her heart. Her heart pounded uncontrollably from this feeling, like thunderous war drums beating fast and furious against her chest. Uncontrollable, unrestrained. "Mu Mu..." the girl moaned softly and hoarsely, the name that belonged only to her. "Mu Mu..." "Mu Mu..." "Mu Mu..." Each time the final note grew longer, each time more urgent. Her fragile mind, thin as paper, shattered at a touch. Until a blinding white light flashed before her eyes, and she collapsed weakly back onto the bed. As the tide receded from the beach, Ruan Qingqing closed her eyes, physiological tears seeping from the corners. I''m sorry... Mu Mu ¡ª¡ª The room was dark. Outside the window, a few stars would occasionally twinkle, only to be obscured by clouds the next moment. Dazed, Ruan Qingqing groggily opened her eyes. For some reason, she found herself back at the bus stop where she had left the young man. "Your bus is here." A familiar lazy voice was next to her. But this time, she didn''t let the fear of rejection drive her to board the bus and choose to escape, as she had done in the evening. The emotion called courage broke the shackles of past cowardice. Ruan Qingqing lifted her head and expressed her true thoughts in response to the young man''s previous question. "I... really don''t want to go home." "Don''t want to go home?" He looked down at her, his face as lazy and indifferent as ever. "Then what do you want to do?" It was the same calm, unflappable tone. Ruan Qingqing''s fingertips dug into her palm. It shouldn''t be like this... At least in front of her, he shouldn''t always have this indifferent attitude. A voice whispered provocatively in her ear. Those dormant, hidden dark thoughts began to stir and began to influence her mind. "What do I want to do..." She fixed her gaze on the young man and took a step forward. "Does Mu Mu really want to know?" Her voice was soft and gentle, but the madness in her eyes was disturbing. He seemed startled. Instinctively, he stepped back, but tripped over the bench behind him and fell onto it. Just as he was about to stand up, his shoulders were pushed down again. "You... mm." Kneeling on the boy''s lap, Ruan Qingqing leaned down and kissed him. She cupped his cheeks, her fierce actions carrying an undeniable ruthlessness. She was like a starving beast, wantonly gnawing at the coveted fresh meat. Devour him! Sack him! If you don''t, one day it will belong to someone else. No... not someone else. This unexpected action finally jolted the other person out of his shock, his expression no longer as calm as before. Ruan Qingqing adored his disheveled, panicked appearance. The gentle caress of her hands turned into a powerful embrace that wrapped tightly around the back of the young man''s head. Her lips, like an invading army, sought to consume him completely, reveling in the sweetness and tenderness of each moment. He raised his hands, trying to break free, his voice filled with protest and discomfort. "Enough! Let me go!" Even as his mind fogged from lack of oxygen, he refused to let go. Greedily, he wanted to continue experiencing the pleasure of their bodies merging. "Not enough." Not enough... It''s still not enough... It''s never enough! Chapter 32 - White What? [Host, why are you staying up late playing games again? Didn''t you promise to be more disciplined?] It was 11 p.m., and the system was annoyed as it watched the young man struggling at his desk. Ji Mu''s hands didn''t stop moving as he operated the controls, and he replied with a straight face, "I am a disciplined person. Since I said I would be more disciplined, I have to say it every day. What? Is that your idea of discipline? [Host, you have to be honest. If everyone played word games like you, would there be any justice left in the world?] The youthful face of the system was full of reproach. [You really disappoint me!] With that, it turned around and walked away as if it had made some kind of decision, exuding an air of contempt. Ji Mu didn''t even raise his head. "I have a spare console. Want to join?" [Cough.] The system silently retracted the half-step it had taken into the room. [But on the other hand...] Ji Mu slowly took a black phone out of the drawer. "On the other hand, what?" Sneaking a glance at the phone''s screen, which showed a full battery, the system fought the urge to smile, pretending to be reluctant. [Well, since you''re my host, I''ll reluctantly play a few hands with you.] Ignoring the system''s duplicity, Ji Mu had just finished a game. When he saw the bright red "Defeat" on the screen, he took a deep breath. After failing to advance in five consecutive promotions, he was clearly on the verge of being driven mad by this frustrating game. Pressing his slightly swollen temples, Ji Mu looked at the system that seemed to have found a treasure. "How are you feeling?" [Of course, I''m fine.] The system grinned confidently. [My hands are burning right now.] Ji Mu nodded, then his expression changed and he said in a deep voice, "Are you ready for the hunt? Our twin bond." Hearing the host''s serious tone, the system immediately showed a determined face. [Do you want to give them a game experience? Or should I just dominate the game?] "Dominate the game!" [Got it.] The system eagerly launched the game, ready to dominate the battlefield, when the cold, lifeless voice of the subsystem interrupted again. [Main system, there''s a big problem. It seems the female protagonist is in trouble.] The system''s face darkened. Why does work always come up when I''m having fun? Isn''t this just torture? If it hadn''t detected a hint of urgency in the subsystem''s tone, it would have pretended not to hear it and ignored it. [Host, something urgent has come up. Give me a moment, it''ll be quick, just five minutes.] After talking to the young man, the system hurried back into the room. [What''s wrong with the female lead?] The subsystem approached and projected the values displayed on the monitor onto the large screen. Target: Ruan Qingqing Affection for men: -35 Covert Darkening Level: 110% [Subsystem, don''t tell me this is the big problem you had to report.] The system frowned and showed a "That''s it?" expression. [Didn''t I mention before that anything related to the hidden darkness value should be ignored?] "Main system, the hidden darkness level of the female lead has been rising too fast these days. Her levels are abnormal. Normal people max out at 100%, but hers..." [My gods, did she just get bigger?] The system was in awe. Big breasts attract crowds, but this is something no single hand can fathom. "Get a grip," came the sharp retort. Disdainfully dismissing it, Ji Mu raised her hand to greet the approaching girl, "Morning.¡± "Morning!" Ruan Qingqing smiled with her eyes. "It seems like you have a big appetite, Mu Mu. You can eat so much every morning." Walking side by side with the girl, Ji Mu took a sip of soy milk and replied, "I just have a good appetite." Since I could not sleep this morning, I can only turn my frustration into hunger. Thinking this, he took a violent bite of the meat bun and chewed as if to vent his displeasure. Perhaps the deep resentment, even more intense than that of a ghost, was too obvious, as even Ruan Qingqing walking beside him noticed it. "Didn''t you sleep well again last night?" "Not really." Ji Mu lowered his head to avoid the glaring sunlight and rubbed his sore eyes. "It''s just that a little dog downstairs kept barking this morning, making it hard to relax." [What do you mean, host?!] The system that had been lurking couldn''t stay silent any longer when it heard the boy''s veiled complaint. [If you hadn''t stayed up late last night playing games, you wouldn''t have had trouble waking up this morning. And now you''re blaming me? Seriously, what a shrimp head.] Ji Mu replied defiantly, "I admit that I stayed up late, but is this early morning class completely blameless? [Yes, yes, you''re never wrong.] The system responded perfunctorily. [You''ve been playing for so many days, but I haven''t seen you move up much.] "Nonsense!" Ji Mu, who felt attacked, became a bit anxious. "I''ve been working hard to improve, okay? Just give me some more time, and I''ll definitely reach the top rank." [Yeah, right] The system scoffed. [Your chances of reaching the top rank are less than that of an ordinary man who meets a white tiger.] Ji Mu didn''t react immediately and asked confusedly, "What''s a white tiger? A white tiger?" Upon hearing this, Ruan Qingqing was stunned for a moment before her pale, jade-like cheeks turned red. "Why are you suddenly asking about this, Mu Mu..." Ji Mu cursed inwardly. He had accidentally voiced his inner thoughts from the conversation with the system. "A few days ago, I heard some boys in the class talking about it, so I was curious." He calmly shifted the blame to his classmates. "I''ll look it up online later to see what it means." With just a few words, a blush as bright as peach blossoms spread across Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks. "No, no need." Her voice was as soft as a pebble falling into a lake, "...no need to look it up online, you can ask me." "Ask you?" Ji Mu was curious, "How do you know about this?" The girl didn''t answer. Instead, she lowered her head and tugged at his sleeve. Understanding her gesture, Ji Mu leaned down, "Hmm?" "Because..." Warm breath brushed close to his ear, like a feather gently passing by. "I am one." Chapter 33 - The Second Male Lead A true master always keeps an apprentice''s heart. Arrogance and complacency are major taboos, because everything you know is just the tip of the iceberg in this world. Even the famous American five-star general Douglas MacArthur once said, "The only thing I know is that I know nothing." Take Ji Mu, for example. After the girl''s explanation, he realized his own insignificance. A simple word can have several meanings. Truly incredible. [Host, Ruan Qingqing actually left out one more thing.] System, always the cheeky one, leaned forward to add, narrowing his digital eyes. [Except for the lack of hair there, a girl like that has a libido that''s no less than a T0-level wild streak.] As they say, middle age creeps up on you before you know it, and you find yourself constantly sipping wolfberry tea. But the White Tiger could turn a vigorous, youthful boy into a premature middle-aged man overnight. No wonder they call it the ultimate juice extractor. "Ah. I see now." Ji Mu looked as if he''d just learned something profound. He nodded, but then suddenly paused, as if a new thought had struck him. "Wait a second... Does that mean silly goose also..." [Exactly] The mention of it drew a hiss from him, sharp and involuntary. "Ssssss-" Ji Mu was secretly shocked. He glanced at the girl sitting in her seat, attentively listening to the lesson. Her pure and well-behaved appearance didn''t seem to be that of someone with strong desires. [Why else would the term "contrast" exist?] The system, sitting on the table and swinging its legs, made a sharp comment. [You can''t judge everything by appearances. You can''t judge a book by its cover.] "Indeed." [Hehe, the guy she likes in the future will be in trouble.] The tone of the system shifted to one of gloating. [If he''s not physically strong enough, he''ll be lucky if his kidneys don''t wear out.] Eating Chinese wolfberry and oysters every day would not be enough, and he would have to hold on to the walls just to walk. Ji Mu was horrified at the thought. He couldn''t help but feel sorry for the stranger. No other choice, as the saying goes, "Better you than me. To save the world, one must sacrifice for the greater good. [So don''t worry about it. It has nothing to do with us. Just sit back and enjoy the show.] The system winked mischievously. [After all, Ruan Qingqing is kind by nature. No matter how strong her desires are, she wouldn''t hurt a good friend, right, host?] Ji Mu thought for a few seconds and realized that it made sense. "True." The two of them exchanged smiles, filling the classroom with a cheerful atmosphere. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Noon. After lunch, Ji Mu walked around the campus. The food in the cafeteria was good today, and he couldn''t stop himself from eating too much. Now he needed to walk a little more to help with his digestion. "I should have eaten less." Through a clump of bushes, Ruan Qingqing listened, her eyes widening in shock as her pale face turned crimson. "This, this is..." "Mu Mu, she..." "Shh." Ji Mu quickly placed a finger on the girl''s lips to prevent her from making too much noise and accidentally exposing them. Although this place didn''t usually have many visitors, daring to play wild games in broad daylight took real courage. No wonder this was a prestigious academy in an erotic web novel world, it was truly a place of chaos. Even a small grove could be turned into a playground. He leaned down to the girl''s ear and whispered, "Walk quietly, don''t disturb them.¡± Ruan Qingqing''s delicate eyelashes trembled. The other person blew hot air into her ear, and those thin lips seemed to brush against her earlobe, but without any real touch, it just felt tingly and itchy. She wasn''t sure if it was the explicit words of the couple meeting in the grove or the boy''s intimate gesture that made her face feel warm all the time. Dazed, she didn''t notice that she stepped on a dry branch on the gravel path. A crack... The crisp sound of rustling leaves echoed clearly through the quiet forest path. The man and woman behind the bushes seemed startled and quickly stopped their suggestive activities. Rustling sounds, like the hurried movement of clothing, followed. Before a few seconds had passed, a disheveled girl scurried away, head bowed, nervous. That was it - the end. The deed was ruined. Ji Mu turned his head and there was the culprit of the commotion, looking at him pitifully. He had that look - embarrassed, yet innocent. To be fair, she was an expert at playing cute. As he stepped forward to drag the girl who had caused the commotion away from the scene, a mischievously handsome boy slowly emerged from the bushes. "Tsk." His face darkened visibly, clearly annoyed at being interrupted. However, his displeasure vanished the moment he saw the girl''s face. A look of astonishment flashed in his eyes, and the angry words he was about to utter were swallowed back. "Isn''t it better to just listen from the outside? Or maybe..." He raised an eyebrow provocatively, "Did you make that noise on purpose because you wanted to join us, little fairy~" Ruan Qingqing pursed her lips uncomfortably and avoided his aggressive gaze. "Classmate, I think you might have misunderstood something." Her voice was soft, and even though she was expressing her displeasure, it inexplicably gave off a flirtatious impression. As his gaze swept over her fresh, beautiful face, Situ Yan''s eyes darkened, and he felt as if something was slightly scratching his heart. "Misunderstanding? Who knows." He flashed a mischievous smile. "After all, not everyone gets the chance to be with me. Are you sure you don''t want to reconsider?" Ruan Qingqing frowned. She was clearly disgusted by his presumptuous and greasy teasing. "Please find someone else, I''m not interested." "Is that so? What a shame." The boy feigned a regretful sigh, but his eyes were filled with mockery. "Good little fairies are different, eh? I really hope you behave as well in other situations as you do now." The last sentence was spoken with a meaningful tone and a playful expression, making it hard not to suspect that he was deliberately leading thoughts to inappropriate places. Seeing the girl''s angry yet speechless embarrassment, his interest grew even deeper. "Brother, if you can''t speak properly, then don''t." A calm voice sounded at this moment. Ji Mu, who was wearing black-framed glasses, stood in front of the girl and said indifferently, "Did your ex-girlfriend have uremia? Your mouth is so dirty." Chapter 34 - Revenge of the Crazy Bear His interest was suddenly interrupted and the smile on Situ Yan''s lips slowly faded. "What did you just say?" Ji Mu lazily lifted his eyelids, completely unfazed, "Did you learn dog language in middle school? Can''t you understand human language?" Situ Yan''s narrow eyes narrowed. "Interesting." It had been too long since he last came to the school, and now someone dared to act recklessly in front of him. His gaze swept over the surveillance camera hanging not far away, and he gave the other person a cold look. Forget it, good things are best enjoyed slowly. There''s no rush. Hopefully this little toy will try harder. "See you next time, little fairy." Suppressing his thoughts, Situ Yan glanced past the four-eyed guy to the beautiful girl beside him, his face once again showing that nonchalant expression. It was as if the fleeting malevolence from earlier was an illusion. [Damn, was this idiot a pair of underwear in his previous life? He''s so good at pretending.] The system sitting on the boy''s shoulder watched in amazement as Situ Yan left. Obviously, he was almost at a loss for words after being rebuked by the host, yet he insisted on pretending in front of Ruan Qingqing, the female lead. [As expected from the male lead, he is so... pretentious, with such a small mind.] Wait! Ji Mu caught the key point, "Male lead?" [Yes.] The system curled its lip in disdain. [This man is Situ Yan, the heir to the largest underground force in Tianhua City, and one of the male leads in the original novel.] Wow, that sounds impressive. Ji Mu became interested, "What kind of extraordinary feats has he achieved?" [There are too many to count.] The system made an objective evaluation without any exaggeration or bias. [Let''s put it this way, this guy''s disgust level is even worse than Fu Rongjing''s.] Wow! I thought having Fu Rongjing was crazy enough, but there''s actually someone who can match him! Ji Mu was filled with respect, "Tell me more." The system began to recount in detail, ¡¾In the original novel, this idiot...¡¿. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Meanwhile, in a small bar next to the commercial building in Tianhua City. A burly man had just hurried a few steps inside when a waiter intercepted him. "Sorry, sir, we''re not open yet. You can wait until... uh, Bear Lord?" Crazy Bear nodded like a pecking chicken and added quickly. "Before you came, I already sent people to investigate Ji Mu. If it turns out that this kid has an unusual background like you said, I''ll just take the loss." "Good." Mad Tiger nodded his head in satisfaction. Before he could say anything, the waiter from earlier hastily pushed open the door and ran over, "Tiger Lord, someone from the Situ family is here.¡± "The Situ Family?" Mad Tiger frowned. He hadn''t bothered to hide his arrival in Tianhua City, so it was normal for the Situ Family to know. However... visiting them right after his arrival seemed a bit too hasty. Mad Tiger stood up from the sofa and decided to investigate, "Let''s go, follow me and see what''s going on. Calling his cousin, they left the private room and went downstairs. ... The bar room on the first floor was unusually quiet. A roguishly handsome man sat at the bar, idly swirling a glass of red wine in his hand. Behind him stood several men in black suits, their faces stern, clearly bodyguard types. As Mad Tiger descended the stairs, he recognized the man immediately. Situ Yan, the heir of the Axe Gang in Tianhua City, a ruthless figure with countless bloodstains on his hands despite his young age. "So it''s Young Master Situ." He suppressed his anxiety and casually glanced at the men standing around. Just from the faint aura they exuded, Mad Tiger could tell that these men were martial artists like himself. It seemed that the Axe Gang held this young master in high esteem by sending so many martial artists to protect him. "Long time no see, Tiger Lord." Situ Yan chuckled slightly, "I hope you don''t mind my sudden visit?" Although it seemed like an apology, the underlying tone of contempt made Crazy Bear''s face fill with anger. He was about to say something when Mad Tiger stopped him with a gesture. "A guest is a guest, Young Master Situ, you''re joking." The arrogant will eventually meet their match; he didn''t want to get angry with a young upstart. "I wonder if Young Master Situ is here to discuss cooperation?" Situ Yan picked up the glass of red wine on the table and took a slow sip. "Jiangcheng is a big pie, and it has just been redistributed. Who wouldn''t want a piece of the action? The old man is naturally very worried." Mad Tiger''s face remained expressionless, his voice deepening, "It seems you all know." "Of course, Tianhua City isn''t far from Jiangcheng. It''s hard for us not to know, and besides..." Situ Yan leaned against the bar, a freshly lit cigarette dangling from his mouth, looking nonchalant. "I''ve also heard that the real reason for the underground power shuffle has to do with the revelation that the youngest son of the richest family in Jiangcheng, the Ji family, isn''t actually their biological child." Chapter 35 - Only I Can Deal With Ji Mu Mad Tiger''s pupils contracted. The other party''s words were surprisingly accurate. Sixteen years ago, the Ji family''s newborn son was switched by a maid and has been missing ever since. Whether he is dead or alive is still unknown. This incident was linked to the gray market at the time, so the Ji family recently launched a frenzied retaliation against any underworld forces in Jiangcheng involved in the matter. When a whale falls, all things flourish. With the fall of the old gangs, the previously oppressed small and large forces finally saw an opportunity to rise. Even the Axe Gang from Tianhua City, like hyenas, smelled the opportunity and came to take advantage of it. "You know the current situation in Jiangcheng. Until we confirm the whereabouts of the Ji family''s youngest son, no one dares to show themselves openly at this critical juncture," Mad Tiger explained. "Young Master Situ, please convey my apologies to your father. We have to put our cooperation on hold for now." "Oh?" Situ Yan''s hand that had been tapping on the bar stopped. A smile played on his lips, but there was an inexplicable chill in his voice. "So, Lord Tiger, are you saying... you don''t intend to cooperate with us?" The air around them seemed to freeze with these words, like the calm before a storm. In the slightly oppressive silence, Mad Tiger replied impassively, "You could understand it that way." Their gazes met in silence, and Situ Yan didn''t speak, but a hint of danger flickered in his eyes. The cigarette butt in his fingers glowed with a crimson light, and the crisp sound of his lighter opening and closing seemed to signal something. The bodyguards behind him quietly took a few steps to the side, ready to act at the slightest provocation. Crazy Bear, noticing that his cousin seemed to be at a dead end with these people, tensed his body, ready for a fierce battle at any moment. Just as the atmosphere reached a stalemate, a subordinate suddenly ran over to report, "Boss Bear, I have the results on the four-eyed guy you asked me to investigate." Crazy Bear glared at the subordinate. Has he no sense of the situation? Can''t he see what''s going on right now? He waved his hand and scolded, "Get out of here, we''ll talk later." "Wait." Situ Yan was sitting in his seat and playing with a lighter when he suddenly spoke. "The four-eyed guy you mentioned earlier, isn''t he the famous one who recently topped the Six School Joint Examination?" Mad Tiger glanced over in surprise. "What, does Young Master Situ have a grudge against him as well?" The use of the word ''too'' was quite clever.@@@@ Slowly exhaling a ring of smoke, Situ Yan nonchalantly replied, "Just some history between us." Crazy Bear understood immediately. "Let''s put aside the small issues for now. I still hope that Tiger Lord will seriously consider our cooperation. It''s hard to gain a foothold in Jiangcheng by relying on just one person." "All right, I''ll think about it." ... As soon as Situ Yan and his group left, Crazy Bear, who had been holding back, immediately expressed his confusion. "Cousin, why did you stop me just now? Clearly..." "Brother, don''t act rashly before you understand the enemy''s strength," Mad Tiger patiently patted his cousin''s shoulder. "If someone can scout the way for us, why not let them?" Crazy Bear was stunned. "Cousin, you mean..." Mad Tiger rolled the iron ball in his hand, his eyes deep and thoughtful. "If that four-eyed guy turns out to be really weak, you can take your revenge however you want." Crazy Bear grinned, unable to contain his excitement. "I understand, cousin!" Four-eyes, you may be good at fighting, but what good is that? In this world, it''s all about background and power! Even if you''re a martial artist, being targeted by the Prince of the Tianhua City Underworld means you''re on a path to destruction! ... As they walked out of the small tavern, the smile on Situ Yan''s face faded. "That old fox." He turned his gaze to the lead bodyguard and calmly asked, "Ying Yi, did you test Mad Tiger''s strength today? How does he compare to you?" "Probably no match." The bodyguard named Ying Yi shook his head. "His aura is strong, probably a peak Ming Jin expert." Situ Yan nodded, not surprised. After all, this old fox had managed to secure his position among the many underground forces in Jiangcheng, so his strength was naturally formidable. At this moment, another bodyguard leaned over and asked in a low voice, "Young master, what are your plans for Ji Mu?" Situ Yan thought for a moment. "I know Mad Tiger''s brother, Crazy Bear''s temperament. If he went to the trouble of investigating someone''s background, it''s likely that person is also a martial artist." "So what?" Ying Yi spoke disdainfully, "At his age, he could be at the early stage of Ming Jin at best. If you wish, Young Master, I can make him kneel and beg for mercy within ten breaths." "It''s good that you are confident, but..." Situ Yan''s expression remained unchanged, but his eyes became increasingly cruel. "What''s the point of just begging for mercy? I want him half-dead, kneeling before me, and preferably bedridden for the rest of his life, unable to even read a book. When you become a cripple, will your mouth still be as impudent as it is today? Chapter 36 - The Rising Dawn In the afternoon. Under a crooked tree in the schoolyard, Ji Mu leaned against the roots and rested with his eyes closed. Next to him, the system listed the various crimes of the novel''s second male protagonist. [Situ Yan, that arrogant jerk, is domineering and vengeful. In the original novel, there was a boy who just complained that he was a little wild, and this guy beat him into a vegetative state on the spot.] "He''s so arrogant. Isn''t he afraid of the consequences?" [Consequences, my foot. This guy has connections in the police department. No matter how much the boy''s parents made a fuss, it was settled with some compensation and nothing more.] [It is because of his unusual background that he acts so ruthlessly]. The system said with disgust. [In the original novel, when he saw the female lead being bullied, he not only did not stop it, but also used it to force her to become his lover. If she didn''t agree, he threatened to make her suffer even more than she already was]. [In the previous life, when Ruan Qingqing refused his coercion, that disgusting guy sent people to smash up the place where the female lead worked part-time. Not only did she lose her job, but the bullying at school also intensified.] [As for him, he "coincidentally" appeared at the worst moment of the female lead''s bullying, pretended to be a hero by chasing away the bullies, and then hypocritically comforted her. It''s the classic "hit with a stick and then give a date" tactic to manipulate and control the female lead.] No wonder he''s on par with Fu Rongjing. This level of villainy has reached the peak of the T0 level. Ji Mu couldn''t help but comment, "The evening glow of the setting sun, the dawn of the rising east." The system gave a thumbs up to his sharp criticism. Accurate, correct, and to the point. [Fortunately, this idiot didn''t stay arrogant for long. In the previous life, after the female lead was blackened, he was the first to die.] First, his genitals were cut off and fed to the dogs, then he was locked up by a dozen burly men and experienced the excruciating pain of his anus being torn apart. Finally, he was dismembered and died a gruesome death that was truly satisfying. Ji Mu nodded in satisfaction. This way of dying is fitting, a deserved end for someone like him. The most anticipated episode where something happens to him. ???????? "Mu Mu." A soft, sweet voice, melodious and gentle, like a breeze whispering in your ear. Ji Mu looked up to see Ruan Qingqing running over. Her fair cheeks were slightly flushed from the practice. No wonder it is said that beauties are pleasing to the eye. When ordinary people run, it''s just so-so, but this girl looked like a delicate willow swaying in the wind, graceful and enchanting. She chose a spot to sit, resting her chin on one hand, her eyes curving into a smile as she handed the drink in her hand. "Your oolong tea."@@@@ "Thank you." Ji Mu twisted off the cap and took a sip. The refreshing taste immediately swept away the dryness in his throat. Quenching and not cloying. Sugarless oolong tea is indeed the best. Those who drink low-sugar are practically heretics! Finding a new angle, Ji Mu leaned back against the root of the tree, planning to take a short nap. The breeze was light, making it the perfect time for a midday nap. Ruan Qingqing, who was standing next to him, hesitated for a few seconds before quietly asking, "Mu mu, isn''t it painful to rest the back of your head there?" "Hmm? It''s okay, I can manage." "Then... do you want to sleep here with me?" "???" "I see..." Ji Mu nodded without much expression, but his heart skipped a beat. Oh no, "okay" basically means she''s interested. Doesn''t that mean that the female lead is about to fall in love with him? Damn it. This can''t happen! "You seem to have a high opinion of him. Would you like me to get his contact information for you?" He asked hesitantly. Upon hearing this, Ruan Qingqing''s beautiful willow leaf eyebrows furrowed. "Why would you say that, Mu Mu?" She clearly didn''t mean it. "Based on your reaction earlier, it seemed like you cared about him, so I thought maybe..." "I don''t!" The last words didn''t have a chance to leave his mouth before the girl suddenly raised her voice to interrupt him. Ji Mu was confused by her strange reaction. "Why are you so nervous? Even if you are interested, it''s not..." Thud... His words were cut off in the middle. Caught off guard, Ji Mu was suddenly pushed to the ground by the girl beside him. Thick, dark hair cascaded down, and her long, curled eyelashes fluttered like butterfly wings. The fox-like eyes beneath them stared at him intently. "I said..." The rich scent of gardenias filled his nostrils as she spoke slowly, word by word. "I am not." Ji Mu was slightly stunned. "I have absolutely no interest in Situ Yan, nor do I intend to pay any attention to him." To clear up this baseless misunderstanding, her speech gradually accelerated. "I only mentioned it to you because I overheard those girls talking about him when I passed by." "Why... why would you think of me like that? Mu Mu, do you also think that I am a fickle and promiscuous woman like everyone else?" In the end, the girl''s eyes began to turn red. She looked extremely pitiful, as if she had been deeply wronged. Uh... Noticing her emotional state, Ji Mu immediately softened his tone to explain. "Sorry, I just heard some bad rumors about Situ Yan and wanted to warn you not to fall for his tricks." This was the truth. Situ Yan was not a good match. If the girl really fell for him, it would definitely lead to trouble. Given his crazy antics, it was certain that Ruan Qingqing would end up turning black again, just like in the previous life, and the progress of the mission would be delayed. Just thinking about this scenario made Ji Mu''s headache. Fortunately, the female lead didn''t seem to be interested in Situ Yan. Chapter 37 - No One Understands Friendship Better Than Me The sunlight cast shadows on every building, and the light was no longer warm and cheerful, but gradually took on a twilight haze. Ji Mu repeatedly explained that his earlier words were unintentional. Only then did the other party ask softly with her moist, beautiful eyes, "Really? "Truer than gold and silver." Ji Mu held up three fingers in a pledge. Ruan Qingqing bit her lip and lowered her eyes to look at him. After a long time, she replied softly, "Mm." "Um..." When the young girl''s emotions finally stabilized, Ji Mu felt a bit torn as he reminded her, "You can get off me now." The current position was undeniably less than elegant. But to his surprise, the usually docile Ruan Qingqing shook her head stubbornly. "No..." Ji Mu blinked in confusion. No? Are you really going to stay like this? Before he could say another word, he suddenly felt a soft touch on his cheek. The warm sensation sent a wave of goosebumps down his back. "Silly goose, you..." Her breath, hot and lingering, mixed with the faint scent of her perfume, enveloped him. Before he could finish his sentence, the girl pressed her entire body against him. Two heavy, soft mounds pressed against his chest, leaving Ji Mu at a loss, not knowing what to say. "Just let me lean against you for a while, okay?" The warm breath on his earlobe carried a slightly humble request. Ji Mu remained silent. Is she... using me as a human pillow? "Mu Mu, I don''t like Situ Yan. I have no interest in anything to do with him. The same goes for the other boys. I hate interacting with them and I hate talking to them, that''s all." Under the mottled shadows of the trees, the breath that was neither too close nor too far became even closer. "But... I just want to share the little things in life with you, to get to know you better." "So please don''t misunderstand me anymore, okay?" Feeling the girl''s sincere confession, Ji Mu finally understood her thoughts. Although she had changed somewhat from before, she still hadn''t fully accepted men psychologically. But... why did she keep stressing this to him? Whether she likes Situ Yan or not doesn''t seem to have anything to do with me, an outsider, right? [How stupid, you don''t understand such a simple truth?] Seeing the host fall into a thought trap, the high EQ expert system could only helplessly step in to clarify. [Here''s a simple example: Two guys see a Tiger tank on the street. One of them points to the tank and says, "That''s your wife. The other guy would definitely be eager to refute that.] [Isn''t this situation similar to the one between you and Ruan Qingqing?] "The logic is sound... but Situ Yan doesn''t look bad. Comparing him to a tank seems a bit far-fetched, doesn''t it?" [Tsk. Sometimes I wonder how you managed to top the joint exams of the six schools. Your thinking is so rigid.] The system made a scornful face. [Who in Yulan High School doesn''t know about Situ Yan''s bad reputation? With you, the host, being such a good friend, and the heroine already disliking men, it''s unlikely that she would be interested in a scoundrel like him.] "I see, I thought..." The warm breath on his skin made his earlobe itch uncomfortably. No matter how unaccustomed he was, Ji Mu could only bear it. After all, he had just made her angry. Sigh, if only I hadn''t said those things earlier. In short, he deeply regretted it. "Mu Mu..." Ruan Qingqing closed her eyes and enjoyed the soothing touch on the top of her head. She had thought that such intimate contact would make her feel somewhat resistant. But there was none. Before, even the slightest accidental touch from a boy would make her feel nauseous, and she would wipe her hand repeatedly with wet wipes until she felt clean. But why did she feel no disgust when it came to Ji Mu? Instead, she felt... a growing desire to get closer. It was as if a deeply buried vine, nourished by a shimmering clear lake, was winding its way up and wrapping itself around her. She knew it was dangerous, but she couldn''t bear to leave. And the source of all this trouble came from the boy beneath her. Mu Mu... So this is all your fault? Without your appearance, I wouldn''t have become more and more different from myself. Ruan Qingqing lowered her head even further, her lips seemingly unintentionally brushing against her skin. The warm touch made her heart tremble. The boy''s chest was broad and firm, and even through the cloth, she could clearly feel the strong, tight muscles. So hard... She had never seen him unclothed, but just thinking about it, she knew it must be a perfect body. Broad shoulders, slim waist, tantalizing. Mm... Ah... Noticing the itch and unusual sensation in a certain part of her body, she quickly suppressed the amorous thoughts in her heart. Her delicate nose sniffed, greedily inhaling the scent of soap. So comfortable~'' She sighed softly, her murmur blending into the wind, full of satisfaction and longing. ... [Subsystem, have you seen this? Thanks to my sincere teachings, the friendship between the host and the target has reached a new level!] In midair, the system stroked his non-existent beard and spoke in the tone of an old mentor imparting wisdom to his junior. [Watch closely and learn well. When your internship is over, these little tricks will come in handy when you go out on your own missions.] "Nobody understands friendship better than me!" In System Space: Watching the hidden blackening value skyrocket, the subsystem fell silent. Objectively speaking, every step Big Brother had taken so far had been correct, so why did it feel like something was bound to go wrong if it continued? Still, it couldn''t pinpoint what was wrong. Could it be... that its own level of understanding wasn''t up to par? The small electronic brain of the subsystem was filled with great doubts. In the meantime. Neither the system nor the subsystem noticed an almost invisible note in the corner of the Prajna Instrument''s manual. [This product is designed for general situations, exceptions for special individuals.] Chapter 38 - No Ones Home Life is like a blank piece of paper. What you decide to draw on it is up to you. The process is filled with too many uncertainties. You can''t be sure that after stumbling and making corrections along the way, the final piece will still be what you once imagined. Ji Mu hoped to live a simple life, earn a billion as soon as possible, and return to Blue Star to live a relaxed life. With no parents and having been raised in an orphanage since he could remember, he had endured hardships from a young age. Now that immense wealth was within his grasp, of course he had to grab it. He didn''t want to change, didn''t want to get too involved with the characters in this story, and certainly didn''t want to develop relationships beyond friendship with those so-called female leads. Beauty was nothing more than a skeleton in fine clothes, like fleeting clouds. But as the mission progressed, he had an ominous feeling. It was as if something was turning into an uncontrollable situation. It was like a fuse before a war. When an unexpected event happened and he had no choice but to accept it, a series of troublesome things would follow one after another. And he was forced to be at the center of these complicated events. "Please don''t let it really be like this," Ji Mu rubbed his temples in frustration. ... "Did you hear? Senior Situ came to school today. Some people even saw him on the playground." "Really? Wasn''t he suspended last year for fighting?" "Who knows, maybe his family has strong connections." The girls at the next table started gossiping again. At every break, they gathered to talk about this and that. It was unclear how much truth was in their conversations, but their gossip was really loud. "But honestly, even though Situ Yan''s character is a bit poor, he''s really good-looking." "Exactly, girl. I really like bad boys." "His looks are indeed outstanding, on par with Fu Rongjing." "And they also have different styles. One is gentle and refined, the other is carefree and unrestrained." "Yeah, yeah, no wonder they''re the twin stars of Yulan." ...More like the twin madmen. Ji Mu replied silently, speechless. He turned his head towards the white wall, his arms wrapped around his head, burying his face in the crook of his elbow, not wanting to listen to this pointless chatter anymore. I should get some earplugs. He yawned with his mouth half open, thinking to himself. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª The afternoon was peaceful and calm. The green leaves swayed on the branches as the wind blew, casting crisscrossing shadows on the desk by the window. Soft branches brushed against his face, causing a slight tickling sensation. A subtle scent wafted into his nose. It wasn''t the suffocating scent of sprayed perfume, but rather the pure and fresh aroma of gardenias after a light rain. Very natural, yet somehow familiar. He opened his eyes blurred, and the delicate, jade-like face of a girl appeared before him. He decided that when he returned to Blue Star in the future, he would find a similar type of caretaker. Being taken care of and living a relaxed life would definitely be super comfortable. Carrying her backpack with one hand, Ji Mu walked out of the classroom, daydreaming happily. "Mu Mu..." Walking side by side in the corridor, Ruan Qingqing hesitated for a moment before speaking slowly, "This weekend... are you free?" "This weekend? I think I have to participate in the school''s math competition. My schedule is already full." "That sounds tough." "It''s okay." The main reason was that winning the first place came with a reward of 10,000 yuan. In order to buy the newly released prestige skin in the game, he had to put in some extra effort. [Skin Collector] The system scornfully replied. [Wouldn''t it be better to spend this time with the female lead and increase your friendship points? You can always play games]. Money can be spent, but ranks can''t be climbed. He had spent so much money and still hadn''t seen any results. Ji Mu didn''t want to deal with it, so he lazily added, "I''ll buy you a prestige skin as soon as I get the prize money." [Humph, even if you get a prestige... uh, well... it''s important to balance work and rest every now and then]. The system, which had been so aggressive just moments before, visibly lowered its volume. [As they say, success comes from hard work, so why not take a break for the next two days?] The little thing quickly changed its tune. After shutting down the system, Ji Mu continued the conversation with the girl, "Do you need my help with anything this weekend?" "Yes, the second six-school joint exam is coming up soon. I want to use the break to go to the library and buy some study materials." As they walked down the stairs, Ruan Qingqing quietly explained her reason. "So... I was wondering if I could ask you to come with me to choose some exercise books." "Review?" Ji Mu thought for a moment and suggested, "Why don''t you come to me instead?" "Huh?" "Doing more review books might not necessarily improve your scores by much. One-on-one tutoring with me would be more effective." "That... makes sense." "How about this, let''s set a time in the next few days to go over the subjects you''re not good at thoroughly." "Okay, then... where should we go?" After speaking, Ruan Qingqing''s ears turned red. Fortunately, they had just left the school building, and it wasn''t noticeable in the sunset light. "Anywhere is fine." Ji Mu said casually. "We can go to the library outside or come to my place, either is fine." Ruan Qingqing''s heart pounded. Despite the increasing noise in her ears, which almost disturbed her thoughts, she maintained her composure. "The library requires silence, which isn''t very convenient. Let''s... go to your place." Vol. 1 - Chapter 39 - The Impending Crisis Dusk The orange sunset filtered through the gaps in the treetops, and the lingering sound of the school bell echoed, adding an ethereal touch to the tranquil atmosphere. Aside from those involved in club activities, there weren''t many students left on campus. It wasn''t crowded, which gave a sense of emptiness. "There''s not much going on next week. Just let me know on your phone when you''re coming over." As they walked along the asphalt road, Ji Mu joked, "There''s no one else at my place, so don''t bring any gifts." No one else? Wouldn''t that mean... just the two of them? Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks felt hot, clearly interpreting it on a different level. "Mu Mu, don''t your parents live with you?" She wanted to start a topic to cover her embarrassment, but after hearing the boy''s answer, she regretted asking. "I have no parents. I grew up in an orphanage." "......" Ruan Qingqing was stunned, the heat on her face dissipated, and her steps suddenly felt heavy. Her lips trembled, she wanted to say something but hesitated, "Mu Mu, I..." "Stop." Noticing that the female lead was about to shed tears, Ji Mu quickly interrupted. "I don''t mind at all, so you definitely shouldn''t feel guilty." "Mm... I don''t." Ruan Qingqing forced a smile, but her tone easily revealed that she hadn''t let it go. Ji Mu found it amusing, "You don''t look like you don''t care." The girl fell silent. Her head slowly lowered, as if a wave of guilt surrounded her. Seeing this, he could only step forward and slap her forehead. "Ouch!" Ruan Qingqing covered her forehead with both hands and took a few small steps back, "Ouch." "Good, if you feel pain, at least you won''t have the energy to overthink." Ji Mu slowly withdrew his hand, "Silly goose, don''t be so empathetic. You can''t get up in the middle of the night and slap yourself, can you?" Ruan Qingqing pouted, feeling a bit offended by his slightly teasing tone. "But... but you still shouldn''t hit people..." Ji Mu was annoyed. Seriously, girl, a light flick counts as a punch? Just as he was about to defend himself, he noticed the red mark on the girl''s forehead and closed his mouth again. Okay, I forgot how delicate the female lead''s skin is. Even the slightest touch leaves a mark. Knowing that he couldn''t justify himself, Ji Mu stretched out his arms, "Don''t be angry. You can hit me back. If it doesn''t make you feel better, you can hit me a few more times." "No..." Ruan Qingqing pouted slightly. She couldn''t bear it. "Does that mean you''re not angry anymore?" Ji Mu took advantage of the situation and clasped his hands, "Thank you for your great generosity, Lord Dai." Ruan Qingqing turned her face away and quietly huffed. How could he be so insolent? The sun was setting in the west, casting a yellowish glow on the ground and reflecting their shadows. In an unseen corner, the girl''s lips curled. Looking at it this way, it really seemed like she and Ji Mu were close~ "What a coincidence." The peaceful atmosphere didn''t last long, as it was soon interrupted by a sudden voice. Situ Yan leisurely walked over from another path, "We meet again, little fairy." Seeing him, Ruan Qingqing instinctively took a step back in disgust. His unclean gaze swept over her face and chest, making her feel as if she was stained with filthy mud. "Don''t get too familiar, buddy." Noticing the girl''s extremely contemptuous expression, Ji Mu calmly expressed her thoughts. "Acting like you''re meeting a friend is rather embarrassing. You two aren''t that close." "That''s right." The girl next to him obediently repeated, "I don''t know you at all." Situ Yan wasn''t annoyed. His gaze continued to sweep over her, a mischievous smile on his lips. "Don''t worry, we''ll get to know each other slowly." "Apologies." Trying her best to ignore the sickening feeling, Ruan Qingqing responded directly to the guy''s teasing, "I have no intention of getting to know or interacting with the opposite sex." Realizing that this might not be the best way to put it, she stepped forward and wrapped her arm around the boy''s. Strangely, the disgust in her heart suddenly subsided at that moment. Her eyes curved into a smile and her voice softened involuntarily, ".....except for Mu Mu." Uh, being close is one thing. But can you not be so close once in a while? It''s really strange. The feeling of something soft and springy, like a freshly baked cake, transferred from his arm. Ji Mu suppressed the strange and uncomfortable feeling in his heart. If it weren''t for the fact that this maniac was present and he didn''t want to embarrass the female lead, he would have pulled his arm away immediately. "You two seem really close." Noticing the girl''s action, the smile on Situ Yan''s face faded significantly. "But being close doesn''t mean that all is well. If certain needs aren''t met, it can still cause problems in life." He emphasized meaningfully. "Little fairy, are you sure you don''t want to try with someone else? My skills are at least much better than that sickly bookworm." [Host, I checked. This guy''s stamina is only 48.] The system, with its intelligent electronic eye, saw through Situ Yan''s details and exposed him directly. [You can pin him down with one hand. I really don''t know where he gets the confidence to say he''s stronger than you.] 75 points in appearance, 48 points in stamina. He was completely outclassed in every way. After all, with 10 points being one level, Ji Mu''s physique of 60 was naturally much stronger than others. It''s not an exaggeration to say that even Ruan Qingqing''s demanding attributes could be easily satisfied. [No wonder Situ Yan could only be one of the male leads in the original story.] It turns out that he is just a useless pretty face. Ji Mu: Alright, you shut up first... After the system interrupted, Ji Mu looked at Situ Yan with a hint of pity. "People often want to show off what they lack the most, don''t they?" "Oh?" Understanding the underlying meaning of Ji Mu''s words, Situ Yan''s dark pupils seemed to glow with a predatory light, as if ready to devour. "Being good at studying isn''t everything. If you keep provoking me with just that, do you really think I won''t dare to touch you?" Ji Mu said: "Oh, then you have a lot of patience. Do you want me to get you a prize?" "Heh~" Situ Yan chuckled softly, his arrogant and unruly face looking extremely sinister. "How about we play a game? Next time we meet, you won''t even be able to hold a pen." Wow, being threatened, so scary???? ¡°If you can''t do it, don''t talk so much. Aren''t you afraid of getting a rotten mouth?'' The smile on Situ Yan''s lips froze. Seeing the growing tension between them, Ruan Qingqing looked at Ji Mu with a worried expression, but he remained completely unresponsive. Although the black frame on the bridge of his nose covered his eyes, the cold indifference emanating from him could not be concealed. What good is a dog barking? Only when it bites me does it count as a skill. After speaking, he walked past someone with the girl, his indifference on full display. ... Situ Yan stood there for a long time. Only after the two of them had completely disappeared did he bend his body slightly. His face, hidden in the shadows, radiated madness and danger. "Interesting, very interesting." A light breeze blew, the trees swayed, and a man in a black suit suddenly appeared behind him, kneeling on one knee with his head slightly lowered. "Young Master." "Ying Yi, have them prepare. We will act today." He couldn''t wait any longer. "Little fairy, who told you to choose a man with such a sharp tongue?" As the image of the girl''s graceful figure and pure, breathtaking face flashed through his mind, the anger in Situ Yan''s heart was replaced by another emotion. Why haven''t I met such a gem before? Although there''s a high chance that she''s not a virgin, it''s still tolerable. After all, even though he''s been with so many women, she''s the first to arouse such a strong physical desire in him. "Too bad - originally I wanted to be gentle with her." But a thought crossed his mind: To be able to forcibly claim the little fairy right in front of Four-Eyes... Her face would be filled with despair and remorse. A triumph over the mistake of a former wife, wow. When I think about it, it feels so exciting! Patreon Chapter Release Update Hello! Exciting news for our Patreon supporters! New advance chapters have been released according to the following tiers: Acquaintances ¨C [3] advance chapters Friends ¨C [6] advance chaptersSweethearts ¨C [12] advance chapters Thank you for your support! Your contributions help keep the translations coming. If you¡¯d like to read ahead, consider joining our Patreon and unlocking exclusive chapters! [Novel Update Patreon] Happy reading! Hey readers! Every 15 votes on NovelUpdates unlock 1 extra chapter! Be sure give a vote if you haven''t done so! Chapter 40 - If Nothing Unexpected Happens, Something Unexpected Will Soon Happen Night time. A crescent moon hung in the sky with twinkling stars. Not far from the International Trade Center in the city center, there was a cafe. Ruan Qingqing worked there part-time. Turning left out of the door led directly to the bus stop. It was convenient for commuting, and the salary and benefits were quite good. Although her relationship with her co-workers wasn''t very harmonious, and there were occasional arguments, it wasn''t unbearable. Outside the window. The busy street was brightly lit, with rows of street lamps dispersing the darkness. Colorful neon lights intertwined among the lush trees, adding a touch of beauty to the twilight scene. As she absentmindedly wiped the desks, Ruan Qingqing thought about what happened after school that afternoon. Situ Yan had an impressive background. The title of "Prince of the Underworld" was not without reason. When she first enrolled, she had heard about his notorious reputation from others'' conversations. In front of everyone, he had beaten a fellow student into a vegetative state without facing any consequences. The harshest punishment he received was a six-month suspension, which was barely a slap on the wrist, and he didn''t even receive a formal reprimand. This was enough to prove the immense power behind him. ¡®If it really doesn''t work out, I''ll talk to the teacher tomorrow. The principal holds Ji Mu in high esteem, so there''s a good chance he''ll protect him,¡¯ Ruan Qingqing thought. The thought of Ji Mu getting into trouble with someone with such an unusual background and unpredictable personality filled Ruan Qingqing with worry. "Ruan, are you busy?" Someone suddenly tapped her shoulder. Ruan Qingqing turned her head to see a handsome young man looking at her with concern. Quickly snapping back to reality, she replied with a soft "Mm" and subtly moved aside to create some distance. Noticing the girl''s attempt to keep her distance, the young man didn''t mind. "Would you like to take a break? I can see that you''ve been busy for a while." Despite his attentive concern, Ruan Qingqing kept her head down and continued her work. "No need, Manager. I''m going to take a break soon." The young man smiled. "But it''s not time to clock out yet. You should balance work and rest." Taking advantage of the conversation, he naturally moved closer again. "Besides, it''s not safe for a girl to walk alone at night. I''ll take you home later." "I''m still used to going back alone." Ruan Qingqing didn''t stop what she was doing, politely refusing while subtly reminding him, "Manager, you''re standing too close. The young man''s handsome face stiffened slightly. "Sorry, I didn''t notice." "It''s okay." The girl''s voice was soft and gentle. Even without deliberately lowering her tone, it sounded delicate and crisp, making one''s bones tingle. The light from above cast a glow that made her already tender skin appear porcelain white and translucent. Her thick, fine lashes were long but not curled, casting a shadow. Her cherry lips were full and wet. Just standing there, she imprinted that rosy hue on his forehead. Innocent, yet with an indescribable allure. The young man''s Adam''s apple bobbed. He fought to suppress the burning desire within him. After a long time, he finally said in a soft tone, "All right, take care. ... "Tch, always acting so delicate. Who knows what she''s pretending for." Seeing the young man return dejectedly from the girl, the woman with the extravagant makeup spat disdainfully. "She stinks of green tea. It''s disgusting." "No wonder she doesn''t want to help out for a few more days. Isn''t she just relying on the manager''s interest in her?" "These men, they don''t say it, but they all like this type." "......" As she arranged the tables and chairs, Ruan Qingqing pretended not to hear the gossip of her colleagues behind her. After all, it wasn''t the first time. She didn''t want to cause any unnecessary trouble. She just wanted to do her job properly and earn her pay. Ding-dong The doorbell rang as the door was pushed open. Hearing another customer enter, Ruan Qingqing looked up, her pink lips curving into a professional smile. "Welcome..." The words caught in her throat as she met the newcomer''s gaze. Situ Yan looked over with a faint mocking smile. His narrow eyes were deep and filled with a mischievous charm, exuding an air of rebelliousness. The woman gossiping at the reception nudged her friend, her voice low and excited. "Look, a real hottie just walked in." In all her time working at the cafe, it was the first time she had seen someone more handsome than the manager. Could this be her lucky day? "This customer, what would you like to drink?" The woman with the extravagant makeup greeted him sweetly. Her eyes were filled with flirtation, never leaving him, almost clinging to him. Situ Yan leaned against the counter and tapped his fingers. "An iced Americano." "Alright, please wait a moment~" The woman replied in a deliberately high voice. Just as she was about to prepare the coffee, Situ Yan, who was sitting at the counter, suddenly spoke up. "I want her to bring it to me." Following his gaze, Ruan Qingqing''s palms broke into a cold sweat, and her fingers tightened around the edge of the table. So he was here for her. Ignoring the jealous glances of her colleagues, she calmed her emotions, picked up the prepared coffee, and handed it to him. "Your iced Americano." "Wait." Situ Yan supported his chin with one hand. "Did I say you could go?" Ruan Qingqing''s steps stopped. "This customer, do you need anything else?" Bored, Situ Yan fiddled with the straw in his cup and jokingly asked, "Little fairy, do you seem to dislike me?" Ruan Qingqing remained silent, as if she did not want to waste time with him. She turned to leave. "How heartless, little fairy." Situ Yan sighed theatrically. "You are so cold to me. It seems like you don''t care about Ji Mu''s life or death either." His sudden words seemed to grab Ruan Qingqing''s lifeline. Her heart pounded violently, and a strong feeling of unease washed over her. "What do you mean?" Seeing the girl''s tense reaction, Situ Yan tugged at the corner of his mouth, a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. "As expected, you only pay attention to me when I mention him." Their relationship was so good that it made him a little jealous. "That customer." Sensing the obvious tension, the young manager quickly stepped out of the back room to defuse the situation. "Something wrong with the iced Americano? I can make you another one." "Not at all." Situ Yan raised an eyebrow lazily and gave a half-hearted compliment. "It tastes pretty good." The young manager smiled and was about to continue the conversation when the person in front of him inexplicably asked, "Is this your store?" He was taken aback, not understanding why this question came out of nowhere, but he nodded. "Yes." "Well, it won''t be for long." The young manager was stunned. "Wha..." Bang! A dark shadow flashed by, followed by the sound of a violent collision. The young manager''s face twisted in pain as his head was pushed against the table by a stranger in a black suit, rendering him immobile. The sudden change happened in the blink of an eye, and the others present did not even have time to react. Situ Yan walked over to the young man and looked down at him. "Opening a shop in the city center is no easy task, but I didn''t like the way you looked at her just now." He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. White smoke swirled around. The next second, seven or eight men in black suits swarmed in, swinging iron bars recklessly. Terrified women''s screams echoed, and the scene descended into chaos. Situ Yan elegantly exhaled a ring of smoke and casually pressed the remaining cigarette butt into the young man''s face. "Ah!!" Listening to the pathetic scream, he closed his eyes in pleasure. Daring to covet the woman he had his eyes on, truly courting death. Ruan Qingqing''s body stiffened, a chill rising from her feet to her head. This person was truly a ruthless madman. "Let''s go, little fairy~" Noticing the pale-faced girl beside him, Situ Yan''s lips curled up and his roguish demeanor returned. "There''s a good show I want to take you to see." Patreon Chapter Release Update Hello! Exciting news for our Patreon supporters! New advance chapters have been released according to the following tiers: Acquaintances ¨C [3] advance chapters Friends ¨C [6] advance chaptersSweethearts ¨C [12] advance chapters Thank you for your support! Your contributions help keep the translations coming. If you¡¯d like to read ahead, consider joining our Patreon and unlocking exclusive chapters! [NovelUpdate Patreon] Happy reading! Chapter 41 - The Advantage Is Mine! Dusk was falling. In an apartment near Yulan High School. Ji Mu''s entire body was tense, his fingers moving so fast across the screen that they were almost a blur. The hero he was controlling was desperately dodging enemy attacks on the battlefield, relying on serpentine movements to weave back and forth. He had never been so focused, not even during the six-school joint exams. After all, this was his 56th promotion match. Fortunately, he was up against a top Wild King in this match. Less than ten minutes into the match, they were already showing signs of a crushing victory. If it weren''t for his four AI teammates constantly feeding the enemy and dragging him down, they might have already won the game. But no matter what, this was Ji Mu''s best chance to climb the ladder. He had to give it his all! As time passed and the game entered the late stages, the kill count between the two teams began to even out, making the situation increasingly tense. As he watched the Wild King launch the final attack, Ji Mu knew that this was the last team battle that would decide the outcome of the game. Whether or not he could climb the ladder depended on this moment! There was no time to wipe the sweat from his palms. His eyes were glued to the screen, his heartbeat pounding louder and louder in his chest. He drew the skill to prepare to release it, but just as the chaotic battle was about to erupt, an unexpected change occurred. [Warning! Warning! Plot node detected.] A sharp sound like an electromagnetic wave pierced his brain. Ji Mu frowned, feeling extremely uncomfortable as he held his forehead. The piercing electronic sound continued to echo in his mind. [The female lead is in danger. Host, please hurry to the scene!] [Host, please hurry to the scene!!!] What is this system doing? The mission target is in dang... wait a minute! Ji Mu''s eyes widened as he suddenly remembered something important he had forgotten. He immediately looked down at his phone, only to see that the game music had abruptly stopped, the screen had gone black, and two large red "WARNING" messages had taken up the entire screen. His promotion game... [Host, stop whining! The female lead is in danger. Hurry up and get dressed!] The System Elf tugged at his hair anxiously, urging him on. [The World Consciousness has just contacted me. This time, the danger from the female is different from before. If we don''t hurry, our mission may be delayed. We have to get there quickly.] "So serious?" With the mission at stake, Ji Mu couldn''t afford to dwell on the bitterness and sadness of failing his 56th promotion match. Forcing himself to endure the heartbreaking pain, he quickly stood up, put on his clothes, and rushed downstairs. He hailed a taxi to the location provided by the system. "Driver, please hurry," he said urgently. He took out 200 yuan from his pocket and handed it to the driver. After that, he calmed down and asked, "One thing at a time. What''s the deal with the World Consciousness and the Action Node?" [This is the entity that just communicated with me. It''s similar to the Heavenly Dao, essentially the guardian of this world,] the system began to explain in detail. [And we are the helpers it called upon]. What they helped with was self-explanatory. The original male protagonists were all rotten to the core, and the female protagonist despised men for various reasons. And the World Consciousness itself is a product of the fusion of four romance novels into a single world, so of course it cannot directly interfere with the characters. Therefore, it called upon the Time-space Management Bureau to help remove the obstacles and return the world to its proper course. "I see." With the system explaining the background, Ji Mu finally understood the relationship between the two. "So the plot node is the trigger that led to the main character''s descent into darkness and subsequent killing spree in her previous life?" [Correct.] [In her previous life, after Situ Yan failed to force the female lead to become his lover, he flew into a rage and sent people to smash up the cafe where she worked part-time, and they beat the cafe owner half to death.] The reason for the attack was simply that he didn''t like the way the cafe owner looked at the female lead. [When he saw the female lead pleading for the cafe owner''s life, Situ Yan''s jealousy turned to malice, and he tried to attack her in front of the injured owner.] [If it weren''t for the cafe''s location in the city center, where the patrolling police noticed something was wrong, Situ Yan might have succeeded]. At that time, Ruan Qingqing, who had already been shadowed by Fu Rongjing, was tormented by relentless bullying at school, leaving her covered in wounds. After Ruan Qingqing was almost assaulted by Situ Yan after school while she was working part-time, she was at the darkest point in her life. That incident planted a seed of darkness in her heart. [Host, you know what the butterfly effect is, right?] "Yes." Faced with the system''s sudden question, Ji Mu immediately understood its meaning. "You''re worried that if we don''t get there in time, Ruan Qingqing might actually..." [That''s exactly why I''m so worried]. A worried expression appeared on the youthful face of the system. Though the plot node wouldn''t change, many details were already different from the previous life. Who could guarantee that a patrol would pass by this time? The unknown always introduced variables. With the system''s narration, the sense of urgency and tension grew. Ji Mu''s eyebrows furrowed unconsciously. "Driver, how much longer until we arrive?" "About ten minutes." We should make it in time. Ji Mu closed his eyes and leaned back against the soft cushion of the back seat, taking a deep breath to calm his mind. These male protagonists are each more despicable than the last. Not only are they constantly controlled by their baser instincts, always thinking of ways to harm innocent girls, but they also failed in their own 56th attempt at promotion. If I don''t beat the crap out of that dog this time, it won''t count as a clean job! ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Tianhua City. An unfinished building on the outskirts of the city. Situ Yan sat comfortably on a high platform, while a middle-aged man with a weathered face stood silently beside him, looking every bit the guardian. The young girl was tightly bound to a chair, her mouth sealed with thick tape, allowing her to make only muffled "mmph mmph" sounds. "Don''t struggle, little fairy. No matter how much you move, it''s all in vain." Seeing through her small movements, Situ Yan advised patiently. "Save your strength. Soon, the top student of the Six Schools Joint Examination will personally witness our intense performance." As someone who sought the ultimate spiritual pleasure, he strictly restrained himself before truly enjoying the main course. Therefore, no matter how much he desired the young girl''s seductive form, he could only suppress his urges deep inside. Even something as simple as tying her up had to be done by the attendant maid. He refused to be like a perverted skinny man, reaching out to fondle and molest her. All that had to wait until he was done with the four-eyed one. After all... there was just something more satisfying about performing such acts while utterly humiliating her and rendering her completely powerless. As he considered this, his gaze lingered on her voluptuous, delicate form before reluctantly pulling his gaze away. Seeing that Situ Yan was still in the mood to flirt with the girls, the impatient Crazy Bear couldn''t help but remind him. "Young Master Situ, are you sure you can defeat that four-eyed guy with so few people?" He looked at the three skinny thugs below, his eyes filled with doubt. Each of them looked scrawny, their presence not even as intimidating as his own lackeys. Could they really handle this? "Brother Bear, judging things by their appearance alone can lead to big mistakes." Crossing his legs, Situ Yan teased, "Ji Mu may look inconspicuous, but didn''t you still fall into his hands?" A trace of displeasure flashed across Crazy Bear''s face. That was a long time ago, is there any point in bringing it up again? "Don''t get angry, I''m just trying to tell you not to be so superficial." Noticing the other''s annoyance, Situ Yan smiled, "Relax, these three are elite members I brought from the gang." "They are all old martial artists." Crazy Bear''s expression finally improved. As long as they were ancient martial artists, it was all right. After all, he had come here secretly without telling Mad Tiger. He was determined to teach Four-Eyes a lesson in person and vent his pent-up anger. As for his cousin''s warnings, he didn''t take them seriously. How strong could Four-Eyes be at his age? Could he really be stronger than the elite members of the Axe Gang? In short, with four against one, the advantage was clearly his! At the thought of crushing this arrogant guy, Crazy Bear was so excited that he could hardly contain himself. "Is Four-Eyes'' phone still unreachable?" As time passed and there was still no response from the other end, he became increasingly impatient. "Why don''t we try calling again, just in case he got wind of this and ran off..." BANG! The deafening noise drowned out the rest of his urgent words. The sudden commotion caused Situ Yan and the others to turn in unison toward the source of the sound. The old door had been kicked open and a young man, tall and straight as a pine tree, stood in the shade with his back to the moonlight. Outside, the trees swayed, their branches rustling in the wind, creating a series of swooshing sounds. "No need to call." Meeting her gaze, Ji Mu hung up the incessantly ringing phone, his tone indifferent. "I''m here." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Also exciting news for our readers! 1)Every 15 votes on NovelUpdate unblock the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 36 votes, 9 more for 1 extra chapter! 2) Pick the ???? role on Discord. Currently goal 13/30 for 1 extra chapter. Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 42 - Drop Outside, Half a Minute to Speed through the Upside down Dukes Copy "Four-eyes!" Crazy Bear glared at the young man from the high platform. "You really dared to come." Ji Mu glanced up slightly at the thug on the platform, squinting for a second in confusion. Who is this idiot again? After a brief pause, vague recognition flashed through his mind. "So it''s you, Crazy Bear." No wonder he hadn''t shown up at school for over a month; he must have been looking for reinforcements. Ji Mu''s indifferent expression, as if Crazy Bear was barely worth remembering, instantly sent Crazy Bear into a rage. "You''ve gone too far this time, Four-eyes!" ??? *Where did this divine metal come from? Ignoring the Crazy Bear''s clownish, glaring performance, Ji Mu looked over to see Ruan Qingqing tied to a chair. She was struggling desperately to free herself, her delicate face pale and filled with helplessness, making her look fragile and pitiful. She shook her head repeatedly at Ji Mu, eyes wide with worry beneath strands of her disheveled hair. Leave quickly, don''t worry about me... Even though she couldn''t say a word, her meaning was clear. Seeing that the girl was unharmed, Ji Mu''s tense muscles finally loosened. Good, she''s unharmed. "Why so nervous, Mr. Ji?" Situ Yan casually flicked the lighter in his hand, his voice dripping with mockery. "I wouldn''t dare to hurt our little fairy." Ji Mu replied calmly, "Do you think this is funny? Young Master Situ Yan, don''t you know that kidnapping is illegal?" Situ Yan snorted as if Ji Mu had told the funniest joke he''d heard all year. "You''re lecturing me about the law?" Situ Yan rose from his chair and curled his lips maliciously. "In Tianhua City, the Situ family is the law." Trying to act tough, huh? Ji Mu rolled his eyes. "If you want to give a villain speech, go somewhere else. I don''t have time for your nonsense." He rolled up his sleeves impatiently. "Let her go." Situ Yan''s half-closed eyes slowly widened, studying Ji Mu carefully. How can he still be so calm? Does he really not understand the current situation, or is he just pretending? "Letting her go is possible," he drawled. "But that depends on whether you have the ability." Forget it. There''s no point wasting time on guessing what a dead man thinks. Situ Yan withdrew his probing look and casually waved his hand downward. Receiving the signal, Ying Yi prepared to strike. His eyes gleamed with a cold light, and his figure shot forward like a phantom in the night, moving so fast that it was impossible to track him with the naked eye. In a blink, he was upon Ji Mu. [Host, on your left!] At the system''s warning, Ji Mu sensed the threat instantly. His body shifted instinctively, narrowly dodging the attack by mere millimeters. He missed? Ying Yi was startled, unable to understand how Ji Mu had avoided his strike. Without pausing, he spun reflexively, channeling his inner strength into a fierce punch aimed at Ji Mu''s temple. THUD! The dull sound echoed through the moonlit, unfinished building. A muffled groan followed immediately. The pain, as though his bones had shattered, shot up his arm and flooded his brain. Ying Yi clutched his arm and staggered backward. His eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Ji Mu calmly retracting his hand. All cold composure vanished from his face. "Impossible!" This kind of strength definitely exceeded what someone at the early stage of Ming Jin should possess! Years of cultivated vigilance made Ying Yi immediately call out to his nearby companions. "Ying Er, Ying San, attack together! The target is¡ªugh!" Long, slender fingers suddenly closed around his throat, lifting him cleanly off the ground. The action was so fast that he couldn''t even react. The grip was impossibly strong, like a yak stepping on his neck. His legs kicked involuntarily, and his face turned deathly pale. He was held suspended helplessly until his body hit the ground with a heavy thud. Before darkness consumed him, his expression was overtaken by terror One move. It was over in an instant. From the sudden attack to the unconscious collapse, everything happened in the blink of an eye. This unexpected turn of events took everyone by surprise. The remaining two hadn''t even seen what had happened. Just seconds ago, their ally had been standing, and now he lay motionless on the ground, his condition unknown. What the hell was going on? Did the boss throw the fight? "Ying Er, be careful!" A black shadow flickered across the moonlit wall. One of the thugs, still frozen in confusion, suddenly heard a sharp whistling sound cut through the air toward him. His hair stood on end. An overwhelming sense of crisis surged through Ying Er. Instinctively, he threw up an arm to shield himself. BANG! It felt like a sledgehammer had shattered the bones in his wrist, the searing pain tearing through his muscles. Ying Er''s face turned pale, veins bulging on his forehead from the sheer agony. In the brief moment before impact, all he could see was a pair of round, framed glasses glinting in the light. Before he could react, his opponent''s foot struck with terrifying precision, delivering a swift and powerful kick to his midsection. Ying Er''s body bent like a bow before flying backward. Ugh! Clutching his stomach, he writhed in agony on the concrete floor, convulsing uncontrollably. The pain was unbearable. It was like a swarm of ants was gnawing at his limbs. Even the thought of standing up seemed like an unattainable luxury. And yet, the entire fight had lasted mere seconds. Up on the platform, Crazy Bear was stunned, unable to believe what he was seeing. This... this can''t be real. These were ancient martial artists with extraordinary fighting skills¡ªnot some frail nobodies! How were they getting tossed around like children? Crazy Bear felt a surreal sense of deja vu, leaving him dazed as he recalled the fear he had felt at Ji Mu''s hands back in the cafeteria. "Uncle Fang..." Meanwhile, Situ Yan''s reaction was no different from Crazy Bear''s. His normally roguish and handsome face turned rigid, unable to maintain the composure of a mafia prince. Pure shock filled his eyes. The first person Ji Mu had effortlessly defeated was Ying Yi, who not long ago had confidently boasted that he could make Ji Mu beg for mercy within ten breaths. Just ten seconds ago, Situ Yan had been looking down on his opponent from a high vantage point. Now, within the next ten seconds, the situation had completely reversed. This huge disparity left Situ Yan shaken. He had always thought of others as prey that he could manipulate at will, not realizing that in the eyes of others, he was merely an ant, easily crushed with a single finger. The irony was overwhelming. Beside him, Uncle Fang''s expression had turned grave. To so easily defeat Ying Yi in mere seconds¡ªeven with his own strength, he could barely accomplish that. Could this youth be... an An Jin (Dark Force) expert?! Uncle Fang''s breath caught in his throat, a wave of shock surging through his chest. But he''s only sixteen... Something is definitely wrong. We severely underestimated him. Thoughts racing, he quickly forced himself to calm down. After a brief pause, he decided firmly, "Young master, we need to leave now." They had to report to the family head immediately. The opponent''s background was certainly more complex than what their information had suggested. For now, Ying Er and Ying San would hold Ji Mu back. There''d be plenty of time to thoroughly investigate when they returned. If Ji Mu truly was a disciple from an ancient martial arts family who was out to train, then they had really kicked an iron plate. With this thought, Uncle Fang didn''t even bother waiting for Situ Yan''s opinion. He grabbed Situ Yan''s wrist and swiftly retreated into the darkness. Watching his allies run away, Crazy Bear was stunned. Wait, seriously? They''re leaving? What about me?! Fighting back the fear in his heart, Crazy Bear lifted his trembling legs and ran after them. "Wait for me, don''t run so fast!" Leaving him here to face this monster alone? What kind of joke was that?! Editor''s note: here "divine metal" is being used idiomatically as a sarcastic way of saying, "where did this nonsense come from?" or "what''s with this exaggerated reaction?" Ji Mu is looking down on Crazy Bear''s outrage. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Also exciting news for our readers! 1) Every 15 votes on NovelUpdate unblock the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 39 votes, 6 more for 1 extra chapter! 2) Pick the ???? role on Discord. Currently goal 14/30 for 1 extra chapter. Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 43 - She said, "Im sorry..." "Boss! Second Brother!" Ying San, the only one left behind, was furious. In just a few moments, his two companions had fallen at the hands of their opponent. Since joining the gang, this was the first time the three of them had been humiliated like dogs. And the culprit was just some high school boy. "What a joke, what a joke!" Gritting his teeth, Ying San summoned the last of his courage and charged forward with a roar. Even though he knew that he was outmatched, Ying San was determined to hold out as long as possible, buying time for the young master and the others to escape. His eyes filled with madness. Blood surged through his veins, his body erupting with blazing heat as he charged forward with a fierce cry. Don''t underestimate the bond between me and the Axe Gang, you bastard! ... Five seconds later, Ying San received the fainting package and fell into a peaceful sleep like a baby. After swiftly dealing with the small fry, Ji Mu glanced up and saw that the others who had arrogantly threatened him earlier had already fled without a trace. They sure ran fast. Realizing that the effect of the "Ancient Evil" skill was about to expire, Ji Mu immediately gathered his remaining strength. The concrete beneath his feet cracked like a spiderweb. In a matter of seconds, he had jumped onto the second-floor platform. The moment he landed, Ji Mu''s legs suddenly gave way, and he almost collapsed. The weakness phase had begun. At this moment, even a Great Magister who had pulled an all-nighter wouldn''t look as pale as Ji Mu. Summoning his remaining willpower, Ji Mu steadied his trembling legs and walked over to Ruan Qingqing. "Silly goose, it''s alright now..." "Mu Mu!" The moment he freed her from the ropes, she threw herself into his arms. Her voice trembled with sobs, and her chest pressed tightly against him. The sweet fragrance of gardenias filled his senses. Ji Mu felt uncomfortable with such intimate contact, but he was too drained to push her away. "I''m here," he said softly, soother her gently. "Don''t be afraid, it''s over now." Just as he reached out to remove her arms from around his waist, he felt a sticky sensation in his palm. Huh? He immediately grasped her wrist and lifted it to inspect. Seeing the alarming wound clearly, his brow furrowed deeply. "How did you get hurt like this?" Damn it, that Situ Yan actually dared to hurt his 25 million! "It''s okay..." Hearing the concern in Ji Mu''s voice, warmth bloomed inside Ruan Qingqing''s heart. "The ropes were too tight, and I accidentally hurt myself trying to break free. It doesn''t hurt." To Ji Mu, however, her words sounded painfully pitiful. Especially combined with her soft sniffling and trembling explanation. Clearly, Situ Yan''s kidnapping had traumatized her. He began to worry seriously about the scenario the system had just warned him of in the car. Ruan Qingqing might develop a deeper aversion to men because of this incident, which would seriously impact the mission''s progress. Ji Mu felt uneasy. He couldn''t let this happen! He had to take this very seriously! He lowered his gaze to the girl, whose face remained buried against his chest. "Silly goose," he murmured gently, stroking her head to comfort her as if she were a small, injured fox. "Let''s go to the hospital together. The wound could get infected if it''s not treated quickly." His soft voice reached Ruan Qingqing''s ears. Each gentle word stirred her heart, slowly easing away her fear and anxiety. Not "I''ll take you," but "let''s go together"... Ji Mu always did these small things without realizing how deeply they affected her. Her heart trembled at these subtle details, making her feel unlike herself. "No need, Mu Mu. Let''s just stay like this." Unable to resist her desire to prolong the warmth of this embrace, she decided to mention her condition for the first time. "My body is different from others; my wounds don''t get infected." After explaining, Ruan Qingqing braced herself for the inevitable questions. But Ji Mu only responded with a quiet, "Mm." "As long as you know what you''re doing." Confused, she raised her head slightly, "Mu Mu?" Ji Mu wasn''t surprised by her reaction. His hand continued to gently stroke her head as he explained softly, "Everyone has their own secrets." The gentle touch continued, making the girl''s breath catch, an indescribable warmth spreading in her chest. "If you ever really want to talk about it, you can tell me." His soothing tone carried the slight chill of the evening breeze, becoming comforting yet dangerously inviting. She lowered her head, burying her face back into his chest as a smile emerged quietly on her lips. "Mm-hmm~" Seeing that she''d finally calmed down, Ji Mu mentally asked the system, "How is it? Did the Prajna Instrument change?" [No, no, host, you did a great job.] Hearing this confirmation, the heavy weight in Ji Mu''s heart finally lifted. As long as there''s no change, it''s okay. It had been hard enough to reduce the negative favorability to only -30. If it went back up, he would be truly devastated. As he regained his composure, he realized that the girl was still clinging to him like glue, squeezing him so tightly that he could barely breathe. How long is she going to hug him? Wasn''t she going to let go? Ji Mu felt helpless. If his body weren''t so weak right now, he would have already pushed her away and politely reminded her that men and women shouldn''t be so close to each other. [Host, you''re handling this wrong.] The system, frustrated by Ji Mu''s dense emotional awareness, couldn''t help but offer some strategic advice. [You must understand that after experiencing something traumatic like this, any girl would naturally feel frightened and anxious.] [As her only friend, you should comfort her now more than ever.] I literally just praised you, how could you mess it up so quickly? [What''s wrong with letting her hug you a little longer? It''s not like you''re going to lose a piece of flesh. Show some maturity.] [Just let her hug you!] Ji Mu: ??? He had an odd feeling, like wanting to argue, yet also sensing that the system may be right. "Mu Mu, actually, there''s something I''ve been meaning to ask..." Ruan Qingqing hesitated as she spoke. "How... did you know that Situ Yan kidnapped me and brought me here?" She hadn''t even managed to call him, yet he appeared here at just the right moment, knowing exactly where she was. Ji Mu froze for a moment, then apologized sheepishly. "Sorry, silly goose. I was worried about potential revenge from you or others, so earlier I installed a tracking app on your phone without telling you." "W-what...?" "Yes," he replied hurriedly. "I saw that your location was unusual while I was at home, so I rushed over." This was a complete lie, of course. Her location had been provided directly by the system, but he needed a believable excuse to hide its existence. Fortunately, Ruan Qingqing didn''t seem to doubt him, simply responding, "I see," without further questioning. Fearing that she might be offended, Ji Mu quickly added, "I''m sorry for acting without your consent. If it bothers you, I can delete it right away." "No, it''s fine." Ruan Qingqing shook her head gently, her voice gradually lowering. "If anything, I''m the one who should apologize..." Ji Mu was confused. Before he could ask why, she spoke again suddenly. "Mu Mu, all this time, I''ve been nothing but a burden, always causing trouble and never being useful, haven''t I?" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Also exciting news for our readers! 1) Every 15 votes on NovelUpdate unblock the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 40 votes, 5 more for 1 extra chapter! 2) Pick the ???? role on Discord. Currently goal 14/30 for 1 extra chapter. Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 44 - The Moonlight is Beautiful Tonight Memories are like sand trickling through an hourglass, each grain marking events of the past. Some fade gradually, like drifting clouds, slowly washed away by the flow of time. But others seem embedded in your very flesh and bones, forever etched deep in the soul, impossible to forget even if you tried. ... She recalled her early elementary school days. Because of her introverted and quiet nature, the boys in her class always took pleasure in bullying her. During class, they would tug at her ponytail, call her all kinds of awful nicknames, or snatch her backpack and toss it around among themselves. Those childish pranks were bearable. But one day, under the pretense of a joke, a boy tried to forcibly kiss her. Unable to endure it any longer, Ruan Qingqing knocked the boy to the ground right in front of her classmates. Her sudden display of aggression scared the others. From then on, her classmates slowly started seeing her as a freak. Even her deskmate¡ªthe only one who was friendly with her¡ªended up ostracized by everyone else. "Why do you keep talking to me? Xiaomei and the others don''t want to play with me anymore. It''s all your fault! It''s all because of you!" "You monster! Stay away from us!" That childish voice, full of bitterness and resentment, echoed clearly in her mind even now. ... Later, when she grew older, her mother moved them to the slums in the southern part of Tianhua City. Due to certain events, their relationship with the neighbors became extremely strained. Ruan Qingqing often heard the neighbors whispering behind her back, calling her and her mother a pair of seductive women who corrupted society. The only exception was the old lady who lived downstairs. Every time she saw Ruan Qingqing, she smiled and gave her a sweet and delicious White Rabbit candy. Occasionally, after school, the kind old lady would invite her over for dinner. But one month later, the old lady suddenly died. Her death was unexpected, with no warning signs at all. According to the police report after the autopsy, the old lady had fallen accidentally while cooking, hit her head on the corner of a table, and lost consciousness. During that time, excessive intracranial bleeding caused her death. At that moment, Ruan Qingqing had been standing downstairs, watching as the old lady''s frail body was carried away under a white sheet. She clutched her mother''s hand tightly, intense guilt pressing down on her heart like a heavy stone¡ªone that, even now, she couldn''t shake off. If only... the old lady hadn''t gotten so close to her. Maybe then, the neighbors wouldn''t have despised her by association. Maybe a visiting neighbor would have checked in, noticed the accident in time, and saved her. Instead of now... where no one cared. ... Then there was the young store manager who always used his position to make unwanted advances on her. Even though she always found ways to avoid him, the young store manager never withheld her pay or treated her unfairly. Yet, just because he stood up for her once, his shop was destroyed by people under Situ Yan''s orders, and he himself was tortured brutally and suffered pain he shouldn''t have had to endure. ... Even her mother, who had sacrificed so much to care for her, had fallen ill, and her health deteriorated with each passing year. Looking back, everything that happened made Ruan Qingqing feel like a curse. No matter where she went, misfortune seemed to follow, dragging down the people around her. Just like today. Before meeting her, Ji Mu was a proud son of heaven, sitting alone in the clouds, admired and respected by everyone. It was she... who brought him down to earth and involved him in unnecessary troubles every day. Now, just like her, he is whispered about, avoided, and shunned. And with each incident, the dangers he faced only grew worse. She didn''t know what an ancient martial artist was. But judging by the way Situ Yan and his men spoke about them, they were clearly on a whole different level from ordinary people. She had no way of knowing if Ji Mu could keep walking away unscathed when facing these kinds of enemies. This time, they made it through. But what about next time? Or the time after that...? Who could guarantee that they wouldn''t encounter even more dangerous enemies in the future? Ruan Qingqing felt a wave of panic rising in her heart. She was scared. She didn''t want this to keep happening. "Mu Mu, if it weren''t for me, you wouldn''t be in all this trouble." She lowered her head in guilt, unable to summon the courage to meet his eyes. "It must be miserable to know someone like me." As memories resurfaced, she suppressed her emotions and spoke in a soft, seemingly casual tone. "I can''t do anything right, and I''ve never even had the courage to truly reject anyone. I''m pathetic... irresponsible." Every time, Ruan Qingqing found herself wondering¡ª Why does someone like her even exist? Useless. Completely... worthless. Ji Mu gazed silently at the moonlight spilling through the cracks of the ruined building. After a while, he spoke, his voice calm. "Silly goose, do you remember that time in the school cafeteria when you refused to let Fu Rongjing get close to you?" Ruan Qingqing blinked, momentarily taken aback, but after a long moment, she gave a slow nod. "Yes." She remembered everything related to Ji Mu with absolute clarity. That day, when Fu Rongjing''s friends had been teasing her, she had deliberately moved her tray, cutting off his attempt to serve her food under a pretense of kindness. And she had said exactly what was on her mind, in front of everyone. Remembering how she had forced herself to act firm even as her legs trembled with fear, Ruan Qingqing couldn''t help but press her lips together in embarrassment. "But... what does that prove...?" "Haven''t you already shown that you have the courage to refuse someone?" "I..." Ruan Qingqing was momentarily dazed. "When faced with danger, your first thought was to tell me to leave while you stayed behind to face everything alone. How many people do you think would have the courage and responsibility to do that?" "But this..." "You got into Yulan High School, didn''t you?" The girl curled her fingers, suddenly at a loss for words. That''s right. Everyone knew that Yulan High School was the only elite academy in Tianhua City, but very few understood how difficult it was to get in. The required grades alone had stopped countless students in their tracks. But with its generous scholarships and full tuition waivers, Ruan Qingqing hadn''t wanted to miss this one opportunity. She wasn''t a genius. She didn''t have an exceptionally sharp mind. All she could do was memorize and study hard. She had lost count of how many nights she had spent burning the midnight oil, tirelessly going over the same question bank again and again. The pile of emptied pen refills had grown into a small mountain, and the skin between her thumb and index finger was rubbed raw. Gripping a pen was painful, even with the slightest pressure. After countless days of relentless studying, she finally endured long enough to see her exam results. By the slimmest of margins¡ªjust one point¡ªshe barely met the admission cutoff. Her classmates were shocked that she had made it in, but most remained unimpressed. "Tch, just dumb luck." She didn''t argue, simply nodding along. Yeah... After all that effort, all she had managed was barely scraping by. How could there be no element of luck in this? After all, if she had scored even one point less, she wouldn''t have been admitted to Yulan High School. Ruan Qingqing lowered her gaze, curving her lips into a faint, emotionless smile. "It was just luck..." "Was it?" Ji Mu''s voice asked from above. "But wasn''t it also your own effort that got you here, step by step?" Ruan Qingqing''s long, curled eyelashes quivered slightly. "Don''t overlook the things that make you shine," he continued. "Silly goose, what you''ve relied on has never been mere luck." His clear, steady voice echoed softly in her ears. The quiet certainty in his words was undeniable. Something caught in her throat¡ªshe couldn''t bring herself to speak. She lifted her gaze to his clean, fair profile, as if her body and soul were sinking into a gentle, flowing warmth. In that moment, all the negativity weighing her down melted away. "Sometimes, backing down doesn''t necessarily mean you''re weak," Ji Mu said. "As long as your lines aren''t crossed, most people would rather avoid unnecessary trouble. Just like me." Ji Mu shrugged and continued, "I don''t really care what others think. If someone insults me, I can''t be bothered to retaliate. As long as it''s nothing extreme, I usually just let it go." Ruan Qingqing, having gathered her emotions, suddenly remembered something. "Then..." she asked quietly, "why is it that you can''t seem to tolerate others saying things about me?" The night sky stretched endlessly above them, speckled with countless stars. The slanting moonlight painted the twilight in delicate strokes, outlining the scene like a painting. In her line of sight, Ji Mu lowered his eyes, looking at her. A dry leaf had landed on her shoulder, and he casually reached out and plucked it off. Behind him, the dense treetops shimmered under a faint silver frost. "Because," he said simply, "I don''t want you to be alone." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Also exciting news for our readers! 1) Every 15 votes on NovelUpdate unblock the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 44 votes, 1 more for 1 extra chapter! 2) Pick the ???? role on Discord. Currently goal 14/30 for 1 extra chapter. Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 45 - I Really Was Too Nice To You The next day. Morning sunlight spilled warmly through the window. Outside, a gentle breeze rustled the branches, carrying the fresh, slightly damp scent of greenery. Ji Mu slouched forward and let the breeze brush across his face. Behind his glasses, his eyes were slightly red, with a faint bluish tint under his lower eyelids, making his exhaustion all the more obvious. Last night, after sending the target back, he didn''t get home until almost midnight. At first, he had planned to go straight to bed, but considering he was only one game away from his promotion match, he couldn''t resist the temptation and booted up his game. The result was predictable. He lost ten straight games in a row. His stats were so bad that it was downright humiliating. By the end, his credibility had tanked so low that he couldn''t even queue for ranked matches anymore. Ji Mu was mentally exhausted. Damn that Situ Yan! If that bastard hadn''t shown up and ruined everything, he would''ve been promoted by now! Damn it! Last night, that idiot ran off quickly, but the next time they met, Ji Mu swore he''d strap him to a kid''s show windmill and let him spin around! Thinking about how he was just one step away from winning this game, Ji Mu felt frustrated and angry. "Ji Mu? Ji Mu!" The teacher''s voice shifted from stern to exasperated right beside his ear. "Did you hear what I just said?" Ji Mu quickly composed himself and respectfully replied, "I heard, but I didn''t quite understand. Could you please repeat it, teacher?" "...." Faced with the young man''s excuse of having listened but not fully understood, the teacher was speechless. Even with all her years of teaching experience, the homeroom teacher couldn''t help but feel a headache coming on. "Several students have reported to me that you''ve been clashing with Fu Rongjing from the upperclassmen for the past few days." After looking into it, she knew the fault didn''t lie with Ji Mu. Having worked at this prestigious academy for years, she was well aware of how deep the waters ran here. Although Fu Rongjing''s family background was average, many girls from powerful backgrounds fawned over him. She offered her advice sincerely, genuinely hoping the boy would avoid conflict with these people. "Many students here have powerful backgrounds. Remember to think twice before you act, and try to get along peacefully." Hearing the teacher''s concern, Ji Mu nodded, agreeing, "Yes, I understand." "You better really understand!" The teacher shot him a sharp glare. "Do you think I can''t tell when you''re humoring me?" As soon as the words left her mouth, she remembered Ji Mu''s tendency to let things go in one ear and out the other. She sighed. "Forget it. Even if there is trouble, at worst, the principal would back him up." Better to get to the point. "In a few days, there''ll be the second joint examination of the six schools. Make sure to rest, balance work and relaxation, don''t be too nervous, and don''t put too much pressure on yourself during the exam." Ji Mu blinked, looking genuinely confused. Why should I be nervous? Seeing Ji Mu''s confusion, the teacher elaborated. "First and Second High have brought in a number of promising students from other cities. The competition this time will definitely be much fiercer than before." In other words, there was a real chance of losing. Ji Mu immediately understood. So, the other schools can''t keep up and are bringing in outside help. But so what? To put it mildly, studying is his strongest point. In his previous life, he had rushed through high school in a single year just to start working early, and at sixteen, he had been specially admitted to Yanjing University. Of course, he never made it to the university. He had dropped dead in front of his computer during a late-night gaming session, only to wake up in this novel world. Pushing aside those memories, Ji Mu straightened up and said, "Teacher, I have confidence." As long as he was around, the joint examination of the six schools in Tianhua City wouldn''t be a big deal. "It''s good that you do," the teacher replied. Perhaps influenced by the boy''s calm tone, her expression softened slightly. "Alright, head back to class. Remember to try to get along with your classmates and don''t cause any more trouble." "Got it." ... As he exited the office, Ji Mu stretched his arms out in an exaggerated yawn. He hadn''t slept well the night before, and first thing in the morning, the homeroom teacher dragged him off to listen to half a day of nagging, leaving no chance for him to catch up on sleep. It was incredibly frustrating. So he decided, no matter whose class came next, he would lay his head down and take a good nap. With the help of his inconspicuous glasses, he doubted the teacher would notice him as long as he kept quiet. Having made up his mind, Ji Mu walked toward the classroom in relatively high spirits... until a pair of feet appeared before him, blocking his path. "Ji Mu." Looking up, Ji Mu saw a middle-aged man in a butler''s uniform with a weathered face. From his appearance, it wasn''t hard to guess that this was the person who had called out to him. Beside him was... Ji Mu raised an eyebrow in surprise. Situ Yan, that idiot, actually had the nerve to appear in front of him again. "Now, this is interesting. Why is trash like you wandering around instead of in the dump?" Ji Mu stepped closer, "Mind telling me why you''re here, Young Master Situ?" Situ Yan''s face darkened. He opened his mouth to speak, but the butler stepped in front of him before he could. "Ji Mu, I sincerely apologize for last night''s incident." The butler clasped his hands together, his tone polite and sincere. "The young master has always been impulsive and immature, and at his young age, he doesn''t understand how high the heavens are. What happened last night was nothing more than a childish lapse in judgment; there was no genuine malice. Please forgive him." As if that wasn''t enough, the butler then lifted the white box he was holding. "This box contains 200,000 yuan. It may not be much, but it''s a token of our sincerity from the Axe Gang," he explained. "Our master has already disciplined the young master harshly, so please, we hope you''ll be magnanimous enough to forgive him this time." Ji Mu glanced at the white box in the butler''s hands, then wordlessly reached out and took it. Seeing Ji Mu accept the box, the butler''s expression brightened, believing the issue had been settled amicably¡ªuntil Ji Mu''s next words dashed his hopes. "What if I say no?" The butler stiffened. "Ji Mu, what do you mean by that? Didn''t you just..." "I don''t recall agreeing to anything," Ji Mu interrupted calmly, slipping one hand casually into his pocket. "At most, consider this money compensation for my mental distress." Taking =? Forgiving "I''ll take the money, but I still want to settle the score!" Understanding Ji Mu''s implication, the butler''s face darkened, irritation creeping into his voice. "Young Ji, isn''t that a little too shameless? I admit that reaching this level of strength at the age of sixteen proves you have exceptional talent, but that doesn''t mean you can trample all over the Axe Gang!" Ji Mu yawned. "And? What''s your point exactly?" Ji Mu''s lazy, nonchalant attitude only further soured the butler''s mood. "Ji Mu, whether you come from an ancient martial arts family or not, since you''re in Tianhua City, you have to follow the local rules." By decree of the Yanhuang Kingdom, ancient martial arts families were strictly forbidden from interfering in secular affairs. Even if a disciple from such a family were to suffer a mishap, they could not leave their designated territory to seek revenge without permission. The butler knew this well, which was precisely why he dared to openly confront Ji Mu with Situ Yan at his side. "Young Ji, at the end of the day, you are only one person. You can''t always be there to protect the people around you," the butler said, voice calm yet laced with warning. "Rather than letting things turn ugly, why not resolve this peacefully? It would be better for everyone." As he spoke, he slowly straightened his back, no longer concealing the aura of his hidden strength. "I imagine... you wouldn''t want those close to you to suffer an unfortunate accident and live the rest of your life drowning in guilt." "..." Ji Mu fell silent. Not because he was intimidated by the thread, but because he couldn''t believe he was actually witnessing such a classic, cliche?d Japanese villain speech in real life. Seriously? Do they really think I stepped out of some melodramatic romance novel? Meanwhile, in the shadows, Situ Yan had been watching closely. When he caught the shift in Ji Mu''s expression, a gleam entered his eyes. So that''s it, that''s it! Ji Mu, it seems like you really care about that little fairy, huh? Believing he had finally grasped Ji Mu''s weakness, a sinister expression crept onto Situ Yan''s face. If I find the opportunity to take her body and record the whole thing... will you beg me not to spread the video? Will you kneel at my feet like a dog? A dignified, ancient martial artist with hidden strength held back over a woman¨C how amusing, truly amusing! Soon, those days will be over... Just as the fantasy began in his mind, Ji Mu moved. Swoosh! A sharp sound cut through the air, a fist shot forward like a shadow, aiming straight for his face. Not good! In an instant, the butler''s expression twisted. His instincts screamed at him, but he had no time to react. His body moved on reflex, arms snapping up in a desperate attempt to block. Bang! The impact hit him like a collapsing mountain, sending him staggering backwards several steps. His fingers curled and uncurled, trying to ease the pain that felt like his bones had been shattered. Staring at Ji Mu''s youthful face, the butler''s mind reeled, half in shock at the sheer force behind that punch, half in disbelief that the boy had actually dared to strike him directly. "Ji Mu, you¡ª!" he tried to say, but Ji Mu didn''t stop, another straight punch forcing his remaining words back into his throat. Burning pain spread from the bridge of his nose as warm liquid dripped down. His vision blurred with dizziness.. Damn, why does it hurt so much?! Ji Mu''s speed was simply unbelievable, so fast that his eyes couldn''t even track his movements. The butler began to doubt whether he even deserved to be called a hidden power expert. But Ji mu''s relentless strikes gave him no time to think. In less than five seconds, his years of hardened defenses were almost completely dismantled. Excruciating pain radiated from his fists and palms. The butler''s face twisted in pain. His pupils shrank as a hand filled his vision, closing around his head. Before he could react, Ji Mu slammed him violently into the nearby tempered glass window. Crack¡ª The entire pane shattered instantly, a thunderous crash echoing through the otherwise quiet corridor. Glass shards rained down everywhere, and the butler''s face was reduced to a bloody mess. His body swayed. Thud! His legs gave out, and he collapsed onto the cold, tiled floor, completely unconscious. Whatever dignity he had as a so-called hidden power expert was gone. Witnessing this scene, Situ Yan began trembling uncontrollably, his facial muscles twitching so violently he could barely control his expression. No, this can''t be happening! Uncle Fang had been their family''s strongest protector for over a decade. As an ancient martial artist and a hidden power expert, he was a rarity even in the provincial capital¡ªan elite among elites. So how...? How could he be completely crushed and incapacitated in just one exchange? An illusion, it must be an illusion, right? Tap. Tap. Tap. Footsteps echoed in the corridor. Not too loud, yet carrying an oppressive weight that chilled him to the bone. Looking at the indifferent boy in front of him, the last of his delusions shattered completely. "I understand all the reasoning, but..." The belated answer reached his ears. "I don''t really care." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! We''ve kept our word and dropped one extra chapter for hitting 15 votes on NovelUpdate. Next up: 20 votes for another one! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 46 - Help! Someone is floating Morning classes were about to begin. Ruan Qingqing rested her palm against her cheek, absentmindedly biting the tip of her pen, her expression dazed, clearly lost in thought. The events of last night replayed vividly in her mind. Just remembering them sent ripples through her heart, like a lone boat adrift in stormy waters. Looking back on her life over the past decade, she''d witnessed too much of humanity¡¯s darkness. Ugliness. Hypocrisy. Filth. Most of her experiences were filled with darkness and embarrassment. The only colorful moments left were the days she had spent with Ji Mu. It was strange, wasn''t it? Before she met him, her soul wandered the world alone¡ªempty, monotonous, like a hollow shell of a person. Like rusted gears grinding in place. Like an old, weathered house with crumbling eaves. Like abandoned train tracks overgrown with damp moss. But after the day Ji Mu drove away Chu Yashi for her, ripples formed in the still waters of her heart. The once lifeless solitude she had known began to change drastically. Each new emotional upheaval made her realize that she was not just a rigid, lifeless body. She was... really living. With all the emotions¡ªbitterness, joy, sorrow, warmth¡ªjust like anyone else. "I don''t want you to be alone..." Muttering Ji Mu''s words from last night under her breath, Ruan Qingqing pressed her hands to her cheeks. The warmth of her palms spread over her skin. An indescribable excitement spread wildly in her heart, flooding her senses, almost like she had become addicted to the feeling. "Sisters! I just ran into Situ Yan, and he''s so much more handsome up close!" A girl burst into the classroom, practically glowing with excitement as she gushed to her friends. "You wouldn''t believe it; he''s drop-dead gorgeous!" Hearing the excited chatter around her about that scoundrel, Ruan Qingqing''s eyebrows furrowed slightly. Unpleasant memories resurfaced, souring her previously good mood. She couldn''t understand what they saw in him. He was nothing but a useless pretty face. Just as she was about to look away and stop paying attention, a comment from the girl beside her made her heart jolt. "Oh, right! I also saw Ji Mu from our class there!" The lovestruck girl speculated, "It felt like there was some tension between them. Do you think they¡¯ve fought before...?" "Wait, did you just say that you saw Ji Mu and Situ Yan together?" Ruan Qingqing interrupted, quickly walking over to her and staring at her intently. Her tone was filled with tension as she asked, "Where did they meet?" "Yeah, so what?" the girl beside her said, annoyed. "Why should I tell you? Go look for yourself if you care so much¡ª" "I suggest you tell me." Ruan Qingqing¡¯s voice was calm, but there was a noticeable pause. Her expression remained blank as she repeated, "Where are they?" Her dark eyes were deep and unwavering. Though her tone was soft, the chilling coldness behind it sent a shiver down the girl¡¯s spine. "In... the corridor on the fifth floor." "Thank you." Ruan Qingqing gave a slight nod before turning on her heel and walking away without another glance. Only after she was gone did the girl let out a relieved breath. "What the hell... When did Ruan Qingqing get so scary?" For a moment, it felt like she had become a completely different person. The quiet, oppressive danger in her demeanor was suffocating, nothing like the weak and easily bullied girl she used to be. She muttered to herself, realizing a cold sweat had already formed on her back. ... Back to the present. On the fifth floor of the school building, a sudden, thunderous crash from the hallway shattered the silence, immediately grabbing the attention of several classrooms. Students exchanged glances, curiosity flaring as their focus on studying completely vanished. Some were already inching toward the windows, eager to see what was happening outside. Bang¡ª! Suddenly, the tightly shut classroom door burst open as a figure was sent hurtling backward. Within moments, they flew over two meters through the air before slamming hard onto the podium. Crash! The podium crumbled under the force, splintering apart in an explosion of broken wood. "Situ Yan?!" As the figure''s face became clear, everyone''s eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, that''s really him?" "What the hell happened?! Who could''ve beaten him up like that?" The students whispered among themselves, their shock and astonishment evident in their tones. No one could have imagined that the once untouchable prince of the underworld in Tianhua City would one day get knocked down so brutally in public. A weak cough broke the silence. Situ Yan stood up shakily from the pile of broken planks. Pain coursed through every inch of his body, and even the slightest movement made his muscles feel as if they were being torn apart. As he looked at the person in front of him, his once arrogant eyes were now filled with fear. "You... you... stay away from me!" His voice trembled as he saw Ji Mu approaching. Panic-stricken, he clutched his stomach and stumbled backward. But Ji mu was much faster. In the blink of an eye, he closed the distance between them. "You¡ª" Smack! Without saying a word, Ji Mu grabbed the half-finished glass bottle of Coke from the nearby table and smashed it over Situ Yan''s head. Cold liquid mixed with glass shards and blood streamed down his scalp. The world spun as he stumbled backward, barely managing to stay on his feet by crashing into a desk. As if that wasn''t enough, Ji Mu noticed another glass bottle on the table. Ji Mu glanced at another glass bottle on the table. "Sorry, I''ll be borrowing this." How polite. The student who had just bought the drink and barely taken a sip twitched his mouth slightly. What is this? Civility first, then violence? Bowing before beating someone? During the pause in the taunts, Ji Mu had already grabbed the last remaining glass bottle. Without hesitation, he hurled it forward. Smash! The glass shattered instantly, scattering into countless shards. The drink splashed over Situ Yan¡¯s head in a downpour, mingling with the blood dripping from his wounds. The extreme pain sent his vision spinning, drowning in a dark red haze. The whole world tilted, twisted, and then crashed. His body collapsed under the weight of agony, dropping to one knee. The impact sent nearby desks and chairs toppling over, turning the entire classroom into a wreck. As Situ Yan lay there motionless, like a beaten dog, Ji Mu''s half-minute boost from Ancient Evil wore off. Ji Mu exhaled. The more he used this ability, the more he adapted to its side effects. He still felt drained, but at least this time, standing wasn¡¯t impossible. Forcing his trembling legs to stop shaking, Ji Mu slowly crouched down. Glancing at the tattoo on his opponent''s neck, he grabbed a fistful of the man''s hair and yanked his head up. "A tattoo? A gangster?" Situ Yan''s head was forced back, his blood-soaked face barely recognizable. Even the phrase "beyond recognition" couldn''t fully describe his state. "Not so high and mighty now, are you, young master?" Ji Mu sneered. "A dull blade and a frail horse, what do you have to fight me with? You think you¡¯re on my level? Do you even have the strength to challenge me? Who gave you the courage to kidnap Ruan Qingqing?" Watching Situ Yan gasping for breath, Ji Mu coldly spat out his words. "Don''t you realize? She belongs to me (25 million)?" You even screwed up my ranking match. You really deserve to die! Ruan Qingqing ran up to the classroom door, slightly out of breath, just in time to hear Ji Mu¡¯s words. She froze. A shudder spread through her, an electric tingle rushing from her fingertips to her toes. Her burning cheeks felt like they were fueling the erratic pounding of her heart, thump, thump, thump, each beat louder than the last¡ª Like fireworks bursting beside her ears. Brilliant. Magnificent. ... "Principal, I''ve already spoken to Ji Mu. I told him to keep a low profile as the exposure event approaches, and he promised not to cause any trouble." "Good, as long as he promised." The principal nodded and was about to discuss the work plan for the second half of the year when he suddenly noticed a disturbance in the fifth-floor hallway. Outside Grade 12, Class 5, a massive crowd had gathered, completely blocking the doorway. "It''s already class time. Why are all these students still hanging around outside?" Then, faint whispers reached his ears¡ª "A fight..." "So fierce..." His frown deepened as he quickened his pace. Let me see what''s going on. The moment the students noticed the big boss approaching, they collectively fell silent and shuffled aside to clear a path. The moment he stepped inside, the principal was greeted with the sight of Ji Mu beating the hell out of the Underworld Prince. The principal: "..." The homeroom teacher, who followed closely behind, stopped dead in her tracks, mouth slightly open, too stunned to say anything. The principal took a deep breath, feeling an oncoming headache. Slowly, he turned to face the equally speechless teacher, his expression unreadable. "This... is the absolute lack of trouble you guaranteed me?" Hey folks! We''ve kept our words and dropped one extra chapter on hitting 15 votes on NovelUpdate. Next up: 20 votes for another one. Chapter 47 - What is an Invincible Duo! "You mean to say..." In the office, the principal looked at the boy in front of him with a strange expression. "His face willingly collided with your fist?" "That''s exactly what happened," Ji Mu replied calmly. "...Alright, cut the nonsense." The principal pinched the bridge of his nose, completely speechless at the absurd excuse. No wonder this kid managed to place first in the six-school joint exams. A poker face this impeccable, lying so effortlessly without blinking, was a skill few could match. "Now, tell me what really happened. What exactly did Situ Yan do to provoke you?" The principal stressed, "Remember, tell the truth, the whole truth." His gaze sharpened as he added, "If you spout more nonsense, you can kiss this month''s excellent student bonus goodbye." What?! No way! His meal budget depended on that money. If his bonus got revoked, he¡¯d be eating dirt. Realizing that the principal wasn''t joking, Ji Mu immediately straightened his posture and abandoned any thoughts of dodging the question. "Principal, the main reason is...." Over the next few minutes, Ji Mu recounted the whole story of his grievances with the so-called Underworld Prince. "Causing trouble?" The principal''s expression shifted upon hearing certain key points. He remained silent, absorbing the full picture, and only after Ji Mu finished did his tightly knit brows finally relax. "As long as you''re unharmed, that¡¯s what matters. However..." He paused, locking eyes with the boy. "If I recall correctly, the Situ family''s bodyguards are all ancient martial artists. Yet, not only did you take them on unscathed, you even won?" Skinny, inconspicuous, looked like he¡¯d be blown over by a strong gust of wind, yet somehow, this kid was an actual hidden master. Ji Mu''s expression remained calm and indifferent. "I have a little skill, nothing worth mentioning." Nothing more than a passing storm. The principal felt his throat tighten. This brat, playing tricks! In this day and age, are people still pulling the "pretend to be weak before pouncing" act? Even with all his experience, he found himself at a loss. "I won¡¯t press for details. As long as you can protect yourself, that¡¯s enough." Ji Mu nodded. "Understood." "And another thing, brawling in public doesn''t look good. It''s a hassle, but at least it''s still within my ability to handle." The principal glared at him, "Behave yourself for a while. I don''t want to clean up after you again." "Understood." Ji Mu nodded absentmindedly, like a robot repeating itself. The principal waved his hand impatiently. "Scram." "Understood!" This time, his reply was noticeably firmer and louder. The exasperated principal couldn''t help but laugh. This little brat isn¡¯t even trying to fake it anymore. Ji Mu was already at the door, ready to find a spot to nap, when he suddenly paused. A thought struck him. Turning back, he asked, "Principal, by the way... why are you helping me?" In this world, there was no hatred without reason, just as there was no kindness without reason. There was no way the principal was standing up to those noble families just because Ji Mu was the top scorer in the six-school joint exams. Ji Mu tried to piece together the reason, but the principal simply gave him a meaningful look. "In time, you''ll understand." ... As he descended the stairs, Ji Mu rubbed his chin, still thinking about the principal''s cryptic words. "System, what do you think he meant by that? I get the feeling that there''s some incredible secret behind all this." [Hmm... let me think.] The so-called super-intelligent system hummed thoughtfully. [Logically speaking, no matter how stellar your grades are, that old man wouldn¡¯t go out of his way to help you this much.] Between a brilliant student and a well-established noble family, any rational person would choose the latter, as it would simply bring the greatest benefits. Yet, despite knowing this, the principal firmly chose to side with Ji Mu. No matter how you looked at it, something wasn''t adding up. This could only mean one thing... Perched on Ji Mu¡¯s shoulder, the system suddenly clapped its hands. [Host, could it be that you''re actually his bastard son?!] Ji Mu: "???" I thought you were about to drop some major insight. It turns out that you just dropped complete nonsense. "Exaggeration isn''t nonsense, and adaptation isn''t invention. But your imagination is a little too wild, System." [But it''s true! Just hear me out.] The system, sounding perfectly serious, launched into its speculation. [Think about all the trouble you''ve stirred up lately. Every one of your opponents is either rich or noble. If it had been any ordinary student in your place, they¡¯d be dead and buried by now.] Yet not only had Ji Mu come out of it unscathed, he hadn''t even faced a single punishment. There''s definitely something fishy going on here! [Look, unless there''s a personal interest or blood relation involved, no matter how much you admire someone, there''s always a limit. But the principal? His favoritism towards you can only be described as unconditionally lenient!] Ji Mu remained silent, clearly agreeing with this statement in his heart. [And another thing...] The system carefully remembered. [Host, haven''t you noticed? The principal''s eyebrows and eyes... they kinda look like yours.] Huh? Is that so?! Ji Mu was astonished. Thinking back to the principal''s suspiciously friendly attitude, everything suddenly seemed... oddly reasonable. Could it be that he really was... [Hehe, host, you might be a long-lost noble young master from a prestigious family!] The system''s eyes sparkled as it began to automatically fill an entire dramatic backstory in its own mind. [But due to family disputes, the principal couldn''t immediately take you back to acknowledge your kinship. He could only act as a guardian, silently watching you grow.] [When the time is right, you''ll return with a vengeance and slap those scheming family members in the face!] This was exactly like the plot of a sensational novel. Wow, cool! (?????) "...." The more the system talked, the more ridiculous the story became. Pressing his index finger against his temple, Ji Mu decided to move on from this topic. "Forget it. We''ll figure it out eventually." After all, as a native of China, he had never felt a sense of belonging to this fictional novel world. And ever since he learned that there was a chance to return to Blue Star, that sense of detachment in his soul had only grown stronger. His help to Ruan Qingqing was sincere, and he truly considered this kind and resilient girl as a friend. However, all of this was nothing compared to his ultimate desire to earn the billion-dollar reward and return to Blue Star to live a relaxed retirement. "Whether I¡¯m related to him or not, as long as it doesn¡¯t interfere with my mission, it doesn¡¯t matter." [Wow, host! ¡Ñ?¡Ñ!] The system looked shocked. [Host, do you even realize how cool you sound right now?!] It spoke with excitement. Too many people had lost themselves in these mission worlds¡ªtrapped by family, friendship, love, and all that messy nonsense. Some even forgot their original purpose, abandoning their missions entirely and choosing to stay behind. After all, emotions in a novel were far more beautiful and sincere than those in reality. If you had a family or a lover who was devoted to you, who would want to return to a reality filled with lies, deceit, and betrayal? Only Ji Mu! From beginning to end, his only goal was to get rich, return to Blue Star, and never let anything tie him down. After guiding so many hosts, this boy had the strongest will it had ever seen! The system was extremely pleased. With such a brilliant general, combined with its own wise and powerful support, the two of them together could be considered the dragon and phoenix of this world. How could they possibly fail?! [To reward your unwavering determination, I have decided to share some good news with you!] Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Ongoing event: 20 votes on NovelUpdate for another extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 48 - The Downfall of the Second Male Main Character [Host! Just now, the Prajna Instrument showed that Ruan Qingqing''s aversion to men dropped by another five points!] The system chuckled. [Surprised? Unexpected?] Oh wow, isn''t it amazing when luck just falls into your lap? Ji Mu paused mid-step as he descended the stairs. "This is quite a surprise. What''s the reason this time?" [Hehe, just now, Ruan Qingqing heard the warning you gave to Situ Yan.] The system swung its short legs as it perched on Ji Mu¡¯s shoulder, casually revealing the reason. [By making such a bold declaration of protection in front the entire class of seniors, the female lead, who''s spent her whole life being bullied, saw someone stand up for her for the first time. You know that kind of thing stirs up emotions.] For example, imagine that you are an invisible figure in your class, often picked on and targeted by the school bully. Then one day, a new friend of yours steps in, beats up the bully, and in front of everyone, declares that you are now under his protection. This feeling of being openly protected would move anyone deeply. It''s easy to understand why Ruan Qingqing feels the way she does. After all, with a move of like that, how couldn''t she be touched? It''s no wonder their friendship value had increased. [Host, you should have seen how ridiculous Ruan Qingqing''s face looked just now.] Her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes were misty. She looked as if she had just ascended to a peak of emotional enlightenment. The transformation from friendship to close friendship happened at that exact moment! [I can still remember the look in the female lead''s eyes when she looked at you...] [It was real! A soul-piercing gaze, almost hitting the level of a soul mate!] Absolute. Peak. Perfection. Simply unparalleled! "So that''s what happened," Ji Mu muttered, understanding. "Then that means we''re another step closer to saving the world?" [Exactly! Now, Ruan Qingqing''s favorability has reached -25!] Steady and gentle progress, right? ???? The system was so happy that it almost broke into a mid-air dancing jig. Given the current situation, it couldn''t imagine anything going wrong. With such an overwhelming advantage, how could we lose? The system thought back to the warning from the Time Management Bureau a while ago, telling it to be wary of the laws of nature and possible changes. It scoffed. Yeah, right! There can''t be that many changes. You old bureaucrats must be going senile! Even if something was wrong with the laws of nature, so what? I am the most powerful support system! Who would dare to plot against me? Who even could?! ... Dusk! As the ethereal chime of the school bell rang through the classrooms, the once peaceful and serene campus erupted into lively chaos within minutes. The corridor leading to the school gate buzzed with chatter, students in uniforms pressing shoulder to shoulder as they hurried to leave. In contrast to this cheerful atmosphere outside, the office inside was steeped in a much more oppressive air. "I understand the situation," the principal said flatly after listening to the homeroom teacher¡¯s report. "Thank you for your hard work. You can go and get some rest now." "Yes, Principal." After the teacher bowed and stepped out, silence reclaimed the office. Tap. Tap. Tap. Knuckles rapped lightly against the desk. A cold glint flashed in the principal''s eyes. Kidnapping? Hah! Since when did some nobodies like them think they could run wild in Tianhua City? "The weather is getting cold... time for the Axe Gang to disappear." He muttered to himself, his tone completely indifferent. Reaching into his desk drawer, he pulled out a black phone and dialed a number. The phone rang for a few seconds before connecting. "This is Gu Changlin," he said evenly. Even through the receiver, the person on the other end could clearly feel the weight of his authority. "You''ve really outdone yourselves, haven''t you? The ''serious terrorist incident'' in the city center last night, some thugs wrecking storefronts, hasn''t made a single headline." "..." "Just a gang fight? The businesses already signed a settlement? That''s your excuse?" "Tell me, then¡ªdid you know that my own nephew was nearly caught up in that mess?! How are you going to explain that?" Whatever response came from the other end of the line sent a flash of anger through Gu Changlin. He slammed a palm onto the desk and shot to his feet. "If someone pointed a gun at my head, would you tell me you weren''t sure if there was a bullet in the chamber?" The anger in his words was palpable, his authoritative presence fully unleashed, exuding an overwhelming sense of pressure. The person on the other end was clearly terrified, his voice trembling as he stammered out apology after apology. Time passed slowly. Only after receiving a firm assurance did Gu Changlin¡¯s anger ease slightly. "As long as you understand. I don''t care what kind of rabble is behind the Axe Gang¡ªwipe them out, and leave no one behind!" Lowering himself back into his seat, he delivered his final ultimatum. "Five days. I want them completely erased from Tianhua City. If you still can¡¯t handle it, then take it up with my brother in the provincial capital." If you dare lay a hand on Gu Changlin¡¯s nephew, not even connections in Jiangcheng will save you. ... Time slipped by like an arrow loosed from its string, vanishing quietly amidst the drifting autumn leaves. "Ji Mu." This somewhat familiar name had once again become one of the hottest topics on the school forum in recent days. Average looks. Average family background. Other than his absurdly high academic performance, there was nothing remarkable about him. But this seemingly mediocre character, who wouldn''t stand out in a crowd, had publicly beaten the underworld prince Situ Yan into unconsciousness! Anot not just him, even his accompanying bodyguards and his butler were beaten beyond recognition. As students buzzed with speculation, wondering if Ji Mu didn''t fear any retaliation from the Situ family... A bombshell news story dropped online, shaking all of Tianhua City. The biggest force in Tianhua City''s underworld, the Situ family, had fallen! It is said that the police, armed with evidence secretly provided by an insider, mobilized a large number of armed police overnight to carry out a raid. Dozens of infrared scopes locked onto the Situ family¡¯s villa, cutting off any chance of resistance. With no other options, they surrendered without a fight, willingly cuffing themselves and filing into police vehicles. Even the hidden backers pulling strings from the shadows weren¡¯t spared. A secret dossier exposed every last one of them, sealing their fate alongside the Situ family''s key members. The once arrogant and untouchable Situ Yan was no exception¡ªhe couldn''t escape his fate. That very night, Officer Shu Tai visited his home, presented him with a list of various crimes, and dragged his severely injured body to prison. Online, public outrage exploded. The internet was flooded with furious comments, with some even forming groups to petition the court for a retrial, demanding that he receive the same death sentence as his father. But the noble students of Yulan High School remained silent. After all, the impact of this incident was too great, and it was hard not to wonder... Could Ji Mu have had something to do with this? As amateur internet sleuths dug deeper into Ji Mu¡¯s background, they began uncovering one shocking incident after another. Chu Yashi, the principal¡¯s daughter, had been slapped by Ji Mu. Crazy Bear, the campus bully, had been taken down by Ji Mu. And now, Situ Yan. Each of these people had extraordinary backgrounds, and ordinary nobles would bow down to them. Yet somehow, every single one of these prominent figures vanished without a trace after crossing paths with Ji Mu. Some were exiled, some were imprisoned, but none of them met a good end. Most people were shocked. But in the end, they had no choice but to accept an undeniable truth¡ª This seemingly ordinary four-eyed nerd... was actually a mysterious hidden boss?! Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Ongoing event: 20 votes on NovelUpdate for another extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 49 - The male leads pursuit Friday morning. Golden threads of sunlight wove together like a shimmering waterfall, cascading onto the tiled hallways and reflecting brightly off the surface. It was approaching early summer. The locust trees along the road showed signs of wilting, and the bamboo shoots were beginning to shed their initial green as they matured. A gentle breeze swept through, carrying a sense of quiet ease. As Ruan Qingqing stepped out of the teacher¡¯s office after submitting her documents, she slowed her pace, savoring the rare moment of peace. Bathed in warm sunlight, her porcelain-white skin glowed like polished jade. Her skin had a delicate, dewy quality to it, as if a mere touch could leave a distinct red mark. Though she wore the same standard school uniform as everyone else, it couldn¡¯t hide her graceful curves. Her half-lidded eyes carried a quiet allure, while the morning light wrapped around her like a sheer veil, casting an ethereal glow over her entire figure. Just standing by the hallway window, she resembled a celestial maiden who had fallen to earth¡ªout of place, yet evoking an irresistible longing to keep her from leaving. From his spot at the corner, Fu Rongjing felt like a mere mortal who had accidentally wandered into a hidden paradise and caught sight of a fairy. For a moment, he was entirely captivated. All that remained in his mind was awe. "Qingqing." But he was no stranger to beauty. With practiced ease, he quickly regained his composure, a refined smile settling on his lips. "Long time no see." Ruan Qingqing lifted her gaze and responded politely, "Senior Fu." Her voice carried a soft, lilting quality, like a violin string being gently bowed¡ªenchanting, alluring, and dangerously easy to get lost in. It had only been a few weeks, but why did she seem even more alluring? Fu Rongjing''s gaze darkened. He had to admit that she was indeed a rare beauty. Even though he had seen her countless times, his heart couldn''t help but race. "The joint exam for the six schools is coming up soon. Do you feel prepared, Qingqing?" He replied casually, starting a conversation to cover up the moment he had lost himself staring. "I''ve heard that other schools have brought in some impressive students just for this test." Ruan Qingqing subtly pulled back, putting more distance between them. Her voice was barely a whisper. "Mm." Her disinterest was obvious. Fu Rongjing pretended not to notice, maintaining his gentle and refined demeanor. "Whether you''re confident or not, make sure you get plenty of rest. Even if you don''t do well, it''s okay. Just give it your all." He smiled warmly. "After all, in my eyes, you''re the best girl." Excuse me? He was already assuming that I wouldn''t do well before I''d even taken the exam? "Senior Fu, don''t you think you''re overstepping a bit?" Ruan Qingqing lowered her eyelashes and gave a faint, emotionless smile. "We''re not that close." Fu Rongjing''s gentle smile froze on his face. He hadn¡¯t expected such distant, cutting words to come from her so directly. She still looked as delicate and obedient as before, but something was off. It was like... watching a creature slowly shed its old skin. Seemingly harmless, yet harboring something terrifyingly dark, quietly lurking, waiting for the right moment to be fully unleashed. A sudden sixth sense pricked at Fu Rongjing''s subconscious. An illusion? Shaking off the odd feeling, he adjusted his expression and prepared to find another topic¡ª But before he could speak, a hand casually patted his shoulder. "What are you two talking about?" The clear, pure voice of a young man slipped through the air, carrying a distinct air of laziness. "Senior Fu." That nightmarish voice nearly made Fu Rongjing shudder. Turning his head, he realized that Ji Mu had somehow arrived without him noticing. "Ji¡ª" "Mu Mu!" Ruan Qingqing¡¯s voice, filled with joy, completely drowned out Fu Rongjing¡¯s. Just moments ago, she had been distant and indifferent. Now, her eyes gleamed with excitement, and her face blossomed with a bright and captivating smile. Watching this unfold, Fu Rongjing¡¯s emotions twisted into something tangled and bitter. Not once, not even in the past, had she ever shown this kind of unrestrained joy in front of him. Why? What did this four-eyed nerd have besides good grades? Setting aside personality, family, and connections, just in terms of looks alone, I could outshine Ji Mu by a mile. I was the one who truly cared for you first... Fu Rongjing clenched his fists, intense jealousy and resentment surging in his chest. As he silently wrestled with his own thoughts, his gaze suddenly locked onto a pair of round glasses reflecting white light. For a brief moment, it was as if every layer of his carefully constructed fac?ade had been stripped away. All the twisted, possessive desires lurking in his heart lay completely exposed. His chest tightened. A sudden wave of unease crept up his spine. "Ji, Ji Mu¡ª" "Senior Fu," Ji Mu met his gaze with a calm, unreadable expression. "Staring at someone so openly is quite rude. If you have nothing else to say, you should leave." The way he could switch expressions so effortlessly, truly a man of many faces. "...Ji Mu, you''re joking," Fu Rongjing forced out a dry chuckle, trying to play it off. "I was still talking to Qingqing¡ª" Before he could finish his clumsy excuse, Ji Mu turned to Qingqing and casually asked, "Do you want to talk to him?" Ruan Qingqing blinked and replied softly, "I don''t want to." Ji Mu turned back to Fu Rongjing, voice lazy and teasing. "See? She doesn¡¯t want to talk to you." Fu Rongjing: "..." So this guy really doesn¡¯t play by the rules, huh? "Ji Mu, even if we have some minor disagreements, do we really need to be so hostile every time we meet?" Seeing that Fu Rongjing was trying to take the high road, Ji Mu simply watched in silence, waiting to see what nonsense he¡¯d come up with next. "Peace is precious," Fu Rongjing added solemnly. Sure enough, the next second, Fu Rongjing said in a dignified tone, "You shouldn¡¯t be so hot-tempered. As a top student, surely you can afford to be a little more tolerant?" "...?" That was the best he could come up with? Passive-aggressive nonsense? Weak. Ji Mu shrugged indifferently. "I could be more patient, sure. But why would I waste it on you?" Fu Rongjing was speechless. He opened his mouth but couldn''t find the words to reply. "Alright, if you have nothing to say, just leave." Ji Mu waved his hand dismissively, as if swatting away a mosquito. "You just standing here is an eyesore." His repeated, casual disregard finally chipped away at Fu Rongjing¡¯s usually well-maintained composure. "Ji Mu, this is a public space. Am I not allowed to be here?" There was a hint of anger in his voice. "No matter what, you should be reasonable!" Ji Mu remained indifferent, his attitude still extremely nonchalant. Ji Mu remained unbothered, his tone as lazy as ever. "My breath is for counting money, not for arguing with you." "You¡ª" "I''ll ask again." Ji Mu¡¯s patience was wearing thin. His fingers flexed slightly, joints cracking audibly. "Are you leaving or not?" Fu Rongjing immediately shut his mouth. Ji Mu''s terrifying fighting skills were no joke. If he said he wasn''t afraid, he would be lying. And considering the wild rumors circulating ever since the Situ family¡¯s downfall, with everyone speculating that Ji Mu might be a mysterious figure with a powerful background, the weight of his presence only became more unsettling. After a few seconds of internal struggle, Fu Rongjing finally decided to swallow his pride for now and retreat. Better to avoid the sharp edge for now; as long as the green hills remain, there will be no shortage of firewood. But before he could even begin to comfort himself with that thought, Ji Mu¡¯s voice cut through his internal monologue. "Senior Fu," Ji Mu¡¯s spoke slowly and deliberately. "As an adult, you should have some sense of boundaries." His words weren''t a reminder. They were a warning. "From now on, stay away from Ruan Qingqing." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Ongoing event: 20 votes on NovelUpdate for another extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 50 - A Brain in Love Must Dig for Wild Vegetables Fu Rongjing¡¯s steps came to an abrupt halt. He naturally understood the meaning behind Ji Mu''s words. The underlying threat in his tone made it clear that this was no joke. If he was reckless enough to approach Ruan Qingqing again, he wouldn''t fare any better than Situ Yan. From what little he knew of Ji Mu, Fu Rongjing was certain that Ji Mu would absolutely follow through on his threat. But... To give up on Ruan Qingqing just like that... Fu Rongjing clenched his fists. For someone who had always lived life on easy mode, this level of humiliation was unbearable. But with Ji Mu¡ªthis immovable, unreasonable force¡ªstanding in his way, the raging fire in his heart was suddenly doused in ice-cold reality, snuffing out what little resistance remained. Besides, truthfully, he lacked the courage to resist. After a long moment of hesitation, Fu Rongjing exhaled, slowly loosening his clenched fists. His posture slumped ever so slightly. From a distance, his desolate figure resembled a stray dog with a broken spine. And with that, the main and secondary male leads were officially out of the picture. ---- Outside the window, the morning sunlight was blinding, but the corridor it illuminated remained peaceful. Ji Mu, feeling cheerful, stood up and stretched lazily, rolling his shoulders. With two troublesome characters eliminated, he could breathe easy until the next batch of problematic male leads showed up. "Mu Mu, " a soft voice called out, Ruan Qingqing''s tone light as she spoke. "Thank you for what you just did." "There''s no need to thank me." Ji Mu crossed his arms, looking half-asleep. "If you don''t want to deal with people like him, why bother interacting with him?" "I..." "What, too polite to shut him down?" "Not exactly," Ruan Qingqing shook her head before explaining. "Back when I was being bullied, Fu Rongjing helped me a few times." Although his approach had been awkward, the help he gave had been genuine. Emotionally and logically, she couldn''t selfishly ignore him just because of her personal reasons. "I guess... It''s out of gratitude." Ruan Qingqing pursed her lips, her petite figure exuding an elegant charm, appearing pure and graceful. "Don''t let these irrelevant moral obligations bind you, silly goose." Ji Mu, seeing her slipping into another self-imposed corner, corrected her train of thought once again. "The debt of gratitude you owe him has long since been eroded by his persistent harassment and manipulative behavior." Ruan Qingqing lowered her gaze, her long, curled eyelashes casting a fan-shaped shadow. "I know..." She understood everything Ji Mu said, but... Compared to the darkness of being bullied in her past, what did this really amount to? "It''s just a small grievance, that''s all..." Her whisper was barely audible, but the boy beside her heard it anyway. "Grievance? For what?" Ji Mu leaned lazily against the windowsill, legs crossed, and spoke calmly. "Just be happy and leave the rest to karma." Ruan Qingqing stared at him, the depths of her eyes stirring under her lashes like the surface of a lake rippling beneath the moonlight. The weather in Linxia wasn''t particularly warm. Yet, the morning breeze still carried a lingering coolness. In the distance, the morning light painted the blue sky with rich layers. Ji Mu stood with his back to the sun, his shirt collar fluttering lightly in the breeze, carrying the fresh scent of soap. "Silly goose, you don''t owe anyone anything." So... Owe no one anything... Does this mean that I should also be a bit braver, too? Ruan Qingqing murmured the thought silently to herself. Something deep inside her was shifting, certain unspoken feelings slowly taking form, settling into the quietest corners of her heart. Like drops of burning candle wax, melting into unfamiliar shapes, solidifying into something new. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her lips curving into a soft, radiant smile. "Mm, I understand." Her smile was breathtaking. But from the sidelines, the system scratched its cheek, feeling a faint sense of unease. Something felt a bit wrong... Just a moment ago, the way she had looked at Ji Mu bore an inexplicable resemblance to her obsessive, pathological gaze from her past life after she had gone dark. Its tiny face scrunched up in concern as it flapped its wings and flew around Ruan Qingqing a few times to confirm. Strangely enough, it didn''t find anything unusual. No matter how you looked at her, the girl seemed soft and gentle, like a harmless little lamb. Hmm... Could it be that watching too many movies lately had caused it to hallucinate? The system muttered to itself. After some thought, it concluded that this was probably the cause of the problem. Damn it! Those damn movies have really messed with its head! The system fumed. It decided to watch some more movies later to counteract the effects with more of the same! ... "Mu Mu, you have no plans this weekend, right?" On the other side, Ruan Qingqing glanced up at him, hesitantly tugging at his sleeve, and asked softly, a little unsure, "Didn''t you say last week..." Hearing her mention it, Ji Mu remembered. "You mean the private lessons at my place, right?" "Mm..." A little embarrassed, Ruan Qingqing curled her toes inside her shoes. "If it''s too much trouble, we can forget about it." ...That sounded pitiful. Seeing how careful she was being, Ji Mu sighed. "I don''t go back on my promises that easily." Relax, buddy. With our relationship, there''s no way I''d bail on you. "How about tomorrow? It''s Saturday." To keep her from overthinking it, he made a firm promise: "You set the time; I''m available whenever." Ruan Qingqing averted her gaze, mumbling, "O-Okay... sure..." Why was she still acting all shy after agreeing? Ji Mu raised a brow. Whatever. Women''s hearts were like needles at the bottom of the sea, too much effort to figure out. He turned around and leaned halfway out of the window, watching the couples downstairs holding hands, kissing, and hugging. With a sigh, he started a new topic. "There seems to be a lot of people falling in love lately." Spring truly was the season of increased hormonal activity. This remark piqued Ruan Qingqing''s interest. "Could it be that Mu Mu wants to fall in love as well?" Ji Mu, still resting against the windowsill, gave a lazy shrug. "Not really." Love? Not even dogs would bother with that. As the saying goes, the wise do not fall in love; the lonely king concentrates on research. In the face of gold coins and an easy life, everything else is trivial. "I''m not interested in that." "Huh?" Ruan Qingqing was surprised. Thinking about Ji Mu''s personality, she began to speculate, "Is it because you find it too troublesome, Mu Mu?" "Maybe." Ji Mu neither confirmed nor denied. "That''s true... After all, there are so many things to consider in a relationship," Ruan Qingqing murmured, quietly listing some examples. "If one person in the relationship has a strong sense of possessiveness, it would definitely cause a lot of trouble for the other person." "Possessiveness?" Ji Mu thought differently. "Everyone has it to some extent. For example, the worst case for me was the feeling that everyone''s money should be mine." Hearing this, Ruan Qingqing''s fingers twitched slightly against her skirt. "So... being possessive or not isn''t really that big of a deal." She swallowed, not even realizing the slight nervousness in her tone. "Mu Mu, you don''t really mind, do you?" Ji Mu frowned slightly. What kind of question was that? More importantly, why would he care? He didn''t even date. "What''s with the sudden interest? Silly goose, are you interested in dating? You sound pretty worried about it." "No, no..." Catching herself, Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks flushed. She quickly shook her head. "I don''t care about that kind of thing, and I definitely don''t want to date." Ji Mu could easily tell that she was just being stubborn. "Don''t be so sure. Just because you don''t want to now doesn''t mean you won''t want to in the future." As the heroine of a romance novel, if she didn''t experience a sweet love story from beginning to end, this world would be doomed. "Someday, you''ll meet someone you''ll want to spend the rest of your life with." Sooner or later, it was inevitable. He wondered who the lucky person would be that the stupid goose would choose. To be honest, he was quite curious. The certainty in his voice made Ruan Qingqing pout. "What if I never meet anyone?" That''s not possible, sis. Even if you really don''t meet anyone, heaven will intervene as a last resort. Seeing her unconvinced expression, Ji Mu was amused and decided to make a joke. "In that case, I''ll just give myself to you. How''s that sound?" Unexpectedly, this remark left the girl stunned. Her pale cheeks quickly turned as red as a steamed crab, and her ears burned a bright crimson. "I... I... you..." Ruan Qingqing stammered incoherently, struggling to form words, when a gray jacket was suddenly tossed into her arms. "I''ve just offered myself to you, so it''s not too much to ask you to hold my jacket, right?" Hands in his pockets, Ji Mu walked casually toward the stairs. "Let¡¯s head back to class." Ruan Qingqing stood frozen, wide-eyed, watching his tall, slender figure disappear down the hall. It felt like she still hadn¡¯t fully processed what had just happened. [Host, your joke went too far this time. Didn''t you see how red you made that poor girl''s face?] The system couldn''t stand it any longer and popped up with a serious tone. [Host, you have to know your limits.] [The heroine is still in her man-hating phase, so take it easy.] "I got it," Ji Mu drawled lazily. Time to get back to class and take a nap. So sleepy... =_= ... Meanwhile, in the corridor, Ruan Qingqing lowered her head, staring at the jacket now resting in her arms. The lingering warmth of the jacket pressed against her fingertips, and the faint scent of detergent wafted from the fabric, interwoven with Ji Mu''s barely-there personal scent. The scent wasn''t strong, just enough to linger. But it was enough to make her face burn even hotter. Her heart pounded wildly, like a startled deer frozen in the headlights. Before she could stop herself, she brought the jacket closer to her face and took a deep breath. Her clear, fox-like eyes turned hazy. "So fragrant..." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Ongoing event: 20 votes on NovelUpdate for another extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 51 - Mu Mu, Im Sorry... The school bell rang, signaling the end of the day. The evening sky was filled with clouds. Ji Mu woke up refreshed, having slept through the entire afternoon. The classroom was empty; the other students had already left. He rubbed his stiff arms, stood up, and stretched lazily. What a productive day. "Even though I didn''t do anything today, it was still a hard day''s work for me." Noticing the neatly arranged books on his desk and the backpack next to them, Ji Mu guessed what had happened and took his phone out of his pocket to check. Feixin displayed a message from someone. [Silly Goose]: Mu Mu, I found a new part-time job today! [Silly Goose]: Hehe, I''m so happy. [Silly Goose]: I have to rush to a job interview, so I''ll leave early today. [Silly Goose]: I''ve already organized the holiday homework assignments from the teacher and put them in your bag. [Silly Goose]: Oh, and I left a bottle of oolong tea in there too. If you wake up thirsty, remember to drink it ^_^ Wow, how thoughtful. Reading the messages, Ji Mu felt a pleasant warmth spread through his chest. Even the tiredness in his body seemed to disappear. Such a dear friend truly brings me joy. He typed a quick reply¡ª[Got it, thanks]¡ªbefore popping open the bottle and taking a sip. Throwing his bag over his shoulder, he stepped outside, the evening breeze feeling incredibly refreshing on his face. [Host, what about tonight''s Battle Night?] The system popped up with a question. [Still on?] "Of course." This was his 90th promotional match; he had to win! [OK,] the system pumped its tiny fist, full of confidence. [Tonight, let me help you!] Great. Very spirited! Seemed like his chances of climbing the ranks just increased. In high spirits, Ji Mu was about to take a sip of his oolong tea when he suddenly stopped. Hmm... Have I forgotten something? After a moment of thought, he remembered that his jacket was still with the silly goose. No wonder he was feeling a bit chilly. Oh well, it''s not important. He''d just ask her about it tomorrow. Putting that matter aside, Ji Mu focused on the most important task at hand: tonight''s promotion match. Having played 90 times already, he was determined to win today. "System," he clenched his fist, his voice solemn. "Battle..." [Let''s go!!] The System was visibly excited. After an entire week of binge-watching movies, Ji Mu hadn''t touched a game in days, and the craving hit him hard. What? You say indulging in games is neglecting work? Come on, do you even understand the concept of balancing work and rest? A little proper relaxation was the key to optimal performance. How else would you be able to work so fast? This is called professionalism! ---- The moon peeked through the clouds, revealing only a sliver as dusk draped itself over the city. Apartment windows lit up one by one, silently announcing the arrival of night. It was 7 p.m. While the city bustled with nighttime activity, Ruan Qingqing had already finished her bath, drawn the curtains, and curled up on her bed with a flushed face. The dim glow of her bedside lamp cast soft shadows around the room, making it feel smaller, quieter. Lying on her side, she stared blankly into the dark corner of the room, her mind filled with thoughts of tomorrow. Going to Mu Mu''s house... Didn''t that mean... She would be alone in a room with him... Thump thump thump - Her heartbeat became increasingly irregular, beyond her control. What''s happening to me? In the past, she would have been happy to pass today''s interview. But why... Why wasn''t that what she was looking forward to? Even the tiniest ripple of excitement in her chest had nothing to do with the success of the interview. Ruan Qingqing knew the reason very well. But she didn''t want to admit it. No... she didn''t dare to admit it. Ji Mu''s every move could easily affect her emotions. And with every interaction, that feeling grew stronger, making her crave more and more. Unspoken thoughts took root, growing inch by inch, corrupting her soul. People often despise watching themselves fall to ruin with full awareness. She, too, found herself in a state of rationality, gradually and uncontrollably moving toward a pathological extreme. Like decaying leaves, she would eventually melt into the mud. Ruan Qingqing feared that one day, she would become someone unrecognizable. "Mu Mu..." She hated men, hated every single one she had ever encountered. She hated the way their eyes clung to her chest. Filthy, foul, like the innards of a gutted fish, putrid and reeking. She hated how they immediately noticed her worn, faded clothes and her embarrassment. Even when she tried to hide it, they couldn''t mask the condescending tone in their words. Ji Mu... she hated him too. She hated how smart he was, how he could effortlessly peel back the layers of her insecurities, seeing right through the fragile pride buried beneath her cowardice, yet still managed to interact with her as if everything was normal. She hated how clean he always was, how he always smelled so good, and how he never laid a hand on her. She hated... how he made her world seem brighter. She just wanted to stay in this soft haven forever. "Mu Mu..." I really, really hate you... Ruan Qingqing bit down on her lower lip, her fingers curling tightly around the corner of the blanket. Beneath the hem of her nightdress, her knees pressed together, subtly rubbing against each other. The dim light faintly illuminated the sheer fabric, barely revealing the outline of her closed legs with a flat Y-shaped shadow. She closed her eyes slowly. A tall, lean figure appeared clearly in her mind. He had moved into her heart. Lingering there, refusing to leave. She could see him now, seated at his desk, always leaning lazily on one hand, absentmindedly twirling a black pen between his fingers. Even though he didn''t use much force, the faint blue veins on the back of his hand bulged slightly, exuding a deadly allure. And when he wrote... that feeling became even more pronounced. Like something tightly coiled, waiting to snap. And this was only one side of him. If there was ever a moment that captured his contradictions, nothing compared to when he lifted the hem of his shirt to wipe away his sweat after running in gym class. A small portion of his smooth waistline was exposed, releasing the residual heat from his body. His stomach, still tight from exertion, was laced with faintly bulging veins, covered in glistening sweat, with the defined lines of his muscles clearly visible. Beads of sweat rolled down along the contours, snaking down to the waistband of his pants. It was like a tourist lost in a tropical rainforest catching a glimpse of a deadly yet alluring mandrake. At that moment, Ruan Qingqing, like a tourist separated from the group, saw the danger in the young man. "Mm..." A shaky breath slipped through her lips. A few quick, uneven inhales were proof of her dwindling control. In her mind, the young man pierced her thoughts once again. He made her defenses crumble. She flipped onto her side, dizzy from the constant battle between reason and desire. Lowering her gaze, she noticed the piece of clothing she had unknowingly pulled from beneath the covers. It was Ji Mu''s jacket. She''d had countless opportunities to return it to him that afternoon. But when she realized he hadn¡¯t asked for it, she inexplicably... pretended to forget about it. She didn¡¯t take it out until she got home after her interview, filled with guilt. "Mu Mu..." Burying her head into the fabric, she clutched the entire garment to her chest. The rich scent of soap clung to it, wrapping around her like an embrace. The familiar, fresh scent made her feel like she was being held by him. In a daze, she imagined him slowly tracing down her spine, inch by inch, leaving behind a tingling sensation spreading across her skin. Until finally, he touched the place she wanted most. Like a kitten addicted to catnip, she found herself utterly consumed. A sliver of rationality screamed at her, condemning her inner self for being so despicable. But her mind, immersed in indulgent fantasies, only sank deeper into pleasure. Even a saint, when dragged to hell, could commit the most wicked of sins under the guise of purity. "Haah... Mu... Mu Mu..." I''m sorry. Just this once... no, just a few more times, okay? Please forgive me. Tonight... I''m going to be a bad girl again. Mu Mu... Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Ongoing event: 20 votes on NovelUpdate for another extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 52 - Challenging the girls weakness Saturday. The morning air was warm and bright, carrying a soft breeze through the gaps of moss-covered stone. In the dappled sunlight, tender green buds swayed to the rhythm of the wind. Ruan Qingqing woke up early and began rummaging through her wardrobe. Her daily routine revolved around school and part-time jobs, leaving little time for dressing up. Because of this, whenever she did put effort into her makeup and dressing, she was especially meticulous, which proved to be quite time-consuming. Over two hours later, the girl in the mirror wore an off-the-shoulder dress, the hem of which swayed slightly at her calves, accentuating her graceful curves. Her jade-like skin carried a faint blush, while her full, rosy lips were as enticing as a freshly ripened peach. Despite staying up until nearly 3 a.m. the night before, she showed no signs of fatigue. On the contrary, her energy and mood heightened as time went on. It''s just a study session at Mu Mu''s house. Why am I so excited? She silently scolded herself for being so easily flustered, but her hands didn''t slow down as she packed her things. Test papers, a data cable, lipstick, disinfectant wipes, earphones, and... Her gaze drifted toward the bedside drawer, landing on a small, square, plastic-wrapped item. A deep flush crept up her cheeks. She had accidentally noticed it while shopping at a nearby grocery store the night before. Originally, she''d planned to pay and leave, but as soon as she thought about visiting Ji Mu''s house tomorrow, she seemed to be possessed by a mischievous spirit. Before she realized it, she had already put it in her pocket. Oh, my God. Ruan Qingqing, what are you doing?! How could you do something so... so shameless? If Mu Mu finds out, what will he think of me? No. Absolutely not. Her last shred of shame loudly protested her actions. But even as she blushed and looked away, her hand swiftly tucked the item into her bag. If anything could describe her frantic, awkward movements at that moment, it was the phrase: "A clumsy denial resulting in self-exposure." She lowered her head guiltily, slung her pink backpack over her shoulder, hastily put on her shoes, and hurried out the door. She never noticed how light her footsteps had become. ... Following the location Ji Mu had sent, she took the bus. Along the way, a few passersby stole glances at her. Some held wonder, admiration, and others even jealousy... She ignored them, her thoughts entirely focused on the excitement of their meeting. After about half an hour, Ruan Qingqing arrived at the entrance of Ji Mu''s apartment. Taking a small mirror out of her bag, she carefully smoothed out a few strands of wind-tousled hair and applied another light coat of lipstick. Her rosy lips looked vibrant and luscious as if coated with syrup, plump and glossy. Even she felt the urge to take a bite. Is this... too calculated? Suppressing her rising embarrassment, she reached out and pressed the doorbell. Ding-dong¡ª Ding-dong¡ª After a few rings, a familiar voice came from inside. "Coming." The soft slap of slippers against the floor grew nearer, sending her heart into a nervous flutter. Swish¡ª The door swung open. Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks dimpled with a smile. "Mu¡ª" Her voice abruptly stopped, the smile freezing on her face. Standing in front of her was a completely unknown boy. His features were strikingly handsome, almost exaggeratedly so. Beneath his eyebrows were a pair of amber, almond-shaped eyes, and the high bridge of his nose added to his defined appearance. The hallway light illuminated his pale skin, and the red mole at the corner of his eye gave him a look like a manga character enhanced by a filter. "...S-Sorry!" After staring for a second, Ruan Qingqing quickly snapped out of it and hurriedly apologized, "I must have the wrong room. I''m really sorry!" How strange. She had clearly heard Mu Mu''s voice from inside... Suppressing the doubt that flashed through her mind, she decided to leave the apartment and check if she had misread the address the boy had sent her. Just as she turned and took a few steps, the voice behind her stopped her in her tracks. "You''re not in the wrong room, silly." That voice... Ruan Qingqing turned her head slowly. The overly handsome boy in front of her had one hand in his pocket, looking at her with a lazy attitude. The more she looked at his casual demeanor, the more familiar it felt. She opened her mouth in a daze, an unbelievable thought coming to her mind. "Are you... Mu Mu?" The boy hummed noncommittally. "What, you don''t recognize me anymore?" Th-this... How could anyone recognize him?! Ruan Qingqing''s mind was in turmoil. Who would have thought that the inconspicuous boy from school would look so different just by taking off his glasses? That manga-like face was the complete opposite of his usual dull appearance! She had just been marveling at the idea that a guy this stunning even existed. But to realize that this person was none other than the boy she spent every day with? Her heart pounded wildly, so hard it sent tremors down to her fingertips. She bit her lip, pressing a hand against her chest in a futile attempt to steady herself. Seeing Ruan Qingqing frozen in place, Ji Mu wasn''t surprised. In his previous life on Blue Star, women would often stare at his face for ages. Some would even blush and murmur strange things like, "I''ve arrived..."¡ªwhatever that meant. Their reactions were always exaggerated. Compared to them, his mission target had much better self-control and only spaced out for a second. "Don''t just stand there. Come in and change your shoes." Ji Mu raised his chin slightly, motioning her to enter. "I''ve been waiting for you." "...Mmm." A small, hesitant sound escaped from behind him. His gaze flickered. "How about it, system? Did the heroine''s aversion to men change just now?" [Not even a little, host]. Ji Mu mulled it over. Actually, appearing before her without glasses this time was a small test. Although the system had repeatedly assured him that the affection detector wouldn''t malfunction, it was better to be safe than sorry. If the target''s aversion score had changed just from seeing his appearance, that would prove that her feelings for him were more than just friendship. It would also mean her supposed androphobia wasn''t exactly as it seemed. And if that were the case, then the cause of the Prajna Instrument''s data fluctuations would be something worth investigating. But now, the system said that there was no change... [Heh, see? I told you, host! How could a product of the Time-Space Management Bureau be wrong? It''s guaranteed reliable!] The system sounded so smug that it was practically floating. [Until the heroine''s aversion to men hits zero, she''s locked in a state of 100% androphobia. As for her feelings for you, it''s purely platonic friendship with no trace of romantic interest.] [Sure, you''re good-looking, but Ruan Qingqing isn''t lacking in charm either.] After all, she''s one of the heroines of this novel world. Her resistance stats are high. How could she go weak in the knees just by looking at your face? She''s not that shallow. [If you ask me, you''re a little too confident, host~] Hearing this, Ji Mu slowly exhaled a deep breath. "You''re right, System." Being cautious was good, but only when applied correctly. The System had always been on his side, with no conflicting interests, and their objectives were aligned. Repeatedly doubting it was indeed somewhat disrespectful to the super AI. "It seems I''ve been overthinking things." With that thought, the last trace of doubt in his heart disappeared. Meanwhile, in the system room... After listening to the conversation between the main system and the host, the subsystem hesitated to speak. Let''s just say... The Prajna Instrument showed no change in the heroine''s aversion to men. But why... Why did the hidden corruption score suddenly skyrocket?! Seeing the value jump to 1000%, the subsystem''s circuits buzzed with alarm, a deep sense of panic filling its electronic processor. It wanted to inform the main system about it, but it remembered the previous warning from its Big Brother. If it mentioned anything about the hidden corruption value again, it would be put directly into confinement. After hesitating for a moment, the subsystem decided to pretend that it hadn''t seen anything. After all, Big Brother had said before that it would be fine. So it should probably... be fine... right? Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Ongoing event: 20 votes on NovelUpdate for another extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 53 - Water Stains Spread... Light poured down from the crystal chandelier, casting a warm glow over the entire living room. Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks burned, and her lips pressed tightly together. Her mind was in turmoil, still reeling from the shock of seeing Ji Mu''s true appearance. Heat spread from her head to her toes, leaving her stiff as she fumbled to change her shoes. If Ji Mu hadn''t reminded her, she would have forgotten to close the door. So embarrassing... I must look so ridiculous right now X_X Feeling lost, she sat on the sofa, her hands clenching and unclenching against her knees, palms damp with sweat. Ruan Qingqing felt extremely embarrassed by her inexperienced behavior earlier. Calm down! No matter what happens, he''s still the same Mu Mu you know. He just... took off his glasses. So there''s nothing to be surprised about. Just act normal. But... it''s just... just... Mu Mu, you... why do you look like this? This is way too... Oh my God! "What are you doing just sitting there?" As the panicked little voice in her heart continued to scream, Ji Mu''s voice snapped her back to reality. "Aren''t you coming to my room?" "Ah... um, okay... huh?" Ruan Qingqing nodded instinctively, only to widen her eyes a few seconds later. "To... your room?" "Aren''t we supposed to be studying?" Ji Mu glanced at her with a straightforward expression. "If not my room, then where? The living room doesn''t have a coffee table, so there''s no place for you to study." "Oh... right... got it..." Ruan Qingqing''s voice wavered as she got to her feet. Something in that sentence had struck her already tense nerves, but she wasn''t sure which part. Blood rapidly circulated through her veins, continuously fueling her racing heart, as if her metabolism had kicked into overdrive. Or perhaps... the phrase "come to my room" naturally had a suggestive effect. Ruan Qingqing''s barely calmed heart surged with emotion once again. She lowered her head and slowly trailed behind Ji Mu, not daring to look back. She even started walking with mismatched steps, her clumsy movements comically reminiscent of a baby just learning to walk. Ji Mu, who was always attentive to his task, also noticed her strange behavior. But he considered it normal. Anyone visiting a friend''s house for the first time would feel a little awkward. It would get better once they got used to it. Entering his room, he pulled out two chairs and placed them in front of the table. "Sit down." "Mm... okay." Ruan Qingqing obediently sat down. It was only now that she had the courage to look around. Ji Mu''s room was immaculately tidy and clean, with furniture and items arranged in perfect order. A few potted plants rested on the shelf by the window, and a faint, refreshing scent lingered in the air. The style matched his usual personality. "Why are you still zoning out?" Seeing her still lost in thought, Ji Mu pulled out the other chair and sat down. "Did you bring the workbook?" "Huh? Oh... yes, I did." Ruan Qingqing quickly took the book out of her bag. Ji Mu took it from her, flipping through a few pages before stopping. "Start with these problems." He flipped to the last page and marked a few key questions as he spoke. "Finish them, and I''ll see where you''re still struggling." Ruan Qingqing nodded hesitantly. Gripping her pen tightly, she looked down at the open workbook, her back ramrod straight. Her mind was in a haze that made it impossible to focus on the problems. Although the room was spacious, she inexplicably felt there wasn''t enough room. Probably because... they were sitting so close together. Barely half a meter apart. With a distance this small, how was she supposed to stay calm?! As a result, Ruan Qingqing barely dared to breathe, her flushed cheeks burning without relief. Despite warning herself to stop, she couldn''t control her eyes and secretly glanced to the side. Ji Mu sat beside her, flipping through workbooks of other subjects. His thick eyelashes cast shadows on his eyelids, and the sunlight streaming through the window illuminated his face, highlighting his handsome profile. It was the kind of face that was exceptionally refined. No matter the angle, there was no such thing as an unflattering shot. Perhaps her gaze was too obvious, for he turned his head slightly and looked at her, his peach-blossom eyes gleaming faintly. "Focus on the problems, not on me." His tone was lazy and nonchalant. Combined with his expression, it was incredibly captivating, exuding an indescribable allure. Ruan Qingqing''s face turned bright red. In the past, she would have been too embarrassed to look up after being caught peeking, but now... it felt like something was itching in her heart. A strange, tingling sensation. She swallowed discreetly and forced herself to focus back on the workbook in front of her. But no matter how determined she was, his scent would interrupt her thoughts every time she tried to solve a problem. Her knees rubbed together under the table, and she tried to calm the waves of emotion that rose and fell within her. An indescribable emptiness gnawed at her, slow and creeping, like a silkworm eating mulberry leaves. It ate away at her resistance, breaking past whatever dam had been holding it back. This was bad. Really bad. Because this feeling... It had come at entirely the wrong time. Ruan Qingqing licked her dry lips, trying to ignore the unbearable heat. I should have... I should have taken care of this before I came. That way, I wouldn''t be so distracted. Knock, knock¡ª Just as she was caught in her thoughts, Ji Mu tapped on the table. "Stop spacing out. Keep working." Caught daydreaming twice in a row, Ruan Qingqing buried her head even deeper. There was no escaping the work now. The thin-skinned girl didn''t want to get caught a third time. Forcing herself to concentrate, she pushed aside the chaotic images and tried to tackle the difficult problems before her. Math had always been her weakest subject, and with a distracting male Su Daji sitting right next to her, her efficiency was lower than ever. Two hours later. Ruan Qingqing finally put down her pen, having barely completed the tasks Ji Mu had given her. Ji Mu glanced over. "Finished?" "Mm..." "Let me have a look." As he spoke, Ji Mu leaned in slightly. The distance between them closed instantly. The sudden movement caused Ruan Qingqing to freeze in place, unable to move at all. His unique scent enveloped her, the rich scent of soap lingering in her nose. It sent her brain into a slow, dizzying blur. Too close. Way too close. "The formulas you used are mostly wrong. You only got two or three right. That''s not your usual level." Ruan Qingqing instinctively held her breath. All of her senses were heightened to the extreme. As Ji Mu turned slightly, his warm breath ghosted over the side of her neck. A shiver rolled down her spine, the tingling sensation reaching deep into every nerve. The momentary stimulation made her forget whatever he had just said. Only one thought echoed in her mind. It tickles... "Silly goose? Hello?" A hand waved in front of her dazed eyes, pulling her back into focus. "What''s up with you today? You keep zoning out." Ji Mu''s voice carried a hint of confusion as he looked into her eyes. "You''re distracted even during the exercises. Are you not in the right frame of mind?" His handsome face was fair and clean, with a hint of youthful innocence, but it didn''t diminish the vivacious charm in his eyes. Faced with such a direct onslaught of good looks, Ruan Qingqing''s lips pressed together, and a slight tremor ran through her body. Her gaze locked onto his, and her previously blank mind began to replay the absurd events from last night. Those scenes of debauchery automatically overlapped with the Ji Mu standing in front of her now, glasses off, expression unreadable. Back then, he had looked at her the same way. And in those deep brown eyes... She saw her own tiny reflection staring back. Compared to his lazy and casual demeanor in reality, the boy in her fantasies was more like a devil who could enchant hearts. The clarity in his eyes was gone, replaced by an unfathomably deep emotion. That color... was called desire. And she... she wouldn''t resist it. Or rather, she would savor it. Step by step, she wanted him to pull her in deeper, to be dragged into the mire, swallowed whole by the abyss, only to emerge from the other side, born anew. She just wanted to be dragged by him step by step into the swamp, to fall into the abyss, and finally to be reborn from death. "Mmm..." Her imagination reached its peak. A crawling, tingling sensation spread like countless ants skittering up her spine. Her throat bobbed slightly. Beads of sweat slid down her forehead, and by the time she realized it, her clothes were already damp, sticking uncomfortably to her skin. A bright crimson bloomed across her pale cheeks. She curled her fingers and pushed herself up from the chair, standing abruptly. The sudden movement made Ji Mu pause. "...Silly goose?" "I¡ªI need to go to the bathroom, Mu Mu." With that, she hurried away without looking back. She left Ji Mu standing there, bewildered. "...What was that about?" Ji Mu furrowed his brows, mumbling under his breath. "So reckless... wet... huh?" His gaze accidentally fell on the spot where she was sitting, and his eyebrows furrowed even deeper. Why is there a puddle of water on the seat? Could it be... Remembering Ruan Qingqing''s strange behavior just now, Ji Mu''s expression changed for a moment, and an incredible suspicion suddenly arose in his heart. "Did that silly goose... wet her pants... no, wait, her skirt?!" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Every 20 votes on NovelUpdate unlocks the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 60 votes, 5 more for 1 extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 54 - System: Let me explain what wisdom is in the bathroom Ruan Qingqing leaned her entire back against the door, her chest rising and falling with rapid breaths. Her mind was filled with the image of Ji Mu after he took off his glasses. It felt like it had been etched into her memory, impossible to erase. No one could turn away and forget that overly handsome face after seeing it. His natural charm was undeniable, something gifted by the heavens. Losing her composure was only natural. But no matter how much she lost herself, this reaction was... She slowly raised her hands to her burning cheeks. The heat was unmistakable, and a thin layer of moisture clung to her fingertips. Whether it was sweat or something else, she wasn''t sure. The damp fabric against her skin only added to her distraction. She had always believed she had no interest in men. If she wanted to, she could have gone on dates with a different handsome man every day. Many had pursued her, some from wealthy backgrounds, offering generous conditions for relationships she had no interest in. But in the face of their affections, she had felt nothing but resistance and disgust. The body cannot lie. When she felt a physiological aversion to getting close to men, Ruan Qingqing understood... She might never have an intimate relationship with anyone in her lifetime. Originally, she had resigned herself to a lonely old age. The burdens of life and the difficulties of her studies were already suffocating her. Combined with various external factors, the possibility of romance had been further eliminated. But what Ruan Qingqing didn''t expect was... Her firm beliefs turned into a joke after she met one boy. Reflecting on her nightly indulgences of the past few days, she could only describe them as decadent. Her indulgent and hedonistic behavior was far from the disciplined and orderly life she used to lead. The physical rejection she had always experienced was gone. With Ji Mu, everything was different. This realization shook her. Was her self-control slipping? Sunlight filtered through the dust, casting a soft glow across the bathroom. The white shower curtain swayed gently as if sweeping away the darkness. The girl shook her head. No. Her self-control hadn''t weakened. It was just... it only happened when it came to Ji Mu. This wasn''t instinct or simple attraction. This was... a stirring from the depths of her soul. It was like drinking sweet nectar, intoxicating, inescapable. It was longing, day and night, like tides of desire. It was also the only one in this life. Ruan Qingqing closed her eyes and took a deep breath. With her thoughts clear, a feeling of relaxation spread through her body. Why should I deceive myself? As long as I''m happy, the rest can be left to karma. Ji Mu''s words echoed in her mind: As long as you''re happy... He was right. There was no need to be so restrained in life. She walked toward the sink and glanced at her reflection in the mirror. Her delicate features were enhanced by the light makeup, her eyes shimmering. The captivating allure made her look like an enchanting fox spirit. The spring sunlight of late April was in full bloom, and the scenery outside was lush and green. Her eyes shifted to the two towels hanging on the rack. Ruan Qingqing pursed her lips slightly. After hesitating for only two seconds, she reached out and picked up one of them. This towel... had Ji Mu used it? For a fleeting moment, she felt she could understand why those perverted men on the news would steal women''s underwear. Just the thought of every inch of Ji Mu''s skin being intimately wiped by that towel made her feel an involuntary surge of heat. Her heart immediately began to beat out of control. Before she realized it, her entire flushed face was deeply buried in the towel. Her ample, full chest heaved violently, and she breathed heavily through her delicate nose, her limited air gradually running out. Ruan Qingqing felt like she was about to die. She was dying of hypoxia, suffocating under a young man''s breath. Yet her hands never relaxed in the slightest. It was as if she wouldn''t stop until she had absorbed all of his breath. "Mu... mmph..." If you want to, just do it. After all, there''s no need to hold back in life. So this time, she decided to face her desires head-on. "Mu Mu..." That feeling of emptiness and loneliness came back, just like every night when she wanted to be satisfied. With her last bit of remaining sanity, Ruan Qingqing struggled to lock the door. Just thinking about what she was going to do in his house... Besides, they were only a few meters apart... The feeling of forbidden taboo was like a compressed spring. With the slightest relaxation, it would bounce back with several times the pressure. Tiny electric currents coursed through every part of her body, making her feel weak and unable to stand. It was an experience she had never had before. Very daring and also very... exciting. Mu Mu... I don¡¯t want to be like this. But if I don¡¯t, what if I lose control in front of you later? You¡¯ll understand me... right? Silent murmurs filled the air. Silence filled the bathroom as she leaned against the door, face flushed, skirt lifting slightly... They say that liking someone means wanting to sleep with them. You want to share the ordinary and the extraordinary with that person, to go through the highs and lows together. Even if countless days and nights pass and you find yourself at your desk late at night, you won''t let the memories slip away as you flip through the pages of the past. This... is what it means to love someone. ... [Forum Help Post] [Wild Boy: I need urgent advice. If your best friend of the opposite sex accidentally wet themselves in your house, how do you ease the embarrassment? Asking for a friend.] ??? [First comment: Are you sure it was wetting her pants and not something else? ????] [Second comment: The opposite sex? And a friend? If it''s not a bro, you should go for it!] [Third comment: This is easy, just run up to her and say, "You don''t want anyone else to know about this, right?"] [Fourth Comment: To the Japanese commenter above, please control yourself.] [Fifth Comment: How can no one notice the main point here! The girl went to the poster''s house! I say, instead of worrying about alleviating the embarrassment, think about making something happen with her...] Ji Mu shut his phone with a sigh. "Damn forum users, they are useless at critical moments." Ji Mu could only ask the invincible strategist for advice. "System, do you have any suggestions?" The system puffed itself up with self-importance. [Host, we must consider this from multiple angles instead of focusing solely on the immediate issue.] [In my opinion, Ruan Qingqing did not wet her skirt at all.] "Oh?" Ji Mu asked, "Then what is that puddle on the chair?" [Ha, of course, that is...] The system calmly said two words. [Sweat! Liquid!] This... Ji Mu hesitated. "System, how can you be sure?" [What, you don''t believe me?] The system snorted coldly. [If you really don''t believe me, you can lick it. It will definitely taste salty!] Besides seawater, there are other liquids in the world that are salty. Shh, I''m talking about sweat ???? Ji Mu: "......." Crazy, who would lick that stuff? Oh, except for some questionable male protagonists. Skeptically, he grabbed some tissues and wiped the chair. Bringing them closer, he sniffed... No odor. Could it really be sweat? But there''s a lot of it. [What''s the big deal? The female lead has an unusual constitution, so it''s normal for her to sweat more than others]. The system mocked him for being inexperienced. [Short hair, short knowledge.] Ji Mu was speechless after being mocked. Who would think of this? Normally, people would think it was a case of wetting their pants, right? [It''s mainly because you were too strict when supervising the female lead''s homework earlier, even stricter than an invigilator!] The system kept talking. [The female lead is a fragile little flower, so she must have felt immense pressure.] [It''s understandable that she sweated nervously afterward.] Ah, so... In the end, this was his fault? "I just wanted to help that stupid girl improve her grades. Is that wrong?" Ji Mu felt more wronged than Dou E. [It''s not that you''re wrong, host, but we need to be gentle.] [You know, like the passive ability of male leads in romance anime.] [The main goal is to make the female lead happier. Being so strict would make everyone feel stressed.] The system advised seriously. [Of course, being serious isn''t bad.] [But being gentle and making the female protagonist feel better can help us do our jobs more smoothly.] Ji Mu fell silent. ...The system had a point. After a moment of thought, he nodded. "Alright... let''s try it your way." After all, the system was an advanced AI. Following its advice should be foolproof! Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Every 20 votes on NovelUpdate unlocks the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 60 votes, 5 more for 1 extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 55 - ...What a Scheme? Sometimes, you don¡¯t need to learn how to weld to make a lasting impression. Seeing Ji Mu¡¯s enlightened expression after its intense coaching, the system clasped its hands behind its back and gazed at the ceiling at a forty-five-degree angle, assuming an air of profound wisdom. Sigh. How would the world survive without me tackling these high-stakes missions? It shook its head with an exaggerated air of melancholy. Not only did it personally ensure mission progress, but it also played mediator, repeatedly guiding Ji Mu through his friendship crises. Truly, it was exhausting itself in service. If Zhuge Liang were reincarnated, he would be no different from this. The subsystem that remained in the room suddenly spoke, interrupting its narcissistic inner monologue. [Aside from sweating, is it possible that the female lead was stunned by the appearance of the host, and then her legs went weak and she...] [Shut up!] The system stared at its junior. [Who do you think Ruan Qingqing is? She is the epitome of purity!] With a personality that blushes at the slightest teasing, how could she react like some common flirt? [Can''t you understand logic? Do you have basic judgment and reasoning skills as a high-tech intelligence?] [Main system, there are always exceptions. Didn''t you say before that you can''t judge a book by its cover?] Facing its senior''s rebuke, the subsystem retorted defiantly. [Besides, you know the constitution of the female lead.] She is the epitome of purity, with an innately seductive yet pure constitution! [I did say that,] the system snapped impatiently. [But no matter how much of a contrast there is, she wouldn¡¯t react that way until her aversion to men completely disappears!] The system¡¯s gaze darkened. [If what you say is true, why hasn''t Prajna Instrument shown any reaction yet?] Data doesn¡¯t lie. [I...] This statement hit the weak point of the subsystem. The subsystem faltered. It had no counterargument. The subsystem could only think of bringing up the hidden corruption value. [Main system, but the female lead''s hidden corruption...] Before it could finish the sentence, the system shot it a death glare. [At this point, you¡¯re still trying to argue with me?] The system scoffed. [What hidden corruption value? Completely useless!] Do you even know what the current task is? Once the aversion value was fully removed, Ruan Qingqing¡¯s bond with the host would be rock solid. If anyone was in danger, it certainly wouldn¡¯t be Ji Mu, it''d be other people. Do you understand or not?! [........] The subsystem went silent. The system withdrew its cold gaze. [From now on, you should refrain from commenting on the decisions between me and the host. Just do your own job.] Who''s the boss here, you or me? Can''t you tell the difference between the big king and the little king? [.....Understood, Main System.] Hearing the reluctant tone in the subsystem''s voice, the system didn''t care. An intern is just an intern, always thinking about some random nonsense. Worried about the female lead having problems? What a joke! When have I, a seasoned veteran of the systems world, ever made a wrong judgment? You''ve got some nerve! ... Meanwhile. Ji Mu sat at his desk, occasionally glancing toward the bathroom. Two hours had passed. The silly goose still hadn¡¯t come out. ...Was she constipated? He considered going to check, but knowing how shy she was, he decided against it. No need to embarrass her. He¡¯d read online that girls could take hours just doing their makeup. Spending extra time in the bathroom wasn¡¯t that unusual. Ji Mu looked away. Ji Mu sighed and pulled out his phone, debating whether to start a game. Just then, the sound of the toilet flushing echoed from the restroom. Huh? Finally done? He looked up just in time to see Ruan Qingqing step out, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her jet-black hair cascaded down to her waist, her off-the-shoulder dress clinging to her delicate figure. The white fabric, damp with sweat, turned semi-transparent, faintly revealing the outline of her skin. Oh! A bit revealing. Ji Mu quickly averted his gaze. Why did it feel like she had just gone through some kind of intense workout...? Before he could dwell on the thought, the scent of gardenias drifted past him. "Sorry to keep you waiting, Mu Mu," the girl said softly, slightly apologetic. "It''s fine." Shaking off the random thoughts in his head, he picked up his pen and pointed to the questions in her exercise book, returning to the main topic. "I reviewed the problems again. Most of the similar ones, you solved perfectly in the past. Why did you mess up so badly this time? Even your basic formulas were completely off." A few seconds after asking, Ji Mu paused, realizing that his tone might have been a bit harsh. Remembering the system¡¯s advice about being gentler, he softened his words. "Do you not feel like yourself today? If you''re tired, you can rest first and review later." Ruan Qingqing replied softly, "It''s fine. I was just a little nervous earlier, but I''m feeling much better now." Hearing this, Ji Mu studied her for a moment. Her face still held a faint blush, but her gaze was clearer than before. She did seem much better compared to when she first walked in. "All right, if you feel up to it, let''s continue." Without another word, he flipped to the next page. "Let''s stick to our usual routine. You do the problems and I''ll watch." "Okay." Ruan Qingqing agreed obediently. She felt much calmer now. At least, she could sit beside Ji Mu and focus entirely on the math problems. Time passed, second by second. During this time, after each problem was completed, Ji Mu would go over her work, breaking down complex concepts step by step, and making everything clearer. Even when she made the same mistake several times, he patiently explained where she went wrong and helped her gradually catch up. It was as if he was personally feeding her well-prepared meals. Even Ruan Qingqing, with her somewhat dense mind, gained a new understanding of the subjects under the thorough and accessible guidance of the top student. Concepts that had once baffled her were now falling into place. She had never learned so efficiently in a classroom, no matter how attentively she listened to her teachers. Looking at the boy with clear, handsome features sitting at the desk, Ruan Qingqing''s eyes held an indescribable softness. It was like starlight streaming across the Milky Way. It was both admiration and adoration. The wall clock ticked rhythmically. Ruan Qingqing stole a glance at it. Nearly 12:30. It''s been so long... She stretched, crossed her arms and straightened them along with her neck, leaning back gently. Her full chest outlined a graceful curve. The movement was smooth and firm, full of elasticity. A faint gulp came from the system. Hearing this, Ji Mu secretly felt contempt. Perverted AI. He rubbed his sore neck. "Let''s stop here for today. Studying intensely for too long isn''t good for your brain." Ruan Qingqing stood up, feeling a little embarrassed. "Thank you, Mu Mu." "It''s no trouble at all." Ji Mu didn''t think much of it. "As long as you can learn, it''s okay." He never hesitated to be patient with his good friends. "The main thing is that it''s a waste of your time." Despite what he said, Ruan Qingqing still felt indebted to him. "True," Ji Mu nodded in agreement. "For others, it might be a bit of a waste." Then he looked over, his amber eyes looking incredibly serious under the light. "But when it comes to you, no time is wasted." After all, she was his twenty-five million. Ruan Qingqing''s breath hitched. Ji Mu''s eyes contained tiny specks of light as if they were filled with thick honey. It was as if he was looking at a rare treasure. "By the way, silly goose." Embarrassment flooded her chest, but his next words stopped her heart. "Is this yours?" In his hand was a small, square plastic package. It was... the children''s hiccup remedy she had accidentally brought from home. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Every 20 votes on NovelUpdate unlocks the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 60 votes, 4 more for 1 extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 56 - Another Day of Friendship The most awkward thing in the world might just be reaching into a tub of popcorn during a movie and accidentally touching a stranger''s hand... especially when she realizes you''ve been eating her popcorn. Ji Mu''s current situation is somewhat similar to the above example. While Ruan Qingqing had rushed to the bathroom, he¡¯d caught a glimpse of something peeking out of her bag. Although he died at the age of 16 in his previous life, having lived two lives, there was no way he wouldn''t recognize what a child''s death shroud was. He was shocked for about three seconds before he quickly realized that something was wrong. Ruan Qingqing was certified by the system as a pure and innocent girl. Even in the original work, before she turned dark, she was naturally harmless and kind. To say that she brought that shroud on purpose, he would never believe it. Therefore, it was most likely due to some other reason... Ji Mu decided to wait for the right moment to ask her directly. That moment was now. "Silly goose, is this thing yours?" Staring blankly at the familiar object in the boy''s hand, the color slowly drained from Ruan Qingqing''s face. Oh no! When did that...? She clenched her sweaty palms. Her usually slow brain was now working faster than ever. She knew that denying it now would be tantamount to exposing her intentions. So she couldn''t lie at this moment. She slowly lowered her head like a child caught doing something wrong. "It''s... mine." This answer surprised Ji Mu. He thought that given the silly goose''s personality, she would instinctively deny it out of shyness. But she admitted it so calmly... It made him second-guess why she¡¯d come to him today. Was it really to study or... Hiss, oh no! Ji Mu panicked. His hand twitched, almost dropping the item. "Ahem, uh... I mean... why did you bring this?" He took a quiet step back, trying to maintain composure. Ruan Qingqing noticed the movement. And it was an instinctive, unhesitating move. Her eyes dimmed. Mu Mu, why such a reaction? Do you really not want anything more than just friendship between us...? The thought dug into her. Her thumb dug into her palm as her heart clenched. But on the surface, Ruan Qingqing still maintained a normal tone as she replied. "Someone was handing out flyers on the bus today. I took one and found this inside." "Oh... I see." "I was actually looking for an opportunity to throw it away." Ruan Qingqing paused for a few seconds, her voice barely audible. "But I didn''t expect..." ...that you''d misunderstand. He mentally filled in the rest of her sentence. Seeing her soft, wronged expression, Ji Mu, who had usually held a carefree attitude, felt a flicker of guilt. "Sorry, silly goose, I thought..." "It''s okay, Mu Mu," Ruan Qingqing looked up, softening her tone and smiling slightly. "Anyone would think so in this situation." "...Yeah," Ji Mu chuckled awkwardly. Her thoughtfulness only made him feel worse. ¡°Uh... you must be hungry. I ordered some takeout earlier.¡± He awkwardly rubbed his fingers together and quickly made his exit. "Considering the time, it should be here soon. I''ll check the door." Phew... As he stepped out, Ji Mu exhaled deeply. I knew it. The silly goose was still the silly goose. Before those rotten male leads messed with her, she really was pure as snow. He almost thought her feelings of friendship towards him had taken a turn. It almost scared him to death. [Tsk, how many times have I told you, host? Don''t be so full of yourself! Don''t be so full of yourself!] The system¡¯s voice rang out, full of contempt. [Even though you have the charm to attract girls, it''s only for ordinary girls. As someone with the halo of the protagonist, how could Ruan Qingqing be attracted to you?] That was then. This is now. Times have changed, okay. "Understood, sir!" Ji Mu raised his hand in a salute, his expression serious and solemn. After all the tests he''d run, he now trusted the system unconditionally. As for questioning the authority of super-intelligent AI? Ridiculous. Like your reasoning could be more convincing than the high-tech wisdom crystallized by the system! ... 20 minutes later. In the living room, Ji Mu, now starving, was tearing through the food on the dining table as soon as he received the takeout. His cheeks puffed out, and within moments he had swallowed all the food in his mouth, then moved on to the next round of food. In less than ten minutes, he had finished two large bowls of rice. Fortunately, he had the foresight to prepare a large pot of rice earlier; otherwise, the takeout main dish wouldn¡¯t have satisfied him. Across from him, Ruan Qingqing watched with soft eyes. Even though he was eating so voraciously, it somehow looked... harmonious on someone with Ji Mu''s looks. It was even... somewhat pleasing to the eye. She didn''t scold him or comment on his lack of manners. On the contrary, she patiently scooped more rice and passed it to him. "Eat slowly, Mu Mu, be careful not to choke." What''s with this hostess tone? Have I become a guest? Suppressing the strange thought, Ji Mu nodded with a mouth full of food. ¡°Got it.¡± After answering, he lowered his head and continued to eat. Ruan Qingqing silently watched him, her gaze unconsciously shifting. He kept his eyes down, focusing on the food in front of him, and his thick eyelashes were even denser than most girls''. His thin lips were lightly glossed from the food, soft and glistening... With an appetite like that... his stamina must be pretty good. She wasn''t sure why she suddenly thought of physical strength, or perhaps the word itself had a suggestive meaning. Ruan Qingqing pinched the soft flesh on her thigh, trying to ignore the amorous scene that had slipped into her mind. Ji Mu''s hair had fallen forward slightly. His dark lashes fluttered. Some rice stuck to his lip. He licked it away without a care. The tip of his tongue brushed his upper lip. His teeth flashed white for a moment as the grains disappeared into that warm red. It was an ordinary action, but when he did it, it seemed so... sensual. Ruan Qingqing''s throat bobbed involuntarily and she swallowed. She felt a little thirsty. But... this thirst wasn''t sudden. It had been simmering beneath the surface, flowing through her like heat in her blood, coiling in her throat. Even after what happened in the bathroom... It wasn''t enough. Her legs rubbed together beneath the table, fabric bunching as she tried to ease the sudden itch. She hadn''t expected that just eating face-to-face with the young man would test her willpower. Ruan Qingqing looked at Ji Mu with a deep look in her eyes and sighed softly. A serious sin indeed. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Every 20 votes on NovelUpdate unlocks the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 60 votes, 4 more for 1 extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 57 - Countdown to Darkness The meal didn¡¯t last long. With Ji Mu devouring everything like a starving beast, the dishes on the table were soon wiped clean. "Full." Leaning back in his chair, he closed his eyes and let out a satisfied sigh. The afternoon sunlight was warm and lazy, the kind that made it perfect for a short nap. Then came the sound of clinking ceramic bowls. Ji Mu opened his eyes and saw Ruan Qingqing tidying up the table. He always transferred takeout from the plastic containers into proper bowls, and since she was visiting today to study, he had ordered quite a lot. "I''ll do it, silly goose." Ji Mu quickly got up and walked over. He''d just misunderstood her not long ago. Letting her clean up alone now made him feel even guiltier. "No need. Just rest, Mu Mu," she said with a gentle smile. "I''ve got it." Her eyes curved sweetly, the living room light casting a soft glow on her porcelain skin. The curve of her lips was both lovely and sincere. Some people smile in a way that¡¯s both pure and captivating. She was one of them. No wonder she was the heroine of the original novel. "It''s not right to make a guest clean up." Suppressing his admiration, Ji Mu didn¡¯t wait for her to respond. He took the dishes from her hands. "I need to digest anyway." "Mu Mu..." "If you really feel bad, just help me wipe the table." "...Alright." She glanced toward his lean figure at the sink, quietly biting her lower lip. This felt just like a couple splitting up housework after coming home. But... how was that possible? The memory of him avoiding the condom earlier flashed in her mind. Half of her face was swallowed in shadow. Her lips bore faint bite marks, her expression unreadable beneath long lashes. ... After clearing the dining table, she stepped into the kitchen with the cloth in hand. "Finished wiping?" Ji Mu asked, glancing at her as she came near. "Yes," Ruan Qingqing answered quietly, "Do you need any help?" "No, I''m almost done." Ji Mu''s hands didn''t stop moving. Considering the girl''s personality, he added, "Just wash that cloth in your hand." She nodded obediently and turned on a second faucet, letting clear tap water rush out. She bent her head and washed it carefully. The room was quiet save for the sound of running water and ceramic clinking. There was no light in the kitchen, only a bit of sun filtering in through a half-open window. Her hands slowly became absent-minded as she rubbed the cloth, and under the influence of some reason, Ruan Qingqing''s mind began to wander. Her gaze shifted quietly to the side. Ji Mu''s figure was upright and elegant as jade, hands moving methodically in the sink. She''d always thought his hands were beautiful¡ªlong fingers, defined knuckles. Soaked in cold water, they became even more striking. The veins on the back of his hands were clearly visible, and a few drops of water remained on the slightly raised knuckles. There was something undeniably attractive about them. The afternoon light had dimmed slightly, lending the kitchen a muted, dreamlike tone. It was cool out, yet her body felt warm. The change came unexpectedly, and even her soul was affected. Ruan Qingqing''s thoughts involuntarily began to scatter. What would those hands feel like... if they were placed elsewhere? She wanted to know. "Silly goose." She hadn''t even noticed he''d stopped moving. Her hazy gaze met a pair of calm, dark brown eyes. "You''re wet down there." ... The afternoon sky was a peaceful blue, warm light stretching over the city. At the bus stop, Ji Mu glanced sideways at the girl who''d been silent the whole walk. All I did was remind you the hem of your skirt got wet. Why so mad? Knowing her temperament, she shouldn¡¯t be upset over something so small. He hesitated, then asked carefully, "Silly goose, are you in a bad mood?" "Not at all." Both hands held her bag, her tone calm and gentle. "I''m just a little tired from all the studying." "I see." It doesn''t seem like it... He wanted to probe further, but the approaching honk of a bus interrupted his thoughts. "My bus is here." "...Alright." He bit back what he¡¯d been about to say and instead offered, "Take care on the way." "Okay." Before getting on the bus, Ruan Qingqing turned her head and smiled at him. "I had a great day today." Her bright smile was dazzling. "See you the day after tomorrow, Mu Mu." Ji Mu was stunned for a moment, then waved back after a few seconds, "Yes, see you the day after tomorrow." The doors closed with a quiet hiss. The bus pulled away. Ruan Qingqing took a window seat, gaze trailing the boy walking home. Her smile slowly faded. I lied. I wasn''t happy at all. "Miss, are you alone?" A handsome stranger suddenly sat down next to her, "Can we get to know each other? You have a really great charisma." Ruan Qingqing looked out of the window and ignored his advances. But the man was undeterred. "No need to be shy. I just want to be friends with you. Can I get your contact info? I promise, I don''t mean anything weird." His incessant chatter was indeed a bit annoying. Ruan Qingqing turned her head and politely declined, "Sorry, I''m not interested." Her exquisite and beautiful face was fully revealed, dazzling the man with her gaze. He cleared his throat, trying again. "Ahem, there''s nothing wrong with just getting to know each other." He cleared his throat, trying again. "To be honest, I am¡ª" "I said," she interrupted, voice suddenly colder. "I''m not interested." Though her tone was still soft, her voice had noticeably dropped a few degrees. Her harmless demeanor suddenly carried a hint of danger. The man was at a loss for words. He thought she was a soft and pure beauty, but interacting with her gave him the feeling that she was not someone to be trifled with. How strange... "Sorry to bother you." Feeling awkward, he returned to his original seat. With the annoyance gone, Ruan Qingqing looked back out the window. The scenery blurred as the bus sped up. Buildings of different heights rose and fell. Just like her heart at this moment, it was far from being as calm as it appeared on the surface. Once upon a time, Ruan Qingqing really liked the way Ji Mu looked at her, with eyes that contained no other emotions. Over the next few days, she became increasingly dissatisfied with the fact that he only showed that kind of expression. Because it was too unfair... Before coming, she had spent a lot of time joyfully grooming and dressing up, just to present her best self to him. She was anxious, yet hopeful that he would show some other emotion. Even if... just a little. But he didn''t. Even though today''s makeup had been flawless, and enough to turn heads on the street all day, Ji Mu remained aloof. Like a god sitting alone in the clouds, always maintaining a calm and composed demeanor. No matter how much she changed, even when she stood naked in front of him, it seemed that she couldn''t arouse even the slightest desire. The embarrassing scene in the kitchen was still vivid in her mind. He stood next to her and looked at her, his pale eyelids drooping and his thick black eyelashes curling down. His expression was blank as always, and his amber peach blossom eyes were completely unmoved by any of her actions. That sentence kept echoing in her ears. "Silly goose, you''re wet down there." Yes. Wet... But not just her skirt. Ruan Qingqing slowly closed her eyes. Why was it that from the beginning to the end, she was the only one who lost her composure? Why? What was the reason... If he wasn''t interested in me, then why... did he come to provoke me? Her sharp nails almost dug into her palms, nearly drawing blood, but she was completely unaware of it. "Mu Mu..." She murmured his name, suppressing an indescribable melancholy. You shouldn''t... always be so indifferent. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Every 20 votes on NovelUpdate unlocks the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 60 votes, 2 more for 1 extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 58 - The Light That Shines Through Cracks Time moved swiftly as day turned to night. The second joint exam between the six schools was drawing near. With just one day left on the countdown, the pressure among students surged. Everyone threw themselves into last-minute review, nerves taut with urgency. The atmosphere on campus thickened with tension. Cramming in the eleventh hour became a common sight. Yet in the middle of this frenzy, Ji Mu was lying under the crooked tree near the school field, one leg crossed over the other, enjoying a lazy break. His attitude was a stark contrast to those desperate to glue themselves to textbooks for 24 hours a day. That was the serenity of a top student! [Host, why are you idling here again?] The tone of the system was resentful, unable to bear his lazy attitude. [The Prajna Instrument hasn''t changed in a long time!] Since the last fight with Situ Yan, Ruan Qingqing''s favorability toward males had stayed locked at -25. Mission progress had completely stalled, like they''d hit a bottleneck. [Can you feel some urgency, please? Procrastination isn''t meant for situations like this!] A little progress and Ji Mu would start coasting again. Could someone with this attitude really save the world? The system, chin in hands, sulked dramatically. At this rate, who knew how many years it would take to get their relationship to the next stage? Sigh, it''s really damn painful~. "Why are you rushing? You look like a worried king," Ji Mu said, unfazed. He shifted positions, pulling the hand from behind his head and resting it on his stomach. "Transforming from good friends to soul mates isn''t as easy as it sounds. In the cultivation novels, it takes hundreds of years to break through a realm. If friendship is to develop, it also needs time to settle and mature." [That''s true for slow-paced cultivation, but we don''t have that kind of time to burn.] Speed running is the way to go! Wouldn''t it be great to finish the task and leave early? [I say, you should be extremely nice to Ruan Qingqing next¡ªso nice that there''s no bottom line, and agree to anything she asks.] The strategist system began to offer advice. [I refuse to believe that this won''t speed up the progress!] Ji Mu didn''t agree right away like he normally might. "Your method is not very suitable." His brows furrowed under his lenses. "Lately, the silly goose has been way clingier. Always wanting to cuddle and asking for hugs out of nowhere." Ever since she¡¯d come over last week to study, her attachment had doubled. Wherever he went, she could pick him out in seconds, even with his glasses and intentionally low-profile look. This feeling of being constantly watched made Ji Mu very uncomfortable. Although the gaze was invisible, he always had the illusion of not being able to breathe. [If she wants a hug, just let her hug you.] The system was unconcerned. [Girls, you know, it''s normal for them to act spoiled. Besides, you''re her only friend, so it''s reasonable for her to be clingier. If it bothers you that much, just think of her like a daughter to spoil.] ...Wasn''t raising a daughter the same age as you a bit too abstract? Suppressing the urge to retort, Ji Mu voiced his inner concern. "That''s what I''m saying, but I still feel that the silly goose has been acting strange lately..." [The female lead acting strangely?] The system rolled its eyes. [Don¡¯t be dramatic. She¡¯s always been like this. She¡¯s had it rough, so of course she clings to the one person she trusts. Look at yourself. Have you been ignoring her? Have you been doing your job properly?] "Ah, that..." Having never experienced the harsh realities of society, Ji Mu was clearly beginning to doubt himself after the system''s barrage of questions. "I mean... I guess not." Could it be that his approach was the problem? Rubbing his head, Ji Mu glanced around and realized it had been nearly an hour since he last saw her. "Where did that silly goose go?" [Didn''t she just send you a message that the teacher called her?] The system guessed. [Maybe she''s still with the teacher.] "Oh?" What were they talking about for so long? ... Between classes, the hallway noise was muted by soundproofing. The office windows were shut tight, air heavy and stifling. "Little Ruan." The homeroom teacher broke the silence. "Did you understand what I just explained?" Ruan Qingqing didn¡¯t answer. She stood there, gaze fixed on the floor. The teacher was about to say something, but it turned into a sigh. "Little Ruan, you know Ji Mu''s character. He''s not the type to intentionally cause trouble, but all the recent incidents at school are related to him." If it weren¡¯t for you, a model student like him wouldn¡¯t be dealing with so many problems. She didn¡¯t say it aloud, but the implication hung in the air. Ruan Qingqing¡¯s fingers curled inside her sleeves. "Little Ruan, in a month, the provincial leaders will come to inspect our school, and other schools will also visit." "In another month, provincial officials will visit, and the other schools too. Ji Mu is supposed to give a speech as our freshman representative." "If there is any blemish on his record during this period, it won''t just affect him. It will have a huge negative impact on our entire school." If it weren''t for the principal''s quick action to suppress all online comments related to Ji Mu and Situ Yan, the news that "a top student from a certain school publicly injured someone to the point of disability" would have already made the headlines. Accidents are always feared. What if Ji Mu gets into another conflict with the nobles over the girl during the exposure conference and commits an act as serious as injuring Situ Yan? Yulan High couldn¡¯t afford that kind of damage. "Little Ruan," the teacher said, voice lowering. "Please... as a favor to your teacher. Stay away from Ji Mu." Ruan Qingqing''s eyelids trembled. Each word hit like a hammer. But she only murmured, "Teacher, if there''s nothing else, I''ll go back now." She turned, not daring to meet the teacher¡¯s eyes. Suddenly, there was a loud bang as the vice principal slammed a hand on the table. "Ruan Qingqing, do you have a conscience?!" He stood up sharply. "Ji Mu has helped you how many times? And this is how you repay him? The second exam is around the corner, and you''re still wandering around like you don''t care. Is this the way a student should behave?!" "Mr. Zhang¡ª" the homeroom teacher tried to interject. "Am I wrong?" He turned around, pointed at Ruan Qingqing, and began to bluntly criticize her. "Since you joined Yulan High School, has there been a single day of peace?" "Don''t talk to me about bullying or not. If you behaved, would trouble be looking for you? What makes you so special? There are plenty of other public school girls here. Are they all getting targeted?" "That..." The homeroom teacher faltered, her expression showing that she was almost convinced. Seeing this, the dean intensified his criticism. "Grades aren''t everything. Character matters. This student of yours is always causing trouble, and now she wants to drag Ji Mu down with her. A student like you will only become a burden on society." He sneered. "Ruan Qingqing, if you have any sense of gratitude, transfer to another class immediately and stay as far away from Ji Mu as possible." With a righteous stance, he placed himself on the moral high ground. Ruan Qingqing looked up and met the homeroom teacher¡¯s eyes. What she saw was disappointment. She pressed her lips together, tasting a hint of bitterness. Once again... it was like that. How similar the experiences were. In her childhood, she fought back against a boy who tried to touch her. In middle school, she reported a teacher for trying to assault her. But in every case, the school chose silence. Blamed her for being dramatic, immature, and ungrateful. In each incident, she, the victim, became the perpetrator. The teachers scolded her for her shamelessness. The boys made crude jokes and commented on her behind her back. The girls didn''t believe her and were afraid that being around her would make them bad girls, too. Those avoiding looks and strange glances seemed to nail her to the pillar of shame labeled "promiscuous" forever. Ruan Qingqing''s lips curled into a mocking smile. How... ridiculous. "What kind of expression is that?! Do you still think you''re in the right?" Feeling his authority being challenged, the vice principal suddenly became furious. He angrily grabbed a book on the table and hurled it at her. "If you don''t want to study, then leave. Yulan High School doesn''t welcome unrepentant students like you!" The book grazed her cheek, leaving a few shallow red marks. Ruan Qingqing remained silent, her expression as calm as ever. "Little Ruan..." the homeroom teacher murmured, her voice heavy with disappointment. "I''ll print out the class transfer application form. You go and sign it..." "No." After a long silence, Ruan Qingqing finally spoke her first words since entering the office. "Teacher, I don''t want to." She¡¯d always been timid. Always ran from conflict. Took whatever life threw at her. It was like this when she was bullied by girls at school. When she was bullied by Chu Yashi. When Fu Rongjing tried to manipulate and control her. But this time, she didn''t want to run away anymore. Under the teacher''s gaze, her thin and frail back was straighter than ever. "I won''t leave Mu Mu. Even if you transfer me to another class, I won''t change my mind." "Little Ruan..." The homeroom teacher was stunned. "Nonsense! Transfer her immediately!" The vice principal slammed the table desk again. "You don''t even respect your homeroom teacher anymore. This is outrageous! Once you''re in another class, I''ll make sure the teachers there teach you how to behave!" The homeroom teacher hesitated for a few seconds before slowly turning her head away, unable to meet her eyes. "...Just go sign the class transfer application." Ruan Qingqing didn''t move, but the light in her eyes gradually faded. "What are you waiting for?!" Seeing the girl standing still, the Dean raised another book. "Hurry up and pack your things!" He continued to push her relentlessly. Even the homeroom teacher, who usually protected her, chose to remain silent this time. Ruan Qingqing tiredly closed her eyes. It seemed... she had never been chosen by anyone. Knock, knock There was a soft knock at the door. The impact never came. The yelling stopped. Confused, she opened her eyes to see both teachers staring in surprise. Following their gaze, she slowly turned her head. A boy stood in the doorway, framed in the corridor light, glasses catching a subtle gleam. The breeze tousled his fringe. Everything else blurred out. He was the only thing in focus. It was as if a thousand rays of light had dispersed the mist lingering in the mountains, revealing the gaps in the forest canopy draped with layers of light gauze, making the scene of birds pecking at insects brilliantly visible. The world she saw was no longer dark and gloomy. "Silly goose." The wind outside and the rustling trees faded to a hush. All she could hear was his voice. "It''s time to study together." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Every 20 votes on NovelUpdate unlocks the 1 extra chapter! Currently at 60 votes, 2 more for 1 extra chapter! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 59 - I Dont Care The office returned to silence. Golden light filtered through the window panes, casting shifting shadows across the white-tiled floor. Ji Mu stood straight, sunlight wrapping around him like a soft veil. The thermos on the table had long stopped steaming. In the corner, the lone potted plant had quietly bloomed. He walked forward step by step. Ruan Qingqing stood there foolishly, listening to the sound of her own heart pounding in her ears. "Let''s go, silly goose." Ji Mu waved his hand. "Spaced out?" Ruan Qingqing blinked, the haze in her eyes fading. She lowered her head and tugged softly at his sleeve. "...No." Ji Mu held back a laugh. Standing there like a statue and still denying it? He didn''t press her on her obvious lie. "Then let''s go." "Ji Mu, wait a moment." The vice principal obviously couldn''t let the girl leave so easily. "I know you like to help others, but Ruan Qingqing is about to be transferred to another class." He adopted an official tone and flashed a seemingly sincere but actually hypocritical friendly smile. "Why not save your kindness for other students who need help? After all, a class is a collective." Ji Mu paused. "Ah, right. I almost forgot." The vice principal¡¯s smile deepened. It seemed he wasn''t as protective as the rumors said. Maybe he really was reasonable... Slap. A crisp slap cracked through the air. The vice principal''s head snapped to the side. His cheek burned, and he staggered, momentarily unable to stay upright. His expression was both confused and pained, and it took him a while to regain his senses and glare angrily. "What are you doing?!" Ji Mu flexed his wrist. "That slap was for the silly goose." He''d shown up late, but the red mark on her cheek and the scattered books on the ground said enough. Clutching his face, the vice principal ground his teeth. Damn it. I was careless. This guy is still the same unpredictable lunatic! "Ji Mu, you can''t hit a teacher no matter the reason." The homeroom teacher was also shocked by the sudden slap and rushed to mediate. "Hurry up and apologize to Mr. Zhang." Earlier, she had heard the vice principal describe the boy''s strange and erratic behavior, but she thought he was exaggerating. Now, it seemed he had been understating. "That''s right! As vice principal, don''t I have the right to discipline the students under my care?" Seeing someone backing him up, the old man felt emboldened again, spouting some grand principles with a hypocritical tone. "If you don''t correct your attitude in school, you will definitely suffer in society. I''m being strict now for their own good!" He was about to begin a speech, but he met Ji Mu''s cold gaze and immediately lost his momentum, his demeanor shrinking. Still, he forced out one more line. "...Besides, everyone goes through this. What''s wrong with enduring a little hardship?" Ji Mu remained expressionless. "Then you should endure more." If enduring hardship really built character, where do all the idiots come from? "Ji Mu, Mr. Zhang''s actions were a bit extreme, but they were for the long-term development of the school," the homeroom teacher said, stepping forward with a slightly reproachful tone. "You were in the wrong to hit someone impulsively this time." "Oh," Ji Mu replied flatly. "Since the class teacher said so, my actions just now were a bit extreme. I hope you don''t mind." He completely copied the formula, making a parody of an apology. The teacher faltered, tasting the sharpness of the boy''s words for the first time. For a moment, she couldn''t find a reasonable and justified way to refute his words. Mimicking her speech, Ji Mu slowly continued. "Every wrong has a wrongdoer; every debt, a debtor. Victim blaming has long become outdated. Why keep dragging innocent people into this?" It was unimaginative, low, and malicious. Only in old Qiong Yao dramas would such abstract nonsense be concocted. "Ji Mu, we have no intention of blaming Little Ruan," the teacher explained, knowing she was in the wrong. "We just want her to change classes to avoid the recent trouble. Recently, some incidents in the school were indeed caused by Little Ruan. We had no choice but to take this action." She softened her tone, trying to appeal to reason and emotion. "You understand the importance of the exposure event in a month. If there is any blemish on our reputation during that time..." "It''s very simple," Ji Mu cut in. "Pick a more well-behaved student to give the speech." About school spirit... what nonsense. He no longer believed in collective anything. In his last life, he''d worked himself half to death just to survive. That illusion had long since shattered. If his 25 million was being wronged, everything else was off the table. The teacher''s mouth twitched slightly when she heard the boy''s answer. The whole event was designed for him. If the speaker wouldn''t show, what was the point? How can others play if the board is turned over every time? "Ji Mu!" The vice principal, who had been watching silently for a long time, finally couldn''t sit still. "How can you be so irresponsible? When it comes to your own interests, even if you''re intimidated, you must rise to the challenge. As the saying goes, the school is my home, and you should share its honor and shame. Yulan High School is now facing a great challenge. Yet instead of thinking about how to solve the problem, you choose to watch indifferently. As a part of this school and a representative of the freshmen, aren''t you ashamed of your behavior?" "No," Ji Mu said. "Because I have no morals." "You¡ª" "Not only do I have no morals, I also have no manners," Ji Mu continued calmly. "Even if a stray dog barks at me on the street, I''ll kick it. So what?" "You¡ª you..." The vice principal pointed at him with a trembling finger, unable to think of a retort. After all, who can argue with someone who is ruthless enough to insult himself? "If there is nothing else, we will leave now." Ji Mu bowed politely. "Of course, if the teacher insists on kicking the silly goose out, then I have no reason to stay either." It was courtesy, laced with warning. He pulled Ruan Qingqing, who had been silent for a long time, toward the office door. They had barely taken a few steps when, after a long silence, the homeroom teacher called after him. "Ji Mu. The prize for the exposure event has gone up. The principal said that the freshman representative will get at least 200,000 yuan more than before." With no other options, she had to use her last trump card. "Are you sure you want to give that up?" She thought that, given the boy''s money-oriented nature, this statement would more or less hit his weak spot. But the answer she received in the next second was completely unexpected. "It doesn''t matter. I don''t care." The class teacher looked astonished. "If all the mistakes of the school have to be borne by the victims..." Ji Mu turned slightly, voice like wind brushing the branches. "Then let someone else be the representative." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! We have kept our word and dropped an extra chapter for hitting 20 votes on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 60 - Heart Beating for You The morning sky was clear and bright. The sun hung high, its golden halo merging into a deep blue-gray horizon. Wisps of cloud drifted across the light, blending together like a painter''s palette accidentally overturned, creating an unintentional masterpiece. Ruan Qingqing looked up, her charming eyes sparkling with a glassy brilliance, reflecting the young man''s face. For her, no matter how breathtaking the countless beautiful scenery above her head was, it could not compare to the person in front of her. She lowered her eyes. His fingers were long and slender. Although he gripped her wrist firmly, she didn''t feel any pain, probably because he was being deliberately gentle. Her skin was pressed tightly against his palm, and heat flowed steadily from him. She allowed the young man to lead her without a single thought of breaking free. Mu Mu... you''re a bit domineering. ... They reached the familiar little bamboo grove at school. Ji Mu released her hand, sauntering over to a bench and lazily sitting down. "Mu Mu..." she called softly, fidgeting like a child who knew they''d done something wrong. "Why are you just standing there?" Ji Mu patted the seat beside him. "Aren¡¯t you tired?" Prompted by his words, Ruan Qingqing finally moved and sat down slowly. The two sat under the shade, barely a meter apart. The branches above rustled, green leaves curling in the warm air, carrying the faint scent of soapberry. The fragrance lingered and mellowed in the heat. Ruan Qingqing could hear his quiet breathing beside her and nervously swallowed. "Mu Mu, I..." She was just about to tell him what happened in the office when he looked at her and asked softly, "Does your face still hurt?" Ruan Qingqing''s words lingered on the edge of her lips, a feeling she couldn''t quite describe touching her heart. He didn''t ask what had happened earlier; he only cared about whether she was in pain... The tension around her faded. Her chilled limbs began to warm. "It doesn''t hurt anymore." She gently touched the spot where he had held her wrist. Her lips curled into a soft, tender smile. "I feel a lot better now~" Ji Mu had no idea that his gesture had once again left her heart in disarray. His gaze passed briefly over her porcelain-white face. The once visible red mark had long since faded. The redness from earlier had faded. Her delicate skin bruised easily, but thanks to her special constitution, it also recovered quickly. "That''s good," Ji Mu said, relaxing his shoulders as he looked away. "Tomorrow is the second joint test of the six schools. Are you nervous?" "A little bit..." she admitted, lowering her eyes. After all, they were competing with students from five other schools. There was no way not to feel pressure. Ji Mu paused slightly. After a few moments of thinking, he carefully chose his words to comfort her, "Just treat it like an ordinary exam, relax." Ruan Qingqing''s lips curved into a faint smile, "How can I relax? I still have to make an effort." She hesitated. "Even though... the results will probably be the same as always." She pressed her index fingers together, forcing her tone to sound relaxed. Her grades were mediocre, neither outstanding nor poor, with nothing remarkable. "Do you have so little confidence in yourself?" Ji Mu picked up a fallen leaf and waved it in front of her. "Silly goose, I''ve seen your recent efforts. You''ll definitely achieve better results than ever before in this joint test." "It¡¯s not that..." she shook her head gently. It wasn''t that she lacked confidence in herself. Rather... she just had a clear understanding of her own limits. She didn''t have a natural aptitude for studying. The fact that she was able to maintain an above-average level was solely due to her relentless hard work day and night. Compared to those top students born with brilliance, her hard work seemed insignificant. The gap between them felt like an insurmountable chasm that only brought a sense of despair. "Let''s not talk about it anymore, Mu Mu." She hid the flicker of gloom in her eyes and gently shifted the topic. "What did you think of what the teacher said earlier?" Ji Mu idly played with the leaf in her hand, "I don''t have any thoughts on it." Youth has no price, and retirement is in the present. The significance of twenty-five million is obvious. Even if the teacher had offered more generous terms, he wouldn''t have cared. "As long as it doesn''t affect you, they can say whatever they want." "Mu Mu..." Ruan Qingqing was stunned. Those words automatically translated into a different meaning in her mind. Heat rose from her palm to her chest, pulsing like the roots of a giant tree growing upward, each leaf shaking loose a new ripple in her heart. She knew his personality very well. Unassuming, lazy, not fond of trouble. But whenever she was in danger or hurting, he never hesitated to step up for her. Thinking about the series of actions he had taken for her, which were completely out of character for his usual lifestyle... Ruan Qingqing pressed her hand to her chest. She could feel the tremble beneath her ribs. Her gaze grew complicated. She had so many things she wanted to say, but when she tried to speak, she couldn¡¯t find the right words. After hesitating for a long time, she finally murmured, "Mu Mu, actually, I think the teacher was right." Ji Mu turned to look at her. "Why would you say that?" "Because... if you didn¡¯t help me deal with all those messy things, your peaceful life would''ve stayed that way." She pushed herself to keep her voice level. Ruan Qingqing gathered her strength to speak, barely managing to keep her voice steady. "I¡¯ve been thinking, if you had a different friend, maybe someone else... your life would be much easier. Maybe... I¡¯m just not fit to be your friend." [... Looking at the female lead like this, I can''t imagine what she went through in her past life to develop such a dark and twisted personality.] The system sighed deeply, filled with mixed emotions. Her personality is so kind, kind to the point of taking all the blame on herself. She only wanted to concentrate on studying and working hard to earn money to take care of her mother, but she was always targeted and persecuted by the evil around her. [But in the end, she''s just a character in a web novel, created to satisfy someone else''s desires.] The author writes temptation, and the reader consumes it. And she, having been shackled with the title of the female lead, was nothing but a toy to be observed from beginning to end. [Tsk, what a poor little thing.] Ji Mu didn''t say anything at first. After a moment of silence, he looked up at the fragmented light filtering through the bamboo leaves. "Do you know my life principle? If someone insults me, it''s because they''re sick. If I insult someone, it''s also because they''re sick. If they weren''t, then why would they insult me? And if they weren''t, why would I insult them?" The young man''s unexpected words left Ruan Qingqing slightly stunned. "The malice in human nature is often baseless. The consequences of the perpetrator''s sins are not something the victim should have to bear." The trees around them stirred in the breeze, bamboo leaves falling in soft waves. His voice was calm and clear. "No one dictates that a flower must grow into a rose or a sunflower." "Whether slowly or with small steps, as long as you move forward, that''s all that matters." Ruan Qingqing looked at him dazedly. "Silly goose, maybe you''re not that impressive, and maybe you can be a bit clumsy." "But..." "Your very existence is like a star, crystal clear and unique." He wasn''t speaking with his usual lazy drawl. There was a rare seriousness in his voice. The certainty in his eyes was more dazzling than the rising sun. "To me, you are irreplaceable." Amidst the relentless ringing in her ears, Ruan Qingqing realized he was all she could focus on at that moment. Ruan Qingqing felt her heartbeat crashing in her chest like wild grass taking over barren earth. She could clearly sense that a dark thought was taking shape deep within her soul, gradually turning into something hideous and terrifying. It was pulling her toward the edge. Ruan Qingqing wasn''t worried about becoming someone she wouldn''t recognize. What she feared... was the day she wouldn¡¯t be able to stop herself from hurting him. She couldn''t guarantee that such a future wouldn''t happen. So, for Ji Mu''s safety, she could only distance herself from him while she was still in control. But... This isn''t fair, Mu Mu. I had finally decided to stay away from you. Why do you keep coming back to provoke me? "Silly goose, my daily life is quite routine. Except for the occasional math competitions organized by the school, I usually stay home on weekends." While her mind was racing, she heard the young man''s inexplicable words, and Ruan Qingqing raised her eyes in confusion. "I mean, you''re never alone." Seeing her confusion, Ji Mu quietly explained. "If you need me, just send me a message, whether it''s going to the library, shopping at the mall, or coming to my house." As if she couldn''t believe that these words came from him, Ruan Qingqing''s eyelashes fluttered. After a few seconds, she asked quietly. "Anywhere... is okay?" He nodded. The careless look on his face was gone. His eyes were focused, serious. "As long as you ask, I''ll be by your side." Her breath hitched. Her heart twisted. Her throat felt tight. His unwavering certainty was like a ray of light shining into the cracks, deeply burning the monster with dark thoughts hidden in her broken shell. She had never told him how many fantasies about him filled her mind, enough to wallpaper a whole classroom. Most of these fantasies, even eighty percent of them... were sexual. Too dirty. And too... promiscuous. So... could someone like her, with thoughts like that... Was she worthy of being decisively chosen by someone? Was she really worth such special treatment...? She felt the heat sting her eyes. "Am I worth it?" Her lips trembled. The moment the words left her mouth, Ji Mu smiled. At this moment, his gentle smile was even more stunning than his appearance without the glasses. Heartbreakingly beautiful. "You are." The girl he knew was not some disposable character for others to project onto. She wasn''t just a pretty face. She had a soul. A mind. A strength uniquely her own. No one is born weak. She belonged on that stage of life, meant to shine bright and dazzle the world. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! We have kept our word and dropped an extra chapter for hitting 20 votes on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 61 - The silly goose is the best girl Time waits for no one. The sands of time slipped by quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the day of the six-school joint examination had arrived. Ruan Qingqing double-checked all her exam essentials and, after receiving her mother''s encouraging words, left the house to catch her bus. She was lucky¡ªher assigned test center was at Yulan High School. It must be said that Ji Mu''s one-on-one tutoring had helped a lot these past few days. Her grasp of the material was noticeably stronger than before. When she entered the exam hall, her nerves weren¡¯t as intense as she had expected. Maybe it was because of what Ji Mu had said yesterday, but the moment she received the test paper, a surprising calm settled over her. It''s okay. I''ve reviewed everything. I even crammed for the subjects I''m weak in. So it¡¯'' okay, Ruan Qingqing. Just do your best on the exam! She took a deep breath, steadied her rhythm, and focused her gaze. You can do it... Silently cheering herself on, she picked up her pen, leaned over the desk, and began answering questions with full concentration. The room was quiet. All around her, students buried their heads in their papers. Only the soft scratching of pen tips broke the silence. For each test that followed, Ruan Qingqing kept her focus sharp. Even when exhaustion crept in, she pushed through, determined not to make a single mistake. Time seemed to fly. It felt like an invisible hand was pushing the clock forward. When the final exam bell rang, she set down her pen and slowly exhaled. The tension she''d been holding in finally eased. Finally... it''s over. Regardless of the outcome, she had given her all. Therefore, I have no regrets. ... Outside the school gates, the streetlamps were already on. The setting sun melted into the horizon, clouds glowing with the last light of day. Ruan Qingqing felt strangely detached from the world around her, like she''d just returned from another life. It was probably because she always spent a long time reviewing and checking her exam papers after finishing them, which made her late every time. By the time the bell signaling the end of the exam rang through the classroom, most of the other students had already turned in their papers and left. Is it... that late already? Groups of people passed her by. The streets buzzed with cars and voices. The evening breeze carried fallen leaves down the road as she walked alone toward the bus stop. Vendors called out from their booths as she passed, but she didn¡¯t pay them any mind. She just wanted to get home, soak in the tub, and let the warm water wash away the day¡¯s exhaustion. In the twilight. Alone in the crowd, she felt oddly out of place. But when a familiar figure caught her eye, Ruan Qingqing''s steps stopped. Just one glance was enough to recognize the boy standing there, head down, staring at his phone. His posture was more relaxed than usual, not as straight-backed, but it didn''t feel careless... just natural. She placed a hand on her chest and felt her heart pound like a drum for a moment. The emptiness and loneliness that had filled her heart quietly disappeared. It was a surprise. A happy one. He seemed to sense her gaze and looked up, his face framed by those oversized glasses. "Finished the exam?" Ji Mu put down his phone and raised his hand in greeting, "I''ve been waiting for you for a long time." "Mu Mu!" A smile broke out on her face, and Ruan Qingqing hurried over to him, light on her feet. "Why did you come?" "I just felt like coming. What, are you not happy to see me?" Ji Mu half-joked, noticing her reaction. Ruan Qingqing gave him a playful glare. "Of course I am." She hadn''t expected him to wait for her, especially since their test locations were far apart. Given his usual laid-back personality, he should''ve gone straight home after finishing his test. But she couldn''t deny that she was indeed very happy. Happier than eating a sweet piece of candy. "You must be tired after a full day of exams." Ji Mu slipped his phone back into his pocket. Seeing that she looked worn out, he made a suggestion. "Why not rest today and go to your part-time job tomorrow?" "I already told the manager this morning before the exam that I''d be taking the day off," she replied obediently. "Oh? Predicting the future now?" Ji Mu looked at her with mock admiration. "Not bad, silly goose." "I¡¯m not!" Ruan Qingqing puffed up her cheeks. Honestly, teasing me again. [Oh, oh, oh, not at all~?] the system drawled mischievously. Something felt strange. Why do I feel like they''re acting like a couple? Is this reasonable? The system''s advanced intelligent brain couldn''t figure it out. Could this be what friendship at its highest level looks like? Ummm. Forget it, too lazy to think about it. What evil intentions could a kind and innocent silly goose have? [To be honest, the female lead is really cute like this????.] Ji Mu: "..." Not in this barbershop! "Mu Mu." Her voice was soft. "How long were you waiting?" "Not too long. I don''t really remember." He gave a vague answer, not wanting her to feel burdened by the truth. "Why do you ask?" he added. Ruan Qingqing pursed her lips, having caught on. "I just wanted to know..." She didn''t push further and shifted the subject. "I thought you''d ask how my exams went." "What''s there to ask?" "Huh?" "I think with your ability, you''ll definitely do well this time," Ji Mu said lazily. Ruan Qingqing giggled. "The exam results aren''t even out yet." She felt a little embarrassed by the praise. "Mu Mu, you have so much faith in me." To her surprise, the boy nodded seriously. "Yes." Ruan Qingqing blinked, caught off guard. He leaned casually against the street railing, backlit by the lamplight, his figure melting into the dusk. He tilted his head up slightly, his voice came soft and gentle, unlike his usual lazy tone. "Because in my heart, the silly goose is the best girl." Under the orange glow of the streetlamp, light bloomed outward in soft halos. It filled the empty little space inside her heart. Maybe the most moving words aren''t flowery declarations or expensive gifts. Maybe it''s the quiet exceptions and the way someone thinks of you, even without realizing it. "Mu Mu..." Her eyes shimmered as she looked at him. She hesitated, voice barely above a whisper. "Can... I hug you?" ??? Men and women should maintain some distance, right? Ji Mu decided to use the delaying tactic. "Next time for sure." But she slowly stepped forward, then threw her arms around him before he could protest. "Just for a little while, okay?" she mumbled, voice soft and pleading. "..." He stared down at her clinging to him in silence. Since you''re already hugging... It''s not like you''ll let go if I say no. "...Fine, go ahead," he said at last, resigned. He knew what she was like. And besides, he''d never been the type to enjoy physical contact. Even as a kid, he avoided people, was indifferent to good looks, and only ever cared about money. After he grew up and left the orphanage, experiencing hardships along the way, his desire to earn money and live a relaxed life had only gotten stronger. Therefore, he wasn''t very used to or fond of such intimate contact with people. But he also didn''t want to embarrass her, so he just endured it. "Just for a little while, okay?" Ji Mu added. Any longer would be unacceptable. "Got it~" Ruan Qingqing tightened her arms around his slim waist and closed her eyes. Her porcelain cheek pressed against his chest, breathing in the clean scent that clung to him. It smells so good... A sigh slipped out from every pore. It was unbelievably comforting. Like something deep inside her had been triggered. Every time they hugged, her body and heart were overwhelmed with pleasure. Ruan Qingqing knew that something was wrong with her. Ever since their first hug, things had been getting out of hand. But so what? She was an insatiable demon, after all. Every lonely night, she thought of him just to fall asleep. She wanted to strip away all barriers between them, to share something primal and burning. She wanted him to look at her with love and hunger. She wanted his pale, clean skin stained and tainted. She wanted him to never leave. She wanted... to be the only one in his world. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 62 - Friendship Phase Evening. The sun dipped lower in the sky, and the outline of the distant mountains grew faint. The sky had lost its pure blue hue, taking on the appearance of an ink-washed oil painting under the touch of twilight. Ruan Qingqing''s lips curved up faintly. Faced with the boy''s warm, firm chest, her once-proud self-control had already become a joke. The lingering scent of soap, like him, dismantled her rational defenses effortlessly and made her heart itch with longing. Whether it was his soft words when comforting her emotions or the unique and affectionate nickname he gave her... everything about him stirred her already restless heart, each gesture dripping with temptation. If this continued, she wasn''t sure she could keep her feelings hidden. She knew the boy treated her so well purely out of friendship. In his beautiful dark brown eyes, there wasn''t even a trace of romantic feeling. If she broke the illusion too soon, there was a good chance their close relationship wouldn''t survive. So, for now, she''d endure it just a little longer. To achieve her goal, she had to take it slow. Suppressing her calculations and thoughts, she lowered her head again. Like a spoiled house pet, she nuzzled and clung, taking every opportunity to indulge in the long-awaited hug. After all, now that she finally had it, she had to make the most of it. It took another ten minutes before she reluctantly let go. "Had enough?" Ji Mu teased from above. Ruan Qingqing''s cheeks were warm. Her voice came out soft and slightly sticky, "...It''s okay." Of course not. Not nearly enough... Ji Mu didn''t hear her unspoken complaint. But even if he had, there was no way he''d let her hug him again. "You must be hungry after a whole day of exams." He glanced at the time. "Come on, let''s grab something good to eat." "N-no need." In truth, she was starving. After such intense focus all day, her energy was running low. But knowing Ji Mu would probably insist on paying, she decided to lie just a little. "I''m not really that hungry." Even if he was always helping her willingly, without asking for anything in return, she didn''t want to... spend his money. Ji Mu narrowed his eyes, giving her a once-over. "Lunch was probably rushed. You must''ve barely eaten before cramming for the next test. Are you really sure you''re not hungry?" Ruan Qingqing nodded slightly, her voice delicate. "I ate a lot this morning before I left. I''m just right now." When had she gotten so good at lying with a straight face? She used to blush like mad just telling a small fib. Time really could change a person. "Alright," Ji Mu replied, seemingly buying it. But before she could relax, he added, "Well, I''m hungry. Come with me." Her fingers twitched. The boy was already walking off with that usual lazy air. Without looking back, he called out, "Follow me." The warm glow of the streetlamp lit her features with a soft golden hue, mirroring the warmth blooming in her chest. "...Okay." So, he did notice after all~ ... The food street was less than two kilometers from Yulan High School. When students grew tired of the school''s usual snack stalls, they would walk here for a better meal. Neon lights in all colors blended with the rich aroma of food in the air. Delivery riders zipped by on scooters, weaving through the crowd. Families strolled, children in tow, savoring rare moments of leisure in a fast-paced city. In the middle of the bustle, Ruan Qingqing stood quietly, lost in thought, as she watched the steady flow of people. Years had passed in the blink of an eye, with daily life mostly revolving around work and school, a straight line from one to the other. It seemed like a long time... since she had just walked around. As thoughts swirled in her head, a warm meat bun suddenly appeared in her hand. "The vendor accidentally added cilantro." Ji Mu held up the one he had just bought. "I can''t eat the one you''re holding." The warmth from the bun seeped through the wrapper into her palm. Even with her slow reflexes, Ruan Qingqing instantly understood what he was doing. Still, she asked anyway, "Why didn''t you just ask for a new one?" "Already bought it. Would be a waste to toss it," Ji Mu replied seriously. As if that excuse wasn''t quite enough, he added, "So I''ll trouble our kind-hearted goose to take care of it." His casual tone made him sound completely unserious. Ruan Qingqing''s lips curved slightly. Intrigued now, she replied in a gentle tone, "And what if this kind-hearted goose doesn''t want to help~?" "Come on, it''s really good." He grinned and started pitching it like a street vendor. "Just one bite." His playful tone and naturally pleasant voice made the offer sound far too tempting. Ruan Qingqing''s ears grew warm. She pretended to grumble, "Only this once." She brushed her hair back, revealing the pale curve of her neck. Just as she was about to take a bite, Ji Mu chimed in again, "It has beef and mushroom sauce inside; the taste is amazing." Her fingers tightened around the bun. Her shoulders tensed. The reaction was immediate and visible. But... she didn''t hesitate long. She took a bite. Strangely, the usual dizziness and nausea didn''t come. Just as confusion set in, she heard his voice: "Just kidding, it''s filled with Gongcha sauce." She looked up to see him with a teasing expression on his face. "I know you can''t eat mushrooms, so I told the vendor." "Mu Mu, you..." She couldn''t eat any mushroom-based food. When she was young, she accidentally tasted some and immediately broke out in rashes all over her body and nearly fainted. Her mom had to rush her to the hospital to get her stomach pumped. But... how did he know? "I remember you told me a while ago," Ji Mu said, mouth full as he took another bite. "I got it right, didn''t I?" Ruan Qingqing''s lashes fluttered. "...Yeah." She''d only mentioned it in passing, so vaguely she barely remembered herself. Most people would forget something so minor over time. Even her mother sometimes forgot and accidentally cooked mushrooms. She''d assumed Ji Mu had long forgotten. But... "Eat it while it''s hot, or the texture will go bad," Ji Mu, who ate voraciously, added between bites. "Don''t worry, there''s really no mushroom sauce in it, I promise." Ruan Qingqing''s fox-like eyes glimmered with warmth. "Okay~" He remembered everything, down to the smallest detail. ... [Not bad, not bad.] [The deep friendship is perfectly manifested.] Floating in the air, the system watched their interaction, beaming with satisfaction... and a bit of despair. The bond was great, sure, but that cursed negative favorability score still wouldn''t budge. It was driving the system insane. Meanwhile, in the system room... The display showed the latest changes. Target: Ruan Qingqing Favorability towards males: -25 Hidden darkness: 2000% ... Hidden Darkness: 2100%. ... Hidden Darkness: 2200%. ... The subsystem, with lifeless eyes, slowly descended into silent despair. [......] Why is this damn thing still going up? Where is the limit? Somebody help! Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 63 - The Beginning of Change After saying goodbye to Ji Mu, Ruan Qingqing took the bus back home. "Qingqing?" She took out her key and unlocked the front door. The lights in the living room were still on. Ruan Chuyao, who had been waiting for her daughter for some time, stood up with concern. "You must be exhausted. How did the exams go?" "Not at all." Supporting her mother as she returned to her seat, Ruan Qingqing replied lightly, "There were a lot of questions I''d studied before. I think my score might go up a few spots this time." Touched by her daughter¡¯s cheerful demeanor, Ruan Chuyao smiled. "As long as you¡¯re feeling confident." Then she sniffed the air, clearly picking up a scent. "No wonder you came home late today. You ate out, didn''t you?" Ruan Qingqing answered sheepishly. She''d inherited her mother''s heightened senses, so even the smallest change wouldn''t escape her. "Yes." Ruan Chuyao lightly tapped her daughter''s hand, "Let me guess. You ate with that boy, Mu Mu, didn''t you?" "...yes." Hearing her daughter''s shy confession, she couldn''t help teasing, "What is it about that Mu Mu? You get so flustered just hearing his name." "No, it''s not like that!" Ruan Qingqing hurriedly tried to deny it, but her words didn''t match her feelings. Ruan Chuyao gave her a knowing look. With her sharp eyes, she could easily tell how her daughter felt about the boy. Even if she wasn''t completely in love, she wasn''t far from it. And that surprised her. She could still sense her daughter''s purity. Any normal boy, faced with such a delicate flower, would find it hard to hold back. But nothing beyond friendship had happened between them, and that made Ruan Chuyao more than a little curious. "Qingqing, didn''t I tell you to invite him over sometime?" she asked with a smile. "What''s the delay? Afraid I''ll argue with him?" "Mu Mu is not that kind of person," Ruan Qingqing pouted. "Alright, alright~" Ruan Chuyao found this amusing. She hadn''t even met him yet and she was already on his side. Ruan Qingqing lowered her head in embarrassment. After a moment of hesitation, she admitted, "The main thing is... I just haven''t found a good reason to invite him." Her mother gently patted her on the head. "It''s okay. Let''s leave it for now, then. You can bring him over when you''ve thought of something." Leaving this topic behind, Ruan Chuyao suddenly remembered what she''d meant to say. "By the way, Qingqing, I have to go to Yanjing for some business. While I''m gone, make sure you eat well and take care of yourself." "But, Mom, your health..." Ruan Qingqing hesitated, clearly worried. "It''s just a trip, no big deal," Ruan Chuyao said gently. "I put some blood packs in the freezer. You need to drink at least one bag a day, don''t skip any." "Huh? Didn''t you say before that I only needed to drink one every five days?" "This time is different," her mother smiled, masking the worry in her heart. "Because... the full moon is coming soon." ... Time flew by. The mundane days passed one by one, and the time moved steadily toward April 30th. This was the last day of the May short vacation. It was also the day when results from the six-school joint exams were released. Many students pulled out their phones, refreshing the page nonstop to check their scores. The more confident ones skipped straight to the top 100 rankings to see if their names had made the list. In the middle of the crowd, Ruan Qingqing stood like everyone else, eyes fixed nervously on the school bulletin board. As expected, Ji Mu had claimed first place with a score fifty points higher than the top student from Yizhong. A ripple of gasps and admiration spread through the crowd. Her lips curved slightly. For some reason, she felt proud. Her eyes moved further down the list, and the feeling in her chest shifted to unease. Her hands clenched together, and her heart thudded louder with each line she passed. Until, at the very bottom, she saw her own name. Just barely, she had squeezed into the 100th spot by one point. It was like a car speeding out of a mountain pass, the tension finally lifting from her chest. 100th place: Ruan Qingqing ... In the corridor bathroom, she stood at the sink, a soft and joyful smile on her face. Anyone could see the overflowing joy that radiated from her at that moment. Although it was only the 100th place, compared to before, the progress this time was a significant leap forward. She hadn''t even made the top 300 during the first joint exam. "Should I tell Mu Mu?" She really wanted to share this surprise with him right away, but remembering that he was probably in another city participating in a math competition at that time, she decided not to. I''ll tell him tonight. If it weren''t for the boy''s constant and dedicated help, her grades might still be mediocre today. Many times, Ruan Qingqing felt deeply grateful to have met her light in the darkest part of her life. It was Ji Mu who helped her become braver, shedding her old timid and cowardly self. He made her life better. "Mu Mu." The light reflected in her clear eyes, warmth curling up into her smile. How can I ever repay you for all the kindness you have shown me? ... "I don''t even know how Ruan Qingqing managed to do so well." An indignant female voice came from the bathroom. "I was one point away from making the top 100, damn it!" Several consoling voices followed. "She just got lucky, you''ll definitely beat her next time." "Exactly, if it wasn''t for Ji Mu giving her special coaching, there''s no way she could have made it into the top 100." Listening to their complaints, Ruan Qingqing remained calm. No matter how good you are, there will always be people who criticize you behind your back. So she didn''t care about the opinions of anyone except the people who mattered. She turned off the faucet and was about to leave, but froze as she caught their next words. "Honestly, I think Ji Mu is pretty pathetic. He runs over at her beck and call, such a simpleton." "I wonder how many times Ruan Qingqing had to sleep with him for him to teach her so diligently." "Why don''t you try it? Maybe he''s the kind of guy who doesn''t turn anyone down." "Yeah, maybe next time you''ll be the one in the top 100." "Forget it, he''s so ugly, I can''t bring myself to do it." "..." Ruan Qingqing licked the corner of her lips, her expression unchanged, but something cold began to spread in her eyes. She turned and walked back inside. The girls inside had been chatting excitedly, but when they saw her suddenly approaching, they all fell awkwardly silent. "Just now..." Ruan Qingqing''s soft voice sounded after a moment of silence. "Who said Ji Mu was pathetic?" The girls looked at each other, none of them speaking up. "Come on, you heard it, so what are you afraid of?" The one with heavy makeup shrugged off her friend''s hand and boldly stepped forward. "I said it." She raised her chin contemptuously. "Afraid to admit it? Did I say something wrong..." Slap. The sound rang out as Ruan Qingqing struck her across the face. The girl reeled from the blow, the words dying in her mouth, pain and disbelief flooding her expression. "You!" She lunged forward, trying to retaliate, but Ruan Qingqing was faster. In less than a tenth of a second, a pair of hands closed around her throat and slammed her against the wall. She clawed and struggled desperately to free herself, but she couldn''t move those hands that felt like iron clamps. "Let... let... go... ugh¡ª" Ruan Qingqing''s hands slowly tightened around the girl''s neck, gradually turning her face blue. "I didn''t even want to deal with you all, but why... did you have to talk about Mu Mu?" Her expression remained blank, her tone still soft, but madness leaked through every word. None of the others dared even step forward to pull her away. "Tell me why. Can you?" The girl''s eyes widened in terror, the intense feeling of suffocation quickly overwhelming her mind. In her vision, those black and white eyes flashed with a crimson murderous intent, like a demon awakening from the abyss, ready to tear her to pieces at any moment. Her body trembled all over, an indescribable fear gripping her heart. "I''m... I''m... sorry..." Her apology came out in broken gasps. Her legs gave out. A stream of liquid ran down her thighs, followed by the stench of urine. No one laughed. The others only shrank back, terrified. The girl''s complexion became increasingly ashen. A growing wave of dizziness overwhelmed her mind, and just before she lost consciousness, the hands around her neck finally loosened. Cough... cough... Coughing and gasping, she collapsed in the puddle. The overwhelming sense of impending death caused her body to convulse uncontrollably even now. "I don''t want this to happen again," Ruan Qingqing''s soft, melodic voice sent chills down their spines. "Otherwise, I cannot guarantee what I might do." The girl''s throat tightened and she dared not speak. Even her rapid breathing became cautious. What the hell had happened to Ruan Qingqing? The change from before to after made her seem like a completely different person. It was... terribly unfamiliar. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 64 - Morbid Dusk slanted across the busy streets. After school, Ruan Qingqing began another shift at the milk tea shop where she worked part-time. She changed into a simple uniform, tied her sleek black hair into a low ponytail, and revealed her delicate features. Her skin was smooth and unadorned, pure and flawless. No matter where she went, her looks always drew attention. The shop quickly filled with customers. Even after turning down yet another request for her contact information, she still wore a faint smile. There was no sign of the fierce, cold edge she¡¯d shown just days ago in the school bathroom, threatening the girls who had spread rumors. She glanced toward the couples holding hands at the street corner. Keeping her polite smile in place, she focused on her work, though something stirred quietly in her chest. Her thoughts drifted away. She missed Ji Mu... It had only been a day, but the longing had already coiled around her heart like wisteria, every leaf shaped like his face. I really... want to see you right now. The roses were in bloom. In that other city, would he be missing her, too? His image lingered in her clear eyes. A faint dimple appeared, hidden beneath the warm light of the setting sun. The red camphor blossoms by the street swayed slightly, silently revealing the feelings she¡¯d been trying to hide. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a boy of seven or eight standing in front of her. Ruan Qingqing pulled her thoughts back. She stepped out from behind the counter, crouched down, and said gently, "Little one, what would you like to drink?" The little boy stared at her blankly, forgetting to lick the lollipop in his mouth. "Big sister, you''re so pretty, just as pretty as the girl I like." Ruan Qingqing smiled sweetly, finding it very amusing. "Little one, do you know what it means to like someone?" She wanted to tease the cute little boy, but his innocent answer left her stunned. "I don''t like fat girls, but it''s okay if she''s fat." His childish voice was full of innocence, untouched by the world. Ruan Qingqing stood frozen in place for a long, long moment. ... Maybe it was because of the upcoming holiday. By the time the evening rush hit, the streets outside were lively, and the shop¡¯s orders had multiplied. When Ruan Qingqing finally finished work and got home, it was already very late. The sky outside had gone completely dark. She rubbed her sore neck. Her phone screen read midnight. The world outside was silent. Rusted streetlamps stood in the fading night, casting a dim, dying light. The house was quiet and empty. She was alone. The wind howled outside, noisy against the silence, but it couldn¡¯t drown out the loneliness creeping up from within. She flipped the light switch on. The glow lit up the room, but it only made the place feel even more lifeless, cold and devoid of warmth. This feeling... is really hard to get used to. Ruan Qingqing patted her cheeks, trying to ignore the loneliness growing in her heart. She went to the refrigerator and opened the bottom shelf. Inside were several bags of fresh blood. She picked one, tore open a small corner, and drank. The metallic, rusty iron taste seeps into her lips and down her throat, pungent and overwhelmingly unpleasant. Frankly, it wasn''t a pleasant experience. But strangely enough, the emptiness in her stomach faded, like a dry riverbed being filled with rain. The fatigue in her body faded, and her pale cheeks began to regain some color. A dark red flashed through her eyes, and the charm in her expression grew stronger, more entrancing. Once the rush through her limbs subsided, she stood up and went to the bathroom. A moment later, the rustling of clothes and the sound of running water echoed faintly. She didn¡¯t notice the faint image of a fox spirit flickering in and out of view around her. ... About fifteen minutes later, Ruan Qingqing finished wiping herself and returned to the room. Even without her underwear, her silhouette remained full and seductive, her snow-white breasts standing proudly. The white nightgown draped gracefully over her slightly damp skin, and as the fabric became wet, it became transparent, revealing the pink flesh underneath. At that moment, the girl seemed to be a combination of everything that could stir the most primal desires in a man''s heart. Unfortunately, there was no one to witness it. The curtains were half drawn, dimming the light once more. She lay down, wanting to fall asleep early and wake up refreshed for her next shift. But as her eyes close, the image of Ji Mu with his overly superior and refined features filled her mind. Especially those almond-shaped eyes with their thick, pronounced lashes. The deep brown irises shimmered with a delicate light, and the red mole at the corner of the eye that added a touch of allure and mysticism. Even just meeting his eyes was enough to pull someone under. That casual indifference of his... it was dangerously charming. And sometimes, those eyes looked utterly calm. Like they were gazing through empty air, over a still lake, or past strangers on the street... It was exaggerated, but... also very commanding. Would those eyes ripple under her provocative actions? Like... a bottle of soda popping the moment you open it. ¡°Mm~¡± The thrilling, dangerous thought sent a rush to her brain. Warm tingles spread from her chest downward. She felt the change in her body and opened her eyes, dazed. I can¡¯t keep going. I already gave in once... Her legs pressed together under the thin fabric, her sensitive body arching as she fought the feeling. She let out a long, heavy sigh. I must... restrain myself. She tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Closing her eyes only brought more risk of losing control. So she picked up her phone from the bedside table. She unlocked the screen and opened Feixin. Ji Mu was pinned at the top of her chats, his name immediately visible. His avatar was a sleepy anime chibi character yawning, which matched his usual personality quite well. "Wild Boy..." She murmured his username under her breath, inexplicably amused. A smile curled at the corners of her lips. Scrolling through their conversation, she reread every message, studying them one by one. Far from boring, the chat history made her feel content. The stillness of the night slowly gained warmth. She was in the middle of scrolling when her finger accidentally tapped his avatar twice. The chibi on the screen shook twice. A line of text popped up beneath it. [I patted Wild Boy and decided to give him a big meal.] Ruan Qingqing was startled and almost dropped her phone. The drowsiness she had just experienced vanished completely. As she swallowed the saliva that had accumulated in her mouth, she could only silently pray that she hadn''t woken him up. Five seconds later, her phone chimed with a notification. [Wild Boy]: Hmm? Ruan Qingqing sat up in bed at once, her half-lidded eyes now wide. Instant reply... Staring at her screen, her heart pounded like a drum. She didn¡¯t know if it was from nerves or excitement. She typed slowly. [Xu Xu Qing Feng]: Mu Mu, are you asleep? As soon as she sent it, her face turned red and she felt foolish. What a stupid question! If he was asleep, he wouldn''t answer. The boy seemed a bit confused and answered after a dozen seconds. [Wild Boy]: Not yet Good, I didn''t wake him up... Calming her racing heart, she hesitated for a moment before deciding to ask. [Xu Xu Qing Feng]: Then... if it''s okay, can we talk on the phone? As soon as she sent the message, another one from him appeared. [Wild Boy]: I was just about to sleep Crap! Ruan Qingqing''s body that had just relaxed tensed up again. She desperately tried to retract the message, deeply regretting her impulsive decision to send such a request. Before she could figure out what to do, her phone vibrated and the screen lit up. Incoming Call: Wild Boy Ring ring-ring The gentle ringtone filled the air. Ruan Qingqing clutched her phone, her palm already damp with sweat. Nervousness. Anticipation. Joy. Everything tangled in her chest. After a few seconds, she tapped to answer. She instinctively held her breath. She could hear her own heartbeat. "Hello?" His voice came through, low and husky, like he had just woken up or had been arguing with someone. It was... unexpectedly sexy. Ruan Qingqing¡¯s heart thudded. "Mu Mu..." She held the phone in both hands and spoke softly. ¡°The joint exam results came out. I made it into the top hundred. Exactly the hundredth.¡± "Really? That''s great." His usual praise came through the phone. Halfway through, he paused, a hint of amusement in his tone, "But I already knew." "Huh? How did you know, Mu Mu..." "Well, as the new student representative of Yulan, I have the privilege of seeing the results early." After answering her question, he continued. "How does it feel to reap the fruits of your own labor?" "Mm, it feels great." "Right?" His voice had a slight upward tone. "If I had told you too soon, you wouldn''t have experienced this joy." On this end of the phone, Ruan Qingqing listened quietly, her eyes softening at his proud tone. "Yes, Mu Mu, you''re amazing~" Perhaps because her praise was so sincere, Ji Mu coughed slightly in embarrassment and changed the subject. "Speaking of which, the environment at today''s competition was terrible. The bed creaked every time I turned. I wonder what unscrupulous manufacturer made it." "That''s terrible! Shouldn''t you tell the teacher? Poor sleep isn''t good for you." "I plan to. I''ll talk to him tomorrow." "Mm, good~" The two of them chatted casually. Even the most trivial events of the day would be discussed at length. There seemed to be an endless stream of topics, and even the dullest content felt interesting. The once silent night was no longer lonely. Time passed little by little. On the other end of the phone, the boy¡¯s voice grew softer, sleepier. Until his breathing evened out. Ruan Qingqing lay back down, the phone¡¯s faint light casting gentle shadows over her delicate face. Her gentle eyes gazed at the chibi avatar on the screen. Some small, indescribable feeling tugged softly at her heart. This was the first time she had fallen asleep during a conversation with a boy. And this boy was someone she cared about deeply~ "Mu Mu," she called softly. "...Mm," A sleepy mumble came through the phone seconds later. "I''m here." Ruan Qingqing tightened her grip on the phone. Her heart softened. No matter when, he always made sure she didn¡¯t feel alone. Every word had a response. Every moment had someone there. Only Ji Mu gave her this kind of treatment. For no particular reason, a memory flickered through her mind. "Suddenly, I feel like thanking Chu Yashi..." The quiet murmur dissolved into the night. The boy, already on the verge of sleep, didn¡¯t catch her words clearly. ¡°Hm?¡± Ruan Qingqing smiled faintly. "It''s nothing..." Thank you for letting me meet him. Although it sounded absurd and ridiculous to thank a bully, if she had to do it all over again, she would still step into that same mess. It wasn''t that she had any masochistic tendencies. She just... wanted to receive his compassion again. People always say to follow your heart. But her heart said it would only follow him. If he approached her to help her change her weakness, then she... she would pretend to be innocent and pitiful. Then, step by step, she would hold on to that kindness. And eventually... trap him. Completely. Forever. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 65 - Forgotten Memories Pitch black. No light. It felt like she was standing in an endless abyss. ¡°Where... is this?¡± She couldn¡¯t even see her hand in front of her face. It was as if thick ink had been smeared across her vision. She looked around but saw nothing. The boundless darkness blocked everything. ¡°Come here... here...¡± Just as her confusion peaked, a faint whisper echoed in her ears. It was eerie, but something ahead seemed to be calling her. Her body moved forward on its own, uncontrollably following the sound. She had no idea how much time had passed. Thirty seconds? Thirty minutes? It was impossible to tell. This strange place had already stripped her of any sense of time. Only when a faint light appeared ahead did her dazed mind start to regain clarity. Is that... where I¡¯m supposed to go? She muttered under her breath. She stepped forward, and with each step, the light ahead grew brighter. The darkness around her gradually receded. Crunch¡ª At some point, the ground beneath her had become uneven. Loose stones of all sizes were scattered everywhere. Her eyes swept across the jagged path. What a strange place... Still puzzled, she walked faster toward the light¡¯s end. Her vision widened all at once. What unfolded before her was a desolate city. Broken bricks and crumbling ruins were scattered everywhere. The streets were full of devastation, with wild grass sprouting from dry, yellow soil. A huge crack split the road, and wrecked cars were crammed into the fissure. All signs of past prosperity were gone. The only thing that lingered was the bleak, post-apocalyptic decay. The deeper she ventured into this dead city, the more familiar it felt. As if... she had once lived here. When a fallen overpass sign blocked her path and she glanced at the words introducing the city, a chilling sense of disbelief rose in her chest. This is... Tianhua City?! Caw¡ªcaw¡ª Crows circled overhead, their hoarse cries piercing the silence. Dust billowed. A strong stench of rotting flesh assaulted her senses. The stench of rotting flesh? Something pulled at her mind. She turned around to find a horrifying scene. Fu Rongjing and Situ Yan were hanging lifeless from stone pillars, their deaths gruesome. Fear, panic, regret... Their final expressions were etched on their faces, capturing the exact emotions before death. Several unfamiliar corpses lay nearby, just as horrifying. Each body was broken, torn in half, pale bones exposed. The blood that hadn¡¯t dried pooled across the road, staining it red. The stench of gore mixed with rot. Bits of flesh were scattered, severed arms and legs littering the area. It looked like the aftermath of a massacre by some monstrous beast. She covered her chest with a hand. A strange, nameless feeling stirred in her heart. How strange... This horrifying scene should have been sickening, but she wasn¡¯t afraid. On the contrary... she felt unexpectedly calm. Caw¡ªcaw¡ª The crows cried out again. Her scattered thoughts reassembled, her vision refocused. Without warning, a small, blood-soaked figure appeared before her. ¡°Finally... you''ve arrived.¡± The voice echoed in her ears again. It was clear that this was the one who had led her here. Something in the tone felt inexplicably familiar. "You..." She pursed her lips, about to ask a question. But the figure slowly turned around. The woman¡¯s features were breathtaking. Her long, narrow fox-like eyes shimmered with charm. Her red lips looked freshly stained with blood. Beautiful, yet dangerous. "You..." Staring intently at the woman in front of her, her pupils suddenly dilated and her heart pounded with shock. Because the face before her... was identical to her own! It was another her. No wonder the voice felt so familiar; it was her own voice! "Who are you?!" "Me?" The woman let out a deep laugh. Her words sent shivers down her spine. "I...am you~" Her mind was shaken. No, this can''t be! If you are me, then who... am I?! The fear of losing control spread through her body, and she hurriedly stepped forward to demand answers. "Explain this to me, what exactly is¡ª" But before she could finish, the broken road beneath her feet vanished. Everything plunged into darkness again. She fell into an endless abyss, her mind spinning wildly. A sharp pain stabbed her head. It felt like an invisible hand was yanking her soul from her body. Cold wind howled into her ears. Waves of icy air surged over her, lifting her off the ground and dragging her toward some unknown place. In the haze, unfamiliar memories flooded her mind. How could she describe these fragments? It was like she was living someone else¡¯s life, from a third-person view, in a parallel world. In that world, Ji Mu had also transferred to Yulan High School as the top scorer in the six-school joint exam. The difference was, he didn¡¯t wear those round glasses that dulled his presence. Without the barrier to hide his face, he naturally became the center of attention. Almost every girl in the school was drawn to him, showering him with adoration. Wherever he went, he stood out. Compared to his brilliance, she was like a speck of dust. Insignificant. Unnoticed. Just a target for bullies to exploit. There was a vast gap between them. He soared through the clouds, while she struggled in the dirt. The only fortunate thing was that they were assigned to the same classroom. Because of that... the bullying would pause, if only briefly. As soon as class ended and he left, she would return to that miserable, hellish routine. But even so, it was better than the relentless torment she had suffered before. In her heart, she had always been grateful to him. Over time, a vague, indescribable feeling quietly took root. Something like admiration. Maybe longing. That tangle of emotions made her pay attention to him without thinking. She noticed the little things. Like how he liked quiet spaces. How he always drank unsweetened oolong tea. His personality was cold, but not arrogant. No matter who asked him for help, he would give an insightful answer. He never looked at anyone with prejudice. Even when she was buried in rumors and gossip every day, he never changed his attitude toward her. Respectful and equal. She couldn''t quite describe the feeling; it was like the dawn breaking, bringing light to her dark world. Suddenly, a small pebble was thrown into the water, causing ripples on the surface of the lake. For some reason, she wanted to have some connection with that heavenly being sitting alone in the clouds. Even if it was so faint as to be almost imperceptible, she didn''t want to be nothing. She wanted them to at least know each other''s names. But she never expected this day to come so soon. And for it to be so terrible. She remembered it was an afternoon. Chu Yashi and the others cornered her in the restroom. They beat her, kicked her, every inch of her body burning with pain. Her lips were bleeding. Even then, they wouldn¡¯t stop. They tried to strip her and expose her online. So cold... so painful... Bruised and trembling, she hugged her knees. Tears streamed uncontrollably down her face. At the moment of her deepest helplessness, a young man appeared. Like something out of a cliche? movie, he used ruthless methods to fight violence with violence, chasing Chu Yashi and her group away. She stayed huddled in the corner, unable to say a word. Too scared to lift her head. Too ashamed to thank him. Her upper body clothes had already been torn to shreds. She trembled and curled up, exposed in her most pathetic and ridiculous state in front of this new student representative. The humiliation almost overwhelmed her. Don''t speak... please... don''t say anything... She bit down on her lip, afraid he would ask, "Are you okay?" or "Are you hurt?" That would have made it worse. Her embarrassment would only worsen. In her heart, she prayed desperately and humbly. And then¡ªa jacket fell over her head. The clean and pleasant scent of soap diluted the surrounding stench, and the large size was just enough to easily cover her entire upper body. There was no ulterior motive, just a simple act of... caring for her fragile, almost broken heart. She slowly looked up, but he was already walking through the door, having not said a single word. From then on, the image of his back disappearing from her sight became something that she could never forget, an indelible moonlight in her heart. ... That night, she carefully washed the jacket. Early the next morning, she went to school to return it. Only to find out... he had transferred. Gone to Jiangcheng. Holding the jacket wrapped in a plastic bag, she stood frozen, unsure of her feelings. "The jacket... I haven''t returned it to you yet..." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 66 - Awakening The memory fragments stopped abruptly. It was very sudden. Like an old movie from the fifties or sixties, when the film reel in the projector runs out, the content on the big screen abruptly stops and goes dark. But even if she could continue watching, she wouldn''t want to. Because... this parallel world was too horrifying. So horrifying that she didn''t want to remember any of it. Except for that one time he helped her, the two of them were just strangers in the same class, without any interaction. Like two straight lines, briefly intersecting before drifting further and further apart, never touching again... Could such a world really exist? Standing at the end of the other shore, she saw her other self, lonely and oppressed after enduring so much targeting and pressure. The girl trembled as she hid in the shadows, seeking the last shred of comfort and security. With nothing to rely on, she wandered in that desperate world, surviving only in the cracks. There was no blue sky. No sun. Watching this tragedy, she stood frozen, her chest feeling heavy, stuffed with cotton. If this memory wasn''t real... then why did it hurt so much? As if... she had actually experienced it herself. The scene shifted and the image before her changed again. She was back on that hopeless afternoon. The boy stood tall before her. His whole figure was backlit, sunlight pouring in behind him, cutting through a corner of the darkness, like an angel she longed for in her dreams. "Mu Mu..." Her hollow eyes regained life and her pale lips moved slightly. With tear tracks still drying at the corners of her eyes, she stared blankly at the only clear stream in that sea of ink. She wanted to throw herself into his arms, to cling to that scent that calmed her, as she always did. But she forgot that this was not the world she knew. "..." In her vision, the boy only glanced at her before turning away. No pause. No hesitation. At that moment, the world darkened in her eyes. A heavy emptiness rose from the depths of her heart, the only light in the darkness disappearing, leaving her alone, sinking into the cold swamp. Panic gripped her. She reached out to stop him, but it was like her voice had been stolen, and she couldn''t utter a single word. She could only watch as his slim figure grew more distant... walking further and further away. No... don''t go... Mu Mu, don''t go... Don''t... leave me. I''m begging you. Don''t! ... Her eyes flew open. She stared at the pitch black ceiling, gasping for breath. Her back was soaked in cold sweat. The fear and anxiety hadn''t gone away. Her heart thudded wildly in her chest. It felt... like she had a terrible nightmare. She rested the back of her hand resting on her forehead. Her mind was hazy and her whole body felt weak. She''d just put on her slippers and stood for a few seconds when her legs suddenly gave way, causing her to collapse to the ground. "Ugh..." Her knee accidentally hit the bed frame, making her face pale from the pain. Struggling to get up from the floor, she staggered to the desk, picked up the water cup, and drank it all in one gulp. The burning dryness in her throat eased a little. But the dizziness and nausea didn''t go away. If anything, they got worse. She shuffled her way back to the bed and lay down. The exhaustion from all over her body left her without much energy to think. Her eyelids, struggling to stay open, slowly began to droop, and she drifted back to sleep, groggy and disoriented. But it wasn''t restful. Her head felt hot and swollen. She had scattered nightmares that she completely forgot each time she awoke. She vaguely remembered receiving a call from Ji Mu, and maybe stumbling to the door at some point to let him in. She couldn''t remember if this had really happened or if it was just her wishful thinking. The constant switching between reality and dreams had made it difficult for Ruan Qingqing to distinguish between them. "Silly goose, silly goose." A familiar voice called beside her. She wanted to open her eyes to see, but her eyelids felt like they were weighed down with lead, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t open them. In the end, she could only make a few sounds. "Mu, Mu..." "I''m here." Hearing the boy''s answer, the furrow between her brows slowly relaxed. Something warm gently brushed across her forehead. The movements were soft and soothing. Realizing that he was truly at her side, the indescribable fear finally subsided. With this sense of comfort, she fell into a deep sleep. The nightmares that had previously haunted her like a bone-deep affliction did not return, and she slept soundly. When she regained consciousness, dawn had yet to break. The towel on her forehead had gone cold. Her eyes shifted, and her gaze fell on the boy sitting by her bed, watching over her. His arms were crossed, his head slightly bowed in sleep. It wasn''t hard to guess that he had been taking care of her for a long time. For a moment, a small warm current coursed through her limbs and bones, flowing into her heart. Her limp body gained a little strength. "Mu Mu..." The girl''s eyes were filled with tenderness as she looked at him without blinking. So it wasn''t a dream. You''re really here~ Still sleepy, Ji Mu turned his head at the sound. Seeing that she was awake, the drowsiness in his mind instantly vanished and he leaned forward to ask, "Awake? How are you feeling, silly goose?" Ruan Qingqing propped herself up weakly. "Much better already." Her body under the blanket broke out in a layer of cold sweat, and it was only now that she realized her condition. "Am I... catching a cold?" Picking up the towel that had fallen onto her shoulder, Ji Mu sighed, "You have a fever, which is very different from a cold." Honestly, she was already stupid, and now being sick made her even stupider. "Hehe~" She smiled sheepishly. Her pale little face looked both cute and pitiful. Ji Mu tucked her in and gently brushed away a few strands of hair stuck to her cheek. "Rest well, don''t move." Such intimate contact was too sudden, and Ruan Qingqing, unprepared, couldn''t help but feel a bit shy. She obediently lay down again and asked softly, "Mu Mu, how did you know I had a fever?" "I could tell by your voice. Anyone could tell that something was wrong when we talked on the phone just now." As Ji Mu spoke, he rinsed the towel in the basin, wrung it out, and put it back on her forehead. "Keep the towel on for a little longer. When your head stops spinning completely, you can take it off." "Okay." She could sense his fatigue from his advice, and feeling guilty for being the cause, Ruan Qingqing suggested, "Mu Mu, maybe you should head home first." "Hmm, finish up and then kick me out? That''s not how you treat someone who helped you, silly goose." "No, it''s not like that..." Ruan Qingqing explained, "I don''t want you to be too tired." "Me? It''s actually fine. At worst, I''ll just sleep a little more when I get back." Young people recover quickly. In the face of twenty-five million, what''s a few sleepless nights? Even so, Ruan Qingqing still felt a bit embarrassed. "I just feel... like I''m bothering you again." Ji Mu frowned, "Why do you keep saying that?" If he had come a little later, what would have happened if the silly goose, burning with a high fever alone at home, had really fallen asleep and never woken up? "Don''t worry about how I feel. You¡ª" He looked at the girl, thin from illness, leaning against the bed, her cheeks pale, having lost their usual rosy color. Like a flower slowly wilting. A gust of wind from outside could easily blow her over. Ji Mu''s throat tightened. Any more words he wanted to say were left unspoken. "Don''t ever think you''re bothering me." He gently stroked her hair, as if he were caring for a precious and fragile piece of porcelain. "As long as it''s something to do with you, the word ''trouble'' doesn''t apply to me." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 67 - Full Moon Night The evening breeze was gentle. Her gaze met Ji Mu''s, and in that brief moment of contact, Ruan Qingqing felt her head, which had just cleared up, become dizzy again. A rosy blush spread from her cheeks like a fire, soon staining her ears and neck a faint red. She looked like a freshly ripened peach, tender and juicy. "Mm... mm-hmm..." she murmured, pale fingers tugged at the corner of the blanket, shyly avoiding his gaze. ''Trouble never applies... why does Mu Mu always say these things?'' She felt nervous and her face was a little hot. Ji Mu, seated beside the bed, spoke, "Are you hungry? I''ll go downstairs and get something to eat." "No need, I..." "You''ve been sleeping all day. If you don''t eat something to replenish yourself, your stomach will have problems." Without giving her a chance to refuse, Ji Mu stood up and took the key ring from the bedside table. "Getting some food will help you recover faster. I''ll use your house key for now." "Mu Mu..." "Just rest. If you feel unwell, just send me a message on your phone and I''ll come up right away." After giving his instructions, he left the room. Half a minute later, the soft creak of the door echoed from outside. The room returned to silence, and Ruan Qingqing curled up in bed, her heart feeling empty. She knew that he''d be gone for a little while, she still couldn''t help but feel reluctant. Perhaps it was influenced by that intermittent, unclear dream. A creeping panic arose out of nowhere, and her heart tightened and fluttered like it was being squeezed. ''Maybe I should send a message to Mu Mu to come back now... '' As soon as this thought appeared, Ruan Qingqing dismissed it. Mu Mu had already done enough, taking care of her tirelessly. She couldn''t be... so selfish. Shaking her head, she quickly discarded those unnecessary thoughts, her chaotic breathing gradually calming down. The room was dimly lit, the upper half of the girl''s face and her thoughts hidden in shadows, the colors swirling in her narrow eyes unfathomable. Why did she feel like she was becoming more and more greedy? Ruan Qingqing... You really are a bad kid. She turned her head to glance at the window. The curtains had been blown slightly open, revealing a narrow gap. Outside, it was pitch black. Night had already fallen. "Seriously, I slept all day and still..." Her muttering stopped abruptly as Ruan Qingqing suddenly realized that something was wrong. She hastily grabbed her phone and took a look. The date on the screen was May 2nd. And the time... "11:59?!" Her groggy mind immediately cleared. She... hadn''t consumed a blood pack all day. The realization brought beads of sweat to her forehead. "Qingqing, before mom returns, you must drink at least one blood package a day, otherwise... bad things will happen." Her mother''s worried warning echoed in her ears, and her face turned pale, an indescribable uneasiness rising in her heart. A sense of foreboding seemed to whisper that if she didn''t do this, something terrible and unexpected would happen next. With this thought, Ruan Qingqing threw off the covers and ran barefoot into the living room. There was only one minute left before midnight. It should... be enough time. She opened the bottom layer of the fridge, and just as she was about to take out the blood pack to consume, a sudden change occurred. Her arm, stretched out in the air, suddenly froze, and her body felt like it was filled with lead, unable to move an inch. A strong sense of weakness surged through her entire body, making even the slightest movement of her thumb extremely difficult. Within a few breaths, the remaining strength in her legs vanished, and she collapsed to the cold floor. At that moment, fragments of the previously forgotten dream flashed through her mind. Deep despair, darkness without light. Were these false memories or... a real past life? Dizziness overcame her, and her vision began to blur. Deep within her soul... it felt as if a familiar yet strange consciousness was gradually awakening. It slowly took control of her body. In the last second before her eyelids closed, she looked in the direction Ji Mu had gone, her eyes filled with a sickly longing, as if she wanted to grasp that light in her hand. "Mu Mu..." ... Near the apartment building. Ji Mu stood quietly at a wonton stall, having just paid. Now that he thought about it, the system hadn¡¯t shown up at all today. Not even when the silly goose had a fever, it was like it had vanished. If he hadn''t called after returning to Tianhua City, he wouldn''t have known that she was sick and stuck at home. "System?" After calling for a while, there was still no answer in his mind. Ji Mu frowned. Was it asleep? Neglecting one''s duties is not acceptable; it greatly affects the progress of their tasks. Just as he was about to call out a few more times, he noticed that the moon was unusually round tonight. Its bright silver light spilled across the dark sky, like... an eye, just opened after a long sleep. It was a beautiful scene. Ji Mu didn''t know why he suddenly thought of an eye. And... why was his right eyelid twitching continuously at this moment? Left eyelid twitching means wealth, right eyelid twitching means disaster? He shook his head quickly. No, no... It''s all superstitious nonsense, not worth believing any of it. He''d deal with the system after taking care of the task objective. ... Achoo! The system, far away in another room, sneezed. ''Who the hell is talking behind my back? Could it be that subsystem kid gossiping about me?'' Rubbing his nose, he looked around. A vast and flat unfamiliar environment came into view, the ground covered in green and stretching as far as the eye could see. What kind of place was this? A grassland? It didn''t have much patience to investigate and shouted directly into the room. [All right, Fan Lei, stop playing tricks and come out quickly.] A gust of wind blew by. Suddenly, a cold hand touched its cheek. The system jolted from the chill. [Hiss¡ª] It slapped the hand away and quickly stepped back, turning to look. A tall female figure stood in front of it, her body shrouded in mist. Though her features were hidden, the system could clearly feel the pair of smiling eyes staring through the haze. [Xiao Qi, did you miss me~] Fan Lei, the guardian of Heavenly Dao in this novel world. The embodiment of the world''s consciousness. The system was displeased with how familiar she acted. [What''s the matter with you? Don''t just randomly cling to people like that. Can''t you have some sense of boundaries?] [Well~ it''s just that I haven''t seen Xiao Qi for so long, so I couldn''t help it.] Fan Lei crouched down halfway, grabbed the system''s pudgy little hand, and looked up with a pitiful tone. [Forgive me, okay~] The system didn''t buy it at all and shook her off unceremoniously. [You wouldn''t come here without a reason. Tell me, why did you drag me to this strange place?] This damn woman, if you''re going to apologize, just apologize. Why are you always copping a feel? [Xiao Qi, saying that makes me so sad. Can''t I just come to catch up with you?] Fan Lei pretended to wipe away tears. The system watched her performance with a blank expression. [If there''s nothing, I''ll leave.] Crazy, it was busy teaching the host how to improve his emotional intelligence. No time to chat. With that, it turned around and lifted its foot to leave, but Fan Lei suddenly hugged it tightly from behind. [Alright, alright, I''ll tell you. Don''t be in such a hurry to leave, Xiao Qi.] The system coldly snorted without answering, indifferently waiting for her to continue. Seeing this, Fan Lei sighed deeply and began to speak. [Actually... the reason I suddenly brought you here has to do with the plot point of this full moon night.] Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 68 - Full Moon Night (Part 2) The system was stunned. [Full moon night? Plot point?] It repeated the words silently, then belatedly widened its eyes. Oh no! Something''s happening! It hastily tried to free itself from the grasp of the World''s Consciousness. [Let go, I must support the host!] Seeing its urgent attempt to leave, Fan Lei remained calm. [If you want the mission progress to suffer delays, then go ahead.] Her calm words made the system''s struggle in her embrace slow down. [What do you mean?] Fan Lei didn''t answer right away. Instead, she asked a seemingly unrelated question. [Xiao Qi, have you ever heard of demihumans?] [Are you talking about those half-human, half-demon creatures who look human but have animal features?] [Mhm~] Still playing coy, she smiled. The system couldn''t take it any longer. [Mhm, my foot! What does that have to do with what we were talking about?! Don''t tell me you''re implying that Ruan Qingqing is a demi...] No. Wait a minute! Noticing Fan Lei''s lack of denial, the system''s face stiffened. It suddenly realized that the absurd joke it had just made was no joke at all. Its electronic brain began to operate at high speed. Details that had once been overlooked came rushing back. Why did the female protagonist have such a special constitution that allowed her to heal quickly without leaving scars, no matter how severe her injuries? Why, in the original story, did she always seem perfectly fine the day after any passionate encounter, no matter how intense? Why did she have that strange, alluring scent that made the male protagonists go wild with desire just by smelling it? All of these details made sense when considering her identity as a demihuman. After a long silence, it asked in a low voice, [So, tonight is the night that Ruan Qingqing will undergo her transformation, right?] Fan Lei didn''t hide anything and answered cheerfully, [Yes, that''s right~] The system took a deep breath. A cold expression appeared on its youthful face. [Tell me the reason why you waited until now to say this.] Moreover, when watching the scenes of the female protagonist''s revenge in her previous life, why didn''t she use any techniques related to being a demihuman? There were too many suspicious points; it made no sense! Perhaps the questions it was pondering were too obvious, as Fan Lei couldn''t help but laugh. [Don''t think about it, Xiao Qi. The revenge scenes you saw were all altered by me, so of course you wouldn''t notice anything unusual.] [You¡ª!] [Don''t be angry. I had no choice but to do it.] Fan Lei patted the system''s head and gently explained. [If you had known Ruan Qingqing''s true identity too early, your attitude towards her would have been completely different. It''s hard to say if it would have affected the mission.] [After all the missions you''ve done across different worlds, you should understand the butterfly effect even better than I do.] Upon hearing this, the system''s expression became hesitant. Before it could say anything, Fan Lei confidently continued. [Your mission progress has been stuck for a while, hasn''t it?] The system''s mouth hung half open in astonishment. [This...] Seeing that this approach was effective, Fan Li further intensified her... clarification. [Because Ruan Qingqing has not yet shown her true self to your host. And now this is the crucial moment for their friendship to advance to the final step.] Only if Ji Mu can fully accept the transformed version of her can the emotional bottleneck be broken and their bond deepened. Understanding the implications of the World''s Consciousness, the system''s face lit up with realization, as if a fog had lifted, clearing its previously blocked thoughts. So that was it. No wonder the favorable hadn''t increased. The emotional problem was there. He looked at Fan Lei with bright eyes. [You mean... tonight''s transformation is the most important opportunity for the host and the fool to level up their friendship!] [That''s right~] Fan Lei''s lips curled into a smile of approval. [A person''s first reaction is the most sincere. Whether the story progresses smoothly now depends entirely on your host. This is a trial only he can face. Xiao Qi, you cannot interfere. You''re not allowed to.] [I understand!] The system patted its chest after finally understanding all the subtleties. It''s just like the tropes in cultivation novels; once you get over the hardship, the road ahead will be smooth and prosperous. It thought of the young man who remained calm and composed no matter what, and clenched its small fist tightly. Go ahead, host! I believe in your strength; you can definitely handle the transformed version of the silly goose. The ultimate friendship is within your grasp, just waiting for you to seize it. The good days are still ahead of us! ... Resting her chin lightly on the system''s shoulders, Fan Lei silently laughed to herself. So easy to fool, Xiao Qi~ Maybe only these silly little systems still believe in things like friendship. Well... that was partly thanks to her behind-the-scenes guidance. Still, she hadn''t expected both host and system to get so swept up in it. It was so smooth, so fun, and so amusing. Rubbing the system''s chubby baby cheeks, Fan Lei half-closed her eyes in satisfaction. Xiao Qi, actually... I tweaked your memory of how to use the Prajna Instrument, too. After all, this was her home. How could she miss an opportunity to interfere? Besides, the Spacetime Management Bureau had sent reminder messages that she had mercifully not intercepted. Xiao Qi foolishly chose not to believe them all on its own. That wasn''t her fault. From an angle the system couldn''t detect, a sly, mischievous smile appeared on Fan Lei''s face, shrouded in white mist. Her gaze shifted, easily piercing through numerous obstacles to land on the Prajna Instrument within the system space. Seeing that the girl''s fondness for a certain person had reached an almost absurd level, the smile in her eyes became even more pronounced. She had gone through no small effort to fully awaken the memories buried in Ruan Qingqing''s soul. The highest level of hidden corruption, a maxed-out affection score in this life, and a full moon night where transformation only occurred if she skipped her blood pack. Each of those conditions had to align perfectly. Only then would this magnificent symphony finally begin its prelude. His gaze fell on the young man next to the wonton stall. Fan Lei clicked her tongue. Ji Mu, oh Ji Mu. I''ve been watching you since the last cycle. In this broken and muddy world, you, with your unopened heart, are the only green leaf growing in a barren land. You... are also qualified to carry the weight of her soul. So please, don''t disappoint me~ Only by pulling the girl out of her past and present suffering can it be called true salvation. ... Meanwhile, the subsystem busily records the mission''s action report. With graduation approaching, it had to take its internship seriously to secure a future job. [That damn main system... once I move up and become a leader, I''ll definitely make its life miserable!] It muttered resentfully as the room suddenly experienced a massive tremor. The rumbling grew stronger and stronger. After about ten minutes of continuous shaking, it gradually calmed down. Shaking its dizzy electronic head, the subsystem that had been paying attention to the unusual movements looked in the direction of the source. [It seems... it came from the Prajna Instrument?] Curious, it went over and immediately noticed the change on the screen. [Huh? The hidden darkness value has disappeared?] Is there really such good news? The joy and excitement didn''t last long. As its gaze moved up a notch, the smile on its face instantly froze. Its expression gradually changed to one of horror. Good news: The hidden darkness value had disappeared. Bad news: The white text showing negative favorability was slowly turning black. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 69 - Prelude to the Collapse Symphony Have you ever truly despaired of this world? Hypocrisy, indifference, betrayal, cruelty... Endless negativity taking form like executioners wielding sharp blades, slicing through flesh and tormenting the battered body and mind. Countless instances of coercion and abuse play out over and over again, each time leaving one huddled in the shadows, hoping for salvation, only to be swallowed up by escalating malice. This sense of helplessness... is like a mad desire to escape, while still being dragged deeper within. It was only when she saw her mother lying lifeless on the bed that the last thread finally broke. Her already fractured mental world reached its breaking point. She stepped forward, trembling, and took hold of those rough, calloused hands. The sensation was dry, coarse, and cold. There was no warmth at all. Her mother had left her. With this realization, the girl''s expression became blank, tears streaming uncontrollably down her face. The only faith that had kept her fighting to survive in this world vanished completely. "Ridiculous, that old witch was like a sick ghost, but she still came to beg for you, hoping we''d let you go. ... "I just teased her, saying if she could kneel on a cactus for a few minutes, I''d consider it. I didn''t expect her to actually do it, hahaha." ... "Just to be clear, she insisted on kneeling for hours until she collapsed and started coughing up blood. I didn''t make her kneel for that long." ... "Ruan Qingqing, you and your mother are both such wretches. If you had obeyed me earlier, would you be in this situation now?" ... "That old hag kept begging me not to hurt you. It was so annoying. It''s better now that she''s dead and silent." ... "Remember, it is your honor to be noticed by us noble young masters." ... Their contemptuous words were filled with malice and indifference. The people in front of her stood high above, deciding the life and death of a lowly individual with a casual wave. Arrogant and unrestrained, they tried to crush all hope and turn her into a docile slave for their amusement and pleasure. The girl slowly raised her head, the last glimmer of light in her eyes consumed by the darkness. That hysteria, that madness, was like a demon rising from the abyss. The girl who once held onto kindness, who endured pain with innocence, vanished. What remained was someone who would do anything for revenge. ... Slaughter. Torture. The air was thick with the smell of blood. Severed limbs lay scattered across the floor. Crimson blood soaked the floor tiles, obscuring their original color. Scratch marks covered every surface, a record of panicked, violent struggle. "Ahhhhhhh!" Screams echoed across the rooftop. The man''s face had gone pale. His left arm twisted in a full circle after being grabbed, bones snapping like dry branches. The girl had done it effortlessly, her movements calm and light. Cold sweat dripped down his cheeks, and his wide eyes were filled with fear, a stark contrast to his previous arrogance. His mangled arm hung at his side, like a dangling rag, with intense pain constantly coursing through it. He wanted to turn around and flee, but his legs were shaking uncontrollably, his feet growing weak. As he backed away, he stumbled slightly and fell heavily to the ground. "Hiss..." Even if ten masks of agony were piled on top of each other, they couldn''t compare to the twisted expression on his face now. The sky was dull. Dark clouds had swallowed the light. The girl looked down at him, her expression cold. Her eyes were black, deep and lifeless, like a stagnant well. In the man''s eyes, the approaching figure was no different than a demon from hell, ready to tear him apart and devour him. He screamed in terror. "Don''t, don''t come any closer! I was wrong, I was really wrong... Ahhh!" Before he could finish begging for mercy, his limbs were already dismembered, giving him a free taste of the human stick package. His heart-wrenching screams were even worse than those of the pigs slaughtered during the Lunar New Year. Fear and pain were etched on his face, his features distorted beyond recognition, showing no trace of his once handsome appearance. Tears and snot mixed together and flowed into his mouth, and the excruciating torture caused his body to lose control and soil itself. This wasn''t violence for revenge. It was violence for the sake of cruelty. If this continued, who knew what other forms of torture awaited him. The unknown horrors made him tremble, and his will to live was gradually eroded by endless despair. "Ruan... Ruan Qingqing." His weak voice came out in broken fragments, his facial nerves spasming uncontrollably. The man''s gaze was filled with venom. "You... will... go... to hell, you definitely... will!" Hearing his last curse before death, the girl''s hollow eyes showed a slight ripple of emotion. Hell...? She surveyed the perfect masterpiece she had created. The thick, sticky scent of blood filled her nostrils like the stench of rotting flesh, bringing a wave of intense nausea. Yet she inhaled deeply, as if intoxicated. That terrifying expression, sick with obsession, rested perfectly on her delicate, beautiful face. The madness behind her eyes seeped out slowly, revealing a kind of blackness that had no place left in this world. That kind of color, that feeling, was despair made real. Wasn''t she already in hell? ... Dusk settled in. Shadows danced faintly on the floor as moonlight filtered in through the window. The room was dim and silent. Only the sound of soft, even breathing could be heard. Thump, thump, thump. The steady rhythm of her heart suddenly accelerated, becoming faster and faster. Amidst the hazy chaos, Ruan Qingqing slowly opened her eyes. "Where is this..." Sitting up from the cold floor, she stared at her surroundings in a daze. Her brain took a moment to process before it began to react. It felt like that place from before. The one she could barely bring herself to call ''home''. She stood up, running her fingertips over the furniture in the living room. The strong sense of familiarity gradually cleared her mind and thoughts. She lowered her eyes. So the devil had not taken her after all. A smile curved her lips like a blooming poppy. Breathtakingly beautiful, yet accompanied by unfathomable danger. She had thought that the sins she had committed were enough to condemn her to the eighteenth level of Hell, never to be reborn. But I never thought... Ruan Qingqing paused. She could feel her body gradually heating up. She... seemed to have returned to the time of her first transformation on a full moon night. "Rebirth?" No, not quite. She keenly sensed another soul, compatible and dormant, deep within her body. She realized that she seemed to have come into this new cycle as a kind of second personality. When the transformation period of the full moon passed, the Ruan Qingqing of this life would regain control as the primary personality. Two of me... How interesting. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 70 - The Symphony of Collapse, the Waltz of Reunion At midnight, the stars and the moon intertwined. The evening breeze blew past, swaying the rows of silver frost-adorned evergreens below. On the open-air balcony of the living room, the worn tiles bore the marks of time. Ruan Qingqing leaned against the old railing, a lit cigarette between her slender fingers. White smoke curled from her fingertips, and under the hazy moonlight, her thick, dark hair cascaded down her fair neck. Her spaghetti-strap nightgown clung to her delicate curves. In the dim light, the glowing red ember of the cigarette flickered like a world-weary soul, tempting others toward ruin. She brought it to her lips and took a slow drag. The smoke sank into her lungs, sharp and burning. Cough, cough. Her throat protested, and her mind spun for a second. The feeling was far from pleasant. Her eyebrows furrowed as she remembered that she hadn''t taken up smoking during this time. A good student? A sarcastic smile tugged at her lips as she casually snuffed out the cigarette butt between her fingers, losing interest. She raised her lotus-like arm, pausing in midair, the layers of cold moonlight falling on her skin, giving it a porcelain smoothness. Boring, this version of her... no wonder she''d been bullied and targeted. She blinked lazily, lips lifted in a faint smile, but her long, fox-like eyes were dull, the shadow in them unreadable. The low murmur that dissipated with the smoke was either directed at her current self or mocking the helpless and weak version of her from the past. Click- The sound of the door opening came from outside. Carrying two portions of wontons, Ji Mu entered the living room and saw this scene. She stood half-leaning against the railing, faint moonlight casting a soft halo over her, like a mysterious spirit from deep in the mountains. She exuded an indescribable sense of desolation, yet there was an inexplicable attraction to her. Ji Mu, with his unconventional way of thinking, just found it strange. ...Becoming emo just because of a fever? As he pondered in confusion, he suddenly met an emotionless gaze. The girl standing on the balcony slightly tilted her head to look over, her inky black pupils radiating indifference like the cold wind of a polar winter night, revealing no warmth. This icy gaze sent a sudden chill down Ji Mu''s spine. He felt an inexplicable sense of danger, as if he were being watched by a poisonous snake with bared fangs and flicking tongue. Brushing aside these bizarre hallucinations, he closed the door and walked over to the dining table to place the packaged wontons. "Silly goose, what are you doing standing there?" A dark light flashed in Ruan Qingqing''s eyes when she saw the unfamiliar boy who had barged into her home. Silly goose? Is he calling me... She felt a sudden interest and reacted normally without revealing anything amiss. "The room is a bit stuffy, so I came out for some fresh air." This explanation did not arouse Ji Mu''s suspicion. He nodded, his eyes accidentally noticing the girl''s lower body. Her pale calves were exposed, her small feet stepping on the dirty ground, her delicate and round toes moving unconsciously under his gaze. Ji Mu frowned slightly. "Coming out without shoes?" Walking around barefoot not only makes her feet dirty, but also increases the risk of catching a cold and aggravating her condition. Why was she acting dumber than usual after getting sick? Even when I was sick, I wasn''t this stupid. "You''re still running a fever. Aren''t you afraid of getting worse?" He walked forward. Seeing the boy approaching step by step, the dark light in Ruan Qingqing''s eyes deepened. Strange. Normally, if any other man dared to approach her so boldly, she would feel the urge to tear them apart. But why can''t she muster even a trace of malice toward this person? This change in her feelings puzzled and intrigued her. Her thoughts fluctuated constantly, unaware that the boy had already approached. "Hmm?" As soon as he got close, Ji Mu smelled a faint scent of tobacco in the air. He leaned forward and sniffed, confirming that the source was indeed the girl, and raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You''ve been smoking?" Ruan Qingqing didn''t think much of it. Smoking was no big deal, nothing to make a fuss about. She opened her mouth to admit it, then, without thinking, said something else instead. "No..." Her expression tightened slightly, and she froze for a moment. What''s going on? Why did I suddenly lose control for a moment? "Do you think I''m an idiot? I can smell the smoke on you." Listening to the boy''s slightly annoyed teasing, she clicked her tongue in annoyance. So what if I smoke? Who are you to tell me what to do? She was about to retort, but just like before, the words changed to something else. "I''m sorry, I was just feeling a bit stuffy... so I thought I''d give it a try..." Her tone automatically lowered, becoming cautious and nervous. Ruan Qingqing: "..." Enough already. In her previous life, before her transformation, she spoke like this. She hadn''t expected to experience it again after reliving her life. Aside from the embarrassment, the two consecutive anomalies made her realize that the soul of her current life, dormant deep within her, was causing this. Subconsciously, you don''t want to lower this person''s opinion of you, huh... As she thought about it, the boy''s voice rang out. "Nicotine isn''t a cure-all. Don''t touch it again." The clear, clean voice rang in her ears like the gentle flow of a mountain stream, causing a sudden pain in her heart. "You must be starving after not eating all day. I bought some wontons from downstairs. Come and eat." Ruan Qingqing''s mind went blank for a few seconds before she regained her composure. It seems that something extraordinary has happened in this life. A stranger she has no memory of has influenced her to such an extent? Even the dormant soul within her was guiding reality and interfering with her body. "Why are you standing there? Aren''t you going to eat?" On the other side, Ji Mu opened the plastic lid with the wontons. Seeing her still unmoving, he walked over and grabbed her wrist, and led her to the dining table. "Eat and then go back to your room to rest properly. Don''t wander around anymore, understand?" He sounded more like a nagging mother than his usual extremely lazy self. I really am doing the most here. He sighed. "???" Staring at the back of the boy''s head, Ruan Qingqing was stunned for a moment. The warm touch on her wrist was different from her perpetually cold hands. Their skin pressed together, the warmth seemed to flow through her veins and into her heart. By her nature, she should resist, reject and loathe this. But instead... she obediently let him lead her forward, like a gentle, lost lamb. Strange. Everything about this was so strange. "You sit here first and eat the wontons quickly before they get cold." The warmth from her wrist slowly dissipated. "I''ll get your slippers from the room." As she sat silently in her seat, a faint feeling of reluctance welled up in her heart. Ruan Qingqing''s fingers curled slightly and remained still for a long time. What''s happening to me? Time was ticking away. When Ji Mu came out of the bedroom with her slippers, he saw the girl sitting at the table in the same position as before. She seemed unsure of how to use the utensils. He sighed and rubbed his forehead, exhausted. Great, now she can''t even take care of herself. Since she was still a patient, he couldn''t say much and had to take care of her himself. With this thought, Ji Mu walked over to the seat next to her and knelt down. "Lift your foot." Hearing his voice, the girl obeyed as if it had become a habit. "You''re quite obedient at times like this." His tone was more indulgent than helpless. As he spoke, he grabbed her outstretched ankle, and the sudden tingling sensation made Ruan Qingqing shrink back involuntarily. An indescribable feeling of security remained in her chest. Biting her lip slightly, she looked at the boy crouching in front of her. Of course, he was plain and unremarkable. Yet the more she looked at his bland face, the more familiar it seemed. For a moment, a wild guess surfaced in her mind. But within seconds, the thought was suppressed. It couldn''t be. Obviously... they were two completely different people. Although she repeatedly told herself not to be deceived, a faint voice in her subconscious whispered... But what if it is? Her mind was in turmoil. Her wandering gaze was nothing like the unwavering madwoman who could kill without flinching in her previous life. In the end, Ruan Qingqing hesitantly extended her hand. She slowly removed the glasses on the boy''s nose. "Silly goose?" He looked up in confusion, his peach blossom eyes now unobstructed by the frames coming into full view. The beauty mark beneath his eye was both seductive and enchanting, and his features were too perfect to be real. In her mind, the distant, blurry figure gradually became clear. She was stunned again. "It really... is you..." Like a bonfire lit at dusk, the indifferent winter ice in her heart subtly began to melt into a lake. "Ji... Mu..." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 71 - Symphony of Collapse, Part 2 Under the hazy moonlight, Ruan Qingqing''s thoughts drifted far away, back to the days before her transformation in her previous life. At that time, her reputation had hit rock bottom. Due to the covert manipulation by Fu Rongjing and others, many negative rumors spread in the school about her being kept by wealthy men, being a mistress, having affairs, and even going to the hospital for abortions. The rumors were rampant but unfounded, but her classmates stubbornly believed that she was a slut. Prejudice is a mountain in people''s hearts; once a fixed impression takes root, it won''t change no matter how hard you try. As the rumors escalated, she became a notorious figure, akin to a rat crossing the street, subjected to harassment far beyond what she had previously endured. Every day, her seat was filled with various unknown, foul-smelling, sticky liquids, which had become a routine occurrence. Sometimes there was even excrement. In stark contrast to her situation, Ji Mu was the complete opposite. With top-notch looks and exceptional exam scores, his outstanding qualities made him the center of attention from the moment he enrolled. Even after he was transferred to Jiangcheng, he was often in the headlines for winning competitions. In the hearts of many girls, he was an unattainable dream. If the "aloof flower on the mountaintop" was still within the reach of daydreams, then Ji Mu was like the snow on the peak of Makalu, the moon suspended among the stars in the night sky. Someone like that didn¡¯t inspire hope. He erased it. No one dared to fantasize they could be close to him. Even if they wrote love letters with trembling hands, they never had the courage to send them. Shrinking in the dark corner, Ruan Qingqing was just like most girls. Hugging the jacket she could never return, Ruan Qingqing watched the young man on television, full of spirit and confidence, and her heart yearned... Again and again, she wished that the god sitting above the clouds would look her way. Just once. Just for a moment. ... Returning from her memories to reality, Ruan Qingqing felt a moment of disorientation. No wonder... She had once wondered what made this boy so compelling, what had her so enthralled in this life. Now she understood. She looked at the boy crouched in front of her, face like sculpted jade. Her lashes fluttered slightly, and a new light stirred in her once still, dark eyes. "Why did you decide to wear glasses?" She asked softly, her tone carrying a hint of gentleness she hadn''t noticed herself. Ji Mu found her question somewhat puzzling. "Do I need a reason to wear glasses? I just felt like it." He helped her put on her slippers, then stood up and pushed the bowl of wontons on the table towards her. "Come on, eat. Then go back to bed and rest." After giving his instructions, he sat down across from her and opened his own portion. Seeing this, Ruan Qingqing asked curiously, "You haven''t eaten either?" Ji Mu lifted his eyelids and looked at her. "If someone could take care of themselves when they have a fever, I wouldn''t have had to rush over as soon as I got off the bus." He hadn''t eaten much during the competition in another city and had planned to treat himself to a big feast when he was done. But he hadn''t expected his target to cause such a big problem. Just hearing her faint, barely audible voice earlier had made his heart nearly leap into his throat. After running around in a panic, he was completely exhausted. Ruan Qingqing pursed her lips. Although she didn''t have any memories from this life, she was able to glean some information from his words. "I''m sorry, I..." "Stop." Interrupting her impending apology, Ji Mu lifted a hand and rubbed his temple. "Silly goose, I''m not blaming you." "Hmm?" "I''m saying this because if you ever find yourself in a similar situation again, you must call me immediately." She looked confused, so he spelled it out. "Don''t try to carry everything on your own, okay?" "..." Peach blossom eyes usually looked flirtatious, and Ruan Qingqing was aware of their deceptive nature. But... she could clearly sense the sincerity in his deep brown pupils. "I..." "Silly goose." The young man looked at her, his black hair falling over his delicate brow bone, his face half-lit by the moonlight, not diminishing the prominence of his features at all. His uniquely clear and pleasant voice made even a simple conversation sound inexplicably tender and enchanting. "I''m worried about you." Ruan Qingqing leaned uncomfortably on the back of her chair. The sudden unfamiliar emotion hit her heart. It was like being trapped in a swamp for so long, caked in filth, only for someone to pull her free and wrap her in sunlight. It was very warm, but... She pursed her lips slightly, without much emotion. It''s too late. In this life, I must have fallen under such an attack step by step. What do you really want from me? Her thoughts returned and she bit her rosy lips, seemingly troubled. "But I just want you to take care of me. What should I do~" The soft, drawn-out ending had an indescribable charm. Ji Mu: "......?" As if realizing her mistake, her expression became contrite. "Sorry. I must be really annoying, always hoping that you would pay attention to me." Ji Mu felt a bit troubled. Why did her clinginess increase so much after she got a fever? His stomach growled again. Could they please just eat first? The wontons were getting cold... He sighed silently. "Silly goose, I''ve never said you''re annoying. Wanting to be noticed isn''t wrong." He slowed down his speech, trying to make each sentence as simple and clear as possible so she could understand. "But can you not use this method? Because those who care about you will feel really bad knowing this." Ruan Qingqing tilted her head. Such a parental lecture. He sounded like an old man. She thought that, blankly, then asked mischievously, "So, are you someone who cares about me?" She expected him to be embarrassed and blush, or at least stammer and deny it like a typical boy. But to her surprise, he answered seriously. "Yes, I care." His direct gaze did not dodge hers, and his tone carried no hint of jest. "I care a lot." This unexpected reaction made Ruan Qingqing''s heart tremble slightly. It was like spring cattails rolling through the long forest under the clear blue sky, bringing vibrant life to the sparse vegetation. Clutching the hem of her skirt, she crumpled it up, momentarily at a loss for words. Seeing her duck her head, fumbling for words, Ji Mu looked away. He couldn''t tell what she was thinking anymore and gave up trying to follow her sick-brain logic. He picked up the plastic spoon and took a bite of the wonton, chewing contentedly before swallowing. Finally, he could eat. Indeed, when you''re hungry, everything tastes delicious ???? But before he could take a second bite, Ruan Qingqing picked up her bowl and sat beside him. Looking up at him, she said softly, "I want to sit here and eat with you~" Isn''t that the same as sitting across from him? Ji Mu was puzzled, but didn''t ask any further, letting her do as she pleased. As he lowered his head to continue eating, his pant leg was suddenly lifted and something gently brushed his calf. The warm touch at his feet caused his hand holding the plastic spoon to pause and his knee to move quietly to the side. However, the soft sensation followed persistently, rubbing back and forth with increasing frequency. Unable to stand the teasing any longer, Ji Mu got up from his seat. He could see the girl''s bare foot stretched out, her pink toes slightly curled. In the face of his silent questioning, the culprit looked innocent. "Your bowl looks so delicious~" What was she up to now? Ji Mu''s head was about to explode. At that moment, he truly felt like he was raising a daughter. "Are you not very hungry? If you really don''t want to eat, you can go back to your room and rest." Ruan Qingqing shook her head, her eyes staring straight at him. "My hands are sore~" Ji Mu: "???" He had no words. "They''re really sore." She pouted, tossing in a pitiful expression to match. "My hands don''t have any strength left~" With her soft features and sad little voice, she was born to act spoiled. Even Ji Mu found it hard to resist. "All right, all right." Defeated, he sighed and sat down, scooped up a wonton from the bowl and held it up to her lips. "Open up." "Mmm~" The girl half closed her eyes in satisfaction, her legs swinging leisurely under the table. She took a bite and mumbled indistinctly. "Tasty~" Seeing her joyful expression, Ji Mu helplessly reminded her, "Your bowl." Ruan Qingqing''s expression remained unchanged as she muttered, "I don''t care, whatever you feed me tastes good~" That''s a bit exaggerated. As he continued to feed her, Ji Mu secretly grumbled. It wasn''t that he resented acting like a servant, it was just that the girl in front of him felt inexplicably different. Ever since he bought the wontons and came upstairs, she had been acting strangely. Whether it was her personality, the way she spoke, or even her aura, it was as if... she had become a different person. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 72 - The Symphony of Collapse, the Melodious Tune As the girl slowly enjoyed her meal, the midnight snack was eaten leisurely. After about ten minutes, Ji Mu finally fed her the last wonton and finished the long feeding service. ...This was exhausting. He let out a long sigh, having never expected that one day he would play the role of a nanny. But that was just how it went when taking care of a sick person. No matter how unaccustomed, you could only force yourself to adapt. Suppressing the wave of resignation, and to prevent this young lady from starting more trouble, he quickly began to eat the remaining food in his own bowl. "Mm~ I''m full." The girl leaned back comfortably against the chair, her soft voice tinged with a hint of post-meal laziness escaping between her lips. Ji Mu, who was devouring his food, gave her a strange look. How can her appetite vary so much? Those few dumplings are barely enough to fill my stomach. Without thinking too much about it, he continued to concentrate on his food. At the dining table, he held a plastic bowl in one hand and kept picking up dumplings and stuffing them into his mouth. Soon, his cheeks were bulging like a hamster storing food. Funny, yet strangely cute. Ruan Qingqing turned her head, and seeing this scene, the corners of her mouth couldn''t help but turn up. Perhaps it was only at times like this that the boy''s exceptionally handsome, manga-like face seemed more real. Thinking about his usually unattainable demeanor in front of others, she suddenly became very curious. How did I come to be connected with this boy in this life? "Ji Mu, why are you so good to me~" "Hmm?" Swallowing the food he hadn''t had time to chew properly, Ji Mu replied naturally. "You are my only close friend. If I''m not good to you, who else can I be good to?" Just... friends? His tone was so matter-of-fact that Ruan Qingqing could sense that he had no intention of taking their relationship any further. Her pale fingers brushed the edge of the table as she smiled silently. What a failure. After knowing each other for so long, we''re still just friends. In your heart, you must be really frustrated, right? She silently asked the soul of her past life that lay dormant within her. The bittersweet emotion rising in her chest was the answer to her question. Tsk. Poor thing~ "Ji Mu, after you helped me drive out Chu Yashi and her group, why did you decide to stay?" Ruan Qingqing asked quietly, like she was just casually bringing up the subject. "I thought you were going to transfer to another school." Ji Mu was slightly surprised when she heard this. Was her sixth sense really that accurate? Back then, he really had considered transferring schools to avoid Chu Yashi''s troubles and the resulting disruption in his life. If the system hadn''t appeared out of nowhere, he would probably have submitted the transfer request the next day and made a quick getaway. After finishing the remaining dumplings in the plastic bowl, he slowly sat up. "Other schools may not have the same conditions as Yulan, and I don''t feel like bouncing around. It''s too much trouble." "Oh? Is that so..." Ruan Qingqing observed Ji Mu''s unchanged expression from the beginning to the end. Her face still had a gentle smile, but her tone had become slightly heavier, and the edge of the table was almost pinched into a slight indentation. Liar. If that was really the reason, why did you leave so hastily the next day in your past life? Lying without batting an eyelid... he truly deserved to be the top student in the six-school joint exams. Ji Mu, sitting next to her and about to grab a napkin to wipe his mouth, suddenly frowned. Why do I feel a chill from behind me... Did I catch a cold? Screech, screech¡ª Before he could investigate the cause, the chair next to him scraped against the floor. Instinctively looking up, he saw a cascade of beautiful hair flowing past his eyes, accompanied by a rich gardenia scent, as Ruan Qingqing leaned over and sat on his lap. The two massive mounds on her chest were provocatively outlined beneath the thin straps of her nightgown, and a few strands of black hair slipped down her elegant shoulders to fall into the deep line of her cleavage. "S-silly goose?" The snow-white, perky flesh had an intense visual impact. His gaze quickly shifted away. Still slightly dazed, Ji Mu didn''t understand her actions. "What are you¡ª" "Ji Mu." Her arm slipped around his neck. Her eyes were clear and luminous, like glass washed in spring water, shimmering with light. She leaned in, inhaling gently near his neck. "What cologne are you wearing? It smells so good~." Ji Mu awkwardly averted her eyes. "I didn''t use any cologne, just regular soap when I did laundry." This embarrassed reaction lifted Ruan Qingqing''s previously gloomy mood considerably. "Soap...?" Her free hand caressed his cheek back and forth. The sensation transmitted by her thumb was delicate and soft. It felt very comfortable, even better than she had imagined, making it hard to let go. "But I think your scent is much better than any perfume." Her voice was soft and soothing, though there was a seductive allure to her demeanor that contrasted with her pure and innocent appearance. "Can you tell me why? Hmm?" she asked flirtatiously. "....I''m not sure." His skin was starting to prickle under the warmth of her breath. "If you like it that much, I''ll buy you some." He felt a little uncomfortable and wanted to tell her to get off him, but every time he tried to speak, she cut him off. For example, just now: "Honestly¡ª" "It''s not about the brand of soap," she interrupted. "That''s not the reason." Ruan Qingqing''s face lit up with a dazzling smile. Her gaze shifted to the boy''s crimson lips, the slightly fuller lower lip resembling jelly, its color moist and bright. Just looking at them made them seem very appetizing... Her eyes darkened slightly. "Want to know what it is?" He still had that naive and clueless expression. "You know?" "Of course." Her slender white fingers moved restlessly upward, brushing along Ji Mu''s throat, feeling his Adam''s apple roll as he instinctively swallowed at her touch. Sexy... to the point of being deadly. Her breath faltered for just a moment, then steadied again. With him watching, she parted his lips slowly and slipped her fingers into his mouth. Her index and middle fingers stirred briefly inside, wet and warm. She narrowed her eyes, pleased by the texture. A moment later, she pulled them out, leaving a thin string of saliva in the air between them. She was fast. He didn''t have time to react With a smile on her lips, she slowly placed her two fingers in her own mouth. Her expression was as contented as a kitten licking a tin of meat. "Indeed, it''s sweet~." Ji Mu''s body stiffened, his mind completely blank. Pupils darted around rapidly as if they had endured the impact of an 8.0 earthquake. "Silly goose, you¡ª" "Shhh." She interrupted him again, her eyes framing an allure that seemed to draw him deeper into her spell. "You eat too fast," she remarked, her voice playful. "There''s food on your lips." She shifted closer in an almost imperceptible motion, hips pressing forward with every breath. "I''ll help you get it off, okay~?" Whatever distance had been left between them was completely erased. There was nowhere to escape. Before he could reject her, the tantalizing scent of her skin hit him head-on. The sensation was soft yet insistent, warm and wet, lingering for a moment before diving deeper. There was no hesitation here, no tentative brushes¡ªjust a fierce and relentless attack as if she wanted to claim every ounce of his breath and draw it into her being. Just as he felt his lips on the verge of parting, Ji Mu snapped back to his senses. BANG¡ª The sound of slamming into the table''s edge broke through the haze, and he abruptly pushed her away, jumping to his feet and creating distance between them. "Ruan Qingqing, what are you doing?!" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 73 - The Collapse Symphony, Midpoint Finale Something was wrong. Deeply wrong! Ji Mu took a short, convulsive breath. The shock of what he had just experienced had left his mind in turmoil. The girl who usually had a pure and innocent image had actually... forcibly kissed him?! What the hell was going on? Had she lost her mind? His gaze fell on the girl lying on the ground, and Ji Mu''s tightly furrowed brows could crush a fly. We are the closest of friends, how could you, how could you... I can''t understand, I just can''t! This was plainly unethical! "Silly goose, you''d better have a good reason for doing this." "A reason?" Ruan Qingqing was still smiling, not nervous at all. "I already told you~ I just wanted to wipe something off your face." Her red, delicate tongue gently brushed against her lips. That sensation, impossible to describe, wrapped around every nerve like thin, silken threads. Her heart gave out for a moment, her limbs slack and weightless. His lips were so soft. And so sweet. Sweeter than any candy she had ever tasted. She had never imagined that one day she would take the initiative to kiss a boy, nor had she expected that the experience would be so wonderful. It was just a brief contact, yet it sent ripples through her body, arousing her deepest desires and leaving her intoxicated by the lingering aftertaste. Ruan Qingqing bit her lip slightly in frustration. Hey, you''ve gotten so close to Ji Mu, but there''s still no progress. This kind of pain, being so close to him and still not being able to have him, must be unbearable, right? The longer you wait, the farther away he''ll slip. The thought settled in her mind. The negative emotions that rose in her chest were a hundred times stronger than before, even causing her body to tremble slightly. Her smile deepened. Don''t be afraid~. Don¡¯t be afraid~. He won''t be able to escape. Let me teach you... how to enjoy this delicacy. Ruan Qingqing''s eyelids lowered slightly, regulating her turbulent emotions. When she raised her eyes again, they had turned into a pitiful expression, as if she had suffered a great grief. "Ji Mu, why did you push me away? I only want to help you." "Help me?" You call this helping? Ji Mu wiped his mouth with his hand, completely disbelieving her nonsense. "Helping me by touching my mouth? Can''t I wipe it myself? Please, your lies¡ª" "It hurts." Before he could finish his sentence, he saw the girl sulking and sobbing, "It hurts so much, Ji Mu." Her eyes welled up with tears, and her shoulders slumped slightly, looking extremely helpless. Ji Mu''s expression remained indifferent. He figured she was acting again. But when his gaze fell on the bloodstains on her calf, the words he meant to say got stuck in his throat. "Woo... it hurts..." Ruan Qingqing''s face was pale. She leaned on one elbow and tried to stand up, but she didn''t have the strength. Her knees bent beneath her, and she slumped back into a half-kneel. There was a scratch on her calf, surrounded by bruises. Perhaps because her skin was so delicate, the wound looked especially prominent, and the blood that oozed out was even more vivid, evoking a feeling of pity. "Ji Mu..." A thin layer of sweat appeared on her forehead. She looked up at him as if grasping at the last straw, her voice weak and frail. "It hurts..." Ji Mu''s heart tightened. Her painful expression didn''t seem fake. Even though she had acted out of line earlier, she was, after all, his carefully protected mission target. Seeing her injured was like watching a $25 million painting get slashed. Feeling distressed, he rushed over to investigate the cause, "How did you get hurt like that?" Ruan Qingqing''s expression was downcast, tears glistening in her eyes, and she looked like a little fox, abandoned and trembling. "When you pushed me away, I accidentally scratched the leg of the table." "...I see." So the culprit is actually me? Ji Mu''s hands floated awkwardly in the air. He couldn''t say that he instinctively pushed her away because she suddenly kissed him. After all, she was in so much pain, and it was indeed his overreaction. ...Huh? Why do I feel a little guilty? Ji Mu''s expression froze. For some reason, he had the strange feeling of being manipulated. "Ji Mu, it hurts..." The girl''s pitiful voice interrupted his thoughts. Coming back to reality, he shook off those strange thoughts and crouched down beside her to check her injury. "Do you have a first aid kit at home?" Ruan Qingqing bit her lip and replied, "I have one in my room." After speaking, she probably realized that she couldn''t bother him anymore. She tried to go back to her room on her own, but she accidentally pulled on her wound and failed. Seeing her stubbornly endure the pain, refusing to ask for his help, was truly pitiful. Unable to watch any longer, Ji Mu simply took her in his arms. Ruan Qingqing seemed startled, but she didn''t struggle, just leaned against his chest without saying a word. Like a small animal that had been injured and then taken in by a kind person, she was filled with a strong sense of dependence. "If you couldn''t walk, you should''ve just told me. Stop torturing yourself." Hearing his voice from above, Ruan Qingqing buried her face in his chest and asked softly. "Ji Mu, am I heavy?" She wasn''t exactly light. At 165cm tall, she weighed a full 50kg. Since most of her weight was concentrated in her thighs, hips, and chest, she appeared slim on the surface, but carrying her was actually a bit of a strain. Feeling the soft flesh through the cloth, Ji Mu casually replied, "It''s fine." In his previous life, he had worked part-time moving goods that were dozens of times heavier; this weight was nothing. He entered the room, put her on the bed, and looked around, "Where''s the first aid kit?" Ruan Qingqing pointed to the bottom drawer of the desk. "Over there..." Ji Mu took the kit and opened it, crouching down in front of her. He wiped away the blood on her calf and applied iodine to the wound with a cotton swab. When he noticed out of the corner of his eye that the girl was biting her lip and not saying anything, not even crying out in pain, he was a little surprised. "Doesn''t it hurt?" Ruan Qingqing shook her head. She continued to stare silently. His amber peach blossom eyes were focused and serious. Even though he was just treating a simple wound, his actions were as meticulous as if he was handling a rare treasure without showing the slightest hint of negligence. She was somewhat dazed. It wasn''t that she felt touched, exactly. It was just unfamiliar. In her previous life, after her complete transformation, she had been alone. Loneliness was the norm for her. When bullied, she would retaliate tooth for tooth, eye for eye, using even more ruthless and cruel methods to strike back. Living in a dark world, she never hoped for redemption, nor did she believe that anyone could truly save her. But... "Silly Goose". The boy''s actions were gentle, his voice soft. He didn''t look up as he carefully disinfected the wound. From above, she could only see the tiny glimmer of concern in his eyes. "If it hurts, you must tell me." Ruan Qingqing didn''t react. Unconsciously, her hand clenched the sheet. Something stirred behind her eyes, a ripple in the darkness, as if something had rudely entered, opening a small crack in her fortified heart. Ji Mu, you''re just like you were in your previous life. So... annoying. While her emotions spun, Ji Mu had just finished treating the wound. "I''ve disinfected your leg. Don''t let it get wet until it heals." He was about to tidy up the scattered medical supplies and give some more instructions when a pair of cool, soft hands suddenly touched his cheek. The girl''s thick, curled eyelashes fluttered before his eyes, and her pale, beautiful eyes were like the autumn waters of West Lake. She leaned down and slowly moved closer, placing a light kiss on his lips. The soft, cotton candy touch was fleeting. Compared to the aggressive kiss from earlier, the girl now seemed to have shed her madness and become a devout believer. Ji Mu''s body stiffened. Even he hadn''t expected that she would have the courage to kiss him again. "Ji Mu, thank you~" After a moment of silence in the room, the girl explained her actions. "Thank you for taking care of me all this time. I really want to repay you, but I don''t have anything unique or something that others don''t have to offer." "After thinking about it, the only way I can repay you is with this first kiss." In both her past and present lives, she had never kissed anyone. This was something that no one else had ever experienced. So... The moonlight filtering through the gap in the curtains fell into her beautiful eyes, like cornflowers blooming in the dark, her voice filled with a gentle allure. "My kiss, completely... belongs to you alone." In the face of shifting fate, this wandering soul has endured much suffering. She stood alone amid broken walls and rubble, her eyes opening to a long stretch of desolate wasteland. She was destined to be forever imprisoned in this desolate graveyard, yet she harbored the delusional hope that some distant deity would cast a glance in her direction. Remembering the fleeting years of the past, her tumultuous fate had never ceased. A life of wandering had been her penance, the broken and incomplete melody carved into her bones. And finally, from within the countless ashes, she caught a glimpse... of a place where she could truly belong. Never in her life had she felt as happy as she did today. May the Lord... have mercy. (Affection for men: -15) Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 74 - Do you know youre about to be forced? The moonlight was cold and clear. In the dim and hazy bedroom, the blushing, romantic atmosphere blended into the air and spread invisibly. After hearing the girl''s answer, despite the turmoil in his heart, Ji Mu tried his best to remain calm and composed. "Mm... I understand." "Huh? That sounds so half-hearted~" The girl''s light, dissatisfied voice came through. Her hair cascaded like a waterfall, spilling all around her. Her narrow eyes stared unblinkingly, filled with a pitiful expression, as she continued to ask, "Or do you really not like this kind of repayment?" Ji Mu was silent for a moment. He decided not to answer, instead awkwardly changing the subject. "Get some rest." The girl pouted and hummed, her delicate feet fidgeting restlessly to express her displeasure. Ji Mu frowned and grabbed her ankle. "If you''re injured, don''t move. What if you accidentally hurt yourself again?" "You don''t like it anyway..." Ruan Qingqing muttered quietly. Ji Mu pretended not to hear. "I''ll get you some water to wash your feet." After walking barefoot on the ground for so long, her feet were surely dirty. Putting the first aid kit back in its place, and considering that his target''s personality was particularly strange and sensitive after a fever, he added a comforting remark before leaving the room. "Be good. Listen." His voice was soft, his tone extremely patient and gentle. She felt as if someone was playfully tugging at her heartstrings. Ruan Qingqing felt her ears burning and her eyes not knowing where to look. Before, she could not understand why people were so eager to follow a faceless dubbing artist or streamer. Now... she was starting to understand. Click! With the sound of the door closing, the girl breathed easily, as if she was relieved to suppress the chaotic emotions in her heart. She knew that Ji Mu''s charm was immense. But... she had underestimated the effect he had on her. Come to think of it, even in her previous life, he was indifferent to everyone, yet most of the girls in the school adored him. But now, this usually cold and lazy male god was showing an indulgent side exclusively to her. Such a contrast and such an effect - who could resist? Even she, who had always regarded the opposite sex as a nuisance, found her physiological needs rising to unprecedented levels because of him. Suddenly, many memories from this life flooded her mind. The young man standing at the sink. His long, defined fingers worked under the tap. Clear water rolled down his pale skin, beading and dripping off his wrist. That image alone stirred the deepest part of one''s greed. What would it feel like... to have those hands touching her all over? It was a scorching midday, and after finishing his run, he couldn''t stand the harsh sunlight and ran into the shade to cool off. He lifted his short-sleeved school uniform and wiped the sweat from his jaw. Unwittingly, the defined musculature of his torso was revealed to those watching. The viscous sweat trickled down his contours, eventually disappearing into the hem of his pants, exuding a full-bodied masculinity that left much to the imagination. If only she had been a little closer then... Maybe she could have... Dare to extend her tongue... That lewd... Wetness... Licked every bead of sweat from him. She couldn''t hold back her impulses anymore. "Ah... Mm..." Her delicate lips parted slightly, the breath that escaped carrying a hint of hoarseness. The flames within her burned fiercely, her eyes shrouded in a misty haze. It itched... She placed a single hand over the fullness of her chest, and with only slight force, her fingers sank into the soft flesh. It wasn''t just a simple itch on the surface of the skin. It was a torment deep within, a surge of desire buried beneath the currents of restraint. When the ice blocks halfway up the snowy mountain begin to show signs of melting, they are destined to overflow more and more due to the shifting stars. The long accumulation is bound to be released, and the fragile foundation of rationality will finally be overwhelmed by irresistible desire. To this day, Ruan Qingqing finally understands the meaning of the expression "burning with desire". She also understands why those scoundrels like Situ Yan looked at her with such hot, greedy eyes. Because now she is longing for Ji Mu with the same dirty thoughts. "Ruan Qingqing, I seem to have... underestimated you~" In this life, she had been able to endure being around him for so long. The strength of her will was obvious. But she was no longer the introverted and self-deprecating weakling she once was. Instead of hiding pathetically in a corner, fantasizing about him and comforting herself, she wanted to... become a predator who would take the initiative. Creak¡ª Ji Mu, holding a basin of water, pushed open the door and happened to meet her gaze. Her eyes were deep, the swirling colors in them indescribable, making him instinctively shiver. Just as his sixth sense was about to sound the alarm, she called to him softly with a smile as radiant as a flower. "You''re here~" The feeling of oppression instantly vanished, as if it had all been an illusion that had never happened. Ji Mu wouldn''t be stupid enough to dismiss what just happened as a hallucination. The girl''s behavior tonight was indeed strange and out of character, so he didn''t treat it with his usual casual and relaxed attitude. A hint of caution rose in his heart as he walked to the bedside and set down the basin of water without showing any emotion. "I added some hot water, check the temperature." "Okay~" She obediently lifted her foot and dipped it in the water. "How is it?" "Not too cold or too hot, very comfortable~" "Mm." Ji Mu sat on the edge of the bed and watched the girl comfortably wash her feet, advising, "It''s very late. As soon as you''re done washing, dry them and go back to bed to rest." "No way." Ruan Qingqing pouted, lifting her leg and placing her two pale feet onto his knees. "You help me dry them~" Ji Mu was silent for a moment. After a few seconds, he took the towel placed beside him, lowered his eyes, and carefully wiped her feet, not refusing her reasonable request. This indulgence made a mischievous smile appear on Ruan Qingqing''s face. "Good boy~" Hearing the teasing tone in her voice, Ji Mu didn''t react. However, she obviously didn''t intend to let him off so easily. The scent of gardenias in the air suddenly grew stronger, and without warning, the girl bent down and quickly pecked him on the lips. The speed was so fast that he didn''t even have time to dodge. By the time Ji Mu''s brain registered what had happened, she had already succeeded. "?!" After being ambushed three times in a row, his calm facade almost cracked. "You¡ª" "Don''t get upset~" Ruan Qingqing smiled playfully at him as if nothing had happened. "This is your reward for being obedient." Hearing her shameless words, Ji Mu took a deep breath, his chest rising and falling, and finally decided to remain silent. Seeing how tolerant he was, Ruan Qingqing continued to push her limits, "Why are you so nice to me?" "Because..." His gaze shifted and fixed on her pure and delicate face, and Ji Mu said every word clearly, "You''re silly goose." Ruan Qingqing blinked. That heart-pounding sensation hit her again, like an electric current running through her nerves, causing a tingling sensation. "Ji Mu... stop being so good to me." She held his wrist and rubbed her cheek against his palm, like a little fox being affectionate with its owner. His beautiful face was reflected in her bright black eyes. "Otherwise, I might really want to give myself to you." The softness of her fingers didn''t make Ji Mu pull his hand away immediately; instead, he unusually maintained intimate contact. "Haven''t you always called me A-Mu before?" He asked gently, "Why are you calling me by my name today?" "I just felt like it~" The girl, still unaware, continued to lie without changing her expression. "It doesn''t matter if it''s A-Mu or Ji Mu..." "So how long are you going to keep pretending?" The sudden interruption left Ruan Qingqing confused. "Hmm?" In front of her, Ji Mu''s expression remained unchanged as he stroked her cheek with his thumb. "Silly goose would never call me A-Mu." Ruan Qingqing''s expression instantly froze. In her ear, his tone visibly dropped several degrees. "I don''t care who you are..." Halfway through his sentence, the boy''s gaze turned icy, his amber eyes covered with a cold frost. "Leave Ruan Qingqing''s body." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 75 - You Caught Me Ah-la~ So I''ve been discovered. A hint of surprise appeared in Ruan Qingqing''s heart. Even though her disguise was exposed, she didn''t appear to be nervous. She couldn''t help but admire the boy''s keen senses, as she hadn''t expected him to catch on so soon. She had thought it would take a little longer for him to notice anything was wrong. Her cheek continued to rub nonchalantly against the boy''s warm palm. She smiled brightly and met his gaze. "Why are you so sure? What if I said... I really am Ruan Qingqing~" Ji Mu''s face remained blank. "So what if you are? So what if you''re not?" His fingers shifted, pinching the girl''s chin and forcing her head to tilt upward. No matter how he looked, it was the familiar face he knew, indistinguishable from the real one. But he was no fool. "Heh-heh~" As she slowly grabbed his wrist, Ruan Qingqing''s lips curled up nonchalantly. "Just a moment ago, you said that you were worried about me, that you cared about me. Why did you change your mind so quickly now?" Her voice trailed off seductively, like a lover''s whisper. Ji Mu''s expression remained indifferent. "You''re crazy. I have no time for your nonsense." He had no patience for anyone outside of his mission target. Looking down at her from above, his voice was devoid of emotion, his patience nearly exhausted. "Give me back the silly goose." The smile on the girl''s face faded considerably. Silly goose, silly goose, always silly goose. What kind of spell had her past self cast on him that he could only see the weak and boring Ruan Qingqing from before? They were the same person. So why... why won''t you accept this different face of mine? Or was it that only Ruan Qingqing, whose hands had yet to be stained with blood, was worthy of your wholehearted protection? Of course... she had already accepted the nickname "silly goose." A streak of silver light fell into her pupils, and the deep black color suddenly appeared, swallowing the remaining glimmer. The emotion called reluctance turned into jealousy, slowly seeping into her bones, infiltrating her veins. A bold and crazy idea was born in her twisted soul. Ji Mu, since you provoked me, it''s no longer up to you whether you want to accept it or not. High above the clouds, the gods were to be dragged into the abyss, their pristine bodies soiled, their heads bowed in humiliation. "You want her back?" Her eyes never left the boy''s face, her lips still curved in a smile. "Alright." As she spoke, her hand reached to the neckline of her slip dress and pulled it down slightly. The magnificent backdrop of the mountains was revealed, the fabric of the shoulder straps digging into the rounded, towering soft flesh. The great expanse of milky white skin was dazzling, undulating, and overwhelming. "Right here, if you touch it, maybe the silly goose will come back~" Ji Mu certainly wouldn''t believe such nonsense. The intention was too obvious, clearly aimed at taking advantage. Just as he was about to make a subtle assessment of the situation, the girl suddenly grabbed his other hand and forced it towards her chest. Reacting in time, Ji Mu immediately stopped, his palm stopping an inch before touching the fullness. "Let go." Ruan Qingqing smiled mischievously. "Don''t you want the silly goose back? Then why not touch it?" Ji Mu''s grip did not weaken in the slightest, but the girl''s slender fingers, though seemingly delicate, held his wrist with the strength of a rock. Damn, how is she so strong?! After struggling in vain for a moment, a few drops of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. Coldly and with difficulty, he spat out a few words, "Can you not be so desperate?" Ruan Qingqing ignored him. In her previous life, she had long become accustomed to all kinds of filth and cruelty, and she wasn''t at all bothered by such words. "Desperate? Well, maybe. After all, no man has ever touched me here before." She shifted her delicate frame slightly, her beautiful eyes glistening with a mist of moisture, like raindrops on a banana plant, enticing and alluring. "Well, this also counts as my first time, you know. Are you sure you want to refuse my repayment?" Though phrased as a question, her actions carried a forceful, domineering edge. As the distance between them visibly shrank, Ji Mu clenched his fist tightly, the veins on his forearms protruding. "Get lost! Do not taint this body with such a disgusting display." "Taint it?" Ruan Qingqing found it ridiculous. Did you think that a seemingly innocent fool could be any better? The filthy thoughts in her mind could easily fill five or six classrooms. You must know that enduring until now has resulted in a mountain of desires. Forcing someone is something the silly goose will inevitably do in the future, sooner or later. She just got here first, that''s all. "You think it''s humiliating, so humiliating it is. Then I''ll... degrade myself properly for you to see." She hid the malice in her eyes, her face mocking and playful. Crack¡ª As soon as she finished speaking, she immediately exerted force. Accompanied by the sound of his right wrist bone being crushed, Ji Mu''s face turned pale as paper, and more and more cold sweat appeared on his forehead. The pain of his bones being violently torn apart spread throughout his body like a volcanic eruption. His ability to resist was gone in an instant. Ruan Qingqing easily guided his other hand into the fabric of her chest. Heat was transferred from her broad and slender palm. Although it couldn''t completely cover the entire peak, the localized blood vessel expansion caused by physiological phenomena brought her an intense... "Mm... Ah~" At that moment, she felt like a fish struggling on the Cotopaxi volcano, her soft moans signaling the tension and excitement of venturing into the unknown. The girl almost lost herself in this strange sensation. "Does it feel good, Ji Mu~?" A huge blush spread across her face, her eyes misty and unfocused. The gardenia scent emanating from her body grew stronger, carrying a hint of a seductive criminal allure. Usually, it smelled fresh and natural, but now, as it gradually entered his nose, the heat in his body was strangely increasing. Ji Mu held his breath, enduring the intense pain in his hand, trying to keep the scent from entering his nostrils. "Let... let go." "Hmm?" A wet humming sound escaped from Ruan Qingqing''s delicate lips, and her breathing became heavier. She was like a ripe, juicy peach waiting to be picked. "Why should I let go? Do you really want me to~?" Her soft, flirtatious voice was full of allure. The sensation from her palm was as soft as water, slippery yet elastic, bringing a wonderful experience that was simply mesmerizing. If it weren''t for the constant, nerve-wracking pain from his broken hand, Ji Mu might have lost himself in the sensation for a while before regaining his sanity. "I''m telling you... one more... time, let go." He issued a final warning in a faint tone. Ruan Qingqing smiled indifferently. "Your expression looks like you''re enjoying this." She leaned close to the boy''s ear, her breath smelling like orchids. "If you really don''t like it, then why... are you squeezing?" Her teasing and playful tone was unmistakable. Ji Mu gritted his teeth. He couldn''t afford to hesitate any longer. If this dragged on any longer, something even more excessive would definitely happen. It seemed that he had no choice but to use his last resort. With that thought, he took a deep breath, and his previously discouraged state quickly vanished. "Hmm?" Ruan Qingqing sensed the sudden change in the boy''s demeanor. Before she could investigate the reason, the wrist she had crushed suddenly moved. In a flash, he reversed his grip and pinned her to the bed. Thud¡ª The immense force even caused the entire bed to collapse with them. In less than two seconds, the girl who had been teasing the boy with ease now had both of her hands firmly grasped. Since her transformation, she had never met anyone who could surpass her in strength, not even those so-called ancient martial artists. But today, she was suppressed to the point of immobility. Ruan Qingqing''s expression changed slightly. "Ji Mu, why are you¡ª" "I already gave you a chance." The boy calmly interrupted her question. "Since you didn''t appreciate it, don''t blame me for using the most ruthless method to personally force you to leave this body." Perhaps it was the overly calm tone of his voice or the oppressive feeling surrounding her at that moment. The outstretched hand in her vision continued to grow, and a rare feeling of fear arose in Ruan Qingqing''s heart. She instinctively closed her eyes and shrank her body, but after a long time, the expected damage did not occur. Confused, she opened her eyes to see the window open and the curtains swaying. Ji Mu was gone. "Huh?" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 76 - The Boy Who Fails to Escape Will Not Meet the Transformed Girl The night sky was clear, with a full moon hanging high. Silver veils spread over the corners of the city, omnipresent. It was like an invisible prison, where no matter how the prisoners tried to escape, they couldn''t break free from its control. Tonight, the moonlight felt especially cold and eerie. Not far from the southern district, deep within an artificial grove, Ji Mu was sprinting at a fast pace, the rustling sound of dried leaves and twigs echoing under his feet. His previously broken wrist had fully recovered from the skill effect of [Ancient Evil Lai], and his body was back to its peak condition. Although he had just easily subdued the girl, Ji Mu knew that if he didn''t use the duration of the skill to make a quick escape, he would be in big trouble facing the person with strange and monstrous strength once the 30-second weakness period kicked in. Ji Mu had no idea what kind of entity had taken over the silly goose''s body, and he couldn''t bring himself to harm that body. So he decided that fleeing was the best option. "System?" "System?" "Brother System?" The voice in his mind was like a stone sinking into the sea; no matter how he called, there was no response. If the system was asleep in its room, a few calls should have woken it up instead of getting no response at all. Ji Mu''s heart gradually sank. What''s going on...? First, the personality of the mission target changed drastically, as if it was possessed by a ghost. Now, even the reliable system has inexplicably lost contact. Everything that happened tonight was too sudden. His thin figure darted through the complex terrain. Even though he was currently in a helpless situation, Ji Mu tried his best to ignore the panic and forced himself to remain calm, methodically thinking through each step. Since both anomalies happened at the same time, there was probably some connection between them. Could it be related to a plot point? Hmm... That possibility was pretty high. First, find a nearby hotel to hide in, then wait for the skill''s cooldown to end before observing and verifying. With these thoughts in his mind, he stopped. The silent period of weakness descended like iron lead injected into every joint, and his breathing immediately became sluggish. Leaning weakly against a large tree, Ji Mu gritted his teeth in frustration. Damn it! Who on earth is the wandering spirit that has taken over the silly goose''s body? Once again, forced kisses and being violated as if she hadn''t been with a man for decades¡ªit was as if she had turned into a perverted crazy woman. Weak and powerless, he had no way to defend himself. If he hadn''t been smart enough to pretend and put on a show to distract her before fleeing, he would have been... The thought made her shiver involuntarily. He glanced around the dense underbrush, catching his breath. ¡°I should¡¯ve shaken her off by now, right?¡± No sooner had he whispered that than a chill rolled down his spine. "Hahaha~" A delightfully evil chuckle drifted into his ears amidst the cool night breeze. Hearing this familiar voice, Ji Mu''s palms began to sweat and his body felt frozen. No, this can''t be... He raised his head stiffly. A gust of wind swept through the corridor, rustling leaves as they fell, and the scraping sounds of the trees broke the silence of the garden. A slender figure of a young girl sat on a sturdy branch, her well-proportioned, slender legs dangling in the air, swaying gently. Bathed in the soft silver moonlight, she looked like a celestial being descended to the mortal world. She smiled serenely, her hair cascading down like a waterfall, shimmering with a radiant glow. "Thinking of leaving me, Ji Mu~?" "You..." Ji Mu was stunned, his slightly parted lips remaining open for a long time. The sight in front of him sent him into an unprecedented mental storm. In his eyes. A fluffy tail swayed behind her, and a pair of furry fox ears protruded from either side of her head. Her elongated eyes were no longer black and white, but a mesmerizing crimson. He swallowed dryly, realizing that this was no illusion. What is this... a fox-eared girl? He rubbed his eyes to confirm, but the girl who had been sitting on the branch was nowhere to be seen. A delicate hand rested on his shoulder and a warm, scented breath brushed past his earlobe, making his skin tingle with goosebumps. She had somehow appeared beside him without him noticing. "I was wondering why you wanted to run away even after becoming so powerful." Her voice was soft and charming. "So this ability... has a time limit?" The pressure she applied to his shoulder made his arm throb. He couldn''t move. Ruan Qingqing watched him closely. "So it is temporary. The price of your weird skill, right? Now you¡¯re all weak again~" Ji Mu remained silent. He appeared calm on the outside, but inside, he was panicking. With every accurate statement the girl made, his uneasiness grew. "Still playing dumb, huh~?" Ruan Qingqing''s voice was teasing as she had already seen through his thoughts. "Let me guess, you no longer have any tricks like that strange ability, right?" "..." Seeing that the boy didn''t answer, she didn''t care. Her fingers brushed lightly, the tips sliding along the gap between the shirt buttons. The soft texture of his skin under her fingertips was intoxicating, fueling her boldness as her fingers continued to roam. Despite this, he remained silent, enduring like a quail. Ruan Qingqing''s lips curled into an evil smile. "Since you''re so willing, does that mean... for the foreseeable future, you''ll just let me¡ª" She paused deliberately, noticing the tremor in his body. It was as if a Pandora''s Box had been opened; her breathing became heavier. The intoxicating, seductive sound was accompanied by a stifled, excited gasp. "¡ªdo as I please~?" ....... [Are you saying... the heroines of the other three books are also demihumans?] In the mental space, after hearing the information revealed by Fan Lei, the system scratched its hair and felt an itch in its head. I thought it was just a simple, slice-of-life, urban school redemption story. How did it end up involving monster girls? [Damn, how much of my memory from the previous cycle did you change?] Ugh, this mission was really hard. "Wuwuwu... I had to do it to make sure the mission went smoothly!" Fan Lei immediately pretended to cry. As soon as the words "Butterfly Effect" were mentioned, the system felt a surge of frustration. No matter how annoyed it was, it could only hold it in. [Alright, stop pretending. Let''s get to the point.] "Hehe~" Upon hearing this, Fan Lei''s tearful expression vanished instantly, faster than a page turn. The system was speechless. Everyone''s changing their faces without any hesitation, huh. "Xiao Qi, once Ruan Qingqing''s misandry completely disappears, the memories regarding the second heroine will automatically unlock in your mind." Fan Lei seriously reminded the system. "Be prepared, the second heroine is much more troublesome than the silly goose." The system was indifferent. Troublesome? What nonsense! With its brilliant mind, the strongest brain, and a host blessed by the God of Friendship, what heroine couldn''t be won over? Fan Lei found the system''s contemptuous expression amusing. "Xiao Qi, don''t be so confident. Whether your good host can successfully survive tonight''s full moon is still uncertain." It spoke meaningfully. "After all, this little fox... can absorb human essence." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 77 - The Battle to Clear Ones Name! [Feeds... feeds pn human essence?] The system''s expression was strange. Is that what I think it means? [No way, the silly goose considers the host to be a close friend, almost a soulmate. Besides, her personality wouldn''t allow it.] Their relationship is purer than mere friendship. If they really got together, it would be no different than incest. "It''s blood sucking." Fan Lei gave it a sideways glance. "She''s the last pure-blooded Mystic Fox, not like those seductive fox spirits who drain people''s Yang energy for their carnal pleasure." "As for how to increase her power, of course it''s by absorbing the essence in the blood." The system strokes its chin thoughtfully, seemingly remembering something. [Is it the kind where the more blood you suck from the person you care about the most, the stronger you get?] "More or less, but the requirements for a Mystic Fox to suck blood are very strict." Fan Lei snapped her fingers. "If it''s someone totally unrelated, the person gets drained to a corpse almost instantly." [So the closer the relationship, the less blood is needed?] the system followed up. "Bingo~" With Fan Lei''s confirmation, the system finally relaxed. Given the deep bond between the host and the female lead, the amount of blood involved probably wouldn''t even be enough to fill a syringe. Sure, the loss of essence would weaken the body for a long time, but with the host¡¯s 60-point physique, he was basically built different. A few drops of blood wouldn''t be a big deal. If necessary, they could eat something nutritious later to replenish themselves. In short, two words: It''s fine! The system rubbed its hands with anticipation. It wondered how far the two of them had gotten, probably just exchanging pleasantries. ...... "Come on, it''s time to get undressed~" Inside the room, the intense heat and passion materialized in the darkness, creating a palpable atmosphere. The air was stagnant, almost frozen. Sweat dripped from the chin, soaking the fabric. The half-open window couldn''t bring any coolness to the restless environment. On the collapsing bed, Ji Mu''s limbs were tightly bound with coarse ropes, the fresh red marks around his wrists and ankles constantly reminding him not to harbor any naive fantasies of escaping his bonds. Beside him, the young girl lay on her side. Her delicate fingers traced and teased beneath the thin fabric, each light stroke filled with a subtle, almost imperceptible flirtation. The country cats often displayed sadistic tendencies when hunting their prey. They would release their prey only to snatch it back again, an endless cycle of torment, taking pleasure in the prolonged suffering. Their movements are as feline as their nature. I can''t let my guard down for a moment... Until the target was exhausted and unable to resist. And now, Ji Mu was the prey she repeatedly toyed with in her hands. As her fingers deftly unbuttoned his shirt, his tense body trembled slightly. She was immensely pleased with the boy''s forced endurance as he teetered on the brink of losing his mind. "Heh heh~" Leaning forward, her voluptuous form pressed against his chest, she exhaled a warm breath near his ear, "Why are you ignoring me, hmm?" The sound of breathing near his lips grew closer. Ji Mu turned his face away, pretending to be deaf and dumb, maintaining an attitude of complete disregard. However, Ruan Qingqing found his stubbornness to be somewhat akin to playing hard to get, which made him all the more adorable. When the obstructive clothes were removed, the boy''s upper body was completely exposed. His cold, white skin came into view, with smooth shoulder blades and a clear, elegant collar bone structure. His abdominal muscles were slightly pronounced, firm and shapely, with a sexy waistline that seemed to be bursting with explosive energy. He was one of those guys who could dazzle anyone with a glance at his muscular waist. "You''re so handsome." The uncontrollable heat surged, making her voice hoarse as she leaned closer, her breath heavy. Moonlight squeezed through the window bars, unable to see the intense desire swirling in the girl''s eyes. "Ji Mu, you look... really delicious." A whisper mixed with desire escaped her lips as she couldn''t help but lower her head. Her thick black hair fell over her shoulders, the silky strands sliding slowly down. "Mm... Ah... The moist softness on Ji Mu''s skin made his Adam''s apple instinctively roll up and down twice, the uncontrollable soft moan was nothing short of shameful. Warm lips and tongue wrapped in moisture, sticky and tender kisses fell densely like raindrops on various parts of his skin. Starting from the waist and abdomen, the chest cavity, the throat, the jaw... they climbed up one by one. With great patience, not missing any hidden corners. This was a predator skilled in the use of such methods, an incomparable way of comfort that turned into rainwater that silently nourished, the conflict between gentleness and strength filled the heart, pulling at the blood vessels and muscles connected to it. Ji Mu was well aware of the danger. He understood that this was wrong, that it wasn''t right, but... The signs of his limbs softening due to instinct overrode his barely maintained rationality once again. Everything was so perfectly timed, as if there was a small hook that tentatively tried to lower his bottom line. "Stop... Mm... Stop." He gasped intermittently, but his hands and feet no longer had the strength to struggle. The "buzzing" white noise in his ears sounded wave after wave, like being submerged deep in the ocean, his consciousness and vision scattered, making it difficult to control his body, yet he could clearly hear all the movements around him. The sound of the delivery boy downstairs hurrying down the stairs and riding away on his electric bike. The subtle rustling of the branches and leaves outside the window, swaying to the rhythm of the wind. And... the sound of breathing getting closer. The girl''s eyelashes dropped, staring unblinkingly. Though her eyes were narrow and long, the diameter of the irises inside was quite large, the crimson pupils shimmering like ruby gems, enchanting enough to make one sink into them. "Do you like the way I repay you, Ji Mu?" she asked softly. When she saw that the young man did not respond, she clung to his tightly closed lips and licked them. Even though the person beneath her remained unresponsive and unmoving, she continued to grow like bamboo shoots after the rain, greedily and recklessly wanting to absorb more, more nutrients. When she heard the breathing next to her ear becoming more and more unstable, she finally decided to stop. She lifted her eyes again to look at him, her voice soft and light as she repeated the previous question. "Do you like it, hmm?" Ji Mu''s chaotic breathing was disrupted by the girl''s relentless approach. He couldn''t understand what major event had occurred tonight that had caused the mission target to be possessed by an unknown wandering spirit. Nor could he understand why the system had inexplicably lost contact, forcing him to fight alone until now. Even more puzzling was how he, equipped with the SSR-level Gold Card skill "Gu Zhi E Lai", had ended up trapped on the bed, at the mercy of others. He couldn''t figure it out, really couldn''t figure it out... "Don''t want to answer me?" The girl obviously didn''t want to give him too much time to think. The hot and humid breath enveloped him, gradually reducing his already limited breathing space. "Do you like it or... not?" The danger signals were unmistakable; if he chose to remain silent, the other''s next actions would undoubtedly be much more excessive than before. Thinking about this, Ji Mu''s emotions became even more complicated. They were supposed to be the closest of friends, but now... The other was using his best friend''s body to perform intimate acts that only couples would do. This violation of friendship and ethics was constantly washing over his heart, causing his soul to suffer torment. He spoke hoarsely, hoping to stop the girl. "Don''t do this." But just as he was about to use his words to convince the wandering spirit, he realized that the other had been planning this for a long time. As soon as he opened his mouth and said a few words, she seized the opportunity to suddenly invade, completely sealing his lips and teeth. "I don''t li¡ªmmm mmm!!" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 78 - Innocence Preserved, But Not Completely "Mm... ah..." The sound of swallowing saliva was clearly audible in the still air. Ji Mu felt a disorienting dizziness, as if his clarity was being gradually eroded. Each shallow breath left him more unmoored, the sensation like waves swallowing him whole. The surging waves engulfed and submerged him, his thoughts scattered chaotically. In his vision, he could only see the girl''s jade-like face. She had closed her eyes, her curling lashes trembling slightly, like a butterfly about to take flight. Her features were delicate and restrained, flawless and soft, without a hint of aggression. But... it was that pure face that did the most rebellious thing. The inexperienced kiss pressed tightly, carrying a highly aggressive meaning as it ground and rubbed between their lips and teeth. The wet, soft foreign object swept wildly, loudly proclaiming the territory it had conquered. It was like a red spider lily blooming on every inch of hell, or a child eagerly sucking on candy. Her tender body, like a ripe peach, enveloped him, the rapidly rising temperature almost melting him. The scent of gardenias filled his nostrils, occupying all his olfactory nerves. Outside the curtains, the silver light was blurred and distant. Across the street, warm lights illuminated the border between darkness and light. There was no clock on the bedroom wall, no sign of the changing time. The girl lay on his chest, kissing him passionately, her round, soft fullness squeezed and deformed. It seemed as if time had been forgotten, or perhaps they had been forgotten by time. As the breath continued to ravage him, as the suffocating sensation caused by the lack of oxygen to the brain was about to cause him to lose consciousness, the other one finally let him go. "Cough, cough." The hot, moist tongue left his lips, and Ji Mu took a deep breath of the thin air, his chest heaving violently, a subtle feeling of survival spreading through his heart. "Heh~" With a light laugh, compared to the boy''s relief at escaping death, Ruan Qingqing''s feelings at this moment were something else entirely. She had expected that kissing him would be very pleasant, but... she hadn''t expected it to be this pleasant. What was this indescribable high she was reaching? Her trembling soul seemed to separate from her body at that moment, soaring into the sky and then free-falling back down. Every cell in her body pulsed with an unprecedented rhythm. The shell she clung to was no longer the lifeless monotony of her previous decades of life, but rather... she truly felt the pulse and vitality of life. Ah~ So amazing... So wonderful... Straddling the boy''s waist, she couldn''t help but move her hips. Covering half of her flushed face with one hand, she remembered the lingering taste left behind after the waves of passion receded. Pink hearts sparkled in her eyes. "So sweet, so delicious~" Listening to her murmur, Ji Mu didn''t dare to move a muscle. His body was still soft, and there was a long cool down period before he could use the Ancient Evil skill again. This window of time meant that he was destined to be a fish on the chopping block, allowing her to play and tease him at will. System... where are you? When he was trapped in a situation where he was being harassed and unable to resist, no matter how strong his mental strength was, he was still just a sixteen-year-old boy. How could he stay calm? Ji Mu closed his eyes, tears of despair streaming down his face. Family, I guess it''s really over today. "Hmm? Why are you crying?" The girl, like a kitten enjoying a can of meat, leaned forward and licked the tears from the corner of his eyes. "I''m sorry, I just really wanted to repay you." With a soft voice, she patiently said, "If you really don''t like this kind of repayment, I can stop. Hearing this, Ji Mu, who had been silent for a long time, finally reacted. He opened his eyes and met her deep red gaze. Although he didn''t speak, his desire for confirmation was obvious. "Really~" Ruan Qingqing replied innocently. However, her mind was filled with the pitiful image of the boy who was now suffering from the bullying. Especially those amber peach blossom eyes, clouded with tears, resembling the twilight of an autumn rainy season. Her hair was messy, with a few strands sticking together on her forehead from sweat. Her body was a complete mess, covered in ambiguous red marks because she hadn''t restrained herself. She licked her lips and looked at him. Seeing him like this, the violent urges that had been building up inside her were completely unleashed. I want more, more... But she understood that now was not the time. "I wouldn''t lie to you," she said, pretending to be the girl-next-door, smiling warmly. The tone carried an almost imperceptible hint of seduction. "But first... you have to play a little game with me~" "Wha... what game?" "It''s a very simple game. You''ll know once you play it," Ruan Qingqing teased, deliberately keeping him in suspense. Ji Mu''s eyebrows furrowed, his subconscious telling him that she definitely had an ulterior motive. However, if he continued to refuse to cooperate, the consequences would probably be just as bad. To buy some time, he reluctantly agreed. "...Alright." Unbeknownst to him, Ruan Qingqing had been waiting for this very answer. "Alright~" The two pointed ears on top of her head twitched slightly in triumph, and the fluffy fox tail behind her swayed. As it flew by, the bindings on its limbs loosened. After a rustling sound, Ji Mu was helped to her feet and turned to lean against the headboard. The girl took a strip of cloth and blindfolded him. His vision plunged into darkness, and a sweet, warm breath lingered at his earlobe. "If you can guess what six items I feed you, I''ll let you go~" "..." Ji Mu swallowed nervously. His intuition warned him that the content of the game was definitely not as simple as the girl made it sound. But there was no turning back now; he had to brace himself and go through with it. Suppressing the fear that rose in his heart, he tilted his head slightly, silently indicating that he was ready. A few seconds later, a slightly cool object touched his lips, as if it had been in the refrigerator for a long time. Ji Mu hesitated for a moment before slowly opening his mouth to take a bite. The texture was crisp and the taste was sweet with a hint of sourness. He immediately realized what it was. "An apple." "Yes, correct~" Ruan Qingqing smiled softly. She took out another object and put it in his mouth. "And this?" "A banana." This time, Ji Mu didn''t hesitate much. The girl clapped her hands in praise. "Great, you got it right again~" They continued. "Sprite." ... "And?" "Vinegar." ... "Mhm~" "A pear." ... As time passed, the guessing game without prizes reached its final round. Ji Mu''s furrowed brow gradually relaxed. The ease with which he correctly guessed five items in a row made him think that the girl had changed her mind. Just as his tense nerves began to relax, she slowly reached out to cradle the back of his head. While he was still confused, those hands suddenly applied a little pressure. His body leaned forward uncontrollably and he unexpectedly fell into a soft, warm embrace. His cheeks were enveloped in a heavy, undulating softness. The sensation was like cotton candy, floating clouds, or freshly baked cake. "Mmm... mmm..." By the time Ji Mu realized that something was wrong, it was too late to pull away. He reached out to push away, but no matter how much he resisted, it was useless. "Be good~" Ruan Qingqing slightly lowered her head. Her fingers stroked the boy''s fine hair. As she watched his prominent nose bone sink into it, her eyes filled with misty water vapor. So cute... Like a little animal to be toyed with endlessly~ "Now guess again..." Her soft voice became hoarse, mixed with a hint of pleasure. "What do you have in your mouth?" "Mmm..." Ji Mu mumbled indistinctly. He knew exactly what the answer was, but those two words were embarrassingly difficult to say. "Is it... uh... is it..." "Unfortunately, time is up." The girl released him at that moment and announced the result of the game. "You lost~" Ji Mu panicked and tried one last time, "Wait¡ª" "Sorry, I can''t wait." Her fingertip rubbed his soft rosy lips as Ruan Qingqing interrupted him with a slightly regretful tone, but a mischievous smile slowly formed on her lips. "So next... as punishment." "Your mouth will have to taste something else~" Under the ambiguous moonlight, the sound changed from light to heavy. In the dizziness, Ji Mu seemed to hear the murmur of a shape-shifting fairy at his ear. The slightest misstep would drag him into the abyss, making it impossible to return to clarity. That night, he deeply realized that boys must protect themselves well when they go out alone. And then, in this world where he had just come of age, he understood even more... It turns out that there is something else besides seawater that is salty. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 79 - Good Brothers in the Heart, Cant Reach by Phone A rainy night suddenly arrived. It washed away the dried dirt left on the ground. The raindrops kept hitting the window, producing a crisp sound¡ªbang bang. In the bedroom, Ji Mu''s wet hair curled and tangled. Crystal clear liquid remained on his face and lips, as if his entire head had been submerged in water, enduring unimaginable torture. His amber eyes were hollow and lifeless, as if they had lost the dwelling place of their soul, no longer shining with their former brilliance. He... was no longer clean. In his previous life, he struggled alone in society, working hard for a living from sunrise to sunset. No matter how hard the nine-to-five life was, it never crushed him. But tonight, he''d reached his limit. In his shallow understanding, the trivial things between men and women were exhausting and harmful to the body, completely meaningless. But... Why?! Why were there so many strange and bizarre "techniques"?! First being treated this way, then being treated that way. Not only was his worldview greatly affected, but his young heart had also suffered an irreparable trauma. Remembering the unbearable scenes just now, Ji Mu''s mouth still tasted a bit salty. Terrifying. Truly terrifying. Even though he hadn''t crossed the final line, he had already washed his hair five times in a row. If it really came down to the last step, he wouldn''t... Trembling, he wrapped his arms around his knees and curled up in a corner of the bed, seeking an elusive sense of security. Even the most durable sneakers in the world can''t withstand repeated wear and tear on concrete. I''m going to die. I''m definitely going to die! Click! At that moment, the handle turned. In the quiet environment, the sound of the door opening was exceptionally piercing. Ji Mu unconsciously clenched his hands and lowered his head even more. Of course, Ruan Qingqing didn''t miss these subtle movements. Like a quail again~ A playful glint flashed in her eyes, and a smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Her lips glistened slightly, like the bright red camellias in full bloom. With graceful steps, she moved lightly, her round and jade-like hips settling on the edge of the bed, the mattress creaking under her. The unique scent of gardenias on her body became even more intense after the bath. Ji Mu met her palpable gaze, his chest feeling like it held a rabbit, jumping around in panic. Her silent gaze swept over his entire body, sticking to him like glue, creating an overwhelming feeling of pressure. He didn''t dare take a deep breath. After a while, he heard a soft giggle. As soon as the fluffy foxtail''s voice faded, she quickly wrapped herself around his waist. His body, originally curled up, was forced to sit up on the bed. Two incomparably soft mounds pressed against his back like melted marshmallows. Her chin rested on his shoulder, and her slender white fingers wrapped around his waist, caressing his skin. Hot breath trickled into the ear canal. "Hiding from me? Hmm?" Ji Mu''s breathing quickened and slowed at intervals, the blush spreading from the corners of his eyes to the roots of his ears, the veins on his neck faintly visible. Just as he regained some strength, his body softened again. Heh~ The girl stifled her voice, unable to hide her joy. The soft pink tongue licked his blood red earlobe and exhaled softly, "Your body... is trembling." Ji Mu''s lips moved uncontrollably, his neck arched back as he found the newly lit warm-toned lights on the ceiling too harsh. His deep brown eyes were unfocused and chaotic. The itch that crawled up his spine kept moving through his body. What made it worse was the constant intimate touch of moist, warm breath against his ear. Luckily he was sitting on the bed, otherwise his legs would have been too weak to stand. Since his childhood, Ji Mu had an extremely fatal weakness. That is... his body was unusually sensitive. While other people''s sensitive areas might be limited to certain parts, for him, everything except his limbs was a forbidden zone. Even the slightest accidental touch would cause a tingling sensation, sometimes even causing weakness and embarrassing reactions like gasping. For this reason, he was not accustomed to physical contact with others. When he gained the ability to live independently, he left the orphanage early to live on his own. And now this carefully hidden secret had been revealed by an unknown wandering spirit. With his lifeline grasped, he was destined to be miserably at the mercy of others. "Mmm... ah..." He bit his lip, not wanting to make such shameful sounds. But the instinctive reactions of his body were beyond his control, each sound forcing its way through his lips. His will was destroyed, but his body betrayed him. His face was flushed a deep red, and he felt like dying of embarrassment. On the other hand, when Ruan Qingqing noticed that the boy was nearing his limit, she decided to stop the torture. She planted a soft kiss along his burning earlobe, then gently stroked the back of his head, her touch tender. "Thank you for today. I had a wonderful time~" Ji Mu panted, gritting his teeth. Having my hair washed five times in a row? Of course I''m not happy! "Hmm~" How could the mischievous girl not know what he was thinking? Had it not been for the fact that time was running out, she would have done it a few more times to make this stubborn guy completely submit, both in heart and in words. "Too bad..." After all, it was the first time she had her real experience. Even though it hadn''t gone all the way, the sheer excitement of the preliminaries had made her long for more. Ruan Qingqing''s eyes narrowed, regret flashing across her face. "It''s okay, after all... there will be another chance," she said, her voice soft. "Well, it''s time for a proper meal, I guess." Her gaze moved to the other''s neck and she leaned in, her nose almost touching the cold, pale skin. It was as if she could smell the sweet, hot blood flowing beneath. Her eyes darkened for a moment. Her lips parted to reveal two slightly elongated canines. She slowly ground them together, then sank them into the artery with precision. "Hsss¡ª" The color drained from Ji Mu''s face, his forehead furrowed in discomfort. The flush on his cheeks visibly faded, leaving him pale. The sharp teeth pierced the skin, causing an initial sting of pain that mixed with the cold sensation of her fangs piercing his defenses, going straight to his marrow. He could clearly feel the blood being slowly drained from his body. It was as if his soul was being pulled into a boundless, dark abyss filled with pain and powerlessness. As his consciousness faded, he heard a faint whisper. "Don''t even think of leaving me, Ji Mu. You can''t escape. Not now... not ever." ..... [Host.] [Wake up, host.] [I''m back, I''m the sleeping dragon, host!] [Host? Host?] [If you don''t wake up soon, your 25 million will be gone!] As soon as he received a certain signal, Ji Mu''s eyes snapped open and he shot up from his position in an instant. "What''s going on? Impossible! What happened to my 25 million... Ugh..." The pain in his neck helped to clear his hazy consciousness. [Host, you''re finally awake!] The small sprite-like system flew in front of him. [I''ve been calling you for over ten minutes, I thought something had happened to you.] "System?" Ji Mu was taken aback at first, then he grabbed the system and rubbed it vigorously, his expression fierce. "You little rascal, where did you go? Do you know that I was almost... molested and turned into a stuffed animal?" Damn it, you thick-skinned one! You can''t even take a call when I need it?! [Hey, hey, hey, it''s all a misunderstanding.] The system''s chubby little face scrunched up, pleading and explaining repeatedly. [I was suddenly taken by the world consciousness...] Halfway through the sentence it stopped, realizing something was wrong. Its eyes immediately widened. [What the heck? Molested?!] It pushed the boy''s hands away and flew into the air to inspect him carefully. Only then did it notice that his clothes were half open, revealing tender skin covered with countless hickeys. It was clear that he had been brutally mistreated. [Host, you...] Damn, what happened while it was gone? "Sigh." Ji Mu looked up at the ceiling at a forty-five degree angle and let out a sigh that would make anyone who heard it feel heartbroken and tearful. "After I couldn''t reach you, I went to take care of the silly goose..." For the next ten minutes, the boy and the system exchanged detailed accounts of their experiences. After hearing about the boy''s ordeal, the system was shocked. Its expression was as absurd as if it had heard that LPL had beaten Lee Sang-hyeok in the S Tournament. Slowly digesting the shock of the news and regaining its usual composure, it clasped its hands behind its back and paced in the air. [So it''s come to this...] Seeing the system suddenly looking worried, Ji Mu''s nerves tensed. "What''s wrong?" The system shook its head. [Host, I have just completely received all the plot details regarding Ruan Qingqing from the world consciousness.] Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 80 - Childhood, Not Necessarily Beautiful [The aristocracy is at the top of the social hierarchy, symbolizing power and wealth. In the world of novels, all plots revolve around the depiction of nobility.] Elite private schools, the charming and rebellious underworld princes, the gentle and considerate elder brothers... It''s obvious that the author of this book was fantasizing about a luxurious life surrounded by handsome men. The bizarre thing is that the author didn''t treat the female protagonist as a human being. She was subjected to various humiliations. It was downright inhumane. In the end, the book accumulated so much resentment that it gradually evolved into an entire world. [In the original novel, the author tortured Ruan Qingqing to death and back, but since she was the female protagonist, she had to be worthy of those noble young men.] [So the author secretly gave her an incredibly impressive background.] Hearing this, Ji Mu, who had just walked into the living room, stopped. "So the silly goose''s identity is actually quite extraordinary?" [Exactly.] The system found a comfortable position to sit, ready for a long explanation. [Don''t be in such a hurry, host. Listen to me first,] the system continued as it began to speak slowly. [Even though the Ruan family is one of the highest aristocratic families in the capital, they have been having trouble producing heirs for a long time.] [Due to the unique physique of ancient martial artists, the higher their realm, the more difficult it is to have offspring. It wasn''t until Mr. Ruan reached the age of knowing his fate that he finally had a daughter in his old age.] [However, due to his wife''s poor health, she died shortly after Ruan Chuyao was born]. [As his late wife''s only child, Mr. Ruan poured all his love into her. He held her in his palm for fear she would fall, and held her in his mouth for fear she would spoil. Even if his daughter wanted the moon in the sky, he would try to get it for her.] "Mystic... Fox?" Ji Mu said the words hesitantly. "This..." How did the conversation suddenly take such a turn? The system was speechless at his reaction. [No way, you managed to get through the full moon night storyline, don''t tell me that you didn''t see Ruan Qingqing''s transformed appearance.] "Transformed?" Could it be that the girl''s appearance just now, with those beast ears and features, is what you call ''transformation''? Seeing his confused expression, the system had to provide an example to explain, [Host, you know about demi-humans and monster girls, right?] As a top student since childhood, Ji Mu immediately deduced useful information from this. "You mean to say that even the silly goose... " [That''s right. Ruan Qingqing has perfectly inherited her father''s bloodline. In every aspect, her physical attributes naturally surpass those of humans, making her a demi-human.] Ji Mu suddenly understood. No wonder... Why was the silly goose''s physique so special? It turned out that she wasn''t even considered a mortal. "System, please continue." [As one of the demi-human species, the Mystic Fox, its essence blood has powerful healing abilities.] Reviving the dead and regenerating flesh and bones is not far off. [However, due to the impurity of the bloodline, even if it can''t completely cure Ruan Chuyao, it can at least alleviate the symptoms that countless renowned doctors are helpless against.] [After that, it''s the story of two young people who spark romance and fall in love.] [With the continuous supply of Mystic Fox Essence Blood to improve her physique, Ruan Chuyao''s complexion improved significantly, and at the age of 27, she successfully gave birth to Ruan Qingqing.] [During this time, the old Master Ruan, whose body had accumulated numerous hidden injuries, was already running out of time.] [Unless he could take another step forward in his cultivation as an ancient martial artist.] [To personally witness his granddaughter''s marriage and birth in his lifetime, the old master decided to take the risk and enter a life-or-death seclusion.] [Before leaving, he temporarily handed over his business to his adopted son.] Ji Mu raised his hand, indicating that he had something to say. "Can''t some of the Mystic Fox''s essence blood be given to Master Ruan? It could prolong his life, right?" Unexpectedly, this remark drew the scorn of the system. [Brother, do you think essence blood is like cabbage?] [That stuff can only be taken in small amounts at a time, and it harms the body and shortens the life span. If it weren''t for the abundant heavenly materials and earthly treasures of the Ruan family, Ruan Qingqing''s father could barely keep up with the consumption rate of essence blood, and he would have kicked the bucket long ago.] [Besides, even if it were given to Master Ruan, what about Ruan Chuyao? Do you think the old master would agree?] Ji Mu embarrassedly coughed lightly. When he thought about it, it made sense. They weren''t stupid; if this method were possible, they would have used it long ago instead of waiting until the end was near. Although his thinking was a bit off, it didn''t affect his ability to roughly guess the story''s direction. [System, after the old master went into the seclusion of life and death, the adopted son started to turn traitor, right?] "Yes, it was in the fifth year of the old master''s seclusion." "Ancient martial artists, no matter how powerful they are, can''t reach higher dimensional levels. It''s not like in cultivation novels where they can live for hundreds or thousands of years." For ordinary people, five years... is too long. [Sensing the time was ripe, the adopted son, along with other family elders, began to violently seize power and settle scores with Ruan Qingqing''s family.] [Had Ruan Qingqing''s father not over-consumed essence blood to enhance his wife''s physique, leaving him with only a fraction of his total strength, he could have easily withstood the siege by numerous ancient martial arts experts.] But there are no "what-ifs" in life. [He didn''t hesitate to transform and reveal his true form, sacrificing his life to ensure the safety of his wife and daughter.] The system sighed. [Ruan Chuyao, dragging her seriously ill body, took her daughter and hid everywhere. After many hardships, they finally settled in Tianhua City.] A first-class heiress, yet she willingly lived in the slums for over a decade. It really reflected the old saying: A woman is weak by nature, but a mother is strong. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 81 - You are the variable that changes the inevitable outcome [Host, do you know what the outcome of Ruan Qingqing''s previous life was?] The system abruptly changed the subject. Ji Mu thought for a moment. ¡°Didn¡¯t she kill a few scumbag male leads and successfully get her revenge?¡± [Do you know what happened after her revenge?] "Huh?" [She died.] The casual tone drifted into Ji Mu''s ears, causing his fingers tapping on the table to stop. [The Mystic Fox Clan survives on vital energy.] A sigh echoed from the system next to her ear. [Normally, when this clan can''t find any heavenly materials or earthly treasures, they absorb blood like Western vampires to extract their vital energy.] [In her previous life, Ruan Qingqing was driven to extreme madness by several despicable male leads, but she never harmed anyone.] Unwilling to harm the innocent, and without a supply of heavenly materials and earthly treasures. Having lost all means of survival, after personally avenging her enemies, the girl dragged her exhausted body to her mother''s grave. She gently stroked the cold tombstone, hummed the lullaby that had lulled her to sleep as a child, and calmly decided to embrace death. The world had never treated her kindly, but she still retained the last bit of kindness. Sigh... The system, feeling a bit desperate, couldn''t help but curse the wicked author. That heartless scoundrel! Truly despicable! Ji Mu remained silent. He couldn''t quite describe his feelings; it was as if all the words were stuck in his chest, unable to be spoken. His throat moved slightly, feeling dry as he organized his thoughts and asked, "Is there no other way to survive besides absorbing blood?" [Well... There is, but...] The system looked at the boy''s lower body somewhat awkwardly. Usually, only partners do that. Would you still call it pure friendship if you both did it? To avoid making him feel uncomfortable, the system decided to change the subject. [Host, I mentioned earlier that Ruan Chuyao''s body has always been frail and sickly. Although her constitution has improved somewhat, the root of the disease remains.] [After escaping from the Ruan family, in order to take good care of the protagonist, she had to work and earn money while regularly drawing her own blood to feed her daughter.] In this vicious cycle, the day will come when she can no longer hold on and will close her eyes forever. [And her mother''s death is also related to those scumbag male leads, which led to Ruan Qingqing''s complete descent into darkness] [This is the last and most important plot point. According to the timeline, it is expected to happen next month, around the time you give your speech as the freshman representative.] At this point, the system took a deep breath. The expression on its young face turned solemn, in stark contrast to its usual playful demeanor. [Host, you are the only variable.] Since meeting Ruan Qingqing, the boy has protected the protagonist through various storylines, preventing the tragic events of her previous life from repeating. He built up her confidence, transformed her personality, and eliminated her shyness. He achieved true redemption. Now, all the unstable factors are coming to an end. [Only by changing the original inevitable outcome will the protagonist''s negative perception of men be completely erased.] Success or failure depended on this time! The seriousness in the system''s words was undeniable, and it was the first time Ji Mu had seen it so serious. He couldn''t help but instinctively clench his fist. "Mm." The word were short, but powerful. The system felt extremely satisfied, but it suddenly remembered something, and its expression changed, a hint of worry appearing between its eyebrows. [But all of this depends on the hero not getting into trouble...] Seeing this, Ji Mu couldn''t help but feel confused. "System, what do you mean by that?" [Host, not long ago, you told me about the drastic change in Silly Goose''s personality...] The eyes of the system were filled with worry. [According to my judgment, what has taken over Ruan Qingqing''s body during this period is not some wandering spirit, but... her negative and evil personality.] Ji Mu frowned slightly, a sense of foreboding surrounding his heart. "Her... dark side?" [Yes. Every human being has a good side and a bad side, of course. Ruan Qingqing is no exception.] [After suffering so much bullying, anyone''s mind would be twisted. But the girl is also the type to bottle things up, to endure and suppress her feelings from a young age.] [Over time, a different personality was born.] The system sighed heavily, its tone grave. [Not only does this personality carry all of Ruan Qingqing''s negative emotions, it also carries the memory of witnessing her biological father''s murder as a child, which she deliberately tried to forget.] Needless to say, the first transformation of a subhuman can amplify the emotions that have been suppressed for so long by dozens of times. [When the negative personality awakens, its twisted and evil nature will be unimaginable.] [If it succeeds in taking control of the body, it may never give the primary personality a chance to regain dominance.] [I have encountered such cases in other dimensions.] Ji Mu''s mind swayed several times. The sense of foreboding grew deeper. "System, are you saying..." [Host, that silly goose you know... might never come back.] The system''s heavy sigh echoed in his ears, and Ji Mu felt like he was frozen, his heartbeat slowing down by half a beat. He couldn''t understand this sudden change. [If that''s the case, then the task regarding the silly goose can only be considered a failure.] [The rest will be handled by the Heavenly Dao. We must go to another city to find news of the next protagonist.] Listening to the system prepare for the worst, he sat silently in the chair and turned to hide in the dim shadows. He lowered his gaze to a certain spot, his throat rolling with difficulty. Twenty-five million, gone... Images of the girl''s smiling face flashed through his mind. He remembered the moments he had spent with her. A sudden pain pierced his heart. It felt like the bitterest snake bile in the world was flowing down his throat into his stomach, an indescribable bitterness spreading in his chest. In Ji Mu''s heart, the girl was not only the embodiment of the twenty-five million check, but also his first true friend. But he hadn''t protected her. Like sand slipping silently through his tightly clenched hand, without warning. He had lost the silly goose... "Mu Mu?" Suddenly someone called his name. The voice was small, soft, and almost inaudible, yet it startled Ji Mu, who was lost in pain and self-blame. He lifted his eyes to follow the sound. The girl was leaning weakly against the door, her clear and beautiful eyes looking over. Moonlight slanted down from the balcony, spreading a silver-white glow across the floor, with thick darkness behind her. Her entire figure stood on the line between light and dark. She was very fragile, as if a gust of wind could blow her over, but in Ji Mu''s eyes, she was all he could see, as if the whole world had disappeared from his sight. "Mu Mu." The familiar call rang in his ears. In an instant, the dormant emotions in his heart came to life again. This feeling of hope and anticipation was like the rising sun at dawn. He stood and walked quickly over to the girl, his gaze fixed on her pale but delicate face, never wavering. "Silly goose?" His voice was very soft, with a slight tremor, as if he was afraid that what he saw was just an illusion, trying hard to keep his tone steady. Ruan Qingqing lifted her face, her smooth black hair clinging to her forehead, her bright eyes shining under thick eyelashes like autumn puddles. "What''s wrong, Mu..." The evening breeze blew by. Her worried question stopped abruptly. The bright moonlight extended the shadows to the corner of the wall, completely enveloping her in shadow. In the quiet living room, only the rustling of the branches outside the window could be heard. In front of her, the boy held her tightly in his arms. The air was silent, only the sound of his ragged breathing filled the room. She suddenly stiffened, feeling somewhat at a loss. Listening to the sound of his heartbeat, her own chaotic heart strangely began to calm. She gently patted his back, silently offering a tender comfort. Time passed for a long, long time. The sound of the passing wind stopped. It seemed as if everything around them had stopped, with only the dark shadows of the trees moving. His slender fingertips brushed through her hair, and the boy''s low voice murmured with the relief of having found something precious. "You''re back, silly goose." The tone was light, as if he were talking about a treasure, but she clearly felt it. Ruan Qingqing''s heart suddenly ached, as if someone had grabbed it unexpectedly, leaving it warm and swollen, unable to speak. At that moment, both she and the other soul from her past life hidden deep in her heart trembled. Like snowflakes falling from the branches in winter. Melting in the palm of the hand, yet flowing with warmth into the bones. "Mhm." Turning her face to rest on the boy''s chest, Ruan Qingqing puckered her lips and closed her eyes. After the ice and snow melted, the wildflowers bloomed all over the field. "I''m back, Mu Mu~" ... In the system room. The Prajna instrument flickered with light. Each change in the values displayed on the screen deepened the dark color. Ten minutes later, the image slowly froze. Task Goal: Ruan Qingqing Favorability towards men: -10 Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 82 - The Arrival of the Speech Conference The light and shallow time turned into an arrow that left the string and passed silently among the falling leaves. May was coming to an end. "That''s the general rundown." Sitting in the office chair, the principal sipped his tea leisurely, "If you find the speech content too much to memorize, you can choose to improvise." Ji Mu: "Got it." Seeing the boy yawning and looking relaxed, the principal repeatedly reminded him. "No matter what happens, don''t act like a delinquent. Many important people from the provincial capital are coming this time. Maintain a proper attitude and try to make a good impression." "Got it." Ji Mu stood up straight with his hands at his sides and replied, "I guarantee that I will do the job perfectly, sir!" "Mm." The director nodded in satisfaction. "That''s more like it." "If you do well in this speech, the reward will not be small, at least this much." He gestured with his fingers. 500,000?! Ji Mu immediately perked up and showed a determined expression to fight for the school''s honor, "Got it!" The principal couldn''t help but laugh. This kid really was a little greedy. "By the way, I have something to tell you." Sipping his tea, he leaned back in his chair, "When this semester ends, pack your things during the summer vacation. I''ll transfer you to the provincial capital." "Pack... huh?" Ji Mu was stunned. "You mean I''m changing schools?" "What, are you afraid of being all alone in a strange place?" The principal gave him a reassuring look, "That won''t happen. I also own the private high school you''re transferring to." "That..." Ji Mu hesitated. He had planned to transfer somewhere else at the end of this term anyway, mainly to pursue the second 25-million objective However, the exact location of the second protagonist hadn''t been revealed yet, so for now, he couldn''t leave Tianhua City. "Principal, I still think..." [Host, accept the offer.] Just as he was about to refuse, the system''s reminder echoed in his mind. [The hero of the second book is in Jiangcheng.] What a coincidence! Ji Mu quickly swallowed the second half of his sentence and met the principal''s disapproving gaze. "What do you think?" He stood up straight, his expression unchanged, and changed the subject, "I think you''re absolutely right. I should indeed move to a better environment to further my studies." The headmaster snorted coldly. Smart kid. He lowered his head and continued to drink his tea, no longer looking at him. "Get out of here. Come to the school auditorium around three in the afternoon to prepare for the speech." "Got it." ... As he closed the door and stepped out into the corridor, Ji Mu couldn''t wait to ask. "System, how did the news about the second protagonist come out so quickly? Didn''t you say that it would only appear after the silly goose''s negative perception of men was completely eliminated?" [Yes. Complete information requires that.] The system explained. [Right now, all I know is that she''s in Jiangcheng, nothing else.] Damn Fan Lei! Why is it like squeezing toothpaste, giving out information bit by bit? "Is that so?" Ji Mu turned his head and asked another question, "So, regarding the last plot point involving the silly goose, can you now calculate the exact day it will happen?" [I can''t calculate it at all, host.] Please. If I were that powerful, I''d have become a system supervisor by now. Do you think I''m omniscient? [With the constant influence of the butterfly effect, it''s already pretty good to be able to estimate that the plot point will occur around the days of your speech conference, okay?] Ji Mu could only give up helplessly. He took a deep breath and calmed his emotions. Facing a crisis that could come at any time, he actually felt a bit anxious. Like the start of a chain reaction, many events have occurred recently. First, the silly goose''s favorability towards males had reached -10. As long as he successfully completed the last plot point, it would be the moment when he truly completed the first task. Second, a male teacher named Shen Sijin joined the school a few days ago. Handsome, wealthy, and considerate, he had captured the hearts of many young girls. Of course, this guy was not a good person. In the original story, he was the third main male villain. The system detailed Shen Sijin''s actions in the previous timeline, and his disgusting behavior was no better than that of Fu Rongjing and Situ Yan. This made Ji Mu seriously suspect that he was the main factor triggering the plot point in this life. He has been keeping a close eye on this person lately. Strangely enough, Shen Sijin was unexpectedly well-behaved, not causing any trouble and keeping a proper distance from the silly goose. This left him no chance to vent his anger by beating him up first. Truly annoying! [Host, stop focusing on this idiot. Soon, a pair of male twins will arrive, and you need to be careful.] "Oh?" Ji Mu expressed surprise, "There are more abstract scumbags?" [Yes. With these two yet to arrive, the five scumbag male protagonists of the original story will be complete.] My goodness, either none of them come or all of them come at once, like dumplings being dropped. Rubbing his chin, Ji Mu began to plan how to pack up and get rid of this group of troublemakers all at once. "Ji Mu, the top student..." While he was lost in thought, a classmate he didn''t know very well stopped in front of him. "The homeroom teacher asked you to see her about your clothes and makeup." After speaking, the classmate hurriedly turned away, obviously not wanting to interact too much with Ji Mu, who had a notorious reputation. Ji Mu wasn''t surprised and didn''t care. However, the classmate''s words made him pause. Makeup? His mind instantly conjured up an image of himself dressed up, with a powdered face, giving a speech on stage. He rubbed his arms, feeling a wave of contempt and discomfort. Forget it, I can''t accept that. I''d better discuss it with the teacher. I have to appear without makeup! ... Afternoon. Just after the end of the third period, the subject teacher assigned some homework and was about to leave when the dean opened the classroom door, followed by two figures. The sudden commotion caught the attention of most of the students in the class. Standing on the podium, the dean smiled and introduced, "Classmates, these two are the new transfer students today. Please welcome them." Accompanied by a round of applause, the two began to introduce themselves. "Hello, everyone, I''m Han Yanchu." One of the boys greeted with a bright smile. The other was much more reserved, saying only two words: "Han Yanxi." As the words fell, the classroom erupted in applause again. The twin brothers, with their contrasting personalities, were both handsome. Their presence instantly made the classroom atmosphere more lively and intriguing. Especially the girls, who responded more enthusiastically than the boys. "Please find a seat," the dean said kindly, his tone carrying a hint of flattery. These were the sons of the capital''s nobility, and they had to be treated well. Han Yan Chu''s younger brother thanked him politely, "Thank you, Mr. Zhang." "Not at all, not at all," the dean of students replied with a smile on his face and lowered his posture considerably. "This is my job as a teacher." Han Yan Chu maintained a polite smile without answering, although a trace of contempt flashed in his eyes. He shifted his gaze, scanning the classroom as if searching for something. When he saw the graceful figure in the corner, his pupils dilated slightly, revealing a heated look of discovery. Glancing at his brother, who happened to turn his head at the same time, the two brothers exchanged glances, a mutual understanding forming in their minds. The target has been found. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 83 - The One Who Captivates Everyone The afternoon sunlight was just right. The girl sat by the window, her eyes downcast as she leafed through her textbook. Some people are just born to be different. Even as she studied quietly with her head down, her unique aura made hearts beat faster. Han Yanchu was the first to step down from the podium. He walked over to the girl''s seat and lightly tapped the desk with his fingers. Ruan Qingqing, who was buried in her books, was disturbed by the sound. She looked up and glanced at the culprit. "Yes?" A few strands of hair slipped from her delicate, porcelain-white face, so beautiful that even the well-traveled young master from the capital couldn''t help but be momentarily stunned. "Excuse me, do you need something?" Her soft voice was melodious, and Han Yanchu, who had been lost in thought for a moment, quickly snapped back to reality. He quickly adjusted his demeanor and flashed a sunny, handsome smile at the girl. "Hello, may I sit next to you?" His features were sharp and handsome, and when he smiled, he seemed non-threatening, full of youthful charm. It was rare for any girl to remain calm in front of this face, and she was probably no exception... "Sorry, this seat is taken." Her light reply carried a hint of apology, and the infectious smile on Han Yanchu''s face gradually froze. Interesting. For the first time in his life, he had been rejected without hesitation. Woman, you have successfully caught my attention. His expression quickly relaxed and his tone remained enthusiastic. "No problem, I can sit here for now. When your seatmate arrives, I''ll discuss it with him. If necessary, I can even pay you." Ruan Qingqing shook her head and continued to gently refuse. "Someone is already sitting here." "I know someone is sitting here, but it''s no big deal to switch seats. Didn''t the teacher say that we should help each other?" Han Yanchu pretended to be innocent, standing on the moral high ground to try to pressure them. "I don''t think he would mind." Without waiting for her answer, he picked up the book on the desk, intending to move it to another empty seat. Thud¡ª The book he had just picked up was forcefully pushed back down within seconds. The slight collision sound broke the deafening silence of the classroom, making it particularly abrupt. Ruan Qingqing looked at him steadily and repeated her original answer. "I''ll say it again, there is someone sitting here." As she spoke, her previously soft and gentle demeanor suddenly turned icy. Han Yanchu''s heart skipped a beat, an inexplicable feeling of panic arising. The girl''s eyes were beautiful, like the pebbles you can see at the bottom of a lake from the shore¡ªclear, clean, and sparkling. Being stared at by such eyes felt like layer upon layer of his facade being ruthlessly torn away, exposing all the dirty and ugly thoughts inside. After a moment, he realized what had happened and felt a surge of shame and anger. Damn it! How could I be inexplicably afraid for a moment? "Thank you for reminding me several times. I know this seat is occupied." Han Yanchu said with a cheerful smile, returning to his usual outwardly optimistic demeanor, though his tone carried an unmistakable hint of gloom. "But I just want to sit here. What am I supposed to do?" At that moment, Han Yanxi, who had been silent, looked over coldly. Although his expression didn''t change, his indifferent attitude was unmistakable. "Don''t be ungrateful." As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the classroom immediately became tense, as if a faint cold current had swept through and penetrated every corner. Han Yanchu narrowed his eyes. From the past to the present, there was nothing the two brothers wanted that they couldn''t get. Whether it was this seat or this person, they had to have it! He exerted force with his hand, intending to forcibly change the seat. But in the next few seconds, the calm and collected expression on his face suddenly changed. Why can''t I lift it up? No matter how hard he tried, the girl''s seemingly delicate and weak white hand pressed down firmly on the book without moving an inch. Han Yanchu looked at her in shock and uncertainty, a ridiculous fact popping into his mind that he didn''t even want to admit. His strength... wasn''t even greater than a girl''s?! "Um, you two... maybe you should sit somewhere else for now." As the stalemate continued, a male student mustered up the courage to speak up. "This is Mop Demon King''s seat." Mop Demon King? What kind of nonsense is this? Having just been thwarted by the girl, Han Yanchu felt a bit irritated and was about to ask when the classroom broadcast sounded inconveniently. "Teachers preparing for class, please organize the students to go to the auditorium for the swearing-in ceremony." "Please organize students to proceed to the auditorium for the swearing-in ceremony." Meanwhile, the principal, who had been trying to minimize his presence since earlier, heaved a long sigh of relief. Damn, that was almost terrifying! The headmaster couldn''t afford to offend either Ji Mu or the Han brothers, so he had hesitated to speak out. He couldn''t help but feel relieved at the timely interruption. In gratitude, he clapped his hands without changing his expression. "All right, students, line up." The sudden interruption greatly relaxed the previously tense atmosphere. Han Yanchu clicked his tongue in annoyance. Fine, I''ll wait until the oath ceremony is over. Since the girl didn''t work, he might as well start with this so-called Mop Demon King. Remembering the cautious tone others used when mentioning him, a cold glint flashed in his eyes. Mop Demon King, huh? Huh. He was determined to see just how difficult this guy could be. If the soft approach didn''t work, then... he''d go hard! ... Afternoon around 3:20 pm. The school auditorium was packed. Looking around, the dense crowd resembled a vast ocean, filled with the noise of conversations, buzzing with excitement. A teacher dressed in a formal suit stood at the center of the spacious and bright auditorium stage, holding a microphone as the host. "Students, as the new round of national college entrance exams approaches, I hope..." The rhythmic tone of his voice echoed through the microphone, creating a soothing, almost magical effect. Under his guidance, the noisy environment in the auditorium gradually quieted down. On the observation deck on the third floor, a group of leaders from the provincial capital sat on couches and chatted comfortably. Looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the bustling scene below, a middle-aged man with graying temples sighed. "The atmosphere here is getting better every year. You can hardly tell it''s a place for noble young masters and ladies." "Don''t say that. This year is different. Yulan took first place in the two joint exams organized by Tianhua City. Even when the top city school here brought in outside help, they could only get second place." One of the leaders, surnamed Ji, joked with the principal. "Old Gu, I heard that you have a promising disciple here. Why are you hiding him? It''s no fun if you don''t let us see her. Afraid we''ll poach her?" The principal waved his hand with a smile, "Be patient, be patient. The main act has to make a grand entrance, right?" ... Below, the start of the swearing-in ceremony continued in an orderly fashion. When the main speaker finished the last part of the opening speech, the climax that the provincial leaders had been eagerly waiting for finally arrived. "Now, please give your warmest applause to welcome Ji Mu, the student who has ranked first in the city''s joint examinations for two years in a row, won the provincial gold prize for literature, is a candidate for the International Math Olympiad, and is the most extraordinary student in our school''s history, to make a speech." The host teacher excitedly listed the honors the young man had received. Thunderous applause erupted from the audience. The most enthusiastic reactions came from the majority of the boys. Although they all knew that Ji Mu was impressive, they hadn''t expected him to be at this level. First in the joint exams! A gold medal! The International Math Olympiad! Damn it! He''s single-handedly raised Yulan''s status. Who would dare to say that our school isn''t good anymore! A feeling of pride surged in their hearts, and they applauded enthusiastically. Compared to the boys'' enthusiasm, the girls'' applause was noticeably more perfunctory. Some even gossiped. "I knew that this swearing-in ceremony was organized especially for Four Eyes. Look, they even called the media. "Tsk tsk, the intention is too obvious." "Poor seniors, the whole class isn''t as important as Four Eyes." "I really don''t get it. It''s just good grades, what''s there to brag about?" "Exactly, just his face alone, the media would be embarrassed... Wow!" The scornful chatter stopped abruptly, as if they had seen something shocking. The girl who had been criticizing Ji Mu blushed, her hand shaking as she pointed at the stage, and screamed excitedly. "Ahhh! Who is that handsome guy with a face straight out of a comic book?" On the stage, all eyes were fixed on the young man who stepped up to the center, one step at a time. The white spotlight shone down, making his tall and slender figure even more radiant, like an immortal descending from the clouds. "Hello, everyone." Holding the microphone, his amber peach blossom eyes glanced over the audience indifferently. "I''m Ji Mu from Class 8, Grade 10, the freshman representative of Yulan High School." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 84 - Wanting to Treat Him as a Forbidden Treasure "I''m Ji Mu of class 8, grade 10, the freshman representative of Yulan High School." His indifferent voice echoed through the microphone. The spotlight was deliberately turned on the young man, illuminating his slender figure and making him the sole focus at the center of the stage. His clear words echoed through the auditorium, yet the audience fell into an eerie silence, as if they were all receiving some unbelievable news. Until the first applause broke the silence, followed by more and more clapping, the thunderous sound continued endlessly, quickly sweeping away the previous dead silence. Many of the applauding boys had their mouths agape, showing an expression of shock, as if they had seen a ghost. When the young man first stepped onto the stage, they wondered which big star had arrived. But then he opened his mouth and told them straight out that he was Ji Mu... What the hell?! Before, with his round glasses, he looked nondescript, like nobody. But now, after taking off his glasses and tidying up a bit, he had undergone such a dramatic transformation! Are you kidding me? Even Liu Cixin''s books aren''t that fantastic! At that moment, it felt like tens of thousands of alpacas were galloping through the hearts of many boys. A mixture of anger, envy, and admiration filled their hearts. Although they didn''t want to admit it, they had to... Damn! He looked ridiculously good. It''s like he''s a completely different species! "Oh my God! Oh my God! Ahhh!" "Are you telling me that guy is the four-eyed Ji Mu?!" "No way, no way!" "So handsome, so handsome, ahhh!" "What are we going to do, girls?! He''s just too handsome!" On the girls'' side, emotions were running high, with deafening screams constantly rising, determined to fill the entire room. Their reaction was in complete contrast to the half-hearted applause of a few minutes ago. They never expected that once the young man took off his glasses, he would look like a romantic lead out of a comic book. Excellent grades and hidden good looks - oh my God! This is like the ultimate TV drama plot come to life! Is this what unassuming and poised looks like? Love it, love it. Situ Yan? Fu Rongjing? Who are they? Not familiar, really not familiar. Regardless of their looks, grades, or skills, they couldn''t compare to a single hair of the idol. What? You say he hit someone for no reason before? That''s hilarious. The idol had so much pressure to study, what''s wrong with stretching his muscles and beating up some scum? No need to ask for reasons, it''s definitely Situ Yan''s fault! "Idol, Ji Mu, you''ll be my idol from now on!" "Ji Mu! Ahhh, I love you!" "Ji Mu! Ji Mu! Ji Mu!" The order in the auditorium gradually became a bit chaotic. Those who were unaware of it might have thought that they had stumbled into a big celebrity meet-and-greet. On the observation deck on the third floor. Looking at the young man who was the center of attention on the stage, several leaders gathered and marveled. "Wow, this young man has a bit of my charm from when I was young." "Stop flattering yourself. If you had even a third of this young man''s charm when you were young, would you have been single for 30 years?" "Hey, hey, hey, that''s too much! Stop exposing my past!" "Hahaha." From his seat, the headmaster, who had a perfect view of this unprecedentedly lively scene, was particularly pleased. Excellent! No wonder he''s Gu Changlin''s nephew, he really brings honor to his uncle. This will definitely raise the school''s reputation to a higher level. Next semester, I''ll take little Mu Mu back to Jiangcheng and destroy all the provincial key high schools there, haha. Who would dare to say that he was just a mediocre second-generation who relied on his brother''s influence?! At that moment, the Ji-surnamed leader who was talking to him seemed somewhat unusual. His gaze was fixed on the face of the young man on the stage, not missing a single detail. So similar, too similar... Whether it''s those amber eyes, the nose, the mouth, or even his mannerisms, they all faintly resemble the old man from his youth. Could it be... Looking at the headmaster beside him, the Ji-surnamed leader seemed to have a revelation. "Old Gu." Organizing his thoughts, he leaned forward and lowered his voice, "This Ji Mu, is he..." Under his expectant gaze, the headmaster slowly nodded. !!! Damn, no wonder they kept him hidden before, afraid I would steal him! Unable to contain his excitement after receiving the confirmation, he wanted to leave immediately. The director quickly held out his hand to stop him, "Don''t rush. Wait until the conference is over and I''ll bring him to you." Upon hearing this, he furrowed his brow, but then relaxed. All right, since there are many people here, I''ll wait a little longer. He suppressed his urgency and sat down again. When asked by other companions, the two casually changed the subject, tacitly agreeing not to bring it up again. ... Below the stage. The exuberant and enthusiastic atmosphere lasted for a long time. Sitting in an inconspicuous corner, Ruan Qingqing listened to the excited shouts of the girls around her, directed at the center of the auditorium. She remained silent, just watching silently. The light scattered like shooting stars, creating a speckled pattern behind the young man and casting a thin halo around him. Her calm gaze showed no emotion. It was as if it had been tempered by time, devoid of the ignorance and frivolity of youth. Just by standing there, he naturally drew all eyes and attention, becoming the most unique focus of the scene. But... it shouldn''t be like this... The goodness of the young man, she alone should know. All the colors of his world should only be shown to her. Just as she loses her reason and self-control only for him. Why... why... does he have to be so dazzling? Ruan Qingqing lowered her gaze, a fan-shaped shadow trembling slightly under her eyelids. An indescribable panic arose in her heart. This emotion came so quickly, so intensely, that it was impossible to ignore. The thief painstakingly unearthed the rare treasure, naturally greedy to claim it for himself, unwilling to let others discover it. But... no matter how you cover and hide it, eventually someone will notice the clues and wait for the day when the truth comes out. "Ahhh! Ji Mu, I want your babies!" "Ji Mu! Look, Ji Mu, my house is empty tonight." In the shadows, the girls'' cries grew louder. Hidden in the darkness, Ruan Qingqing bit her lower lip hard, the rich taste of blood spreading in her mouth. Vines twisted and grew, spreading across the land where the buildings had collapsed into ruins. Amid the decay, a dark and enchanting flower bloomed. "Isn''t it frustrating?" "Aren''t you jealous?" "Don''t you resent it?" Frustration at the lack of progress in her relationship with the boy. Jealousy that others could express their love boldly and openly. Resentment that he was shedding his usual disguise and revealing his true self. Negative emotions from all directions turned into arrows, piercing the heart and drilling holes, the pain making even breathing difficult. "Accept me." Inside her mind, this consciousness whispered seductively in a voice identical to her own. "Just accept me and you can immediately... taste the deliciousness you always wanted but could never have." Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 85 - Not Just a Buddy, but a Young Master? Ruan Qingqing remained silent, choosing not to respond. Since that night of the full moon, this consciousness had been residing within her body. It was like a stubborn plaster stuck to her heart; no matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t shake it off completely. "What are you afraid of? Afraid that after merging with me, you won''t be yourself anymore?" In this consciousness''s eyes, the girl''s disregard was nothing more than a child''s tantrum. She continued talking to herself. "Just think of it as gaining an extra memory. It''s okay." "You are me, and I am you. We are both Ruan Qingqing¡ªthe same person, without distinction.¡± "No..." The girl lowered her head, her hands curled up on her knees. "I don''t want to." The consciousness within her was surprised by her response. "Don''t you want to fully control the power after the transformation?" Ruan Qingqing closed her eyes. Her past life was too elusive. Even if the other person was truly her former self, she didn''t want to share memories with her. As for the reason behind this thought... Her lips curved into a soft, lingering smile. "I''m just afraid that the me from that time would hurt Mu Mu." The consciousness within her was slightly taken aback and then couldn''t help but laugh. "Hehe~" It laughed at her stubbornness and innocence. "Silly goose. You only think it''s okay to use the transformed power if you can because you''re confident Ji Mu won''t leave you." After all, they came from the same place, so how could she not know what the girl was thinking? Want to boil a frog in warm water? There has to be a frog in the pot first. "But what if I told you that Ji Mu is about to transfer to another city?" Ruan Qingqing''s eyelashes trembled. "Impossible!" Her throat tightened, and her rapid breathing seemed to restrain her emotions. "Mu Mu wouldn''t leave me." "Tsk, tsk, tsk. Wouldn''t leave? Ha." The consciousness within her chuckled mockingly. "Do you know when Ji Mu left in our previous life? Right after the swearing-in ceremony.¡± Although the boy wore strange glasses to hide his appearance and the swearing-in ceremony was held more than a month later, the gears of fate would eventually turn back on track. Ruan Qingqing''s heart trembled and her knuckles moved involuntarily. Even though her subconscious told her the other party might be lying, her chest felt heavily blocked. In her mind, that consciousness continued its heart-wrenching mockery. "Silly goose, I admit that Ji Mu cares about you a lot in this life, but how much does he really care?" "Shut up..." "Do you really think he would stay in Tianhua City just for you, passing up the opportunity to study somewhere better?" "Shut up..." "In the end, he probably just sees you as a good friend he gets along with." "Shut up." "Admit it, silly goose. He doesn''t care about you as much as you think." "I told you to shut up!" Her voice rose suddenly, and, for the first time, a fierce expression appeared on Ruan Qingqing''s pure, beautiful face. "Get lost! You''re a pathetic person who could only fantasize secretly about Mu Mu while doing shameful things in your past life. You have no right to cause trouble between Mu Mu and me!" "Mu Mu would never leave me. Never!" Her chest heaved as she nearly growled these words. "...Yes." The voice of her conscience hadn''t resurfaced in a long time, but when it did, it was much colder. "You''re right. I used Ji Mu countless times for comfort and release in the dead of night. But how much better are you?" "Silly goose, you''re a pitiful failure, too." "You''re afraid to confess your feelings to Ji Mu because you''re afraid of being rejected, so you keep suppressing yourself to maintain the status quo." "You hate that he only sees you as a friend. You resent that he treats you with indifference. You''re even more furious that he has never desired you.¡± "So, you can only pretend to be obedient and pure on the surface. At night, you hide in your room, thinking about doing all kinds of excessive, dirty things to him." ¡°Disgusting!¡± "No, it''s not..." Ruan Qingqing''s lips trembled slightly. "I didn''t..." "You didn''t?" The voice in her head sounded as if it had just heard an absurd joke. "Playing the pity card might fool Ji Mu, but do you think you can deceive me? We''re essentially the same person, aren''t we?" "Silly goose. You were actually awake on the night of the full moon, weren''t you?" The tone carried a hint of amusement. Although it was the same voice, the consciousness within sounded more like an enchanting witch. "Tsk, tsk. You could have stopped me from hurting Ji Mu. Why didn''t you?" "Since we are the same person, you should have experienced all the feelings I did." "So..." Pausing deliberately to observe the girl''s reaction, the consciousness saw her face gradually turn pale, just as expected. For a moment, her pleasure intensified. "Silly goose, you were secretly enjoying it, weren''t you?" Ruan Qingqing''s shoulders shook uncontrollably as she tried to calm her turbulent emotions, but the other party had no intention of letting her off the hook. That nightmarish voice forcibly dragged her into the sticky, enchanting memories of that night, like a bone-deep affliction. "Do you know why I figured it out?" "Because...every night these past few days, you''ve been reliving the events of the full moon night, burning with desire for comfort." "It''s hard to bear when you only get a taste of it once, isn''t it?" "Of course, including now." "No one knows that the pure and noble boy who''s giving a serious speech on stage was humiliated by you that night, pinned down and at your mercy." "Just thinking about it excites you to the point that..." "I didn''t..." Ruan Qingqing unnaturally brushed her hair aside, unwilling to admit it. "I''m sweating because of the high temperature." "Oh, sweating, huh?" The voice inside her head said with a mischievous tone. "You sure are sweating a lot." The girl pursed her lips and turned her head away, choosing to ignore it. Seeing this, her past self-decided not to tease her any further. "Ruan Qingqing has always been Ruan Qingqing." "No matter how Ji Mu calls you ''silly goose,'' our inherently wicked nature won''t change." "I''ll wait for the day you change your mind and come to me." With that, the voice disappeared and did not resurface. The girl raised her gaze to look at the boy on stage. He stood tall and radiant. In the dim corner of the auditorium, shadows cast a murky light upon her. Mu Mu, you won''t leave me, will you? You promised you wouldn''t let me be alone and helpless again. In this world without parents, you care about me the most, don''t you? Her blood-stained lips moved subtly, making them appear particularly enchanting and beautiful. It was a pathological obsession, a fanatical attachment. These barely audible murmurs drifted away and disappeared into the air. ... Afternoon. The swearing-in ceremony finally ended after more than an hour. Ji Mu''s feet were sore from standing, so he wanted to sneak away and find a place to rest. Unexpectedly, however, the homeroom teacher informed him that the principal wanted to see him. Why does this old man always have so many things to do? Walking down the corridor, Ji Mu suddenly felt a chill and stopped in his tracks. "Strange. Why does my back feel so cold all of a sudden?" [Who knows? Maybe you kicked off your blanket and caught a cold last night.] The system, busy playing a game, responded dismissively. "Hm, that''s possible." Ji Mu didn''t think much of it and quickly put it out of his mind. He walked straight to the door labeled "Principal''s Office" and stopped. He curled his fingers and knocked lightly a few times. "Come in." After hearing the response from inside, he turned the handle and pushed the door open. "Principal, did you call for me?" "I didn''t call for you." The principal calmly brewed tea and smiled as he looked to the side. "It was him," he said. Hmm? Instinctively, Ji Mu followed the principal''s gaze. He saw a middle-aged man with a rugged face sitting upright on the sofa, exuding a subtle aura of authority. It wasn''t hard to guess that he had held a high position for many years. However, Ji Mu had never met this person before. Feeling puzzled, he asked, "Hello, may I ask..." "Little Mu." The middle-aged man suddenly stood up and walked over quickly, his eyes slightly red. "I am your uncle!" Ji Mu: "...?" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 86 - You Two Wont Survive Six Chapters, Got It? This world was like a huge, makeshift troupe. It could unexpectedly throw a major twist into your life with an absurdity level comparable to mixing spaghetti with concrete. Ji Mu never imagined that he was the long-lost young master of Jiangcheng''s richest family. The middle-aged man who claimed to be his uncle actually was his uncle¡ªor rather, his eldest uncle: Ji Shihua, a seasoned politician who had been in government for many years. If it weren''t for visiting an old childhood friend¡ªthe principal¡ªJi Shihua wouldn''t even have had the time or excuse to attend such a private school''s swearing-in ceremony. It wouldn''t be an exaggeration to say that he was lowering himself just to be here. But who would have thought that this act of humility would lead him to find his long-lost nephew? They called this "searching high and low only to find it effortlessly." With proof in hand, Ji Shihua was eager to take his dear nephew back to Jiangcheng to reconnect with his roots and family. It took quite a while for the principal to persuade him to calm down. The current situation of the Ji family was indeed extremely complicated. At the old residence, the grandfather sent people day and night to search for clues about his missing eldest grandson. Even Jiangcheng''s entire underground forces were implicated and purged. In contrast, Ji Mu''s biological father, Ji Minghua¡ªthe richest man in Jiangcheng¡ªhad a somewhat ambiguous attitude toward his lost son. They were searching, and the urgency was real. Yet, Ji Shihua couldn''t shake a strange feeling. It seemed like the family cared more about the imposter posing as the young master. Just a few days ago, they threw him a lavish sixteenth birthday party in the city, which nearly sent the old man to the hospital from anger. What a joke! How could a fake be more important than the real thing? Couldn''t the couple and their daughters put together a single complete brain? Suppressing his anger, Ji Shihua collected some DNA samples on the spot, planning to conduct another paternity test himself. The semester would end in just over a month. Before leaving, the principal agreed to bring Ji Mu back to Jiangcheng at the start of his sophomore year of high school. It was the afternoon, near the end of the school day. The sunset spread across the sky. The row of windows along the corridor was coated with a faint golden hue. Walking out of the principal''s office, Ji Mu''s expression was still somewhat dazed. Having risen suddenly from a dying illness, he thought, "I''m actually a hidden noble?" [No, host...] The system''s envy was almost palpable. [I was just saying it jokingly before, but you really are a young master?!] The system''s mindset was now identical to the saying: "I''m afraid my brother is suffering, but I''m also afraid he''s driving a Land Rover." "Do you think this is great fortune falling from the sky?" Ji Mu crossed his arms. His tone was indifferent. He showed no joy at discovering he was the heir to a wealthy family. "Based on my experience with melodramatic, female-oriented novels, the biological parents of this body are probably those eccentric old folks who embody abstract concepts." [Ah, this...] The system slapped its forehead as if awakening from a dream. [Who would expect things to be normal after being transported to a different world?] Exactly! According to the conservation law of "true and fake young master" novels: If the host is the fake young master, the real young master will make a strong comeback. He will whine and pretend to be pitiful while stealing all the family''s attention and love. Eventually, he will drive the host out of the house. Conversely, if the host is the real young master, the fake young master will be adept at pretending. He will rely on the affection he received from his parents to secretly speak ill of the host while outwardly acting like a good person. He will frame and slander the host in various ways and ultimately drive the host out of the house. No matter what, it won''t end well. [Host, the Ji family is a den of dragons and tigers. It''s not worth venturing into.] The system showed a worried and anxious expression. On the neighboring novel platform, there was already a book with this plot. In female-oriented novels, this kind of plot would be stretched out over hundreds of chapters with nonstop suffering until the final reunion. Oh my, save me! "It doesn''t matter. I didn''t come to this world to gain their approval." Ji Mu''s face remained calm. "No matter how the fake young master or the eccentric parents act, as long as task progress isn''t affected, they can perform their melodramatic soap opera." [Exactly! That''s the right mindset, host,] the system praised enthusiastically. [I was worried you might abandon the tasks and enjoy the life of a pampered young master with someone helping you brush your teeth every morning.] Ji Mu shrugged. "I don''t know about others, but I''m not happy." Living under the roof of a wealthy family is precarious. There is constant scheming and fighting over the inheritance, which is busy and exhausting. Who would want to stay there? The system wholeheartedly agreed. [By the way, host, your uncle''s appearance just now caused a change in the Prajna Instrument.] Suddenly remembering something, the system flew into the air in the form of a little sprite and happily waved its tiny fists. [It seems the major plot update for the next book is coming, so the heroine list on the Prajna Instrument has added another name! Yay!] Upon hearing this news, Ji Mu''s heart stirred for the first time in a long while. Another 25 million has appeared? Curious, he said, "Let me take a look." [Alright!] A light blue virtual screen floated into his view. ... Mission Target: Yu Hua Height: 175 cm Weight: 110 lbs Race: Succubus Affection Level Towards Males: ???? Background: She is the beginning of desire and the poison of infatuation. In the depths of an eternal prison, a crimson blood pool engulfs her body. Thousands of poisonous insects burrow into her torn skin, gnawing at her organs and snapping her bones. Her nightmares repeat endlessly. Her soul is indifferent, yet her heart remembers deeply. Beware of that figure she resents, obsesses over, and crosses the boundaries of life and death for. The greedy coveter desires to possess every inch of skin and every strand of soul. ... "Hmm..." After reading the profile card, Ji Mu was completely bewildered. Obsessed to the point of crossing the boundaries of life and death? Wow, who would have thought that the second money tree was such a passionate character? I wonder who the unlucky person is that she loves and hates so intensely. "By the way, why is the affection for males set to three question marks and not refreshed?" [It might refresh once you meet her in Jiangcheng.] "Alright." Ji Mu didn''t dwell on it. The first task wasn''t even finished yet, so there was no point in overthinking miscellaneous details. Making money is something that needs to be done step by step. Speaking of which, I wonder when the final plot point involving the silly goose will come. Feeling depressed, he heard a faint, incessant noise coming from outside the window. "Since you transferred to this class and met me, Classmate Ruan, it''s fate. If it''s convenient, could you share your contact information? If there are any issues you''d prefer not to discuss with the teacher, I could consult with you privately." "Sorry, it''s not convenient." "Heh, Classmate Ruan, we''re in the same class, after all. You can''t deny me this small favor, can you?" "Mm." Recognizing the girl''s voice, Ji Mu perked up slither. Hey, the silly goose is being hit on! Eager to join the fun and see who had the courage to charge forward for love, he was reminded by the system''s prompt. [Host, it''s the twin scoundrel male leads!] Ji Mu''s body froze, and the smile on his face quickly disappeared. He looked through the window towards the ground passage leading to the office building. At that moment, the two scoundrels who looked identical and were pestering the girl appeared in his line of sight. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 87 - Ill Be Quick; Bear With Me The girl''s cold indifference left Han Yanchu perplexed in the corridor. Given his extensive experience with women, he thought someone with her personality would be introverted and timid, unable to say no to others. After all, even her voice was soft and gentle, devoid of any aggressiveness. He didn''t expect getting along with her to be so difficult. However, it was precisely this that made him feel the challenge was more exhilarating. His body felt hot, and he licked his lips. I have to suppress this unbecoming thought, he thought to himself, immediately changing his expression to a melancholic sigh. "Ruan, you seem to dislike me quite a bit," said Han Yanchu. The girl''s expression remained unchanged as she quickly walked toward the building entrance, clearly not wanting to deal with him further. Taking advantage of his height, Han Yanchu caught up to her and blocked her path. "Ignoring someone is quite impolite, don''t you think, Ruan?" His brother, Han Yanxi, stood to the side, also blocking her way. His expression was cold and condescending as he looked down at her. "A commoner like you should feel honored to exchange contact information with us." Ruan Qingqing didn''t respond, merely casting a faint glance at the two brothers. Despite her cold and aloof demeanor, the delicate and tender aura clinging to her face remained. In fact, it made her pure, innocent face appear even more alluring. Han Yanchu''s passion burned even hotter in his heart. A treasure like this is meant to be possessed by my brother and me, he thought. "Adding each other as friends isn''t a big deal, is it?" he said. As his gaze dropped, he noticed that the girl''s hands were wrapped around a stack of textbooks and that her full, plump chest was slightly indented, giving it a soft, elastic appearance. She was naturally born with a tempting figure, he thought, his eyes fixed on her. "I just want to be friends with you. I don''t have any other intentions," said Han Yanchu, swallowing the saliva that had accumulated in his mouth as he pretended to be innocent. "You don''t need to refuse our kindness, Ruan," he said as he put his hand on her shoulder. A cold intent gathered in Ruan Qingqing''s eyes, and a faint red flash seemed to pass through her pupils. Before she could sidestep to avoid him or slap his outstretched hand, it was suddenly slapped away. Pale and slender yet strong fingers tightly grasped his wrist. "If your claws aren''t clean, I can cut them off for you for free," said Ji Mu. The pressure on Han Yanchu''s wrist increased, and the intense pain made him feel as though his bones were about to be crushed. His facial muscles twitched in agony, and he could no longer force a smile. He struggled to turn his head and met the boy''s elegant, refined features with his eyes. His deep brown pupils seemed neither calm nor indifferent but rather like a barren peak frozen in the harsh spring chill where not a single blade of grass grew¡ªa single glance enough to make his entire body feel cold. Han Yanchu endured the pain and was about to speak when the pressure on his wrist suddenly increased and he was thrown backward. He stumbled several steps before managing to stop himself. Rubbing his now-swollen joint, he looked closely at the person''s face. The gloom on his face faded as he tugged at the corner of his mouth. "So, it turns out to be Ji, the school genius." He had just seen the boy give a speech onstage in the school auditorium, so he recognized him immediately. Composing himself, Han Yanchu took the initiative to greet him. "I''ve long admired you¡ª" "Scram," the boy replied. The conversation was cut off mid-sentence when Ji Mu abruptly shut down the second half of Han Yanchu''s words with a single, curt word. Han Yanchu''s suppressed anger flared up again as he was put in his place unceremoniously. He had planned to start with a polite facade before taking a stronger approach, but the other party didn''t bother with pleasantries, catching him off guard. In the capital city, who dared treat the two Han brothers with such disrespect? His twin brother, Han Yanxi, who had been standing by as a silent bystander, furrowed his brow, thinking of coming to his defense. However, before he could open his mouth, Ji Mu turned to him, his gaze sweeping over him. "You too, scram," said Ji Mu. Han Yanxi''s cold expression wavered, and anger flashed in his eyes when his attempt to intervene was rebuffed. Are the students from your local Yunlan High School really so rude? Ji Mu took a step forward. His tall, slender figure exuded a strong sense of oppression as he towered over the two brothers by several centimeters. Lazily lifting an eyelid, he asked, his voice devoid of emotion, "Got a problem?" Since coming to this novel world, he had grown and changed a lot. The end result was always going to be the same¡ªthem leaving¡ªso why bother with the intermediate process of being forced, coerced, and bothered when he could just skip to the end? He avoided wasting his breath. "You!" Han Yanxi''s anger flared up, fueled by Ji Mu''s dismissive attitude toward them. He was about to argue but was pulled back by Han Yanchu. "Let it go, brother," he said. Many people around them were already glancing curiously over, and Han Yanchu''s gaze warned his brother not to act impulsively. They had only just transferred to this school, and causing a scene would damage their reputation. Reluctantly, Han Yanxi shot a glance at the boy but ultimately suppressed his anger and decided to drop the matter. As he watched the two brothers storm off with resentment on their faces, Ji Mu''s amber eyes remained calm and unruffled, like a still pond. Students passing by cast glances at him, but they couldn''t read his thoughts. In the teaching building, there was an abandoned classroom. Han Yanxi slammed his fist on the lectern, his face twisted in a scowl. "That damned Ji Mu!" How dare he humiliate him and his brother like that! "Brother, I''ve dug up some information on his background, and it''s quite mysterious," said Han Yanchu. Those who had crossed Ji Mu before had either ended up in jail or been forced to transfer schools, suggesting that he had powerful connections. "For now, let''s not provoke him," said Han Yanchu, hiding the chill in his eyes as he smiled and patted his brother on the shoulder. "Don''t forget why we came here." Han Yanxi took a deep breath. "I haven''t forgotten." Why had they traveled all the way from the capital city to this small, broken one? It was all for the sake of obtaining the object of their obsession, which had consumed them since they were young. It all started at the prestigious Ruan family''s grand birthday party for their four-year-old granddaughter, Ruan Qingqing. They had been immediately captivated by her when they first laid eyes on her as children. In the middle of the party, a group of high-society individuals surrounded the delicate, exquisite princess. They orbited her like stars around the moon. The hustle and bustle of the crowd around them faded into the background, and she alone shone like the brightest star: dazzling and noble. From that moment on, she became the object of the brothers'' ardent desire¡ªa fixation they couldn''t erase from their minds. Now, having unexpectedly received news of her whereabouts, they rushed over without hesitation. The result did not disappoint the two Han brothers. Ruan Qingqing was as stunning as ever, and time had only made her more captivating. She was tantalizing, making their hearts ache with desire. Remembering the plump fullness of her chest and her exquisite features, the two brothers revealed identical expressions of infatuation and eagerness. If they couldn''t handle Ji Mu, how could they handle her? Ruan, little princess, you will ultimately be ours! "Brother, judging by your expression, I suppose you''ve thought of a way to win over Ruan Ruan?" "Of course," Han Yanxi said, a sly smile spreading across his face as his cold expression turned cunning. Since she doesn''t know what''s good for her, they''ll have to use unconventional methods. First, they''ll exploit the fanatical admiration that the school''s female students have for Ji Mu to suppress Ruan Qingqing. Then, they''ll have a top software expert create fake videos of her in compromising situations with various men in hotels. Finally, they will hire a large number of online and offline trolls to spread rumors and further increase the impact. After some time, when Ruan Qingqing is on the verge of collapse, they can take advantage of the situation, using their "special persuasion techniques" to win her over. Upon hearing his brother''s plan, Han Yanchu''s excitement caused his entire body to tremble with anticipation. He had already imagined the scene of completely conquering the exquisite beauty, pinning her down, and enjoying the delightful view. "Ruan Ruan, this is our overflowing love for you!" His excitement was evident in his words. His refined and elegant demeanor as a noble''s son faded, revealing his true nature as a beast driven by base desires. "This day will arrive soon, and you''ll be looking forward to it, too..." "Looking forward to what?" A nonchalant question echoed through the empty classroom. Han Yanchu''s fervent eyes suddenly met a pair of round, white-reflecting glasses. His heart skipped a beat. What''s going on? Who is this person? Why are they here? Why didn''t Uncle Han warn him? "You are..." Han Yanchu tried to compose himself and ask a question. In the next second, however, his pupils dilated in shock as he took in a scene that left both brothers stunned. The boy leaned lazily against the door, removed his glasses, and began to clean the lenses with a calm expression. "Ji Mu?!" The two brothers exclaimed in unison, their voices filled with shock and surprise. No matter how hard they tried, they never would have imagined that the ordinary, unremarkable person from earlier was actually the boy standing before them. How could someone look so different with and without glasses?! This was just too unbelievable! Ignoring the brothers'' comical expressions, Ji Mu calmly finished cleaning his glasses, put them back on, and slowly walked towards them. As he drew closer, Han Yanchu felt a strange sense of panic and took a step back involuntarily. "You..." Without giving Han Yanchu a chance to speak, Ji Mu swiftly and powerfully kicked out. The force of the kick was so great that it was almost impossible to see coming. It sent Han Yanchu flying across the room. Han Yanxi, standing still, only felt a dark shadow flash past him before his brother crashed to the ground. Han Yanchu slammed into the blackboard with a loud crash, leaving behind a spider web of cracks. Han Yanchu, who had been fine just moments before, slowly slid to the ground. He spat out blood uncontrollably and lay motionless like a dead dog. Han Yanxi''s eyes widened in rage as he rushed to his brother''s side. "Brother!" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 88 - Countdown Begins A piercing scream echoed through the classroom. Han Yanxi suddenly turned his head and locked eyes with the boy. Their gazes met in midair. One was filled with endless grief and hatred; the other was as calm as water. Ji Mu efficiently and ruthlessly dealt with one first. He clapped his hands and walked toward the boy. "Don''t look at me. You''re next," he said. His vigil at the door had not been in vain; the video had been recorded. Finally, he found a reason to act. Now, if the two of you don''t die, who will? Han Yanxi clenched his teeth. "Uncle Han!" Before he could finish, Ji Mu turned his body slightly. A buzzing sound accompanied by a gust of wind swiftly passed by, narrowly missing him. What?! The attacker, who had failed in his ambush, was confused. As an assassin trained by the Han family, he was proficient in various killing techniques. He had concealed his presence as much as possible, making it theoretically impossible for anyone to detect him. How did the opponent sense him? As he examined the unharmed boy in front of him, uncertainty filled him. He had already reached the Huajin stage, and the residual force of his inner strength alone could injure an ordinary person. So why... Bang! Ji Mu took a swift step forward, closing the distance. He extended his palm and struck the opponent''s forehead with unparalleled force, driving it straight through. The air wave from the impact knocked over the tables and chairs on both sides. The assassin felt dizzy, and his eyes began to turn white. The force was extreme, like a giant beast crushing everything in its path. It instantly shattered his protective outer qi, leaving him defenseless in seconds. No, this is impossible! His remaining consciousness screamed in his mind. I am a Huajin master! This level of ancient martial arts is considered... Bang! Enough with the narration about how impressive you are. It''s a waste of words. As if anyone would seriously think you could turn the tables on me. Ji Mu''s second slap landed, causing blood to flow from the assassin''s seven orifices and rendering him unconscious. Han Yanxi''s face turned pale, and his expression lost its previous cold and sinister demeanor. Seeing the seemingly invincible Uncle Han kicked five meters away like a dead dog made Han Yanxi''s entire body tremble violently. The boy''s indifferent, oppressive presence was like a mountain, crushing his pride as the young master of the capital. Resentment and hatred were no longer in his eyes; fear had replaced them. He desperately wanted to turn and flee, but he was unable to move an inch. As the figure closed the distance, Han Yanxi stumbled and fell to the ground in utter terror. Han Yanxi scrambled backward in a panic, abandoning all traces of his young master demeanor. "Don''t come any closer! Ahhhhh!" ... One month later: News spread throughout the capital that the two Han brothers were paralyzed and lying in the intensive care unit as permanent vegetative patients. Many nobles were stunned and secretly marveled at who dared to be so audacious. Were they not afraid of the Han family''s retaliation? Strangely, even though the two heirs had become vegetative patients, the Han family did not react. There wasn''t even a hint of a threat of vengeance for the two brothers. Just as everyone was puzzled by this, the prestigious family, which had been around for centuries, suddenly declared bankruptcy within a few days. Several key figures were imprisoned and sentenced to death for their involvement in national security matters. From then on, the original twin protagonists were completely written out. Of course, these are all later developments. Time flew by swiftly, as if yesterday were still before us. Since the end of the swearing-in ceremony, the popularity of the name "Ji Mu" at school has only increased. People were constantly discussing, whether in the classroom, on the school playground, or in the corridors. Mentioning the boy''s name instantly ignited the enthusiasm of the surrounding girls, as if it were enchanted. Some girls even spontaneously organized a large support group and fan club with over a thousand members. They would spy on Ji Mu''s every move every day and passionately explore topics related to him. They were almost more obsessive than die-hard fans. As the object of admiration and longing in the hearts of many girls, they naturally hoped their idol would remain flawless¡ªincluding not having any romantic relationships. Ruan Qingqing naturally became their primary target. A storm was brewing and raging against her. On the school forum, people mocked the girl''s photos and gave her various unpleasant nicknames. A large number of negative comments swept in like a whirlwind, leaving traces of malicious slander on every post. Despite Ji Mu writing articles in support of the girl, the malicious phenomenon did not abate until the school authorities shut down the forum. The situation then improved slightly. However, the calm days didn''t last long. Rumors began to spread throughout the school that Ruan Qingqing was suspected of being a murderer. According to insiders, Ruan comes from a single-parent family. She and her mother live in poverty in the slums of the southern district, and they earn a living through odd jobs and part-time work. The victim was the landlord who had rented a place to the mother and daughter. The rumor was accompanied by censored photos of the tragic death of the landlord and records of Ruan Qingqing and her mother being taken in for questioning and investigation years ago. From that moment on, the leaked content spread like wildfire, causing an enormous uproar offline. "Tsk, tsk. So young, and already knows how to seduce men¡ªand an old man at that." "She was only 12 years old back then, right?" "Accidental murder? Who are you kidding? I don''t believe it." "Pfft. She and her mom must have served the landlord well, and then killed him in the middle of the night." "How scary to be classmates with a murderer. Doesn''t that cast a shadow over your heart?" "Oh no! Won''t Ji be in danger?" "Who knows? Her twisted nature might one day harm him." "She must be expelled from school!" Contemptuous curses spread throughout the school. By this time, even if the school authorities realized the situation was out of control and tried to intervene, they couldn''t manage the overwhelmingly one-sided public opinion. In a quiet bamboo grove, a girl with disheveled hair fell onto the gravel path. A bright red handprint marked her face. She covered one cheek and looked up fiercely. "Ruan Qingqing, how dare you hit me?!" The girl''s light gaze shattered into fragments. Her expression was indifferent, as if the incident had nothing to do with her. "I hit you, so what?" It was the other girl who had tricked her into coming here. As soon as they arrived at the bamboo grove, she started mocking her. When that didn''t work, she tried to get physical. Ruan Qingqing was merely defending herself. "You!" The girl pointed at her with hatred in her eyes and anger in her voice. "Do you know who I am? I''m the president of Ji''s fan club!" "Fan club? President?" Ruan Qingqing muttered the words and smiled, but the amusement didn''t reach her eyes. "Why don''t you guess? Even if I hit you for no reason, who do you think Mu Mu would choose to help¡ªme or you, the so-called fan club president?" Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 89 - He Doesnt Care That Much About You The girl''s expression changed slightly, but she quickly sneered with disdain. "Yes, I admit that you have a good relationship with Ji Mu, the male god, but that''s all there is to it." With an inexplicable confidence, she held her head high, like a fighting rooster that refused to admit defeat even after losing a match. "No matter how special your relationship is, you will never become the wife of the male god!" "The male god has mentioned more than once on the campus forum that you are his best friend." "Remember that! Just... a... friend!" She emphasized the last two words heavily, speaking in an extremely provocative and pitiful tone. Ruan Qingqing was not provoked by the other party. Her pure and delicate face remained calm, as if this level of attack was nothing more than a child randomly spraying water with a toy gun. "And then? What are you trying to say?" She met the girl''s gaze and parted her rosy lips slightly. "Are you trying to share the thoughts of fans like you who don''t even have the qualifications to get close to Mu Mu?" "The girl''s face twisted slightly, clearly affected by Ruan Qingqing''s casual remark. She bit her molars and changed her approach, letting out a cold laugh. "Hmph, no matter how good your relationship is, I haven''t seen you two being particularly intimate. From an outsider''s perspective, it seems like you haven''t even shared a bed, right?" Ruan Qingqing''s eyes darkened for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. However, this slight change was still noticed by the girl. She got the answer she wanted. "Hahaha, I knew it!" Her lips curled into a mocking smile filled with pride. "Ruan Qingqing, Ji Mu has only thought of you as a friend from the beginning. He doesn''t care about you that much!" This statement obviously touched a sensitive spot, and without hesitation, the girl lifted her foot and stepped on the other person''s palm, pinning it to the ground on a sharp rock. "Shut up!" Ruan Qingqing''s eyebrows and eyes suddenly turned cold and fierce, and her gentle and pure aura was completely gone. The pain of her palm being crushed against the rock caused her face to contort in agony, yet she still stared at the other person stubbornly, her heart filled with a fierce and unyielding love for Ji Mu that wouldn''t allow her to back down. "Ruan Qingqing, you are a murderer." Her face twisted into a menacing scowl as she warned, "Stay away from our male god, you are a plague, you do not deserve to be near Ji Mu... Ahhh!" Ruan Qingqing''s foot pressed down even harder, until the other person was shaking like a sieve, her face contorted in agony, her veins bulging, and her pitiful screams ringing in her ears, she finally lifted her foot. The girl collapsed to the ground, her hand trembling and shrinking back in pain, almost crushed. "Ruan... Ruan Qingqing..." Her voice was broken and intermittent, her nostrils flaring. "You dare to torture me! Just wait, I''ll expose your hypocritical and innocent-looking face to Ji Mu right away!" Ruan Qingqing casually withdrew her gaze. "Go ahead." Her tone was still as sweet as honey, but her words sent a chill down one''s spine. "But if I find out it was you who spoke out, I''ll personally... cut out your tongue." ......... Returning to the teaching building, Ruan Qingqing slowed down her pace as she stepped up the stairs. Students walked up and down in twos and threes, the hustle and bustle of the crowd passing her by like a series of frames that kept passing through her eyes. But as she turned the corner into the long corridor, her gaze fell on a tall figure in the distance, and those clear eyes suddenly froze. From this vantage point, the boy was the focal point of the entire scene. The afternoon sunlight, tinged with a warm yellow haze, shone through the glass windows of the corridor, illuminating his clean profile and making it gleam like a reflection. He was leaning against the wall next to the classroom door, surrounded by an air of laziness, and it was unclear how long he had been waiting there. She noticed that the young man was carrying a cup with the words ''tomato juice'' clearly visible through the transparent wrapper. She remembered how she had previously made up a reason to cover up her drinking of blood packets by saying that she liked to drink tomato juice. Although it was just a casual remark, the boy had remembered it until now. Her heartbeat quickened, and Ruan Qingqing''s eyes felt a little moist. She took a deep breath, and with a calm expression, she walked over to the boy, "Mu Mu". Upon hearing her voice, Ji Mu''s eyelids lifted, "You''re here?" "Mhm." Ruan Qingqing''s voice was soft and gentle, and she voluntarily explained, "I just went to give some materials to the teacher." Ji Mu nodded and didn''t ask any more questions, instead holding the drink in front of the girl. "Here, I bought this when I went to buy takoyaki (octopus balls) this afternoon. Would you like to try some?" "Okay~" She took the drink with both hands, admiring Ji Mu''s pretty face with red lips and white teeth. Ruan Qingqing bit her lower lip, "Mu Mu, why haven''t you been wearing those round-framed glasses lately?" Ji Mu yawned and listlessly replied, "Wearing them for too long makes my ears hurt. It''s uncomfortable, so I took it off." The main reason was that since he showed his face, people would crowd around him whether he wore the glasses or not. It was more comfortable to take them off. "Is that... so." Ruan Qingqing was stunned. But like this, you''re too dazzling. So dazzling that I feel like I''m getting further away from you. We''ve spent so much less time together lately... She lowered her eyelashes to hide her swirling emotions and spoke softly. "Final exams are coming up. I''ll go back to my seat to study, Mu Mu." After speaking, she walked into the classroom, leaving Ji Mu standing there in confusion. What''s wrong with that silly goose? She seems to be in a bad mood. [It''s because of the rumors that have been spreading around the school lately. It would be hard for anyone to stay calm in such a situation.] The system, which had been silent for a while, suddenly spoke up. [Do you think everyone is like you, who only cares about money? She''s a kind and gentle girl, but her heart is very fragile.] After listening to the system''s complaints, Ji Mu glanced at the girl''s back, his eyebrows slightly furrowed. Although the system had a point, he felt that the reason wasn''t that simple... ...... "The transfer procedures are almost complete. You should spend the remaining time in Tianhua City well," the principal said, organizing the documents and planning the next steps. "As soon as the summer vacation is over, we''ll go straight to Jiangcheng." The efficiency of the process was quite disconcerting to Ji Mu, who was used to procrastinating and taking things slowly. "Principal, I..." "Hmm?" Gu Changlin''s tone rose, and the look in his eyes made his meaning clear. Ji Mu paused for a moment before reluctantly changing his address to the old man. "...Uncle." "Hmm." The headmaster''s tone dropped, obviously pleased with the new form of address. Ji Mu felt a little helpless. After his uncle Ji Shihua passed away, the headmaster had revealed his true identity to Ji Mu. No more pretending, it''s time to tell the truth - I''m really your dear uncle! These old-timers really knew how to play the abstract game. Normally, they wouldn''t make a peep, but one day, they''d hit you with something big. No wonder they''re considered the older generation of artists - long setups followed by sudden moves, a combo that''s impossible to defend against. Back to the present. The director was the older brother of Ji Mu''s biological mother, which makes him Ji Mu''s real second uncle. And Ji Mu has another uncle named Gu Shuyang, who was currently the mayor of Jiangcheng. The scenery was extraordinarily luxurious, unprecedented in its grandeur. Ji Mu, who was always alone in his previous life, now feels like he''s been upgraded from a bird gun to a cannon. "Good nephew," the principal''s voice brought Ji Mu back to reality. "After spending so many years in Tianhua City, you''re leaving so suddenly. Don''t you feel any attachment?" Ji Mu found this question rather puzzling. "Why should I feel attached? It''s not like I can''t come back." He laughed inwardly. He wasn''t attached to this world at all, let alone Tianhua City. The principal was left speechless by this answer. This brat, living so transparently, made all his worries seem pointless. "That''s not true. I heard that there''s a girl named Ruan Qingqing who has a pretty good relationship with you," the principal said, giving him a gossipy look. "Shouldn''t you be reluctant to break up with her?" Ji Mu found this even stranger. "What''s there to be reluctant about?" he replied. "Just take the silly goose to the transfer school. The educational resources in the provincial capital are better, and she can improve her grades there." "Hahaha, you''re quite open-minded." "Yes, I guess so." ... While the two were talking, neither of them noticed the small gap in the door. The corridor was quiet and calm. Ruan Qingqing, who had heard the entire conversation inside, lowered her head. Her shoulder-length hair fell forward, covering her cheeks, and her expression was hidden in the shadows. "See, he really... doesn''t care about you that much~" The voice from the depths of her soul echoed again, mocking her self-assurance. The tone gradually matched that of the girl in the bamboo forest earlier. "He doesn''t care about you at all!" Doesn''t care...? Drip. Drip. Blood trickled from her fingertips, where her nails had dug deep into her palms, onto the marble floor. Her deep eyes were a rich, inky black, devoid of any other color. It was as if a cloud had suddenly descended from the sky, swallowing the light that was streaming from the sun. "Mu... Mu..." The soft murmur sounded hoarse, the eerie, wet sound like a poisonous snake crawling through the swamp, slowly burrowing into the most rotten wounds of the heart. Beneath the extreme calm of her voice lay an indescribable madness. Outside, the sky was covered with endless gray clouds, hanging like a vast, oppressive curtain. Though dusk had not yet fallen, it brought an inexplicable sense of oppression to the passersby. A faint, huge clock shadow appeared above the clouds. The "tick-tick-tick" sound seemed to record the seconds counting down to the final moments. Hello readers! Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Every review counts. [Rate on NovelUpdate]Thanks for your support and happy reading! ..... Hey folks! Support us on NovelUpdate! Feel free to leave comments in Discord now that the comment section is unavailable. Chapter 90 - The Final Plot Point Time flew by. In the afternoon, it was time for school to end again. After teaching the last class of the day, Shen Sijin left the school building with his textbooks. Although he had only recently started working at the school, his good manners and extensive knowledge quickly helped him get along with his colleagues. Occasionally, a teacher would come by to greet him as she finished packing. "Mr. Shen, class is over?" "Yes, I just assigned the homework." "Alright, I won''t keep you. Go ahead." Shen Sijin replied warmly, "Okay, you too." The office building was empty, and the only sound in the stairwell was the echo of footsteps on the stairs. For some unknown reason, Shen Sijin usually stayed very late at the school. After taking a walk downstairs, he estimated that by the time he returned to his office, everyone else would have already left. The campus was bathed in the brilliant hues of sunset, and groups of students walked together on the golden asphalt road, enthusiastically discussing the day''s events. The vibrant energy of youth hung in the air. He looked away from the glass along the corridor. Youth is truly wonderful... He pushed open the door, and the quiet environment was just as he had expected. But in the next second, Shen Sijin''s footsteps stopped. The twilight glow filtered through the sparse clouds, casting a mottled light. In his line of sight, a tall and slender young man sat at his desk as if he had been waiting for quite some time. Seeing this unexpected visitor, Shen Sijin paused for a moment before entering. "Is there something you need help with, Ji Mu?" he asked. Ji Mu slowly turned around and looked over with a relaxed expression, his fingers tapping on the desk. "Yes, there is something I would like to ask you, Mr. Shen." "Ji Mu, you really are eager to learn," Shen Sijin said with a smile, putting down his textbook. "So what is your question..." "Can you tell me why you spread rumors about Ruan Qingqing?" Ji Mu''s words, neither too light nor too heavy, overshadowed Shen Sijin''s question. "Ji Mu..." Shen Sijin''s warm smile faded, and his voice stopped. "I don''t quite understand what you mean." His puzzled tone was the perfect reaction of a falsely accused person. But Ji Mu wasn''t fooled. "Playing dumb?" His eyelids drooping, Ji Mu rested his chin on his hand and turned the laptop on the desk toward Shen Sijin. "Then explain why your computer is full of these things?" The screen was filled with countless photos of the girl in various situations at school - in class, eating, walking, and more. From the angles, it was clear that they had been taken secretly. Standing at the door, Shen Sijin''s expression remained unchanged, but he was inwardly surprised. Strange, he had set this file to private and even added a password. How did Ji Mu manage to open it? In a place where he couldn''t see, a certain system sprite floating in the air smugly flicked its sleeves. What a joke! For a super-intelligent being like me, handling something like this is a piece of cake¡ªno big deal. "Ji Mu, there must be some misunderstanding here," Shen Sijin immediately tried to come up with an excuse, calmly trying to steer the situation in a different direction. "I just admire Ruan Qingqing, so I couldn''t help but..." The explanation was abruptly cut short when the young man across from him stood up and walked over quickly, pushing the back of his head against the wall with a violent shove. In an extremely violent manner, he ended the conversation that was stillborn in its second half. "Are we having a debate? Who wants to argue with you?" Shen Sijin was hit so hard that he felt dizzy. The blood from the cut stained a small spot on the wall. Even though he had a detailed understanding of the young man''s personality before, he hadn''t expected him to be capable of such brutality. He acted without hesitation, without even a moment''s warning. The usual lazy voice sounded next to his ear. "I can''t be bothered to listen, and you''re not worthy to speak." The rumors were getting worse, and even though the target of the task didn''t show any signs of distress in front of Ji Mu, everyone could see that the girl''s mood had been bad these past few days. As someone he had carefully taken care of for twenty-five million, how could he not be angry when someone used such despicable means to make her feel down? What, you say, what if Shen Sijin isn''t the one spreading the rumors? Sorry, there is no "what if." Besides, even if that idiot isn''t really the one spreading the rumors, so what? What''s wrong with beating up the scumbag male lead to vent his anger at the stupid girl from the previous timeline? Is there a problem? No problem at all! "Behave yourself, I''ll be watching you." After the warning, Ji Mu let go, opened the office door, and walked out. Shen Sijin leaned against the wall and tried to calm his rapid breathing, his head still a bit dizzy. That monster! He cursed inwardly, unable to maintain his usual gentle and refined facade. He usually had little social interaction, so how did they find out about him spreading rumors?! Remembering the humiliating scene of being pinned to the wall, a look of venomous hatred appeared in his eyes. Damn it! If only... Whoosh¡ª Suddenly, a breeze blew through, causing the curtains to flutter. A hand rested gently on his shoulder. The young man who had just left had inexplicably returned. "Show me that look in your eyes again." Shen Sijin was startled, unable to hide his true feelings in time. The heavy pressure felt like it was crushing his bones, causing him to tremble in pain. Ji Mu looked at him with an extra touch of contempt, seeing that he could barely stand. That weak? If he had known that, he wouldn''t have activated "Gu Zhi E Lai" (Ancient Evil Lai). He thought he was dealing with a hidden expert. "By tomorrow morning, I want to see a post on the school''s website from the anonymous person who spread the rumors, clarifying and apologizing." Not wanting to waste any more words on him, Ji Mu issued his final ultimatum. "I will only say this once." Do it or not, he didn''t care. If you post it, I''ll beat you up again as a token of your cooperation. If I don''t hear from you by the next day, you can join those rich twin kids in intensive care. Hearing the underlying threat in the young man''s words, Shen Sijin couldn''t even muster the right to retort. The invisible pressure was overwhelmingly terrifying, something he had only felt from the top ancient martial artists in the capital. It was like a small shrimp meeting an ancient giant whale in the sea. After the young man had been gone for a long time, Shen Sijin finally breathed a sigh of relief, his back already drenched in cold sweat. What exactly was Ji Mu''s background... ? A deep sense of fear rose in his heart, and the hatred that had lingered for only a few minutes immediately vanished. When he first came to this school, he had secretly sent people to investigate the young man. Punching bullies, kicking mafia heirs, and remaining unaffected himself, each incident hinted at his mysterious background. Adhering to the principle of staying put, he released information to attract the two brothers of the Han family. The goal was to stall Ji Mu while investigating his background. Who would have thought that those two useless idiots would be so incompetent? They had only been transferred to Yulan for less than a day before they were thrown into the ICU. Although the process was less than ideal, the overall result was still acceptable. The plan he had set in motion was now at the stage of closing the net. Straightening his still somewhat weak legs, Shen Sijin leaned against the wall, a wicked smile tugging at the corner of his lips. Clarify by tomorrow? Heh, well... there has to be a tomorrow first. [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 10 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 3/10] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 96/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! ... Chapter 91 - The Disease Called Love It is nighttime. Neon lights illuminate the street. The girl who usually greets customers with a smile while working part-time at the milk tea shop seems a bit distracted tonight. Although her hands continue to move, her beautiful eyes stare blankly into the distance. A colleague''s reminder brings her back to reality. She finishes packaging the order and hands it to the waiting customer. "Little Ruan, what''s wrong? You''ve been out of it all day." Noticing her unusual state, the female store manager approaches with concern. "Did you have a fight with your boyfriend?" she asks. Ruan Qingqing was momentarily stunned, then sadly shook her head. "No, it''s not that." We don''t even count as boyfriend and girlfriend. The store manager, having experienced similar situations herself, could infer some details from the girl''s few words. She sighed and gently patted the girl on the head. "Let''s call it a day for work. Go home and rest well. I won''t dock your hours." "Huh?" "It''s okay," the store manager said softly. "Don''t overthink it. Many things can''t be forced. If it''s meant to be yours, it will be eventually." Ruan Qingqing was stunned and speechless by the heartfelt words that flowed into her ears. After changing her clothes, she walked alone toward the bus stop. Children ran around, chirping like sparrows by the roadside, filled with joy. Their parents followed behind, smiling and occasionally gently scolding their children for picking up something dirty from the ground. It was ordinary yet happy. She felt a bit dazed. But this simple, ordinary happiness was something she could only long for and never attain. She felt like ashes separated from the fire, deprived of warmth and unable to blend in again. She seemed so out of place. Under the moonlight, her shadow stretched long. As she walked, streetlights cast her shadow at varying lengths and distances. In the distance, a bus followed its predetermined route, slowly approaching the station and eventually stopping. She boarded the bus and chose a window seat. Silently, she gazed at the bustling traffic outside. Skyscraper outlines loomed faintly in the night while pedestrians brushed past each other on the roads, their shadows lengthening and shortening under the streetlights. She became a quiet observer, silently watching. The colorful neon lights flickered across her face by the window, turning her pure, delicate features into a lifeless visage. Since childhood, she believed herself to be coldhearted. She lacked empathy; even when she encountered elderly beggars on the roadside, she felt nothing. Over time, this realization made her fearful. She didn''t want to be an outcast, so she desperately tried to fit in. Maybe if she had received recognition and formed deeper emotional connections, she wouldn''t have remained unaffected by others'' joys and sorrows. But all her efforts resulted in the indifference of those around her. Day after day, she was bullied and targeted. The girl couldn''t understand what she had done wrong. She just wanted to live a normal, happy life like everyone else: to make friends in class, walk to school with them, and plan outings during holidays. That was all... only that much. Could this be the punishment that heaven had bestowed upon her? Fate was indeed unpredictable. The harder she tried to avoid becoming an outcast, the more she ended up living as one. From then on, she became self-conscious, timid, submissive, and afraid to say no to others. "Mu Mu..." Her fingers brushed against the windowsill, leaving traces that appeared and faded on the transparent barrier. She felt the coldness transmitted through her fingertips. Her beating heart seemed to gradually lose its warmth. It was Ji Mu who told her not to be bound by worldly views. He taught her to be brave and regain her confidence. He helped her escape the shadows of her past and rediscover herself. His appearance became a true beacon of light. He redeemed her oppressed soul, brightened her colorless days, and touched her parched heart. Reminiscence of their time together made Ruan Qingqing fall into a reverie. She couldn''t learn to be an indifferent adult. Kindness could be given to anyone, but affection and love could not. For Ji Mu, she was willing to be an outcast. She only wished to keep this light by her side forever. But why? "Shouldn''t you be reluctant to break up with her?" "What''s there to be reluctant about?" The vivid conversation turned into a sharp knife that stabbed her bleeding heart deeply. With each heartbeat, the wound tugged, causing unbearable pain that made it hard to breathe. Ji Mu... I know you care about me, but your care is too little...too little. The moon belonged to everyone. She was just fortunate enough to receive a fleeting beam of its silver light. With each tick of the second hand, time slipped inevitably through her fingers. Ruan Qingqing bit her lip, her shoulders trembling uncontrollably. "Mu Mu..." I really love you. I just want to hold on to you. I''m reluctant because I can''t see you every minute and second. I fall into a whirlpool of pain because I can''t control my delusional thoughts. The girl had always been clear about her feelings for Ji Mu. Just as her past-life soul had said, she was a complete failure. Fearing rejection and estrangement if she confessed her feelings, she could only constantly suppress them, seeking brief solace and release each night while hiding in a dark corner and thinking of him. When she heard the boy say he was leaving Tianhua City, she fled in embarrassment. She didn''t have the courage to step forward and talk to him. "You can''t stop someone from going to a better place." He was so exceptional that he was destined to shine on a stage that suited him. How could he be willing to stay in a small city for her and be the subject of gossip for a lifetime? She lowered her gloomy eyes. The taste of blood from her bitten lip spread in her mouth. She knew she should send him off with blessings. But if your existence was destined to leave, then why did you appear? Why did you come to provoke me? To help me? To be gentle with me? Couldn''t you just leave me to rot in the darkest, dampest corner of this city forever? The dim, old lights inside the bus swayed with the vehicle''s bumps, casting mottled shadows. She would never get what she wanted if she didn''t pursue it. One day, the azure sky would also pollute the coastline. She thought to herself, "I will imprison Ji Mu and lock him away so that the only thing he can see is me." She would kiss his lips, strip him, and defile his body. She would possess the young man forcefully and incessantly. These obsessive and frantic thoughts surged uncontrollably, overwhelming her mind. It was as if the rational world had collapsed in an instant. Like in ancient times when the pillar of heaven broke, chaos ensued. The ground sank into darkness and the rivers raged wildly. "Mu Mu..." Fingers brushed against the window, slowly and despairingly writing the boy''s name. Tears welled up at the corners of her eyes, unnoticed even by herself. How terrifying... Ruan Qingqing, why have you become so terrifying? [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 10 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 3/10] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 96/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! ... Chapter 92 - You and I Are One The bus''s characteristic low rumble grew louder as it approached its destination, eventually coming to a steady stop. The arrival announcement echoed inside the bus. Ruan Qingqing stepped down onto the platform made of worn green stone slabs and walked towards home under the evening sky. "Why not merge our memories? Once you can control the power of complete transformation, you can do anything you want, including... getting him~" The rusted, old street lamp leaned to one side and cast a dim, yellow light. She did not respond to the voice echoing in her mind. "He''s about to leave Tianhua City soon. By then, the distance between you two will only grow." The consciousness within her murmured. "Although you''re his only friend right now, who''s to say he won''t meet more compatible friends in his new environment?" "When that time comes, he probably won''t even remember who you are." "So, merge our memories. This opportunity only comes once." Ruan Qingqing remained silent as she continued to climb the stairs alone. Sensing her determination, the consciousness within her ceased its persuasion. This version of me is still too naive. I''ll refuse to turn back until I hit a wall. I need to see him fly away with my own eyes to feel the pain. "Tsk. Such a stubborn little mule." She remained quiet and continued to observe. Taking out the key, she pushed open the peeling iron door in front of her. The creaking sound of the hinges was particularly clear in the dim, narrow hallway. She should have just washed up and gone to bed as usual, but she noticed that the light in the living room was on. Puzzled, she noticed a stranger sitting at the dining table. When she glanced over, the man raised his hand and smiled gently. "Good evening, Ruan." Ruan Qingqing''s face turned cold. "Who are you?" Noticing the alertness in the girl''s eyes, Shen Sijin''s mouth drooped in feigned sadness. "How heartbreaking. After all these days teaching at Yulan, Ruan doesn''t have the slightest impression of me." Ruan Qingqing was not the naive type of girl who would let her guard down around a stranger who had broken into her home just because he said a few nice things. She grabbed the door frame with one hand and kept her eyes fixed on him, ready to respond to any potential danger. "I don''t care who you are. Leave my house immediately." Seeing the girl in this state, Shen Sijin sighed. "As expected, the only man you see is Ji Mu." Of all people, you had to choose that mysterious creature. Because of him, I had to come to this small city with caution and execute my plans carefully, afraid of being discovered. Shen Sijin gathered his scattered thoughts and refocused on the main course in front of him. "Ruan, it''s fine if you don''t recognize me, but you should know who this person is, right?" As he spoke, he clapped his hands. Several tall, thin figures wearing masks stepped out of the room one by one. When Ruan Qingqing saw the hostage they were holding, her pupils contracted violently, and her calm facade shattered as an anxious, shocked expression spread across her face. "Mom!" That night. Having lost several games in a row, Ji Mu went downstairs to find something to eat and ease his frustration. Ji Mu chose a barbecue stall and stood waiting patiently. The charcoal in the grill crackled and occasionally sent sparks flying. The aroma of fresh meat skewers sizzling and dripping with oil wafted into his nostrils, making his mouth water. He sniffed eagerly, anticipating the luxurious barbecue set he had spent a hundred yuan on. "Boss, I''ve already paid..." [Warning! Warning!] [Please note: The final plot node is beginning!] A piercing noise exploded in his mind like an electric current, buzzing incessantly through his eardrums and nerves. Final...plot node?! Patting his head and muttering these words, Ji Mu''s expression suddenly changed. Without waiting for a reminder from the system, he turned and ran out without a second thought. The barbecue stall owner, grilling behind him, shouted to remind him. "Hey, young man! Aren''t you going to take your skewers?" Ji Mu didn''t have time to stop and answer, and soon, he was just a figure running farther and farther away. He scanned the area and spotted a taxi that had just dropped off a passenger. In a flash, he opened the door and got in. He scanned the QR code on his phone, transferred two hundred yuan instantly, and gave the driver the address. "Driver, go to the South District quickly!" ... "Don''t act rashly, Ruan." Seeing the faint red glint in the girl''s pupils, Shen Sijin remained unperturbed. Instead, he crossed his legs leisurely. "Otherwise, I can''t guarantee your mother won''t get hurt." The men under his command held blades to Ruan Chuyao''s throat, silently threatening her. The atmosphere became tense and oppressive. Not far away, Ruan Qingqing stood, her eyes locked on their every move. Her clenched fists trembled from the excessive force. "Ruan, I know you''re a demihuman. I''ve also experienced the terrifying power of your kind, but..." His voice trailed off, and Shen Sijin asked with a confident smile, "Having just undergone a transformation on a full moon night, you can''t control that power now, can you?" The girl''s lips pressed into a straight line. Despite the turbulent mix of anger and tension in her chest, she tried to calm down and think of a strategy. "Qingqing..." Ruan Chuyao, who was being held hostage, looked pale. Despite the blade at her throat, she managed to speak weakly to the girl. "Quick... run..." Ruan Qingqing''s heart tightened. "Mom..." Shen Sijin frowned. "Tsk. I can''t let her ruin my plans." He got up and walked over to Ruan Chuyao. His gaze swept over the woman''s face, worn by the ravages of time. He shook his head and sighed. "The cherished princess of one of the top aristocratic families in the capital has willingly squeezed into this shabby little house for ten years. Even I, your nephew, can''t bear to see it." "Truly pitiful, don''t you think, my dear aunt?" Nephew? Hearing him reveal his identity caused waves of turmoil to surge in Ruan Qingqing''s heart. Strange. Why don''t I remember him? If there really is a connection, then why did they kidnap Mom? "There''s nothing strange about it," explained the consciousness from her past life. "Shen Sijin''s real name is Ruan Sijin. He is the biological son of the man who killed your father and forced your mother and me to live in exile." Killed... Father. Ruan Qingqing''s mind wavered. The painful memories buried deep within her, like ancient tombstones weathered by time, began to reveal their deeply etched scars as the surface dirt gradually peeled away. The voice grew colder bit by bit, concealing hysterical madness beneath its seemingly calm exterior. "Everyone before you deserves to die." Kill them all, okay? "In the previous life, your mother was killed by this group of people." The tone of the past-life consciousness gradually sank, like invisible threads wrapping around and enticing the rational mind into confusion. "So accept the memories, idiot. Only then will everything you cherish not disappear before your eyes." "You and I... are the same person." [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 10 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 3/10] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 99/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! ...@ ReindeerThank for your feedback.I can see that my mistake caused upset among loyal readers as you, and I appreciate your feedback on this. I have looked into the matter and cleared the mistakes; soon it will reflect on the website i.e corrected version of Chapter 6. I apologise to have caused unrest for loyal readers and supporters. I value your time and money you spent on our website and support, thank you again.Please keep supporting us and giving your feedback constantly. Chapter 93 - Fate, Unchanged Ruan Qingqing stood in the doorway. Her eyes revealed a struggle of hesitation. She wavered, unable to decide. If it truly came to merging memories, would she still be herself? Suddenly, Ji Mu''s face flashed through her mind. In an instant, something gripped her heart tightly, and an overwhelming tide of reluctance surged, making it impossible for her to let go. After a moment, Ruan Qingqing relaxed her clenched fist, and she made her choice. She gazed at Shen Sijin. Her tone was icy. "What do you want?" she asked. "Good sister, after all, we''re family, and a brother''s requests aren''t too much to ask," he said. He explicitly stated their familial relationship and changed the way he addressed her. However, the intimate term of endearment sounded overly grating and hypocritical at that moment. He pulled a small knife out of his body and tossed it to the ground beside the girl''s feet with a loud clang. "Use this to dig out your own heart," he said. He spoke gently, but his cruel words did not match his refined and elegant demeanor. "Rest assured, your Mystic fox clan has a special constitution. As long as you are supplied with heavenly materials and earthly treasures, you can survive without a heart." Upon hearing this, Ruan Chuyao, held hostage behind him, turned even paler. "Qingqing, don''t..." Her weak voice was filled with pleading; she hoped her daughter wouldn''t worry about her. Shen Sijin wouldn''t give the mother and daughter any more time to talk. "Sister, do you really want to see your biological mother, who painstakingly raised you, die right in front of you?" He knew that delays could lead to changes, and he couldn''t afford to drag this out any longer. "The choice is in your hands. Brother will give you only ten seconds to decide." Ruan Qingqing leaned slightly forward, her fingers tightly intertwined. When her gaze fell upon her mother''s haggard face, she slowly bent down, picked up the sharp knife on the ground, and pointed the cold, gleaming blade at her chest. "Yes, just like that." Shen Sijin swallowed hard, his eyes fixed on the girl''s movements. He didn''t take his eyes off her for a moment. No wonder he was so nervous. This was a Mystic Fox. The kind that had, years ago, forced its way out of the Ruan family''s encirclement even while gravely wounded, taking five Huajin-level martial artists just to bring down. That near-invincible figure had burned itself into his childhood memories. To uncover the secrets of such beings, his family spent over a decade combing through vast amounts of materials and ancient books, painstakingly piecing together the true nature of the Mystic Fox. It had incredible speed and exaggerated strength, not to mention its astonishing healing ability. It could bring the dead back to life and regenerate flesh and bones. It was a walking treasure trove, with every part of its body containing precious medicinal materials. The heart, in particular, had powerful blood that could enable many ancient martial artists stuck in the An Jin stage to advance to the Huajin stage. Over the years, they had cultivated no fewer than ten Huajin ancient martial artists by relying on the body of that deceased Mystic Fox. They used the remaining parts to research pharmaceutical formulations, earning a fortune and squeezing every bit of value out of the Mystic Fox. Human nature is inherently greedy. Naturally, when they obtained enormous profits, they wouldn''t be willing to let Ruan Qingqing''s family go. Ruan Chuyao''s appearance some time ago also helped them find the last Mystic Fox in the world. However, this race is special in that only when their negative emotions are at their peak can the effects of the essence blood be maximized. Therefore, Shen Sijin secretly went to Tianhua City and meticulously planned while waiting for the right moment. Now, everything was ready, except for one thing. His gaze fell on his long-desired target, and his eyes flashed with fervent greed. Excitement and exhilaration surged through his chest, nearly bursting through his skin. "Do it! Sister, just stab yourself, and your mother will be safe." His voice grew increasingly urgent, sounding as if each word was squeezed out through his teeth. It was filled with barely concealed excitement and thrill. He had planned to take her to the capital overnight as soon as she lost consciousness after he removed her heart. No matter how mysterious Ji Mu''s background and power were, they wouldn''t affect that place. By then, he and his father would have broken away from the Ruan family and risen to the ranks of the top elite families in no time! Ruan Qingqing''s shoulders slumped, and her hands, which were gripping the knife handle, trembled uncontrollably. "Hurry up and do it! If you keep dawdling, don''t blame me for being ruthless, sister." Hearing the sinister urging in her ear, she took a deep breath, pursed her lips, and hesitated no more. Just as the sharp blade was about to pierce the fabric and her skin, a weak voice suddenly rang out: "Qingqing!" The girl lifted her eyes and saw her mother with a pale face forcing a smile. But behind that smile was a resolute determination. Suddenly, she had a bad premonition. "Qingqing..." Looking at her daughter, whom she had raised herself, Ruan Chuyao''s eyes flashed with reminiscence. Time flies; in the blink of an eye, Qingqing has grown up. The once timid, self-conscious girl who used to follow her around had become confident and brave and had found someone worthy of spending her life with. She should have a brighter future. As for Ruan, an old woman who has long been terminally ill, she can no longer be a burden to her child. "Live well..." At that moment, an invisible force seemed to propel Ruan Chuyao''s body forward, resolutely advancing her toward the blade that glinted with a cold light. Her carotid artery was instantly slit, and blood spurted out like a fountain, splashing onto the icy ground. Shen Sijin''s face froze in shock. Having grown up in a world where profit was paramount, he could not fathom someone sacrificing themselves for familial affection. Especially since the person was from the prestigious Ruan family, just like him. The air seemed to freeze and time was captured in that moment. The girl stared blankly at her mother lying in a pool of blood and lost all control over her expression. "See? This is the consequence of your hesitation." You want everything, but how can such a beautiful thing exist in the world? "Because of your inexplicable persistence, you let Ji Mu leave." "And because of this so-called persistence, you killed your mother." "Ruan Qingqing, maybe they were right about you..." As a child, she caused a classmate to be ostracized. Later, she was responsible for the death of an elderly woman who lived downstairs. Then, she caused the young store manager to be disfigured and lose his cafe?. Now, the person closest to her had also left this world because of her. These incidents clearly showed that she has always been a disaster. The fate of her past and present lives was tightly bound. No matter how the process changed, the outcome never shifted. She was isolated and excluded by everyone due to rumors and slander. Ji Mu left her, and her mother died in front of her, just as in her past life. "Silly goose." Muttering the nickname unique to this life, she heard a voice within her consciousness that carried suppressed self-mockery. "You... are not... us..." "We were never meant for happiness." [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 10 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 3/10] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 99/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! ...@ ReindeerThank for your feedback.I can see that my mistake caused upset among loyal readers as you, and I appreciate your feedback on this. I have looked into the matter and cleared the mistakes; soon it will reflect on the website i.e corrected version of Chapter 6. I apologise to have caused unrest for loyal readers and supporters. I value your time and money you spent on our website and support, thank you again.Please keep supporting us and giving your feedback constantly. Chapter 94 - She is twenty-five million and also a close friend "Quick, catch her!" After a brief moment of distraction, Shen Sijin realized that something was wrong and hurriedly ordered his subordinates to take action. With no way to restrain the Mystic Fox now, and considering she had already undergone one transformation, even with three peak Dark Force users and two Huajin-level ancient martial artists on his side, capturing her would still be a serious ordeal. She had to be taken down immediately. If she really managed to escape, it would all be over! Ridiculous family affection... Damn it! Damn it! That damned old woman! She didn''t die early or late, but she chose to die at such a time to spite me! Once the Mystic Fox is captured and brought back to the capital, even if you''re dead, old woman, don''t expect to rest in peace. I will... take good care of you, the once-beloved jewel of the Ruan family! Shen Sijin''s veneer of gentleness shattered like thin ice, revealing his cold and sinister nature. At his command, the surrounding subordinates moved like phantoms, turning into shadows and swiftly rushing towards the target, ready to capture them. In the shadowy corner where the light couldn''t reach, the girl slowly raised her head. The once innocent and radiant face had turned into a strange, detached calm. Her clear and beautiful eyes had disappeared, and her pupils were slightly dilated in the dim warm light, resembling an endless abyss, emitting a terrifying aura that made one''s heart pound. They were a deep, blood-red color. Dong¡ª Suddenly, a deep and resonant giant bell rang out across the heavens and earth. Neither hurried nor slow, it permeated every inch of the city. Inside the car, Ji Mu also heard the commotion. Wondering where the bell sound came from, the radio channel in the taxi suddenly stopped, and the fare meter numbers stopped changing. "Driver, why aren''t you driving..." Ji Mu''s words stopped halfway. He was astonished to see that not only the driver, but also the pedestrians crossing the crosswalk at the intersection had all stopped in their tracks, as if... time had frozen. Wait, time froze?! He opened the car door, got out and looked around. All the vehicles had stopped, and the exhaust fumes were frozen in the air. The nocturnal bustle of the city faded into nothingness. The entire world had hit the pause button, leaving only his breathing to be clearly heard. [Host, something has happened.] The system flew in front of him and spoke in a grim tone. [We most likely didn''t make it in time.] Sensing the uneasiness in his tone, Ji Mu''s nerves immediately tensed, "System, be specific." [Host, this final plot node is different from the previous ones. It is crucial to the heroine''s complete transformation.] [If we don''t prevent the predetermined outcome from happening from the beginning, the novel world area belonging to this book will end like this and enter the reckoning phase.] "Reckoning?" [Yes] The system rubbed its face, a cloud of gloom covering its expression, looking more dejected than losing dozens of games in a row. [In other words, Ruan Qingqing has to follow the script of the final chapter, just like in her past life, and completely transform into a sinister and obsessive maniac.] Therefore, this novel world has stopped the flow of time to avoid any external conditions that might interfere with the script during this period. Ji Mu moved his limbs, each action smoothly following the instructions from his brain. "Then why am I unaffected?" The system replied with a somber expression. [Because you don''t belong to this world, so of course you are unaffected.] Maybe the person the heroine cared about the most was also not affected by the time freeze, but so what? [In short, Host, we have failed in our mission.] The writing of the final chapter had already begun, which means that the story of this novel is coming to an end. The story was almost over, and the heroine still hadn''t gotten over her disgust towards men, which was equivalent to failure. It''s impossible to think that in the next few hours we could reform the crazy version of Ruan Qingqing and successfully eliminate the last ten points of disgust value. That''s nothing but a fantasy, a fool''s dream. The system sighed deeply. Tasting the fruits of failure was quite unpleasant for it. [Host, let''s go. There''s nothing more we can do. This plot node happened too suddenly tonight...] He turned around, and in the blink of an eye, the boy''s figure had already dashed a hundred meters away. [Where are you going?! Host!] "To the southern district." The answer echoed in his mind as Ji Mu''s steps didn''t falter, silently calculating the time. With the skill effect of Ancient Evil Lai, the remaining distance would be enough to get there in time. He should have never let his guard down. Knowing that the plot node would occur in the next few days, he still relaxed his protection of the "silly goose". Even at night, he should have stayed near the southern district and taken care of her by staying in a hotel for a few nights. In the end, it was his fault. Regardless of whether the mission was considered a failure or not, he had to see for himself. ...... Arriving at the building where the girl lived. The weakening buff from the end of the skill enveloped his body, causing Ji Mu''s legs to tremble as he clung to the railing, gritting his teeth and taking the steps three at a time as quickly as possible. Panting heavily, he pushed open the door and the pungent smell of blood hit him in the face. What met his eyes was a horrific scene of carnage, the entire living room blurred by the thick smell of blood. Broken limbs and torn clothing littered the room. As soon as he entered the room, Ji Mu could feel that an unimaginable massacre had just taken place. His gaze swept around, and he could vaguely see Shen Sijin''s horrified and pained face in a corner. "Are you Mu Mu?" A soft female voice came from the direction of the kitchen. Ji Mu turned around to see a pale-faced middle-aged woman walking out. "You are..." Her appearance was vaguely similar to the "silly goose". He tentatively guessed, "Aunt Ruan?" Ruan Chuyao nodded. "Qingqing often talks about you." Her gaze lingered on the boy''s handsome and elegant face for a few moments, and she kindly said, "You are much more handsome than I imagined. Feeling a little uncomfortable being scrutinized like a future son-in-law, Ji Mu coughed slightly and changed the subject. "Aunt Ruan, what happened here?" Hearing this, a sad expression appeared on Ruan Chuyao''s face. "I don''t know what happened." [Host, she has the aura of Mystic Fox''s essence blood.] At this moment, the system prompted in his mind, analyzing the situation based on the scene. [She was probably seriously injured not long ago, and Ruan Qingqing used her own heart blood to pull her back from the brink of death.] In front of him, Ji Mu followed the direction she was looking. He saw that the entrance to the girl''s room was shrouded in a layer of black fog. "Qingqing must be in a lot of pain right now." Ruan Chuyao walked over, her eyes filled with deep worry and heartache. The layer of mist seemed to be a natural barrier, preventing anyone from entering. "She''s locked herself in and won''t let anyone in." Hearing this, Ji Mu, who was following behind, reached out to try. The expected feeling of being blocked did not come; instead, it felt like a mere decoration, allowing him to easily pass through. Ruan Chuyao stared at him in astonishment, a glimmer of hope igniting in her dim eyes. "Indeed..." Her hands, roughened by years of work, clasped the boy''s, her hair appearing white in the light. "Little Mu." A mother''s frail back bent down, her face marked by the passage of time, filled with humility. "Please help Qingqing, bring her... back." Ji Mu gently pushed her hand away. "Aunt Ruan..." [Host, hurry up and leave, this task is simply impossible.] He paused for a moment, "Why?" [As I mentioned earlier, the heroine is now entering the transformation stage, and this stage is often accompanied by great danger.] [If the transformation succeeds, she will become the most dangerous pureblood fox maiden in the world. If the transformation fails...] [She will die in there.] The system''s expression became grave. [Host, the area inside belongs to Ruan Qingqing''s spirit world.] [From what we can see, you are the only one who can enter.] The chubby hand reached out to the edge of the black mist, obviously blocked from the outside. [No one knows what is inside or what will happen. If some uncontrollable situation leads to the collapse of Ruan Qingqing''s mental world, you will also die inside.] [So there''s no need to take this risk.] [To put it bluntly, even if this world loses Ruan Qingqing, there are still three other heroines to carry on. The basic structure won''t be affected much. Be rational.] [We can just give up on this 25 million. We¡ª] Before the system could finish its advice, the boy next to it turned his head and looked at the deep, light-devouring black fog in front of him. "Aunt Ruan, the silly goose will be fine." His voice was very calm, without the passionate tone of a hot-blooded manga protagonist. It was like a warm ray of sunshine that inexplicably calmed Ruan Chuyao''s anxious heart. Qingqing, it seems... you really didn''t choose the wrong person. At this moment, she finally understood why her daughter firmly said, "He''s different from others" when mentioning the boy. [Host?] However, the system was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, desperately grabbing the boy''s sleeve and trying its best to stop his reckless behavior. [Damn it! What are you doing, host?! Is it worth it for a character in a novel? Don''t you only care about money?!] It roared, questioning him. Ji Mu turned a deaf ear and continued walking forward. The system could only watch helplessly as he ventured deeper into the fog. [Host!!] It shouted loudly, making a final plea. [You only have one life! If you die now, you really die!] "But I''ve already died once." Ji Mu tilted his head slightly. With his hands shoved into his pockets, he blocked out all sounds, leaving only a quiet inner peace. "If I walk away now... what will happen to the silly goose?" With that, he stepped forward, his entire body entering the mist without hesitation. He had promised. He wouldn''t leave her alone and helpless again. [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 10 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 3/10] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 100/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 95 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 1) Inside the mist. Ji Mu stepped into the girl''s spiritual world. Darkness engulfed everything in sight, and suddenly, his entire body felt as if it had been caught in an invisible vortex. As the world spun around him, his consciousness dissolved into chaos and gradually became blurred. When he opened his eyes again, everything around him had changed completely. What met his eyes was a city in ruins. The gray sky seemed to be covered with thick dust, and dilapidated buildings stood everywhere, showing signs of weathering and corrosion. Rather than describing it as a ruin, it would be more accurate to call it a city-sized graveyard with huge tombstones. "Is this... the spirit world of the silly goose?" The ground was littered with debris, and wild grass grew in abundance. Looking into the distance, he could vaguely see a towering tree at the edge of his vision. Its height reached the clouds, resembling a pillar holding up the sky. Instinctively, Ji Mu felt that the girl was probably there. With this thought, he walked in the direction of the giant tree and entered the abandoned and desolate city. The entire street was in ruins, and the crunching of his footsteps occasionally stepping on broken bricks echoed in this deadly silent world. The deeper he ventured, the more obvious the desolate atmosphere became. Until Ji Mu''s gaze was drawn to a strange glow. It was a spherical object floating in the air, emitting a mysterious pale blue light. As he approached, he saw that the orb''s surface seemed to be flowing with an invisible energy, sharing and condensing scenes. The girl''s past experiences and life were clearly depicted on it. ... "Teacher, this matter is clearly the boy''s fault. Qingqing had already clearly expressed her refusal, but he kept trying to force a kiss. Qingqing couldn''t stand it anymore and decided to fight back!" A much younger Ruan Chuyao stood in the office and confronted the class teacher. A shy-looking Ruan Qingqing, about seven years old, hid behind her mother. In her childhood, she was white and soft, obedient and delicate. Her flawless skin was as soft as a freshly peeled egg, with a faint pinkish-white glow that seemed to squeeze out water with a gentle pinch. "Qingqing''s mother, they are just children. They''re so young, they don''t understand. He kissed your Qingqing because he likes her and wants to be close to her," the class teacher replied impatiently. "I''ve seen other girls invite him to play, and he wasn''t interested. So should I feel honored? Ruan Chuyao laughed angrily, "Even if they don''t understand much, children at this age already have the most basic concepts of gender. Knowing that the girl was unwilling and still trying to force a kiss, how is that different from molestation?" ... The class teacher''s face showed a hint of embarrassment. "Qingqing''s mother, isn''t that a bit too much? They''re still young..." Ruan Chuyao argued firmly, "Even though they''re young, they''re still human beings!" The class teacher gave a strained smile, unable to answer. Later, the boy''s parents arrived at the school, arrogant, and immediately began to criticize the mother and daughter. "After all, it''s your child who has the problem. If she knows how to hit people at such a young age, what will happen in the future?" "The way boys express their feelings is definitely not as subtle as girls. Also, your child is introverted and shy; she may not necessarily mind others being around her." ... "Bringing up molestation is ridiculous. At this age, when they are just learning to play, are you seriously telling me that a seven-year-old boy can have any dirty thoughts?" ... "If your mind is not clean, don''t project those same thoughts onto a child!" Every word, every question stabbed precisely at the moral high ground. Ruan Chuyao''s throat felt like it was stuffed with a cotton ball. She wanted to argue, but she couldn''t find a reason to do so. "Mom..." The delicate and charming girl hung her head, looking as if she had done something wrong. "I''m sorry, did I cause you any trouble?" Ruan Chuyao''s nose prickled. "You haven''t done anything wrong, Qingqing." She crouched down and hugged her daughter tightly. It''s Mom who is useless. Although the sky was azure blue and the sunlight was brilliant, it couldn''t penetrate the invisible haze. Oppressive. Helpless. ... The scene stopped at this point. Ji Mu''s gaze shifted away from it. Looking ahead, similar balls of light floated every few hundred meters. He didn''t speak and continued walking. Every time he passed a memory scene, he would stop and patiently observe the girl''s experiences. ... "Mom, I bled a lot there today, it hurts so much... Mom, am I going to die?" "Qingqing, don''t be afraid. This is called menarche, also known as menstruation. It''s something every girl goes through. We can think of this blood as toxins, and once it''s expelled from the body, Qingqing will grow taller and more beautiful." "But... why did they surround me after class, saying I''m dirty, with blood all over my pants, and laughing while asking if my period has started?" ".....Don''t worry, Qingqing, this is not your problem, Mom will go to school tomorrow and talk to the teacher." ... "Mom, can I stop going to school from now on?" "What''s wrong, Qingqing?" "The boys in my class keep staring at my chest, always asking me if I''m uncomfortable wearing a smaller bra size, saying I smell better than the other girls, and saying I''m... very seductive." ".....Qingqing, it''s not your fault." ... "Mom, many boys have confessed to me, but when I rejected them, they started spreading rumors behind my back, saying that I''m not clean, that I always flirt with people, and that my figure is indecent." "Qingqing..." ... "Mom, no one in the class wants to talk to me, and the girls stay away from me. Did I do something wrong?" "Qingqing, you didn''t..." ... "Qingqing, how was your day at school today?" "I was very happy, Mom. The teacher and classmates were very nice to me, and we got along very well, hehe." The girl smiled foolishly. ... Throughout the trip, Ji Mu watched the girl grow. He saw her learn to endure, learn to humiliate herself, learn to be shy, and also... learn to tell nice lies in front of the person she cared about most. Unknowingly, he had already reached the base of the giant tree. Raising his head, he gazed at the magnificent sight that blocked out the sky. The thick trunk was etched with the ravages of time, stretching endlessly upward. Without further hesitation, he began to climb the towering tree. His hands and feet pushed and kicked, searching for any protrusion or indentation that might provide leverage. As the height increased, so did the danger. The wind picked up, blowing his disheveled hair wildly. "You really want this, don''t you? Otherwise you wouldn''t be dressed so provocatively." "Anyway, you can choose not to work hard, not to study, and even not to work, because at night you can just spread your legs." "Men, of course, protect their own alliance, and at night they all point their guns at us women." "Why should this society be dominated by men? Why do my grandparents keep telling my mother to have another son?" "Men are the most hypocritical creatures." "Why are there mostly mothers at parent-teacher meetings? Maybe in men''s eyes we are just domestic slaves to be driven at will." A voice filled with resentment resounded in his ears, like a collection of negative emotions accumulated by women over time, filled with the greatest malice towards men. "Enough!" Ji Mu could no longer stand it. "Don''t twist the relationship between victim and perpetrator into a gender opposition!" "Humans are social animals; men are not necessarily united, and women are not necessarily always scheming against each other. Hypocrisy has never been about gender, but about human nature itself." "Elevating personal issues to group issues is an extremely foolish thing to do." He had had enough of the toxic rhetoric and so-called feminist extremism. "I don''t care what you think, but don''t use these twisted ideologies to distort a girl''s life!" The whispering voices in his ears disappeared instantly. Perhaps it was an illusion, but the tree trunk he was climbing seemed easier to grasp than before. Ji Mu pushed aside his distractions and continued climbing with renewed vigor. He finally reached the top with great difficulty. His palms were covered with blisters and wounds from prolonged rubbing. His body had been in an extremely weakened state for two hours, and this climb had exhausted all his strength. His legs felt like they were filled with lead, so heavy that he could barely stand. But when he saw the slender figure in front of him, Ji Mu forced himself to stand up by holding onto a branch, trembling as he walked towards her. "Silly goose!" He shouted, but in the next second, his consciousness suddenly became blurred and sluggish. Everything in front of his eyes was like a glass window shrouded in mist, making it difficult to discern any distinct shapes, and every thought felt like trudging through a swamp. Even his physical sensations grew weaker, as if he were being torn away from this spiritual realm and placed in a strange, unfamiliar land. "You''re just a little vixen, just like your mother, a cheap woman who only knows how to seduce men!" A palm smacked his face with a loud SLAP, the pain searing and intense. The searing agony spread from his cheek, and Ji Mu''s consciousness slowly cleared, becoming more lucid. He seemed to be experiencing the girl''s memories from a first-person perspective, as if he were empathetically reliving her experiences. [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 10 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 3/10] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 104/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 96 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 2) My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I am 8 years old this year. Today is my birthday. Mom says that on birthdays, you should blow out candles and happily make wishes. But, I am a bit unhappy. Mom is sick. She always hides under the covers, secretly coughing up blood, not wanting me to know. Qingqing is a good child. Mom doesn''t want me to know, so I pretend not to know. ... My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I am 9 years old this year. Today is my birthday. Mom says that on your birthday, you should blow out the candles and make a wish. But I can''t feel happy at all. Mom''s condition is getting worse. Qingqing is a bad child. Although Mom''s birthday noodles are delicious, I still wish I could taste the birthday cakes that my classmates talk about. The dim candlelight brings no warmth, casting a pale glow on Mom''s colorless face. The candles are really poor quality, I thought to myself as I closed my eyes. Mom says you can only make a birthday wish once. I secretly crossed out my wish to eat birthday cake next year. I only wish for my mom to recover. ... My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I''m 10 years old this year. Today is not my birthday. But I can go to the pharmacy by myself to buy medicine for Mom. Although, it''s a secret, haha. The street is bustling, and I see many children wearing bright, new clothes and playing and laughing together. They look so beautiful sparkling in the sunlight. I look down at my faded, washed-out clothes and feel a bit envious. But only a little. The clothes I wear are also very nice and comfortable. They''re all hand-knitted by Mom, stitch by stitch. She''s really amazing. The counter at the pharmacy is so high that I have to stand on a small stool to pay. When I was checking out, the lady said that I looked thin and small. She asked if I usually don''t eat well. I felt a bit guilty. I secretly save the money Mom gives me for breakfast and dinner. Qingqing isn''t hungry at all. Saving all the money allows me to buy more medicine for Mom, like I did today. The lady at the pharmacy didn''t say anything else. She patted my head and handed me two White Rabbit milk candies before I left. They''re sweet and delicious. I only ate one; I saved the other for Mom. The next day, I shared them with my classmates. They didn''t seem happy to talk to me. They just pushed me aside. Some boys said that I was a country bumpkin who had never seen the world and that birthday cake is much better than candy. Is birthday cake really better than candy? I don''t know. ... My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I am 11 years old this year. Today is my birthday. I''m an adult now, so I don''t need to celebrate birthdays anymore. Although that makes me a little sad, I''m much happier thinking about being able to help Mom. So, I decided to go to her workplace to help on my birthday. I am very capable. I can clean tables well and stand on a plastic stool to wash dishes. My uncles and older sisters will clap and praise me for being sensible and good. But I''m not a child anymore. Even when an aunt at the store secretly took me to the freezer room, slapped me hard, and called me a little vixen, I didn''t cry. She said: Mom is a big vixen who pretends to be sick to seduce men. When I grow up, I''ll be just like Mom. I thought: Mom never pretends to be sick, nor does she seduce men. All I want is to buy a big birthday cake and eat it with her. My face hurts, my head is dizzy, and blood is coming from my nose. Adults are very strange. Adults often keep many things to themselves, not telling those close to them. Qingqing is an adult, too. I can''t cry or worry Mom anymore. When I got home at night, Mom hugged me. Her body smelled like herbal medicine. She asked me, "Qingqing, what do you want to eat today?" I buried myself in her arms. In a daze, I accidentally spoke my mind. "What does cake taste like?" Mom was stunned for a moment and gently stroked my cheek. "Qingqing, do you want to eat cake?" I shook my head. "I want the birthday noodles you make, Mom." Birthday cakes are so expensive! One or two hundred yuan would be enough to buy Mom''s medicine for half a month. They can''t taste good at all. ... My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I turn 12 this year. Another day closer to adulthood. But I''m a little sad. The uncles and aunts at the restaurants don''t want me. I went to many places, but no one would take me in. Why? I''m clearly an adult. They said I look too small and short and that I''m unable to do heavy work. Is it because I''m too short? At night, when I hug my mom before going to sleep, I think about how I want to grow taller. I want to share more of the burden with her so that I can protect her, too. ... We moved! Each building here has six stories, and I have my own room. I also met the old lady who lives downstairs. She gives me a White Rabbit milk candy every time she sees me. I''m so happy! But the uncle who lives across from us is a bit strange. He stares at me and my mom intently. I can''t quite describe that look, but it made me feel very uncomfortable. Mom said he''s the uncle who owns the place we''re renting. She also said that when I''m home alone, I should lock the doors and windows and not open the door for anyone except her. If the landlord knocks, I should call her immediately. ... My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I''m 13 years old. Today is my happiest day! I met a very handsome boy in the alley near our home. The boy said that today is his 15th birthday. What a coincidence! But I don''t celebrate birthdays anymore. The boy looked lazy and lacked energy. I asked him, "Are you tired? Didn''t you sleep well?" He squatted down slightly and softly replied, "Not really." The boy''s eyes are beautiful, like amber gemstones. His gaze was calm. Unlike others, he didn''t keep his distance because of my patched clothes and look at me strangely. He said, "Whether you''re happy or not, you must take good care of yourself." He continued, "Being able to wake up to the warm sun and dress and eat warmly makes you a lucky person." He continued, "Happy birthday." He was also the first guy to proactively wish me a happy birthday. Even though I didn''t make a wish last year, I still got to eat cake. I''m a bit puzzled. Also, cream cake really is that delicious. I''m so happy! Really, really happy. If possible, I wish he could stay by my side. But I can''t be selfish. The young man has to go home, and all I can do is watch him leave. I told my mom, "I met a very handsome young man today, and he even treated me to a birthday cake. Can I play with him in the future?" After hearing this, she just looked at me with a strange, worried expression. She said, "You haven''t left the house all day. Where is this kind, handsome young man?" I didn''t understand, nor could I comprehend. I pulled my mom to the entrance of the alley, but no matter how hard I looked, I couldn''t see the figure. Every time I pass by here, I stop. Then, I stop for a while longer. But why? I''ll never find that young man again. ... My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I am 14 years old. I killed someone. ... The landlord has been acting stranger and stranger lately. Every time I walk up the stairs to go home, the door across the hall opens a tiny crack and an eye stares intently at me. When my mom leaves for work, the landlord stands at my door with different snacks, trying to get me to let him in. Sometimes, I hear the neighbors talking about him. They said this person was imprisoned a few years ago for molesting children and was recently released. He has a bad temper and a strange personality and often curses at people. However, he has never cursed at me. Instead, when he looks at me, he gives me a creepy smile. I''m a bit scared. The other day, when I came home and walked up the stairs, I saw my mom arguing with the landlord. I was too far away to hear clearly, but I could vaguely make out words like "two people" and "support." Mom was very emotional, and the landlord''s face didn''t look good either. He raised his hand as if to slap her. I quickly ran over, stood in front of her, and shouted that I had already called the police. The landlord just glanced at me, said nothing, and walked away with a sullen face. Right then, Mom hugged me and said, "We''ll move out in a few days and won''t live here anymore." I was a bit puzzled, but I didn''t ask many questions. Late at night, the pitch-black hallway was filled with the intermittent barking of dogs. Lying in my room, I heard the faint sound of the doorknob turning in the living room. The plump landlord entered the house, holding a key. [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 10 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 3/10] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 104/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 97 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 3) Ji Mu opened his eyes, and the lush scenery around him came into focus. Dappled light and shadow played across his face, making him feel disoriented as if he had fallen from the clouds back to reality. Fragments of memories swirled in his mind. His chest felt heavy, as if a thousand words were trapped inside, unable to find an outlet. This accumulation of emotions represented the concentrated negativity from the girl''s childhood experiences. It was like this forgotten city of ruins, neglected by the world and unable to save itself. When Ji Mu stood up from the treetop, the soreness and weakness in his body had dissipated. Even his bloodied, blistered hands had healed completely. How long have I been asleep? Suddenly, a gust of wind swept past, and Ji Mu looked up involuntarily. His gaze pierced the drifting, fluttering yellow leaves and landed on a petite, delicate figure not far ahead. Silly Goose? The confusion on his face faded, and his body reacted faster than his mind. He stepped toward the girl. Sensing his approach, Ruan Qingqing slowly turned her head. Her porcelain face wore a smile as pure and beautiful as ever. "You''ve come, Mu Mu," she said. Ji Mu approached her side and looked down at the mist-shrouded ruins below. He slowly asked, "What are you doing here?" "I just wanted to stay for a while." The girl playfully blinked and said, "The scenery is quite nice." He glanced around silently at the gray, gloomy sky. The eerie dampness hardly matched the idea of a pleasant environment. Carefully choosing his words, Ji Mu took her wrist and said, "Let''s go back. Aunt Ruan is still waiting..." "Mu Mu." Ruan Qingqing fell silent for a few seconds before her voice softened. "I''ve killed someone." Her statement sounded calm, as if she were casually asking if he had eaten. Ji Mu paused for a moment. "Surprised?" Ruan Qingqing tilted her head slightly, a smile tugging at her lips. ¡°The rumors at school aren¡¯t just rumors. I really did kill someone when I was 14." Ji Mu''s throat felt dry. An invisible force seemed to block his lips, making it impossible to speak. He knew it from the memory of the other''s desperate resistance and hopeless struggle that he had just seen. But he only knew it. The girl''s voice continued to echo in his ear. "The landlord held my mouth tightly with one hand to prevent me from making a sound while tearing apart the clothes my mother had painstakingly sewn for me with the other. I was very scared and could only kick wildly with both feet." A young girl''s strength couldn''t make any waves in front of an adult. "My mother''s sleep is very light. She rushed over when she heard the noise and saw this beast unbuckling his belt, ready to violate me." With a calm demeanor, Ruan Qingqing recounted the specific events of that night. "She rushed forward desperately, scratching and biting to block the landlord while shouting for me to run out and get help from the neighbors." "But my mother was too weak. Already frail and sickly, how could she possibly be a match for the beastly landlord?" With just one encounter, she was knocked unconscious and fell to the ground. In the pitch-black night, the landlord repeatedly cursed her as he struck her with increasing viciousness, leaving her covered in blood. My mother had no strength left to stand up, yet she still clung to the landlord''s pant leg, refusing to let go. At that moment, the girl who had witnessed everything began to tremble, her heart filled with negative emotions for the first time, activating her mystical fox bloodline. "I killed him." She smashed open his skull with the most brutal method, and gray-white brain matter spilled all over the ground. Later, the security team came to investigate for several days. They concluded that the 14-year-old girl had accidentally smashed the other''s head in a moment of desperation to protect her family and herself, which was understandable. Ultimately, this incident was ruled self-defense. "Maybe they pitied the two of us." "The landlord had no relatives. After he died, someone should have reclaimed his property, but many days passed without anyone coming to do so." "When the news spread, no landlord in the southern district would rent to a murderer, and the rent in other places was expensive. After much thought, my mother and I decided to stay here." Meeting the boy''s gaze, Ruan Qingqing asked with a faint smile, "Do you think my mother and I are quite pathetic?" Even though they nearly fell victim to a scumbag, they continued to stay shamelessly. In this world, no one was more shameless than them. Ji Mu remained silent. In the face of the girl who had revealed her scars, no amount of comfort seemed adequate. "Mu Mu." Ruan Qingqing raised her hand, lingering in midair. Clouds covered the sky, blocking the sunlight, much like the haze over her eyes. "I''m so tired..." She was tired to the point of not wanting to continue living. Why does life have to be so bitter? No matter what you want, you will lose it. She caused her father''s death, burdened her mother, and repeatedly put this boy in danger. It seemed that she had been born with bad luck that had continuously affected those around her. Someone like her didn''t deserve to talk about happiness. Ji Mu remained silent, gazing into the girl''s dim eyes. In a slightly hoarse but slow and firm voice, he said, "Silly goose, I''ll take you back." Ruan Qingqing smiled brightly. "Why would you take me back? I''m a disaster." She turned her head slightly. "If I do something in the future that crosses your bottom line, would you still choose to take me back?" Would you choose me, flaws and all? "Silly goose..." Before Ji Mu could answer, something appeared in his arms. A delicate pendant hung around his neck, its gemstone shimmering faintly. "It will help you leave here and return to reality." The girl gazed at him gently. "Even if this spiritual world is destroyed, it will protect you from harm. Mu Mu, you''ve already done enough. I''m really happy to see you come to find me." After saying this, countless thick branches from around him wrapped around Ji Mu, rendering any attempt to escape futile. "Silly goose! Silly goose!" Ji Mu struggled in vain and began to panic, but received no response. He was forced to retreat further and further. Ruan Qingqing stood on a treetop and looked in the direction the boy was leaving. She was never a good child. More than once, she had harbored the evil thought of possessing him forever. But she always hesitated, unable to bring herself to do it. Because Ji Mu was the only light in this dark world. He was not a puppet or a doll; he had his own life. If I disregard his wishes and hurt him for my own selfish desires, how would I be any different from the bullies of my past? "Mu Mu, do you think the moon favors only one of the stars around it?" As she spoke, irregular cracks began to spread across her once fair cheeks. Like broken porcelain glued back together, it would shatter again with a gentle touch. Overwhelming negative emotions from the fusion of past and present memories constantly clashed against this fragile mental world. Accepting the past meant transforming into a paranoid madman, while extinguishing the soul meant fully embracing death. It all hinged on a single thought. Clearly, she had made her choice. She allowed her body to show signs of collapse without any intention of stopping it. Perhaps in a little while, she would turn into a bubble and return to nothingness. "Mu Mu..." It feels like I''m waiting for you yet also giving up on you. So, I give you the right to choose. This...is the last time I give you the chance to leave me personally. [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 4/7] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 106/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 98 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 4) "Silly goose!" Countless winding branches and vines bound Ji Mu in the air, pulling him back at an astonishing speed. The frail figure in the treetop grew farther and farther away until it disappeared from sight. His muscles tensed, but he couldn''t move an inch. He was forced to remain trapped in the prison woven by the vines, despite all his strength. [In this world, the female lead, Ruan Qingqing, was extremely averse to men because she had almost been molested by one when she was a child.] Suddenly, the initial task introduction from the system flashed through his mind. Was the childhood shadow referring to this incident? (See Chapter 7 for details.) The branches of the towering tree pulled him upward, flying over the city''s ruins. The scene before his eyes began to blur, pulling him toward the other side of reality and away from this spiritual world that would soon be obliterated. [Host, there''s no need to take this risk.] [To be honest, even if this world loses Ruan Qingqing, there are still three other female leads. The overall situation won''t change much. Be rational.] [We can just give up on the 25 million.] No! The system''s comforting words were instantly dispelled. Ji Mu clenched his teeth. It''s not over yet. My 25 million and my dear friend must not disappear right before my eyes! I absolutely won''t allow it! His intense unwillingness turned into a blazing flame that illuminated the unwavering determination in his heart. As the time limit ended, the dim skill icon engraved in his soul burst into dazzling light. The shadow of the malevolent god appeared in the gray haze. It was evil yet majestic. An endless stream of energy surged like a torrential flood, breaking through the vines that bound him. He leaped onto the branches and raced toward the treetop without stopping. Three hundred stamina points poured out without reservation, leaving a brilliant trail of light in the air. He would never just give up like that! People often use "going with the flow" as an excuse to avoid life''s thorns and obstacles, but true "going with the flow" means accepting that you''ve done your best and not forcing things. So... Silly goose, even if you give up on yourself, I will do everything to bring you back unless I die here. A kite needs wind, and a dolphin needs the sea. You are the most indispensable part of my existence in this novel world. Four shares of 25 million¡ªnot one less! ...... Dashing through the thick branches, light and shadow moved at extreme speeds without pausing for even a moment, smashing all obstacles in their path. When he returned to the starting point, the giant treetop was devoid of the girl''s figure. "Silly goose?" He called out her name. Ji Mu looked around anxiously. Boom! Suddenly, there was a loud rumbling sound, and the entire spiritual world changed. The lush green leaves swung wildly and rustled. The giant tree beneath Ji Mu''s feet began to tremble violently. Weakened by the end of the skill effect, he almost lost his balance. The gray sky above him looked like a shattered mirror, cracking with spider-web-like fissures. [Only half an hour is left before this place will be completely destroyed.] Still confused, Ji Mu heard an explanation from beside him. The ethereal voice sounded gender-neutral. He turned his gaze toward the source of the voice. A tall female figure came into view, surrounded by white mist that obscured her face. Having heard the system describe this world''s consciousness, Ji Mu asked, "Are you Fan Lei?" [Ha~] Fan Lei did not immediately answer. She was not surprised that the boy could recognize her. After all, given Xiao Qi''s personality, he certainly wouldn''t hide anything from his beloved host. There would be plenty of opportunities to deal with this unruly little boy in the future: [Ji Mu.] Reining in her thoughts, Fan Lei got to the point. [Do you want to know why I chose you specifically?] Ji Mu frowned slightly. Chose me? What does that mean? Does it mean that, even though I was just passing through in the previous cycle, this Guardian of the Heavenly Way noticed me? [Don''t think about it. Your connection with the four female leads isn''t as simple as interacting after crossing over.] Fan Lei easily probed the boy''s inner thoughts and interrupted. Without looking at the stunned reaction of the others, she waved her hand, and the floating clouds formed a staircase. An ancient door materialized at the top of the stairs. [Go ahead. All the truths are there, and your silly goose is inside.] [Once you retrieve this forgotten memory, the choice to continue or quit is yours.] Although Ji Mu had many questions, he knew now was not the time to seek answers. With only half an hour left, he had to safely return the 25 million before time ran out. Suppressing his chaotic thoughts, Ji Mu stepped onto the cloud ladder and walked through the door. But when he saw the image of a boy in a school uniform sitting by the window and studying earnestly, he lost his composure. The face, still youthful and slightly immature, was his own. It seemed to be when he was 13 years old, in his first year of middle school on Blue Star. Ji Mu appeared to be viewing his once blurry memories from a bystander''s perspective. ... "Ji Mu, why are you doing homework again? Besides eating and sleeping, all you do is study. Isn''t it boring? Can''t you have some hobbies?" [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 4/7] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 106/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 99 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 5) His deskmate came over to chat and complained that he was too serious. The 13-year-old replied, "I don''t have time for hobbies," while continuing to answer questions. He didn''t have any parents and had recently moved out of the orphanage to live on his own. Living in a big city was expensive, and even with government assistance for the poor, he had to be very frugal to make ends meet. To win the highest scholarship at this school, he had to stand out among all the students. Representing the school in various competitions and defending the championship could also earn him a considerable amount of prize money. He could only rely on constant studying to earn a living. "If I don''t study, will you support me?" His deskmate smiled awkwardly at the indifferent retort. "Well, I just wanted to show you some concern." Trying to cover his embarrassment, he initially put his arm around the boy''s shoulder, but quickly withdrew it, remembering the boy''s dislike of close contact. "Let me tell you something. Yesterday, I found something really exciting in my brother''s room." As he spoke, he pulled a book out of his bag in a mysterious manner. Ji Mu caught only a glimpse of the words "She is More Enchanting than Perfume" from the corner of his eye as it moved quickly. ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± His desk mate leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "A... dirty book." Ji Mu''s hand paused on the page. At this age, in the early stages of adolescence, having physiological needs and curiosity was normal. However, most boys were more interested in food, fun, and games. Understanding this, he continued with his homework, ignoring the person beside him. His indifferent attitude left his desk partner feeling disappointed. But this guy was not discouraged. Today, he was determined to see the supposedly ascetic top student react differently. "Ji Mu, I think this is even better than the videos!" His desk partner opened the book, trying to entice him. "Do you want to take a look? It''s very exciting." "Five guys and one girl¡ªtsk, tsk¡ªit''s incredible. "Especially the female lead. She''s unbelievably provocative. I couldn''t help but... you know... after reading a few chapters." He vividly described various colorful scenes from the book. He kept talking about how the woman did this and that, left and right. Sitting beside him, Ji Mu felt no hint of romance; instead, he found himself unconsciously furrowing his brows. "I have to say, the author really knows how to describe body types. I want to touch the heroine''s big breasts..." "Don''t you think it''s quite pitiful?" "Hm?" The sudden question left his tablemate stunned. "Who are you talking about?" After a moment, he realized who the boy was referring to and thought it was absurd. "Really? You think this woman is pitiful?" "Bro, you''re reading this kind of book and feeling guilty about it?!" "Are you out of your mind?" His tablemate, faintly irritated, mocked, "Pitiful? The heroine might not feel pitiful at all. She''s served by five handsome guys every day and clearly enjoys it." "What¡¯s her name?" Ji Mu asked, writing the last question. "Uh..." His tablemate was stumped and thought for a long time before uncertainly replying, "I think it''s... Ruan Ruan?" Resting his chin on one hand, the boy casually reminded her, "Ruan is her last name. ''Ruan Ruan'' is probably an intimate nickname." Without lifting his head, he repeated his question: "What is her name?" His tablemate felt a bit embarrassed. Who pays attention to names when reading this kind of book? "Bro, it''s just a book. Why so serious? Besides, the focus is on the steamy parts, right?" Ji Mu''s expression remained unchanged. "That''s why I feel she''s pitiful." A genuine work is one in which the author presents the world they''ve imagined in their heart through words to share with others. This book, on the other hand, was simply written to cater to the audience. The female protagonist is a collection of desires, and all her advantages exist solely to better serve the male leads. Every sentence and paragraph manipulates the female protagonist, making her pose and behave in a certain way. Is she truly hesitant yet willing? Does she yearn for intimacy? Ji Mu didn''t know, nor did he intend to condemn the book from a moral standpoint. Everything that exists is reasonable. For instance, this book simply serves as a means for lonely people at night to express their desires. Ultimately, Ji Mu just felt a little sorry for it. He thought to himself, "If this book were a world, the female protagonist would definitely not follow the original plot and reenact the story as written." She would have developed her own thoughts and soul. The five male leads, who were essentially worthless, wouldn''t give her a second glance. She would have a name and live the life she truly wanted. Rather than summing up her entire puppet-like life with just two words, "Ruan Ruan." After completing the exercises in his workbook, Ji Mu glanced at his desk mate and looked at the book spread out in front of him. A soft, gentle voice, carried by the cool breeze, drifted out through the window gap. "She doesn''t belong to anyone," he said. His deep brown eyes, like the ripples on a summer pond, shimmered with a soft, fragmented light. "She only belongs to herself," he continued. Perhaps it was because the young man''s tone was too sincere, or perhaps it was because his own sense of shame was stirring within him. His desk mate was left speechless. It wasn''t until a while later that he responded in an awkward tone. "Fine, if you don''t want to read it, then don''t. I won''t discuss it with you anymore." The sun, rising in the air, became increasingly dazzling, and more morning light poured into the classroom, illuminating the black text of the novel. A gentle breeze, seemingly out of nowhere, quietly swept by, flipping through the pages, making a soft rustling sound. [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 4/7] ... [Challenge 4 (Ding~) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 106/110] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 100 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 5) Not far away, Ji Mu stood and watched the memories of his past life on Blue Star, feeling a surge of indescribable emotions. So... Did all these fateful connections begin when he was thirteen? After the novel evolved into a world, it turned out just as he had imagined. The girl had a name and lived out her own life. She no longer followed the original script. She broke free from the script''s control. Despite enduring many hardships, she never compromised with fate. One could argue that, from the moment the novel world was formed, it became fundamentally detached from the original novel and established itself as a true individual. She is Ruan Qingqing, not Ruan Ruan. Ji Mu withdrew his gaze and continued to follow the path before him. This time, he arrived at memories from when he was 15. ... The weather was gloomy. Having just finished his tutoring job, the young boy dragged his tired body home. In order to save money and take the orphanage director, his grandpa, to see a doctor as soon as possible, his daily routine was almost indistinguishable from a 007 schedule. His days were filled with studying, competing, and working part-time. His nighttime sleep was compressed to less than four hours, and he felt like he could drop dead at any moment. Seriously, why am I doing this to myself? The young man shook his head, refusing to dwell on such unlucky thoughts. He hadn''t enjoyed the carefree life of financial freedom yet, and he certainly didn''t want to die young. As he passed an alley entrance and yawned, his gaze inadvertently fell on the brightly lit cake shop across the street, and his steps slowed involuntarily. After much hesitation, he decided to make it his dinner. Sometime later, he walked out with a freshly baked, six-inch cream cake. Just as he was about to hurry home before dusk, he stumbled upon a little girl sitting alone in the corner by the shop entrance. She wore simple, nearly shabby clothes with slightly curled hems and a few frayed white threads showing clear signs of multiple washes and repairs. Her eyes sparkled with longing and desire as she stared at the various exquisite cakes displayed in the window. But she just stared longingly, a small, quiet figure who went unnoticed. The dampness and chill in the air were palpable, and the boy could almost feel the heavy atmosphere with each breath. He wasn''t the type to meddle in others'' affairs. Logically, other people''s grievances, joys, and sorrows had nothing to do with him. Yet, for some reason, this scene stirred an indescribable emotion in his chest. Maybe it reminded him of his younger self. Maybe it was because today was his birthday. Or maybe it was for some other reason. He didn''t turn a blind eye as he usually would have. He slowly approached and squatted down to ask, "Hey there, why are you here alone? Where''s your mom?" The girl looked up when she heard his pleasant voice. In front of her was a handsome young man with well-defined features, half-squatting. Despite his sleepy eyes, his striking looks were undeniable. The black hoodie he wore made his pale skin appear fairer, and a faint, clean, refreshing scent of soap drifted from him. Her gaze lingered on his face, and for a moment, she was entranced. The boy waved his hand from side to side. Why does she look so silly, like a silly goose? "Hey, kid?" Realizing how awkward she was being, the girl''s ears turned red. Hearing the boy call her a kid, she pouted and said unhappily, "My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I''m 13 years old." I''m not a kid. "...Sorry." The boy realized that he was only two years older than her. Her appearance was quite misleading. Her face was the size of his palm, and she was so short that she barely reached his chest. Mistaking her for a 7-year-old was understandable. "It''s getting late. Shouldn''t you be heading home?" Feeling awkward, he decided to change the topic. The girl hesitated for a moment before softly replying, "I snuck out." Knowing she had done something wrong, she nervously pinched the hem of her clothes. "What about you, big brother?" Big brother? Me? The boy''s expression turned strange. It wasn''t a big deal, though. He found the nickname unique. "I just finished work and was about to head home." "Wow!" Upon hearing this response, the girl''s eyes immediately lit up with admiration. "That''s amazing!" Despite looking no older than her, her big brother had managed to find a job. The process must have been very challenging. Her tone was a mix of envy and melancholy. "I wish I could grow up quickly, too. Then, I could work part-time at the shop and help relieve my mom''s burden." Her heart-wrenching murmur made the boy sigh silently. "Don''t rush, silly goose." He softened his voice to comfort her. "Once you celebrate a birthday, you grow a year older," he said. "But..." The girl''s expression turned slightly confused. "I don''t celebrate birthdays anymore." The boy looked at her in puzzlement. She gave a silly smile and proudly explained, "Qingqing is an adult now. I can''t cling to my mom for gifts and birthday celebrations like a child." "But today..." She trailed off, lowering her head and speaking in a muffled voice. "I couldn''t resist sneaking out to check out the newly opened birthday cake shop." Her voice grew softer until it was barely audible. "Qingqing is a bad adult." "So." His gaze fell on the dejected girl in front of him. He carefully picked up on the key point: "Today is the silly goose''s birthday, right?" After hesitating for a moment, the girl nodded. "Yes." She looked up and smiled sweetly again. "It''s okay." By this time, the girl, who was like a little sun, had learned to comfort herself. "When I grow up and start earning money, I''ll definitely buy a cream cake and celebrate my birthday again! Hehe." "Why wait until you grow up?" "Huh?" The girl watched in a daze as the boy opened the box and revealed a six-inch cream cake. "Let''s do it now." His clean, slightly husky voice carried a unique charm. "There''s no need to wait for another day, another time, or the future." Her heart skipped a beat, and after a brief pause, it began to pound even harder. The girl didn''t know what was happening to her. She couldn''t control her racing heart and took a step back. "I can''t..." The boy pushed the cake toward her again. "Let''s eat it together," he said. The edges of the cake were decorated with waves of cream, and a few bright red strawberries were nestled in. Its exquisite appearance was enough to whet anyone''s appetite. It was quite tempting. Staring intently at the cake, she quickly withdrew her hand after reaching out to it. Suppressing her inner desire, she swallowed and shook her head. "This is yours, big brother." The boy nodded. "I know," he said. "But I just want to share it with you. Is that okay?" The girl''s cheeks felt warm. Before she could ask why, the boy continued. "Because today is my birthday, too." He chuckled softly and said, "One cake can grant two people''s wishes. There''s nothing better than that." When he smiled, the tear mole at the corner of his eye shimmered, and his deep brown pupils reflected the serene beauty of a lake after rain. The girl almost got lost in his smile. Standing in front of her, he said, "Silly goose, being an adult is too tiring. Just be a kid today." "..." In the dark alley, where only a sliver of sunlight reached, the girl felt as if the first light of dawn had dispelled the gloom in her heart. "Okay." [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... [Challenge 4 (Completed) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 110/110] Enjoy the extra chapter ! ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 101 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 6) After making their wishes, the two of them sat by the roadside, each holding a piece of cake, and chatted idly. From time to time, bursts of laughter from nearby girls drifted over. People came and went, and their gazes varied, but the two of them paid no mind. They were lost in their own world. The cream cake was fragrant and sweet, delicious. The boy wasn''t used to eating sweets. After just a small piece, he stopped. Fortunately, the six-inch cake wasn''t very big, and the girl easily finished the rest. Smudges of cream dotted her fair cheeks, but she didn''t notice. She shook her head slightly, a look of contentment and joy on her face, just like a little tabby cat that had finished a can of tuna. He took out a tissue and gently wiped her face. The shy, flustered girl didn''t dare look at him. Her ears turned red as she mumbled, "Thank you, big brother." Suddenly remembering something, she lowered her voice, embarrassed. "...I wanted to save some for my mom." "It''s okay," he replied softly. The boy gently wiped the remaining cream off the girl''s face. "When you''ve earned some money, buy a big cake and share it with your mom," he said, encouraging her. "I bet it''ll be even bigger than today''s." Comforted by his words, the girl brushed away her earlier disappointment and smiled brightly again. "Mhm!" She stole a glance at the handsome boy with features like carved jade, then quickly lowered her eyes and began to nervously fidget with her fingers. "Then, when that time comes, can you come too, big brother?" The boy paused for a moment. "If there''s a chance," he replied. He didn''t give a definitive answer, only something vague and noncommittal. Sensing that the time was right, he stood up and brushed the dust off his pants. Looking at the girl''s innocent, pure face, he paused for a moment before offering some advice. "You silly goose. Don''t eat things from strangers so easily. What if I were a bad guy?" "Bad guy?" But big brother isn''t a bad guy. The girl looked puzzled, only half understanding. "It''s okay if you don''t get it. Just remember what I said." The boy added one more thing patiently. "Also, when you''re out and about, try to stay in areas with security cameras." The girl didn''t fully understand, but she could sense that her big brother was looking out for her. She nodded seriously. "Mhm, I''ll remember!" Her obedient and earnest expression showed no trace of pretense. The boy felt reassured. He said softly, "I''ll be going now. You should head home soon, too." With that, he took a few steps forward. ¡ªWhen a crisp voice called out from behind him. "Big brother!" The girl clasped her hands together. Her young face was full of reluctance, and her voice was tinged with hope. "Will I see you again?" The boy turned his head, the corners of his lips lifting into a smile as clear as a river. "Grow up well, silly goose." He waved his hand as if making a promise. "We''ll meet again." ... As he stepped out of the dim, gray alley, the golden afterglow of the setting sun suddenly spilled across his face. The blinding light made him raise his hand to shield his eyes. In that moment, it was as if something pricked his mind. A sudden, sharp pain and a wave of dizziness washed over him. By the time he recovered, some memories had quietly slipped away, leaving only blank spaces and confusion. With a strange feeling in his heart, he turned back. At the intersection, cars streamed past in an endless flow. Towering office buildings stood nearby, their glass facades glinting in the twilight. The boy stood there in a daze for a long time, unable to come back to himself. "Why do I remember there being a small alley here?" A trick of the mind? ... The world before his eyes began to lose its color, fading into something vague and unreal. His thoughts pierced through layers of fog, and the fragments of forgotten memories returned like a tide. Bit by bit, they pieced together the full picture of the past. Ji Mu finally understood everything. The seed unintentionally planted at age 13 had borne fruit by age 15. He had briefly crossed into the world of a novel and met the silly little goose from her childhood. However, the world''s corrective force erased that experience from his memory. Some unseen thread of fate had destined him to return here once more. In the indistinct, hazy world around him, two paths stretched out at his feet, as if someone had sketched them into existence with a pen. Each path led in a different direction. One path stretched straight ahead, bathed in golden light and leading back to reality. The other twisted and turned, shrouded in dim shadows. Withered leaves and decaying trees lay scattered across its path. At the fork in the road, warmth and coldness occupied their respective sides, each waiting for his choice. Without hesitation, Ji Mu stepped forward and chose the path that led deep into the girl''s inner world. Everything was meant to end here. Ruan Qingqing was never just "Ruan Ruan." She deserved to walk toward a future that truly belonged to her. At that moment, it was not only for the twenty-five million, but also to fulfill a promise made long ago! ... A deep gray darkness descended like an invisible curtain. There was no wind, no birdsong. All the noise and clamor of the world had been sealed away. Beneath his feet, he felt as though he were walking on the surface of a mirrored lake. Each step sent ripples outward. This was the reflection of the girl''s inner world. Loneliness and helplessness hung thick in the air. Negative emotions drifted everywhere, nearly solidifying, a sorrow so heavy it pressed against his chest, making it hard to breathe. In the vast, shadowy expanse, a faint glimmer of light flickered not far ahead. Ji Mu saw a girl curled up on the ground. Her disheveled hair draped over her shoulders, and cold iron chains bound her ankles and wrists. She was confined to this tiny space. Or perhaps she had chosen to imprison herself here. "Silly goose." His voice rang out with startling clarity in the silence. The girl, hugging her knees, slowly lifted her head. Her delicate face was already marred with countless cracks. Still, she managed to force a weary smile. "You came after all, Mu Mu." Ji Mu walked forward slowly. But when only two meters remained between them, an invisible barrier stopped him. He had no choice but to stop. "Silly goose, I''ve come to take you home." Ruan Qingqing kept smiling. "Home? But I don''t want to go back." She refused willfully. "If I disappear from this world, I won''t have to experience the pain over and over again." Her words sounded like a joke, yet they were laced with a resolute will to die. Ji Mu reached out and patted the invisible wall of air. "Silly goose, pain can be avoided," he said, his voice slowing. "A person''s life isn''t only made up of suffering." "And you have to understand, even when you''ve given up, the tens of billions of cells in your body are still fighting to keep you alive." Hearing him respond in the same joking tone, Ruan Qingqing fell silent for a few seconds. When she spoke again, her voice was barely audible. "That''s why... I plan to let them die with me." She noticed the fleeting stiffness on the boy''s face and paused for a moment before meeting his gaze. "Mu Mu, am I being selfish?" This unexpected question took Ji Mu by surprise. The girl who now showed such disregard for life and death bore no trace of her formerly shy and introverted self. At the root of it all was the so-called predetermined ending, wreaking havoc. Fate had never shown her mercy. As punishment for deviating from the plot of the original novel, she had been pushed into a state of madness, neither human nor ghost, two lifetimes in a row. Ji Mu clenched his fists tightly. But why? Why should she be forced to suffer just because she wanted to live her own life and refused to become involved with those five rotten male leads? An indescribable, suffocating emotion surged through his chest, igniting the fire in his heart uncontrollably. He categorically refused to allow fate to take control. "Silly goose." Ji Mu took a deep breath. "If you''ve got the guts, say those words to my face." [Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... [Challenge 4 (Completed) Description: Reach 110 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 110/110] Enjoy the extra chapter! ...Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead[Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 102 - The Tenderness Encountered in the Alley (Part 7) As the words fell, he raised his fist without hesitation. Channeling all his strength into his arm, he pounded again and again on the invisible wall before him. The boy''s nearly feral actions caught Ruan Qingqing completely off guard. The light in her eyes could no longer remain calm. "Mu Mu, you need to go. This place is about to collapse." Please... stop wasting your strength. But Ji Mu paid no heed. The force behind his blows didn''t lessen at all. If the mountain won''t come to me, then I''ll go to the mountain. In short¡ª "Silly goose! I will never allow you to give up on yourself!" The firm tone, accompanied by the relentless banging of fists against the barrier, echoed, chipping away at the ice Ruan Qingqing had worked so hard to build around her heart. "Why do you even care about me, Mu Mu?" "I''m a curse. Being around someone like me will only drag you into danger again and again. Don''t you get it?!" The boy''s stubbornness shattered the mask of indifference she had worked so hard to maintain. Her frail body trembled, and her voice rose involuntarily. "Just stop caring about me already..." After repeatedly pounding the wall, she saw blood trickling from his fists, and her voice trembled. "Mu Mu, please... just go. Please..." Ji Mu''s face remained expressionless. Ignoring the girl''s pleas, he slammed his fists into the seemingly invisible, unbreakable barrier with all his might. But every strike vanished like a stone sinking into the sea¡ªno echo, no resistance, no sign of impact. Was this damned wall truly indestructible?! Frustration and desperation threatened to drown out reason when, suddenly, a surge of heat bloomed in his chest. In an instant, he looked down and saw the pendant around his neck glowing with light. It seemed to repel the barrier between him and the girl. Could it be...? A thought flashed through Ji Mu''s mind. "Mu Mu, it can safely take you back to the real world." Thinking he had finally given up, a faint smile appeared on Ruan Qingqing''s pale face. "All you have to do is silently will it, and you''ll¡ª" But the next second, the smile on her lips froze. Ji Mu reached up, tore the pendant from his chest, and flung it away without a moment''s hesitation. The glowing charm traced an arc through the air before vanishing into the distant gloom. "Silly goose, If you have the courage to die, why don''t you have the courage to live?" He clenched his fists and struck the invisible wall once again. Bang¡ª Bang¡ª Bang¡ª The shockwaves from each blow rippled outward. The barrier, once intangible, now trembled, as if it had gained substance. It was no longer the untouchable void it had been. With the final strike, the wall of air shattered like fragile glass. A crisp crack echoed as the shards scattered and dissolved into specks of light that vanished into the air. Lowering his bloodied, mangled hands, Ji Mu stepped through the breach in the barrier. Without the pendant''s protection, his once light steps instantly grew heavy. It felt as though invisible gravity were pressing in from all directions, crushing his bones and organs, each step draining what little strength he had left. "Cough." He forced himself forward, thick blood dripping from his fingertips with every movement. With each step he took, a vivid crimson pool was left behind. Ruan Qingqing trembled violently. "Don''t you realize you''ll die too if you keep going like this?!" Staring at the approaching figure, she screamed, "Stop! Mu Mu, don''t come any closer!" She didn''t understand; truly couldn''t understand. Why would someone go this far for her? She wasn''t worth it. Not even close. Tears welled in her eyes as she whispered pleadingly, "Please... don''t come any closer..." ... "Mu Mu, I''m a curse. Why would you try to save someone like me?" "Because you''re my silly goose." ... "But I''m not that silly girl anymore. I''ve changed. I''ve become something terrifying." "That''s okay. As long as you''re still my silly goose, that''s enough." ... "It''s really scary. So scary that I might hurt you in the future." "That''s fine. Just leave me enough life to hang on to." ... Ruan Qingqing bit her lower lip, tears silently streaming down her face. After a long pause, she forced out a whisper through clenched teeth. "...what if I end up doing something against your will?" Ji Mu panted heavily, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "If you want to, then do it." Despite his trembling legs, he kept moving forward. "You don''t need to worry about me." You''re not a puppet. You don''t belong to anyone. So... Just stay true to yourself. Ruan Qingqing lowered her gaze, understanding the deeper meaning behind his words. Moments later, a tall, slender figure cast a shadow that gently enveloped her. "Silly goose." It was just like that day long ago when a lonely little girl met a boy at the mouth of an alley. Ruan Qingqing lifted her head and met a pair of amber eyes. "I''ve come to stand before you." Her heart trembled. Memories of her time with the boy, once beautiful moments, fell like rain, soaking into the barren soil of her heart. In an instant, tiny green seeds took root and sprouted, breaking through the earth and breathing life into the wasteland until it became a sea of vibrant green. "Now, look at me properly and answer that question again." The gaze that met hers seemed to burn away the lingering darkness and shame within her. Instinctively, Ruan Qingqing turned her eyes away, unable to face it. She forced a casual tone and joked, trying her best to ignore the sting rising in her nose. "You really don''t want me to die that badly, huh, Mu Mu?" Ji Mu frowned, his chest rising and falling unevenly. "Don''t talk like that. Stop talking about dying." Ruan Qingqing let out a soft laugh. "But I''m seriously asking you." Seeing the boy''s slightly shaken expression, she felt happy, if only a little. "If I disappeared from this world, would it hurt you?" "Don''t say that." "No, I want to say it." Ruan Qingqing pressed further, unwilling to let up. "So, would you feel heartache or not?" She admitted that when she saw the boy break through the barrier without hesitation, staggering yet determined as he walked toward her, her long-dead heart started beating again... for him. But it wasn''t enough. She wanted more. She still wanted more. She wanted to see something¡ªanything¡ªother than his usual calm, indifferent expression. As he remained silent, a mischievous thought stirred in her chest. On the surface, though, she feigned sorrow and let out a soft, pitiful sigh. "Forget it. You probably wouldn''t have anyway. After all, with one less troublemaker like me in the world, Mu Mu would finally have peace." "Don''t say that!" His raised voice cut through her feigned murmuring. Drip¡ª With a trembling breath, a cold droplet landed on the back of her hand. In front of her, a crystal-clear tear slid down from the corner of the boy''s eye. His thick lashes were soaked and clung together, making him look like a big, abandoned puppy left out in the rain. She had never seen this tone or expression on him before. Ruan Qingqing froze instantly. "Stop saying that..." Ji Mu reached out and gently brushed his fingertips against her pale face. Cracks, irregular and jagged, spread beneath her skin, marring her once-flawless complexion. They were as fine as strands of hair, yet etched deep and clear as if carrying a lifetime of pain. "Please... don''t say any more..." It was him; he hadn''t protected her. It was him; he hadn''t protected his twenty-five million. Ji Mu''s eyes grew redder and redder. The emotions he had nowhere to release could no longer be held back. He leaned down, closing the distance between them once more. "Right now..." He pulled her gently into his arms. He closed his eyes and held her close, feeling the warmth of her soft body against his. His voice was already hoarse. "It hurts so much." [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 110/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 103 - Everything Has a Crack鈥擳hats How the Light Gets In The oppressive gloom began to fade. A unique aura of youth enveloped Ruan Qingqing. Her blood surged faster through her veins as if a furnace had been ignited within her. Every organ in her body seemed to accelerate its metabolism, making the moment feel almost unreal. "Mu Mu... you really..." Her voice trembled, edging into a sob. "Do you really feel heartache for me?" A hand rested gently on her waist. Even through the fabric, it radiated a searing warmth. The other hand softly stroked the crown of her head and drew her into a tender embrace. The boy didn''t answer. Instead, he conveyed his concern and heartache through silent action. With her cheek pressed against his solid chest, Ruan Qingqing couldn''t quite put into words how she felt. It was as if a shattered and abandoned heart in a barren wasteland had been patiently gathered and stitched back together. Even when she had given up on herself and was ready to dissolve into nothingness at any moment, he had told her time and again with unwavering certainty that he was always there. Ruan Qingqing inhaled deeply, greedily taking in the scent that belonged only to him. Mu Mu, I''ve already given you a chance. You know better than anyone that three strikes and you''re out. To save a person consumed by desire, one must be prepared to pay the price and face the consequences. Even if you don''t understand that yet. "Silly goose." The boy''s breath brushed against the edge of her ear from above, warm and damp. "Let''s go back." Ruan Qingqing''s eyes dimmed slightly as if something had been ignited within them. A deep, smoldering desire began to rise slowly from the depths. "But how could I possibly go out looking like this?" She concealed the flicker in her eyes, placed her hands on his shoulders, and slowly stood up. Her voice was soft and sorrowful. "If the cracks can''t be healed, then I''ll have to stay locked in here forever." As expected, the moment those words left her lips, the boy''s expression turned anxious. "Mu Mu, there is one way." Seeing her prey take the bait, Ruan Qingqing lowered her head, doing her best to appear hesitant and conflicted. "Just a little blood will be enough." To her surprise, Ji Mu actually let out a slow breath of relief. "It''s fine. Drink as much as you want." Without hesitating much, he extended his wrist. But, recalling the eyeshadow-like mark left by the bite of the last full moon, he murmured softly. "Just leave me alive. That''s all I ask." Why is Mu Mu so adorable? A wicked impulse stirred within Ruan Qingqing. What if I just want to bully him more and more? She silently curled her lips into a smile and slowly bent down to draw closer. She opened her mouth, and her tiny fangs brushed against his skin, grazing lightly. The sharp, icy touch made the boy shiver instinctively. Blood welled up from the puncture wound. He tried to stay calm as he shifted his gaze to the girl''s pale face. The jagged wound on her skin healed visibly. Within minutes, she pushed his hand away. "Hm?" Ji Mu cast a puzzled glance her way. "This is too slow." Ruan Qingqing looked up at him with a pitiful expression, her lashes clinging to lingering tears. "At this rate, it''ll take at least two hours to fully heal. We don''t have that kind of time." "How could that be?" Ji Mu''s heart, which had just settled, leapt back into his throat. "Is there any way to speed up the healing process?" "There is..." The girl dipped her slender fingertip into the crimson on her wrist and gently brushed it across his lips. "When mixed with saliva, it works faster." A faint metallic taste spread across his lips. Ji Mu froze for a moment, then suddenly understood what she meant. "This..." Ruan Qingqing''s lips drooped in quiet disappointment. "You don''t want to?" As if she had expected it, she didn''t press further. "It''s okay. I know Mu Mu isn''t used to physical contact. If you''re uncomfortable, then forget it." Her words came slowly, the drawn-out syllables delicate and fragile. At the sight, the inexperienced prey felt a wave of guilt rise in his chest. "No, I..." Before he could finish, the girl suddenly leaned in. In the heavy stillness of the air, their breaths mingled. Her pure, delicate face was now just inches from his. "Are you really willing, Mu Mu?" He instinctively shrank back, but she took a step forward, then another, leaving him with nowhere to retreat. Ji Mu could clearly see his reflection in her eyes. Within her irises, a color he couldn''t quite decipher slowly began to emerge. "I..." He held his breath, his chaotic heartbeat disrupting the little clarity and reason he had left. Compared to a dear friend''s life, what did his hesitation matter? All she wanted was to survive. Was that really so wrong? "Mu Mu, do I look like some kind of monster to you?" The girl blinked, her eyes wide with pitiful innocence. Ji Mu hesitated for a moment. In the end, he reached out and plucked the forbidden fruit of his own accord, like a man in Eden unable to resist the serpent''s temptation disguised as moral restraint. After a long pause, the boy seemed to deflate entirely. His voice was low and subdued. "You''re not." The moment those words left his mouth, the hunter, whose plan had succeeded, tilted her head up and tentatively extended her tongue to kiss the corner of his lips. Seeing that the boy didn''t react, she suppressed the trembling in her body. With tenderness and immense patience, she kissed him from the corner of his mouth to his lips, lingering with sticky affection. It was so soft and sweet. She wanted more. She closed her eyes, hiding the desire that threatened to consume her. The moisture from their kiss slid from the seam of their lips, down her jawline, and was now soaking wet. The slurping, candy-savoring sounds were so suggestive that they could make anyone blush and their heart race. ... Reality. Outside the black mist barrier, the system practically went cross-eyed from waiting. It paced around the room countless times in frustration. It had already been ages. Why was there still no movement? [Sigh.] With a long, drawn-out sigh, it clutched its hair in exasperation, turning it into a complete wasps'' nest. The longer the delay, the greater the chance that something has gone wrong inside. If worst comes to worst, I''ll just blow everything up and abandon the mission! He rushed back, ready to beg the old geezers in Divine Lord''s space for mercy. Maybe, just maybe, they could still save the host. At most, they could take on a few extra missions afterward to make up for the loss. Yeah, it probably won''t get scrapped and rebuilt, right? The system furrowed its brows, seriously weighing the feasibility of this backup plan. [Main System, something''s happened!!] The sub-system''s voice suddenly rang out, its usual icy tone completely shaken. Sensing the younger system''s panic, the older system temporarily gave up playing with its yo-yo and dove headfirst into the system space to check the situation. [Don''t panic. What happened? What the hell?!] The system rubbed its eyes in disbelief. The Prajna Instrument, which was once a small projection, had transformed into a massive LED display screen. Snow-white gardenias adorned the edges of the screen, filling the space with their distinct, elegant fragrance. [Main System, there was a tremor in the space just now. Less than thirty seconds later, the Prajna Instrument turned into...this.] After listening to the sub-system''s explanation, it froze for quite a while before confirming what it was seeing. What the hell? Had the Prajna Instrument just upgraded? If so, why had it never shown up before? This anomaly stirred a deep unease within the system. Should I report this to the old geezers? "Heh." A faint, almost imperceptible chuckle echoed in its mind, and its vision blurred for a moment. Moments later, it scratched its head in confusion. Huh? What was I just thinking about...? [Main System, look over there, quick!] The sub-system tugged at it just in time to offer a reminder: [The Prajna Instrument is changing again.] Shaking off the lingering sense of unease, the system followed where the younger one pointed. Not far away, the massive LED screen that had occupied most of the space was split into four panels. One of the panels, still adorned with gardenias, slowly began to display a figure. A young girl''s delicate face appeared, a perfect blend of innocence and allure. Though these traits are polar opposites, she fused ethereal purity and seductive charm into a seamless whole without the slightest hint of discord. Her long, narrow eyes shimmered like fiery clouds at dusk, glowing with a mesmerizing light. Her skin was radiantly white with a subtle pink flush, and her silky black hair cascaded down her back to her waist. A pair of small, soft, furry fox ears perked up slightly. Her fluffy tail was as smooth as silk and irresistible to the touch. This was Ruan Qingqing''s illustration of a transformed fox girl. Below it was a detailed description: Species: Mystic Fox Age: 17 Height: 165 cm Weight: 50 kg Bust size: D+ Trait: Perpetually Rosy (Note: White Tiger is the maximum juice extraction limit for a normal human female, but not for me.) Comment: I never yearned for salvation. Countless lights, but none could ever be home. But only you. You are my sole refuge. Scattered isles will one day find the sea¡ª Slowly... and endlessly so. ... After making a full round, the system rubbed its chin in thought. Something felt off. Why would the Prajna Instrument suddenly flash this prompt? Could there be a deeper meaning behind it? Forever pink... so no matter how much the tofu is pressed, the color won''t change? Good grief! She''s really become an eternal juice-extracting princess. If some poor guy gets caught, his waist won''t be spared, will it? [Main system, these are all secondary concerns!] Noticing that the elder system''s thoughts were becoming increasingly perverted, the junior system urgently gestured for it to look at the main screen. On Ruan Qingqing''s illustration, a line of text appeared. "Affinity towards males: 0." [What the...?!] After clearly seeing the displayed value, the system, which was still lost in thought, suddenly widened its eyes and internally exclaimed, "Holy shit!" "Wait a minute! Does this mean that the host successfully passed the plot node, changed the ending, and completed the task?" The two systems exchanged a knowing glance. No wonder the Prajna Instrument had changed. It seemed that the conquest was finished. I''m shocked. Happiness came so suddenly! ... [Wu hu wu hu!!] The system space was immediately filled with their ecstatic cheers. "Let''s gooo!" Confetti and flowers! Congratulations to the host and the silly goose on their friendship reaching... The final step! [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 112/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 104 - Oh, It鈥檚 Fox Lady! (Part 1) "Mmm... hmm..." The air was filled with the sound of wet kisses and the boy''s helpless whimpers. The intermittent, sensual gasps in her ear were enough to dampen and wet her private garments. Her long, slow breaths became short and urgent, like a small fox with its neck constricted. The gentle yet obsessive kisses, licking, and nibbling were all proof of her claim to the other person¡ªa selfish and base occupation. The intense fragrance of soap and the slightly sweet taste of saliva mixed with a hint of iron rust... These sensations alone were enough to make Ruan Qingqing unable to help herself. But it wasn''t enough. It still wasn''t enough. How could a mere fleeting touch possibly satisfy the countless nights she had spent curled up in bed, thinking obsessively about the other person and consumed by passionate, erotic thoughts? Her hand rested on the boy''s chest, and she struggled to suppress her rising desires as she pulled away from his soft lips. "Let''s stop..." The sudden interruption left the boy with a dazed and bewildered look, a mixture of confusion and disappointment. A flush spread from the corners of his eyes to his cheeks, reminiscent of the faint intoxication that comes with having a few drinks. "Hm?" His voice drifted slightly, as if he were in a daze. The immature look on his face, combined with this extremely enticing and bewildered expression, was enough to make one''s guilt surge. Ruan Qingqing''s whole body felt dry and restless. She had once imagined the face beneath the boy''s lazy and careless exterior. Perhaps it would be wild, overbearing, or strong-willed. But she never thought it would be like this, like a cute little white rabbit in a passive state that made her want to tease him mercilessly. He was different from what she had imagined, yet still incredibly captivating. Savor the lingering desire in her mouth, Ruan Qingqing thought, suppressing thoughts unsuitable for minors. Her delicate eyelids drooped. "Mu Mu, you''re still not ready," she said. ??? Not willing? Ji Mu felt like he was having trouble keeping up with the target''s thoughts. "Where... even if it''s... is..." His brain was in a daze. As a small, timid boy, he had always tried to maintain a distance of at least one meter from girls in his two lifetimes. It was difficult for him to casually say the words "kiss" and "tongue." "But why?" Ruan Qingqing said as if she had suffered a great injustice. After pausing for a moment, she continued in a soft, melancholic tone, "You didn''t even want to stick out your tongue." Ji Mu''s body stiffened. Stick out his tongue?! This wasn''t right. It was normal for female friends to occasionally touch mouths, and he had reluctantly accepted it when imagining himself in that situation. But... Sticking out his tongue was clearly beyond the bounds of friendship! The girl stood by his side and explained sorrowfully, "Your teeth were clenched shut, so the saliva in your mouth couldn''t come out. How could that possibly accelerate the healing process?" Ji Mu couldn''t respond, and his expression was complex. So that''s how it was. "Silly goose, I¡ª" he started. "Forget it. I''ll just stay here and struggle on my own," the girl said, her voice trembling as she sniffled. "Don''t..." Taking hold of her slender shoulders, Ji Mu replied hesitantly, "I''ll... I''ll just stick it out. That''s all." It''s okay. Just this once. It''s for the sake of saving someone, so it''s fine. How can I give up just because of the shame between a man and a woman? He comforted himself like this. "Mu Mu..." Ruan Qingqing leaned in. Her tearful expression was suddenly replaced by surprise and delight. She whispered, "You''re really good to me, Mu Mu." The gentleness in her eyes was almost palpable, and she slowly lifted the boy''s chin with her hand. Her other hand stroked his hair as if he were a beloved pet. Her fingers slowly moved to the back of the boy''s head and gently pressed down. Taking advantage of his vulnerable position, she claimed his tender, pink lips. Ji Mu''s lips, not tightly closed in defense, were easily parted, and this kiss was more passionate and lingering than the last. The movement was gentle, as if savoring the moment like a connoisseur relishing a delicacy. However, this patience did not last long and was soon replaced by a deeper, more intense passion. Despite this, the boy only let out a low, uncomfortable hum, afraid of disrupting the "treatment" she had fabricated. He submissively lowered his head without putting up the slightest struggle, wrapped his arms around her waist to prevent her from falling, and opened his mouth to let the triumphant "predator" have its fill. Everything seemed normal, with no apparent irregularities. No one was aware of the deafeningly loud, violent heartbeat. ...... Back in the real world, after a brief moment of cheering, the system, which had experienced a roller coaster of emotions ranging from rock bottom to euphoric highs, finally grasped the concept of a "brain orgasm" that humans often spoke of. The thrill was genuinely exhilarating, and the danger was real. The main storyline had finally begun. For the system, which had traversed numerous small worlds, this situation was akin to a terminal patient''s last burst of energy ¡ª except, instead of waiting for death, it had no other choice. However, the boy forcefully intervened, single-handedly rewriting the characters'' fate. This was what it meant to turn the tide of despair and prop up a collapsing great hall! [Hahahahahahaha ????] The system threw its hands on its hips and burst into laughter as a sense of pride welled up within it. It was no wonder that this host, personally selected by the system, was exceptional. The previous hosts were all subpar, nothing but low-quality goods! With a capable minister like this by its side, saving the world would be a breeze. ????? [Main System, now that the first task is complete, I have a question.] The system was in an excellent mood. With a sweeping gesture, it said, [Speak!] [Emm...] [Let''s just say Ruan Qingqing''s affinity value for males is abysmally low. Why is that?] [Hmmm?] The system turned its head and glanced at the LED screen of the Prajna Instrument. Beneath the exquisite illustration of the fox lady, the introductory text was white. However, the "0" after the affinity value was a deep, dark black, making it stand out starkly. Ah, this... [Cough, don''t panic. In cultivation novels, even the Heavenly Emperor''s flag can emit dark energy. This is nothing.] The system''s words lacked conviction, and its tone was somewhat hollow. [The black text simply proves that the host and Ruan Qingqing''s friendship has transcended life and death, entering a profound stage of soul-deep camaraderie.] [Uh... Are you sure, System?] The sub-system looked at it suspiciously. [Nonsense! When have my judgments ever been wrong?] The system maintained its composure as it dismissed its little brother. [Alright, alright, go do your thing. Stop worrying about nothing. If I say it''s fine, then it''s fine.] Damn it! Even if there''s a problem now, we can only pretend there isn''t one. The mission has already come this far. Either don''t do it at all, or do it thoroughly! There''s no reason to give up halfway through! Besides, the Spacetime Management Bureau had classified this merged novel world as an SSSS-level dangerous task, so it was only natural that strange and unusual things would occur. In the past, it would have withdrawn from the task, but not now. It had SSR Supreme General Ji Mu, and the next three female leads would likely be easily handled with one hand tied behind its back. Even if all four female leads developed romantic feelings for the host, it could simply take them and leave the world at light speed, problem solved. [Hmph!] The system let out a cold, confident laugh, overflowing with self-assurance. As long as it was around, they thought they could turn the host into a **? Absolutely not! It''s fundamentally impossible! ... Ji Mu felt violated, but not quite. The cracks on the girl''s face were fading, after all. But... This kiss was just too passionate and over the top. His brain was dizzy and numb from lack of oxygen. His sensitive body was weak and tingling. Ultimately, under the other person''s gentle yet forceful guidance, he learned to breathe again. The soft, wet, warm tongue that tangled and sucked in his mouth was a complete departure from the shy demeanor he was familiar with; it was as if they were worlds apart. This stormy, passionate entanglement made it increasingly difficult for Ji Mu to withstand. "Uh... okay... hmm... are you done?" His soft, fragmented inquiries were mixed with saliva, all of which Ruan Qingqing swallowed. She didn''t respond hastily. Her hand, grasping the back of the boy''s head, didn''t relax for a split second. "Almost... almost..." Her hand changed from a lifting motion to a gentle cradle. She was coaxing him while refusing to be rejected; their lips and teeth were still entwined. Who could have imagined this? In this secluded, hidden space, the sweet, gentle girl had completely reversed roles with the tall, upright boy. The aloof and unapproachable student council president of Yulan High School had been pinned down by this seemingly harmless, shy girl. Without hesitation, she kissed him fiercely and toyed with him. ... My name is Ruan Qingqing, and I''m 17 years old. Today is the happiest day of my life! Because... I finally fulfilled the wish I made when I was 13. I got to kiss the boy I liked, the flavor I had dreamed of for so long. It''s a thousand times sweeter than cream cake! [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 112/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 105 - Oh, Its Fox Lady! (Part 2) The wheel of fire surged upward, and colorful clouds chased the sun. The living room, once blood-soaked and terrifying, had undergone a complete transformation. The scattered remains of corpses vanished without a trace. The bloodstains on the floor were scrubbed clean and now reflected the sunlight streaming in through the windows. Seated beside the dining table, Ruan Chuyao occasionally glanced toward the room shrouded in black mist. Her eyes were filled with worry and longing. Several hours had passed since the young man entered, yet there was still no sign of movement. It was hard not to let one''s imagination run wild. Sigh... A broad, warm hand came to rest on her shoulder. Ruan Chuyao turned her head slightly to look at the figure standing beside her. She couldn''t hold back the ache in her chest and began to sob softly. "Dad, do you think Qingqing will¡ª" "She''ll be fine." Though weathered, the aged voice carried a steady strength. It swept gently through her heart like a hardened breeze, soothing her anxiety. "Don''t overthink it." Up in midair. Watching the deeply affectionate father and daughter, the System curled its lip. Tch. Old geezer, of all times to show up! You wait until the host clears the level before making an appearance! As for this marginal character who vanished early on and only reappeared now, the System didn''t feel much of anything. Had the host not risked his life to rewrite the female lead''s fate, the man would have likely died long ago, secluded in a remote mountain cave while practicing closed-door cultivation. As the System grumbled inwardly, a sudden sound came from the barrier. Dappled sunlight pierced through the obstruction. The inner barrier was beginning to shatter, and the thick mist gradually dispersed. With its sharp eyes, the System spotted two faint figures emerging from within. [They''re out! They''re out!] It rubbed its hands together in excitement and did a 360-degree backflip on the spot. How could it not be thrilled? After all, this was its SSR-class, peerless general! After waiting anxiously and pacing back and forth, they finally returned! Under the hopeful gaze of everyone present, they emerged from the room. Ruan Qingqing, petite, emerged from the room, supporting the young man as they walked out together. [Host!!!] "Qingqing!" Two voices called out, each filled with different emotions. One rushed forward in elation while the other was choked with tears. Ruan Chuyao pulled her daughter into a tight embrace from the girl''s side. "You''re back, Qingqing..." Ruan Qingqing lowered her head apologetically. "I''m sorry for making you worry, Mom." With teary eyes, Ruan Chuyao carefully examined her daughter. Seeing that she was mostly unharmed, Ruan finally sighed with relief. "It''s enough that you''re back. That''s all that matters." ... [Holy crap, Host¡ªholy crap!!] The system started shouting at the top of its lungs, singing praises of its host''s glorious achievements. [That was fucking amazing! Host, you are just¡ªI''m telling you!] Ji Mu, bombarded by the incessant buzzing, rubbed his aching head. "All right, quiet down." Only then did the slow-reacting system finally notice that something was off about him. The young man''s steps were unsteady, and a faint, suspicious flush still lingered on his face. His lips were especially noticeable, red and swollen as if they had been through quite an ordeal. [Host, you...] The system launched into a mental brainstorm. Suddenly, lightning struck, and the System slapped its virtual palm in realization. [Damn it! Don''t tell me...it was Ruan Qingqing''s negative persona acting up again!] At the mention of her, Ji Mu''s mind involuntarily conjured up memories of that dark, shameful night, his body nearly reacting to the trauma. He shivered and waved his hand dismissively. "All right, all right, it''s nothing. Let''s not talk about it." Seeing that he didn''t want to continue the topic, the System didn''t press further. It quietly perched on the young man''s shoulder and went silent, slipping into idle mode. Meanwhile, the reunited mother and daughter exchanged a few more words of concern before finally turning their attention to Ji Mu. "You''ve worked hard, Little Mu." Grasping the young man''s hands, Ruan Chuyao expressed her heartfelt gratitude. "If it weren''t for you this time, Qingqing might have..." But when her gaze fell upon the young man''s cheeks and lips, Ruan Chuyao''s words came to an abrupt halt. Her eyes lingered for a moment before shifting away and landing on her seemingly well-behaved daughter. The unspoken reproach was clear. Ruan Qingqing avoided her gaze, her face bearing the weight of guilt. "Little Mu..." Ruan Chuyao hesitated, then gently patted the back of the young man''s hand, looking apologetic. "Qingqing was being willful. You must''ve suffered quite a bit in there." Ji Mu shook his head and replied honestly. "That''s not true, Aunt Ruan." "If I hadn''t brought that silly goose back, the rest of my life would''ve lost all meaning." Twenty-five million, gone. How was he supposed to return to Blue Star and save a hundred million for a carefree retirement? He might as well give up and rot away. "Mu Mu..." The girl''s eyes softened, and her face glowed with deep emotion. Ruan Chuyao shot her daughter a glare. "Qingqing." If she hadn''t pulled her back in time, the girl would have practically thrown herself at him. Look at her, no shame at all. Ruan Qingqing pouted in protest, clearly displeased. Ignoring her, Ruan Chuyao turned her gaze back to the slender, graceful young man and gave him a teasing look. "Calling her a ''silly goose,'' huh? That''s quite the unique nickname. Honestly, it sounds better than ''Qingqing.''" "..." Ji Mu was left speechless, unsure how to respond. Suddenly, Ji Mu understood why so many people locked themselves in their rooms during the holidays to avoid talking to their relatives. He really wanted to run. His awkward reaction made Ruan Chuyao smile with her classic "auntie smile." It had been a long time since she''d seen someone so purehearted. What was that saying again? Ah, right. "The more a mother-in-law looks at her son-in-law, the more satisfied she becomes." He really was quite the looker, handsomer than her husband had been in his youth. Smart, too. Word was that he was the freshman representative at Yulan High School. Honestly, Qingqing''s the one marrying up here. "Yao Yao, aren''t you going to introduce me to this fine young man?" A warm and kind voice interjected. An elderly man with silver hair and a youthful glow approached. His expression was gentle, yet his brows carried a quiet, dignified authority. "Dad, this is Little Mu I told you about," Ruan Chuyao said. Upon hearing this, the old man smiled kindly and greeted Little Mu. "Hello there, Little Mu." Ji Mu: "...Hello." Wait, who is this again? "Mom?" Meanwhile, the way her mother addressed him made Ruan Qingqing look over in confusion. Ruan Chuyao gently nudged her daughter toward the old man. "Qingqing, call him Grandpa." "Grandpa?" The girl blinked, clearly puzzled. Encouraged by her mother''s gaze, she hesitated for a few seconds before softly speaking. "Grandpa." That gentle call made Old Master Ruan, who had built his empire from scratch over the course of decades, tremble slightly. Tears welled up in his sharp, hawk-like eyes. "Good child... good child." ... Ji Mu quietly stepped back, not wanting to intrude on the family''s touching reunion. Glancing around, he finally noticed several unfamiliar men in suits standing like statues in the corners of the room, clearly stationed there as silent protectors. [Host, after you entered the mental world, time resumed flowing shortly thereafter. These people arrived about an hour later.] The system explained the situation and, at the same time, pulled up a detailed information panel on the elderly man in front of the young man. ... Name: Ruan Chunyuan Stamina: 100 Ancient Martial Arts Realm: Grandmaster (Peak of the Human Race) ... Ji Mu suddenly understood. This is the silly goose''s maternal grandfather, the background character from the novel. So, he actually succeeded in breaking through that death-locked cultivation? [Yep. Fan Lei just told me that because you rewrote the female lead''s fate, he gained more permissions to intervene in this world.] [And with that, he gave this old geezer a little push.] The System clicked its tongue in annoyance. [Didn''t lift a finger the whole time, total freeloader. He just rode the wave to victory.] There were fewer than ten Grandmasters in the entire country, yet somehow, this old man had made the cut. However, Ji Mu didn''t seem too bothered by it. "Well, so what if he did? Luck is a kind of skill, too. At least now the silly goose has a powerful backer. Not bad at all." With this matter settled and only a few days left until finals, it was time to start planning his second mission in Jiangcheng. Apologize for the delay in uploading chapters. [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 116/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 106 - "Oh, Its Fox Lady!" (Part 3) After staying up all night without sleeping, a wave of deep exhaustion came crashing in now that everything had finally settled down. Even a computer that''s been running nonstop needs to be shut down and restarted for half an hour, let alone a person. Utterly drained, Ji Mu seized the opportunity to slip away with an excuse, planning to head home and enjoy a long, well-deserved nap. ... A luxury sedan slowly pulled up in front of the apartment building. The uniformed chauffeur stepped out and opened the door. Ji Mu nodded in thanks. "Take care, young master!" The chauffeur''s loud and respectful voice rang out behind him, full of deference. The conspicuous scene drew the attention of passersby, who couldn''t help but glance over repeatedly. Their eyes flicked between the luxurious car, radiating wealth and taste, and the young man''s strikingly handsome face. In an instant, many of them wore expressions that were hard to read. Just moments ago, Ji Mu had been enjoying the fleeting taste of luxury that came with being part of a wealthy household. But now, his steps faltered. Realizing that all eyes were on him, he felt a chill crawl up his spine. Never thought I''d live to see the day I''d be labeled a kept man, folks. If he turned back now to explain that he and the "silly goose" were just friends, it would probably only make things worse, given the typical tropes of female-oriented web novels. For now, he chose to ignore it. He appeared calm and composed on the surface as he walked into the apartment building, but his pace had noticeably quickened. [What are you panicking for? Isn''t it great to show off a little in public? You weren''t this nervous when you gave that speech on stage.] The System waggled its eyebrows at him. "It''s not the same," Ji Mu replied, not entertaining its teasing. "You said that each time I successfully help a female lead overcome her aversion to men, I unlock another skill bundle, right?" Ji Mu spread his hands, asking directly for his reward. "So, where''s the bundle?" This world wasn''t as simple as it seemed. With subhuman races and ancient martial artists involved, the dangers ahead would only grow more intense. Even though Ancient Evil Lai was powerful, he had severe limitations. If another enemy appeared right after his transformation ended and caught him in the weakened cooldown phase, he''d be finished. At this point, securing another powerful trump card was the only viable option. Only then could he head to Jiangcheng with peace of mind and focus on his second mission. [Yeah, yeah, I got it--stop rushing me.] Great, the debt collector had arrived. The System muttered under its breath, clearly reluctant. After all, once these skills were drawn, they''d be permanently bound to the host''s soul and would never disappear. Even if he returned to Blue Star and was resurrected later, the skills would still be usable. They were incredibly precious consumables. [Host, I''ve pulled up the panel. You draw it yourself.] Though reluctant, the System had to admit that this time, the boy had truly earned it. Since it prided itself on being fair with rewards and punishments, it couldn''t disappoint its most loyal servant. As it finished speaking, a faint blue-violet glow lit up suddenly. Countless tiny light particles gathered into a virtual screen suspended in midair before him. Images and text intertwined, and Ji Mu''s ID photo appeared clearly on the interface. He took a moment to glance at his detailed profile. ,,, [Name: Ji Mu] [Age: 16] [Stamina: 60] [Kidney Power: 60] [Charm: 90] [Skill: Ancient Evil Lai] [Equipment: Dragon Replacement Glasses] [Comment: You''re a bright and sunny boy who satisfies all kinds of fetishes ¨C hand, voice, appearance, leg, and more ¨C a living embodiment of every kind of "type".] "...?" He knew he had the potential to be a "male idol," but was it necessary for them to go out of their way to write such a comment? What''s with all the "type" and fetishes? Can''t they just speak plainly? It''s just about being attracted to someone''s body. How lowly and shameless! Ruined by a group of women with nothing but dirty thoughts in their heads? Hilarious. "There''s no way I''d ever¡ªwait a second." Just as he was about to make a bold declaration, Ji Mu''s gaze landed on a certain term inadvertently. He froze for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching. "What the hell does ''Kidney Power Value'' mean?" "Oh, that? I don''t think I need to explain it, do I, Host?" The system flashed a lewd grin that every man would understand. "The higher your Kidney Power Value, the longer you can last in that department. Better stamina, better endurance." A healthy adult male usually has a Kidney Power Value of 50, meaning both kidneys are functioning within a healthy range. So... [Didn''t expect this, did you, host? A natural 60 points. Tsk, tsk, big tool; great performance.] That was enough to satisfy someone like Ruan Qingqing, the ultimate Juice Queen. Of course, throw in a second Juice Queen, and not even he would be able to hold up. "Say whatever you want." Ji Mu couldn''t care less. He was destined to become a great archmage. His gaze shifted to the side. The Skill Roulette appeared, with each slot containing a unique skill icon. The innermost ring shimmered with golden light and was home to ultra-rare, SSR-tier skills with a mere 0.08% chance of being drawn. Ji Mu took a few deep breaths to steady himself. He wasn''t a gambling addict, but he''d never lost a bet. This time, too, Lady Luck, please stay with me. [Ready, Host?] "Let''s do this!" He pressed down his finger. The roulette wheel began to spin. Its speed increased gradually, accompanied by a deep, resonant whirrrrr. Half a minute passed. Golden light burst through the room. Ji Mu clenched his fist. Only two words echoed in his heart: It''s done! As for his ever-reliable system, it reacted just as expected: mouth agape and eyes glazed over as if it had just suffered a stroke. [Huh?!] ...Hit the jackpot again??? Just shut it down already. This isn''t fun anymore. Ji Mu said nothing, maintaining the air of a seasoned master. Let''s say it one more time: The power of the Luck Emperor is real, system! The activated rune transformed into a streak of golden light and merged with his body. [Skill: Regal Attire Calms the Storm] [Skill Description:] [Effect 1 (Passive): Upon acquiring this skill, Kidney Power increases by 10 points.] [Effect 2 (Active): For one hour, stamina increases by an additional 40 points. After the effect ends, there is a two-hour cooldown period. Does not trigger a post-use weakened state debuff.] [Effect 3 (Passive): (Due to the host''s intelligence and charisma reaching the upper threshold for skill augmentation, this effect has been upgraded to:) Unyielding Spear, Infinite Zhuge Repeater, no cooldown.] [Skill Overview:] "When I''m drunk, I rest on a beautiful woman''s lap. When I''m awake, I have power over the world." The Emperor may lack the prowess to pleasure ten women in one night... but I do. ... [Active Skill Trigger Condition:] Must be equipped with custom-tailored Wenwu Sleeves (Warrior-Scholar Cuffs). ... [Caution:] This skill is incompatible with the Dragon Replacement Glasses trait. Remove the glasses to activate the skill. ... [Commentary:] You''re already wearing Wenwu Sleeves, why are you still hiding behind those dead man''s glasses? This isn''t the time for shadowy elegance. Fight like the coolest badass. Be the flashiest guy in the room. Stand tall, and be utterly, devastatingly handsome for once, damn it! ... [Yoho, not bad at all.] Green with envy, the system started getting snarky. [With 70 points of Kidney Power, you might just barely have enough ammo to satisfy two Ultimate Juice Queens.] "You''re insane." Glancing at his character stats, Ji Mu saw that his Kidney Power had been updated from 60 to 70. His face darkened. This new skill feels anything but proper. They even threw in "Unyielding Spear" and "No-CD Zhuge Repeater"... seriously? The worst part? He wasn''t interested in that kind of stuff. It was totally useless to him. Since both passive skills were useless to him, only the active skill held any real value. It provided an extra 40 points of stamina with no post-use fatigue. During its effect, his strength reached the peak level of ancient martial artists in this world, offering an incredibly high cost-performance ratio. The catch? He had to wear the Wenwu Sleeves, which had to be custom-made. A bit of a hassle... "Emmm..." Forget it. What''s done is done. Time to sleep. [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 116/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 107 - "Oh, Its the Fox Lady!" (Part 4) The gray, hazy sky gradually brightened, finally shaking off the shackles of gloom. After enduring wind and rain, the long-lost sunlight and blue sky returned. The ruined city pulsed with renewed vitality. Lush greenery sprouted from the desolate soil, bringing rhythm and life. The crumbling walls and shattered remains were no longer the end of a lifeless land, but rather, the beginning of something new. The young girl murmured to herself, "So, I''ve come here again?" Enter through the narrow gate, walk the long road, and glimpse the faint light. A stunning woman with a body as insubstantial as a phantom smiled gently. "I''ve been waiting for you for a long time, silly goose." The girl''s expression remained flat. "Go on. Why are you looking for me?" The consciousness from her past life didn''t tease her as it once might have. Instead, it quietly met the gaze of the girl standing at the same height. After a long, thoughtful pause, she got to the point. "I came here to say goodbye." She didn''t miss the flicker of surprise that crossed the girl''s face. With a trace of melancholy, the consciousness from her past life continued, speaking more to herself than to anyone else. "I''m going to disappear." "When you chose to awaken the memories of your past life, I, the vessel, could no longer exist." "To be honest, I envy you." In that moment, when she saw the young man risk everything, even his life, to break through the barriers and willingly step into the depths of her heart... At that moment, Ruan Qingqing knew. She had lost. Utterly and completely. She had used the shadows of her past to probe and test the darkness in human nature. Yet she had forgotten that there are always sparks of light within humanity. "Congratulations, silly goose." "You''ve stepped beyond the ending that was once written for us." "You''re not the same Ruan Qingqing who couldn''t taste the sweetness of a candy." The years before she turned 16 were just as bleak and lightless. But when Ji Mu barged into her world, her life slowly split into two paths, flowing in different directions. Everything began to change, completely and irrevocably. Perhaps that old saying was true after all: Blend with the light, move with the dust; rise and fall with the times. Each syllable was as soft as the wind. Her body gradually turned translucent, like a flower on the verge of withering. The girl took a few steps forward and gently embraced the memory of her past life. "It''s not really disappearing," she said softly. "We are the same person." In that moment, her past and present selves reached a reconciliation. "I''ve accepted the past. And you should embrace the future." A gentle warmth flickered in the eyes of Ruan Qingqing from the past. "Silly goose." She leaned in close to the girl''s ear and whispered in a voice laced with stubbornness and the faintness of someone on the verge of fading away. "No matter whether you call Ji Mu ''Mu Mu'' or ''gege''*, from the moment he chose to get involved with us, you can never let him go." "Even if it means forcing him. Even if it means taking him. Even if it means imprisoning him..." "When we were 13, he abandoned us. We cannot allow him to abandon us a second time." "He belongs to us." "And he can only belong to us!" As her fingertips touched nothing but emptiness, the girl stood frozen, unmoving, for a long time. Yes... How could I not know? Mu Mu is both the poison and the cure of my soul. Without him, I''d lose my mind. Maybe even die. ... [Not bad.] Without warning, a neutral-toned voice rang out. A tall figure shrouded in white mist approached with graceful, unhurried steps. Though its features were obscured, it felt as if a pair of smiling eyes were watching her. [Hello there, Ruan Qingqing.] Faced with this unfamiliar presence that had silently appeared in her spiritual world, the girl felt a flicker of unease. Who is this? How do they know my name? Why don''t I have the slightest memory of them? As her thoughts churned, the figure spoke again, revealing their identity. [My name is Fan Lei. I am the incarnated consciousness of this world''s Heavenly Dao.] Heavenly Dao consciousness... an incarnation... Just a few simple words, yet they represented the supreme existence of the highest order. Most people would find it nearly impossible to remain calm when faced with such a revelation. But the girl, tempered by countless trials and transformations, remained silent. By this time, she could no longer place her full trust in anyone or anything, except for Mu Mu and her mother. Fan Lei offered no further explanation and seemed unconcerned by her suspicion. They simply continued speaking. [I believe you''ve also noticed something unusual about Ji Mu.] [Why is the 15-year-old gege you met when you were 13 still only 16 when you reunited 4 years later?] The girl''s calm expression finally wavered. That single sentence pierced the thoughts she had buried so deep for so long. When she was 13, she often imagined what it would be like to meet him again in the future. By then, he should have been in college, more mature and distant. Not transferring into her class as a new student, and not being a year younger than her. Ruan Qingqing had been troubled by this in her past life. She was afraid that he wasn''t the same person, so she hadn''t dared to approach him. There were simply too many things that didn''t make sense. Unless... [That''s right.] Fan Lei suddenly spoke, confirming the seemingly absurd conclusion she had just reached: [Ji Mu isn''t from this world at all.] The girl''s heart trembled. [He is destined to leave.] [And this departure isn''t about moving to another city or going abroad.] It means disappearing from this world entirely. Though the latter half of Fan Lei''s words remained unspoken, How could the girl not understand what they meant? "Leave." "Completely." "Disappear." One after another, the words she least wanted to hear struck the most fragile part of her heart. No, that can''t happen! Mu Mu... Since you came to this world, why must you go back? What could be so appealing over there? Isn''t my presence enough? Yes, my presence should be enough. In this world, no one loves or cares for you more than I do. I would give anything for you, even my life. You should understand that. You will understand that, right? *''gege'' is a term used to address an older male, can be flirty, or to address siblings [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 116/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 108 - "Oh, Its the Fox Lady!" (Part 5) It''s okay if you don''t understand now. I''ll teach you. I''ll teach you slowly and patiently. [I can see what you''re thinking right now.] Fan Lei said in a tone that was neither warm nor cold. [But I strongly advise you not to go through with it.] [Not if you don''t want to lose him forever for the sake of a fleeting moment of happiness.] The girl''s hollow eyes locked onto them. "What do you mean by that?" Fan Lei didn''t answer. They simply reached out and tapped the air. A faint stream of light surged forward and entered the center of her forehead instantly. The girl felt something new take root in her mind. Something small, like a seed. "What is this...?" [I''ve granted you a quarter of my Authority.] Fan Lei''s tone took on the air of a riddle, its cryptic nature stirring the imagination. [Once you grow familiar with its use, you''ll understand.] ... Time passed like a book read in haste. In the blink of an eye, it had flipped to the final page. Lately, the negative rumors about Ruan Qingqing on the school forum have noticeably quieted down. It was as if some unseen force had intervened. Whenever a post with even a hint of slander against her appeared, it vanished without a trace by the next day. Strangely, none of the forum moderators ever stepped forward to question or explain this phenomenon. By nature, humans are creatures of fleeting attention. The incident that labeled the girl a "murderer" had long since been clarified. Since she hadn''t actually done anything wrong, Over time, people simply stopped bringing it up. Of course, there were still a few holdouts, namely, the die-hard fangirls from Ji Mu''s fan club who resisted until the very end. The evening glow painted half the sky in brilliant hues as the bell signaling the end of finals rang out. The busy second half of the semester had finally come to a close. Many students, wearing relieved expressions, began chatting excitedly about their summer vacation plans. Amid the laughter and chatter, the atmosphere in one of the girls'' restrooms in the school building was anything but cheerful. It was tense with hostility. Splash¡ª! Dirty water poured down from above, soaking her clothes. The dripping echoed sharply against the cold, tiled floor. "Did you think you could dump water on me in the bathroom and take a picture?" Ruan Qingqing stood there, holding the empty bucket, her gaze locked on the girls who had just moments ago looked down on her with smug arrogance. "All you''re capable of are these pathetic little tricks." Her voice was soft and gentle, like willow fluff drifting through a spring breeze. But beneath that soothing surface were grains of sharp-edged sand. As her mocking words flowed out, the girls'' expressions darkened. They were none other than the core members of Ji Mu''s fan club. Recently, they had become jealous of the way Ruan Qingqing, whom they called the "seductive fox," clung to their beloved idol. They''d secretly followed her, hoping to find the perfect moment to teach her a lesson. What they hadn''t expected was to be seen through so easily, and become the ones being humiliated instead. "Ruan Qingqing, what are you so smug about?" Water droplets slid down her smudged makeup. The lead girl wiped the dirty water from her face, her gaze as sharp as a blade. "If Ji, your precious ''god'', hadn''t been protecting you all this time, you''d be nothing!" Ruan Qingqing licked the tip of one of her sharp canines. Her once timid face now bore a calm and composed expression. "You''re right," she said with a nod. "So what?" "You¡ª!" The unexpected reply caught the girl completely off guard. The harsh words she had prepared got stuck in her throat, leaving her face flushed with frustration. "Ruan Qingqing, don''t get all smug just because Ji treats you well!" One of the girls stepped forward, trying to hit her where they thought she was weakest. "He only sees you as a friend, nothing more." Another girl chimed in, her tone equally hostile. "Hmph, you''ve just been playing the pity card to get his attention." "I''ve recorded everything," she added with a sneer. "Let''s see how your precious ''god'' reacts when he hears the real, ugly you!" Ruan Qingqing remained calm, her expression unbothered, composed to the point of indifference. She lifted her hand and casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "So what if you really do let Mu Mu hear it?" "Do you believe..." Her long, narrow eyes glinted with a hint of amusement. "...that he''d be disgusted by me or push me away?" "More likely, he''ll praise me for becoming braver and finally learning how to fight back." Her words landed like a heavy blow, striking the hearts of the three girls with brutal precision. Jealous? Absolutely. Want to argue back? They couldn''t. Not even a little. Because what she said was the truth. Ruan Qingqing was the only person in the entire school who could get close to Ji Mu. Any other girl who tried to approach him would find that he kept a ten-meter distance, as if he were avoiding the plague. This stark contrast, combined with her current calm and confidence, left the girls with a crushing sense of defeat unlike anything they had ever experienced before. Like soldiers who had lost a battle, the three of them slumped in the restroom, heads down, unable to utter another word. Ruan Qingqing''s gaze shifted to the girl on the far left. "As for you..." With graceful steps, she moved forward, closing the distance between them. Her soft, syrupy voice carried a chilling undertone, like that of a venomous snake slithering silently into one''s ear. "Are you saying I''m just a friend to him?" The girl''s body trembled involuntarily as if a cold wave had swept over her. "Then this so-called ''friend'' of his... tonight, will be the one to..." Ruan Qingqing''s lips curled into a faint, teasing smile. "Make love with him." [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 117/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading! Chapter 109 - "Oh, Its Fox Lady!" (Part 6): Night fell, and the stars disappeared. Rain began to fall outside. Raindrops tapped against the window softly. The damp treetops swayed softly, and the continuous drizzle traced the veins of the green leaves. It slid down to the roadside, where it splashed into modest puddles. The clock on the wall ticked steadily, neither hurried nor slow. With each leap of the second hand, the long hour hand gradually moved toward the number ten. Ji Mu lounged lazily on the living room sofa. The television, which was directly ahead, was playing the latest episode of Baby Bus on the children''s channel. His gaze occasionally swept across the screen, but he quickly lost interest and looked away. Physically and mentally exhausted, he had no desire to move. He just wanted to lie there motionless like a wooden puppet, letting his thoughts wander aimlessly. The main reason for his dog-tired state was his fever. He first noticed something was off with his body right after finishing the exam that afternoon. It was probably due to the seasonal flu and catching a chill from kicking off the blanket at night. Too lazy to go to the hospital for a shot, he rushed home, took a few fever-reducing pills, and fell into a deep sleep. Thanks to his 60-point stamina stat, he was durable, if nothing else. After sleeping for a few hours, he felt much better. Still, the lingering heat and dizziness left behind by the virus hadn''t completely faded, a subtle reminder that his body hadn''t fully recovered. Should I tell that silly goose? He''d left in such a hurry earlier that he probably hadn''t said anything to the mission target... Remembering that his phone was still charging in the bedroom, Ji Mu forced his weak body upright, slipped on his slippers, and took a few steps¡ª Ding-dong! When the doorbell rang. He frowned, puzzled as to who would show up at this hour. He hadn''t ordered takeout. Swaying slightly, he changed direction halfway and headed for the door. At the entryway, he turned the handle and opened the door. A girl stood there, completely drenched from head to toe. "Silly goose?" Her clothes were soaked and clung tightly to her skin. Lingering rainwater trickled down her neck and glided past her collarbone. The fabric of her top had turned nearly transparent, revealing her soft, pale chest. Seeing her in such a disheveled state, clearly having just escaped a downpour, Ji Mu was momentarily stunned. "You... Why are you¡ª" "The homeroom teacher told me you went home early because of a fever," the girl said, her voice slightly breathless. "I sent you so many messages, but you didn''t reply. I called, too, but your phone was off." Her hair was a tangled mess, like a delicate flower battered by the rain. She lifted her face and explained softly. Rainwater beaded on her damp, curled lashes. "Mu Mu, I was really worried about you." Her pure and heartfelt concern, paired with the fact that she had braved the heavy rain just to check on him, made it impossible for Ji Mu to remain indifferent. A heavy sense of guilt settled in his chest. "Sorry, my phone died on the way back and shut off." The fever patch on his forehead was half-peeled off, and he unconsciously tightened his grip on the doorknob. "Um... I''ll call a car to take you home." He was not up to it tonight. His condition was just too poor. Otherwise, he might have offered to help her with her schoolwork as a way to repay her concern. As his fever-fogged mind searched for a way to make it up to her, the girl gently declined in a soft, considerate voice. "No need. Now that I''ve seen you''re okay, that''s enough." KRRRRR-BOOOM¡ª! A blinding flash of lightning tore through the pitch-black night sky. A deafening clap of thunder followed, easily drowning out all the surrounding noise and whispers. The girl''s face turned pale instantly. Her slender, fragile shoulders tensed instinctively. The thunder had clearly scared her. She pressed her lips together. Though her body was nearly frozen with fear, she tried to appear strong. "I''ll head back now, Mu Mu." The motion-sensor light in the stairwell flicked on, illuminating the unease she could no longer hide. Ji Mu didn''t miss the glimmer of tears that flashed in her eyes as she turned away. The sight of that fragile, helpless figure walking away etched itself into his guilt. Without thinking, he blurted out in a panic, "Wait!" His fever-clouded mind dulled his reasoning further, causing him to overlook all the little details that would have otherwise seemed off. "If you go back like this, you''ll definitely catch a cold." Meeting the girl''s gaze as she turned back, Ji Mu shifted slightly to the side, making room toward the living room. "Silly goose, come in, take a hot shower, and change into dry clothes. Wait until the rain stops, and then you can head back." Even though he knew the most rational thing to do was to call a car and send her home, or perhaps call Aunt Ruan to explain the situation and ask her to send someone over, his muddled mind couldn''t handle that much thought. Bound by a sense of morality, he simply couldn''t bring himself to stand there and watch the girl walk away. The hunter''s carefully laid trap was cloaked in perfect disguise, step by step. How could the innocent prey possibly know... That this was a snare set precisely for the moment when his guard was down? Of course, someone would pay the price for their moment of weakness in the hours to come. ... Sinking back into the sofa, he saw that the children''s channel was still playing on the TV. The gentle sound of running water came from the nearby bathroom. Wisps of white steam drifted out through the crack beneath the door and blurred the frosted glass. A graceful silhouette flickered faintly behind it. Ji Mu peeled open a fresh cooling patch and pressed it to his forehead, rubbing his temples on both sides. Being alone with a girl late at night, and letting her shower at his place, no less, was a first for him. He felt a strange sense of awkwardness and discomfort that he couldn''t quite put into words. His gaze fell on the black plastic bag at his feet. She had brought it in with her, but he had no idea what was inside. Though he was curious, he didn''t open it without permission. With nothing better to do, Ji Mu decided to head to the bedroom and play some games. His phone had been charging for quite a while by now. It should be fully charged. Half an hour later... After blow-drying her hair and changing clothes, Ruan Qingqing knocked on the door. "Mu Mu?" "No need to knock. Just come in," Ji Mu replied without looking up. He was fully focused on maneuvering his in-game character. Creak¡ª Light footsteps approached one step at a time. Only when the mattress dipped slightly with a soft sound did he casually glance over... only to have his hands freeze mid-action at that very moment. The girl was wearing an oversized gray T-shirt whose hem barely reached the tops of her thighs. Her long, slender legs were fully exposed, glowing with a milky-white sheen. "What is it?" Ruan Qingqing noticed his gaze and curved her lips into a slight smile. She looked pure and lovely. Ji Mu''s expression remained composed. "Does the outfit fit?" He distinctly remembered it came with a pair of shorts. Why wasn''t she wearing them? The thought puzzled him. "It fits just right." The girl looked at him without blinking, her voice soft and gentle. "It''s really comfortable." Although her tone was obedient, the upward lilt at the end of her sentence carried an inexplicable hint of subtle allure. "Uh...do as you please." As he caught a whiff of her strong jasmine fragrance, Ji Mu wasn''t sure why such improper thoughts had popped into his mind. He forced himself not to think about those things and was about to continue playing the game when the girl beside him seemed to be getting sleepy and raised her arm to stretch her waist. As she stretched, the hem of her clothes slowly rode up, revealing the top of her thigh. The area around Yi Xian Tian was normally densely planted with trees, but there were some barren exceptions. Ji Mu''s grip weakened as his gaze involuntarily shifted to the side. His eyelashes dropped again, and his face remained calm, but his inner world was already turbulent with shockwaves. Something''s off! Not wearing pants was one thing, but why didn''t the silly goose wear anything at all?! [Challenge 5 (Ding~) Description: Reach 120 votes on NovelUpdate Reward: 1 extra chapter Progress: 117/120] ...[Challenge 3 (Ding~) Description: Reach 7 reviews on NovelUpdate Reward: An additional chapter. Progress: 5/7] ... Read up to 12 advance chapters by joining us on Patreon! Support us and read ahead [Join Patreon]Enjoying the story? Help more readers discover it by leaving a rating and reviews on NovelUpdate! Thanks for your support and happy reading!