Chapter 47
Upon entering the guest room, the bathroom was on the left, with a wardrobe built against its wall, and beyond that lay the spacious area and the large bed.
The two of them met by the wardrobe. Fu Xiuning simply turned around and pinned Xing Shi against it. His hand pressed against the back of Xing Shi’s head, tilting it slightly upward, deepening the kiss.
Ever since they discovered the system’s screening function, they had imagined various scenarios where they might use it.
Maybe they would fabricate fake intel to test whether the system would really filter it out. Maybe they’d find themselves in such a complex situation that signaling each other wasn’t an option, leaving them no choice but to gamble on the screening feature.
But when this moment finally came, it wasn’t because of any elaborate plan.
They kissed because they wanted to.
Although 99’s energy storage was empty, only its external functionalities were affected.
Now a hybrid of machine and living entity, it still had just enough biological energy in its core to sustain basic functions.
Much like its ability to speak, see, and hear, its screening functionality fell under this operational category. The moment it detected the situation, it automatically activated, cutting off both its visual and auditory senses.
As for Top Draw, it was no longer bound to its host. Xing Shi wasn’t its host either, meaning he wasn’t protected under its privacy agreement. But this situation was clearly not one for casual observation, so it voluntarily activated its own screening function and stayed with 99.
The moment they entered the void-like isolation of the screening mode, 99 couldn’t hold it in any longer. It immediately screamed, “Ahhhhhh!”
Top Draw was silent.
99 continued, “Did you see that? They kissed! Oh my god, with no warning at all! Is it New Year’s already? Ahhhhh!”
Top Draw remained wordless.
99 went on, “I knew it! I knew they were together! See? I told you, didn’t I? Hahaha!”
Top Draw said, “…Calm down.” 321
99 replied, “I can’t calm down!”
Top Draw thought for a moment before attempting to change the topic. “So, Xing Shi likes Fu Xiuning too?”
99 responded, “Seems like it.”
Top Draw was momentarily speechless.
For a rare moment, it felt at a loss for words. Watching 99 so fervently ship the pair, it had assumed the other system had been witnessing their relationship unfold all along. Yet now it turned out even 99 wasn’t entirely sure.
It asked, “What do you mean by ‘seems like it’?”
99 replied, “It’s just a feeling.”
It explained, “Xing Shi’s orientation is toward men, and he’s been spending so much time with Fu Xiuning day in and day out. It’s only natural that he’d develop feelings over time.”
Top Draw pressed, “So that’s just your guess?”
99 refused to let anyone doubt its ship. “I have evidence! Tons of people at the company and school like Xing Shi and try to get close to him, but he reacts so indifferently to all of them. It’s only with Fu Xiuning that his behavior changes—and significantly! He even likes chatting with me about Fu Xiuning. What does that tell you? It means he cares about him!”
Top Draw fell silent.
99 quickly added, “And another thing… Whenever Fu Xiuning is nearby, Xing Shi will naturally go stand beside him. He’s even eaten ice cream off his hand. Whenever he wants to go out and have fun, the first person he asks is Fu Xiuning. Sure, both Qi Changyi and Fu Xiuning are his older brothers without blood ties, but he treats Fu Xiuning differently. Last time, when I told him about our screening function and mentioned when it could be used, his reaction was so intense—he was definitely shy!”
Top Draw thought along those lines and felt somewhat convinced, assuming that 99’s observations matched reality.
99 noticed Top Draw hadn’t responded and pressed, “Just admit it—they kissed, didn’t they?”
Top Draw confirmed, “They kissed.”
99 cheered, “See? I told you!”
Top Draw fell silent again. 322
It couldn’t stop thinking about how Xing Shi had brought up their childhood connection to Fu Xiuning after waking up and how Fu Xiuning had found that cufflink. The sudden spike in affection points was also undeniable evidence.
Seeing that 99 was no longer so hyperactive, Top Draw asked, “Is Xing Shi really a transmigrator?”
99 replied, “Of course he is. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have mistaken him for the host… Wait, no! I wasn’t wrong! That other guy just wasn’t worthy!”
Top Draw ignored its deflection and asked, “What kind of person was this body’s original host?”
99 explained, “A hot-tempered, rebellious teenager.”
Top Draw asked, “What does Xing Shi think of the original host?”
99 thought for a moment. “I don’t think he’s ever said anything about him.”
Top Draw continued, “Has he ever mentioned anything about his origins?”
99 replied, “Nope, he’s got amnesia, remember?”
Suddenly suspicious, it added, “Why are you asking all these questions?”
Top Draw casually said, “Just curious.”
It had chosen to collaborate with Xing Shi because, so far, only these two individuals—Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning—stood firmly against the main system. Both were smart, resourceful, and capable of fighting back.
But this was still a gamble, and Top Draw wanted to know more about its partner. Not to mention, the high-level energy outside the screening barrier, which bore a striking similarity to their own, was something it wanted to understand further.
However, given how shrewd Xing Shi was, it didn’t expect he would reveal much to 99, so it decided to drop the matter.
99 didn’t think too much of it and suddenly let out a sly giggle.
Top Draw glanced at it.
Lowering its voice, 99 gleefully said, “They’re still kissing.”
Top Draw: “…”
In the bedroom, their movements slowed and eventually came to a stop. 323
Neither of them had any experience. They were entirely driven by raw emotions, a way to vent everything bottled up inside.
The long-suppressed tension, the ambiguous feelings, the thrill of attraction, and the sorrow, anger, and frustration from being forced into this chaotic truth—all of it poured into the kiss.
Because… they shouldn’t have had to endure any of this. In another reality, they might have met smoothly, even naturally gotten together.
Fu Xiuning finally broke away, their faces inches apart. The sound of the “88” good favor score notification echoed softly between them.
Both of their eyes were still clouded with emotion, but their self-control had returned.
Xing Shi adjusted his breathing and murmured softly, “Brother.”
Fu Xiuning replied in a low voice, “Mm.”
Through moments captured in their interactions—his hesitation during the game, his answers to the system’s prompts, and the occasional glances—Fu Xiuning had long realized Xing Shi felt something for him. What he didn’t know until now was just how deep those feelings ran.
Receiving confirmation from the one who made his heart race was a joy like no other.
His gaze softened as his thumb brushed lightly over Xing Shi’s lips. In a hoarse voice, he asked, “Want me to get you some water?”
Xing Shi said, “Okay.”
As the door clicked open and shut, Xing Shi stood still for a few seconds, then headed to the bathroom to splash cold water on his face.
99, now released from the blackout, erupted with excitement. “Congratulations, congratulations, and may you live happily ever after!”
It nudged Top Draw, which was left exasperated, but it too chimed in, “Congratulations.”
Xing Shi didn’t respond.
99, jubilant, said, “See? Wasn’t I right? Doesn’t being in love feel amazing? You can’t deny it now, right?”
Xing Shi, wiping his face, drawled, “It’s just… I don’t even know how to explain it.”
99 was endlessly patient and encouraging. “It’s fine, just say whatever comes to mind.” 324
Xing Shi said, “Well, you know how guys can sometimes get caught up in the moment? They’ll hug and… you know, start making out. Especially when we’re just a couple of clean-cut college guys, emotions run high. You get it, right?”
System 99: “???”
Top Draw: “…”
Xing Shi, done teasing, dried his face and strolled out to the living room.
By then, Fu Xiuning had just poured a glass of water.
His emotions had settled, and the good manners instilled in him since childhood began creeping back. Even after years of dealing with cunning hosts and seeing through human nature, some aspects of his upbringing remained unshaken.
For instance, he couldn’t ignore the proper sequence of things. Kissing someone without a confession or even courtship felt abrupt, almost impolite.
Thus, when Xing Shi accepted the glass of water, he saw his brother’s expression as calm and composed as ever. But the tips of his ears were visibly red, and the usual chill around him seemed softened, almost replaced by a warm hue.
Xing Shi didn’t call him out, taking a sip of water in silence.
Fu Xiuning, maintaining his natural demeanor, brought up a topic. “What do you want to eat tonight?”
Xing Shi thought for a moment. “Hotpot or grilled fish?”
Fu Xiuning’s tone was gentle but firm. “You just recovered from a fever. Pick something light.”
Xing Shi countered, “Clear broth hotpot or non-spicy grilled fish?”
Fu Xiuning didn’t argue further and settled on grilled fish, sending a message to the housekeeper to prepare it.
Not long after, his phone vibrated with a report from the bodyguards: Yan Feng had attempted to visit Yu Yi but was blocked.
Yu Yi hadn’t caused any further disturbances since being admitted to the hospital. Most of the time, he was unresponsive, and on rare occasions, he would mutter incomprehensibly. Doctors were unable to communicate effectively with him. 325
As Fu Xiuning had predicted, this was the outcome. To prevent any complications, he took responsibility for the incident as a workplace injury and arranged for Yu Yi to be transferred to a private rehabilitation center owned by the Fu family.
Yan Feng, likely through his system, quickly tracked Yu Yi’s location but was denied entry due to the facility’s strict regulations.
However, Fu Xiuning knew that wouldn’t stop him for long. Yan Feng could easily exploit his connections to visit other high-profile patients or persuade trainees to check on Yu Yi and tag along.
Even if Yu Yi was later moved to a more secure mental institution, Yan Feng would likely find a way to uncover his whereabouts. They couldn’t stay on guard forever.
Fu Xiuning placed his phone down on the couch and shared the situation with Xing Shi during dinner.
The housekeeper had left after preparing their meal, leaving the two of them alone in the dining room. Xing Shi’s phone was still in his room, so they could speak freely.
Hearing this, Xing Shi nodded.
While Fu Xiuning had overheard Yan Feng’s conversations with his system upstairs and could infer why Yan Feng wanted to kill Xing Shi, he wasn’t privy to the exact details. Xing Shi filled him in briefly, including how Top Draw had extracted energy from Yan Feng’s system.
Top Draw added, “They wanted to ask about my unbinding process. That’s likely why they approached me.”
Xing Shi considered this. “If you went back to Yan Feng now, would they notice your energy signature has changed?”
Top Draw replied, “They would, but your energy is similar enough to a system’s. I can use that as a plausible explanation.”
Xing Shi speculated, “Like saying it’s the host’s soul energy?”
Top Draw confirmed, “Exactly.”
Xing Shi asked, “If you told them the truth about the hosts and systems, would they believe you?”
Top Draw hesitated. “I doubt it. Under the influence of the energy, they’re more likely to report me to the main system.”
Xing Shi said, “Understood.” 326
He relayed this to Fu Xiuning, who carefully deboned the fish and placed a piece on Xing Shi’s plate, urging him to eat it while it was still warm. “Then you should visit Yu Yi yourselves.”
Xing Shi smiled. “I was thinking the same thing. It’s convenient since we’re off the day after tomorrow.”
Fu Xiuning reminded him, “Be careful.”
Xing Shi obediently said, “I will.”
After dinner, Xing Shi retrieved his phone and sat on the couch as usual.
Fu Xiuning also resumed his habit of reading, though this time, he sat a little further away. His attention, however, rarely lingered on the pages, as he found himself flipping through the book at an unusually slow pace.
Xing Shi was similarly distracted. He played idly on his phone until a message from Yan Feng caught his attention.
Yan Feng: [Feeling better, bro?]
Xing Shi: [The fever’s gone.]
Yan Feng: [That’s good. Want to go to the temple tomorrow morning? We can burn some incense and get the first blessing of the year.]
Xing Shi: [No thanks, I have class.]
Yan Feng clicked his tongue and muttered, “Still going to work after getting scared into a fever? Did you overhear anything, though?”
His system replied, “Nope.”
Having spent most of the day monitoring Xing Shi and even losing some energy to Top Draw, it grumbled, “He’s just playing on his phone. I don’t think he’s planning to discuss anything with Fu Xiuning for now.”
Yan Feng, mindful of his energy reserves, said, “Take a break. Let’s figure out how to get to Yu Yi first.”
For now, he had two options: eliminate Xing Shi to avoid future complications, or interrogate Yu Yi about unbinding the system and explore an alternative escape route.
His system, equally intrigued by the idea of unbinding, enthusiastically brainstormed alongside him. 327
After finalizing their plans, they returned to Xing Shi as the topic of discussion. The system peeked again and, seeing the two brothers sitting apart and doing nothing out of the ordinary, felt reassured.
It suggested, “Maybe we should keep scaring him. If we make him fall sick a few more times, he’ll be too preoccupied to talk to anyone. Or we could keep him so busy that he forgets about Yu Yi altogether.”
Yan Feng, reluctant to resort to murder but uneasy about leaving things as they were, said, “I’ll test the waters with him first.”
He sent Xing Shi another message, this time inviting him out for a walk the next afternoon.
Xing Shi’s response was swift, rejecting him once again.
But then a second message followed.
Xing Shi: [Brother Feng, you’ve been unusually attentive today.]
Yan Feng wasn’t sure if there was a hidden meaning behind those words. Keeping his tone casual, he replied:
Yan Feng: [I just feel bad about causing trouble for you.]
Xing Shi: [Not at all. You were looking out for me. If anyone’s to blame, it’s Yu Yi. I’m planning to visit him during the holiday and ask about what happened earlier. After all, it concerns my brother, so I’m very concerned. Will you join me?]
Yan Feng: “!”
System: “!!!”
We really have to kill you!
Yan Feng: [Sure, I was there too. It’s only right for me to check on him.]
Xing Shi: [Then let’s set a time for tomorrow.]
The murderous intent in Yan Feng’s eyes grew stronger. [Alright.]
Xing Shi covered the front and back cameras of his phone with his hand and handed it to his brother.
Fu Xiuning swiped through the chat history on the phone, read everything, and nodded slightly. 328
The two of them were sitting close, and even their breathing felt closer.
Xing Shi’s mind suddenly flashed back to a certain scene from earlier, and he fell into a brief daze.
Fu Xiuning finished reading and, noticing Xing Shi hadn’t moved, glanced up. Their gazes met in the air for a moment before quickly darting away. Xing Shi casually retracted his hand and continued fiddling with his phone.
99 had been watching this the whole time and finally couldn’t help but say, “Scoot closer! You’re dating now! Sitting in his lap and playing on your phone wouldn’t even be too much!”
Xing Shi: “Shut up.”
System 99: “If you’re embarrassed, I can close my eyes.”
Xing Shi: “Hm?”
99 whimpered, “Wait, you weren’t joking about that ‘just two college boys getting carried away’ thing, were you?”
Fu Xiuning: “?”
Top Draw: “…”
Glancing at his brother out of the corner of his eye, Xing Shi thought about the 88 favorability score. Although he knew he shouldn’t push it, the temptation was hard to resist. “Otherwise? Did he confess to me?”
System 99: “At 88 favorability, do you even need a confession?”
Xing Shi: “Of course! Just because I know doesn’t mean he knows I know. And he hasn’t pursued me, hasn’t even asked for my thoughts. If it wasn’t just a moment of passion, do you know what this would be called?”
System 99: “What?”
Xing Shi: “Him taking advantage of me!”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
System 99: “But you—”
Xing Shi immediately realized where this was heading: it was about to say he kissed Fu Xiuning back. 329
If he let it bring this up, Fu Xiuning’s thoughts might drift, and there was a chance his favorability could increase further.
Though Xing Shi enjoyed teasing, he didn’t want to cause any real trouble, so he cut it off quickly. “No buts. Shut it.”
99 whimpered again and wisely muted itself.
Top Draw offered a single reminder: “Favorability is at 88 now.”
Xing Shi: “I know.”
Satisfied that Xing Shi had things under control, Top Draw went silent.
Xing Shi glanced at Fu Xiuning, just as Fu Xiuning happened to look over at him. Their gazes met for the second time and quickly shifted away again.
With a sword hanging over their heads, this wasn’t the time for romance. They needed to deal with the system first. Xing Shi guessed that if their kiss hadn’t been more of an emotional release, the favorability score might’ve already skyrocketed past 90.
After pondering for a moment, he threw both their phones into the bedroom and turned to Fu Xiuning. “Brother.”
Fu Xiuning looked up at him.
Xing Shi asked seriously, “Have you ever considered that I might actually be the main system itself? That after seeing the lack of progress with the hosts and systems, I decided to personally enter this world, taking over this body by devouring its soul and memories? And that I didn’t mimic the original host’s personality but calculated the behaviors that would attract your attention, leading you step by step into my trap—including this moment where I’m confessing everything to you?”
System 99: “???”
It wanted to ask but didn’t dare and instead looked to Top Draw.
Top Draw understood immediately—this was Xing Shi trying to lower the favorability score on purpose.
Even so, it felt conflicted. After all its time spent witnessing countless strategies to increase scores, this was the first time it had seen someone actively trying to decrease them.
Fu Xiuning also understood Xing Shi’s intent.
He nodded and earnestly entertained the scenario from this angle. 330
Xing Shi sat there with hopeful anticipation, waiting for the favorability drop notification.
But minutes passed, and the score remained unchanged.
Xing Shi: “…”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
Top Draw: “…”
Fu Xiuning closed his book and feigned ignorance. “Well?”
Xing Shi: “Didn’t work.”
Fu Xiuning replied with a calm “Mm.”
Having been targeted by systems for over five years, Fu Xiuning was far too familiar with their obsessive malice. Even if there came a day when he could no longer hear their voices, he believed he’d still be able to identify them precisely.
Xing Shi: “How about I sing you a song?”
Before Fu Xiuning could refuse, Xing Shi had already started singing.
As it turned out, no amount of heart-stirring emotion could withstand the sheer power of auditory assault.
[Current favorability: 86]
System 99: “!”
Top Draw: “…”
Xing Shi, mildly pleased: “See? This worked. I still have a few songs I haven’t sung yet. I’ll sing them for you over the next few days.”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
Afterward, Xing Shi picked up his phone and spent the rest of the evening sitting next to Fu Xiuning until it was time to go to bed.
The next morning, the two met in the dining room, and the favorability had quietly risen to 87.
Xing Shi wasn’t surprised. After breakfast, he accompanied Fu Xiuning to the company. 331
The trainees glanced at him curiously.
They’d all heard that Xing Shi had witnessed Yu Yi’s outburst the day before and assumed he’d been too shaken to return to class. Concerned, they asked if he was okay.
Xing Shi: “I’m fine. I’m planning to visit him tomorrow. Anyone want to join me?”
The group was stunned. If they had been in his shoes, they would’ve stayed as far away from Yu Yi as possible. Yet Xing Shi was actually volunteering to visit him?
Feng Zifan studied Xing Shi’s expression. “You’re really going?”
Xing Shi: “Yeah. Brother Feng is coming too.”
Hou Zhang was the first to respond, “I’ll go.”
The others quickly followed suit, and they agreed on a departure time.
Xing Shi sent the news to Yan Feng, finished the day as usual, and arrived at the meeting spot on time the next day.
He’d already discussed it with Fu Xiuning and was using one of the company’s vehicles.
The trainees initially thought they’d just be visiting an ordinary hospital. To their surprise, they arrived at a luxurious private rehabilitation center.
The surrounding environment was picturesque and tranquil, a sight that instantly lifted their spirits.
The group collectively marveled at how considerate the boss was. Despite being harassed by a “madman,” he still arranged such an excellent place for the man to recover.
As always, Hou Zhang was quick to flatter. “Our boss is really such a good person.”
Xing Shi agreed: “Yeah.”
Of course, this arrangement was likely temporary. Once Yan Feng was dealt with, Yu Yi would probably be moved elsewhere. Knowing Fu Xiuning’s temperament, Xing Shi doubted he’d let Yu Yi have an easy time.
He glanced at Yan Feng and asked with a smile, “What do you think, Brother Feng?”
Yan Feng forced himself to respond calmly, “Mm, the boss has always been like this.”
The trainees were deeply moved by this and resolved to train harder to repay the company’s kindness. 332
The group chatted as they walked and soon arrived at Yu Yi’s hospital room.
The critical care unit didn’t usually allow so many visitors at once, but since this facility belonged to the Fu family, one call from Fu Xiuning solved everything.
When they entered, Yu Yi was sitting blankly on the bed, showing no reaction to their arrival.
Xing Shi stepped forward, standing in front of him with his back to Yan Feng’s line of sight, and asked softly, “Yu Yi, do you still recognize me?”
While he spoke, Top Draw slipped back into Yu Yi’s body.
The trainees were startled by Xing Shi’s bold approach. They wanted to move closer but were afraid of upsetting Yu Yi. Eventually, Feng Zifan took the lead and gestured for Xing Shi to step back.
Xing Shi, having completed his task, retreated to stand with the group since Yu Yi showed no response.
Yan Feng looked on, frustrated and bitter. He ranted internally, “He’s already lost it. Killing someone like this wouldn’t even count as a crime. Why not just take him out?”
The system stayed silent but couldn’t help recalling his earlier complaints about how Yu Yi could barely climb into bed. It still chimed in, “Exactly!”
After venting, Yan Feng ignored the group’s protests and approached Yu Yi, holding his hand. “Xiao Yi, do you still remember me? We met that day.”
As he spoke, he gently curled one of Yu Yi’s fingers.
Yu Yi noticed the movement, but before he could figure out its meaning, Top Draw spoke in his mind.
“Let me tell you this: we’ve already sent the message to the higher-ups and are waiting for a solution. For now, just stay here.”
Yu Yi heard the first good news he’d received in days. “Okay.”
“I have things to discuss with them. I’ll return in a few days.”
After leaving this message, Top Draw departed from Yu Yi’s body and entered Yan Feng’s.
Later Rises to the Top immediately sensed something was wrong and gasped. “What’s going on with your energy?”
“You should already understand,” Top Draw said. 333
Later Rises to the Top quickly pieced things together and inhaled sharply.
Yan Feng, having just been persuaded to step away from Yu Yi, caught this reaction and asked, “Understand what?”
“It’s a system matter,” Top Draw replied coolly.
Yan Feng sneered and called to his own system, “You tell me.”
Later Rises to the Top hesitated.
Yan Feng grew impatient. “I said speak.”
Not giving Later Rises to the Top a chance to come up with an excuse, Top Draw volunteered, “How about I tell you about the unbinding process?”
Yan Feng’s suspicions deepened, but he forced himself to remain calm. “Fine. Go ahead.”
Following the plan it had discussed with Xing Shi, Top Draw planted the first seed of doubt and said coldly, “I blew up the energy reservoir.”
Yan Feng and Later Rises to the Top froze. “???!!!”
Later Rises to the Top burst out, “You what?!”
“My host refused to listen to me and even tried to threaten me with his own life. I don’t tolerate such behavior, so I detonated the energy reservoir and, by chance, discovered that it unbound us.”
Later Rises to the Top was speechless.
Yan Feng, however, was more focused. “Did your host suffer any side effects?”
“He’s right in front of you,” Top Draw replied coolly. “What do you think?”
Both Yan Feng and his system turned to look at Yu Yi.
Yu Yi sat there with a blank expression, his face devoid of emotion.
The two of them stared at him, completely at a loss.
How were they supposed to tell whether his current state was a side effect of unbinding or just his naturally abstract personality?
