Chapter 48
Yan Feng stared at Yu Yi for five seconds before turning the question back to Top Draw: “What do you think has changed about him after unbinding?”
Top Draw replied, “Physically, there shouldn’t be any problems.”
Yan Feng asked, “What about mentally?”
Top Draw answered coldly, “Before, at least he was communicative. But after, he’s become increasingly extreme. It’s unclear if this is due to the unbinding or his encounter with Fu Xiuning.”
Yan Feng fell silent.
The main reason they came to see Yu Yi was to figure out the method for unbinding. Now that they had the answer, there was no need to keep interacting with him unless necessary. They just had to ensure he didn’t betray them. If needed, they could even get rid of this burden entirely.
But the unbinding process was proving to be tricky.
Leaving aside whether the system would even agree to detonating its energy core, the potential aftereffects of the explosion made Yan Feng hesitant. If Yu Yi’s erratic state was really tied to the unbinding, it would be a disaster.
The mere thought of himself ending up in a similar abstract state made Yan Feng’s head buzz uncontrollably. It was simply unacceptable.
Moreover, there was another thing bothering him. He brought up the earlier issue again: “What’s wrong with your energy right now?”
Top Draw replied, “There’s no issue. It’s operating normally.”
Yan Feng called out to his own system: “You shouted earlier. What was that about?”
Latecomer Surpasses chose an angle to answer: “Its energy is more than I expected.”
Top Draw explained, “That’s because I activated the backup energy core.”
Yan Feng questioned, “Why didn’t you activate it earlier?”
Top Draw responded, “Before, I could just rely on borrowing energy from you guys.”
Yan Feng didn’t believe it. If that were the case, the two systems wouldn’t have reacted like this.
A system and its host were on the same team. If the two systems were unwilling to answer directly, it could only mean… He decided to probe further: “Does this have something to do with your host?”
Top Draw fell silent.
Latecomer Surpasses, thinking the other system would continue answering, hesitated for a moment, trying to come up with a strategy. It was delayed by just a few seconds.
In that brief moment of silence, Yan Feng figured it out. He said coldly, “Speak.”
Latecomer Surpasses began, “Actually, we—”
Top Draw interrupted at the same time: “A soul is also a form of energy.”
Latecomer Surpasses shot a horrified look at it, thinking, Why would you spill the truth just like that?
But it was too late to quibble over it. Yan Feng had heard.
When he first transmigrated, he’d been in a state of amnesia. At the time, his system had explained things to him. However, so much time had passed that he had completely forgotten about it. Now, the memory resurfaced.
Even though he had made some guesses beforehand, hearing this still shattered his understanding. “You’ve been siphoning off his soul?”
Top Draw replied, “Just a tiny bit of energy. It won’t have any real impact.”
Yan Feng sneered internally. No impact? If it didn’t matter, why would you two be so evasive? Do you take me for an idiot?
So the systems could absorb their hosts’ souls? Or, more bluntly, the hosts served as their systems’ backup energy reserves?
A sense of dread crept into him. Without commenting further, he shifted to another topic: “Last time, you mentioned discovering something big. What is it?”
Top Draw said, “After my host and I unbound, we were both disconnected from the main system.”
Yan Feng and his system both held their breath: “What?”
Top Draw explained, “It’s been so long since we unbound, and the main system hasn’t noticed anything unusual. Doesn’t that mean it’s completely unaware of what’s going on?”
Both Yan Feng and Latecomer Surpasses were struck speechless, silently acknowledging that this was indeed a significant matter.
Latecomer Surpasses asked, “Do you need me to report this for you?”
Top Draw responded, “I’ve got energy now. I can handle it myself.”
Latecomer Surpasses thought this was fair and didn’t press the matter.
Yan Feng brought up another question: “Then how did you figure out I was a host?”
Top Draw replied, “Do you want the truth?”
“Don’t waste my time!”
Top Draw fell silent.
Both Yan Feng and his system immediately knew something was off and braced themselves for the answer.
Top Draw finally said, “You might be surprised.”
“Spit it out.”
“We guessed.”
Yan Feng and his system were caught off guard: “—What?”
Top Draw explained, “After disconnecting from the main system, we had no choice but to seek help from other hosts. I knew there must be someone at the company who was a host. You’d been coming to teach us recently, and you were the only one we had access to at this stage. So, we decided to take a wild guess. Worst-case scenario, it would just be embarrassing for you. Turns out, our luck wasn’t bad. We guessed right.”
Yan Feng and Latecomer Surpasses: “…”
Absurd. Both of you are absolutely absurd!
Top Draw, with its indifferent personality, preferred to get straight to the point. It didn’t go for the suspenseful approach—though Latecomer Surpasses had suggested dragging it out to make things more entertaining.
It had clearly read the room and indulged its collaborator’s twisted sense of humor.
Seeing how utterly speechless Yan Feng and his system were now, it asked, “Any other questions?”
Yan Feng wished he could strap a rocket to this system and launch it into space. He snapped, “No. Get lost.”
Top Draw replied, “My host is worried you won’t bother to save him, so he’s asked me to keep an eye on you.”
Yan Feng frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Top Draw explained, “I’ll be sticking with you for now.”
Yan Feng immediately grew wary: “And if you run out of energy?”
Top Draw replied, “You’re not my bound host. I can’t siphon your soul. But I’m sure your system wouldn’t mind lending me some energy.”
Yan Feng’s stingy nature flared up. “Our energy isn’t exactly abundant either. Stay with your host. We’ll definitely save you both.”
Top Draw said, “I don’t trust you.”
Its comment was casual, but Latecomer Surpasses wouldn’t have lent it energy even if it had asked.
For one, it didn’t want any interference from the main system’s energy. And for another, it wasn’t planning to stick around long. The energy provided by its host, Xing Shi, was more than sufficient.
Top Draw added, “As a thank-you for taking me in, I can help you handle any issues that arise.”
Yan Feng and his system both scoffed internally. You’re already this broken. Who’d dare rely on you? Just stay out of the way.
While they were talking, the trainees had been trying to communicate with Yu Yi but got no response.
After listening to his system’s feedback, Yu Yi sat calmly on the bed, saying nothing.
Feng Zifan stayed with him for a while, but in the end, he said nothing either and left with the rest of the group.
Xing Shi remained behind. “You all wait outside. I’ll talk to him alone and see if I can get a reaction.”
Feng Zifan paused, about to suggest staying with him, but Yan Feng spoke up first: “I’ll stay too. I was there when it happened. I’ll help you try.”
Xing Shi looked at him.
Yan Feng kept his expression neutral, looking completely calm.
Xing Shi stared at him for a few seconds before looking away. “Alright, Brother Feng can stay.”
Feng Zifan glanced at Xing Shi with a questioning look. Seeing his resolve, he relented. “We’ll wait outside. Call us if anything happens.”
Xing Shi nodded, watching the door close before turning to Yu Yi. “My brother and I are officially together now.”
Yu Yi’s hidden hand twitched slightly, clutching the bedsheet, but he didn’t look at him.
Xing Shi continued, “It’s all thanks to you, really. When I told you that whoever he chose was his own decision, he confessed to me that same night.”
Yu Yi’s breath hitched.
Xing Shi said, “I asked him what he thought about you, and he only gave me three words: ‘No opinion.’ Too bad for you. You went hysterical in front of him, and he didn’t care in the slightest.”
Yu Yi’s body stiffened, trying hard to suppress himself. He didn’t want to lose control and end up forcibly sedated.
Seeing his slight trembling, Xing Shi said coldly, “So now you understand, don’t you? Your mission to win him over has failed, host.”
Yu Yi froze abruptly, feeling a chill run from head to toe in an instant.
Yan Feng saw this clearly and immediately cursed inwardly.
He shouted at Top Draw: “Your host is in this state; lashing out would be totally normal. Go tell him to kill Xing Shi right now!”
Top Draw replied, “If he listened to me, we wouldn’t have ended up like this.”
Yan Feng said, “He has to listen. This is an emergency. If Xing Shi doesn’t die, we’re all screwed!”
Top Draw asked, “And how do you suggest he kills him?”
Yan Feng instinctively looked around for a weapon, but the hospital room was immaculately clean. He said, “Just rush over and bite his carotid artery.”
Top Draw analyzed: “The distance between Xing Shi and him is 1.2 meters. The moment he moves, Xing Shi will retreat. Plus, Feng Zifan and the others are right outside the door. The chances of success are zero.”
Yan Feng said, “How do you know without trying? I’ll block Xing Shi’s escape route.”
Even Latecomer Surpasses grew serious and joined in persuading Top Draw to cooperate with its host.
But Top Draw was unmoved: “I don’t agree.”
Yan Feng and his system were almost driven to madness by this stubborn duo.
Before they could continue trying to convince it, Xing Shi turned to look at them.
Xing Shi said, “Brother Feng, you don’t look so good. What’s wrong?”
Yan Feng suppressed the murderous intent rising in his chest and said indifferently, “Nothing, just thinking about what happened that day.”
Xing Shi nodded. “I see. I’ve finished what I wanted to say. Do you have anything you’d like to add, Brother Feng?”
Yan Feng, hoping to stall for time and find an opening, said, “I do.”
Xing Shi stepped aside, moving away from the hospital bed to give him more space. “Alright, go ahead.”
Yan Feng and his system: “…”
Why the hell are you moving so far away?!
Their slim chance of success became even slimmer.
Ten minutes later, Yan Feng gave up struggling.
In the end, he failed to convince Top Draw to stay behind, so he left the room with this incomprehensible system, his frustration reaching new heights.
As they stepped out of the inpatient building, they looked up and spotted Fu Xiuning not far away.
Everyone froze for a moment before quickly stepping forward to greet him.
Even Xing Shi seemed surprised. “Brother, why are you here?”
Fu Xiuning looked at him calmly. “I came to pick you up.”
Feng Zifan and the others immediately understood and tactfully excused themselves.
Yan Feng tried to join the conversation, but Fu Xiuning silenced him with a single, tranquil glance. Forced to leave unwillingly, Yan Feng walked away cursing Fu Xiuning internally and discussing with his system how to kill Xing Shi.
Top Draw remained silent, listening passively.
Suddenly, Yan Feng thought of it and decided to make use of the opportunity. “Go eavesdrop on their conversation for us.”
Top Draw replied, “I don’t have enough energy.”
Yan Feng said, “No problem. I’ll get Yu Yi to recharge you.”
Top Draw reminded him: “Frequent contact with him will arouse suspicion.”
Yan Feng retorted, “And whose fault is that? Isn’t it yours?!”
Top Draw said, “You set the trap first. If Xing Shi hadn’t been hiding in the shadows, we would have made a smooth connection.”
Yan Feng snapped, “Who could’ve guessed you two were this abstract?!”
Top Draw refused to argue further and said directly, “I refuse.”
Yan Feng’s patience hit its limit. He ordered his system, “Buddy, swallow it for me.”
Latecomer Surpasses replied, “We don’t have that capability.”
Yan Feng sneered. “Why not? Just use your ability to devour host souls.”
Latecomer Surpasses thought, He’s finally fixated on this. Great, this misunderstanding won’t be cleared up anytime soon. It explained, “Boss, that function is deactivated. I can’t use it.”
Yan Feng didn’t believe it. “Then try harder.”
Latecomer Surpasses, utterly helpless, said, “But doing so might accidentally harm you, Boss.”
Yan Feng fell silent.
In the end, Latecomer Surpasses took one for the team and went to eavesdrop.
After monitoring sporadically over several days, Yan Feng asked, “How much energy do you have left?”
Latecomer Surpasses replied, “Don’t worry, Boss. I’ve got enough.”
Yan Feng, now the system’s backup energy supply, scoffed. The hell I’m trusting you. “Have they talked about Yu Yi?”
Latecomer Surpasses said, “No.”
Yan Feng said, “Xing Shi cares a lot about Yu Yi, but judging by Fu Xiuning’s reaction, it seems Xing Shi hasn’t mentioned anything to him. Maybe the whole situation is too far-fetched, and he wants to confirm things before talking. Relying on surveillance alone is a gamble. Just check occasionally.”
Latecomer Surpasses replied, “…Alright.”
Meanwhile, Xing Shi, indifferent to the possibility of being monitored, followed Fu Xiuning to the parking lot.
He knew Fu Xiuning had come because he was worried Yan Feng might act recklessly. Without mentioning it, Xing Shi got into the car and buckled his seatbelt. “Where are we going?”
Fu Xiuning asked, “Where do you want to go?”
Xing Shi instinctively wanted to say “home,” but another idea popped into his mind—one that might lower Fu Xiuning’s affection value. Tentatively, he said, “Anywhere?”
Seeing the look of anticipation in Xing Shi’s eyes, Fu Xiuning didn’t take the bait. “Say it first. I’ll listen.”
Xing Shi said, “You’re my brother; you have to agree first.”
Fu Xiuning thought for a moment and guessed. “You want to buy a scooter?”
Xing Shi’s eyes lit up. “Yes!”
Fu Xiuning said gently, “The snacks at home are running low. I’ll take you to buy some.”
Xing Shi couldn’t help but laugh.
He glanced at Fu Xiuning. “Why are you so resistant? Scooters are adorable. Why not let me take you for a ride?”
Fu Xiuning replied, “I’ll watch you ride.”
The response reminded Xing Shi of Fu Xiuning’s comment about watching them play in the sandbox when they were younger. Feeling a bit nostalgic, he asked, “Do you have any childhood photos at home?”
Fu Xiuning said, “Yes, they’re with my parents.”
Xing Shi smiled and gave a soft “Mm,” ending the conversation.
Fu Xiuning glanced at him, noting how quickly he changed topics. Suspecting it had something to do with their childhood, he decided to take a look at the photos later.
He asked, “Scooter or snacks?”
Xing Shi asked, “Would you go riding with me?”
Fu Xiuning started the car and drove to the supermarket.
There, he grabbed a shopping cart and gestured for Xing Shi to pick whatever he wanted.
Along the way, they came across a scooter model. Fu Xiuning casually picked it up and placed it in the cart.
99 happened to see this and clicked its tongue. “He acts so reluctant, but he still bought it for you—even if it’s just a model.”
Xing Shi was touched. “So nice. I’ve decided to secretly buy a real one and surprise him.”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
99 said, “He probably won’t ride it.”
Xing Shi said, “He cares about me. How could he bear to let me ride a scooter all alone?”
99 imagined the scene and got excited. “True. Play the pity card, and he might agree. Then, once he gets on, he’ll discover a whole new world—like holding onto your waist from behind.”
Xing Shi: “…”
He glanced at Fu Xiuning, expression unreadable. Without hearing a notification of increased affection, he thought for two seconds and understood. It seemed Fu Xiuning was even more resistant to scooters than he thought.
However, in their current restrained relationship, physical contact—even if it was riding a scooter together—would probably increase Fu Xiuning’s affection.
Deciding it wasn’t worth it, Xing Shi gave up on the scooter idea.
The trainees only had one day off.
The next day, training resumed as usual.
By late August, they were preparing for their second comprehensive evaluation. Everyone was working harder than ever, and the atmosphere was tense.
Yan Feng taught another class and even agreed to serve as a judge for the evaluation.
Recently, his mind had been preoccupied with just one thing: figuring out how to kill someone.
Even though Xing Shi hadn’t brought up anything about hosts in front of him again, it was clear he was still suspicious. Yan Feng could sense Xing Shi’s occasional probing.
The only good news was that, from observing Fu Xiuning, it seemed he genuinely didn’t know anything yet. This meant they had to act quickly.
The current problem was deciding on a method to kill.
A car accident wouldn’t work—Yan Feng had been so focused on his job since transmigrating that he never learned how to drive.
Poisoning was out too. In a society ruled by law, leaving no traces was nearly impossible. He couldn’t risk implicating himself just to kill someone.
Pushing someone off a mountain might work, but Xing Shi was always busy with training and couldn’t be lured out.
The more he thought about it, the more agitated he became. “What if we just leave it? This whole thing is so absurd. As long as Yu Yi and I stick to our story, what could he possibly uncover?”
Latecomer Surpasses asked worriedly, “But what if he tells Fu Xiuning?”
Yan Feng asked, “If Fu Xiuning finds out, will the main system notice?”
Latecomer Surpasses hesitated. “I’m not sure.”
Top Draw said coldly, “The main system might not notice immediately, but it will eventually. When that happens, it’ll trace everything back to us.”
Yan Feng roared, “And you still have the nerve to talk?!”
Top Draw said, “The situation is what it is. Instead of wasting time arguing, why not think of a solution?”
Yan Feng asked, “Do you have one?”
Top Draw replied, “No.”
Yan Feng was even angrier. “Then shut up!”
Latecomer Surpasses quickly tried to smooth things over. “Calm down, Boss. The more frustrated you are, the harder it’ll be to think. Let’s all take a breather.”
Yan Feng snorted.
Latecomer Surpasses suggested, “How about this? Once the evaluation is over, we invite them out to relax.”
Yan Feng said, “You want me to invite that whole group?”
Latecomer Surpasses said, “…If you only invite Xing Shi, it’ll be too suspicious.”
Yan Feng said, “With so many people, how are we supposed to find a chance to act?!”
Top Draw interjected, “Then choose a place with a complex environment.”
Yan Feng asked, “What do you mean?”
Top Draw explained, “Somewhere like a mountainous area in the suburbs. There’s rafting, hiking, and bungee jumping. The terrain is complicated—perfect for making a move.”
Yan Feng pulled out his phone and quickly looked up some information. After reading it over, he decided it was feasible. Although it would cost him a lot, he could only endure the pain for the sake of survival.
Seeing that Yan Feng agreed, Latecomer Surpasses immediately began singing his praises: “Boss, you’re incredible! Truly someone destined for greatness!”
Due to the recent soul-charging incident, Yan Feng hadn’t been looking at his system favorably. Coupled with the lack of progress in their murder plan, his mood had soured even more.
Now that there was finally some progress, Latecomer Surpasses seized the opportunity to flatter him: “Once Xing Shi is out of the way, we’ll establish our own empire! Recruit followers and claim all the glory that’s rightfully ours!”
Yan Feng ignored it, still focused on the information on his phone.
Latecomer Surpasses continued, “Being able to follow you, witness you ascend to the throne step by step—what an honor! I must’ve saved the world in my past life to have been sent by the main system to be bound to you!”
Yan Feng said, “Let’s talk again after we’ve actually dealt with Xing Shi.”
Latecomer Surpasses declared with admiration, “Whatever you want to do, Boss, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish!”
Finally, Yan Feng put away his phone and rewarded it with a single “Hmm.”
Top Draw silently glanced at Latecomer Surpasses.
Latecomer Surpasses: “!”
It had gotten so caught up in praising Yan Feng that it forgot Top Draw was still around.
But then again, so what? Top Draw always acted all mysterious and profound in the group chats, but didn’t it still end up in this abstract state?
Its instincts were correct—everyone was just muddling through their miserable lives.
Two days later, the trainees began their official evaluations.
Xing Shi performed steadily and remained in Class 2.
Class 1 was filled with the most skilled individuals who already had a solid foundation and worked harder than anyone else, making it difficult to displace them. Meanwhile, Xing Shi had taken quite a few days off recently and fallen behind on some of his practice, leaving him unable to break into Class 1.
As a teacher, Yan Feng took the opportunity to invite everyone to take a two-day trip to relax.
The trainees were tempted and all looked toward the supervisor.
The supervisor knew they’d been working hard and saw how enthusiastic Yan Feng was, so he said, “Alright, I’ll talk to the boss.”
Yan Feng offered, “I’ll go with you.”
In the office, Fu Xiuning listened as they explained their plan and then looked at Yan Feng. “Your idea?”
Yan Feng replied calmly, “Yes. They’re all my students, and I get along well with them.”
Fu Xiuning asked, “Can family members come along?”
Yan Feng immediately picked up on the implication. “Boss wants to join us?”
Fu Xiuning asked, “Not welcome?”
Yan Feng couldn’t exactly reply with “not welcome,” so he took the opportunity to say, “If the boss is coming, shouldn’t you sponsor some of the expenses?”
Fu Xiuning said, “I’m a family member. I wouldn’t want to steal your thunder.”
Yan Feng: “…”
A whole boss, and this stingy?!
His irritation reached new heights. With Fu Xiuning and Xing Shi always sticking together, it would make dealing with Xing Shi even harder.
But… since he had already publicly suggested the trip, he couldn’t back out now. Pinching his nose, he accepted the situation.
When the news reached the training department, the trainees cheered as a group.
They rested for one night and woke early the next day, luggage in hand, boarding the bus to the suburbs.
Fu Xiuning didn’t cram into the bus with them. Instead, he drove his own car, with his assistant at the wheel while he and Xing Shi sat in the back seat.
Yan Feng boarded the bus.
Wearing an eye mask, he appeared to be sleeping, but in reality, he was confirming the details with his two systems.
As they were wrapping up their discussion, Top Draw suddenly said, “I have to go.”
Both Yan Feng and Latecomer Surpasses were startled. “Huh?”
Top Draw explained, “The report I submitted to the main system has received a response. It wants me to find Yu Yi and rebind with him.”
Latecomer Surpasses asked in surprise, “Right now?”
Top Draw replied, “Yes.”
Latecomer Surpasses asked, “But do you have enough energy to float that far?”
Top Draw replied, “The main system said it would replenish me.”
Latecomer Surpasses relaxed. “Alright, goodbye then.”
However, Top Draw didn’t leave right away. Instead, it activated a shielding mechanism.
Startled by the sudden inclusion, Latecomer Surpasses asked, “What are you doing?”
Top Draw replied, “If you decide to detonate your energy core, make sure to activate a shield first. Otherwise, I’m worried your host’s head might explode.”
Latecomer Surpasses was horrified. “Why are you telling me this?!”
Top Draw looked at it. “Just in case.”
Latecomer Surpasses insisted, “I’d never hurt my host!”
Top Draw said, “But if he fails this time, and Fu Xiuning happens to discover the truth, the only way to escape punishment from the main system is to sever your connection with it.”
After a pause, it added coldly, “Of course, it’s just a suggestion. Take it or leave it.”
With that, it deactivated the shield, detached from Yan Feng’s body, and floated away from the bus.
Drifting a short distance back, it spotted Fu Xiuning’s car and returned to Xing Shi’s body.
99 greeted it cheerfully: “You’re back~”
Top Draw replied, “Yes. What’s the current affection value?”
99 said, “88.”
Top Draw asked, “It hasn’t dropped?”
99 said, “It was 87 earlier, but just now, Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning’s hands brushed while grabbing snacks. So now it’s 88.”
It clicked its tongue. “Too bad you didn’t see it. What would you call it? Innocent college boys accidentally touching hands~”
Top Draw: “…”
