Chapter 59
Fu Xiuning’s car had a high safety rating, and the collision wasn’t severe, so it could still be driven. However, the driver had just gone through a moment of madness and wasn’t about to take any more risks. He parked the car properly on the side of the road and called a tow truck company.
With an unconscious passenger in tow, not everyone stayed behind. In the end, Xiao Qin remained to wait for the tow truck, while Fu Xiuning took another car and drove Xing Shi and Chai Xiaoyu away.
The mountain road was quiet and rarely traversed. One side of the road was lined with guardrails, while the other faced a pitch-black mountainside.
Only a short section of this road ran along the coast; the rest was surrounded by forest.
Xing Shi stared at the dimly lit road ahead and asked, “How did you discover this road?”
Fu Xiuning replied, “By chance.”
“Really?” Xing Shi asked.
Fu Xiuning elaborated, “I used to get bored. I’ve driven through most of the roads in Z City’s outskirts and surrounding areas.”
“Did you memorize them for emergencies?” Xing Shi pressed.
“More or less,” Fu Xiuning said.
Xing Shi grew curious. “Brother, your driving skills are impressive, huh?”
Fu Xiuning was silent for two seconds before answering, “I trained for it specifically.”
Xing Shi seemed to suddenly recall something from his records. “Oh, right. You spent some time racing. Your hobbies are pretty diverse.”
This time, Fu Xiuning didn’t respond immediately.
With Chai Xiaoyu unconscious in the backseat, there was no need to keep up appearances. It was time to get to the real purpose of tonight’s events.
Fu Xiuning slowly ran his hand over the steering wheel, carefully choosing his words.
In the past, coaxing various system hosts had been second nature to him. But now that he actually wanted to mean what he said, every phrase felt inadequate.
In the end, he said gently, “Whatever you enjoy doing, I’ll do it with you.”
Xing Shi replied, “You don’t have to go to so much trouble.”
Fu Xiuning’s tone remained soft. “I’m your boyfriend. It’s my responsibility to be by your side.”
Xing Shi raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. “Oh? So you still remember you’re my boyfriend? I thought you were planning to run off with my subordinate and wander the world together.”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
Chai Xiaoyu didn’t have any major injuries—his fainting spell had been primarily due to shock.
But he was a young man, and he hadn’t stayed unconscious for long.
As soon as he regained consciousness, the first thing he heard was that line. It took him two full seconds to process it before he jolted awake and sat up straight. “Boss, I swear there’s nothing improper between him and me! We’re completely innocent! Really!”
Not wanting to go through another round of madness with someone else, he swore fervently, “I like girls. I have zero interest in men!”
Xing Shi: “…”
99 and Top Draw: “…”
For the first time, Fu Xiuning found him somewhat agreeable. “You’re awake. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”
Chai Xiaoyu had developed a psychological fear of Fu Xiuning’s concern. He cautiously replied, “No, I’m fine.”
Fu Xiuning asked patiently, “Not even dizzy?”
The brotherly tone made Chai Xiaoyu’s scalp tingle. He couldn’t help but feel like Fu Xiuning was deliberately being nice to him to provoke Xing Shi into disliking him.
He grew even more cautious. “Not dizzy. I’m really fine.”
Fu Xiuning said, “Just to be safe, I’ll take you to a hospital for a checkup.”
Chai Xiaoyu was nearly scared to death and waved his hands frantically. “No need! I’m really fine. Please, don’t trouble yourself.”
As he spoke, he glanced at Xing Shi in the front seat, worried that a few more words might lead to his boss inviting him out to “play” tomorrow. For the sake of self-preservation, he said, “I…I’ll just lie back down for a bit. You two keep talking.”
After finishing his sentence, he quickly reclined and turned his back to the seat, pretending to be dead.
The two people in the front couldn’t actually pretend he didn’t exist, so their conversation came to a temporary halt, and the car fell silent.
Fu Xiuning glanced at Xing Shi. “Want to grab a late-night snack when we get back?”
Xing Shi replied, “Not hungry.”
Fu Xiuning thoughtfully said, “If you’re tired, you can take a nap. It’ll be over an hour’s drive.”
Xing Shi shook his head. “I’m not tired.”
After a pause, he added, “I’ll keep you company.”
Fu Xiuning’s gaze deepened, and he reached out his hand toward him.
Xing Shi said, “Focus on driving.”
Fu Xiuning retracted his hand and placed it back on the steering wheel.
It wasn’t until they had exited the winding mountain road and stopped at a red light that Fu Xiuning reached out again.
Xing Shi glanced at him and then placed his hand in Fu Xiuning’s.
Fu Xiuning immediately tightened his grip, then loosened it slightly, gently kneading Xing Shi’s hand before interlocking their fingers.
Xing Shi studied him. “Are you really okay?”
He had asked this once before. After all, the car clearly bore the marks of the collision, and Chai Xiaoyu had fainted, though it was unclear if it was from fright or an actual injury. He couldn’t help but worry that Fu Xiuning might be hurt as well.
Initially, Xing Shi had planned to stay behind and let Xiao Qin drive Fu Xiuning and Chai Xiaoyu back. But Fu Xiuning hadn’t agreed, leading to their current arrangement.
Fu Xiuning said, “I’m fine.”
Xing Shi asked, “You didn’t hit anything?”
Fu Xiuning admitted honestly, “A little.”
After deliberating, he explained, “Just some minor bumps—nothing serious. Tonight, I got jealous and wanted to scare someone a little. Everything was within my control, so don’t worry.”
Chai Xiaoyu, overhearing this, wanted to leap up and curse him.
Scaring someone a little? First, dragging him toward the ocean, then crashing into a mountainside, and finally declaring his life was ruined and demanding compensation?
Furious but afraid to voice his anger, Chai Xiaoyu curled up even further in his seat.
Hearing the rustling from the backseat, both Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning fell silent.
The light turned green, and Fu Xiuning let go of Xing Shi’s hand to resume driving. Soon, they merged onto the highway.
By the time they reached the city, it was already late at night. Fu Xiuning drove directly to the Fu family’s hospital.
The emergency department staff all recognized Fu Xiuning. Seeing him arrive, they immediately assumed that the notoriously enigmatic young master had encountered another incident and hurried over to assist.
The examination was swift. The doctor reviewed the scans and confirmed there were no serious injuries—just some bruising that could be treated with ointment.
Chai Xiaoyu went to the restroom during this time. As he exited, he saw Fu Xiuning at the sink, washing his hands. His heart immediately began racing, convinced Fu Xiuning had been waiting for him on purpose.
Fu Xiuning glanced at him and calmly addressed the matter. “Because of you, I accidentally discovered how Sui Sui feels about me. Let’s forget about the car.”
Chai Xiaoyu muttered, “…Okay.”
Fu Xiuning leisurely dried his hands. “I don’t want what happened tonight to spread. You wouldn’t want people mocking your boss for dating a lunatic, would you?”
Chai Xiaoyu: “…”
With your condition, even if I don’t say a word, do you think people won’t notice?
Suppressing his inner complaints, he replied tactfully, “Don’t worry, I won’t say a word to anyone.”
Fu Xiuning nodded, his tone warm. “Sui Sui doesn’t seem to dislike you. You can still call me Brother, but make sure to add my last name.”
Chai Xiaoyu quickly responded, “Okay, Brother Fu.”
Fu Xiuning continued, “It’s fine if you occasionally want to contact Sui Sui, but make sure you don’t have any ulterior motives.”
Chai Xiaoyu stiffened, replying seriously, “I won’t. I only see him as my boss. You two are a perfect match!”
Fu Xiuning nodded in satisfaction and finally let him go.
The three left the emergency room, and Chai Xiaoyu used the excuse of heading in a different direction to hail a cab and leave on his own.
The remaining two returned to their apartment.
After changing their shoes at the door, Xing Shi started heading further inside, but Fu Xiuning grabbed his wrist.
Xing Shi stopped in his tracks without turning around.
Fu Xiuning stepped closer and wrapped his arms around Xing Shi from behind, planting a soft kiss on his earlobe. In a low voice, he said, “I should have told you beforehand.”
Xing Shi was silent.
He understood that Fu Xiuning hadn’t told him because of the inherent risk involved, knowing Xing Shi might not agree.
Fu Xiuning tightened his embrace slightly and whispered, “Sui Sui, don’t be mad.”
Xing Shi gave a soft “Mm,” patted Fu Xiuning’s arm, and said, “Go shower. I’ll put some ointment on you after.”
In moments like these, Fu Xiuning wouldn’t make the mistake of saying, It’s just a minor injury; I don’t need it. He let go of Xing Shi and reminded him, “Blow-dry your hair before you come out—it’s cold now.”
Without looking back, Xing Shi replied, “Got it.”
99 watched him walk into the bathroom and couldn’t help but ask, “Are you really mad?”
Xing Shi countered, “Shouldn’t I be?”
99 agreed, “You should. He was a bit much tonight—he even scared me.”
Switching tones, it added, “But he’s been doing this for years, and you can see everything turned out fine.”
Xing Shi said flatly, “I know.”
Seeing that he was well aware, 99 didn’t press further, lest it irritate him.
It glanced at the still-unresponsive system in the corner and floated closer. “Isn’t this the one everyone in the group calls Green Bean Paste? Why hasn’t it woken up yet?”
Top Draw also wanted to know the answer.
Both it and Latecomer Surpasses had been affected by the explosion, causing data disruptions and a need for rest. But Green Bean Paste had simply been drained of energy and captured—it shouldn’t still be unconscious.
Xing Shi remained calm. “Oh, there wasn’t an explosion this time. When I drained its energy, I gave it an extra push manually.”
Top Draw: “…”
99 was confused. “Huh?”
Xing Shi explained, “I let the energy spin around it at high speed.”
After thinking for a moment, he added, “Kind of like a tornado or a washing machine drum.”
System 99: “…”
It looked at Green Bean Paste again, now with a trace of sympathy, and weakly asked, “Did it… work?”
Xing Shi said, “Who knows.”
In any case, he no longer needed an experiment subject, so it didn’t matter whether Green Bean Paste regained its memory or not.
Compared to the fates of other hosts, Chai Xiaoyu’s outcome was far too lenient. Tonight, Xing Shi hadn’t torn the system apart on the spot for two reasons: to avoid exposing Chai Xiaoyu’s identity as a host, and to ensure other hosts wouldn’t catch on to his presence at the scene.
He asked, “How long will the surveillance footage on that road be saved?”
99 quickly checked and replied, “A month.”
Xing Shi responded with a hum, silently noting that if Green Bean Paste didn’t recover its memory, he would find an opportune moment a month later to dismantle it entirely.
After finishing his shower and drying his hair, Xing Shi changed into his pajamas and went to the living room.
When Fu Xiuning emerged from his own shower, he found Xing Shi already sitting on the sofa.
But unlike usual, Xing Shi wasn’t playing on his phone. Instead, he was carefully reading the instructions on a tube of ointment. The warm light above cast a soft glow over him, making the tranquil scene appear particularly gentle.
Fu Xiuning’s gaze darkened slightly as he slowly approached.
He knew Xing Shi might still be upset, but that didn’t matter. He was willing to spend a few more days coaxing him. As many days as it took.
Letting go wasn’t an option.
Hearing footsteps, Xing Shi looked up at him.
Fu Xiuning walked over and tousled his hair lightly to confirm it was fully dry, then turned his back to Xing Shi and sat down, pulling off his shirt.
The most severe bruise on his body was on his left shoulder, where the impact had left a clear mark.
It was a spot Fu Xiuning could easily reach himself, but he pretended not to notice or care. Xing Shi didn’t call him out on it, patiently applying the ointment for him. As his gaze shifted downward, he noticed an old scar nearby. He wasn’t sure which incident it had come from.
Xing Shi knew that tonight’s injuries were trivial for Fu Xiuning. He also understood that Fu Xiuning was experienced and had undoubtedly planned ahead.
He knew, too, that Fu Xiuning had acted so quickly because of him—because he didn’t want Xing Shi to feel upset over Chai Xiaoyu.
Given their current situation, what wasn’t dangerous? Kindness alone wouldn’t accomplish anything significant.
Xing Shi asked himself: if he had been in Fu Xiuning’s position, would he have made the same decision? Most likely, yes. There was nothing to criticize.
He was simply worried.
While rushing over earlier, all he could think about was Fu Xiuning’s past injuries, the medical records that detailed them, and the bruised neck he’d seen after the Lin Kecheng incident.
He didn’t want to witness something like that again.
Twisting the cap back onto the ointment, he placed it aside, then reached out and hugged the man in front of him.
Fu Xiuning’s breath hitched, and he pressed down on Xing Shi’s hands.
Resting his chin on Fu Xiuning’s shoulder, Xing Shi was silent for a while before saying softly, “Fu Xiuning, there won’t be a next time.”
Fu Xiuning instantly understood that the matter was settled. He pried Xing Shi’s arms away, turned around, and cupped the back of his head, pulling him into a kiss.
Xing Shi tilted his head back cooperatively, wrapping his arms around Fu Xiuning’s neck. Before long, he was pressed back onto the sofa.
The kiss deepened quickly, turning from tender to fervent.
Their shirts were pushed up, their chests pressed together so closely they could feel each other’s heartbeat.
When Fu Xiuning’s hand slid down and hooked onto Xing Shi’s pajama pants, Xing Shi deftly caught his wrist.
Fu Xiuning froze and looked up at him.
Xing Shi, breathing heavily, motioned for him to get up.
After a brief moment of eye contact, Fu Xiuning restrained himself and rose. Xing Shi casually adjusted his shirt, leaned in to plant a light kiss on Fu Xiuning’s lips, and quickly stood up before Fu Xiuning could deepen it.
“It’s a pity,” Xing Shi said with a bright smile. “Injured people shouldn’t engage in strenuous activity.” He raised his hand, making a small heart gesture with his fingers. “Brother, sleep early and have sweet dreams~”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
Before Fu Xiuning could react, Xing Shi had briskly left the scene.
Listening to the sound of the bedroom door closing, Fu Xiuning lingered on the lingering warmth on his lips and let out a low chuckle.
The next morning, when the two of them met in the dining room, they had both returned to their usual composure.
The only difference was that after the housekeeper finished preparing breakfast and left, Xing Shi was promptly pinned down by Fu Xiuning.
The kiss lasted almost ten minutes. If not for a shred of rationality between them, they might not have made it out the door that day.
Xing Shi returned to his seat under the teasing gaze of 99 and began eating.
99 clicked its tongue. “You’re still in the mood to eat at a time like this?”
Xing Shi replied, “Want the truth?”
99 became excited. “Of course! Are you actually going to say it?”
Xing Shi nodded. “I will.”
Thrilled to finally hear Xing Shi share his thoughts, 99 urged eagerly, “Okay, go ahead!”
Xing Shi said, “I actually could skip this meal.”
99 was immediately delighted. “Exactly! Skipping one meal isn’t a big deal!”
Taking a sip of porridge, Xing Shi asked patiently, “Do you know what I’d be doing right now if I weren’t eating?”
99 floated back and forth, pretending to be reserved. “Ahem, isn’t this kind of thing inappropriate to share with us?”
Top Draw: “…”
Xing Shi said, “Not at all. You’re the perfect audience for this.”
99 dropped its pretense. “Alright, go ahead!”
Xing Shi said, “I’d be dismantling you.”
System 99: “…”
Xing Shi waited a few seconds. “Aren’t you going to ask why I’d be dismantling you?”
99 quickly backtracked. “No need. Hurry up and eat before your food gets cold!”
Magnanimously, Xing Shi replied, “Alright.”
Just as he was about to take another sip of porridge, a strange female voice echoed in his mind.
Green Bean Paste had awakened from its slumber. Upon opening its eyes, it was immediately greeted by the sight of two systems floating in front of it. Completely bewildered, it asked, “Where… am I?”
Ohhhh Combo!! Thanks for the translation, kisses ???