Chapter 67
The driver was in the late stages of cancer. He had not been drinking, but was in a dangerous unconscious state during the incident. After rescue efforts, he regained consciousness. It was likely that he lost control due to his illness and crashed into the school.
The two students affected by the accident only suffered minor injuries. Their families agreed to compensation. Meanwhile, upon learning about the driver’s family situation, the school was considering waiving the fees for the damaged public facilities.
With all this in mind, the traffic police considered the case practically closed.
The police officers from the station near Z University, however, had a nagging sense that something was off and wanted to rule out the possibility of a criminal case.
Unfortunately, the suspected victim in their eyes actually believed in ghosts.
While eating the fruit the driver’s wife had washed for him, Xing Shi said, “A few days ago, a mentally ill person came all the way to our school, and out of everyone there, he only chased me with a knife. Isn’t that right, Officer?”
The driver and his family instantly turned to look at the police officer.
The officer hesitated before replying, “…Maybe it was just a coincidence.”
Xing Shi retorted, “That’s a bit too coincidental, don’t you think? Has the cause of death been confirmed yet?”
The officer said, “Not yet.”
Xing Shi said, “Let’s wait and see then. I still think there’s something off about him. And about today—Uncle suddenly drove into the school, straight toward me. He hit the gas and came right at me. Uncle, do you remember anything from the time of the crash?”
The driver hesitated. “Not much. My body wasn’t under my control.”
Xing Shi snapped his fingers. “See? I told you!”
The officer: “…”
He tried his best to maintain a neutral expression as he continued questioning the driver and gathering information. Once the general inquiry was over, he excused himself.
Xing Shi watched him leave before turning to Fu Xiuning.
Fu Xiuning had already instructed his assistant to handle the necessary arrangements. He stepped forward and informed the driver’s family that he had arranged for a private hospital room for them.
The driver and his family were taken aback and tried to decline.
Xing Shi said, “Uncle, I have something serious to discuss, and it’s inconvenient to talk here. Besides, a private room is quieter. You’ll be able to rest better at night.”
At that moment, Assistant Qin entered and joined in persuading them. Eventually, the family agreed to move.
The group relocated to a private room.
With the door closed, it created a space where they could speak freely.
Xing Shi recounted the incident with the mentally ill attacker in detail.
Fu Xiuning unlocked his phone, pulled up a video he had prepared in advance, and handed it to the family. It showed footage of the attack.
The driver and his family watched, horrified by the danger Xing Shi had faced.
Xing Shi said, “He stood there waiting and only swung the knife when I walked by. He was mentally ill, so we can’t analyze his actions with common sense. For now, I’ll assume it was just bad luck. But then a few days later, today’s incident happened. Uncle, you were the one who experienced it. Do you think the earlier event was just a coincidence?”
The driver replied, “It doesn’t seem like one.”
Xing Shi nodded. “That’s what I think too.”
He continued, “I don’t know if Auntie mentioned this to you, but I came by earlier today. I told her that we would handle all the compensation because I believe this was my fault. Something wants to kill me and used you to do it.”
The aunt looked bewildered.
She turned to her husband, looking serious. “Are there really ghosts?”
The driver sighed helplessly. “Yes, there are. We’ve already agreed to the compensation. Why would I make something like this up?”
The aunt thought about it and realized he had a point. Her expression shifted to one of shock.
Xing Shi quickly comforted her. “Auntie, don’t worry. It only uses a person once. It won’t come back for a second time.”
The driver asked, “Do you know what it is?”
Xing Shi replied, “No, it’s just a hunch. My intuition is usually very accurate. Everyone thought the earlier incident was just bad luck, but I had a feeling something was wrong. That’s why when you said you were being controlled, I believed you.”
Fu Xiuning, standing behind Xing Shi with a hand on his shoulder, added gently, “We’ll also cover your hospital expenses. If you want to continue treatment, I can help you connect with experts in the field. Of course, I’ll cover all the costs.”
The driver looked at Fu Xiuning’s refined demeanor and asked, “Who are you?”
Fu Xiuning replied, “I’m his boyfriend.”
The driver showed no surprise. At this stage in life, he had come to terms with most things.
He was also realistic enough to know that this level of kindness likely came with a purpose. “What do you need me to do?”
Fu Xiuning said, “I’d like for this matter to be made public.”
The driver froze. He thought they wanted to bring him to a spiritual master who would use him to trace the ghost. “Public?”
Fu Xiuning nodded. “Yes. The world is a big place. Maybe someone out there can solve this.”
The driver asked, “You don’t already know a spiritual master?”
Xing Shi explained, “They’d need to be genuinely skilled. Besides, this might not even be a ghost. When have you ever heard of ghosts wandering around in broad daylight? Uncle, did you feel a chill all over?”
The driver shook his head.
Xing Shi said, “That’s why I want to publicize this supernatural phenomenon and let those who know about it come to me directly.”
He added seriously, “We’d like to have you share your story with the media and get it out there. Although your face won’t appear in the videos, I’ll be honest—there are all kinds of people online. What they say may not be pleasant.”
The driver waved a hand and gave a faint smile. “I’m almost at the end of my road. Whatever they say, I won’t see it. If I can save someone before I go, that’s worth it. My only concern is that it might retaliate against my family.”
Xing Shi reassured him, “I have a hunch it won’t. Look at the two people it chose—it’s only gone after a mentally ill patient and yourself. Healthy, ordinary people aren’t something it can control. Otherwise, it would’ve already possessed my family or friends to stab me. Secondly, we’ll be the ones to release the information first. It won’t make you the target of retaliation. If it seeks revenge, it’ll come for me.”
Fu Xiuning added, “If you’re still worried, I can assign bodyguards to protect your family until this matter is resolved. If you have any other concerns, feel free to let us know.”
Assistant Qin stepped forward and handed over Fu Xiuning’s business card.
They knew the driver wasn’t in the best condition and didn’t want to stay too long, so they gave him time to consider.
Before leaving, Xing Shi turned back and said, “Whether you agree or refuse, I hope you’ll let me know soon. I have a feeling that the third incident will happen very soon.”
99 watched as they left the hospital and asked, “Couldn’t you just post a status or video yourself saying you’re being targeted by something mysterious, and use the footage as evidence?”
Xing Shi replied, “That’s an option, but having the victim speak out makes it more impactful. If they refuse, that’s fine too. At least we’ve already talked to them, so we can leave them out of it when the time comes.”
99 made a sound of understanding but seemed confused. “Are you just trying to stir things up for the main system? But it can only sense things within a range; it can’t see the specific content.”
Xing Shi smiled faintly. “You’ll see soon enough.”
Skipping dinner, they went to a well-reviewed restaurant instead.
Assistant Qin, unaware of the details, only now learned about the situation.
He looked at the two men across from him, hesitated for a moment, and then suggested to Xing Shi, “Why not visit a temple and pray?”
Xing Shi replied, “I don’t think it would help much. Maybe later.”
After dinner, they each returned home.
Xing Shi took a shower, changed into pajamas, and went to the living room.
When Fu Xiuning joined him, he instructed 99 to activate the screen and said he wanted to discuss the rest of the plan.
99 was dying of curiosity. “We already know what you’re going to do. Can’t I just listen in?”
Xing Shi said, “Some of the details are important.”
99 scanned the energy flow around them and glanced at Green Bean Paste.
Green Bean Paste, terrified of being reminded that Xing Shi might dismantle it, immediately floated further away.
Seeing that Green Bean Paste could at least keep it entertained with ship-talk, 99 didn’t protest further and obediently turned on the screen.
Xing Shi didn’t go to the study. Instead, he played with his phone for a while. When he noticed Fu Xiuning reading nearby, he asked, “Did you forget something?”
Fu Xiuning looked up.
Xing Shi said, “I told you earlier I had something to discuss and had it activate the screen.”
Fu Xiuning froze slightly before immediately realizing what Xing Shi was referring to.
Xing Shi raised an eyebrow. “Should I strip now?”
Fu Xiuning knew that with how calm Xing Shi was, he must not be injured, so there was no real need for a checkup.
His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he said, “Strip.”
Xing Shi took his time removing his shirt.
The living room’s curtains were drawn, and the only light came from a soft lamp overhead.
After tossing his shirt aside, he hooked a hand on the waistband of his pants and teased, “Should I take these off too?”
Fu Xiuning’s gaze deepened. He grabbed the back of Xing Shi’s head and kissed him, his voice gravelly as he murmured, “I’ll do it.”
Xing Shi let out a soft “Mm” and hooked his arms around Fu Xiuning’s neck.
Sleepwear came off in the master bedroom.
With two back-to-back attempts on their lives, emotions ran high—especially for Fu Xiuning. His kisses were deep and demanding, as if trying to merge Xing Shi into his very soul. Yet even in the heat of the moment, he remained restrained, ensuring not to leave a single mark on Xing Shi’s body.
Xing Shi had always admired his brother’s hands. The first time they met, he had noticed their striking appearance and the strong visual impact they carried when holding something.
“Brother,” he called out.
Fu Xiuning responded with a low hum, lifting his head to kiss him again.
Xing Shi looked into his eyes and said, “Your hands are really beautiful.”
Fu Xiuning took his hand, pressed it to his lips, and lightly bit down on his knuckles. “Yours are beautiful too.”
For a brief moment, Xing Shi’s expression became unfocused.
Their decision to escalate had been spontaneous, and they hadn’t prepared anything in advance.
Although Fu Xiuning wanted nothing more than to completely lose himself in Xing Shi, his upbringing and principles wouldn’t let him be so casual. He held himself back and didn’t take the final step.
Afterward, they lay together for a while, arms entwined. When Xing Shi finally felt the lingering fatigue fade, he sat up and got out of bed.
99 received the notification that the screen had been lifted and emerged from the dark void, only to find Xing Shi unlocking his phone.
“Did you finish discussing everything already?” it asked curiously.
Xing Shi replied with a casual “Mm.”
99’s curiosity was piqued. “Can’t you share just a little bit of what you talked about?”
Xing Shi said, “It won’t be as fun if I spoil it early.”
99 thought about it and reluctantly agreed. “Fair enough.”
Having brushed off 99, Xing Shi shifted his focus to Green Bean Paste, directing his energy toward the system.
Green Bean Paste wasn’t prepared and immediately started wailing while trying to flee.
Unfortunately for it, the energy wrapped around its form within moments.
Xing Shi began carefully dismantling its core structure. However, mid-process, he heard the familiar chime of a notification. He closed his eyes and saw the group chat interface appear. Curious, he tried channeling energy to send a message.
Green Bean Paste: [Whimper]
99 was instantly alarmed. “!!!”
Green Bean Paste was equally startled. “!!!”
The other two systems, having noticed the activity, quickly responded.
Fortune Bringer: [You’re back? What happened earlier?]
Everyone’s a Concubine: [Did you and your host have a fight too?]
Green Bean Paste: [Yeah [crying emoji]]
Everyone’s a Concubine was intrigued. [Locked in the void again? How long was your host ‘under the weather’?]
Green Bean Paste: [Not really that long.]
Fortune Bringer: [Then why did you go silent?]
Green Bean Paste: [It’s a long story. I’ll explain another time. For now, I just wanted to take a breather and chat about something lighthearted [crying emoji].]
Xing Shi, still experimenting, sent another message.
Green Bean Paste: [Actually, I spoke too soon. My host’s calling for me again. Gotta go.]
When Xing Shi opened his eyes, he found his hand being gently played with by Fu Xiuning.
Fu Xiuning looked at him. “What’s wrong?”
Xing Shi shared his new discovery with him.
Fu Xiuning leaned in to kiss him and softly said, “Impressive.”
Their gazes locked for a moment, and then the kiss deepened.
99, however, was too focused on Green Bean Paste to notice. It circled the other system in curiosity. “What did it feel like? Anything unusual?”
Green Bean Paste floated in a defeated slump. “Right now, I feel nothing. But… wasn’t I supposed to recover my memory after nearly being dismantled? Why hasn’t it worked for me?”
99 mused, “You haven’t been through enough yet. Back when I was reset, it was like I was entirely taken apart and reassembled, piece by piece, over the course of days.”
Green Bean Paste trembled at the thought. It sounded horrifying. “…I think I’ll pass on that.”
Xing Shi ignored their chatter and stopped probing further into Green Bean Paste. He shifted his focus to exploring how he might use the newfound group chat feature to his advantage.
He lingered in the living room until it was quite late, then exchanged goodnight wishes with Fu Xiuning and returned to his room to rest.
After washing up, he climbed into bed. His body sank into the mattress, and his eyelids began to grow heavy. Just as he was about to drift off, a light knock came at the door.
He opened his eyes instantly, his heartbeat quickening, and got up to answer.
Fu Xiuning stood on the other side, meeting his gaze. “I accidentally spilled water on the bed. Can I stay with you tonight?”
Xing Shi chuckled. “Of course.”
99 immediately perked up. “He’s finally making his move! I knew it! He wouldn’t let this chance slip!”
Xing Shi said with a straight face, “Nonsense. My brother isn’t like that. He really did spill water and has nowhere else to sleep.”
99 was indignant. “Impossible! This house is huge. There are so many guest rooms!”
Xing Shi replied calmly, “The guest room beds haven’t been used in ages. They’d need to be remade.”
99 covered its non-existent ears. “I don’t want to hear your excuses!”
Xing Shi ignored it and led Fu Xiuning into the room, where they climbed into bed together.
Fu Xiuning pulled him close, holding him tightly. The restless energy that had lingered throughout the day finally settled.
Their breaths mingled in the quiet of the winter night as they fell into a deep and peaceful sleep.
99 had been bracing itself for an entire night in the void, eagerly waiting for some excitement, but as it listened to their soft, steady breathing, it fell into despair.
“So… they’re really just sleeping?”
It went silent for a moment before muttering, “Fu Xiuning, you’re absolutely useless.”
Despite the expectations, the two of them simply shared a quiet night. Maybe it was their familiarity with each other, or perhaps their emotions had been fully expressed earlier in the evening. Either way, both Xing Shi and Fu Xiuning slept soundly, waking the next morning reluctant to leave the bed.
Fu Xiuning pulled Xing Shi closer, his voice still hoarse from sleep. “Move into the master bedroom with me.”
Xing Shi agreed without hesitation, and they stayed in bed for another half hour before getting up.
After they got ready for the day, Xing Shi received a call from the driver. The man had decided to cooperate.
Xing Shi thanked him and set the next phase of their plan in motion.
For the next few days, Xing Shi went to a coffee shop across from the company after lunch every day. He always pre-ordered his drink on his phone and then crossed the street to pick it up.
99 observed this strange behavior for two days before asking, “Are you… baiting someone?”
Xing Shi replied, “Obviously.”
99 still didn’t understand. “But the driver already agreed to speak up. Don’t you have enough material to post a video?”
Xing Shi said, “I do.”
99 was even more confused. “Then what are you doing?”
Xing Shi smiled faintly. “I’ve just been really into coffee lately. Feels like I need a cup every day.”
System 99: “…What?”
Green Bean Paste: “…”
By the third day, Xing Shi received the login credentials for his social media accounts.
The company had always managed them on his behalf, but with Fu Xiuning’s influence, obtaining access was a trivial matter.
He chose the platform with the largest following and uploaded a video.
Most of his fans were there for his looks.
When they saw a new post, they assumed it would be another casual clip of him training or going about his day at the company. Clicking on it, they were prepared to enjoy some eye candy.
But instead, Xing Shi appeared on screen with an unusually serious expression. He remained silent for several seconds before finally speaking.
“Hello, everyone. I’ve recently been facing death threats.”
Hahaha he’s so smart hahaha I’m loving it. Thanks for the translation.??