Yan Feng stared at Yu Yi for five seconds before turning to Shang Shang Qian and asking, “What changes do you think he has undergone after being unbound?”
Shang Shang Qian responded, “Physically, there shouldn’t be any issues.”
Yan Feng continued, “What about mentally?”
Shang Shang Qian answered coldly, “At the very least, we could communicate before. But later on, he became more and more extreme. I don’t know if it’s because of the unbinding or because he met Fu Xiuning.”
Yan Feng fell silent.
The primary reason for visiting Yu Yi was to learn how to unbind from the system. Now that they had their answer, there was no need to keep in touch with him. They only had to ensure he wouldn’t betray them. If necessary, they could even get rid of him.
However, the unbinding method was a bit concerning.
Not only was it uncertain whether their systems would be willing to self-destruct, but the aftereffects of the explosion also made Yan Feng hesitate. If Yu Yi’s strange state was indeed due to unbinding, then it would be a disaster.
The thought of himself becoming like Yu Yi made his head spin. He couldn’t accept that outcome at all.
Moreover, another issue troubled him. He recalled what had just happened and asked again, “What’s going on with your energy now?”
Shang Shang Qian replied, “No issues. Everything is functioning normally.”
Yan Feng turned to his own system, “You reacted just now. What was the reason?”
His system hesitated before answering, “Its energy is much greater than I expected.”
Shang Shang Qian explained, “Because the backup energy storage has been activated.”
Yan Feng asked, “Then why didn’t you activate it before?”
Shang Shang Qian said simply, “I could ask you for energy before.”
Yan Feng didn’t believe it. If that were the case, why did they react so strongly?
Systems and hosts were on the same side, and since neither system gave a direct answer, he knew they were hiding something. He sneered, “Does it have something to do with the host?”
Shang Shang Qian fell silent.
The pause lasted only a few seconds, but it was enough for Yan Feng to realize the truth. He coldly commanded, “Speak.”
Shang Shang Qian finally said, “The soul is also a form of energy.”
Yan Feng’s system was shocked, looking at Shang Shang Qian in horror—why would you reveal that?!
But it was too late. Yan Feng had already understood.
When he first traveled through time, he experienced memory loss. His system had given him an explanation back then, but it had been too long, and he had since forgotten about it. Now, with this revelation, his understanding of the situation was completely overturned.
“You devour the host’s soul?” Yan Feng asked.
Shang Shang Qian calmly replied, “Just a little bit of energy. It won’t have any impact.”
Yan Feng sneered inwardly.
No impact? If that were true, why were you so hesitant? Did they think he was an idiot?
So this meant that the system could consume the host’s soul? Or, to put it more bluntly, hosts were nothing more than backup energy sources?
A deep sense of unease settled over him, but he didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he shifted topics, “Last time, you said you discovered something big. What was it?”
Shang Shang Qian replied, “After we unbound ourselves, we lost all connection to the main system.”
Everyone’s breath hitched. “What?”
Shang Shang Qian continued, “It’s been so long since we unbound, and the main system hasn’t noticed. This must mean the main system is unaware of this, right?”
Even Yan Feng’s system was stunned. If the main system was unaware… that was indeed a huge deal.
Yan Feng’s system hesitated before asking, “Do you want me to report this for you?”
Shang Shang Qian dismissed the offer, “I have energy now. I can do it myself.”
Yan Feng thought for a moment before asking another question, “Then how did you know I was the host?”
Shang Shang Qian asked, “Do you want the truth?”
Yan Feng snapped, “Don’t play games with me!”
Shang Shang Qian hesitated before saying, “You might be surprised.”
Everyone leaned in, waiting for the answer.
Shang Shang Qian smirked. “It was a guess.”
The group was caught off guard. “—What?”
Shang Shang Qian explained, “After unbinding, we lost contact with the main system. We needed to seek help from another host. I knew there had to be a host among the company’s artists. It just so happened that you had been coming to teach us recently, and you were the only artist we could reach at this stage. So I decided to take a gamble. Even if I was wrong, it wouldn’t hurt me. In the end, I guessed correctly.”
Everyone: “…”
Abstract! You two are both absolutely abstract!
Shang Shang Qian’s usual cold personality made it unlikely for him to keep people in suspense. But since Xing Shi had suggested that it would be more fun to do so, he played along.
Seeing Yan Feng and the others speechless, he asked, “Any other questions?”
Yan Feng felt his blood pressure spike and snapped, “Get lost.”
Shang Shang Qian remained unfazed. “My host is worried that you won’t save him, so he asked me to keep an eye on you.”
Yan Feng narrowed his eyes, “What do you mean?”
Shang Shang Qian replied, “I will stay with you for the time being.”
Yan Feng immediately grew suspicious. “What happens when your energy runs out?”
Shang Shang Qian stated, “You are not my bound host. I cannot devour your soul. I believe your system won’t mind lending me some energy when the time comes.”
Yan Feng’s stingy nature flared up, “We don’t have much energy left. If you stay with your host obediently, we will definitely save you.”
Shang Shang Qian countered, “I’m worried about that.”
Of course, he didn’t actually need anyone’s energy. He simply wanted an excuse to monitor them.
He added, “In return for taking me in, if you encounter any problems, I can assist you.”
Everyone exchanged looks and collectively thought, Ha. As if we’d actually rely on you.
While they were discussing, the trainees were still trying to talk to Yu Yi, but he remained unresponsive.
After listening to his system’s feedback, Yu Yi calmed down and sat on his bed in silence.
Feng Zifan watched him for a while before finally giving up. Without saying anything, he stood up and left with the rest of the group.
Xing Shi remained still. “You guys wait for me outside. I’ll talk to him alone and see if I can get a reaction.”
Feng Zifan hesitated. He was about to say he would stay as well, but Yan Feng interjected, “I’ll stay too. I was also there at the time and can help you test his response.”
Xing Shi turned to look at him.
Yan Feng’s expression was tense, his face cold and unreadable.
Xing Shi stared at him for a few seconds, then shifted his gaze away. “Okay, Brother Feng can stay.”
Feng Zifan gave him a questioning look, but seeing that he was firm, he nodded. “Then we’ll wait for you outside. Just call me if you need anything.”
Xing Shi nodded, watching the door close before turning to Yu Yi. “My brother and I are officially together.”
Yu Yi’s hand, which had been resting limply in the dark, twitched slightly, pressing down on the bedsheet without looking up.
Xing Shi continued, “To be honest, I have to thank you for this. I told you that he was free to be with whoever he wanted, and that very night, he confessed to me.”
Yu Yi’s breathing hitched.
Xing Shi’s voice remained indifferent. “I asked him what he thought about your situation. He gave me just three words—‘no opinion.’ It’s a pity. You screamed and cried for him, and he didn’t care at all.”
Yu Yi’s body tensed. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress his emotions. He knew that if he lost control again, he would be sedated immediately.
Seeing his slight tremble, Xing Shi’s tone turned cold. “So you understand now, don’t you? Your strategy mission has failed, Host.”
Yu Yi froze, his entire body going cold.
Yan Feng, who had been watching closely, immediately cursed in his heart.
He barked at his system, “It’s only natural that his host would react in this situation. Go and tell him to kill Xing Shi immediately!”
Shang Shang Qian remained calm. “If he had listened to me before, we wouldn’t be here now.”
Yan Feng snapped, “He has to listen now! This is an emergency! If Xing Shi isn’t eliminated, we’re all finished!”
Shang Shang Qian asked dryly, “And how exactly do you propose he kills him?”
Yan Feng’s eyes darted around the room, searching for a weapon, but the ward had been carefully cleaned—there was nothing he could use. “Then tell him to lunge at Xing Shi and bite his neck.”
Shang Shang Qian analyzed calmly, “Xing Shi is 1.2 meters away. The moment he moves, Xing Shi will retreat. Feng Zifan and the others are right outside the door. The chances of my host succeeding are zero.”
Yan Feng gritted his teeth. “How do you know if you don’t try? I’ll help block Xing Shi’s escape.”
His system agreed, offering additional suggestions to improve their odds.
Shang Shang Qian remained unmoved. “I refuse.”
Yan Feng and his system nearly exploded with rage.
Before they could keep pressuring him, Xing Shi suddenly looked over.
“Brother Feng, you don’t look too well. What’s wrong?”
Yan Feng suppressed the murderous intent in his heart and forced a calm expression. “Nothing, I was just thinking about what happened that day.”
Xing Shi gave him a neutral glance. “I’ve said what I wanted to say. Brother Feng, do you have anything to add?”
Yan Feng needed to stall for time, so he replied, “Yes.”
Xing Shi stepped aside, moving even further from the bed to give him space. “Alright, go ahead.”
Yan Feng: “…”
His system: “…”
Why the hell did he step so far back? Now the chances of attacking him are even lower!
Ten minutes later, Yan Feng gave up.
He hadn’t been able to manipulate Yu Yi into taking action, and to make things worse, he failed to convince Shang Shang Qian to stay. Seething with frustration, he left the ward with Xing Shi.
When they stepped outside the hospital building, they immediately noticed Fu Xiuning waiting nearby.
The group was momentarily stunned before quickly approaching to greet him.
Xing Shi was also a little surprised. “Brother, why are you here?”
Fu Xiuning’s gaze landed on him. “I came to pick you up.”
Feng Zifan and the others instantly got the hint and tactfully took their leave.
Yan Feng wanted to linger, but Fu Xiuning cast a calm glance at him, making it clear that he wasn’t welcome. Yan Feng had no choice but to leave, though inwardly, he cursed Fu Xiuning and continued discussing with his system how to get rid of Xing Shi.
Meanwhile, Shang Shang Qian remained silent, listening in on their conversation.
Yan Feng suddenly thought of something and, never one to waste time, said, “Go listen in on what they’re saying for us.”
Shang Shang Qian replied, “I don’t have enough energy.”
Yan Feng smirked. “That’s fine. I’ll just go find Yu Yi and recharge you.”
Shang Shang Qian reminded him, “If you keep associating with him, it will raise suspicion.”
Yan Feng snapped, “And whose fault is that? This all started because of you!”
Shang Shang Qian countered smoothly, “You were the ones who set the trap first. If Xing Shi hadn’t been hiding in the dark, we would have connected successfully.”
Yan Feng was furious. “Who knew you’d be so damn abstract?!”
Shang Shang Qian didn’t bother arguing further and simply said, “I refuse.”
Yan Feng lost his patience. “System, swallow him for me.”
His system hesitated. “We… don’t have that function.”
Yan Feng sneered, “Why not? Just use your ability to devour the host’s soul.”
His system fell silent, realizing that Yan Feng was still holding a grudge and wouldn’t let it go anytime soon.
After a moment, it sighed and explained, “Boss, my soul-devouring function is deactivated and cannot be turned back on.”
Yan Feng didn’t believe it. “Try harder.”
The system hesitated again. “That could accidentally harm you, Boss.”
Yan Feng was silent.
In the end, his system reluctantly took on the task of surveillance.
Yan Feng, now completely exhausted, asked, “How much energy do you even have left?”
His system replied, “Don’t worry, Boss. It’s enough.”
Yan Feng, who was now serving as his system’s backup power source, was not reassured in the slightest. “Did they talk about Yu Yi?”
The system responded, “No.”
Yan Feng narrowed his eyes. “Xing Shi is obviously very concerned about Yu Yi’s situation, but judging from Fu Xiuning’s reaction, it seems like Xing Shi hasn’t mentioned it to him at all. Maybe this whole thing is too bizarre, and he wants to confirm the truth first. Relying solely on surveillance is too unreliable. Just check in occasionally.”
The system reluctantly agreed. “…Fine.”
Meanwhile, Xing Shi didn’t care if he was being watched. He simply followed Fu Xiuning to the parking lot.
He knew his brother had come because he was worried that Yan Feng would act recklessly. Without saying much, he got into the car and buckled his seatbelt. “Where are we going?”
Fu Xiuning asked, “Where do you want to go?”
Xing Shi subconsciously wanted to say “home,” but then he remembered his plan to lower his favorability score. Testing the waters, he asked, “Anywhere is fine?”
Fu Xiuning saw the hopeful look in his eyes and didn’t take the bait. “You tell me first. I want to hear it.”
Xing Shi said, “You’re my brother, so you have to promise me first.”
Fu Xiuning thought for a moment and guessed a possibility. “You want to buy a little sheep?”
Xing Shi’s eyes lit up. “Yeah!”
Fu Xiuning responded gently, “The snacks at home are almost gone. I’ll take you to buy some.”
Xing Shi couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
He looked at Fu Xiuning and teased, “Why are you so against it? The little sheep is adorable. Why won’t you let me take you for a ride?”
Fu Xiuning remained firm. “I can watch you ride it.”
Xing Shi was reminded of their earlier conversation about watching others play in the sand. His heart stirred. “Brother, do you have any childhood photos at home?”
Fu Xiuning said, “Yes, at my parents’ house.”
Xing Shi smiled and hummed in acknowledgment, ending the topic.
Fu Xiuning glanced at him and, noting how quickly he changed the subject, suspected it was related to their childhood. He made a mental note to visit his parents’ house and take a look when he had time.
He asked, “Little sheep or snacks?”
Xing Shi countered, “Will you ride with me?”
Fu Xiuning started the car and drove him to the supermarket.
Once there, he grabbed a shopping cart and told Xing Shi, “Pick whatever you want to eat.”
As they strolled through the aisles, they passed a model version of the little sheep. Fu Xiuning casually picked it up and placed it in the cart.
99 witnessed this and exclaimed, “He hated it so much, but he still bought it for you, even if it’s just a model.”
Xing Shi was touched. “That’s amazing. I’ve decided—I’ll secretly buy a real one as a surprise for him.”
Fu Xiuning: “…”
99 said, “He probably won’t ride it.”
Xing Shi was confident. “No, he loves me. How could he bear to watch me ride alone?”
99 imagined the scene and grew excited. “Yes! If you act pitiful, he might agree. And when he finally sits on it, you’ll discover a whole new world—like getting to hug his waist from behind!”
Xing Shi: “…”
He stole a glance at Fu Xiuning, waiting for the favorability prompt, but it never came.
After two seconds of thought, he understood. It seemed Fu Xiuning was still resistant to the little sheep.
However, considering their current state of mutual restraint, the moment there was any physical contact—like simply sitting together on the little sheep—their favorability value would probably spike.
So, he decided against pushing for a joyride.
The trainees only had one day off.
The next day, training resumed as usual.
With the second comprehensive assessment approaching at the end of August, everyone practiced rigorously, making the atmosphere tense.
Yan Feng came in to teach another class and had agreed to be one of the assessment judges.
But the only thing on his mind lately was how to kill Xing Shi.
Even though Xing Shi hadn’t openly mentioned the host situation in front of him again, his occasional probing made it obvious he was still suspicious.
The only silver lining was that, through observing Fu Xiuning, it really seemed like he was unaware of the situation.
This meant they had to act fast.
The real question was—how to do it?
Car accidents were out of the question. Since traveling to this world, Yan Feng had been too busy working and never learned how to drive.
Poisoning? Also unlikely. In a lawful society, it was difficult to leave no trace. He couldn’t risk implicating himself just to kill someone.
Pushing Xing Shi off a mountain? Possible, but the guy trained regularly and could probably even survive a fall.
The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. “You know what? This is all ridiculous. As long as Yu Yi and I refuse to talk, what can Xing Shi possibly prove?”
His system, however, remained cautious. “What if he tells Fu Xiuning?”
Yan Feng asked, “If Fu Xiuning finds out, will the main system detect it?”
His system hesitated. “I don’t know.”
Shang Shang Qian interjected coldly, “Maybe not immediately, but sooner or later it will. Then, they’ll trace everything back and realize we were the ones who exposed it.”
Yan Feng snapped, “How dare you even bring that up?!”
Shang Shang Qian remained calm. “Things have already escalated. Instead of wasting time arguing, we should focus on fixing the problem.”
Yan Feng scowled. “Do you have a solution?”
Shang Shang Qian: “No.”
Yan Feng grew even more irritable. “Then shut up!”
His system quickly tried to smooth things over. “Boss, calm down. The more anxious you are, the harder it’ll be to come up with a good plan. Let’s take a step back and think clearly.”
Yan Feng snorted but forced himself to think.
His system cautiously suggested, “How about this—after their exams, we invite them out to play and relax?”
Yan Feng frowned. “You want me to invite this entire group?”
His system hesitated. “Well… inviting only Xing Shi would be too suspicious.”
Yan Feng was annoyed. “With so many people around, it’ll be hard to make a move!”
Shang Shang Qian finally offered a suggestion. “Then pick a location with a complex environment.”
Yan Feng narrowed his eyes. “What do you mean?”
Shang Shang Qian explained, “Somewhere like the suburban mountains—where you can go rafting, hiking, and bungee jumping. The rugged terrain makes it easier to create an ‘accident.'”
Yan Feng pulled out his phone and started researching locations. After a few minutes of reading, he found the idea feasible.
Although arranging something like this would be a hassle, it was a necessary sacrifice to ensure his survival.
Seeing that Yan Feng was on board with the plan, his system quickly flattered him. “Boss, you’re so decisive! A true leader!”
Ever since the soul-draining incident, Yan Feng had been displeased with his system. The failed murder attempts had only made things worse.
Now that there was some progress, his system took the chance to butter him up further. “Once we get rid of Xing Shi, we’ll establish our own dynasty! Recruit younger brothers! Take all the power that belongs to us!”
Yan Feng ignored it, still focused on his phone.
His system continued hyping him up. “It’s my greatest fortune to be bound to you! You must have saved the world in a past life to be chosen by the main system!”
Yan Feng finally responded. “Let’s talk after we actually deal with Xing Shi.”
His system remained enthusiastic. “Boss, there’s nothing you can’t do!”
Yan Feng finally put away his phone and gave a satisfied hum of acknowledgment.
Shang Shang Qian watched silently from the side.
The system turned and noticed it. “!”
It suddenly realized that, in its excitement, it had forgotten about its colleague’s presence.
But then it figured—who cares? Even Shang Shang Qian, who always acted mysterious in the chat group, turned out to be just as chaotic.
At the end of the day, everyone was just struggling to survive.
Two days later, the trainees took their official assessment.
Xing Shi performed steadily and remained in Class 2.
Because the students in Class 1 were all naturally talented, they had a solid foundation and practiced harder than others, making it difficult for them to fall behind. However, Xing Shi had taken too many leaves of absence recently, causing his skills to lag. As a result, he failed to move up to Class 1.
As a teacher, Yan Feng stepped forward and suggested that they take a two-day trip to relax.
Everyone was intrigued and turned to the person in charge.
Seeing the trainees’ exhaustion and Yan Feng’s enthusiasm, the person in charge said, “Alright, I’ll talk to the boss.”
Yan Feng immediately added, “I’ll go with you.”
Fu Xiuning sat in his office, listening to their proposal. He glanced at Yan Feng and asked, “You suggested this?”
Yan Feng replied calmly, “Yes, they’re my students, and I get along well with them.”
Fu Xiuning then asked, “Can family members come along?”
Yan Feng instantly understood what he was implying. “Boss, you want to join?”
Fu Xiuning asked, “Am I not welcome?”
Yan Feng couldn’t exactly say “no” to his boss, so he took the opportunity to push a request. “If you’re coming, why not sponsor part of the trip?”
Fu Xiuning replied, “I’m just a family member tagging along. I wouldn’t want to steal your thunder.”
Yan Feng: “…”
How can a boss be this stingy?!
He was already frustrated that Fu Xiuning was constantly by Xing Shi’s side, making it harder to take action.
But… he had already made a public commitment to treat everyone to this trip, and backing out now would be humiliating. He had no choice but to accept.
When the trainees heard the news, they erupted in cheers.
After a night’s rest, everyone woke up early the next day and boarded the bus heading to the countryside, carrying their luggage.
Fu Xiuning didn’t squeeze in with the group. Instead, he drove his own car, with his assistant at the wheel. He and Xing Shi sat together in the back seat.
Yan Feng took his seat on the bus.
Though he appeared to be napping behind an eye mask, in reality, he was fine-tuning his plans with the two systems.
As they were finalizing details, Shang Shang Qian suddenly spoke up. “I have to leave.”
Everyone was startled. “Huh?”
Shang Shang Qian explained, “I just received a response from the main system. It ordered me to locate Yu Yi and re-bind with him.”
The system that came from behind was surprised. “Right now?”
Shang Shang Qian confirmed, “Hmm.”
Then it asked, “Can your energy last long enough to travel that far?”
Shang Shang Qian replied, “The main system said it would provide support.”
The system felt reassured. “Alright then, goodbye.”
Shang Shang Qian was indifferent, but before leaving, it suddenly opened the shield.
The other system was caught off guard. “What are you doing?”
Shang Shang Qian said coldly, “If you plan to blow up your energy storage, remember to activate a shield first. Otherwise, I’m worried your host’s head might explode.”
The other system was horrified. “Why are you telling me this?”
Shang Shang Qian looked at it expressionlessly. “Just in case.”
The system immediately defended itself. “I would never harm my host!”
Shang Shang Qian replied, “But if you fail this time, and Fu Xiuning finds out the truth, the only way for you to escape punishment from the main system is to sever your connection.”
After a brief pause, it added coldly, “Of course, it’s just a suggestion. Take it or leave it.”
With that, it lifted the shield, detached from Yan Feng, and floated away from the bus.
After drifting a short distance, it spotted Fu Xiuning’s car and returned to Xing Shi’s body.
99 greeted it cheerfully, “You’re back~”
Shang Shang Qian asked, “What’s the current favorability value?”
99 reported, “88.”
Shang Shang Qian followed up, “No decline?”
99 replied, “It was at 87 earlier, but just now, while Xing Shi was picking out snacks, their hands touched. So, it increased to 88.”
Then, in an excited tone, it added, “Too bad you missed it. You know what they call that? College boys touching each other~”
Shang Shang Qian: “…”
![Marrying the Male Lead’s Disabled Uncle [BL]](https://i1.wp.com/bestnoveltranslations.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Marrying-the-Male-Leads-Disabled-Uncle-BL.jpeg?resize=151,215 "Marrying the Male Lead’s Disabled Uncle [BL]")
