The special notification sound startled several other systems.
When they saw that Fu Xiuning had taken action, they immediately alerted their hosts and began investigating whether anyone around him had suddenly disappeared.
Although Mung Bean Soup had never told its host about the existence of multiple hosts, it always asked the host to search for news online whenever something unusual happened in the chat group. And, most of the time, the host would comply.
So, after several hosts scoured the news, they quickly locked onto a suspect.
An unknown, 18th-tier celebrity from a rival company had recently offended Fu Xiuning. Just a few days later, his negative scandals were exposed, and he became a trending topic.
The Group Chat Discussion
You Are All Concubines: [Wait, this 18th-tier guy was his host? The background seems kinda weak, but there’s no other suspect.]
Mung Bean Soup: [Seems like it. I couldn’t find anyone else.]
Gong Xi Fa Cai: [So the host was actually an artist from another company?]
You Are All Concubines: [Looks like it. Maybe he was trying to switch agencies but never got the chance. After all, Fu Xiuning doesn’t socialize much—it’s hard to approach him. So when he finally got close, he accidentally offended him instead. What a joke. He kept talking big in the chat group, playing all kinds of tricks, but in the end, he was destined to be carried away.]
Gong Xi Fa Cai: [Sigh, another one gone. Light a candle for him.]
You Are All Concubines: [🕯️]
Mung Bean Soup: [🕯️]
Best Fortune: [🕯️]
Long Live Face Control: [🕯️]
The systems had just finished their ritual of condolences when they suddenly froze mid-action.
A Familiar Name Appears
Mung Bean Soup: [@Long Live Face Control, Senior, you finally appeared! 😭]
Gong Xi Fa Cai: [Why didn’t you show up earlier? Were you fighting with your host again?]
You Are All Concubines: [Wait, you guys fight often?]
99, who had just finished getting its magic circle engraved, finally regained some energy and could talk again.
After consulting Xing Shi about what kind of response would fit their “style,” it replied:
Long Live Face Control: [I’m tired. I don’t want to talk. My host is stubborn and irrational. It’s impossible to reason with him. I’ve decided to just let him do whatever he wants. The sooner he kills himself, the sooner I can return.]
Gong Xi Fa Cai: [No way… that bad?]
You Are All Concubines: [Why not punish him a little?]
Long Live Face Control: [It’s useless. I’ve already given up. Let him be. If nothing unexpected happens, I’ll be the next one to leave. Everyone, light a candle for me—I want to see it with my own eyes. Unlike that Latecomer guy, who didn’t even get a proper send-off.]
99 Starts Crying Again
After sending that message, 99 suddenly felt overwhelmed with sadness and started crying again.
The Best Fortune gave it a silent candle.
One by one, the other systems followed suit.
Seeing how emotionally unstable 99 seemed, Mung Bean Soup decided not to ask how to recover from a -8 favorability score after all.
And just like that, the group chat fell silent again.
The Hosts Start Investigating
After the chat ended, You Are All Concubines and Gong Xi Fa Cai went to report to their hosts, hoping to use the disappearance of the 18th-tier celebrity to investigate the last “crazy incident”.
Their goal was to figure out who the Best Fortune’s host really was so they could be mentally prepared.
Xing Shi Reports Back to Fu Xiuning
That evening, Xing Shi returned home after his training session and told Fu Xiuning about the Latecomer’s departure.
Fu Xiuning nodded slightly. As expected.
Now that the group of hosts and systems were focused on the 18th-tier celebrity, they wouldn’t think about Yu Yi—at least not for the time being.
Fu Xiuning waited half a month for the perfect moment to take action.
Yu Yi’s “Escape”
A host who traveled through time would never give up easily.
Ever since Yu Yi was transferred to another mental hospital and couldn’t reconnect with his system, he had been trying to escape.
Fu Xiuning deliberately gave Yu Yi a small window of opportunity.
Unfortunately, Yu Yi didn’t know that the map he had “accidentally” seen was wrong.
He believed that if he ran through the woods and jumped down a small slope, he would reach a nearby village.
In reality, the “small slope” was a four-story drop.
Late at night, with people chasing after him, Yu Yi didn’t hesitate—he jumped.
The hospital performed emergency treatment overnight, but it was too late.
A Forgotten Trainee
In this world, countless accidents happen every day.
A trainee who had never debuted?
His death didn’t even make a splash.
Fu Xiuning Closes the Chapter
The next morning, Fu Xiuning received a confirmation call.
He casually said “hmm” and hung up.
Without a system to carry him, a time-traveling host like Yu Yi had no way of returning.
His energy would slowly dissipate, and soon, no one would even remember that he was supposed to have a system.
With this hidden threat completely eliminated, Fu Xiuning calmly mentioned it to Xing Shi over breakfast.
The Systems React
99 gasped.
“Damn… The moment the Big Boss moves, everything disappears.”
Xing Shi ignored it and continued eating.
Then, after class, he went to the company for training.
Seeing that Feng Zifan was free, Xing Shi casually passed on the news.
The Official Story
When Fu Xiuning transferred Yu Yi, he gave a perfectly reasonable excuse.
The high-end sanatorium under the Fu family’s name was exclusive to the wealthy.
Since Yu Yi had caused a disturbance, they had received complaints from other patients.
To avoid further issues, they had no choice but to transfer him to another hospital.
Whether the “disturbance” was real or not… no one outside ever found out.
But the end result? That was all that mattered.
Feng Zifan’s Reaction
Feng Zifan had already heard about the transfer and knew the terrain near the new hospital.
Hearing that Yu Yi had fallen off a hillside, he stayed silent for a long time before asking, “He escaped so late at night… where was he trying to go?”
Xing Shi: “I don’t know.”
Feng Zifan let out a soft sigh.
The series of events had already eroded his feelings for the brother who once took care of him.
Xing Shi patted him on the shoulder.
Feng Zifan forced a smile: “I’m fine.”
Just then, Feng Zifan’s phone rang—a call from his agent.
Xing Shi glanced at him and figured he would be okay.
After all, life goes on—even when the people you once trusted disappear.
99 suddenly had an epiphany. “Oh, I get it now.”
Xing Shi simply responded with a soft “Hmm.”
Confusing the Enemy
Whether he was present or not—that was the biggest difference.
By shifting suspicion onto an unknown host who had been “carried away,” they could effectively reduce their own presence and avoid drawing attention.
Even if the two “crazy incidents” were unrelated, it didn’t matter. At the very least, it would muddy the waters. The more complicated the information, the harder it would be for other hosts to connect the dots.
Picking the Next Target
99 was eager. “Who are you carrying away next? I’ll help you dig up info~”
Xing Shi replied, “Let’s see who comes back first.”
As he spoke, his gaze drifted to Fu Xiuning, sitting beside him.
He had to admit—his brother’s agent was truly a devil.
Li Yu and Sang Chenhao had seamless project schedules. The moment they wrapped up filming, they were immediately sent on promotional tours, running around non-stop.
But unlike Yan Feng, they weren’t forced to work year-round. Whenever they finished a hectic period, they would apply for time off.
Xing Shi added, “Their situation isn’t urgent. Your issue is more important.”
99’s System Update Begins
Before 99 could process what that meant, it suddenly felt a familiar surge of energy rushing toward it.
This time, thanks to its engraved magic circle, it no longer resisted the energy.
But it was confused. “What am I supposed to do?”
Xing Shi replied, “I’m adding another program for you.”
99 eagerly agreed. “Alright, go ahead!”
The Horror Begins
But just moments later, it realized—it had been too naive.
Because this wasn’t just programming.
It felt like Xing Shi was dismantling it… and then rebuilding it from scratch.
It panicked. “Xing Shi, I—I’m falling apart! Ahhhhhh!”
Xing Shi remained calm. “You won’t disintegrate.”
99 wailed. “Are you sure you’re not tearing me to pieces?!”
Xing Shi reassured, “I’m sure.”
99 cried even louder. “Then please remember that I’m still useful! Wuwuwu…!”
Fu Xiuning’s Amusement
Shang Shang Qian had long expected that Xing Shi wouldn’t ignore the binding issue forever. So, this scene didn’t surprise it.
Meanwhile, Fu Xiuning was in a great mood.
Reading a book, he casually enjoyed 99’s suffering.
99 Tries to Bargain
Seeing no way out, 99 started stacking its bargaining chips.
“Listen, Shang Shang Qian is gone now! I’m the only one who can gather information for you and act in front of the other systems!
Also—I’m a hardcore CP fan of you two brothers! If you need relationship advice, I can totally help!
No, wait—I mean, I can teach you how to bond as brothers—“
Then, suddenly…
Its voice cut off.
Fu Xiuning Notices Something
Hearing the abrupt silence, Fu Xiuning’s heart stirred.
He couldn’t help but close his book.
A few seconds later, 99’s voice returned, but this time it was fragmented and weak.
“…haven’t seen it yet… really together…”
Fu Xiuning turned his gaze toward Xing Shi.
Pretending not to know what was happening, he asked gently, “What are you daydreaming about?”
Xing Shi Takes Action
Xing Shi gave him a look, then reached out to touch his temple.
Fu Xiuning “coincidentally” anticipated the movement. He looked at him quietly, then grabbed his wrist in a worried manner.
99, meanwhile, was still struggling.
“I want… more… revenge on the main system… Xing Shi…”
Breaking the Bind
The first time Xing Shi engraved a magic circle, 99 had also called out to him.
By now, he was used to it and continued carving steadily.
A moment later, he accidentally triggered a hidden energy line inside 99.
As the system twitched and convulsed, Fu Xiuning listened carefully to the fading, intermittent voice.
His fingers slowly tightened around Xing Shi’s wrist.
The Final Step
Xing Shi was fully focused on 99.
But after a while, he finally sensed Fu Xiuning’s grip tightening around him.
Realizing what was happening, he stopped hesitating—and swallowed the remaining energy line.
Fu Xiuning felt 99’s voice completely disappear.
In that moment, his grip involuntarily tightened again.
Mission Complete
Xing Shi finally withdrew from the system core.
99, having survived yet another ordeal, let out a shaky breath.
“A-Am I… okay now?”
Xing Shi replied, “Not yet. This was just the first step.”
99 burst into tears. “What kind of update is this?! Why is it so complicated?!”
Preventing Total Erasure
Xing Shi calmly explained.
“It’s to prevent the main system from suddenly erasing us when our favorability gets too high.”
99 immediately perked up.
“Okay, got it! No problem! Do whatever you need! I’m ready!”
Xing Shi responded with a casual, “Mm.”
99 choked.
Then, desperately tried to act brave.
Fu Xiuning Observes
Xing Shi finally turned his attention back to Fu Xiuning.
“I’m fine,” he reassured.
Fu Xiuning let him hold onto his hand, making no effort to pull away.
Then, he noticed the sweat on Xing Shi’s forehead.
He reached out with his other hand to check his temperature.
Xing Shi leaned in slightly. “I’m really okay.”
Fu Xiuning wiped the sweat away and asked softly, “Did everything go smoothly?”
Xing Shi nodded. “Yes. I’ll continue tomorrow if I have time.”
Fu Xiuning gently reminded, “Don’t push yourself too hard.”
Xing Shi smiled faintly. “Don’t worry. It is very strong-willed. I have to honor its wishes.“
99 Tries to Act Tough
Hearing this, 99 trembled violently—but put on a brave face.
“Y-Yeah! I’m not scared! Who doesn’t have blood in their veins?!”
The Best Fortune: “…”
Fu Xiuning Tests the Bind
Fu Xiuning now had a theory.
The bond between Xing Shi and 99… might be broken.
But there was an easy way to confirm it.
Just wait for the system’s favorability notification.
If it no longer triggered, then the binding had truly been severed.
A Subtle Shift
Xing Shi also noticed the change.
As Fu Xiuning’s grip subtly tightened, their eyes met again.
Fu Xiuning’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly—then, as if thinking it was too soon, he let go.
A Thoughtful Silence
Xing Shi felt the warmth of Fu Xiuning’s touch slowly fade away.
For the first time, he wondered—
If the binding was really gone…
Would they still have to be so cautious?
Suddenly, 99’s old teasing words echoed in his mind.
He flexed his fingers slightly—then retracted his hand.
A Quiet Moment
One of them read a book.
The other played with his phone.
Neither spoke for a long time.
A Change in the Air
The atmosphere was different tonight.
Maybe it was because they had been too close earlier.
Maybe it was because the house was exceptionally quiet tonight.
Or maybe it was because the other person’s presence felt too strong.
An Unspoken Tension
Fu Xiuning didn’t turn the page for a long time.
Finally, he closed the book and said, “It’s late. Go to bed early.”
Xing Shi put down his phone, stood up, and glanced at him.
“Brother, good night.”
Fu Xiuning also stood up. “Hmm. Good night.”
They walked in the same direction for a while.
Then, they separated in the middle, each going back to their own rooms.
Restless Night
Xing Shi brushed his teeth, washed his face, then slipped under the covers.
The room was dark.
He turned over once.
Then, after a moment, he turned over again.
For some reason, he felt uneasy.
A Strange Noise
On the third turn, he gave up.
He was about to ask 99 to tell him a bedtime story, but just then—
He heard a faint noise outside.
Ever since his magic core activated, his senses had become sharper.
But this sound was so light…
Did he hear it wrong?
Curious, He Gets Up
He got up, opened the door—
And saw a little light.
A Late-Night Encounter
Xing Shi walked a few steps out.
The lights in the dining room were on.
Fu Xiuning was there, drinking water.
Hearing the door open, Fu Xiuning looked up at the blurry figure in the distance.
“Still awake?”
Xing Shi yawned. “No… Brother, why aren’t you asleep either?”
Fu Xiuning set down his cup. “Go back to bed. I’ll pour you a glass of water.”
A Closer Look
As Fu Xiuning spoke, he saw Xing Shi walking toward him.
The closer he got, the clearer his figure became.
His hair was messy, and his eyes were a little dazed—
Probably because he had just gotten out of bed.
A Small Gesture
Xing Shi reached out. “Pour me one too.”
Fu Xiuning handed him the cup.
Xing Shi took two small sips, then looked at him closely.
After a pause, he asked again, “Why aren’t you sleeping?”
Fu Xiuning hummed softly. “Hmm.”
He didn’t explain.
Instead, he raised his hand—
And tidied Xing Shi’s messy hair.
An Unspoken Understanding
Xing Shi felt Fu Xiuning’s fingers gently comb through his hair.
His body froze slightly.
Fu Xiuning finished fixing it.
But his hand lingered, unwilling to move away.
Their eyes met again—
And this time, their emotions deepened instantly.
Silent Tension
The dining room was silent.
The air felt thicker, slower.
Xing Shi’s breathing quickened.
Just then, he heard a familiar notification sound.
A Warning from Shang Shang Qian
Shang Shang Qian didn’t know what Xing Shi had done to 99 tonight.
But he still reminded him worriedly—
“90.”
A Turning Point
Xing Shi looked at Fu Xiuning and softly called, “Brother.”
Fu Xiuning’s hand slid down, tracing from his hair to his jawline.
Then, he hummed again. “Hmm.”
Xing Shi stood still, not moving.
Neither of them wanted to back down.
No More Restraint
Fu Xiuning could no longer hold back.
He lifted Xing Shi’s chin—
And kissed him.
