The system swallowed hard, not daring to speak.
Yan Xi was puzzled. She planted her hands on her hips and poked the system’s chubby cheeks.
"What’s the big deal? The situation is already settled. Even if Pei Yubai or Ye Luoyi find out the truth about this world, there’s nothing to fear. What are you so worried about?"
[If it were Pei Yubai or Ye Luoyi, it’d be simple…] The system muttered under its breath, but it knew there was no point hiding it anymore. [It’s Zhou Yanci.]
Yan Xi blinked, staring blankly at the system for a long moment before it finally registered.
[Host? Host?]
Yan Xi snapped out of her daze, her eyes flickering uncertainly. "Are you sure?"
The system nodded. [Only awakened characters can communicate with me. You can, and so can your brother.]
Yan Xi bit her lip. She had considered the possibility of Zhou Yanci awakening, but this was truly the worst-case scenario.
If Zhou Yanci was awake, it meant he would know everything she had done in the past—that she hadn’t approached him out of genuine concern, but for Zhou Qingyu’s luck points.
[Maybe you should explain it to him?]
[I think he’ll listen!]
Yan Xi hesitated, gripping her sleeves tightly.
The system coaxed gently, [Host, why can’t you trust him a little more? Just like how the young lady forgave you even after finding out you deceived her.]
[He’ll be the same! He likes you so much!]
Yan Xi was afraid—afraid that Zhou Yanci would care.
"Qingyu and I had already known each other for five years before the deception. We were familiar with each other’s true nature. Even if she never learns the full truth, she’d believe I acted in her best interest."
"But Zhou Yanci…"
Deception wasn’t her intention, but to Zhou Yanci, her approach was nothing but a lie.
Zhou Yanci had never been a person with a strong sense of security. Five years ago, even a fleeting crush could become an "imaginary rival" in his mind. If he found out Yan Xi had only gotten close to him for ulterior motives, how much would it hurt him?
The system sighed as it watched Yan Xi’s inner turmoil. [So that’s why you told the young lady you wouldn’t marry him!]
Unlike Zhou Qingyu’s carefree nature, Yan Xi always prepared meticulously for everything. She had long envisioned the worst possible outcome between her and Zhou Yanci.
That way, when the day finally came, at least she wouldn’t be too devastated.
Originally, Yan Xi had assumed Zhou Yanci would never learn about the luck points.
She would keep it from him for the rest of her life.
But who knew the damn plot would play her in the end—the one who awakened was Zhou Yanci.
...
Two hours before the end of the workday.
Yan Xi packed her bag and hurried out of Starlight Tower.
Since his awakening was inevitable, she couldn’t run away. She had to face it.
The Zhou Corporation was cold and imposing, its employees working diligently like cogs in a machine.
Yan Xi swiped her access card and stepped into the elevator.
The elevator ascended to the 88th floor.
Her heart pounded nervously as she rehearsed her apology in her head.
She had always been an outstanding student, frequently speaking before entire school assemblies. Now, as Starlight’s VP, she often addressed employees or spoke to millions of viewers in live streams.
But this was the first time she had ever felt so nervous.
The draft of her apology played over and over in her mind, but she still didn’t think it was good enough.
On the 88th floor, she saw Zhou Yanci.
He had just stepped out of his office, adjusting his collar. Yan Xi was about to call out to him when he turned and walked into a meeting room instead.
The unspoken words lodged in her throat. Anxiously, she dug her fingers into the edge of a nearby desk.
The second assistant noticed her. "Ms. Yan, are you here to see President Zhou?"
"Yes," Yan Xi replied. "How long will his meeting last?"
The assistant checked Zhou Yanci’s schedule. "About two hours. After that, he’s heading to the high-tech zone to inspect the gaming company we recently invested in."
"Ms. Yan, if it’s urgent, I can inform him for you."
"No need."
Yan Xi wasn’t sure if she was relieved or just avoiding the inevitable, but her voice came out weak.
"Can I wait for him in his office?"
"Of course."
The assistant opened the office door for her.
Zhou Yanci’s office was minimalist and elegant, dominated by cool tones. The walls were polished marble, reflecting a faint, cold light. There were no unnecessary decorations—only a few abstract art pieces hung on one side.
This was Yan Xi’s first time in his office.
Even though they had been dating for a while, their relationship hadn’t changed much from before. The only difference was the occasional intimacy.
Yan Xi sat on the black sofa, intending to refine her explanation further.
Ding—
The tablet on the coffee table lit up.
Instinctively, Yan Xi glanced at it—and froze.
It was a search page.
The keyword in the search bar: System.
Her breath hitched. Unable to stop herself, she reached out and tapped the search bar. A list of related searches popped up: System, transmigration, awakening…
Her breathing grew more labored, her blood turning cold from her fingertips to her heart.
"Xi Xi?"
A man’s voice came from the doorway.
The moment she saw Zhou Yanci, guilt surged through her. She quickly pressed the tablet’s lock button, plunging the screen into darkness.
Flustered, she stood up. "Weren’t you in a meeting?"
"Technical difficulties. It’s postponed for half an hour."
Zhou Yanci closed the office door and loosened his navy-blue tie. His gaze flickered briefly to the tablet before settling on Yan Xi.
He sat beside her. "You came to my office without even saying hello. Checking up on me?"
His tone was so casual, so unchanged from usual. He wrapped an arm around her, his large hand resting on her waist as he nuzzled lightly against her neck.
"Missed me?"
Yan Xi’s waist tingled, nearly making her forget her purpose.
"You… don’t have anything you want to ask me?"
Zhou Yanci chuckled. "Didn’t I just ask you? What, you came all this way just to see me, and it’s not because you missed me?" His smile was helpless yet fond. "Were you really checking up on me?"
Yan Xi was utterly confused. If Zhou Yanci had awakened, shouldn’t his reaction be completely different?
"System! Get out here! What’s going on?"
The system materialized, floating around Zhou Yanci, scrutinizing him.
[This doesn’t make sense!]
[Theoretically, he should’ve awakened!]
[But he… can’t see me?]
Yan Xi gritted her teeth. "What the hell is happening?"
This was way too nerve-wracking!
The system made exaggerated faces at Zhou Yanci, its little features twisting into absurd shapes, but Zhou Yanci merely ruffled Yan Xi’s hair, completely oblivious to the personified emoji sticker floating beside him.
[Seems like he hasn’t awakened yet!]
[Host, I don’t get it either! This is the first time I’ve encountered something like this!]
Yan Xi sighed. She really couldn’t rely too much on this amateur system!
“Maybe I should just come clean with him!”
[Host! No!]
[If he hasn’t awakened and you reveal the truth of this world, his memories will be erased, and your existence will be wiped out too!]
[You can only tell him after he awakens!]
A knock came from outside.
Zhou Yanci: “Come in.”
Assistant Sun entered the office, respectfully picking up the tablet left on the desk.
“Apologies, I forgot this during my earlier report! President Zhou, President Yan… please carry on! I’ll get back to work!”
Yan Xi was surprised. “This tablet is yours?”
Assistant Sun glanced at Zhou Yanci, and seeing no reaction, he immediately straightened his posture, declaring righteously, “Of course it’s mine! The latest model! Top specs! Pretty nice, right?”
Yan Xi: “I accidentally saw your search history earlier—something about ‘systems,’ ‘transmigrating into novels’…”
“Oh!” Assistant Sun smacked his forehead. “My girlfriend loves reading novels. Must’ve been her searches. President Yan, do you enjoy those kinds of stories too? I can ask her to recommend a few for you later!”
Yan Xi waved her hand. “No need, no need.”
Her eyes darted around before lingering on Zhou Yanci’s face, but she detected nothing unusual.
So this was Assistant Sun’s tablet? If that was the case, maybe Zhou Yanci really hadn’t awakened. Side effects like this weren’t guaranteed to trigger, after all.
Assistant Sun left the office.
Zhou Yanci took Yan Xi’s hand, intertwining their fingers.
“Since you’re already here, how about we play hooky?”
Yan Xi never expected to hear the word “hooky” from the workaholic Zhou Yanci.
“Don’t you have a meeting?”
“Assistant Sun can handle it.”
“What about the inspection at the high-tech district’s gaming company?”
“Assistant Sun can handle that too.”
Yan Xi wasn’t sure whether to pity Assistant Sun at this point.
“But I—”
Zhou Yanci suddenly kissed her, his tongue flickering like a nimble serpent, effortlessly stealing her breath. He tangled with her, pressing closer with each step. His kiss was lingering and meticulous, like a desert traveler savoring the last drops of sweet rain.
Yan Xi grew flustered, her breathing turning ragged.
She pushed him away forcefully, gasping for air.
Zhou Yanci smiled at the corners of his eyes, his nose brushing against hers. His voice was low, a murmur like a devil’s temptation.
“Yan Xi, let’s go on a date.”
.
This was Yan Xi’s first date with Zhou Yanci.
After confirming their relationship, Yan Xi had either been busy with variety shows or preparing her thesis proposal and work at Xingyao, leaving no time for Zhou Yanci.
She had no experience with romance—and neither did he.
But when she thought about it, wasn’t dating what couples were supposed to do?
Before their date, Zhou Yanci took Yan Xi to a boutique to swap their overly formal office wear. He changed into a casual jacket, instantly shedding years off his appearance, transforming into a strikingly handsome college senior.
Yan Xi opted for a pink cashmere sweater and a chiffon maxi skirt, looking even more youthful.
—Though, to be fair, she was already young.
The system, perched on Yan Xi’s shoulder, eyed Zhou Yanci: [I feel like whenever he’s with you, he’s pretending to be younger.]
Yan Xi: “…”
“He’s 27. That’s fine, right?”
[No way, he’s almost thirty. Men decline after 25—you know that, right?]
Zhou Yanci, who had been trying on clothes ahead of them, stumbled.
Yan Xi: ???
System: ???
[Could he… have heard us badmouthing him?]
Yan Xi gulped. “No way, right?”
……
That stumble from Zhou Yanci left Yan Xi on edge.
But since the system remained perched on her shoulder, unnoticed by Zhou Yanci, she gradually relaxed.
After some window-shopping, the two headed for dinner.
They didn’t go to a high-end restaurant—just a cozy, unassuming eatery with great food.
Yan Xi and Zhaozhao used to frequent this place. The owner was an alumnus of Haida University, and his cooking was delicious. The restaurant even had occasional promotions.
As they settled in and prepared to order, a server approached with a sales pitch.
“We’re running a couples’ promo! Just take a photo wearing our mascot headgear, display it on our photo wall, and you’ll get a free chocolate ice cream!”
Yan Xi had always been one to seize small perks like this—a free photo never hurt.
But when she saw the ridiculous frog headgear, she couldn’t imagine Zhou Yanci wearing it. Besides, the heir of Zhou Corporation hardly needed a free ice cream—he could buy the entire restaurant without batting an eye.
“No thanks, we’re not—”
“Let’s take one.”
Yan Xi whipped her head toward Zhou Yanci. “You want to wear this frog headgear?”
Zhou Yanci paused, eyeing the frog headpiece with mild disdain. But then his gaze flickered to the server’s promotional sign, lingering on the words “couples’ promo.”
He enunciated slowly, “I. Want. To.”
Wait…
Did Zhou Yanci have a thing for ugly-cute aesthetics?
Even as Yan Xi donned the hideously adorable frog headgear, she still couldn’t fathom what had drawn Zhou Yanci to it.
Miraculously, though, Zhou Yanci’s looks somehow made even the ridiculous frog headgear work. The server snapped their photo—one for the restaurant’s wall, and one for them to keep.
“You two look so good together!”
Zhou Yanci, struggling with the headgear’s complicated neck strap, curved his lips slightly at the compliment.
“Hmm. I think so too.”
……
That photo eventually found its way into Zhou Yanci’s wallet, tucked away carefully.
They claimed their free ice cream, and Yan Xi happily licked at hers as they walked.
Well, the headgear might’ve been ugly, but the ice cream was worth it!
The system trailed beside Yan Xi, a virtual entity unable to enjoy the treat.
It finally understood—it wasn’t here to monitor Zhou Yanci’s awakening. No, it was here to feast on dog food!
It couldn’t eat ice cream, but it was stuffed full of romance-induced sweetness.
When Yan Xi went to the restroom, Zhou Yanci held her ice cream. The system, unwilling to give up, hovered around it, sniffing longingly.
Fine, if it couldn’t eat it, at least it could smell it!
Suddenly, Zhou Yanci shifted, moving the ice cream aside.
Annoyed, the system floated after it.
Zhou Yanci moved it again.
The system stubbornly followed.
Then, Zhou Yanci repositioned it a third time.
A question mark popped up over the system’s bald head. What was he doing?
It looked up—and for the first time, met the gaze of Zhou Yanci, who had always acted oblivious to its presence.
Now, those eyes were fixed on it, calm and knowing.
His eyes sparkled with amusement, yet there was a hint of coldness in his smile.
...
Before long, Yan Xi emerged from the restroom.
The system, as if spotting a lifeline, immediately flew to her side!
"I thought you'd gone back to reading novels. You're still here?" Yan Xi asked the system in her mind.
The system pursed its lips, its little face brimming with grievance.
Its cheeks were flushed red, as if someone had pinched them.
It habitually perched on Yan Xi's shoulder but suddenly sensed a sharp gaze. The entire spherical system trembled, its form shuddering mid-air before it hastily floated away, not daring to touch Yan Xi again.
Yan Xi frowned in confusion. "What's wrong with you?"
[It's... it's nothing...]
Yan Xi was utterly baffled.
The system stole a glance at Zhou Yanci, then back at Yan Xi before declaring with dogged certainty: [Host! I’ve confirmed it—the awakened character isn’t the brother!]
Yan Xi’s eyes brightened. "Are you sure?"
The system nodded vigorously. [Absolutely, absolutely, absolutely!]
[This time, the awakened character is even more of a background figure than you, completely unrelated to the plot! So don’t worry, they won’t affect us at all!]
The weight in Yan Xi’s heart finally lifted.
Whether Zhou Yanci was awakened or not, Yan Xi could accept it. She just hated the uncertainty of before—it felt like treading on thin ice over a winter lake.
Thankfully, the system had given her a definitive answer.
If Zhou Yanci wasn’t awakened, then she couldn’t tell him… she’d just have to keep it a secret forever.
Hadn’t Zhou Yanci himself said it? Since she’d hidden it before, she should keep hiding it, never letting him learn the truth.
She could hide it for a lifetime. And she could keep treating Zhou Yanci just as she had from the beginning.
Yan Xi bounded forward in three quick steps, throwing herself happily into Zhou Yanci’s arms.
Zhou Yanci ruffled her hair. "You’re in such a good mood?"
Yan Xi nodded like a woodpecker. "I am!"
I’m happy to be on a date with you.
And I’m happy we can stay together like this.
...
After dinner, it was still early. Since they’d already skipped work for the date, they might as well go all out. The fourth floor of the mall housed a cinema, and several new films had recently premiered. Zhou Yanci took Yan Xi to watch one.
Dinner and a movie—the classic date template.
This was all according to Assistant Sun’s advice. Assistant Sun had assured him that following this template wouldn’t go wrong.
Yan Xi scanned the screening list: action, romance, horror, Boonie Bears…
She’d already seen all four of the currently popular films. As the VP of StarGlory, Yan Xi naturally had to watch a lot of movies. Whenever a new film was released, she, Fang Yue, and Qiao Yan would always be among the first to see it.
But watching them again wouldn’t hurt.
In the end, they chose the horror movie.
Yan Xi treated it as a learning experience, while Zhou Yanci wasn’t particularly fond of horror films either. But Assistant Sun had coached him: "A horror movie is perfect for a date!"
"Think about it—a pitch-black theater, the sound and visuals at their most intense, and then—BAM! A terrifying jumpscare! Wouldn’t that scare you?"
Zhou Yanci pictured it and nodded.
"If even you find it scary, Yan Xi will definitely be terrified!" Assistant Sun grinned slyly. "That’s your chance to get closer! When she clings to you in fear, you’ve got her right where you want her!"
So, in the theater, when the first bloody scene abruptly flashed on screen, Zhou Yanci smirked.
But the expected image of Yan Xi whimpering in fear never materialized.
Puzzled, he turned his head—only to see Yan Xi adjusting her 3D glasses and pulling out her phone to take diligent notes.
"The first scare happens at exactly 5 minutes and 21 seconds—that’s fast pacing! The effects are great too. We should consider hiring this VFX team next time!"
"The cinematography is impressive. The director really knows how to build tension. We should collaborate with them in the future…"
Zhou Yanci: ???
Something’s not right here.
Yan Xi noticed his stare and gave him a bewildered look.
"Why are you looking at me? What, are you scared of ghosts?"
Zhou Yanci thought for a moment. "Yes."
Yan Xi patted his shoulder encouragingly. "There’s nothing to be afraid of! You’re a guy—be brave! You can make it through!"
Zhou Yanci: "..."
By the time the movie ended, Yan Xi had spent three productive hours taking notes.
Exiting the theater, she was practically drowsy.
Zhou Yanci, on the other hand, was thoroughly frustrated. What was the point of a horror movie if his girlfriend spent the whole time studying it? They might as well have picked a romance film!
The night was deep, and the crowd pouring out of the cinema was thick and chaotic. As people jostled against each other, a chubby boy bumped into Yan Xi, sending her stumbling toward Zhou Yanci.
"Sorry, sorry!"
The boy, realizing he’d knocked into someone, quickly apologized.
The collision itself wasn’t the problem—the real disaster was the half-finished milk tea in the boy’s hand, which splashed all over Yan Xi’s clothes.
"Miss, I’m really, really sorry!"
The boy panicked, unsure what to do.
Zhou Yanci held Yan Xi’s bag while she used tissues to wipe the sticky tea off her sweater. But the damp fabric clung uncomfortably to her skin.
Yan Xi reassured the boy, "It’s fine. It was an accident. I’ll just change when I get back."
The boy apologized again before hurrying off with his friends.
Zhou Yanci draped his coat over Yan Xi’s shoulders.
It was past ten, and most shops in the mall had closed. They exited through the theater’s back door.
Yan Xi sighed at the sticky mess on her clothes. "Guess I’ll have to change when we get back."
She meant the Zhou family estate.
Yan Xi had been staying there recently at Zhou Qingyu’s insistence. Tomorrow was the weekend, and she had plans to attend a concert with Zhou Qingyu in the afternoon.
But the estate was in the suburbs—an hour’s drive away.
Zhou Yanci’s throat bobbed slightly.
"My place… is nearby."
"Huh?"
Yan Xi blinked at him in surprise.
Zhou Yanci quickly clarified, "I mean my apartment in the city center. It’s close. You can change there before heading back. That’s all I meant!"
.
Riverside Penthouse
The sound of running water filled the bathroom, steam fogging up the frosted glass door and obscuring Yan Xi’s silhouette inside.
Zhou Yanci sat on the sofa, trying to review his afternoon meeting notes, but his throat felt parched, and his focus kept slipping.
The water stopped, and Yan Xi peeked out from the bathroom.
Since Zhou Yanci’s apartment didn’t have women’s clothing, Yan Xi was wearing one of his dress shirts. The air conditioning was cranked up high, so even bare-legged, she didn’t feel cold.
Zhou Yanci’s gaze darkened.
"Where are the pants?"
"Your pants are way too long!" Yan Xi held up the pair she’d tried on. "Look, they reach my chest!"
It wasn’t that she didn’t want to wear them, but they dragged on the floor. She’d nearly tripped trying to walk in them earlier.
Zhou Yanci took a deep breath.
His abdomen tensed unnaturally, and despite it being November, Zhou Yanci felt an inexplicable heat creeping over him.
He averted his gaze, refusing to look at Yan Xi, and instead carried her clothes to the washing machine.
He had initially considered asking Assistant Sun to deliver a fresh set of clothes, but Yan Xi insisted there was no need to trouble someone after work hours—no one liked being called back to work overtime.
Washing and drying the clothes wouldn’t take long anyway.
Zhou Yanci placed Yan Xi’s garments into the machine one by one, only to pause when he saw the delicate bra among them.
His mind blanked for a second.
In the end, he still tossed all her clothes into the washer.
As the machine hummed to life, Zhou Yanci pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a bitter chuckle. He was far from the gentleman Yan Xi believed him to be.
Returning to the living room, he found Yan Xi draped loosely in a rabbit-fur blanket over her thin shirt, her phone screen still lit with messages from the Xingyao group chat. She had fallen asleep on the sofa while scrolling.
Sleeping here would only lead to a cold.
Zhou Yanci sent a message to Zhou Qingyu, informing her that Yan Xi wouldn’t be returning to the Zhou residence tonight.
Then he approached, lifting Yan Xi into his arms to carry her to the master bedroom.
Suddenly, her eyes fluttered open.
She lay in his embrace, staring up at him intently.
The atmosphere grew thick, the air warming between them, their breaths and heartbeats unnervingly loud in the silence.
Yan Xi’s gaze traced the contours of his distant-mountain brows, the sharp bridge of his nose, before finally settling on his cool, thin lips.
Her voice was soft, drowsy. "Zhou Yanci, why do you like me? Is it because I cared about you?"
He hesitated. "Yes."
Her lips pressed into a slight pout, dissatisfaction flickering across her face.
Zhou Yanci continued, "But not entirely."
She lifted her eyes to meet his.
He smiled, brushing a finger over the tip of her upturned nose. "Silly, do you think I’d read those pointless motivational articles if just anyone sent them to me?"
Anyone else spamming him with such trivial messages would’ve been blocked without a second thought.
Yet he had read every single one—every article Yan Xi had sent him during that time.
Her eyes reddened, her chest swelling with emotion.
Before she could retreat, she leaned in and kissed him.
It was a fleeting touch, innocent and light, but as she tried to pull away, Zhou Yanci’s hand shot to the nape of her neck, deepening the kiss.
"What if I only cared about you to use you?" Yan Xi managed between breaths.
Zhou Yanci nipped gently at her lower lip. "Then I’d let you."
