Chapter 93: You Are the System

Chapter 93: You Are the System

L1 had barely left the Huo family's residence when Huo Mom realized he was gone.

Initially, Huo Mom didn't think much of it, assuming L1 had simply returned to his room.

After all, in their half-month together, Huo Mom had noticed that L1 was an independent child, so she didn't bother looking for him.

It wasn't until close to noon, when Huo Mom went to L1's room to call him down for lunch and searched the entire house without finding him, that she sensed something was amiss. She quickly rallied all the household staff to search for L1 together.

But this search lasted most of the day.

They couldn't find L1 anywhere.

Everyone in the Huo family received word that day. Not only did Huo Dad and Huo Jing rush back from work, but even Huo Yan, who was on set filming, took leave from the director and came straight home.

Qin Yao learned about the missing child from Huo Yan.

Huo Yan had left in a hurry and hadn't given specifics.

But since the disappearance of a child was a significant matter, Qin Yao had someone inquire and learned the general information about L1.

A five-year-old boy, not very talkative, who had suddenly appeared in the Huo family's backyard.

Huo Dad had asked him how he managed to scale the several-meter-high wall to enter the garden.

L1 replied, "I flew in."

Huo Dad and Huo Mom took it as a joke, and no one in the family gave it much thought.

When Qin Yao heard his assistant report this, however, he was slightly taken aback. "Fly?"

The assistant cleared his throat. "It should just be the ramblings of a child. Mr. Huo also mentioned that the child doesn't talk much and likes sweets..."

Qin Yao lowered his gaze and nodded. "Alright, I have a general understanding. Have people keep an eye out. If they find him, contact the Huo family first."

At first, Qin Yao didn't take the matter too seriously. But when he returned home that evening and saw the messy footprints on his balcony, along with the row of neatly arranged small snowmen, his perspective changed.

Qin Yao's room was on the third floor, yet there were no traces inside, and even the surveillance camera on the balcony failed to capture his figure.

Despite the boldness and absurdity of the theory, Qin Yao was overjoyed.

After eighteen years, he had finally found a clue related to that person.

That was why, upon waking up the next morning, he specially prepared two cups of oat milk.

Unfortunately, no one took the bait on the first day.

Thus, there were the words spoken last night and the oat milk again this morning.

Qin Yao appraised L1 before him.

His features were exquisitely refined, like a doll in a shop window. However, this face was not the one etched in Qin Yao's memory, leaving him somewhat disappointed.

Looking at L1 before him, his eyes now filled with panic and confusion.

Qin Yao slightly suppressed his disappointment, picked up a cup of milk, and offered it to him.

The aroma of oats reached L1's nose, instantly filling his nostrils with a sweet scent.

L1 swallowed reflexively, but as the most advanced system processor, his rationality remained intact. He didn't reach out to take the milk but instead warily stepped back.

Seeing this, Qin Yao was somewhat puzzled. "You're not going to drink it?"

L1 said nothing.

Qin Yao observed his expression, noticing the unmasked caution in his clear eyes.

Qin Yao suddenly smiled, picked up the other cup of milk, took a sip himself, and then said, "It's really good. Give it a try."

L1 still didn't accept it.

Qin Yao thought for a moment, put down the cup beside him, and then took his own milk to the living room.

As usual, after sitting down, he picked up his computer and started handling documents. Today, however, he would occasionally look up at L1.

L1 stood in place.

He was somewhat bewildered at the moment.

Because Qin Yao's reaction was too strange.

A stranger child suddenly appearing in the house, and Qin Yao wasn't surprised at all.

He even knew that L1 had been at the Huo family's house before.

Where did he get this information?

Or could it be that the villain also had a system?

Impossible.

This world was only an A-level world. Apart from the regulatory system, the only system that could exist was the protagonist assistance system.

L1 quickly checked the assistance systems in the same world—none.

There was no assistance system present for the time being.

L1 sighed in relief but then suddenly thought of the Huo family.

So Qin Yao found out about himself from the Huo family?

But even if he knew that he used to live with the Huos, why wasn’t he surprised at all to see me in his room?

Even Huo Dad asked him where I came from, and Qin Yao isn’t curious at all?

Or could it be—

L1 considered a possibility, his eyes widening slightly as he looked at the fragrant oat milk before him. Unable to resist, he took a small step forward and said, "Do… do you believe in monsters in this world?"

It was an abrupt question.

Qin Yao’s typing paused for a moment as he looked up at L1. "Why would you ask that?"

L1’s hand had already touched the cup. He couldn’t help but pick up the milk and then turned around to say, "Didn’t you say yesterday that this glass of milk is for the stray cat? So in your view, am I a stray cat turned into a monster?"

The entire room fell silent.

After several seconds, L1 heard a laugh.

This sentence seemed to hit the young man’s funny bone, and he laughed so hard that his whole body trembled as he covered his mouth.

Seeing this, L1’s brows furrowed tightly. For some reason, he suddenly felt a bit offended.

This emotion was also new to him, somewhat novel, but mostly it brought a hint of displeasure.

L1 pursed his lips tightly, and finally, his gaze landed on the glass of milk in his hand.

Holding the cup, he could feel that the milk was now at the perfect temperature.

L1 had already scanned the milk and found nothing wrong with it.

So should he take a sip?

Although he still didn’t know what the villain was thinking, the milk was innocent.

And looking at the villain’s appearance, he didn’t seem like someone who wanted to harm him.

Thus, amidst Qin Yao’s laughter, L1 raised the glass of milk and took a small sip of the oat milk.

The finely ground oats had thoroughly blended into the milk, creating a smooth texture that left a lingering fragrance on his lips.

L1’s eyes widened suddenly.

It was delicious.

Better than the sweet milk that Huo Mom had made for him before.

L1 loved this taste.

So the slight discomfort in his heart was quickly cast aside.

Just then, Qin Yao’s laughter stopped.

L1 heard the young man’s voice, laced with amusement, gently say, "Sorry, I just didn’t expect the system to believe in ghosts and gods, so I was a little surprised."

L1 was about to say that he certainly didn’t believe, but then he froze, forgetting to drink the milk. His eyes widened as he stared at Qin Yao in shock. "How did you know…"

Qin Yao had already put down his computer. Sitting there, he looked at L1 from afar with a smile. "So you really are the system."

"Did you fly onto my balcony?" Qin Yao asked again.

L1’s brows furrowed. The villain was indeed extraordinary! He actually knew such system-specific information.

Alarms went off in L1’s mind, and he immediately prepared to return to the Overlord Space to buy memory-erasing potion. But then he heard Qin Yao continue, "Don’t worry, I have no ill intentions toward you. I just want to inquire about someone… or rather, another system."

L1 paused in his actions, looking at him in shock. "You’ve encountered other systems?"

That couldn’t be possible. A-level worlds absolutely prohibited systems from lodging with villain hosts. How could Qin Yao have met a system?

Qin Yao looked at L1 and nodded gently. "Yes, he helped me once when I was a child, so I wanted to thank him in person."

That was wrong.

Something was very off.

L1’s brows furrowed slightly. "When did you meet him?"

Qin Yao looked at L1 and remained silent for a long time.

L1 couldn’t wait any longer. Holding his milk, he walked over to Qin Yao. At this point, he didn’t care that Qin Yao was the villain and that getting close to him might be dangerous. He sat directly on the sofa opposite Qin Yao and repeated, "When did you meet the system?"

Qin Yao’s brows seemed to furrow slightly, and he gave a faint smile. "Would telling you cause any negative impact on him?"

Pausing, Qin Yao continued, "Over the years, I’ve tried to learn more about systems, but I couldn’t find any information. My understanding of you is limited to our human speculations about you."

"But even though they’re speculations, I guess since you haven’t descended en masse into our world, there must be rules. So his appearance in our world…"

L1 observed Qin Yao, confirming that he wasn’t lying before saying, "If he revealed his identity to you or did something to intervene… then he violated the rules. But if he only appeared before you without doing anything else, it wouldn’t be considered a serious violation, and the punishment wouldn’t be severe."

Qin Yao received the answer he wanted and nodded slightly, almost without hesitation. "Then I can’t tell you."

L1 was shocked again. "But you just said you wanted to thank him personally? As long as it’s not a serious violation…"

"Yes," Qin Yao nodded. "But compared to him being punished, I think my gratitude is insignificant."

Looking at Qin Yao before him, L1 felt for the first time that he might need to upgrade his processor.

Why did he understand every word Qin Yao said, yet when these words were combined, he didn’t understand them?

The system's wrongful appearance in this world was indeed a mistake on its part, and accepting punishment was something it deserved.

But why would Qin Yao prefer to forgo the chance to thank him in person rather than let him accept the punishment?

Was this what Qiu meant by human emotions?

Indeed, they were complicated.

The temperature of the milk cup in L1's hand gradually cooled down, and he took another large sip.

The sweet taste slid down his tongue, and L1's tightly furrowed brows finally relaxed.

"I actually don't quite understand," L1 hesitated before speaking, "I'm certain that no system has appeared in this world so far. If your situation is true, this system will indeed be punished. But the punishments for systems aren't really severe, at most being deprived of..." L1 paused before continuing, "Still, I don't understand why his punishment is his business, why would you give up this rare opportunity to meet?"

Qin Yao had already lowered his head to handle documents. Hearing L1 speak, he raised his head and clearly saw all the confusion on L1's face.

"May I ask how old you are?" Qin Yao suddenly said.

L1 thought for a moment and said, "Our time flows differently from yours. If calculated according to your time..." He quickly calculated an exact number, which even surprised L1 himself, "One thousand and one years..."

Qin Yao was even more startled, his eyes slightly widening.

Feeling somewhat uncomfortable under his gaze, L1 lowered his head and continued drinking milk, muttering, "Our systems are different from your humans; our age..."

L1 felt somewhat unhappy.

Although one thousand and one years didn't mean much, the number did seem quite large.

How old was the villain in front of him?

Hmm.

23 years old.

Seeing his unhappiness, a hint of a smile appeared in Qin Yao's eyes as he changed the topic: "Hearing from Huo Yan that you like sweets, do you want some cake?"

L1 pursed his lips, not saying anything.

Qin Yao made the decision for him, picking up his phone to call the butler.

Before long, a cake was delivered to the room's door.

Qin Yao had the servant place the cake outside the door. He personally went out to retrieve it and then placed it in front of L1.

It was a chocolate-flavored cake, and from a distance, L1 could smell the sweet scent.

Qin Yao handed him a spoon, smiling and saying, "Want to try it?"

L1 hesitated for a moment but ultimately couldn't resist the temptation of sweets and accepted the spoon.

The soft cake was coated with crispy milk chocolate, with a layer of jam inside.

L1 took a bite and couldn't help digging another large spoonful into his mouth.

Before long, the entire cake was in his stomach.

At this point, Qin Yao spoke, "Your system is different from us humans; your age shouldn't be calculated based on our time."

Having eaten his fill, L1 was in a good mood and no longer fixated on the issue of his age, nodding his head.

Seeing this, Qin Yao slightly relaxed and asked, "Are all your systems like you?"

Confused, L1 responded, "Huh?"

Qin Yao didn't beat around the bush: "Like you, not understanding emotions?"

L1 said, "I'm not completely clueless; I just don't fully understand. Mainly, I want to figure out why I don't want to see..."

Almost revealing Ye Fan's matter, L1 promptly stopped himself and instantly looked at Qin Yao warily.

This major villain was not just different from the villains in L1's memory; they were worlds apart!

When had a villain ever spoken so gently?

L1 almost fell for his trick.

Thus, he unhesitatingly layered a program over his human body.

Once triggered by specific keywords, the rest of the words would be automatically censored, and only then did L1 breathe a sigh of relief, continuing, "Not all systems are like me. I came to this world this time precisely to learn about emotions."

Qin Yao nodded, understanding.

Thus, he said, "In that case, I think you need to make a call to the Huo family first."

Confused, L1 asked, "Huh? Why?"

Qin Yao smiled.

He could tell that the little system still had a long way to go in learning. Although he wasn't one to impose his knowledge, seeing the unmasked confusion on L1's face, Qin Yao couldn't resist reminding him, "Because they've been looking for you for two days; they're worried about you now."

Even more confused, L1 asked, "Why would they worry about me?"

He and the Huo family weren't related. He only stayed with them because he listened to Qiu's advice to understand the villain, so he would live in the Huo residence.

After half a month of interaction, although L1 didn't know everything about them, he had already understood enough. That was why L1 left the Huo residence, and it wasn't merely due to taking medicine.

Thinking about this, L1 suddenly realized, "Could it be that they still want to catch me back to take medicine? No way, if that's the case, I can't go back!"

Qin Yao was quite surprised, "You left their house just because they made you take medicine?"

L1's handsome brows furrowed pitifully as he said something he had never uttered before: "That medicine... it doesn't seem like something for humans to drink; it feels more like poison."

Even a system like him was nearly poisoned.

Qin Yao couldn't help but chuckle, "In that case, I should thank them for giving you the medicine..."

Otherwise, he doubted he would ever have another chance to understand systems, let alone learn anything about L1.

L1: "Huh?"

Qin Yao smiled, "Nothing much. Since you don't want to go back, you can stay at my place for now. Let me call them and tell them not to look for you anymore."

After some thought, L1 nodded in agreement, "Alright, but what about my identity..."

"Don't worry, I won't reveal it," Qin Yao assured him.

L1 looked at Qin Yao. For some reason, he felt that the young man in front of him wouldn't deceive him, so he nodded.

Half of the oat milk remained, and L1 sat on the sofa, sipping it slowly until it was finished.

After drinking, L1 politely took the milk cup and cake plate to the kitchen.

As he was pondering whether to wash his cup and plate, Qin Yao entered after finishing his call, saying, "Just leave them there; I'll wash them."

L1 then asked, "Can I come to you with questions during this time?"

Already wearing an apron and gloves, Qin Yao inquired upon hearing this, "Questions about emotions?"

L1 nodded.

He wanted to figure things out quickly, as the main plot of this world was about to begin.

Without hesitation, Qin Yao agreed, "Sure, but can you promise me one thing in return?"

L1 opened his mouth to speak.

Qin Yao interrupted him, "Don't worry, it won't be too much trouble for you."

Only then did L1 say, "Then tell me what it is first?"

The young man in front of him was too gentle. L1 had fallen into traps many times already; he was now a cautious system.

Qin Yao thought for a moment, and after a long pause, he said, "Forget it."

L1 was puzzled again, "Why forget it? Actually, if you want me to help you find that system, it's not impossible."

Qin Yao shook his head and smiled, "No need."

L1 asked, "Why?"

Qin Yao, remembering his promise to L1, explained, "Because I hope he remains well, even if the price is that we can never meet again."

L1 felt even more confused and repeated, "Why?"

Qin Yao pondered for a moment.

The little system in front of him still had a weak foundation. He quickly washed a milk cup and a dinner plate. Qin Yao removed his apron and gloves, went to the bedroom, and took out a tablet, which he handed to L1. "How about you watch a romance drama first?"

L1 looked perplexed, "Huh?"

Qin Yao laughed, "Emotions are the most complex things in the world, and many of them require your own understanding. Romance dramas are the quickest way to learn. By the way, what's your name?"

L1 took the tablet and said, "L1."

"L1?" Qin Yao murmured, "It's a code? I think that name doesn't sound good. How about calling you Yi Yi?"

L1 frowned, "It sounds strange."

Qin Yao said, "I agree, and it's a bit like 'Yi Yi.' How about calling you Xiao Xiao instead?"

L1 asked, "Why don't you just call me L1?"

"Do you dislike being called Xiao Xiao?" Qin Yao asked.

L1 replied, "Not exactly."

He just found it odd.

What was even stranger was why he told Qin Yao his name when he asked?

With this question in mind, L1 opened the romance drama on the tablet.

This was his first time watching a human world TV series.

He had to admit, it was indeed quite captivating.

L1 almost couldn't put down the tablet. If not for the loud noise downstairs, he probably wouldn't have noticed.

"What's going on?" L1 asked while watching the drama. Qin Yao was sitting on the opposite sofa using his computer.

Qin Yao replied, "It must be the He family here."

As soon as he finished speaking, the door was pushed open from the outside forcefully. He Yan was full of anger, "Qin Yao! Give me back my brother!"

L1 turned around and saw He Yan and He Ze standing at the door.

The two brothers were panting heavily, clearly having climbed the stairs in a hurry without waiting for the elevator.

Upon hearing his words, L1 was puzzled again, "Who's your brother?"

Upon his words' landing, Qin Yao couldn't help but cover his lips with a chuckle.

He Huo and He Ze wore expressions of shock and hurt: "Wait, little brat, you've been living in our home for half a month now. You're not our brother?"

L1's brows furrowed as he explained, "But I'm not your brother."

He Huo's face darkened as he swiftly approached and scooped L1 into his arms. "I don't care. Regardless, you're coming back with us today."

Suddenly, Qin Yao spoke up, "Yao Yao, are you going back with them?"

Before L1 could wriggle free from He Huo's grip, he heard Qin Yao's question. Just as he was about to answer, He Huo suddenly raised his voice: "What did you call him?!"

He Ze's voice was even louder: "You know his name?!"

Qin Yao smiled gently. "Yes, Yao Yao told me."

At that moment, L1 also managed to break free from He Huo's embrace. Standing before the stunned brothers, his small face was solemn. "Although I'm very grateful to your family for taking me in for half a month, I'm not your brother. And, I'm older than you!"

He Huo slowly bent down to look L1 in the eye. "You? Older than us?"

He Ze took a deep breath. He wasn't fixated on the age issue; it was the name problem that upset him. He was hurt and angry. "Why didn't you tell us your name and instead told Qin Yao?!"

He pointed at Qin Yao, his voice filled with grievance. "Is he better to you than us?!"

L1 was taken aback.

Why did it seem like He Ze was about to cry?

And He Huo, why did he seem angry?

But why?

He had merely spoken the truth. Why would they display such expressions?

L1 turned to look at Qin Yao.

He Huo became even angrier. "You're still looking at him! Did he just give you a piece of cake and take you away?!"

L1 earnestly explained, "No."

Compared to cake, he preferred drinking milk.

He Ze reached out again, lifting L1 into his arms. "President Qin, then we'll just—"

"Hold on."

"Wait a minute!"

Qin Yao and L1 spoke in unison.

L1 said, "For the next period of time, I want to live at Qin Yao's house."

Qin Yao nodded. "Yes."

He Huo couldn't bear it anymore. "Wait, you... Yao Yao," he immediately followed Qin Yao's lead in calling him by this name, "do you have any conscience at all? Do you even know who saved you and who told you stories every night? Now that you've found a better place to stay, you're so heartlessly throwing us aside?"

"That's right!" He Ze's face showed distress. "Mother thought you were missing these past two days. She couldn't sleep at all last night, constantly worrying about you. How could you do this..."

Faced with their accusations, L1 felt even more at a loss.

He didn't know how to start explaining, let alone understand how to clarify the situation. All he could do was seek help from Qin Yao.

Qin Yao let out a soft sigh and asked, "Has Auntie and Uncle been informed?"

He Huo glared at Qin Yao. "They're on their way here."

He Ze couldn't help but mutter, eyeing Qin Yao suspiciously. "What kind of love potion did you give him?"

How could he come for just one day and not want to leave?

Qin Yao stepped forward, extending his hand toward L1.

L1 hesitated for a moment before offering his hand.

Qin Yao "rescued" him from He Ze's embrace, placing him back on the ground before speaking. "It seems you can only tell them the truth."

L1 frowned. "What if I don't say anything?"

He was a system!

How could he reveal his identity to just anyone?

That couldn't be done so casually!

Qin Yao said, "If you don't tell them, they will all be sad."

L1's brows furrowed even tighter.

If it were before, when L1 hadn't come to human society or walked in this world as a human, he would have definitely said that their sadness had nothing to do with him.

But at this moment, those words wouldn't come out.

During the half-month he spent at the He residence, apart from the last day when Mother He forcefully made L1 take medicine, they had treated him well the entire time.

Not only Mother He, but also Father He, and the three little villains of the He family.

He Jing was usually quiet, but knowing that L1 liked sweets, he would bring a small cake for L1 every day after work.

He Huo was rarely at home, but because L1 had stayed at their house for half a month, he would return every few days, spending time playing games with him and He Ze.

Horze had grown closer to L1, for his team wasn't fully prepared yet. During this time, he either watched anime with L1 or took him out to play.

They were all good to L1.

Yet, like Qin Yao, they were all villains.

Actually, if it weren't for Qin Yao already knowing about the system's existence, L1 hadn't planned on saying those words to him.

So what should they do now?

Should they simply go to the points mall and exchange for a potion of memory loss?

Just as L1 was about to head to the mall to make the exchange, Qin Yao spoke up: "This is a good opportunity for you to understand emotions."

L1 paused in his actions.

Qin Yao continued, "Are you going to tell them?"

L1 hesitated.

Actually, if he only revealed his system identity to them, it didn't seem to be a major issue?

This world wasn't a high-risk one, lacking the ability to capture systems.

Moreover, as long as he didn't disclose plot information to them, the course of events in this world wouldn't be altered.

Even if the plotline did change, L1 could always reset the timeline.

Though resetting time would cost him a significant amount of points, L1 was never short on points.

Finally, L1 made his decision. He nodded earnestly at Qin Yao: "Alright."