Chapter 48

Chapter 48

Yan Feng stared at Yu Yi for five seconds before turning the question back to Shang Shang Qian, "What changes do you think he has had after the unbind?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "Physically, there shouldn't be any issues."

Yan Feng asked, "What about mentally?"

Shang Shang Qian replied coldly, "He was at least somewhat communicative before, but later grew increasingly radical. It's unclear if it's due to the unbind or because he met Fu Xiuning."

Yan Feng fell silent.

Their main purpose in meeting Yu Yi was to find out the method of unbinding. Now that they had the answer, there was no need to further bother with him. They just needed to keep an eye out to ensure he wouldn't betray them. If necessary, they could even eliminate this liability.

However, the unbinding process was complicated.

Not to mention whether the system was willing to destroy the energy storage, the potential consequences made Yan Feng hesitate. If Yu Yi's abstract state was really related to the unbind, then it would be a disaster.

The idea of entering an abstract state in the future made his head spin. He couldn't accept it at all.

Another issue was nagging at him, so he brought it up again, "What's the issue with your energy now?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "There's no issue. It's running normally."

Yan Feng called out to his system, "Why did you shout earlier?"

Hou Lai Ju Shang chose a direction to answer, "Its energy is more than I expected."

Shang Shang Qian explained, "Because the backup energy storage was activated."

Yan Feng asked, "Why didn't you use it before?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "Before, I could ask you for it."

Yan Feng didn't believe it. If that were true, they wouldn't have reacted the way they did.

The system and the host were in the same camp. For both systems to avoid answering directly... He bluffed, "Is it related to the host?"

Shang Shang Qian fell silent.

Hou Lai Ju Shang expected them to keep answering but was taken aback when they fell silent. He quickly thought of a countermeasure but was a few seconds too slow.

In the brief silence, Yan Feng had already figured out the answer and coldly said, "Speak."

Hou Lai Ju Shang said, "Actually, we..."

Shang Shang Qian spoke at the same time, "The soul is also a form of energy."

Hou Lai Ju Shang looked at it in horror, thinking, why did you tell the truth?!

But it was too late. Yan Feng had heard it.

When he first arrived, he was suffering from amnesia. At that time, the system had explained it to him, but it had been so long that he had forgotten. Now, he remembered.

Even though he had made some guesses beforehand, he still felt his understanding was revised. "You consumed his soul?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "Just a little energy, it won't have any impact."

Yan Feng inwardly sneered.

"Are you kidding me? You think I’m stupid or something?

So, are you telling me the system can eat the host's soul? Or more bluntly, they're the system's backup reserve?

He felt uneasy but didn’t say anything, changing the subject instead: 'You said last time that you discovered something big. What was it?'

Shang Shang Qian replied, 'After we two unbound, we both lost connection with the main system.'

Xing Shi and the host both tensed up. 'What?'

Shang Shang Qian continued, 'It’s been so long since we unbound, and the main system still hasn’t noticed anything. It must be unaware of the situation, don’t you think?'

Xing Shi and the host were left speechless, realizing it was indeed a big issue.

Later Riser asked, 'Do you want me to help report it?'

Shang Shang Qian said, 'Now that I have energy, I can do it myself.'

Later Riser thought it made sense and didn’t interfere.

Yan Feng switched topics. 'How did you figure out I’m the host?'

Shang Shang Qian replied, 'You want the truth?'

Yan Feng said, 'Duh!'

Shang Shang Qian fell silent for a moment.

Xing Shi and the host sensed something was off and braced themselves for the answer.

Shang Shang Qian said, 'You’re not going to believe this.'

Xing Shi and the host said, 'Tell us.'

Shang Shang Qian replied, 'We took a wild guess.'

Xing Shi and the host were caught off guard. 'What?'

Shang Shang Qian explained, 'We lost contact with the main system and had to seek help from other hosts. I knew there had to be artists who were hosts in the company. You’ve been giving us lessons lately and are the only artist we’ve been in contact with, so we decided to take a wild guess. If we were wrong, it would’ve been embarrassing for you. As it turns out, we guessed correctly.'

Xing Shi and the host: '……'

No wonder you two are so unpredictable!

Shang Shang Qian’s personality was cold, and it preferred to give direct answers without playing mind games. It was Xing Shi who suggested playing a little trick for fun.

Seeing that Yan Feng and his system were left speechless, it asked, 'Is there anything else you’d like to ask?'

Yan Feng felt like tying a firecracker to it and sending it off. 'No more, get lost.'

Shang Shang Qian said, 'My host is worried you won’t rescue him, so he asked me to keep an eye on you.'

Yan Feng asked, 'What does that mean?'

Shang Shang Qian replied, 'I’ll be sticking around for a while.'

Yan Feng immediately became alert. 'What if you run out of energy again?'"

Shang Shang Qian said, "You're not my bound host, so I can't devour your soul. I'm sure your system won’t mind lending me some energy."

Yan Feng’s frugal side kicked in, "Our energy is running low too. Stay with your host; we'll definitely rescue you."

Shang Shang Qian said, "I'm not reassured."

It was just a casual remark. Even if they offered it energy, it wouldn’t take it. Firstly, it didn’t want to be interfered with by the main system’s energy again, and secondly, it wouldn’t be staying with them for long. The energy Xing Shi provided was enough for its use.

It said, "As a reward for taking me in, if you encounter any issues, I can help."

Both of them scoffed inwardly.

You’re in no state to help anyone. Better to just rest.

While they were chatting, the trainees tried talking to Yu Yi, but got no response.

After hearing the system’s feedback, Yu Yi felt calm and sat on the bed without saying a word.

Feng Zifan sat with him for a while, then silently got up and left with the others.

Xing Shi stayed put. "Wait outside. I’ll talk to him alone and see if I can get a response."

Feng Zifan stopped, just about to say he would stay by the side, when Yan Feng spoke up, "I’ll stay too. I was also at the scene; I’ll help you try."

Xing Shi looked at him.

Yan Feng’s expression remained neutral.

Xing Shi stared at him for a few seconds before looking away, "Alright, Feng Ge can stay."

Feng Zifan gave him a questioning look, and seeing his insistence, said, "We’ll wait for you outside. Call if something happens."

Xing Shi nodded, watching the door close, then turned to Yu Yi, "My brother and I are officially together."

Yu Yi’s hand tightened on the bedsheet, hidden in the shadows, but he didn’t look up.

Xing Shi said, "It’s thanks to you actually. I told him that whoever he wants to be with is his freedom. He confessed to me that very night after hearing that."

Yu Yi’s breath hitched.

Xing Shi said, "I asked him what he thought about your situation. He only gave three words: no opinion. Too bad, you were so hysterical in front of him, yet he didn’t care at all."

Yu Yi’s body tensed as he struggled to restrain himself, not wanting to go mad and be forcibly medicated.

Seeing him shiver slightly, Xing Shi’s voice turned cold, "So do you understand now? Your mission has failed, host."

Yu Yi froze, a cold chill running through him.

Yan Feng watched closely, immediately cursing inwardly.

Yan Feng called out to Shang Shang Qian, "Given how he’s acting, it’s only a matter of time before he snaps. Tell him to kill Xing Shi now!"

Shang Shang Qian said, "If he were willing to listen to me, we wouldn’t be in this situation."

Yan Feng said, "He has to listen. If Xing Shi doesn’t die, we’re all in danger!"

Shang Shang Qian said, "So, what’s the plan for taking him out?"

Yan Feng subconsciously looked for a weapon, but the ward had been cleaned too thoroughly. He said, "We could rush over and bite his neck, severing the carotid artery."

Shang Shang Qian analyzed, "Xing Shi is 1.2 meters away from him. If he makes a move, Xing Shi will retreat. Feng Zifan and the others are all outside the door. The probability of my host succeeding is zero."

Yan Feng said, "How would you know if we don't try? I'll help block Xing Shi's escape route."

The system also joined in, trying to persuade the host.

Shang Shang Qian remained unmoved. "I don't agree."

The host was about to lose it.

Before they could continue persuading, Xing Shi looked over.

Xing Shi said, "Feng Ge's expression doesn't seem too good. What's wrong?"

Yan Feng suppressed the murderous intent in his heart and said calmly, "It's nothing, just reminiscing about what happened that day."

Xing Shi said, "I see. I've finished what I had to say. Does Feng Ge have anything to add?"

Yan Feng, wanting to stall for time, said, "Yes."

Xing Shi stepped back, away from the bed, giving him space. "Alright, go ahead."

The host: "..."

Why did he back off so far?

Their chances of success were now even slimmer.

Ten minutes later, Yan Feng gave up.

He still couldn’t convince Shang Shang Qian to stay, so he left the ward with Xing Shi, feeling frustrated and dragging the system along.

As they stepped out of the hospital ward, they spotted Fu Xiuning nearby.

They paused for a moment, then approached to greet him.

Xing Shi was also surprised. "Brother, what brings you here?"

Fu Xiuning looked at him. "To pick you up."

Feng Zifan and the others immediately knew to leave.

Yan Feng tried to join the conversation, but Fu Xiuning’s calm glance made it clear he wasn’t welcome, so he reluctantly left.

He silently cursed Fu Xiuning and started discussing with the system how to eliminate Xing Shi.

Shang Shang Qian remained silent, listening intently.

Yan Feng suddenly thought of it and, following the principle of not letting a resource go to waste, said, "Can you eavesdrop on their conversation?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "I don't have enough energy."

Yan Feng said, "It's fine. I'll go find Yu Yi to recharge you."

Shang Shang Qian reminded, "If you keep reaching out to him, it’ll raise suspicions."

Yan Feng said, "Whose fault is that? Isn't it all your fault!" Shang Shang Qian said, "You set the trap, and if Xing Shi hadn’t been lurking in the shadows, we would have met without any issues."

Yan Feng said angrily, "Who knew you guys would be this unpredictable!"

Shang Shang Qian didn’t argue with him and said directly, "I refuse."

Yan Feng had reached his limit and ordered, "Younger brother, do it for me."

Later Comes said, "I don't have that ability."

Yan Feng sneered, "How could we not? Just use your ability to devour the host's soul."

Later Comes thought to himself, sure enough, he’s been marked, and this grudge probably won’t be resolved anytime soon.

He explained, "Boss, my ability is in a disabled state and can't be activated."

Yan Feng didn’t believe it. "Then try harder."

Later Comes had no choice but to say, "But doing that could accidentally hurt you, Boss."

Yan Feng fell silent.

In the end, Later Comes took on everything and went to eavesdrop.

Yan Feng thought about how it had been eavesdropping intermittently for several days and asked, "How much energy do you have left?"

Later Comes said, "Don't worry, Boss, it's enough."

Given that Yan Feng had become its reserve energy, it was hardly reassuring, and he said, "Did they mention Yu Yi?"

Later Comes said, "No."

Yan Feng said, "Xing Shi cares a lot about Yu Yi's situation, but based on Fu Xiu Ning's reaction, Xing Shi hasn't mentioned him. Maybe because it's too fantastical, he wants to investigate it first. Relying on eavesdropping like this is hit or miss. Just check in once in a while."

Later Comes said, "...Alright."

Xing Shi didn’t care about being eavesdropped on and followed Fu Xiu Ning to the parking lot.

He knew Fu Xiu Ning was worried that Yan Feng might act rashly and had come over because he was concerned, so he didn’t mention it. After getting in the car and fastening his seatbelt, he asked, "Where are we going?"

Fu Xiu Ning said, "Where do you want to go?"

Xing Shi instinctively wanted to say home but then thought of a way to lower the favorability and probed, "Can we go anywhere?"

Fu Xiu Ning looked at him with anticipation and didn’t take the bait, "Tell me first, and I'll listen."

Xing Shi said, "You're my brother. You have to agree to my request first."

Fu Xiu Ning thought for a moment and guessed a possibility, "Want to buy a moped?"

Xing Shi's eyes lit up, "Yes!"

Fu Xiu Ning said gently, "The snacks at home are almost gone. I'll take you to buy some."

Xing Shi couldn’t help but laugh.

He glanced at Fu Xiu Ning, "So reluctant? A moped is so cute. How about letting me take you for a ride?"

Fu Xiu Ning said, "I can watch you take a ride."

Xing Shi couldn’t help but recall his earlier comment about watching them play in the sand and felt a twinge in his heart. "Brother, do you have any childhood photos at home?"

Fu Xiuning said, "Yes, they're with my parents."

Xing Shi smiled and responded with a soft "Yeah," bringing the conversation to a close.

Fu Xiuning glanced at him, noticing how quickly the topic had shifted, and suspected it was related to their childhood. He decided to take some time to go back and check.

He asked, "Moped or snacks?"

Xing Shi said, "Will you come for a moped ride with me?"

Fu Xiuning started the car and drove him to the supermarket.

Once there, he pushed a shopping cart toward Xing Shi and gestured for him to pick whatever he wanted to eat.

Halfway through, they came across a model of a moped, so Fu Xiuning picked it up and placed it in the cart.

99 happened to see this and clicked his tongue. "You were so reluctant, but you still bought me one—just a model, though."

Xing Shi was touched. "Really, I've decided to secretly buy a real one and surprise him."

Fu Xiuning: "..."

99 said, "I doubt he'll even sit on it."

Xing Shi said, "No, he cares about me. How could he bear to see me ride a moped alone?"

99, imagining the scene, exclaimed, "Yes, if you act pitiful, he might just agree. And when he sits on it, he'll discover a new world, like being able to wrap his arms around your waist from behind."

Xing Shi: "..."

He subtly glanced at Fu Xiuning, noticing no change in the favorability notification, and quickly understood. It seemed Fu Xiuning was still more resistant to the moped.

But in their current state of mutual restraint, any physical contact, even sitting on a moped together, would likely increase the favorability.

So he gave up on the idea of a moped ride.

The trainees only had one day off from training.

The next day, they resumed their regular practice.

At the end of August, they were about to face their second comprehensive assessment. Everyone was pushing themselves in practice, and the tension was palpable.

Yan Feng came to teach another class and agreed to be the evaluator for this assessment.

Recently, he had been seriously thinking about one thing: how to eliminate him.

Although Xing Shi hadn't mentioned anything about the host in front of him again, he was clearly still suspicious. Yan Feng could sense the occasional probing.

The only good news was that from observing Fu Xiuning, it seemed he really didn't know about this yet, so they needed to act quickly.

The current problem was how to do it.

A car accident wouldn't work; Yan Feng had been too busy working since he arrived here and hadn't learned to drive.

Poisoning wouldn't work either; in a lawful society, it was too difficult to leave no traces. He couldn't afford to get caught.

A hiking trip could work, but Xing Shi had been in constant training and couldn't be spared.

The more he thought, the more frustrated he got. "Maybe we should just let it go. This whole thing is so absurd. As long as Yu Yi and I keep quiet, what can he possibly uncover?"

Later Jushang worriedly said, "What if he tells Fu Xiuning about it?"

Yan Feng asked, "If Fu Xiuning finds out, will the main system catch on?"

Later Jushang hesitated, "I'm not sure."

Shang Shang Qian said coldly, "Maybe not right away, but they’ll figure it out eventually, and then they'll trace it back to us for leaking the information."

Yan Feng angrily said, "And you’ve got the nerve to bring it up!"

Shang Shang Qian said, "The damage is done. Instead of wasting time infighting, we should find a way to fix it."

Yan Feng asked, "Got any ideas?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "No."

Yan Feng became even angrier, "Then keep quiet!"

Later Jushang quickly smoothed things over, "Boss, take it easy. The more stressed we get, the harder it is to think straight. Let’s all calm down for a bit."

Yan Feng humphed.

Later Jushang said, "How about this: after their exam, we invite them out to unwind?"

Yan Feng said, "You mean I should invite this whole group?"

Later Jushang said, "......If we only invite Xing Shi, it’ll look suspicious."

Yan Feng said, "Inviting too many people will make it harder to act!"

Shang Shang Qian said, "Then find a place with a complex environment."

Yan Feng asked, "What do you mean?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "The mountains in the suburbs, where you can go rafting, hiking, and bungee jumping. The terrain is complex and suitable for making a move."

Yan Feng took out his phone to check the information and quickly went through it. He thought it was feasible. Although it would cost him a lot, he had to bear it to save his life.

Later Jushang, seeing that he agreed, immediately started flattering him, "Boss, you're awesome! Truly someone capable of great things!"

Due to the soul recharge incident, the host had been looking at him with some displeasure lately, and with the unsmooth murder planning, his mood became even worse.

Finally having made some progress, he seized the opportunity to sweet-talk, "Once we take care of Xing Shi, we'll build our own dynasty! Recruit colleagues and claim all the glory that belongs to us!"

Yan Feng ignored it as he looked at the information on his phone.

Later Jushang continued, "I am so fortunate to be able to follow the boss and witness you ascend to the throne! I must have done something amazing in my past life to be paired with you by the main system!"

Yan Feng said, "We'll talk about it after we deal with Xing Shi."

Later Jushang admired, "There's nothing the boss wants to do that he can't accomplish!"

Yan Feng put away his phone and finally gave it a "Hmm."

Shang Shang Qian silently looked at him.

Later Jushang, "!"

Having praised too enthusiastically, he forgot that there were still colleagues around.

Anyway, Shang Shang Qian usually seems so mysterious in the group, but isn’t it true that things have still reached this ridiculous point?

Shang Shang Qian was right; everyone is struggling.

Two days later, the trainees had their official exam.

Xing Shi performed steadily but remained in Class Two.

The students in Class One were all top-notch, with strong foundations and intense training, so they rarely dropped ranks. Meanwhile, Xing Shi had taken quite a few leaves recently, falling behind in his studies, and thus couldn’t make it into Class One.

As a teacher, Yan Feng stepped forward to invite them to go out for two days to relax and unwind.

Everyone was interested and looked at the supervisor.

The supervisor knew they’d been putting in a lot of work lately and, seeing Yan Feng’s enthusiasm, said, “Alright, I’ll go talk to the boss.”

Yan Feng said, “I’ll go with you.”

Fu Xiuning sat in the office listening to them and then looked at Yan Feng. “You proposed this?”

Yan Feng replied calmly, “Yes, they are my students, and I get along well with them.”

Fu Xiuning asked, “Are we allowed to bring family members?”

Yan Feng immediately understood his implication. “Do you want to go, boss?”

Fu Xiuning replied, “Not welcome?”

Yan Feng: “……”

For a boss, he sure is cheap!

Yan Feng was extremely annoyed. Fu Xiuning was always with Xing Shi, which would make it even harder for them to deal with Xing Shi.

But… he’d already announced the trip in front of everyone, so he couldn’t back out now. He had no choice but to swallow his frustration and accept it.

When the news reached the training department, everyone cheered.

After a night’s rest, everyone woke up early the next morning, grabbed their luggage, and boarded the bus heading to the suburbs.

Fu Xiuning didn’t join them on the bus but drove separately. His assistant drove while he and Xing Shi sat in the backseat.

Yan Feng boarded the bus.

Wearing an eye mask and pretending to sleep, Yan Feng was actually checking details with the two systems.

Shang Shang Qian, almost finishing the conversation, suddenly said, “I have to go.”

Both the person and the system were taken aback. “Huh?”

Shang Shang Qian said, “I received a reply to the report I sent to the main system. It told me to find Yu Yi and re-bind with him.”

Later on, someone else said in surprise, “Now?”

Shang Shang Qian replied, “Yes.”

Later Ju Shang said, "But can your energy support you floating that far?"

Shang Shang Qian replied, "The main system said it will replenish me."

Later Ju Shang nodded. "Alright, see you."

Shang Shang Qian didn't move but activated a shield.

Later Ju Shang was suddenly enveloped by it and asked, "What are you doing?"

Shang Shang Qian said, "If you're going to blow up the energy core, remember to activate a shield first, otherwise I'm worried the host's head might explode."

Later Ju Shang's heart raced. "Why are you telling me this?"

Shang Shang Qian looked at it. "Just covering all bases."

Later Ju Shang said, "I'd never do anything to hurt the host!"

Shang Shang Qian said, "But if he fails and Fu Xiuning figures out the truth, the only way for you to escape punishment from the main system is to cut ties with it."

It paused, then added in a cold tone, "Of course, just a suggestion. Whether you follow it or not is up to you."

As it spoke, it deactivated the shield, detached from Yan Feng's body, and left the bus.

After floating back a short distance, it saw Fu Xiuning's car and returned to Xing Shi's body.

99 greeted cheerfully, "You're back~"

Shang Shang Qian asked, "What's the current favorability score?"

99 replied, "88."

Shang Shang Qian asked, "It didn't drop?"

99 said, "It was 87, but when Xing Shi grabbed some snacks and their hands brushed, it shot back up to 88."

It tutted. "You should’ve seen it. What's it called? The innocent touch of two college guys~"

Shang Shang Qian shook its head. "..."