Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Shen Muyun awoke to the overhead light—it was Lu Huainan's villa. He propped himself up and glanced at the door; nothing stirred.

Dusk was settling, and the room remained unlit. The lamp post outside the floor-to-ceiling window cast a faint, ethereal glow into the room.

A sharp pain shot through his right hand; he had moved too abruptly and hadn't noticed the IV line. Recalling the events in Baitou Village, he wished he could find a hole to crawl into. He had gone there to save others, only to end up being rescued himself.

Shen Muyun rubbed his temples and softly called out, "System."

The System wobbled into view, circling him. "Respected Host Master, your condition isn't ideal. Would you like to rest? Beep—temperature 37.2°C, low-grade fever."

Shen Muyun frowned, looking down at the blanket. His voice was muffled, and his nose felt a little stuffy. "System, was the Baitou Village mission completed?"

The System screen flickered with a blue light. "Of course, it was perfectly completed. The villagers are all safe; they evacuated in time. Only a few small creatures perished—may they return to their own planet and find a brighter future."

"System, what about the main mission to win over Lu Huainan? Any progress?"

A series of incomprehensible formulas appeared on the System's screen, culminating in a calculated value of five percent. "Host Master, this is your progress on the main mission with Lu Huainan. How peculiar—why is it so slow? Could there be an issue with the Time-Space Administration's calculation formula? I should consult the boss."

Seeing the IV bottle nearly empty, Shen Muyun casually pulled out the needle from his hand and tossed it aside. He noticed a water cup on the bedside table, picked it up, and took a sip. It seemed specially prepared by Lu Huainan—lemon plum drink, perfectly to his taste.

"System, what happens if progress is slow?"

The System remained silent for a while, its screen merely flickering with unrecognizable symbols. "Well, you only have three years to live. If you don't complete it by then, you might vanish due to various unforeseen events... Humans are, after all, particles; dissipating into the universe is quite normal. However, Host Master, you are the first to have seen my true form and the only one to have progressed this far, so I still have high hopes for you."

Shen Muyun sat quietly on the bed, contemplating the System's words. Three years? It didn't seem like much, really. If he were to dissipate, would anyone miss him? Would Lu Huainan? Shen Muyun shook his head, quickly dismissing such an absurd thought.

Just then, he heard a rustling sound—the door opening.

The System tactfully vanished into thin air. Shen Muyun pulled up the blanket, turned on his side, lay down, and closed his eyes, feigning sleep.

Lu Huainan entered with a tray, placed it on the bedside table, and sat directly on the bed. He patted Shen Muyun's shoulder. "Brother Yun, I know you're awake."

Shen Muyun felt helpless at his poor acting—this seemed to be the second time he’d been caught. *Sigh*, it seems pretending to sleep isn’t a good idea; it’s too awkward.

Shen Muyun turned over, his gaze meeting Lu Huainan's deep eyes directly.

Lu Huainan picked up the remote and turned on the light. The soft glow fell on both their faces, creating a subtly charged atmosphere.

"Brother Yun, you've been staring at me like this. Have I become haggard? Not good-looking anymore?"

"Cough, well, Huainan, no, it's nothing. Actually, I’m fine. Colds and such are common for me. My health has always been like this—minor illnesses constantly, but no major issues. Don’t worry."

Lu Huainan picked up a small bowl from the table, scooped up a spoonful of egg custard, blew on it, and held it to Shen Muyun's lips.

"Brother Yun, Dr. Qi said you need to eat something nutritious and soft. This is all I could think of. The auntie at home is only good at spicy and flavorful dishes. I made this myself. Try it."

Shen Muyun was startled, frozen for a moment. What did Lu Huainan mean by this? Coming to his senses, he tried to grab the spoon, but Lu Huainan anticipated his move and raised his hand.

"Brother Yun, let me. Your fingers are injured. Look, only your middle and index fingers aren’t bandaged. It’s not convenient for you anyway."

Shen Muyun lowered his eyes and nodded, his voice hoarse. "Well, alright. Actually, Huainan, I can manage."

A faint smile crept into Lu Huainan's eyes as he blew on the spoonful of egg. "Brother Yun, try it."

Shen Muyun felt a bit uncomfortable but ate it anyway. The tender egg custard carried a hint of sesame oil—Lu Huainan truly knew how to care for others.

Seeing Shen Muyun enjoy it, Lu Huainan felt relieved. "I thought since it was my first time making this, it might not taste good. I tried several times but always added too much salt. This time, the auntie guided me, and it turned out just right."

Shen Muyun recalled the System's words: Lu Huainan was gentle, attentive, came from a good family, and had both parents who were open-minded—unlike the male leads in other novels who had lost parents or had villainous older brothers.

"Huainan, do you often cook for yourself?"

Lu Huainan set the empty bowl aside. "Pretty much. When I was studying in the U.S., I was alone and always liked experimenting. I even learned to mix drinks. When Brother Yun is fully recovered, you should try one. Recently, I tried a cocktail called Sunset Rose—gin-based with rose syrup. I think it tastes pretty good."

Shen Muyun nodded. "Huainan, you hardly slept last night. Shouldn’t you rest?"

Shen Muyun had a vague feeling that something was off, but he couldn’t pinpoint what.

"I’m fine. Sometimes I work through the night too. Consider this like working overtime—I’ll catch up on sleep tomorrow. Brother Yun, does this count as you caring about me?"

Shen Muyun smiled. "I’ve always cared about you. You’re younger than me. My brother once said I should look after you properly."

Lu Huainan pouted. "So it was Liu Yun who said that. I thought it was your own idea. But it’s fine. By the way, my sister is home today."

Shen Muyun was startled. Wasn’t that... wasn’t that the arranged marriage candidate? No way, he couldn’t face that girl. This was too awkward.

Lu Huainan seemed to see through his thoughts and smiled. "Brother Yun, that arranged marriage was called off long ago. Besides, my sister has a sweetheart now. Feel better?"

Shen Muyun wasn’t entirely convinced but nodded vaguely.

"Brother, how is Second Young Master Shen? You were so worried you nearly blew up our kitchen."

Lu Huainan's sister didn’t even knock—she just walked right into the room.

"Luo Zhi! Don’t you know how to knock?"

Such a lovely name. Shen Muyun couldn’t understand why the Lu and Shen families had agreed to call off the marriage back then.

"Brother, I heard you talking, so I came in. Really, the way you look at Second Young Master Shen—it’s practically dripping with affection. I finally come to visit, and I can’t even get a proper meal. The auntie had to make do because you used all the eggs in the house for your experiments!"

"Mmm..." Shen Muyun couldn’t help but cover his mouth, letting out a strange sound.

Lu Huainan’s attention immediately shifted to Shen Muyun. "Are you uncomfortable somewhere? Dr. Qi said the bandages need to be changed regularly, and you need a week of IV antibiotics."

*Oh my god*, Shen Muyun thought, his mind racing. *This is torture*.

"Well, I’m fine. Hello, and... I have to apologize. What happened before was my fault, um..."

Luo Zhi circled the bed, her eyes fixed on Shen Muyun, scrutinizing him closely.

"So this is my brother’s type. Brother, this is a chance you can’t miss—you have to seize it. I’ve long forgotten what happened before. My suitors could line up from Jiangcheng to Haicheng! I’m waiting for a sister-in-law."

Lu Huainan threw a pillow at Luo Zhi. "What nonsense! Brother Yun will get angry."

Luo Zhi made a face at Lu Huainan and snapped her fingers. Someone appeared at the door pushing a cart laden with an assortment of beverages.

"Since Second Young Master Shen is fine, we should celebrate!"

Shen Muyun glanced toward the door. How could these siblings be so different? Luo Zhi was so energetic.

"Luo Zhi! What are you doing? Brother Yun is still sick and has a fever. How can he rest with all this noise?"

Luo Zhi stood on tiptoe, swayed her hips, and looked at Shen Muyun’s somewhat pale face. "Well, brother, I’m just happy and got carried away. Anyway, brother, you need to step up your game. Besides, we can have a drink together."

"Luo Zhi, haven’t I told you that girls should prioritize safety, drink less, and focus on self-improvement?"

Luo Zhi glanced awkwardly at Shen Muyun on the bed, looking defiant. "You have, but isn’t this to celebrate my brother’s narrow escape and future blessings..."

Shen Muyun burst out laughing at the siblings' exchange. "I must say, Lu Huainan, your sister is quite adorable. Luo Zhi, you can just call me Shen Muyun—'Second Young Master Shen' sounds way too distant."

"Then I'll follow my brother and call you Brother Yun."

Lu Huainan immediately grabbed Luo Zhi by the ear. "Don’t push your luck, Lu Luo Zhi. Get out of here and take your alcohol with you. This kind of celebration isn’t appropriate."

Luo Zhi pouted reluctantly. "Fine. But for your birthday party, I’ll bring the drinks again. These are all premium reserves! Brother! I’m shipping you two!"

She made a playful face at Shen Muyun. "Well, Brother Muyun, I’m heading out now. And don’t worry about the arranged marriage anymore—I already have someone I like."

Shen Muyun nodded at Luo Zhi, his mouth twitching as if some bizarre plot had just been triggered.

After Luo Zhi left, Lu Huainan frowned apologetically. "Well, Brother Yun, my sister has always been like this—loud and unfiltered. Sorry if she embarrassed you. No idea where she gets all these whimsical ideas."