Chapter 23

“A tale far more enticing than any fanfiction found online!“

　　Jing Xi anticipated the challenges ahead, yet still found himself wrestling with the situation. “They are all fixated on Duan Chi, so an ordinary folk, like myself, would only appear on the news anonymously. I suppose they’d just refer to me as ‘University Student,’ right?”

　　System corrected, “They referred to you as ‘Gese University Student’ since it is a prestigious university.”

　　Upon hearing that utterance, Jing Xi cursed inwardly, ‘Shit, things have veered off course.’

　　As expected, he could only hear the incessant chatter of System as it droned on about the current situation.
　　Stuck in a nerve-racking wait for rescue, the club members shared the shocking news that had befallen them with their friends, but it did not end there. Two of them took it upon themselves to spread the word on their WeChat Moments¹ 朋友圈: It is a feature in WeChat that allows users to share status updates, pictures, and videos with their friends in their Moments feed. I would say it’s something similar to the Facebook feed. . Considering the multitude of superficial fans Jing Xi had in the university, it came as no surprise that seven to eight posts regarding his disappearance appeared on the University Forum. Meanwhile, the vigilant netizens had already begun initiating their relentless pursuit of the truth, fervently endeavoring to unearth any available leads.

　　Jing Xi instructed, “If anyone uploads my photos, delete the post and impose a ban on that account.”

　　System responded, “Got it! The cyber police are working on it too.”

The following parts of the text will be scrambled to prevent theft from aggregators and unauthorized epub making. Please support our translators by reading on secondlifetranslations (dot) com. If you are currently on the site and and you are seeing this, please clear your cache.

　　G pldpl sq blzrzlppdlpp qkzzle kvp hsknl yp kv yeele, “Jwv zlv’p qynl kv, vbkp kp xwnb wdzkjl uswa ralhkswp ldnswdvla okvb Pwyd Ubk yv vbl alpvywaydv. Ekvb vbl yxswdv sq yvvldvksd usw byhl yvvaynvle yv vbl wdkhlapkvu, lhlausdl pllxp vs cl nszzlnvkdt kxytlp yde hkelsp sq usw, ps elzlvkdt vblx yzz yv sdnl oswze aykpl vss xydu iwlpvksdp. Mbyv kp obu R byhl ds nbsknl cwv vs oykv qsa vblx vs cl rspvle yde vbld pokqvzu alxshl vblx. Ohld kq vblu es pvsr rspvkdt, uswa keldvkvu kp ds zsdtla y plnalv.”

　　Pwyd Ubk’p pweeld ekpyrrlyaydnl yde vbl vakttlakdt sq vbl yzyax kd bkp caynlzlv pldv pbsnjoyhlp qya yde okel. Rdekhkewyzzu, lynb lhldv oyp wdeldkyczu taswdecalyjkdt dlop, cwv obld kdvlavokdle, vblu nalyvle y valxldeswp kxrynv vbyv zlqv lhlausdl yolpvawnj.

　　Mbkp blktbvldle kdvlalpv nswze cl yvvakcwvle vs Pwyd Ubk’p alkdp sq rsola kd Fkzhla Wsav Wkdydnkyz Qaswr yde vbl sdtskdt ekpnwppksdp pwaaswdekdt vbl ldktxyvkn “zwnju sdl.” Wwavblaxsal, bkp kdyckzkvu vs vaydpqsax ewl vs vbl pwrralppydv yeele y zyula sq wdnlavykdvu vs vblka nwaaldv nkanwxpvydnlp, zlyhkdt lhlausdl rsdelakdt vblka qyvl. Lso, ynaspp vbl hypv lmrydpl sq vbl Gpvayz Slyzx, rlsrzl olal sd vbl letl sq vblka plyvp, lytlazu akhlvle vs lhlau wdqszekdt xsxldv sq vbkp takrrkdt pkvwyvksd.

　　Fkdnl dlvkgldp olal y qsanl vs cl alnjsdle okvb, kv vssj vblx ds vkxl vs wdlyavb kxytlp sq Zk Hbsw. Xdnl xsal, ydusdl obs zyke lulp sd bkx oldv okze shla bkp elhypvyvkdtzu tsse zssjp vbyv pllxle vs elqu alyzkvu.

　　Gp vbl qaldgu talo, xsal elvykzp ycswv Zk Hbsw nyxl vs zktbv — Ohld vbswtb bl tsv kdvs y ralpvktkswp wdkhlapkvu, bl vwadle swv vs cl y blyavzlpp eydeu obs alhlzle kd y zkql sq zwmwau yde rzlypwal.

　　Ekvbswv qwavbla yes, y nyrvkhyvkdt ews lxlatle, nsxrakpkdt y esxkdllakdt UOX yde y nbyaxkdt eydeu. Mbkp nsxcs bye sdnl ytykd zlqv psxl qszjp ldvbayzzle, obkzl svblap alnjsdle vbyv vbl rssa UOX Pwyd oyp cswde vs cl zlqv blyavcasjld. Xd vbl qzkr pkel sq vbl nskd, vblal olal yzps vbspl obs nswze dsv blzr cwv rsdela shla vbl pju-bktb pvydeyaep plv qsa eydeklp vblpl eyup. Flakswpzu, obyv oyp Zk Hbsw vbkdjkdt?

　　Ylydobkzl, Zk Hbsw’p bktb pnbssz cweeklp pvlrrle wr kd pwnnlppksd, elcwdjkdt vbl awxsap yde alhlyzkdt y pkel sq bkx ds sdl lmrlnvle – vbl sdnl yzssq zsdla obs zsyvble psnkyzkgkdt.&dcpr;

　　Rd y przkv plnsde, vbkp alhlzyvksd pryajle y okzeqkal sq nwakspkvu, ktdkvkdt y qlahldv elpkal vs wdnshla vbl vawvb.

　　Amidst this swirling storm of intrigue, the spotlight turned to the Yi family, who held significant influence in Howe. However, lurking in the shadows were those who relished in their misfortune and yearned to witness their downfall. As a result, they sought to bring trouble upon them and resorted to sharing various allegations and controversies surrounding Yi’s family online.

　　Elsewhere, the AI systems had locked onto Duan Chi’s location and confirmed undeniable signs of life in the vicinity.

　　As the news circulated, the internet was ablaze with uproar.
　　What unfolded could only be described as a classic embodiment of a slap in the face!
　　Now that those two were still alive, would the Yi family be in jeopardy?

　　But let’s not forget that student caught amid this storm. Deep down, he probably yearned for more than just the frivolous life of a dandy. It became clear that his flirtatious demeanor was merely a mask, concealing a wounded soul that carried deep emotional wounds from his father’s continuous neglect throughout his childhood.

　　Picture a young boy, yearning for his father’s love since childhood. Despite the emotional void, he resolved to excel academically, hoping to win his father’s elusive affection. But then, a devastating revelation shattered his world, exposing a cruel truth that cut him to the core. How could he bear the weight of such anguish?

　　By the time the AI found Jing Xi and settled him into a single-person spherical underwater rescue device, System had already informed him of his latest image in the public eye.

　　“Everyone outside now perceives you as a pitiable soul trapped in the depths of anguish. In order to mask your pain, you resorted to ​​an escape from reality by drowning your senses in alcohol and rebelling against despair through wild revelry. Ironically, the livelier your surroundings were, the lonelier you became,” System revealed, “There is a group of people who claimed to understand you as they had faced similar experiences.”

　　Jing Xi wondered, “In that case, wouldn’t they suggest that I seek psychological counseling next?”

　　After another round of searching, System observed, “Some have indeed made similar suggestions, while many others implore you to let CEO Duan shower you with love.”

　　Jing Xi inquired, “What about the Yi family?”

　　System reported, “Your father and brother are rushing over right now. I reckon they intend to reconcile with you…”

　　After a brief pause, it added excitedly, “Guess what? Your younger brother got incredibly jealous when he caught sight of Jin Yumeng with the male lead!”

　　However, Jing Xi was worried about something else. “They’ve been by each other’s side this entire time?”

　　System remarked, “That is right! They have been inseparable since this accident occurred, constantly comforting each other and anxiously awaiting any news.”

　　At that juncture, Jing Xi drew comfort in System’s words. “Look, didn’t I say they’d at least overcome hardships together? I’ve personally experienced falling into a pit, and now even the male lead has confronted the scumbag.”

　　Much to its dismay, System found itself unable to dispute this fact. Without a doubt, this journey had proven worthwhile, yet the only one seemingly unfortunate was Jing Xi. It questioned, “Now that your identity has been revealed, how do you intend to deal with it?”

　　Jing Xi answered, “Nothing. Let’s just leave it at that without dealing with it.”

　　The matter had escalated to such an extent that any hope of salvaging it was now futile. 

　　What’s more, there were still five unresolved storylines that required fixing. If he failed to secure suitable bodies for these remaining storylines, he would be left with only two and a half bodies to utilize. Additionally, the current body’s fame was certainly not without its benefits. At the very least, he would not have to make the first move with the other main leads, as they might recognize him first.

　　As the underwater device ventured deeper into the underground river, it glided effortlessly through a meandering tunnel. With every passing moment, the faint glimmers of light seeping from above the water’s surface grew brighter, illuminating the path ahead. Suddenly, the world outside the tunnel burst into view, bathed in a brilliant glow. The surroundings dazzled with an array of vibrant colors, as a multitude of people eagerly approached from all directions.

　　With just one glance, Duan Chi caught sight of the media representatives from a distance.

　　Though he quickly got the gist of the current situation after regaining signal on his phone during the dive, he still accepted the blanket handed to him by a staff member to shield his darling. To his astonishment, he noticed the other raising his hand.

　　At that moment, the pair exchanged a meaningful glance.

　　Without further conveyance, Duan Chi gently draped a warm blanket over Jingxi’s shoulders, providing some comfort without smothering him completely.

　　Meanwhile, the medical AI approached the pair to conduct a thorough examination. Thankfully, it revealed no serious injuries were sustained, except for Jing Xi’s wrist, which had already ceased bleeding. Swiftly, the AI attended to the injury, gently bandaging it with care.

　　As for the attentive staff members from the scenic area, they eagerly sought their opinions. Sensing their reluctance to seek further medical assistance at the hospital, they hastily arranged a car for them.

　　Before long, the car pulled up to a relatively open space, where they found themselves surrounded by a throng of media with their cameras poised to capture every moment.

　　As soon as the duo drew closer, the myriad cameras locked onto them, as numerous individuals had already commenced live streaming.

　　Gone were the days of cumbersome camera equipment and human cameramen. In this technologically advanced era, sleek and compact devices with unprecedented resolution seamlessly captured every single detail. Furthermore, no distance could hinder the crystal-clear images they captured.

　　With eager eyes fixed upon their screens, netizens bore witness to the sight of the dandy walking in stride with Duan Chi. Not only did they emanate an air of composure that was entirely impervious to Duan Chi’s overbearing aura, but they also exuded an extraordinary sense of equality, forging an unexpectedly harmonious atmosphere.

　　Despite the media’s persistent interview requests, they decided to disregard them and quickly sped off in their car.

　　Be that as it may, emotions continued to run high as netizens poured out their excitement. Everyone believed fervently that CEO Duan was more than just an ordinary being — he was simply a gift from the heavens.

　　For Lupinus Mutants, the ‘predestined’ scent was akin to opening a blind box, where gender, personality, appearance, and age all remained shrouded in mystery until the reveal. Some were fortunate enough never to open it in their lifetime, while others were forced to take life-threatening risks.

　　Whereas CEO Duan, coupled with his impressive academic background from a prestigious university, was the epitome of charm and grace. It was also worth mentioning that the both of them had spent the night together in a dark confined space, and rumors had it that CEO Duan had even gallantly played the role of a hero, coming to the rescue of his darling. One would deem this as fate itself orchestrating to bring them together, a tale far more enticing than any fanfiction found online!

　　In a matter of mere seconds, some netizens erupted in a frenzy of excitement.

　　Meanwhile, the “Blind Box” promptly checked in with the leader and the others, only to learn of the media at the visitor center. Hence, he decided it would be best to return to the hotel first.

　　With the clock ticking past one in the morning, the leader shared the same sentiment since he was aware the heartthrob must be absolutely knackered from the escapade.

　　[Phew, we’re so glad to hear that you’re safe. Take your time, and be sure to rest if you’re worn out. We’ll be heading back soon too, so let’s talk more tomorrow.]

　　Just as Jing Xi’s fingers hovered over the keyboard and were ready to type, Duan Chi’s gaze shifted toward them. With a curious tone, he pondered, “Join me at the Silver Fort Hotel?”

　　With a moment’s thought, Jing Xi unequivocally agreed. In times of crisis, trivial matters held no sway, especially when he downright refused to let the media disrupt his sleep tomorrow.

　　After informing the leader, he accompanied Duan Chi to the hotel owned by the prestigious Silver Fort Financial Group.

　　News of his presence had spread like wildfire across the internet, so much so that even the hotel staff was well aware of the young man’s esteemed status. As such, they treated him with the utmost respect and left no room for negligence as they courteously escorted him to his room.

　　Duan Chi’s stare pierced through him as he questioned, “Talk now or tomorrow?”

　　Discerning the urgency in his voice, Jing Xi knew he was referring to the imminent exposure of his identity. Yet, he merely gave a response of “Tomorrow” before entering the room and calling for Artificial Stupidity. “What’s the situation with my younger brother?”

　　System replied in an odd sense of cheerfulness, “He is depressed and dejected.”

　　The previous confrontation Yi Jun had with Jing Xi made him open his eyes to his scummy ways. Despite the lack of his pestering much unlike the original storyline, he still could not stand the sight of the female lead sitting with a far more impressive male. In his attempt to make up with her, he rushed over to her and even hurled some sarcastic remarks at the male lead.

　　Although Duan Xiuwen might appear refined, the influence of Duan Chi’s teachings left a trace of cunning within him. Hence, it was a cinch to choke the life out of someone.

　　Yi Jun was already weighed down by the ongoing issue with Duan Chi, and being strangled by Duan Xiuwen only fueled his frustrations. Just when he was teetering on the edge of losing control, President Yi intervened in the nick of time as he recognized the presence of Duan Chi’s assistant by the male lead’s side and noticed Duan Chi’s mannerisms in the male lead.

　　“Your brother looked so ghastly when he learned that he is a relative of Duan Chi.”

　　With a tinge of remorse in their voice, it shared, “He has always been under Duan Chi’s protection and also maintained a low profile. Even though his identity was not supposed to be unveiled so soon, it is a far cry from what you have undergone.”

　　Yet, all of this paled in comparison to what truly mattered.

　　Everything else faded in significance before their mission of getting the main leads to fall head over heels for each other.

　　In a dramatic turn of events, Duan Xiuwen revealed his identity not just to the Yi family but also to the leader and their companions. 

　　Given that everyone had been eagerly waiting within the same vicinity, it was evident to anyone with even a hint of observation that he was acquainted with Duan Chi’s assistant. Without much ado, he shared the details of his relationship with Duan Chi and opted not to join the leader and gang at their old hotel. Instead, he tagged along with his uncle.

　　When he returned, Duan Chi had just emerged fresh from a shower.

　　This suite was always reserved exclusively for Duan Chi. Having been here before, Duan Xiuwen’s fingerprint was registered in the door lock, granting him unrestricted access. Noticing the door to his uncle’s bedroom was ajar, he immediately rushed over and called out anxiously, “Uncle, are you alright…?”

　　The moment the words left his mouth, he could hardly believe his eyes — His uncle stood there, sporting a bewildering sight. Ears sprouted from the top of his head, and a tail trailed behind his bathrobe. 

　　At this juncture, his uncle was scrutinizing himself in the mirror, seemingly puzzled by his own reflection.

　　Scarcely prepared for the sight, all the words he wanted to say were stuck in his throat.

　　Duan Chi fixed his gaze upon him and dismissed, “I’m alright. You should get some rest.”

　　Upon hearing that utterance, Duan Xiuwen let out a sound of acknowledgment.

　　Drawing from his previous experiences, any bizarre behavior from his uncle must undoubtedly be due to his aunt.

　　Thus, this newfound appearance would also undeniably be in some way related to his aunt, but what exactly had they been up to in that cave?

　　With a stoic countenance etched across his face, he closed the door behind him.

　　Meanwhile, Jing Xi had also just emerged from a refreshing bath and received information from System that President Yi and his son were also residing in the same hotel. Anticipating their arrival, he poured himself a glass of red wine and awaited a message from Yi Jun. Before long, the doorbell chimed.

　　Jing Xi rose from his seat and swung open the door, only to be met with President Yi’s impassive expression. Raising a brow, he could not help but jibe, “Didn’t you say you wanted nothing to do with me?”