Chapter 068 Sea King – “Come on, let’s hurt each other!” (14/20)
Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu?
What an unusual pairing!
Zhao Jiangcheng gasped on the spot, his heart racing.
The young woman beside him looked at him in confusion. “What’s going on? Did you really see a student? From your expression, you don’t look like you’d just seen some kid.”
After a long silence, Zhao Jiangcheng said hoarsely, “I actually wish I hadn’t seen him today.”
The young woman was even more confused. “Huh?”
Zhao Jiangcheng reached up to rub his temples, his mind in turmoil. At that moment, he wished he were just imagining things. Otherwise…why would he see Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu walking together?!
And…Ye Mingxu had even taken off his usual school uniform!
Zhao Jiangcheng lowered his head as if to avoid reality, fiddling with his smart bracelet. Just then, he suddenly noticed that several students had sent him messages.
He instinctively reached to tap on one to take a look, but the moment his finger lifted, a horrible feeling washed over him. He had a strong sense that these messages might be about something he wasn’t ready to stomach.
The young woman didn’t know what he was struggling with and teased, “What’s the matter? Are you too scared to even read messages from your students?”
“Of course not!” Zhao Jiangcheng insisted, then took a deep breath and tapped on the messages.
How could a teacher not read messages sent by students? There was no way he could ignore them! Besides, what could possibly be so scary about them?
Zhao Jiangcheng had mentally prepared himself thoroughly. But in the end, he was left reeling from the students’ messages.
[Teacher, Brother Xu—Brother Xu is out on a date!]
[Brother Xu even changed his clothes! He took off his school uniform!]
[He asked us to help him pick an outfit, and even let us into his room to choose from his collection!]
[And after we picked things out, he asked us if they looked good.]
[Teacher, is Brother Xu in a relationship?]
In… a relationship?
Going. On. A date?
Zhao Jiangcheng’s legs went weak, and he nearly collapsed to his knees right then and there. Thankfully, his hand grabbed the railing beside him just in time.
He didn’t make a big noise, but to the woman who’d been keeping a close eye on him, that little movement was more than noticeable.
“What’s wrong with you?” She furrowed her brow. “You’re acting really strange. You were fine during dinner, but you’ve been off ever for a while. Is there something you can’t tell me?”
“I…” Zhao Jiangcheng wiped his face and relented. “It’s nothing really. I’m just…too shocked.”
“Huh?”
Zhao Jiangcheng tapped open the messages sent by the student, pushed his smart bracelet toward the woman, and sighed, “Just read them yourself.”
The woman looked down at the message, while Zhao Jiangcheng, leaning against the wall, glanced in Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu’s direction. Then Shi Jingge also looked his way.
The moment their eyes met, Zhao Jiangcheng froze. A few dozen seconds later, he subconsciously pulled his hand away from the wall, straightened his back, and fixed Shi Jingge with a stern gaze.
Shi Jingge blinked and gave Zhao Jiangcheng a faint smile.
Zhao Jiangcheng: !!!
He actually dared to smile!
The next second, Shi Jingge tugged at Ye Mingxu’s sleeve. Ye Mingxu looked over in confusion, and Shi Jingge leaned close to his ear and whispered something.
Zhao Jiangcheng: ……
This is a provocation, right? This has to be!
Zhao Jiangcheng seethed with indignation, and the next second, his gaze locked with Ye Mingxu’s. It was no exaggeration to say that in that instant, Zhao Jiangcheng wanted nothing more than to turn and run!
He didn’t want to accept this reality at all!
But he held back.
His tenacious and resolute “Teacher Zhao” mask refused to crumble at that moment.
Then he saw Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu walking toward him, one in front and one behind. Step by step, they drew closer and closer.
Rooted to the spot, he could only watch them approach.
Instinctively, at that critical moment, Zhao Jiangcheng remembered to retract his smart bracelet.
What—What romantic date? It’s all just the students’ wild imaginations!
Ye Mingxu is just out having fun with a friend!
Maybe they aren’t even friends—they just happened to run into each other! Right! Just a coincidence!
The woman beside Zhao Jiangcheng looked up, just as she was about to say something, when she heard him gasp sharply.
She instinctively looked up, following the direction of Zhao Jiangcheng’s gaze, and caught sight of Ye Mingxu.
She smiled involuntarily; she actually had quite a soft spot for this young man. To have endured so much hardship at such a young age—cast aside by his family and even stripped of his surname—was truly heartbreaking.
However, her attention was soon drawn to Shi Jingge, who stood beside Ye Mingxu.
Shi Jingge noticed and smiled at her, his eyes clear, his expression gentle and open. No matter how she looked at him, he seemed like a good kid.
Thinking back to the news she’d just seen, she couldn’t help but take a few extra glances at Shi Jingge.
So he’s the young boyfriend Ye Mingxu has chosen?
Her gaze gradually drifted downward, and she saw their hands clasped together; the corners of her mouth curled up involuntarily.
These two young ones seemed to be extremely close.
That was for the best. Ye Mingxu had been lonely for so long; finally, someone had come along to pull him out of the ocean of solitude and into the light. It was certainly a good thing.
Besides, Ye Mingxu’s intuition was never wrong.
She just didn’t understand why Old Zhao’s expression looked so strange.
Wasn’t it a good thing that Ye Mingxu had someone he liked?
But before she had time to think further, Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu had already walked up to her and Zhao Jiangcheng.
Ye Mingxu looked a bit downcast; his voice was hoarse, and he seemed to lack energy. “Teacher.”
Zhao Jiangcheng wore a grave expression and said nothing.
After a beat, Ye Mingxu turned to the woman standing next to Zhao Jiangcheng. “Aunt Song.”
She nodded with a smile and gave Zhao Jiangcheng a nudge with her elbow. “Your student is greeting you. Why are you acting all aloof and brooding?”
Zhao Jiangcheng: …QAQ!!
Shi Jingge looked at Zhao Jiangcheng first, calling him “Teacher Zhao” with a smile, then mimicked Ye Mingxu’s manner and called out, “Auntie Song.”
Aunt Song cheerfully responded.
Zhao Jiangcheng rubbed his temples. Just as he was about to speak, his gaze fell on Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu’s clasped hands. He felt a surge of frustration well up in his throat—stuck, unable to rise or fall—leaving him utterly speechless.
What kind of “friends” held hands like that while walking together? They weren’t children! And was this just a casual?
No, it wasn’t! Their fingers were clearly interlocked!
How was he supposed to keep deceiving himself now?
His student, Zhao Jiangcheng—the pride of Siming Teji’s Pharmacy Department—had been seduced away by Lin Yiwen’s student, the genius from Kalandi!
Can you believe it?
He didn’t want to, even if the truth was staring him right in the face! Yet he had no choice but to accept it.
Because the facts were right there.
For a moment, Zhao Jiangcheng’s breathing grew heavier.
Then, Zhao Jiangcheng heard a crisp laugh coming from beside him. He turned his head stiffly and saw Shi Jingge and his fiancée laughing heartily while Ye Mingxu stood obediently to the side, gazing at Shi Jingge’s profile and still holding his hand.
Noticing Zhao Jiangcheng’s gaze, Ye Mingxu blinked. “Teacher.”
Zhao Jiangcheng clutched his chest; the words “Don’t call me that—I’m not your teacher” were already rising in his throat. Though in the end, he couldn’t bring himself to say them.
Reason and experience told him that Ye Mingxu, that little rascal, might actually take it seriously.
It wasn’t like he actually wanted to set his student up with someone!
Zhao Jiangcheng turned his head gloomily toward Shi Jingge, his eyes dark and his expression stern, carrying a hint of intimidation.
Then Shi Jingge tilted his head back and flashed Zhao Jiangcheng a radiant smile.
A bad feeling immediately welled up in Zhao Jiangcheng’s heart.
The very next second, he heard Shi Jingge’s voice, brimming with laughter. “Aunt Song, what does Teacher Zhao like? I want him to like me a little more.” Shi Jingge held out his hand and signaled earnestly. “Just a little bit. A little bit is enough,” he said with great solemnity.
Zhao Jiangcheng: ……
That little bastard was actually tattling on him to his fiancée!
But the next second, before anyone had a chance to speak, Shi Jingge broke into a smile again. “I’ve got it!” Shi Jingge said. “What does Teacher Zhao like the most? The answer is far away, yet right before your eyes. Auntie Song, can you like me just a little bit more? That way, Teacher Zhao will love me by extension.”
Zhao Jiangcheng: ……
This smooth-talking little bastard! Was this how he lured his good student away? And now he was trying the same trick on his fiancée?
Get lost!
His fiancée wouldn’t fall for that… right?
Unfortunately, she fell for it hook, line, and sinker.
Shi Jingge was sweet-talking, well-behaved, and good-looking; making others like him was the easiest thing in the world, especially with older people.
Plus, Song Yuqin knew exactly who Shi Jingge was saying all this for, so naturally she wouldn’t make things difficult for him.
The young couple was so sweet and in love; their eyes sparkled when they looked at each other. Who would have the heart to tear them apart?
So, while smiling, Song Yuqin silently reached out and gave Zhao Jiangcheng a pinch on the lower back.
Zhao Jiangcheng: !!!
Song Yuqin shot him a cold glare, looking rather fierce.
Zhao Jiangcheng: ……
Pout.jpg
Just then, a veterinary assistant came to notify Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu that the vet wanted them both to come in to discuss a treatment plan.
Shi Jingge quickly said goodbye to Song Yuqin and Zhao Jiangcheng, then grabbed Ye Mingxu’s hand and hurried off. Song Yuqin watched their retreating figures with a smile in her eyes, but when she looked back up at Zhao Jiangcheng, she seemed somewhat puzzled.
“He’s such a nice kid. What’s with that look on your face? What, are you still hoping to interfere and break them up?”
“No.” Zhao Jiangcheng clenched his teeth. “Do you know which college that student is from? ”
“So what if it’s a different college? Are inter-college romances not allowed anymore?” Song Yuqin raised an eyebrow. “Are you being discriminatory?”
Zhao Jiangcheng froze for a moment, then snapped. “What on earth are you talking about!”
Song Yuqin looked at him and burst out laughing. “You’re still very handsome.”
Zhao Jiangcheng froze again.
“You’re so full of life,” Song Yuqin said with a smile. “Don’t go around frowning all day, staring at people without saying a word, as if you’re afraid of not scaring the students.”
Zhao Jiangcheng softened his tone. “I don’t do that.”
Song Yuqin gave him a sidelong glance. “Really?”
Zhao Jiangcheng was silent for a moment, then changed the subject. “That student is from Kalandi College.”
Song Yuqin said indifferently, “So?”
Zhao Jiangcheng remained silent for quite a while before murmuring, “…A student of Lin Yiwen’s.”
Song Yuqin was still puzzled. “And?”
Zhao Jiangcheng glared at her and said nothing more.
Song Yuqin couldn’t help but laugh. “Seriously? Just because he’s a student of your archrival, you’re upset? Don’t you realize what a great opportunity this is? The chance to poach a student is right in front of you. If you bring him to Siming Teji—take him from Lin Yiwen’s grasp and into yours—wouldn’t that be a huge victory for you?”
Song Yuqin looked at him with a knowing smile.
Zhao Jiangcheng’s eyes lit up, but quickly, he pursed his lips and shook his head. “It’s probably a waste of time.”
“How can you know unless you try?” Song Yuqin said casually. “Besides, now you at least know these two kids are together, while Lin Yiwen still has no idea. In that respect, aren’t you already ahead of him?”
After a long silence, a fierce fire flared in Zhao Jiangcheng’s eyes, and he declared with absolute certainty, “You’re right!”
Thinking of Lin Yiwen, who was still completely in the dark, Zhao Jiangcheng felt utterly refreshed. “Even if I can’t steal anyone away from him, just getting Lin Yiwen all riled up would be a real victory. I know what I have to do!”
— Kalandi College, private alchemy lab. —-
Lin Yiwen was studying the rose tea recipe when, for some reason, he sneezed several times in a row.
What was going on? Was someone thinking about him? Or was someone badmouthing him behind his back?
It had to be that bastard Zhao Jiangcheng, right?
Lin Yiwen snorted lightly and opened his Moments feed. Imagining Zhao Jiangcheng’s frantic yet helpless expression filled him with sheer delight. What in the world could be more satisfying than seeing your arch-rival hit rock bottom?
But the minute he opened his Moments, Lin Yiwen received a mention from Zhao Jiangcheng.
Lin Yiwen: ?
Lin Yiwen was puzzled, but he tapped on it anyway. However, he simply couldn’t make sense of Zhao Jiangcheng’s post.
Zhao Jiangcheng had posted a photo of various brands of pet food captioned: [Which brand should I choose?]
Why on earth was Zhao Jiangcheng showing him this? He didn’t even own a pet.
Lin Yiwen was completely baffled until it suddenly occurred to him that Zhao Jiangcheng’s fiancée had a cat.
So he went to buy pet food with his fiancée?
Was this a subtle way of showing off their relationship? And he even tagged him specifically to see it? Was it because his master-disciple bonds couldn’t measure up to his, so he had to make up for it in other ways?
Lin Yiwen rolled his eyes and snorted contemptuously. How childish!
Meanwhile Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu had already approached the vet. The vet opened her optical computer, and a virtual screen appeared before them. Her expression was somewhat cold, but she remained composed. “If I may ask, which one of you is the cat’s owner?”
“At the moment, neither of us,” Shi Jingge said with a wry smile. “While he and I were having dinner, a family abandoned this cat. We felt sorry for it, so we brought it here.” ”
Only then did the doctor’s expression soften slightly. She’d been troubled by a question: if they’d abused the cat so severely and left it in such a state, why would they bring it to the hospital? According to an assistant, both of them had injuries on their hands, and they were still bleeding when they brought the cat in.
If they really had abused the cat, and it had injured them in return, why would they bring it to the hospital? They’d probably have just killed it on the spot.
Now it all made sense.
“It’s badly injured,” the vet said as she tapped her smart bracelet; detailed images appeared on the virtual display. “It’s still just a kitten, likely only five months old. You’ve probably heard of two-tailed cats, right?”
Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu shook their heads in unison.
The vet paused. “Two-Tailed Cats, as the name suggests, are a rare breed born naturally with two tails. They’re known for their exceptional intelligence, strong intuition, and gentle temperament, making them ideal household pets. Their largest disadvantage is their low fertility. Even if two Two-Tailed Cats breed, there’s only a tiny chance their offspring will also have two tails. That’s why they’ve always been extremely valuable.
“Because of this, some unscrupulous individuals have set their sights on the Two-Tailed Cat market. They’re creating artificial versions. As the name suggests, they’re using various methods to attach a second tail to ordinary cats in order to manufacture Two-Tailed Cats for sale and profit. The kitten you brought in fits this description.
“Moreover, it has likely been living in an abusive environment for its entire lifetime, perhaps because someone discovered it wasn’t a genuine species; both of its tails have been damaged by someone.”
Shi Jingge’s breath hitched, and his grip on Ye Mingxu’s hand tightened. Ye Mingxu squeezed back just as tightly, as if by doing so, they could draw strength from one another.
The vet felt a pang of sympathy, but there was no time for that now; she had to be clear and decisive. “An artificially created Two-Tailed Cat isn’t simply a matter of sticking a tail onto a cat. No one would be fooled by that. They used certain surgical methods to physically implant a tail in the cat’s body. Moreover, this procedure is often performed when the cat is very young, leading to a limited number of survivors. Even if a cat survives the initial surgery, its lifespan is inevitably shortened.
“As for this little kitten, its body was already severely traumatized from long-term abuse, and this implanted tail has only become an even greater burden. So, you have two options: first, you can keep caring for it as is. But because it’s so severely damaged and the burden is so heavy, it could die at any moment. It’s a matter of living one day at a time.
“Second, have surgery to remove the damaged tails. But given its already compromised condition, the procedure itself is risky. It would require a period of rest afterward, and if anything goes wrong at any point, it could die. Even if everything goes smoothly, its life expectancy will still be far shorter than that of an ordinary cat. And the cost is no small sum.”
The veterinarian understood that this wasn’t an easy choice to make, and she sympathized with them. After all, they were just two young people who, out of the kindness of their hearts, had rescued a kitten, never expecting its condition to be so complicated.
But to the veterinarian’s surprise, the two didn’t hesitate for long. They declared firmly, “We’ll go with the second option.”
“Aren’t you going to think this over a little more?” The veterinarian hesitated for a moment before reminding them, “The costs are significant, and the expenses for its subsequent recovery will be even higher. It will likely require long-term medication as well.”
“Save it.” This time, it was Ye Mingxu who spoke, his voice hoarse and his gaze somber. “What kind of medication will it need?”
“Energy potions. The higher the quality, the better the effect. It’ll need a lot of energy to ensure it doesn’t collapse on the operating table and prevent it from collapsing during its subsequent recovery.”
“No problem.” Shi Jingge nodded. “So when can we schedule the surgery?”
“The earliest would be three days from now. I recommend letting it rest for a few more days.”
“Would it recover better if we could keep providing energy potions?” Shi Jingge asked.
“Of course,” the veterinarian confirmed. “The sooner we perform the surgery, the better. After all, the kitten is still growing, so the earlier the surgery, the less strain it will put on its development.”
“We understand. Thank you,” Shi Jingge said, pulling Ye Mingxu to his feet. “Can we go see it?”
“Sure, just let one of my assistants take you back.”
The two thanked her, then followed an assistant to the kitten’s small ward. Its recovery kennel was small, with solid sides but a bar door on the front. No need to open the door to see everything inside.
Inside was a cat bed; the kitten was curled up inside, looking even smaller and frailer. The anesthesia hadn’t worn off yet, and the kitten was still hooked up to an IV.
Ye Mingxu took a medicine bottle from his pocket, slipped it to Shi Jingge, pointed at it, and whispered, “Give it to the kitten.”
“It’ll get better, won’t it?” Shi Jingge said slowly, keeping his voice low.
“Yes,” Ye Mingxu said, clasping Shi Jingge’s hand. “It’s trying so hard. It wants to live badly. It’s definitely going to pull through.”
Shi Jingge slowly closed his eyes, a pang of sadness welling up inside him.
He wasn’t really a person who loved pets much; only the Three-Tailed Cat that had accompanied him and his lover for so long in his previous life had ever stirred his emotions like this.
This one might not look even vaguely similar, and its personality might be worlds apart, but Shi Jingge was absolutely certain: this was their Xiao Bai.
Although he didn’t know why Xiao Bai had appeared in this world, there was no doubt that it had been waiting for them. The way it had survived so tenaciously, so desperately—that fierce will to live—all of it spoke to Shi Jingge of just how difficult its wait had been.
And thankfully, it had finally found the people it had been waiting for.
Even if it had already forgotten why it had waited.
“Don’t cry,” Ye Mingxu said softly, wiping away tears from the corner of Shi Jingge’s eyes. “Let’s give it a home.”
Shi Jingge looked up at him. “Mm-hmm.”
Ye Mingxu took Shi Jingge’s hand, interlocking their fingers tightly.
Shi Jingge said hoarsely, “Together, forever.”
“Okay.” Ye Mingxu nodded firmly. “We’ll be a family together, through thick and thin.”
Shi Jingge was silent for a long while. “Okay.”
At that very moment, the kitten in its little “hospital room” opened its eyes. It was still under the effects of the anesthesia and could barely move, but it opened its mouth anyway and let out a faint meow.
“Mrrr.”
It was gentle and soft, tinged with a touch of affection, as if responding to them.
But the very next second, it drifted back to sleep. This time, it seemed to be sleeping more peacefully.
Ye Mingxu stared intently at the kitten in its ward as if he were seeing himself from long ago. He had waited for Shi Jingge and the kitten had waited for them.
They would be together forever.
Forever and ever.
No one—absolutely no one—could snatch his treasure from his hands.
Anyone who even entertained such a thought would be his enemy. He would never let his enemies get away with it.
Ye Mingxu glanced at Shi Jingge, then back at the kitten, a shadow of darkness gradually creeping into his eyes.
Together forever and ever.
We must never be apart.
They stayed there watching over the kitten. When the veterinarian came to check on it, she noticed the tears in Shi Jingge’s eyes and Ye Mingxu’s somber expression, and couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
How wonderful it would’ve been if this kitten had met these two sooner.
“Doctor!” Shi Jingge called her over and took out the energy potion. “Can we give this to the kitten now?”
The veterinarian was taken aback. She hadn’t expected these two to act so quickly, buying an energy potion right away. Still, this put her mind at ease a bit; since they could purchase one on a whim, they likely had no major financial issues, right?
This kitten was truly lucky to have met them.
“Yes, but we’ll need to distribute it in multiple doses.” The vet accepted the bottle. She took it to the back and divided it into more than ten portions before returning. After using one dose to show how to do it, she handed Shi Jingge the remaining bottles and a dozen brand-new single-use syringes designed for oral administration. “Give it one dose slowly every fifteen minutes.”
Shi Jingge nodded solemnly.
“Are you going back to school?” Shi Jingge looked at Ye Mingxu. “Do you have classes tomorrow?”
“No.” Ye Mingxu shook his head. He had already passed the junior pharmacist exam; he’d officially become a pharmacist as soon as he graduated. Who cared whether he attended classes or not?
“I’m not going back to school,” Ye Mingxu said, pointing at the kitten. “I’m staying here.”
“I’m not going back either.” Shi Jingge smiled. “I’ll just go ask the teacher for a leave of absence. Don’t worry. The teachers don’t keep tabs on me anyway.”
Now that he’d perfected the rose tea and made a splash in the last competition, the teachers were turning a blind eye to him. Whether he attended classes or not wasn’t really an issue.
“Then I’ll go check out the nearby hotels in a bit,” Shi Jingge mused. “We can’t stay here, and the clinic won’t allow it either.”
Ye Mingxu froze for a moment, then nodded obediently.
“Um,” the vet who’d been standing nearby chimed in, “if you’d like, you can take it with you.”
Shi Jingge froze for a moment, then exclaimed in delight, “Really?”
“If it weren’t for this energy potion, I’d absolutely refuse.” The doctor smiled. “But the situation’s changed since the kitten drank it. The energy from the potion is a huge help to it. Once you’ve administered all of it, I’ll run some tests. If its readings meet the standards, you can leave with it. I think it’ll feel safer with you two than in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by strangers. You have no idea how fierce it was when I was examining its vitals just now.”
The veterinarian shook her head with a soft chuckle. “After you take it home, you can administer another bottle in the evening. After 10 p.m., split it evenly over two hours. Make sure to keep it warm; it’s very sensitive to the cold right now. If it has an appetite tomorrow morning, then it shouldn’t be a problem. Just give it two bottles of energy potion daily—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—spaced out over two hours each, with a six-hour interval between them. Bring it in for surgery in three days. However, prior to surgery, it will need another physical exam.”
“No problem!” Shi Jingge agreed readily, and Ye Mingxu also thanked the doctor earnestly.
The veterinarian waved her hand. “This little cat is lucky to have found you two. Maybe you could give him a name?”
Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu paused for a moment, then said in unison, “Xiao Bai!”
“Xiao Bai?” the veterinarian said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry. “That’s a pretty easy name.”
Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu exchanged a glance but offered no explanation. The veterinarian didn’t seem to mind these minor details; she simply shrugged and left.
“I didn’t know why we ended up calling him Xiao Bai.” Ye Mingxu took Shi Jingge’s hand. “But I just feel like that’s the name he should have.”
“Xiao Bai—it sounds nice.”
Shi Jingge curved his lips slightly and replied softly, “Mm-hm.”
Ye Mingxu gazed intently at Shi Jingge, his eyes filled with Shi Jingge’s reflection. After a moment, the corners of his mouth turned up in a faint smile. “Xiao Ge, you won’t abandon me and Xiao Bai, will you?”
Shi Jingge froze for a moment, then solemnly nodded. “Mm.”
Ye Mingxu held Shi Jingge tighter, his face breaking into a pure, trusting smile.
In that instant, Shi Jingge even felt tears welling up. Soon after, he went out to look for a hotel. As he walked, he mentally summoned the System.
[System, in this world, am I only going to live until the day the original host passes away?]
System 111 was startled, but quickly realized that since the host was so smart, it was only natural that he’d figured it out.
System 111 replied thoughtfully: [Yes. After all, we’re using the original host’s body, and how long he lives in this world is predetermined.]
[Is there any way I can live a little longer in this world?] Shi Jingge asked calmly.
System 111 was silent for quite a while: [I’m sorry.]
Shi Jingge’s breath caught in his throat.
[But I don’t think you need to worry too much about this world,] System 111 hurriedly added. [You might actually live longer than anyone else.]
[What do you mean?] Shi Jingge asked sharply. [Are Ye Mingxu and Xiao Bai not going to live long?]
System 111 fell silent.
Shi Jingge asked, his face darkening: [I remember the original host didn’t live very long either, did they? Things went so badly in the end that there were only about a dozen years left. Are Ye Mingxu and Xiao Bai not even going to make it through those years?]
No wonder there were almost no memories of Ye Mingxu in the original host’s mind.
Logically speaking, with Ye Mingxu’s talent, he would inevitably become an outstanding alchemist—the kind renowned throughout the entire galaxy—but in the original host’s memories, Ye Mingxu simply didn’t exist!
He had traveled through three worlds in total.
In the first world, the original host had memories of Wen Xusheng; in the second world, Wen Xusheng had been in seclusion and in a deep sleep the entire time—he’d even chosen his own name—so it was only natural that the original host had no memories of him; and in the third world, the original host did have memories of Ye Mingxu early on—things like “the shining light of the Siming Teji Pharmaceutical Department”—so why did those memories disappear later on?
Shi Jingge suddenly remembered that in this world, his partner wasn’t named Wen Xusheng—he was named Ye Mingxu. Why?
Why not Wen Xusheng?
Just as every host he’d possessed was named Shi Jingge, why was the Wen Xusheng of this world named Ye Mingxu?
System 111 replied stiffly: [In the next world, how about I send you to a place where you can live a very long time?]
Before Shi Jingge could respond, System 111 quickly added: [System 111 is about to upgrade. I will shut down the program as soon as possible to perform an upgrade and optimization. Please bear with me, Host.]
No sooner had the words left its mouth than System 111 went into “sleep mode.”
Shi Jingge snorted lightly. [You can’t hide forever, can you?]
System 111 figured it was best to take things one day at a time. The Host was so smart—what if he figured it out?
Then it wouldn’t have anything to do with System 111, would it?
Shi Jingge quickly booked a room.
Since Xiao Bai was coming along, he specifically looked for a pet-friendly hotel. He passed on the option of two single beds and chose a deluxe king-size room instead. He’d put Xiao Bai right in the middle of the bed, just like a family of three.
After booking the room, Shi Jingge went back to pick up Xiao Bai and Ye Mingxu. He even made a special trip to the pet store to buy a bunch of stuff. He bought six cat beds alone—long ones, narrow ones, soft ones, hard ones, every variety imaginable—so Xiao Bai could switch to a new one every day and lie wherever felt most comfortable.
When it came time to pay, Shi Jingge hadn’t even opened his wallet yet when Ye Mingxu already provided his membership card number. It turned out that while Shi Jingge was out looking for a hotel, Ye Mingxu had signed up for a membership right there and topped it up with a six-figure sum.
Shi Jingge: ……
Suddenly, he had the strange feeling that he’d landed a wealthy partner.
The anesthetic’s effects hadn’t actually worn off yet, but the energy potion had made the kitten feel much better. At least by the time they opened the glass door and carried it out, it had stopped trembling and regained some warmth.
However, when it opened its eyes and saw Shi Jingge, it still opened its mouth to bite. Its teeth got stuck on Shi Jingge’s hand, so it couldn’t apply any force; it just stared at him, as if to say that if he made a sudden move, it would bite down hard.
Shi Jingge didn’t move either; he just smiled softly and asked, “Come home with me, okay?” Then he turned his head slightly toward Ye Mingxu and added, “A family of three.”
Ye Mingxu blinked and repeated solemnly, “Right, a family of three.”
Only then did the kitten slowly retract its mouth. In reality, it was all bark and no bite. It didn’t have the strength to begin with.
The moment Shi Jingge put it inside the carrier and zipped it shut, the kitten let out a frantic, terrified cry and tried desperately to bite through.
Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu tried repeatedly to soothe it, but to little avail. In the end, it was only when Ye Mingxu began humming that unfamiliar tune that they managed to calm the kitten down.
Fortunately, the hotel they’d chosen was relatively close. The two of them wrapped the carrier in their spiritual energy to keep it from jostling and arrived at the hotel as quickly as possible. As soon as they entered the room, they hurriedly let the kitten out.
Xiao Bai curled up at the head of the bed, right between the two pillows. Only then did his tense mood ease. His wide, round eyes closed, and he gradually drifted off to sleep.
Ye Mingxu and Shi Jingge both breathed a sigh of relief. Ye Mingxu looked at the large bed, froze for a moment, and after a long pause, stammered, “O–One bed?” ”
“What’s wrong?” Shi Jingge raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you want to sleep with me?”
“No, no, no, that’s not it.” Ye Mingxu waved his hands frantically. “I—I’d love to.”
“What if I don’t want to?” Shi Jingge watched him with unhurried composure.
Ye Mingxu hesitated. “Then I’ll… sleep on the floor?”
Shi Jingge chuckled softly. “It’s up to you. I’m going to take a shower. ”
Ye Mingxu watched him go with a conflicted expression. What did he really mean? Could they sleep together or not?
“By the way,” Shi Jingge said casually, “I’m returning home in a few days to bring my parents here. Do you want to meet them?”
Ye Mingxu exclaimed, “C–Can I?”
“Of course.” Shi Jingge pushed open the bathroom door and turned to look at Ye Mingxu. “So when are you going to take me to meet your parents?”
Ye Mingxu froze for a moment. “I don’t have parents.”
Shi Jingge murmured, “I’m sorry.”
“No, don’t be sorry,” Ye Mingxu whispered. “Let’s… meet Auntie Song. She will like you. Aunt Song has a cat, so she’ll like Xiao Bai, too. Is that okay?”
“Okay.”
Shi Jingge went to take a shower, and Ye Mingxu, hearing the sound of running water, blushed slightly.
Xiao Ge was showering now. The sight must be absolutely lovely.
Ye Mingxu covered his eyes, trying to force himself not to think about it, but the moment he closed his eyes, his hearing became keener, the sound of the water grew clearer, and he found himself unable to stop.
Ye Mingxu’s face was bright red, so he tried to distract himself. He opened his smart bracelet and searched for gifts on SkyNet. After adding many items to his cart, he looked back at the kitten and started searching for gifts for cats.
Since there were three of them, he’d have to get Xiao Bai a welcome present.
They say cats love mice. Why not get him two mouse toys?
If I’m going to get him something, it has to be big—bigger is better. And it has to look realistic. A one-meter-long lifelike mouse looks pretty good—I’ll take this one!
Just then, Zhao Jiangcheng received a message from one of his students: [Teacher, Brother Xu hasn’t come back yet.]
[Is Brother Xu coming back today?]
[Teacher, have you tried contacting Brother Xu?]
[Could Brother Xu have been kidnapped?]
[Is he in danger?]
Zhao Jiangcheng: !!!
He actually spent the night out!
Zhao Jiangcheng opened his smart bracelet to message Ye Mingxu, only to realize he didn’t have his contact information.
When they ran into each other outside the vet clinic, he hadn’t even thought to ask for it! Zhao Jiangcheng was deeply distressed. Just then, he received a mention in his Moments feed.
It was from Lin Yiwen.
Lin Yiwen: [Rose tea. A little sweet.]
There was even a photo of the rose tea. In the comments, he specifically tagged him, asking if he wanted to try some. It tasted good.
At that moment, Zhao Jiangcheng was furious beyond belief. He couldn’t suffer alone like this. He couldn’t find Ye Mingxu anyway, but surely Lin Yiwen could always find Shi Jingge, right?
Come on, let’s hurt each other!
In a fit of self-destructive rage, Zhao Jiangcheng tracked down Lin Yiwen’s contact and quickly tapped away at his optical computer.
Zhao Jiangcheng: [You’ve got the nerve to drink rose tea?]
Zhao Jiangcheng: [You’d be better off checking on your precious apprentice.]
Zhao Jiangcheng: [Go see if he’s in the dorm. Go see if he’ll even show up for class tomorrow.]
Zhao Jiangcheng: [Keep showing off, keep showing off! I’ll see when you start crying :)]
Lin Yiwen replied instantly: [What do you mean?]
Zhao Jiangcheng replied even faster: [Exactly what I said.]
Lin Yiwen: [Just say it straight—don’t beat around the bush!]
Zhao Jiangcheng: [We’re arch-enemies. How can I just come out and say it?]
Zhao Jiangcheng felt refreshed for a while and was ready to have a proper talk with Lin Yiwen. After all, he couldn’t get in touch with Ye Mingxu himself, so he was counting on Lin Yiwen to contact Shi Jingge first, then reach Ye Mingxu through him.
[If you beg me, I’ll tell you.]
Zhao Jiangcheng sent this message with a smile.
Unfortunately, the message never went through.
He’d been blocked!
Author’s Note:
Zhao Jiangcheng: ??????
Zhao Jiangcheng: Why am I always the one getting hurt????
Lin Yiwen: You’re biting off more than you can chew.
Lin Yiwen: I can get in touch with my students. Can you?
Zhao Jiangcheng: So what if you can get in touch with your students??
Zhao Jiangcheng: I guess that is pretty impressive… QAQ
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
![The Return of The Lord God[quick wear]](https://i2.wp.com/knoxt.space/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/007S8ZIlly1ghl04hyuxyj30hs0owwgu.jpg?resize=85,105 "The Return of The Lord God[quick wear]")
el On AITFYMIBP Chapter 104