“No need to wait for you to act—I feel like I’m about to drop dead as it is.”
Lin Lin shot back bitterly. “Where were you earlier?! Why did you disappear right when I needed you most!”
She vented her frustration—angrier the more she thought about it.
“The future Son of Heaven has an aura far too powerful. I’m just a virtual system, and my spiritual core is too weak to withstand his domineering presence. I got knocked back to our original world without realizing it. By the time I made my way back, there was a time lag. Besides, I thought you could hold on for at least three days… I was wrong to overestimate you. Who would’ve guessed you’d be cast out by Xiao Fusu in just one day?”
The system sighed and rubbed its forehead, explaining the reason for its absence.
“Wuwu—what good is it to say all this now?! I feel terrible, like I’m dying! Want me to faint right here to prove it to you?!”
Lin Lin burst into tears, her eyes glistening with tears as her cheeks puffed up in grievance. She looked at it defiantly yet fiercely accused it.
“Whoa, whoa—fainting is all about timing and technique. It has to look real enough to fool people, and you need to save it for someone who matters. If you’re going to faint, do it in front of Xiao Keyu to look weak and helpless! Fainting in front of me would just be a waste of effort.”
The system straightened up and spoke earnestly, guiding her patiently.
“Huh?”
She looked at it, tilting her head in confusion.
Faint in front of Xiao Keyu?
The system nodded, continuing in a serious tone. “Host, don’t panic—everything is going according to plan. Look at that poor little soul crying over there—he’s your new target. Win him over, save him from the Cold Palace, but never let him develop thoughts of rebellion, and don’t offend the future Emperor Xiao Fusu!”
Following its gaze, she turned to look at a corner inside the palace wall. Sure enough, a figure was huddled there, half-hidden by tall grass—their slender frame almost swallowed by the overgrown weeds.
She couldn’t actually see if they were crying from this distance; she’d barely noticed there was someone there at all until the system pointed it out.
“…This is your main quest from now on. Complete it, and this fantasy adventure will come to a happy end. Then you’ll be free to return to the real world for good.”
The system beamed at her brightly. For some reason, though, cold sweat pricked at her skin—its smile felt unsettling.
Why did she suddenly feel so uneasy?
It was a sweetness that seemed to disregard whether others lived or died.
To her eyes, that brilliant smile bordered on lewd and malicious.
Still, she nodded trustingly, even if her eyes showed some confusion.
Hesitantly, she tested the waters, a spark of excitement rising in her heart.
“So… should I go over there now to try and befriend him?”
It seemed Xiao Fusu had just been a warm-up act—Xiao Keyu was the real “big shot” she needed to attach herself to from now on.
She had to win him over quickly, nurture this poor soul into someone capable and self-reliant.
That way, she’d have someone to rely on—there was strength in numbers, far better than struggling alone in this story world.
“Finally, you’re starting to get it!”
The system looked at her with satisfaction, as if watching a child grow up. It nodded vigorously, its smile bright as it encouraged her. “Go get him! We’re rooting for you!”
“Please don’t look at me like that—it’s giving me pressure, and it’s creepy.”
Lin Lin shifted uncomfortably, finding the situation awkward.
Did it have any idea how fake and lewd its smile looked? It was almost nauseating.
“Stop fussing.”
The system patted her shoulder reassuringly. “Go on—with me watching over you, what have you got to fear? Don’t worry—I’m confident now. Follow my instructions: go stand before him, cry loudly and openly, pour out all your grievances like he’s a confidant. If needed, faint weakly at the right moment. Do exactly as I say, and you’ll gain his trust in no time.”
The system spoke with immense confidence, urging her forward.
If it had legs, it would probably have given her a playful kick to send her stumbling right to Xiao Keyu’s feet.
Lin Lin sighed, bemoaning her fate.
What kind of mess had she gotten herself into? Making her—the worst actor in existence—deceive someone? She was terrified she’d mess up and give herself away.
But there was no turning back now—the arrow was already on the string, ready to fly.
At this point, she had no choice but to bite the bullet and follow the system’s orders.
Summoning her courage like a warrior heading into battle, she looked ahead with tears in her eyes and said firmly, “Alright—I’m going!”
“Go for it! ( _)”
The system sent her an encouraging emoji, then vanished in a flash.
Steeling herself, she steadied her breathing and dragged her truly weak body forward, gripping the wall for support as she slowly made her way to stand behind him.
She could hear soft, heartbroken sobbing—continuous and mournful.
The closer she got, the more she noticed an acrid smell in the air. Even with her stuffy nose from the chill, which felt like it was burning and barely functional, she could detect something similar to scorched earth or burnt material.
Her sensitive nose stung, and she let out a loud sneeze—giving away her presence.
The young man, lost in his sorrow and oblivious to his surroundings, was startled by the sound. He snapped out of his trance, turning around to stare at her with wide, innocent, beautiful eyes—his face filled with shock.
When Lin Lin saw his face, she gasped, her breath catching in her throat.
Because… the boy before her was extraordinarily beautiful!
Yes—beautiful, even by standards usually reserved for women. If Xiao Fusu’s looks were bold and majestic—a striking, intense beauty—then Xiao Keyu’s were delicate and elegant, the pinnacle of understated grace.
He was like an immortal being. The moment she saw him, she thought of the “Little Dragon Girl” from classic tales—and sure enough, he wore flowing white robes that billowed gently in the wind, making him look ethereal, innocent, and pure.
He was more beautiful than many women, with a warm, gentle presence like polished jade. Unlike Xiao Fusu’s cold, imposing aura, he exuded a calm, scholarly charm that made others feel at ease. Combined with his current look of vulnerable surprise, he inspired an instinctive desire to be kind to him, to let down one’s guard and offer comfort.
No wonder even in the Cold Palace, this otherworldly figure remained a formidable rival Xiao Fusu could not afford to underestimate. Anyone who met him would feel drawn to him instantly.
She imagined Xiao Keyu must have been dearly loved once, though everything had changed now.
The scene before her was truly bleak and desolate.