Tang Li wasn’t as optimistic as System 78.
She shook her head gently, her voice soft. “The object of their obsession is the version of me from the plot. I have to keep playing that role.”
System 78 thought it made sense—better to avoid unnecessary complications.
[Just treat them like they’re on their deathbeds. Pretend you don’t know about their feelings, though it might not all be romantic. At the very least, your master probably feels regret and guilt.]
[If everything continues as it always has, they definitely won’t cause any more trouble.]
Tang Li let out a bitter laugh, lost in thought as she watched the bathwater gradually fill.
“I’m going to take a bath now, Qiqi.”
[Alrighty!]
System 78 pixelated itself automatically.
What a gentlemanly and mature little system it was~
After her warm bath, the girl’s entire body felt flushed, her bones relaxed, and her steps were so light she nearly tripped on the last two stairs.
Fortunately, Si Du reacted swiftly, catching her in his arms, his heart racing with fright. “Why are you so careless?”
“If you keep not watching where you’re going, I’ll confiscate all your snacks.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, both of them froze.
This kind of exchange had occurred many times during their years growing up together.
It felt too familiar, almost nostalgic.
Si Du closed his eyes briefly, worried he might remind Tang Li of her deceased parents and stir up sad memories, so he changed the subject to tonight’s dinner menu.
Tang Li tilted her small face up from his embrace, her voice soft as cotton. “I’m all grown up now. Even if I eat snacks, I won’t ruin my teeth.”Brother Si Du, please don’t confiscate them anymore~”
The man’s heart trembled, his gaze unconsciously drifting to the girl’s eyes.
He wore an expression of dazed confusion and disbelief.
While bathing, Tang Li had come to a realization—System 78’s advice seemed to make sense.
She would treat them as two people nearing their end and simply live well together.
Why overthink it? At the very least, time should freeze when Brother Si Du feels happy and content.
System 78 felt a wave of relief.
That’s right, that’s right—hurry up and send these creeps on their way pointing and criticizing.jpg.
Tang Li stood on her tiptoes, her pale fingertips gently tapping between the man’s brows as she murmured in a soft, complaining tone.
“Si Du brother, you’re not even thirty yet.” How come you already have fine lines between your eyebrows? You must frown all the time.”
“No more frowning. Everyone calls me the Moon City Rose—Brother Si Du can’t become an aging gardener already.”
Si Du instinctively shook his head, then asked softly, “Do I… look very old?”
In an instant, he seemed deeply insecure.
It had been a long time since he’d carefully examined his own appearance.
Over the past four years, he had exhausted himself, pouring his heart and soul into his efforts. Tormenting himself had become routine; he no longer cared about life or death, let alone whether he remained young and handsome.
Without Tang Li around, who was there to see his looks?
Tang Li blinked, the corners of her lips curving upward as she poked his thin cheeks with her fingertips, nodding in dissatisfaction. “You’re too thin.”I’ve recovered my health now, but Brother Si Du, you look like you’re the one who’s sick. This won’t do.”
No explanation for why she suddenly reappeared after four years.
No explanation for why she seemed different from before.
No explanations were needed, and Si Du didn’t want to hear them.
He only wanted to hear Tang Li call him “Brother Si Du” and live together with her.
Even if he remained just her “Si Du brother” for a lifetime, he would be content.
Reality or illusion—it didn’t matter.
“I’ll eat properly,” the man’s voice was hoarse, “Can Tangtang supervise me?”
“Then I’ll confiscate your snacks,” the girl nodded with feigned seriousness.
Si Du tightened his arms, holding her tightly in his embrace, and chuckled softly, “Alright.”
[Little Lychee, don’t forget to talk to him about sleeping in separate beds.]
Imprisonment? Dream on! Just watch how my Little Lychee handles you!