Lin Zhao had actually anticipated this outcome.
The original Lin Zhao used to pick on Xu Ning almost every other day; her misdeeds were no less than Gu Zhuoxiao’s.
Coupled with the fact that the original Lin Zhao and Gu Zhuoxiao were familiar with each other, it was only natural that Xu Ning lumped them together in her mind.
Some might think this was the perfect opportunity to repair the relationship—say a few kind words, clear past grievances—but Lin Zhao didn’t see it that way.
The debts of the original Lin Zhao were hers to observe, not to bear. After all, it was the Lin Zhao in the book who had done those things. The Lin Zhao from the real world had no connection, and she wasn’t about to atone for someone else’s sins.
Xu Ning’s hatred toward her, in fact, was useful.
Hatred meant that Xu Ning was still aware, still alive in her own way. The deeper the hatred, the better—it could at least keep her tethered to life. If someone stopped caring about everything, what meaning did their existence have?
Lin Zhao admitted she might be a little obsessive, but so what? She had lived twenty-something years this way—clinging to anger and disdain for the world was what kept her alive.
Just as she prepared to leave, 101’s panicked voice sounded in her mind: “Host, what you just did has already changed the story.”
It was 101.
Lin Zhao paused, responding casually: “Oh?”
She had half expected the electronic clock to have fallen asleep.
101 hadn’t expected that reaction. After a pause, it hurriedly continued: “Host, you didn’t follow the plot. In the original story, Xu Ning endured this by herself, which indirectly pushed the subsequent events forward. By saving her, you’ve already deviated from the story’s trajectory. There will be consequences.”
Lin Zhao scoffed. “Consequences? Then why didn’t you stop me?”
101 stammered, voice faltering as it scrambled for an excuse: “I… I, at that moment… there was a delay in the system… I didn’t have time…”
The excuse was full of holes. Lin Zhao didn’t believe it for a second.
But she didn’t press the issue. If it refused to speak, there was no use arguing. She simply nodded lightly and let the topic drop.
101 let out a small sigh of relief, but couldn’t resist asking: “Host, that was a perfect chance to change Xu Ning’s opinion of you. Why didn’t you do anything?”
Lin Zhao didn’t answer immediately. She looked up at the sunlight filtering through the leaves, shadows dancing across her face, hiding her thoughts.
After a few moments of silence, she finally asked in return: “System, do you need me?”
101 froze, stunned. “Host… what do you mean by that?”
Lin Zhao ignored the question and repeated: “I’m asking you—do you need me?”
101 hesitated, then finally answered honestly: “Yes. You are the only compatible user bound to me. I require your help to maintain this world.”
Lin Zhao’s lips curved into a small smile. “Then don’t ask so many questions.”
101 was completely baffled, unable to read her thoughts. “Why? Host, what are you trying to do? Deviating from the story isn’t good for either of us. I could be punished by the Heavenly Dao, and you could be harmed…”
Lin Zhao cut it off. “What did I just say?”
101 faltered, stammering: “Y-You said… don’t ask so many questions…”
“And?” Lin Zhao pressed.
101 thought for a moment, voice shrinking: “Th-That’s it… I don’t quite understand why you said that.”
Lin Zhao slowly turned and began walking out of the grove, footsteps casual, voice lazy: “I hate it when people ask me ‘why.’”
She paused, adding, “Don’t worry—I won’t change the story.”
101 was about to breathe a sigh of relief when Lin Zhao added, “As long as they don’t provoke me.”
She ignored the system’s reaction in her mind and walked out of the grove.
She was telling the truth. If the characters in the book followed the story and didn’t provoke her, she wouldn’t interfere. Her goal had never been to rewrite the plot; it was the promise 101 had made to her.
Gu Zhuoxiao was vindictive and proud. Today he had lost face in front of her, and he wouldn’t let it go. While he wouldn’t dare act openly against her because of the families’ relationship, he would most likely shift the conflict onto Xu Ning.
Her decision to help Xu Ning hadn’t been a whim. Having intervened, she couldn’t just stand by and let Xu Ning suffer retribution from Gu Zhuoxiao.
With these thoughts, Lin Zhao reached the school gate.
The family driver was already waiting by the curb. Seeing her, he hurried over: “Miss, shall I drive you?”
Lin Zhao waved him off, calm: “No need, Zhang. I’m meeting a friend. I’ll go back later myself. You can leave.”
Zhang hesitated: “Isn’t that… a little risky? If sir asks…”
“I’ll tell my father. Don’t worry.” Lin Zhao interrupted him.
Zhang nodded, saying no more: “Alright, miss. Stay safe. Call me if you need anything.” Then he drove off.
Lin Zhao watched the car disappear and headed toward the bus stop. At this hour, Xu Ning should be coming out soon.
Not long after she arrived, she saw Xu Ning walking toward the stop, backpack on, head down, silent.
Lin Zhao shifted behind an ad board, keeping out of sight, eyes fixed on Xu Ning.
Soon, the bus arrived. Xu Ning stepped on, and Lin Zhao followed, paying her fare and moving toward the back of the bus to find a window seat, keeping Xu Ning in view.
Xu Ning took a seat by the aisle. Just as she set down her bag, she sensed a gaze. Instinctively, she looked up, her face paler than ever. Gu Zhuoxiao was on the same bus, standing at the front, his eyes dark as he stared at her.
He was about to approach her, reaching for her arm, possibly taking the empty seat beside her.
At that moment, a slender but strong hand grabbed the back of his collar, yanking him back with force. Gu Zhuoxiao’s motion to sit froze instantly.
“Hiss—” Lin Zhao inhaled sharply, faking surprise, brow furrowed, tone tinged with apology: “Sorry, Gu Zhuoxiao, I’m not feeling well. I need to sit down for a bit.”
Gu Zhuoxiao turned, saw Lin Zhao, and fury erupted. He shouted, furious and humiliated: “Lin Zhao? What are you doing here? This is on purpose, right?!”
Lin Zhao ignored him, rubbing her arm as she spoke casually: “I really am not feeling well. Dizzy, needed a place to sit. Didn’t see anyone ahead of me.”
While speaking, she sat in the seat beside Xu Ning, blocking Gu Zhuoxiao’s access.
Lin Zhao leaned slightly toward Xu Ning, shielding her from Gu Zhuoxiao’s gaze.
Gu Zhuoxiao trembled with rage, pointing at her: “Lin Zhao, get up! That was my seat first!”
Lin Zhao raised an eyebrow, coldly: “On a bus, whoever sits first takes the seat. What do you mean ‘first choice’?”
“Besides, I’m not feeling well. I should have priority. You, Big Young Master Gu, wouldn’t really argue with someone unwell, would you? If word gets out, it’ll make your family look bad. Right?”
Gu Zhuoxiao’s face darkened, but he couldn’t respond.
After over a minute of tense silence, he glared at Lin Zhao, cast a sinister glance at Xu Ning, and exited the bus.
Lin Zhao’s cold expression softened.
Xu Ning sat beside her, stunned. She still didn’t dare look at Lin Zhao directly—a natural reaction, considering Lin Zhao’s past hostility.
Lin Zhao leaned back, slightly turned, her gaze casually on Xu Ning. She had never really looked at her before. In 101’s spoilers, Xu Ning was just an ordinary girl, inconspicuous.
But now, up close, Lin Zhao realized Xu Ning was actually very pretty.
Her face was a classic oval, her pale skin adding a delicate, unusual beauty.
Heavy black glasses hid much of her face. Long bangs almost covered her eyes, giving her a somber air that kept her unnoticed in a crowd.
Lin Zhao stared, lost in thought, until Xu Ning seemingly noticed, meeting her gaze. Lin Zhao snapped back, heart racing for a moment, then looked away calmly, pretending nothing had happened.
Xu Ning hesitated, then whispered: “E-Excuse me, I’m getting off.”
Lin Zhao immediately stood, making way: “Mm.”
Xu Ning walked past, head down, hurrying toward the door.
Lin Zhao watched her for a moment, then followed, keeping a careful distance.
After getting off, Xu Ning didn’t head toward the residential area, but walked straight to the nearby hospital.
101 had said Xu Ning’s grandmother was ill. She had to juggle school and care for her grandmother, staying at the hospital until late at night, returning to school the next day as usual. If she hadn’t encountered the original Lin Zhao and Gu Zhuoxiao, her life wouldn’t have been so hard.
At least, it wouldn’t have been so painful.
Lin Zhao instinctively wanted to follow her inside, but 101’s voice sounded again: “Host, are you going to follow her home?”