The two people who had just officially become a couple naturally cherished every moment.
They spent the entire afternoon at the ski resort.
Under the guise of teaching, their hands were practically inseparable.
Others watching felt something was off, but couldn't quite pinpoint what. After all, while their show's slogan supported diverse love, it was mostly for publicity. No one truly expected anything in that direction, only thinking that Shen Xingzhi, as a senior, was simply being protective of a junior.
Watching the pair, who, despite no overtly intimate actions, exuded constant romantic vibes, 77 suddenly asked, "You're a Capricorn, aren't you, Xi Xi?"
Shen Jianxi: "???"
This out-of-the-blue question left Shen Jianxi a bit bewildered.
As if sensing her confusion, 77 continued, "They say that a woman drunk by three parts can act to make you cry, but even eight parts drunk, a Capricorn can still act to make you cry. Even though you're not drinking now, it doesn't stop you from having such acting skills."
"...No, I'm not. I don't even know my specific zodiac sign," Shen Jianxi replied helplessly.
77 nodded with mock seriousness, "That's true, Capricorns have some hidden insecurities, which you really don't show."
At this moment, Shen Xingzhi had gone to buy her a cold drink, so she had some time to chat with 77. She hadn't spoken to 77 in a long time due to being busy with missions. Looking at 77 now, Shen Jianxi felt that something had changed.
"77, you... have you gotten bigger?"
Whether it was her imagination or not, Shen Jianxi felt that 77's form had grown significantly, and it was becoming rounder. She jokingly asked, "Are you Zhuzhao, 77?"
Shen Jianxi didn't know why she blurted that out. Even if 77 wasn't a machine but something else, there were many possibilities, yet the name just slipped out.
77 instinctively replied, "Yes."
After saying it, both the person and the system froze.
Sun Zhuzhao, one of the two primordial forces born from chaos, the most powerful and noble sacred beast in all the heavens, revered as a divine being. Together with Taiyin Youying, they gave birth to the Four Sacred Beasts—the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermillion Bird, and Black Tortoise, familiar to the world.
77 seemed to fall into an abyss, the white fragments within its body rapidly spinning. Visibly shrinking, they transformed into uncatchable rays of light that coursed through its entire being. An indescribable pain rendered it unable to even emit a sound. 77 discovered that, at some point, it had been encased in a barrier, unable to break free no matter how hard it struggled. Its eyes gradually closed, and its body went completely limp.
Shen Jianxi was in the middle of speaking when 77 vanished. No matter how she called out, there was no response, and anxiety began to spread through her heart, her brow unconsciously furrowed with worry.
Shen Xingzhi returned with the drinks and saw his girlfriend pacing restlessly in the same spot. He quickly walked over and placed the iced fruit tea in her hand. "What's wrong? Did something happen?"
Hearing his question, Shen Jianxi suppressed her anxiety and smiled, "No, I just remembered something I haven't told Brother Xingzhi yet, and I was afraid you'd be angry if you knew."
The only thing that might make him angry was likely her disguised male identity. Shen Xingzhi understood. Although he had known her gender for a while, she, unaware, might still think he was attracted to men. He needed to clarify this soon.
With that in mind, he said, half-jokingly and half-seriously, "You are my beloved... junior. No matter what it is, as long as you confess it to me sooner rather than later, I definitely won't be angry."
After he finished speaking, Shen Jianxi looked up at him. Normally, she would have laughed; he was still hinting for her to confess proactively. This made her feel a bit guilty towards Shen Xingzhi. However, she was too worried about 77's condition to talk much with him. She just gave a tired smile, "I understand, Brother Xingzhi. Let me think about it. I'm a bit tired today, shall we go back?"
Seeing that her exhaustion seemed genuine, Shen Xingzhi nodded. They changed their clothes and headed back. On the way, they hailed a taxi. Shen Jianxi and Shen Xingzhi sat side-by-side in the back seat. She rested her head against the seat and closed her eyes, but in her mind, she was frantically calling out to 77. Shen Xingzhi watched her faint reflection on the window, his gaze deep. He did intend for the young girl to confess herself. Only then could he completely control her and hold the upper hand. Although he knew her feelings for him, given his nature, he only felt at ease when he had everything under control.
As both of them were lost in thought, the car gradually approached the vicinity of the love cabin. Just as Shen Xingzhi was about to wake her up, Shen Jianxi opened her eyes. "Are we here?"
Drowsily, as if she had just woken up. Shen Xingzhi gently ruffled her hair and smiled indulgently, "Yes, we're here. Let's get out." The taxi quickly drove away after the doors closed, kicking up dust. Although they weren't holding hands, they walked very close to each other, their hands often brushing as they moved. Upon entering the house, they discovered that Li Ying and Ye Chuan Ci had already returned.
Seeing them enter, Li Ying, who was massaging her legs, stopped and asked with a smile, "Why are you back so early? Didn't you want to play outside longer?"
"I was feeling a bit tired, so I asked Brother Xingzhi to come back with me," Shen Jianxi replied.
Ye Chuan Ci looked at them. Although there were no intimate actions, he could sense a difference. They had probably gotten together. Despite being prepared, his heart still ached when he actually saw it. Ye Chuan Ci's gaze, though not overtly brazen, was not exactly discreet, and Shen Xingzhi naturally noticed it. His brows furrowed, and he stepped forward to block the space between them, interrupting Li Ying's conversation, "Weren't you feeling tired? Aren't you going back?"
The bluntness in his tone made everyone present pause, unsure of what was happening. Shen Jianxi looked at him, then smiled apologetically at Li Ying, "I'm sorry, Teacher Li, Teacher Chu. I am indeed tired today. Please excuse me." Su Dan Novel Network. Li Ying naturally wouldn't object and quickly urged her to go back, while muttering to herself, wondering what Shen Jianxi had done to displease Shen Xingzhi so much that his expression was so grim.
As soon as Shen Jianxi left, Ye Chuan Ci started to follow, but Shen Xingzhi blocked him at the entrance to his bedroom. "Teacher Chu, this is your room." The two of them locked eyes, Shen Xingzhi's warning unmistakable. After a moment, Ye Chuan Ci let out a sneer and turned to open the door. After all, he was just the future ex-boyfriend, yet he was acting so possessive.