As Shen Jianxi neared the pillars that could offer cover, her heart pounded with increasing tension.
Almost there, just a bit further.
Four meters, three meters, two meters, one meter…
"Little sister!" A high-pitched male voice boomed through the hall.
Shen Jianxi froze in place.
All eyes turned towards them, including Song Qi's.
She gritted her teeth, annoyed at how sharp Xia Shu's eyes were. He'd recognized her even when she was turning her head.
"Little sister, why are you here? Are you looking for me?" Xia Shu, oblivious to her thoughts, patted Song Qi's arm excitedly, as if afraid Song Qi hadn't seen her, "Captain, look, isn't that our little sister?"
"Who's your little sister?" Song Qi brushed Xia Shu's hand away, not wanting to engage with someone trying to snatch his sister. The kid was dreaming; she was clearly his sister.
Everyone had been training hard lately, and he'd brought them out for a good meal to relax. He hadn't expected to see their precious little one, who shouldn't be here, in such a place.
He waved goodbye to his teammates, telling them to go in and eat, and walked towards Shen Jianxi.
"Shuai Shuai, shouldn't you be at school right now? What are you doing here?" Unlike Xia Shu, he didn't believe Shuai Shuai was specifically looking for him. If that were the case, she would have just gone to the base to find him.
"My teacher said this morning to explore the school for a bit. After walking around, I heard this place had good food, so I came to try. I was planning to see you brothers after eating, but I ran into you here." As Shen Jianxi spoke, she subtly shifted her feet until Song Qi's form completely blocked her from view. Only then did she let out a silent sigh of relief, knowing even Xie Shu wouldn't be able to see her.
Song Qi was delighted that Shuai Shuai had indeed come looking for him. It meant she had been thinking of him all along.
Perhaps she'd started missing him right after he left that morning and decided to skip class to find him, grabbing a meal along the way.
It was normal for a young lady to be shy and not say things directly.
77: "Ding! Affection +2, Song Qi's current affection is 58."
The more Song Qi imagined, the more he felt he'd discovered the truth, and his mood improved, completely dispelling the fatigue from his training.
Lost in his own thoughts, he failed to notice the panic in Shen Jianxi's eyes.
"Brother will take you back to school."
"No need, brother, you go eat. I can go back by myself."
Shen Jianxi just wanted him gone as quickly as possible. Estimating the time, Xie Shu would be back soon.
"It's fine, Shuai Shuai. Brother will take you back first, then I'll come back to eat." Song Qi couldn't possibly let her go back alone. There were so many cars on the road; what if she got hurt?
Seeing his firm resolve, Shen Jianxi could only force a wry smile and nod stiffly. There was no other way. She'd have to discreetly message Xie Shu on the way.
Now, she could only pray that Xie Shu wouldn't see her.
Heaven didn't hear Shen Jianxi's plea, but 77 did. As a competent system, it was obligated to fulfill the host's earnest wishes.
Thus, Xie Shu, who had just finished settling his bill and couldn't find Shen Jianxi, assuming she'd gone back to retrieve something, turned to go look for her. Suddenly, he felt a jolt on the left side of his neck, causing him to instinctively turn his head left.
Wasn't that Shen Jianxi and Song Qi walking out not far away?
"Shen Jianxi!"
This shout made Shen Jianxi's heart leap into her throat. Song Qi stopped and asked her, "Did I just hear someone call you, Shuai Shuai?"
"You must have misheard. It must have sounded similar." Her smile was exaggerated and stiff, making Song Qi look at her strangely.
"No, I..."
"Let's go, brother, I want to go back and check out the classroom." Footsteps were getting closer from behind. Shen Jianxi couldn't afford to talk any longer and forcefully pulled Song Qi towards the exit.
Behind them, Xie Shu felt inexplicably confused. He hadn't called out to the wrong person; why wasn't she responding?
Xie Shu quickened his pace, catching up to the pair and blocking their path. He frowned and said to Shen Jianxi, "Shen Jianxi, why did you leave without waiting for me?"
"Who are you?" Song Qi narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint flashing in them.
He wasn't a fool; he could tell from the tone of the boy's voice that Shuai Shuai had come with this person.
With that thought, Song Qi put an arm around Shen Jianxi's shoulder, pulling her possessively into his embrace. He looked at Xie Shu with vigilance.
Xie Shu felt a surge of anger at that look. What was this guy giving him that look for? Threatening him?
Xie Shao, who feared nothing, couldn't tolerate being provoked. He immediately smiled flirtatiously at Shen Jianxi and then gestured with his chin towards Song Qi, "Baby, who is this?"
It's over, we're doomed!
This was Shen Jianxi's only thought.
"What are you talking about, Xie Shu, hmm?" She glared at Xie Shu with a forced smile, her last word laced with a threat.
However, her naturally soft voice lacked any intimidation. Instead, it sounded more like a coaxing plea, and even her glare seemed seductive, causing Xie Shu to pause.
She… why was she giving him bedroom eyes? And… pouting? Could it be… she liked him?
Would she confess?
The possibility made Xie Shu's face flush, his ears turning warm. "N-nothing, I won't say anymore."
They would be interacting more during training from now on. What if she fell for him uncontrollably?
Alas, it was all his fault for being too charming. At most, seeing as they were somewhat friends, he would gently reject her later.
77: "Ding! Affection +6, Xie Shu's current affection is 20."
"Are you two treating me like I'm invisible?" Seeing them exchanging glances, Song Qi's aura grew increasingly menacing, and his expression turned dark.
How could Shuai Shuai date another guy? Shuai Shuai was his. If she were to date, it should be him.
Once this thought formed, it couldn't be dislodged.
Right, they weren't related by blood. Why couldn't they be together instead of just being siblings?
77: "Ding! Affection +7, Song Qi's current affection is 65."
Song Qi's mindset shifted. He appraised Xie Shu from head to toe. His height was barely comparable to his own, he lacked his charm, was too immature, and his personality wasn't stable. Shuai Shuai wouldn't like such a young boy; he was the clear winner and shouldn't be worried about. He just needed to show Shuai Shuai his maturity, stability, and thoughtfulness.
With this realization, Song Qi's hostility vanished. He smiled gently and said, "Is this a new classmate Shuai Shuai met? Why don't you introduce them to your brother?"
Shen Jianxi looked at him in surprise, not understanding his rapid change. With a hint of doubt, she tentatively introduced him, "This is my classmate, Xie Shu."
Then, she turned to Xie Shu and said, "This is my broth—"
"I'm Song Qi, Shuai Shuai's most important person." Song Qi cut her off before she could finish, his words carrying a tone of possessiveness.
Song Qi extended his hand. He looked at Xie Shu as if appraising a junior.
This gaze gave Xie Shu goosebumps. He was bewildered by Song Qi's transformation, who had been hostile towards him moments ago but was now looking at him in this manner.
Did Shen Jianxi's brother have some kind of problem?
Xie Shu was not an unreasonable person. Since the other party had extended goodwill, he wouldn't be aggressive. He reached out and shook Song Qi's hand, saying hesitantly, "Hello, I'm Xie Shu."
They released each other's hands quickly. Song Qi discreetly rubbed his hand behind his back and then lowered his head to say to Shen Jianxi, "Let's go, I'll take you both back."
"Ah?! Oh, okay." Shen Jianxi looked at this development in a daze. How had things gone from intense confrontation to shaking hands and making peace?
She didn't understand.
She could only walk beside them, watching in a muddled state as Song Qi and Xie Shu chatted amiably.
77, who had orchestrated this grand event, let out a subtle smile and gracefully retreated, his merits concealed.
Love triangles, they were its favorite.