Xiao Ming, surrounded by fireflies, looked at Lin Xiaoxiao's back and suddenly felt a strange emotion rising in his heart, without knowing why.
"Sister System, what's wrong with me?" Xiao Ming muttered in his mind.
The system was silent for a moment, then said teasingly, "Oh? Troubled by emotions? That's rare."
Xiao Ming pouted, "Don't talk nonsense, I'm just curious."
"Is that so?" The system let out a light laugh. "Don't forget, I can see your internal data. Although your feelings for them started as part of conquering this world, now… it seems to have changed a bit."
"Shut up." Xiao Ming scolded softly, then quickly caught up to Lin Xiaoxiao.
Lin Xiaoxiao was happily chasing fireflies in the grass like a child. She tried to catch one, but only caught air. Pouting in frustration, she said, "Ah, too sneaky!"
Xiao Ming smiled and walked up behind her, gently holding her wrist and guiding her to slow down: "Don't rush, they like quiet people."
His palm covered the back of Lin Xiaoxiao's hand, slowly extending it, the center of the palm slightly turning up. After a while, a firefly actually landed on their overlapping palms, its green light flickering in Lin Xiaoxiao's hand.
"Wow!" Lin Xiaoxiao exclaimed in surprise, not daring to speak loudly for fear of scaring away the little creature.
By the dim light of the firefly, Xiao Ming looked at the joyful smile on Lin Xiaoxiao's side profile, feeling an indescribable flutter in his heart.
"So pretty…" Lin Xiaoxiao whispered in admiration.
"Yeah, really pretty." But Xiao Ming wasn't looking at the firefly, instead, he was gazing intently at Lin Xiaoxiao's face.
Just then, the firefly flapped its wings and flew off into the distant starlight. Only then did Lin Xiaoxiao notice Xiao Ming's intense gaze, and her cheeks instantly burned red.
"You… what are you looking at?" she stammered.
Xiao Ming casually put his arm around her shoulder: "Looking at you. The way you're lit by the fireflies is very beautiful."
Lin Xiaoxiao shyly lowered her head but didn't pull away from his embrace. The two stood quietly in the night, surrounded by fireflies and starlight.
The system suddenly prompted: "Detected high-energy fluctuations, suspected protagonist aura plot engine activated!"
Xiao Ming tensed up: "What's going on?"
"Someone's coming, and it doesn't seem accidental," the system quickly analyzed. "According to the world's rules, this should be a forced plot advancement—perhaps… an uninvited guest?"
Sure enough, a male voice came from afar: "Xiaoxiao? Is that you?"
Lin Xiaoxiao froze like a startled bunny and quickly jumped out of Xiao Ming's arms: "Ah? Who… who is it?"
A flashlight beam pierced through the night, landing on them. A tall male figure appeared at the end of the path.
"It really is you! What a coincidence!" The boy walked over quickly, his face full of surprise and joy.
Xiao Ming narrowed his eyes, already having a guess in his mind.
"Zhang… Zhang Jiacheng?" Lin Xiaoxiao called out the name in surprise, "Why are you here?"
Zhang Jiacheng, the popular boy in the economics department, was rumored to be one of Lin Xiaoxiao's admirers. Xiao Ming had heard of him but never cared.
"I came with a few classmates to this farm for fun," Zhang Jiacheng explained with a smile, but his gaze stayed fixed on Lin Xiaoxiao, ignoring Xiao Ming, "I didn't expect to meet you here! Such luck!"
Lin Xiaoxiao awkwardly touched her hair: "Yeah… quite the coincidence." She instinctively took half a step back, leaning toward Xiao Ming. "I came with my sister and some friends."
Only then did Zhang Jiacheng notice Xiao Ming. His smile froze briefly but quickly returned to normal: "Hello, I'm Zhang Jiacheng, junior in the economics department."
Xiao Ming nodded with a faint smile: "Xiao Ming, computer science department."
After the brief introduction, an awkward tension lingered. Zhang Jiacheng obviously didn't expect Lin Xiaoxiao to appear in such a romantic setting with another boy.
"We're having a barbecue over there," Zhang Jiacheng pointed to a clearing in the distance, faint figures and firelight visible, "Xiaoxiao, want to join us? Your friends are welcome too."
Lin Xiaoxiao looked hesitantly at Xiao Ming: "Um…"
Xiao Ming smiled nonchalantly: "Go ahead. I happen to want to go check in with Senior Lin, still have things to discuss." He intentionally mentioned Lin Jie to observe Zhang Jiacheng's reaction.
Sure enough, Zhang Jiacheng's expression changed slightly: "Senior Lin is here too?"
"Yeah," Xiao Ming's smile didn't change, "The three of us came together."
A flash of complex emotion appeared in Zhang Jiacheng's eyes, but he quickly returned to normal: "Great, come barbecue together. The more, the merrier."
Lin Xiaoxiao tugged at Xiao Ming's sleeve and whispered: "Come with me, it should be fun."
Xiao Ming sighed inwardly. According to the villain's script, he should refuse and assert dominance in front of Zhang Jiacheng. But for some reason, he didn't want to ruin Lin Xiaoxiao's joy.
"Alright," Xiao Ming nodded, "But let's get your sister first—we shouldn't leave her alone."
Lin Xiaoxiao jumped up happily: "Great! I'll go knock on her door now!" She ran toward the cabins.
Only Xiao Ming and Zhang Jiacheng were left, the atmosphere turning cold.
"You and Lin Xiaoxiao… what's your relationship?" Zhang Jiacheng asked first, his tone guarded.
Xiao Ming chuckled: "Isn't that a bit forward?"
Zhang Jiacheng didn't back down: "I'm just concerned about her. Lin Xiaoxiao is kind and innocent. I don't want to see her being used."
Tsk, this protector act—classic white knight. Xiao Ming mocked internally but kept a calm smile: "So you think I have ulterior motives toward her?"
"I'm warning you," Zhang Jiacheng's tone turned serious, "Lin Xiaoxiao isn't someone you can toy with. I know who you are. There are plenty of rumors about you on campus."
Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow: "Oh? I'm curious—what kind of rumors?"
Zhang Jiacheng sneered: "Two-faced. Flirting with many. And I heard you're close with Senior Lin too, now cozying up to Lin Xiaoxiao…"
"You seem to know a lot about me," Xiao Ming remained composed. "But my relationship with the sisters has nothing to do with you, right?"
Zhang Jiacheng's face darkened: "Anything involving Lin Xiaoxiao is my business."
"Oh?" Xiao Ming pretended to be surprised. "I didn't know you were that close. Funny—she never mentioned you."
That clearly struck a nerve. Zhang Jiacheng clenched his fists: "You…"
Just as the atmosphere was growing tense, Lin Xiaoxiao's voice came from afar: "Hey! Sister said she's coming too!"
The two of them turned at the same time and saw Lin Xiaoxiao pulling a helpless-looking Lin Jie over. Lin Xiaoxiao obviously hadn't noticed the tension between them and cheerfully introduced, "Sis, this is Senior Zhang Jiacheng, from the economics department!"
Lin Jie nodded politely: "I've heard of you. Hello."
Zhang Jiacheng immediately put on a courteous expression: "Nice to meet you, Senior Lin. I've long heard of your reputation."
Xiao Ming stood to the side, watching the little confrontation with interest. Lin Jie's eyes shifted between Zhang Jiacheng and himself, as if sensing something, but she didn't say anything.
"Let's go. They're waiting for us." Zhang Jiacheng made a "please" gesture and led the way.
The four of them walked toward the bonfire party. Lin Xiaoxiao jumped to Xiao Ming's side and quietly asked, "What were you guys talking about just now? The atmosphere felt weird."
Xiao Ming smiled and shook his head: "Nothing, just a bit of male bonding."
Lin Jie walked on the other side, giving Xiao Ming a meaningful glance but saying nothing.
By the bonfire, several students were grilling meat. When they saw Zhang Jiacheng return with people, they greeted them enthusiastically. Xiao Ming recognized a few of them as well-known figures on campus—Zhang Jiacheng indeed had some standing.
"Come on, have a seat," a bespectacled girl warmly invited. "We've got extra food, let's share!"
Lin Xiaoxiao quickly blended into the cheerful atmosphere, while Lin Jie was more reserved, sitting quietly to the side. Xiao Ming sat next to her and asked softly, "Don't like this kind of setting?"
Lin Jie shook her head: "It's fine, just feels a bit sudden." She paused. "Earlier, you and Zhang Jiacheng…"
"It's nothing," Xiao Ming interrupted her. "Just a territorial skirmish."
Lin Jie seemed like she wanted to say more, but eventually remained silent. She accepted a skewer from someone and took small bites, occasionally glancing at the joyful Lin Xiaoxiao.
During the gathering, Zhang Jiacheng clearly tried to show off his strengths, constantly bringing up topics to chat with Lin Xiaoxiao. He even mentioned academic topics that might interest Lin Jie. He was, admittedly, skilled at handling social scenes—humorous, polite, and attentive to everyone.
Xiao Ming didn't fall behind either, occasionally inserting a few words that always drew laughter from the group. He noticed that Lin Xiaoxiao's gaze lingered on him the longest, which gave him a faint sense of satisfaction.
However, he also noticed Lin Jie seemed a bit down, not quite like her usual self.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Ming asked quietly while everyone was distracted by a joke.
Lin Jie snapped back to reality, forcing a smile: "Nothing, just thinking about work." She pointed to the nearby path. "I want to go out for a walk, get some air."
Xiao Ming nodded: "I'll come with you."
They quietly got up and left the lively bonfire. Lin Xiaoxiao noticed them leaving and gave a puzzled look, but Zhang Jiacheng cleverly diverted her attention.
Along the path, the moonlight shone on Lin Jie's shoulders, wrapping her in a soft silver veil. She truly seemed to have something on her mind—her steps were slow, her eyes downcast.
"Worried about Professor Chen?" Xiao Ming asked.
Lin Jie nodded: "Yes, I've been thinking about how to handle it. If I report him directly, it would damage the school's reputation and our department would be implicated too. But if I ignore it, it feels like I'm condoning illegal behavior."
Xiao Ming thought for a moment and said, "Actually, there's another way. It doesn't have to be just reporting or not reporting—maybe you could…"
"Could what?" Lin Jie looked up, eyes filled with anticipation.
Xiao Ming stopped, looking straight into her eyes: "You could collect more evidence first, understand the structure of the entire trading network. Then find the right moment to subtly sever the connection between Professor Chen and those businessmen, making them suspicious of each other. That way, even if things blow up, it'll look like internal division caused the collapse, not an external report."
Lin Jie's eyes widened in surprise: "You… you've thought this through so thoroughly."
"I'm doing it for you," Xiao Ming said gently. "I know you care about the school and your department's honor. I also understand your sense of justice as a teacher. This plan allows for both."
Lin Jie stared at Xiao Ming for a few seconds, her gaze softening: "Thank you. I really hadn't thought of it that way."
They continued walking along the path and unknowingly arrived at a quiet lakeside. The moonlight spread silver across the water, and a breeze stirred gentle ripples.
"So beautiful," Lin Jie whispered as she stood at the water's edge.
Xiao Ming stood beside her. In the moonlight, he could clearly see the contours of her face—a mature woman's elegance and calmness, starkly contrasting Lin Xiaoxiao's lively cuteness, yet equally captivating.
"You know," Xiao Ming suddenly spoke, "you look especially beautiful standing in the moonlight."
Lin Jie froze for a moment, then laughed: "You used that line on Lin Xiaoxiao, didn't you?"
Xiao Ming, caught red-handed, wasn't embarrassed. He winked playfully: "You caught me? But I meant it from the heart."
Lin Jie shook her head: "You… really know how to charm people." She paused, then her tone turned serious. "Xiao Ming, are you serious about Xiaoxiao?"
Xiao Ming didn't expect her to ask that and was momentarily stunned.
"I can tell, Xiaoxiao really likes you," Lin Jie continued. "She's simple, but she doesn't give her heart lightly. If you're just playing…"
"I'm not that kind of person," Xiao Ming interrupted firmly. "I'm serious about Lin Xiaoxiao." As the words left his mouth, even he was surprised by how sincere they sounded.
Lin Jie looked into his eyes, as if trying to read his soul: "I hope so." She turned her face away. "Because… if you hurt her, I'll never forgive you."
Xiao Ming was silent for a moment and asked softly, "Then if… I'm serious about you too?"
This question was like a stone cast into a calm lake, stirring ripples. Lin Jie turned back in shock: "What?"
"I said," Xiao Ming took a step closer, reducing the distance between them, "if I'm serious about you too, what would you think?"
Lin Jie stepped back, a flicker of panic on her face: "Xiao Ming, don't joke like that…"
"I'm not joking," Xiao Ming's voice was low and steady. "From the first time we met, I was drawn to you. Your maturity, your rationality, and your gentleness… I couldn't ignore it."
Lin Jie's breathing visibly quickened. Her hand unconsciously touched the heartbeat bracelet on her wrist. "This is absurd… you're obviously pursuing Xiaoxiao. How could you possibly…"
"The heart doesn't follow logic, does it?" Xiao Ming smiled slightly and pointed to her bracelet. "Your heart rate increased—I can feel it."
A flash of anger appeared in Lin Jie's eyes: "Xiao Ming, enough! You're playing with fire! You know Xiaoxiao and I are sisters, and yet you… you're trying to drive a wedge between us!"
Xiao Ming shook his head: "No, I'm just expressing how I truly feel. Is it really wrong to appreciate you even while liking Lin Xiaoxiao?"
"Of course it is!" Lin Jie nearly shouted, then lowered her voice, "Feelings aren't a game, Xiao Ming. You can't chase after both sisters. That's ridiculous."
"Maybe it's ridiculous from a conventional point of view," Xiao Ming said calmly, "but emotions don't follow reason. And I can feel that you don't have no feelings for me either."
Lin Jie's face turned pale: "Enough! I don't want to hear any more." She turned to leave but was grabbed by the wrist.
"Let me go!" she struggled, her voice trembling slightly.
Xiao Ming released her but blocked her path: "Lin Jie, don't deny it so quickly. The heartbeat bracelet doesn't lie—I can feel your emotional fluctuations."
Lin Jie stopped struggling and took a deep breath, trying to compose herself: "Xiao Ming, I don't know what exactly you're trying to do. But no matter what, I will never betray Xiaoxiao. She's my sister, my most important family."
"I understand," Xiao Ming said softly. "I don't want to cause a rift between you two either. But emotions…"
"No, you don't understand!" Lin Jie cut him off, her eyes filled with pain. "You have no idea what I've done for Xiaoxiao. Since our parents divorced, I've been the one who raised her. I'd rather suffer myself than let her be hurt or sad. So no matter what I feel for you, it doesn't matter. What matters is—I will never do anything that might hurt her."
Xiao Ming was stunned by the strength of her conviction and didn't know how to respond for a moment.
Lin Jie took the chance to walk around him and quickly headed back. "Forget everything we talked about tonight—pretend it never happened."
Watching her retreating figure, Xiao Ming felt a complex mix of emotions. His heart was like the lake—disturbed by a pebble, rippling endlessly.
He took a deep breath, gathered his thoughts, and headed toward the bonfire.
Halfway there, he suddenly paused, looking at the heartbeat bracelet on his wrist. Is this thing really that accurate? Can it really sense my true thoughts?
Xiao Ming shook his head, trying to shake off the thoughts, and walked on. No matter what, the plan must continue.
In the distance, the bonfire was still bright, and laughter filled the air. Xiao Ming saw that Lin Jie had returned to the group but deliberately sat far from Lin Xiaoxiao, her expression calm as if nothing had happened.
Lin Xiaoxiao saw Xiao Ming return and waved happily at him: "Xiao Ming! Come over! Senior Zhang is telling jokes—it's so funny!"
Xiao Ming smiled and walked over, sitting beside her. Zhang Jiacheng's gaze dimmed slightly but he continued his joke.
Lin Xiaoxiao leaned closer and whispered: "Where did you and my sister go? She looked a bit off when she came back."
Xiao Ming acted casually: "Nothing, just went for a walk and chatted. She's probably still worried about work."
Lin Xiaoxiao seemed to accept the explanation and nodded: "My sister works too hard, always worrying about everything."
Xiao Ming looked past Lin Xiaoxiao toward Lin Jie, who was lowering her head, drawing something on the ground with a twig, appearing lost in thought.
The system suddenly spoke: "Host, Lin Xiaoxiao's affection level for you has increased—now over 90%. But Lin Jie's emotional state is fluctuating, and her affection level is unstable."
Xiao Ming asked softly: "What's the exact number?"
The system paused: "Currently at 65%, but it peaked at 75% by the lake and then quickly dropped. It now appears to be slowly rising again."
Xiao Ming curved his lips into a smile: "Looks like things are getting more interesting than I expected."
The party went on until late into the night. Everyone reluctantly said their goodbyes. Zhang Jiacheng came over specifically to say goodbye to Lin Xiaoxiao and even invited her to go fruit picking at the farm the next morning.
Lin Xiaoxiao looked at Xiao Ming in hesitation, clearly seeking his opinion. Xiao Ming smiled: "Go ahead. I have to deal with some work stuff in the morning anyway. After you finish picking, we can hang out again."
Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up: "Really? That's great!" She turned to Zhang Jiacheng, "Then I'll join you in the morning!"
Zhang Jiacheng looked pleased, but the glance he gave Xiao Ming was filled with challenge. Xiao Ming only smiled faintly, as if he didn't mind at all.
The three walked back to the cabins together. Along the way, Lin Jie remained silent, walking ahead and keeping her distance from Xiao Ming. Lin Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, was full of energy, hopping around and talking about the fun moments at the bonfire.
In front of the cabin, Lin Xiaoxiao yawned and said, "Today was so much fun! But I'm tired—I'm going to sleep now!" She waved to Xiao Ming and Lin Jie and cheerfully entered her cabin.
Suddenly, only Xiao Ming and Lin Jie were left standing in the moonlight, and the atmosphere grew awkward.
"I should head in too," Lin Jie said calmly. "Good night, Xiao Ming."
"Lin Jie," Xiao Ming stopped her, "about tonight…"
Lin Jie shook her head and cut him off: "Please forget it—just think of it as a misunderstanding."
Xiao Ming stepped forward: "But everything I said was from the heart." He paused, looking into her eyes, "You can't deny that you have feelings for me too."
Lin Jie's eyes flickered, but she quickly steadied herself: "That doesn't matter. What matters is—I won't do anything to hurt Xiaoxiao."
She turned and entered the cabin, closing the door softly behind her, locking Xiao Ming—and his words—outside.
Xiao Ming stood there, bathed in moonlight, casting a lonely shadow.
The system's voice sounded at the right moment: "Host, what's the plan now?"
Xiao Ming gave a bitter smile: "Stick to the plan, of course. But…" He looked up at the starry sky and murmured, "Why does it feel like things are getting more complicated than I thought?"
The system was silent for a moment, and for once didn't mock him. It only replied softly, "Maybe… that's the wonder of human emotions."
Xiao Ming shook his head, turned, and returned to his cabin. Lying on his bed, his mind replayed the night's events—Lin Xiaoxiao's innocent smile while chasing fireflies, Lin Jie's sorrowful gaze in the moonlight, and that inexplicable stirring in his own heart.