CH 52

Without the involvement of the ‘Unexpected Ones,’ Si Chu and Ye Feiran’s simulation combat unfolded almost exactly like the original plot. The only reason the word ‘almost’ sneaks in is that the team leading in points had spent the better part of the night planning how to seize the ‘beautiful and innocent civilian.’ However, before dawn could break, the follow-up content of the mission refreshed.

The notorious murderer, due to his relentless evil deeds, was reported by the innocent and kind-hearted civilian who couldn’t tolerate his heinous actions. Eventually, he was detained and thrown behind bars. The civilian pledged to visit him every 2nd and 8th of the month, showcasing an unusual dedication to checking in on the imprisoned individual.

With the rescue mission accomplished, the protection mission came to an end.

Si Chu, who had been wandering without encountering this particular mission, remarked, “…so full of ups and downs, huh?”

Xiao Nian was quite pleased with the outcome, sipping hot milk while sitting next to Xiao Jiali, casually watching TV. Xiao Jiali followed Xiao Jingfeng for a full-body checkup, and now wore a sensory suppression device to minimize the use of spiritual power as much as possible and had taken a temporary leave from the tower.

Though termed a temporary leave, he might never go back. Before leaving, Xiao Jiali stood alone under the teaching building, lingering at the boundary between shadow and light, gazing upward for a long while.

Afterward, Duan Fei came knocking, and they all went to his former high school together, accompanied by Si Di. After obtaining student information from the school office, the three followed the provided address to find Xiao Jiali’s childhood home.

The situation turned out either better or worse than expected. Xiao Jiali was a genuine orphan, and his only relative, his grandfather, passed away half a year ago. His father, addicted to gambling, had ruined Xiao Jiali’s life. Having such a father, being an orphan seemed preferable.

According to neighbors, Xiao Jiali was an excellent and obedient child in his youth. However, due to his father’s gambling and frequent abuse, he never had a conducive learning environment. Duan Fei had always been concerned because they used to be desk mates. Xiao Jiali was on par with him in various sports during sports events, and while his academic performance was average, he always came up with unexpected solutions to problems.

He hoped things would change when they went to a boarding high school, but in the second semester of the first year, Xiao Jiali disappeared suddenly. His father claimed he left home due to the constant abuse, but in reality, his grandfather tearfully revealed before his death that Xiao Jiali’s father, to repay gambling debts, sold his healthy son to an illegal research institute in need of test subjects.

Standing in what he once called home, Xiao Jiali had no memories or sense of belonging. He left empty-handed and returned to Xiao Zhenyun’s house, equally a temporary dwelling. Xiao Jiali knew he didn’t belong here, but he had nowhere else to go.

The noisy clamor of the TV filled the room, everyone seemed to be laughing, while he subconsciously moved his legs onto the couch, helplessly hugging himself, his gaze wandering with no clear focus.

“…” Xiao Nian couldn’t ignore the melancholy beside him. He glanced over, sighing inwardly.

“Brother Jiali,” he said, “I’m stuck on a math problem.”

After a moment, Xiao Jiali slowly released his legs, turning to look for Xiao Zhenyun’s figure.

“Dad can’t help either; he’s not very smart,” Xiao Nian said confidently.

“Oh,” Xiao Jiali blinked slowly, “then, shall I help you?”

“Let’s go,” Xiao Nian hopped off the couch.

At this moment, Xiao Zhenyun, unaware of the accusations against him, sat in his room, holding a cigarette between his teeth, narrow eyes studying the instructions for the medicine prescribed by the research doctor.

A year ago, he couldn’t have imagined needing to take this kind of medicine one day.

In the morning, he sneaked out alone, first buying the gift for Si Chu according to the original plot, then quietly visiting the hospital for some difficult-to-discuss examinations. He even obtained some discreetly prescribed medication.

He was meticulously inspecting each box of medicine, memorizing the dosage and frequency as he looked over the prescriptions. Suddenly, Si Di pushed the door open and called out, “Xiao…”

Xiao Zhenyun calmly stacked the medicine boxes, placing them back into a plastic bag. He nonchalantly pushed the bag aside, extinguished his cigarette, then turned around leisurely, asking, “Why are you back?”

“Nothing, just came back.” Si Di strolled over casually, glancing at the half-open paper bag on the table, “What’s in the bag?”

Caught up in hiding the medicine, he forgot about Si Chu’s gift.

Xiao Zhenyun’s ability to handle being caught doing something mischievous was evidently top-notch. With a casual gesture, he casually pulled the paper bag a couple of times, pretending to show Si Di, but in reality, it was a cover-up. “Nothing, just food.”

“What kind of food?” Si Di, unsure whether to believe him or not, followed Xiao Zhenyun’s pointing finger, “The packaging looks quite exquisite.”

Indeed, something small enough to fit in the pocket of his pants had been excessively packaged into a large box that Xiao Zhenyun had to cradle with both hands, thanks to an overenthusiastic salesperson.

But to be honest, he found it challenging to explain the contents of the box… even Xiao Zhenyun couldn’t comprehend why ‘Xiao Zhenyun’ in the story would buy such a gift to please Si Chu.

But upon closer thought, it seemed to fit the persona of ‘Xiao Zhenyun.’

—Just too bad he couldn’t catch up with the little dog.

So, Xiao Zhenyun explained, “Chocolate, something dogs shouldn’t eat.”

Si Di: “…”

Si Di, threateningly holding onto the wheelchair handle with one hand, lowered his upper body, “If you make a joke about dogs not eating chocolate again, I’ll—”

“I’ll what?” Xiao Zhenyun met him head-on, “What will you do?”

Si Di didn’t specify what he would do; indeed, he couldn’t do much. His eyes, unintentionally surpassing the guide, landed on the surface of a medication box in the corner of the table that hadn’t been completely covered. Si Di repeated the words written on it in a low voice, “Tadalafil?”

“Lafei1A famous wine brand? You want to drink wine…” Xiao Zhenyun interrupted himself halfway, suddenly realizing that the doctor had prescribed Tadalafil tablets for him to treat erectile dysfunction. However, Si Di didn’t have such a problem, so he probably didn’t understand the purpose… Thinking this, Xiao Zhenyun looked up at him without changing his expression, but found Si Di already had a knowing look on his face, “Tadalafil?”

“…You read it wrong. It’s omeprazole, for my stomach ache.” Xiao Zhenyun resisted stubbornly, maintaining a poker face even in death.

Si Di nodded in agreement, “Oh, I see. That’s unfortunate. Hurry up and take your medicine.”

“No need to take it for now…”

“Uncle, avoiding the doctor is not a good idea.” Si Di earnestly advised, “I’ll go pour you some hot water.”

“…Si Di.” Xiao Zhenyun said helplessly, “These are medicines for erectile dysfunction… damn it, did you have to be so blunt?” He took out another cigarette from the pack but didn’t light it, just holding it between his index and middle fingers, considering the sensitive sense of smell of the sentinel. He then put it back.

Seeing that his goal was achieved, Si Di smiled with narrowed eyes, “So, the question is, why did you buy these medicines?”

“What else can I do?” Xiao Zhenyun retorted unkindly.

He always felt that Xiao Nian hadn’t completely told the truth in the past few days. If he had to save Xiao Jiali, there was a way, but Xiao Nian was unwilling to easily agree to it. There were many reasons for this, perhaps it is to maintain reverence for life. Xiao Zhenyun couldn’t be bothered to guess them all, but one thing was certain: there would be a certain price to pay.

The reason he suddenly went to the hospital to check his impotence was to be ready to pay the price for his healthy body after the end of that plot.

In the book, ‘Xiao Zhenyun’s’ impotence was both physiological and psychological, difficult to cure. However, he had no psychological problems. After consulting at the hospital, the doctor said there was indeed a chance of cure. They asked if he planned to take it slow or use strong medicine for emergencies.

Xiao Zhenyun said, “Only kids make choices. I want them all.”

Although Xiao Zhenyun did not give a clear answer, Si Di couldn’t help but feel uneasy. He remembered their previous discussion about their positions during combat simulation, and Xiao Zhenyun had promised him in a whisper.

Although the subsequent process was interrupted by a sudden accident involving Xiao Jiali, after these many days, regardless of the outcome, things had temporarily come to an end.

It was time for him to collect his debts.

“Explain yourself.” Si Di lifted his right leg, kneeling on one knee between Xiao Zhenyun’s two wheels. Xiao Zhenyun instinctively grabbed the wheelchair handles, pulling back, but how could Si Di let him off? He pressed forward, persistently reaching the actual point, using his knee to tease in the sensitive area, inquiring insistently, “Why are you buying these medicines?”

Xiao Zhenyun couldn’t move his legs, but that area was sensitive. He inwardly cursed Si Di for being shameless and overstepping, his eyes containing a hint of anger. He said slowly, “For… impotence.”

Si Di, stared down by Xiao Zhenyun’s intense gaze, felt his breath tighten. He lowered his head slightly, whispering by Xiao Zhenyun’s neck, “Impotence?”

Xiao Zhenyun flicked his forehead with a bent finger, “Go get me hot water, I need to take the medicine.”

“Uh,” Si Di covered his forehead, stepped back half a step, but his gaze didn’t move away from Xiao Zhenyun, “Did you forget what you promised me?”

“What?” Xiao Zhenyun held his chin with one hand, pretending to be puzzled, looking up at him.

Si Di couldn’t help but suspect that these deep blue eyes naturally had hooks in them. He was about to speak directly when the door was suddenly knocked, and Xiao Jiali’s slow voice came from outside the room, “Mr. Xiao, Chairman Xiao Jingfeng asked me to go to the hospital for two more checks now.”

“Ah, okay.” Xiao Zhenyun pushed Si Di away, driving the wheelchair to open the door, catching a glimpse of Xiao Nian eating an apple on the sofa. Suddenly, he said, “Nian Nian, accompany brother Jiali. You stay at home every day after school, never moving around.”

Xiao Nian held the apple, looking puzzled, “…” Xiao Zhenyun, did you take the wrong medicine?

Xiao Zhenyun, of course, had plans for Jiali and Xiao Nian to spend more time together. Once they developed feelings, things would be much simpler. Without Xiao Zhenyun’s effort, Xiao Nian would surely save Jiali with tears and snot before he passed away.

But this little plan had an entirely different meaning in Si Di’s eyes. As soon as the two surnamed Xiao left, he immediately bent down, kissed the corner of Xiao Zhenyun’s lips, and teased, “Finding reasons to be alone with me?”

Xiao Zhenyun smiled, mocking, “Why are you so confident?”

“I—”

The doorbell made the two people inside the room simultaneously look up. This was the second time today that Si Di’s words were forcibly interrupted. He pressed the display screen on the wall somewhat displeased. On the screen were the faces of Si Chu and Ye Feiran. The little dog happily waved, “Brother, little uncle, open the door. We came to play with you.”

No playing, get lost.

“Xiao Chu, Xiao Fei.” Si Di smiled as he pressed the button to open the outer gate of the villa, welcoming them in.

These days, Xiao Zhenyun had been worrying about the matters of the Xiao Jiali. It had been a while since he last saw the true male lead, Si Chu. In the recent original plot, there wasn’t much happening, just ‘Xiao Zhenyun’ constantly sending gifts to Si Chu, inviting him to art exhibitions, musicals, and high-end restaurants. Si Chu in the original plot refused most of the invitations because of his busy work schedule. However, Xiao Zhenyun didn’t dare to rashly invite Si Chu out for a ‘date’ in real life.

What if the little dog actually agreed?

But plot tasks had to be done. Seizing the moment when Si Di went to cut fruit and Ye Feiran stood up to help, Xiao Zhenyun stopped Si Chu and said, “Puppy, are you free this weekend?”

“This weekend?” Si Chu recalled for a moment, then his eyes lit up, “Free, I’m free!”

Xiao Zhenyun couldn’t bear to look directly into Si Chu’s amber puppy eyes and struggled to say, “It’s okay, not a big deal. If you’re not free, you don’t have to force yourself to say you are.”

“I’m really free! Very free!” Si Chu said seriously, then deliberately lowered his voice, “Little uncle, is there something happening that day?”

“…” Xiao Zhenyun hesitated and also lowered his voice, “How about having a meal together?”

“Okay!” Si Chu actually agreed readily.

Xiao Zhenyun: “…”

Okay, fine. Just wait. On that day, I will definitely have your leader arrange a bunch of tasks for you, so you won’t leave the Special Operations Administration building until midnight.

The guilty little uncle satisfiedly took a sip of hot water, and then saw Si Chu squinting and giving him various hints, like “I understand, I understand, little uncle, you’re really good, I’m looking forward to it.”

Xiao Zhenyun: “?”

He keenly sensed that something was off.

As the two guests, with their takeaways, left, he turned to Si Di and asked, “Is there something special about this weekend?”

Si Di hesitated for a moment, unexpectedly a bit embarrassed as he avoided Xiao Zhenyun’s gaze, “…It’s my birthday.”

“…”

Just as Xiao Zhenyun’s conscience was suffering, thinking that he had voluntarily invited Si Chu out on Si Di’s birthday, Si Chu actually returned. His huge face appeared on the screen at the door, “Bro, bro, open the door.”

“Why are you back again, did you forget something?” Si Di curiously opened the door, only to see Si Chu sneakily avoiding him, slipping next to Xiao Zhenyun like an eel. He thought he was being discreet while handing something to Xiao Zhenyun, whispering, “Little uncle, this is the birthday gift you want to give my brother, right? You accidentally left it in my backpack.”

But no matter how low he kept his voice, how could it escape Si Di’s hearing? Xiao Zhenyun, facing a pair of fiery eyes, weakly defended, “It’s not…”

He was purely imitating the tactics of the character ‘Xiao Zhenyun’ in the novel, pretending to casually hand over this gift with other things meant for Si Chu. Of course, in the original text, Si Chu didn’t even open the gift because something important interrupted them. Si Chu hastily put the box aside, and by the time things were settled, he had completely forgotten about it.

“Bye bye.” Si Chu agilely jumped back, coming and going in a whirlwind.

Leaving the helpless Xiao Zhenyun to face Si Di’s questioning, “What is it?”

The author has something to say:

Little dog wagging its tail crazily: I’m really smart, huh?

Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters.  (๑>ᴗ