After Gu Ci finished speaking, he lowered his head again to play with that multi-faced deformed Rubik’s Cube.

Yan Luqing stared straight at his expression, her whole mind replaying and recalling the conversation they had just had. Her heartbeat still had not slowed down, her eyelashes trembling uncontrollably.

What he said was entirely natural, and moreover, this topic was not brought up by Gu Ci—it was by her.

It was she who, upon seeing the book title, first asked Gu Ci, which led to his so-called “joking words” about A.

At that time, when Yan Luqing asked Gu Ci this question, on the one hand, it was because she had not received any serious answer from proper people in the forum; most netizens were mocking her, or ridiculing the question in her title, so she wanted to ask a proper person face to face.

Big Black and Little Black were not suitable, because although they were loyal to her, they had always regarded her as mentally ill—among those who would seriously answer this question, she could only think of Gu Ci.

And on the other hand…

At that time, Yan Luqing lived daily in an environment where everyone thought she was mentally ill. On the surface she laughed and joked, but in the quiet of night she would sometimes feel it was somewhat absurd.

She knew how she had grown up since childhood, she clearly remembered the trajectory of her life, yet in certain moments, she would feel a kind of fear that she might be influenced by this body.

At that time she urgently needed a normal person to give her a reassurance.

That reassurance was what Gu Ci gave her.

After that, she never again indulged in wild thoughts.

So, when he just now said “I thought you were A,”—was that, in the end, a joke?

But—

Yan Luqing turned the thought in her mind: if it were not a joke, how could it be possible?

“Alright.”

Suddenly Gu Ci’s voice sounded by her ear, as if a bell had hooked her soul back, and all her thoughts were instantly cut off.

Yan Luqing looked toward him.

Gu Ci was holding a deformed Rubik’s Cube that had already been completely restored, each face showing the same color pattern. He reached out his hand and offered it in her direction.

Yan Luqing dazedly received it, temporarily setting aside her earlier thoughts, her mind filled only with astonishment: “You… this fast???”

The shop owner who sold this thing to her had said that although it looked like it had many sides, in essence they were all the same, and once the pattern was figured out, it could be solved in twenty minutes.

But from the time he picked it up until now, where had there even been twenty minutes? At most ten minutes.

“First time playing,” Gu Ci’s tone carried a kind of hidden praise, “quite novel.”

Yan Luqing: …Oh, it was still his first time playing.

She really coveted his brain and his mouth so much.

Could she borrow them for a while?

After Gu Ci finished playing with the Rubik’s Cube, as if not yet satisfied, he went on flipping through the other toys on the table. While rummaging, he asked her, “Have you learned how to dismantle these locks and rings?”

“……” Yan Luqing hesitated a moment, “When I watched people demonstrate I thought I could, but I might have forgotten some……”

“Alright.” Gu Ci smiled and nodded, picking up the nine linked rings that she had just spent a long time trying to undo. “Then I’ll try.”

Yan Luqing watched those long, handsome hands weave between ring and ring. The occasional thoughtful pause made the whole sequence of movements still appear very smooth, even possessing a strange sense of rhythm—quite pleasing to the eye.

He loosened the nine linked rings, then the Huarong Puzzle, the Kongming lock…

Watching him untangle each one, although none took long, there seemed to be a soothing, comforting magic to it; Yan Luqing’s chest, which had been wildly racing, inexplicably began to calm down.

Wolf also seemed to understand: whenever one was solved it let out an “awoo” beside them. When the last toy was finished, Yan Luqing couldn’t help but laugh: “Looks like you two got along well this afternoon; it even cheered for you.”

“It’s very smart.” Gu Ci casually patted Wolf’s head. “I taught it a few simple commands this afternoon. You can try them on it.”

Yan Luqing had always liked cats and dogs but never had the finances or time to raise one, much less such a pure border collie. So under Gu Ci’s guidance, she issued a few simple commands to it—“sit,” “stand up,” “back up,” “shake hands.”

Just as Yan Luqing’s playful mood peaked, a faint electric-current sound appeared at her ear again.

—Probably some little weakling trying to connect to her again but being blocked by some big shot.

Yan Luqing withdrew her hand from Wolf, stood up from the sofa, and asked Gu Ci: “Did you go change your dressing today?”

For some reason, as soon as she stood, the leisurely air that had been on Gu Ci while he was solving the toys disappeared.

“Not yet.” He lazily lifted his eyes. “Why?”

“Xia Yutian said they’re going to the reserved hotel to eat tonight; it’s not far from the hospital. I’ll accompany you to change your dressing.” Yan Luqing walked around him. “I’ll go change my clothes first—be right back.”

…

After closing the door and with Gu Ci no longer by her side, Yan Luqing’s mind was finally pinged online by Makka Pakka—

“Maria! Maria!” It was the same as always, prone to fussing; its tone sounded very excited. “Just now, just now Gu Ci—”

Yan Luqing cut it off: “I don’t know either.”

“Why did you ask him that question just now? If you hadn’t asked—”

“Why did I ask?” Yan Luqing found it a little funny. “First, my mind wasn’t very mature; I’m newly of age, just a naïve, ignorant girl who inexplicably transmigrated here. Second, when I’m with him I just say whatever comes to mind.”

Makka Pakka was stunned for a moment. “Okay… Maria, I was just a bit anxious, because there’s a lot off about Gu Ci. When he’s around he can block me; your golden finger doesn’t work on him…”

Yan Luqing: “I thought of those things too, but unless there’s mortal danger, what else matters?”

When she had been sitting on the sofa and felt Makka Pakka trying to connect but failing, she suddenly had that thought.

Why do transmigrators always put the system’s trust first?

At least she didn’t.

Whatever the cause, it was the so-called transmigration system that had recently put her into danger—even nearly cost her life—while the one who saved her was Gu Ci. She wasn’t particularly clever, but one should trust what one sees and experiences.

However, although Yan Luqing trusted Gu Ci far more than the damn system, that did not mean she didn’t want to know what Gu Ci was thinking—

“I asked because I was curious why the golden finger can’t see Gu Ci; it’s not that I suspect he has some bug—I just wanted to see what he was thinking, purely curiosity.”

And she had her own plan.

Yan Luqing had already added that eccentric old man on WeChat. After today’s conversation, she planned to go home tomorrow and immediately pay to take the online lessons, study humbly, and graduate as soon as possible.

Hypnotize the princess trope, know his heart—soon within reach.

They took a cab to the hospital, and after waiting ten minutes, it was finally Gu Ci’s turn.

When the two entered the ward, Yan Luqing did not expect to encounter Jiang Baichu there again.

“What a coincidence, jiejie (sister)!” Jiang Baichu, carrying the fragrance of roses all over her, came over. “Why are you at the hospital—” Her voice paused, her gaze swept to Gu Ci beside Yan Luqing, and suddenly she let out an “ah.”

Yan Luqing pointed at Gu Ci: “I came to accompany him to change his dressing.”

Jiang Baichu stared fixedly at Gu Ci’s face. Three seconds later, she put on an expression of sudden realization: “Ah! I know you, you’re Senior Gu Ci—”

Fuck!

Only then did Yan Luqing realize—this must be Gu Ci and Jiang Baichu’s first meeting!

When she had read the book, she had often watched the various factions of people shipping Gu Ci into CPs.

Because this book had enormous popularity, all sorts of cultish pairings abounded. And since Gu Ci had never been officially stamped as having fallen in love with anyone, and his popularity was unimaginably high, people shipped him with all kinds of partners—among them, some paired the lunatic goddess with him, some paired Yu Xi with him, and some paired Jiang Baichu with him.

Among these three loudest factions, only the second one received relatively less hate—after all, the first was pure fantasy of pairing Gu Ci with his lifelong enemy, and the third broke apart the original CP, which once brought up would draw endless scolding.

As for Jiang Baichu, people shipped her with him because in the book Gu Ci had helped her. Although that was merely incidental aid while he was taking revenge—in truth, it should be said he was helping society by eliminating villains—in the eyes of the cult CP fans, this counted as earth-shaking sweet sugar.

But in the end, those were extreme minorities. Over ninety percent of his fans were only-fans, not extreme—just distressed for him, liking him, and hoping the author would treat him kindly. Yan Luqing herself was one of Gu Ci’s only-fans.

Still, she was curious—would Gu Ci’s first meeting with Jiang Baichu spark some kind of different chemistry?

So when Jiang Baichu called him “Senior Gu Ci,” Yan Luqing instantly turned her head, carefully observing his every move.

Gu Ci had not been looking this way before. So when he heard someone call him, he first followed the voice to meet Jiang Baichu’s gaze, then his expression did not change in the slightest. He politely yet distantly said to her: “Hello.”

Yan Luqing: …?

That was it? That was it??

This was the little human rose! The female lead!

It was Yan Luqing who asked out of curiosity for him: “But Gu Ci has already graduated, how did you recognize him?”

“My senior sisters in third year told me,” Jiang Baichu replied. “They were very regretful when Senior graduated, and often told us in first and second year about him.”

Heh. A man no longer in Jianghu, yet his legend still lingers.

Before Yan Luqing could say anything more, Jiang Baichu widened her eyes, a glimmer of gossip faint within them. “But, jiejie, you and Senior Gu Ci…”

Yan Luqing gave an “oh,” “I’m his classmate, only I’m more…” She thought for a moment, “Mm, a bit more obscure.”

Afterward, Jiang Baichu asked very innocently, her big eyes shining with yearning, “Then, where are Senior Sister and Senior now studying in university?”

“……”

“……”

One, a senior sister who did not even know whether this body had gone to college or not, and one, a senior who had been admitted to a top school but, for various reasons, was delayed and could not attend—just like that, both fell silent.

Thank heavens, the very next second Jiang Baichu’s friend shouted for her and pulled her away, letting Yan Luqing escape the question.

After greeting Jiang Baichu and watching the young girl run off, Gu Ci quickly finished his dressing change. She and Gu Ci left the hospital side by side.

But that question from Jiang Baichu had inexplicably changed the atmosphere.

As they walked, Yan Luqing probed tentatively: “Your univer—”

But she had only spoken four words before Gu Ci cut her off: “Where’s the hotel.”

Yan Luqing froze for a moment, then gave the hotel’s name.

—Gu Ci did not want to mention university.

He did not want to.

This was the first time Yan Luqing clearly felt that he was obviously repelled by a certain topic.

Yan Luqing suddenly felt a wave of oppression.

In the original book, it seemed it had never written about Gu Ci ever having a university life.

After escaping from the lunatic goddess, he spent a period of time recuperating, then contacted every connection he could use, hiding his edge, focusing entirely on plotting the downfall of all his enemies—Gu Ci perfectly embodied just how terrifying it was when a genius became serious and devoted. After all, in the end, no matter how deep the foundation, he truly uprooted it all.

But what should his life have been like?

Still that heaven’s proud son, a youth full of glory, entering the highest institution—Gu Ci would surely have been a dazzling name, perhaps recorded in some honor roll, perhaps appearing with high frequency on the confession wall.

After feeling regret, Yan Luqing turned her thoughts—since she had now transmigrated here, and since Father Yan and Mother Yan were kind people, and moreover prepared to help Gu Ci, perhaps this matter could still have a turning point?

The two walked to the hotel. Thinking of this, the gloom in Yan Luqing’s heart dispersed a little, and she couldn’t help sighing up at the sky.

Gu Ci spoke: “What is it.”

“Nothing.” Yan Luqing shook her head.

She was only feeling pity for a fugitive little princess with a tragic fate.

Because this was the last day of their outing, and counted as the final meal together, everyone felt it meaningful. Not only had they chosen a big hotel, but a few boys had also organized several bottles of alcohol, both beer and red wine.

—With Yan Luqing’s Big Black and Little Black present, no one worried about not being able to return to the hotel.

Everyone at the table had a drink by hand, only Gu Ci, his body still bandaged as a patient, had a cup filled with healthy fruit juice.

Seeing this scene, Yan Luqing almost couldn’t hold back her laughter. In her heart she silently said: “Little princesses always receive such treatment, can’t learn bad habits, can’t drink alcohol.” But she didn’t dare say it aloud, letting herself enjoy the thought quietly.

Yin Ning’an claimed to feel unwell and didn’t show up, so naturally her little followers weren’t there either. With those three annoying people gone, only the twins she liked remained, so Yan Luqing ate this meal with great enjoyment.

Even more delightful was that the twins could really drink, so Yan Luqing joined Xia Yutian and Xia Xuetian, the twin sisters, in toasting back and forth.

Only, as they drank and drank, the Gu Ci sitting beside her kept stopping her, managing her. One thing led to another—

“Eyy—” Xia Yutian teased, “Such a big change in temperament, a big change. Why is our great school grass Gu managing her drinking? What’s going on?”

Xia Xuetian raised her brows meaningfully: “Exactly~ If you’re so free, why don’t you manage us instead?”

But Gu Ci showed not the slightest sign of being flustered by their banter. His cold, detached air was a completely different style from the lopsided rowdiness of everyone else at the table. He smiled faintly and said: “She lives with me. If she gets drunk, will you take care of her?”

“…Hah!” The twin sisters, as if suddenly enlightened, slapped the table. “Right oh! You live in the same room!!”

After Gu Ci’s explanation, Xia Yutian and Xia Xuetian’s eyes shone even brighter, bright like light bulbs.

The two lightbulbs, perfectly in sync, exchanged a glance—what they wanted to say needed no words.

Yan Luqing had long since sunk into a haze, unable to notice these little details. She filled her glass again and raised it toward the twin sisters. By the end, she was completely muddle-headed.

Before dinner began, Big Black and Little Black had already received Yan Luqing’s order to escort everyone back to the hotel. But when the time came and they entered, they found Yan Luqing slumped over the dining table, drunk.

Big Black said to Gu Ci: “You didn’t stop her…”

Gu Ci didn’t even blink: “I tried.”

Big Black was speechless.

Before, when Miss Yan was in her crazy phase, she never touched alcohol. But now? In such a short time, she had already gotten drunk twice. This had to be noted down to report to the doctor, Big Black thought silently.

“You two go send the others,” Gu Ci stood up from his seat, putting on his jacket as he spoke. “I’ll take her back.”

…

Yan Luqing was roused awake by a pat, and the first thing she saw was a beautiful face.

That face had a strangely sobering effect. She sat up at once from the table, glanced around. “It’s over? Dinner’s finished?”

Then she tried to stand by pushing off the edge of the table, but her backside had barely lifted ten centimeters before her legs gave out, and she plopped back into the chair.

Gu Ci, who had been standing to the side with arms folded watching her performance, saw this and walked to stand in front of her, speaking in a calm, mild tone: “Can’t walk anymore?”

Yan Luqing nodded obediently.

Then, the Gu Ci she usually had to look up at suddenly became someone she looked down on.

—He had turned his back to her, squatting down in front of her.

Yan Luqing stayed still for a long time. Gu Ci tilted his head to look at her. “Get on, time to go back to the hotel.”

Who could have thought—

Yan Luqing stared at him for a while, then suddenly shook her head. “No.”

“…?” Gu Ci asked patiently, “Why not.”

Her expression was very serious. “Pain.”

Gu Ci froze, half-turned. “Where does it hurt?”

“You can’t carry me. You—your back.” Yan Luqing forced her eyes open wide, stretched out a finger, and poked the place where his bandages were. “It hurts.”

Not I hurt. You hurt.

Her touch was very light, but that little spot she poked seemed to go slightly numb.

It was only a brief instant, yet an emotion far too unfamiliar surged up suddenly, then ebbed away like the tide.

But the warmth remained there.

Gu Ci lowered his eyes, remaining still where he was. His expression was so calm it gave no clue to what he was thinking.

Meanwhile, Yan Luqing was wholly occupied admiring the smooth, sculpted lines of Gu Ci’s profile. Then, without her noticing when, her vision shifted—he had straightened back up.

She saw him bend slightly at the waist.

She saw his face gradually draw closer.

She saw him reach toward her—and then she felt herself lifted into the air…

The last thought that flashed through her muddled brain was—

Fuck, I got princess-carried by Princess Ci.