"Sister System, what time is it?" Xiao Ming rubbed his eyes and asked.
"8:23 a.m., Host." The system replied, a trace of teasing in its voice. "Looks like you didn't sleep well last night."
Xiao Ming rolled his eyes. "You talk too much."
He got out of bed and pulled open the curtains. Sunlight immediately filled the whole room. In the distance, there were already figures moving in the orchard, and a few early tourists were picking fruit. Xiao Ming recalled that Lin Xiaoxiao had mentioned going to the orchard this morning with Zhang Jiacheng, and he couldn't help but frown.
"At first I just found that guy an eyesore. Why am I so irritated now?" Xiao Ming muttered to himself.
The system let out a light laugh. "Xiao Ming, are you getting jealous?"
"Shut up!" Xiao Ming said in a low voice. "I'm just worried he'll ruin my plan."
"Really? But your heartbeat and emotional data show—"
"I said shut up!" Xiao Ming interrupted the system and walked to the bathroom.
Cold water splashed on his face, helping Xiao Ming dispel those distracting thoughts. He looked at himself in the mirror, and his gaze gradually sharpened.
"No matter what, I have to speed things up today." Xiao Ming narrowed his eyes. "This world is almost done. Dragging it out any longer will only invite changes."
After washing up, Xiao Ming was about to go out when his phone rang. It was a message from Lin Jie:
"Breakfast is ready. Are you coming?"
Xiao Ming replied, "On my way."
He stepped out of the cabin, and fresh air greeted him. Xiao Ming took a deep breath and walked toward the restaurant. On the way, he saw Lin Xiaoxiao and Zhang Jiacheng chatting and laughing while picking fruit in the orchard. Zhang Jiacheng occasionally got close to Lin Xiaoxiao in an intimate manner, causing her to laugh like silver bells.
Xiao Ming unconsciously clenched his fists but quickly relaxed. A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips. "Zhang Jiacheng, feeling smug while I'm not around? What a foolish supporting role."
In the restaurant, Lin Jie sat alone at a small table, sipping coffee with a few plates of breakfast in front of her. When she saw Xiao Ming approach, she slightly raised her head. Her expression was a bit complicated but quickly returned to calm.
"Morning." Xiao Ming naturally sat down across from her, as if nothing had happened last night.
"Morning." Lin Jie replied blandly, pushing a portion of breakfast toward him. "Eat something. The farm breakfast is quite hearty."
Xiao Ming didn't hold back and started eating the bread. While eating, he observed Lin Jie's expression and found that she seemed to be deliberately avoiding his gaze.
"Did you sleep well last night?" Xiao Ming asked tentatively.
Lin Jie took a sip of coffee and said calmly, "It was fine." She paused and couldn't help asking, "Did you see Xiaoxiao?"
Xiao Ming nodded. "I just saw her picking fruit with Zhang Jiacheng in the orchard." He deliberately emphasized the name "Zhang Jiacheng."
Lin Jie lifted her eyes and finally looked at Xiao Ming. "Aren't you worried?"
Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow. "Worried about what?"
"Worried he might take the opportunity to get close to Xiaoxiao and steal her heart." Lin Jie stared into Xiao Ming's eyes, seemingly trying to read something from them.
Xiao Ming chuckled and picked up his coffee cup. "Not worried. I trust Lin Xiaoxiao's judgment." He took a sip of coffee and continued, "Besides, people shouldn't be too greedy. Half of my heart is with someone else."
Lin Jie's fingers froze slightly on the coffee cup. She took a deep breath. "Xiao Ming, we made things clear last night. Please don't do this again."
"Alright, I won't say it anymore." Xiao Ming readily agreed but added as Lin Jie relaxed, "But that doesn't mean I'll give up."
Lin Jie frowned and was about to say something when her phone suddenly rang. She took it out and her expression turned serious.
"What is it?" Xiao Ming asked, noticing her change in expression.
"It's a call from the school. Maybe there's new progress regarding Professor Chen." Lin Jie stood up. "Sorry, I have to take this call."
She quickly walked out of the restaurant and answered the phone. Xiao Ming thoughtfully watched her back and quietly asked, "System, can you hear what she's saying on the phone?"
The system was silent for a second, then responded, "Yes. The call is from the principal's office. They said Professor Chen's issue has caught the principal's attention. Lin Jie is asked to return to school tomorrow for an emergency meeting."
Xiao Ming narrowed his eyes. "Looks like our time is running out."
When Lin Jie returned after the call, her expression was heavy. "I have to go back to school tomorrow for an emergency meeting."
Xiao Ming nodded. "Because of Professor Chen?"
"Yeah. The principal already knows some of the situation and called for a meeting." Lin Jie sighed. "I originally planned to stay another day here, but now I'll have to leave early."
"What about Lin Xiaoxiao?" Xiao Ming asked.
Lin Jie hesitated. "I want her to stay another day. She's really enjoying herself." She looked at Xiao Ming. "Can you take her back? Tomorrow or the day after?"
Xiao Ming naturally agreed. "No problem. I still have a day off anyway."
Lin Jie nodded slightly to express her thanks and took another sip of coffee, seemingly deep in thought.
Xiao Ming looked at her profile and couldn't help saying, "Don't worry too much. Things will work out."
Lin Jie looked up and gave a bitter smile. "I hope so."
They continued eating breakfast, occasionally chatting a bit, but mostly remaining silent. The silence wasn't awkward or comfortable, but filled with subtle tension.
After breakfast, Lin Jie said she was going to pack and would leave that afternoon. Xiao Ming decided to go find Lin Xiaoxiao and see how her "date" was going.
In the orchard, Lin Xiaoxiao was standing on tiptoe trying to pick an apple from a high branch. Zhang Jiacheng stood behind her, seemingly ready to support her at any time. Xiao Ming sneered and strode over.
"Xiaoxiao!" Xiao Ming called as he walked up quickly, picked the apple, and handed it to her. "Here you go."
Lin Xiaoxiao turned around, her eyes lighting up when she saw Xiao Ming. "Xiao Ming! You're finally here!" She took the apple and smiled sweetly. "I was just about to go find you!"
Zhang Jiacheng's expression instantly turned sour, but he forced a smile. "Good morning, classmate Xiao."
Xiao Ming nodded slightly as a response, then said to Lin Xiaoxiao, "Your sister has something urgent. She has to return to school tomorrow."
"What?" Lin Xiaoxiao's smile vanished. "Why so sudden?"
Xiao Ming shrugged. "An emergency meeting at school, something about Professor Chen."
"Then should I go back with my sister?" Lin Xiaoxiao asked, a little disappointed.
Xiao Ming shook his head. "No need. Your sister said you should enjoy another day. I'll take you back."
Lin Xiaoxiao's face immediately brightened. "Really? That's great!" She grabbed Xiao Ming's arm excitedly. "Then we must have a great time today!"
Zhang Jiacheng stood aside, watching their intimate interaction, his face growing darker. He cleared his throat and said, "In that case, why don't the three of us go boating? I heard the farm's lake is beautiful."
Lin Xiaoxiao turned to Zhang Jiacheng and said gratefully, "Senior Jiacheng, thank you so much! I had so much fun this morning!" She paused, a little embarrassed. "But this afternoon, I want to hang out with Xiao Ming. You don't mind, do you?"
Zhang Jiacheng's expression clearly froze, but he quickly forced a smile. "Of course not. Have fun." He glanced at Xiao Ming with resentment and warning in his eyes.
Xiao Ming responded with a victorious smile, subtle but enough for Zhang Jiacheng to understand.
Lin Xiaoxiao didn't seem to notice the undercurrents between the two. She happily carried her basket full of fruit and pulled Xiao Ming. "Let's go! Let's see my sister first!"
Back at the cabin area, Lin Jie was organizing her luggage at the door. When she saw Lin Xiaoxiao and Xiao Ming returning together, she was slightly surprised but quickly returned to normal.
"Jie!" Lin Xiaoxiao rushed over, looking reluctant. "Xiao Ming said you're leaving early. Is that true?"
Lin Jie nodded and gently stroked her sister's hair. "Yes, something urgent came up at school. I have to go back and take care of it." She glanced at Xiao Ming, then quickly looked away. "You have fun here. Xiao Ming will take you back."
Lin Xiaoxiao pouted. "But I wanted to spend more time with you..."
Lin Jie smiled and tapped her nose. "Be good, it's only one more day. Besides, aren't you having a great time?" She looked at Xiao Ming. "I trust Xiao Ming will take good care of you."
Xiao Ming nodded. "Of course, leave it to me."
After a few more reminders, Lin Jie pulled her suitcase and prepared to leave. Lin Xiaoxiao reluctantly saw her off at the farm gate, and Xiao Ming followed along.
"Take care on the road." Lin Xiaoxiao waved, eyes slightly red.
Lin Jie nodded and turned to Xiao Ming. "I'll trouble you to take care of Xiaoxiao."
Xiao Ming nodded solemnly. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of her." He paused, then added softly, "And please take care of yourself too."
Lin Jie's eyes flickered, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she just gently nodded and got into the taxi.
Watching the taxi drive away, Lin Xiaoxiao sighed deeply. "Sigh, I really wanted to spend another day with my sister."
Xiao Ming put his arm around her shoulders. "Don't be sad. We can have even more fun and make her a little jealous."
Lin Xiaoxiao smiled through her tears. "You're right!" She looked up at Xiao Ming. "What should we do next?"
Xiao Ming smiled slightly. "I heard there's a small stream behind the farm with very clear water. We can check it out."
"Sounds great!" Lin Xiaoxiao perked up. "I'll go change clothes. Wait for me!"
Watching Lin Xiaoxiao skip back to the cabin, the smile on Xiao Ming's lips gradually turned deeper. He spoke softly, "System, what's Lin Jie's favorability rating now?"
The system replied, "65%, with slight fluctuations."
"And Lin Xiaoxiao?"
"92%, very stable."
Xiao Ming nodded with satisfaction. The system hesitated for a moment and asked, "Host, are you planning to pursue both of them?"
Xiao Ming didn't answer directly. He just smiled mysteriously. "As a villain, the greedier the better."
The system sighed. "I see all your little schemes clearly."
Xiao Ming waved his hand. "Enough talk. Keep monitoring, especially on Lin Jie's side. Inform me immediately if anything unusual happens."
"Understood." The system's voice gradually faded.
Lin Xiaoxiao quickly changed and came out wearing a fresh blue dress and a straw hat on her head. She looked youthful and lively.
"Let's go!" she said cheerfully, taking Xiao Ming's hand.
Xiao Ming smiled and nodded, letting her pull him toward the deeper parts of the farm.
The small stream was located in a wooded area behind the farm. The water was crystal clear, and sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting spots of golden light on the surface. Lin Xiaoxiao excitedly took off her shoes and sat by the bank, dipping her feet into the water.
"Wow! It's so cool!" she exclaimed. "Xiao Ming, you should try it too!"
Xiao Ming laughed, took off his shoes as well, and sat beside her, dipping his feet in the water. The coolness of the stream was indeed refreshing.
"How does it feel?" Lin Xiaoxiao asked with a smile.
Xiao Ming nodded. "Very refreshing."
The two of them sat quietly, enjoying the cool stream and the peaceful surroundings. Lin Xiaoxiao occasionally looked down at the little fish in the water or gazed up at the sunlight through the leaves. Her smile was pure and innocent.
Xiao Ming turned his head to look at her profile and couldn't help but be a little lost in thought. This pure girl was supposed to be just a tool in his plan, a stepping stone to conquering this world. But now, he was reluctant to hurt her.
"What are you thinking about?" Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly turned and saw Xiao Ming staring at her.
Xiao Ming snapped back to reality and smiled. "I was thinking you look very pretty."
Lin Xiaoxiao blushed and looked down. "You're always saying things to make me happy."
"I'm serious," Xiao Ming said softly.
Lin Xiaoxiao looked up, her eyes shimmering. "Really?"
Xiao Ming nodded and gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. "Really."
Their eyes met in the air, and a strange atmosphere surrounded them. Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes sparkled with expectation and shyness.
Xiao Ming slowly lowered his head, and Lin Xiaoxiao closed her eyes. Just as their lips were about to touch, a phone rang and broke the beautiful moment.
Lin Xiaoxiao came back to her senses and quickly took out her phone. "It's from my sister!" She answered the call, her face still flushed. "Sis, have you arrived at school?"
On the other end, Lin Jie's voice came through. Xiao Ming, with his sharp hearing, vaguely heard her asking where Lin Xiaoxiao was and who she was with.
Lin Xiaoxiao answered honestly, "I'm by the stream with Xiao Ming, playing in the water. It's really cool!" She paused, then added, "Don't worry, we're very safe."
Lin Jie seemed to give a few more reminders, and Lin Xiaoxiao obediently replied, "Got it, sis. I'll be careful." Then she blushed. "No, it's not like that! What are you thinking!"
After hanging up, Lin Xiaoxiao's face was even redder.
"What did your sister say?" Xiao Ming asked innocently.
Lin Xiaoxiao shook her head and whispered, "Nothing much..." She paused and added, "She was just worried about our safety."
Xiao Ming chuckled. "Your sister really worries a lot."
Lin Xiaoxiao nodded. "Yeah, she's always been like that, ever since we were little." Her expression turned slightly sad. "Sometimes I feel sorry for her. She gave up a lot of her own time and opportunities for me."
Xiao Ming looked at her. "You two are really close."
Lin Xiaoxiao sighed. "Yes. My sister is as important as a mother to me." She raised her head, her eyes full of determination. "So I've decided that after I graduate, I'll work hard and let her have a better life."
Xiao Ming didn't expect her to suddenly say something like this, and for a moment didn't know how to respond. The system's voice rang in his head at the right time: "Host, this is a great opportunity to deepen the relationship."
Xiao Ming nodded slightly and said softly, "Your sister is very lucky to have such a thoughtful younger sister."
Lin Xiaoxiao smiled. "I'm also very lucky to have such a great sister." She suddenly blinked and mischievously asked, "What do you think of my sister?"
Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"I mean..." Lin Xiaoxiao looked down shyly. "What type of girl do you like? Someone like my sister, or someone like me?"
Xiao Ming immediately understood what she meant and smiled back, asking, "Which type do you hope I like?"
Lin Xiaoxiao pouted. "You always avoid answering directly."
Xiao Ming laughed softly and replied seriously, "I like people who are genuine. Whether mature and steady or lively and cheerful—as long as they're true to themselves, they're attractive."
Lin Xiaoxiao seemed moved by this answer, her eyes sparkling. "Then... do you think I'm genuine enough?"
Xiao Ming reached out and gently tapped her nose. "Of course. You are who you are, and that's perfect."
Lin Xiaoxiao beamed with joy, her smile bright as the sun. Xiao Ming looked at her smiling face and felt a twinge of guilt in his heart. But he quickly suppressed that feeling.
"System, what's Lin Xiaoxiao's favorability rating now?" Xiao Ming asked in his mind.
The system replied, "95%, almost at the threshold."
Xiao Ming nodded with satisfaction. "Good. It's time for the next step."
He stood up and reached out to Lin Xiaoxiao. "Hungry? Let's get something to eat."
Lin Xiaoxiao nodded and took his hand to stand up. "Yes, I'm starving!"
They put their shoes back on and walked hand in hand toward the farm's restaurant. On the way, Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly asked, "Just now... were you trying to kiss me?"
Xiao Ming stopped and looked into her eyes. "What if I said yes?"
Lin Xiaoxiao's face turned crimson, but she didn't avoid his gaze. "Then I'd say... I wouldn't refuse."
Xiao Ming was moved and lowered his head to gently kiss her lips. The kiss was light and brief but enough to make Lin Xiaoxiao's heart race.
After they parted, Lin Xiaoxiao's face was red as an apple, but the happiness in her eyes couldn't be hidden.
"That was my first kiss," she whispered.
Xiao Ming smiled slightly. "I'm honored."
Lin Xiaoxiao shyly lowered her head, but her hand held tightly onto Xiao Ming's, unwilling to let go. Xiao Ming didn't pull away either. They held hands and continued walking toward the restaurant.
The system's voice sounded again in Xiao Ming's mind: "Congratulations, Host. Lin Xiaoxiao's favorability rating has reached 100%. Emotional lock-in successful!"
A satisfied smile appeared at the corner of Xiao Ming's mouth. "Good. Step one is complete."
From a distance on the way to the restaurant, Xiao Ming noticed Zhang Jiacheng staring at them, his eyes full of jealousy and anger. Xiao Ming tightened his hold on Lin Xiaoxiao and gave Zhang Jiacheng a victorious smile.
Zhang Jiacheng clenched his fists but could do nothing except watch as they entered the restaurant.
During lunch, Lin Xiaoxiao cheerfully talked about all sorts of fun stories, while Xiao Ming listened and quietly planned his next move.
"What do you want to do this afternoon?" Xiao Ming asked.
Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up. "I heard there's a viewing platform on the mountain behind the farm. You can see the entire place from there. Let's go!"
Xiao Ming nodded. "Alright, but let's finish lunch first and recharge."
After finishing lunch, the two returned to the cabin to rest for a while, then took some water and snacks and set off toward the viewing platform on the mountain.
On the way, Lin Xiaoxiao was full of excitement, constantly pulling Xiao Ming's hand and pointing at various flowers, plants, and trees, asking for their names. Xiao Ming wasn't very knowledgeable about plants, but with the help of the system, he was always able to give accurate answers, which amazed Lin Xiaoxiao.
"Xiao Ming, you're amazing! You know everything!" Lin Xiaoxiao said with admiration.
Xiao Ming smiled slightly. "I just happen to know a bit."
They walked slowly along the mountain path, the air filled with the fresh scent of greenery. As they ascended, the view became increasingly wide, and the entire farm gradually came into sight.
Finally, they arrived at the viewing platform. It was a wooden platform built on the slope of the mountain, with an excellent view. The entire farm was spread out before their eyes. The distant lake sparkled in the sunlight, and the green fields and orchards formed a beautiful painting.
"Wow! It's so beautiful!" Lin Xiaoxiao exclaimed and ran excitedly to the edge of the platform, greedily admiring the scenery.
Xiao Ming stood behind her, but his gaze fell on her instead. The sunlight shone on Lin Xiaoxiao, casting a golden halo around her, making her look like a fairy who had stepped out of a fairy tale.
Lin Xiaoxiao turned around and saw Xiao Ming staring at her. She couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Is there something on my face?"
Xiao Ming shook his head and walked over to her. "No. I just think you're more beautiful than the scenery."
Lin Xiaoxiao blushed and lightly punched him. "Saying that again!"
Xiao Ming said nothing, just leaned on the railing with her and admired the scenery together.
After an unknown amount of time, Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly asked, "Xiao Ming, do you believe in fate?"
Xiao Ming was slightly stunned. "Why do you ask that?"
Lin Xiaoxiao looked into the distance and said softly, "I feel... our meeting was destined." She turned to Xiao Ming, her eyes filled with sincerity. "From the first time I met you, I felt you were special, like someone from my dreams."
Xiao Ming's heart trembled. It was a strange feeling. Logically, he should feel proud of this kind of confession, but at this moment, he inexplicably felt a trace of unease.
"Maybe," he responded softly. "Maybe we really are destined."
Lin Xiaoxiao smiled and leaned closer to him, raising her head. "Then, since it's fate, shouldn't you kiss me again?"
Xiao Ming looked down at her expectant eyes, and a strange emotion surged in his heart. But he didn't think too much and kissed her again.
This kiss was deeper than the last one. Lin Xiaoxiao closed her eyes gently, wrapping her arms around Xiao Ming's neck. Xiao Ming also unconsciously held her slender waist, immersed in the sweetness of the kiss.
After they separated, Lin Xiaoxiao's face was as red as the evening glow, but her eyes sparkled with happiness.
"Xiao Ming," she said softly, "I like you."
Xiao Ming looked into her sincere eyes. He originally wanted to say some pre-prepared sweet words, but when the words reached his mouth, they turned into: "I like you too, Lin Xiaoxiao."