Chapter 10

When Shi Ye woke up, it was already broad daylight.

She stared at the ceiling for three seconds, her first thought being, "I think I dreamt I was being followed last night? No, that wasn't a dream, it was Qi Jin's diary..."

My second thought was, "Wait, has the system not said anything all night?"

As if in response to her question, the system's electronic voice rang in her mind: "Ding—New plot node detected. System error correction in progress... Correction complete. New mission issued: Facilitate the development of the romantic relationship between key characters Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu."

Shi Ye: "...Huh?"

She sprang out of bed, nearly hitting the bedside table: "Say that again?!"

"Mission objective: Facilitate the establishment of a romantic relationship between Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu. Mission time limit: Thirty days. Mission reward: Increased world stability and host's survival probability. Mission failure: Increased risk of worldline collapse."

Shi Ye sat on the bed, her mind buzzing. Trying to matchmake Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu? That Qi Jin who had a crush on her for five years? That Qi Jin who had just hugged her last night? That Qi Jin whose diary was filled with her name?

"System, are you crazy?!" she roared in her mind. "Qi Jin loves me! Me! Did you even read her diary?! Five years! Five years, bro!"

"The system has detected that the original romance should be between Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu. The current timeline is deviating and needs to be corrected." The system's voice was completely flat. "As the plot corrector, the host has the responsibility to restore the main storyline."

Shi Ye grabbed a handful of hair, feeling like she was going crazy: "But Qi Jin likes me now! How can I match her up with someone else?! And that kid Lin Xiaoyu, she seems... a little too enthusiastic towards me?"

"Lin Xiaoyu's affection for the host is too high, which is also a deviation. The host needs to adjust two emotional lines at the same time: reduce Qi Jin's affection for the host and increase Qi Jin's affection for Lin Xiaoyu; reduce Lin Xiaoyu's affection for the host and guide her to Qi Jin."

Shi Ye: "..." What kind of hellish mission is this?!

She collapsed onto the bed, staring at the ceiling: "I won't do it. This is too immoral. Qi Jin waited for me for five years, and now I'm going to set her up with someone else? Am I even human?!"

"The mission is not mandatory, but failure has serious consequences. The collapse of the world line may lead to unpredictable consequences such as the disappearance of characters, time loops, and dimensional collapse."

Shi Ye: "...Are you threatening me?"

"Data statement".

Shi Ye closed his eyes. Fine, you win.

She lay in bed contemplating life. Matchmaking Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu… how? Qi Jin was completely smitten with her, and Lin Xiaoyu was always around her. How was she supposed to proceed? Was she supposed to say, “Hey Qi Jin, I think you and Xiaoyu are a good match, why don’t you consider her?”

Qi Jin might throw her out on the spot.

"Let's think this through carefully..." Shi Ye murmured to himself, "First... how about lowering Qi Jin's level of affection for me? How? By being cold to her? By deliberately making her angry? Or... tell her that I have someone I like?"

She remembered the expression on Qi Jin's face when he said, "I'd wait a lifetime." If she said now, "I already have someone I like," how would Qi Jin react?

Shi Ye's heart clenched. Not out of heartache, but... physical discomfort? Yes, it must be physical.

A knock sounded on the door, and Qi Jin's voice came through: "Shi Ye, are you awake?"

Shi Ye quickly sat up: "You're awake!"

"Breakfast is ready, come down and eat."

"good!"

Shi Ye quickly washed up and changed clothes, her mind still preoccupied with the mission as she went downstairs. Lowering favorability... how could she do it naturally? Would being too deliberate arouse suspicion?

In the restaurant, Qi Jin had already set out breakfast. Today it wasn't Western food, but Chinese breakfast—soy milk, fried dough sticks, steamed buns, and a few side dishes.

"How did you know I like these?" Shi Ye asked as he sat down, then immediately regretted it—wasn't this just increasing his favorability?!

Qi Jin poured her soy milk: "Your father said that. He said that when you were little, your favorite place was the soy milk and fried dough sticks from that stall at the street corner."

Shi Ye stared at the steaming cup of soy milk, her inner voice screaming, "Oh no, he's flirting with me again! Qi Jin, can you please stop being so considerate?! I'm doing a mission! A mission to lower his affection level!"

She took the soy milk and said curtly, "Thank you."

His tone was so cold that even he felt embarrassed.

Qi Jin glanced at her, said nothing, and sat down opposite her.

The two ate breakfast in silence. As Shi Ye ate, he mentally calculated: indifference, yes, indifference. Less talking, less eye contact, keep your distance.

So she ate with her head down the whole time, not looking at Qi Jin, not speaking to him, and giving brief answers to whatever Qi Jin asked her.

"What are the plans for today?" Qi Jin asked.

"No." Just one word.

"Want to go out?"

"No."

"So...you'll read at home?"

"Um."

Qi Jin put down his chopsticks. Shi Ye felt her gaze, but insisted on not looking up.

"Shi Ye," Qi Jin's voice was calm, "did I do something wrong?"

Shi Ye's heart tightened: "No."

"Then why..." Qi Jin paused, "...as if you were avoiding me?"

"I didn't hide." Shi Ye still avoided her eyes. "I just... wanted to be alone."

The excuse was terrible, but she couldn't think of a better one.

Qi Jin was silent for a moment, then said softly, "Okay. Then I won't bother you."

She stood up to clear the table. As Shi Ye watched her leave, that physical discomfort returned.

"System," she asked in her mind, "is there a progress bar for lowering favorability? How much has it lowered now?"

"Qi Jin's current favorability rating: 86/100. This is a decrease of 2 points compared to last night."

Only 2 o'clock?! She tried so hard to act indifferent and it only dropped by 2 o'clock?!

"What about Lin Xiaoyu? How much does she like me?"

"Lin Xiaoyu's favorability towards the host: 92/100. Favorability towards Qi Jin: 45/100."

Shi Ye sighed, rubbing his forehead. So Lin Xiaoyu preferred her to Qi Jin. This task is way too difficult!

After finishing her meal, she decided to go to the study to find something to do. As she passed the kitchen, she saw Qi Jin washing dishes from behind. Qi Jin stood ramrod straight, but Shi Ye felt that his back looked somewhat...lonely.

"No, no, I can't be soft-hearted!" Shi Ye warned himself inwardly. "This is a mission! It concerns the survival of the world!"

She strode into the study and closed the door. The books on the bookshelf were still there, and so was the hidden compartment. Shi Ye stared at the hidden compartment and suddenly had an idea.

Since she wants to bring Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu together, she should first find out what Lin Xiaoyu likes, right? And what kind of people would Qi Jin be interested in besides her?

Shi Ye took out his phone and sent a message to Lin Xiaoyu: "Xiaoyu, what are you doing?"

Lin Xiaoyu replied instantly: "Sister Shi Ye! I'm shopping! Picking out a birthday present for my senior! You know her birthday is coming up soon, right?"

Shi Ye was taken aback. Qi Jin was going to have a birthday? She had no idea.

"When?" she asked.

"Next Friday! Doesn't Sister Shi know? Didn't your senior tell you?"

"……without."

"Maybe she wanted to surprise you!" Lin Xiaoyu sent a sly smile emoji. "Senior is so romantic, she must be planning something! By the way, Shi Ye, do you want to pick out a gift together? I'm at the mall, there are so many nice things!"

Shi Ye stared at the message, his mind racing. Choosing a gift for Qi Jin with Lin Xiaoyu… wasn't this a perfect opportunity to bring them together? He could observe what Lin Xiaoyu liked and create opportunities for them to spend time together.

“Okay,” she replied. “Where are you? I’ll come find you.”

"Really?! That's great! I'm at Starlight Department Store! When will Sister Shi arrive?"

Shi Ye glanced at the time: "In half an hour."

"Okay! I'll wait for you at the coffee shop on the first floor!"

Shi Ye put down his phone and walked out of the study. Qi Jin had already washed the dishes and was wiping the kitchen counter.

"Um..." Shi Ye began, "I need to go out."

Qi Jin paused, "Where to?"

"I went shopping with Lin Xiaoyu." Shi Ye tried to keep his tone natural. "She asked me to go."

Qi Jin turned to look at her, his eyes filled with mixed emotions: "Now? It's not safe outside."

“It’s broad daylight, it’s fine,” Shi Ye said. “Besides… I want to go out for some fresh air.”

This is the truth. Being around Qi Jin always gave her a strange sense of pressure—not from Qi Jin, but from herself.

Qi Jin was silent for a few seconds, then nodded: "Okay. I'll have bodyguards with you."

"Need not……"

"We must use it." Qi Jin's tone left no room for argument. "Your father received another threatening letter last night. The sender specifically mentioned you."

Shi Ye's heart tightened: "A threatening letter? What does it say?"

"I said I'd make you pay the price." Qi Jin walked up to her, his expression serious. "So you really can't act alone right now. You need bodyguards with you, otherwise I won't let you leave the house."

Looking at her serious expression, Shi Ye suddenly remembered the five years spent in that iron box. Qi Jin truly cared about her safety; it wasn't just talk.

“Okay.” She nodded. “The bodyguards can come along, but don’t get too close. I don’t want to be stared at like a rare animal.”

Qi Jin's lips curved into a smile: "Okay. I'll take you there?"

"No need, I'll take a taxi myself."

"I'll take you," Qi Jin insisted. "And... I also want to see Lin Xiaoyu; it's been so long since I've seen her."

Shi Ye's eyes widened. Qi Jin was going too?! How was she supposed to match them up then?! Wait... wasn't this a perfect opportunity to bring them together?!

Her mind was racing: with the three of them shopping, she could find an excuse to slip away, leaving Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu alone. Perfect!

“Okay,” Shi Ye immediately changed his mind, “Then let’s go together.”

Qi Jin glanced at her with some surprise, but said nothing.

Half an hour later, the three of them sat in a coffee shop on the first floor of Starlight Department Store. Lin Xiaoyu excitedly rummaged through her shopping bags: "I bought this! A scarf for my senior! It's cashmere, super soft!"

Qi Jin took the scarf and touched it: "Thank you, it's very comfortable."

"And this!" Lin Xiaoyu pulled out another box. "A fountain pen! Senior, don't you like writing? This brand of fountain pen writes super well!"

Qi Jin opened the box; inside was a black fountain pen with a simple and elegant design. "It's really nice. Thank you."

"You're welcome, you're welcome!" Lin Xiaoyu smiled, her eyes crinkling. "What are you going to give my senior, Sister Shi Ye?"

Shi Ye was drinking coffee and almost choked: "I...haven't thought about it yet."

"Let's think about it together!" Lin Xiaoyu leaned closer. "What does your senior like? Besides work, fencing, and reading... is there anything else?"

Shi Ye looked at Qi Jin. Qi Jin also looked at her, his eyes gentle: "She knows what I like."

Shi Ye: "..." I don't know! I really don't know!

She mentally screamed, "I know you like me! But can this be a gift?! Am I supposed to wrap myself up and tie a bow with me?!"

"Well..." Shi Ye said, forcing a smile, "Let's go take a look around."

The three of them started shopping. Shi Ye walked in the middle, Qi Jin on the left, and Lin Xiaoyu on the right. This group attracted a lot of attention—two beautiful women plus an ice queen, a 100% head-turning rate.

Lin Xiaoyu was very excited, pulling Shi Ye to look at this and that. Shi Ye responded while observing Qi Jin's reaction.

Qi Jin remained quiet throughout, simply following along and occasionally offering suggestions. But the way she looked at Shi Ye... was too obvious. Even Lin Xiaoyu noticed it.

“Senior,” Lin Xiaoyu suddenly said, “stop staring at Sister Shi Ye, she’s getting shy!”

Shi Ye: "I'm not shy!"

Qi Jin chuckled: "Fine, I won't look."

But she still watched.

Shi Ye felt the task had become even more difficult. How was he supposed to bring them together? Qi Jin was completely indifferent to everyone else!

While passing by a perfume shop, Shi Ye suddenly had an idea.

“Xiaoyu,” she pulled Lin Xiaoyu aside, “what kind of perfume do you think suits Qi Jin?”

Lin Xiaoyu's eyes lit up: "Oh right! Perfume! Senior doesn't usually wear perfume? But I can try it!"

She pulled Qi Jin into the shop and began to sample the fragrances. Shi Ye quietly stepped aside, giving them some space.

The shop assistants were very enthusiastic, bringing out more than a dozen perfumes for them to try. Lin Xiaoyu smelled them one by one, then handed one to Qi Jin: "Senior, smell this one! It's cedarwood, I think it suits you very well!"

Qi Jin took the fragrance tester, smelled it, and nodded: "Not bad."

"And this one? It's a citrus scent, very refreshing!"

"That's fine too."

"What about this one? It has a woody scent with a hint of tobacco, super sexy!"

Qi Jin: "..."

Shi Ye watched with great interest. Lin Xiaoyu was really focused on choosing, carefully examining each item and then making earnest recommendations. As for Qi Jin... although he cooperated, he was clearly not very interested.

Shi Ye seized the opportunity and walked over: "I'm going to the restroom, you guys go first."

Then, without waiting for their reply, he slipped away.

She didn't actually go to the restroom; instead, she strolled around the mall. Her bodyguards followed her at a distance, but she didn't bother with them.

She walked into a bookstore and browsed around. The shelves were full of books, and she randomly picked one up, but couldn't concentrate on reading it.

Her mind was filled with thoughts of the mission. Could she really bring Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu together? Could Qi Jin's five years of unwavering commitment be so easily changed?

"The host need not feel any moral burden." The system suddenly spoke up. "The correction of the emotional line is a system task, not the host's personal will. Moreover, if the world line collapses, all characters, including Qi Jin, may disappear."

Shi Ye was taken aback: "Disappeared?"

"Dimensional collapse, character data reset to zero."

Shi Ye gripped the book tightly. So if she didn't play matchmaker, Qi Jin might disappear? Not leave, not forget, but disappear completely?

She recalled the handwriting in Qi Jin's diary, the expression on Qi Jin's face when he said "I'd wait a lifetime," and the carefulness with which Qi Jin hugged her.

If Qi Jin disappeared... would she be sad? She didn't know. But she didn't want to gamble.

Shi Ye put down her book and walked out of the bookstore. She had to go back and continue her task.

When they returned to the perfume shop, Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu had already made their choices. Lin Xiaoyu, carrying an elegant bag, excitedly ran over to Shi Ye upon seeing her: "Sister Shi Ye! We've chosen! The ones you picked out smell amazing!"

Shi Ye looked at Qi Jin. Qi Jin was also carrying a bag. When he saw Shi Ye, he walked over and said, "Where have you been? It's been so long."

"Just browsing." Shi Ye took the perfume tester Lin Xiaoyu handed him and smelled it—it was a cool cedar scent with a hint of mint. It really suited Qi Jin.

“That’s good,” she said.

Lin Xiaoyu laughed even harder: "Right! I think so too! My senior even bought me a bottle, saying it was a thank-you gift!"

Shi Ye looked at Qi Jin. Qi Jin nodded: "Xiao Yu helped me choose for a long time, it's only right."

"Where do we go next?" Lin Xiaoyu asked. "To eat? I'm hungry!"

Shi Ye glanced at the time; it was indeed lunchtime. But she hadn't found a chance to slip away yet…

"It's my treat," Qi Jin said. "What would you like to eat?"

"Japanese food!" Lin Xiaoyu raised her hand. "I know a really good one!"

"good."

The three arrived at the Japanese restaurant. The private room was tatami-style, and shoes had to be removed before sitting cross-legged. Shi Ye deliberately chose a seat near the door, letting Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu sit opposite him.

After ordering, Lin Xiaoyu started chattering away again. Shi Ye listened while observing Qi Jin.

Qi Jin didn't say much, but she listened attentively, occasionally responding with a word or two. She poured tea for Lin Xiaoyu, handed her a menu, and even... served her food?

Shi Ye's eyes widened. Qi Jin was serving food to Lin Xiaoyu?! That Qi Jin with his mysophobia?!

"Senior, you should have some too!" Lin Xiaoyu also put a piece of sushi on Qi Jin's plate. "This is super delicious!"

Qi Jin looked at the sushi in the bowl, hesitated for a moment, and then ate it anyway.

The progress bar in Shi Ye's mind seemed to "ding" and rise a little. Good sign! Interaction! There's interaction!

She decided to add fuel to the fire.

"Xiaoyu," Shi Ye began, "didn't you say you wanted to learn fencing last time?"

Lin Xiaoyu nodded: "Yes! But I've never had the chance."

"Qi Jin is very good at fencing." Shi Ye looked at Qi Jin. "Why don't you teach her?"

Qi Jin looked at her, a hint of doubt in his eyes: "Xiao Yu wants to learn?"

"Let me think about it!" Lin Xiaoyu immediately replied, "Senior, would you be willing to teach me?"

Qi Jin was silent for two seconds, then nodded: "Okay. Let's do it this weekend."

"That's great!" Lin Xiaoyu cheered. "Thank you, senior!"

Shi Ye mentally gave himself a thumbs up. Fencing class! One-on-one time! Perfect!

But she regretted it the next second—because Qi Jin looked at her and said softly, "Why don't you come too? It'll be good to consolidate your strength."

Shi Ye: "..." I'm here to set you two up! Why would I be a third wheel?!

"I won't go," she refused. "I...have something to do that day."

"What is it?" Qi Jin asked.

Shi Ye's mind raced: "I... have an appointment with the doctor."

"Doctor?" Qi Jin frowned. "Where do you feel unwell?"

“A psychologist,” Shi Ye blurted out, “a follow-up appointment.”

That's not exactly lying. She really should see a therapist—for this damn assignment.

Qi Jin's eyes immediately turned worried: "I'll stay with you."

“No need!” Shi Ye said immediately. “I can go by myself. You… teach Xiaoyu well.”

She looked at Lin Xiaoyu, her eyes signaling: Seize the opportunity!

Lin Xiaoyu blinked, seemingly understanding something: "That's right, senior, you teach me! If Sister Shi is busy, let her go about her business, the two of us will practice!"

Qi Jin looked at Shi Ye, then at Lin Xiaoyu, and finally nodded: "Okay."

Shi Ye breathed a sigh of relief. Mission step one, accomplished!

But why... do I feel a little uncomfortable?

She attributed it to physical discomfort and continued eating.

After dinner, Lin Xiaoyu said she wanted to go home, and Qi Jin escorted her. Shi Ye said she wanted to walk around a bit more and told them to go ahead.

Watching Qi Jin's car drive away, Shi Ye stood at the mall entrance and suddenly felt a little... empty?

"Host's emotions are fluctuating," the system reported. "The mission is progressing smoothly, so why the low mood?"

"I'm not down," Shi Ye said stubbornly. "I'm just... tired."

She turned and walked back. The bodyguard followed behind, like a silent shadow.

The mall was bustling with people, a lively scene. But Shi Ye felt that none of it mattered to her. She was like an actress, performing in a play called "matchmaking." The audience was the system, her opponent was Qi Jin, and her partner was Lin Xiaoyu.

And she couldn't even feel her own emotions.

Shi Ye's phone vibrated. She took it out and saw a message from Qi Jin: "I'm home. Where are you? Do you need me to pick you up?"

Shi Ye stared at the message, his fingers hovering over the keyboard. What should he reply? Should he be indifferent? Or normal?

Finally, she replied, "No need, I'll go back myself."

Qi Jin: "Okay. Be careful."

Shi Ye put away her phone and went into a dessert shop. She ordered a matcha cake and sat by the window to eat it slowly.

The sweetness melted on her tongue, but she couldn't taste happiness. Depression had robbed her of her sense of taste, and it had also robbed her of her emotions.

She gazed at the crowds outside the window, Qi Jin's face flashing through her mind. The way Qi Jin looked at her, the tone of his voice when he said, "I'd wait a lifetime," the warmth of his embrace…

"System," she asked softly, "if I complete the mission and Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu get together, will she be happy?"

"Data cannot predict happiness."

Will she forget me?

"In the original novel, Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu are the official couple and have a deep affection for each other."

Shi Ye nodded. So if the mission succeeds, Qi Jin will fall in love with Lin Xiaoyu and forget her "mistake".

That's for the best. Qi Jin deserves someone who can reciprocate her feelings, not just an emotionally numb shell like herself.

She finished her cake, paid, and left. By the time she walked out of the mall, it was already dark.

One by one, the streetlights lit up, casting long shadows around her. The bodyguard's car was waiting not far away.

Shi Ye walked over and opened the car door. Before getting in, she glanced back in the direction of the mall.

There are shops where Qi Jin and Lin Xiaoyu pick out perfumes together, Japanese restaurants where they eat together, and many other places they might visit together in the future.

But she was just a passerby.

This realization made the frozen ground in her heart seem... even colder.

She got into the car and closed the door.

“Go home,” she said.

The car drove into the night. Shi Ye leaned against the car window, watching the lights flowing outside.

The mission is still ongoing.

But her heart remained frozen.

Perhaps this is for the best.

If it gets cold, it won't hurt.