I'm here
After the ripples caused by Si Yi's provocation subsided, life seemed to return to a superficial calm. But Yunxi could sense that the occasional gloom that Shi Xu exuded seemed to have intensified. It wasn't an emotion, but rather a conditioned reflex of vigilance after sensing the foreshadowing of fate.
He still waited for her every day, brought her breakfast, texted her at night, and even started to instinctively shield her when crossing the street. But his silences sometimes grew longer, and his eyes would occasionally glaze over, as if he were struggling against some invisible pressure. He was frantically searching through databases in his mind, comparing the current event with past cycles to assess the risk level.
She didn't bring up the topic again, but silently told him—I'm here—through more meticulous care and companionship.
After school that day, the homeroom teacher announced some news: the National High School Mathematics League selection was about to begin within the school, and students who were interested and capable were encouraged to sign up.
Shi Xu, recognized as a math genius in the grade, was naturally a key target for encouragement. To Yunxi's surprise, the homeroom teacher also singled her out.
"Yunxi, your math score in the last monthly exam was outstanding, and your foundation is very solid. I hope you will also sign up for the selection to get some experience."
Yunxi was a little surprised, but seeing the teacher's encouraging gaze, she nodded and said, "Okay, teacher."
After class, Shi Xu walked to her seat, his tone unusually serious: "You want to participate?"
"Yes, it was the teacher's suggestion." Yunxi looked up at him. "What's wrong?"
Shi Xu frowned slightly: "The competition is intense and stressful, and..." He paused, "Si Yi will also participate; she was the second-place winner in the provincial competition last year." He omitted the second half of the sentence—in at least three cycles of records, competition-related events had become the trigger for even greater crises. It was like a marked, dangerous copy.
His tone carried a hint of barely perceptible worry, not only about the competition itself, but also about Si Yi using this opportunity to cause trouble again.
Yunxi understood his worry. She stood up, looked at him, her eyes clear and firm: "I know. But I want to try. And," she tilted her head slightly, revealing a slightly mischievous smile, "aren't I still here, Teacher Shi? You'll teach me, right?"
Seeing the challenge and trust gleaming in her eyes, Shi Xu's tense expression softened. He sighed helplessly, but a hint of indulgence and... a sense of pride flickered in his eyes. She was always like this, testing the boundaries of his designated safe zone, then pulling him into a world full of unknowns, dangers, and wonder.
"Hmm." He nodded. "No, ask me."
The news of the competition selection spread like wildfire throughout the campus. Yunxi and Shixu's joint registration for the competition made them the focus of everyone's attention.
"Is she any good enough? Don't let her hold Shixu back..."
"I heard that Senior Si Yi is determined to win the provincial first prize. This is going to be interesting."
"Shi Xu is actually personally tutoring her? This is such treatment..."
Amidst the various discussions, Yunxi remained oblivious, devoting all her spare time to competition preparation. Shi Xu indeed fulfilled his role as "Teacher Shi," sharing his competition notes and insights, accumulated over numerous cycles, with her without reservation, patiently explaining those tricky question types.
The two often stayed in the empty classroom after school, heads close together, working on problems. Sunlight streamed through the window, falling on the table covered with draft paper and on their focused profiles. For Shi Xu, this was a rare moment of tranquility, detached from the template of a tragic rehearsal, worthy of his highest level of protection.
However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease.
That afternoon, Yunxi went to her competition tutoring class. She arrived a little early, and there were only a few people in the classroom. She walked to her usual seat by the window and was about to put down her bag when she saw several lines of glaring small writing on the desk in marker:
"Those with connections"
"Overestimating one's abilities"
"Stay away from time sequences!"
The handwriting was illegible and carried a strong sense of malice.
Yunxi froze, her blood rushing to her head, making her ears ring. She gripped the strap of her schoolbag tightly, her knuckles turning white.
She took a deep breath, trying to suppress the anger and resentment in her heart. She couldn't panic, and she couldn't lose her composure here.
She was about to find a rag to wipe it off when a figure beat her to it, picked up a wet rag, and vigorously wiped away the writing.
It is Zhou Yu.
He remained expressionless, yet his movements were swift and decisive. After wiping it clean, he tossed the rag into the trash can, then looked at Yunxi, his tone indifferent: "This kind of trick happens every year in the competition class. Just ignore it." There was a knowing coldness in his voice, as if he had long been accustomed to the petty scheming surrounding Shixu.
Yunxi was taken aback, not expecting him to come to her rescue. "...Thank you."
Zhou Yu adjusted his glasses, his gaze sweeping over her slightly pale face. He unusually spoke a few more words: "Shi Xu has made quite a few enemies. If you're standing beside him, you have to be prepared to bear them. However," he changed the subject, "he chose you for a reason. You're much more resilient than they imagine." These words didn't sound like encouragement, but rather a calm assessment. An assessment of whether she was qualified to be part of Shi Xu's variable plan.
After saying that, he didn't say anything more and turned back to his seat.
Looking at the spotless tabletop and then at Zhou Yu's retreating figure, Yunxi felt a mix of emotions. Zhou Yu's words, more of a cold statement than a word of comfort, strangely calmed her down.
(Cloud Gap's inner monologue: He's right. I can't let these petty tricks defeat me. I need to become stronger, strong enough to stand tall beside Time Order and make these noises unable to affect me anymore.)
Just then, Shi Xu entered the classroom. He almost immediately noticed Yun Xi's unusual mood and Zhou Yu's strange behavior. The lingering scent of markers in the air and Yun Xi's feigned composure instantly pieced together the truth in his mind. This scene highly overlapped with a record in his database, only the person who intervened had changed from "nothing" to "Zhou Yu." Was this variable good or bad?
"What's wrong?" He walked quickly to her side and asked in a low voice, his sharp eyes scanning the surroundings.
Yunxi didn't want him to worry, and she didn't want any trouble before the selection, so she shook her head: "It's nothing. I just accidentally spilled water on the table, and Zhou Yu helped me wipe it up."
Shi Xu looked at her, clearly disbelieving, but he didn't press her. His gaze deepened, and he took her hand, whispering, "I'm here." These three words were a blood oath he had sworn through fifty-three reincarnations. It meant not only protection, but also that he would use all known information and means to ensure that the sideline of this "competition" would not slide into that known, terrible ending.
These three simple words carry immense weight.
Yunxi gripped his hand tightly and nodded.
The competition has begun; it's not just a contest of knowledge, but also a test of mentality and willpower. And they will face all these challenges side by side.
The stains on the table can be wiped away, but the shadows don't easily disappear. They foreshadow a road ahead that won't be smooth sailing. As for Shi Xu, he has seen the end of this "journey" many times before. This time, he must take her on a different path.
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