FOBTS CH42

Chapter 42: Why Are You Running?

Song Ruochen: “0.o?”

Why did it shut down?

Does it need to be charged?

Song Ruochen thought for a moment, then grabbed the phone charging cable plugged in beside Jian Yuheng’s hand.

Song Ruochen: “Zzzzz~~”

Jian Yuheng: “…?”

What kind of new seizure was this?

[……]

[No need to charge.]

This voice sounded strangely unfamiliar.

Song Ruochen: “Huh? Who are you?”

[I’m the boss system responsible for cleaning up the huge messes made by my employees.]

[The “Rewind Coin Pouch” only requires an internet connection to function; it doesn’t need to be charged.]

[When it’s shut down, manual mode still works, but it won’t be able to call out “Ding-Dong” for you.]

Song Ruochen: “?”

So all those “Ding-Dongs” were actually coming from the system itself?

“Well, it sure is quite the chatterbox,” Song Ruochen remarked. “The system must have some impressive ventriloquism skills.”

[……I’m leaving. Another employee has made a huge mess in the cultivation world. I need to go deal with it.]

[Just wait for it to restart. I’m out, bye-bye.]

[Remember to handle the 0.5 user comfort protocol properly.]

The boss system was extremely busy. It scrambled off, tumbling as it left.

“You bosses really have it tough,” Song Ruochen said, patting Jian Yuheng’s head forcefully. “But what does that have to do with me, a wage-slave just muddling through? Hahaha!”

Jian Yuheng: “:)”

“Manual mode, five minutes.” Song Ruochen drew a few rewind coins and, in a flash, returned to the elevator.

Inside the office, Jian Yuheng reached out—

And grabbed…

A handful of air.

“Secretary Song, do you want to have your salary deducted to nothing?” Jian Yuheng asked, fiercely.

Jian Yuheng: “……”

Jian Yuheng (boiling rage): “……”

W-Where was he?! Talking to thin air was so embarrassing!

His powerful sense of conviction collapsed in an instant. Awkwardly, Jian Yuheng knocked on his own head.

He glanced at his wristwatch, the wall clock, the hourglass on his desk, and the sun in the sky.

Hmm… A rewind happened, didn’t it?

Why wasn’t there a “Ding” notification sound today? Did the system break down?

“Knock, knock, knock.” The office door was knocked on again.

Jian Yuheng: “^皿^”

Jian Yuheng: “Come in.”

The main event began.

Song Ruochen entered, wearing a black leather choker and an outfit that was a mix of sweet and cool styles. He swept a cold gaze over the variety of snacks on the desk before giving a detached glance, as if seeing nothing but dogs.

“Second Young Master, something you need?” Song Ruochen asked.

Jian Yuheng struggled to gather what little belief in himself he had left.

“Secretaries are not allowed to hit our collaborators,” Jian Yuheng reminded him again.

“I didn’t hit him,” Song Ruochen replied. “Teacher Lu said he couldn’t remember his lines, so I just used a stick to… gently awaken his slumbering soul.”

Jian Yuheng: “……”

“The current project is progressing well, and Teacher Lu is very cooperative,” Song Ruochen reported. “The film crew’s atmosphere is also good.”

“Anything else, President Jian?” Song Ruochen asked coldly.

“Yes.” Jian Yuheng nodded slightly. “The Jian family’s New Year’s banquet will have many guests, and we’re short on hands. Secretary Song, come help out.”

Jian Yuheng: “The New Year’s Eve menu includes steamed perch, sweet and sour pork ribs, salmon, and drunken crab in huadiao wine…”

“It’s only right,” Song Ruochen said. “Both President Jians pay my salary. It’s only natural that I sweat for the company.”

Jian Yuheng: “. “

When it came to acting and conviction, this guy was on a godlike level.

“Oh, right, there’s one more thing,” Jian Yuheng said. “The first draft of the New Year’s greeting you submitted lacked sincerity. I need you to take it seriously and submit a new one.”

“Understood, Second Young Master,” Song Ruochen replied.

Uncle won’t do. Looks like I’ll have to find an outsourcing alternative.

Humming a tune, Song Ruochen headed downstairs. As soon as he stepped out of the company, he received a message from Yan Ci—

[Yan Ci]: 0.0.

[Yan Ci]: Grape, is the thing you wanted our help with related to your pheromones?

[Song Ruochen]: The wisdom tree bears wisdom dates (Zao).

[Yan Ci]: I was busy at the commentary desk all day and wasn’t by your side. Otherwise, I would’ve noticed earlier. But it hasn’t been long, and you’re already wearing that suppression collar again. That’s not right.

[Yan Ci]: Are the suppressants not working for you?

[Song Ruochen]: Yeah, I’ve been smelling a bit like grapes lately, like a bottle of perfume with the cap left off.

[Yan Ci]: Fuzzy Monster spent so much time with you today and didn’t notice a thing, but I caught it in just one glance. This proves that Fuzzy Monster only cares about whether you’re having fun, while I’m the one who cares about whether you’re tired.

[Song Ruochen]: ……

[Song Ruochen]: …………

Fuzzy Monster was a Beta—of course, he wasn’t ’t that sensitive to pheromones.

[Yan Ci]: I’ll book you an appointment for tomorrow afternoon. I’ll go with you to the hospital~ Don’t be scared, don’t be scared. There are plenty of ways to treat genetic disorders. And don’t you have an Alpha with a 100% compatibility rate?

[Song Ruochen]: He’s not an option.

[Yan Ci]: 0.0. You tried?

[Song Ruochen]: Not that kind of ‘not an option’!

[Yan Ci]: 0.0. Honestly, I ship you more with the young brother-in-law.

[Song Ruochen]: ???

Yan Ci retracted a message at lightning speed. His professional commentator reflexes were so fast that all Song Ruochen saw was a blur.

[Yan Ci]: Little Grape, I’ll call you to play games at 8 tonight.

One guardian shut down, and two new guardians took over. This time, he could finally make it to the hospital for a check-up. Feeling reassured, Song Ruochen headed home.

With the system offline, his mind felt strangely empty.

He wondered how the main system’s bug-fixing was going.

Song Ruochen opened the “Awo~” app and downloaded a universal apology letter template from the historical documents provided by “the Boss.”

Dear (leave blank for now) Sir/Madam,

Due to (certain) reasons, I have caused you some trouble.

I sincerely apologize and hope you can forgive me. I am willing to consider any compensation you propose.

Sincerely,
Song Ruochen (A system user more complete than you)

Alright, this should do. It was sincere enough.

Wait.

Song Ruochen suddenly froze.

This half-human was selected from a global pool—there might be a language barrier! He needed to learn how to say “I’m sorry” in multiple languages.

Secretary Song was working so hard that the system would surely be moved when it woke up.

But… he also had a gaming session scheduled with Da Zao and Fuzzy Monster …

Only 20 minutes left until the game started.

There was no other way—he had to make good use of the rewind. Rewinding back once would give him a full 40 minutes to study. Anyone who saw it would have to admit that Little Grape was working hard.

If he had a system like this back when he was cramming for finals, he wouldn’t have had to stay up all night reading.

Song Ruochen began studying.

Meanwhile, at the Jian Family’s Main Residence

Jian Yuheng, Jian Feng, and Yan Ci had been playing poker at the coffee table for nearly half an hour.

The two young masters of the Jian family were deep in thought, while Yan Ci, looking at the cards in his hand, had an increasingly obvious smile on his lips.

“Joker bomb. No more cards left,” Yan Ci spread his hands. “Sorry, I won again.”

“Brother-in-law is really good at games,” Jian Yuheng praised.

“Enough playing, come eat dinner,” Rong Xin called.

“Coming!” Jian Yuheng and Jian Feng scrambled to their feet and helped carry the dumplings to the dining table.

“The dumplings were made by your little brother, and he also carved the pastries,” Father Jian said. “The second one has nimble fingers and patience—he’s always been good at handicrafts.”

Yan Ci’s gaze skipped past the dumplings and landed on the plate of pastries. The little rabbits and goldfish were quite cute.

Huh? Was that a little grape?

Yan Ci’s eyes shot toward Jian Yuheng.

This time, Jian Yuheng responded with a broad smile.

“Oh, right, Mom,” Jian Yuheng said. “The main Jian family will be busy on New Year’s Eve. I’m worried there won’t be enough hands, so I asked Secretary Song to come eat… I mean, help out a bit.”

He had gone over Song Ruochen’s file multiple times and asked company employees about him. The conclusion he reached was that Song Ruochen didn’t seem to have any family.

If he spent New Year’s alone, it would probably be quite lonely for someone so lively and social.

“That’s good, those days are always hectic,” Rong Xin said. “But you two should remember to give Secretary Song a raise. You keep making him work.”

Jian Feng: “Okay.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

“Is Secretary Song overseeing the Haochi project recently?” Jian Feng asked. “Supervising that Alpha actor, Lu Yunye?”

“Lu Yunye?” Yan Ci tilted his head. “I know him—he’s pretty handsome.”

Jian Yuheng’s eyelids lifted slightly.

Come to think of it, that kid was an Alpha too.

“So this is what Chenchen has been busy with lately,” Yan Ci said. “No wonder he’s been slow to reply these past few days.”

Jian Yuheng’s eyelids lifted again.

“Doesn’t Lu Yunye have a bad temper?” Jian Feng asked. “I heard from Lao Chen that he threw a huge fit in the office recently because he was unhappy with the project.”

“It’s fine,” Yan Ci said. “No one can stay mad looking at Secretary Song’s face. I think anyone who’s interacted with him probably likes him.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

These dumplings… were they lacking salt? They tasted a bit bland. Time to pour some vinegar.

“Mom, this vinegar has no taste,” Jian Yuheng said loudly. “Bring a new bottle.”

Jian Yuheng: “…?”

The chopsticks in his hand had turned into playing cards. The stool under him had become a sofa. The “Mom” across from him had turned into his utterly confused older brother.

Yan Ci and Jian Feng each held a handful of cards, tilting their heads at him in confusion.

Jian Yuheng glanced at his wristwatch. Hmm… he had gone back 20 minutes.

Yan Ci: “Vinegar?”

Jian Feng: “Bro, what’s up?”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

What was wrong with this system? Why wasn’t it dinging anymore?

Without the notification sound, it was way too easy to make mistakes.

Now I look even crazier than Grape.

Jian Yuheng: “:(“

But soon, it would be the New Year, and Song Ruochen wouldn’t be supervising the set for much longer.

What kind of wedding ring did Secretary Song like?

…Maybe he was thinking too far ahead. Haha.

“Bro, play your card,” Jian Feng urged. “You can’t even beat a three?”

Jian Feng: “…”

—

The Next Afternoon.

Yan Ci had the driver pull up in a flashy convertible and took Song Ruochen and Meng Yumian with him.

“A convertible… in the dead of winter?” Song Ruochen shivered from the cold.

“Da Zao chose it,” Meng Yumian said. “Unlike him, I don’t like these impractical cars. If you go out with me, it’ll be much more comfortable.”

“You can push your broken wheelchair and chase after the car,” Yan Ci said.

“Alright, alright, stop arguing,” Song Ruochen said. “As long as it drives, it’s a good car.”

The car stopped in front of the city hospital, and the two “family members” escorted Song Ruochen to the examination room.

“It’s good to have family members here,” the doctor said. “We’ll begin the check-up now.”

—

Upstairs, in the Psychiatry Department

Jian Feng knocked on the door and pushed Jian Yuheng inside.

“Bro, time for your check-up,” Jian Feng said.

Jian Yuheng: “:)”

“Oh, you’re that poet,” the doctor recognized Jian Yuheng and smiled.

Doctor: “What’s wrong this time?”

“I’m not sick,” Jian Yuheng said.

“Since yesterday evening, he’s been randomly saying things that don’t fit the context,” Jian Feng explained. “And he keeps checking his watch, like he’s in a rush.”

Doctor: “For example?”

“This morning at breakfast, Dad asked him what kind of Omega he’d like in the future,” Jian Feng recalled. “And he said… ‘I want one with good internet speed.'”

Doctor: “?”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Well… how was he supposed to explain this?

The main house was huge, and some areas had weak internet. That little maniac might not like that, so he’d been thinking about installing a few new routers.

At that moment, he had been in the middle of arranging it, but then he got rewind back out of nowhere—and the words just happened to land after his dad’s question.

This was all Song Ruochen’s system’s fault! It had suddenly stopped giving him notification sounds!

“I’m not sick,” Jian Yuheng repeated. “Once it’s fixed, everything will be fine.”

Doctor: “…?”

“Aaaahhh—!” A scream rang out, making the hospital building tremble.

Whoosh.

Jian Yuheng found himself back outside the consultation room. “Hmm, I’m not sick.”

“? Bro, go see the doctor,” Jian Feng said.

“Nope, you go yourself.” Jian Yuheng turned and ran.

After the New Year, he would drag Song Ruochen out for a beating.

—

Downstairs, in the Pheromone Testing Lab

Song Ruochen clutched his neck, still shaken, retreating several steps.

That pheromone extraction needle—why did it hurt so much?!

“Nurse?” A voice called out.

“Our Chenchen is over here!” Yan Ci raised his hand.

“Do you need full anesthesia for the testing process?” the nurse asked. “It’s not that bad, really, if you’re not afraid…”

“Anesthesia!” Song Ruochen refused to be frugal. “Please make me as numb as a dead pig.”

—

Half an Hour Later

Yan Ci and Meng Yumian pushed numb version Song Ruochen out of the lab in a wheelchair.

“The data has been collected,” the doctor said. “The targeted treatment will take two weeks to formulate. His pheromone levels are quite unstable. In the meantime, if necessary, just use general inhibitors.”

“Alright, thank you, doctor.” Yan Ci and Meng Yumian bowed politely.

Song Ruochen: “o.-“

“This is a downhill slope—I’ll push,” he heard Meng Yumian say.

“You’re too weak. I’ll do it,” Yan Ci pushed Meng Yumian aside.

Song Ruochen: “???”

Da Zao, do you even know what you’re pushing?!

The wheelchair, carrying Song Ruochen, rolled uncontrollably down the slope, while Meng Yumian and Yan Ci frantically chased after him.

Song Ruochen: “…”

Live long enough, and you’ll see everything.

—

Jian Yuheng got hit by a wheelchair today.

“Anything with wheels should obey traffic rules,” Jian Yuheng patiently lectured. “Huh?”

Song Ruochen?

The little secretary sat dazed in the wheelchair, his beautiful eyes half-open. His forehead was slightly damp with cold sweat, his lips were even paler than usual, and a white bandage was wrapped around his neck, with a faint spot of blood seeping through the back.

“What happened?” Jian Yuheng steadied the wheelchair, his voice turning cold.

“Thank you, Second Young Master,” Yan Ci and Meng Yumian bowed in gratitude.

“Secretary Song just had a test done,” Yan Ci explained. “He’s still under general anesthesia. Mao (Fuzzy) Yumian and I were just helping push him.”

“I’m Meng Yumian,” the “Fuzzy Monster” corrected.

Jian Yuheng’s eyelid twitched. “What kind of test?”

Does it need to be this intense?

Yan Ci turned to Meng Yumian. “Murmur?”

Meng Yumian shook his head. “Murmur.”

“Sorry, Second Brother,” Yan Ci said. “It’s Secretary Song’s privacy. We don’t have the right to tell you.”

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Thinking back, some time ago when he came to this hospital for a check-up, he had also run into Song Ruochen.

Jian Yuheng forced himself to remember.

At that time… hadn’t he overheard two nurses chatting outside the medical exam center? They mentioned a patient with a genetic condition. If he needed targeted testing, he would have to bring family members with him.

Was Song Ruochen just throwing together two random “family members” to get tested? It didn’t seem very reliable.

The little secretary was dumb and a bit pitiful.

“Jian Yuheng, you dumbass,” Song Ruochen said.

Jian Yuheng: “Huh?”

“When waking up from general anesthesia, it’s common to talk nonsense,” Yan Ci quickly explained. “Brother, don’t take it personally.”

Jian Yuheng definitely took it personally.

According to books, targeted treatment for Omega genetic diseases was painful. Song Ruochen seemed completely drained right now.

—

“Brother? Wife? Friend?” Jian Feng ran over. “Everyone’s here?”

“It’s cold out. Let’s get in the car first,” Jian Yuheng took off his coat and wrapped it around Song Ruochen, then firmly pushed the wheelchair toward the parking lot.

“The company is my home… The boss makes money, I spend it…”

The half-conscious Song Ruochen was still muttering nonsense in the wheelchair.

Jian Yuheng: “…”

Does his chaotic little brain even have a small patch of land reserved for me?

Jian Yuheng had seen both the serious and lively versions of Song Ruochen before. Each had their own charm. But today, this weak, sickly version was completely new to him.

Had he been crying? His eyelashes were still damp, and if you looked closely, the tip of his nose was a little red too.

So… cute.

Jian Yuheng deliberately rolled the wheelchair over a row of cobblestones.

Song Ruochen: “Jian~~ Yuheng… dumbass.”

“Brother, you stay with your wife,” Jian Yuheng said. “My car’s warm. I’ll take him home.”

“Alright, I’ll leave him to you,” Jian Feng said.

Yan Ci and Meng Yumian bowed again.

Jian Yuheng folded up the wheelchair, shut the car door, cranked the heat to max, and secured Song Ruochen with the seatbelt.

In the passenger seat, Song Ruochen tilted his head slightly, frowning.

In the confined space, it was just the two of them.

After thinking for a moment, Jian Yuheng released a small trace of Alpha pheromones.

A little comfort should help.

The pheromones drifted toward Song Ruochen without a sound. His deathly pale face gradually gained a flush, his tense brows relaxed, and his unfocused eyes slowly regained clarity.

Song Ruochen: “^ ^”

Jian Yuheng: “:）”

Effective, right? Cures all ailments.

I’m great at comforting people. Not every Alpha can score 998 on a question bank, after all.

Song Ruochen suddenly felt much more awake in the car.

The pain in his needle-pricked neck seemed to have faded, and his body didn’t feel as awful anymore. He looked around—Yan Ci and Meng Yumian were nowhere to be seen.

But driving in front of him… was Jian Yuheng.

The air faintly carried a scent of hawthorn, blending with the car’s air freshener.

It disappeared almost immediately.

Had he just imagined it because he missed that scent too much?

“Secretary Song, feeling better?” Jian Yuheng asked.

“Mm.” Song Ruochen smoothed his hair and straightened his clothes, then asked coldly, “Why was Second Young Master at the hospital today?”

The moment “hospital” was mentioned, Jian Yuheng’s expression darkened. He shot a cold glance at Song Ruochen and let out a sarcastic, mocking “heh.”

Song Ruochen: “?”

What? Did I put you in the hospital or something?

“Just drop me by the roadside up ahead,” Song Ruochen said. “Thank you, Second Young Master. I’m home now.”

Still feeling a bit dizzy, he steadied himself against the car door as he got out, leaving Jian Yuheng with a fake knockoff version of his usual cold and stubborn back view.

—

The Next Day, Evening.

“Dear Coin Pouch, this is a message for you. You haven’t powered on for two days. Is something troubling you?”

“I’ve slowly gotten used to life without your ding-dong sounds, but every night, I miss you even more.”

“Tomorrow, I’m going to Jian family’s New Year’s Eve banquet to eat and drink to my heart’s content.”

“Turn on soon. I’ll chew loudly just for you.”

“Also, the villain gave me a cold smirk yesterday. Today, I’m going to pat his head and show him who’s really the father of this book.”

“—Waiting for you to power on, Song Ruochen.”

Song Ruochen tilted his head in thought and decided that today, his role should be that of the all-powerful secretary in a CEO novel. After careful consideration, he chose to stick to his default appearance.

It was just that the weather was a bit too cold. He threw on a coat that Yan Ci had bought over his white dress shirt. To match the festive New Year’s atmosphere, he removed his bandage and fastened a bright red scarf around his neck instead.

Alright, time to head to the Jian family for the New Year celebration.

—

The Jian family’s main estate was huge, perfectly matching Song Ruochen’s every fantasy about CEO novel mansions.

By the time he arrived, many relatives and friends were already there. He glanced around but didn’t see Yan Ci.

“Hello, where’s Da Zao (Zao means dates)?” he asked the butler.

The butler smiled and handed him a bag of golden silk dates.

“…Uh, not this,” Song Ruochen said. “Is Madam here?”

“Madam is at the helipad,” the butler replied. “I’ll take you there.”

At the edge of the main estate’s helipad, Yan Ci stood stunned, watching as a helicopter descended.

On its fuselage was a massive image—a photo of him and Jian Feng holding their marriage certificate, both smiling blissfully.

Yan Ci clutched his chest and swayed several times.

“There’s heavy traffic during the Spring Festival, so some relatives couldn’t make it,” Rong Xin explained. “Since we happen to have a helicopter, we’re using it to fly over the packed city of A and pick them up.”

Jian Feng: “F-Fly over the packed city…”

“People are praising it,” Rong Xin added. “I just checked the internet—tons of people have uploaded videos of the helicopter.”

Yan Ci and Jian Feng clung to each other, neither willing to look up.

“My Jian Feng and Yan Ci are so loving, both in public and in private,” Rong Xin said cheerfully after glancing at the little lovebirds. “Come on, all the relatives have arrived. As the hosts, it’s time for us to start the banquet.”

—

Song Ruochen never forgot his identity as the Jian family’s secretary. He was here to help.

So, throughout the New Year’s Eve banquet, he helped drink a lot of beverages, helped eat a lot of dishes, and even helped accept Rong Xin’s big red envelope.

Later that night, in the open space outside the mansion, he helped Yan Ci light fireworks. By the time they finished, it was nearly 11 PM.

“I should be heading back,” Song Ruochen said.

“It’s late, Secretary Song,” Rong Xin said. “The Jian family has plenty of guest rooms. You can stay the night.”

“Stay, Chenchen!” Yan Ci was overjoyed. “We can sleep together!”

“Madam, the first day of the New Year is of great significance. Please spend it properly with President Jian,” Song Ruochen said. “I wouldn’t want to intrude.”

Yan Ci: “0.0*”

“However, I have decided to stay,” Song Ruochen continued. “That way, I can continue serving the First and Second Young Masters first thing in the morning.”

And enjoy a hot breakfast.

“Then my husband and I will give you New Year’s greetings first thing tomorrow!” Yan Ci unwrapped a lollipop and handed it to Song Ruochen.

Jian Feng: “?”

Jian Feng pointed at himself.

“Secretary Song, please follow me,” the butler said. “I’ll take you to a guest room.”

“I’ll do it,” Jian Yuheng interjected. “Most of the guest rooms are already full. I’ll take him to the one on the second floor.”

“Much appreciated, Second Young Master,” the butler said.

“Much appreciated, Evil Young Master,” Song Ruochen mumbled around the lollipop in his mouth.

“Secretary Song, come with me,” Jian Yuheng said.

Song Ruochen lifted his foot and followed Jian Yuheng all the way upstairs.

“Work responsibilities should be balanced,” Jian Yuheng said. “You still need to keep an eye on the Haochi project, but that doesn’t mean you can neglect the tasks I assigned you. You can’t just run off to Haochi every day and ignore my work.”

Song Ruochen: “Nitpicker.”

Jian Yuheng: “?”

“Understood, Second Young Master. Your reprimand is absolutely correct,” Song Ruochen said after resetting his response.

Jian Yuheng: ” “

Maybe it was time to fix the system. It had zero ability to detect whether a reset had happened or not.

At the end of the second-floor hallway was a large guest room, the biggest of them all. Jian Yuheng led Song Ruochen all the way there.

“You’ll stay here tonight. If you need anything, just press the bell,” Jian Yuheng said.

Jian Yuheng: “?”

That sounded like a butler’s line.

“Got it,” Song Ruochen replied.

“Behave yourself,” Jian Yuheng warned. “Go take a shower now, then sleep smoothly and without lag.”

Why wasn’t there a reset notification sound yet? It was making him so cautious that before saying anything today, he had to check his surroundings first—just in case he blurted out something outrageous in front of the relatives.

Just as he was about to close the door, a hand grabbed his sleeve and gave it a tug.

“Second Young Master, give me a charging cable,” Song Ruochen said. “My phone’s about to die.”

“…Wait here,” Jian Yuheng said. “I’ll get one for you.”

Jian Yuheng shut the door and left.

Song Ruochen loosened his tie, folded it neatly, and placed it by the sofa. Humming a tune, he sat down and knocked on the system.

Song Ruochen: “AI?”

[#……@]

[Booting up—]

It was booting? Looked like it wasn’t completely dead.

“Which continent did the main system’s 0.5 error come from?” Song Ruochen left a message.

[Boot progress: 60%]

Someone knocked on the bedroom door.

“Come in,” Song Ruochen said.

This villain, huh. So polite—even knocked before entering.

“I’m lending you my charging cable. Make sure to return it tomorrow morning,” Jian Yuheng said as he walked in, found a spot, plugged in the cable, and then placed a raspberry-flavored ice cream on the coffee table. “Finish this, then go to sleep properly—”

Jian Yuheng’s gaze shifted slightly.

There was a noticeable grape scent in the room.

His eyes swept over the coffee table—Song Ruochen had taken off both his tie and neck scarf.

Song Ruochen: “Ah…”

Oops, he forgot.

Since he already forgot, and he was going to reset anyway, why not mess with the villain a little before that?

The impact of high-compatibility pheromones was intense. Jian Yuheng forcibly suppressed the restless energy surging through his body. Just as he was about to leave, his sleeve was grabbed.

[Boot progress: 80%]

“You tell me to sleep early, and I’m just supposed to obey?” Song Ruochen said. “Why should I listen to you?”

He raised his hand, pinched Jian Yuheng’s cheeks, and stretched them.

[Boot progress: 90%]

“You gave me so much work over winter break—more than First Young Master did! You’re the one constantly bossing me around. Am I your personal secretary?” Song Ruochen demanded. “Does your conscience not hurt?”

He really wanted hawthorn-flavored pheromones, but today, Jian Yuheng was completely scentless—totally unappealing.

“The hawthorn you bought was disgusting,” Song Ruochen said as he leaned closer. “Go ahead, be fierce. Be as fierce as you want. I’m not afraid of you.”

“I still think the best scent is yours,” Song Ruochen continued. “Since you don’t have a partner, I might as well use you to understand what an alpha is like.”

Before he knew it, he parted his lips and lightly bit Jian Yuheng’s neck.

A fresh hawthorn fragrance immediately filled the air—tangy and sweet, deliciously refreshing.

Song Ruochen suddenly felt like he could eat another full meal.

Smelled good. Loved it.

“Song Ruochen, biting people is crossing the line.”

Jian Yuheng’s deep voice was low and slightly hoarse.

The next second, he grabbed both of Song Ruochen’s wrists, lifted his leg, and hooked him off balance—

Song Ruochen was flipped onto the sofa in an instant.

The world spun around him.

For the first time, he truly felt the strength of an alpha.

Lying on the sofa, dizzy, he saw circles floating before his eyes.

Ahhhhhh, so fierce! Reset, reset!

There was no “ding-dong” sound, but time still reset.

Song Ruochen casually buckled his neck scarf back on.

—

Inside the room, the alpha held an ice cream, voice low with anger.

“Song Ruochen.”

“An omega biting an alpha’s neck—what exactly is in that brain of yours? I should deduct all of your salar— hmm, wages.”

Song Ruochen: “…?”

Jian Yuheng: “……”

Song Ruochen: “…………”

M—Mother!!

Wait, wait, bro, I haven’t even started acting crazy this time!

Why are you scolding me at this part already?!

Jian Yuheng glanced at his watch: “.”

Sorry.

“You—” Song Ruochen clutched his head in horror. “Why are you different from just now?!”

Jian Yuheng: “:)”

Well, what else? I got exposed.

His gaze shifted slightly, and he gently placed the raspberry ice cream on the coffee table.

—

[…Boot progress: 100%]

[Ahhh, long time no see! I missed you! The main system’s message came so suddenly, I nearly fainted from shock.]

[Warning, warning! Little Grape, listen to me— from now on, do not mess with Jian Yuheng. Stay far, far away from him.]

[Now, an urgent broadcast from the main system’s inspection report: Unknown reason, but that “half-user”… is Jian Yuheng.]

[No duplicate names. The main system has marked the affected area.]

—

Song Ruochen: “Huh…?”

—

[In other words, every time you reset, he gets reset too. He retains all his memories from the reset period and experiences it just like you.]

[You… haven’t started provoking him yet today, have you?]

—

He… remembers everything?

—

Song Ruochen: “…Help.”

—

Help.

When did we get linked?!

So—so that means Jian Yuheng remembers that he patted his head, and… bit… an alpha.

—

THUD.

Song Ruochen rolled off the sofa and onto the floor. He looked up at Jian Yuheng, then used his hands, feet, and even his butt to crawl backward a full five meters.

—

“What’s wrong, Secretary Song?”

Jian Yuheng stepped forward, one step at a time.

“Didn’t you say my scent was the best?”

—

“I’m sorry, sorry, sorry, sumimasen, mianhae—”

Apologies in every language flashed past Song Ruochen’s lips.

“Damn it, system, get out here! I’m not done with you!”

—

“Song Ruochen.”

Jian Yuheng took another step forward, looking down at him from above.

“What are you running for?”