GRMFBS CH216

On the way back, Gu Jiancheng, still oblivious, wailed inwardly about his image in Yanyan’s heart.

Ahhh, does Yanyan think I’m silly? Does he think I’m weird? Does he think I’m boring now? Will he…

Zhan Yan was scrolling through his chat history with Deep Shadow.

The chat history stopped at the message where he asked Deep Shadow if he could help.

Zhan Yan’s thoughts were pulled back from the shock of his boyfriend’s secret identity being revealed.

Right, if Deep Shadow is Gu Jiancheng, then all four conditions for Sister to save Yang Ran are met!

Back at the rental, Zhan Yan opened the chat logs with both of them.

Deep Shadow hadn’t replied. That was normal; Gu Jiancheng had been with him the whole time and hadn’t had a chance to check the forum.

Sister hadn’t replied either. Maybe she hadn’t seen it, or maybe she had seen it but needed to consider it.

Although he knew this was normal, Zhan Yan still couldn’t help but feel a little anxious.

Could the identity of “Approaching Science” persuade these two people?

He thought about it repeatedly but couldn’t find a reason why Approaching Science could move Deep Shadow and Rong Sui.

What if Sister doesn’t trust me? What if Deep Shadow refuses me?

For a moment, he even thought about recklessly revealing his identity!

The brief heavy rain just now hadn’t managed to soak them much, and they had already dried off under the sun on the way back.

Zhan Yan discovered two large towels prepared in the bathroom, and two sets of new clothes on the rack.

He instantly understood Gu Jiancheng’s plan: after playing out the domineering CEO melodramatic plot in the heavy rain, they would come back soaking wet and take a bath together.

Pfft. How thorough, Xiao Gu.

A new message notification came from the backend of the supernatural forum. Zhan Yan felt a burst of nervousness.

He clicked it open; the flashing private message was from “Artisan.”

Nervous, scared, worried about suspicion and rejection.

Zhan Yan took a deep breath and opened the private message.

Artisan: “Thank you.”

“Please help me contact Deep Shadow.”

“What do I need to pay?”

Zhan Yan: …!

Happy! But… does she trust me just like that?

Sister isn’t someone who trusts so easily. For a split second, Zhan Yan suspected his cover was blown.

Before Zhan Yan could reply, the private message from I Just Saved The World! lit up again.

He subconsciously turned his head to look. Gu Jiancheng was sitting next to the bag containing Xingxing’s toys, playing on his phone, while Xingxing was stepping on his leg and pawing at the bag.

Hmph, if he refuses… Please don’t refuse!

Zhan Yan withdrew his gaze, took another deep breath, and opened the chat interface.

I Just Saved The World!: “Okay.”

“What is it?”

“No points needed, I’ll help.”

Zhan Yan: ?

Is his attitude this good?

Agreeing before even asking what it is—that’s not normal! And he doesn’t even want points.

Deep Shadow wasn’t a push-over who helped others casually. Did Approaching Science hold such a high status in his mind? Or did he really admire the Artisan that much?

I worried for nothing. Why were both sides so easily resolved?

Sister sent another message.

Artisan: “You can make any request.”

Zhan Yan switched back to his sister’s private chat interface.

Sis, your negotiation style is no good. Who reveals their bottom line right at the start? How did you survive peacefully with the Broker for so many years like this?

Gotta reply to this first, or Sister will be frantic with worry.

Zhan Suiru had pondered for over half an hour before sending those three sentences.

The “Lord” BOSS had never been this careful replying to messages in her life.

So, it’s not about mental strength, but simply about caring.

Yang Ran came out carrying freshly baked cookies. Seeing her staring unblinkingly at the screen, he sat down beside her and quietly began packing the cookies.

Suisui-jie said her brother was coming home today; these cookies were for him. Normal sweetness, because he heard Suisui-jie say her brother only liked sweet pastries made by his older brother, otherwise preferring normal sweetness for other foods.

Hmm… then stick to normal sweetness. Although cookies were desserts, in case her brother didn’t like normal sweetness for desserts, Suisui-jie could eat them too.

Yang Ran only made one portion. It wasn’t that his future brother-in-law wasn’t important, but he couldn’t replicate the taste his brother-in-law liked. His in-laws hadn’t returned home yet, and cookies wouldn’t taste as good after a day, so he’d wait and make fresh ones then.

Yang Ran deftly folded a gift bag, packed the cookies, and tied a ribbon into a bow, neater than any gift box bought from a store.

He looked at Zhan Suiru, his mechanical eyes gradually curving, every subtle change in his simulated pupils originating from his soul.

Yang Ran was smiling. Even though he might never be able to leave this room or meet Suisui-jie’s new family, right now was already wonderful. He was already very, very satisfied.

Zhan Suiru turned her head to look at him and smiled gently. “Before long, you will be free.”

Four conditions. The Abnormal Affairs Management Bureau and she herself had no issues. Approaching Science had proactively sought her out to inform her of the solution, so he definitely wouldn’t make things difficult for her. The only trouble was Deep Shadow.

Zhan Suiru had only dealt with Deep Shadow once, and that one time, she had hunted him for three months.

She hadn’t held back when she attacked. If Deep Shadow hadn’t been strong enough, he would have died.

Deep Shadow once told her that if he was still around when the time came, he would do everything in his power to kill the Infinite.

Twenty-seven years ago, when the Infinite confronted this world, Deep Shadow had taken the opportunity to break free from the Infinite, but then he charged back in to forcefully open a path to the Infinite’s core.

He kept his promise.

Whether you say they have a friendship or a grudge, neither would be wrong.

She had to say, she felt fortunate that Deep Shadow was still alive.

Zhan Suiru recalled the Deep Shadow in her memories.

That was a soul as tormented as theirs, wandering on the edge of madness, unwilling to fall, yet staring into the abyss all day long.

What would a person like that want?

“Suisui-jie.” Yang Ran gently held her hand. “It’s already very good like this.”

“If the price is too high, there’s no need.”

“Xiao Ran, I’m not considering the possibility of failure.” Zhan Suiru’s voice was calm.

Yang Ran was speechless. He was all too familiar with this calmness.

It was this same calmness when Rong Sui decided to lock herself in the high tower. When she decided to find the Black Nest, when she decided to fight against the time reset, when she decided to fight the Infinite to the death…

Yang Ran felt the core within his chest beating violently, almost painfully.

He opened his mouth.

A new message suddenly refreshed on the screen.

Approaching Science: “I don’t need anything.”

“Wait until we set a time, I’ll give you the complete soul map.”

Zhan Suiru looked at Approaching Science’s answer and frowned slightly.

Approaching Science wanted nothing. Why?

Zhan Yan was simultaneously chatting with I Just Saved The World!. He first sent the details of Yang Ran’s situation and the solution.

Approaching Science: “Do you want anything?”

“If you don’t want points, something else is fine too.”

I Just Saved The World!: “No need.”

“I’ve had contact with them.”

“They are worth it.”

Zhan Yan was instantly moved.

Ahhh, how can Gu Jiancheng be so good, so good!

Hurry and relay this to Sister.

Approaching Science: “I just asked Deep Shadow.”

“He is willing to help.”

“No price needed.”

Zhan Suiru frowned even tighter.

Instead of relief, she began to feel uneasy.

Too smooth. Too easy.

When everything looks too good, it’s often time to hit the brakes.

The things she wanted were being delivered into her hands so easily. This wasn’t normal.

Artisan: “Why?”

“Any condition can be raised.”

Yang Ran sat beside her, equally worried by this cost-free temptation. He had little value left, but he was afraid of becoming a tool used against Rong Sui.

Yang Ran whispered, “I can wait, Suisui-jie. Don’t take risks.”

Zhan Yan’s Gossip System was split into several interfaces. The screen and gossip feeds simultaneously refreshed with the Artisan’s reply and the reasons for their actions.

Zhan Yan felt sad watching it.

Sister.

Approaching Science: “A person doesn’t have to pay a price to obtain happiness.”

A person shouldn’t think that if they don’t endure suffering or pay a price, they don’t deserve happiness.

Zhan Suiru was stunned.

She looked at the screen; messages were still refreshing.

Approaching Science: “I asked Deep Shadow what he needed, he said nothing.”

“Deep Shadow said he has had contact with you guys.”

“You are worth it.”

Yang Ran’s fingers tightened involuntarily. Their hands clasped together, as if holding onto something tightly.

Yang Ran: “I didn’t expect Deep Shadow to be such a person…”

Zhan Suiru: “Deep Shadow doesn’t seem like such a person…”

As soon as the words were out, the two silently looked at each other.

A moment later, they tacitly let go of each other’s hands.

Zhan Suiru withdrew her hand and began typing a reply.

Artisan: “Thank you.”

“Please relay my thanks to Deep Shadow.”

She was moved, truly moved. Her favorability towards Approaching Science and Deep Shadow went up, up, up.

But in her impression, Deep Shadow definitely didn’t have this personality. Yang Ran had only seen Deep Shadow and hadn’t interacted with him much, but she had hunted Deep Shadow for a full three months. Reactions under a life-or-death crisis were enough to reveal a person’s truest side. People who casually extended a helping hand to others wouldn’t live long in the Infinite.

Could it be that after leaving the Infinite, Deep Shadow felt warmth in this world just like she did, and his personality changed?

Gu Jiancheng had originally been depressed.

Firstly because he prepared the wrong surprise, and secondly because Yanyan was going home this afternoon.

They had only been reunited for a few days after being separated for three months due to the internship at the pig farm, and now they had to be apart for half the summer break.

Unhappy!

Want to become official! Once official, he could openly visit Yanyan during the holidays!

But becoming official was slightly difficult. He had to handle Yanyan’s sister—the reincarnated Rong Sui.

Rong Sui was not an easy person to deal with. Her temperament was fierce and stubborn; back then, she chased and tried to kill him for a full three months! He didn’t know what those previous players had done, but Rong Sui had zero trust in players. She killed on sight, not giving even a moment for a word; even if she heard, she pretended not to.

If he hadn’t deliberately designed a plan to involve the Black Nest and finally got a window of opportunity, he suspected Rong Sui would have continued hunting him even after three years.

Gu Jiancheng had lived very stifled during those three months. His goal was to find an opportunity to talk, not to make enemies, so he couldn’t use many methods, nor could he fight Rong Sui with full force.

During those three months, he tried various methods to force Rong Sui to stop and talk to him. None worked!

The methods he used back then to achieve his goal… definitely couldn’t have been above board. So Gu Jiancheng was very doubtful about his image in Rong Sui’s heart.

Stress.

Big Shot Deep Shadow never cared what others thought of him, but Rong Sui was Yanyan’s sister, the kind with a particularly good relationship. How can I change my image in Rong Sui’s heart?

Gu Jiancheng pondered while tidying up Xingxing’s toys, and accidentally zoned out again.

A moving cloth mouse whooshed past his leg, about to turn a corner.

Xingxing’s pupils dilated, aiming for the direction. Takeoff, pounce!

The zoned-out Gu Jiancheng, relying on Big Shot Deep Shadow’s agility and instinct, scooped the cloth mouse from under the cat’s claws at the last second, casually turned off the switch, and put it in his pocket.

Xingxing didn’t even see clearly how the cloth mouse disappeared. After landing, he felt the touch was wrong. Looking down, there was nothing under his claws.

Missed? He looked left and right.

Where is my toy?

Xingxing turned his head around but couldn’t find it. He looked up at Gu Jiancheng and started guessing blindly: “Meow!”

Did you hide my toy?

Guess correct. Gu Jiancheng was brought back to reality by the pawing at his leg and opened the pocket with the toy. Xingxing didn’t need him to find it; he climbed onto his leg and started pawing at the bag himself. The bag is so fun!

Gu Jiancheng came back to his senses and remembered another thing: He had to talk to Approaching Science. Don’t speak ill of the Artisan to him, and don’t compare him with the Artisan. Being number one on the points leaderboard is earned by her own ability; she’s very amazing!

Opening the private message interface, Gu Jiancheng saw that Approaching Science had sent him a new message, asking if he could help the Artisan with a favor.

Oh my, oh my!

Gu Jiancheng looked at the private chat interface with Approaching Science, the corners of his mouth curving up uncontrollably.

What do you call getting a pillow just as you’re dozing off! He was just worrying about how to gain his future sister-in-law’s favor, and Approaching Science sent this message.

Points? What points? I’ll do it for free!

Approaching Science, sending charcoal in snowy weather!

Zhan Yan had just finished acting as the liaison, clarifying the cooperation details. He closed the forum and quietly breathed a sigh of relief, involuntarily becoming happy.

So good, so good. Yang Ran’s problem will be solved soon! After it’s solved, there’s no need to worry about the Infinite using the curse on Yang Ran’s soul to cause trouble, and Sister can be with him normally.

Zhan Yan couldn’t help but look at Gu Jiancheng.

Xiao Gu is too good! Even without his cover being blown, he’s willing to help Sister without asking for anything.

He watched the corners of Gu Jiancheng’s mouth curl higher and higher, until finally, his eyes and brows were filled with smiles.

Oh my, is he that happy to help Sister?

Zhan Yan felt Xiao Gu was extremely cute.

After the arrangements were settled, the packing was mostly done.

In the afternoon, Zhan Jinli came to pick Zhan Yan up.

Gu Jiancheng prepared to leave early, so he wouldn’t meet his future brother-in-law for now. Firstly, because Yanyan said his brother was super socially anxious—didn’t talk to others and couldn’t stand others talking to him. Secondly, he didn’t plan to provoke Zhan Suiru anymore.

Right now, his cover hadn’t been blown in front of Zhan Suiru, so he had a chance to continue working hard to raise her favorability. If he accidentally provoked Rong Sui, causing her to start frantically digging into her brother’s romantic partner’s identity and digging out “Deep Shadow,” then trying to farm favorability would be a bit of a leap in difficulty.

The two said goodbye at the door. Gu Jiancheng was very reluctant to part, hugging Zhan Yan and refusing to let go.

Zhan Yan rested his chin on Gu Jiancheng’s shoulder.

The hug lasted a bit long.

But it didn’t matter; he was very happy today, extremely happy!

Zhan Yan let him hug him while he opened the Gossip System.

[Gu Jiancheng is worrying about how to gain the favor of his future sister-in-law, Zhan Suiru. After receiving the help request from Approaching Science, he is extremely happy.]

?? When was his cover blown in front of Gu Jiancheng?

So that’s why you didn’t want anything!

Support me on Ko-fi