LABMY CH19

After only a week away, the apartment hadn’t changed much. The only difference was the stone-cutting machine and a large cardboard box on the coffee table in the living room.

The box was left open, revealing the pile of stone fragments inside. The rough jade materials that Jian Yuanbai had deliberately placed there before leaving, in order to avoid arousing Wei Zhenge’s suspicion, had already disappeared.

Jian Yuanbai stared at the box filled with stone debris. For some reason, a strange feeling flashed through his heart. He knew that Wei Zhenge had awakened his ability to see through objects and should have easily identified that only one piece among the rough stones contained jade, while the rest were just ordinary rocks.

Why would he still go through the trouble of cutting open those useless stones, and do it so meticulously?

At this moment, although it seemed like Jian Yuanbai was the only one staring at the box, in reality, there were three. The system in his mind was also staring at the box filled with stone debris, its little cat face tense, lost in thought.

As Jian Yuanbai’s gaze lingered on the box for a few seconds, Wei Zhenge naturally followed his line of sight, walked over, and casually closed the lid. “By the way, Jian-ge, I managed to cut out a piece of jade from the rough stones you left behind.”

Saying that, Wei Zhenge picked up the box and carried it back to his room. When he returned, he was holding a beautiful, unpolished jade stone. “This is for you.”

The strange feeling in Jian Yuanbai’s heart instantly dissipated with this unexpected gesture. He waved his hand and said, “Since you cut it out from the rough stones I gave you, it’s yours.”

Wei Zhenge pressed his lips together. “No, it’s too valuable. And this apartment… I can’t accept it either.”

Jian Yuanbai replied seriously, “What I gave you was just a pile of useless rocks. You’re the one who found the jade. It belongs to you.”

Seeing that Wei Zhenge showed no intention of accepting it, Jian Yuanbai bluntly revealed the truth, “I bought these from an abandoned warehouse for 200 yuan. If you really feel bad, just give me 200 yuan.”

The warehouse had been converted from an old storage facility. To others, the pile of stones was nothing but worthless scraps, which wasn’t far from the truth. It was the lowest-grade raw material that couldn’t even be sold.

The original owner had indeed gotten lucky, but unfortunately, he lacked the fortune to enjoy it.

Wei Zhenge opened his mouth to say something, but before he could speak, Jian Yuanbai exaggeratedly yawned. “I’ve been out of town for work this past week and just closed a deal today. I’m going to take a shower and get some sleep. You should rest early too.”

Without giving Wei Zhenge a chance to speak, he turned and left.

In the steaming bathroom, mist filled the air. Through the hazy vapor, the faint outline of a man’s body was visible. His wet hair clung to his forehead, and with a defined, bony hand, he pushed his hair back, revealing sharp, handsome features.

Crystal-clear droplets of water rolled down his well-defined abs, tracing along the lines of his muscles and flowing downward.

This was a body that both men and women would admire—muscular, but not overly bulky. Under the water and mist, it exuded a subtle and tantalizing sensuality.

Suddenly, the man paused, looked up, and suspiciously said, “Why are you watching me shower? My body is only for my wife to see.”

He was so shocked that he forgot he could communicate with the system in his mind.

The system, stunned by his accusation, momentarily forgot what it was about to say. It replied helplessly, “I’m not a pervert, thank you very much.”

Jian Yuanbai’s tone was filled with doubt. “Really? You’re talking to me while I’m showering. How is that not watching me?”

“If you’re not the pervert, then who is?”

The system replied with a dry laugh, “I respect the host’s privacy. Just because I’m talking to you doesn’t mean I’m watching you.”

Then it sneered, “I’m not the pervert, but someone who spent an entire week spying on a high schooler with a telescope from across the building? Well, that’s up for debate.”

Jian Yuanbai replied righteously, “Watching over my own kid doesn’t count as being a pervert.”

“What do you want from me?”

The system had originally intended to discuss leaving this world with him. But when it saw the box full of stone fragments in the living room, a bad feeling crept over it.

No one understood Wei Zhenge better than the system did. When it saw the box filled with shattered stone pieces, it could almost picture the scene.

Despite having the ability to see through the rough stones and knowing that they were all worthless, Wei Zhenge would still sit in front of the stone-cutting machine after finishing his studies each day.

Under the dim light of a small lamp, he would carefully and slowly cut open each piece of stone that held no value.

The fact that the box was filled with finely ground stone fragments silently revealed how slow and meticulous Wei Zhenge’s actions had been.

In the brief moment when Jian Yuanbai was talking to Wei Zhenge, the system recalled everything that had happened between the two of them.

It suddenly realized…

Jian Yuanbai had helped Wei Zhenge countless times.

Not to mention the smaller things, but when Wei Zhenge was falsely accused at school and the teacher called Father Wei, without hesitation, Father Wei told the school to expel him.

But when the teacher called Jian Yuanbai, Jian Yuanbai rushed over late at night and firmly believed in Wei Zhenge’s innocence.

No one would forget the person who reached out to them when they were stuck in the mire, let alone when that person smiled and handed them a small, inconspicuous gift meant just for them, hoping they would forget all their sorrow.

If anyone in this world understands Wei Zhenge the most, it would undoubtedly be the System.

If it were only Wei Zhenge’s subtle emotional hints, it would be manageable. However, Jian Yuanbai, this troublesome host, decided to stay the moment he saw a single tear fall from Wei Zhenge’s eye. This made the System deeply anxious.

It’s often said that bystanders see things more clearly. As a complete bystander, the System couldn’t be more aware of what was happening.

At this point, it was no longer a question of whether Jian Yuanbai would leave. The System had to find a way to make him leave before things spiraled out of control.

However, Jian Yuanbai’s reaction to the System’s attempt to persuade him made the System suspect that perhaps things weren’t as it thought.

“You just said your body can only be seen by your wife?”

Even though Jian Yuanbai knew the System wasn’t watching and wasn’t technically a human being, he still quickly rinsed off the foam, put on a bathrobe, and replied, “Yeah, I want to stay pure for my wife.”

The System let out a sigh of relief. It seemed it had been overthinking. Having a wife was good.

The System fell silent, while Jian Yuanbai looked puzzled. “What’s wrong?”

The System replied in an unusually cheerful tone, “Nothing. It’s great that you think this way. Love and marriage should be built on mutual loyalty.”

If Jian Yuanbai was committed to staying pure for his wife, he wouldn’t be tempted by Wei Zhenge. Plus, judging by Jian Yuanbai’s attitude, he was probably straight.

Being suddenly praised, Jian Yuanbai felt a bit confused but also quite pleased. After all, at his age, people who still insisted on staying pure for their future spouse were rare and indeed worthy of praise.

However, he hadn’t forgotten that the System had called him during his shower. “By the way, why did you call me while I was showering?”

The System replied nonchalantly, “I just wanted to ask if you’re planning to leave.”

“You said I could stay for a year, didn’t you?” Jian Yuanbai replied. “I’ll stay for a year, then.”

“But speaking of that, Tiantian, your System only gets the major events right, but you completely miss the details.”

The System didn’t argue. If nothing unexpected happened, it hoped Jian Yuanbai would stay and help Wei Zhenge through his critical final year of high school. At the very least, when Wei Zhenge looked back on his high school years, he would have some warm memories of companionship.

As long as Jian Yuanbai had no romantic interest in Wei Zhenge, the budding feelings in Wei Zhenge’s heart would eventually grow into a brotherly admiration.

As for the System’s failure in its core function, it chuckled awkwardly, “I’ve watched too many dramas. My bad.”

One has to admit that the concept of a “bottom line” is something that keeps getting broken, and at this point, the System could already say such things with a straight face.

The reason for its failure couldn’t be revealed to Jian Yuanbai. For now, the System was genuinely grateful for the excuse Jian Yuanbai had unknowingly provided.

Jian Yuanbai clicked his tongue and sighed, “Don’t worry, with me around, I’ll make sure you turn over a new leaf.”

The System threatened in a sinister tone, “If you dare call me ‘son,’ you’re dead.”

Jian Yuanbai immediately fell silent. Despite their different perspectives on love and relationships, the man and the System occasionally found themselves in strange harmony.

At that moment, there was a knock on Jian Yuanbai’s door. When he opened it, he saw Wei Zhenge holding a cup of warm milk.

“I heated some milk for myself and made a cup for you too,” Wei Zhenge said, handing it over. “Drinking milk before bed helps with sleep.”

Jian Yuanbai softened his gaze and thanked him as he accepted the cup. Then he heard Wei Zhenge say, “If you don’t want this piece of jade, I’d like to make it into a bracelet. Is that okay?”

“Sure. Do you need me to help you find a jade carving master?” Jian Yuanbai was surprised that Wei Zhenge wasn’t planning to sell the jade for startup funds, as the original plot suggested. However, he respected Wei Zhenge’s decision.

With him around, Wei Zhenge could do whatever he wanted.

Wei Zhenge smiled faintly and shook his head, “No need.”

“Also, I really can’t accept this apartment. It’s too valuable,” Wei Zhenge interrupted. “If you insist on giving it to me, I won’t feel at ease living here, and I’ll have to find somewhere else to stay.”

Since Wei Zhenge had been staying here these past few days just to wait for Jian Yuanbai’s return, Jian Yuanbai had no choice but to sigh, “Alright, I’ll keep it for now.”

Seeing Jian Yuanbai change his mind, Wei Zhenge smiled in relief. When he smiled, his eyes curved, revealing a faint dimple. The soft light from the room reflected in his eyes, resembling scattered starlight.

Noticing how Jian Yuanbai was once again stunned by his smile, Wei Zhenge felt a bit embarrassed and shy. He took a step forward and gently hugged Jian Yuanbai.

“Welcome home,” he said.

“And… goodnight.”

Then, he turned and returned to his room, leaving Jian Yuanbai standing dumbfounded at the door, muttering to the System, “He smells so nice.”

The System’s little cat face drooped, remaining silent for a long while. Finally, just as Jian Yuanbai was drifting off to sleep, the System couldn’t resist asking again, “Are you really staying pure for your future wife?”

In his half-asleep state, Jian Yuanbai answered without hesitation, “Of course.”

Even though he didn’t have a wife yet, he still wanted to stay pure for his future wife. However, he was too sleepy to say this out loud before falling asleep.

People tend to be most honest when they’re on the verge of sleep. Hearing this response, the System finally relaxed.