After a while of boosting his mental state, Sheng Song felt like he was back on track. He then addressed Jiang Zhuo and Zheng Xipei.
“Xibei, stick with the plan and don’t speak up too soon.”
“Sure thing, Brother Sheng.” Zheng Xipei’s expression was resolute, as if he was attending his own funeral event.
As Jiang Zhuo paid attention to Sheng Song’s instructions to his teammates, his emotions were a bit mixed. He recalled the advice given to him by system number 6666. After helping him settle into the temporary dormitory of the new host and completing his tasks for the day, number 6666 had given him a serious warning.
[Host Jiang Zhuo, even within the secure space of the main system, you should watch out for other hosts. Lately, with the lack of quests, the credits earned from missions have gone down a bit. This has led some dishonest and unscrupulous hosts to target newcomers.]
[The host is requested to improve the ability to distinguish, and carefully protect the safety of his own personal and property]
The tone of the system was quite grave and official, perhaps a reflection of the system’s composed personality that Jiang Zhuo had chosen.
Listening to what No. 6666 had shared and taking into account the unexpected invitation from a senior person with a connection to him earlier in the day, Jiang Zhuo’s wariness intensified.
However, amidst all these thoughts, Jiang Zhuo was taken aback by the unexpectedly warm tone of Sheng Song’s voice.
“Xiao Jiang, you don’t have to speak for now,. I’ll handle all the talking.”
Jiang Zhuo had been imagining all sorts of complex schemes and strategies, so hearing these words caught him off guard, leaving him a bit dazed.
“What are you thinking about?” Zheng Xibei grinned, “Relax, Brother Sheng wants you there just so he can talk to Ji Yiwei. He won’t let you steal the spotlight.”
With Brother Sheng leading the way, they never put innocent folks in harm’s way, even when they’re hatching some grand scheme in secret. Their plan is all about that, and Brother Sheng is just like that. This is why more and more hosts are eager to join them. Their plan is aimed at helping hosts break away from the main system with their pride intact.
Sheng Song smiled and gave a nod to Zheng Xibei and Jiang Zhuo. He took a deep breath and headed over to the table where Ji Yiwei was sitting.
“Eating.” Sheng Song wore a smile, ignoring the messed-up cake entirely as he greeted Ji Yiwei in a casual tone. Initially, Ji Yiwei was looking elsewhere, but as he heard the voice, he turned his head. His lips curved into a slight smile, though his expression remained blank.
Zheng Xi, who was a bit behind, felt his legs wobble, and he almost dropped to the ground in fear. Ghost!!!
Sheng Song’s mental quality was very strong, his expression remained unchanged as he extended his arms in a friendly manner and introduced Jiang Zhuo.
“This is Jiang Zhuo, a new host who you rescued before. He’s been eager to express his gratitude. It’s fortunate that our paths crossed today, allowing him to fulfill this small wish.”
Jiang Zhuo quickly stepped forward, feeling a bit anxious in front of Mr. Ji. He stumbled a bit as he thanked him once more.
“Thank you, Mr. Ji, and thank your system as well. It saved my life during my early missions.”
While expressing gratitude to Ji Yiwei, he mentioned No. 2333, which seemed to slightly soften Ji Yiwei’s expression. However, Ji Yiwei still showed little interest and turned his gaze away.
“Stop talking nonsense.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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“I got word that your system, number 2333, was assigned to the advanced world [Great Lake] yesterday, and I wanted to inquire…”
Sheng Song paused momentarily, his gaze fixed on Ji Yiwei, gauging his reaction. “I’d like to propose a joint strategy with you.”
Upon hearing the mention of “your system,” Ji Yiwei’s eyebrows had already softened. When the number “2333” was spoken, his expression grew even more at ease. And upon learning that Sansan had secured a new high-level world, he even broke into a pleased smile.
As for what Sheng Song said next, it didn’t seem to concern Sansan, and Ji Yiwei lost track of it.
“Sansan is truly impressive, getting assigned to a high-level world,” Ji Yiwei murmured, a contented smile gracing his face, “I should have him draw cards for me sometime in the future.”
Their presence seemed to go unnoticed. Sheng Song’s brow furrowed slightly, but he quickly masked his disappointment. Observing Ji Yiwei’s calm expression and seemingly good mood, Sheng Song clung to the faintest glimmer of hope. He pondered whether Ji Yiwei’s initial resistance had prevented him from hearing the latter part of the request.
Surprisingly, after Ji Yiwei chuckled, he suddenly turned his gaze towards Sheng Song.
“A joint strategy? Not happening,” Ji Yiwei stated, intertwining his fingers and resting his elbows on the chair’s armrest. His half-reclining posture exuded an air of arrogance. However, a sudden dull ache in his stomach prompted him to sit up straight, though he tried to do so discreetly. He felt so full.
“I can accomplish what Sansan worked hard for in the world on my own, so why should I share it with others?” Ji Yiwei offered a gentle smile, his demeanor seemingly mild. “By the way, I need to ask you again. Was that robot from yesterday evening yours?”
“What robot…” Zheng Xi muttered with a touch of sorrow.
It was impossible to conceal things from Ji Yiwei now; how could they have even dared to send robots?
Sheng Song promptly disclaimed any involvement, and he keenly noticed Ji Yiwei’s use of “yours” instead of “you.” Clearly, unless they clarified this situation promptly, Ji Yiwei’s retribution could extend to those around him.
“It is not connected to us. We would never do anything against you” No wonder there was an explosion last night. It wasn’t their idea. Who in the world would dare to send a robot to provoke Ji Yiwei?
Ji Yiwei turned his head, contemplative for a moment. Before anyone realized, he had taken control of the conversation.
“Then I have another question.”
A faint smile played on his lips, but the words he spoke sent a chill through Sheng Song’s gaze.
“Do you also know the truth about infinite space?”
[Do you want to know the truth about infinite space?]
It was the question that was asked by the robot.
Do these people know the truth about infinite space? Ji Yiwei pondered.
Cold sweat formed on Sheng Song’s forehead. Despite his efforts to manage his micro-expressions; he was confident he could remain unnoticed even in front of the main system. But Ji Yiwei… seemed to possess an almost supernatural awareness.
“It appears you are aware of it,” Ji Yiwei remarked, chuckling softly as he lowered his head. Sheng Song had risen to his feet, his gaze wary as he observed Ji Yiwei’s smiling figure.
Sheng Song strained to hear Ji Yiwei’s words, spoken in a deliberate, muffled tone.
“Since I found it out…”
“Then you have to die.”
The conversation couldn’t continue any further. With Ji Yiwei’s final words, an overwhelming sense of threat engulfed the scene. Sheng Song’s limbs and bones felt as if they were submerged in icy water, causing his movements to become rigid. Zheng Xipei, noticing his condition, wanted to offer assistance, but Sheng Song waved him off. Despite feeling frozen, he remembered to bid a polite farewell.
“Then, we’ll discuss the joint strategy on another occasion.”
Ji Yiwei remained seated, his elbows resting on the armrest, fingers interlocked. He silently watched Sheng Song’s departure, making no move himself.
Sheng Song’s heart remained tightly wound, his guard never dropping even after he left Ji Yiwei’s line of sight. With his windbreaker billowing, he briskly made his way back to the base along the street. However, Zheng Xibei struggled to keep pace behind him, calling out and chasing after him.
“Brother Sheng! Wait up, Brother Sheng!”
“Brother Sheng!”
When Zheng Xipei finally caught up to Sheng Song, he was panting heavily.
“Brother Sheng, I asked Jiang Zhuo to go back first… Wait, what’s wrong with you? You walked so fast and ignored me.” Zheng Xipei cast a worried glance at Sheng Song’s face and was taken aback. Sheng Song’s complexion was as white as a sheet.
“Brother Sheng, let’s go to the nearby store and take a break.” Zheng Xipei noticed the seats in the convenience store nearby. It appeared to be empty. He suggested, “We can sit down and order something.”
“It’s nothing, it’s just… emotions,” Sheng Song replied slowly. “Didn’t I mention before, if something were to happen to me, how the plan would continue…”
But now, there’s no time left to explain.
[tick——]
Sheng Song seemed to catch a faint sound and instinctively pushed Zheng Xipei away. Then, a massive explosion rocked the convenience store ahead!
Thick black smoke billowed into the air, and the wail of fire sirens filled the surroundings. In the main system space, the structures were robust and well-maintained, and the hosts were seasoned survivors, quick to react. Thankfully, injuries were minimal.
Among those affected, the worst hit were Sheng Song and an unfortunate host who happened to be passing by him.
Sheng Song brushed off the debris from his body, ignoring the blood trickling down his head. Fueled by his enduring sense of justice and duty, he prioritized aiding the injured host. After all, this was an innocent person caught in the aftermath of his encounter.
“Are you alright? Are you…”
The host lifted his face, devoid of blood, with pupils shrunk to needle points, and his expression exuded intense fanaticism. A glint of cold steel flashed in his hand, its brightness rivaled by the fervor in his eyes.
“Mr. Ji is a god, he saved my life, so…”
“Whatever he asks of me, I will do it without hesitation!”
The agony of a sharp object piercing his abdomen surged through him, and blood welled up from the corner of his mouth as he spoke. Sheng Song’s eyes were fixed on the host in front of him. There was something off about the supposed injury – it seemed like a pretense to set up an assassination attempt. The realization hit him: Ji Yiwei’s arrogance and his power to manipulate surroundings and emotions made him capable of killing without concern for innocent bystanders.
[Since I found it out… Then you have to die.] Just like how Ji Yiwei said.
Sheng Song was baffled by Ji Yiwei’s sudden change in behavior as if he had been aware of the truth about the infinite space for a while. However, Sheng Song couldn’t make sense of it – if Ji Yiwei knew the truth, why did he remain so composed, and why did he now seem intent on silencing them?
But at this critical moment, Sheng Song’s focus shifted. Soon he realized, with System No. 2333 away for now, he was in danger.
Ji Yiwei remained seated at his spot, maintaining that imposing posture. Chaos and sirens echoed through the streets, yet he seemed untouched by it all as if the turmoil had nothing to do with him. He appeared so composed.
Ji Yiwei gazed at the ruined remains of the small cakes before him, or rather, his Three-Three structure now.
It’s three three…
Ji Yiwei reached out carefully towards the little cake.
In a way, he acknowledged that Sansan would have occasional days off. During those times, he could tidy up and prepare everything before Sansan returned from his break.
He muttered to himself, making a promise.
Gently, he prodded the small ears of Cake Sansan with a fork, affectionately.
No one would be allowed to disturb the peaceful moments he shared with Sansan.
***
“Slightly slightly slightly… when!”
System No. 2333 was engrossed in the tedious task of processing reports. The electronic documents were stacked up like a mountain in front of every cat ball. Each report was meticulously reviewed and checked before being submitted to the main system. It was one of the most monotonous tasks.
Feeling utterly bored, No. 2333 found solace in playing the game “Cat Ball and Mouse Ball” on his electronic screen. Nearby systems occasionally peeked or stretched out their ears to observe, while they continued their own work through their screens.
Feeling a sense of sorrow, System No. 2333 realized that his precious vacation had been devoured by the scheming main system! It seemed like the main system was intentionally using this time to get his ears fixed. How frustrating!
During the joint fishing activity, No. 2333 was interrupted as his tail was poked. He quickly closed his screen and turned his head, only to find the familiar cat system calling out to him.
“Let’s go, Sansan, it’s time for the chorus rehearsal.”
“Oh yeah, do you know the song? Make sure to download the lyrics.”
System No. 2333: “…”
Of course, he was very familiar with the song.
“The main system is incredibly annoying wow wow wow wow”!
Thanks for the update 🤣❤️🤣❤️😸
I kinda feel bad for this Song guy. We don’t know enough of the story to actually know what this plan is and whether or not they’re doing the right thing but still. He seems very righteous, not wanting any of the hosts or bystanders to suffer for his actions. Plus, it sort of seems like the ML is just killing people he thinks threatens his system without looking at it any other way. And I get that it’s his yandere character but it’s a pity he takes it out on someone who (seems to be) not in the fault.
I agree with you. But I still feel sad for Ji Yiwei as you know from the previous chapter he was put in jail just because he had too much power. I feel that the situation has made Ji Yiwei like this maybe he just wants to hold on to the warmth he had gotten for the first time in his life. 🙂
I agree completely.
The last line, ahahah
Thank you for your translation 💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟💟