The System didn’t know how to respond to that.
Its programming included reports on human emotions, but it couldn’t truly empathize with them.
So for Shen Ju’s tangled, contradictory feelings, it understood yet didn’t—it was the first time it realized just how complex humans were, leaving it unable to offer any constructive advice.
Of course, Shen Ju hadn’t expected 996 to answer anyway.
He just didn’t know who else he could say this to.
Jian Yi had dragged Shen Ju out, and the two tacitly skipped over their earlier topic.
Neither showed what they were really thinking.
Perhaps because they’d been through this before, they naturally switched subjects once outside.
“Want to buy some fruit? Anything else besides fruit?”
The two strolled through the market, a familiar spot from their past.
This market near Ankang Hutong was huge, selling just about everything, a motley crowd of vendors and shady types mixed in. There were always restless folks pulling petty theft—after all, most here ran small-time operations. Cause a little trouble, and what could they do? Nothing major, anyway.
As kids, Shen Ju and Jian Yi had come here hand in hand to shop. Because of Jian Yi’s disabled left arm, they inevitably drew questions and strange stares.
Whenever that happened, Shen Ju turned into a vigilant little beast, always trying his best to shield his brother.
But gossip and odd looks weren’t the worst. The scariest was when some punks blocked their path. Handing over money was minor; the real fear was how they’d crowd around, “teasing” them—especially yanking and shaking the empty sleeve of Jian Yi’s left arm, laughing like it was some freakish toy.
Shen Ju couldn’t fight them off, so he learned to shove them away hard, then grab Jian Yi and bolt.
But that trick didn’t work right away.
They had to build up experience to handle these damn sudden mishaps.
The worst time left them with heads split open and bleeding, but somehow, they’d grown up through it.
And in recent years, security had improved—no such trouble under normal circumstances…
“Fuck! Robbery! Robbery!!”
“My wallet!!!”
A furious roar erupted from the next stall in line, sounding vaguely familiar.
Shen Ju whipped his head around and spotted that man he’d met once before—Mr. Gao something—charging from the front of the stall, all composure gone as he bellowed.
Up ahead, a yellow-haired punk clutched a fat wallet, bolting forward.
He looked young, sleazy as hell, cigarette dangling from his ear, cloth shoes pounding the ground at top speed.
Gao Chuanbai had a weird habit: he liked stuffing his wallet with a thick stack of cash—hundred-yuan bills, crammed full. Opening it always gave him that satisfying rush.
This stall, unvisited for years, still took cash like back in the day—perfect match.
So Gao Chuanbai whipped out his wallet to pay in bills… He’d been itching to spend them, swap for change to make the wallet look more “lived-in.” In his excitement, he forgot to watch the crowd. Before he could pocket it after grabbing his pancake-wrapped pork head meat, the wallet flew away.
Talk about a perfect setup—the punk had seized his “golden opportunity.”
Gao Chuanbai hadn’t even reacted in that split second.
Broad daylight, eyes everywhere, and someone still pulled this bold stunt? He froze in shock.
Then he remembered the market’s fine tradition—punks passing down their legacy. He bellowed and gave chase.
Losing money was one thing; losing face was another!
“Bro! Wait here, I’ll go help—”
Shen Ju’s words barely left his mouth before he shot off like the wind after them.
Jian Yi stood at the fruit stall, not even getting a word in.
Then it hit him—something felt off.
…Hadn’t Shen Chirp been holding something when he ran?
The yellow-haired punk sprinted like a pro—who knew where he’d honed those skills. With the market crowded, he hadn’t shaken them yet, but he was slipping away.
They were almost at the exit.
Once outside, it’d be wide open—sky high for birds, sea vast for fish. Even cameras might not catch him.
“Head down!!”
Shen Ju yelled to Gao Chuanbai up ahead.
The next second, as Gao Chuanbai instinctively ducked—
Whoosh! Shen Ju hurled what was in his hand…
But by sheer coincidence, the punk ahead tripped—maybe on someone’s foot—and tumbled forward with a bang, rolling far.
Then Pei Yan’s face came into view.
Pei Yan withdrew his foot after tripping the punk, eyeing Gao Chuanbai bent low ahead. He frowned, about to speak—
When everything went black.
Bang!
A big, red pomegranate smashed right onto his head…
Shen Ju: “…”
Aaaahhh!!!
Ten-odd minutes later, Shen Ju escorted Pei Yan to the hospital.
Gao Chuanbai hauled the punk to the police station for a statement, fuming that he hadn’t even gotten his pancake. He’d make the little shit pay dearly!
No good upbringing!
Time for some harsh lessons!
So the task of taking Pei Yan to the hospital fell to Shen Ju.
Jian Yi paid for the pomegranate and tagged along.
That pomegranate was ruined, split open from the smash.
You could see how hard Shen Ju had thrown it.
Even without a concussion, Pei Yan had blacked out and crumpled to the ground, splayed out. From childhood to now—aside from yesterday’s pondside pratfall—he’d never suffered such indignities. Image shattered, totally dazed, he sat there thinking for the first time: Ah, turns out life can get even more humiliating.
Pei Yan stayed silent the whole ride to the hospital.
The spark in his eyes was gone.
Utterly dejected…
The doctor bandaged Pei Yan’s head, and Shen Ju fussed over him—awkward, restricted, heart pounding, guilt overwhelming. He nearly buckled at the knees to beg forgiveness!
I’m done for, Brother 996. Waa…
Not done yet, Host! Seize the opportunity!
Pei Yan sat on the hospital bed, long legs planted, in no mood to admit himself. Once the scans came back, he’d leave—but he’d taken a private room for now. Inside were just him, Shen Ju, and another teen… Pei Yan’s gaze subtly swept over him. So this is the “brother” Shen Ju mentioned.
No wonder Shen Ju had said what he did.
Seeing this “brother,” Pei Yan could tell: sky-high pride.
Jian Yi stood by Shen Ju, body tense, worry hard to hide.
On the way, he’d pieced it together—Shen Ju knew these two… including the wallet guy.
But not well, or he’d be less flustered.
Probably met them after returning to the Guan Family. This guy’s clothes and vibe screamed money—not ordinary rich, either.
Shen Ju stayed quiet. Jian Yi moved to speak—
But a voice cut in.
Pei Yan gave Shen Ju a half-smile: “I’m hurt this bad. Young Master Guan, you’re gonna take responsibility, right?”
This is Pei Haochuan’s little uncle, Host! Propose taking care of him now!
“I remember you’re classmates with Haochuan. For his sake, over the next few days… might trouble Young Master Guan to look after me, even if it’s a hassle.”
Whoa, Pei Haochuan’s uncle’s practically inviting you! Huge chance, Host—agree quick!
“Our places are close anyway…”
Yes! Skip going back to He Yuan, Host—just go home with Pei Haochuan’s uncle. Care for him nearby, super convenient, bonds you two—perfect!
…
Pei Yan chuckled inwardly.
Amusing.
A greenhorn “rookie intern” and his delicate puppet on a string.
Brother 996, I was gonna take responsibility anyway.
Hm?
I accidentally hurt Mr. Pei. Caring for him till he heals is only right.
996 was baffled.
So what made this emphasis different?
Their goals aligned perfectly.
Why did Host seem… unhappy?
But the next second—
Shen Ju softened: Don’t worry, Brother 996.
996 belatedly went, Oh.
Pei Yan fixed his gaze on Shen Ju, studying him closer.
But the next instant, a figure stepped in front.
Jian Yi frowned slightly, then forced a smile: “Mr. Pei, right? Your injury won’t heal overnight. Why not have Shen Chirp—Shen Ju—hire a nurse? He starts school after National Day; can’t stick around forever. Even if your places are close, it’s not that convenient, yeah?”
Pei Yan smiled back, easygoing: “I don’t mind. Up to Young Master Guan.”
Jian Yi glanced at Shen Ju, about to signal—
Shen Ju spoke: “Bro, don’t worry. I can take care of Mr. Pei myself.”
Jian Yi: “…”
Didn’t you hear a word I said?
“Mr. Pei’s a good guy. I have to take responsibility… uh, I mean, I caused his injury. It’s my duty to care for him.”
Shen Ju was set; Jian Yi couldn’t object in front of him. It was settled.
Pei Yan stood: “Perfect. Drop the ‘Mr. Pei.'”
“Just… call me bro from now on.”
Jian Yi: “?”
Shen Ju “Ah?”: “Call you… bro directly?”
“Yeah.”
Pei Yan smiled at Shen Ju: “Didn’t you say… you’d take responsibility for me?”
