Drug Antibody

"Xie Yuyan?"

"Hmm? What is it?"

Xie Yuyan was currently holding her toothbrush cup and heading toward the bathroom when Ye Feng called out to her. Her body froze in place for a moment before she tilted her head curiously in his direction.

"That... that person, do you know someone called the Crimson Rose?"

"Crimson Rose? What’s that? Is she a woman you know, Ye Feng? Since when did you meet her?"

As she spoke, Xie Yuyan set her cup down on a nearby cabinet, suppressing the unease in her heart as she slowly walked up to Ye Feng.

"Xie Yuyan, calm down first. I was just asking casually."

Ye Feng was startled by the intensity in Xie Yuyan’s expression, as if she wanted to dissect every detail about this "Crimson Rose." But judging by her reaction, she genuinely didn’t recognize the title. So, did that mean the Crimson Rose in the system’s records was only known to him? Or was it just a descriptor for her?

Based on the avoidance count... it was highly likely that the Crimson Rose in the records was Xie Yuyan. After all, he had nearly died once already.

But why would the system make avoidance counts a reward? Could there be a second or even a third time?

"Ye! Feng!"

Only when Xie Yuyan’s voice rang in his ears did Ye Feng snap out of his thoughts.

"Ah!"

Just as he was about to explain, he realized Xie Yuyan’s delicate face was almost pressed against his. Startled, he quickly took a few steps back and asked,

"Wh-what’s wrong, Xie Yuyan? Why’d you suddenly get so close?"

"Ye Feng, you have the nerve to ask me that!"

Seeing his unfocused gaze suddenly sharpen, Xie Yuyan frowned slightly, as if deep in thought, before crossing her arms and pouting.

"You were just muttering about the Crimson Rose and whether I knew her, and when I asked, you didn’t answer. Ye Feng, what’s going on with you? Have your reflexes gotten this slow?"

"No way! I was just thinking about something. My mind’s clear now."

"Oh? But the way you were thinking didn’t seem like normal pondering. It was more like... you were zoning out?"

"Everyone has their own way of thinking. Mine is to empty my vision and process things in my head. That’s why I didn’t notice you getting closer."

"Is that so~ Well, I guess that makes sense~"

Xie Yuyan nodded skeptically. She had a vague feeling that Ye Feng had been transported to another realm, and only external interference could snap him back. But this was just her initial suspicion. As long as she kept observing him and piecing together clues, she was sure she’d uncover his secret one day.

"Right? Alright, alright, Xie Yuyan, hurry up and finish organizing your things. I should probably wash up and rest soon too."

Ye Feng urged her to move faster while pushing himself up from the couch.

"O-okay. Ye Feng, if you need any help, just call me. I’m almost done with my stuff anyway."

Xie Yuyan initially wanted to help steady him, but remembering her unfinished tasks, she quickly turned and left.

"Go ahead."

Once Xie Yuyan was gone, Ye Feng slowly made his way to the balcony. Glancing back at her still bustling figure, he let out a quiet sigh before reopening the system panel.

"System, claim the avoidance reward."

[Ding]

[Acquired: 30 days of lifespan. Acquired skill: Drug Resistance.]

Hmm, 30 days was a decent amount. But it seemed there was a new skill too. Not bad—more skills meant better quality of life in the long run. Though... what exactly was "Drug Resistance"?

Puzzled, Ye Feng immediately checked the skill’s description and found it listed under his abilities.

[Drug Resistance: Enhances the host’s resistance to substances that negatively affect the body, such as those causing vomiting, diarrhea, unconsciousness, or other adverse conditions.]

So, it was basically a buff to his immunity. It might not seem immediately useful, but at least it was a passive benefit. Now he wouldn’t have to worry about food poisoning or similar issues.

After setting aside the system’s reward, Ye Feng refocused on the earlier matter of the Crimson Rose.

If the records were implying that he was collecting information on Xie Yuyan, didn’t that overlap with the progress bar? Or was the bar representing something else entirely?

The unknowns left Ye Feng feeling increasingly lost. He wasn’t even sure what his next move should be.

Should he prioritize figuring out the progress bar, or continue investigating the records?

"Tch... Whatever. I’ll just take it one step at a time."

"Take what one step at a time~?"

Just as Ye Feng was gazing into the distance, a pair of warm hands suddenly wrapped around his waist from behind. Before he could react, they tightened their grip, pulling him into a firm embrace.

"Xie Yuyan?"

Ye Feng was slightly startled. He had just seen her moments ago—how had she gotten here so fast?

"Didn’t I tell you to make some noise when you walk? You nearly gave me a heart attack!"

"Ehehe, sorry, Ye Feng. I got used to moving quietly before and forgot to adjust. I’ll remember next time~"

"Then... could you let go of me first? If you’re done with your things, I should probably go wash up and sleep."

"Fine..."

As Ye Feng’s figure disappeared from the balcony, Xie Yuyan turned around, leaning against the railing with her back to the nightscape. Her expression suggested she was mulling over something.

"‘Take it one step at a time’? What’s Ye Feng planning? Why so cautious? Seems there’s still a lot I don’t know~"

"Phew... Guess it’s time to get ready for bed."

When Ye Feng stepped out of the bathroom, refreshed, he was met with the sight of Xie Yuyan carrying a bundle of blankets toward his room.

"Xie... Xie Yuyan?"

"Oh! Good evening, Ye Feng. Need me to help you to your room?"

"N-no, that’s not what I meant. Why are you holding those blankets? Where are you taking them?"

"Isn’t it obvious? I’m moving them to your bed~"

"Wh-what?! Moving to my bed?!"