I Am Xu Xi, When You See This Line

Perhaps because of Xu Xi's recent joyous wedding,

the typically cold and desolate winter retained traces of vibrant greenery.

Branches swayed.

Snowflakes drifted like willow catkins.

The wind whistled past, no longer as biting as before, instead carrying the snow in a light, dancing motion before settling on the windowsill.

Xu Xi opened the bedroom window.

With a gentle swipe of his finger,

a clear trail appeared on the dusted sill.

"Even though we're married now, it doesn’t feel entirely real yet."

"It’s like a dream—one I might wake from at any moment."

Gazing at the snowy scene outside, Xu Xi wore a wistful expression, though he knew this happiness was no illusion but a tangible reality.

Whoosh—

The wind howled, flinging a slip of paper through the window into the room.

Xu Xi caught it reflexively, pressing it flat with his thumb to examine the scrawled words.

[I am Xu Xi.]

[If you’re reading this, I’ve already met with misfortune.]

[Run. Escape, me-from-a-month-ago!]

Sunlight refracted through the glass doors of the display cabinet, bending multiple times before slanting across Xu Xi’s face,

illuminating his puzzled, curious, and contemplative expression.

"This handwriting…"

"It’s undeniably mine."

He turned the scrap over—a torn page from a book, hastily repurposed for this message.

The words weren’t written in ordinary black ink but in deliberate crimson, emphasizing their urgency.

The uneven edges hinted at the panic behind its creation.

"So, what exactly happens a month from now?" Xu Xi picked up a calendar and realized the date marked New Year’s Eve—

the first Lunar New Year after his wedding.

What could go wrong?

Curiosity tugged at him to use his powers and glimpse the future.

But after a moment’s thought, he dismissed the idea.

"Some things lose their charm if known too soon," he murmured, shutting the window against the cold wind.

Drawing from past experiences,

Xu Xi could easily guess this year’s New Year’s Eve upheaval would involve those girls again.

"I hope the commotion won’t be too disruptive."

"It’d be a shame to ruin others’ celebrations."

Turning the doorknob, Xu Xi left his room.

In the hallway leading to the living room, the walls were adorned with pristine, newly framed wedding photos—

some featuring couples standing side by side,

others with all five girls gathered around Xu Xi.

Each photograph, a masterpiece of color and light, captured fragments of happiness meticulously preserved by the girls.

"Looking at these again in ten or a hundred years might stir different emotions," Xu Xi mused as he walked on.

He planned to ask if anyone wanted to join him for an outing once he reached the living room.

…

Passing the kitchen, the hum of machinery and a warm, comforting aroma drew his attention.

"Krisha?"

The witch looked up,

her hands clad in thick oven mitts as she carefully held a tray of freshly baked bread.

"What are you…?"

"I’m learning to bake, Master."

Sunlight streamed through the window, scattering into a hazy dawn glow that gilded the bread’s golden crust,

the rising steam tracing delicate trails in the air.

"Master, would you taste it for me?" Krisha requested.

"Of course."

With Xu Xi’s approval, the witch selected the finest loaf and handed it to him before settling into his lap,

her movements practiced, her expression serene.

"...Just as delicious as expected," Xu Xi remarked after a bite.

"Master, could you praise me more?"

The witch pouted slightly—he’d complimented the bread, not her.

Smiling at the girl in his arms, Xu Xi indulged her softly.

"Krisha, you’re amazing."

"Mhm, I am amazing~"

"Without someone as incredible as you, I’d never get to enjoy such tasty bread."

"Mmhm~ I truly am amazing~"

Krisha buried her face against his chest,

her eyes, ears, and lips trembling faintly with barely contained delight.

She adored his praise, reveled in it, cherished the man holding her—every part of him.

"Krisha, want to come out with me today?"

"Out?"

"Mm. I’m planning to buy new furniture and expand the master bedroom in the backyard."

"I see. Master, I’d be glad to assist."

The witch understood his intentions.

A new marriage and a new year deserved fresh beginnings.

Though the current furniture showed little wear, neither Xu Xi nor the five girls lacked funds—

replace what they pleased, buy what they fancied.

No need to economize.

Especially the master bedroom, which Krisha prioritized above all else.

"My room, Master’s room, and the others’ can stay as they are—private spaces for each of us."

"The master bedroom will be expanded separately, reserved for us as a couple. And yes, we’ll need an adequately large bed."

Her tone was matter-of-fact as she followed Xu Xi outside,

her plans meticulously laid out in silence.

Whether intentional or not,

the other four were absent from Krisha’s vision of the future.

So—

they made their own appearances.

"Brother, is something happening today?" Xu Moli materialized in the living room just as Xu Xi arrived,

a piece of homemade malt candy between her teeth.

Xu Xi nodded. "New Year’s approaching. I’m getting new furniture and decorations in advance."

"Ahem, then I’ll tag along too."

The sister’s inclusion was just the beginning.

Soon, Xu Xi’s entourage swelled to include all five Supreme Ones.

They seemed to communicate without words, the harmony among them so palpable it warmed Xu Xi’s heart.

At the furniture store,

the girls began scrutinizing options.

"Darling, what do you think of this bed?"

Faced with the colossal structure Ying Xue presented, Xu Xi hesitated.

"Isn’t this… excessive?"

"Oh, not at all!"

This was absurd.

Xu Xi shook his head, vetoing the princess’s enthusiastic suggestion.

Yet soon, the others proposed similarly oversized beds, albeit slightly less exaggerated.

"..."

Two hours later,

Xu Xi returned to the estate with the five Supreme Ones in tow.

Surveying the new furnishings—including that six-or-seven-person bed—

he opened his mouth, closed it, then sighed.

Recalling the "warning from the future" earlier that morning,

he began to piece things together.

"Wait, no—if it were just that, there’d be no need for such a dire alert."

"For now, let’s set up the furniture and expand the bedroom."

"A month will pass quickly. When New Year’s Eve arrives, everything will become clear."