Simp 012

However, what terrified her even more was that the trapped system let out a spine-chilling scream! The sound was piercing and shrill, like a radio distorted by magnetic interference, capable of rupturing eardrums and sending shivers down one's spine.

Fortunately, only Fang Zhiyi and Jiang Ran could hear this horrifying scream. Instinctively, they covered their ears, their faces twisted in pain.

Fang Zhiyi was inwardly stunned—how could this mechanical-looking system produce such a blood-curdling sound?

The ghastly scream lasted only a few seconds, but to Fang Zhiyi and Jiang Ran, it felt like an eternity. Finally, the scream stopped abruptly, and "Little Black" vanished just as suddenly as it had appeared—along with Jiang Ran's poor system.

"So this was your goal all along?" The shock on Fang Zhiyi's face faded, replaced by deep contemplation.

Jiang Ran turned around. "What the hell are you people?! I’m from the Fast Travel Bureau!" Her voice trembled with panic.

Fang Zhiyi remained silent for a moment. Jiang Ran threw a punch—her combat skills honed across multiple worlds—but Fang Zhiyi blocked it effortlessly. Her follow-up kick was also deflected. Two moves, three moves—every strike was neutralized.

As they stood locked in tension, Fang Zhiyi suddenly sighed. "I don’t know what it is. I don’t even know what I am." He released her, clasped his hands behind his back, and slowly walked upstairs. "Have you ever thought about... just living a normal life?"

Watching him leave, Jiang Ran, consumed by fear and confusion, shouted, "Just you wait! I’ll make you pay for this!"

A bucket of water splashed down from upstairs. "Stop howling in the middle of the night!"

Fang Zhiyi glanced back. "Go online more often when you get back."

Jiang Ran stormed off, her hair drenched. She would mobilize all her resources—crushing Fang Zhiyi, who seemed to have nothing, would be child’s play! Even if he had some monster by his side! The outcome might not be perfect, but at least she’d vent her rage!

"System, just wait—I’ll save you!"

Yes, she was terrified, trembling uncontrollably—that was why she was so furious.

Just as she prepared her revenge, a news alert popped up.

"Blue Star Group Pays Tribute to Mr. Fang Zhiyi."

"Respected Mr. Fang Zhiyi provided invaluable technical guidance and financial support for our latest energy-saving product, which will soon enter the market at cost price. Mr. Fang even relinquished substantial profits, donating all proceeds to public welfare funds."

Jiang Ran froze. All of this had been kept confidential until today, when Fang Zhiyi finally allowed the news to be released.

He had donated every cent from selling his shares and even established a charity fund, appointing a woman named Liu Shishi as its executor.

Though he appeared to have nothing now, without her system, Jiang Ran knew any move against him would invite devastating retaliation. As she stood stunned, her office door swung open.

"Economic Crime Investigation Division. You’re suspected of involvement in several cases. Come with us." The officer’s expression was grim.

"System!" Jiang Ran blurted out reflexively—then remembered the system had been devoured by that monster.

Overwhelming panic seized her. Would she die in this world?

Fang Zhiyi later heard that Jiang Ran had lost her mind in the interrogation room—laughing, crying, screaming about systems, and accusing him of keeping a monster.

Liu Shishi arrived at Fang Zhiyi’s neighborhood in high heels but switched to sneakers before jogging to the outdoor fitness area. Fang Zhiyi turned to look at her, their eyes meeting. Liu Shishi smiled softly and tapped his forehead with a finger.

"You’re still as clueless as ever."

Fang Zhiyi chuckled helplessly.

"I brought the foundation’s reports. And... this." Liu Shishi pulled out her phone and played a video.

It was Lin Xue and Gu Shaoting’s wedding—a modest affair with scattered guests at a few tables.

"Couldn’t you have just sent this to me?" Fang Zhiyi said. "They actually make a decent pair."

Liu Shishi rested her chin on her hand. "If I sent it, I’d miss a chance to see you. More importantly, I figured you’d want to know how Lin Xue is doing. I might be a little jealous, but for you, it’s fine."

Fang Zhiyi raised his hands in surrender. "Go home already. I’m heading back too—it’s freezing. I’ve got goosebumps."

He now lived in the apartment above Liu Shishi’s.

Lin Xue couldn’t escape Gu Shaoting and had resigned herself to the marriage. Only after the wedding did she realize her former crush was an utterly selfish man. Without Jiang Ran’s interference, both found jobs, but Lin Xue constantly received debt-collection calls from Fang Zhiyi. Too proud to be labeled a "deadbeat," she worked tirelessly to repay him.

Gu Shaoting, however, spent his earnings on drinks and cigarettes, living it up before demanding money from Lin Xue. He never contributed a cent to household expenses.

Their fights escalated until Gu Shaouting finally snapped, "You’ve been sleeping with that Fang guy all along, haven’t you?!"

Lin Xue stared at him in disbelief. Their first physical altercation ended in a draw.

Watching Lin Xue rant like a madwoman about the past, Gu Shaoting stormed out, leaving her sobbing uncontrollably. She even considered ending her tragic life.

Then a message arrived:

"Until you repay every penny, keep working. If you die, I’ll carve ‘DEADBEAT’ on your tombstone."

Lin Xue gritted her teeth. "I’ll pay you back! It’s just money—what’s the big deal?" As the female lead, her pride remained intact, at least when facing Fang Zhiyi.

Liu Shishi periodically sent people to check on Lin Xue and Gu Shaoting, relaying updates to Fang Zhiyi—who never responded.

The day Lin Xue cleared her debt, Fang Zhiyi vanished without a trace. The key to his apartment was left in Liu Shishi’s milk box. When she entered, the place was spotless—as if no one had ever lived there. Beyond the bedroom, there were no signs of him. Liu Shishi realized she might never have truly known him.

An inexplicable emptiness settled in her heart. She admitted she’d once played the coquette, but now... she resolved never to marry.