The sound of Lin Xi's sobs echoed through the warehouse. She trembled on her knees, hair covering her face, her pride shattered.
Ji Yunxi finally released her wrist, wiping her hand with a faint look of disgust. "Pathetic."
Lin Xi's lips trembled. "You… you'll regret this!"
Yunxi tilted her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Oh? You still think you have the power to make me regret anything?"
The system's voice chimed in her head:
[Ding! Face-slapping progress: 85%. World balance shifting. Target's downfall imminent.]
Mo Liancheng, who had been silent all this while, finally stepped forward. His tall figure cast a shadow over Lin Xi, his gaze cold enough to freeze her blood.
"From this moment," his voice was low and magnetic, "you'll never again have the chance to touch Yunxi. Not even to breathe in the same space as her."
Lin Xi's breath caught. The weight of his words struck harder than Yunxi's mockery. Mo Liancheng's protection wasn't just casual—it was absolute, undeniable.
Ji Yunxi glanced sideways at him, her heart stirring despite herself. This man was dangerous, suffocating… and yet, he had chosen to stand by her side without hesitation.
"Yunxi," he said softly, his eyes only on her now. "Shall I get rid of her?"
The casual suggestion sent shivers down Lin Xi's spine.
Ji Yunxi chuckled and shook her head. "No need. Watching her crumble on her own is punishment enough."
The system gave another ding, almost playful.
[Note: Host has demonstrated restraint. Bonus +100 points awarded. Current balance: 720 points.]
Lin Xi finally collapsed fully to the ground, defeated.
Mo Liancheng's gaze lingered on Yunxi, filled with both pride and an intensity that made her pulse quicken.
"You don't need me to protect you," he murmured, voice low enough only she could hear. "But I'll do it anyway."
Ji Yunxi's breath caught for a moment. She turned her face away quickly, hiding the faint warmth in her eyes. "Suit yourself."
Later that night, as they left the warehouse, the city lights flickered in the distance. Ji Yunxi walked a step ahead, her figure graceful under the moonlight. Mo Liancheng followed silently, his gaze never leaving her back.
The system's voice chimed again, more serious this time.
[Warning: Mission nearing completion. Prepare for extraction.]
Ji Yunxi froze for a moment, her fingers tightening slightly. Extraction? So soon?
She had barely… begun to understand what Mo Liancheng truly was to her.
And yet, in another world, she might never see him again.
She glanced back. He was still there, tall, composed, his eyes unreadable yet burning only for her.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Ji Yunxi felt a pang in her chest.
The system was merciless.
The end was coming.