Ye Wangxing closed his eyes, and his mind went numb.

Good news: Ye Bai had given up on committing suicide.

Bad news: he still planned to fake his death to awaken Woden.

A bunch of melodramatic future scenarios whirled through Ye Wangxing’s mind.

Like Ye Bai faking his death, Woden regretting it, but discovering Ye Bai hadn’t died and then, in anger, doing something irreversible to him.

Or Ye Bai faking his death, Woden regretting it, and then committing suicide, causing Ye Bai to regret it and also commit suicide.

And so on…

In Ye Wangxing’s mind, sometimes it was a short social media post, sometimes a world classic, and by the end even “Romeo, Romeo! Why are you Romeo?” appeared.

Ye Wangxing quickly shook his head, dismissing all the theatrical actors his mind had conjured.

‘No wonder my brain is full of this after performing high-intensity plays with 19 recently,’ he thought.

He recalled that he had been monitoring Ye Bai, dragging 19 everywhere to perform, writing countless scripts, and losing a huge chunk of brain cells. Ye Wangxing felt sorry for himself.

He had almost strained his face these past few days, and even looking at 19 felt off. And what had he gained from it?

Ye Wangxing opened his eyes. The morning sunlight outside the study was dazzling, yet he only felt a gray, bleak future.

This future looked like it ended as soon as he glimpsed it.jpg

At that moment, 19 seemed to sense Ye Wangxing’s mood and spoke appropriately.

[Host, this is already a significant change for the destiny line. For a small-world destiny line of this difficulty, it doesn’t play word games.]

[If it says let Ye Bai commit suicide, then it really means suicide. Now that Ye Bai has agreed to fake his death, it indicates the situation is turning for the better. After all, as the task difficulty increases, the synchronization between the small world’s destiny line and the protagonist’s thoughts also increases.]

19’s calm but steady voice made Ye Wangxing calm down.

Indeed, this was his first time changing the original timing and scene of the destiny line, it was normal for problems to occur.

Moreover…

Ye Wangxing reflected and realized that because the previous events had gone smoothly, he had become overconfident. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have panicked and rushed to fix even minor deviations.

In fact, as long as he observed quietly, and since 19 had taken over the intelligent robots around Ye Bai, Ye Bai’s life would certainly remain safe.

‘So it’s really because I got carried away when things went smoothly.’

Ye Wangxing felt a little embarrassed and turned to express his gratitude to 19.

[19! What would I do without you!]

19 heard his host’s words of gratitude. Although the words were perfectly normal, he still didn’t know why his mainframe felt like something furry had brushed against it.

Especially his CPU, which felt like it had been installed with a tactile module—it felt ticklish.

…Like in the previous world, when a passing little golden retriever brushed its head against him.

Ye Wangxing didn’t know that 19’s CPU had started to heat up. He looked at Ye Bai in front of him, who had regained his composure.

Ye Bai just wanted to fake his death. If His Majesty didn’t approve, Ye Bai wouldn’t do it, since that would count as deceiving the Emperor.

As long as Ye Bai didn’t fake his death, Woden probably wouldn’t awaken. This version of Woden would purely consume his feelings toward Ye Bai.

And when His Majesty eventually found a reason to strip Woden of his crown prince title, Ye Bai’s feelings for Woden would probably be entirely exhausted.

Thinking of this, Ye Wangxing’s eyes lit up, and the future seemed bright again.

But as hope filled Ye Wangxing’s face, Ye Bai’s father remained furious.

“—Ye Bai! Have you thought that faking your death would mean our family is deceiving the Emperor? And you still want to hold a funeral? His Majesty would definitely know if the youngest son of the Finance Minister’s family died! You’re driving our whole family to ruin!”

Ye Wangxing listened to his father’s voice with concern and nodded in agreement.

Yet Ye Bai once again displayed his stubbornness regarding Woden. He looked his father in the eyes and said firmly: “Dad, I came to inform you, not to consult you—and besides, His Majesty has already approved it.”

Before his father’s hand could strike him, Ye Bai dropped a shocking revelation.

“What!” x3

Ye Bai’s parents sat on the sofa. Ye Wangxing stood behind them like a judge in a tribunal, while Ye Bai sat on the sofa recounting his previous visit to His Majesty.

“…That’s the situation. His Majesty also approved my idea.”

Ye Bai told everything about his visit to His Majesty, explaining that he wanted to give Woden one more chance. His Majesty didn’t seem particularly pleased, only asking Ye Bai if he was certain.

After Ye Bai confirmed again, His Majesty finally nodded in agreement.

However, Ye Bai noticed the puzzled expression on His Majesty’s face when looking at him. It seemed that His Majesty also wondered why he had such a thought.

Ye Bai understood that His Majesty had already done her utmost for Woden—she had truly exhausted all her efforts. But the future of the empire could not be left in the hands of a ruler like Woden.

He also understood the puzzled look directed at him, a look he often saw in those around him.

He just wanted to give Woden one last chance, and give their relationship one last opportunity.

—Even if it ended tragically, he would have done his best.

While Ye Bai was thinking this, his father and mother sighed deeply, but Ye Wangxing had recovered.

After all, the destiny line had a significant impact on the protagonist, though it was hard to say whether Ye Bai’s decision truly came from his own heart, since in real life Ye Wangxing had indeed encountered people of that temperament.

—Ye Bai’s case was much lighter than that person’s. At most, Ye Bai had tricked a few friends in the early stage, but when it came to the empire and his family, his mind was always alert.

Thinking of how his father had been tormented at 3 a.m., standing by his bed cosplaying a zombie, Ye Wangxing’s gaze softened when he looked at Ye Bai.

He even considered cooperating a little. As long as Ye Bai faked his death, Woden, following the destiny line, would certainly begin to regret his actions.

Moreover, once the tragic male lead in the short story began regretting it, he would become utterly frenzied.

By then, the Emperor would likely have a legitimate reason to strip Woden of the crown prince title.

With Woden no longer the crown prince, the Finance Minister’s family and the avatars created by 19 could easily keep him in check.

Ye Wangxing thought through this logic and realized it was feasible. He began to persuade Ye Bai’s father and mother.

“Dad, Mom, since His Majesty has approved, let Ye Bai try. Who knows, maybe Crown Prince Woden will genuinely regain his feelings for him.”

Upon hearing his usually reckless eldest son speak, Ye Bai’s father widened his eyes. Before he could say: “How could Woden have any feelings for Ye Bai?” he saw his eldest son lean between him and his wife, speaking quietly:

“In fact, His Majesty agreeing to Ye Bai’s reckless action also indicates that His Majesty may indeed be very dissatisfied with Woden. If Woden reacts in a way that displeases His Majesty, there may be a reason to remove him from his position.”

Listening to Ye Wangxing’s calm and steady voice, Ye Bai’s father sobered from his earlier frustration over his son’s antics.

Indeed, His Majesty agreeing to let Ye Bai do this reflected a certain preference. And since their eldest son wouldn’t stop until achieving his goal, it was better to let him do it and finally give up completely.

Ye Bai’s father exchanged a glance with Director Fei beside him, closed his eyes, sighed deeply, and nodded.

Ye Bai nearly jumped from the sofa in excitement and quickly went to his room to plan his fake death.

His eagerness to fake his death made Ye Bai’s father and Director Fei sigh again.

‘At least Ye Wangxing can hold this family together.’

As this thought crossed his mind, Ye Bai’s father looked over and saw Ye Wangxing gazing at him warmly, appearing very reliable.

Yet, he didn’t feel happy, only suffocated.

His gaze wandered over the bracelet on his eldest son’s wrist, the necklace around his neck, the newly pierced earrings, and the ring on his index finger.

All the accessories matched his temperament and were very expensive.

—If they weren’t gifts from his eldest son’s lovers, he would have been even happier.

Ye Bai’s father waved his hand, sending his other troublesome son out of the room, then turned to Director Fei to vent.

“…I don’t know if it’s Mom’s parenting or our genes, but why are both of them so entangled in love? When I was young, I wasn’t like this at all.”

Though he controlled the empire’s finances and usually maintained a stern demeanor, Ye Bai’s father now looked utterly pained in front of his wife.

“Ye Bai is understandable, after all, he had a childhood engagement. His persistence toward Woden is normal, given the influence of the Emperor and society on his personality formation.”

“But Ye Wangxing… what’s going on with him? Dating a few ex-boyfriends isn’t a big deal, but why does he stay entangled with them after every breakup? He has delusions, and those guys still mess around with him. Don’t they feel like Wangxing is playing them?”

Ye Bai’s father’s expression of pain almost rivaled the Emperor’s whenever their foolish son caused trouble.

“Whenever I go to the Finance Ministry these days, I’m afraid people will ask how I raised these two sons. It’s not embarrassing, I really don’t understand how they grew up like this.”

Ye Bai’s father looked distressed. Director Fei remained calm, she had seen many strange situations in her poverty alleviation work and kept her composure.

…Although the brief flash of pain in her eyes suggested she wasn’t entirely calm either.

“At least it shows both children are sincere in love, unlike other men who toy with women, abandon families, and hurt others.”

Director Fei said this with wide eyes, making Ye Bai’s father look at her in shock.

Ye Wangxing’s actions—did they really count as “not harming others”? At the royal banquet, the four were almost in tears.

“Ahem,” Director Fei coughed, seeing Ye Bai’s father’s incredulous expression, and said somewhat helplessly: “Well, actually Ye Wangxing’s matter did have a bit of an issue, but it wasn’t serious.”

Before Ye Bai’s father could respond in disbelief, he heard Director Fei whisper: “After all, the incident with your mother back then was truly a big deal.”

Director Fei had only two fathers, and the one he referred to as “mother” could only be one person.

“…My mother?”

Ye Bai’s father asked in shock, pointing at himself.

Director Fei nodded affirmatively and summarized Ye Wangxing’s situation: “Ye Wangxing probably took after his grandmother.”

Ye Bai’s father: “…”

Had his mother really been surrounded by all her ex-boyfriends for answers at a royal banquet?

“Not that extreme—though she was questioned one by one at her own celebration banquet.”

Director Fei enthusiastically shared gossip he had heard from the elders.

“Back then, mother didn’t choose wisely. When her many ex-boyfriends found out, they all left. But Ye Wangxing’s vision is good—none of his four intend to leave.”

Director Fei looked oddly gratified.

“At least later, when I asked the military and royal family for money or personnel, I wouldn’t worry about finding anyone.”

Ye Bai’s father, about to remark: “You call that good vision?” fell into deep thought.

—Come to think of it, perhaps he could also use this opportunity to push down military and royal funding.

Ye Bai didn’t know his parents were already calculating how to squeeze resources from the military and royal family because of his eldest brother. He excitedly discussed his plan with Alina.

He opened a private room in the holographic network. No matter how far others were, they could enter via holographic projection and converse with him in real time.

As soon as Alina entered, she heard Ye Bai excitedly grasp her hands.

“Alina, I succeeded! His Majesty has approved my fake death plan, and my parents agreed after His Majesty’s approval!”

Alina had initially been confused. Once she realized what Ye Bai said, she felt uneasy.

“Not His Majesty’s approval—how could she agree? And your parents didn’t stop you?!”

Alina screamed.

Martha, who had entered behind her, also looked at Ye Wangxing in disbelief.

“Alina, why are you reacting like this? Weren’t you the one who suggested I go to His Majesty?”

Ye Bai asked Alina, puzzled.

“I did suggest that, but I never expected His Majesty to actually agree to your ridiculous plan!”

Alina exclaimed in disbelief.

She couldn’t believe her aunt would agree to Ye Bai’s absurd plan. Her agreement even gave Ye Bai confidence to confess to his parents.

Ye Bai, slightly annoyed, said: “His Majesty didn’t think my plan was ridiculous. I explained the situation, and she nodded in agreement. She even said she would help keep an eye on Woden!”

Seeing Ye Bai so confidently justify himself, Alina’s hands itched—she wished she could pick up the teapot and knock some sense into him.

But then she remembered this wasn’t the real world—it was holographic space. Throwing the teapot wouldn’t wake Ye Bai.

“Are you sure your aunt didn’t express doubt or surprise but just happily agreed?”

Alina questioned.

Her aunt never agreed to anything without benefit. Could she really be planning to interfere with Woden’s crown prince position?

Ye Bai remained oddly silent.

After a moment, once Alina flopped onto the sofa like a triumphant peacock, Ye Bai reluctantly spoke: “Whether or not His Majesty genuinely agreed, she already did. Help me see if my plan is feasible.”

Alina and Martha exchanged a long sigh. They realized Ye Bai wouldn’t stop until he succeeded, just like before when he tried to get close to Woden.

No one around could oppose Ye Bai on Woden matters, yet they couldn’t watch him jump into danger. Luckily, Ye Bai hadn’t caused them too many troubles lately, so they finally agreed to help him review his plan.

Of course, Alina and Martha didn’t agree for free.

“—You must tell us how your brother’s progress with those few has been.”

They asked, gossiping. Ye Bai looked puzzled.

“How would I know there was any progress with my brother and them?”

Alina and Martha exchanged a glance, realizing Ye Bai had likely been preoccupied with his fake death plan and hadn’t paid much attention to Ye Wangxing’s interactions with those four.

During this period, Ye Wangxing and the four caused a huge stir online. Their past relationships and recent interactions on Capital Star were all exposed.

Ye Wangxing’s social media was now flooded with requests for him to write a book.

But the five themselves remained quiet, unlike Woden, who constantly stirred up incidents, contacting ministers privately or trying to enter business.

Thinking of Woden, Alina shook her head to dispel the negative thought and exclaimed: “Didn’t you know your brother met a week ago? I remember the restaurant they went to—it was the same one you went to with us!”

Alina and Martha looked surprised.

That day, they thought Ye Bai had already seen it, otherwise, why was his face so red?

They had helped Ye Bai make excuses, thinking his blushing was normal. After all, when and Ye Wangxing tangled in the garden, Ortas pressed Ye Wangxing against the wall without hesitation.

Though it was just a kiss, the atmosphere and physical difference…

—Alina and Martha had returned blushing, not their fault.

“I wondered why you were out so long that day, and you came back looking gossipy. I had to leave for something anyway.”

Ye Bai said, suddenly remembering his brother had something extra on him that day.

“—A ring! My brother’s ring!”

Ye Bai said excitedly, almost scaring Alina and Martha.

“When Ye Wangxing returned that day, he had a delicate ring on his index finger. I checked—it was made by a master, with expensive liquid metal used in mechas! It even had protective features.”

Alina and Martha looked serious.

They quickly asked Ye Bai questions based on gossip from the elite crowd.

“…That day, did Prince Janus invite Ye Wangxing to see his mecha performance?” Alina asked, recalling a friend in the elite group who saw Janus enter the lounge with Ye Wangxing.

Because of good soundproofing, she didn’t hear anything, only saw them exit, Ye Wangxing tapping Janus.

Janus didn’t get angry, he performed at his highest level that day.

Ye Bai recalled: “I went to school for materials that day, didn’t notice much. My brother came back happy, with a new bracelet and a slightly swollen mouth.”

Alina nodded:

“A kiss, obviously! Prince Janus knows his moves!”

Martha quickly asked: “What about the day Count Unobert invited Ye Wangxing to his new restaurant?”

Unobert behaved gentlemanly, but before leaving, kept Ye Wangxing in a corner for a long time. When Ye Wangxing emerged, he looked nearly cooked. Yet Unobert smiled happily, despite his broken lip.

“I knew that day. After our dinner, my brother had a new earring. I asked why, and his neck was red, saying a dog bit him.”

“Seems that dog isn’t young…” Martha smirked.

Alina excitedly said: “Last one! Last one! The day Vice Dean Semos called him for the new exoskeleton test!”

“I went with my mother, my brother was there too. He disappeared for a while, returned with a necklace. It was hot that day, I didn’t understand why he buttoned his shirt.”

Ye Bai became more animated, realizing: “So he went on a date with Semos—my brother said a cat bit him!”

Alina recalled Semos’s height and remarked: “…1.93m, that’s a big cat.”

The three finally relaxed, even laughed. Alina and Martha lay back on the sofa, satisfied after consuming all the gossip.

“By the way, Ye Bai, who do you think will succeed in becoming your true brother-in-law?”

Alina sat up, teasing Ye Bai.

He shook his head that day. He didn’t really know the men well, his interactions were limited to how they treated his brother.

—A week later, Ye Bai regretted not picking randomly.

He watched the four men at his door, attending his brother’s birthday banquet and still flattering him, looking utterly pained.

—No, if you give gifts, fine. But asking me which gift my brother liked? Really!

Ye Bai thought: I should’ve faked death sooner!

 

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