Chapter 12: Chu Yun, Rebuked by the Syst
update icon Updated at 2025/12/12 16:00:02

*Ding!* Master, the system has stated that all tasks are inferred from the rescue targets' data. They won't resist at all—in fact, it's you who aren't cooperating actively.

Do you want them to relive their future experiences? Besides, the future you did far worse things to them. Why fuss over such a tiny matter now?

Chuyun fell silent after the system's retort. He wanted to argue but found no reason. If his future self truly committed so many wrongs, what was the point of his current hesitation?

Han Youwei hadn't shown a trace of resistance when he held her hand twice. In fact, it even boosted her affection by ten points.

*Sigh.* He was just an ordinary high school student. Why bear burdens beyond his years?

"Whimper... Chuyun, you're squeezing too hard. It hurts."

Han Youwei's delicate hands stung when Chuyun gripped without control. She couldn't help but whimper.

Chuyun quickly released her hand, checking carefully. A faint bruise bloomed on her pale palm—but luckily, it was light and would fade soon.

"Sorry, Han Youwei. I was lost in thought and didn't notice my strength."

"It's fine..."

"But this hand can't be held anymore. Take my other one, Chuyun." Blushing, she offered her left hand.

Chuyun stared at her tender palm, puzzled by her actions. Then he recalled her adorably clueless moments and understood a little. Gently, he took her other hand, using no force at all this time.

"Phew, we're finally here. Just smelling the food inside made me hungry." Chuyun stood at the cafeteria entrance, mouth watering.

*Gurgle~*

Han Youwei opened her mouth to reply, but her stomach growled loudly. Mortified, her eyes misted over with unshed tears.

Seeing her near tears, Chuyun blurted, "Whoa, my stomach's growling too! Han Youwei, let's hurry inside!"

Before she could respond, he pulled her in. The cafeteria hit them with roaring chatter and the rich aroma of food.

Shengming High's cafeteria was famous across Mingzhu City. Huge and diverse, it served cuisines from around the world. Daily menus rotated endlessly, with free fruits and desserts after meals.

Sections were labeled alphabetically: A for Cantonese, B for Sichuan. Soups and rice were free and unlimited. Prices were incredibly cheap.

The only downside? Crowds. At mealtimes, the noise overwhelmed those who preferred quiet. Many chose the second floor instead—soundproofed and serene, but pricier with Western dishes. Only well-off students dined there.

"Han Youwei, what do you like? Our cafeteria has everything," Chuyun asked softly.

"Anything's fine. I'm not picky." She was still shy about her stomach's embarrassing noise, wishing she could vanish.

"Let's grab trays first."

"Okay..."

Chuyun led her to the tray station, then headed to his favorite Cantonese section. "Do you like Cantonese food?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Then we'll have that today."

At the Cantonese counter, Chuyun drooled over the spread: golden-white poached chicken, tender char siu, tangy sweet and sour pork, savory salt-baked chicken—over a dozen authentic dishes.

He sampled each dish lightly, added a bowl of fragrant chicken soup, then filled another tray for Han Youwei with smaller portions. She looked too petite to eat much.

After finding an empty table, Chuyun smiled. "Han Youwei, you're so slim. Eat up—our food is amazing."

"Got it..."

Unbeknownst to him, Han Youwei's nutrition went elsewhere. Blushing, she lowered her head and nibbled daintily at the food.

After a few bites, her eyes widened. This tasted better than her school or home chefs! Her appetite surged, and she cleared her plate in minutes. But patting her stomach, she realized she wasn't full—maybe from skipping breakfast?

Chuyun gaped as she devoured everything like a starved tiger. So small, yet such an appetite? And she still seemed hungry.

"Want another serving? I gave you too little," he offered kindly.

"Ehehe... I've never been this hungry. Thanks, Chuyun. I guess I'm not full yet." Flustered but honest under the food's temptation, she admitted it.

"Wait here. I'll be right back." Chuyun took her tray and left.

Watching him go, Han Youwei swung her slender legs under the table, heart fluttering. Chuyun was so caring—like a sudden big brother.

"Huh? A piece of sweet and sour pork fell off Chuyun's tray."

On impulse, she picked it up with her chopsticks and placed it before herself.