How long had passed? When Xiao Mu finally woke, deep night had fallen.

His head felt leaden. Straining to look around, he recognized the place instantly.

A bitter chuckle escaped him. Freshly discharged, he’d wound up back here already.

Yes—this was the same hospital room where he’d lain after his last blackout.

Same hospital. Same room. Twice. What absurd fate.

His gaze drifted left. Chuxingyue slumped against the bed rail, asleep. Two faint trails of moisture still glistened on her cheeks.

Xiao Mu’s chest tightened. He brushed her face lightly, careful not to wake her.

After a quiet moment, he pulled his hand back and summoned the system interface.

**Goddess Conquest System (Gen 1)**

**Host:** Xiao Mu

**Discovered Goddesses:**

Chuxingyue (Difficulty: ★★★☆☆ | Affinity: 92)

Lin Hanyun (Difficulty: ★★★★☆ | Affinity: 61)

Night Glass (Difficulty: ★★★★☆ | Affinity: 69)

Tang Xixi (Difficulty: ★★★★☆ | Affinity: 57)

**Conquered Goddesses:** 0

**Acquired Skills:** Basic Cooking, Super Scholar, Shadowless Trace, King of Songs Voice, Basic Sanda, Basic Medicine, Mountain Cleaving Blade Technique

**Points:** 5

**Active Quest:** Train Night Glass in combat proficiency. Reward: 100 points.

**Store**

*[More features coming soon]*

*Ninety-two?* Chuxingyue’s affinity had jumped two points while he was out. Almost there.

But his five measly points made his stomach sink. So much left to buy…

*Gotta speed up Night Glass’s Sanda training. One hundred points… one hundred!*

He pushed the thought aside. *System,* he asked silently, *why did you knock me out again? I wasn’t even using a skill.*

**"Host’s physical limits were breached. Forced unconsciousness prevented long-term damage. Protocol prioritizes host safety."**

*Fine… but next time, warn me first, okay?*

**"Acknowledged."**

Exhaustion weighed on him. He’d wanted to make Chuxingyue happy today—not terrify her.

His fingers drifted back to her cheek. This time, his touch was heavier.

Chuxingyue stirred. Slowly, her eyes opened. Seeing Xiao Mu, they ignited with raw relief.

"Idiot!" She threw herself against his chest, fists lightly pounding him. "You were so weak—why hide it? Dragging me around all day…" Her voice cracked. "Do you know how scared I was when you collapsed?!" Tears spilled freely now.

Xiao Mu sighed inwardly. *Just like a modern-day Lin Daiyu.*

"Sorry, Jie," he murmured. "I only wanted to see you smile."

"And do I look happy now?" Her tear-filled eyes locked onto his.

No more words. Xiao Mu pulled her fiercely close and covered her lips with his.

"Mmph—"

She didn’t resist. Eyes fluttering shut, she melted into the kiss.

When they finally parted, Chuxingyue’s face glowed crimson. Her gaze held his, deep and trembling.

"Jie."

Starlight flickered in Xiao Mu’s eyes.

"Hmm?"

"Promise me something."

"What?"

"Be my girlfriend."

"Eh?"

Chuxingyue froze.

"Be my girlfriend," he repeated, earnest.

"...Okay."

It felt inevitable. Natural. Their affinity had long paved this path.

Curled against his chest, Chuxingyue smiled—a quiet, radiant thing.

***Ding! Chuxingyue’s affinity +5. Host, keep striving!***

*Ninety-seven…*

Only three points away now.