ABSTIWTVMST Chapter 146

Time felt exceptionally drawn out in this moment. As Xu Chenghao waited, anxiety inevitably crept in—he couldn’t predict how the system would respond. What he feared most was that the system would shamelessly follow his bluff and refuse to give him the chili seeds. If that happened, his big gamble would be utterly lost!

[Ding—]

A familiar notification chime suddenly rang in his mind. Xu Chenghao immediately focused, listening intently. He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but it felt like someone sighed in his head, followed by the system’s flat, mechanical voice: [Congratulations to the host for successful feedback. You will receive a packet of high-grade chili seeds with a 90% fruit-bearing rate. Please check your inventory.]

Xu Chenghao was stunned for a second. He instinctively reached into his pocket and, sure enough, pulled out a bag of chili seeds. Surprise and joy washed over him as he exclaimed, “Thank you, system! I knew you were kind, cute, innocent, upright, and noble—love you!!”

[…]

[Ding—No. 2333 kindly reminds the host to conduct himself with decorum.]

But Xu Chenghao wasn’t concerned with that anymore. He eagerly tucked the seeds under his arm and dashed off to plant them. Time waits for no one, and Xu Chenghao even less so.

He loaded the newly received seeds into the machine one by one, watching as it moved across the fields and sowed each seed. Once planting was done, he began discussing major safety concerns with Jing Yicheng.

Ever since the last chili greenhouse was set on fire, Xu Chenghao had taken the issue of security very seriously. He believed the two established bases were fine internally, but the newly allocated areas were completely exposed and couldn’t be left that way.

After inspecting the site, Jing Yicheng shook his head, saying that there just wasn’t enough time. Even copying the existing defenses wouldn’t reach the level of the other bases. After much deliberation, the two decided to rely mainly on temporary protective measures and fill any gaps with manpower.

As for where to find trustworthy and capable individuals… Jing Yicheng silently shifted his gaze to his own team of bodyguards and declared with satisfaction: “Aren’t they ready-made?”

The bodyguards: “…”

Generously, Jing Yicheng announced that anyone willing to guard the fields for half a month would receive ten times their usual overtime pay—and a two-month vacation afterward.

Money wasn’t the hook, but at the mention of vacation, the bodyguards’ eyes lit up green with envy. One by one, they raised their hands enthusiastically, patting their chests and vowing to take excellent care of the fields and the chili seedlings! Thus, the manpower issue was efficiently resolved.

Once the safety hazards were addressed, all tasks were finally completed. Xu Chenghao could finally breathe a sigh of relief. He slumped into the car, drained, not even wanting to lift a finger.

Dusk had fallen. The last sliver of sunlight had yet to vanish, but a crescent moon already hung high in the sky, quietly asserting its presence. Streetlights on both sides flicked on in unison, and multicolored neon signs flashed, casting a slightly dazzling glow onto the car windows.

Leaning against the window, Xu Chenghao furrowed his brows slightly, then turned to rest against Jing Yicheng’s chest, trying to drift off to sleep.

“Don’t sleep yet.” In the dim interior of the car, Jing Yicheng fumbled around, trying to pull Xu Chenghao out of his arms. “We’re almost home. Eat something before you sleep.”

“I’m not hungry,” Xu Chenghao tried to protest.

But lies like that held no weight in front of Jing Yicheng. He helped Xu Chenghao sit up and said seriously, “You haven’t eaten anything all afternoon—there’s no way you’re not hungry. You have to eat at least two bowls of rice later.”

“I’m tired…” Xu Chenghao muttered, aggrieved.

Jing Yicheng ruffled his hair. “Then I’ll carry you upstairs later.”

Just picturing that scene made Xu Chenghao instantly refuse: “Forget it. That’d be way too flashy.”

Jing Yicheng chuckled, then added, “Still sleepy? If you are, I can help wake you up.”

Xu Chenghao: “???”

Why did that sound… not at all comforting?

Jing Yicheng: “Hm? Why so quiet?”

As his warm breath edged closer, Xu Chenghao subtly straightened up, forcing a dry laugh. “Okay, okay, I’m wide awake. No more fooling around.”

Jing Yicheng seemed to be laughing too—a brief exhale before silence returned. Xu Chenghao blinked, reaching out to turn on the reading light, but just as he moved, his fingers were caught and intertwined. Before he could react, he was pinned back against the seat and kissed by someone clearly lying in wait. A soft sucking sound filled the space between them.

Xu Chenghao had no idea how Jing Yicheng managed to land the kiss so accurately in the dark. Even as they kissed, he couldn’t help but laugh, completely ruining the rising tension. Jing Yicheng let out a helpless sigh, pressing their foreheads together. “Am I that bad at kissing?”

Xu Chenghao couldn’t stop laughing. “What do you think?”

Jing Yicheng said, “If you think I’m bad at it, I’ll start practicing with you more. If you think I’m good, then tell me why you wanted to laugh.”

Still chuckling, Xu Chenghao said, “Okay, okay—you’re the best kisser. I laughed because it’s so dark I can’t even see you.”

Jing Yicheng: “……”

That was an odd sense of humor. Still, after that playful moment, Xu Chenghao was much more awake and promised to eat properly once they got home before going to sleep.

Just as they were talking, the car suddenly came to a stop. Xu Chenghao looked outside and saw they had already arrived at the base of their apartment complex. He immediately pushed Jing Yicheng aside and got out to breathe in some fresh air. Jing Yicheng followed and grabbed his hand, leading him toward the building.

The moment the elevator doors opened, both parties—inside and out—were momentarily stunned.

Jing Yicheng’s good mood was instantly shattered. He pulled Xu Chenghao behind him protectively and said coldly, “President Ruan, long time no see.”

Standing inside the elevator was none other than Ruan Chenxuan, who had only recently been discharged from the hospital. Wearing a baseball cap that cast a shadow over his eyes, it was hard to read his expression. As he stepped out, his posture was tall and straight, showing no signs of weakness despite recent hardships and setbacks. He was still the same domineering CEO of the Ruan family.

He curved his lips in a polite smile, but his voice was calm and emotionless: “Long time no see, President Jing… President Xu.”

The last two words were spoken softly, almost like a lingering murmur, which immediately made Jing Yicheng’s brows shoot up. He stepped fully in front of Xu Chenghao and questioned bluntly, “What brings President Ruan here so late at night?”

“Because I own property here,” Ruan Chenxuan replied.

“Oh? Don’t tell me President Ruan is planning to move back in?”

“No, I’m just here to pack up and prepare it for sale.” Ruan Chenxuan’s answer even caught Jing Yicheng off guard. He added, “After all, this apartment has lost its meaning. Keeping it serves no purpose… it’s better to deal with everything together.”

Xu Chenghao tilted his head slightly, peeking past Jing Yicheng’s shoulder to get a look at him. Unfortunately, Ruan Chenxuan’s emotions were well hidden beneath his cap, making it impossible to discern his true intentions.

But that was fine. Xu Chenghao preferred to believe that he had truly let go of the past, was cutting ties with old memories and emotions, and was ready to start a new chapter. That, perhaps, was the best outcome for him.

Sensing the gaze, Ruan Chenxuan looked up, but before their eyes could meet, Jing Yicheng quickly blocked the view again. Ruan Chenxuan could only lower his head and softly bid farewell.

“Wait.” Jing Yicheng called out, his tone chilly. “If you’re really planning to cash out on the property, I’ll have my assistant contact you about the transfer process.”

Ruan Chenxuan asked, “President Jing intends to buy it?”

“Mm.” Jing Yicheng replied with layered meaning, “There are too many people trying to dig into my corner. I need to keep my lover well protected.”

As Ruan Chenxuan turned to leave, he responded evenly, “Then I’ll wait for your message.” With that, he walked away without looking back.

Xu Chenghao watched his retreating figure, but before he could get sentimental, Jing Yicheng grabbed his chin and kissed him hard.

Jing Yicheng snapped, “He’s gone, and you’re still looking? What are you looking at? Is he better-looking than me?”

Xu Chenghao pretended to think deeply, “Well…”

“???” Jing Yicheng stared in disbelief. “You’re actually considering it? Shouldn’t you be giving me a firm answer right now?”

Xu Chenghao teased, “Alright, alright—you’re better looking… That’s a definite answer, right?”

Jing Yicheng: “……”

Grinding his teeth, he pressed Xu Chenghao into a corner and threatened, “Say it again!”

Xu Chenghao instantly gave in, wrapping his arms around Jing Yicheng’s neck to soothe him. “You’re good-looking. You’re the best-looking. In my heart, you’re the absolute best.”

“Who’s more handsome, me or Ruan Chenxuan?”

“You!”

“Who am I?”

“Jing Yicheng! Jing Yicheng is the most handsome!”

Under Xu Chenghao’s exaggerated flattery, Jing Yicheng’s anger finally subsided. He grabbed Xu Chenghao’s hand seriously and said, “Don’t mention Ruan Chenxuan in front of me. Not even as a joke. I really, really hate him.”

Xu Chenghao was all too familiar with the natural tension between the protagonist and the antagonist. At this point, his only response was nodding in agreement—repeatedly. After soothing the other man, he finally explained, “I was just looking at him and thinking how much he’s changed. It seems like he’s finally let go of the past and is ready to start anew.”

Jing Yicheng said coldly, “He may have let go, but I haven’t. I’ll never forget the time he tried to steal you while I wasn’t around!”

Xu Chenghao couldn’t help but burst out laughing. “Alright, alright—let’s go home and eat.”

Jing Yicheng followed closely behind him into the elevator, muttering, “You should remember to avoid interacting with him from now on.”

“Alright.”

“Even if he really has moved on, you should still stay away.”

“Alright.”

The elevator doors closed as Xu Chenghao replied with a faint smile. The lobby returned to silence. A moment later, a figure wearing a cap emerged, standing in place for a long time before quietly turning to leave.

…

The next day, just as promised, Jing Yicheng’s assistant contacted Ruan Chenxuan. After a first round of peaceful negotiations, the apartment was purchased at a reasonable price. Once the ownership transfer was completed, the deed was handed to Jing Yicheng. From then on, Xu Chenghao was completely surrounded—literally and figuratively—by Jing Yicheng’s real estate, secured on all sides.

When Li Nian heard about it, he nearly burst out laughing. “I really don’t understand the world of you rich people.”

Xu Chenghao rolled his eyes. “Did you call me back to the office just to gossip?”

“You can’t be glued to Jing Yicheng all the time. Too much sweetness isn’t healthy,” Li Nian teased, then began probing. “So… how’s the relationship going?”

“Very well.”

“Oh… going that well and you still haven’t talked about marriage?”

Xu Chenghao paused. This time, he didn’t question why Li Nian was so interested in marriage. Instead, he thought of his wager with the system… If he lost, even marriage wouldn’t change the fact that things would end in tragedy. But if he won, if the gamble succeeded and their fates were rewritten, then settling down with Jing Yicheng, getting married, and living a peaceful life together wouldn’t be so far-fetched.

With that in mind, Xu Chenghao pressed his lips together and said, “If I succeed at the end of this month, we can start talking about it.”

The author has something to say:

Li Nian: The surprise came so suddenly!