CHAPTER 13

Wen Yang turned on the TV and settled on the sofa, positioning herself in a way that wouldn’t strain her wound. She flipped through all the channels in the cycle and discovered that the TV was connected to the internet. Intrigued, she began browsing various dramas, variety shows, and information about celebrities in this world.

She found an entertainment news program and started watching it with interest.

Affairs, movie promotions, interviews. Wen Yang fast-forwarded through the segments; she wanted to see beautiful women.

“You like watching this stuff?” Xu Yi, noticing her focus on celebrity news, wondered if she might change her mind halfway and recall Hu Lishi’s persuasion.

“It’s okay.” Wen Yang didn’t find any actresses she thought were pretty. Turning her head, she gave Xu Yi a curious look. “Do you have a favorite actress?”

“No.” Xu Yi’s response was resolute, as if afraid of being misunderstood.

Wen Yang nodded. Losing interest in the TV, she began counting the years she had to stay in this world.

Currently in her second year of high school, followed by four years of university and one year of work—seven years in total.

Wen Yang suddenly felt short of breath, a wave of sadness washing over her. She slumped against the armrest of the sofa, her eyes welling up. Unable to help herself, she sniffled.

Wen Yang: 006, I want to fast-forward.

The system, observing her expression, hesitantly replied: The feature isn’t developed yet.

Wen Yang: I’m not bargaining with you. If I really have to stay here for seven years, I don’t mind wreaking havoc in this novel.

The system, trying to persuade her earnestly: Host, you’ll have no way back but death. Temporary hardship is for a better future. Don’t lose heart.

Wen Yang: So you’re saying I must stay here for seven years, no exceptions?

The system: Correct.

Wen Yang: Then send me back to die. I’d rather die than stay here for seven years. Remember, seven years is equivalent to a death sentence for me.

The system grew flustered and quickly sent a first-level request for approval to its superiors.

Wen Yang sneered coldly. Dying early would save her a lot of trouble.

“Xu Yi, take me to get a pair of glasses.”

“Now?”

“Right now.” Sitting and watching TV was too tiring.

---

“Welcome! How can I help you today?”

The eyeglass shop was on the first floor of a large mall. The interior was brightly lit, with neatly arranged display cases. A cheerful shop assistant greeted them as soon as they entered.

“Take her for an eye exam and prescription check,” Xu Yi instructed, glancing at Wen Yang.

“Of course, this way, please.” The shop assistant adjusted her pace to match Wen Yang’s.

Wen Yang, still wearing her hospital gown because she didn’t have a change of clothes, attracted plenty of curious glances from other customers.

Xu Yi sat in the lounge area while Zhang Yuan leaned in slightly. “Young Master, the second floor is the main shopping area.”

“Alright, go ahead. You don’t need to stay here.” Xu Yi closed his eyes to rest.

“I wasn’t—I meant for you.”

Xu Yi cut him off with a lazy glance. “If you’re not going, just head back.”

“Yes, sir.” Zhang Yuan muttered inwardly about the irrationality of men in love as he left.

“Handsome, are you waiting for a friend?” Two girls who had been eyeing Xu Yi since entering the shop finally couldn’t resist approaching, their hearts racing.

Xu Yi didn’t look up, his attention fixed on his phone.

“Handsome!” They raised their voices. Men this good-looking and unaware of their charm were too rare, making their admiration grow.

At this moment, Wen Yang emerged from the eye exam room, accompanied by the assistant who guided her to select frames.

Scanning the store, Wen Yang’s eyes landed on Xu Yi behind the two girls. Assured that her payer wasn’t going anywhere, she turned back to pick out frames.

Seeing her relieved expression irritated Xu Yi. Rising, he strode toward her.

The two girls stood there, stunned. So he wasn’t ignoring everyone—just them.

The assistant enthusiastically introduced various popular and comfortable styles to Wen Yang.

Responding absentmindedly, Wen Yang moved to another display and accidentally bumped into Xu Yi. Her body froze.

“You alright?” Xu Yi lowered his gaze to her abdomen, concerned about her surgical wound.

“I’m fine.” Wen Yang exhaled and sidestepped him to continue browsing. Pointing to a frame, she said, “Let me try this one.”

After putting on the glasses, the assistant handed her a mirror. Xu Yi stood beside her, noticing her refined nose and the elegant curve of her jawline.

Wen Yang tucked her hair behind her ears, revealing her delicate ears and smooth jawline.

The assistant, impressed, offered her a hair tie. “Would you like to tie up your hair?”

“Thank you.” Wen Yang, grateful, tied her hair up neatly. Glancing at Xu Yi, she removed the glasses and asked, “How does it look?”

“If you like it, then it’s fine.”

“Alright, I’ll take this one.” Wen Yang handed the frame back to the assistant.

“Please wait a moment.”

Xu Yi asked, “What’s your prescription?”

“Right eye, 440. Left eye, 500.”

“You’ve really done a number on yourself,” Xu Yi remarked, surprised. He’d never noticed Wen Yang was nearsighted; her sharp responses in class gave no clues.

After about ten minutes, the assistant returned with the completed glasses. Wen Yang picked a random case, and the assistant packed everything neatly.

Putting on the glasses, Wen Yang marveled at how much clearer the world became. She could finally see people’s faces and movements from a distance, no longer living in a semi-blind state.

As she headed toward the door, Xu Yi gently tugged her collar before letting go. “Let’s check out the second floor.”

“Alright.”

---

The second floor housed various clothing stores and was bustling with shoppers, including children running around. Wen Yang kept close to the walls to avoid any collisions, fearing her wound might reopen.

Xu Yi entered a women’s clothing store. Wen Yang immediately found a sofa to sit on, flipping through a magazine. Walking so much had left her feeling weak and hungry—porridge just wasn’t enough.

“You—” Xu Yi turned and didn’t see her. Spotting her on the sofa, he frowned.

“I’m showing you kindness by taking you to buy clothes, and this is how you repay me?”

“You’re buying me clothes?”

Seeing her doubtful look, Xu Yi grew annoyed. “What else would I be doing in a women’s clothing store?”

Wen Yang grinned but quickly stopped, wary of pulling at her wound. “I can’t walk anymore. Ask the staff to bring the clothes to me.”

“You’re quite the princess.”

“Who says I’m not?” Wen Yang accepted the title without hesitation.

Xu Yi called the store manager, flashed his black card, and closed the store for private shopping.

Wen Yang, acting every bit the princess, casually pointed out clothes until only a few caught her interest.

“Just these. Pack them up and include the bill inside.” Feeling tired, Wen Yang’s eyelids drooped.

“Aren’t you going to try them on?”

“My stomach hurts.”

“Does it hurt again?” Xu Yi instinctively glanced at her abdomen. The oversized hospital gown hid her originally slender waist, making her appear even more fragile.

“It’s the incision. I don’t want to move,” Wen Yang replied, her spirits visibly low. Xu Yi noticed her lack of energy. “Let’s head back now.”

“Mm… wait a moment.” Wen Yang remembered she had one last thing to do.

After paying the bill, they left the store. Xu Yi carried the newly bought clothes. “What else do you need to buy?” he asked.

Wen Yang gave him a look, scanning him from head to toe with a subtle yet pointed expression.

The two soon arrived at a store labeled “MMQ.” Xu Yi glanced inside and, within moments, his ears and the rims of his ears turned red. Acting as if nothing happened, he walked out to sit on a bench outside. His tone was low as he said, “Call me when you’re ready to check out.”

“Okay,” Wen Yang replied.

For the past few months, Wen Yang had been wearing plain cotton children’s underwear. Sharing such personal items with others wasn’t something she could accept due to her cleanliness obsession. The local market only offered children’s cotton undergarments or small and large steel-wired bras. Fortunately, her chest wasn’t large, and she was slim enough to squeeze into children’s sizes. It had been awkward at first, but she eventually got used to it.

Wen Yang picked out a set of underwear and told the staff her size, asking them to pack it up.

“Xu Yi, come in and pay,” Wen Yang called from the doorway.

---

Back at the hospital, Wen Yang changed into a fresh set of hospital clothes and washed the new underwear.

Xu Yi, who had just spoken with the doctor about Wen Yang’s discharge timeline, returned to find her holding the washed garments and heading toward the drying rack. The sight made his ears flush red again.

Wen Yang hung the garments, pushing the rack closer to the window. Then she drew the curtains to avoid any further awkwardness.

“Rest here for a few more days,” Xu Yi said, his gaze fixed on the floor. “Let the incision heal properly. Don’t risk tearing it on the way back.”

After speaking, he didn’t linger and turned to leave.

For the next few days, Xu Yi brought meals for her but didn’t stay to eat with her.

On her final day in the hospital, Wen Yang was packing her belongings when a sudden flurry of hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway. Voices mingled, whispering excitedly.

What’s going on?

Curious, Wen Yang opened the door and peeked out. Amid the hushed chatter, she caught the word “celebrity.” Just as she was about to close the door, Xu Yi entered, walking against the flow of the crowd. Wen Yang stepped back and left the door open.

As soon as he came in, she asked, “Is there really a celebrity outside? Male or female?”

“I don’t know,” Xu Yi replied, holding up a lunch box. “For your last night here, you can have a decent meal.”

---

“Xu Yi, you’re truly a benevolent soul,” Wen Yang remarked as she gnawed on a rib. It was a heartfelt comment. She wanted to add, When I return home, I’ll definitely buy a few more copies of this novel in print, just to honor the pages with your scenes.

Xu Yi mulled over her words, finding something indescribably odd about them.

---

The next morning, Wen Yang boarded the van back to the village, accompanied by Zhang Yuan, who carried several bags and a suitcase. Wen Yang suspected he was there to assist Xu Yi.

The van stopped in front of her courtyard. Zhang Yuan unloaded the luggage, the wheels of the suitcase clattering as they hit the ground.

“Young Master, I’ll take the luggage inside first,” Zhang Yuan said.

“Alright,” Xu Yi replied.

“Is he staying here with you?” Wen Yang asked.

“Not for long,” Xu Yi answered.

Zhang Yuan had taken two tractor rides to this village and struck up an unlikely bond with the driver, eventually finding a temporary place to stay.

“That makes sense,” Wen Yang muttered. After all, you’ll be leaving in less than a month.

Xu Yi followed her inside. At some point, she had cut her hair again. What used to be shoulder-length was now a short bob. It didn’t make her look boyish but rather added a touch of elegance.