Chapter 27: Aunt Qing is Leaving

[There really is a “Heartthrob System,” huh? This is good, this is good! I want to bind with this system.]

3224’s entire fluffy panda face lit up—finally a host who was at least remotely interested in doing a task!

“Don’t worry, Host,” it began with enthusiasm, “as long as you complete the missions, you’ll receive generous rewards!” Of course, if it had its way, it would’ve preferred the ‘Study to Strengthen the Nation’system—that one could fast-track it up the ranks. But that one also had the highest failure rate since it basically required turning into a literal national treasure. Nearly impossible.

Still, if this chubby little boy chose anything—3224 would already be burning incense in thanks.

Good thing the rules allowed three hosts per timeline, or this mission would be doomed already.

Unfortunately, Qiu Yinuo immediately shot it down. “That one’s no good. If you don’t finish your missions, your ‘Heartthrob Points’ gets deducted, right? What if you turn into a hideous little goblin? I’m telling you right now, I won’t claim you as my son if you turn ugly.”

Having lived as a universally adored cutie, Shao Xingchen absolutely could not accept the possibility of becoming ugly.

“Right, this one won’t work. Pick another one.”

3224 glared angrily at Qiu Yinuo. What was this woman doing causing trouble? Otherwise, it could already be leveling up its alternate account.

[Ah, what is this? A cleaning system? Does it want me to do the cleaning? No way, I’m still young, I can’t even pick up a broom, how can I clean?]

[Mom, this career system is perfect for you.]

“Perfect for me? I don’t want to start a career. In my past life, I never enjoyed a single day of peace. This time, I just want to lie down and relax.”

[You’re not afraid of your limbs degenerating from lying down all the time?]

“Little brat, how do you talk?”

[Then pick the agriculture system. In a few months, I’ll grow up, and I can’t have my food supply cut off. I swore I’ll grow to 1.9 meters tall in this life.]

Mother and son thought about it and found it very reasonable.

They opened the agriculture system, only to find that in the early stages, they would have to farm themselves. After reaching a certain level, the system would manage things automatically. Both of them instinctively shook their heads. [No, this won’t work. I’m too young to even pick up a hoe.]

“I can’t do it either. I came here to enjoy life, not to farm. I don’t know how to do that.”

3224 kindly reminded them, “Host, the library has books on everything. You can learn while farming, it won’t take much time. When you reach level 20, I’ll help manage it.”

“Can’t you help with the farming in the early stages? We’ll just ask for less.”

Dabao quickly nodded in agreement, [Yes, we can just not take any crops before level 20.]

It’s clear where Dabao’s laziness came from.

3224 was stunned, never expecting them to say such shameless words so grandly.

No work, no effort, but they still wanted a return.

You must be joking!

“Seeing your expression, it looks like it’s not possible. Fine, let’s not bind for now.” Anyway, there’s enough money, they could tough it out for a few more years, find her yet-to-be-met mother-in-law, and see if they could live a good life.

Dabao tugged at her sleeve, [It’s getting late, I’m hungry.]

Qiu Yinuo raised an eyebrow at 3224, “We’ll come play with you another time, bye.” With that, she led the two children out of the space.

3224 was completely dumbfounded. Since it had proactively bound with its previous host, everything it did had felt extremely passive.

And now, someone had actually refused.

Angrily, 3224 slapped the ground with its thick paw, grumbling, “Today’s hosts are so hard to deceive.”

“Ugh, I’m definitely going to be the last this time.”

…

After dinner, the mother and her two children lay on the heated brick bed, staring at each other. It wasn’t long before Erbao couldn’t hold on and fell asleep with a soft snore.

Qiu Yinuo turned her body, facing Dabao, and said, “Let’s talk for a bit!”

It was so boring—no phone, no TV.

Dabao raised an eyebrow, as if asking: How should we talk? There was still a giant panda in the space waiting for them to bind with a system.

“I’ll say this: you blink once if it’s okay, blink twice if it’s not.”

Dabao blinked once.

Qiu Yinuo said, “Binding with a system is inevitable, but we don’t want to invest early, so we need to come up with a plan.”

Dabao blinked once more to show his agreement.

“How about this? You’re still young and can’t do anything, so we’ll wait until you grow a bit before binding.”

Dabao was shocked. His mom was so shameless, saying such irresponsible things without even changing her expression.

He quickly blinked twice, signaling that it wouldn’t work.

“But Erbao is a local, the only one I can rely on is you.”

That still didn’t work.

Seeing that she couldn’t convince Dabao, Qiu Yinuo didn’t force it and instead started asking some questions about her past life. After a few questions, Dabao couldn’t keep his eyes open anymore. After blinking once more, he fell asleep and didn’t wake up.

Qiu Yinuo closed her eyes to rest and began planning for the next few years in her mind.

She had a peaceful night’s sleep, and when she woke up, both of the children were still asleep.

She got up quietly, thinking of stepping out to buy something. The New Year was approaching, and it would be nice to have some special food.

She figured Qingqing would be back soon, and they could go together to buy more.

Stepping into the yard, she saw that light snow had started to fall.

Qiu Yinuo opened the door and quickly pulled He Ziqing, who had been standing outside for who knows how long, inside. “You’re back! Why didn’t you knock?”

He Ziqing looked a little pale, probably from the cold.

“It’s fine, I didn’t stand out there for long.”

“The weather outside is too cold. You need to come inside and warm up. You’re back so early; have you had breakfast?”

“I’ve eaten.”

Just as she finished speaking, He Ziqing’s stomach growled loudly.

Qiu Yinuo shot her a glare. “Why are you being polite with me? Wait, you’ve been traveling for so long, you must be exhausted. Go warm up on the heated bed in my room, and I’ll make you a bowl of noodles.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll do it myself.”

“Your hands are freezing, and I bet your feet are numb by now. Listen to me, go warm up first. The task downstairs isn’t hard, it’ll be ready soon.”

Watching Qiu Yinuo’s back as she headed into the kitchen, He Ziqing couldn’t help but feel her eyes redden.

She quickly wiped away her tears and went to Qiu Yinuo’s room. After warming her hands, she gently touched Dabao and Erbao.

Although their time together had been short, Dabao and Erbao were absolutely the easiest children she had ever cared for—well-behaved, sensible, and never causing trouble.

Now, as she had to leave, she felt a deep reluctance in her heart.

Yinuo was a good person. She couldn’t drag her down.

In a quiet, almost whispered voice, she spoke, “Dabao, Erbao, Auntie Qing is leaving. You have to grow up well, protect your mom, and never let anyone bully her. Do you understand?”