Sitting in the examination room, as the last exam paper was handed in, Xu Youyou inevitably began to daydream while waiting for the teacher to tally the papers.

The college entrance examination was over just like that.

After studying for twelve years, this time it was the test for all those years of hard work.

In the glass cabinet at home, there was still the group photo taken at the school gate on the first day of primary school. It was unbelievable that in the blink of an eye, she had finished the last exam and officially ended her high school life.

Xu Youyou could no longer remember her days at the orphanage. If it weren’t for Grandma Wu still being there, she might have forgotten that she had ever lived in the orphanage.

After all, in her eighteen years of life, the orphanage only accounted for a short three years, and two of those years were spent in a state of infancy without knowing anything. The good, the bad, the happy, and the sad moments were gradually forgotten as she grew up.

The only memories Xu Youyou could recall were the joyful days spent with her mother and everyone else.

Oh, and her father too.

In fourth grade, Xu Youyou went to the cemetery with Qing Yixing to visit her father.

The man in the photo still wore the familiar cheerful smile, but unfortunately, his age remained frozen at twenty-six forever.

If…… her father hadn’t passed away in the accident, he and her mother would have lived happily, wouldn’t they?

Over the years, Father and Mother Qing had been very faithful to their promise and haven’t disturbed the lives of the mother and daughter. They only send birthday gifts on their respective birthdays, including some valuable items and even some belongings of Xu Youyou’s father from back then.

Everyone tacitly maintained a relationship at the level of familiar strangers, without anyone taking the initiative to cross the boundary.

Unexpectedly, Xu Youyou and Qing Yixing, the man who could also be called her uncle, gradually became more familiar with each other.

It all started with the piece of land he insisted on compensating Xu Youyou for. Later, Qing Yixing invested in a project in Jiang City, which naturally made him the ‘deliveryman’ who brought the Qing family’s gifts.

When her uncle got married, he even invited Xu Youyou, who was ten years old at that time, to be the flower girl. Later, she even held Qing Yixing’s son, her brother who was twelve years younger than herself.

This time during the college entrance examination, Qing Yixing also sent a message of encouragement. He even reassured Xu Youyou that if she didn’t do well in the exam, she didn’t need to worry because he could give her another piece of land.

This was a playful reference to the time when Xu Youyou initially misunderstood ‘land’ as ‘express delivery’ back then.

Of course, Xu Youyou expressed confidence in herself, saying that he should leave this ‘express delivery’ for someone else who needed it.

After the exam, although Xu Youyou didn’t go over the answers, she had at least participated in so many mock exams. She had a rough estimate in her mind.

This year’s math exam was particularly difficult, which probably meant it would be the subject that separated the scores the most.

Language and English shouldn’t be a problem, Xu Youyou thought. However, she estimated that she might lose some points in the composition part. Lost in her thoughts, she couldn’t help but glance at the scenery outside the window.

The green trees and blue sky made everything appear so peaceful and serene.

Her mother and Lu Chenjun must be waiting for her at the school gate right now. Even though she told them that there was no need to wait, her mother insisted it was about the sense of ceremony. Despite never being one to believe in such things, her mother had even chosen to wear a qipao these past two days, symbolizing victory.

Thinking about how her mother, Lu Chenjun, and Aunt Qin encouraged her before going to the exam this morning, Xu Youyou couldn’t help but feel a slight smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

After resting for a few days following the exams, Xu Wenyin and Qin Yiren had already arranged a two-month summer vacation package. They planned to spend a week on the private island owned by the Qin family, followed by a two-week trip abroad.

By then, the exam results would be out, and it would be the perfect time to throw a celebration for Xu Youyou’s academic achievements. Right after that, they would go out again for a trip with Liu Miaomiao and the others……

They could also take a few days in the middle to learn how to drive.

As they were discussing all this at the dinner table, Lu Weizheng, who was sitting beside them, looked so envious that he almost cried.

In recent years, his position has risen again. Due to his outstanding performance in Jiang City, he has jumped from being a mayor to working in the provincial government. It was rumored that in some time, he might even be transferred to the capital.

However, that also meant that this busy man was becoming even busier.

Fortunately, he was still by his family’s side, and whenever he could, Lu Weizheng made sure to come home for dinner. Compared to the uncertainty back then when they didn’t know whether he was dead or alive, things have indeed gotten much better.

Over the years, Qin Yiren hadn’t just been about indulging in leisure activities. Inspired by the children, she decided to try various things she used to enjoy. She learned baking from a chef and even opened her own flower shop.

Due to her beauty, she even gained the title of ‘the most beautiful flower shop owner’ online, which gave her a bit of attention.

Of course, none of those ventures lasted long, but Qin Yiren was never bored. There were just too many fun and interesting things in the world. Plus, as Xu Wenyin also began to enjoy life, the two of them enthusiastically tried many things they had never attempted before.

At one point, Qin Yiren became fascinated with jewelry design. Luckily, the Qin family owned a gemstone mine, so there was no need to worry about the raw materials. During that time, Xu Youyou received no less than ten necklaces as gifts.

Lu Chenjun’s collection of brooches was so extensive that he could go a whole month without repeating one. Then Qin Yiren became enamored with something new and stopped.

Xu Wenyin was no exception. As her body could last for longer periods, she was able to do more and more things.

She could finally go shopping, visit amusement parks, and try out things she ‘likes’— all in one go.

“……Students can now leave.”

With those words, Xu Youyou stood up and slowly left the examination room along with the crowd.

She was about to embark on a new life, moving to a new city. For a young girl who was only a few months away from adulthood, this was indeed something to look forward to.

Xu Youyou even began to consider whether she should pretend that she hadn’t done well when she left the school gate, just to tease them. Of course, she quickly dismissed the idea herself.

It wouldn’t be quite right to joke around with other people’s concerns like that.

By the way, her mother also mentioned that dinner tonight would be at the Qian family’s house, with Mother Qian personally showcasing her culinary skills in the kitchen.

It’s bound to be another sumptuous feast!

“Youyou!”

Just as she stepped out of the school gate, Xu Youyou spotted Xu Wenyin and the others. She quickly hastened her steps.

Since Xu Youyou’s exam hall was different from Liu Miaomiao’s and the others, they all agreed to gather at the Qian family’s house.

Seeing Xu Youyou smoothly leaving the examination hall, Xu Wenyin’s smile brightened even more. She had been worried that something unexpected might happen during the last exam, causing Xu Youyou to miss one of the subjects, just like in the novel.

Although their family’s resources could handle either repeating a year or going abroad without any problem, this was the exam Xu Youyou had worked so hard to prepare for. If something as irrational as a plot twist were to affect it, it would be infuriating to even think about.

Xu Wenyin didn’t tell Xu Youyou, but she took the opportunity to sneak into the school’s surveillance room. She watched the footage until she saw Xu Youyou enter the examination hall and begin the exam before she finally felt relieved and returned.

Fortunately, the power of the plot wasn’t that strong to override logic and make people act illogically.

“Wow, thank you!”

Accepting the flowers handed to her by both Xu Wenyin and Lu Chenjun, Xu Youyou’s face lit up with a surprised smile.

This scene happened to be noticed by the reporter who was waiting to interview the examinees. Before she could even react, the cameraman on the side had already aimed the equipment at Xu Youyou.

It couldn’t be helped; these people were just too good-looking!

There were a lot of people at the school gate just now, and Xu Wenyin and the others were waiting under an umbrella in a shady corner, so they weren’t noticed immediately. But now, as Xu Youyou came out, the reporter followed her with her gaze, and she was instantly stunned by the high-level combination of good looks.

If they made a video interview and released it, wouldn’t it be a surefire way to attract a lot of attention and generate traffic?

“Hello, Student. I’m a reporter from the City News. Would you mind sparing a moment for a quick interview? It’ll just be a few questions.”

Xu Youyou glanced at the reporter. Since she was in a good mood, she naturally didn’t mind answering a few questions.

“Sure, go ahead.”

At first, the reporter asked fairly conventional questions, such as how Xu Youyou felt about this year’s college entrance examination, whether she was confident, and upon hearing that Xu Youyou’s target university was A University, the reporter wished her success in achieving her goal.

But as the interview progressed, perhaps Xu Youyou’s relaxed and confident demeanor pleased the reporter, who then started to joke around, praising Xu Wenyin for being young and beautiful.

From Xu Youyou’s address just now, the reporter already knew that they were mother and daughter, although Xu Wenyin didn’t look like she had a daughter of Xu Youyou’s age indeed.

Then, the reporter had the cameraman take several photos of the two and recorded a short video clip. After exchanging contact information with Xu Youyou, the reporter said she would send Xu Youyou the media files later.

Under normal circumstances, reporters wouldn’t do such a thing, but today the young girl was just too likable, making the reporter unable to resist chatting with her a bit longer.

The cameraman beside them felt the same way. Someone who looked so good on camera naturally warranted more shots. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that the young girl seemed somewhat familiar.

The cameraman, unable to recall where he might have seen Xu Youyou before, attributed this familiarity to the notion that beautiful people always have a certain resemblance.

Soon, the interview ended, and the group walked a few steps to where the car was parked, and where the driver was already waiting.

As soon as she got into the car, Xu Youyou happily took the snacks prepared for her and started nibbling on them to settle her stomach. Then, she began discussing with the others the plans for the upcoming days.

Upon learning that Lu Chenjun could stay until the day after tomorrow, Xu Youyou excitedly suggested that everyone go to a nearby ancient town tomorrow for a visit.

After the exam, it seemed like the fatigue had dissipated along with the exam papers being handed over to the invigilator. Xu Youyou felt completely energized and not tired at all. She felt like she could pull an all-nighter without any problem.

The two mothers watched their children enthusiastically chatting, and they couldn’t help but smile at each other in unison.

Qin Yiren even winked at Xu Wenyin, exchanging a knowing glance that spoke volumes.

They had prepared a surprise for Xu Youyou.

At that moment, the traffic light turned green, and the driver slowly started moving.

The driver was still the same one who had been picking up and dropping off Lu Chenjun and Xu Youyou at school before, the one who had confronted the armed assailant at the kindergarten gate.

He had been responsible for picking up and dropping off the two children for all these years. When Lu Chenjun went to the capital city, the driver then began picking up and dropping off Xu Youyou and Liu Miaomiao.

The Liu family moved once during the children’s freshman year, and their new home happened to be closer to both the Xu and Qin families, which was convenient as it was also on the way.

It can be said that the driver had also watched Xu Youyou grow up all the way. Just thinking about how that polite and lovely little girl from back then had already finished her college entrance examination was quite astonishing.

In the future, when she goes to the capital, she probably won’t need her own chauffeur anymore. The driver felt a little melancholic about this.

However, just then!

As their car barely reached the middle of the road, a large truck waiting at the roadside suddenly accelerated, heading straight towards them!

Given the size of this large truck, if it were to collide head-on, there’s a good chance that the people inside the car would either die or sustain serious injuries!

The driver quickly and forcefully turned the steering wheel, but at that moment, the car on their left also turned its steering wheel towards them, charging in their direction.

In an instant, a two-sided attack situation formed!

This was a premeditated murder!

In the blink of an eye, both mothers’ first instinct was to throw themselves towards their children, trying to shield them with their bodies.

This was a mother’s instinct, and it’s also the only thing Qin Yiren can do at this moment.

If there’s really an all-powerful being, please, I beg you! I’m willing to exchange my life for my child’s!

For Xu Wenyin, time seemed to have entered slow motion. She can see Xu Youyou attempting to throw herself over to protect her, and she can also see Lu Chenjun making a final attempt to manually deploy the airbag.

Even more, she caught a glimpse of the crazed and sinister face of the truck driver.

It was too late, Xu Wenyin knew.

No matter how she calculated, she knew it was too late.

The vehicles were destined to collide, and someone among them was bound to die.

This was an ordinary world, devoid of martial arts, special abilities, or immortality cultivation. Even with the fastest reaction time, ordinary people couldn’t surpass the speed of a vehicle, and their bodies couldn’t withstand the immense force of impact.

Xu Youyou was the female protagonist so she would inevitably have a chance of survival, while Xu Wenyin wasn’t human so it doesn’t matter how severely injured her body was or even if she ‘dies’; it doesn’t affect the system. She could quickly condense a new body the next day.

But what about Qin Yiren? What about Lu Chenjun? And what about the driver in front?

Strictly speaking, these people have no direct relation to the system, and her objective wasn’t them. Even if they all die, as long as Xu Youyou survived, it doesn’t matter.

Yes, it was fine as long as Xu Youyou survived.

I can’t do it.

Those four words appeared clearly in the system’s mind.

I can’t just stand by and watch Yiyi and the others die, nor can I gamble on that slim chance of survival.

Thinking back, she’s been in this world for almost fifteen years now.

In a sentimental sense, she had watched Lu Chenjun grow up bit by bit, and she had also witnessed Qin Yiren gradually age.

In these fifteen years, they have been the two most frequently contacted and important individuals for the system, besides Xu Youyou.

It’s because of them that Xu Wenyin experienced friendship, learned how to be a better person, and understood what emotions truly mean.

She recalled scenes of everyone waking up early together to climb the mountain and watch the sunrise. She remembered Qin Yiren happily handing her the specially designed clothes and Lu Chenjun awkwardly singing her a birthday song while wishing her a happy birthday.

There were so many memories, all with their presence.

Actually, being human wasn’t all that good either. If she were still the system she was at the beginning, she wouldn’t be going through this dilemma now, would she?

At this moment, she found herself surprisingly calm.

5874 took one last glance at Xu Youyou. She never expected that her first official task would not only fail but also cost her her life. It’s truly a huge loss.

However, what’s that hint of gladness surging up in her heart all about?

I’m glad that I had the chance to know you all.

I’m also glad that I’m not human, so I have the power to save you all.

〖Confirm the use of the power source.〗

〖Confirmed〗

With the appearance of that word, an invisible protective shield enveloped everyone.

This was the only power above the rules, and it was her only way to save everyone.

One second!

〖Attention! Attention! Power source is less than 80%.〗

Fortunately, she left a diary for Xu Youyou. This little fool would surely wait for her for a few years. But if she kept Xu Youyou waiting for too long, Xu Youyou might gradually forget about her, right?

Wasn’t it said that humans were the most forgetful creatures?

Two seconds!

〖Warning! Warning! Power source is less than 50%.〗

〖Once it falls below 20%, the system will forcibly enter dormant state!〗

She was well aware that being forcibly put into a dormant state during the task was essentially a death sentence. The chance of companions discovering her was incredibly slim.

It’s a pity that she didn’t manage to personally deliver that gift.

Three seconds!

〖Danger! Danger! Danger!〗

〖Power source is less than 30%, 29%, 28%……〗

“Youyou, don’t worry, Mom’s fine, I’m just going back to the heavens. When Mom recovers, Mom will definitely come to see you. You must be happy every day.”

“Remember, Mom will be watching over you from above!”

〖Beep——〗

〖Power source is less than 20%. Entering dormant state.〗

Except for Xu Youyou, no one noticed the moment when Xu Wenyin’s eyes dimmed, as if she had become a puppet without a soul.

Having lost their protective shields, everyone, after dodging the most intense impact, was still knocked down by the remaining force, collectively losing consciousness.

“Hurry! Save them quickly!”

“Oh my goodness, call 120!”

“Mom.”

In the last second before losing consciousness, Xu Youyou’s eyes were tightly fixed on the direction of Xu Wenyin, and she heard her words.

“Mom, please be fine.”

“Please, please be fine! “

“Youyou will cry.”

———pr

“She’s awake!”

When Xu Youyou regained consciousness again, she found herself in the hospital.

The familiar voice and silhouette told her that it was Liu Miaomiao who spoke.

“W-where’s Mom?”

Her dry throat quickly received the moisture of water with the help of the nurse. Xu Youyou’s vision was soon restored.

Liu Miaomiao and the others were all in the ward. Xu Youyou was the least injured, and she was the first one to wake up.

“It’s okay, it’s okay, everyone is alive.” Liu Miaomiao’s voice trembled, “Fortunate, it’s really fortunate!”

Under such impact, Xu Youyou and the others were only scratched, with the most severe being the driver’s right leg fracture. This was already an incredible miracle.

Not long after Xu Youyou woke up, Lu Chenjun and Qin Yiren also gradually regained consciousness.

They had all undergone full-body examinations before, and apart from those minor injuries, they were fine. So, for convenience, everyone was initially arranged in the same ward.

Lu Weizheng, the Qian family, the Liu family, and others were also quietly waiting on the side for everyone to wake up. Qin Xiao and his parents were on their way.

“It’s good that you’re okay, it’s good that you’re okay.”

Lu Weizheng held Lu Chenjun and Qin Yiren in his arms. A man who never shed tears, his eyes were now completely red.

When he received that call, heaven knows, his heart seemed to stop beating, and a chill instantly spread throughout his body.

Lu Weizheng understood all too well the consequences of a collision between a regular car and a large truck. In that moment as he rushed towards the hospital, he even contemplated the possibility of not being able to live alone.

If something really happened to Yiyi and Juanjuan, h-he……

Thank goodness, a miracle happened!

“Why hasn’t Mom woken up yet?”

Just then, Xu Youyou’s voice, tinged with confusion, rang out once more.

Xu Youyou felt joy when she saw her mother appear unharmed before her eyes.

At that moment, she thought the words she heard must have been an illusion, right?

Her mother would soon wake up just like them, and then she would smile and call out her name. They can give each other a big hug, quickly recover, and go on the originally planned summer vacation, right?

“Youyou! Don’t be anxious, don’t be anxious first!”

Seeing Xu Youyou’s pale face, Qin Yiren couldn’t care less about her own injuries. She immediately embraced Xu Youyou tightly and said, “Wenyin must be fine!”

Though they said those words, they couldn’t shake off the uneasy feeling in their hearts. It was just a brief unconsciousness caused by the powerful impact. But why hasn’t Xu Wenyin woken up yet?

She doesn’t have any serious injuries, does she?

The doctor appeared again, and Xu Wenyin was wheeled away for further examination.

Xu Youyou, ignoring her weak legs, waited outside the examination room without any intention of leaving. She remained unresponsive to others who tried to speak to her.

This state of hers made everyone even more worried.

But all they could do was hope that Xu Wenyin was okay, just waking up a little slower than expected.

Lu Chenjun tightly held Xu Youyou’s icy hand. Until Aunt Xu woke up, he knew Xiao Lu wouldn’t leave, so he would stay with her!

Time passed minute by minute, and everyone waited for the news of Xu Wenyin waking up.

Even the assailants were still alive, so Xu Wenyin must be fine!

About an hour later, the doctor came out with a furrowed brow.

“The patient’s brain does not have any blood clots or residual damage, all indicators are normal, and the body responds normally to external stimuli, but…”

She just wouldn’t wake up!

The human body was truly intricate, and they currently couldn’t determine the reason for Xu Wenyin’s prolonged unconsciousness.

“Youyou! It must be that the equipment here isn’t good enough.” Qin Yiren’s trembling voice was full of certainty, “I will immediately have my brother find the best equipment and the most skilled doctors. Wenyin will definitely wake up, she must!”

Xu Youyou blinked, but her gaze still lacked focus.

Lu Chenjun, who had been holding her hand all along, could feel Xu Youyou’s fear at this moment.

Xu Wenyin remained unconscious, and naturally, Xu Youyou wouldn’t leave the hospital. She sat motionless by Xu Wenyin’s side, waiting for a miracle to happen.

But a person couldn’t endure like this without eating, drinking, or moving. Xu Youyou might collapse before Xu Wenyin wakes up!

At this point, Lu Weizheng also made a tough decision. He forced Xu Youyou to sleep with medication and administered glucose to her. Meanwhile, he requested Qin Yiren and Lu Chenjun to go eat something, as he and the nurses would take turns watching over Xu Wenyin.

They wouldn’t miss any movement for sure!

A while later, Xu Youyou, who should have slept for at least two hours, woke up again and then continued to silently guard Xu Wenyin’s side.

By this time, the sky had completely darkened. Lu Weizheng had no choice but to handle the attempted murder case first. Qin Yiren had just briefly fainted and was now lying on a bed in the adjacent room, while the others had been arranged to rest in another lounge.

Now only Lu Chenjun was with Xu Youyou inside the ward.

Xu Wenyin’s complexion looked no different from that of a normal person, with rosy cheeks as if she were simply sleeping, but still, she wouldn’t wake up!

Frowning, Lu Chenjun looked at Xu Youyou. He knew that if something happened to Aunt Xu, Youyou might—

“Snap—”

The lights flickered, and suddenly, the entire room plunged into darkness.

“The power’s out!”

The sound from outside the door made Lu Chenjun breathe a sigh of relief. “Youyou, it’s okay. The lights will be back on soon.”

Hospitals have backup power, so there’s no need to worry about it. Plus, looking out the window, it seemed like only their area or floor was affected by the power outage. Talk about luck.

Five minutes later, the lights came back on.

Lu Chenjun’s eyes had just adjusted to the sudden brightness when they widened in surprise!

This rare expression of surprise on the usually calm Lu Chenjun’s face was due to the shocking scene before him.

“Where’s Aunt Xu?”

There was no one on the huge hospital bed.

“Youyou?”

Lu Chenjun was just about to search around to see if Xu Wenyin had woken up in the dark during the power outage and gone somewhere.

Although the probability was very low, how else could one explain the sudden disappearance of a living person?

However, his coat was caught by Xu Youyou.

Xu Youyou, who had been as motionless as a wooden figure, finally reacted. Her eyes were devoid of any light, as if all her hope had been completely crushed at that moment.

Then Xu Youyou spoke slowly, in a voice that made one want to cry upon hearing it.

“Juanjuan, do I…… not have a mother anymore?”