After Mistakenly Binding The Matchmaker System

Tyrant's Beloved (13)

But he was still a little shocked. There were many rumors about Li Shu circulating outside, but only after interacting with him did Yu Rongxiu realize how unreliable those rumors were. Indeed, rumors should not be entirely trusted.

Setting aside various thoughts, Yu Rongxiu poured a cup of wine for Li Shu. "A chance meeting is fate. Brother Li, I toast to you."

Li Shu raised the cup and downed the wine.

He had to admit, chatting with Yu Rongxiu was a very pleasant experience. He was very knowledgeable and could talk about any topic. Moreover, he spoke very measuredly and took care of the feelings of the person he was communicating with without making others unhappy.

Yu Rongxiu, a serious face con, admired everything beautiful, be it people or objects. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been rendered immobile upon seeing Li Shu, even neglecting the stolen money. Naturally, Li Shu ended up treating him to this meal, and after settling the bill, Li Shu asked, "What are your plans now?"

"I have hands and feet; I won't starve myself." Yu Rongxiu was optimistic. In such a vast capital, there were many ways to earn money.

"Do you want to retrieve the money from that kid?" Li Shu's gaze stopped at a certain corner around the bend.

"Right now, I—" The rest of Yu Rongxiu's words disappeared upon seeing a small figure emerge from the corner.

The tavern they were in was in a small alley, and it was unknown how Yu Rongxiu found it. At this time, a small figure emerged from the corner in front of the alley.

—The boy who had stolen both of their money pouches.

Compared to the morning encounter, the child's clothes were even more tattered. The setting sun stretched his shadow long, and he stood there hesitatingly.

Both sides stared at each other, motionless.

In the end, Yu Rongxiu took the first step and walked towards the child. The child shrank back slightly, enduring without running away.

Li Shu didn't go over, and stood there waiting. Yu Rongxiu turned back and walked towards him, followed by a small tail.

"I'm sorry." The child peeked out from behind Yu Rongxiu and mumbled an apology.

The child looked young and dirty. Only his eyes were as bright and charming as midnight stars.

Li Shu asked, "Why did you bring him over?"

"He said he came to return my money." Yu Rongxiu shook the money pouch in his hand. "I thought since he took yours as well, I'd have him come over and apologize to you too."

"Now I don't have to worry about making a living anymore. Brother Li, I'll treat you to drinks next time."

"Okay."

The two parted ways at the entrance of the alley. On the way back, a notification sound suddenly came from the system:

[Congratulations to the host for unlocking the hidden plot "Love Hindered by Worldly Affairs." Completion reward: 100,000 points, Universal Repair Pill x1, Random Gift Package x1, Failure Penalty: None.]

[What's this?] Li Shu asked with interest.

Earlier, the system only rewarded 100 points for completing a plot point. This time, the reward was unexpectedly generous.

[Hidden plots have no mission prompts, and the activation conditions are also random,] 1314 brought up the mission panel, revealing a blank space under "hidden missions".

[Then how can we complete the hidden plot?] If nothing is displayed, then there is no direction at all.

[Uh, well...] 1314 paused for a moment. [The activation and completion of hidden plots are entirely random, and the chance of encountering hidden missions is also random. I've researched all the data from previous years, and the completion rate of hidden plots is extremely low. Moreover, the methods to complete these hidden plots are diverse and unpredictable.]

[So, completing these hidden plots depends entirely on luck?] Even the mission panel was blank. Whether it can be completed depends on luck.

[A hidden plot was triggered after meeting Yu Rongxiu. Could it be related to him? 1314, pull up the information related to Yu Rongxiu from the original plot,] Li Shu instructed.

[Yes, Host.]

Because it was a matchmaker system, 1314's information for Li Shu was not comprehensive, focusing mainly on parts involving the main protagonists. Other details were briefly mentioned and had limited reference value.

Curious, Li Shu asked, [What's the identity of the child whom Yu Rongxiu brought to apologize?]

[The child is currently an orphan. He stole money to treat his adopted sister.]

[Currently an orphan...] Li Shu pondered. It meant the child might regain a different identity later. [Is there any content related to that child in the plot?]

[No,] 1314 replied directly. [But there's something related to the sister.]

[Oh? Tell me about it.] There was nothing about the boy, so it was highly likely that the boy died later on.

[After the plot ends, the little girl was taken into the harem by the male protagonist. She became a concubine and was highly favored. However, she was constantly against the female protagonist, and later, she was relegated to the cold palace with no further information.]

'There is such a twist!'

Li Shu was now intrigued and changed his mind on going back home. He planned to visit the little girl.

An orphan being able to win the emperor's favor wasn't something ordinary. Furthermore, his main mission was to ensure the male and female protagonists live together happily. What if a concubine suddenly pops up later?

Sensing a faint killing intent from the host, 1314 wiped away imaginary cold sweat. [Host, calm down. Regardless of the future, she's still a child now!]

[As a system, don't you think you're too soft-hearted?] Li Shu retorted coldly.

1314 shuddered and remained silent. How could it forget that the host it was bound to was a powerful demon who had cultivated for who knows how many years? It couldn't casually interfere.

[Host...]

[Alright, I won't do anything. Why is your courage still so small? Rest assured, I'm just going to see those two kids. In your eyes, am I someone who enjoys killing innocent people indiscriminately?]

Having to coax his system each time it got scared, Li Shu felt somewhat helpless.

[I...] 1314 wanted to say, "I don't," but this was what it thought. It was worried that the host might directly go and kill the child. Obviously the host never showed anger or killing intent since entering the small world. Why was it still afraid?

Could it be that when they first met, the bloodthirsty host left such a deep shadow on its heart?

While 1314 was in self-reflection, Li Shu had already followed the markings he left on the child and found their shelter.

It was a dilapidated small temple located in the rarely visited outskirts. In such a place, even rain might not be kept out. He wondered how the two children managed to live there.

The sun set, casting a long shadow on the ground. The surroundings were eerily quiet. In fact, it was overly silent for the sunset hour, there was not even the sounds of insects or birds. Thinking about what the system had mentioned earlier, Li Shu's mind tightened. Could something have happened to the boy today?

Raising his foot, Li Shu was about to enter and take a look when suddenly, a sound of rushing air reached his ears. He quickly moved to the side.

"Whoosh—"

An arrow grazed past his ear. Long black hair cascaded down as Li Shu swiftly purchased a mask from the system store and wore it.

There was actually an ambush around here!