From what was known, their future was destined for tragedy. But as long as they remained just friends, the pain from that tragedy wouldn't intensify.

For her, Zhou Chen's departure would only mean losing a friend, not the more intimate "boyfriend," and the depth of emotion involved was naturally different.

She wouldn't be sad for too long. Perhaps she'd occasionally look back on this friendship in the future, but compared to the heavy burden of losing a "loved one," this was far more bearable. She wouldn't be overcome with grief.

'Thinking about it now, Zhou Chen's usual cool and aloof demeanor, his constant avoidance... he was probably planning this all along.'

But Zhou Chen didn't know that the more mysterious and aloof he acted, the more he piqued her curiosity and drew her attention.

Even before that, at some unknown point, a fluttering feeling had already planted itself like a seed deep within her heart. Later, when Zhou Chen saved her and Xia Lan, that seed began to sprout. Then, as they spent their days together, it took root and blossomed amidst the small, wonderful moments of their daily lives...

The purely platonic friendship Zhou Chen wanted was simply impossible.

"But... but..."

Li Xiye's voice trembled slightly as she stared daggers at Zhou Chen, her eyes red. "But that's just your wishful thinking! I don't care about any of that stuff!"

"And that's why I must apologize."

Zhou Chen pressed his palms together, sincerely pleading. "I'm sorry for making this decision for you without your consent."

"You're acting like a real scumbag, playing with a young girl's heart..."

Lin Yun, standing nearby and loving every second of the drama, somehow produced a handful of melon seeds. She started cracking them open while watching the show, completely absorbed in the entertainment. This was way more interesting than going to some party.

'I wonder how long they're going to fight. Should I just cancel on that party?' Then, a thought struck Lin Yun, and she eyed Zhou Chen suspiciously.

"You don't have a girlfriend in the future, do you?"

Zhou Chen paused for a moment, then nodded. "...I do."

"You really are the king of scumbags. And you're living in her home..."

Lin Yun clicked her tongue and shook her head. Glancing at the stunned Li Xiye, she sent a telepathic message. "He's lying. I know exactly what that bastard is thinking. He wants you to give up on him completely, so he's willing to sacrifice his own reputation.

My advice? Go along with it. Call him a scumbag and challenge him to a fight. Once you've vented your anger, he'll grovel and apologize. This kid is a real softy; he'll feel incredibly guilty. I'll back you up... Pretend to be furious and refuse his apology. Wait until he's begged a few times before you reluctantly accept. Then, tell him that to ensure the 'time loop' works correctly, you'll just be friends from now on. That'll put his mind at ease.

The key is this: when you say it, make sure your eyes are red, like you're about to cry but are forcing yourself to be strong. That's the only way to leave a lasting impression and make him suffer from a guilty conscience. His resolve will waver.

Once you're home, you can try changing his mind with your own offensive. Men's words are full of lies. Once his resolve is shaken, he'll crack sooner or later.

I swear, he's been into you so many times!"

After hearing Lin Yun's advice, Li Xiye's heart churned for a moment before her expression changed completely. She angrily snatched up a wine glass and splashed its contents on Zhou Chen. "You damned scumbag! If you already have a girlfriend, why did you get close to me? Why were you so nice to me?"

"I was just..."

"Cut the crap and fight me!" Azure arcs of electricity crackled around Li Xiye's body. Her eyes were sharp, her shoulder-length hair floated slightly, and she looked as ferocious as a lioness.

"Heh heh, I'll pick the spot. We can't have you wrecking the restaurant. We're all just working folks here, it's not easy to earn a living."

Lin Yun laughed and snapped her fingers. A storm of illusory musical notes swirled up from the ground, enveloping Zhou Chen and Li Xiye. In the next instant, the shimmering tempest of notes imploded.

The scenery flashed, and Zhou Chen and Li Xiye found themselves on a barren patch of land. Lin Yun had even been thoughtful enough to set up a Barrier around them to keep them from being discovered.

"Die, scumbag!" Li Xiye roared, transforming into a streak of azure lightning as she charged forward.

Zhou Chen sighed helplessly.

'This is fine, too,' he thought. 'It's what I wanted, for Li Xiye to give up on this idea. My reputation might take a hit, but I'm thick-skinned. It's no big deal.'

"Little bro, that was a low blow. You completely broke that girl's heart. But as your boss, I'll definitely help you out," Lin Yun's voice suddenly echoed in his mind, offering earnest advice. "I'll put in a good word for you in a bit. Just be a sweet-talker and play your part, and maybe you can still be friends with her."

"I'll be counting on you, then," Zhou Chen sighed, parrying Li Xiye's furious onslaught.

·

'He's only been an Ascender for less than a month, and his Physical Technique is already this good? Not bad talent. And to be able to reject a confession from such a beautiful girl... this kid's self-control is something else.' Lin Yun stood outside the Barrier, cracking melon seeds while she watched the drama she mentally titled 'Beat the Scumbag.'

Her ability to hear the 'voice of emotion' told Lin Yun that Zhou Chen had, in fact, been moved by Li Xiye several times, but his rational mind had suppressed it all. He didn't want the girl to meet a tragic end and suffer the sorrow of his departure, so he had decided to bear everything himself.

'To have such willpower and determination, to go so far as to ruin his own reputation and act shamelessly... as expected of someone I'd take on as my little bro!'

'Too bad he's probably never been in a relationship. He doesn't understand a girl's heart—especially not a strong-willed girl like Li Xiye. There's no way she'd give up on someone she likes over something so trivial.'

'I'll leave a Clone to watch. Time for me to take care of some real business...'

Lin Yun hummed a soft tune. A shimmering musical note materialized and took on her form. The Clone took the melon seeds from the original's hand and started cracking them, watching the show with great interest.

Next, Lin Yun extended her hand into the air. With a single thought, the outline of a doorway quickly took shape.

Lin Yun pushed open the Any Door. A salty sea breeze gusted through from the other side, carrying with it brilliant sunlight that was completely at odds with the night. The light streamed through the portal, illuminating the dark, wild landscape.

Beyond the Any Door lay blue skies and white clouds over a calm sea. Gulls soared on the wind, and the tide swelled slowly, lapping against black reefs.

A man dressed in loose white robes was basking in the sun, sitting cross-legged on a reef in Meditation. He exuded a peaceful, almost otherworldly, aura.

Lin Yun casually closed the Any Door and walked over to the man. She waved a hand in front of his closed eyes.

"Hey, something's up."

The man known as the Prophet slowly opened his eyes, his tone serene. "What is it?"

"Aren't you the Prophet? Why don't you just predict it yourself?" Lin Yun asked.

"The Ability of foresight cannot be used carelessly, or it will lead to unbearable consequences. How many times do I have to tell you that? If something's happened, just tell me." The Prophet's tone was placid. He didn't seem bothered by Lin Yun's flippant attitude, carrying himself like a truly enlightened master.

"Fine, I'll get to the point. I have a new little bro who traveled here from the future..."

Lin Yun explained the situation, making the Prophet's brow furrow.

"Please omit the emotional aspects and get to the point."

"Oh? You're not interested? What a shame. Anyway, the key point is something about an Eternal Life Machine..."

Lin Yun quickly finished summarizing. "So, I need you to do a prediction for my little bro. See what he's going to run into."

"This is a rather unique situation involving the time axis. You didn't contact the Star Association?" the Prophet asked.

"Er..." Lin Yun wasn't about to admit she'd been too busy watching the drama to remember. Thinking fast, she explained, "The kid didn't contact the Star Association. I guess he has his reasons. You know, butterfly effect, spacetime continuity, time loops, that sort of thing... I thought about it, but I was stumped, so my only option was to come find the great and powerful Prophet."