CHAPTER 37

After playing with it for a while, Ye Chengxing suddenly remembered something important she hadn't mentioned.

Although the situation on Lin Que's side would definitely be resolved this time, the discussions on the Star Network would temporarily heat up in the next two days. After all, good news doesn't necessarily reach many people, but negative and scandalous news always spreads the furthest.

Ye Chengxing didn't really want Li Jia to see these news articles.

In order to better grasp the public opinion on the Star Network, Ye Chengxing had already roughly skimmed through the comments and reviews. It was precisely because she had gone through almost all of them that she didn't want Li Jia to see those messages.

Li Jia had experienced a difficult time not long ago, and it was only with Ye Chengxing's guidance that she had managed to slowly recover. If she were to fall back into a negative emotional state because of those disgusting comments on the Star Network, it would be even harder for her to cope.

Ye Chengxing couldn't quite describe the exact feelings she had towards Li Jia at the moment, but she wanted to protect her and keep all the darkness away from her.

Perhaps this desire had been destined from the moment she first saw Li Jia.

She had always been unable to understand why, out of so many people in this world, System 001 had chosen her. Sometimes, fate was just a mysterious thing.

With these thoughts in mind, Ye Chengxing looked at the necklace she was wearing in the mirror. It had already transformed into a complete butterfly. With a gentle expression, she spoke, "This necklace is beautiful, and I really like it... But Li Jia, there's something I want to tell you."

They maintained the same posture as when they were helping each other put on the necklace. Li Jia held Ye Chengxing intimately, and her fingertips casually brushed against the necklace Ye Chengxing was wearing, feeling the distinct touch of the butterfly wings. Li Jia said, "It's good that you like it. I'm listening, sister."

Ye Chengxing nodded and organized her words, glancing at Li Jia. "Well, I was thinking... Can you avoid checking the Star Network for the next two days?"

Actually, Ye Chengxing hadn't intended to emphasize this matter.

After all, in her opinion, Li Jia didn't have much time to browse the Star Network. She had a busy schedule with her tutoring and schoolwork. Every day, she had to do exercises and digest new knowledge. Li Jia woke up very early every day and slept late, almost matching the intense study schedule they had before the entrance exams.

Ye Chengxing felt sorry for Li Jia, seeing how exhausted she was.

The tutor had also praised Li Jia a lot, stating that they rarely saw such a hardworking and excellent student.

However, even though the facts were as they were, Ye Chengxing emphasized it just in case.

But after emphasizing it, she observed Li Jia's expression and became worried. She was concerned that Li Jia, who originally had no intention of checking the Star Network, might end up doing so because of her emphasis. Wouldn't that backfire?

Li Jia agreed readily, saying, "Sure, I usually don't check it anyway." She met Ye Chengxing's gaze, appearing genuinely curious. "But can you tell me why I shouldn't check it for the next two days?"

"Because..." Ye Chengxing thought for a moment and felt that it was indeed a bit abrupt. She realized that she hadn't used such a demanding tone with Li Jia before this incident.

After a brief pause of two seconds, Ye Chengxing gathered her courage and spoke again, "Forget it, not just these two days, but for this period of time, I think it would be better if you don't check it. Your entrance exams are approaching, and I hope you can devote yourself more fully to your studies."

After saying this, Ye Chengxing hesitated a bit.

...It seemed like she was being too strict, like an overly stern parent. Even though Li Jia was already working hard in her studies, she wondered if it was inappropriate to say it in such a way.

Moreover, although the entrance exams were indeed approaching, she actually cared more about Li Jia taking care of her health. Studies weren't the most important thing after all.

With this in mind, Ye Chengxing paused and added, "Of course, Li Jia, you've already been working hard, and I believe in you! And even though I said that, don't feel pressured. Even if your grades don't turn out as expected, it's okay. We just need to do our best."

Hmm... that should be fine, right?

It sounded reasonable and not too abrupt.

"Okay, I'll do it," Li Jia replied earnestly after hearing her explanation, "I won't let Sister down."

Ye Chengxing nodded earnestly twice.

The Alpha appeared calm on the surface, but in her heart, she was relieved.

She genuinely believed in Li Jia, and now that she had agreed, she probably wouldn't log onto the Star Network and see those comments and messages.

Many accounts on the Star Network weren't directly linked to people's IDs, and many used anonymous accounts. So, after Li Jia's incident was exposed by the so-called informant, those words were simply not worth paying attention to, and they were particularly disgusting.

Although some of the words were a bit too idealistic, Ye Chengxing still wanted Li Jia to see those villains being punished and receiving the retribution they deserved. She wanted Li Jia to experience the day when the light descended, rather than feeling surrounded by decay and malice once again.

She would bring sunshine into Li Jia's life.

With this thought firm in her mind, Ye Chengxing raised her hand and gently ruffled Li Jia's hair. "It's alright, don't feel pressured about anything. I'll always be by your side." Until the day comes when you no longer need me.

The Alpha's actions were actually sudden without any warning. Li Jia was momentarily startled, but then her eyes gently curved, and her voice softened. "Hmm, I don't feel any pressure, and... of course, Sister will always be by my side. I trust you, Sister."

As she spoke, she slightly tilted her head upward and rubbed her head against Ye Chengxing's palm with her hair.

Ye Chengxing didn't think much of this gesture at first, but after being rubbed by Li Jia a couple of times, she started feeling a little embarrassed.

Especially the soft and fluffy sensation in the palm of her hand, like some soft and harmless furry little animal.

...Actually, it felt pretty good, and she wanted to rub her hand against the fur a couple more times.

But in the end, Ye Chengxing restrained that thought.

She cleared her throat seriously to cover up her previous idea. "By the way, I have to go out again for a while. I might be a bit busy these days..."

As she spoke, Ye Chengxing inexplicably felt a chill in the air around her.

She involuntarily frowned, thinking it was just her imagination, right?

Li Jia's expression didn't seem to change much, but she met Ye Chengxing's gaze and softly asked, "Since we've talked about it, Sister won't avoid me anymore, right?"

"Of course not. It was just an accident a few days ago." It was better not to mention it, but once she did, Ye Chengxing felt her face getting a little hot.

Thinking about it, considering her age compared to Li Jia's age from before she transmigrated, she was several years older. Her way of handling things this time was indeed a bit too immature.

How could she just avoid the problem without thinking about solving it?

With this in mind, Ye Chengxing paused and said again, "And you can rest assured, this kind of problem will never happen again."

Li Jia didn't know whether to believe it or not, but she just nodded and hugged Ye Chengxing tighter, making Ye Chengxing feel even more guilty.

These past few days, Li Jia must have been confused and sad because of her sudden coldness.

So, feeling guilty and self-blaming, Ye Chengxing repeatedly promised that they would sleep together every night from now on. Then she saw Li Jia's eyes curving up again. "Sister, you're really kind."

Ye Chengxing waved her hand repeatedly in response, "It's nothing. We'll just sleep together at night, and your calming sachet is really effective. Alright, I won't say anymore. I'll get ready. It's almost time."

Ye Chengxing went to the kitchen to prepare the ingredients. She had become more and more proficient in cooking, and combined with the advanced technology in this world that brought various utensils, every dish she made was visually appealing, aromatic, and delicious. Her progress was remarkable, and the sales of the Risheng Food Shop were becoming more and more popular, gaining great fame on the Star Network with an astonishing daily traffic.

Many groups also sent recruitment messages, to be honest, the conditions they offered were quite tempting. However, Ye Chengxing had already known about the dark secrets and various shady dealings behind these groups because of Lin Que's incident. Compared to the other culinary eyes that would consider these recruitments as the ultimate glory, she found them unappetizing.

Therefore, Ye Chengxing didn't reply to any of these messages. But when it came to going out and leaving, she became even more cautious, more cautious than before.

After all, she wasn't alone now. She had Li Jia by her side, and with everything that happened to Li Jia and the inexplicable malice targeted at her from this world, she had to be cautious, extremely cautious.

If it was just her alone, she could be a little more reckless and carefree. But now that it involved Li Jia, she had to nip any possibilities in the bud and eliminate any chances of such incidents occurring, even if the probability was only 0.000001%.

Ye Chengxing had already become quite fast at making these dishes, especially with Li Jia coming over to help, their efficiency had increased significantly. Therefore, the newly prepared dishes were quickly completed.

Ye Chengxing checked which kitchen utensils and equipment were not properly closed one by one. "Xiaoli, I can handle the rest myself. And there's Xiaobai too, plus you'll have classes soon, so take a rest."

But Li Jia didn't respond. "I'm not tired. Every minute and second spent with Sister makes me happy. This feeling is enough to surpass all other emotions."

Ye Chengxing found Li Jia's words sometimes strangely embarrassing, especially since Li Jia, being an Omega, said it in such a simple and innocent way, without any other implications.

She hesitated for a moment, then made a sound of acknowledgment, but noticed that one of the devices wasn't closed properly. Just as she was about to lift her hand, Li Jia seemed to have noticed it too and lifted her hand as well.

One palm faced up, the other backhand, and they briefly overlapped.

But at first glance, it looked like their fingertips and the gaps between their fingers were interlocked.

There had been quite a few instances of physical contact between them, but sometimes—like at this moment—it gave Ye Chengxing an indescribable sense of fluster, as if her heart had been scalded and her heartbeat had become chaotic.

Ye Chengxing quickly withdrew her hand, saying, "Then, could you help me close it? I'll tidy up and go out."

Without looking at Li Jia again, she hastily left the kitchen.

Li Jia stood still, raising her hand to observe for a while, and suddenly chuckled, "So cute, how can you be so cute?"

After saying that, she couldn't hold back her laughter, chuckled lightly before she managed to regain her composure and walked out of the kitchen.

Li Jia stood by the window on the first floor, watching Ye Chengxing leave. She waved goodbye with a very innocent and lively expression.

After confirming that Ye Chengxing had driven away, the Omega leisurely walked upstairs.

The virtual electronic screen in the room was turned on.

On the top, it clearly displayed the surrounding environment and a moving coordinate.

Li Jia looked at it for a while, put on her headphones and a single lens glasses.

A slightly shaky image appeared in front of her. She saw the sky in front of her, the people passing by in front of her, and she felt herself pushing open the door, taking a breath, and hearing Ye Chengxing greeting the AI in the shop with a laugh, "Good morning, let's do our best today."

...I really like it. I really like it. I really like it.

I really, really like it.

Her mood became so good, as if she had truly turned into a butterfly dancing around her.

Li Jia's eyes curved with joy, and the curve of her lips became more apparent.

On the other side, in the Risheng Food Shop.

Ye Chengxing touched the butterfly necklace on her neck.

She didn't know if it was her imagination, but she always felt like the necklace had just gotten hot for a moment, but when she carefully felt it, there wasn't much heat.

It's really strange.

Ye Chengxing shook her head, thinking that it was probably the wonders of advanced technology.

With that thought, Li Jia is really amazing.

Feeling somewhat happy and inexplicably proud, she adjusted the necklace from the outside of her clothes to inside, against her skin.

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