CFALE Chapter 8

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Hearing 002’s calm voice, Xia Heng felt his already pounding head from the hangover ache even more. This time, he didn’t bother asking where 007 had gone but instead asked rather directly, “What kind of system are you?”

002 replied gently, “I am System 002. I am specifically responsible for assigning missions to those playing the role of the devoted second male lead.”

Xia Heng couldn’t help but laugh. “So I got promoted again?”

“Yes, your rapid role transitions have surprised even us. At first, the main system suspected you might be a virus host trying to overthrow the system. But after a strict review, we found no violations in your previous operations.”

“So, what’s my mission this time…” Xia Heng had little faith in this unreliable system now.

Leaving aside the unclear criteria for mission success, just the speed at which the system switched roles made Xia Heng feel like these tasks were nothing more than a joke.

He voiced his thoughts to 002. After a moment of contemplation, 002 suggested, “How about I show you how other hosts complete their missions? Then you’ll realize how rare your situation is.”

Xia Heng silently agreed, and soon, he was watching through System 015’s perspective—videos of various cannon fodder background characters.

In these clips, whether the mission was successful or not, the protagonist never had any connection to the task-taker, who was quickly sent to the next world to complete a new task.

Next was footage from System 014. In its managed hosts, no matter how hard the host tried, they would always be stepped on by the protagonist and then completely fade from their world.

Lastly, he watched recordings from System 010. In its supervised hosts, there were indeed some who tried to defy fate, but the chances of being acknowledged by the protagonist were almost zero.

002 observed Xia Heng’s silence and finally concluded, “Our worlds revolve around the Chosen Ones, so the fact that you have been acknowledged to such an extent is extremely rare.”

“We attribute this to your personal charm, but I must say, your presence seriously challenges our system’s rules.”

“And what happens because of that?” Xia Heng asked.

“What do you mean, what happens?”

“If I’m challenging your system, won’t I be punished?”

“I already told you from the start—you haven’t violated any rules. So, we can’t punish you,” 002 said helplessly.

“So, you still haven’t told me what my task is this time.”

“From now on, your actions are entirely your own. The system will not assign you any specific tasks.”

“What about points?”

“The hosts under my management are all experienced and don’t lack points. However, since your situation is unique, we’ve decided to compensate you with 2000 points. As long as you don’t interfere with the world’s main storyline, these 2000 points are yours.”

“What counts as interfering with the main storyline?”

“In this world, it means not disrupting Han Lang and Cheng Kaiming’s romantic progress. Originally, the two of them were destined to create a new fashion business empire together, significantly influencing future generations.”

“Is that so…” Xia Heng’s lips curled into a faintly mocking smile. “So all I have to do is make sure their relationship develops smoothly?”

“In theory, yes,” 002 responded calmly.

Xia Heng said nothing more. He jumped out of bed and pulled open the curtains. Sunlight streamed through the window, brightening and warming the entire room.

002 fell silent once again. Xia Heng stood before the window, looking at his reflection in the glass, and softly said, “My fate is mine to decide, not the heavens.”

Han Lang’s design was soon recognized at the exhibition and won the Special Award—an honor even higher than the Gold Award.

Upon receiving the news, the entire company was in an uproar. Han Lang was the first Chinese designer to win an award at the prestigious fashion exhibition in H Country.

Cheng Kaiming was overjoyed and took the opportunity to propose a company-wide trip to the hot springs for relaxation. The suggestion was, of course, met with unanimous approval.

As the key figure in all of this, Han Lang naturally received a promotion and a salary increase. Though he didn’t particularly care about these things, they were undeniable proof of his success and talent.

On the way to the hot springs, Han Lang declined Cheng Kaiming’s offer to share a car and instead chose to ride the bus with Xia Heng.

As soon as Han Lang boarded, he was met with cheers from the female staff in the design department. It was truly an incredible achievement—not just for the company, but also for national pride.

Smiling, Han Lang pulled several bags of foreign candies from his backpack and distributed them.

Watching Han Lang, who radiated warmth and confidence like the sun itself, Xia Heng felt a deep sense of pride.

Han Lang met Xia Heng’s gaze, and in his bright eyes, he saw his own reflection. His heart swelled with satisfaction.

They exchanged a knowing smile.

Then, Xia Heng suddenly heard a notification from 002: “Please do not interfere with the world’s storyline. Please do not interfere with the world’s storyline.”

Xia Heng frowned in dissatisfaction. “How am I interfering with the storyline?”

But 002 fell silent once again.

Xia Heng ignored it and continued chatting with Han Lang.

The two of them talked happily throughout the trip. Xia Heng found that Han Lang was incredibly knowledgeable; no matter what topic he brought up, Han Lang could discuss it fluently.

Xia Heng now understood that 002 was no longer here to assist him—it was here to monitor him, ensuring he wouldn’t disrupt Han Lang and Cheng Kaiming’s relationship.

Yet, as he faced his own emotions and Han Lang’s warmth, for the first time, Xia Heng felt that becoming a virus host trying to overturn the system might not be such a bad thing after all.

Though he had already decided to ignore 002, it always managed to appear at the perfect moment, precisely when he wanted to get closer to Han Lang—like an annoyingly punctual alarm clock.

Xia Heng had no choice but to temporarily put away his thoughts of being affectionate with Han Lang.

They had been traveling for six hours when they finally arrived at the hot spring resort that Cheng Kaiming had chosen, located next to a forest farm. The natural environment was exceptionally beautiful.

Most people were assigned to double rooms, but both Han Lang and Cheng Kaiming had individual suites.

As soon as they arrived, many people couldn’t resist going for a soak in the hot springs. Xia Heng was assigned to share a room with Chen Ke. After being spoken to by the HR department, Chen Ke had noticeably mellowed out.

Although Xia Heng didn’t particularly like Chen Ke, he wasn’t so averse to him that they couldn’t interact.

For the first few days, everyone had a great time. There was even a small path leading to a hot spring in the mountains within the forest. However, for the safety of the guests, this hot spring was only open from 10 AM to 2 PM.

It was no secret that Xia Heng and Han Lang were close. Rumors were even spreading that Xia Heng would secure a spot in the soon-to-be-formed F Group, which was dedicated to high-end customization. Many people had their eyes on positions in this group, including Chen Ke.

Since Xia Heng and Han Lang had such a good relationship, Chen Ke couldn’t help but start scheming again.

For several days in a row, Chen Ke was unusually polite to Xia Heng. Xia Heng didn’t know what he was up to, but he had always been the type to treat others with respect if they treated him well.

On the fifth day, Chen Ke finally revealed his true intentions. “Xia Heng, can you talk to Han Lang and help me get into F Group?”

Xia Heng was momentarily stunned. He hadn’t expected Chen Ke to ask him for such a favor. He replied objectively, “Chen Ke, it’s not that I don’t want to help you, but I really don’t have a say in this. Who Han Lang chooses to join the team is entirely up to him—I can’t interfere.”

Chen Ke looked at Xia Heng’s clueless expression and felt a surge of frustration. Who didn’t know how much Han Lang pampered this guy? Han Lang treated Xia Heng like a beloved spouse—how hard could it be for him to put in a good word?

With a fake smile, Chen Ke said, “Oh, come on, don’t be so modest. Everyone knows how close you and Han Lang are. It wouldn’t hurt to just say something.”

Hearing this, Xia Heng felt thoroughly irritated and responded bluntly, “If you’re that eager to join F Group, why don’t you talk to Han Lang yourself? I really can’t help you.”

Chen Ke narrowed his eyes at Xia Heng, who met his gaze without flinching. “Alright, fine. I guess I misjudged you.”

The conversation ended on an unpleasant note, and the two had a falling out.

The next day at noon, Han Lang, who had agreed to have lunch with Xia Heng, never showed up. Xia Heng wondered where he had gone and asked several people, but no one seemed to know.

Then, Chen Ke spoke up, claiming he had seen Han Lang heading toward the mountain hot spring with Cheng Kaiming.

Hearing this, Xia Heng immediately went to find him.

Meanwhile, Han Lang and Cheng Kaiming had just finished discussing the future development of F Group in Cheng Kaiming’s suite. When Han Lang didn’t see Xia Heng at the restaurant, he found it odd.

At that moment, heavy rain began to fall outside. Assuming that Xia Heng had gone back to his room, Han Lang went to check, only to find it empty.

Now, he started to panic. After asking around, he finally learned that Xia Heng had gone up the mountain to look for him.

Grabbing a raincoat, Han Lang rushed out, only to find that the path leading to the mountain had already been closed. The hot spring facility had received an early storm warning, so they had shut it down ahead of time.

While Han Lang was anxiously pacing outside the entrance, Xia Heng was stuck at the mountain hot spring, huddling under a lone sun umbrella to avoid the rain.

He had only worn a thin dress shirt when he left, which was now drenched by the chilly autumn rain. Shivering from the cold, he curled up on an equally cold lounge chair.

Trying to find humor in his misery, Xia Heng muttered to 002, “02, would you say I brought this on myself?”

002 remained silent.

Seeing no response, Xia Heng simply closed his eyes. In his dazed state, memories surfaced—memories of himself being just as pitiful, with no one to love or care for him.

The realization jolted him awake. Was this a memory from his past life? Alone, impoverished, and forsaken.

Suddenly, he sprang up despite the pouring rain, shouting at 002, “I remember! I remember!”

002 lazily replied, “Congratulations, Host. You’re one step closer to going home.”

Standing in the rain, Xia Heng let the water drench him as fragmented memories pieced themselves together. He remembered that he had grown up in an orphanage before being adopted by a childless couple.

But not long after, the couple had their own child, and Xia Heng was left to fend for himself.

After that…

A sharp pain shot through his head—he couldn’t recall what came next.

As he struggled with the painful memories, he was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace.

A trembling voice whispered in his ear, “I’m sorry… I’ll never lose you again.”

Held tightly in Han Lang’s arms, Xia Heng suddenly felt like laughing. This life felt almost too good, as if he had stolen it—someone cared for him, someone pampered him, and someone truly loved him.

He wrapped his arms around Han Lang and softly murmured, “Don’t ever lose me again.”

Han Lang tightened his embrace even more and whispered into Xia Heng’s ear, “Han Lang will never lose Xia Heng again in this lifetime.”

A sudden clap of thunder echoed across the sky. Sitting in a car to avoid the rain, Cheng Kaiming shouted at them, “Come back! There’s lightning!”

Xia Heng lifted his face, rain streaming down his hair, making his peach-blossom eyes look even more enchanting. At that moment, he resembled a mesmerizing little demon.

He leaned closer to Han Lang and whispered, “I’m about to undergo a lightning tribulation.”

Looking at Xia Heng’s seductive face, Han Lang chuckled before pressing a deep kiss onto his lips. As a massive bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, Han Lang murmured against his lips, “Then I’ll go through it with you.”

A loud thunderclap exploded across the sky. Amid the rumbling, Xia Heng vaguely heard an electronic voice:

"System 001 at your service. Congratulations on activating the Life Winner System."

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