"What does that have to do with responsibility?" Wen Bai speared a piece of cake with his fork. "You're together, you're happy, you make him happy, isn't that enough? Marrying him will make him happy."
Wen Bai was very confident, he didn't even need to confirm the plot with System 001.
Last night, just imagining married life with Lin Shuangshuang made Ji Tianle laugh like a goose on the phone. Wen Bai eventually hung up because he couldn't stand it.
They hadn't known each other for an extremely long time, and Wen Bai didn't understand much else about Ji Tianle. However, given that man's obsession with Lin Shuangshuang, Ji Tianle would be over the moon if they got married.
After doubting its own existence, System 001 had kept up with the times. It had secretly hacked into the system market and updated its knowledge base with the latest information.
Seeing that the task progress was steady while they chatted, System 001 figured it wasn't needed today. "Host, I've just finished inputting all the books from the bestseller list and need to restart. If there's anything important, please wait until I'm back. Don't do anything dangerous while I'm gone."
Although, Wen Bai felt like the system didn't really serve a purpose when it was around.
He still soothed it, "I'll go back after I eat."
Hearing Wen Bai's answer, System 001 finally felt at ease and went to restart.
Faced with Wen Bai's reply, Lin Shuangshuang found herself momentarily unable to refute it.
Suddenly, a news report appeared on the restaurant TV. It was about the increasing number of disappearances in the city, which had caused widespread panic. The police had launched an investigation and urged citizens to avoid going out alone at night and to travel in groups.
Several photos of missing persons were displayed, along with contact information for anyone who had seen them and rewards offered by their families.
Wen Bai's gaze swept over the screen as he heard this. He saw the face of the man with "well-defined hands" glaring at him from the television.
Jiang Yiyi threw her cup to the floor. "Why isn't he here? Why!"
Jiang Dalei: "Yiyi, eat something. You're not well right now."
"Brother, you said he would come to see me! You said he came to see me! Why hasn't he come after so many days? He's not answering my calls. Is he doing this on purpose?" Her tone softened. "Or does he just not love me anymore!"
Jiang Dalei had a headache. His sister was usually so sharp and capable, but the moment that man was involved, she became reckless, like a fool.
"He's been busy lately... Yes, he had some family matters and went back to his hometown. He asked me to tell you to rest well. Once you're better, I'll definitely bring him to see you. When have I ever lied to you? I promise."
"Then, when I'm better, Brother, you must bring him," Jiang Yiyi accepted the bowl of congee, the only thing not thrown away by her.
As he left the hospital room, Jiang Dalei asked with suppressed frustration, "Any news yet?"
The subordinate this time was more composed. "Someone saw him in the park near the hospital. We've retrieved surveillance footage from all roads in the area and need some time to review it."
Wen Bai waited obediently at home for Su Ying to return and cook for him.
As soon as he got home, he saw Su Ying's message saying he would be back to cook today.
Wen Bai went to sleep peacefully, looking forward to the delicious food when he woke up.
If the mission was completed, he wondered how many more meals Su Ying would cook for him.
He slept until dusk.
Through the uncurtained window, the entire world was forcibly shrouded in a dull gray.
Wen Bai twitched his nose.
The air was a bit damp. Was it raining?
Rubbing his eyes, Wen Bai put on his slippers.
Had Su Ying not returned yet?
As he opened the door, his sleepy mind was slow, and he almost ran into someone.
Su Ying quickly steadied him, looking at his rosy cheeks from a good sleep and his well-defined, pink lips with a small Cupid's bow.
Su Ying stared fixedly at Wen Bai's lips and said, "You're awake."
Seeing that Su Ying seemed a bit off and wasn't letting go, Wen Bai wondered if yesterday's incident was affecting him today.
But he had worn the clothes Su Ying gave him yesterday. He didn't understand why Su Ying had run off last night and ignored him all day.
It had made him panic, thinking Su Ying would never cook for him again.
Then, a spark of realization hit Wen Bai.
Last night, when Su Ying had sat on his lap, he had had trouble breathing and had pushed Su Ying away. Could it be because of that?
But nothing else had happened. They had been fine before dinner.
Excluding all impossibilities, the remaining, seemingly impossible answer, was the only answer.
The more Wen Bai thought about it, the more it made sense.
Looking at Su Ying again, his gaze... hmm?
Was he looking at his lips?
Wen Bai stood on tiptoe and, being very proactive, cupped Su Ying's head and gave him a peck.
"I'm hungry."
The soft, warm touch was fleeting. Su Ying, still processing, heard Wen Bai say that.
He steadied Wen Bai with his hands and let go, controlling himself. "Dinner is ready. Let's go eat."
Wen Bai beamed and rushed ahead. "Let's hurry then."
Watching Wen Bai's retreating back, Su Ying licked his lips. He needed to confirm something.
Su Ying rarely drank, but today he wanted a little. He took out a glass and his fingers hovered over the wine cabinet, finally stopping at a bottle. He poured himself half a glass.
Wen Bai noticed that Su Ying's drink was different from his.
He stared at Su Ying's glass and asked, "What's yours?"
Su Ying picked it up. "Want to try?"
Wen Bai nodded.
He casually took Su Ying's glass and took a big gulp.
Then he choked. But... it was delicious!
Su Ying's wine had a high alcohol content, but it had a hint of sweetness that masked the strong alcoholic taste. It was very palatable, but it had one drawback: a strong kick.
He himself didn't particularly like sweet wine.
Su Ying watched Wen Bai, who had just taken a sip and immediately asked to switch to his wine. He curled his lips.
He refilled Wen Bai's glass.
After downing a large glass, Wen Bai asked for another. Su Ying thought for a moment and stopped him.
Normally, after dinner, Wen Bai's only post-meal activity was watching cooking shows. It could be said that Wen Bai's only hobby besides eating was watching television—specifically cooking shows.
Today was no exception.
Su Ying put his dishes in the dishwasher and finished cleaning the kitchen. He came out to see Wen Bai with slightly flushed cheeks, engrossed in the television.
He was still holding a glass, and Su Ying recognized it instantly. It was his wine.
When had he poured it without him noticing?
Su Ying rubbed his forehead.
He walked closer, took off his glasses, and placed them on the cabinet. Then he picked up the remote and turned off the TV.
Wen Bai glared at Su Ying, a little displeased.
Su Ying then realized that Wen Bai was genuinely drunk.
The usual Wen Bai wouldn't glare like this; he would simply look at you with a blank expression to express his dissatisfaction.
However, Su Ying had never seen a drunk Wen Bai before.
Su Ying sat on the sofa. Wen Bai's gaze followed him, still glaring with displeasure, but he said nothing.
Su Ying gently touched Wen Bai's face. His temperature was slightly higher than usual.
As Wen Bai continued to glare, he found his glass being taken away. He was momentarily stunned.
Then he heard Su Ying say, "Come here."
Wen Bai didn't move.
It was true that you couldn't make a drunk person listen.
Su Ying's eyes flickered, and he tentatively moved closer.
When their noses touched, Wen Bai wrapped his arms around Su Ying's neck and gave him a light lick.
"My... cake..."