My and Their Anime-Style Otherworldly Survival Adventure

Jiuxiao smiled slightly, gently pulled her into his arms, wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and gave her a warm hug. Xiaomeiyan stiffened for a moment, but quickly relaxed, rested her head gently on his shoulder, and closed her eyes.

At this moment, she finally felt a long-lost sense of peace and warmth, as if all the pressure and pain had vanished. She knew that perhaps she could really try to rely on him and try to let go of those heavy burdens.

Jiuxiao felt that suppressing his smile was harder than suppressing the AK's. After all the effort, he was finally seeing the initial results. He gently stroked Akemi Homura's long hair. The girl's black hair slid through his fingertips, soft and delicate, more exquisite than even the finest silk. Jiuxiao felt his heart pounding, but he still chose to restrain himself, afraid of breaking the tranquility of the moment.

Homura Akemi's breathing gradually calmed, as if she had found a long-lost haven in his arms. She finally understood that relying on others did not mean weakness, but rather giving herself a chance to face the weight that she could not bear alone before.

Hidden in the shadows, Kyubey silently observed everything, a barely perceptible hint of disappointment flashing in its red eyes. Kyubey showed no emotional fluctuation regarding the interaction between Homura Akemi and Kusho; it simply hadn't expected Kusho to be so powerful. Its carefully laid plan had fallen apart so easily.

Perhaps, the only way to break through is to focus on that blue-haired guy... Kyubey thought to himself as he disappeared into the darkness.

On their way home, Jiuxiao and Xiaomei Yan held hands the whole time, neither of them speaking, yet both tacitly sensing each other's presence. A gentle night breeze carried a slight chill, but their palms were warm as spring. The streetlights cast soft glows, stretching their shadows long, as if telling a story of a new beginning.

Homura Akemi was still somewhat uneasy, a strange sense of guilt rising within her. She turned her head and stole a glance at Kushou, only to find him also staring at her. Homura Akemi quickly turned her head away and whispered, "Thank you..." Her voice was so soft it seemed it might be swallowed by the breeze at any moment.

Jiuxiao feigned ignorance and asked, "Thank me for what?" Jiuxiao pretended to be puzzled, but the corners of her mouth turned up slightly, and there was a mischievous smile in her eyes, as if she was trying to get her to say more.

Akemi Homura pursed her lips, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. She lowered her head, remaining silent to conceal her shyness. Seeing this, Jiuxiao's smile deepened, but he didn't press further, simply tightening his grip on her hand.

The two continued walking, their figures gradually blending into the city lights in the night. Akemi Homura felt something slowly melting inside her; the burdens that had once suffocated her seemed to be dissipating little by little.

Once home, Homura Akemi broke free of her grasp as if fleeing, and said with feigned composure, "I...I'm going to take a shower."

Jiuxiao watched Akemi Homura's retreating figure as she hurriedly fled towards the bathroom and reminded her, "Hurry up, don't miss dinner."

Homura Akemi closed the bathroom door and leaned against it. She felt her heart still pounding, and the heat on her cheeks hadn't completely subsided. Looking down at her hands, she could almost still feel the warmth of Kujou's palm. That warmth, both strange and familiar, left her momentarily at a loss.

She turned on the tap, letting the warm water wash over her body, as if trying to wash away the turmoil in her heart. However, her thoughts remained stuck in the scene from just now. She had never imagined that she would lose her composure so much in front of a man, even willing to let go of the heavy burdens she had carried for so long.

After dinner, Akemi Homura returned to her room and pulled out the lace-trimmed apron she had inexplicably bought at the supermarket. She gently stroked the soft fabric in her hands, her eyes somewhat dazed.

"Trying this style once in a while might not be bad... It's definitely not for that guy!" Homura Akemi muttered to herself, not knowing who she was explaining it to.

The next afternoon, Jiu Xiao arrived at the café where he had arranged to meet Miki Sayaka. He pushed open the door and immediately saw Miki Sayaka sitting by the window. She was stirring her coffee, looking somewhat distracted. Jiu Xiao approached and gently tapped the table. Sayaka snapped out of her reverie, looking up with a forced smile.

"You're here! I didn't expect you to be so punctual." Sayaka Miki forced a cheerful smile.

Jiu Xiao sat down opposite her, and his first words almost broke her defenses: "Of course, how could I dare to be late when a beautiful girl asked me out? By the way, I told you to wash up and wait for me yesterday, I wonder if you did?"

Sayaka Miki's cheeks flushed instantly, and she nearly spat out her coffee. She coughed a few times, frantically pulled out tissues to wipe her mouth, stared wide-eyed at Jiuxiao, and raised her voice eight octaves: "W-what are you saying! Who, who's going to wash up and wait for you?!"

Seeing her intense reaction, Jiu Xiao couldn't help but laugh out loud, his eyes full of teasing: "Just kidding, don't be so nervous. But you're really cute like this."

Miki Saya stomped her feet in anger, her cheeks as red as ripe apples, and gritted her teeth as she said, "You rascal, you're always playing tricks on people like this! I really regret asking you out!"

Jiu Xiao shrugged and said innocently, "I didn't force you to ask me out. Besides, you didn't ask me out just for coffee, did you?"

Sayaka Miki was speechless at his question, her expression becoming somewhat dejected. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously stirring the spoon in her coffee cup, her voice low: "Actually... there's something I want to ask you..."

Seeing her hesitant expression, Jiu Xiao had already guessed most of what was going on. He dropped his joking look and his tone became serious: "Speak, what is it? As long as it's not about borrowing money, anything is fine." Jiu Xiao deliberately teased her, trying to ease the girl's tension.

Sayaka Miki couldn't help but chuckle at his last sentence, but quickly regained her serious expression. She took a deep breath, as if gathering her courage, then raised her head and looked directly into Kyuu's eyes.

"I...I want to ask you for a favor. Can your healing magic treat nerve damage in the hand?" Sayaka Miki's voice was a little nervous, with a hint of expectation and unease in her eyes.

Jiuxiao suddenly realized that it was exactly as he had guessed, but he still pretended to be stupid and said, "Nerve damage in the hand? What exactly is the situation? Please explain clearly first."

Sayaka Miki lowered her head, her fingers gripping the hem of her skirt tightly, her voice so low it was almost inaudible: "Actually... he's my childhood friend. He's a violinist, but in an accident, he suffered severe nerve damage in his hand. The doctor said he might never be able to play again..."

Even though Jiuxiao already knew Miki Sayaka's intentions, and it was the result of his deliberate guidance, he still felt somewhat displeased when he heard her say these words herself.

Jiuxiao deliberately put on a sullen face and said in a low voice, "Sayaka, do you still remember what I once told you?"

Upon hearing this, Miki Sayaka instinctively shrank back. She looked up, a hint of guilt flashing in her eyes: "I... of course I remember, but I don't know what price you need me to pay?"

Jiuxiao stared at Miki Sayaka, not answering her question directly, but instead asking a completely unrelated and obvious question: "Your childhood friend is a boy, right?"

Sayaka Miki paused for a moment, then nodded, a hint of confusion on her face: "Yes, his name is Kyosuke Kamijou, we grew up together. What... what does that have to do with anything?"

Jiuxiao rubbed his forehead, sighed with feigned helplessness, and said with a hint of teasing, "Sayaka, don't you think it's a little... inappropriate for you to come to me for help because of a boy?"

Upon hearing this, Sayaka Miki's face instantly turned bright red, and she frantically waved her hands, explaining, "Y-you mustn't misunderstand! Kyosuke and I are just friends, childhood friends! I... I just don't want to see him lose his dream because of this, he really loves the violin..."

Jiuxiao raised an eyebrow, looking at her with a half-smile: "Oh? So you're just friends? Sayaka, have you thought this through? My healing magic is extremely precious and I don't usually use it lightly, especially on ordinary people. Even if I heal him, you can't tell him the truth. Can you accept that? You'll pay the price, and in the end, you might get nothing."

Sayaka Miki was silent for a moment, a flicker of struggle crossing her eyes, but she quickly regained her resolve. She raised her head, looking directly at the sky, her voice trembling slightly but filled with determination: "I...I understand. I don't need his thanks, nor do I need him to know the truth. I just want him to pick up his violin again and continue chasing his dreams. However, I heard you say before that casting this kind of magic requires a price, and if it will cause you harm, then...then forget it..."

Hearing Sayaka Miki say that, Jiuxiao felt a little relieved. But he still emphasized again, "Sayaka, are you really sure about this?"

Sayaka Miki nodded, her eyes showing no hesitation: "I've thought it through. This was originally just my wishful thinking; I never expected anything in return..."

P.S.: There's a plot twist later on, so don't worry! We absolutely have to give Kamijou Kyosuke a proper makeover, hehehe! 9K points today! Can you all vote for me?

Chapter 158 Life is like a play, all depends on acting skills

Recalling Sayaka Miki's fate in the original work, Jiu Xiao's feelings grew increasingly complex. He knew Sayaka Miki's kindness and persistence, but it was precisely because of this that he was even more worried about her future. In the original work, Sayaka Miki sacrificed so much for Kyosuke Kamijou, even at the cost of her own life, only to meet a tragic end. Jiu Xiao didn't want to see such a tragedy repeat itself, and he was even less willing to see her compromise herself for Kyosuke Kamijou.

Jiuxiao sighed, his tone tinged with helplessness and pity: "Sayaka, not asking for anything in return doesn't mean you don't want anything in return. I just hope you won't regret your decision today, or in the future... Damn it, you're only fourteen, right? You're already demanding of yourself the standards of a saint. If it were me, haha..."

Jiuxiao's words startled Miki Sayaka slightly. Her fingers unconsciously twisted together as she whispered, "I... I just felt that this was the last thing I could do for him. He loved the violin so much, and if he could never play again because of the injury, he would be in so much pain. I don't want to see him like that."

Jiuxiao truly felt sorry for Miki Sayaka. What kind of person was Kamijou Kyosuke? Ever since he was injured and hospitalized, a girl who frequently visited him, comforted him, specially found various CDs for him, cheered him up, and made him happy, even when she was being used as a punching bag, still encouraged him. She was neither family nor lover, yet she constantly gave to him without asking for anything in return. Didn't she like him? Or was she just after the Kamijou family's wealth?

If Kyosuke Kamijou didn't realize that Sayaka Miki liked him, it could only mean he was either hopelessly oblivious or completely indifferent to her feelings. To think that all of this was perfectly natural, that it was all reasonable, that they were just friends—that kind of person disgusts me! Thinking this, a surge of anger welled up within Jiuxiao.

Of course, perhaps it's because Jiuxiao likes Miki Sayaka that he feels such strong aversion to Kamijou Kyosuke. So, that might be a bit subjective... Let me add a couple more points!

If Kyosuke Kamijou had already sensed Sayaka's feelings for him, yet chose to ignore them, even taking advantage of her kindness and sacrifices, then his problem was far more serious! He neither accepted nor rejected her, taking all of Sayaka's kindness for granted, like playing with pawns in a game of chess. Then, he swiftly accepted Hitomi Shizuki's confession, without even telling Sayaka that he had been discharged from the hospital. This behavior had reached a point where there was no way to smooth things over!

This cutting speed is infuriatingly rushed! No, saying that sounds a bit like venting my emotions... Well, let me say a few more words!

He! Kyosuke Kamijou! He doesn't deserve any of Sayaka's efforts at all!

So, Jiuxiao was extremely unhappy! But he didn't show it, instead shrugging casually: "Alright, since you put it that way, I'll reluctantly help you this once. However, Sayaka, you should know that my healing magic isn't free. But! Since you're my good 'brother,' how about this, I can help you this time for free."

The repeated twists and turns almost left Sayaka Miki momentarily stunned. When she heard Jiuxiao say "free," she breathed a sigh of relief, a grateful smile appearing on her face. This was quickly followed by deep self-reproach. She shouldn't have involved Jiuxiao in this matter in the first place, yet she had used his kindness to help Kyosuke Kamijou, which made her feel incredibly guilty.

“Jiuxiao, I…” Sayaka Miki’s voice hesitated. Although she was happy that Jiuxiao was willing to help her for free, the guilt in her heart made it impossible for her to accept this kindness. She lowered her head, not daring to look Jiuxiao in the eye, afraid of seeing disappointment or dissatisfaction on his face.

"I know this is selfish, but... I really don't know who else I could ask for help. Thank you, Jiuxiao, I'll find a way to make it up to you..."

Looking at Sayaka Miki's guilty and helpless expression, Jiu Xiao's heart softened. He sighed and gently stroked her hair. "Don't think too much, Sayaka. There's no need for compensation. You're still a student, what can you offer me? Besides, I'm not helping you for any reward, just like how you selflessly helped Kyosuke Kamijou. I simply want to help you." Jiu Xiao's tone was gentle, but his words carried a subtle hint.

Jiu Xiao's words resonated with Sayaka Miki; she never expected the usually unreliable Jiu Xiao to say such things. It felt as if she had found a kindred spirit, and Jiu Xiao's image grew taller in her heart.

Feeling the warmth from his palm, Sayaka Miki's eyes reddened slightly, a mix of grievance and gratitude welling up inside her, as if she had found a safe haven. She looked up into Jiuxiao's deep eyes and whispered, "Jiuxiao, thank you... I didn't expect you to be so reliable in such a crucial moment..."

Jiuxiao withdrew his hand and retorted, "That last sentence was unnecessary. I've always been reliable, okay?"

After the deal was settled, Jiu Xiao and Sayaka Miki left the cafe together. The setting sun cast golden ripples on them. Sayaka felt a little lighter, but a trace of worry still lingered between her brows. She would occasionally steal glances at Jiu Xiao, as if trying to glean something from his expression.

Noticing her gaze, Jiu Xiao's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile. "What, are you worried that I'll go back on my word? Don't worry, since I promised to help you, I will definitely do it." Jiu Xiao's voice was calm and firm, as if reassuring Sayaka.

Upon hearing this, Miki Sayaka blushed and quickly shook her head, explaining, "No, Jiuxiao, I'm not doubting you. I just... I just feel a little embarrassed that you got involved when it was someone you had nothing to do with..." Her voice trailed off, until it was almost a soliloquy.

Seeing her awkward expression, Jiu Xiao couldn't help but laugh out loud: "Sayaka, when did you become so shy? This isn't like you at all. Could it be someone else in disguise? Tell me, where did you hide my Shuang-ge?"

"I told you not to call me that! And who, who is your Shuang-ge?! Ugh, shameless..." Miki Saya glared at Jiu Xiao, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment and anger. She clenched her fists, as if to punch him, but in the end she only gently pushed him away, her tone tinged with helplessness and reproach: "You're always so unserious. You seemed so reliable just now, but now you've shown your true colors again!"

Jiuxiao laughed and dodged her movement, then exaggeratedly clutched his chest, pretending to be injured: "Oh dear, Sayaka, you're too ruthless! I just agreed to help you, is this how you treat your benefactor?"

Miki Sayaka couldn't help but laugh at his appearance, but she quickly suppressed her laughter and glared at him seriously: "Who told you to always talk nonsense! Besides, I didn't use any force, so don't pretend!"

"Hmm, as expected, this look suits you better. Sayaka with a gloomy face doesn't look like you at all." Jiuxiao put away his exaggerated expression, his tone softened, and his eyes showed a hint of concern.

Sayaka was caught off guard by his sudden seriousness, and her composed expression crumbled completely. Her heart pounded like a drum; she lowered her head, avoiding Jiuxiao's gaze, and muttered softly, "You're always like this, serious one minute, and not serious the next. You're so unpredictable..."

Jiuxiao chuckled softly, looked up at the distant sunset, and said with a hint of laziness, "It's the unpredictability that makes things interesting. If it were too easy to figure out, wouldn't it lose a lot of its fun?"

Sayaka couldn't help but roll her eyes at him, but the corners of her mouth unconsciously turned up slightly. She took a deep breath, feeling the cool evening breeze on her cheeks, and her mood seemed more relaxed than before. At the same time, she felt something quietly sprouting in her heart, like some kind of emotion she had never felt before growing wildly.

During their chat, the two arrived at the hospital. The hospital corridor was filled with a faint smell of disinfectant, and the white walls and white lights made the whole space seem particularly desolate. Sayaka stood beside Jiuxiao, her steps unconsciously slowing down, her fingers nervously twisting together, her gaze occasionally glancing towards the ward at the end of the corridor.

"Is there anything I can do for you?" Sayaka asked in a low voice, her voice tinged with hesitation and unease.

Jiu Xiao turned his head and glanced at her, a faint smile still on his lips: "One word, wait." Seemingly worried that Miki Sayaka might not understand his meaning, Jiu Xiao continued to explain: "As I said before, we can't let Kamijou Kyosuke, an ordinary person, know about the existence of supernatural powers, so let's wait until he falls asleep before we take action."

Sayaka nodded, looking somewhat uneasy. Jiuxiao noticed her unease, gently patted her shoulder, and comforted her, "Don't worry, everything will be fine. Just trust me and follow the plan."

The two arrived outside Kyosuke Kamijou's hospital room. Jiuxiao pricked up his ears, listening intently to the sounds inside. Jiuxiao's senses were now extremely sharp; even through the walls, he could clearly hear the slightest noises from inside the room if he wanted to. He held his breath, focusing intently on the sounds inside the room, confirming that Kyosuke Kamijou's breathing had become even and steady, indicating that he had clearly fallen asleep.

Jiu Xiao turned his head slightly and gestured for Sayaka to be quiet, then gently pushed open the door to the ward. Sayaka followed behind him, her steps as light as a cat's, afraid of making the slightest sound. Her heart was racing, her palms were slightly sweaty, and her gaze was fixed on Jiu Xiao's back, as if he were her only support at that moment.

Inside the ward, Kyosuke Kamijou lay quietly on the bed, his face pale and his breathing weak. Jiuxiao walked to the bedside, his gaze falling on Kyosuke's arm. He reached out and gently touched Kyosuke's wrist with his fingertips, whispering to Sayaka, "Don't worry, he can still be saved."

Sayaka's lips twitched almost imperceptibly. "Can he still be saved? What kind of nonsense is that? He's not in any real danger..." But she still whispered, "Then I'll leave it to you."

Jiuxiao nodded, and a pink light emanated from his palm, gradually enveloping Kamijou Kyosuke's arm. Sayaka held her breath, staring intently at the light, her heart filled with both tension and anticipation. She didn't know what Jiuxiao was going to do, but at this moment, she could only choose to trust him.

The light gradually softened, like flowing water, slowly seeping into Kyosuke Kamijou's skin. Kyuu's expression was focused and calm, as if performing a silent ritual. Sayaka noticed a subtle change in Kyuu's complexion; his once rosy cheeks gradually turned pale, and fine beads of sweat even appeared on his forehead. Sayaka's heart tightened, and she instinctively wanted to ask, but seeing Kyuu's focused expression, she swallowed her words.

Jiuxiao's current state is obviously an act; the purpose is clear to those who understand, and those who don't should quickly review the previous text...

Time seemed to stretch on endlessly at that moment, and Sayaka felt her heartbeat exceptionally clear in the silent hospital room. She stared intently at Jiuxiao's movements, afraid of missing even the slightest detail. Finally, the pink light gradually dissipated, and Jiuxiao slowly withdrew his hand.

"Alright." Jiu Xiao's voice was a little hoarse, filled with deep exhaustion. He deliberately breathed slightly, as if the previous action had exhausted him. At the same time, he lost his footing and his body fell backward uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Miki Sayaka quickly hugged him from behind and asked anxiously, "Hey, are you alright? Don't scare me."

Jiuxiao waved his hand, making a "shush" gesture, and then signaled Miki Sayaka to help him to the door.

Miki Sayaka carefully helped Jiuxiao out of the ward and gently closed the door. In a corner she didn't notice, Jiuxiao took out a small bottle of tomato juice from his system space and secretly took a sip.

Miki Sayaka helped Kyuu sit down on a bench in the corridor, her face full of worry. "Are you really alright? Should we call a doctor?" she asked softly, her gaze sweeping over his pale face.

Seeing that the opportunity was not to be missed, Jiu Xiao deliberately coughed, his lips stained red with tomato juice. "Cough cough cough, I'm fine, it's just a minor fatal injury... I'll be able to recover in about a year or two. But you, you should go and see Kamijou-kun, I'm not entirely sure if he's fully healed."

When Miki Sayaka saw the "blood" seeping from Jiu Xiao's mouth, her pupils contracted sharply, and her face instantly turned deathly pale. She frantically grabbed Jiu Xiao's arm, her voice trembling, "You...you're coughing up blood! How could I possibly abandon you? Why didn't you tell me sooner that the consequences would be so severe! Damn it, it's all my fault. If I hadn't insisted on your help, you wouldn't be like this..."

P.S.: Isn't this a bit too despicable...?

Chapter 159 Never Forget the Original Intention

Sayaka Miki's voice was almost choked with sobs, her eyes brimming with tears as if they were about to burst. She clung tightly to half of Jiuxiao's body, afraid he would collapse at any moment. Her mind was a mess; Jiuxiao's "injuries" had completely thrown her into a panic, and she had even forgotten that Kyosuke Kamijou was still lying in the ward.

Seeing his plan work, Jiuxiao was secretly pleased, but outwardly he still feigned weakness. He slightly raised his eyelids, his gaze exceptionally weary, and his voice was barely a whisper, "Sayaka... don't worry, I'm really fine. I'm just... a little tired..." He paused deliberately, as if gathering his strength to speak, and then continued, "Go check on Kamijou-kun first, I'm going to rest..."

Miki Sayaka's tears finally streamed down her face. She shook her head violently, interrupting Jiuxiao, and said in a choked voice, "No! I can't leave you! You're already like this, how could I... how could I... Idiot, don't be stubborn!"

The two were very close; Jiuxiao could even feel Miki Sayaka's rapid and warm breathing. To an outsider, this scene would look like a pair of silly lovers making out.

Sure enough, there were a few nurses in the distance pointing and whispering in our direction, occasionally letting out a soft laugh. They had clearly misunderstood the scene before them, thinking it was a young couple being affectionate in the corridor.

Miki Sayaka was completely oblivious to the strange looks around her. Her attention was entirely focused on Jiu Xiao, her heart filled with self-reproach and worry. She didn't even notice that her tears were falling drop by drop onto Jiu Xiao's face, and her body was trembling slightly, as if she was trying her best to suppress her inner fear and self-blame. Jiu Xiao sensed her almost out-of-control emotions and felt a faint sense of guilt.

All I can say is that you, Jiuxiao, have no shame at all in order to build a harem!

The atmosphere had been built up to this point, so he had no choice but to grit his teeth and continue acting. Jiu Xiao smiled bitterly to himself. Although the plan was going smoothly, he still felt a little sorry for Miki Sayaka when he saw her in so much pain.

Seeing that Jiu Xiao remained silent for a long time, Miki Sayaka panicked, thinking that something serious had really happened to him, and her tears flowed even more profusely. She shook Jiu Xiao's shoulders violently, her voice almost desperate: "Jiu Xiao! Don't scare me! Say something! You can't be hurt, you absolutely can't be hurt! I... I'll go call the doctor right away! Wait for me, I'll be right back!"

After saying that, she released Jiuxiao and turned to run towards the nurses' station. Seeing this, Jiuxiao's heart tightened, and he quickly grabbed her wrist, his voice weak but urgent: "Don't...don't go, Sayaka...I'm really fine, I'm just...a little tired, I want to rest..."

Miki Sayaka stopped and turned to look at Jiuxiao, her eyes filled with doubt and worry. She bit her lip, her voice trembling, "You...you're really alright? But just now..."

Jiu Xiao forced a smile and gently patted the back of her hand. "It's really nothing, you're too nervous. I'm just... a little sleepy, I want to sleep for a while."

Sayaka Miki stared into his eyes, trying to find a flaw in his expression. But Jiuxiao's acting was too superb, and she could only nod with some doubt in the end, "Well... alright then, you get some rest, I'll stay here with you."

Jiu Xiao breathed a sigh of relief, but on the surface he still pretended to be weak, gently hummed "hmm", and then slowly closed his eyes, as if he had really fallen asleep.

Miki Sayaka sat beside him, holding Jiuxiao's hand tightly, her gaze fixed on his weak face. To make him as comfortable as possible, Miki Sayaka gritted her teeth, steeled her resolve, and gently placed Jiuxiao's head on her lap, a so-called lap pillow.

Lowering her head, Sayaka Miki looked at Kyuu's handsome yet slightly pale face, and endless regret welled up in her heart. Gradually, this regret transformed into shyness, which quickly spread throughout her body.

Sayaka Miki felt her cheeks burning, and her heart was pounding uncontrollably, as if it were about to burst out of her chest. She instinctively wanted to look away, but couldn't bear to, her gaze lingering on Jiuxiao's face, as if trying to etch every detail of him into her memory.

This was the first time she had ever been so intimate with a man her own age, and thinking about it made Sayaka Miki feel her whole body burning. Her fingers unconsciously brushed against Jiuxiao's forehead, her thoughts a jumbled mess of worry for his safety and embarrassment at her own actions. She had never imagined she would be so close to Jiuxiao in such a situation.

Jiu Xiao felt numb with pride after winning; this was Shuang Ge's lap pillow! Perhaps it was the saying "the unattainable is always the most alluring," or some other psychological urge, but Jiu Xiao felt a strange, inappropriate sense of pleasure rising within him...

He closed his eyes, feeling the girl's softness and the faint touch of her fingertips, as well as her fragrance, as sweet as orchids and musk, and secretly rejoiced. Although he hadn't completely won over Sayaka Kisaki yet, he believed he was not far from his goal.

A moment later, Jiu Xiao felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He wanted to pretend he didn't hear it, but when he thought that it might be his senior or Xiao Yuan calling him, his heart tightened, afraid that he would miss some important message.

Miki Sayaka also noticed her phone vibrating and asked softly, "Kyuu, is someone calling you?"

Jiu Xiao frowned slightly, slowly opened his eyes, and deliberately showed a sleepy look.

"Hmm?...Let me see."

Jiu Xiao took out his phone from his pocket, and the screen displayed a message from Xiao Yuan. He quickly glanced at it, and his heart sank. It wasn't that Xiao Yuan was in any danger; rather, she was inviting Jiu Xiao to her house that evening.

The timing was simply terrible; it couldn't have come earlier or later, but of all times. Jiuxiao inwardly cursed his bad luck, but maintained a calm expression. He quickly racked his brains for a way to escape, wanting to avoid arousing Miki Sayaka's suspicion while also not wanting to refuse Madoka's invitation.