“System. That. It was today right?”

[Yes, host. Today is the day. The focal point of the forced fate.]

“As long as he avoid the bar or anywhere near Su Qing Ran, will it be alright?”

[It should be. In human’s life, a small decision could make a big change to their whole life. As far as of now, few alteration had diverged the plot that ought to happen under deviant’s manipulation.]

I was overjoyed on her behalf when the system told me Su Qing Ran did not went through the engagement just the night before. Even more so, when she cut off all ties with her biological family. Just like the system said before, she would have had her own character development without the interference from deviant. I am sure she would find her happiness as she go forward with her life of her own choice.

[But, host. I think the forced fate was no more.]

“So sure about that?”

[Have you not noticed how Mo Zi Qi had been treating you this whole month?]

“I know, but, nothing was certain. He could suddenly recanted his feeling. Human’s heart not only complex, it also fragile.”

From young age, I saw the adults and the peer around shed their tears, cuss their heart out, depressed, stressed, miserable for the person they once loved. It was the same thing I heard them say. That person had changed. That person do not love me anymore. And they would cry themselves out until one day, they turned up with another person by their side. It’s funny how at first they complained and grief about their ex changing, when they themselves also changed. No one will stay the same. Guess I learn it in the easy way.

[Host, according to Mo’s personality and way of life, do you really think that is possible? There might be some changes in your relationship dynamic, but I don’t think he would ever lost his attraction toward you.]

“System. Do you know why human are such an interesting creature?”

[Why?]

“Because they are painfully unpredictable. Not that’s a bad thing. Just sometimes, when the timing was not right or the situation that were not suitable, the unpredictable only put them or others in agony—”

[Warning! Warning! Host! There’s poison in your drink!]

The little panda yelp as its eyes flashing red light. “How convenient.” Sure hope the maid that served the tea didn’t heard my mumbling. I almost said my thank to this lady, but I managed to suppress it. Now, I had another way to stop the forced fate. Blocking any way out for the deviant.

[Host!]

Ignoring the warning, I took a sip from the porcelain cup. I think I had mustered up my last energy to tell the system to relax. It’s a last minute plan. I don’t know how many minutes or second had passed before I opened my eyes. This poison had quite a strong effect. I’m paralyzed. Dang it! But, I think I succeeded in making him stay by my side. He won’t meet with her anymore, and I think I might be able to cut off the weed that had been feeding off his blood and tears.

“Xia Ning!” he cried out as soon as he came into the room.

My heart clenched as I saw his red eyes and the dark circle beneath. His crumpled shirt, messy hair and loose tie. Different from the usual neat and stoic self of his. Everything about it struck a lightning of guilt directly on my heart. I might have debated with the system about human being a creature that changes over time. But, at the present, I knew deep within me, that, he care for me as I care for him. No, perhaps, more than I care for him.

“How is she?” he asked the doctor who was also his acquaintance. I knew from how he dragged the poor doctor by the neck as soon as he saw me.

“Although the poison had been pumped out from the system, she is still weak and need more rest. From what I observed, it had not been long since you pick up a good habit in keeping yourself healthy, don’t you?” the doctor turned to me as he uttered those word.

“Zi Qi had been taking care of me meticulously since we met. There was no room for illness with how attentive he was,” I replied, smiling as I stared at the pitiful man kneeling by the bedside. “Can you stand up? I’m worry you might hurt your knee.”

“Worry about yourself first. Do you know how I felt when I saw you lying on the floor with no sign of live,” he grumbled as he clutched on my hand.

“I’m sorry. I will be more careful from now.”

“No. It was not your fault. If only I had taken some precaution.”

I could only guess that he already had his answer on whose the culprit was. When I learn about him at first, I wondered why he does not took any action on his family despite how they used to treat him. He even gave them the opportunity to slid their way into his company. Initially, I thought, he might be setting a trap for them. Waiting for his prey to let their guard down before he devoured them whole.

Then, as I lived with him, I began to learn about a part of him that I perceived as vulnerable yet endearing. He longed for family affection more than anyone else. Even more than I does. He was someone who could not withstand loneliness yet he also could not admit such as weakness. In spite of the hatred he bore toward his family, they were still his family. Perhaps, he could not let go of such connection, or he would truly be all alone.

I knew of redemption, and perhaps, he was thinking of giving them such chance. However, I am not him. I have no care about familial connection or whatsoever. They hurt him. They plotted against him. They used him for their own benefit. Never once they care for him as their family much less as a human being. If me in this state would bring some resolution in him, I wouldn’t mind playing the villain. As long as I could cut off those weed that brought more harm than good.

“System.”

[Yes, host.]

“How long was I asleep?”

[Exactly 43 hours.]

“Did he get the person who poisoned me?”

[Yes. The maid was pressured by someone else, so he fired her and told her to beg for forgiveness from you. He wanted you to decide the punishment.]

“What about the person behind?”

[He had been keeping tab on them while gathering all evidence on his criminal activities. It seem he wanted to finish them off for good and blocked any way out. Host…]

“Yeah?”

[Is this the outcome you wanted?]

“Almost. I wanted him to cut off all ties to his family, so that he would be free. And I’ll make sure he would only be surrounded by people who truly care for him.”