The next day, early morning.
Inside the Gu family compound.
"Should I test it here?"
Gu Yan stopped in front of a large tree, glancing between his fist and the trunk. A trace of eagerness flickered in his eyes.
This would be the most direct way to test whether the [Universe Pure Love Technique] really worked.
He could feel that something within his body had changed. Just waking up that morning, he had felt more energetic than usual. His skin even looked healthier.
But that couldn't be the only effect, right?
Don't tell me this so-called divine technique is nothing but a glorified fitness exercise? That would be hilarious! The description clearly said it would make me stronger and more handsome!
He had asked the system about it earlier, but the response was unhelpful: since it had upgraded to version 2.0, it had no record of this "Pure Love Technique."
Gu Yan clenched his fist and approached the tree.
According to the original system's description, the technique ran automatically, twenty-four hours a day. All he had to do was act with pure love, and the energy generated would strengthen him.
What's more, pure love was cumulative. All the good deeds and sincere efforts from before should already have produced plenty of energy inside his body.
If that's the case… then breaking a little tree like this shouldn't be a problem!
A breeze rustled the leaves, brushing against his sleeves. Gu Yan closed his eyes and placed his palm on the tree trunk.
He could feel a vibrant, surging energy flowing through his body.
Here it comes! This must be the effect of the Pure Love Technique!
Gu Yan's heart raced. Could this be the moment where everything changed?
He opened his eyes, pressed his palm against the tree, and shouted—
"Heh!"
…
Nothing happened.
The tree stood firm, not a single leaf shaken.
"...?"
Gu Yan blinked, lowering his hand. His expression stiffened.
What the hell? How is this tree so strong?
Bang!
He slapped the trunk again, harder this time.
Still nothing.
"What's going on? Didn't I practice the Universe Pure Love Technique?! Isn't the universe supposed to be vast? Isn't pure love supposed to be powerful? So why… why isn't anything happening?!"
His face froze in disbelief.
Right then, the system's calm prompt chimed in his head.
[Hello, Host. Reminder: This is a normal world. Don't expect those flashy powers you've read about in other novels.]
[Some slight changes have been detected compared to yesterday, but they are negligible. The only noticeable improvement is a minor enhancement to your skin and appearance. Conclusion: You were scammed by System 1.0 under the name of "compensation."]
"…?"
Gu Yan cursed under his breath.
After a moment, he exhaled. "Forget it. It's not like I needed the system anyway."
His eyes shifted to the system interface, where categories like [Human Resources], [Skills], [Technology], and [Knowledge] were displayed.
A smile tugged at his lips. This will be more useful anyway.
He turned back to the tree and began punching it repeatedly.
…
Inside the house, Gu Tianming and Su Murong peeked through the window, watching their son pummel the tree like a madman.
They exchanged bewildered looks.
"What in the world is that kid doing? Getting up at dawn to beat up a tree with his bare hands?"
"Some… new kind of fitness method?"
…
Meanwhile, at the Yan residence.
Yan Ling'er shuffled into the bathroom, still half-asleep, wearing his pink bunny-print pajamas. His hair was a mess as he lazily brushed his teeth.
He had gone to bed late last night after his sister's math tutoring session.
"Good morning, Ling'er. Did you stay up late? You're already in your last year of middle school—don't stay up all night reading novels," a familiar voice called out.
Carrying a bag of vegetables, Gu Yan walked past.
"Mm, morning, brother-in-law," Ling'er replied automatically, toothbrush still in his mouth.
Brush. Brush. Brush.
His sleepy eyes suddenly widened. He froze, staring at Gu Yan's retreating back.
"…Trash! Trash Gu?!"
All traces of drowsiness vanished.
Why was this man here so early in the morning?!
Spitting out the foam, she bolted to the kitchen.
Sure enough, Gu Yan stood at the sink, sleeves rolled up, washing preserved eggs.
"Hey! Trash Gu! What are you doing?!"
He glanced at him calmly, then continued washing. "Making breakfast. We're having preserved egg and lean meat porridge."
"…For a small fry, you sure can do a lot," Ling'er muttered, though his eyes sparkled at the mention of food. "Add more shredded pork to mine."
He swallowed unconsciously, realizing how hungry he was.
But then he remembered—he was supposed to be chasing him away, not praising his cooking!
Gu Yan passed him a tissue. "Little devil, go brush your teeth properly. You still have foam on your mouth."
Ling'er stiffened, staring at the tissue, then up at him. His cheeks flushed red.
Snatching it away, he huffed, "Who's a little devil?! I'm already fourteen! I'm big!"
He puffed out his chest, then spun around dramatically. "Hmph! Just you wait, Trash Gu! I'm telling my sister!"
He stomped out, humming nonsense as he went.
Gu Yan chuckled and shook his head. "This brat."
But then, suddenly—
A vision flashed before his eyes.
[A frail figure lay in a pool of blood. A masked woman sprinted toward them, her voice breaking with terror.]
["I'm sorry… I shouldn't… sister....I'm sorry…"]
["Ling'er!!"]
Gu Yan froze.
He clenched his jaw, continuing to wash the eggs as though nothing had happened. But the image replayed in his mind.
That… was Yan Ling'er's ending in the original story.
He hadn't cared much when reading it before. But now, seeing him alive before him, it hit different.
Could this be a new function of the system?
No matter what—it confirmed one thing.
This is why Yan Qingqiu became the final villain. Because Ling'er dies.
Gu Yan inhaled sharply, eyes narrowing.
No. I won't let that happen. I'll protect him. I'll protect Qingqiu too. I don't need her to stay the villain by losing her family.
Determination burned in his gaze.
"System, exchange all my points for self-defense skills and combat experience. If I have to prevent this tragedy, I'll be ready."
[Detected pure love motivation! Sacrificing points to protect your sister-in-law and prevent heartbreak for your wife. System is very satisfied!]
[120 points deducted! Acquired: God-Level Self-Defense Skills + God-Level Combat Experience + Bonus Fighting Techniques!]
Gu Yan's lips twitched. "God-level, my ass. If they've got guns, I'll be sent to 'discuss life and death' with the real gods."
Still, he felt more confident. With Lao Gao by his side and these new skills, he had plenty of cards to play.
"Alright. Time to cook the porridge."
...
.....
Later, in the Yan family study.
Yan Qingqiu sat flipping through a book when she heard faint footsteps. The corner of her lips twitched upward before she quickly suppressed it.
Without looking up, she said coolly, "I don't recall inviting you in."
Gu Yan chuckled softly as he entered. Oddly, her cold tone didn't discourage him—it only made him want to stay longer.
He walked over, squatted down, and gently combed through her hair with his fingers.
"You didn't invite me, but I remember you told me last night—'it's up to you.' Besides, if I don't come, who'll make breakfast for you two?"
Qingqiu tilted her head slightly, allowing his fingers to graze her hair but never pushing him away. Her voice was cool, yet the faint curve of her lips gave her away."A casual answer can also mean rejection."
Her lashes fluttered as she smirked faintly."As for how I knew… disfigured people develop sharper senses. Based on your weight, footsteps, and breathing rhythm—it was obvious."
That explanation was nonsense, and both of them knew it. But instead of calling her out, he chose to play along, eyes bright with amusement.
"As expected of my Qingqiu," he praised with exaggeration.
Qingqiu's lips quivered despite herself, the tiniest smile slipping free. She quickly hid it.
This man… He really is different.
She closed her book with a quiet thud, then stood up. Her eyes softened as she extended a slender hand toward him."Let's go. You made century egg and lean meat porridge, didn't you?"
Gu Yan blinked. "You knew?!"
Her tone was serious, but her eyes glimmered. "I calculated it."
"…Seriously?"
"No," she said, a faint laugh in her voice. "Ling'er told me."
He chuckled, then took her hand and escorted her toward the dining table.