Ji Yunxi left the cafeteria with Mo Liancheng by her side, the whispers of students trailing after them like buzzing flies. She knew this wasn't over—Lin Xi's pride had been torn apart in front of the entire school. And a cornered snake always bit back.
[System Notification: Hidden Danger Detected.]
Ji Yunxi arched a brow. "Already?"
[Side Task: Survive the trap set by Lin Xi. Reward: 100 points. Penalty: Serious injury.]
Her fingers curled loosely at her side. "So she's desperate enough to risk blood."
That evening, Ji Yunxi returned to the Lian family villa. On the surface, Madam Lian fussed over Lin Xi, comforting her in front of the servants. But when she caught sight of Ji Yunxi entering, Madam Lian's face stiffened.
"You embarrassed your sister in front of the entire academy," Madam Lian hissed when no one else was looking. "Do you take pride in ruining her reputation?"
Ji Yunxi chuckled softly, her eyes sharp. "Funny. I thought her own actions ruined her reputation. Maybe you should raise your daughter better."
"You—!" Madam Lian trembled with fury, but Ji Yunxi didn't wait for her retort. She swept past and went upstairs.
Behind her, Lin Xi's nails dug into her arm. "Mother, I want her gone. Permanently."
Madam Lian hesitated, but Lin Xi whispered something into her ear that made her blanch. After a pause, Madam Lian nodded tightly.
The next day after school, a message arrived on Ji Yunxi's phone.
Anonymous:Meet me at the abandoned warehouse outside East Gate. If you want to know the truth about your parentage, come alone.
Ji Yunxi smirked. "So obvious."
[System Alert: Trap detected. Choice:
Avoid and lose task reward.
Enter the trap and counterattack.]
"Like I'd ever choose the boring option."
She went.
The warehouse smelled of dust and rust. Shadows loomed, and a group of thugs emerged from the dark, baseball bats in hand. At their center, Lin Xi stood with a cold smile, her eyes alight with malice.
"Ji Yunxi," Lin Xi sneered, "let's see how high you hold your head after this."
Ji Yunxi tilted her head, utterly calm. "You think this is enough to deal with me? Too naïve."
One of the thugs charged. Ji Yunxi sidestepped with lightning speed, grabbing his arm and twisting until he screamed. Another swung a bat—she ducked low, kicked his knees out, and sent him sprawling.
[Combat Mode Activated. System Assistance Available: Speed +10%.]
She flowed like water, her movements sharp and precise. Within minutes, half the thugs were on the ground groaning.
Lin Xi's smirk faltered. "You useless fools! She's just one girl—!"
Before she could finish, a chill swept the room.
Mo Liancheng appeared in the doorway, his figure framed by the fading light. His eyes were dark and murderous as he looked at the thugs, then at Lin Xi.
"You dare touch her?" His voice was low, but it struck like thunder.
The thugs froze. Even Lin Xi shivered, her words caught in her throat.
Ji Yunxi glanced at him, her lips curving. "You didn't trust me to handle it alone?"
Mo Liancheng strode to her side, his aura overwhelming. "You're mine. No one touches you—even if you can handle it." His eyes burned into Lin Xi. "Try this again, and you'll beg for death."
Lin Xi stumbled back, her face pale. For the first time, true fear cracked her arrogance.
[System Notification: Side Task Completed. +100 points. Hidden Affection Value from Male Lead +5.]
Ji Yunxi smirked, brushing dust off her sleeve. "Well, that was fun."
But deep inside, she felt the system pulse faintly—as if a bigger storm was approaching.
✨ Chapter 11 Highlights:
Lin Xi escalates to physical danger by hiring thugs.
Ji Yunxi shows off her combat skills and quick thinking.
Mo Liancheng's protectiveness intensifies—publicly warning Lin Xi.
System hints that this is just the beginning of bigger plots