Last night, he and Yeli talked late into the night. He slept less than five hours, yet felt surprisingly refreshed.
"Yeli, what time is it?" Xiao Ming asked, eyes half-closed.
"7:23 a.m.," Yeli's voice was softer than yesterday. "Lin Xiaoxiao woke up ten minutes ago and is debating whether to knock on your door."
Xiao Ming smiled, got out of bed, and after a quick wash, opened the curtains. Sunlight instantly filled the room. He squinted and looked outside.
The morning on the farm was peaceful and serene. The distant mountains, shrouded in the morning glow, looked like an ink painting. Just as Xiao Ming was admiring the view, a gentle knock sounded at the door.
"Xiao Ming, are you awake?" Lin Xiaoxiao's sweet voice came through the door.
Xiao Ming opened it. Lin Xiaoxiao stood there in a pink dress, her hair tied into cute pigtails, radiating youthful charm under the sunlight.
"Morning," she looked up slightly, her bright eyes meeting Xiao Ming's. "Did you sleep well?"
Xiao Ming nodded and stepped aside to let her in. "Not bad. You?"
"I had a sweet dream," Lin Xiaoxiao entered the room, curiously glancing around before turning to face him, blushing. "I dreamed we… were always together."
Looking into her expectant eyes, Xiao Ming gently stroked her cheek. "Dreams do come true."
Lin Xiaoxiao blushed deeper and lowered her head shyly, stealing glances at him. Xiao Ming suddenly felt a strong urge to embrace this adorable girl—but he restrained himself.
"Your sister's coming back today, right?" Xiao Ming changed the subject.
Lin Xiaoxiao nodded. "Mm, she said she'd be here this morning. Shall we pick her up?"
"Of course." Xiao Ming grabbed his jacket. "Let's eat breakfast first, then head to the station."
They walked to the dining area together. Lin Xiaoxiao skipped like a little girl, occasionally sneaking peeks at Xiao Ming. Noticing the affection in her eyes, Xiao Ming felt a sense of satisfaction.
"Yeli, where is Lin Jie now?" Xiao Ming asked silently.
"She just boarded the train. ETA is two hours," Yeli replied. "According to her phone records, she contacted the school's lawyer last night. Seems like she's finalizing things regarding Chen Ming."
Xiao Ming nodded and kept chatting with Lin Xiaoxiao as if nothing had happened.
After breakfast, they decided to stroll along the farm path until it was time to head to the station. The early summer sun was mild, perfect under the shade of trees.
"Xiao Ming," Lin Xiaoxiao suddenly stopped and looked at him seriously. "Can I ask you something?"
Xiao Ming saw her serious face and nodded. "What is it?"
"What's your relationship with my sister?" she asked cautiously, eyes flickering with complex emotions.
Xiao Ming raised his eyebrows, surprised. "We're just friends. Why?"
Lin Xiaoxiao lowered her head, fiddling with her fingers. "It's just… I overheard your phone call last night. You two sounded very close." She looked up, a hint of grievance in her eyes. "She's never trusted any guy like that before."
Xiao Ming chuckled and ruffled her hair. "We're just dealing with Professor Chen Ming's situation. That's all." He paused deliberately. "Besides, I'm not interested in her."
Lin Xiaoxiao's eyes lit up. "Really? Then… who are you interested in?"
Just as Xiao Ming was about to answer, his phone rang. It was Lin Jie.
"It's your sister," Xiao Ming said and answered, "Hello?"
"Xiao Ming," Lin Jie's voice was slightly urgent, "The train arrived early. I'm already at the station."
Xiao Ming frowned. "That fast? Alright, we'll head over now."
He hung up and turned to Lin Xiaoxiao. "Your sister's here. Let's go pick her up."
Lin Xiaoxiao nodded, her excitement fading into slight disappointment—clearly still waiting for Xiao Ming's answer. He pretended not to notice and took her hand as they walked toward the station.
The station was small, with few people. As they arrived, they saw Lin Jie at the exit, pulling a small suitcase, scanning the crowd. She wore a simple white shirt and jeans, her hair loosely tied back—looking capable and beautiful.
"Sis!" Lin Xiaoxiao waved and ran over.
Seeing her, Lin Jie smiled and opened her arms to hug her sister tightly, gently stroking her hair with affection in her eyes.
Xiao Ming approached and met Lin Jie's gaze. For a moment, he saw a mix of suspicion, gratitude, hope—and a hint of emotion hard to describe.
"Hello, hero," Lin Jie teased, releasing her sister and shaking Xiao Ming's hand. "I heard you've taken good care of my sister while I was gone."
Xiao Ming shrugged. "She's very mature. Doesn't need much looking after."
Lin Xiaoxiao pouted. "Not true! Xiao Ming's been super nice to me! We rode horses, had picnics, went boating…"
Lin Jie cut in with a smile. "Alright, alright. Tell me later." She looked at Xiao Ming with a probing gaze. "Can we talk alone? About Chen Ming…"
Xiao Ming nodded. "Of course, after we get back to the farm."
The three returned together. On the way, Lin Xiaoxiao enthusiastically recounted her recent experiences, occasionally glancing at Xiao Ming with admiration. Lin Jie responded with smiles, though at times seemed lost in thought. Xiao Ming noticed and knew she had many questions.
Back at the farm, Lin Xiaoxiao volunteered to help in the kitchen, giving Xiao Ming and her sister time to talk. Gratefully, Lin Jie nodded and walked with him to the garden behind the house.
The garden was blooming with flowers, bees buzzing among them, everything peaceful and serene. But Lin Jie's expression grew more serious.
"Xiao Ming," she sat on a bench, looking him straight in the eyes. "Who are you really?"
Xiao Ming remained calm and sat beside her. "What do you mean?"
"Don't pretend," Lin Jie shook her head. "Chen Ming may be a bastard, but what he said about you… I can't ignore it."
Xiao Ming was silent, then asked softly, "What did he say?"
"He said you're not really a psychologist, and your background is full of holes," she stared into his eyes. "Though the school verified your license, I still feel… something's off."
Xiao Ming looked at her and smiled suddenly. "Do you trust me, Lin Jie?"
Lin Jie was caught off guard. "What?"
"Just a simple question," his gaze deepened. "Do you trust me—my character, my choices?"
She hesitated, battling within. At last, she sighed. "I don't know if I should trust you. But I do believe you're not a bad person. You've helped and protected Xiaoxiao."
Xiao Ming nodded and walked to the flowerbed, back to her. "I'm not a psychologist from this world."
Lin Jie gasped. "What do you mean? This world?"
He turned around, a mysterious smile on his face. "Lin Jie, if I told you this world is just one of many—would you believe it?"
Lin Jie's eyes widened, unsure how to respond. She instinctively leaned back, as if trying to distance herself from this insane idea.
"What are you talking about?" she finally asked, voice trembling. "Is this some kind of psychology experiment?"
Xiao Ming shook his head and slowly walked back to the bench. "Not an experiment—this is the truth. I come from another world… or rather, another dimension."
Lin Jie stood up, her expression shifting from confusion to concern. "Xiao Ming, you need rest—or maybe... see a doctor."
Suddenly, Xiao Ming grabbed her wrist with a force that surprised her—she couldn't break free. "Look into my eyes, Lin Jie. You felt it too, didn't you? From the moment we met—you knew I was different."
Lin Jie wanted to deny it, but when she looked into his deep eyes, a strange sensation surged through her. Those eyes weren't ordinary—they seemed to hold endless years and knowledge, unfathomable.
"I..." Lin Jie's voice weakened. "I did feel you were... special."
Xiao Ming released her wrist and stepped back. "Sorry. I scared you." He sighed. "I shouldn't have told you so directly. But there's not much time—I'll be leaving this world very soon."
Lin Jie rubbed her wrist, eyeing him warily. "Leaving? To where?"
"To another world," Xiao Ming said simply. "And... I want to take you and Xiaoxiao with me."
That sentence stunned Lin Jie. She stared at him, speechless. Just then, Lin Xiaoxiao's voice came from a distance.
"Sis! Xiao Ming! Lunch is ready!" Lin Xiaoxiao stood at the back door of the farmhouse, waving at them.
Lin Jie took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. "Let's go back. This topic… we'll talk about it later." She quickly got up and walked toward the house without waiting for Xiao Ming's response.
Xiao Ming watched her leave, a faint smile on his lips.
"Yeli, what's Lin Jie's favorability rating now?" Xiao Ming asked in his mind.
"70%," Yeli replied with a teasing tone. "Your honesty actually increased her favorability. Though she's still confused, she feels your sincerity."
Xiao Ming nodded in satisfaction and followed her back.
During lunch, the atmosphere was subtly tense. Lin Xiaoxiao chatted excitedly, but Lin Jie was clearly distracted—stealing glances at Xiao Ming with confusion in her eyes. Xiao Ming acted casually, replying to Xiaoxiao while occasionally smiling at Lin Jie, as if waiting for her to ask more.
After the meal, Lin Xiaoxiao suggested picking fruit in the orchard. Lin Jie reluctantly agreed. The three of them walked together toward the orchard, sunlight filtering through the trees, dappled on the ground, with a gentle breeze bringing the scent of fresh fruit.
Lin Xiaoxiao ran ahead excitedly while Lin Jie and Xiao Ming walked side by side, the silence between them thick with tension.
"So," Lin Jie finally spoke in a low voice, making sure her sister couldn't hear, "what you said—is it true? Are you really... leaving this world?"
Xiao Ming nodded. "Very soon."
"Why tell me?" Lin Jie asked. "You could have just left quietly. No one would know."
Xiao Ming looked at her gently. "Because I want to take you both with me."
Lin Jie stopped, staring at him in disbelief. "That's impossible! What are you talking about? People can't just travel between worlds! This isn't a sci-fi movie!"
Xiao Ming stopped as well, facing her. "Lin Jie, the world is far more complex than you think. Some things lie beyond the scope of current science."
"Even if I believe what you said," Lin Jie's voice trembled, "why us? You've barely known us—why bring us along?"
Xiao Ming looked at her flushed face and suddenly raised a hand to her cheek. "Because I care about you."
Lin Jie was startled by the sudden intimacy but didn't pull away. Xiao Ming's hand was warm, and the touch made her heart race.
"You can't do this," she said softly, yet didn't push his hand away. "Xiaoxiao likes you."
"I know," Xiao Ming replied gently. "And so do you."
Lin Jie's face flushed scarlet. She stepped back abruptly. "What nonsense are you talking?! I don't…"
Xiao Ming didn't pursue her. He simply smiled. "Lin Jie, don't lie to your heart. From the moment we met, you were drawn to me—just like I was drawn to you."
Lin Jie opened her mouth to argue but eventually just shook her head and walked quickly toward Xiaoxiao, who was already at the orchard. Xiao Ming watched her hasty retreat with a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.
"Yeli," Xiao Ming called out in his mind. "How's the plan progressing?"
"Very well," Yeli replied with a teasing tone. "Lin Jie's emotional turbulence is exactly what we need. Though her rational mind is still resisting, emotionally she's already starting to accept your uniqueness."
"She'll believe," Xiao Ming said confidently. "Once she sees the proof with her own eyes."
In the orchard, Lin Xiaoxiao had already climbed up an apple tree and was happily picking bright red apples. Lin Jie stood below, her expression calm once more, but her eyes still flickered with complex emotions.
"Xiao Ming, come here!" Lin Xiaoxiao called down from the tree. "These apples are super sweet!"
Xiao Ming walked over, smiling as he caught an apple Xiaoxiao tossed down. Lin Jie avoided eye contact with him, focusing on gathering the fruit her sister dropped.
Suddenly, Lin Xiaoxiao's foot slipped—she lost her balance and fell from the tree.
"Careful!" Xiao Ming reacted instantly. In a flash, he dashed forward and caught her steadily in his arms.
Startled and shaken, Lin Xiaoxiao clung tightly to his neck, burying her face in his shoulder. Lin Jie turned pale from the scare and ran over to check on her sister.
Xiao Ming gently set Xiaoxiao down and checked if she was hurt. "Are you okay?"
Xiaoxiao shook her head, teary-eyed. "I'm fine, just scared." She looked up at him with gratitude. "Thank you... for saving me again."
Xiao Ming patted her head. "Be careful. Don't be so reckless."
Lin Jie watched the scene, her expression unreadable. She noticed how swift and powerful Xiao Ming's movements were—catching someone falling from a height with such ease wasn't something an ordinary person could do.
In that moment, she began to reconsider everything he had said earlier—those seemingly crazy things. Maybe... he really was different?
That night, the three returned to their cabins to rest. Lin Xiaoxiao, worn out by the day's excitement, soon fell asleep. Lin Jie, however, tossed and turned, unable to quiet her mind. Xiao Ming's words echoed in her head—about other worlds, about leaving.
Eventually, she made a decision. She got up, put on a coat, and stepped out of her cabin. She stood in front of Xiao Ming's door for a long while, hesitating, before finally knocking.
The door opened quickly. Xiao Ming stood there, as if he'd been expecting her. He wore only a simple white T-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly damp as if he'd just showered.
"I knew you'd come," he said, stepping aside. "Come in."
Lin Jie took a deep breath and entered. Xiao Ming's cabin was similar to theirs, but more minimalistic—hardly any personal items.
"I have a lot of questions," Lin Jie got straight to the point. "If you want me to believe you, you have to answer them."
Xiao Ming nodded and gestured for her to sit. "Go ahead."
Lin Jie sat on the chair beside the bed, locking eyes with him. "First, if you really come from another world—why choose ours? Why our school?"
Xiao Ming leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "It wasn't a choice. It was fate. Each world has its own timeline and storyline. I was sent here to alter a predetermined ending."
"Change what ending?" Lin Jie frowned.
Xiao Ming smiled faintly. "Originally, Professor Chen Ming would successfully cover up his crimes, and you would leave the school due to pressure."
Lin Jie's eyes widened. "That's impossible! How could you know the future?"
"Because from my perspective, it already happened," Xiao Ming explained. "Like reading a novel—I knew the ending. But now I'm in the story, and I have the power to change it."
Lin Jie shook her head, clearly struggling to accept it. "This is insane. Even if I believe what you said—why take me and Xiaoxiao with you? What value do we have to you?"
Xiao Ming walked over and crouched beside her, looking into her eyes. "It's not about value, Lin Jie. It's about emotion." His voice softened. "In this cold multiverse, it's rare to meet people worth cherishing. I don't want to lose you."
Lin Jie stared at him, touched by the sincerity in his gaze. But she quickly regained her composure. "Xiao Ming, this isn't realistic. Xiaoxiao and I have our lives—family, friends. You can't just expect us to abandon everything."
Xiao Ming held her hand. "What if I could give you a better life? A broader world, more possibilities?"
Lin Jie tried to pull her hand back, but his grip was firm. "It's not just about quality of life. We can't just vanish—our parents would go crazy!"
Xiao Ming let go and walked to the window. "I understand your concerns. But let me ask—if Xiaoxiao decides to go with me, what would you do?"
Lin Jie was stunned—clearly not expecting the question. "She wouldn't... She's just a kid. She doesn't understand."
"She's more mature than you think," Xiao Ming looked back at her. "And her feelings for me run deep."
Lin Jie stood up, voice growing firm. "You can't manipulate a young girl's emotions!"
Xiao Ming shook his head. "I never manipulated her. Feelings happen naturally—just like your feelings for me."
Lin Jie blushed again. "I don't..."
"Don't deny it," Xiao Ming interrupted gently. "Lin Jie, I can see your struggle. As a sister, you've always put Xiaoxiao first, suppressing your own feelings. But now, you can be honest with yourself."
Lin Jie stood there, her emotions in turmoil. Finally, she took a deep breath. "I need time to think. This is all too sudden."
Xiao Ming nodded. "I understand. But time is short. I have to leave by tomorrow night at the latest."
Lin Jie looked at him in shock. "That soon?"
"The laws of the world wait for no one," Xiao Ming said. "The window for crossing over is very brief."
Lin Jie was silent for a while, then walked to the door. "I'll give you my answer tomorrow."
Just as she opened the door, Xiao Ming called out. "Lin Jie—no matter what you decide, remember this: I will never force either of you. The choice is yours."
Lin Jie glanced back at him, a flash of gratitude in her eyes, then walked out.
Once the door closed, Xiao Ming's expression turned calm and calculating.
"Yeli, how's it going?"
"Better than expected," Yeli replied with admiration. "She's starting to believe you. Though her logic still resists, emotionally she's already accepted your uniqueness."
Xiao Ming nodded in satisfaction. "Favorability?"
"Eighty-five percent," Yeli chuckled. "That little speech about feelings really did the trick. Our handsome villain host sure knows how to charm."
Xiao Ming raised an eyebrow. "Part of the job."
"By the way," Yeli suddenly said seriously, "there's been an unexpected development. Professor Chen Ming contacted the police today, claiming someone illegally accessed the school's system."
Xiao Ming frowned. "Will it trace back to us?"
"No," Yeli said confidently. "I covered it well. But clearly, Chen Ming isn't giving up—he's still trying to defend himself."
Xiao Ming pondered for a moment. "Looks like we'll have to deal with him completely. Prepare everything. Before I leave tomorrow, I want him silenced for good."
"With pleasure," Yeli replied with a hint of excitement. "Want me to prepare anything special?"
Xiao Ming sneered. "The simpler, the better. But it must be clean. He must no longer be a threat—and the Lin sisters must feel justice was served."
"Understood," Yeli said. "I've already started hacking the police system to gather evidence of Chen Ming's crimes. Everything will be ready by tomorrow noon."
Xiao Ming lay on his bed, closing his eyes. "Good. Now be quiet. Tomorrow is critical."
"As you wish, my dear host," Yeli's voice faded with a teasing tone. "Sweet dreams."