Sincerity and Deception

Yu Fuli had no idea that things had already turned upside down with F4.

These days, he devoted himself to taking Lin Xun to explore the surrounding mountains and rivers, taste all kinds of flavors, and even visit those fun places hidden in the deep alleys.

Later, when he got carried away, he even took Lin Xun on an unplanned trip to the wilderness.

He led him to see the vast desert and rolling mountains, the boundless sea, and deep into the secluded jungle.

If it weren't for time constraints, Yu Fuli would have even wanted to take him to see the ends of the earth.

This companionship gradually resonated with many.

The shy innocence that Lin Xun once possessed has now blossomed like a flower bud soaked in sunlight, radiating a cheerful and gentle glow.

The little white flower has grown into a sunflower.

Yu Fuli was very satisfied with this.

The system, witnessing all this, couldn't help but feel worried for Yu Fuli. It had seen too many transmigrators lose their way in these small worlds, ultimately becoming trapped by their emotions and unable to extricate themselves. After a moment's hesitation, it finally spoke:

[Host, the Quick Transmigration Bureau discourages employees from becoming overly immersed in their own little worlds, especially from developing personal feelings for the protagonist. There are many precedents in the Bureau where colleagues who suffered greatly due to the protagonist's betrayal often met with unfortunate ends.]

Yu Fuli paused slightly as she sipped her milk tea.

"Not even the bond between father and son?" He sounded surprisingly serious.

【…Huh?】The system is clearly stuck.

"Ahem, just kidding." Yu Fuli chuckled, but there was no mockery in her eyes. "You might have misunderstood. I don't have those kinds of feelings for Lin Xun. He's not my type."

"But you've been too good to him, going beyond what's necessary for the mission." The system's electronic voice sounded slightly confused.

Yu Fuli gently shook her head: "Just because I treat him well, you assume I like him? That logic doesn't hold water. There are many reasons to be kind to someone—family, friendship, or simply pity can all be reasons for giving. Kindness should never be the standard for judging love."

"But the hosts I've mentored before would also be kind to the protagonist out of necessity for the mission; that feeling is different from yours." The system's voice carried a hint of hesitation.

"What's different?"

Their kindness always comes with a clear purpose; everything is for the purpose of completing a task. But I can sense that you genuinely hope Lin Xun will improve and live a happy life.

"You can't say that," Yu Fuli said calmly, glancing at Lin Xun's retreating figure as she washed dishes in the kitchen. "I have my own purposes too. Besides, people are all made of flesh and blood. Don't underestimate the characters in these novels—they were raised by parents too, and grew up as human beings. How could they not distinguish between sincerity and pretense?"

He paused, as if remembering something: "Just like I told Lin Xun before, very few people in this world will be kind to another person for no reason, and even if they are, it may not last. But does that mean we can deny the value of that moment of sincerity?"

"If everyone had to worry about whether the other person was 100% sincere, how tiring would life be?" Yu Fuli withdrew her gaze, her tone seemingly sighing. "There may be sincerity even in pretense."

"Since your former hosts all successfully completed their missions," Yu Fuli said calmly, "that is enough to prove that they also gave some degree of sincerity."

He paused slightly, as if carefully choosing his words: "Humans are complex beings, systems. Sincerity and purpose can coexist."

"But..." the system's voice sounded puzzled. "Knowing that you might not get anything in return, and might even be betrayed, why choose to give your sincerity?"

Yu Fuli gazed into the distance, her eyes calm.

"I don't know what others think. But for me, choosing to give my heart is my own business. If I am betrayed because of it, the fault lies with the other person, not me."

He withdrew his gaze, his tone exceptionally firm:

"Those who betray sincerity will naturally pay the price."

"So don't worry," Yu Fuli said casually. "I won't fall for Lin Xun. To be honest, I find Yun Bai's face more appealing."

The image of that exquisite yet aloof face floated before his eyes, a face that perfectly matched his aesthetic standards, only it was a pity that the other person was not male…

He smiled, pulling his thoughts back: "My feelings for Lin Xun are at most fatherly love. I would be very happy if he were willing to call me father."

system:【…………】

Seeing that the system had stopped responding, Yu Fuli turned to the kitchen and called out, "Lin Xun! Are you done cleaning up? Get some rest; school starts tomorrow, so you need to be well-rested."

"Okay, teacher! That's all." Lin Xun's clear reply came from the kitchen.

Yu Fuli stretched her shoulders and back, and slowly walked back to her room.

Holidays~

Time always flies by so fast.

Yu Fuli returned to her room but did not fall asleep immediately.

He leaned against the window; the night was deep, and in the distance, scattered lights shone gently in the darkness.

The system's brief silence seemed to still harbor lingering doubts. He understood the source of the system's concerns; the cold regulations and warnings of the Quick Transmigration Bureau were ultimately lessons learned from countless past mistakes.

But rules are rules, and people are people.

He recalled Lin Xun's initial appearance, those eyes that were always lowered, hiding unease, like a fledgling bird whose feathers were soaked in the rain.

Taking him to see the mountains and the sea was less a matter of mission requirements and more a selfish act on Yu Fuli's part.

He had seen too many protagonists in small worlds struggle or sink into depravity on predetermined paths, while Lin Xun was just a child who was too innocent, making him seem out of place in the cruel beginning of the story.

Helping such a child stand firm and seeing the light gradually appear in his eyes is a reward in itself for Yu Fuli.

This has nothing to do with love; it's more like a responsibility, or perhaps the practice of certain principles within oneself.

After all, a great party will never abandon anyone!

A faint sound came from the kitchen, followed by the sound of Lin Xun tiptoeing back to her room.

Yu Fuli listened, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously curved into a smile. This child is much more prudent now, and also knows how to care for others. In the evening, he even took the initiative to make a cup of honey water and put it on his desk, just after he casually mentioned during the day that his throat was a little dry.

See, sincerity can be reciprocated, even if the origin of that sincerity may not be pure.

The connections between people are inherently complex and subtle.

"[Host.]" The system's voice suddenly rang out again, much calmer than before. "[I just don't want you to get hurt.]"

Yu Fuli was slightly taken aback, then a smile appeared in her eyes.

"I know," he replied softly. "Thank you."

Data analysis shows that Lin Xun's dependence on and trust in you has exceeded a safe threshold. This is one of the warning signs that could lead to future emotional entanglements.

"Then let it surpass that." Yu Fuli lay down on the bed, gazing at the ceiling, his tone relaxed. "Trust is mutual. I trust he won't let me down, and he trusts I'll pave a good path for him. As for the future..." He paused, "The future is for us to handle in the future. The Quick Transmigration Bureau's mission only requires me to investigate and repair the anomalies appearing in this world, but it doesn't stipulate that I can't establish genuine emotional connections during this process, regardless of the type of emotion."

The system seemed to be performing some calculations, and in the end, only a soft, simulated sigh-like sound was heard.

The night was deeper.

Yu Fuli closed her eyes, but what came to mind was the situation she might have to deal with after school started tomorrow—F4 would notice Lin Xun sooner or later, and Lin Xun was no longer the pitiful little girl who could be manipulated by others.

He taught him the confidence to protect himself and subtly gave him the wisdom to fight back.

The stage is now up to Lin Xun to take.