Why Did Zhou Qiao'er Arrive Early?

On the way home, driving his car, Tang Ao heard the system's voice in his mind:

[Congratulations to the host for passing this plotline. You have been rewarded with +1 kidney function. Your current kidney function is 6. Please take care of your health.]

What?

Phew~

It's not easy, but I finally made it through another challenge. These female leads are really not easy to handle.

Then, Tang Ao noticed the system's mention of kidney function:

"Kidney function? 6? Just passing?"

[Please acknowledge your physical condition. According to the novel's character settings, a rating of 6 indicates 6 seconds.]

Only... six seconds?

I can only last as a real man for six seconds!?

Tang Ao couldn't help but slam his hands on the steering wheel, his face full of humiliation: "Damn! I haven't used it in so long, how did I forget about this?"

"But... it seems that by completing plotlines, I can enhance my kidney function and extend the duration?"

[Rewards are completely random. Considering the host's physical condition, the probability of this reward can be increased.]

"Good, there's hope!"

[Congratulations to the host for receiving a task reward: Shen Tui Deng Yan Pill.]

[Shen Tui Deng Yan Pill: As the name implies, after taking this pill, you'll be ready to kick and stretch. Highly recommended by those who've tried it.]

Looking at the small pill that appeared out of thin air in his hand, Tang Ao carefully wrapped it in a tissue:

"System, what exactly does this pill cure?"

[The host needs to discover that for himself.]

"Alright, since it's given by the system, it must be extraordinary. But..."

"After receiving the Super Rebound ability, it was crucial in the next plotline. Without it, I'd be paralyzed by Ye Chen's sneak attack now!"

"So this Shen Tui Deng Yan Pill must be a key item for the next plotline. I have to use it wisely!"

After a while, Tang Ao arrived at the Tang family villa.

In the luxuriously decorated and brightly lit living room, Tang Ao's novel parents had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Tang Ao enter, they stared at him in unison.

Remembering the bold words he had said on the phone, Tang Ao felt a surge of inexplicable pressure and greeted them bravely:

"Dad, Mom~"

"Tang Ao, today you must explain clearly. What kind of spell did that Lin family girl cast on you to make you treat her like this!?"

Tang Ao was taken aback and couldn't help but think to himself: [Lin family? Lin Ruoxue? Who wants to be her lapdog? But if I don't play this role, the plot can't move forward!]

With this in mind, Tang Ao lifted his head, displaying a determined expression as if he were ready to sacrifice everything for love:

"Don't say anymore, I will only love Lin Ruoxue in this life. My love for her is unwavering and unshakable!"

"You~!!!"

Father Tang clutched his chest in anger, and Mother Tang sighed deeply in frustration:

"Son, as someone who's been there, let me give you some advice. It's not that our Tang family is prejudiced against Lin Ruoxue, but that woman is really not suitable for you. From the day you first confessed to her, your father had people investigate her. This woman can go to the bathroom without her phone, fall asleep as soon as she lies down, and get up as soon as the alarm rings. With such a ruthless woman, she will eat you alive!"

Hearing this, Tang Ao paused, agreeing in his heart:

[That's Lin Ruoxue for you. She's truly ruthless with herself. Being with such a woman would be exhausting. I'm only pretending to fawn over her to follow the plot; there's no way I'd really want to be with her.]

"Mom, stop trying to persuade me. If anyone tries to stop me from pursuing Lin Ruoxue, I'd rather die!"

Father Tang and Mother Tang exchanged a disappointed glance. Mother Tang sighed deeply and said slowly:

"Come out, Qiao'er."

"Qiao'er? Which Qiao'er?"

Hearing Mother Tang's words, Tang Ao was puzzled.

Was there a fourth person here?

Tang Ao looked around in confusion. With a creak, the wardrobe door against the TV wall slowly opened, and a woman in a white floral dress stepped out. Her long hair reached her waist, and the two bunnies on her chest seemed about to escape. Her slender legs were wrapped in pure white stockings.

The sight of this woman made Tang Ao's breath catch.

Zhou Qiao'er!!!

[This isn't right. We were supposed to meet during tomorrow's blind date. Why did Zhou Qiao'er arrive early?]

Seeing Tang Ao's bewildered expression, Zhou Qiao'er couldn't help but laugh.

That laugh almost stole Tang Ao's heart.

[Oh my God!]

[No wonder she's Zhou Qiao'er! Every smile, every gesture, she's a true lady. Compared to her, Lin Ruoxue is completely overshadowed!]

[This ridiculous plot! Any sane person would choose Zhou Qiao'er. She's beautiful, the Zhou family is just as powerful as the Tang family, and most importantly, Zhou Qiao'er really likes me!]

[If it weren't for completing the plot, I'd definitely choose Zhou Qiao'er!]

As Tang Ao's thoughts played out, Zhou Qiao'er's body froze, her eyes shimmering with what seemed like the magic of Pandora's box, radiating endless charm. Her heart beat faster than ever before.

Zhou Qiao'er felt like she could hardly breathe!

A sense of happiness completely enveloped her.

Tang Ao's inner thoughts, from the moment he arrived home, were heard clearly by Zhou Qiao'er!

At first, she thought she might be hallucinating from rushing home for three days and nights without rest. But as Tang Ao's thoughts became clearer, and watching his performance through the wardrobe crack, Zhou Qiao'er was certain she could hear Tang Ao's innermost thoughts!

Tang Ao likes her!

Is there anything happier than knowing that the person you like also likes you?

When it's mutual, it's love, not just a one-sided pursuit.

Though she didn't fully understand why Tang Ao had to act like he only liked Lin Ruoxue because of something called 'the plot,' it didn't matter at this moment!

In terms of family background, the Tang and Zhou families were well-matched, and their parents had a good relationship, having arranged their marriage from a young age.

Zhou Qiao'er was confident that as long as Tang Ao's heart was with her, being together was just a matter of time!

Unaware of all this, Mother Tang looked apologetically at Zhou Qiao'er: "Qiao'er, you heard everything, didn't you? I'm so sorry, I spoiled him too much growing up. Now, I really have no way to change him."