Chapter 278: The Visitor

Ye Qingfeng’s inner world was pitch-black, stretching endlessly before him, yet a beam of light shone upon his body.

He dared not explore the darkness without, crouching on the ground, hugging his knees in daze, looking helpless and pitiful.

Am I dead? Or did I transcend again? Where am I?

Ye Qingfeng immediately realized his death, accepting it calmly without regret.

He had never had a wish, or even an expectation, in his entire life—if he could, he wished to spend the New Year with them, but clearly he couldn’t.

“Long time no see!”

A familiar voice sounded behind him; Ye Qingfeng turned his head.

Qingyi?

“How are you...”

No, not Qingyi—she was half a head shorter. Could she be her daughter?

Now even robots can have kids? Technology has advanced so fast...

Bullshit! That voice isn’t the system—it’s Xiao Zhi’s!

“Xiao Zhi?”

Ye Qingfeng asked tentatively.

“Mm, it’s me. Actually...”

“I guess you’re planning to confess to me right now, aren’t you?”

Ye Qingfeng spoke with certainty.

“Correct. Hey—I still don’t get it. At a time like this, being able to instantly read someone’s thoughts makes you seem like an idiot sometimes.”

Xiao Zhi sighed softly, then shifted tone, “I thought you’d ask if you were dead or blah blah—now you finally look like the me I remember—Dad!”

Ye Qingfeng froze, then instantly found it reasonable—after all, all signs indicated Xiao Zhi knew him as well as he knew her, he just never imagined they were father and daughter.

Ugh. Abstract.

He accepted the identity instantly, sat up, and said, “Food can be eaten carelessly, but words can’t be spoken lightly! Say it again—right now!”

“Just like Mom said—you’re such a jerk!”

Xiao Zhi blurted out coldly.

“Cough, cough—mainly because of Qingyi... wait, is Qingyi even her mother?”

Ye Qingfeng suddenly realized he hadn’t confirmed Xiao Zhi’s mother’s identity—he’d only assumed it was Qingyi because of her appearance.

“Of course it is! Who else could it be?” Xiao Zhi glared fiercely. “I don’t have much time—shut up and listen!”

“Go on...”

My personality isn’t bad, and Qingyi is gentle and easygoing—how did their daughter end up like this?

Hmm! It must be Qingyi’s fault.

“As time endlessly flows to its end, all things in the world will reboot—after you, your mother, and all the aunts have left, countless years later.”

“Just before the world’s ultimate end, I comprehended all knowledge in existence—my spirit, or soul, could transcend the physical body.”

“After the world rebooted, countless more years passed, and my existence was eventually noticed by a few—they gave me a name: Jin Ni!”

“Its specific ability: uploading and storing files!”

“Put simply, as information is uploaded, the more you know becomes like Baidu?” Ye Qingfeng thought, “Wait—aren’t you already Baidu?”

“Yes, but I’m from the future—I only began storing files after truly meeting you.” Xiao Zhi fell silent for a moment.

“In short, the moment is coming soon—I can’t and won’t stay here any longer, but don’t worry, Dad—your system was always yours.”

“Even omniscient me can only occasionally use the system to speak with you, because for some reason, the system detected my existence—and my existence will be erased.”

“But don’t worry—Qingyi’s childhood memories and her body are both stored in the space backpack.”

“After this is over, when we meet again for the first time—I still feel a little nostalgic about it.”

Xiao Zhi smiled with relief and asked, “Alright, I’ve said everything I needed to. Dad, is there anything you want to say to your future daughter?”

What should he say?

Break down in tears? Pretend indifference with a tsundere attitude? Accept it calmly and promise to take care of the present me?

Knowing Dad’s troublesome nature, he’d never say anything sweet—he understood everything in his heart, yet his mouth was painfully clumsy.

Ugh. It’s worrying...

“Xiao Zhi, you’ve done great. You’ve worked so hard all these years.” Ye Qingfeng opened his arms. “Before you leave, don’t you want one last hug from your old man?”

Xiao Zhi’s strong expression cracked—until Ye Qingfeng opened his arms, she could no longer hold back her emotions; two clear tears rolled down her cheeks.

“You bastard Dad!” She lunged into his embrace, clinging tightly. “To say something like this as you leave—it’s just... so unfair...”

Though this was a spiritual space, where temperature shouldn’t exist, she felt warmth from Ye Qingfeng—warmth she hadn’t felt in ages.

After you left, I was so lost. Every day was unbearable. Finally... finally, I feel my father’s embrace again.

“Don’t worry—I’ll take care of Qingyi. We’ll meet again soon, Xiao Zhi.”

Ye Qingfeng clearly felt the body before him slowly dissolving. He lifted his head, smiled, placed his palm on her head, and softly asked:

“How’s this name? Ye Qingzhi?”

But how could Xiao Zhi answer Ye Qingfeng?

Her body shattered, half her face vanished—only a pair of clear eyes remained, filled with reluctance, longing, and the release of having survived who-knew-how-many-years.

Ye Qingfeng stood motionless, locking eyes with Ye Qingzhi until she vanished completely—staring at the space where she’d been, he remained stunned, unable to recover.

How long passed, he didn’t know—in this spiritual realm, time had no meaning. Maybe ten minutes. Maybe half an hour.

Ye Qingfeng lowered his head and murmured, “My past life was truly a failure. But now I understand—I won’t forget. To protect?”

“To protect everyone I cherish!”

It’s time to wake up. I wonder what expression Qingyi will have when she first sees Xiao Zhi!

As Ye Qingfeng closed his eyes, he slowly opened them again on the hospital bed, propping himself up on the mattress, staring blankly ahead.

Though he claimed not to care, why did his heart hurt so much?

“You’re awake?”

A cold voice sounded beside him—devoid of emotion, merely a simple inquiry.

“Who are you?”

Ye Qingfeng looked up.

【Ding ding ding—System rebooted—!】

【Heretic removed】

“...”

【Discoverable target found: Starview Ya】

【Initial affinity: 5%】

【Current affinity: 5%】

“Starview Ya of the Sixth Division, height 170 cm.”

The fox-eared girl spoke coldly, yet somehow emphasized her height.

“Um... what time is it...”

Ye Qingfeng was about to ask for details when the hospital door burst open—someone walked in as if entering their own home.

Strutting around like a lord, scanning the room, their gaze finally settled on Ye Qingfeng.

“You’re the suspect!” The person hadn’t even finished speaking when they noticed Starview Ya beside him, understanding his concern. “I ask, you answer. Your replies will determine whether you’re guilty—or join us. Friendly reminder:

Better tell the truth. Otherwise, you won’t be lying in this hospital bed talking to me—you’ll be tied to an interrogation post.”