025 An Enemy Is an Enemy

In the following days, Xu Xinqi reported the "surveillance" situation to his sister at regular intervals. Qu Zhanyi gleaned a rough understanding of the power structure in this small town from the "intelligence" he brought.

First was her mission target—Que Luo Middle School.

The school’s troublemakers were mostly the town’s wealthy second generation, colluding with a few unemployed drifters to commit many detestable acts.

The only ones who could restrain these hooligans were, besides Teacher Yang Yiqing, the students from the "stronghold."

Moreover, several teachers, including the dean and principal, had been ambushed and beaten.

“The place isn’t big, but there are plenty of scoundrels. Truly, desolate mountains breed cunning folk.”

In just two short weeks, Qu Zhanyi had already mapped out the entire town’s underworld factions.

The system glanced at the mission progress and couldn’t help but remind her:

[It is not advisable for the host to be so hasty in rectifying the school’s atmosphere. It is recommended to make a significant move after graduation.]

Qu Zhanyi looked intrigued. “Brother 17 worries I might suffer retaliation if I don’t eradicate the evil thoroughly?!”

System: Sizzle~

“Didn’t expect Brother 17 to have moments of concern!” A graceful curve lifted the corner of her mouth as she smiled contentedly.

“However…” The smile faded within seconds. Her gaze turned proud and fierce. “Starting trouble and then running away isn’t my style. A true princess of the demon realm faces what she creates.”

The system tried to reason with her.

[Knowing how to avoid disaster is not shameful; reckless bravery should not be encouraged.]

Qu Zhanyi had made up her mind and waved dismissively. “Brother 17, don’t be so nagging. If you really care, then provide me with some useful information.”

After two seconds of silence, the system replied:

[Given the host’s recent good performance, the system will provide beneficial information within its authority for this mission.

Currently issuing the “Instant Rapport” tool. Tool effect: Slightly alters the target’s behavior and thinking, causing them to develop a favorable impression of the host; duration: fifteen minutes.]

With this tool, all she needed was to find the influential figure who could sway the town’s fate and stage a sufficiently shocking event for them to witness. Surely, then the entire town would be “cleansed.”

Qu Zhanyi couldn’t help but praise, “Well done. I shall reward you handsomely.”

[The system suggests the host to be more straightforward.]

“I always speak plainly.” Qu Zhanyi scoffed.

The system emitted a harsh electronic sound, seemingly mocking her.

Qu Zhanyi paid no mind. Ever since regaining some initiative, her relationship with the system was no longer so strained.

Occasionally chatting, she even found herself thinking, “This guy’s not so bad.”

…

Thirty days passed in the blink of an eye.

By the time the final exam ended, snow had piled high enough to cover ankles.

Snowflakes were swept indoors by the cold wind.

Qu Zhanyi scooped some snow from the windowsill as she handed in her paper and scattered it while descending the stairs.

Watching the melting snow fall in patterns, a joyful smile crept to her brow. She stepped lightly and ran into the swirling snowstorm.

The journey from school to home was six or seven kilometers, mostly uphill.

The closer to home, the deeper the snow.

By the time she reached the doorstep, the snow had come above her knees.

Qu Zhanyi stomped under the eaves to shake off the snow and opened the door without a key.

The wooden door, older than the combined ages of the five Xu Xinyou siblings, was rotting, its lock rusted through, hanging precariously.

A typical old courtyard gate that could keep out gentlemen but not common thieves.

The Xu Xinyou siblings always handled it cautiously, afraid of breaking this ineffective barrier.

Now, Qu Zhanyi had completely destroyed this barrier.

She changed into ragged clothes and lit a fire in the hearth.

The roaring flames leapt over half a meter high. As her body warmed, her stomach growled.

Qu Zhanyi rummaged through cupboards. The house had rice, oil, and salt, but she didn’t know how to cook.

“What about dinner? I can’t eat dirt!”

Xu Xinqi wouldn’t be back until tomorrow, and this body surely couldn’t endure a night of hunger.

With no other choice, Qu Zhanyi picked a few potatoes and cut two slices of meat to roast over the fire.

“This has its own charm.”

She flipped through a book, glancing at the food in the fire from time to time. When it seemed cooked enough, she slapped it on dry grass, dusted off the ash, and shoved it into her mouth.

“Much tastier than Xu Xinqi’s cooking.”

Chewing on the smoky, half-cooked jerky, she was quite pleased with her culinary skills.

But the moment Xu Xinqi returned home, her joy vanished.

Seeing the butchered hanging meat and charred potatoes, he couldn’t help but tease his sister.

“Even rats have grown clever nowadays. Eating meat is one thing, but knowing how to pick the good parts with a knife?”

Qu Zhanyi shot him a glare, showing no hint of guilt.

“I thought you’d be back in a few days. Such heavy snow—how did you get here?”

“I came back with the people from the stronghold. They had horses clearing the way ahead.”

“Oh.”

Qu Zhanyi nodded and quickly ordered, “Hurry up and cook. Can’t you see it’s already dark?”

Xu Xinqi shot her a disdainful look. “Who has a sister like you?”

Qu Zhanyi spread her hands with pride. “Congratulations. You have a sister unlike any other.”

Xu Xinqi snorted but couldn’t hide his smile.

A month ago, he worried about what his sister might become. Fortunately, she had only grown resilient and cheerful, with nothing wrong.

After being “waited on” by Xu Xinqi, Qu Zhanyi felt quite content. Looking at her brother’s soft hair, she thought that raising a child wasn’t a bad experience after all.

Though, in truth, Xu Xinqi took care of her like a mother…

…

Winter break officially began, and the “childcare” mission entered a new stage.

Early one morning, Xu Xinqi, wrapped in his quilt and enjoying a sweet dream, was yanked out by Qu Zhanyi.

He immediately protested, “It’s only six-thirty. It’s still dark outside, and it’s snowing.”

Qu Zhanyi ignored his protests and issued a strict order, “If you don’t get out of bed in ten minutes, I’ll strip you naked and throw you into the snow.”

Though Xu Xinqi didn’t believe she would truly do it, he sensed something urgent and hurriedly climbed out.

“What’s so urgent?”

Before he could wash up, Qu Zhanyi pushed him into the snow.

“From today on, five kilometers there and back every day. No stopping unless the world ends.”

Xu Xinqi looked incredulous, “It’s still snowing! Besides, I’m in great shape. I’ll ace the physical test for middle school!”

“Being in shape won’t save you from getting beaten!”

Qu Zhanyi glared at her “good-for-nothing” brother with eyes full of frustration.