Chapter 111 - 3.7

'..What? I thought that you've seen my memories. You used terms that came from my first life when you chatted with me. Wasn't that because you peeked into my experiences?' Xu Jiaqi caught onto something weird and questioned the System.

[Well.. That is true. I was able to see those parts, but I've always felt like there is a channel inside Host's head that I can't break open, you know? This part.. might be related to your goal, Host. I don't know for sure, but I have a strong inkling that is correct. But it shouldn't be opened now.. lest you get injured terribly.] The System was careful with the words he chose to use, because he was afraid that a huge repercussion would come to bite him.

If it did it come, it would be so severe that perhaps his authority as a System would be taken away altogether.

'A locked channel inside my head.. that I can't open yet. Interesting.' Xu Jiaqi thought. This might be a major clue to solving her puzzle! 'What do you think I have to do to obtain the qualifications to open the sealed channel?' She asked as she lazed around, hugging her soft pillow.

[I.. am not sure. Heheh. Please ask me again in the future, once the both of us gains more power.] The System answered goofily.

'Hmp. Okay.' Xu Jiaqi quickly relented. However, knowing that there was already a hint inside herself made her feel better. Before, she thought that she would have to blindly search, but now that there was a trace detected by the System... it was a lucky find!

As she was rejoicing, there was a knock on her door, followed by a shadow appearing behind the not-so-opaque screen.

"Miss Xu.. The lord calls for your presence. Please follow me to where he is." A maid gently notified from behind the door, attracting Xu Jiaqi's attention.

Xu Jiaqi tilted her head as she sat up straight, wondering what the man wanted from her. Surely, he wasn't going to 'play' with her?

However, she was in the submissive position for now, and her fate depended on this man named Xie Yongrui. She had briefed about the man's information with the System and found no particular red flags, but the System was only able to scrape the surface of this man's identity.

The reports couldn't be trusted, she had to see it for herself. From the reports, he seemed like a decent guy, but he should be a hidden dragon judging from his complicated background.

"Understood. I will come out in a few moments, please spare me some time..." Xu Jiaqi answered, to which the maid gave an affirmative answer to.

After tidying up her appearance, making sure that she would look as presentable as possible, she stood in front of the door and took a deep breath before opening it. Behind the door, she recognized the familiar face of one of the servants assigned to her.

"Let's go. Did the lord tell you why I was called?" Xu Jiaqi asked as she began to walk towards Xie Yongrui's living quarters, which was actually right next to hers.

"The lord did not relay the details. He simply relayed a message asking for Miss Xu to visit him through his aide." The maid replied courteously.

"Hmm... I see. Then, shall we go?" Xu Jiaqi smiled. The maid simply nodded, following Xu Jiaqi's steps as she proceeded to go and meet this new acquaintance of hers.

Once she reached the lord's whereabouts, the maid did not dare enter the private quarters directly and let Xu Jiaqi go in by herself. From there, she was led by another guard who notified her arrival and led her to the door. The guard left right after that, leaving her alone.

"Xu Jiaqi.. has arrived and is here to heed your call." She announced with a bit of hesitance in her tone.

"Come in." Within seconds, Xie Yongrui's familiar voice rang out, inviting her to go inside.

"..This one greets you, my lord." Xu Jiaqi initiated a graceful curtsy. After her appearance was fixed up by the countless services from the skillful maids, she emanated a bright glow. Although her body was still on the thin side, she was starting to improve and be healthier.

"Oh? So the little kitten does know how to display manners. Why did I not know of this before?" Xie Yongrui sneered as he beckoned for the girl to come closer. He was pleased by the girl's reformed look, as he made sure to tell his people to treat her with only the best.

Right. It was only right that the kitten he picked up receives great things. Else, he would be embarrassed. What if people knew that the one he kept looked sickly and close to death's door?

Xu Jiaqi made slow and silent steps to where Xie Yongrui was sitting down at.

Then, the man suddenly stretched his arm upwards and pulled her down. Xu Jiaqi, being surprised, widened her eyes and braced for the impact.

'As expected, this man is-' She was prepared to curse him out for being shameless, disgusting, and other inappropriate characteristics, but to her surprise, the next thing that happened was nothing but a head pat.

Yes, a head pat. Xie Yongrui's hand landed itself on Xu Jiaqi's hair, ruffling it up as he stared at her with scrutinizing eyes, making her want to shift her gaze away.

Of course, Xu Jiaqi didn't want to be a coward, and thought to establish as much dignity as possible. "W-what are you looking at?" She pursed her lips, feeling uncomfortable at the sudden change of position.

Granted, the man made sure that she would land rather gently, and that all the brunt of the sudden impact was absorbed by no one else but him. His build was rather large knowing that he just turned into an adult months ago according to the data.. Compared to him, Xu Jiaqi was a lot smaller, so she was perfectly encircled by the man with no chances to escape.