Chapter 696 - 464: I Am Not a Bot (4)

It had to be this way. I won’t settle for less.

"You might think I’m overthinking this, or that I’m looking too far ahead," Jiangg Ning said stubbornly, her lips pursed. "But this is just who I am. I can’t help it... Since you can’t change the past, you have to plan for the future."

...

Chen Yuan had never imagined it would be so difficult for two people who loved each other to be together.

Whenever he tried to get closer to Ningning, she would resist with all her might and push him away. But just when he was about to fall into despair, a spark of hope would suddenly rekindle in his heart.

It was a vicious cycle, repeating over and over.

It felt like a long, endless tug-of-war.

It was mentally and emotionally exhausting.

Chen Yuan didn’t know how he managed to leave Jiangg Ning’s hospital room. He listlessly pushed open the door to Yaoyao’s room, flopped onto the bed without a word, and stared blankly at the ceiling.

Jiangg Yao’s voice was clear, yet it sounded muffled. The words didn’t register.

"This shadow hound is so annoying! It just keeps chasing and attacking me. If this keeps up, I’m going to turn around and fight back. Is it trying to bully me or what?"

Jiangg Yao, controller in hand, was completely absorbed in her game with Wan. It was a while before she noticed something was off with him.

Only after she navigated a dangerous part of the level and made it back to the camp did she find a moment to glance over at Chen Yuan.

"What’s wrong with you? Did you complete your mission?"

"Completed my ass... We got into another fight. Ningning pretty much chewed me out," he said, his voice weak.

"Serves you right. You should’ve listened to me and just ripped the band-aid off. Can you really afford to worry about so much? What’s the point of being so soft-hearted?" Jiangg Yao said, her words muffled by the lollipop in her mouth as her controller buttons clicked away. "You’re just a glutton for punishment."

"Yeah, yeah, I’m a glutton for punishment," Chen Yuan agreed, for once not arguing back. He turned his face away, not wanting to talk.

"I told you to go give her a kiss, and you’re gone for two hours only to come back like this. Where’s your backbone? Are you even a man?" Jiangg Yao, apparently feeling he wasn’t annoyed enough, continued to add fuel to the fire.

"Just stop. I’m really not in the mood right now."

Chen Yuan had to admit it. ’When it comes to Jiangg Ning, I really am kind of useless.’

’All I wanted was a simple kiss, but I ended up beating around the bush and "studying" for two hours. Anyone who didn’t know better would think I was some kind of bookworm.’

’In the end, not only did I not get a kiss, I got a punch for my troubles.’

"Oh, so now *you’re* annoyed? You’re such a bot!" Jiangg Yao rolled her eyes.

"Who are you calling a bot?" he snapped, his neck stiff with anger.

"If the shoe fits, wear it."

"I’m starting to think you two sisters have gotten way too cocky lately. Have I been too nice to you?"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Don’t act tough in front of me. If you’ve got the guts, go act tough next door. I’m not the one who pissed you off," Jiangg Yao said, pointing to the door with a clear smirk.

"Just you wait!"

Chen Yuan had only been lying down for a few minutes before he shot back up. Gritting his teeth, he stormed into Jiangg Ning’s room, full of pent-up frustration.

She wasn’t studying anymore, either. Instead, she was resting her chin on her hand, staring into space.

Chen Yuan burst into the room, and the loud noise made her jump.

"What are you doing?" Jiangg Ning asked with a frown.

"No more studying," Chen Yuan said, his face stern.

"I thought I told you to go to the room next door—Hey! Hey, wait!!"

Before she could finish, Chen Yuan strode over and swept her up into his arms. One of his hands firmly pinned her smooth, long legs, while the other began to roam.

A moment later, he pressed her down onto the bed, leaving her completely stunned.

"Calm down! What are you trying to do...?" Jiangg Ning demanded, her cheeks flushing red with a mix of shame and anger.

She tried to grab his wandering hand, but couldn’t catch it.

"Shut up," Chen Yuan said bitterly. "I’m going to prove that I’m not afraid of you, and that I’m not some bot!"

His bizarre declaration left Jiangg Ning utterly bewildered.

But she had no time to dwell on it. After all, he was already pulling her dress off.