The System had brought everyone into the world of tasks.
Jiang Yan initially didn't realize it, thinking that the people here were all fictitious characters created by the System. She thought she was alone.
But there were always some details that the System couldn't arrange—these characters' friendly emotions towards her, their unexplained affection...
Jiang Yan's suspicions were confirmed in the materialistic world. Although she had followed the plot initially, Shang Lu had never been as the System had planned from the start.
Later, Jiang Yan identified other people from among the characters: her parents, who were usually cast as parents in the plot; Qin Zhenzhen, who was typically the female protagonist; and Lin Cheng, who had no fixed role but always ended up loving her.
Jiang Yan had the patience to exhaust the System. But she felt it wasn't worth it; she didn't want to continue wasting her energy and time.
So, this became her final gamble.
The alpha operation class was quickly selected. Of course, Jiang Yan's identity meant she couldn't join, but she only asked to be included once during the plot mission.
Jiang Yan was attending school normally, while the newly recruited members of the alpha operation class were undergoing vigorous training. Those selected had one-in-a-hundred capabilities and would become an excellent force in the military in the future.
Somehow, Jiang Yan had recently seen Qin Zhen less often, and even Jiang Youbai's visits had decreased significantly.
Aside from pondering her plans, Jiang Yan spent her days leaning close to Lu Ningning, inhaling her scent.
Lu Ningning adjusted her glasses and asked curiously, "You always cling to me like this; do you like braised pork?"
Jiang Yan giggled, "How did you just guess?"
Jiang Youbai could only visit Jiang Yan once a day, always bringing something tasty and exchanging a few words with her.
Before leaving, he would often look at Jiang Yan meaningfully, and without getting a response, he would hug her tightly and complain, "I'm so busy, and you don't even care?"
When she asked what kept him so busy, he wouldn't say.
Jiang Yan thought, since they were about to reunite for real, it didn't matter if he didn't say.
Finally, the plot arrived.
The alpha operation class had made some progress in their training and began practical exercises. By completing the tasks set out, they completed their training.
Essentially, they were practically handling some minor issues. The difficulty of the tasks was very low compared to their abilities.
But no one would have expected that in this simple training task, they would encounter the Mother of the Insects.
...
The day before the mission began, Jiang Youbai came to see Jiang Yan, saying he was going to travel to another planet for a tour and would bring Jiang Yan a gift when he returned, asking her to wait for him.
Jiang Yan nodded seriously, glad not to have to think of an excuse to part ways. She sincerely promised to stay at home.
On the day of departure, Lin Zhi came to pick up Jiang Yan in a flying vehicle.
This mission was on the desolate Planet Elwin, originally planned to eliminate a gang of villains there.
They had their own spacecraft, military-grade, safe and advanced, waiting at the port for them to assemble. Beneath the spacecraft, the alpha team members had already automatically formed two neat rows.
Jiang Yan saw a real spacecraft for the first time, jumped down from the flyer, and ran over to take a closer look.
Lin Zhi let her go and started calling roll on his own, the first name he called out was: "Jiang Youbai!"
Jiang Youbai leisurely responded with a "Here," causing Jiang Yan to turn her head in surprise. Then, those who went out traveling and those who promised to stay at home had a deep, meaningful gaze.
Jiang Youbai looked at Jiang Yan with a smile that was not quite a smile for a few seconds, making her realize her mistake—she had just agreed not to contact Lin Zhi and to stay at home. Then she turned her head and came over in Lin Zhi's flyer.
Really, it's impossible to argue, brother, this is serious business. How could I have forgotten that Jiang Youbai was also part of the alpha combat class? No wonder he hadn't had time to look for her before.
Jiang Yan obediently returned to her place, and among the names Lin Zhi called, she found Qin Zhen, which was not surprising. Qin Zhen was an outstanding alpha, and this mission was even a sacrifice made by Jiang Yan for her.
But!!! The last name Lin Zhi called was "Lu Yang"! That wasn't right! Lu Yang, from the mecha pilot training camp, wasn't the same type as the alpha combat class!
Jiang Yan immediately figured out Lin Zhi was up to something. She glared at Lin Zhi, and after entering the spacecraft, she stuck close to him demanding an explanation, mainly to shake off Jiang Youbai...
That unclear, sinister gaze as if harboring countless evil plans was too frightening!
Fortunately, Lin Zhi was Jiang Youbai's instructor. Although they knew they were romantic rivals, Lin Zhi bore no grudge and even took quite good care of Jiang Youbai.
Jiang Youbai gave him face, standing outside the instructor's lounge, waiting for her to come out.
