At Least Ensure There Is No Second Me

Ji Family Mansion

This was Su Cheng's second visit, though his first had been sneaking into the mansion to gather information.

So, this time, he came openly. Honestly, before arriving, he had even imagined the possibility of being turned away for lacking an invitation or appointment. Would they send someone to throw him out?

In the end, he considered name-dropping Ji Qingyi, but he doubted they’d believe him.

Left with no choice, he would have had to call Ji Qingyi on his phone to come greet him, followed by ten thousand words of face-slapping drama—ending with him following the president inside, a smug Nike-like grin on his face.

But alas, no such cliché scenario unfolded.

"Please, come in."

The moment Su Cheng approached the gate, a voice—sweet and pleasant, clearly trained for welcoming distinguished guests—emerged from an intercom beside the entrance.

As soon as the voice faded, the grand gates slowly swung open.

From a distance, Su Cheng spotted a woman standing by the villa’s entrance, dressed in an elegant black-and-white maid-style dress. She carried herself with grace, her figure slender and poised as she waited for him.

"It’s not Senior…"

Despite the distance, he immediately recognized that it wasn’t Liu Qingyue. He couldn’t help but click his tongue in slight disappointment.

"I wonder if I can request Senior to attend to me instead?"

Though it wasn’t her, he still walked toward the maid, his mind lingering on the idea of being served by his senior…

"Wait—"

"What the hell am I thinking?!"

"How ridiculously rude is that?!"

He quickly dismissed the absurd thought.

"Mr. Su Cheng, welcome."

As he approached the melancholic-looking maid, she grasped the hem of her dress and bowed slightly.

Her posture, her demeanor, her voice—even the glimpse of white stockings revealed as she lifted her skirt—

This… this was…

Yesterday, he had been observing covertly, too cautious to take in the details. But now, a scene straight out of anime or movies was unfolding before his very eyes.

A real maid—truly magnificent!

The fake ones in themed cafés or other establishments couldn’t compare to this innate elegance and presence.

This maid even gave him the illusion that, armed with a weapon, she could instantly transform into a warrior.

"I am Emina, a dedicated attendant in charge of reception. You may address me as such. I look forward to serving you."

Noticing Su Cheng standing silently, the melancholic maid parted her lips lightly and introduced herself.

Not a member of the Ji family?

Su Cheng froze, puzzled, but didn’t dwell on it. Instead, he nodded and raised another question: "Attendant?"

He had assumed attendants were the type dressed head-to-toe in black. Who knew a maid outfit could also fit the role?

"Attendants are the young mistress’s personal guards," Emina explained. "But to us, an attendant is the most versatile role. Maid, chef, gardener, warrior, chauffeur—whatever the young mistress requires, that is what I become."

"I see."

Su Cheng nodded in understanding, though inwardly, he was seething with envy. If only he had one at home—how amazing would that be?

The mere thought excited him.

Because he could send her to work at an electronics factory.

He could just lie back and earn money every month!

Who could refuse a maid capable of surviving the merciless assembly line?

"I was informed of your visit in advance. My orders are to escort you to the young mistress."

Emina added, gesturing for him to follow.

"Alright, lead the way."

Su Cheng nodded and trailed behind the graceful, beautiful attendant, taking the opportunity to marvel at the Ji family’s opulent, extravagant mansion. He couldn’t help but silently gasp at the sheer luxury.

Entering a spacious courtyard, he saw meticulously arranged flowers and trees lining both sides. Ahead, a figure stood on the stone steps, watching him.

The person wore a well-tailored suit, with delicate features and a refined demeanor, standing around 1.7 meters tall. Su Cheng recognized him—it was Chen Xian.

And in the pavilion behind him, Ji Qingyi sat holding a teacup, sipping quietly. She seemed to have anticipated Su Cheng’s visit, showing no surprise whatsoever.

What is a "battlefield of love"?

Originally, it referred to the mythological clashes between deities. Over time, its meaning evolved into two interpretations.

One of them—

When multiple people who love the same person meet in front of the object of their affection, each vying for attention, excluding rivals, and competing fiercely—a beloved scenario in love triangles or polygons.

The other—

A scene where interpersonal conflicts erupt.

Like right now!

Su Cheng and Chen Xian locked eyes from a distance, the tension between them so thick it seemed to distort the air. An invisible energy radiated from both, colliding in the middle and forming countless swirling vortices.

This was a standoff where neither side would yield!

However, Su Cheng quickly backed down. Rubbing his eyes to confirm what he saw, he instinctively retreated a few steps, looking like a startled rabbit.

Why such a reaction?

There was only one reason.

He had noticed something about Chen Xian…

A system marker hovered above his head!!!

Holy shit, this is too much!

This guy can even give birth?!

Su Cheng’s reaction caught Ji Qingyi’s attention. Her eyes flickered with confusion as she subtly glanced at Chen Xian’s head, then set down her teacup, deep in thought. After a moment, she cast a suspicious look at Chen Xian.

Chen Xian, meanwhile, was baffled by Su Cheng’s behavior. But judging by his expression, he seemed genuinely frightened.

"Damn it, this guy’s gay!!"

After a rapid mental analysis, Su Cheng shuddered. He never imagined Ji Qingyi would marry someone like this!

How could he be so sure?

Because Chen Xian showed no feminine traits whatsoever—even having an Adam’s apple. There was no way this was a woman.

And with Ji Qingyi’s sharp observational skills, how could she not notice?

Thus, the truth was clear—

This person was gay!

"Wait… maybe he’s so exceptional the system broke gender boundaries… No, no! Maybe he is a woman with some special ability."

Su Cheng’s imagination ran wild, the possibilities growing increasingly absurd.

But he quickly shook his head, deciding to focus on the matter at hand. He was here to resolve an issue, not determine someone’s gender.

"You may leave."

Seeing the stalemate, Ji Qingyi dismissed the maid, then turned to the two of them.

"Shall we sit and talk?"

After exchanging glances, the two chose stone stools nearby and took their seats.

Su Cheng sat on the chair beside Ji Qingyi, not particularly restrained. After all, drinking tea daily with the club president was routine for him. The only difference today was the presence of an outsider, which made him slightly awkward.

Chen Xian, seated across from Ji Qingyi, had been observing quietly, but inwardly, he felt deeply uncomfortable. The way Su Cheng had casually taken the seat next to Ji Qingyi gave him a strange sensation—as if Su Cheng were the one destined to marry her.

Ji Qingyi, naturally aware of the unspoken tension between the two, understood that her presence was unnecessary. So, she rose to her feet.

Once they had settled in, she spoke softly, "There’s no one else in the courtyard. I’ll take my leave now."

"Of course, please."

They responded simultaneously.

Ji Qingyi nodded and walked out of the pavilion.

Upon entering the villa, she found herself in a living room where a large screen displayed a live feed of Su Cheng and Chen Xian in the courtyard.

"Miss, please have a seat."

Liu Qingyue smiled as Ji Qingyi entered, gesturing politely.

"Mm."

Ji Qingyi gave a slight nod and sat on the sofa without hesitation. Liu Qingyue then personally poured tea and handed it to her.

Holding the teacup, Ji Qingyi took a sip before turning her gaze to the screen, where Su Cheng and Chen Xian had just begun their conversation.

---

In the pavilion

"I’ve heard about you."

Chen Xian wore a faint smile as he continued, "Winning the archery championship in just half a month is quite remarkable. That’s something even I would struggle to achieve."

His warm, sincere praise instantly put Su Cheng at ease, the tension in his expression melting away. Su Cheng feigned modesty. "It was just luck."

"Luck is part of skill. And your mastery in archery already surpasses most."

Chen Xian’s eyes flickered with admiration.

Damn, what’s with this guy?

Su Cheng tensed inwardly. The heir of a major conglomerate showering him with praise—who could withstand that?

And it wasn’t empty flattery either, but genuine respect.

Who could reject someone who truly appreciated them?

"I looked you up online. No need to be humble."

Su Cheng quickly returned the favor with some polite compliments of his own. But after exchanging pleasantries, Chen Xian fell silent, his eyes fixed intently on Su Cheng.

He knew getting along was a matter of emotion, but handling the conversation skillfully required technique—initiating topics, responding appropriately…

Yet this was precisely where Su Cheng fell short.

"I’m not as outstanding as you think."

Chen Xian spoke firmly. "And though I’m a few years older, I’ve only progressed a step ahead of you in certain areas."

Su Cheng: "……"

"I was actually planning to seek you out, but fate brought us together today. I can guess why you’re here."

Here, Chen Xian paused, then lifted his gaze to meet Su Cheng’s. "I’m not doubting your abilities. But this matter involves the interests of multiple families and even international alliances. I hope you’ll consider carefully."

"I’ve already made my decision."

Su Cheng’s reply was resolute. "If I give it my all and still fail, there won’t be a second me."

Chen Xian was momentarily stunned.

Such arrogance?

Even if Su Cheng failed, there’d be no replacement?

But his surprise lasted only a second before his expression turned serious.

Chen Xian stood up, his tone grave. "No wonder you’re the one who can fulfill her wishes. In confidence and determination, I’m far inferior to you. But this isn’t something words alone can solve. I’m standing right here. How will you convince me?"

Their eyes locked, tension crackling in the air.

Though Chen Xian had wanted to help Ji Qingyi secure victory, she had refused his aid—choosing instead to place her faith in Su Cheng.

Losing to Su Cheng so inexplicably was unacceptable.

At the very least, he needed to be convinced.

This was a matter of pride.

He needed a reason.

And he feared that Su Cheng might lack the capability to succeed, dragging his princess into irreversible ruin.

Chen Xian’s gaze burned as he waited for an answer.

The silence between them stretched, thick with unspoken challenge.

Finally—

"Mind if I smoke?"

Su Cheng reached into his pocket and pulled out a cigarette.

"Wait—you’re a student, aren’t you?!"

Chen Xian was taken aback. He hadn’t expected Su Cheng to have such a bad habit.

This just makes me even less willing to entrust the princess to someone like this!

Ignoring him, Su Cheng placed the cigarette between his lips.

---

Villa, living room

Both Ji Qingyi and Liu Qingyue frowned. They knew the cigarette was a prop, and while Su Cheng controlling Chen Xian was understandable, this seemed like an attempt to manipulate himself.

What’s the purpose of this?

"Is he trying to control himself?"

"To issue himself a command?"

The two women speculated silently, watching intently to see what Su Cheng would do next.

As soon as the cigarette touched his lips, Su Cheng’s pupils lost focus, his body stiffening like a puppet.

"I am indeed a student."

His voice was flat, devoid of warmth—mechanical, as if his soul had been stripped away, leaving only an empty shell.

The sight of this lifeless Su Cheng sent a chill down Ji Qingyi and Liu Qingyue’s spines.

Though they knew he was under the prop’s influence, this unfamiliar version of him was unsettling.

For a moment, they were too stunned to react.

Ji Qingyi glanced at Liu Qingyue, their eyes exchanging silent questions as their minds raced.

Meanwhile, Chen Xian was equally startled by Su Cheng’s sudden change.

The boy before him had no emotion—only inanimate objects behaved this way.

Had Su Cheng died?

But…

"Su Cheng? Su Cheng?"

Chen Xian called softly.

Yet Su Cheng remained motionless, his mind filled with the relentless chime of system notifications.

[Ding—]

[Skill activation successful.]

[Reverse Truth and Lies.]

[One-time skill.]

[Effect: Causality/Word-Spirit.]

[System: Upon activation, the host may, within ten seconds, use speech as a medium to tell a lie to another person. If the content of the lie falls within the host’s cognitive scope and the host does not doubt it, and if the listener internally denies and verbally questions it, the lie will become reality.]

[System: The lie of a lie—this is how truth and falsehood are instantly reversed.]

"I don't need to convince you because, in my eyes, you're nothing but a despicable opportunist. As for why?"

Su Cheng spoke, his eyes vacant as if his soul had departed, staring blankly ahead. "Because Ji Qingyi's fiancé is me. There’s a contract signed by her father as proof."

With this utterly illogical and full-of-holes statement from Su Cheng, silence fell over the pavilion—or perhaps the entire villa.

The two women widened their beautiful eyes in shock.

What… what kind of nonsense was this?

Su Cheng was Ji Qingyi’s fiancé?

And it bore her father’s signature?

Even Ji Qingyi couldn’t help but frown, because she knew Su Cheng wouldn’t fabricate such a claim without reason.

"I think… he might actually have it," Liu Qingyue suddenly said, realizing that Su Cheng might have used some kind of rule-altering ability to warp reality.

"What do you mean?"

Hearing this, Ji Qingyi also caught on, her expression darkening, her mood growing heavy, and a flicker of disappointment flashing in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Chen Xian was utterly dumbfounded.

How could such an outrageous lie even leave his mouth?!

He really wanted to grab this brat and spank him.

No—beat him senseless.

"Indeed, you’re just a child," Chen Xian said, his voice laced with disappointment.

To him, the person before him was nothing but a childish fool, spouting such absurd and immature nonsense.

Yet Su Cheng ignored him, still staring into the distance as he continued, "You don’t believe me?"

Hearing Su Cheng’s relentless words, Chen Xian closed his eyes, his gaze turning icy with suppressed anger, his tone turning hostile. "Of course I don’t believe you. Because it’s a lie."

[Ding—]

However, Su Cheng fell silent. He closed his eyes, the cigarette in his hand still burning.

A minute later, the cigarette had burned to ash, and when he reopened his eyes, they had regained their usual sharpness. He noticed a white origami crane piercing through an invisible barrier before vanishing…

At the same time, the system notification in his mind confirmed that the skill had taken effect—what he had just said had become reality. A contract now lay in his system inventory.

At that moment, he couldn’t help but laugh.

Using a cigarette to reinforce his belief and activate the skill had worked!

This reaction made Chen Xian freeze. Then, Su Cheng reached into his pocket and pulled out an antique, exquisitely crafted marriage contract, handing it over. "Would you like to see for yourself? Is this his signature?"

Chen Xian took the contract, his eyes scanning the signature…

Instantly, his expression stiffened, his eyelids twitching, his heart pounding wildly—because…

It was real.

Not only was the signature there, but it even bore the man’s personal seal.

"Am I… dreaming?"

Chen Xian’s gaze was filled with utter bewilderment.

"As for why the president believes me," Su Cheng suddenly stood up, stepping closer to Chen Xian, his eyes locked onto him. "It’s because…"

At this point, he snatched the contract back—but what happened next would haunt Chen Xian for the rest of his life, leaving an indelible scar on his psyche.

Su Cheng actually…

Tore the contract to pieces!!!

He ripped it in half, then shredded it further before tossing the fragments into the air, letting them scatter in the wind.

Pieces of paper swirled in the air, while Chen Xian stood frozen, staring skyward as if struck by lightning, unable to recover.

This act left everyone—whether those watching from the shadows or those arguing in the open—stunned and speechless.

A strange light flickered in Ji Qingyi’s eyes. If she hadn’t witnessed this herself, she would never have believed it.

What she didn’t notice, however, was that Liu Qingyue had already vanished behind her.

Su Cheng’s actions…

What he destroyed wasn’t just a contract.

Ji Qingyi was an heiress. If she were to inherit even 1% of the family’s shares, it would amount to billions—perhaps even tens of billions. That was no small sum.

If Su Cheng married Ji Qingyi, he would naturally have a claim to that inheritance.

And yet… he had just…

Chen Xian’s mind reeled. This insane act had shaken him to his core.

How much courage did it take to do something like this?

No one could say.

But it was nothing short of madness!

His gaze was filled with awe as he stared at Su Cheng, his emotions growing increasingly complex. Meanwhile, Su Cheng remained utterly calm, as if he had merely torn up a scrap of useless draft paper.

Chen Xian suddenly recalled Su Cheng’s earlier words: "At least, there won’t be a second me."

Now, he finally understood what that meant—and why Ji Qingyi trusted this kid.

He asked himself: Could he have done the same?

But he quickly concluded that no one in this world could. It demanded unimaginable courage.

And he didn’t possess it.

Chen Xian’s lips trembled slightly, whether from shock or shame, as he lowered his head. He struggled to form words, but they stuck in his throat. In the end, all that escaped was a desolate sigh.

"I’ve lost… Just as you said. At least, no one else could have done this."

In that sigh, heavy with resignation, Su Cheng could glimpse the loneliness and pain buried deep within him.

"I understand. I’ll pretend this never happened."

Chen Xian spoke again, his voice hoarse and strained. "I’ll find a way to mediate."

Pausing, he took a deep breath before lifting his head to look at Su Cheng. "As for the Ji family… how do you plan to handle them?"

"The head of the Ji family will remember his past mistakes."

"Is that so? Understood."