Chapter 31: No Whining

Su Mi’s voice trembled with nervousness as she spoke, and she glanced up at Shen Han cautiously. Shen Han’s expression remained calm, but she frowned slightly at Su Mi’s mention of weak legs.

Su Mi’s heart sank at Shen Han’s frown, thinking Shen Han found her troublesome. But then she heard Shen Han’s disapproving tone: “Don’t whine.”

Su Mi: …?

Don’t…whine?

Those four words hit her like a thunderclap. Who? Who was whining?

She looked around, but it was just the two of them. Dazed, she stared at Shen Han.

Shen Han, in a calm and rational manner, explained, “This mountain path is steep and dangerous.”

Su Mi: …

Following Shen Han’s words, she glanced at the path. Indeed, the steps were quite steep.

If Shen Han carried her down, the center of gravity might…

Wait.

Why was she even imagining that?

Su Mi took a deep breath, feeling as if her world was crashing down. What was Shen Han thinking?

Su Mi recalled the sigh Shen Han let out before carrying her at the creek. At that time, she also mentioned her weak legs. Did Shen Han think she was whining then?

In Shen Han’s eyes, what kind of person had she become? And how did this not cause an out-of-character (OOC) situation?

Su Mi’s heart trembled, and she glanced at Shen Han again before quickly looking away.

She needed to clear her name. She stubbornly said, “When I said my legs were weak… I didn’t mean it like that…”

It was a simple, objective, and emotionless statement of fact.

She wouldn’t dare whine to Shen Han and ask her to carry her. Just thinking about it felt rebellious.

Shen Han responded with a nonchalant “Oh,” clearly not convinced, and seriously added, “No need to pretend. Carrying you down is doable, but you need to hold on tighter this time.”

Su Mi’s breath caught in her throat. She jumped down two steps, trying to demonstrate her agility and strength. “I’m really not weak. This little bit of a mountain path is easy to walk! I’m a strong and sturdy Beta!”

To prevent Shen Han from misunderstanding further, Su Mi quickly descended several more steps, then turned back and urged, “Come on, sister, the sun is setting. Where’s the viewing spot the staff mentioned?”

Behind her, Shen Han followed with her hands in her pockets, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Su Mi intended to keep moving but suddenly paused. She scrutinized Shen Han’s familiar expression.

This expression… seemed familiar…

It had appeared in scenes like when Shen Han reassured her, when Shen Han said she’d attend the parent-teacher meeting, or when she leaned in with a playful smile in the misty hot springs, questioning her orientation…

Wait, her thoughts were wandering.

Su Mi’s thoughts spiraled, almost recalling memories that made her face burn whenever she thought of them late at night.

But piecing these memories together solidified her guess.

Su Mi patted her face in disbelief. “Sister, were you teasing me just now?”

She sniffled, staring at Shen Han intently.

Shen Han, passing her by, frowned slightly as if confused and asked, “Why would I? This is just sincere concern from a sister to her younger sister.”

Su Mi chased after her, stopping Shen Han on a platform on the mountain path.

For once, she was somewhat flustered and angry, muttering a few words without directly voicing her misinterpretation, not wanting to appear self-important.

Hesitating for a while, Su Mi pouted and said, “If others hear, they might get the wrong impression of me…”

Shen Han raised an eyebrow. “What kind of impression?”

Pausing, Shen Han continued, “Does it not align with your heroic image?”

Su Mi was taken aback.

She thought Shen Han had forgotten about it, but apparently, Shen Han remembered.

It was a tough question to answer. Su Mi forced herself to respond lightly, her voice airy, “It just happened to be…”

Her tone betrayed her nervousness. Shen Han interrupted, “No need to explain. You don’t listen anyway.”

Su Mi protested, “Am I not obedient enough?”

She tried to enumerate examples, raising one finger and starting with “First—”

But Shen Han pressed her finger down, simultaneously showing her a vibrating optical brain.

Su Mi blinked.

Shen Han placed the optical brain in front of her and read coldly, “Su Su, where are you? Are you okay? I’m worried… Ren Yue.”

Su Mi: …

Shen Han added, “If I recall correctly, wasn’t there someone who claimed to be obedient that deleted Ren Yue’s contact in front of me?”

Su Mi: …

Embarrassment overwhelmed her.

Shen Han lifted her eyelids, “You have no sense of caution and don’t set your optical brain to strong privacy mode.”

Su Mi’s face flushed.

Shen Han, crossing her arms leisurely, said, “Now explain.”

…There seemed to be no room for explanation.

Su Mi felt like jumping off the platform. She bit her lip, moved closer, and tried to retrieve her optical brain.

Maybe Shen Han didn’t expect her to approach, so she instinctively raised her hand.

Their hands touched.

—”Clink.”

The optical brain flew out of Shen Han’s hand, rolling down the side of the mountain path.

The atmosphere on the platform tensed.

Walking to the edge, they saw the optical brain flashing in the distant woods.

The path was steep, with the stone steps being more even, while the terrain on either side was more rugged.

During their conversation, the sun had continued to set, casting shadows over the path and making it harder to see, risking a misstep.

But this also dispersed the tension Su Mi felt from Shen Han’s earlier interrogation.

Shen Han stood by the railing, seemingly calculating the distance.

Su Mi shook her head, finding a sense of calm in the unlucky situation.

Accepting it as it came, Su Mi sat on the steps, patting the space beside her. “It’s steep and dangerous. Sit down.”

Shen Han sighed softly and sat beside her. “It’s my fault. Shen Technology recently developed a new batch of optical brains. You can choose one in the lab when we return.”

Su Mi’s eyes lit up.

Since coming to this world, she was fascinated by optical brains linked to mental strength. Although she hadn’t sensed her own mental power, she often researched news related to it.

Shen Technology’s optical brain lab was leading in this field. Rumors said their year-end release would feature new optical brain technology.

Unexpectedly, it was ready, and she could be the first to use it!

Su Mi nodded eagerly, “Okay!”

Shen Han chuckled, “That’s all it takes?”

Su Mi suggested, “Should we call the staff? They can use professional equipment to retrieve it. Without strong privacy mode, it could be troublesome if found by someone else.”

Shen Han nodded, making a call to the staff. Su Mi sat beside her, knees drawn up, resting her chin on them, looking at the distance.

From this vantage point, the setting sun painted the sky a gradient of orange, while below, city lights began to twinkle. The mountain offered a panoramic view, making the horizon seem endless.

Su Mi felt an urge to shout and release all her pent-up emotions.

But…

She glanced at Shen Han.

Shen Han, putting away the optical brain, met her gaze, “What’s wrong?”

Su Mi beamed, genuinely happy. “The sunset is beautiful!”

Shen Han chuckled, looking ahead, “How does it compare to the one at Nan Yuan?”

Su Mi thought seriously, then said, “This one is higher, better.”

Shen Han said, “The staff is shorthanded. They’ll be here in about half an hour.”

Su Mi nodded, “Okay.”

Resting her head on her knees, Su Mi recalled their conversation about meaningful moments.

She asked, “Sister, is this moment memorable?”

Shen Han remained silent, both of them watching the sunset quietly.

Night fell, and the city transformed into a sea of lights.

Su Mi shifted her position, resting her face on her arm, and watched Shen Han.

Her gaze traced Shen Han’s face, noting the calm expression and distant eyes.

After a while, Shen Han finally answered the earlier question.

Smiling slightly, she said, “Quite.”

Su Mi was puzzled, “Quite what?”

Shen Han fiddled with her optical brain, “Quite memorable, I suppose.”

Su Mi’s knees were sore, and she used her arms as a cushion, turning her head. “Sister, why didn’t you attend your graduation trip?”

Shen Han replied, “Some private matters.”

Maybe it was the breeze, but Shen Han’s eyes flickered, her smile fading.

Su Mi asked, “What private matters?”

Shen Han paused, then smiled wryly, “Su Mi, when someone says private matters, it means they don’t want to answer.”

Su Mi oh-ed, still looking at Shen Han.

Shen Han gazed at the cityscape, her eyes reflecting the city lights.

Lips pressed, Shen Han said, “I found out some unpleasant things, so I didn’t go.”

Su Mi scratched her face, sensing Shen Han’s discomfort.

She cautiously asked, “What was it?”

Though it was inappropriate to pry, Su Mi was curious.

Shen Han’s gaze turned to her, her expression unreadable, “Someone broke a promise.”

Su Mi: “Did they get punished?”

Shen Han squinted, “Yes, they died.”

Su Mi was left speechless. Died?

Could this be the punishment Shen Han referred to?

She thought about the original plot, which described Shen Han’s ruthless methods. Although the story didn’t mention any specific incidents, this description might not be baseless.

So, when Shen Han mentioned broken promises… was it serious?

Su Mi’s heart raced as she contemplated the gravity of Shen Han’s words. She looked at Shen Han, who remained composed, her expression indifferent.

She couldn’t let this go. She had to understand more. Su Mi decided to probe further, but before she could, Shen Han’s demeanor shifted slightly, becoming more relaxed.

Shen Han’s gaze softened as she looked at Su Mi. “Don’t overthink it. That was a long time ago.”

Su Mi nodded slowly, still processing everything. She felt a mix of relief and curiosity. Shen Han’s past seemed to hold many secrets, and Su Mi was determined to uncover them, but now was not the time.

The staff arrived, and with their help, Su Mi retrieved her optical brain. She thanked them sincerely, feeling a bit embarrassed about the earlier incident.

As they walked back to the campsite, the atmosphere lightened. Su Mi glanced at Shen Han, who seemed lost in thought.

“Thank you, sister,” Su Mi said softly.

Shen Han glanced at her, a faint smile playing on her lips. “For what?”

“For helping me earlier,” Su Mi replied. “And for always looking out for me.”

Shen Han’s smile widened slightly. “It’s my responsibility.”

Back at the campsite, they found Xu Nanqiao and Li Zhao sitting around the fire, chatting and laughing. The tension from earlier seemed to have dissipated.

“Hey, you’re back!” Xu Nanqiao greeted them cheerfully.

Su Mi nodded, smiling. “Yeah, we had a little adventure.”

Li Zhao raised an eyebrow. “Adventure? Do tell.”

Su Mi recounted the incident with the optical brain, glossing over the more dramatic parts. Xu Nanqiao and Li Zhao listened attentively, chuckling at the lighter moments.

As the night wore on, they sat around the fire, sharing stories and laughter. The sky was clear, and the stars shone brightly above them.

Su Mi felt a sense of camaraderie with her friends, and for a moment, all her worries faded away.

The following morning, they packed up their campsite and prepared to head back. Su Mi couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to discover about Shen Han’s past, but she decided to let it rest for now.

As they made their way down the mountain, Su Mi walked beside Shen Han, stealing glances at her. Shen Han’s calm and composed demeanor intrigued her, and she couldn’t help but wonder what lay beneath the surface.

Just before they reached the bottom, Shen Han turned to Su Mi. “Remember what I said. Be cautious and take care of yourself.”

Su Mi nodded, smiling. “I will, sister.”

With that, they parted ways, each heading back to their respective lives. But Su Mi knew that this was just the beginning. There were still many secrets to uncover, and she was determined to find out more about Shen Han and the mysteries that surrounded her.

For now, she would focus on the present, cherishing the moments with her friends and embracing the adventures that lay ahead.