Jiang Xi and Hou Liang could be considered childhood sweethearts, having grown up together, attended university together, and later entered the game instance together. They held irreplaceable positions in each other's hearts, yet they had never crossed the line of friendship.

But now, they were about to perform an intimate act between lovers.

Hou Liang placed his hands on Jiang Xi's shoulders, his movements stiff and awkward, his palms slick with sweat, his heart pounding wildly. He nervously lowered his head, his Adam's apple bobbing.

"So... I'll kiss you now?"

The boy's scorching breath gently brushed her face like a hot summer breeze after rain—humid and thick with youthful hormones. His low, hoarse voice made her blush and her heart race.

Only now did Jiang Xi begin to feel a hint of shyness. Her eyes blinked rapidly behind her glasses as she nervously twisted her fingers, her cheeks turning faintly pink.

"Wait, Hou—Hou Liang... I..."

A beautiful flush spread across the girl's cheeks like peach blossoms, her eyes clear and bright as autumn waters.

Noticing her nervousness, Hou Liang gently grasped her hand and said softly, "If you're unwilling, we can forget about it."

"It's not that I'm unwilling!" Jiang Xi quickly explained before shyly turning her face away. "It just feels a bit strange. Give me some time."

She seemed to need to reevaluate her feelings for Hou Liang. For so long, she had grown accustomed to his presence. Though she often said Hou Liang was careless, in reality—whether in game instances or daily life—he had always been considerate toward her.

Hou Liang silently sighed in relief. To ease her tension, he deliberately joked, "It's fine, I can wait. But the longer we delay, the more likely others might come. We might end up with an audience watching us kiss."

Jiang Xi's eyes widened at his words, her face turning even redder. "Wh-what?!"

An audience?!

Watching the two below still chatting, the yao ghost in the tree yawned and clicked its tongue in irritation.

"Are they going to kiss or not? So damn slow."

Clearly not even a couple, yet daring to take on this task.

The yao ghost felt like forcing their heads together to make them hurry up.

When their lips finally touched, it silently sighed in relief.

Finally.

Though calling it a kiss was generous—the two love novices merely pressed their lips together briefly.

Jiang Xi lowered her blushing face, her ears burning as she curiously and shyly touched her lips.

Meanwhile, Hou Liang silently covered his mouth, his lips still tingling from the warm sensation.

His gaze darted about, avoiding Jiang Xi's eyes, his face and neck red as boiled shrimp.

So... soft.

As the girl kept her head down, he hesitantly reached out—when suddenly a cold, hoarse female voice sounded above them.

"Your task has failed."

Startled, they looked up to see a massive vine coiled above them like a thick python, its dark green surface exuding danger.

Jiang Xi instinctively shielded Hou Liang behind her, her voice turning serious. "Who are you?"

"Me?" The creature chuckled. "I'm this island's guardian deity. Even those referees were created by me."

Hou Liang frowned. "Guardian deity?"

What the hell was this?

Jiang Xi stared at the vine and suddenly asked, "You're the one who executed Gao Chaoyang?"

She remembered now—the vine that had pierced Gao Chaoyang's stomach was this one.

"Indeed." The yao ghost's voice carried arrogance. "I hold the authority to execute you."

"Then what did you mean by our task failing?" Hou Liang demanded. "We followed the instructions on the wooden plaque exactly."

"Oh? Are you certain?"

The vine slowly detached from the tree, coiling around Jiang Xi and Hou Liang.

"I believe the requirement was for couples. Are you... a couple?"

No sooner had it spoken than a vine lashed around Jiang Xi's waist, yanking her into the air.

Hou Liang reacted instantly, grabbing her wrist. "Xixi!!!"

What the hell was this monster doing?!

Jiang Xi was being pulled in opposite directions—her waist by the vine, her arm by Hou Liang. The excruciating pain of her muscles tearing made her face pale, a pained groan escaping her lips.

"Boy, I suggest you let go. If her arm tears off, I won't take responsibility," the yao ghost mocked. "Seems these two days together really warmed your feelings."

Hou Liang had no choice but to release her, clenching his fists. "Take me instead. Let Xixi go."

"Don't worry, you'll get your turn." The vine's tip stroked Jiang Xi's cheek maliciously. "You both failed, so you'll both be punished."

A rotting plant odor filled the air. Jiang Xi grimaced. "The referees haven't announced results yet. How can you act first?"

"The referees answer to me. Since when do I need their permission to execute?"

Its gaze fell on the anxious Hou Liang, and it chuckled meaningfully. "Though your partner seems quite worried about you. Such touching affection. But someone on this island despises love. Even if I don't execute you, others will target you."

Despises love?

Jiang Xi immediately thought of a name. "You mean Bo Jingmo?"

The yao ghost seemed surprised. "You're quick."

Jiang Xi fell silent, frowning.

As suspected—Bo Jingmo's identity wasn't so simple.

Seeing her expression, the yao ghost gritted its teeth internally.

Bo Jingmo, if you think you can betray me, think again.

It turned back to Jiang Xi with a cold laugh. "Since you're about to die, I'll show mercy and reveal the truth. This show was Bo Jingmo's idea. He hates couples, so he asked me to collaborate in killing you contestants."

Jiang Xi looked up. "Yet I recall he partnered with Yu Li himself."

At that name, the yao ghost's voice turned shrill.

"Exactly! He betrayed our agreement! He wanted to eliminate couples, yet now tries to be with that woman!"

Jiang Xi winced, covering her nearly deafened ears.

Damn monster had quite the volume.

But this explanation gave her a rough understanding of the situation.

Exchanging a glance with Hou Liang below, Jiang Xi spoke slowly:

"So you're saying Bo Jingmo betrayed you for Yu Li, and you want Yu Li dead. I can help you—on the condition you spare me and my teammate."