Has the Affection Level Gone Up Today?

One day in the library, Chen Xia suddenly heard a "Ding!" in his head.

The System blared through a loudspeaker in his mind: Congratulations, you've met your destined one! Being with him will bring you happiness. Hurry up and do good deeds to win him over!

Chen Xia stopped in his tracks and turned to look at the back of Jiang Shuobei, the second-ranked student in their year.

His childhood friend, Chu Youxi, stopped too and asked what was wrong.

Chen Xia gazed at Jiang Shuobei's back, deep in thought. "...Don't you think his back is really captivating?"

Chu Youxi: ...

Chu Youxi: ???

*

Chen Xia has a System that lets him see how much other people like him. If he is willing to work hard at raising their affection levels, he can also unlock glimpses of the future.

Ever since the System made its announcement, Chen Xia has worked hard to raise Jiang Shuobei's affection for him, helping him out of trouble and bringing him gifts. Chu Youxi usually tags along.

Thanks to his tireless efforts, Chen Xia makes a little progress: he dreams of a glimpse of the future, in which he falls from a great height and hits the ground in a pool of blood.

His affection level isn't high enough to unlock more of the story. Chen Xia wakes from the dream and immediately gets up to go out.

Chu Youxi: Where are you going this late?

Chen Xia: To buy Jiang Shuobei a little cake. (For my own safety.)

From an angle Chen Xia can't see, Chu Youxi crushes the soda can in his hand, lets out a derisive laugh, and stands up. "Stay here. I'll go buy it."

*

Chen Xia's System isn't all-powerful. For example, he can't see how much his childhood friend Chu Youxi likes him.

But that doesn't affect their friendship. Just as the protagonist of a romance novel always has a childhood friend who works tirelessly for him, whenever Chen Xia needs to raise someone's affection level, Chu Youxi is the first person he tells. And Chu Youxi always helps.

But this time, as Chen Xia applies himself to winning someone over, Chu Youxi's attitude gradually changes.

"Are you serious?" Chu Youxi doesn't smile like he used to. He runs a hand through his hair, looking more lost than Chen Xia has ever seen him.

He looks at Chen Xia and asks, "Are you serious this time?"

Chen Xia blinks, and at last he can see his childhood friend's affection level.

*

Chen Xia x Chu Youxi, 1v1

There are some melodramatic misunderstandings.

Blurb needs revision. I'm still debating some basic details, so they may change later. 2025.12.15

Theme: Have the courage to express your feelings.