TVAPVM Chapter: 37 Veiled Intentions

After regrouping with the others, Mu Yu was stunned to see Song Shi covered in mud and grime.

“Why do you look so awful?”

Song Shi mumbled something under her breath but didn’t offer a real explanation.

Gu Chi stepped in calmly. “She was taken hostage by the leader. That one’s not like the others—very cunning. It tried to use her to blackmail us.”

He turned to Lu Yunfei, who had just returned, his brows furrowed. “Yunfei, weren’t you two paired up? I’ve told you before—on missions, never leave teammates alone.”

Lu Yunfei looked bewildered. “She said she wasn’t feeling well, so I let her return to the car to rest. We parked just a few hundred meters away from our area, so I figured it was safe.”

Guilt crept into his voice. “I really didn’t think anything would happen in that short distance.”

Gu Chi’s expression softened slightly. “You were near the regrouping point? That’s odd… We found Song Shi far from there.”

He looked over, realization dawning. “Song Shi, what really happened?”

“I… maybe I got the direction wrong,” she replied, her voice unconvincing.

Everyone fell silent. The distance was simple—just a few hundred meters. Even if one were directionally challenged, getting that far off wasn’t easy to explain.

“Song Shi, did you…” Lu Yunfei began, his expression turning cold, but she suddenly cut him off.

“But Brother Gu, shouldn’t Chi Ying explain her powers first?”

Lu Yunfei’s mouth snapped shut. The tension shifted.

Mu Yu leaned forward, intrigued. “Powers? What powers?”

Gu Chi paused, then spoke, his voice steady. “Let’s wait until we’re back. We’ll talk then.”

That evening, after leaving the danger zone, the team set up camp in the suburbs. Under the cover of night, Gu Chi finally addressed everyone.

“I owe you all an explanation. Chi Ying has a combat ability… and I’ve kept it hidden.”

He glanced around, acknowledging the weight of his admission.

“Her power is beyond anything currently documented among human abilities.”

Song Shi’s head snapped up. No wonder. No wonder Gu Chi treated her differently.

Mu Yu was full of curiosity. “How strong exactly?”

“You’ll see it for yourself soon enough,” Gu Chi replied.

Lu Yunfei clicked his tongue. “I knew something was up. You always take her with you. People were starting to wonder if there was some… impure relationship between you two.”

Gu Chi blinked, startled. “Impure?”

Chi Ying leaned in. “What’s that?”

[It means like boyfriend and girlfriend.] The system grumbled.

My poor, innocent host… she’s being slandered by this villain!

Chi Ying’s eyes widened slightly. Boyfriend and girlfriend?

She instinctively looked toward Song Shi—and, just as she expected, saw the girl’s twisted expression.

Chi Ying sighed inwardly. Here we go. She’s definitely holding another grudge now.

What she didn’t notice was Gu Chi—sitting beside her—freezing when he heard the words impure relationship. In the dim light, no one saw the turmoil on his face.

Song Shi bit her lip. “We were the first to join the team. Brother Gu, even we weren’t told? I thought we were… worthy of your trust.”

Her voice carried just the right touch of vulnerability, tugging at hearts.

“…Sorry.” Gu Chi responded with difficulty. There wasn’t much else he could say.

Lu Yunfei wasn’t having it. “So what if it was kept secret? Honestly, I don’t think everyone here is exactly trustworthy either.”

Song Shi’s expression paled.

“Brother Lu, what do you mean by that?”

In an instant, tears welled up in her eyes.

“Why are you crying now?” Mu Yu hurried to comfort her. “Lu Yunfei! That was too harsh.”

“I didn’t say anything wrong,” Lu Yunfei snapped, even more irritated now. “All I’m saying is, the captain saved my life. You think he doesn’t trust you? Fine. Just don’t drag me into it.”

Mu Yu sighed. “Song Shi, the captain must’ve had his reasons.”

Song Shi stayed quiet, looking down at her feet.

__

When the group finally dispersed, Chi Ying noticed Song Shi walking at the same pace behind her—clearly on purpose.

Sensing that the girl wanted to talk, Chi Ying sped up.

Behind her, Song Shi called, “Chi Ying! I have something to tell you.”

Chi Ying paused. Damn… Should’ve walked faster.

Song Shi caught up and stood in front of her with a sweet smile.

“You saved me today. I don’t think I thanked you properly. Thank you.”

Chi Ying narrowed her eyes slightly. This isn’t just gratitude.

“It’s no wonder Brother Gu invited you into the team,” Song Shi continued smoothly. “With your ability, who wouldn’t want you? I mean, you’re basically a walking weapon—so useful. Of course, someone like Brother Gu wouldn’t let that kind of resource go to waste.”

Chi Ying’s smile vanished.

“What are you trying to say?”

“Nothing at all,” Song Shi said breezily. “Just that… you’re impressive. Rest well, Chi Ying.”

[Host! She’s clearly trying to stir things up!] the system fumed.

Chi Ying’s nose twitched faintly. Song Shi was implying that Gu Chi had only brought her into the team for tactical benefit—as a tool.

Her stomach tightened. She didn’t like that thought.

[That’s nonsense!]

“…But she’s not wrong,” Chi Ying mumbled.

The system gasped. No—my host is actually being affected by that brat’s drama?!

__

Later that night, Gu Chi was just settling into his tent when he heard footsteps outside.

He stood cautiously. “Who’s there?”

“I…”

He snapped his fingers, throwing his coat back on as he stepped out.

“Chi Ying? What are you doing here so late—” His voice stopped. Her eyes were dark with emotion.

His tone softened. “What’s wrong?”

“Why did you let me join the team?”

Gu Chi blinked. “Where’s this coming from?”

She didn’t answer, just looked at him quietly.

“…Part of it was because I trusted you. And also, because you’re strong enough to protect yourself.”

Her tense expression relaxed immediately.

“Oh. That’s all I wanted to know.”

She waved lightly and turned to leave. “Good night.”

Gu Chi stood there, dazed. “Oh… good night.”

The system heaved a dramatic sigh.

She’s too easy to coax. My poor host…