Run the Plot Ch.29

Chapter 29: Trigger (2)

Qi He had no idea about the undercurrents stirring around him.

He’d just come up with a new testing method—

—the exhaustive method.

After all, he was only talking. It wasn’t like he really expected Yan Chuanbai to follow through.

He picked up the gun again and continued practicing.

Behind him, Yan Chuanbai met Guan Shangchun’s shadowed gaze. He seemed to know what the other man was thinking, but didn’t bother explaining—just curled his lips slightly and openly admitted it:

He wasn’t entirely doing it just to cooperate. His motives weren’t pure.

Guan Shangchun narrowed his eyes and turned back.

Bang! Bang! The gunfire continued.

Yu Tianxing watched, utterly dumbfounded.

After a few breaths, he snapped out of it, leaned closer to Yan Chuanbai, and whispered, “I know there’s a saying about humbling yourself for love—” His expression was complicated. “—but what you’re doing… you’re practically halfway in the grave already.”

They were, after all, colleagues in the military.

Yan Chuanbai kept his aim on the target and offered a small explanation: “It’s not exactly what you think.”

Yu Jiang rolled past behind them in her wheelchair—

‘No matter what you say… I still want this…’

Her little face was serious. They’re like this already—so why aren’t they getting back together?

After the shooting practice came combat training.

Two-on-one sparring—today’s match started with Guan Shangchun and Yu Tianxing facing off.

Yu Tianxing, who’d at least trained in the military, had decent skills and was practically pressing Guan Shangchun down the whole time.

Qi He watched from the sidelines: though Guan Shangchun was at a disadvantage, his speed and prediction had clearly improved. It seemed he wasn’t just saying he wanted to go to the front lines—he meant it.

Another chopping strike, followed by a sweeping kick—

Thud! Guan Shangchun’s body staggered, about to fall—

—when a sudden force caught him, holding him steady.

Qi He withdrew his hand. “Guan Shang strained his ankle yesterday. It’s best not to worsen the injury today.”

Guan Shangchun seemed to realize what had happened. Once he’d steadied himself, he turned toward Qi He, eyes bright and glimmering, and smiled with joy.

“Qiqi, thank you—you protected me again.”

‘Qiqi.’ Qi He paused for a moment. ‘So, in his mind, I’m still that Qi Qi Speed?’

Guan Shangchun seemed to catch himself. “Sorry, it just slipped out. If you don’t like it—”

Qi He replied, “It’s fine. Either way’s okay.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a voice sounded beside him.

“Hehe.”

“?” Qi He turned his head, meeting Yan Chuanbai’s mocking expression. “What are you sneering at?”

Yan Chuanbai said casually, “I was calling you—Hehe.”

“……” Qi He shot back, “Then what should I call you—Bobo?”

Yan Chuanbai looked down at the upturned face before him. The pale-pink lips pressed together, parted slightly, and plumped back up. He nodded, a faintly pleased look in his eyes. “Permission granted.”

Qi He: “?”

He frowned in suspicion. “System, is this also part of ‘complying with requests’?”

The system answered weakly: […Maybe, He.]

On the field, Guan Shangchun watched as Qi He’s attention was so easily stolen away. He hesitated for a moment, then spoke up:

“Qiqi, could I trouble you to give me some pointers?”

Qi He turned toward him. “What’s wrong?”

Before he could finish, a cool voice interjected beside him: “You think Yu Tianxing isn’t qualified to teach you?”

“……” Guan Shangchun looked straight at him. “Brother Yu teaches very well. I’m just afraid I’ll aggravate my sprain and fall behind in training. Qiqi can control gravity—”

He looked at Yan Chuanbai and said, “He’s better suited for me.”

A chill flickered through Yan Chuanbai’s eyes, his knuckles tightening.

Just two seconds later, he smiled as if he hadn’t caught the hidden meaning at all. “Oh, so you’re just afraid of falling.”

Guan Shangchun’s words instantly stuck in his throat.

Qi He glanced at Yan Chuanbai. …He’s actually pretty good at pushing people.

Seeing that Guan Shangchun didn’t reply, Qi He asked, “So, Guan Shang—what do you want to do?”

Guan Shangchun hesitated. He didn’t want to be seen as weak.

…Yan Chuanbai was a formidable rival.

Only strength could stand against strength.

He turned back to Yu Tianxing, regaining his usual composure. “Brother Yu, please continue guiding me.”

—

The training session came to an end.

The light in Guan Shangchun’s eyes had dimmed again. For some reason, Yu Tianxing also looked dazed, while Yu Jiang’s cheeks were flushed and her breathing quicker than usual.

Qi He glanced over. “Even non-combat departments need regular exercise.”

Yan Chuanbai’s gaze swept the group, but he didn’t argue. “Mn.”

“Then we’ll add another practice session tomorrow.”

Training usually started at 9:30 a.m., with half an hour beforehand left for Yu Tianxing and Yan Chuanbai to handle military affairs.

…

The next morning, Qi He got up at 9:15.

He was just about to head to the training room when he received a message from Yu Tianxing:

[Today’s special training is temporarily canceled. Everyone may arrange their own schedule. ~Xing]

Qi He: “?”

He speculated, “System, do you think he’s skipping practice because he couldn’t handle the pressure?”

The system gave him a sidelong glance: [Yan Chuanbai wouldn’t tolerate such unhealthy tendencies.]

Qi He thought that made sense. He scrolled again—no message from Yan Chuanbai. That meant it probably wasn’t a personal matter.

Most likely, something had happened “up top.”

He tried asking, [Is something urgent going on?]

Yu Tianxing replied, [The base has received a child suspected to be S-rank—a rare healing type. We’ve reported it to headquarters and are waiting for instructions.]

Suspected S-rank. Healing type. A child?

Qi He tapped his fingers twice and replied, [I’m coming over too.]

…

Third floor of the research institute.

As soon as Qi He turned into the hallway, he saw Yu Tianxing and several researchers standing at the far end. A few meters away was the reception room, guarded by a small group of military personnel.

He walked over, and Yu Tianxing turned his head. “You’re here.”

Qi He asked, “What’s the situation?”

“It’s that kid.” Yu Tianxing gestured to the side.

Qi He followed his gaze and saw a boy of about ten sitting quietly in the reception room.

The boy sat still, dressed in plain clothes. When he heard footsteps, he lifted his head, curiosity flickering in his eyes as he looked toward Qi He.

Qi He gave him a brief smile before turning back. “What do you mean by suspected?”

Yu Tianxing still had an instrument readout in hand. “His family was all killed. He was rescued by a passing ability user and brought to the base. During the standard entry check this morning, his power readings kept fluctuating between A-rank and S-rank—”

He added, “—and he’s an extremely rare healing type.”

There were very few known healers in existence, and the strongest confirmed so far was only A-rank, capable of mending surface wounds at best.

But if this child truly was an S-rank healer…

Qi He’s heart stirred slightly. “His unstable readings probably mean he’s still in the developmental stage. His potential hasn’t fully awakened yet—it’s very possible he has S-rank aptitude.”

“I thought the same, so I’ve already reported it to headquarters,” Yu Tianxing said.

As he finished speaking, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor.

He turned his head—only to see Yan Chuanbai approaching, leading several soldiers from the military division. The man’s gaze immediately fell on him, pausing briefly before settling in front of him.

Yan Chuanbai didn’t ask why Qi He was there. He simply said, “Prepare to send him to headquarters for training and protection.”

Yu Tianxing didn’t seem surprised; after all, headquarters had the best military facilities and resources. “How will you send him?”

Yan Chuanbai, dressed in a crisp uniform, tugged at his gloves and replied evenly, “Base I is located in the southwest. To reach headquarters, we’ll have to pass through Base II. I’ve already informed them—we’ll transfer the boy there at the midpoint and continue escorting him the rest of the way.”

“You plan to send which team?”

“The journey’s long, and there are areas without comms coverage. I’ll personally lead a squad.”

When Yan Chuanbai finished speaking, Yu Tianxing nodded in agreement.

Standing off to the side, Qi He asked casually, “Does it have to be you?”

Yan Chuanbai paused. “…Not necessarily.”

The words had barely left his mouth when—

Beep! Beep! Beep!

A long-familiar alarm suddenly blared in Qi He’s mind:

[Alert! Detected interference with the ultimate—]

Qi He’s lashes trembled, his pulse spiking.

He quickly corrected himself: “Then you should go.”

“?” Yan Chuanbai froze for a second, then, without hesitation, replied, “Alright, I’ll go.”

[Punish—] Alarm terminated.

Qi He let out a quiet breath, the tension easing from his shoulders.

Lowering his lashes, a faint curve tugged at his lips.

Finally, he thought. I’ve caught another variable tied to the ultimate storyline.

…

Beside him, Yu Tianxing and several subordinates: “…”

The adjutant’s gaze quietly shifted back and forth between the two of them. Lately, there had been rumors circulating—saying that the Colonel and Mr. Qi had fallen out. But every single time, it ended the same way: with the Colonel backing down and complying without condition. So it was true—

Their Colonel, once the most rebellious, ungovernable soldier in the entire army—had actually turned into this!

Qi He, oblivious to the looks in front of him, was focused elsewhere.

According to the plot, Yan Chuanbai had to go on this trip. Something significant was bound to happen there.

He raised his head and said to Yan Chuanbai, “I’m going too.”

Yan Chuanbai’s gaze settled on him, studying carefully. “…You’re serious?”

Qi He nodded firmly. “I am.”

Not long ago, the area had suffered a wave of incursions. After a round of purges, things had finally entered a brief period of safety again.

Yan Chuanbai considered for a moment, then said, “Alright.”

…

Departure was set for the next morning.

The rendezvous point was chosen midway between the two bases.

Heading east meant crossing open plains—shorter travel time. With Qiqi’s hover bike added to the mix, they expected the journey to take only a day and a half.

The transport vehicle was already waiting at the base gate.

Qi He walked beside Yan Chuanbai toward it, accompanied by ten military officers.

“Who’s Base II sending for the handover?” he asked.

“An S-rank as well.”

Qi He glanced sideways.

Yan Chuanbai’s profile was cool and unreadable, clearly unwilling to elaborate. Base II hadn’t yet entered its safety phase, so it was unlikely they’d send their only combat-type S-rank.

Since the child was being transferred to headquarters, the liaison was most likely an S-rank directly under the military division.

“Someone you know?” he asked.

Yan Chuanbai nodded, then frowned slightly as if something had occurred to him.

“When you meet him, try to keep your distance.”

Qi He: “?”

Yan Chuanbai said, “His ability—it’s even more—” He stopped mid-sentence.

Qi He guessed, “Stronger?”

“…Nothing.” Yan Chuanbai turned away as if it were unimportant, then looked down at the small boy beside him. “You’re Xiao Hai, right? Sit in the back seat once we get in.”

Qi He: “???”

The system commented dryly: [He probably meant meaner.]

“That’s impossible,” Qi He replied solemnly. “In that department, no one can outdo me.”

For once, the system fell silent.

After just a few exchanged words, they exited the base and arrived at the vehicle.

Bang! The door shut. Xiao Hai climbed into the back seat, while Qi He took the passenger side. He had just fastened his seatbelt when the communicator beeped softly.

He opened it—

Guan Shangchun: “Travel safely. Be careful out there. Hope you come back soon. 🥺”

A voice came from beside him. “Something important?”

“Nothing.” Qi He typed back an “ok” emoji and closed the communicator. “Guan Shang said to be careful.”

Yan Chuanbai let out a short, cold laugh.

He released the handbrake, one hand on the steering wheel as his gaze turned toward the window. “Then he…”

He stopped himself. The words ‘then why did he only message you?’ never made it out.

He glanced sideways at Qi He.

The man beside him was looking down at the map, expression clear and calm, the usual thoughtful look on his face—completely unaware of what either of them were thinking.

He couldn’t wake others up on their behalf.

Who would willingly make wedding clothes for someone else to wear?

Yan Chuanbai turned back, eyes narrowing slightly as he rephrased, “I think… he doesn’t like me.”

Qi He looked up from the map. “Why?”

“When we left together, he didn’t message me.”

The meaning was the same, yet the emphasis had subtly shifted.

Qi He paused, mulling it over. “System, Shangshang has no reason to dislike Yan Chuanbai. So if he only told me to ‘stay safe’—does that mean he thinks I’m weaker than him?”

[……]

Qi He’s expression hardened.

Beside him, Yan Chuanbai glanced at his face, then withdrew his gaze. The scenery slid past outside the car window.

He gave a faint, contemptuous curl of his lips—

So this was what “acting coy” felt like. He’d learned it.

——————————————————————

Author’s Note:

Yan Chuanbai: Learn from the enemy to defeat the enemy.

Qi He: People keep provoking me. (grimly)

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