Axolotl Translations

The system had made it clear—task completion was directly tied to point calculation. Which meant that as the designated “vicious supporting character,” getting publicly humiliated by the protagonist was non-negotiable.

So, if he could get Gu Xingyan to be a little meaner to him—to scold him, maybe even shove him once or twice—then technically, that should count, right?

A roundabout way to achieve his goal, but still totally valid.

The more Ruan Zhao thought about it, the more sense it made. In fact, it was genius. He was a genius. Who else would come up with such a brilliant solution?

While Ruan Zhao was eager to put his plan into action, Gu Xingyan, on the other hand, looked completely bewildered. “…What do you mean, ‘be mean to you’?” A flicker of confusion flashed in his ink-black eyes. He had no idea what Ruan Zhao was trying to get at.

Ruan Zhao shot him a look—the kind you give an idiot who just doesn’t get it. He couldn’t believe he actually had to spell this out. “You have people you dislike, right? Just treat me like you’d treat them.”

“First, change your tone. Make it cold, irritated—like you’re really fed up with me. And if you could throw in a couple of insults, that’d be even better.”

Gu Xingyan: “…?”

Gu Xingyan: “You’re serious?”

Ruan Zhao nodded. “Of course.”

Gu Xingyan’s lashes lowered, shadowing the complex emotions in his eyes. In a barely audible voice, he murmured to himself, “So this is what you like…” He seemed genuinely surprised.

His gaze flickered toward Ruan Zhao, as if some indescribable thought had just crossed his mind. But then, just as quickly, he averted his eyes, a hint of frustration darkening his expression.

Ruan Zhao, lying through his teeth, answered without hesitation, “Yeah, this is exactly what I like.”

Gu Xingyan hesitated. He wanted to say that this preference was far from normal, that it shouldn’t be encouraged or indulged—that it should be corrected. But more than anything, he just couldn’t bring himself to speak harshly to Ruan Zhao, let alone insult him.

Ruan Zhao, impatient with his hesitation, could tell that Gu Xingyan was wrestling with some kind of inner conflict. So, he decided to press a little harder.

“Didn’t you just say you’d listen to me? And now, you won’t even grant me this tiny request?” He frowned, deliberately sounding displeased. “Liar. You were just lying to me, weren’t you?”

Gu Xingyan protested, “…I wasn’t.”

“Then insult me.”

Gu Xingyan: “…”

Ruan Zhao raised an eyebrow, feigning disinterest. “Are you sure you can do this? If not, I’ll just find someone else.” He turned to leave.

“Don’t.”

“Don’t go looking for someone else.” Gu Xingyan repeated, his voice carrying the faintest trace of panic. He grabbed Ruan Zhao’s wrist, his fingers tightening slightly, pressing into the soft skin beneath. “…I’ll try.”

“Alright, let’s begin.” Ruan Zhao’s gaze brimmed with anticipation, barely containing his excitement. All he could think about was using this opportunity to complete his task.

A faint blush crept up Gu Xingyan’s ears. Under the boy’s expectant stare, he finally spoke, his voice cold. “You really want to hear me insult you that badly?”

“Hmm?”

“If I don’t call you names, do you just feel… uncomfortable?” A sharp chill flickered in his eyes. “How can you be so…”

Gu Xingyan had initially wanted to say shameless. But the word felt too harsh—too ugly. He didn’t want to use it on Ruan Zhao. Instead, he substituted it with something softer. “How can you be so… cheap.”

Ruan Zhao was speechless. “…That’s your idea of an insult?” Even grade-schoolers were better at this.

Gu Xingyan: “Then teach me.”

Ruan Zhao opened his mouth—only to realize he had nothing to say. It wasn’t like he was particularly skilled at cursing either. His upbringing had never allowed for crude or vulgar words. So, really, he wasn’t any better than a grade-schooler.

“Fine, whatever.” Accepting the reality that Gu Xingyan wasn’t good at insulting people and that he himself wasn’t much better, Ruan Zhao switched tactics. “If you can’t insult me, then just hit me a couple of times.”

This time, Gu Xingyan didn’t hesitate. He stepped forward and pinched Ruan Zhao’s cheeks. His grip wasn’t firm—just a light, playful tug on the soft skin of the boy’s face. Because of the pinch, Ruan Zhao’s words came out slightly muffled. “Y-You… do it harder.”

He barely felt anything—how could this even count as “hitting”? At this rate, the system would never recognize it for the evaluation.

Gu Xingyan followed his request and applied more pressure. Ruan Zhao barely lasted a few seconds before relenting. “N-No… stop, it hurts, hurts, hurts… Lighter… just a little lighter.”

Honestly, it wasn’t that painful. It just felt… weird.

Gu Xingyan’s fingers were rough, calloused.

Ruan Zhao’s skin, on the other hand, was soft and delicate. The moment Gu Xingyan used a little force, it sent a strange mix of tingling and numbness through him, something he couldn’t quite handle.

Gu Xingyan’s voice was as cold as ice. “This won’t do, that won’t do—you’re honestly the hardest person to please.” His fingers slid downward, his calloused knuckles pressing against Ruan Zhao’s chin, tilting it upward. The gesture carried a sense of force—of control.

“Quit pretending. You’re actually enjoying this, aren’t you?” A faint trace of mockery flickered in Gu Xingyan’s dark eyes, as if he could see right through Ruan Zhao’s act.

“Didn’t you say you liked it when I treated you this way?”

“You keep saying ‘no,’ acting all weak and pitiful—but deep down, you’re secretly hoping I’ll push you even further.”

Ruan Zhao frowned. “I never thought that.”

Gu Xingyan let out a low, sarcastic chuckle. “At this point, do you really think I’d believe anything you say?”

Gu Xingyan’s thumb pressed firmly against the boy’s soft lips, rubbing hard. The skin beneath his touch first turned pale from the pressure before flushing into an even deeper, more vivid shade—like a ripe, glistening strawberry, bursting with juice. His expression remained cold. “This mouth of yours… always lying. I won’t believe a single word.”

Instinctively, Ruan Zhao bit him. Gu Xingyan didn’t even flinch. His fingers remained where they were, pressing firmly against Ruan Zhao’s lips, refusing to yield. Ruan Zhao took half of his fingertip into his mouth—then bit down harder.

“Don’t bite…” Gu Xingyan’s indifferent composure finally cracked. With an almost panicked movement, he pulled his hand away. Ruan Zhao had taken him in a little too deep—his fingertip must have brushed against the soft, warm inside of his mouth.

When Gu Xingyan withdrew his hand, his fingers glistened with moisture, faint rows of tiny teeth marks imprinted across his skin, some deeper than others. Both of them fell silent, staring at the damp evidence of Ruan Zhao’s “handiwork.”.

After a pause, Ruan Zhao mumbled, “It was a reflex. I couldn’t help it.”

Right. He was supposed to be the one getting bullied here. He shouldn’t be fighting back. He needed to look even more pitiful, more helpless—only then could he really emphasize Gu Xingyan’s “cruelty” and achieve the system’s evaluation.

So, he sniffled, putting on his best wounded expression, as if he had been bullied to his breaking point. “I won’t bite you next time.” His voice was soft, a little nasal—like he was on the verge of tears.

Gu Xingyan’s brows twitched. He was starting to lose the ability to keep up this charade. But then he remembered—Ruan Zhao liked being treated this way. And if he didn’t give him what he wanted… he might really go find someone else instead.

No. Gu Xingyan wouldn’t let that happen.

Gu Xingyan quickly regained his composure, slipping back into character instantly. “Remember what you just said. If you dare bite me again…” His eyes narrowed slightly as he slowed his words, enunciating each one with a chilling edge. “I’ll break your teeth. One by one.”

Ruan Zhao took a half-step back. Panic flashed across his face as he instinctively raised a hand to cover his mouth. Gu Xingyan pressed forward. With nowhere to escape, Ruan Zhao found himself backed into the corner of the wall, the cold surface pressing against his spine. And yet, Gu Xingyan kept closing in, his looming presence squeezing out the last of Ruan Zhao’s space.

“Are you afraid?”

Ruan Zhao lowered his gaze, unwilling to meet his eyes. Fingers gripped his chin once more, tilting his face up, forcing him to look directly at Gu Xingyan.

“Afraid of me?”

His lashes trembled—fluttering like butterfly wings.

“After everything you did to me… didn’t you ever consider this day would come?”

“I’m only returning to you what you once gave me.”

Ruan Zhao’s lashes quivered even harder, as if he were genuinely terrified of the boy before him.

Gu Xingyan couldn’t resist. He reached out, lightly brushing his fingertip against them. The soft, feathery touch tickled his skin—an almost imperceptible sensation.

Expressionless, he pulled his hand back. “And this is only the beginning. If you can’t handle it now…” A thoughtful pause. Then, with quiet malice, Gu Xingyan added, “You’ll cry, won’t you?”

“I’ve never seen you cry before.” Gu Xingyan’s fingertip traced the corner of Ruan Zhao’s eye, his touch feather-light yet lingering. “If you cry beautifully enough, maybe—just maybe—I’ll be merciful and let you go.”

Ruan Zhao: “I’m sorry, I was wrong. Please don’t do this. I’m scared.”

The words came out too fast—almost robotic.

Realizing his mistake, Ruan Zhao carefully grasped the edge of Gu Xingyan’s sleeve, barely pinching a small section of fabric between his fingers, emphasizing his vulnerability.

“Gu Xingyan…” His voice softened, pleading. “It’s my fault. I was wrong. I made a mistake. Please, don’t talk to me like this… I really am scared.” His eyes shimmered with unshed tears, a faint redness creeping to the corners, as if he were on the verge of breaking down completely.

Gu Xingyan froze. His mind went blank for a moment before he scrambled to react. “I was just trying to scare you—I wasn’t actually going to…”

Ruan Zhao cut him off.

“I know you hate me. I know you can’t stand me. It’s only natural for you to treat me this way.”

Gu Xingyan: “………” Oh. So he’s still acting.

Ruan Zhao tried his best for a while, but not a single tear would come.

Resorting to improvisation, he wiped at his dry eyes with his sleeve and even sniffled for extra effect. “But since we’re still classmates, can you at least give me a chance to make it up to you?”

Gu Xingyan: “Fine. Then tell me—how do you plan to make it up to me?”

Ruan Zhao: “….?”

Do his homework for him? No way—he could barely finish his own. Eat his leftovers? Disgusting. Absolutely not. Run errands for him? Too hot outside. Not happening. Send him money? At this point, Gu Xingyan probably wouldn’t even care about the measly amount in his account.

……

Ruan Zhao racked his brain for a long time but couldn’t think of a suitable way to make amends. In the end, he decided to leave the choice to Gu Xingyan.

The taller boy lowered his head in thought for a moment before seizing the opportunity to make demands.

“Every night, you have to call me.”

“After school, you have to walk home with me.”

“The candy in the bag hanging on your desk—only I’m allowed to eat it. No one else.”

Ruan Zhao: “……” This was getting a bit excessive.

Seeing his silence, Gu Xingyan’s gaze sharpened. “Is this too difficult for you? Do you not want to?”

He tightened his grip slightly—enough to appear menacing, but not enough to actually hurt. The only trace left on Ruan Zhao’s pale jaw was the faintest shadow of a fingerprint, barely visible. As if even applying real force was something Gu Xingyan couldn’t bring himself to do. “You little liar. I should’ve never believed you.”

……

Meanwhile, Chen Feng had just stepped out to use the restroom when he happened to spot two familiar figures at the end of the hallway.

He quickly averted his gaze and continued walking forward, eyes fixed straight ahead. And yet, out of the corner of his eye, he couldn’t help but catch a glimpse—Gu Xingyan, pinning Ruan Zhao against the wall. Their bodies pressed close. His hand gripping the other boy’s chin, forcing his face upward. They were so close—inches away from kissing.

…Something felt a little off.

Chen Feng, who had already walked past, suddenly hesitated. Then, without a word, he took a few steps back and asked, out of the blue, “What exactly are you two doing?”

Ruan Zhao glanced at him and answered calmly, “Role-playing.”

Chen Feng’s expression turned complicated. “…Alright then.” No wonder they had picked such a secluded spot. Without wasting another second, he turned on his heel and made a swift exit, distancing himself from whatever was happening.

Ruan Zhao figured he’d been “bullied” enough for today. It was time to put an end to this farce. He pressed a hand against Gu Xingyan’s chest and pushed him away. The taller boy let himself be moved, stepping back without resistance.

The oppressive heat faded, and the air around them became breathable again. Ruan Zhao took a deep breath.

And then, in a voice that was slightly hoarse, Gu Xingyan asked, “Zhaozhao, was I bad enough?”

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