Help! I'm the Plot Device: Just Here to Save the Heroes

Three Offerings and a Very Stressed System

“Of course I have!” Xu Ming hissed, clutching the chair arms like they were all that tethered him to life. “Host, how could you sleep like a piglet when my very existence is dangling over an abyss? I have eighteen hours left before I’m trapped forever.”

Jerry rubbed his temple. “Oh my god. You look like a raccoon lost in a thunderstorm. Get up.”

“I am up,” Xu Ming muttered. “Up and dying.”

Jerry ignored him, stretching, already pulling his mind together. “Listen—Xiao Dianxia always comes by in the morning. This is our chance to get the second offering.”

Xu Ming jumped to his feet like he’d been struck by lightning. “He is coming.. Then—then where do I hide? Under the bed? Behind the screen?”

Jerry gave him a flat look. “No, no hiding. Are you trying to die faster? Go out through the window, change, and come back in through the main door. Make sure the guards notice you. I’ll handle the rest.”

Xu Ming blinked, then saluted as if Jerry had just declared war. “Yes, Host!” And without another word, he scrambled out the window, nearly tripping on the sill.

By the time he returned properly dressed, Jerry was composed on the bed in formal robes, looking every inch a patient recovering gracefully. Xu Ming perched beside him, fidgeting like a cat in water.

“Will he really come?” Xu Ming whispered.

“He’ll come,” Jerry said, smoothing his sleeve.

Time ticked past. At the ninth hour, the steady tread of boots approached down the hall.

Jerry straightened. “Showtime. Remember: pitiful.”

Xu Ming’s eyes went round. Pitiful? How do you—

But Jerry was already performing. “Ah, poor thing, look at you,” he said loudly, clutching Xu Ming’s arm as if moved to tears. “Your eyes are so dark, you’ve worn yourself to the bone caring for me. You even gambled your health for my sake—how could I ever repay you?”

Xu Ming froze like a deer in torchlight. Jerry jabbed him in the ribs, mouthing say something!

“Ah—ah—it’s fine, Yichen,” Xu Ming stammered. “That’s what friends do, right? You’re my… only friend.”

Outside, the faint scrape of someone shifting away could be heard.

Jerry made a sympathetic noise, laying it on thick. “Still, you look like you’ve wasted away—”

The door creaked open.

Yuanzhou stepped inside, gaze sweeping the room with calm precision. Xu Ming shot up like a guilty servant, bowing low.

“Brother!” Jerry said, feigning surprise. “When did you come?”

“Just now,” Yuanzhou replied, crossing to sit beside him. His sharp eyes softened. “How are you?”

“I’m good,” Jerry answered warmly. “And you?”

“I’m good,” Yuanzhou said, gaze steady, “as long as I see you well.”

Jerry’s smile wavered—just a little.

Ran Yi entered then, carrying a tray of delicate silk, sweets, candied walnuts, and honeyed lotus tea.

Yuanzhou gestured. “Take it, Xu Ming.”

Xu Ming’s face went stiff. “Xiao Dianxia—why?”

“It's a token of gratitude, for taking care of my brother.”