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

Three Offerings and a Very Stressed System

Xu Ming’s eyes went wide. “Ah, bad, bad—he noticed!” He dove behind the bamboo poles, frantically waving his arms to warn Jerry.

But Jerry, too lost in his own thoughts, didn’t see. He rounded the corner too fast—straight into Yan An’s chest.

Jerry jolted. Li Jie—Yan An—looked down at him with unreadable eyes.

“What are you doing here, Prince Yichen?” Yan An asked calmly.

Jerry’s mind raced. “...Nothing. I came for some fresh air.”

Yan An tilted his head, suspicion lingering in his gaze. “Then why were you leaving?”

“I—” Jerry’s hand flexed at his side. “I came for some peace of mind. But I found someone already here, so I thought it best to go.”

Yan An studied him for a long moment, then stepped aside. “Oh? Then you needn’t leave. I’ll be the one to go. No one will disturb you here.”

Jerry hesitated, then nodded curtly and turned, walking off in stiff silence.

From the bamboo grove, Xu Ming emerged and sidled up to him, lowering his voice. “Host, are you alright?”

Jerry exhaled slowly, eyes still on Yan An’s retreating figure. “I’m fine.”

Xu Ming frowned. “We can leave if you’re not well. Let me deal with him somehow.”

Jerry fell quiet. A beat passed before he said, low and firm, “No. You got into this trouble because of me. I should take responsibility.”

Xu Ming attempted a half-smile. “It’s not so bad, you know. At least I got stuck in a body with a handsome face.”

Jerry gave a dry chuckle but shook his head. “That doesn’t fix anything.” His eyes tracked Li Jie, already walking away. “I’ll handle it.”

He straightened, determination sharpening his features, then said to Xu Ming, “Follow me—but don’t let him see you.”

Xu Ming saluted half-heartedly. “Aye, aye, Host.”

Jerry broke into a quick stride and called out, voice louder than he expected, “Li Jie!”

The name snapped across the mist. Yan An halted instantly, shoulders tightening. He turned, dark eyes narrowing. “...What did you just call me?”

Behind the bamboo, Xu Ming’s eyes went huge. Ohhh~ bold! He actually called him Li Jie! Host, you’re braver than the heavens!

Jerry caught up, chest heaving, but held his ground. “Li Jie.”

The words came steady this time, his chin tilted in defiance. “Can’t I? Doesn’t the Shadow Clan Princess have the privilege of calling you by your name?”

Uncertainty flickered in Yan An’s gaze, but he didn’t pull away.

Jerry pressed on, forcing his tone lighter. “Care to join me for a stroll? The streets are alive with celebration today—the markets, the lanterns, the food stalls. Maybe even dinner?”

Yan An’s brow furrowed, suspicion edged with amusement.

Jerry sighed, the act slipping. “If you don’t want to, leave it. I’ll ask Xu Ming to accompany me.” He made to step past.

Xu Ming slapped his own cheeks. Me?! Don’t use me as a decoy, keep flirting!

But Yan An’s hand shot out, catching his wrist firmly. Jerry froze.

“I’ll come,” Yan An said evenly. Then his voice softened just a fraction. “But don’t run around alone.”

Jerry turned slowly, eyes meeting his. Something warm and treacherous bloomed in his chest. He nodded—too quickly, too hard—and a small, unguarded smile tugged at his lips. “Then… will you lead the way?”