The System Arrived Four Years Early, but the Anomaly Is Still a Juvenile

Chapter 70

Tang Jinze and his parents stood behind Shen Ge and Cheng Shengnan, all three wearing knowing smiles—especially the elderly couple, whose eyes gleamed with the unmistakable “approving in-laws” look.

Shen Ge resisted the urge to facepalm.

Tang Jinze, delighted to see his usually unflappable friend momentarily speechless, teased,

After introducing Cheng Shengnan as his colleague to the Tang family, Shen Ge added firmly,

Uncle Tang said cheerfully.

Auntie Tang echoed with a nod.

Uncle Tang beamed, extending a hand.

Auntie Tang chimed in.

Their synchronized responses—Uncle leading, Auntie finishing—suggested a “understanding” that had to do with Shen Ge’s explanation.

Cheng Shengnan politely greeted them while Tang Jinze eyed Shen Ge.

Shen Ge nodded.

Tang Jinze waggled his eyebrows.

Shen Ge barely stopped himself from pointing out he’d visited the Tangs last week. But given how much their parents had doted on him since childhood—and the fact that he and Cheng Shengnan dating—he relented.

He glanced at Cheng Shengnan, who was already chatting amiately with Auntie Tang, and sighed.

Auntie Tang said breezily.

Cheng Shengnan replied smoothly.

Clasping Cheng Shengnan’s hand, Auntie Tang radiated such warmth one might mistake for the prospective daughter-in-law.

Deadpan, Shen Ge muttered,

The Tang parents ignored him entirely, fussing over Cheng Shengnan as the trio headed across the street.

Tang Jinze elbowed Shen Ge.

The five settled into a nearby Chinese restaurant. Cheng Shengnan and Auntie Tang hit it off instantly, with the latter already inviting them for her “famous soup” the following week.

While Cheng Shengnan chatted with the Tangs, Shen Ge pulled Tang Jinze outside.

Tang Jinze said solemnly.

Shen Ge fished out a small vial labeled Internal Injury Recovery Pill, shook one into his palm, and handed the bottle over.

Tang Jinze sniffed it curiously.

Skeptical, Tang Jinze examined a pill.

Shen Ge had yet to use these pills, but system-certified items rarely failed. If Tang Jinze could crack their composition, he’d consider sharing other recovery items—like the Mental Apple, once he had spares. Maybe Li Xiang could trace its link to supernatural energy and replicate it, solving his stamina issues.

Their conversation halted as the others exited the restaurant. Learning Shen Ge and Cheng Shengnan had prior plans, the Tangs bid them farewell—but not without reiterating the soup invitation.

…..

Arriving at Xiao He’s apartment complex, Shen Ge scouted the area first.

Cheng Shengnan asked.

No anomalies—not even a system alert. Given how promptly it had flagged the restaurant’s tainted pork, the issue likely wasn’t the system.

Recalling Xiao He’s claim that the dog only appeared at night, Shen Ge decided to visit her first and resume the search after dark.

Xiao He answered the door with raccoon-like dark circles, forcing a tired smile.

They placed two hefty bags on the coffee table.

Xiao He protested while pouring tea.

Shen Ge said.

Sipping his tea, Shen Ge studied her.

Xiao He launched into a cathartic rant, relieved to finally have listeners who didn’t dismiss her as delusional.

After thirty minutes of venting, Shen Ge summarized:

Cheng Shengnan ventured.

Xiao He whimpered.

Shen Ge set down his cup.