Reborn as an AI: Helping My Past Self Become a Writer

The forest seemed alive, every rustling leaf and snapping twig whispering a warning. Shen Yuchen supported the injured woman, guiding her through the twisted maze of trees. His heart raced, matching the rhythm of their hurried footsteps.

"Rest for a moment." He gently helped her lean against a sturdy oak tree. Her breathing was shallow, sweat beading on her pale forehead.

She grimaced, pressing a trembling hand against her wounded arm. The makeshift bandage was soaked with blood. Shen Yuchen tore off another strip from his already torn shirt and secured the dressing tighter, trying to stem the bleeding.

"Th… thank you," she whispered faintly but firmly.

For a fleeting moment, their eyes met. Hers shone with vulnerability mixed with defiance, like a wounded predator still ready to strike. His gaze reflected concern and an unspoken determination.

"We can't stay long," he urged softly. "They'll find us if we do."

She nodded and struggled to stand, her strength faltering. Without thinking, Shen Yuchen wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying her.

She tensed for a moment but then relaxed, leaning into his supportive hold.

"What's your name?" Shen Yuchen asked, his voice gentle but persistent. "I need to know what to call you."

The woman hesitated, as if weighing whether to trust him. Finally, she whispered:

"Su Wanning."

The name lingered in the air, soft yet powerful, carrying stories untold. Shen Yuchen silently repeated it, committing it to memory.

"I'm Shen Yuchen," he offered, hoping to bridge the fragile gap between them.

Su Wanning managed a faint, weary smile. "You… don't seem like a hunter," she muttered, half in relief, half in suspicion.

"I'm not." His grip on her waist tightened protectively. "I'm just… caught up in this, like you."

Their tentative connection shattered as the distant sound of mechanical footsteps echoed through the woods — cold and relentless.

Su Wanning's face turned pale with fear. "They're… coming…"

Shen Yuchen's phone buzzed again. He flipped it open with practiced urgency.

"Incoming threat. Prepare to move. Trust your instincts."

He cursed under his breath, sliding the phone back into his pocket. Their eyes locked once more, filled with mutual understanding—there was no room for hesitation.

"Can you run?" he asked.

"I'll try." Despite her obvious pain, Su Wanning's voice steadied with renewed resolve.

Shen Yuchen adjusted his hold on her, determined not to let her fall behind. "We'll make it," he promised.

And for the first time, she believed him—if only for a moment.