???
Li Ang froze for a mont, the draft he had just been composing in his mind suddenly stalled.
He had just transford into a demigod Titan, destroyed a steel jungle, severely injured an invincible Phantom Vermilion Bird, and was laughing and chatting with two mbers of the Forever Species and a Jumper about the world's grand situation. And the first thing you ask when you see is this?
"Hmm?"
Wang Congshan raised her eyebrows sharply when she noticed Li Ang suddenly freezing.
In the distance, Chaichai was staring wide-eyed, unblinkingly watching, while rhythmically chewing on a pink donut from the coffee shop counter.
"Uh..."
Li Ang found himself in unprecedented turmoil and hesitation.
How to introduce her?
[This is Chai Cuiqiao, the ghost I brought back from ancient tis, and she's been living with for almost a year. She knew I was a player before you did, and the one playing gas, going to school, and shopping with you disguised as was her. Just so you know.]
No, no, that feels like it would end badly if I said it like that.
[This is my most trusted secretary, second-in-command, the one I have high hopes for inheriting my will, and the only designated Lady Saint of the insect nest.]
No, no, that doesn't sound right either. It's not ti to reveal the insect nest, and secretary-second-in-command sounds off too.
[This is even more heavyweight, Boss Chai. She's older than you, call her sister. You should get along well with her; you are both my wings.]
Hmm?? Even Li Ang felt this was off, a chill going down the back of his neck.
[A friend of mine, who plays Qinge Armor. Usually, she's my plug-in equipnt Platinum Star, part-ti culinary tastings, and ga training partner.]
Li Ang didn't even consider that option, rejecting it imdiately in his mind; he wasn't ungrateful enough to hurt Chai Cuiqiao's feelings.
Li Ang opened his mouth but was stuck, hesitating and conflicted, until under Wang Congshan's gaze, he slowly said, "She is, like you, soone very important to , soone I regard as life itself,
uh,
she's a ghost..."
"Hmm?"
Wang Congshan's eyebrows shot up, her mouth moved as if to speak, but stopped.
Chaichai only then realized what was said and tilted her head, saying "Eh?"
The atmosphere on the scene beca tense,
Wang Congshan pursed her lips, sighed softly, sat down on the sofa, her tone softening, "Sit down and let's talk."
"I'll stand, it's fine."
Li Ang inexplicably felt a bit guilty, stood there honestly, but upon seeing Wang Congshan's sharp gaze, he decisively sat down and signaled for Chaichai to co over too.
"Give your hand."
Wang Congshan pulled Li Ang's right hand closer, lowered her head and gently pressed Li Ang's fingertips, rubbing the rough calloused tip, finger pad.
She softly asked, "Being a player, it's tough, right?"
"It's actually alright,"
Li Ang smiled, scratching his head, "At first it was quite panic-inducing, quite tiring, but later I adapted..."
He spoke whatever ca to mind, sharing his experiences since becoming a player,
from initially encountering the Cat with a human face, qualifying as a player,
to eting, saving Chai Cuiqiao at the Solitary Cold Temple,
to Dusheng Village, King of Shengnan, Alchemist,
and even Lost World, as well as the long night he just experienced.
He explained everything he could, except for the insect nest, and Chaichai occasionally filled in details,
like when Li Ang wasn't around, she would disguise herself as him—Wang Congshan would sotis think Li Ang beca gentle and charming; many tis it was Chaichai adding drama herself.
Wang Congshan sat on the sofa, listening quietly, watching Li Ang animatedly speak at tis, frowning at others.
Ti flew by quickly, as the clock on the wall sounded, only then did Li Ang realize he had been talking for four hours.
"...After teleporting out of the script task, I heard about you and Chai Cuiqiao's involvent in the Special Affairs Bureau, and then, it turned into the current situation."
Li Ang shafully smiled, picked up the long-cold coffee on the table, and drank a sip.
Bitter, no sugar.
"...Actually, I should be very angry."
Wang Congshan took a deep breath, "Why did you hide it from ?"
"...Sorry."
Li Ang was silent for a mont, his expression sowhat complicated, "One reason is that after becoming a player, there were still things I hadn't accomplished.
The other reason is that I didn't want to disrupt your calm life.
Being a player doesn't rely an wealth or reward; becoming a Transcendent ans constantly facing threats from the Killing Field Ga, living under the Sword of Damocles.
Not just myself, but those around too could be drawn into danger..."
Wang Congshan whispered, "...That's why you gave the bracelet?"
"Hmm?"
Wang Congshan smiled faintly, retrieving a silver bracelet shaped like a Mobius band from the void, "I realized when I heard the Killing Field Ga System notification,
saw the item description of the bracelet you gave , I stored it in my backpack ahead of ti, so my cousin wouldn't find out."
[Na: Topological Band]
[Type: Armor]
[Quality: Perfect]
[Special Effect: Topological Projection. Binds to a holder, while encountering severe danger, automatically releases a power projection of up to 2000 Spirit Energy Value. Power projection's appearance is a random topological structure, can be actively charged, refreshed, and overwritten. The power projection has no intelligence, actively protects the holder, follows holder commands, lasts up to 30 minutes, does not restore Spirit Energy during duration. Stores only one power projection at a ti.]
[Cost: None]
[Cooldown Ti: 24 hours]
[Usage Condition: None]
[Note: Power projection neither disappears on its own only disassembles after being destroyed or energy depletion or ti limit. Once special effect is triggered, need 24 hours to charge the bracelet again.]
[Note: All our lives we walk on a never-ending Mobius band, twisting, turning, returning to the starting point, only to find our shapes flipped.]
"...Although the specific rules aren't clear,"
Wang Congshan caressed the bracelet with her right hand, squeezing her palm with her left, softly saying, "But a perfect quality item should be very, very expensive, right."
"It's alright, it's alright."
Li Ang laughed, pressing Wang Congshan's hand to secure it, "You hold onto it, I don't lack this stuff on , nor do I really need it.
Oh, right."
Li Ang's expression beca serious, "You received the System notification and beca a player today, right."
Wang Congshan nodded, "Mm."
"In that case..."
Li Ang mused, "There's ntion on the forum about how rookie players, after acquiring forced growth level of strength enhancent,
face hidden penalties from the System,
adjusting script tasks to the player's sudden surge in strength accordingly.
If the corporal strength steps up, but combat awareness, skills, and other areas show no progress, it'll be greatly disadvantageous.
You've just beco a player, logically you wouldn't enter script tasks so soon.
But to be safe, these days, focus on training, learning skills. It might be tough. I have the experience to help."
"Mm."
Wang Congshan nodded slightly, "By the way, where will you stay in the future?"
"Stay where?"
Li Ang hesitated; as his player status is fully exposed, Wanhe Residential Area can no longer be an option,
Staying at Special Affairs Bureau headquarters, or finding so random hotel also doesn't seem fitting.
"From now on, I may not even be able to return to school."
Li Ang sighed slightly with so emotion, "Never mind, talk about it later, let's handle your matters first.
I don't mind staying up days and nights without sleep."
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