Du Lai hadn’t come to Bai Youwei without reason.
The oracle slip had told him that his last hope was Bai Youwei — and so he had persisted, again and again, imploring her to go save Fu Miaoxue.
Bai Youwei finally relented, telling Du Lai she would consider it.
Du Lai said, “Miaoxue is currently a doll. Even without food, water, or sleep for extended periods, her body won’t suffer harm. The fact that Chen Hui, Leonid, and I are still subjects is proof enough that she’s alright for now.
“But the longer you spend inside a dream, the harder it becomes to distinguish dream from reality. If she still hasn’t come out of Labyrinth 1 by the time the battle game begins… at that point, she’ll be eliminated from the game directly, and we will become commoners. So… Bai Youwei, make your decision quickly.”
Having said everything he needed to say, Du Lai finally left the Shen family home.
The lively, carefree atmosphere that had filled the place was utterly extinguished by his visit.
Shen Fei came in like a delivery person, carrying an insulated bag, talking to himself as he entered. “A lot of families are getting together today — the chefs are in high demand. Mom and Second Aunt are both over there supervising. They told me to bring some food back first; another two or three dishes are still cooking and will be sent over when they’re ready.”
He took out the containers one by one from the insulated bag, then looked up to see everyone standing motionless. He was startled. “What’s… wrong with everyone?”
“Ah…” Shen Mo’s father sighed, turned, and went into the kitchen.
Teacher Cheng also sighed, sitting down with a worried look.
Tan Xiao tugged Pan Xiaoxin over, and the two of them each grabbed a handful of sunflower seeds and resumed cracking them.
Little by little, the atmosphere began to revive.
But Bai Youwei could no longer summon a smile. Her mind was full of the words Du Lai had said before he left —
*Don’t you want to know where she is?*
*Don’t you want to know how she’s doing?*
*She should be your only remaining family in this world…*
…
When it came to matters involving Fu Miaoxue, Du Lai wouldn’t lie. And if that crystal ball fragment truly could show her mother’s location, it would let her find her mother.
Shen Mo studied Bai Youwei’s expression and said softly, “The risk is too great — you don’t have to consider this. If you want to find Aunt Wang, there are other ways.”
Shen Mo was reminding her that there were many ways to find someone; she didn’t need to rely on Du Lai’s item. Because accepting Du Lai’s deal would mean Bai Youwei had to enter the labyrinth, and the risks were too great — if there was no coming back, the price would be far too steep.
Bai Youwei knitted her brow, thinking carefully. “…I think I know why that oracle slip directed Du Lai to come find me.”
“Why?” Shen Mo asked.
Her brow stayed furrowed. She said, “Because I have that item… but that’s not the main point. What we need to figure out right now is why Fu Miaoxue hasn’t been able to get out.”
Shen Mo’s expression cooled slightly with displeasure. “You’re still thinking about going?”
“I’m not stupid — if there’s no way to be sure I’d make it, I obviously wouldn’t go.” Bai Youwei looked up at Shen Mo, her clear eyes bright and steady. “Du Lai and Chen Hui both got out of Labyrinth 1. Am I worse than them? What I’m actually finding strange is Fu Miaoxue herself — she’s full of clever schemes, her heart is ruthless, and on top of that she brought so many items with her. How could she end up trapped?”
Shen Mo frowned deeply. “You’re talking like this, which means you still want to go.”
“I don’t know either…” Bai Youwei let out a quiet breath. “This whole thing feels very wrong. When we get back to headquarters, let’s go see Chen Hui? I want to ask her exactly what Labyrinth 1 is like.”
Shen Mo knew she hadn’t given up. He raised a hand and smoothed her hair. “Let’s eat first. We can talk when we get back.”
Bai Youwei nodded.
—