Feeling guilty, Yun Li could only hear threat and coldness in his words. The intimidation was akin to: “I’m about to kill you now, but my knife isn’t sharp enough. No worries though, I still have a gun.”
What did he mean by “straight-handled ones might have a chance”? How did he know? Had he tried it before?
Various terrifying thoughts flooded her mind. Meanwhile, the man eerily stood up and walked towards her. Yun Li, unsure of his intentions, unconsciously stepped back.
However, the man didn’t look at her. He passed by, picked up the remote from the desk, and adjusted the air conditioning back to 30 degrees. Then he put it down and went to the bar to pour some water.
Realizing she was overthinking again, Yun Li wanted to say something quickly to ease the atmosphere. Without filtering her thoughts, she blurted out, “So for straight-handled ones, what kind should I buy to kill…”
Yun Li stumbled, aware of how inappropriate her words were.
The man didn’t look up, quietly drinking his water.
“Um…” Yun Li corrected herself, “What kind should I avoid buying…”
Hearing this, the man looked at her, his gaze sliding down to her thin wrists. Like an emotionless machine reading the most obvious data, he said, “You lack the strength.”
“Hm?”
“It doesn’t matter what you buy.”
…
Back at the club, Yun Li was still dwelling on their recent interaction.
Thinking about it, their conversation seemed excessively alarming.
It was like a novice fearlessly asking a seasoned criminal what kind of umbrella would be powerful enough to kill someone.
One dared to ask.
The other dared to answer.
Remembering how she stupidly said “Thank you for the advice” before leaving, she felt like catching the next flight out of Nanwu.
The summer heat was stifling, scorching her ears even with the breeze. Even the air conditioning couldn’t lower the temperature. Yun Li covered her face, but even her hands were burning hot as if constantly reminding her of her recent embarrassment.
Nearby, He Mengjia noticed her and called out, “Teacher Xian Yun.”
Yun Li snapped out of her thoughts.
She realized that the previously scattered people had now gathered in a small open rest area in the center of the second floor. A group sat chatting on the long, curved sofa, with a few others standing nearby.
The overall atmosphere was excellent.
As she approached, He Mengjia asked, “How did you come up so quickly? Did you charge your phone?”
“More or less,” Yun Li replied. After a moment, she added, “Someone was sleeping in the restroom.”
“Who? I didn’t see anyone when we went there earlier.”
“The person who picked me up yesterday.”
“Huh?” He Mengjia turned her head, “Boss, who did you send to pick her up yesterday?”
Yun Li followed her gaze.
In the center of the sofa sat an unfamiliar yet eye-catching man.
He wore a light-patterned shirt with casual trousers. His eyes held a hint of amusement as he leaned back with one leg crossed over the other. He exuded an air of refinement and gentleness, his entire demeanor screaming “young master.”
The young master raised an eyebrow as if just remembering something: “I’ll go down for a bit.”
After exchanging pleasantries with others, he stood up to leave. As he passed by Yun Li, he stopped and politely extended his hand: “Nice to meet you, I’m Xu Qingsong.”
Yun Li hesitated for a moment before raising her hand: “Hello.”
Xu Qingsong held her hand briefly before releasing it: “I apologize for any inconvenience yesterday.”
Yun Li replied stiffly: “It’s fine.”
As if it were a fan meet-and-greet, the others dispersed as Xu Qingsong left.
The original group of four gathered together, with He Mengjia’s enthusiasm undiminished. Every third sentence was about Xu Qingsong, reminiscent of a thoroughly brainwashed cult member.
They didn’t wait for Xu Qingsong to return before heading back.
As they approached the hotel, He Mengjia brought up the matter of Yun Li’s return flight ticket. Originally, they should have booked a round-trip ticket, but Yun Li had used the excuse of wanting to stay in Nanwu for a few more days, saying she’d send the date and flight number later.
It had been delayed until now.
However, He Mengjia didn’t rush her, only asking to be informed once the booking was made.
At the mention of this, Yun Li’s mood turned somber.
Her trip from Xifu was ostensibly for work, but the bigger reason was an argument with her father, Yun Yongchang. The catalyst was her secretly getting admitted to Nanli Tech’s graduate program.
At some point, Yun Yongchang had become strongly opposed to Yun Li studying in another city.
During college applications, he had been adamant, forcing her to only apply to local universities. After several failed attempts at resistance, Yun Li verbally agreed but secretly put Nanli Tech as her first choice.
Back then, Yun Li had naively thought that once she was officially admitted, Yun Yongchang wouldn’t stop her from going. Seeing his current attitude, she realized that if she had been admitted then, he would have likely been just as ruthless in making her retake the exam.
So she didn’t know whether to consider it good luck or bad.
She had missed admission by one point.
In the end, Yun Li stayed in Xifu as Yun Yongchang wished.
Always regretting not getting in, she had set Nanli Tech as her target school for graduate studies from the beginning.
Yun Yongchang’s attitude remained the same as four years ago.
He said she had always been under their watchful eyes, and as a girl, going so far away would worry them endlessly.
The older generation didn’t understand these things, thinking that Xifu had good universities too, and if she wanted to study and could get in, applying locally would be just as good.
Yun Li could only use the same method as before, pretending to prepare for the local university’s graduate exam while planning to present it as a fait accompli. Even after passing the exam, she didn’t dare tell Yun Yongchang, the words catching in her throat every time.
Her mother Yang Fang and younger brother Yun Ye knew the situation but didn’t interfere, watching from the sidelines like spectators.
As the registration deadline approached, Yun Li felt increasingly tormented carrying this secret.
Sometimes she’d get angry, thinking that at twenty-something, having her parents control her decision to study elsewhere was like a three-year-old being regulated on how many candies they could eat.
When she received the invitation from EAW recently, since it was in Nanwu, Yun Li asked Deng Chuqi, who had lived in Nanwu for four years, if she knew about this VR center.
Coincidentally, Deng Chuqi’s roommate had a relative working at EAW. After learning more, Yun Li thought the opportunity seemed quite legitimate. Given the good terms offered, her initial inclination to refuse began to waver.
Unable to decide, Yun Li casually mentioned it at the dinner table. Seeing Yun Yongchang’s mild reaction, she felt the time was right and carefully confessed her plans.
However, Yun Yongchang’s face changed immediately upon hearing this. He flew into a rage, allowing no explanation, and decisively told her to abandon the idea. He said she should either find a job directly or reapply for local graduate programs.
Yun Li’s guilt dissipated in the face of his authoritarian attitude, and her long-suppressed emotions erupted. Unable to understand, feeling wronged and angry, she couldn’t help but retort, “This is my decision to make.”
The conflict ignited instantly.
In the heat of the moment, Yun Li, without further consideration, promptly replied to EAW’s email, accepting the job.
Her reminiscence was interrupted by a ringtone. Yun Li entered her room and glanced at the caller ID. It was Yun Ye. She answered on speakerphone, tossing the phone on the bed. Assuming her big sister role, she spoke first: “Identify yourself.”
The young man seemed taken aback: “What?”
“Are you a messenger or my brother?”
After a few seconds of silence, Yun Ye replied, somewhat exasperated: “Your brother.”
Yun Li: “Oh, then speak.”
“When are you coming home? Also, bring me some Nanwu specialties.”
“Tell me what you want, and I’ll mail it to you.”
“What are you doing, running away from home? Yun Li, how childish are you?” Yun Ye said, “At your age, running away after an argument with your parents? Aren’t you embarrassed?”
Yun Li wasn’t falling for it: “Who would know if you don’t tell?”
The tense atmosphere at home had persisted for days, with Yun Ye inadvertently becoming a punching bag for both sides. Not wanting to get involved further, he asked resignedly: “So when are you coming back?”
With over half a month left before school registration, Yun Li didn’t want to return soon to avoid another argument with Yun Yongchang.
Yun Li answered truthfully: “I might not come back.”
Yun Ye: “What?”
“School’s starting soon anyway. I don’t want to make the trip back and forth, so I’ll just stay here to adjust,” Yun Li started making excuses, “Besides, Deng Chuqi is here too. I can hang out with her for a couple of days.”
“Are you serious?”
“Of course,” The more she spoke, the less Yun Li saw a reason to return, “Actually, it’s not a ‘might’. I’m not going back.”
Yun Ye couldn’t believe it: “Aren’t you afraid Dad will kill you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Yun Li made him face reality, “I’d be in more danger if I went back now.”
…
Having made up her mind, Yun Li’s mood brightened considerably at the prospect of not having to argue with Yun Yongchang.
Yun Li slept well that night and set out early the next morning.
Everyone’s demeanor was noticeably different from the day before. They were holding cameras in the hotel lobby, occasionally filming. Yun Li felt awkward filming in front of others, but Zhi Bule and Fei Shui came over to greet her camera.
Seeing this, Yun Li relaxed a bit, her lips curving into a slight smile.
Before entering, the group found a spot with a view of Haitian Mall and began filming shamelessly.
Yun Li followed suit, quickly reciting her script in a spot away from the crowd.
Rather than an experience center, EAW resembled a small theme park.
The entrance had a cool, fragmented design style. A starry background was cut by streaks of white light extending to the ceiling as if one could enter this virtual world through these cracks.
The full name of the tech city was written above: Enjoy Another World.
Unlike yesterday’s quiet and dim atmosphere, all the equipment inside was now activated. Dazzling images vied for attention, immersing visitors.
There were various types of projects: thrilling experiences, sensory adventures, puzzle-solving, and multiplayer battles.
EAW had invited nearly twenty people. Upon entry, the guide organized them to experience several multi-player projects, such as indoor virtual roller coasters, 5D movies, and other immersive experiences.
Idle staff members were temporarily recruited as cameramen. Before putting on the VR glasses, Yun Li noticed several drones being operated nearby for filming.
This was her first outdoor filming experience, and she had never seen such a grand setup.
After these projects, the group returned to the second floor.
This level mostly featured single-player or small group projects like space capsules, dark battle cars, and motion capture games. Half the area consisted of private rooms for players wanting a quieter gaming experience.
Before Yun Li could decide what to try next, she heard enthusiastic greetings from behind.
She looked up to see Xu Qingsong and the man she had encountered in the past two days.
Although he wore a mask, he was still easily recognizable.
In the short time yesterday, Xu Qingsong had already built rapport with many people, and some were now actively engaging him in conversation.
Inevitably, Yun Li recalled the awkward moment in the restroom and didn’t want to face the man directly. She noticed a project she had marked in her notes nearby, called “Extreme Bungee Jumping.”
She turned and walked towards it.
The project name and appearance seemed more thrilling than others, but there was no guide nearby. Yun Li read the instructions but didn’t want to touch anything without the staff present.
With nothing else to do, she set up a tripod and placed her DSLR camera on it, adjusting the position and aperture.
The project looked like a swing but was an elevator-style setup requiring a full set of safety equipment. It aimed to simulate the bungee jumping experience as realistically as possible.
Usually, a guide would help with the safety harness.
Several minutes passed without any uniformed staff appearing. Just as Yun Li was considering trying a different project, she heard Xu Qingsong’s voice from behind: “What’s wrong?”
Yun Li turned around.
Without her noticing, the two men approached.
Feeling a bit awkward, Yun Li instinctively replied: “I wanted to try this project.”
Xu Qingsong raised an eyebrow slightly and patted the man beside him on the shoulder: “Time to work.”
The man’s eyes looked tired, and he didn’t move immediately.
Xu Qingsong shrugged, explaining: “We’re short-staffed.”
“…”
This was exactly what Yun Li had been hoping to avoid.
After a moment, the man walked over, picked up the safety harness from the rack, and began inspecting it. Unlike other staff members, he wasn’t wearing a uniform but simple casual clothes – a T-shirt and pants.
Yun Li wasn’t sure of his position.
This led to another concern – she wasn’t certain if he knew how to operate the equipment.
The man approached her with the harness, bending slightly due to his height. He instructed in a low voice: “Step into the black loops with your feet.”
They were very close now.
Yun Li felt nervous and didn’t have time to ask questions, simply following his instructions.
After stepping through with both feet, the man pulled the harness up, instructing Yun Li to put her arms through the corresponding loops. He tightened it to fit her body and then had her sit on the equipment.
While standing, the sensation wasn’t strong, but once seated, there was an unsettling feeling of loss of control. Yun Li watched the man’s movements as he attached her harness to the appropriate spots, methodically checking everything.
At this moment, Xu Qingsong chimed in with a comment:
“Not bad, handling it like a pro on the first try.”