Chapter 4
Ye Nianchu went to the cashier to pay and noticed an old-fashioned wire-bound account book on the counter. The pages were yellowed, looking like they belonged to a museum. Nowadays, hardly anyone uses books like that; it was probably just for decoration.
The owner, a slightly chubby middle-aged man, smiled kindly. "Are you traveling alone, young lady?"
"No, I have companions," Ye Nianchu replied gently, her expression calm but distant.
As Ye Nianchu walked away, the owner’s friendly smile turned into a sinister smirk. When no one was watching, his eyes turned black, and his gaze became cold and creepy. His smile now looked like it belonged in a horror movie.
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The clouds hung low in the sky. Even though it was still afternoon, it looked like dusk was rolling in. The trees in the mountains swayed, as if they were dancing to a slow, eerie tune.
Ye Nianchu looked up at the sign that read "Pingxi B&B."
When luck runs out, it’s time for in-game purchases.
Most houses in Daiyong Township were wooden shacks, but this villa-style bed and breakfast on the hillside was different. It looked sturdier and was, of course, the most expensive place around.
Given the location and the environment, it was her best option.
Ye Nianchu signed the paperwork and put her ID and black card back into her wallet.
The name on her ID was "Ye Nianchu." In the game, players could pick their names for safety, and once set, they were stuck with them. She’d suspected the game’s refusal to allow changes was simply laziness on its part.
Even after all her points and levels were reset to zero, she couldn’t change anything. The game clearly had no sense of fairness.
The receptionist took the receipt and glanced at the signed name. "Her handwriting is as stiff as her," they thought.
They had two guests staying at their B&B.
"Ms. Ye, here’s your room key."
"Thank you." Ye Nianchu took the key and headed upstairs.
Her room was on the second floor with a great view. She opened the heavy gray curtains and pushed open the glass door to the terrace. From there, she could see the whole town of Daiyong.
The Huanzhen River was a bit far, but the faint sound of water added to the peace.
If this weren’t a game world, it would be a lovely place.
Ye Nianchu took off her trench coat and opened the closet to hang her clothes. Her eyes caught something, and she stopped.
A rusty knife?
Ye Nianchu crouched down and picked up the knife. It was so blunt it could barely cut butter.
Just then, a system alert popped up: [Congratulations to the player for obtaining the item 'a rusty knife with a mysterious symbol engraved on it.' This item is only usable in this round of the game.]
Ye Nianchu: ...
Even the items are rusty.
This game never fails to disappoint.
They give you something but don’t tell you how to use it. You’re left to figure it out on your own.
Ye Nianchu examined the knife closely.
Even though she wasn’t thrilled, having something was better than nothing, especially in this situation.
Under the rust, she could see some dragon-like symbols.
Ye Nianchu wondered.
What do these symbols mean?
What’s this item supposed to do?
Even without the rust, she wouldn’t understand these symbols.
And with the rust? It’s even more confusing.
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