It was almost 11 p.m. when Ren Suo returned ho, and he imdiately handed the gifts to his father and mother.
Ren's father quickly took the items to the study to take pictures, unbox them, and share them on social dia. Ren's mother raised an eyebrow and asked, "You... didn't buy anything else at the mall? Like chocolates or sothing?"
Ren Suo said, "I don't like eating chocolate."
Ren's mother's eyes widened as she looked at Ren Suo, as if she were seeing a roasted pig running across the ground, its trotters braised, poised to explode into pieces in the next second.
Ren Xingi, who had just finished showering and erged from the bathroom, giggled. "I don't like eating chocolate either. Right? Who needs chocolate?"
Ren's mother looked as if she wanted to say sothing, then thought better of it, before finally taking the SK-II set and obediently returning to her room. Ren Suo gave the "Demon May" ga disc to Ren Xingi and curiously asked, "Do you really not like eating chocolate? I thought you liked Ferrero..."
"That's because you gave it to ," Ren Xingi said, drying her long hair with a towel. "You wouldn't give chocolate that isn't tasty... Help blow-dry my hair."
"So, what do you like to eat?"
"I like broad beans, the wasabi-flavored ones."
Ren Suo raised an eyebrow. He also liked broad beans, but he preferred the crab roe flavor and couldn't quite believe that his sister favored the wasabi kind.
So it seems everyone truly has their own unique tastes.
Back in his bedroom, Ren Suo saw the Black Cat stepping on the tablet and watching videos. He greeted her, then lay on the bed, took out his phone, and edited a group ssage: "What gift would you like for Valentine's Day? By the way, here's my wish list. If you want to give a gift, just pick anything you like."
Setting aside the plans for that day, I still need to prepare the gifts in advance. It was one thing not to celebrate before, but now that I have the opportunity, not marking the occasion would feel like not taking leave during the Qingming Festival—a distinct sense of loss.
What Ren Suo hated most was giving gifts, but now gift-giving had inevitably beco one of his daily tasks. So, he had prepared a wish list, allowing the other person to simply order from it.
The wish list included both tangible and virtual items, offering a wide array of choices. These ranged from a 30 yuan/month low-quality cloud mbership to the latest graphics cards worth thousands, covering various price points. Anyway, Ren Suo was sure he would be happy with whatever he received, so he decided to spare others the torture of 'thinking about gifts' and just handed over the wish list.
However, it seed, perhaps, that people with straightforward, efficient thought processes like his were indeed few and far between.
First to reply was Young Master Mu: "I won't give you a gift, nor will I buy one from that thoroughly unromantic wish list of yours."
"If you must ask what I want, then the gift I desire is this→"
Young Master Mu sent over a picture. On it were two red books titled 'Marriage Certificates'.
Ren Suo: "...Let's be reasonable. The entire Civil Affairs Bureau will definitely be booked solid that day."
Young Master Mu: "Heh, who do you think I am?"
Ren Suo paused, realizing his own foolishness. Qiao Muyi is the Deputy Director of the Tactical Bureau. While she wouldn't commit cris like kidnapping and holding a man captive, managing to cut in line at the Civil Affairs Bureau would be a simple matter for her...
Ren Suo: "But I'm afraid it might violate criminal law. Can we wait and see if the Mysterious Country will enact a new Marriage Law that adapts to the changes in cultivator society...?"
Young Master Mu: "Sure. Thinking about bigamy before even getting married—you truly are the little Suo who wants to grow old with for a lifeti."
Wait?
Sothing seed off to Ren Suo. While the screen showed cold, emotionless text, Qiao Muyi seed particularly volatile today. No, during the past few days of routine communication, Qiao Muyi had spoken very little, uttering a simple goodnight before ending the conversation. I had thought she was just tired from Cultivation, but now that I think about it, it felt like she was building up her Rage Slot. Now it seems her Three Stages Rage Slot is finally full, ready to lock onto and unleash a true ultimate Skill.
"Are you angry?"
"Why would I be angry?"
"Then let's get the certificate."
The other side went silent.
"What certificate?"
"The marriage certificate."
"The two of us?"
"The two of us."
"For real?"
"For real."
"You're not lying to ?"
"If I'm lying to you, may I beco a roast duck so big it can't be finished even after three days of eating during the New Year's holiday."
After a while, Young Master Mu finally asked, "What about Cheng Ling and Yueyan?"
"Yueyan is too young to get one. I'll ask Cheng Ling next. If she's also willing, then we'll get another one." Ren Suo replied seriously, "Don't worry, I have a way to deal with the issue of bigamy, but it will take a few days."
Ren Suo had already figured it out. Once I complete the ga and have summonable ti, I can use "Rippling Spring Sounds" to summon Virtual Sovereign Ilina and have her hack into the Mysterious Country's network to conceal my cris. Wouldn't that be wonderful?
"Qiao Muyi's negative emotions 999."
Young Master Mu: "I'm telling you, I'm really angry now."
Ren Suo: "I was wrong. Can you tell what you want, so I can buy it for you as an apology?"
Young Master Mu: "If I really wanted sothing, I would buy it myself. Why would I want you to give it to ? Similarly, if you wanted sothing, you could just ask directly, and I would buy it for you, but I wouldn't give it as a surprise gift. Have you ever thought about what kind of gift you should give ?"
Ren Suo: "I have. I was drinking coffee at Bright Plaza for an hour and a half, thinking the whole ti about what gift to get you."
Young Master Mu: "So, what's the result of your thinking?"
Ren Suo: "Nothing. I thought of you for half an hour."
anwhile, on the other side, Qiao Muyi, lying back on the couch playing with her phone and hugging an orange cat, couldn't help but cluck her tongue when she saw this ssage.
What was he thinking about for the other hour then...
After considering it, Qiao Muyi decided to delete this boring response. But then, feeling frustrated again, she gritted her teeth, muttering under her breath and scaring her orange cat, Xiao Suo, so much that he owed and kneaded to please his owner.
"Qiao Muyi, oh Qiao Muyi, you need to press him harder!" she sternly said to herself, tossing the orange cat into the air, scaring it into barking loudly.
Then, Qiao Muyi reached out. Invisible Mana bound the floating orange cat, slowly pulling it back into her embrace, frightening the cat till it nearly lost a pound or two.
Young Master Mu: "You talk a good ga. On the fourth day of the lunar new year, didn't you and Cheng Ling already have your parents et? And discuss things like having children?"
Ren Suo reflexively started to ask, How did you know? But then he thought it over and decided it was unnecessary, responding directly: "Yes, that's true. Were you angry about that?"
Young Master Mu: "Luckily, you're not in front of , or you'd know just how angry I am."
Ren Suo scratched his head. Qiao Muyi is still building up her Rage Slot. Typing online will only give her more ti to aim and lock on. So he decided to call her directly.
The first call was hung up, the second as well. It was only on the third call that he got through. "I'm only giving you ti for one sentence."
"Are we considering having children after traveling the world?"
"..." Qiao Muyi fell silent for a mont before saying earnestly, "Xiao Suo, do you think I'm that easy to fool?"
"No, it's not like that. You're angry that I've discussed having children with Cheng Ling, so now I'm discussing having children with you..."
Qiao Muyi: "What I'm angry about is that you want to have children with another woman! Why can't you just obediently go with to the Civil Affairs Bureau and sign a docunt?"
"Then... to apologize, how about we just travel and have fun, and not have kids?"
"No, I like children."
"Then... just one child? Would you prefer a girl or a boy?"
"No, at least two. Twins—a boy and a girl—would be perfect."
Qiao Muyi, who had lost her parents at a young age and grown up relying on the kindness of others, surprisingly possessed a deep well of Mother's Love within her. As soone who lacked love in her childhood, her values had beco slightly skewed before Ren Suo readjusted them. Consequently, she had a strong desire to raise several children and give them the happiness she herself had missed out on.
After settling on the ideal age gap between two children, Qiao Muyi hung up the phone with a satisfied look on her face. Then she suddenly snapped back to reality—Wait a second, have I been fooled by Xiao Suo!? Was I just hit by his disarming charm!?
Just then, Ren Suo sent another ssage: "Good night ❤"
"Tch..." Qiao Muyi mumbled to herself. "This guy only knows how to act cute..."
But after thinking it over for a long ti, she still didn't want to spoil the pleasant mood. She put down her phone, picked up the chunky orange cat, and gently stroked it while lying back on the couch, whispering, "Let's press him this far for today. Step by step, we'll corner him in bed eventually..."
The orange cat relaxed its entire body, exhaling a long breath of relief, grateful for another peaceful day in its cat life.
Dong Chengling's reply was still a simple, "Whatever," while Gu Yueyan's was, "I want a gift made by you."
But like Qiao Muyi, they were also classical-type lovers who had no interest in choosing gifts from Ren Suo's wish list. Instead, they prepared what they thought Ren Suo would like. Their thoughtfulness regarding presents highlighted just how materialistic, rcenary, pragmatic, and ugly Ren Suo was.
However, Gu Yueyan did remind Ren Suo—Right, they all want 'sincere gifts,' so why not just make them myself?
So, what to make then?
Ren Suo, devoid of any inspiration, suddenly rembered sothing. He sat down, turned on the Mini-World Ga Console, and entered the long-neglected Mystic Tavern.
Because he hadn't opened the main interface of the Mini-World Ga Console often these days, and since "Light and Dark Traitor" didn't have confusing dead ends, Ren Suo had nearly forgotten about this place.
But today, upon opening it, there was a surprise!
The protagonist of "Midnight Walker," the Kitchen Girl, was drinking in the tavern!
She sat at the bar, seemingly talking with the tavern owner, who was enshrouded in black mist. When Ren Suo entered the tavern, she imdiately noticed his arrival and turned to look out of the screen at him. "Long ti no see."
"Long ti no see."
Just then, the tavern owner suddenly cleared everything away from the bar. Ren Suo, curious, asked, "What were you talking about just now?"
The tavern owner bluntly responded, "Do you have any questions for today?"
Although the tavern owner wanted to change the subject, the Kitchen Girl was quite honest. "Hm? Nothing much. The boss gave so handmade chocolate to taste, and we discussed how to make the chocolate taste better."
Chocolate, huh... Ren Suo pondered and asked, "So how can I make chocolate taste even better?"
"My solution is this: first, you need to prepare fine granulated sugar, fresh cream, and finely chopped chocolate..."
The Kitchen Girl elaborated on the thod of making handcrafted chocolate. She then concluded, "In the end, making good chocolate still cos down to practice. You need to keep trying to get control over the taste and timing... Of course, if you follow my steps, you'll definitely be able to make chocolate that's reasonably tasty."
Practice makes perfect, huh...
Ren Suo nodded thoughtfully. Practice makes perfect—such a simple thing! Four hours should be enough for a clone to make the chocolate five, six, or maybe even eight tis, right? Even if the experience doesn't accumulate to the True Form, as long as...
However, Ren Suo quickly reconsidered. No, it's better to do it myself this ti. I can't rely on Cloning for everything. Chocolate made that way would lack soul and sincerity. But that's not right, the clone's work is my work, the clone's sincerity is my sincerity...
Although Ren Suo quickly found an excuse for his potential laziness, he resolved to do it himself this ti. After all, he had never made handcrafted chocolate before, and it seed like it would be fun.
If it turns out to be really boring, then the clone can do it next year—if I still have a next year.
After their conversation, the Kitchen Girl finished her drink and left. The tavern owner, once again annoyed, asked, "What do you want?"
Originally, Ren Suo didn't have anything particular to ask, but since the tavern owner was actively soliciting business, he asked, "I'm now at Luoyin City in 'Light and Dark Traitor,' and I just killed the Sega Great Magistrate. What should I do next?"
Ren Suo really didn't know what to do next. After all, Los isn't going back to Dark Descending to receive instructions, I don't know who to target next, and there are no clues for my mission.
"10 rit Points."
After happily paying, the tavern owner said, "Just follow the storyline."
Ren Suo almost forgot. This tavern owner loves to spout nonsense. I know I need to follow the story, but there's no story now! Los is hiding in the mansion, and I'm unsure how long he can keep the death of Posecia's believer a secret. At most, he could pretend to be the Sega Great Magistrate on the run, but I have no idea where he could flee to—that's the heartland of the Divine Descendants, Luoyin City!
"The protagonist should follow the storyline. If it's ti to escape, then escape. All you need is to stay hidden for a bit, and soon the protagonist will gain the assistance of the player and get the relevant information for the next mission objective."
"As a reward for the considerable tip, the tavern owner secretly informs you: 'After getting help from the player, Los will soon find the next mission target.'"
This must be the most I've ever overpaid for rit Points. 'Light and Dark Traitor' might be a ga that doesn't need any hints. That's why when I forcibly asked a question, the Mystic Tavern could only give a clichéd answer. But what's done is done. Could I smash the screen and demand the tavern owner refund the money? He left the Mystic Tavern feeling dejected and continued playing "Light and Dark Traitor."
Just then, he rembered sothing and turned to speak to the Black Cat. "Luna, I will get all the preparations for the virtual host ready for you. How does that sound for your Valentine's Day present? Aweso or what?"
"Absolutely~" the Black Cat responded.
Good, Luna is the easiest to take care of.
Entering "Light and Dark Traitor," Ren Suo imdiately checked Los's loot from slaying the Sega Great Magistrate.
"Sega Saturn War Armor: Spiritual Energy Defense Value 5/30,000. It automatically replenishes 5 Spiritual Power Points every second and is continuously shrouded in 'Posecia's Protection' while worn. Invisible shadow flas will cover the War Armor. This makes the wearer immune to all fire damage, erases their presence, enhances Infiltration abilities, strengthens Fear effects, and allows silent movent."
"Posecia's Bloodline Belt: 7 slits. Each additional Posecia series Cartridge increases the wearer's supernatural resistance by 5%. Can equip 2 Divine Descendant Cartridges and activate unique Bloodline Card effects."
Also, two "Three-Star Brutal Warrior" Cartridges and a silent movent Cartridge set.
Ren Suo then realized the ga's ultimate equipnt setup: exclusive Bloodline belts paired with exclusive Bloodline Cartridges could activate exclusive Bloodline Aura effects.
But with the "Three-Star Brutal Warrior" Cartridges he had synthesized himself, he now had three identical ultimate Bloodline Cartridges.
Con... Continue synthesizing?
Ren Suo placed the three Bloodline Cartridges into the fusion interface and chose to fuse.
Unable to fuse.
At the sa ti, however, the ga popped up a special prompt:
"'Better Loot' has detected that Los has obtained surplus Bloodline Cartridges, triggering a hidden exchange channel—"
"You can now consu one Bloodline Cartridge and an additional 10 rit Points to directly draw from a selection of five three-star level Cartridges (choose 1 of 5)."
Bloodline Cartridges were the highest tier and couldn't advance further, but Ren Suo could now choose to spend a Bloodline Cartridge to directly obtain a high-level three-star Cartridge.
Without hesitation, Ren Suo drew twice and pulled out the "Three-Star Blind Fool" Cartridge!
This Cartridge, which could refresh Skills, was almost indispensable to Los. Without it, Los couldn't transform every ten minutes into a lady or gentleman to deceive people as he was currently doing.
Then Los absorbed Sega's corpse and left the mansion, his face covered.
Action options: "Go to Sega's secret safe house established in Luoyin City," or "Go to an indoor tavern in the Second Ring to assassinate a certain Divine Descendant and take their place."
Ren Suo thought for a mont. The tavern owner said, 'you only need to hide for a bit.' So he chose to send Los to the tavern. The tavern in the Second Ring of Luoyin City was similar to real-life bars, still featuring thrilling music and a dance floor.
But one couldn't just kill soone here. Besides the sun and moon in the sky, there was also an indoor surveillance system—the Night Mother's Listener!
The clown hanging upside down on the tavern wall signified that the Great Lord Night Mother was listening!
So, Los found an inconspicuous shadow and approached a Divine Descendant who looked quite ordinary. He suddenly dropped his disguise and revealed his true face!
Los was lucky; the average-looking Divine Descendant actually recognized him. "You..."
Then Los instantly activated "Brutal Aura" and "Blind Brutality," along with the effects of the Brutal Warrior. This dealt nearly eight tis the damage with a critical hit, piercing through the Divine Descendant's Defensive Shield in one strike. Los maintained complete silence throughout and successfully took his place.
Just then, the music in the tavern ca to a halt, and a solemn declaration sounded:
"Dragonborn Los has infiltrated Luoyin City! All Divine Descendants, please return to your residences for inspection. Dragonborn Los is extrely dangerous and can disguise himself as a Divine Descendant. If any Divine Descendant notices others behaving strangely, report imdiately to the Guard Squad!"
"Dragonborn Los..."
At that mont, a squad of Divine Guards rushed into the tavern, isolating all Divine Descendants and questioning each one, checking for any hidden Dragonborn Los.
When it was Los's turn, a Divine Guard took him into a small room for questioning.
By the ti he ca out, he had transford into that sa Divine Guard.
The silent movent Cartridge set truly allows one to do whatever they want.
After the inspection was over, the Divine Guards were leaving the tavern when a Divine Descendant stopped them. He said, "You must hurry to the Yisu Great Magistrate's mansion! Sony the Great suspects that Dragonborn Los is hiding there and has ordered us to inspect it!"
"Yisu Great Magistrate of Mora Great Lord? Could this be a conflict between the Great Magistrates...?"
"Speak carefully!"
The Guard Squad leader imdiately shut up, leading the Divine Guards to fly off.
It really is going according to the script, and the next target pops up naturally... Ren Suo muttered to himself, "I've really overspent on this intel... Ah, such a loss. I'll rember this for at least three days and nights..."
In the Mystic Tavern, the owner, wiping glasses, muttered to himself. By being so blunt, will he still not understand? Never mind, he'll have his ti to cry later. He set down the glass, took out a piece of his handmade chocolate, ate it, and couldn't help but sigh.
He took out fine sugar and other materials and tools from his drawer, preparing to make it again following the Kitchen Girl's Teachings.
Perhaps because of past experiences, I find myself nitpicking everything. I am a clean freak, requiring my surroundings to be spotless at all tis. I am an efficiency fanatic, never delaying even for a mont. I am a perfectionist; even when making chocolate, I demand flawlessness. It's a pity my starting point was so low; after all, that guy only made chocolate a few tis in the first year and never did it again... To the point that I now need to ask the Kitchen Girl how to make chocolate.
CREAK.
Another custor arrived.
However, when he looked up, his eyes lit up instantly.
"You've finally co..."
"Have you been waiting long for ?" The newcor sat at the bar, smiling.
"Ever since I beca responsible for this tavern, I've been waiting for you to co," he said. "I have many, many things I need your help with."
"Such as?"
"For example, this handmade chocolate. His starting point is too low. If only he had started higher, I wouldn't have to learn so arduously..."
"So you need to help him improve this Skill in his dreams? But wouldn't that just give him a taste of success? And it's such a bother..."
"Let in!" He clenched his fist and slamd it on the bar. "I'll help you train him!"
The Moon Chanter exclaid, "You aren't seeking personal revenge, are you?"
"Can what I have with him even be called personal revenge? This is like a father disciplining his son, a grandfather his grandson!" The owner grabbed the Moon Chanter's hand. "Let train him! I can't beat him now, but surely I can pick on his past self a little?"
The Moon Chanter thought about it but still shook her head. "No, Luna won't allow it. You should give up that idea. However, I promise you, I will train him in making chocolate in his dreams."
"At least, at least you must agree to this request!" The owner bowed deeply. "This is the request of my life! Please, I beg you to grant this request, for the sake of our shared suffering."
"...Okay." Seeing him so pitiful, the Moon Chanter couldn't bear it. "As long as it's not too excessive, I'll agree to it."
"Absolutely nothing excessive!" The owner clenched his fists, stating vehently, "You just need to make him wear an apron!"
"That simple?" The Moon Chanter was taken aback.
"But aside from the apron, don't let him wear any other clothes."
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