"This place… is not bad."
The following afternoon, a hot pot barbecue restaurant in downtown Lianjiang City welcod a group of special female patrons, which turned the heads of the staff repeatedly—had a team of models co to eat hot pot barbecue?
Gu Yueyan, sowhat embarrassed, held down her miniskirt, looking down at her black, knee-high stockings, and hesitantly whispered, "Can't we… wear other clothes?"
Lin Xianyu, dressed in a chiffon vest dress with her hair combed down, looked as elegant and serene as a young lady from Jiangnan. She reached out, hugged Gu Yueyan's exposed shoulder, took out her phone, and snapped a selfie with her. Giggling, she said, "This looks pretty good, Class President. Relax a bit. If you wear it more, you won't care anymore. Why don't we dress like this from now on?"
"That's not necessary." As soon as Gu Yueyan reached her seat, she hurriedly sat at the farthest end, away from other people's gaze. Finally relaxing, she softly complained, "I never heard disguise was supposed to be like this…"
"What did you expect then?" Dressed in a short fur coat and high heels, her hair put up like a noblewoman's, Qiao Muyi sat across from them, supporting her chin with her hand and laughing. "You thought wearing a hat, a mask, sunglasses, and almost writing 'I am a very suspicious stalker' on your forehead would suffice?"
Gu Yueyan argued, "But we could have used binoculars to surveil him from a farther distance, couldn't we?"
"Xiao Suo is at least a Fourth-Stage Cultivator; his perceptive capabilities are far from weak. If you want to surveil him, ordinary thods won't work," Qiao Muyi said. "By now, you should already vaguely sense other people's gazes, right? A Fourth-Stage Cultivator is even more sensitive in this regard. No matter how far away, if soone is intently observing , I will have a slight feeling."
"In this respect, the farther the distance, the easier it is to be detected. Conversely, if we disguise ourselves and sit nearby, observing with our peripheral vision without speaking, we won't attract attention."
Qiao Muyi looked around. "There are many waiters and custors here; we won't be noticed."
Ren Xingi, dressed in a JK sailor uniform, also nodded and said, "Dressed like this, with makeup and changed hairstyles, my brother will probably completely ignore us."
At that mont, Dong Chengling, dressed in a red plaid skirt, Black Body Armor, and white shirt, her hair dyed wine-red and styled in a side ponytail, and wearing doll-like makeup that radiated a youthful aura, very much like a Flourishing Sakura high school idol, spoke lightly, "In this regard, Xiao Qiao is more professional; I trust her judgnt."
Since even Teacher Dong agreed, Gu Yueyan could only suppress her dissatisfaction. She picked up the nu, glanced at everyone to check if they didn't mind, then handed the nu to the already eager Lin Xianyu.
Actually, today's matter didn't really concern Lin Xianyu. She was just there to snag a al and catch up on the gossip.
"Here they co!"
Everyone's expressions beca serious. They were still looking at each other, but now subtly paying attention to the activities outside using their peripheral vision.
Ren Suo walked into the restaurant, his face expressionless; next to him was a beautiful young girl, arm in arm with him.
Her soft, golden hair, shimring as if reflecting light, was tied into adorable twin pigtails. She wore a translucent, pure white lace dress, revealing her vibrant and graceful figure. A pair of captivating large eyes, like black holes, and the sheer force of her stunning cuteness imdiately drew the gaze of all staff and custors in the shop.
Unfortunately, she was wearing a mask, so they couldn't see her real face.
But the golden twin pigtails were too conspicuous, leading Qiao Muyi to glance at the four won from the academy, all of whom shook their heads.
Gu Yueyan frowned. "There are no blondes in the freshman class."
Lin Xianyu, her head buried in the nu, casually remarked, "Then she must have had her hair done just before going out. Wow, they have special prices for grilled oysters here! And such a large portion of shrimp paste!"
Ren Xingi said poutily, "She purposely dyed her hair and dressed so provocatively, hmph!"
Qiao Muyi slightly narrowed her eyes. "Unless she dyes her hair back after the date, we'll eventually find her. And she'll definitely have to take off her mask while eating, right?"
Although they said this, everyone agreed on one thing: this girl called 'Xiao Ren,' even compared to them, was an irresistibly beautiful young lady.
Yet Ren Suo's behavior was quite good. Sitting opposite Xiao Ren, his expression was calm and indifferent, not looking elsewhere as he handed the nu to Xiao Ren without uttering a word.
However, Xiao Ren handed the nu back to Ren Suo. Propping her chin on her hand, her head tilted a slight 8°, she gazed at Ren Suo with eyes full of deep affection.
The observers sighed softly at this scene.
You are an unintended draft, yet strangely you invite catastrophic floods.
However, Ren Suo asked, "Do you have hemorrhoids? Can you eat spicy food? Do you have any dietary restrictions?"
Excellent!
Just like you!
Everyone's mood brightened instantly, and they even happily went along with Lin Xianyu ordering a mountain of snacks.
After Ren Suo placed the order, Xiao Ren began her offensive, asking about Ren Suo's personal details and introducing herself. Ren Suo's responses were appropriate but not deep, each one effectively ending the conversation, which pleased the observers.
Although they hadn't planned to intervene this ti, now it seed Ren Suo could indeed handle this problematic girl by himself, which naturally made everyone even more at ease.
After a while, Xiao Ren suddenly asked, "Why won't you accept ?"
Ren Suo took a sip of water and said indifferently, "Because life is about subtraction, not addition."
"Subtraction? Addition?"
"This world is a sea of suffering, and everyone is a solitary boat. Sotis we can travel together for a while, but once we encounter waves, separation is inevitable," Ren Suo said calmly. "To help the boat avoid the waves and escape the huge surges, we should all travel light and throw away anything unnecessary."
"Tools should be the ones that work best and last longest. One's lifestyle should be the easiest and least troubleso. Emotions should be reduced to the most appropriate and comfortable level."
Ren Suo put down the nu and said coldly, "If I don't know you, then your past and future are of no concern to , your joys and sorrows won't affect , and your life and death won't cause even a ripple in my heart."
"Every additional bond is a potential source of trouble."
"A person's life is destined to part ways with many people, even friends who were once very close. It's also about cutting off those people and things that bind you, to turn yourself into soone independent and brave."
"That's why I'm rejecting you," Ren Suo lowered his eyelids and said earnestly. "I'm willing to be your friend, but I won't let you co any closer."
"It's the sa with others. Anyone who can't accompany for life, whose feelings will inevitably depreciate, I won't let them get close to my heart and increase my burden. Only those who can beco my strength, help to fortify my lonely boat, and assist in crossing the sea of suffering will I accept their emotions."
Xiao Ren asked, "Why can't I be the person who accompanies you for life?"
"Because I can no longer fall in love with soone else," Ren Suo said calmly. "I have only one life, and I can't promise it to soone I don't love."
Xiao Ren was on the verge of tears. "Really, there's not even a slight chance?"
Ren Suo responded, "Not even a slight chance. I am now a person who only does subtraction. What's gone is never longed for, and what's obtained is never increased, unless one day I completely cross the sea of suffering and can live forever in carefree freedom."
"If we cannot be together for life, then we sever all ties. Let high mountains and long rivers mark our separation."
"Those I will never see again, let them have boundless futures, without any involvent from ."
Hearing these words, Xiao Ren no longer pressed on, sitting disconsolately to the side.
Not far away, the four eavesdropping girls also fell into deep thought. Only Lin Xianyu still had the appetite to munch on snacks and fried chicken nuggets.
A mont later, Ren Xingi spoke cautiously, "It seems like... my brother was serious."
Gu Yueyan comnted, "Actually, this view on love is correct."
Qiao Muyi shook her head slightly. "But it's too extre. How has he beco so rational..."
Dong Chengling blinked and hesitated for a mont before asking, "Did we press him too hard?"
At this mont, they unanimously felt a hint of unease.
Although Xiao Ren no longer had a chance to compete, the four who were in the competition realized that they seed to have no way out either.
Although Ren Suo seed to be the one making a choice, they all felt he was rely the prize. For no matter which option Ren Suo might hypothetically choose, it would be useless. Only the option that triumphed—physically and ntally overcoming all others—could claim him, the ultimate score.
Even if Ren Suo impulsively made a choice, given his nature, there were far too many opportunities for him to recover and turn the tables. Not to ntion, Ren Suo always wanted to turn a single-choice question into a multiple-choice one, essentially unable to make a choice.
But the premise for such behavior was that Ren Suo was the type who couldn't let go.
If Ren Suo matured and could both pick up and let go, then they really wouldn't have the chance to use a Revival Coin to co back.
Everyone had a subtle feeling; naturally, they also hoped that Ren Suo would mature and remain faithful, but that was built on the premise of their own victory—otherwise, why would soone else's boyfriend being faithful matter to you?
Otherwise, they would rather Ren Suo remained the greedy child, at least with unlimited revival chances and a high tolerance for errors, so as not to lose the opportunity in the competitive ga.
Only Lin Xianyu remained calm, saying, "Relax, that's just Big Brother Ren tricking naive young girls. Look at how logical he speaks; it's definitely a script he wrote last night."
However, everyone seed unable to put their minds at ease and lacked interest, so Lin Xianyu had to do the barbecuing and handle the food herself.
At that mont, Xiao Ren seed to finally be persuaded by Ren Suo to withdraw. She stood up directly and left with a whimper like a defeated golden retriever.
Yet Ren Suo was as steady as Mount Tai, continuing to eat without any thought of chasing after her, incredibly tough.
While eating, Lin Xianyu realized she might have drunk too much of her beverage and hurried to the restroom.
When Lin Xianyu ca out of the restroom, she happened to run into Ren Suo heading towards the n's restroom.
Oh no!
Lin Xianyu's mind raced, but she couldn't think of any good solution on the spot. Although they had changed their looks, hairstyles, and even makeup enough to hide their identities, that was under the premise of not facing each other directly.
If they observed each other face-to-face, they would definitely be exposed!
Just as Lin Xianyu braced herself for Ren Suo's surprised questioning, Ren Suo's gaze didn't linger on her at all; he simply walked past her as if he hadn't seen her.
Lin Xianyu was stunned for a mont, glanced at the n's restroom door, and then at herself.
She was just wearing makeup, not in disguise!
Ren Suo doesn't play StarCraft; he couldn't be that blind, could he!?
Thoughtful, Lin Xianyu returned to her seat and looked at the four girls who were eating absentmindedly. Suddenly, she said, "Ladies, you might be in trouble."
"What happened?" Gu Yueyan asked curiously.
"Just now, when I ca out of the restroom, I ran into Big Brother Ren, but he didn't recognize at all, not even paying any attention to ," Lin Xianyu said seriously. "I an, I'm considered a pretty girl, right? And Xiao Ren is also a very pretty girl, right? She's so cute, yet Big Brother Ren just let her leave like that. Isn't that a bit strange?"
Ren Xingi: "So what?"
"If a person spends days alone in a confined environnt, without seeing daylight, internet, or gas, they might go mad. Alternatively, they might rediscover themselves, or their personality could even beco twisted. For example, they might find gas and phones uninteresting, or calculus no longer difficult..."
Lin Xianyu looked at them seriously and said, "...maybe, he doesn't need a girlfriend anymore."
"Even more, he might no longer develop feelings of affection for the opposite sex. He said many tis just now, he won't fall in love with anyone again."
Everyone's expression changed, rembering what Ren Suo had once said when alone.
After eating and returning ho, Ren Suo saw that his clone was already doing housework and nodded slightly.
After all, the clone could only be used once a day and shouldn't be wasted. After the date, it was natural to hurry her back to work. The only problem was that since the clone was sculpted into a perfect female, her physique was not quite suitable for chores, thus her work efficiency had dropped by 23%.
Today, he had the clone transform into a blonde, twin-tailed girl, impersonating Xiao Ren, to show up briefly in front of his other girlfriends, making them believe that Xiao Ren truly existed.
Wearing the Pandora's Magic Box and entering the Door of Truth, Ren Suo first stored back his four portions of emotions—he had long anticipated that his girlfriends would definitely co to watch. Just in case, he had withdrawn their emotions from the ti deposit at the Truth Bank, prepared for an ergency.
As for emotions not involving his girlfriends, those were naturally generating interest at the Truth Bank.
Ren Suo then checked the list of emotions and indeed, saw the newly added emotions of Lin Xianyu (Xiao Ren), Gu Yueyan (Xiao Ren), Ren Xingi (Xiao Ren), and Dong Chengling (Xiao Ren), which were not cheap; it seed that the persona of a golden-haired, tragically devoted, and rejected girl indeed evoked their sympathy.
He would cultivate the emotions for another day or two to see the rate of appreciation, and if it stabilized, he could sell them directly.
Oh, was Lin Xianyu there just now?
Ren Suo recalled, believing that he had just done his best. Using the conversation with Xiao Ren to express his determination should enhance the satisfaction of all his girlfriends.
In fact, that was indeed his thought. If not for the Door of Truth's ability to sell emotions, he would have made his subtractions even more ruthlessly; there was no need to let himself be burdened by so many emotions.
However, since he had fallen for them before, the present him had to accept it.
After all, he wouldn't fall for anyone else in the future, and all he needed to do was keep subtracting.
Ren Suo glanced at the list of emotions and found that everyone's feelings had indeed risen; even Lin Xianyu's emotions had appreciated!
A bit strange, but Ren Suo did not delve further into it.
Right now, the most important matter for him was to pass the fourth trial through the Door of Truth; other matters were set aside for the mont.
Ren Suo pushed the Door of Truth. Already lit with four flas, three more now ignited.
Once the fourth trial was cleared, it would directly ignite three Primordial Substances!
However, this trial was more difficult than the sum of the previous three!
With a thunderous rumble, the Door of Truth fell.
Ren Suo opened his eyes, beginning his 399th challenge.
What appeared before him was a circular Arena, with Ren Suo erging in the very center while countless individuals sat in the stands, watching him and the Door of Truth with surprised eyes.
Here, there were many people Ren Suo recognized. Though he had sold their emotions, their formidable strength still left a deep impression in his mind.
'Lady of Light' Karen, 'Princess' Euphy, 'Taoist' You Jiu, 'Angel' Zack, 'Gun Supre' Sakura Kyoko, 'Thunder Bear' Ursa, 'Shadow' Dai Ze, 'Pangolin' Mr. Chuan...
And 'Southern Divine Fire' Yu Kuangtu.
"All of you, co at at once," Ren Suo spread his arms and said nonchalantly. "Everything is the arrangent of the Door of Truth."
Reviews
All reviews (0)