“Profit?”
Yu Wen felt a long-forgotten sense of suffocation. Staring at Bai Lian with disbelief, she exclaid:
“Profit? I’m offering to help you, and I’m supposed to provide you with benefits?”
What? Had exploitation beco this blatant? Helping soone only to pay them? What capitalist logic was this?
“Why else?” Bai Lian rested his cheek on his palm, smiling faintly. “You didn’t actually think I was joking, did you?”
“Like I said, I can clear this dungeon without your help. So if there’s no benefit, why would I cooperate with you?”
Yu Wen paused, then suddenly hiked up her pant leg just enough for Bai Lian to see. Biting her red lips, she whispered:
“I know you might not want to work with … but what if I wore black lace?”
Bai Lian’s eyes narrowed slightly before he stood abruptly:
“Then you can drop the ‘might not.’”
【Wait… Oh, so this is what you’re like, Bai Shen!】
【I’ll never predict Bai Lian’s next shocking line.】
【((유∀유|||)) What kind of environnt breeds soone like Bai Shen?!】
【Bai Lian, you’re like a worm in my stomach—reading my mind with half a word!】
【Friendly reminder: The kiddie train has departed! Doors are sealed—no exits!】
Yu Wen flushed crimson, glancing around nervously:
“There are… so many people here. Isn’t this a bit inappropriate?”
“No worries. I enjoy explosive revelations,” Bai Lian replied with a sly grin.
Yu Wen twitched her lips, face returning to its usual composure:
“Forget it. I lack your shalessness.”
“Let’s go. I’ll take you to find clues.”
Bai Lian shrugged indifferently—after all, he hadn’t derailed the conversation.
Yu Wen stood and beckoned him toward the end of the carriage. Reaching the connecting passage, she suddenly slapped her forehead:
“Almost forgot! Wait here—I need to grab sothing.”
She hurried into the dining car and returned with a blue backpack.
“What’s in there?” Bai Lian asked, eyeing the faint movent inside.
“This?” Yu Wen smiled, unzipping the bag. “My pet.”
A furry little nose poked out.
“Squeak-squeak!”
“A marmot?”
Bai Lian blinked at the long-toothed creature.
“You, a girl, keep this as a pet?” he asked, baffled.
“His na is Facai. Don’t underestimate him!” Yu Wen stroked the marmot’s head.
Bai Lian nodded. “No notable talents yet, but thanks for the laugh.”
“Squeak!”
Facai suddenly folded his paws, fixing Bai Lian with an intelligent glare of protest.
One look from Bai Lian silenced him.
“Ack!” Yu Wen gasped, wide-eyed. “Facai! Where’s your mouth?!”
The marmot panic-flailed as he realized his mouth had vanished.
Yu Wen noticed Bai Lian stifling laughter and pouted:
“Stop bullying him!”
“Hahaha, sorry. It’s just too funny,” Bai Lian chuckled.
The mont he spoke, Facai’s mouth reappeared. The marmot silently retreated into the backpack, avoiding Bai Lian’s gaze.
“He’s scared to even look at you,” Yu Wen sighed, hoisting the bag. “Let’s go.”
At the passage, she checked the display—Car 39. Hesitating, she asked:
“Which car did you co from, anyway?”
Bai Lian pondered:
“Judging by your earlier explanation, carriage order doesn’t matter if you return before numbers shift again?”
“Right. No issues if you make it back in ti,” Yu Wen confird.
Bai Lian recalled the note he’d found:
“Ignore carriage numbers when moving—just return before they change…”
At least that part was accurate. Perhaps staying on or escaping the train was key?
“What’re you thinking?” Yu Wen studied his thoughtful expression.
“Nothing.”
Though curious, she continued:
“We’re in Car 19. If you didn’t co from 18 or 20, you’ll need to backtrack through them.”
As she spoke, a chip bag materialized in Bai Lian’s hand—her favorite brand.
Yu Wen pursed her lips:
“Fine. Got any more?”
Bai Lian extended his palm.
“What’s that for?”
“Paynt. Expecting freebies?” He mid counting cash.
“Then I won’t eat!” She turned away, refusing to enable capitalism.
Monts later…
“So good~” Yu Wen savored the chips, eyes closed in bliss.
Though a conductor, she’d eaten nothing but Car 19’s food since the train entered this space.
Facai peered from the backpack, horrified.
Noticing his stare, Yu Wen smiled guiltily:
“Sorry, Facai. These are too delicious. I’ll pawn you for now.”
She patted his head reassuringly:
“Don’t worry—I’ll redeem you once I have money!”
Facai: “…”
Finishing the chips, Yu Wen waited boredly for carriage numbers to reset. Suddenly, Bai Lian moved forward.
“The car hasn’t changed yet! Where are you—?” She grabbed his arm, then froze.
The display now read Car 20.
Yu Wen blinked rapidly:
“??? There were fifteen minutes left! Did I ti travel?”
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