Chapter 155

Chapter 23: What Do You Think?

　The records about them in the Four Squares Academy were quite detailed.

　Fu Yong, who joined two years ago at the age of 38 and died a year later, possessed the common Enhancement-type ability.

　Before entering the Four Squares Academy, he had been involved in small-scale businesses like convenience stores and fruit stalls.

　His life wasn’t overly affluent, but it was certainly comfortable enough—clothes and food were never an issue, and his social security was all set. In short, his living situation was decent, so there was no real need for him to take risks.

　At that time, joining the Four Squares Academy meant entering the system, but this job differed from other positions—it was more akin to being a secret agent. Even in terms of confidentiality, it was practically identical to what you’d see in movies.

　Why did he abandon his stable life back then, even enduring separation from his beloved one, just to join the Four Squares Academy?

　If Fu Yong had been ten years younger, Bai Ling could understand—young people often want to take chances. But at his age, with someone at home who could serve as a mental anchor, it was clear he wasn’t the type to seek adventure.

　Bai Ling opened her eyes.

　”Why did he join the Four Squares Academy back then… or rather, what wish of his required the conditions offered by the Four Squares Academy to achieve?”

　Thinking it over, this seemed to be the only reason—endure for a few years, earn a bit more, and aim for something big.

　Ding Shumei looked up, as if recalling something.

　”He once said he missed the life in the old town. If we could gather everyone back together in a new place to live, how wonderful would that be.”

　Bai Ling furrowed her brow.

　”What?”

　She didn’t understand.

　”We used to live in a small town, somewhere on the outskirts of Tianhai City. Everyone in the town had moved there from old villages,” Ding Shumei slowly recounted, “We ran stalls there, operated a convenience store, selling daily necessities and cigarettes. In winter, we’d cook hot pot, and in summer, we’d make ice jelly. The townsfolk would come over to cool off and chat when they had nothing to do, and the children loved to play around.”

　”But later, the land of the town was acquired, and everyone was scattered to different resettlement houses. Many people never saw each other again. Although our new homes weren’t bad, they felt like cold pigeon coops, devoid of any sense of home.”

　”That day, he told me about a good job where he would work for the higher-ups. He said it had great potential for development, and the leader had promised him that they would help him open a large shop in the future, bringing back the familiar faces from before.”

　”I thought he was just saying it offhandedly.”

　That was where Ding Shumei’s recollection ended, yet Bai Ling still didn’t fully understand.

　It sounded like a plausible reason for joining the Four Squares Academy, but it also seemed like something casually mentioned. Most importantly, it didn’t seem much like the kind of memory scene associated with a mental anchor.

　At this point, Fang Hui softly spoke up: “White Miss Bai, may I have a word?”

　After stepping out onto the balcony and carefully closing the door behind them, she continued:

　”Miss Bai might not know this, but Sister Shumei is unable to bear children.”

　Bai Ling was slightly taken aback.

　”In addition, both of their parents passed away due to various reasons, leaving only the two of them in the household. Despite Fu Yong never mentioning it, Sister Shumei has always harbored feelings of guilt.”

　Fang Hui paused briefly before continuing, “Those years spent in the small town were the most homely times for them.”

　Bai Ling nodded, somewhat understanding.

　Setting aside all the complicated relationships, simplifying things down, Fu Yong’s wish was “to give Ding Shumei a complete home.”

　It should be that, right? For now, let’s just jot it down.

　”By the way, White Miss Bai, Sister Shumei informed me of another relative’s location,” Fang Hui said, “If you need, I can continue guiding you there.”

　”Alright, I need to.” Bai Ling was concise.

　Currently, Ding Shumei’s emotions are unstable, needing proper rest, so naturally, she couldn’t personally guide Bai Ling there.

　”Tomorrow, today is a bit tiring,” she said.

　And she still needed to go back and summarize everything with Yuan Xiaoling.

　”Alright,” Fang Hui said, “I’ll see you out.”

　They didn’t return to the room, instead using the stairs directly from the balcony, allowing Ding Shumei some quiet solitude.

　The defense forces in the central district were still significant, though understaffed, with sentry posts visible only at certain intervals.

　As they passed by the guards, each greeted Bai Ling.

　”Good morning, Miss Bai.”

　”You’re leaving, Miss Bai?”

　”Smooth journey~”

　Though capable individuals, they were part of the larger force under Water Dragon LORD, making them relatively insignificant despite their awakenings. They didn’t know Bai Ling’s true strength like Luo Zou Cheng and Wu Bian did.

　But they all recognized Bai Ling, knowing her as Water Dragon LORD’s girlfriend and junior classmate.

　To be honest, being greeted by so many people while walking along the path was something Bai Ling, accustomed to going solo, hadn’t quite… well, gotten used to. It wasn’t unpleasant, just unfamiliar.

　She suddenly realized something and asked Fang Hui,

　”Wasn’t the life that Ding Shumei and Fu Yong led in the small town like this?”

　No wonder they longed to return to the past—it truly felt like home.

　Bai Ling believed she had understood Fu Yong.

　”Uh,” Fang Hui smiled, “It was probably even warmer than this.”

　”…Is that so?”

　Exiting the base, the main avenue of the central district came into view.

　The encampment of the First Army of the Central District was located at the intersection of two major roads, near a park that was once a bustling area. However, with the rise of various theme parks and squares, the foot traffic at the Central District intersection decreased.

　Nevertheless, following the Tianhai Square explosion incident and the arrival of the encamped army, the area became busier again.

　”The prosperity here does resemble the past,” Fang Hui glanced around, “Speaking of which, have the shops nearby been taken over by Miss Water Dragon LORD?”

　Bai Ling shook her head, “No, except for the original Tianhai Tower and industries directly managed by the Chamber of Commerce, all other shops remain the same.”

　”I see, then let me recommend one to you.”

　Fang Hui pointed across the street, “Hua Man Bridal Photography, it’s pretty good.”

　Bai Ling instinctively looked over, realizing she couldn’t see clearly from such a distance. Then she wondered… why was she being recommended a bridal photography studio?!

　”When I first met you, I noticed the book you were holding,” Fang Hui volunteered, “Are you and Miss Water Dragon planning your wedding, Miss Bai?”

　Bai Ling paused momentarily, “I’m just browsing. The most important thing right now is the issues in Tianhai City.”

　”Even if you’re not in a rush to hold the ceremony, you can always take wedding photos first,” Fang Hui smiled, “Just consider it as an experience.”

　”…We’ll see.”

　Bai Ling suddenly felt a bit uneasy, bid farewell to Fang Hui, arranged the time for tomorrow, and drove away.

　Fang Hui stood there for a moment longer, her gaze drifting toward “Hua Man Bridal Photography” two streets away, a hint of sorrow flickering in her eyes.

　……

　Bai Ling was a little distracted, taking a bit longer on the way back.

　Fortunately, it was still before noon, so it wouldn’t affect lunch at the cafeteria.

　She parked her car and headed towards her dormitory. On the way, she stopped, pretending to hesitate, then turned and dashed toward the Broadcasting Department Dormitory.

　There were classes in the morning, but some people skipped them, opting instead to lie in bed playing on their phones.

　As soon as Bai Ling entered, she heard Yuan Xiaoling’s cheerful, boastful voice:

　”If the intensity isn’t enough, how could summoning Water Dragon LORD fully powered lose? Here, let me show you the power of a fully upgraded Water Dragon LORD.”

　At that moment, Bai Ling realized something.

　Every day, she was busy running around everywhere, finding mental anchors, studying in her spare time, and researching wedding preparations.

　Meanwhile, Yuan Xiaoling was just sitting there playing video games all day!

　”Haha! One-hit kill! This is stats, this is numbers, this is how the code works.”

　After defeating the boss, Yuan Xiaoling turned off her phone, happily flipped over, only to be met face-to-face with Bai Ling’s icy expression.

　”Eep! Why are you here?”

　Bai Ling remained expressionless, “Can’t I come?”

　”She can come, but I think she should at least knock first,” Yuan Xiaoling said.

　Today’s delay was shorter, and her tone was more tactful. That was progress.

　Who said Ning Ning did nothing all day?

　But Bai Ling didn’t think gaming counted as anything productive.

　”I thought you were so busy every day, but here you are playing games,” the white-haired maiden said.

　Yuan Xiaoling puffed out her cheeks, “It’s not just gaming; I’m testing the game, gathering feedback, and firmly grasping the discourse power in Tianhai City.”

　”No matter how much you brag today, it won’t help,” Bai Ling scoffed, “You’re coming with me tomorrow.”

　Despite her reluctance to move, having been caught red-handed, Ning Ning had no choice but to agree.

　Satisfied, Bai Ling left, heading to the cafeteria early to secure a spot since it was almost noon.

　However, upon exiting the dormitory building and stopping at the fork in the small road, she hesitated for a few minutes before turning back.

　The dormitory door was abruptly pushed open again, startling Yuan Xiaoling.

　”I already agreed, why are you here again?”

　Ignoring the busty girl’s complaints, Bai Ling sat on the edge of the bed and seriously asked,

　”Yuan Xiaoling, what do you think about getting our wedding photos done first?”