Chapter 168

Chapter 36: The Deluxe Package

　　Fang Hui hesitated, unsure of how to start, so Bai Ling took the initiative to ask.

　　”Teacher Fang Hui, are you married? Do you have a lover?”

　　”In fact, there was someone before,” she sighed softly, “but in the end, we didn’t get married.”

　　Bai Ling had originally intended to ask directly but swallowed her words at the last moment, realizing that this topic might touch on someone’s painful memories.

　　So, mimicking Yuan Xiaoling’s style, she blinked her eyes, signaling her curiosity and encouraging Fang Hui to continue.

　　Good news: Gu Hui has learned “high emotional intelligence.” Bad news: Bai Ling has learned it too.

　　Fang Hui smiled as usual. “It all started a long time ago when I was still young, coming from a small village in the countryside into the city. I met him during one of my jobs. We were both outsiders from small places, working hard for our lives.”

　　Her tone was slow and steady, as if pulling back the curtain on a distant memory.

　　Bai Ling listened quietly without interrupting.

　　”…After those events, we reached the point of discussing marriage. He said he would give me a home of my own in Tianhai City and then come to marry me. So we agreed to work together, save up for our house, and then get married.”

　　At this point, Fang Hui couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh, stopping herself from saying more, seemingly assuming Bai Ling would understand.

　　But Bai Ling paused for a moment before reacting.

　　”So… prices went up?”

　　It wasn’t her fault for being slow. In the timeline of her previous life, houses had become very affordable over the next ten years, even in some dangerous areas where you could live for free by just paying service fees.

　　”That’s right, who would’ve thought that the speed at which we saved money couldn’t keep up with the rising housing prices. The dream of a new home seemed close yesterday, but now it feels impossibly far away.”

　　Fang Hui sighed again, silent for a while before finally concluding: “So, we didn’t have a happy ending.”

　　Bai Ling blinked her eyes again, sensing that something might be missing from the story but decided not to pry further since it was someone else’s painful past.

　　Besides, she shouldn’t keep copying Yuan Xiaoling’s cute blinking—it felt like pretending to be overly adorable.

　　”This time, thanks to your help and providing clues,” Bai Ling said. “I will… I’ll tell Xiaoling to send you a generous bonus, and we can also gift you a house within our territory.”

　　She hesitated for a moment but ultimately acknowledged Yuan Xiaoling’s financial authority at home.

　　After all, Luo Zou Cheng and the others transferred money directly to the Blonde Busty Girl’s account.

　　Fang Hui opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something but eventually closed it, simply uttering two words: “Thank you.”

　　It was getting late, so Bai Ling bid her farewell and left.

　　Tomorrow, they were going to take wedding photos, so she decided to make an online reservation first. She had already scanned the QR code and followed them when she secretly passed by last time.

　　And she should share this exciting news with Yuan Xiaoling!

　　…

　　Yuan Xiaoling wasn’t particularly excited; instead, she felt a bit tired.

　　It wasn’t about the wedding photos but rather because she woke up today to find many work-related messages.

　　”Miss Yuan, although nothing major has happened recently, there are undercurrents that require your personal attention.”

　　”Since the incident at the Four Squares Academy Ruins a few days ago, nothing unusual has occurred. The identity of the intruder remains unknown, suspected to be soldiers from the Yun Family. After his death, the ethereal phenomenon observed that day hasn’t reappeared.”

　　”As for the ethereal phenomenon, we know absolutely nothing about it. Miss Bai might have more insight. If you’re curious, you can ask her, though this is just a suggestion.”

　　”The ghostly apparitions across the entire city of Tianhai have remained stable and controllable, and recently, their numbers have even decreased somewhat.”

　　”Wu Bian says, abnormal situations must harbor sinister intentions. He feels that the entity at the Four Squares Academy is planning something big, and you should be cautious. Although I think such mystical talk shouldn’t be part of an official report, considering that a Fourth-tier Perception-type Spiritual Energy Manipulator has some reliability in intuition, I’m reporting it to you.”

　　”That concludes the recent situation. Wishing Miss Yuan a pleasant campus life.”

　　This was the message Luo Zou Cheng sent via voice note, polished by Ah Lan and Ting Ting. Of course, that wasn’t important—the crucial part was the information contained within, which was headache-inducing.

　　To summarize: no major incidents, but minor problems kept popping up.

　　Changing her posture to lie face down with the pillow cushioning her stomach to prevent her chest from causing her body to float, she began typing responses into her mobile phone one by one.

　　”I’ve seen all the messages.”

　　”It’s definitely the Yun Family—no one else could do it. They even sent people to attack me last time, but there’s nothing much we can do right now. Just maintain heightened vigilance around the Four Squares Academy area like before.”

　　”I know about the ethereal phenomenon; she’s already told me. It’s nothing serious. Element-type and Mental-type abilities can handle it normally, and Enhancement-types should avoid it.”

　　”Regarding the ghosts… we don’t know what kind of big move they’re planning, so we’ll just keep preparing for potential impacts. Let’s update the game content and post a notice along with the event announcement.”

　　In less than half an hour, players striving to become Heart’s Sea experts discovered that the game underwent a hot update without downtime.

　　”The dark energy in Tianhai City seems to be brewing something. Starting today, elite ghosts or larger groups of enemies may randomly spawn in any region on the map. Please prepare accordingly.”

　　Although it didn’t mention reality, many people understood this as a subtle warning.

　　Not long after the announcement was issued, her roommate who had gone out for class came rushing back.

　　”Xiaoling, what’s going on? Is something big about to happen?” Qiao Lili asked as soon as she entered.

　　Judging by the timing, the two of them had skipped class to come back.

　　”There’s nothing major happening; it’s just a precaution against the worst-case scenario,” Yuan Xiaoling replied, her head buried in the pillow. “Isn’t it written in the announcement? Possible.”

　　Qiao Lili sat down and drank half a glass of water in one gulp. “You wouldn’t believe it, rumors are flying outside. No one’s listening in class. Everyone says that disaster is imminent for Tianhai City.”

　　Don’t ask who said it—it was none other than the Water Dragon Lady herself who issued the announcement.

　　Yuan Xiaoling pouted slightly. “No problem, let them talk. They’ll calm down in a few hours. If anything does happen, at least they’ll have some psychological preparation. That’s good.”

　　”But what if nothing happens?”

　　”Then it’s even better. Who wants trouble anyway?”

　　Besides, the announcement was personally released by the Water Dragon Lady—it has nothing to do with me, the White Dragon Lady.

　　Once she completes four more Weekly Tasks, Xiaoling will become a prestigious Fifth-tier powerhouse. Then, when the pool opens its new constellation, and she gets a new title, it’ll only be the White Dragon Lady from then on.

　　”We’ll just have to hide here for a while,” Gu Hui said with lingering fear. “Back in the classroom, all the students surrounded us, asking if we knew the details. They surrounded us layer upon layer, and it was tough to escape.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling suddenly understood why they had skipped class to return at this time.

　　”Coming back to lie down is fine too. Life is about lying down—or face-planting works too.”

　　Just as she was speaking, her phone buzzed again. Yuan Xiaoling picked it up to see it was from Bai Ling.

　　The wedding photoshoot was scheduled for tomorrow morning near the Central District at the Flowerful Wedding Photography Studio, and the deluxe package had already been reserved.

　　”What’s going on?” Qiao Lili curiously asked. “Did you receive insider information?”

　　”Nope, no insider info. Bai Ling just invited me to go out tomorrow morning to take some photos,” Yuan Xiaoling asked them. “Do you want to come along?”

　　Gu Hui stopped Qiao Lili, who was about to agree impulsively, and carefully inquired, “What kind of photos?”

　　”Wedding photos.”

　　”Oh, well, then we won’t join. You two enjoy yourselves.”

　　Yuan Xiaoling spent some time convincing her two roommates that they were genuinely going to a proper photography studio to take pictures, not engaging in any strange play, and certainly not implying that taking these photos equaled getting married. While there was indeed a plan, it was just a plan. As for when exactly, to put it in one sentence—

　　”How can we call Tianhai home until the evil forces are eradicated?”

　　When the Blonde Busty Girl said this, she specially straightened up, looking somewhat cool despite nearly twisting her supple waist.

　　”Ouch, ouch, quick, help me rub it.”

　　Gu Hui and Qiao Lili, one on each side, used their somewhat clumsy techniques to massage her waist. The effect? Well, perhaps it provided some psychological comfort.

　　”So, does that mean no issues described in the game announcement have appeared in Tianhai City yet?” Gu Hui asked.

　　”Definitely not yet. If there were, I’d receive reports immediately… lower a bit, ouch.”

　　So, in short, it’s better for big-chested girls to stay face down and not keep sitting up—it doesn’t suit them.

　　…

　　In a certain bar within a scenic area in the eastern part of Tianhai City, sparks flickered for several days in the empty hall.

　　Zzzt, zzzt.

　　Some shadowy figures slowly stood up. They hadn’t moved for days, lying there as if dead.

　　Among them were travelers from afar, seasoned bartenders familiar with the local scene, and lost university girls.

　　The neon lights emitted sparks one last time before exploding with a crack.

　　Their figures no longer swayed, but their steps remained unsteady as they walked toward a single direction.

　　They couldn’t clearly see the world ahead or comprehend their surroundings, as if falling into the final haze of a hangover.

　　Only two words echoed in their ears, driving their bodies forward.

　　Go home!

　　…

　　Ding dong dong dong~

　　The bell tower at Tianhai University was closest to the Physical Education Department dormitory, specifically reminding these sports-loving students—or at least those studying sports—to wake up early for morning practice.

　　Bai Ling covered her head with a pillow, trying to block out the noise and distractions of the world.

　　But just a few seconds later, the girl tossed the pillow aside, revealing her white hair.

　　It wasn’t soft or fragrant enough—not like Xiaoling’s.

　　She gathered her spirit, got up, tidied up, and prepared to head to the Central District.

　　She grabbed her phone and sent a message to Yuan Xiaoling, asking if she was awake yet, suggesting she wake up earlier, and threatening to rush over if she didn’t get up within half an hour.

　　After sending the message, Bai Ling noticed another one from Luo Zou Cheng.

　　[Miss Bai, the guard at the Central District outpost reported to me that a person named Fang Hui entrusted him to inform you that she has some matters to attend to and will bid farewell for now, but will assist you again when the opportunity arises.]

　　Huh?

　　Bai Ling read the message several times before understanding the logic—Fang Hui entrusted the guard at Central District to pass on the message. Since the guard couldn’t find her, he reported it to Luo Zou Cheng, who then forwarded it.

　　But what about Fang Hui herself?

　　She tried contacting her via phone but found it impossible. Her phone was off, and her network presence had disappeared.

　　Never mind, no use worrying about it now. She’d investigate once she returned. Right now, she needed to go take wedding photos with the Blonde Busty Girl.

　　After getting up, washing her face, having breakfast, checking the clothes and tools she needed to bring, reorganizing them, and repacking them in a different way, she finally finished everything.

　　Just then, her phone buzzed.

　　[Xiaoling: Wake up! Don’t indulge in a miss-like lifestyle!]

　　Bai Ling: “…”

　　As much as that was true, Yuan Xiaoling took nearly half an hour to warm up, wash her face, eat something, and get ready.

　　Bai Ling couldn’t help but call her. “Why haven’t you come yet?”

　　”Don’t rush, I need to change clothes. Let me see which outfit suits going out.” A soft voice came through the phone.

　　Without thinking, Bai Ling instinctively blurted out, “What’s the point of changing clothes when you’ll take them off anyway?”

　　”…Ah?”

　　”I mean, take them off to change into the photo-taking outfits.”

　　”Oh.”

　　At the Broadcasting Department Dormitory, Yuan Xiaoling heard the voice in her phone and recalled yesterday’s conversation with her roommates, wondering uneasily if Bai Ling really planned some special play.

　　No, no, not outside. Not unless they returned first.

　　Also, Bai Ling had a cognitive interference ability that could shield others.

　　A storm brewed in Yuan Xiaoling’s little head. After leaving the school gate and getting into Bai Ling’s car, she timidly asked:

　　”Will it be spicy today?”

　　Bai Ling looked puzzled. “Why do you ask?”

　　”Because look, you brought so many spicy outfits for me to wear.”

　　”…It’s just taking photos.”

　　The Blonde Busty Girl really made it seem like she was always ready to ignite something.

　　”That’s good… let’s go.”

　　The sports car sped along Tianhai Avenue, accelerating onto the main road, reaching the Central District in the shortest possible time.

　　Bai Ling’s mood was as fast as the speedometer reading.

　　Since it was her first time, Yuan Xiaoling curiously examined the exterior of the photography studio. It was modestly decorated in white, but behind the door, there was a pink gradient, like petals gradually blooming.

　　The shop seemed relatively new, having opened only a few years ago. Behind the door was a large display wall showcasing some of their previous works.

　　Most were typical Western styles, featuring suits and white wedding dresses, with a few traditional Chinese red wedding gowns. Regardless of their real-life appearances, the models looked handsome and beautiful, indicating the photographers here were truly skilled.

　　However, one thing was a bit disappointing: all the photos featured male-female pairs, without any shots of two women close together.

　　Xiaoling clenched her little fists, feeling a sense of responsibility.

　　”Excuse me, are you here for the appointment today… oh wow!”

　　The manager, dressed in a formal suit, approached intending to inquire politely but froze upon seeing the blonde-haired, cute maiden with a generously endowed chest. The combination of these three elements immediately identified her.

　　”Are you… Miss Water Dragon?”

　　Of course, Bai Ling’s “younger sister appearance” and white hair were quite distinctive, but they weren’t as recognizable as the famous Dabeitù.

　　”Please address me by my real name, not that title,” Yuan Xiaoling corrected. “And that title will change soon; there will be a new one.”

　　”Understood, Miss Yuan,” the manager quickly adjusted. “Are you here for the morning ‘Sweet Love Eternal’ deluxe photography package?”

　　”Hmm… what?” Yuan Xiaoling was startled by the name.

　　Bai Ling stepped forward, her expression slightly awkward. “I booked it.”

　　——End of Chapter——

PS: The reason the name ‘Water Dragon’ was chosen initially was due to finding a ‘Dragon King Spraying Water’ expression on QQ, which was a suggestive image of a dragon girl. Combining it with water elements led to the name ‘Water Dragon.’

Now, the reason for the name change is to avoid association with a male character from a certain game, which might feel odd. Xiaoling is a Blonde Busty Maiden, resembling characters like Hakaze Kinu and Chocola!