"Free?"
Holy crap, someone like me, who had only ever drawn "Thanks for Participating" in lotteries for ten thousand years, had actually won a free meal?
The happiness came so suddenly that Xiao Wen did not know how to describe it.
He lay on the bed, and before long, a deliveryman arrived carrying the takeout.
Xiao Wen accepted the food before going to wake Xiao Ya for lunch.
It took more than ten minutes of calling before Xiao Ya finally logged off excitedly and emerged from the Gaming Pod.
"Little bro, what happened? I was having a blast farming monsters with my sisters! And seriously, the gear you gave us is insanely good. Now we..."
The moment she saw Xiao Wen, Xiao Ya instantly perked up, going on and on about her "glorious achievements" in the game.
Xiao Wen rolled his eyes and pointed at the clock on the wall.
Xiao Ya followed his finger, and her pretty face instantly flushed red.
"I... I... I got too caught up in the game and forgot to make lunch. Wait here, I'll go buy groceries and cook right away," Xiao Ya said awkwardly.
"Big sis, I already ordered takeout. Let's eat." Xiao Wen shook the takeout bag in his hand and sighed. "Big sis, you're so unreliable. What if no one wants to marry you someday?"
"Ah... That hurts!"
The moment Xiao Wen finished speaking, an Immortal Child Chestnut from Xiao Ya landed on his head. He clutched his head with both hands, looking utterly aggrieved.
"You little brat, you think you've grown capable now, huh? Give you an inch and you'll take a mile! You actually dare make fun of your big sister? Are you looking for death? Even if I can't get married in the future, won't you be there to support me?"
Xiao Ya huffed a few times, then seemed to recall something. She leaned close to Xiao Wen's ear and whispered, "Little bro, tell me the truth. Fangfang said that Guild Founding Token in your hand is really valuable, right? She said it's worth enough for us to buy an apartment in the capital."
"But won't holding onto something like that bring trouble? Maybe we should sell it."
Clearly, Xiao Ya's first remark had merely been laying the groundwork for the second.
Though she liked money, Xiao Ya was by no means greedy. Her urging Xiao Wen to sell the Guild Founding Token quickly was also meant to keep him out of trouble.
"Don't worry, sis. Nothing will happen while it's in my hands. Our lives will definitely keep getting better from now on." Xiao Wen patted his chest in assurance.
After getting his sister out to eat takeout, Xiao Wen let out a full burp once they had eaten their fill. He had intended to log back into the game to farm monsters, but Xiao Ya forcibly dragged him out under the banner of balancing work and rest.
"You've played games all day. Still not enough? Being addicted to games is bad behavior, so play less! Come out with me and get some fresh air."
With that lofty excuse, Xiao Ya righteously dragged Xiao Wen out of his room.
"Addicted to games... I wonder who was having so much fun playing that she forgot to make lunch for someone."
Xiao Wen muttered under his breath, but the moment he saw his sister's stern expression, he immediately fell silent and did not dare continue.
"Big sis, where are we going? In a month, the monster siege on the village will begin. I need to level up in advance!"
"Level up in advance? Do you really think your big sister is some naïve fool who knows nothing? Phantom God released an announcement. One month is more than enough to reach Level 15. Don't even think about hiding from this. Come with me! Your Sister Fang said she wanted to thank you for the equipment, so she's treating us to dinner tonight."
"She's apparently bringing her cousin too. Her name is Liu Cai'er. That girl is quite pretty. I've seen her before—curvy in all the right places, definitely the type who can bear children..."
Xiao Ya continued talking to herself, every word full of praise for Liu Cai'er.
Xiao Wen rolled his eyes.
Was this really dinner?
Why did it feel like she was making me go on a blind date?
Big sis, aren't you pushing your adorable little brother into a pit of fire?
Still, she was his sister's best friend. No matter what, he could not embarrass his sister, so Xiao Wen could only nod silently.
Since they were going out, Xiao Ya naturally had to dress herself up carefully. Makeup, powder, eyeshadow—two hours passed just like that. By the time they left the house, it was already five in the afternoon.
Xiao Wen had long grown accustomed to his sister's terrifying delay tactics. He said nothing and simply followed behind her as they headed out.
Their dining destination was in the bustling downtown area, a money-burning playground for the wealthy. Daily transactions there reached several billion, and even a casual meal at any restaurant would cost at least a thousand.
"Big sis, did you guys used to eat here often?"
Xiao Wen frowned slightly as he looked at the restaurant before them, named Gui Jiu Yi Ren.
"How could we come here often? Even though Fangfang's family is fairly well-off, we're both frugal. We've never eaten here before. This time, her cousin is probably visiting, so we get to tag along and enjoy a fancy meal!" Xiao Ya laughed, not thinking much of it. She waved at Xiao Wen. "Come on, let's go experience the atmosphere of a high-end restaurant."
"I hope so..."
Xiao Wen sighed and followed behind his sister as they entered.
After asking around at the front desk, the two were promptly led by a waitress to a private room in the restaurant.
As they entered, they saw two women seated opposite them.
One wore a hanfu dress, her hair tied into a small braid atop her head, giving her the charm of a classical beauty.
The other wore professional attire and radiated a crisp, capable air. She looked noticeably older than the woman beside her.
This woman was undoubtedly Liu Fang, his sister's best friend.
As for the woman beside Liu Fang, there was no need to guess. She had to be the cousin Liu Cai'er whom his sister had praised to the skies.
Great figure?
Hiss... It really did seem pretty good...
Xiao Wen muttered to himself, then watched Liu Cai'er stand up, displaying her curvy figure. Paired with her light pink hanfu, she had the delicate charm of a girl from a respectable family.
However, what truly caught Xiao Wen's attention was not her figure, but the badge pinned to her chest.
A crimson divine dragon coiled atop a blazing red flame.
Wasn't that the badge worn only by internal members of the Flame Dragon Guild?
This matter really was not as simple as a blind date...
"Sister Ya, we meet again." Liu Cai'er smiled sweetly at Xiao Ya, then turned her gaze toward Xiao Wen. "This must be your cousin, right?"
"Hello, my name is Liu Cai'er. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Hello, I'm Xiao Wen. I have no interest in meeting you."
Xiao Wen withdrew his gaze from her guild badge and answered flatly.
The smile on Liu Cai'er's face instantly stiffened. She lowered her head to glance at the badge on her chest, then smiled again and leaned close to Xiao Wen's ear. In a low voice, she said, "It's okay. I think you'll be very happy to know me soon enough. Because I can change your life, Halfway Through the Mortal World."
Xiao Wen's face twitched, and his expression instantly turned cold. "Sister Fang, big sis, you two chat first. My stomach hurts a little, so I'm heading back."
With that, Xiao Wen turned to leave.
"Stop! Fifteen million. Give us the Guild Founding Token in your hand. Our Flame Dragon Guild will take it!"
Before you continue