Liu Yiyang
In an instant, the flow of time slowed down.
The Power Sword in my hand seemed to transform into a beam of light, and I myself became a blur existing in another dimension. My mind was blank, and my only thought was to kill!
The sword light transformed into a phantom, rapidly flashing past Moon Soil's body!
Beside him, the huge characters "Seventy-Two Extreme Slashes" trembled, and the number of combos continued to increase rapidly, reaching 31 combos in the blink of an eye!
Sure enough, it was much stronger than the previous 24-hit combo.
"Boom!"
Just as the Seventy-Two Extreme Slashes were unleashed, a dense barrage of sword light afterimages exploded on Moon Soil's body, followed by a large damage number jumping out from above his head.
"4031122!"
With over 4 million damage, it's an instant kill without a doubt!
Moon Soil's face turned deathly pale as she stared at me in disbelief, and she immediately activated the Resurrection Sacred Canon.
But at that moment, a terrifying pattern appeared above my head, and my body went out of control.
"Boss, watch out!"
Fey Courtier and Kou Mei hurriedly unleashed Starfall Arrow Rain, Ruolin Cai Cai and Fatty went all out to suppress them. Ruolin also held up her shield to block in front of me, but it was all in vain; the enemy's numbers far outnumbered ours.
"Whoosh!"
A Dark Curse descended from the sky, instantly reducing all my attributes by 50%, which was quite fatal!
"Shadow Chaser!"
Moon Soil revived, Power Sword "Starlight" in his hand swept across the sky!
"Ruolin, Absolute Space!"
At my command, Ruolin activated her AOE invincibility effect, instantly enveloping our group.
Fuck you!
Cai Cai moved nimbly, the dark muzzle of her Explosive Gun pointed directly at Moon Soil's head, continuously spitting out bullets that dealt high damage numbers.
Moon Soil shouted and hurriedly led his men to retreat. The next second, shields appeared in front of them.
"Go! Kill one to break even, kill two to make a profit!"
Without hesitation, I activated my Explosive Charge and instantly rushed into the crowd, followed by the Burst Skill Star Vine + Power Sword Storm.
Unfortunately, he was still under the Dark Curse that reduced all his attributes by 50%, which greatly reduced the damage of his Power Sword Storm. He could only cripple a group of opponents, but not kill them!
The next second, the Absolute Space effect disappeared.
Just as I was about to activate the Fantasy Shield, my mind suddenly went blank, as if my entire being had been taken over, and I stood there dumbfounded—
[Please note that [Number 17] has used privileges that have restricted your ability to act!]
Behind the crowd, a person stood on an infantry fighting vehicle.
He was a young man with shoulder-length black hair, a slender build, wearing blue jeans, a black T-shirt, an orange triangular scarf around his neck, and holding a Mental Power Short Staff that shone with a dazzling white light.
The sight sent a chill down my spine.
This is a GM, and a GM who can equip items!
The SS-rank Essence Furnace within my body was churning and began to break free from its restraints the moment my movements were restricted!
"Careful!"
Although I couldn't move, I still shouted in the Team Channel: "That short-haired youth behind us is a GM. Find a way to take him down. Everyone listen carefully, once you're forced to use your Resurrection Sacred Canon, return to town. Don't linger in the fight!"
"Grass!"
Bingzi charged forward with his heavy shield, slamming it down with a "thud," and swung his longsword, activating the Dark Priest skill for cover.
Unfortunately, Moon Soil possesses Power Sword.
"Clang~~"
Amidst the flying sparks, Huo Bingzhi Ri's shield was sliced in two at an angle. Then, with a flash of sword light, a trickle of blood appeared at his throat as he was taken down by Moon Soil's combo!
"Oh shit!"
Ruolin cursed angrily and was about to take Huo Bingzhi Ri's place when a dizzying pattern appeared above her head, indicating that she had been stunned by the opponent's Starry Sky Super Weapon Charge.
Aji charged into the crowd, activated his Sacred Blood Boiling, and began hacking wildly.
Fey Courtier and Kou Mei frantically cast spells, Cai Cai and Fatty fired shots relentlessly...
But none of this changes anything.
"Ding Han, die!"
Moon Soil's face was filled with ruthlessness, and his sword flashed, instantly unleashing a seven-hit combo on me.
No doubt about it, I was instantly defeated.
However, in the instant I was killed, I immediately confirmed that I had revived on the spot, and then a golden shield rose up around my body with a "whoosh".
Fantasy Shield, 8 seconds of invincibility, activate!
The embers transformed into a fierce beam of light, and in an instant, a sword flashed out.
Moon Soil has already learned from experience that if I unleash the Seventy-Two Extreme Slashes, the prelude time is a bit long, enough for him to activate invincibility, so I must create a stun effect to kill him instantly!
"Clang~~"
He flicked his wrist, and the Power Sword's starlight deflected the flames at a precise angle. The next second, he actually activated invincibility!
"Damn it, they all have to die!"
Taking advantage of my Essence Points after being resurrected, I immediately activated my Glory Barrier and unleashed my Burst Skill – Glory Mark!
"Shuashuashua~~~"
A series of magnificent markings fell, increasing the armor of every member of the team by 30%.
At the same time, unleash another Burst Skill – Deadly Gravity Field!
"Buzz!"
A large gravitational field crashed onto the ground, causing a significant slowing effect on everyone's footing.
At that moment, a figure appeared behind Number 17; it was Telling a Story.
The twin daggers flashed, and the three skills—Shadow Blade, Space Cut, and Soul Siphon— were unleashed in an instant, instantly reducing the opponent's health bar by half.
"FK!"
Number 17 was shocked and quickly jumped off the infantry fighting vehicle, then used a blink ability.
On the roof of the car, without Telling a Story, he leaped into the air and launched Shadow Warp, instantly turning into a blur and landing on the opponent's back, his twin daggers plunging into Number 17's shoulders!
"Help!"
Number 17 could no longer remain calm and hurriedly shouted.
Moon Soil and Rags split into two groups and forcibly forced back the troops. (Telling a Story.)
At the same time, the enemy's concentrated firepower poured down to cover the retreat.
"Shield Wall!"
At my command, Zhang Ruolin and I smashed our shields to the ground to cover the group behind us. Sparks flew from the shields, and bullets rained down. Meanwhile, a large group of the enemy, including Number 17, quickly retreated.
"Stop chasing."
Zhang Ruolin shook her head and frowned, saying, "They outnumber us, and one of them is a GM. If we push them too far, we won't get the better of them."
Cai Cai nodded in agreement.
"What a pity, we couldn't take down Number 17."
I was still shaken. This GM on the Number 17 seemed to have higher GM privileges than the original the Initiator, and his GM commands put me under much more pressure than the original the Initiator's!
"The story involves sneaking over to investigate and determine if they have already retreated."
I glanced into the distance; the pink Mutated Spinal Butcher had escaped in the chaos and was now leisurely lingering a few hundred meters away.
You must make sure the other party is far away before restarting the BOSS fight, otherwise it will still be a hassle.
Shortly after, "Telling a Story" spoke in the Team Channel: "Boss, confirmed they've gone far away. Although they killed us a few times this wave, their losses were greater. They're probably scared."
Zhang Ruolin said, "What they're mainly worried about is that Ding Han is always at full strength after each resurrection; otherwise, he would definitely wipe us all out in one go."
"Damn it, these bastards are really fucking warmongers..." the fat man exclaimed.
"Really."
Aji said, "If our opponents are belligerent, then we can only be even more belligerent; killing them all is the only way to solve the problem."
I didn't say anything, remaining silent, but my mind was filled with thoughts of what happened on the Number 17.
Not long after, Huo Bingzhi Ri returned on a small motorcycle.
"Bingzi, do you still have the Resurrection Sacred Canon?" I asked.
"I'm lucky, I got an extra one before, and now I have one more as a guarantee."
"That's good. Let's continue attacking the BOSS. After defeating it, retreat. Be extra careful when navigating the maps between King of Glory City and Shadow City in the future. These foreign players won't let this go easily."
"Um!"
A group of people turned their guns on the Spinal Butcher, whose health bar had been fully restored.
Under the relentless assault of the two Power Swords, the Spinal Butcher screamed in agony and was chopped into a round gourd in less than two minutes. Even its massive spine and tail were severed by the Firewood, resulting in a gruesome death.
"OK, mission complete."
Fey Courtier took a deep breath. "Good things often come with difficulties. This time the losses were a bit too great, even causing our leader to lose a copy of the Resurrection Sacred Canon."
"It's alright, I have plenty of Resurrection Sacred Canon. Let's go back, it's not safe here."
"Yes, I'm back!"
I opened the pink box from the Mutated Spinal Butcher, but it was empty except for a 3.2 cubic meter Expansion Crystal. It's alright, better than getting Experience Points.
I'm already at the maximum level and no longer gain experience; Experience Points are the least useful thing now.
Huaining City, the Player Black Market.
"Drop!"
A message came from Gun Like a Dragon: "Ding Han, you just ran into the Holy Grail Dragoons?"
"Yeah, I suffered a small loss."
"Come over to the Tea Room and have a chat. Old Zhou is here too."
OK.
They entered the Tea Room with practiced ease, and sure enough, Zhou Jihuan, their the Guide, was there, tasting tea Gun Like a Dragon motion.
"How so?"
"Although Moon Soil is strong, it shouldn't be enough to cause your team to suffer losses Gun Like a Dragon, right? After all, you have two Power Swords and a Power Shield, which is top-tier equipment even in the entire Star Abyss."
"If it's just Moon Soil, then it's not a huge loss."
I frowned. "But they also brought a GM, named Number 17."
"Number 17?"
The Guide the tea trembled slightly and slowly put down the teacup.
"Old Zhou, you've heard of this person too?"
"I've heard of it."
He gritted his teeth and said, "Number 17 is one of the top GMs on the European Server. It's said that before entering Star Abyss, he was a street thug. He's known for his brutality, extreme and unscrupulous methods, and terrible reputation. Later, he hooked up with Moon Soil and became the Exclusive GM of the Holy Grail Dragoons. He's practically in cahoots with Moon Soil."
He looked at me and said, "Tell me in detail how Number 17 caused you to suffer a loss?"
I said calmly, "He's holding Mental Power Short Staff, and he can use the Blink skill."
"What?!"
The Guide was shocked, his face turning deathly pale. "He's already got Intermediate Authority?"
Gun Like a Dragon: "Old Zhou, what kind of authorization do you have?"
"What else could it be?"
The Guide looked helpless. "Just Beginner Authority..."
I took a deep breath. "So, a GM with Intermediate Authority can unlock the Equipment System and Skill System?"
"It certainly seems that way."
The Guide, looking cautious, clenched his fist and said, "Damn it... Number 17 got Intermediate Authority so quickly. No wonder he dared to build a Shadow City so close to the King of Glory City. It's obvious he's targeting me..."
A war between GMs? That's interesting.
I slowly stood up. "Alright, you two can keep this a secret. Let me know if you need anything. I'm leaving now."
OK.
The Guide said, "Ding Han, if Number 17 really decides to take action against King of Glory City, our biggest asset will be you, so... be prepared."
"Knew."
He turned and left to continue writing code.
Two days later.
I had breakfast with Lin Qingying in the early morning.
"Beep beep..."
The phone rang; it was a call from Lu Xiaobei.
"Xiao Bei, is something wrong?"
"Um."
She was in low spirits and said, "Ding Han, I have bad news for you. The auction of Feiyang Chain Internet Cafe has ended, and our internet cafe was bought by Zhang Lei, the owner of Thunder Internet Cafe. The price was slightly lower than the market price. People from Thunder Internet Cafe will be there to take possession at nine o'clock this morning. You should go and take a look..."
"All right."
I comforted her, saying, "Xiao Bei, don't be too sad. Life inevitably has its low points. We can always make a comeback and start over. The most important thing right now is to get through this storm."
"Yes, I know, I'm trying not to be sad."
Her voice was already trembling with tears. "Alright, I'll hang up now. I'll leave the handover at the internet cafe to you guys."
"Good."
After hanging up the phone, my emotions were inevitably affected.
After all, I've poured a lot of effort into the Feiyang Chain Internet Cafe brand, and now it's going to become someone else's brand, which inevitably makes me sad.
"Ding Han, what's wrong?" Lin Qingying asked.
"The auction for Feiyang Internet Cafe has ended. It was won by Zhang Lei, the owner of Thunder Internet Cafe. They'll send someone over to take over at nine o'clock this morning. I have to go there in a bit."
"I see..."
Lin Qingying pursed her lips, feeling somewhat sad, but there was nothing she could do. Even if she spent money to buy the Feiyang Chain Internet Cafe brand, Lu Xiaobei wouldn't want it.
I suddenly had a strange feeling that the past is irretrievable. Life is a constant process of loss, but if this is happening now, this feeling is a little too cruel.
"Xiaoying, the three computers used for writing algorithms are still in the manager's office; I need to move them..."
I'm having a bit of a headache. I'm almost done with the algorithm, but suddenly I don't have a place to work anymore.
"I'll have someone from the company send a car over to move the computers."
Lin Qingying said, "You can write the algorithm in my office for the next while. Anyway, my office is big enough for the two of us."
"Alright."
I nodded. We couldn't do it at home, since the old house was too small.
"Ding Han, I'll go with you," she said.
"Um."
I nodded, then quickly finished my meal and went to Feiyang Internet Cafe with Lin Qingying.
It was nine o'clock in the morning.
When Lin Qingying and I entered the internet cafe, we saw Chen Xiaoman and Zhao Yihang standing there. Both of them looked as if their energy had been suddenly drained, and their eyes were completely lifeless.
Not only them, but also Xiao Hui and a group of internet cafe managers, as well as employees of the milk tea bar and restaurant, all looked over with a faint sadness in their eyes.
"Ding Han."
Chen Xiaoman said, "Manager Zhang from Thunder Internet Cafe will be here soon."
"Um."
I nodded, but didn't know what to say.
Will we be able to come back in the future?
Zhao Yihang looked around the internet cafe, his voice trembling slightly. Although he seemed carefree and irresponsible, he had poured his heart and soul into this internet cafe no less than anyone else.
The reason everyone is so sad is because they don't know what to do next.
Especially for ordinary employees, where else in the world is there a boss as good and foolish as Lu Xiaobei, who provides a full range of benefits and doesn't work long hours?
After changing bosses, they will most likely immediately be subjected to exploitation and a life of hard labor.
"Alright, stop creating a somber atmosphere."
I frowned and said, "Sister Xiaoman, Hangzi, although Feiyang Internet Cafe was auctioned off, we still have the Feiyang Chain Esports Hotel brand, right? Don't worry, Xiao Bei won't abandon you. Just be patient, and once Xiao Bei has dealt with her affairs, she will naturally make arrangements for you."
"Um!"
Chen Xiaoman nodded.
She is very capable at work; she was originally handpicked by Lu Xiaobei to be the operations manager of the Future Feiyang Chain Esports Hotel. As for Zhao Yihang, he can be assigned any hardworking and resilient position.
Ten minutes later, a Yuening car pulled up downstairs.
Two people wearing Yue Ning name tags walked in and said respectfully, "Manager Lin, we've arrived."
"The computer is in the manager's office on the second floor. Be careful when you move it, don't break it," Lin Qingying instructed.
"Yes, Manager Lin n't worry!"
After several trips up and down the stairs, the two men loaded the three computers into their car and drove away.
A while later, a gray Land Rover pulled up outside, and several men who looked like bosses got out of the car. They had short, triangular haircuts, wore thick gold chains, and carried LV handbags under their arms. They walked in with an air of superiority.
"Who's in charge? Is Ding Han here?"
"I am Ding Han."
I stepped forward and looked at the man in front of me. "You are... Manager Zhang?"
"Right!"
His posture immediately softened considerably. He took the initiative to shake hands and said with a smile, "I heard that Feiyang Internet Cafe's business is so booming because you organized some kind of campus league. Will this campus league be able to continue after this?"
"Yes, you can."
Looking at this money-grubbing man, and imagining the WHL being run by him... damn, what's the difference between this and pushing an eighteen-year-old, tender girl into the arms of a fifty-year-old, slovenly bachelor? The league is bound to be ruined!
"But Manager Zhang, can we discuss this?"
I calmly said, "Although the Feiyang Internet Cafe brand is now yours, the WHL hosting rights still belong to me. So I think this kind of thing should be left to the professionals. The WHL league will still be handled by my people until the first season's champion is determined. We will continue to bring popularity to Feiyang Internet Cafe. The internet cafe will provide the machines and the venue. What do you think?"
"Sure!"
Zhang Lei's eyes lit up. "We'll do it your way. The internet cafe will give you absolute authority and fully cooperate to make this league a success!"
"Okay, thanks."
"You are welcome!"
I then looked at Zhao Yihang, "Hangzi, you'll still be in charge of organizing and hosting the WHL. Your salary will continue to be paid, don't worry."
"Good!"
Zhao Yihang nodded, having no objection to the matter.
The internet cafes have begun a complete handover process.
Zhang Lei appointed his own operations manager and replaced Chen Xiaoman with a woman who looked somewhat like the landlady from the movie "Kung Fu Hustle." The woman had a fierce look in her eyes, and no one wanted to meet her gaze.
Compared to the previous Chen Xiaoman exuded a wifely charm, gentleness, and thoughtfulness... it's simply a tragedy!
"Xiaoying, you go to work first, I'll come find you in a bit."
"Okay, don't be too sad..."
She smiled slightly, then hugged me before leaving.
Watching Lin Qingying leave.
When I saw the white Cayenne outside, I felt even more annoyed. The car was registered under the name of Feiyang Internet Cafe, so it was also "confiscated" and is now Zhang Lei's property. I had no choice but to hand over the car keys.
Just as she was feeling down, Lu Xiaobei called.
"Ding Han, how's the handover going?" she asked.
"It's quite sad. Luckily you weren't here, or everyone would be crying."
"I..."
Lu Xiaobei's voice trembled. "I'm so sorry to everyone..."
"It's okay, we still have the e-sports hotel, don't we?"
I asked, "What arrangements have you made for the staff at the Flagship Store?"
"Okay, I've thought it through. Find a quiet place, put it on speakerphone so everyone can hear me."
OK!
I looked at the group of employees and said, "Everyone, come with me, Xiao Bei has something to say."
He led a group of people upstairs to the relatively quiet manager's office on the second floor.
Then he turned the volume up to the maximum, placed the phone on the table, and said, "Now that everyone's here, Xiao Bei, you can speak."
"This time, I've dragged everyone down with me."
Lu Xiaobei's voice trembled as he said, "Because of my family's situation, the internet cafe was auctioned off by the court. This is all my fault, and I'm so sorry. Since it's difficult for everyone to find new jobs in a short time, I'll make a decision for Ding Han. At Feiyang Chain Esports Hotel, Sister Xiaoman will be the manager, and Zhao Yihang will be the deputy manager. Xiao Hui, if you new internet cafe managers are willing, you can go there for training to work as receptionists. The employees from the milk tea bar and restaurant can take on corresponding positions at the hotel. There might be a lot of people, but if things go well, we'll open more chain hotels. I hope everyone can trust me, and we can get through this together, okay?"
In an instant, many of the girls burst into tears.
On the other end of the phone, Lu Xiaobei was also crying.
The situation became unmanageable at one point.
Zhao Yihang's eyes were red, and tears were welling up in them.
"You fucking dare to cry once and see what happens?!"
I pointed at him. No matter what, a man has to be strong. If he cries too... then what about me? Should I cry or not?
We can't be united if we don't cry!
As a result of my antics, Chen Xiaoman into laughter through her tears. "Ding Han, you really are a mood killer."
"Tears can make people weak, my colleagues!"
I gave them a pained look, then said with a relaxed expression, "Look, Xiao Bei has arranged everything perfectly. Anyone willing to work at Feiyang Chain Esports Hotel will be offered a contract. The esports hotel business is quite good, especially the Lake View Room. They're profitable every day, and the development prospects are excellent, right, Xiao Bei?"
"Um!"
On the phone, Lu Xiaobei sobbed as she echoed my words.
"Alright."
I looked at Chen Xiaoman and said, "Sister Xiaoman, I'll call the hotel. You can take everyone there to start work later. Don't rush the paperwork; we'll handle it all when Xiao Bei gets back. These few days' wages will also be paid to everyone. Anyway, I'm leaving things there to you, Sister Xiaoman."
Don't worry.
She nodded and smiled, truly embodying the responsibility of a team leader.
We arrived in Yuening at noon.
Upon arriving at Lin Qingying's office, sure enough, she had rearranged a desk next to hers, and all three computers were already installed.
"To be honest."
I carefully touched the smooth surface of the desk. "I've never worked in such a luxurious office in my entire life, I'm a little excited."
"There's no need to get agitated; this is our home at the company."
She smiled. "And..."
Lin Qingying up and looked at me very seriously, saying, "Ding Han, the core algorithm you wrote for Yue Ning Mall is really, really important. For our Yue Ning Group, you are now the most outstanding talent. If you are really willing to join Yuening, it would be perfectly reasonable to give you a private office like this."
"Stop talking, let's eat first. Xiaoying, do you have a lot of money on your meal card?"
"Enough for the two of us to live comfortably at the company for the rest of our lives."
"Absolutely outrageously extravagant!"
She chuckled softly, took my hand, and we went downstairs to eat.
Along the way, I no longer felt uncomfortable meeting people from the company. Now, almost everyone in the entire Yue Ning Group knows about my relationship with Lin Qingying, except for Ding Ying.
This girl still thinks Lin Qingying and I are just pretending to be a couple, and she's still trying her best to keep it a secret from her family.
In the evening, I worked overtime with Lin Qingying.
She went to a meeting, busy with everything inside and out, while I stayed in the office, my fingers flying across the keyboard, continuing to refine the core algorithm.
They were busy like this until about ten o'clock, then went home together, and everything seemed so natural.
Midnight, 0:00 AM.
Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, a bell rang in my ear--
[Attention all players! The Region Task "Espionage in Shadow City!" (S-class Main Quest) is now officially released! Issued by: The Guide. Quest content: Know your enemy and know yourself, and you will never be defeated. Infiltrate, Shadow City! and share valuable information with the Guide. Completing the quest will reward you handsomely!]
The Team Channel immediately became lively.
Cai Cai: "Damn it, I got all excited for nothing. I thought I could get an S-rank mission, but it's just a spy mission. This isn't really suitable for us Firepower Specialist, is it?"
"Not suitable, not suitable at all."
Aji said, "Big oafs like the Firepower Specialist shouldn't go and get themselves killed; they're too easy targets."
"Aji, it's not like you Gene Warrior aren't targets. Your targets are much more obvious, okay?" The fat man jumped in to defend his professional dignity.
Huo Bingzhi Ri laughed, "Damn it, this kid got a good deal. This mission is only suitable for the Shadow Assassin. I wonder what it's like. Is it easy to get 1 Charm Point?"
"I don't know..."
Telling a Story: "I've already accepted it. I guess it's some kind of intelligence gathering mission. I'll discuss it with my few Shadow Assassin friends later, and we'll team up to go and get that 1 Charm Point for free."
Then he asked, "Boss, is this mission feasible?"
"If you can go, why can't you go?"
I smiled slightly, "But we still need to be careful. There are a lot of Caucasian Player near Shadow City. We should save the Resurrection Sacred Canon if we can; there's no need to waste it."
"Okay!"
Turn off the chat and go to sleep!
The next day.
In the morning, I went to Feiyang Chain Esports Hotel. After all, he is the owner who holds 60% of the shares. With so many employees suddenly appearing, it wouldn't be right not to come and see.
"President Ding, you've finally arrived!"
The previous lobby manager had a complicated expression, as if he had something on his mind, and said, "Can we talk?"
"Certainly."
I walked over and sat down on the sofa, smiling, "Old Xu, what's up?"
"Lu Xiaobei just called and talked about Chen Xiaoman and Zhao Yihang..."
Old Xu's eyes were a little dazed as he said, "Now that Chen Xiaoman is coming to be the operations manager and Zhao Yihang is the deputy manager, does that mean there's nothing for me to do? President Ding... you're not going to lay me off, are you?"
He finally got such a high-paying job, and the working environment here is so good. This is a very bad sign for him, a middle-aged man who has just turned 35 and lives in constant anxiety about layoffs.
"Old Xu, you're one of our opening employees, like a founding father, don't get any wild ideas."
I chuckled and said, "I think you've probably heard that Chen Xiaoman and Zhao Yihang have been with me and Xiao Bei for a long time, and they're both quite capable. But now Xiao Bei's family is in trouble, and the entire Feiyang Internet Cafe brand has been auctioned off, so we have to make arrangements for these long-time employees, right?"
"And what about me?" He was still extremely anxious.
"Don't worry about it."
I patted him on the shoulder and said, "Chen Xiaoman and Zhao Yihang don't have hotel operation experience, but you do. As a senior staff member, you can mentor them. Plus, with more people, shifts are easier to arrange, and everyone can get a few more days off each month. As for your arrangements, we're a chain hotel. Do you know what a chain means? It means there's more than one location. When the next one opens, we can just assign you to be the manager, right?"
I am very satisfied with the pie I drew.
"I see..."
Old Xu nodded. "Don't worry, President Ding, I will take good care of Chen Xiaoman and Zhao Yihang. Leave this to me."
"That's good."
I nodded, then went to Chen Xiaoman's office. Zhao Yihang was there too; the two of them were trying to familiarize themselves with the hotel system.
"How are you doing? Getting used to it?"
"Good."
Chen Xiaoman smiled and said, "You'll get used to it."
"Hangzi, you also need to keep up with the WHL league. We have to be responsible to the Huaining University Student Union. This league must be completed; we can't let it fizzle out."
"Knew."
Zhao Yihang, "Brother, sometimes I really feel like you're not human. You have a ton of work to do at the hotel, and I also have to take care of the league matters."
"There's nothing we can do about it; you're such a well-rounded talent."
Beside him, Chen Xiaoman laughed and said, "Look, this is why President Ding values you. Do you know what it means to be a well-rounded talent?"
"I know, it means I'll be made to do all sorts of odd jobs."
Zhao Yihang isn't stupid.
At noon, I went to Yuening and had lunch with Lin Qingying, after which I focused on writing code.
Until 4:30 in the evening.
"Drop!"
A voice message came from Zhang Ruolin; her voice sounded strange, even frightened. "Ding Han, I've discovered something very strange..."
"What is it, Ruolin?"
"Check your friends list, have the profile pictures from the stories disappeared?"
"Ah?"
I hurriedly opened my friends list and searched it three times. Everyone was there, but the story's avatar seemed to have vanished into thin air.
Suddenly, a chill ran down my spine, my hands trembled, and I had a strong premonition of unease.
"Ask everyone."
"Good!"
Soon, everyone in the Team Channel noticed that the story's avatar had disappeared.
"Go to the Player Black Market."
I frowned and said, "Everyone go, let's go find the Guide and ask him!"
"Okay, I'll be right there!"
No one spoke, and no one mentioned the "friends' profile pictures disappearing" setting, because no one wanted to believe that this would happen to them in the story.
On the way there, I almost forgot how I drove; I just kept repeating to myself:
Nothing should happen.
Nothing should happen.
Please make sure nothing happens to you.
In the evening, the Player Black Market was bustling with people.
Once everyone in the team had arrived, they headed straight for the Tea Room.
"Ding Han..."
Upon seeing us enter, Gun Like a Dragon's expression turned rather grim. He stepped forward and closed the door.
The Guide's gaze was downcast, and he remained silent as well.
"The story's avatar has disappeared."
I frowned. "The Guide, why is this happening?"
"Ding Han..."
Gun Like a Dragon gripped my shoulder, his hand trembling slightly. "As a player, don't you know? When a friend actually dies, their avatar disappears into thin air."
"Impossible!"
I shook my head, my blood rushing to my head, my vision blurring. "He possesses the Resurrection Sacred Canon, and he's a Shadow Assassin, how could he possibly be dead?"
Nearby, Cai Cai, Huo Bingzhi Ri, Fatty, and the others instantly collapsed to the ground, their eyes becoming vacant.
"How so?"
Huo Bingzhi Ri held his head in his hands and muttered, "The story had two copies of the Resurrection Sacred Canon on him, two copies! How could he die?"
Ruolin and Kou Mei had red eyes and didn't say a word from beginning to end.
"Knock knock!"
Just then, there was a knock on the door; it was Xu Tian.
He brought in a box and said, "Someone delivered a package, saying it's for Ding Han."
"What?"
My thoughts were a bit jumbled. When I took the package from Xu Tian and opened it, my heart almost shattered.
A note was placed beside the head:
Your brother was chopped into mincemeat, all thanks to you. --Number 17
Breathing became extremely difficult.
I held the head of the story in my arms, overwhelmed with sadness, anger, and heartache. At that moment, I could no longer remain calm and my emotions completely collapsed.
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
How painful it must be to have one's body chopped into pieces...
Holding his head in my arms, I trembled all over, tears streaming down my face, and with all my might, I called out his name: "Liu Yiyang!!!"