Freedom's Prerequisite

[Copy Art Painting · Part Three: A painting by the Painter "Robin," whose contents seem capable of appearing in reality according to its owner's wishes.]

After confirming the change in ownership of the [Item], Lin Yu solemnly put away Robin's gift.

"Thank you. This is very precious to me... It could practically be called priceless."

Robin waved her hands. "N-no need to be so formal. After all, you saved me. It's what I should do."

"However... even after you advance to 'Tier 3,' don't rush to challenge 'Fluoxetine.' Even among 'Tier 3' players, she's incredibly powerful... Besides Gun Flower, she has many other methods at her disposal."

She spoke quickly, and Lin Yu smiled and nodded.

"Don't worry. I'm not that impulsive."

Robin let out a sigh of relief. "That's good... In any case, you need to think carefully about revenge and such. You can't rush into it... You absolutely mustn't be too hasty."

At this point, Robin fell silent again—but this wasn't the silence of someone with nothing to say. Rather, she seemed to be struggling with whether she should speak, hesitating to voice what she wanted to say.

Lin Yu saw this and smiled. "If there's nothing else, I'll go to the restroom."

Just as Lin Yu turned to leave, Robin finally spoke.

"Wait—wait!"

"Is there something else?"

Lin Yu pretended to be surprised.

"Um... could we add each other as [Social] friends?" Robin said quietly, then interlaced her fingers. "It might make things a little more convenient..."

Lin Yu didn't answer. He simply opened the [Social] panel, confirmed that "Director" was indeed the correct account, searched for "Robin," and sent a friend request.

Robin, who had been nervously waiting for Lin Yu's response, had already broken out in a fine sweat at her temples. Then she suddenly