Noticing the subtle change in Gong Ying's expression, Xu Huo added, "But it really is no use to me. You can trade something for it."
Gong Ying considered this for a moment, then asked, "What do you think would be a good trade?"
"A good item," Xu Huo replied. "In the game, life-saving items are hard to come by. Helping you clear the level should be worth an item like that."
"Actually, I might not even be able to clear it..." Gong Ying muttered. Still, she didn't refuse. Instead, she took out a B-class item. "This is all I have."
"Charm That Works on Men and Women?" Xu Huo read the item's name. "Don't you think it takes quite a bit of courage just to take this item out?"
Gong Ying's eyes widened. "How could you say that? Do you know how important charm is? It's just like beauty—a hard currency in the game. If you're good-looking and charming, people speak to you much more gently, and they're more willing to lend you a hand when there's something to gain..."
She paused. "Maybe you've never experienced that kind of preferential treatment, but this item will absolutely give you a novel experience like never before!"
Xu Huo accepted the item without comment, then asked, "Are you coming back tomorrow?"
"Of course! I can't stand seeing a beauty in trouble. I'll come back tomorrow and try to persuade her again." Gong Ying waved and left with an easygoing stride.
The next day, Xu Huo didn't go to Whale Garden first thing in the morning. After breakfast, he wandered aimlessly around the islands, moving on to the next one after exploring each island. He showed no intention of returning to Whale Garden.
From the time he reached the second island, more players began