Competing Performances on the Same Stage

Setting aside the age factor—

Biscuit was definitely having a maiden-heart flutter right now, practically itching to have a deeper exchange with Moyu.

Don't misunderstand, it was purely about getting to know each other better, absolutely not because she was craving Moyu's looks.

Unfortunately, precisely because of the age factor, even if she kept piling on points for Moyu, she ultimately couldn't bring herself to make a move.

Too young, too tender...

Even if this old auntie had good teeth, she couldn't get past that mental hurdle.

Maybe those handsome-guy magazines were her true home after all.

"Big brother, thank you."

Biscuit's inner monologue was especially rich, yet a blush crept across her cheeks as she lowered her head, shyly thanking Moyu in a small voice.

In that state, she was the spitting image of a girl experiencing first love.

And honestly, with her wine-red big eyes, delicate nose, and cherry-like small mouth as her hardware, paired with that maidenly shyness, it was downright lethal.

The scariest part—

Her real age was at least fifty, yet based on her current words and actions, she was completely acting like a girl under fourteen.

If Moyu didn't know Biscuit's true appearance and age, he'd probably fall for it right now.

"You're welcome."

Moyu gave a gentle smile.

As expected of a Transmuter...

Not only were they full of lies, but they came one after another without so much as a blink.

With this auntie's acting skills, it's a shame she's not in showbiz.

He thought silently to himself.

"Big brother, I'm... thirsty."

Biscuit looked up, eyes brimming with shyness at Moyu, her hands twisting together restlessly, looking quite flustered.

Moyu said calmly, "Thirsty, huh? No problem, just sit here for now. I'll go ask the bar if they have juice or milk or something."

"Mm-hmm."

Biscuit flashed Moyu an embarrassed smile.

Moyu sighed inwardly again, and as he stepped toward the bar, he caught a glimpse of Biscuit struggling awkwardly to climb onto a tall stool with clumsy effort.

"..."

Moyu almost lost his composure again.

Commit to the act all the way, never slip up, right...

Sometimes knowing the full story is a pain in itself.

With a complicated mood, Moyu reached the bar and ordered a glass of milk for Biscuit.

While waiting for the bartender to bring it out, the thought of making a run involuntarily crossed his mind.

No help for it—going toe-to-toe in acting with a Transmuter was just too exhausting.

The bigger problem was—

Leaving aside why Biscuit was here, he was certain that her sudden approach was most likely because she'd taken a liking to the bead left by Rat Treasure. He couldn't think of any other reason.

Come to think of it, that sapphire-blue bead really did look a lot like the "Blue Planet" gem exclusive to Greed Island...

But in terms of material and feel, the bead Rat Treasure left behind was more like a glass marble than any sapphire.

So, as long as it fit her aesthetic, Biscuit would make a move?

Yet Moyu had no intention of handing over Rat Treasure's bead no matter what.

Thinking this, the urge to bolt grew even stronger.

But on this airship, where could he even run?

He'd only kept up the big-brother persona and traded acting with Biscuit because he was worried she'd flip the table outright.

After all, with her level of strength, she could crush him with just one pinky finger right now.

If she insisted on snatching the Rat Treasure bead, honestly, he had no way to stop her.

For now, letting Biscuit stay immersed in her little-sister persona was the easier way to handle things.

"Sigh, why does even riding an airship have to be this twisty... Anyway, I'll take it one step at a time," Moyu thought with some resignation.

Based on the information about Biscuit revealed in the original work, it was clear that Biscuit, trained in Shingen-ryu, was a strong person with her own bottom line and principles.

Maybe he should be grateful for that, but he also shouldn't underestimate a professional Hunter's determination when hunting something.

Given Biscuit's style, she naturally wouldn't threaten his life, but the Rat Treasure bead was another story.

It was unlikely the other party would let the matter rest without getting the Rat Treasure Bead; the only difference lay in what method they planned to use to take it.

Moyu took the milk from the bartender and immediately walked over to Biscuit's side.

At the table by the window.

Biscuit sat on a high stool, her hands propping up her chin, her lotus-root-like legs swinging back and forth like a swing.

Moyu approached and gently set the milk down in front of Biscuit.

"Thanks, big brother."

Biscuit looked too shy to meet Moyu's eyes directly.

Act, keep acting.

Better keep it up until the airship landed at Laxiang City Airport.

Moyu smiled at Biscuit and took the seat beside her.

His cocktail had already passed its optimal drinking time; more than half the ice in the glass had melted, and a string of water droplets had condensed on the outer wall.

Raising his index finger to wipe away the droplets, Moyu pondered how to shake off Biscuit's entanglement.

Just drop Cheadle's name outright?

No, that would be too abrupt.

He could only pretend to inadvertently reveal his connection with Cheadle in front of Biscuit.

That way, there might be some chance of discouraging Biscuit's "hunting" intentions.

But the problem was he had no phone, and he didn't know Cheadle's contact number either.

The only person he could reach was that Liz from the note.

Right, the airship should have a public phone...

Moyu's thoughts churned.

"Big brother."

Biscuit's voice sounded from beside his ear: "I still don't know your name..."

"Kester Bincy."

Moyu gave the name from the fake ID card.

When he'd gotten the fake ID, he'd only provided a photo; the name and background info were all supplied by the green-haired youth.

"And you?"

After giving his name, Moyu turned his head to look at Biscuit.

Seeing Moyu look over, Biscuit blushed again, hurriedly averting her gaze, and said softly, "My name is Biscuit Krueger."

"Biscuit, huh... That's a lovely name."

A gentle smile spread across Moyu's face.

He hadn't expected that Biscuit, who was putting on an act every moment, would actually give her real name during the "introduction" part.

"Thanks."

Biscuit showed a happy smile.

Moyu glanced at the milk, now only half drunk, and asked softly, "Biscuit, how's your butt? Still hurting?"

"It's... it's a lot better."

Biscuit lowered her head, looking a bit embarrassed.

"That's good."

Moyu pretended to breathe a sigh of relief, then suggested, "It's pretty late now. How about I walk you back to your room?"

"Ah, isn't this... isn't this moving a bit too fast?"

Biscuit's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz.

"Oh, I see. Then... huh?"

Moyu's pre-planned words suddenly caught in his throat as he looked at Biscuit with a head full of question marks.

He'd originally planned to use that as an excuse to leave and make a phone call, then see how Biscuit reacted. He never expected her to blurt out something so bold.

Biscuit suddenly realized her slip and nearly broke character on the spot, quickly covering up: "I meant I'm not sleepy yet, going back to the room now is too fast!"

"..."

Moyu forced a somewhat strained smile at her words.

Tiring, too tiring.

If it were a different time and place, he wouldn't mind having a deeper exchange with Biscuit.

Don't misunderstand—just purely getting to know each other better, and seeing if he could learn something from Biscuit.

But right now, he really wasn't in the mood.

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