Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Ye and Angelina set out at night to deliver a package in Syracuse's Lower City.
• Angelina reveals she's Infected and uses Arts without an Arts staff.
• They encounter a group of thugs but Bai Ye easily defeats them.
• They pass through a gang war zone without incident.
• Angelina successfully delivers the package.

Character Developments

• Angelina: Shows resilience and determination, having left home to become a courier despite being young and Infected.
• Bai Ye: Reflects on his past weakness and compares it to Angelina's strength. He also shows humility about his fighting abilities.

Significant Themes

• Conflict and violence in Syracuse, even among ordinary people and students.
• Discrimination against the Infected, with Angelina leaving home to avoid dragging her family down.
• Bai Ye's introspection about his former weakness and his humility despite his strength.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and Angelina bond over their shared experiences and challenges, with Bai Ye showing understanding and support for Angelina's situation.
• Bai Ye protects Angelina from the thugs, showing his strength and reassuring her.
• Angelina admires Bai Ye's strength and humility, leading to a mutual respect between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Ye learns to traverse rooftops with Angelina.
• Bai Ye warns Angelina about reckless use of Originium Arts and touching Originium products without protection, which can worsen her Oripathy.
• Bai Ye anticipates Rhodes Island's interest in Angelina due to her powerful talent for Arts.
• Bai Ye checks the system panel after a month of transmigration and decides to use all five draw chances.
• Bai Ye draws three gray-quality items: a cat recommendation ticket, a grass, and a lollipop.
• Bai Ye draws the dark gold ability 'Abnormal Hearing' from Clockwork Planet, which causes him immense pain due to the overwhelming influx of sounds.
• The system offers Bai Ye noise-canceling headphones in exchange for one draw chance.

Character Developments

• Angelina: Shows excitement and fearlessness while running across rooftops, but also displays concern for her health and lack of resources for treatment.
• Bai Ye: Demonstrates understanding and concern for Angelina's condition, and shows excitement and patience while drawing from the system panel.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of reckless use of power (Angelina's Oripathy).
• The price of gaining power (Bai Ye's pain from Abnormal Hearing).
• The anticipation of future events (Rhodes Island's interest in Angelina).

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and Angelina: Bai Ye learns rooftop parkour from Angelina and expresses concern for her health. Angelina shares her love for running across rooftops with Bai Ye.
• Bai Ye and the System: Bai Ye interacts with the system, drawing cards and receiving help when overwhelmed by his new ability.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Ye recovers from his auditory overload and adapts to his new hearing ability.
• Bai Ye, Texas, and Lappland leave the inn, attracting the attention of Syracuse's underground factions.
• A new quest, "Dawn," is triggered, involving Syracuse's factional conflict.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye continues to adapt to his enhanced hearing, discovering its advantages and drawbacks.
• Lappland expresses her desire to stay with Bai Ye and Texas, revealing her attraction to Texas.
• Texas demonstrates her driving skills and combat awareness by noticing their pursuers.

Significant Themes

• Adaptation to new abilities and their consequences.
• The dangers and opportunities that come with attracting attention in a conflict-ridden environment.
• The complexities of human attraction and relationships.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and Texas's dynamic continues to develop, with Texas showing concern for Bai Ye's safety and Bai Ye appreciating her skills.
• Lappland's straightforward declaration of her attraction to Texas creates tension and surprise.
• Hark, the innkeeper, shows kindness and concern for Bai Ye's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Texas, Bai Ye, and Lappland are pursued by unknown assailants in black luxury sedans and drones.
• They evade their pursuers using Texas's exceptional driving skills and Bai Ye's divine spell, Magic Stone Art.
• Over the next year, they cause a stir in Syracuse, taking on bounty hunter commissions and dealing with gang members.
• They receive an invitation from "Emperor" to join a private courier company, Penguin Logistics, signaling the end of their journey in Syracuse.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye: He raises his class level to 15, defeating "Texas" in the Pure White Space without relying on Overclock Mode. He realizes that his journey in Syracuse is nearing its end and decides to leave.
• Texas: She completes the tasks she set out to do in Syracuse and decides to leave, despite Lappland's plea for her to stay and help take revenge. She acknowledges that she and Lappland are not the same kind of people.
• Lappland: She feels a strong connection with Texas due to their shared pasts and is disappointed when Texas decides to leave. She also feels hurt when Texas rejects her offer to help take revenge.

Significant Themes

• Transience: The chapter emphasizes the temporary nature of the characters' lives and relationships in Syracuse, with Texas and Bai Ye deciding to leave after a year.
• Past and Present: The characters' pasts continue to influence their decisions and actions, with Texas's past driving her to complete her tasks in Syracuse and Lappland's past making her want to help Texas take revenge.
• Identity: The characters struggle with their identities, with Texas rejecting Lappland's offer to help take revenge because she believes they are not the same kind of people.

Character Interactions

• Texas and Bai Ye: They work well together, with Texas's driving skills and Bai Ye's divine spell helping them evade their pursuers. They both decide to leave Syracuse, acknowledging that their time together has come to an end.
• Lappland and Texas: Lappland feels a strong connection with Texas due to their shared pasts and is disappointed when Texas decides to leave. She offers to help Texas take revenge, but Texas rejects her offer, leading to a tense interaction.
• Bai Ye and Lappland: They do not interact directly in this chapter, but Lappland asks Bai Ye if he wants to stay in Syracuse, indicating that she sees him as a part of their group.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Texas and Bai Ye find Lappland sulking by the roadside after she stormed off.
• Texas delivers a heartfelt speech to Lappland, urging her to stop pushing her body and seeking revenge.
• Lappland reveals her feelings for Texas, sees her as a potential partner, but leaves after a tense exchange.
• The next morning, Texas and Bai Ye prepare to leave, but Texas spots Lappland watching them. She runs to hug Lappland, promising to find a way to suppress her Oripathy.
• Lappland decides to join Texas and Bai Ye in Lungmen after they leave.

Character Developments

• Texas: Shows growth in self-awareness and understanding of her own goals, moving away from revenge. She also demonstrates empathy and concern for Lappland's well-being.
• Lappland: Struggles with her past and her desire for revenge, but begins to consider Texas's words and the possibility of change. She also shows vulnerability and genuine emotion, unlike her usual cold demeanor.
• Bai Ye: Continues to be supportive and helpful, providing Texas with the words she uses to reach out to Lappland. He also shows a touch of jealousy when Texas hugs Lappland.

Significant Themes

• Redemption and Change: Both Texas and Lappland grapple with their pasts and the possibility of change. Texas has already begun to move on, while Lappland is still struggling with her desire for revenge.
• Friendship and Connection: The bond between Texas and Lappland deepens, with Texas showing genuine care and concern for Lappland's well-being. Lappland, in turn, reveals her feelings for Texas and her desire to be with her.

Character Interactions

• Texas and Lappland: Their interaction is the core of the chapter, with Texas trying to help Lappland see the harm in her current path and Lappland revealing her feelings for Texas. Their hug at the end signifies a deeper connection and understanding between them.
• Bai Ye and Texas: Bai Ye continues to support Texas, helping her find the words to reach out to Lappland. He also shows a touch of jealousy when Texas hugs Lappland, indicating his growing feelings for Texas.
• Texas and Bai Ye: Their dynamic remains supportive, with Texas confiding in Bai Ye about her feelings for Lappland and her desire to help her.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The first volume ends with the author's reflection on the writing process.
• The title "Exodus" is borrowed from the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land, but the author didn't write a detailed prequel about Bai Ye's journey with Texas.
• The volume focuses on building the bond between Texas and Lappland, with Bai Ye and Lappland being friends and Lappland having an obsession with Texas.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye: The protagonist's name is revealed to be a random choice, with no connection to a hunter from another series.
• Texas: Her attractiveness to Lappland is emphasized, and her bond with Lappland is the primary focus of the volume.
• Lappland: Her obsession with Texas is highlighted, and she is shown to be more attracted to Texas than to Bai Ye.

Significant Themes

• The author's struggle with writing romance and ensuring character development is natural and believable.
• The influence of religion and religious themes in the story, with God's existence being downplayed.
• The importance of taking time to develop relationships and feelings between characters.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye, Texas, and Lappland's interactions are the focus, with Texas and Lappland's bond being the most prominent.
• The author mentions that Bai Ye and Lappland are friends, while Lappland holds a certain obsession with Texas.
• The author hints at potential romantic developments between characters but emphasizes taking things slow.

Additional Notes

• The author thanks readers for their support and mentions that the second volume will focus on Lungmen and Penguin Logistics, with more Operators and story characters being introduced.
• The author sets a goal of reaching ten thousand favorites for the book before its publication.
• The author mentions a reader group and encourages readers to add the book to their bookshelf for easy access in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• A girl from Laterano arrives in Lungmen, drawn by an invitation from Penguin Logistics.
• She meets Texas, Exusiai, and a Forte at the logistics company's headquarters.
• Emperor, a penguin and the company's boss, arrives, revealing he's an old-school rap superstar.
• The girl learns that someone she cares about has left Lungmen but has signed a contract with Penguin Logistics.

Character Developments

• The girl from Laterano is introduced, showing independence and determination as she navigates Lungmen.
• Exusiai is revealed to be a fan of Emperor, showing her enthusiasm for music and her optimism despite disappointment.

Significant Themes

• New Beginnings: The move of Penguin Logistics to Lungmen signals a new chapter for the company and its employees.
• Disappointment and Resilience: Exusiai's brief disappointment and quick recovery highlight the theme of resilience in the face of setbacks.

Character Interactions

• The girl from Laterano interacts with the locals, drawing attention due to her halo and Laterano origins.
• Exusiai meets Emperor, her idol, and expresses her excitement about working with him.
• Exusiai asks Emperor about a person she cares about, showing her concern and eagerness to reunite.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The new employees of Penguin Logistics (Bai Ye, Texas, Exusiai, Croissant) are having a welcome party at the End of the Earth Bar in Lungmen.
• Emperor, the boss, is present and reveals that he uses a peculiar "Peace Gun" to maintain order in Lungmen.
• Everyone introduces themselves, sharing their specializations and interests.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye: Introduces himself as a former bounty hunter, specializing in medical treatment and battlefield support. He maintains a serious demeanor but has a hidden preference for milk.
• Texas: Introduces herself as specializing in vehicle operation, cargo handling, and personnel security. She is quiet and reserved but shows signs of opening up to her new team.
• Exusiai: An angel girl who loves parties and apple pie. She is curious and playful, showing interest in Emperor's "Peace Gun."
• Croissant: A lively and energetic orange-haired girl who specializes in defense and cargo transport. She is bold and confident.
• Emperor: The boss of Penguin Logistics, he is eccentric and maintains order in Lungmen through unconventional means. He is aware of his employees' capabilities and keeps a close watch on the city.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork: The party serves as an icebreaker, fostering camaraderie among the new team members.
• Trust: Texas acknowledges the importance of trustworthy teammates for optimal performance.
• Adaptation: Bai Ye tries to adapt to his new role and environment, hiding his preference for milk to maintain a serious image.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and Texas: They share a soft, private moment where Texas expresses her approval of Bai Ye as a dependable teammate.
• Exusiai and Emperor: They share a moment of curiosity and awkwardness when Exusiai examines Emperor's "Peace Gun."
• Everyone: The party atmosphere brings everyone closer, with each member introducing themselves and sharing their interests.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Texas receives and wears her Penguin Logistics uniform.
• Bai Ye takes photos of Texas in her new uniform and sets them as his phone's wallpaper and lock screen.
• The team, now including Texas, goes to the second basement level of the Penguin Building for training.
• Exusiai demonstrates her exceptional marksmanship using rubber bullets, hitting the bullseye after two attempts.
• Croissant prepares to train with her hammer and shield.

Character Developments

• Texas feels embarrassed but accepts Bai Ye's admiration for her in her new uniform.
• Bai Ye shows his admiration for Texas's appearance in her uniform and takes photos of her.
• Exusiai shows her professionalism and skill in marksmanship, hitting the bullseye after two attempts.
• Croissant shows her excitement and readiness to train with her hammer and shield.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and bonding among the new team members.
• The importance of training and skill development.
• The unique abilities and talents of each team member.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye admires Texas in her new uniform and takes photos of her, making her feel embarrassed.
• Exusiai showcases her marksmanship, impressing the others.
• Croissant eagerly prepares to train with her hammer and shield, showing her enthusiasm for physical combat.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Croissant's immense physical strength is revealed as she effortlessly wields a heavy hammer and shield, destroying a training dummy with a single swing.
• Bai Ye, Texas, and Croissant demonstrate their abilities to Exusiai.
• Bai Ye casts a defensive spell, "Holy Shield," on Exusiai, which Croissant tests by attempting to break it with her hammer.

Character Developments

• Croissant: Proves herself to be an exceptional warrior with immense strength and skill in using a shield.
• Bai Ye: Shows growth in his divine spellcasting, with his "Holy Shield" now having a golden tint and increased defensive power.
• Exusiai: Demonstrates curiosity and adaptability when enclosed within Bai Ye's "Holy Shield."

Significant Themes

• Strength vs. Defense: Croissant's brute strength is contrasted with Bai Ye's defensive spell, highlighting the importance of balance in combat.
• Trust and Teamwork: Bai Ye's calm demeanor and confidence in his teammates' abilities foster a sense of trust and camaraderie.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and Texas: Their harmonious interaction and understanding of each other's abilities suggest a history as teammates.
• Bai Ye and Croissant: Bai Ye's calm and confident demeanor reassures Croissant, allowing her to trust him and test the limits of his defensive spell.
• Croissant and Exusiai: The two girls interact as they test the limits of Bai Ye's "Holy Shield."

Key Plot Points and Events

• Croissant tests Bai Ye's shield spell, damaging it after five strikes.
• Exusiai playfully tickles Croissant in retaliation for Croissant's shield-testing.
• Emperor explains Penguin Logistics' unique business model, focusing on unusual and difficult commissions.
• Bai Ye and the team receive their employee ID cards and see their promotional posters.

Character Developments

• Croissant shows her strength and curiosity by testing Bai Ye's shield.
• Exusiai exhibits her playful and mischievous side when tickling Croissant.
• Emperor reveals his ambition and strategic thinking in his business plan.
• Bai Ye shows his lack of ambition and preference for a simple life.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and secrets within Lungmen.
• The importance of teamwork and camaraderie, as shown through Exusiai and Croissant's interaction.
• The duality of appearances versus reality, as seen in Emperor's aristocratic demeanor and his gray logistics business.

Character Interactions

• Croissant and Exusiai's friendly rivalry and playfulness.
• Bai Ye and Emperor's differing ambitions and views on business.
• Bai Ye's acceptance of his new role and the team's dynamic.

Summary: "The Beginning"

1. Key Plot Points

• Four Penguin Logistics employees are on duty, but five ID badges are in the box—the fifth belongs to a blue-haired girl with both a Laterano halo and black horns, a figure who clearly affects Exusiai emotionally.
• Exusiai briefly freezes upon seeing the badge but recovers within ten minutes.
• The team's first mission begins: a routine logistics job while driving on Lungmen's ring road.
• They are pursued by a convoy of flashy cars and are forced to respond.
• Exusiai shoots out a tire with a rubber bullet, causing a pileup that thins the pursuers.
• Bai Ye suggests luring the remaining pursuers to an unfinished building in a slum area.
• Bai Ye uses healing magic on Croissant and Exusiai, then prepares for battle.
• Bai Ye debuts a fog spell—"Hidden Mist Technique"—but accidentally forgets Exusiai is a Laterano (Sankta), who lore-wise may be affected by such mist, showing a coordination mistake in their first teamfight.

2. Character Developments

• Bai Ye: Shows proactive battlefield awareness (tracking enemy positions), knowledge of Exusiai's past, and divine spellcasting ability. Also demonstrates a lighthearted, slightly reckless side (habit of casting fog).
• Exusiai: Shows emotional vulnerability when seeing the blue-haired girl's badge, indicating a personal history; otherwise displays strong marksmanship and a resilient, quick recovery.
• Texas: Shows decisiveness, high-speed driving skill, and dry practicality; appears already familiar with Bai Ye's habits.
• Croissant: Cautious and easily panicked, but loyal and encouraging; relies on her shield/hammer in combat.

3. Significant Themes

• Team formation/coordination: The chapter centers on the team learning to work together, explicitly noting coordination is built through battle and starting off imperfectly.
• Revealed-but-hidden backstories: The blue-haired girl's badge signals unsolved history (tied to Exusiai), and the narrative itself comments on the "half-revealed, half-hidden" storytelling style.
• Dangerous but close-knit workplace: Penguin Logistics despite its high-risk missions has a relaxed, familiar atmosphere.

4. Character Interactions

• Exusiai & Croissant: Croissant checks on Exusiai when she reacts oddly; their friendship is casual and supportive.
• Bai Ye & Texas: Texas trusts Bai Ye's readings of enemy positions and notes his use of fog, showing familiarity and mild exasperation.
• Bai Ye & Exusiai/Croissant: He heals them after being carsick; Exusiai asks if he is scared and is impressed by his calm, and Bai Ye helps calm them during Texas's fast driving.
• Texas & Exusiai/Croissant: Texas drives aggressively, alarming both, who cling to their seats, underscoring her intense driving style.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Ye's mist spell hinders his own teammate, Exusiai, during their first operation.
• Exusiai relocates due to low visibility, leaving the team without sniper cover.
• Bai Ye, Texas, and Croissant sneak attack a gang of over fifty people, taking out several members unnoticed.
• The gang, now numbering around thirty, huddles together, realizing something's amiss.
• Bai Ye, Texas, and Croissant reveal themselves, with Bai Ye arrogantly declaring the gang surrounded.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye: Shows lack of experience coordinating with ranged fighters, but adapts and leads a successful sneak attack.
• Texas: Initially annoyed with Bai Ye's mistake, later shows eagerness for the underhanded sneak attack.
• Croissant: Enjoys the thrill of the sneak attack, eager to participate.
• Exusiai: Not directly involved in the sneak attack, but her relocation highlights the team's vulnerability without sniper cover.

Significant Themes

• Teamwork and communication: Bai Ye's initial mistake highlights the importance of coordination among team members.
• Adaptability: Bai Ye and the team adapt to the situation, turning a disadvantage (low visibility) into an advantage (sneak attack).
• Hubris: The gang underestimates their opponents, leading to their downfall.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and Texas: Texas is initially annoyed with Bai Ye's mistake but later works with him on the sneak attack.
• Bai Ye, Texas, and Croissant: The trio works together seamlessly during the sneak attack, showing good teamwork.
• The gang and the team: The gang underestimates the team, leading to a tense standoff when the team reveals themselves.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Penguin Logistics (Bai Ye, Texas, Exusiai, Croissant) encounters a gang led by Tiger Tattoo while on their first job.
• Bai Ye, angered by their behavior, single-handedly defeats the entire gang, demonstrating his immense strength.
• After the fight, Bai Ye treats his team to barbecue as promised.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye shows his prowess in combat, confirming his status as a formidable fighter.
• Exusiai and Croissant witness Bai Ye's strength and are impressed by it.
• Tiger Tattoo and his gang members learn the hard way not to underestimate Penguin Logistics.

Significant Themes

• Strength and Power: Bai Ye's physical prowess and fighting skills are the primary reasons for his team's victory.
• Reputation and Respect: The gang members' underestimation of Bai Ye and his team leads to their defeat, highlighting the importance of respect and caution.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and his team work together, with Bai Ye taking the lead in combat.
• Bai Ye and Tiger Tattoo have a tense exchange, with Bai Ye asserting his masculinity and warning Tiger Tattoo not to underestimate him.
• Exusiai and Croissant laugh at Bai Ye's assertion of his masculinity, showing camaraderie and a lighthearted moment among the team.

A Few Things About Their Outing

"Finally, we can take a break..."
Over the weekend, Exusiai and Croissant sprawled on the balcony, basking in the sun. After a busy week, the four members of Penguin Logistics could finally relax a little.
"It's pretty ridiculous. Someone's always coming to cause trouble for us. Even the simplest commission turns into an armed escort job."
Exusiai held a cold apple pie in her hand, took a bite with a grin, then complained through a mouthful of pastry.
Over the five working days that week, Bai Ye and the others had gotten into nine fights. Their opponents had almost all been underground gangs from Lungmen.
"You two..."
Bai Ye and Texas came over from the living room. Bai Ye said helplessly:
"We just got a ticket..."
Earlier, he had found a ticket from the Lungmen Guard Department in the mailbox downstairs.
"How much?"
Exusiai raised an eyebrow. She hadn't expected them to get a ticket before their first week was even over.
"Let me see... Repairs for two street benches, one Lungmen trash can, three streetlights, and a long stretch of road guardrail. Fifteen thousand Lungmen Dollars in total."
Bai Ye opened the list and read through it item by item.
"That's quite a lot... But why are they charging us for the guardrail repairs?" Exusiai stuffed the rest of the cold apple pie into her mouth, then helplessly smoothed the hair hanging beside her ear. "The gangsters were obviously the ones who did that."
"We're a legitimate registered company. It's clearly more convenient to hassle us than to go looking for gangsters in the slums."
Bai Ye put away the list. Now he understood what Penguin Logistics was all about. It had to be said: like boss, like employees.
They had only been in Lungmen for a week, yet Bai Ye felt he had already picked up this utterly reckless way of doing things. This really was Penguin Logistics' corporate culture.
After all, rather than nagging and arguing endlessly, it was much more satisfying to settle things with your fists.
Physical reasoning was still reasoning!
Besides, in Syracuse, it seemed they usually just charged straight through things like that too.
Bai Ye's assimilation: 20%.
"But nearly half our pay is going down the drain..."
Bai Ye took out his wallet with some frustration. He was still fairly well-off, but he definitely had not reached the point where money no longer interested him.
After all, Lungmen Dollars were still wonderful. Some pianos cost 1.8 million Lungmen Dollars...
"Let's go out and have some fun!" Exusiai had only lounged around for a while before springing up from her chair. "The weather's this nice. It'd be a complete waste not to go out!"
Croissant was tempted. She counted on her fingers, estimating the thickness of her wallet, then said:
"That's right. We've been so busy completing the boss's commissions in Lungmen that we haven't properly had any fun! It's been ages since I went shopping. I really want to see what good stuff Lungmen has..."
"What do you think?"
Texas skillfully pulled out a Pocky stick and put it in her mouth as she looked at Bai Ye.
"Um... We have to go pay the fine anyway, so we might as well have some fun while we're out."
Bai Ye naturally had no reason to object, and he enjoyed going out with his companions too.
After all, he had only been able to stay at home in the past and rarely had the chance to go out with friends. He could consider this compensation for the past.
"You're going out?"
Emperor's voice suddenly came from beyond the door, followed by a penguin walking inside.
"Wow, Boss, are you coming with us too?"
Exusiai asked with a smile.
"A spring outing? Heh heh, that's a good idea. But I won't be joining you today. I'm going to see a movie."
Emperor ultimately declined their invitation to go out together.
"Alright~ Then have fun, Boss."
Croissant also got up from her chair and waved at Emperor.
"Ah, such lively young people..." Emperor looked at his employees and could not help sighing.
"No, I'm not that old... Honestly..."
"Lungmen... really is an incredible city-state..."
The four slowly walked along the riverbank, and Croissant gazed admiringly at the shimmering lake surface.
A river might seem like an unremarkable sight, but Lungmen was a mobile city.
That meant this river was actually artificial. Just thinking about it, building an artificial river atop a massive mobile city-state was an astonishing feat.
At the very least, merely designing such a complicated water circulation system was already incredibly impressive.
Bai Ye was actually quite curious about how mobile cities replenished their water supplies. Did they drill deep wells into the ground to draw water? Or had the world of Terra already mastered new technology for generating water resources?
Maybe I should ask Qingliu later...
As Bai Ye pondered this, Exusiai's words suddenly interrupted his thoughts:
"Do you think there are fish in this artificial river?"
The girl curiously leaned over the railing to look down, but she clearly could not see anything.
"...There are fish. Quite a few, actually."
Bai Ye said with certainty. As for how he knew—he had activated Eagle Eye just now...
Then he had seen a whole bunch of neutral units in the water...
So there really were fish in the artificial river!
"As expected of Lungmen."
They continued along the artificial river until they reached Central Park. At its entrance, a fish ball stall caught their attention.
The stall owner was a kindly-looking elderly man. When he saw the four walk past, he called out:
"Young ladies, would you like a serving of scale fish balls?"
"Fish balls!"
Bai Ye's eyes lit up. He suddenly remembered that in Lungmen, he could eat plenty of Yan cuisine—food from what had once been his homeland.
"Sir, I'll have one serving of fish balls."
Bai Ye stepped forward, took out some loose bills from his wallet, and handed them over.
"Coming right up."
The old man took out some raw fish balls and dropped them into a large pot of boiling water beside him. Once they were cooked, he used a spoon to scoop both the fish balls and broth into a paper cup, then stuck a long bamboo skewer into it.
"Thanks!"
As he took the paper cup, the aroma rushed into his nose. Bai Ye used the skewer to pick up a fish ball, blew on it a few times, then gently bit into it.
Fresh, fragrant, tender, smooth...
Bai Ye suddenly felt the urge to burst into tears... because it was simply too delicious.
All of a sudden, he was looking forward to Lungmen's other foods. Lungmen had dumpling restaurants, after all, and he had not eaten dumplings in a very long time!
"How is it? Is it good?"
Croissant skipped over to Bai Ye's side. She also had a considerable passion for food.
"Wouldn't you know if you had one?"
Bai Ye picked up another fish ball from the cup as he spoke, then smiled.
"Open up."
Croissant instinctively opened her little mouth, and Bai Ye directly fed the no-longer-too-hot fish ball to the girl.
"Mmm... Delicious!"
As Bai Ye fed her, a blush quietly crept over the girl's fair cheeks. But the next moment, the fish ball she bit into overwhelmed her taste buds, and she had no time for embarrassment. She immediately gave him a thumbs-up.
"..."
Texas quietly stepped closer and stood beside Bai Ye. She said nothing, only looked silently at him.
"Hm? Do you want one too?"
Seeing the girl stare straight at him, Bai Ye assumed Texas wanted the fish balls in his hand. He picked up another one from the cup and offered it to her.
"No."
Texas narrowed her eyes slightly and replied coldly.
"Have a taste~ It's really good!"
"...Sigh."
Looking at the utterly oblivious boy, Texas sighed helplessly. She then asked the elderly vendor for another bamboo skewer, moved closer to Bai Ye, and picked up a fish ball from his cup.
"I'll do it myself." The girl bit the scale fish ball in one bite. "Mmm... Delicious."
"See? With my gourmet's eye, this is a pretty excellent delicacy."
Bai Ye was about to use the original skewer to pick up another fish ball when Texas suddenly took it from his hand and placed the skewer she had asked the old man for into his palm instead.
"Ahem... Use this one. The other one has barbs on it."
With that, the girl tossed the skewer she had taken from Bai Ye into a nearby trash can.
"...Oh, but why can't I see any barbs...?"
Bai Ye looked curiously at Texas, whose behavior had suddenly become inexplicable. He did not think too much of it and simply continued using the skewer Texas had given him.
Neither Exusiai nor Croissant saw this scene. They were both standing in front of the old man's fish ball stall, ordering their food. Only the old man watched Bai Ye and Texas from the side, a meaningful smile appearing on his face.
"Young people... Ah, to be young."
Muttering to himself, the old man handed Exusiai and Croissant their two servings of fish balls.
"Careful, they're hot."
"Thank you~"
The cups were wrapped in corrugated paper, so they were not hot to hold. But the freshly cooked fish balls came with steaming broth, and they could not be rushed.
"Waiting is also an important part of enjoying good food."
Croissant raised one finger and shared her experience with Exusiai. The girl enjoyed life, so she had done quite a bit of research into food, drink, and entertainment.
"Ah..."
After eating the fish balls and finishing the hot broth in their cups, all four sighed in satisfaction at once—Texas had bought herself a serving too, since they really were delicious.
"I've decided! I'm going to find all these folk food stalls and compile a Lungmen food guide!"
Croissant clenched her fist. This would kill two birds with one stone: she could taste all of Lungmen's snacks while also recommending the food here to tourists.
Of course, if the book could be published, she could earn a manuscript fee too.
"Hear, hear!" Bai Ye gave her a thumbs-up, warmly welcoming the girl's decision. "Then this book will start with this scale fish ball stall!"
"Mm, the scale fish ball stall at the entrance to Central Park. You can also look out over the river from here..."
The famous Lungmen Folk Food Guide began here. Later, it became essential reading for every tourist who traveled to Lungmen.
Perhaps many things began in such unguarded moments. As time passed, they became beautiful memories.
But Croissant and Bai Ye did not know any of that yet. They were merely enthusiastically discussing whether the idea was feasible.
"We're all couriers, so we naturally have plenty of chances to run around Lungmen. Looking for food stalls like these while completing commissions would be very convenient."
"Alright, we can discuss this slowly after we get back. We came out to have fun! Besides, we've been standing by this stall for so long that we're getting in the way of their business."
Exusiai patted their shoulders as she spoke, then took the lead and walked ahead.
"Ah, right. Let's go. Goodbye, sir~"
The air around Central Park was exceptionally fresh, perhaps because of the abundance of vegetation.
This was Lungmen's ecological oasis. Building such a park on a mobile city where every inch of land was precious showed that Lungmen's rulers had considerable vision.
At least, Bai Ye rarely found greenery in the mobile cities of Syracuse.
"Even though I knew from the Chapter 6 plot that Wei Yenwu was a real bastard... he really does know how to govern a city."
Bai Ye looked thoughtfully at the tree-lined streets, then caught up with Exusiai and the others.
"Dagu Plaza is up ahead. I hear it's one of the busiest areas in Lungmen."
Croissant looked excitedly at the enormous shopping plaza in the distance. The countless stores and department buildings drew her gaze.
"I heard the whole plaza belongs to one person. I wonder who could be that rich."
Exusiai clicked her tongue. She had looked up some information online before, so she knew a bit about it.
"So Croissant likes shopping?"
Bai Ye asked with a smile.
"Isn't making money for spending? Pretty clothes, delicious food—if you work hard and earn money, you can improve your quality of life."
Croissant clenched her fist, determination shining in her eyes.
"Why don't you go take a look around

The next day, Bai Ye received a phone call that he had never expected in his life.
"Yo, kid. You're free today, right?"
The voice from the terminal was lazily drawn out, like a wildcat yawning on a rooftop. Emperor was calling.
"..." Bai Ye silently reviewed all the fines he had paid over the past year and calmly replied, "I can be free, or I can be busy."
"Don't give me that! Come to the private lounge at the S.W.E.E.P. theater. Bring the girls. There's a job."
The call ended abruptly.
Bai Ye stared at the blank screen of his terminal, feeling a chill run down his spine. A job? From Emperor himself? That meant it was either ridiculously well-paid or ridiculously troublesome.
Half an hour later, Bai Ye, Texas, Exusiai, and Croissant stood in front of a velvet sofa in a VIP lounge. Emperor, wearing his oversized sunglasses and a gold chain that looked far too gaudy to be real, sat on the sofa like a big boss. Behind him stood a projection screen showing a familiar scene from last night's broadcast.
"Big 'Ol Emperor, you're not going to tell me the job is to be an idol, are you?" Exusiai was the first to break the silence, pointing at the screen with a look of exaggerated horror. "I already got chased down three streets by the Notarial Hall. I don't want to be hunted by the entire Laterano Church."
"Relax, it's not that good of a deal for you." Emperor flicked the cigarette in his hand—though Bai Ye noticed the cigarette was unlit. "The job is a VIP escort for the concert venue's logistics."
"Logistics?" Bai Ye instinctively frowned. "Me?"
"That's right, you." Emperor's sunglasses glinted. "That idol girl—Exusiai—her management agency signed a contract with Penguin Logistics to ensure the concert goes off without a hitch. But the original crew got held up halfway through, so I, your dear Boss, thinking of you as my precious 'good workers,' am giving you this easy money."
Bai Ye didn't buy it for a second. "Easy money? This is Emperor we're talking about. If it's easy, then it's definitely got a typhoon brewing behind it."
"Sharp kid." Emperor grinned. "There's a catch. Cute little funny thing. The local gangs in Lungmen heard that the concert is about to be broadcast nationwide. They think it's a good opportunity to make 'some noise,' and they want to 'dominate' the after-concert celebrations."
"Gangs?" Croissant looked confused. "But the Lungmen Guard Department is really strict about public order..."
"Tsk tsk tsk, the Guard Department can't guard the shadows." Emperor waved his hand dismissively. "The target isn't the venue—it's the delivery truck. They want a big score. If they hijack the merchandise truck and spill all the goods out on the plaza when the concert ends, it'll be a mess that goes straight to the headlines."
"...Those gangsters are way too theatrical." Bai Ye sighed. "And the Guard Department?"
"The Guard Department is busy putting on a show of 'robbing and seizing' themselves. That's why they want us to escort the goods." Emperor lit up the cigarette with a flick of his lighter. "So—take it or leave it?"
"Take it." Bai Ye accepted without hesitation.
"Huh? That easy?" Exusiai was stunned.
"Because after the job, we can ask for autographs." Bai Ye tilted his head toward Croissant. "Isn't that right?"
Croissant's cheeks flushed red. She obviously hadn't expected Bai Ye to remember her joke from last night.
"...Thank you, Bai Ye."
Texas, standing nearby, quietly loosened the sword at her waist.
"We start at dusk."

Dusk. Edge of the Dagu Plaza business district.
Bai Ye was driving a box truck. Texas sat in the passenger seat, Exusiai and Croissant were in the back compartment. The truck's interior was filled with neatly stacked boxes, all containing the idol's branded merchandise—T-shirts, postcards, glow sticks, and small ornaments.
"Eh, the goods are all pretty cute..." Exusiai couldn't help opening a box and pulling out a glow stick, waving it around. "Hey, do you think if I stand on the roof and wave this, the fans will mistake me for the idol?"
"Probably they'd mistake you for a clown." Bai Ye's voice came through the intercom.
"Bai Ye! You're hurting my feelings!"
"Quiet." Texas's cold voice rang out. "There's a car tailing us from behind."
The mood in the truck instantly tensed.
Bai Ye glanced at the rearview mirror. Three black vans were following at a distance. Bai Ye recognized them. They weren't marked with any gang insignia, but they all had their windows tinted so dark he couldn't see the people inside.
"Looks like they've been chasing since the warehouse." Bai Ye turned the steering wheel, and the truck smoothly changed lanes. "In about three minutes, we'll cross the pedestrian bridge. If they're going to make a move, they'll do it before we get there."
"So what do we do?" Croissant's voice came through the intercom. "Should we pick up speed?"
"No need." Bai Ye's tone remained calm. "There's a rule when facing violent thugs."
"What rule?" Exusiai asked curiously.
"Beat them up before they can tell you what they want."
The moment Bai Ye finished speaking, the truck suddenly braked sharply. The three vans behind were caught off guard, and the first one, in a panic, slammed into the truck's tailgate with a crash.
The van's front door flew open, revealing a tall, sturdy man covered in tattoos. He raised a wrench and shouted, "You little trash! Why did you stop out of nowhere?!"
"It's fine, I just stopped to teach you a lesson."
Bai Ye opened the driver's door, walking toward the man with unhurried steps. Texas followed behind him, pulling out two long swords. The van's occupants, who had originally been planning to pretend to be in an accident and escalate the conflict before starting a fight, were stunned by the sight.
"Stop him! Cut off his legs!"
The gang's leader shouted, and the van doors opened, with twelve or so men swarming out.
Bai Ye took a deep breath. He raised his hand, gently tapping his ear.
Then he vanished.

Thirty seconds later.
Bai Ye stood in the middle of the street, dusting off his sleeves. The gang members were scattered across the ground, twisting in pain.
"Hey, Bai Ye! You left me none!" Exusiai jumped out of the back of the truck, holding a glow stick, looking at the fallen enemies with regret. "I wanted to work out a little."
"Your specialty is shooting, and we're not in a gunfight." Bai Ye looked her up and down. "Next time, we'll let you take the lead."
"That's more like it."
"Should we call the Guard Department?" Croissant pulled out her terminal.
"No need. We'll leave them for the Guard Department to deal with. They'll be here in about ten minutes." Bai Ye said to the group, "Let's go, keep driving."
The truck started again. This time, there was no more tailing.

Twenty minutes later.
The truck smoothly arrived at the concert venue's backstage dock. The venue's staff received the goods and, after verifying the delivery slips, enthusiastically grabbed the group's hands.
"Thanks so much, you guys, you're really reliable! Since you're here, we'll give you access to the concert as a treat!"
"Uh..." Bai Ye glanced meaningfully at Croissant.
Croissant nervously grabbed the sleeve of Bai Ye's jacket, and her voice was a little flustered. "C-Can I... ahem, could I have the idol's autograph?"
"Of course, no problem!"
A few minutes later.
A girl with golden twin tails, wearing a white and blue idol outfit, appeared backstage. Her name, printed on the concert tickets, was "Exusiai"—the same as the Laterano girl. It sounded like a wonderful coincidence.
The idol girl smiled, holding a signed autograph and a commemorative photo, and handed them to Croissant with a warm attitude.
"Wh-What?! She came in person!" Croissant looked at the idol in front of her, speechless.
"Thank you for protecting the venue today." The idol girl winked at Bai Ye. "If you hadn't been here, I don't know how many people would've gotten hurt."
"It's okay." Bai Ye smiled and shrugged. "It's a simple job."
"But actually..." The idol girl suddenly leaned in, lowering her voice. "There is one thing I'm a little worried about."
"Hm?"
"The man who was chasing the truck earlier—the one with the tattoos—he was a member of the 'Syracuse Underground Boxing Ring.'' A nervous look flickered in the idol girl's eyes. "Before the boxer's ring was destroyed, he was a famous betting manager. I heard that this time around, the 'behind-the-scenes boss' is furious and wants to make a comeback."
The plaza was silent for a moment.
Bai Ye turned and looked into the distance, toward the dark buildings in the night sky, and let out a faint sigh.
"So, although you got rid of the little fish this time, they're probably still going to come after you later..."
"Don't worry." Bai Ye smiled. "If they come to me, they'll just end up the same way."
"Ha, you're pretty confident." The idol girl took two steps back, waved her hand, and said, "You take care of it, deliver the goods well, and I'll sing a song for you."

Half an hour later, inside the concert hall.
The whole arena was packed, the lights shifting, and the opening song was blasting through the speakers. Bai Ye sat in the back row of the VIP area, holding a bottle of water.
Texas, sitting beside him, took a sip of her drink and said, "You're smiling, what are you happy about?"
"I just thought of something funny." Bai Ye looked at the stage. "Doesn't it feel strange?"
"What?"
"That I, a man who was

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Ye is managing inventory at a Penguin Logistics safehouse, which is currently being used as a warehouse.
• Penguin Logistics' reputation has grown in Lungmen, handling various commissions like transporting goods, intelligence, and money.
• Bai Ye has become familiar with the Lungmen Guard Department due to monthly fines for Penguin Logistics' actions.
• Bai Ye is alone at the base, sorting goods and enjoying the solitude while listening to jazz from an old record player.
• Is calls Bai Ye to inform him that his machine pistol and ammunition have arrived at his dormitory.
• Bai Ye learns about an upcoming gathering at the End of the Earth Bar, where Emperor has a new commission.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye has adapted to Penguin Logistics' rhythm and has become more familiar with the Guard Department.
• Is is shown to be a hardworking and skilled employee, handling various tasks for Penguin Logistics.

Significant Themes

• The theme of adapting to new environments and routines is shown through Bai Ye's experience with Penguin Logistics.
• The theme of loyalty and camaraderie is hinted at with the mention of upcoming gatherings and shared experiences.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye interacts with Is through a call, where they discuss Bai Ye's recent purchase and plans for a gathering.
• Bai Ye's thoughts and actions reveal his enjoyment of solitude and his appreciation for the base's amenities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Bai Ye and the team gather at the End of the Earth Bar in the evening.
• Emperor reveals a new commission: escorting an idol team, including Exusiai, to Victoria for a performance.
• The team accepts the commission, expressing excitement and curiosity about Victoria.

Character Developments

• Bai Ye shows concern about the potential impact of their presence in Victoria.
• Exusiai reveals she can cook, making apple pie for the team.
• Emperor shares the backstory of the bar's previous owner.

Significant Themes

• Team dynamics and camaraderie.
• The team's adaptability and willingness to take on diverse commissions.
• The allure of new experiences and places.

Character Interactions

• Bai Ye and Exusiai share a light-hearted moment about Laterano desserts.
• Emperor and Texas discuss the commission's details.
• Croissant expresses excitement about meeting Exusiai and going to Victoria.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The chapter introduces a music company's convoy preparing to travel from Lungmen to Londinium, Victoria.
• The convoy includes a bus and several smaller vehicles, with idols Shirley and Exusiai, and manager Nicole on board.
• Penguin Logistics, a courier company, is hired for security, with their team including Texas, Croissant, Bai Ye, and an unnamed fourth member.
• Nicole meets the Penguin Logistics team and hands over the security duties to them.

Character Developments

• Nicole: She is a capable and experienced manager, with a keen eye for talent. She is impressed by the appearance and aura of the Penguin Logistics team.
• Texas: She is professional and reserved, focusing on the task at hand. She doesn't engage in small talk or try to appear cool.
• Bai Ye: He uses divine magic for divination and predicts that the mission won't go smoothly.

Significant Themes

• Professionalism: Both Nicole and the Penguin Logistics team emphasize the importance of leaving professional matters to professionals.
• First Impressions: Nicole's initial impression of the Penguin Logistics team is based on their appearances and auras, highlighting the importance of first impressions.

Character Interactions

• Nicole and Texas: They exchange pleasantries and complete the handover procedures, with Nicole admiring Texas's professionalism and cool demeanor.
• Texas, Croissant, Bai Ye, and Exusiai: They interact casually, with Croissant admiring Texas's coolness, Bai Ye sharing his divination results, and Exusiai teasing Bai Ye about being mistaken for a girl.
• Shirley and Exusiai: Shirley looks at Exusiai with a complicated gaze, hinting at some underlying tension or competition between the two idols.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Exusiai, a new courier, finds a long-distance journey boring and tiresome.
• Texas, Bai Ye, Exusiai, and Croissant are traveling through a desert on a delivery mission.
• Bai Ye tells a story about Hobbits from "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien to pass the time.
• The group sets up camp for the night in a desolate wilderness.

Character Developments

• Exusiai shows her inexperience and impatience, contrasting with the seasoned couriers.
• Bai Ye demonstrates his adaptability and storytelling skills, entertaining the group.
• Texas reveals her preference for simple food and her curiosity about Bai Ye's past.

Significant Themes

• The monotony and challenges of long-distance travel.
• The importance of storytelling and entertainment in overcoming boredom.
• The contrast between the group's current luxurious camping setup and their past experiences.

Character Interactions

• Exusiai interacts with Bai Ye and Texas, showing her eagerness and immaturity.
• Bai Ye and Texas share a moment of reflection on their past experiences.
• Croissant is mostly silent but actively participates in setting up camp and preparing food.