Ark Simulator, Aren't I Incorporeal?

The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the stained glass windows of the bar, casting dappled light and shadow on the wooden bar counter. Quill tiptoed, its fingertips lightly brushing the neck of the bottle of aged tequila on the top shelf of the liquor rack.

Do you need any help?

Su Rui's voice suddenly rang in her ears, and the tip of the Quill instantly turned a pale pink. She withdrew her hand and shook her head. "No, no need, I usually use a small ladder..."

She turned and pulled out an exquisitely crafted folding stool from under the counter, its legs carved with feather patterns. Su Rui noticed that the height of the stool's four legs had been carefully adjusted so that she could easily reach the top bottle of wine.

"Made by yourself?"

"Hmm, hmm." Quill knelt on the stool and took the wine bottle, her voice becoming lighter. "It's... it can be adjusted in height, and it can also be used as a weapon stand..." She pointed to a hidden clip at the bottom of the stool, "The sickle handle fits perfectly here."

As Su Rui took the bottle, his fingertips touched an unnatural dent in the bottle—a mark left by a sharp object. Following his gaze, the Quill suddenly whispered, "Last... last month, a few drunkards caused trouble..."

She didn't finish speaking, but Su Rui could already imagine the scene of this seemingly frail girl wielding a sickle and driving the troublemakers out of the bar.

The cocktail shaker traced a gleaming silver arc in her Quill hand. Amid the crisp clinking of ice cubes, she poured 45ml of tequila into a shaker, then added freshly squeezed lime juice and a dash of elderflower syrup.

"Dossoles blend." She poured the pale blue liquid into a margarita glass, its rim adorned with a peculiar rim of fine salt and chili powder. "Call it, call it ' Tidal Warning '."

Su Rui took a sip; the fiery tequila and the tartness of lime exploded on her tongue, followed by the sweet scent of elderflower. Just like the city of Dossoles —beneath its glittering facade lurked an undercurrent of crisis.

"Has the security deteriorated lately?" He swirled his glass, salt and chili powder leaving streaks like shooting stars on the glass.

Quill was using a blowtorch to heat the Rosmontis on the rim of a cup, and her voice became clearer through the swirling smoke. "The mercenaries from Bolivar have tripled in number, the Syracuse family has carved out new territory in the dock area..." She suddenly lowered her voice, "And... and there are people inquiring about the whereabouts of Rhodes Island operators."

Su Rui's wine glass stopped in mid-air.

Do you know who it is?

Quill shook his head and pulled a leather notebook from under the counter. The pages were covered with clippings and hand-drawn maps; on one page, several coordinates were circled in red. "They... they communicate using Leithanien's encrypted frequency band, but their accent is from northern Victoria..."

Volume 11, page 655: The Sugared Coffee Machine in the Medical Department

Su Rui suddenly realized that this unassuming little bar was probably one of Dossoles' most dangerous intelligence hubs.

A gramophone next to the piano played a Bolivar folk song. Quill sat on a high stool, its legs dangling and gently swinging, while a sickle leaned against the piano, its metallic sheen gleaming in the twilight.

"How... how has your mother been lately?" she asked suddenly, her finger tracing the feather pattern on the coaster. "When the Doctor came to Dossoles last time, he... he fixed my automatic cocktail machine..."

Su Rui smiled, "She always says your talent is underestimated."

The tip of the Quill turned red again. She lowered her head and sipped her pomegranate juice, then suddenly muttered softly, "Actually, I modified Rhodes Island's coffee machine..."

"Did they connect the espresso button in the Medical Department to a syrup pump?"

"How... how did you know?!"

"Dr. Kal'tsit was very unhappy about this and quickly canceled it," Su Rui chuckled, swirling her wine glass. "She said too much sugar is bad for your health."

The two burst into laughter. As dusk deepened, the bar's automatic lighting system quietly turned on, casting their warm yellow shadows onto the wall plastered with wanted posters, creating a strange contrast with the menacing photos.

As the third glass of wine was finished, Su Rui casually asked, "Have you considered officially joining Rhodes Island?"

The hand that was wiping the wine glass with Quill suddenly stopped. The glass reflected her slightly widened, pale purple eyes. "I... I'm just a part-time intelligence agent..."

"We need informants who can operate freely in Dossoles," Su Rui said, pointing to a page in her notebook. "For example, this intelligence report about Originium is ten times more detailed than anything we've gathered from our investigation."

The Quill tip unconsciously traced circles on the bar counter. "But... but the bar..."

"You can keep it." Su Rui took a metal badge from his pocket and pushed it in front of her. "Head of Rhodes Island's Dossoles office—the title's a bit long, but the salary's enough for you to buy ten more top-of-the-line coffee machines."

The badge gleamed coldly under the light, with the Rhodes Island triangular emblem engraved in the center, but with an extra ring of feather-like patterns around the edge—clearly a custom-made design.

The Quill stared at the badge for a long time, so long that Su Rui thought she was going to refuse. Suddenly, she reached out and pressed the badge, her voice soft but firm. "There's... there's a condition."

"Um?"

"We need to install an automatic cocktail system in the Doctor's office!"

Su Rui laughed out loud, raised his glass to clink with hers. "Deal."

It was late at night. Quill locked the bar door and turned around to find Su Rui looking up at the moon over Dossoles. The moonlight outlined the contours of his face and illuminated the employment contract he had just signed in his hand.

"Tomorrow... I'll start work?" she asked softly, her fingers tightly gripping the newly acquired badge.

Su Rui wrote a letter of recommendation and handed it to Quill, since he might not be able to go back with her.

Su Rui watched as the Quill intently read the recommendation letter, his fingertips unconsciously tapping lightly on the bar counter. He knew, of course, that he had no authority to make decisions for the Doctor — Rhodes Island's personnel appointments were always overseen by the Doctor himself, and even Dr. Kal'tsit could only offer suggestions.

(But she is absolutely worth the price.)

The thought was crystal clear in Su Rui's mind. The dense markings in the Quill notebook, the ingenious equipment she had modified, even the precise milliliter-level control of dosage while mixing drinks—all these details flashed before his eyes. He remembered what the Doctor had once said, "True talent, like Originium Arts, needs the right container to reach its full potential."

(not to mention...)

Su Rui's gaze swept over the seemingly casually posted wanted posters on the bar's wall. Each one was marked with secret symbols that only insiders could decipher—the area of operation, the usual methods, and even a few marked with red circles indicating "suspected connection with Rhodes Island's hostile forces." This was no ordinary tavern; it was clearly Dossoles' most dangerous intelligence exchange station.

(This intelligence network alone is worth three times the salary)

His gaze fell again on the Quill was wiping. The light reflected from the bottom of the glass reminded him of the battle report he received last week—a remnant of the Reunion Movement attempted to plant Originium Bomb in the port of Dossoles, but was wiped out by the local police before the operation even began. Now that he thought about it, this "little bar" was probably involved.

The bar's doorbell rang crisply.

Su Rui and Quill were sitting at the bar, chatting quietly about some interesting things that happened in Rhodes Island. Quill held a Gin and Tonic, the lime slice in the glass swaying gently with her movements, occasionally chuckling softly at Su Rui's words. Su Rui, on the other hand, slowly swirled her Mojito, the refreshing aroma of mint mingling with the richness of rum, the ice cubes gently clinking against the glass.

However, the moment the doorbell rang, Quill's ears twitched sharply, and her body tensed instinctively for a moment. Su Rui noticed her reaction, slightly turning her head to follow her gaze towards the door—

Chen Hui-chieh, Hoshiguma, and Swire.

Three people stood at the doorway, each with a different expression.

Chen Hui-chieh crossed her arms, the tassel of the Chixiao sword swaying gently with her movements. Her dragon eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze sweeping between Su Rui and the Quill before finally settling on the wine glass in Su Rui's hand.

Hoshiguma, on the other hand, looked quite interested, her green eyes gleaming mischievously, a playful smile on her lips, "Hey, Su Rui, hiding here drinking?"

Swire's golden tail flicked gently, and her high heels clicked crisply on the floor. "I knew it, he was definitely here."

Quill's face flushed instantly, and his fingers unconsciously tightened around his wine glass. "Commander Chen! Miss Hoshiguma! And, and Miss Swire!"

Su Rui remained calm, only letting out a soft sigh, "How did you find this place?"

Chen Hui-chieh walked to the bar, pulled out a high stool, and sat down. Her tone was calm. "We've done some research on the Quill bar before."

Hoshiguma laughed Hoshiguma and patted her on the shoulder, "Just kidding! Actually, Old Chen followed the smell of alcohol here."

Chen Hui-chieh gave her a cold glance. "..."

Swire had already moved closer to Quill, smiling as she looked her over, "Not bad, this store has a nice style." She reached out and poked Quill's cheek, "Why are you so red? Did Su Rui bully you?"

"No, no!" The Quill shook its head frantically, almost slipping off the stool.

Su Rui smiled helplessly and reached out to help her up, "Don't scare her."

Chen Hui-chieh gave a soft hum and said to the Quill, "Make him a Tequila Sunrise."

Volume 11, Chapter 656: What is this? (Squeeze it)

The Quill blinked. "Dragon, Tequila Sunrise?"

"It's just orange juice mixed with tequila, and a little grenadine syrup." Hoshiguma grinned. "Old Chen wants to see him drunk."

Su Rui raised an eyebrow. "... Did I offend you?"

Chen Hui-chieh glanced at him indifferently. "You came out alone and ignored us, doesn't that count?"

The Quill's face turned even redder. "I... I didn't..."

Swire, already quite familiar with the place, went around behind the bar and browsed the liquor shelves. "Come on, I'll have one too— Quill. Do you know how to mix Singapore Sling?"

The Quill nodded hurriedly, "Yes, yes!"

Hoshiguma raised his hand. "I want Whiskey Sour, with double bourbon!"

Looking at the bar that had suddenly become lively, Su Rui rubbed her temples helplessly. "... So, what exactly are you guys here for?"

Chen Hui-chieh picked up the wine she had just mixed with her Quill, took a small sip, and Long Tong narrowed his eyes slightly. "Come and drink."

Hoshiguma took a hearty gulp and exhaled contentedly. "And while I'm at it, let's see if you've been bullying our Quill."

"I... I'm not..." the Quill protested softly, but its voice was quickly drowned out by Swire and Hoshiguma's laughter.

Looking at the scene before her, Su Rui suddenly felt—

That's not bad either.

The bar lights were warm, the ice in the glasses was slowly melting, and everyone around me... was still there.

The bar lights softened and dimmed under the influence of alcohol. Su Rui rested his chin on his hand, his fingertips lightly tapping the empty Mojito glass; the coolness of the mint had long been replaced by the warmth of the alcohol. His gaze was more relaxed than usual, his amber eyes like honey soaked in warm water, carrying a hint of languid intoxication.

"Su Rui, you're already done?" Hoshiguma grinned, her green eyes gleaming mischievously. She reached out and poked Su Rui's cheek, her fingertips brushing against his slightly flushed skin. "Only a few drinks, huh?"

Su Rui gave a soft "hmm," lazily tilting his head, strands of hair falling across his forehead, partially obscuring his vision. He tried to argue, but the alcohol had sluggish his thinking, and in the end, he only mumbled, "... Not drunk."

"Who are you trying to fool?" Swire's golden tail swished happily as she moved closer to Su Rui, gently lifting his chin with her fingers. "Your face is all red, and you're still being stubborn?"

Su Rui blinked, her vision slightly unfocused, but a smile unconsciously crept onto her lips, "... You did this on purpose?"

"Who knows?" Hoshiguma chuckled, pulling him up from the bar stool. Caught off guard, Su Rui fell into her arms, his back pressed against her firm chest. Her body temperature was higher than usual, mixed with a faint scent of alcohol and leather, leaving him momentarily dazed.

"Hoshiguma..." He called her name subconsciously, his voice softer than usual, with a hint of helpless amusement.

"Hmm?" Hoshiguma's voice was deep, with a lazy huskiness, but her arms tightened around him. "What, you don't like it?"

Before Su Rui could answer, Swire leaned closer, gently playing with his hair with her fingertips, her tone laced with a mischievous laugh, "Hoshiguma, don't hog him all to yourself."

Hoshiguma raised an eyebrow, not only not letting go, but deliberately pulling Su Rui closer to her. "First come, first served, don't you know the rules?"

Su Rui was sandwiched between them, and under the influence of alcohol, she was too lazy to even struggle. She simply let herself lean against Hoshiguma, her eyes half-closed, like a cat that had been stroked and felt comfortable.

Chen Hui-chieh sat opposite, resting her chin on her hand, while Chi Chixiao leaned against the table, his long eyes slightly narrowed as he quietly watched their antics. Her fingertips lightly tapped her wine glass, which still held half a bottle of Tequila Sunrise, the orange-red liquid shimmering under the light.

"... Inspector Chen isn't joining?" Hoshiguma looked at her with a wicked grin.

Chen Hui-chieh gave a light snort, her gaze sweeping over Su Rui's slightly tipsy face before shifting away indifferently. "I have no interest in taking advantage of someone in distress."

"Really?" Swire an eyebrow, the tip of her tail lightly brushing against the back of Su Rui's hand. "Then why were you staring at him?"

Chen Hui-chieh didn't answer, but simply picked up her wine glass and took a sip, though the tips of her ears turned a subtle red for a moment.

Su Rui chuckled softly, his voice more languid than usual from the alcohol. "... Did you two plan this?"

"Who knows?" Hoshiguma gently pinched his earlobe with her fingertips, her tone tinged with a wicked pleasure. "Anyway, you can't escape now."

Su Rui closed his eyes helplessly, letting them do as they pleased. The warmth of the alcohol, Hoshiguma's body temperature, Swire's touch, and Chen Hui-chieh's barely perceptible gaze—all of this gave him a strange sense of security.

... Well, it's not so bad to do this once in a while.

Just then, the Quill cautiously approached, its pale purple eyes glistening with tears, its fingers nervously twisting together. Looking at Su Rui's slightly tipsy appearance, her cheeks flushed, it seemed she had mustered all her courage before timidly extending her hand—

"Chirp."

She gently pinched Su Rui's cheek with her fingertips; the touch was soft and warm.

"Ah..." The Quill seemed startled by its own boldness, immediately withdrawing its hand, its ear tips turning almost red. "I-I'm sorry!"

Su Rui paused for a moment, then chuckled softly, her voice slightly hoarse and languid from the alcohol. "... Quill?"

"I... I didn't mean to!" she stammered, waving her hands and nearly knocking over the bar glass. "I just... I just thought... your face looks so pinchable..."

Hoshiguma and Swire exchanged a glance and burst out laughing at the same time.

"Oh dear, even the Quill has gone astray?" Swire narrowed her eyes mischievously, her tail wagging happily.

"No, no!" Quill's eyes welled up with tears, and he practically shrank into his oversized uniform jacket. "I... I just..."

"Not bad." Hoshiguma grinned, his fangs flashing mischievously. "Want to try again?"

The tip of the Quill shook like a rattle drum, its silvery-white bristles twitching under the light.

Seeing her flustered state, Su Rui couldn't help but laugh again. The alcohol had slowed his thinking, but his mood was inexplicably cheerful. He lazily reached out and gently ruffled the top of the Quill's hair. "... It's okay."

The Quill's eyes lit up instantly, as if it had received the best praise in the world.

Watching this scene, Chen Hui-chieh's lips curled up almost imperceptibly, then quickly disappeared. She picked up her glass, downed the rest of her Tequila Sunrise in one gulp, her Adam's apple bobbing before she spoke softly, "... Don't go overboard."

Hoshiguma grinned mischievously and pulled Su Rui closer to him, saying, "Old Chen, that sounds a bit sour."

Volume 11, Chapter 657: What is your relationship?

Su Rui's gaze inadvertently swept over Chen Hui-chieh looking at her phone; she didn't need to look directly at Su Rui to know what was on Chen's phone.

His pupils contracted slightly— Lady Wenyue's image was prominently displayed in the notification bar, and the keywords "Wei Yenwu" and "Candela" were particularly eye-catching in the message preview.