The Photo Studio was screening its customers.
Throughout his visit, Shen Ru had shown no desire beyond an offhand complaint that he was not entirely satisfied with his looks. He had displayed no urgent need to change reality.
In fact, most customers here were the same.
But that was what made it so terrifying.
The reason they paid a fortune to seek out professional photographers and photo editors was to look more handsome or beautiful while retaining a basis in reality.
That thought, something everyone had, was the first budding of desire. Some players could regard it rationally and weigh their options to find the best solution, but others went to extremes.
Meng Yu, for example.
That did not matter. What mattered was that Shen Ru had to put his greed on full display.
Fortunately, that was what he did best.
Meng Yu did not reveal everything just because of a few words from Shen Ru. She even leaned back slightly, making sure they were a safe distance apart before offering gentle reassurance:
"Thank you for the compliment. Your features are very well-proportioned too, sir. Photographs merely magnify our flaws. The portrait they capture does not necessarily reflect how you truly look."
Shen Ru gave no response. Compared with his earlier appreciative gaze, his eyes now held greater greed and audacity. His gaze seemed to become a sharp, curved blade, tracing Meng Yu's cheeks and the contours of her face, ready to tear off that enviable skin in the next instant.
"Your words still don't move me as much as your face."
"Sharing selflessly would make you even more beautiful."
"My lovely lady."
People grew angry over loss and jealous over longing.
They adapted well to this vile, absurd world, only to be battered and bruised by greed and lies.