Jan 14, 2024
—
by
Juno
in Fight for Peace and Love
TN: This arc is spin-off of My Five Elements Lack You which is also one of my favorite novels. Recommend reading it.
………..
Having completed Task with A, Bai Luoluo was granted a three-month vacation. The higher the task rating, the longer the vacation, and he wondered if achieving an S-level rating would lead to a half-year break.
During the break, Bai Luoluo became quite laid-back. He stopped waking up early, slept in until he naturally awoke, and casually prepared something to eat after getting up.
When Bai Luoluo’s mother asked when he would return, he casually mentioned it would be in a few days, wanting to take it easy for a bit.
After all, it was a business trip to another world, and he had experienced a lot. Upon returning, Bai Luoluo needed to adjust his mindset and adapt to life in the real world.
Originally planning to spend a few days sleeping at home, Qin Baichuan started inviting him to go out.
The day after Bai Luoluo fell asleep, he woke up to find it was already the next day, and Qin Baichuan was nowhere to be found. Bai Luoluo called Qin Baichuan, apologizing for drinking too much and passing out.
Qin Baichuan replied, “It’s okay. Don’t drink often, do you?”
Bai Luoluo said, “Not really.” Indeed, as a civil servant, he rarely had the opportunity to drink, except for occasional gatherings with colleagues.
Qin Baichuan asked, “Free to hang out?”
Bai Luoluo, still nursing a hangover, asked, “Where to?”
Qin Baichuan casually suggested a place, and Bai Luoluo agreed, asking when they should go.
Qin Baichuan said, “I’ll pick you up tonight.”
Bai Luoluo agreed.
The place Qin Baichuan chose for their meeting was a cozy bar with a pleasant atmosphere, where one could read, listen to music, chat, and enjoy the company of several chubby cats.
Bai Luoluo liked animals, and they seemed to like him back. One particularly aloof cat circled him a few times and then haughtily jumped onto his lap, settling down.
Observing this, Qin Baichuan remarked, “Didn’t expect you to be so popular with animals. Do you have any pets?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “In my childhood, we had a big dog. But it got into an accident, and we never had one again.”
Qin Baichuan, with a thoughtful expression, said after a moment, “Oh, I remember that dog. Wasn’t it black and yellow, named Corn?”
Bai Luoluo exclaimed, “You still remember?”
Qin Baichuan said, “I do. Didn’t you bring it to kindergarten once?” It scared quite a few children and earned them a scolding from the teacher.
They reminisced about their childhood, and Bai Luoluo realized that Qin Baichuan had an excellent memory. He remembered every detail Bai Luoluo recalled and could even add more.
Impressed, Bai Luoluo said, “You’re really amazing. You remember all these things so clearly.”
Qin Baichuan smiled, saying, “Remembering everything so vividly isn’t always a good thing.”
Bai Luoluo thought Qin Baichuan was just being modest.
Talking about their childhood created a sense of closeness between the two, even though they hadn’t known each other for too long. Despite the relatively short time spent with Qin Baichuan, Bai Luoluo could still sense that he was an outstanding individual. His speech, behavior, and interactions were all well-balanced, making others feel neither too close nor too distant. Dealing with someone like him was comfortable, and perhaps this was why Bai Luoluo had agreed to travel with Qin Baichuan earlier.
Starting from that evening, Qin Baichuan began frequently inviting Bai Luoluo to hang out. It was evident that Qin Baichuan had a rich and fulfilling personal life, coupled with excellent family conditions. The first time he invited Bai Luoluo to go horseback riding at a friend’s stable, Bai Luoluo hesitated.
Qin Baichuan chuckled, saying, “It’s not my stable; it belongs to a friend. I helped him out before and got a membership card. Seeing that the weather has cooled down recently, I thought of inviting you. If you’re not interested, it’s fine.”
After some thought, Bai Luoluo agreed to go.
Upon arrival, there weren’t many people at the stable. Qin Baichuan personally selected a horse for Bai Luoluo and handed him a set of professional equipment to put on.
After changing, Qin Baichuan complimented with a playful smile, “You have a good figure. I thought those who work in offices don’t exercise much.”
Bai Luoluo replied, “I quite enjoy playing basketball.”
Qin Baichuan said, “Oh, we should play a game when we have the time.” His gaze briefly lingered on Bai Luoluo’s slender legs accentuated by the riding pants before moving away.
Once inside the stable, Qin Baichuan began personally guiding Bai Luoluo on horseback.
As a novice, Bai Luoluo felt nervous, stiffening up like a piece of wood on the horse, afraid to make any movements.
Seeing sweat forming on Bai Luoluo’s nose, Qin Baichuan reassured, “Don’t be afraid. This white horse is the most gentle here, perfect for beginners. Take it slow, don’t be nervous; I’m here.”
Bai Luoluo nodded. The horse beneath him was a beautiful white stallion, well-groomed with glossy fur and a sleek mane. It remained calm throughout, displaying a steady temperament.
Qin Baichuan said, “Feeling better now?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “Yes… a bit.”
Qin Baichuan observed Bai Luoluo’s situation and said, “Don’t be afraid; I’ll lead the horse. Let me take you for a walk.” With that, he picked up the reins of the white horse and began walking with Bai Luoluo towards the edge of the arena.
The equestrian field on the outskirts was vast, indicating it was quite expensive. Bai Luoluo, being from a working-class background, naturally had not encountered such places before.
On the other hand, Qin Baichuan seemed very familiar with these surroundings.
After a lap around the field, Bai Luoluo finally felt at ease and began to trot on the horse himself. Qin Baichuan also mounted a horse and followed behind Bai Luoluo.
The two spent the day at the equestrian field, and later, Bai Luoluo treated Qin Baichuan to dinner before parting ways.
As they parted, Qin Baichuan invited Bai Luoluo to come out again in a couple of days, suggesting they try shooting guns.
Like many men, Bai Luoluo also had an interest in firearms. Excited by Qin Baichuan’s invitation, he readily agreed. With few friends, the prospect of becoming friends with Qin Baichuan seemed like a great opportunity.
Qin Baichuan watched as Bai Luoluo slowly ascended the stairs, lighting a cigarette. He observed the orange glow of Bai Luoluo’s living quarters.
Squinting slightly, Qin Baichuan revealed a faint smile.
However, at that moment, his phone suddenly rang. Qin Baichuan checked the number and answered.
“What’s the matter?” His tone was now cold and intimidating, lacking the gentleness he displayed in front of Bai Luoluo. He extinguished his cigarette, sitting nonchalantly in the car, and said, “I’m outside.”
“I don’t know.” Qin Baichuan’s tone remained icy. If Bai Luoluo had seen him at this moment, he would have been startled by his expression. Qin Baichuan continued, “Is there anything else? If not, I’m hanging up.”
On the other end of the call, something was said, prompting Qin Baichuan to press the end call button directly.
His mood was affected by the call, but before leaving, he glanced once more in the direction of Bai Luoluo’s place, and his expression instantly softened.
During the three-month vacation, Bai Luoluo only stayed at home for a week. The rest of the time, he was with Qin Baichuan.
Qin Baichuan invited Bai Luoluo to various activities, all of which were interesting. He seemed to be well-acquainted with all the entertainment options in the vicinity, leaving nothing unfamiliar.
Curiosity got the better of Bai Luoluo, and he finally asked Qin Baichuan about his occupation.
Qin Baichuan said, “Well, I haven’t started working yet. Do you want to introduce me to a job?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “Don’t joke with me.”
Qin Baichuan said, “I’m not joking. I really don’t have a job right now.” He briefly explained that he had quit all his jobs and was currently just enjoying his time.
Bai Luoluo sighed, “Ah, that sounds nice.”
Qin Baichuan said, “Does it? It’s okay.” He did want to work, but his family members opposed it. His mother, in particular, constantly shed tears, acting as if he had a terminal illness and should be enjoying life. Qin Baichuan found it troublesome and decided to comply with their wishes.
Bai Luoluo chuckled, “My dream is just like yours. Earn enough money, travel around, marry a wife…”
Upon hearing Bai Luoluo’s words, Qin Baichuan’s eyes paused for a moment. He asked, “What kind of girl do you like?”
Bai Luoluo was about to describe his ideal type when a blurry face flashed in his mind, bearing a striking resemblance to Xue Hui. However, this feeling was fleeting and quickly dissipated. Bai Luoluo hesitated for a moment and then said, “Gentle and good-natured, I suppose.”
Qin Baichuan responded, “Oh, I see.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “How about you? What kind of person do you like?”
After some thought, Qin Baichuan slowly replied, “I probably haven’t liked anyone before.”
If someone else had said this, Bai Luoluo might have thought they were being coy, but from Qin Baichuan, it sounded genuinely natural. Bai Luoluo felt that Qin Baichuan was truly expressing his thoughts.
Qin Baichuan continued, “But now, I’m trying to like someone.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “How does it feel?”
Qin Baichuan’s lips curled up slightly, “Not bad.”
Some say that if it weren’t for desires and reproduction, most men would choose to live with other men. During the time spent with Qin Baichuan, Bai Luoluo deeply felt this sentiment.
Being with Qin Baichuan was incredibly comfortable, so much so that Bai Luoluo felt a bit lost in it. Their understanding of each other was almost telepathic. It reached a point where Bai Luoluo would start a sentence, and Qin Baichuan effortlessly completed the next one.
The harmonious feeling between them was truly pleasant. By the time the next mission approached, Bai Luoluo found it hard to part.
“Another business trip?” They sat in a bar with beautifully crafted martinis in front of them. Qin Baichuan asked, taking an olive off the glass and chewing on it slowly. He inquired, “How long will you be gone this time?”
“About ten days,” Bai Luoluo replied. “I’m not sure.” According to the usual flow of tasks, it should be around ten days, but Bai Luoluo couldn’t be certain. What if something unexpected happened?
Qin Baichuan said, “Alright, go ahead. I’ll wait for you.” After saying this, he smiled gently and added, “Come back soon.”
Bai Luoluo’s heart trembled suddenly. For a moment, he inexplicably saw another person’s shadow on Qin Baichuan. However, he quickly realized it was just his imagination. After all, that person only existed in the world of tasks.
“Yeah, I will,” Bai Luoluo said. “Wait for me to come back.”
Qin Baichuan nodded.
As an employee who received the rare “A” rating, even if Bai Luoluo was a bit slow, he could see the importance his superiors placed on him.
Before entering the recuperation chamber, his leaders repeatedly inquired about his condition, mentioning that if he hadn’t adjusted, they could grant him more time off.
Bai Luoluo declined their kindness, stating that he felt fine. After a few days of preparation, he once again lay down in the hibernation chamber.
Nutrient fluid flowed into the chamber through the pipes, and Bai Luoluo’s head began to feel heavy as a profound drowsiness swept over him.
The mechanical voice of the system echoed, awakening Bai Luoluo from his drowsiness.
However, when Bai Luoluo opened his eyes, he was still surrounded by darkness. Hesitating, he asked, “System, am I awake?”
“You’re awake,” the system’s voice was somewhat icy as it said, “Hello, I am the 173 System.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “Do you know 1472?”
“I know him. What’s the matter? Do you want to file a complaint against him?” the system replied.
“Oh no,” Bai Luoluo said, “I was just asking casually.”
The system remarked, “Oh, I always say 1472 is an excellent system. He probably won’t be complained about.”
Bai Luoluo found the statement a bit strange, but he didn’t dwell on it. The system had already begun asking if he wanted to receive the information of this world line.
“Receive,” Bai Luoluo said.
Memories quickly flooded into Bai Luoluo’s mind.
It must be said that Bai Luoluo, as a veteran who had experienced many worlds, was still startled by the memories. The person he took over had almost met a tragic end as soon as they came into contact with the mission target. They then witnessed the entire story in a soul-like state.
The mission target’s name was Lin Zhoumian, a blind person. Despite his blindness, Lin Zhoumian was much more formidable than the average person. He seemed to perceive things that ordinary people couldn’t see and had deep knowledge of matters related to Yin and Yang.
The person Bai Luoluo possessed was named Zhou Zhizhi, also someone involved in these matters, but the biggest difference between him and Lin Zhoumian was that Lin had genuine abilities, while he was an imposter.
Due to offending someone, Zhou Zhizhi was captured and brought before Lin Zhoumian.
Lin Zhoumian pointed to the empty space in front of him and asked Zhou Zhizhi a question, saying, “What is this?”
Zhou Zhizhi, unable to see anything, stammered and said it was the floor.
Lin Zhoumian casually waved his hand and said, “Take him down.”
Because of these words, Zhou Zhizhi lost his life directly. Surprisingly, after losing his life, he didn’t undergo reincarnation but became a wandering ghost in the mortal world, unable to leave within a hundred feet of Lin Zhoumian.
What was even more terrifying was that, in the eyes of the ghost Zhou Zhizhi, Lin Zhoumian seemed like a scorching hot sun, burning him to the point of nearly melting. Unfortunately, he couldn’t escape or break free, enduring the torment day and night until Lin Zhoumian encountered an unexpected event.
After death, Zhou Zhizhi finally understood that there were certain things he shouldn’t have touched. Unfortunately, the disaster had already happened, and it was too late for everything.
Bai Luoluo felt a bit confused witnessing such a plot. After all, he was a successor of socialism, with materialism engraved in his heart. Supernatural beings and ghosts were like passing clouds to him.
So, Bai Luoluo brought up this question to the system.
After hearing it, the system remained silent for a moment and then said in a complex tone, “You are the first one to ask me this. While others panic about why the plot is like this, you ask such a soul-stirring question.”
“Perhaps science hasn’t developed to that extent yet,” the system continued, “It’s somewhat similar to how people in the past, when seeing a lunar eclipse, thought it was a celestial dog eating the moon, causing panic. Later, as science developed, they realized it was just a natural phenomenon. Maybe, with another technological explosion, humanity will discover that the existence of souls can also be explained scientifically?”
Bai Luoluo said, “Wow, what you said makes a lot of sense.”
Just as he finished speaking, several people pushed open the door of the small dark room and dragged him, tightly bound, out of the room. In a certain sense, this scene was somewhat reminiscent of a previous world.
Bai Luoluo’s hands and feet were securely tied, resembling a rice dumpling as they threw him in front of the mission target, Lin Zhoumian.
Lin Zhoumian sat on a yellow wooden chair in front of Bai Luoluo, eyes closed. He calmly opened his mouth, “Is he the one?”
“Yes, Lord Lin,” one of the people said, “It’s him.”
Then, Bai Luoluo watched as Lin Zhoumian pointed to the ground in front of him and spoke the exact words the system had given him in his memories. Lin Zhoumian asked, “What is this?”
Bai Luoluo lowered his head and saw the rosewood floor.
Bai Luoluo: “… What the heck is he saying?”
System: “Just wait, I’ll give you a cheat code.”
As the system spoke, something appeared in front of Bai Luoluo. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but upon closer inspection, he realized it wasn’t his eyesight failing but rather the peculiar nature of this thing. He exclaimed, “Is this a mosaic?!”
Indeed, on the floor in front of Bai Luoluo, something seemed to be moving. Unfortunately, Bai Luoluo, a staunch materialist successor of socialism, couldn’t see anything supernatural.
The system remained silent for three seconds. Bai Luoluo somehow sensed a hint of despair in its tone. He said, “This thing is too bloody to be pixelated.”
Bai Luoluo: “(⊙v⊙).” So, does this mean he needs to log out immediately after arriving here?
Fortunately, the system came up with a clever solution, saying, “No worries, I can see it. You tell him it’s a yellow weasel.”
Bai Luoluo said, “It’s a person.”
Lin Zhoumian tapped the table with his fingers and continued, “What color is the weasel?”
The system continued to guide Bai Luoluo, saying, “It’s brown, and its tail is even broken… I can’t see it very clearly either. This pixelation system is too beep annoying.”
Bai Luoluo listened to the system’s words and realized that the system was being censored when using profanity.
Bai Luoluo quickly conveyed the description to Lin Zhoumian as per the system’s guidance.
Lin Zhoumian nodded slowly, “Who is your master?”
Bai Luoluo forced a stiff smile, saying, “I don’t have a master. I, uh, am self-taught.” Zhou Zhizhi indeed had no master. In fact, he knew nothing about feng shui or Yin and Yang, just a charlatan.
Lin Zhoumian fell into silence.
Seeing this, someone stepped forward and asked, “Sir… what about this person…”
“Leave him with me for now,” Lin Zhoumian said, “Since he can see, he’s one of us. There’s no need to be too harsh.”
Others nodded in agreement.
Lin Zhoumian asked, “What’s your name?”
Bai Luoluo said, “My name is Zhou Zhizhi.”
Lin Zhoumian commented, “A good name, but you don’t live up to it.”
Bai Luoluo remained kneeling on the ground. Although he couldn’t see Lin Zhoumian’s expression, he could sense the disdain in his tone. It was understandable, as deceit was the last thing one should engage in within this profession. However, since Bai Luoluo could see certain things, it indicated that he possessed this innate talent, and it was not shallow. Unfortunately, he had strayed down the wrong path.
“Take him downstairs,” Lin Zhoumian ordered, “talk to him about the rules here.”
“Yes,” one of Lin Zhoumian’s subordinates acknowledged.
Bai Luoluo was dragged over like a dead dog and then brought downstairs in the same manner. Those people were rough in their actions, and their attitude towards Bai Luoluo was notably unpleasant, showing clear annoyance. When they were untying him, some of them were muttering, expressing dissatisfaction with how Lin Zhoumian could take an interest in someone like him.
“Does your opinion matter in Sir’s affairs?” another person retorted, “Be careful with your words.”
The complaining individual quickly shut up, and Bai Luoluo’s hands were finally freed from the ropes.
Being bound for too long, Bai Luoluo’s hands and feet felt stiff. It took him a while to regain movement on the ground. The person said, “Zhou Zhizhi, right? You’ll be staying in the room at the far end on the second floor. There are clean clothes inside; go take a bath and change into new clothes.”
“Okay,” Bai Luoluo responded.
“Don’t wander around,” the person continued, “if we need you, we’ll come find you. If you’re discovered wandering around, we can’t guarantee what consequences you’ll face.”
Bai Luoluo continued to nod in agreement.
“You can go now,” the person said.
With the permission given, Bai Luoluo got up and went to the second floor. There were four floors in total – the first floor for receiving guests, the second floor for guest rooms, and the purposes of the third and fourth floors were unknown—Lin Zhoumian didn’t reside in this building.
When Bai Luoluo went upstairs, his feet were a bit sore, apparently injured when he was grabbed.
Speaking of Zhou Zhizhi, he indeed deserved this fate. He knew nothing about Feng Shui or divination, yet he pretended to be a master. If he only intended to scam some money, it would be one thing, but he actually set his sights on the daughter of a customer who had just turned eighteen. So, he came up with some lies, claiming that the customer’s daughter had an inauspicious fate, and only he could resolve it. As long as they spent a night together, letting his Yang energy enter her body, it could break such a destiny, bringing the customer prosperity and success.
Surprisingly, the customer believed Zhou Zhizhi’s nonsense, tied up his crying daughter, and threw her onto Zhou Zhizhi’s bed.
However, before Zhou Zhizhi could succeed, he was captured, beaten, and brought to Lin Zhoumian. If he couldn’t answer Lin Zhoumian’s questions, according to the original timeline, Zhou Zhizhi would have lost his life.
Lying on the bed, Bai Luoluo recalled Zhou Zhizhi’s wrongdoings and realized it was not just this one incident.
Bai Luoluo said, “How could such a person not be arrested by the police?”
The system replied, “A blind cat happened to run into a dead mouse.”
Bai Luoluo commented, “His luck is really something.” Zhou Zhizhi had committed many unethical deeds, but he always had good luck. For instance, when he claimed that a customer gave him money, performed a ritual, and the next year the customer would have opportunities for promotion, the customer did indeed get promoted the following year. Such coincidences, big and small, inexplicably pieced together an image of a formidable master.
Bai Luoluo asked, “Is luck also part of one’s abilities?”
The system didn’t answer and instead asked, “Want some melon seeds?”
Somehow, Bai Luoluo detected a familiar taste from the system’s question of “Want some melon seeds?” He asked suspiciously, “Have we really never met?”
The system replied, “Nope.”
Bai Luoluo said, “Then how did you know I wanted melon seeds?”
The system said, “You’re famous in our place; everyone fights to take your orders.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “Why?”
The system explained, “Because you can eat melon seeds.”
Bai Luoluo replied, “…”
After a moment of defeated silence, Bai Luoluo gave up and said, “Sure, any new flavors? I’ve grown tired of the popcorn flavor from the last world.”
“Yes,” the system said, “we have a fish-flavored one…”
Bai Luoluo was initially confused, saying, “Fish flavor?”
The system clarified, “Fish-flavored shredded pork… haven’t you tried it?”
Bai Luoluo was shocked by this flavor. He wondered if he could try the taste of Mapo Tofu in the future. However, after some hesitation, Bai Luoluo gave up and said, “Do you have caramel flavor? I’ll go with caramel.”
The system assured, “Yes, we have it.”
Then, each with their own system, they quietly enjoyed their melon seeds.
Bai Luoluo’s room was very basic, with only a bed and a table, lacking any entertainment facilities. The new clothes provided for him were also simple, resembling ancient Tang suits but with a touch of modern design.
Cracking melon seeds, Bai Luoluo asked, “What do you think the mission target wants by keeping me here?”
The system replied, “How should I know? Anyway, they won’t kill you.”
Completely deceiving, there was still a distinction between being an absolute amateur and at least knowing the basics. If Bai Luoluo couldn’t even manage the bare minimum, he would be making baseless statements that could harm lives. But if he knew a little, at most, he would be a novice who loved money and lust.
Lin Zhoumian spared his life, probably for that reason.
Earlier, Zhou Zhizhi had been frightened, and his body was a bit exhausted. Bai Luoluo lay on the bed and soon fell asleep, drifting into the second day.
However, on the morning of the second day, Bai Luoluo found bruises all over his hands and feet, looking particularly gruesome. Unaware of what had happened, he thought he had suffered some kind of abuse.
Feeling a bit weak, Bai Luoluo said, “This body is too fragile.”
The system replied, “With good food and drink, how can it not be fragile?”
Zhou Zhizhi, 26 years old and only two years after graduating from university, had become increasingly enthusiastic about his profession. However, this line of work had drained him of both money and health.
Bai Luoluo said, “No, I can’t walk properly.” The places that hurt yesterday were now swollen significantly, seemingly injuring the tendons and bones. He took a deep breath, went to the bathroom, and began applying a cold compress with a towel, hoping to reduce the swelling.
However, the cold compress didn’t work well, and Bai Luoluo couldn’t leave his room all morning. By noon, someone knocked on the door to call him out for lunch, and he limped out.
“How come you’re so delicate?” The person knocking on the door was the one who bound Bai Luoluo yesterday. He looked at Bai Luoluo with disdain.
Bai Luoluo remained silent and quietly followed him out.
The man originally wanted to say something to Bai Luoluo, but his gaze swept over Bai Luoluo’s feet. He moved his lips but chose not to say anything more.
Initially, Bai Luoluo thought that in such a large house, there would be at least a dozen people for meals. However, when he sat at the table, there were only four people, one was him, two were the ones who had tied him up, and the remaining one was someone he didn’t recognize.
The food was simple, with three dishes and a soup, but the taste was either too salty or too bland.
One of them asked, “From now on, you’ll work in this building. What can you do?”
Seeing their cold expressions and taking another sip of the tasteless soup, Bai Luoluo replied, “Cooking…?”
“Do you know how to cook?” the person asked, “How’s your culinary skills? Don’t make something worse than this.”
Bai Luoluo said, “It’s alright, I guess.”
“Hehe, speaking lies without blinking an eye. With your indolence and lack of skills, relying on a scammer to survive, telling me you can cook?” Another person mocked, “What a joke. You really believed that?”
Bai Luoluo felt a bit choked by these words. After all, Zhou Zhizhi was indeed an unscrupulous liar, effortlessly weaving lies.
“Forget it, there’s no point in him blabbering like this,” the person who spoke earlier intervened. He continued, “I’m Wu Tuisansan, he’s Wu Zuosi, and that guy is Wu Meiwu. You better not tell lies. Both Mr. Lin and us despise liars.”
Bai Luoluo nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll cook tonight.”
While eating, Bai Luoluo observed the three individuals at the table. Wu Tuisansan seemed to be the youngest, so he talked more. Wu Zuosi never showed a good expression towards Bai Luoluo, consistently making sarcastic remarks. Wu Meiwu, on the other hand, kept his head down and focused on eating. Despite the mediocre meal, he devoured it with great relish, finishing four bowls and still wanting more.
After dinner, Wu Tuisansan naturally went to wash the dishes. Bai Luoluo wanted to help, but Wu Tuisansan coldly said, “This is my business; you don’t need to help.”
Bai Luoluo felt that these people were truly full of personality.
Bai Luoluo asked, “Then what can I do?”
While washing the dishes, Wu Tuisansan commented, “What can you do with that physique of yours? Go and heal your injuries first. Tsk, even as a scammer, you should take care of your body. Aren’t you afraid of getting caught and not having the strength to escape?”
Bai Luoluo couldn’t refute that statement.
In any case, Bai Luoluo found himself in an awkward situation in this building. Anyone could come out and mock him, and unfortunately, what they said was true.
Sitting on the sofa with a gloomy expression, Bai Luoluo said to the system, “I deeply feel that I must not commit crimes.”
The system replied, “Exactly.”
Bai Luoluo sighed.
With no TV to watch and his phone confiscated, not to mention restricted movement within the building, Bai Luoluo felt like a prisoner. All he could do was sit on the sofa and daydream.
Meanwhile, the three individuals surnamed Wu were busy with their own affairs and couldn’t be bothered with Bai Luoluo.
Feeling helpless, Bai Luoluo said, “System, let’s discuss this. Can we watch a movie?”
The system asked, “What do you want to watch?”
Bai Luoluo said, “Anything is fine.”
So the system randomly selected a well-known Earth comedy-horror movie and played it for Bai Luoluo.
After watching movies all afternoon, finally, in the evening, Bai Luoluo volunteered to cook.
Wu Zuosi was originally the cook in the building. Seeing Bai Luoluo, he snorted disdainfully, tossed the kitchen utensils, and walked away, saying, “You cook. I want to see what you can make.”
Bai Luoluo thought that the people here were indeed quite spirited, but they also had the capital to be so. If he made any more trouble, he might be kicked out and dealt with.
The ingredients in the kitchen were quite limited, and Bai Luoluo noticed there was only a small amount of vegetables, without any meat. However, there was a partially consumed pot of chicken soup in the fridge.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Luoluo came out and asked if they wanted noodle dishes.
“We’ll eat whatever you make,” Wu Tuisan said impatiently. “Hurry up, we’re all hungry.”
“Okay, I’ll be quick,” Bai Luoluo replied.
He started kneading the flour, forming it into a dough, then flattened it and cut it into pieces with a knife.
The chicken soup was already boiling hot, and Bai Luoluo put the noodle pieces in. When they were almost cooked, he added fresh vegetables directly into the pot.
After finishing the cooking, Bai Luoluo chopped some green peppers and heated oil in a pan. He quickly stir-fried the green peppers and poured the hot oil over them.
In their place, the oil dish was used for noodles, as Bai Luoluo always enjoyed spicy food.
Once the dish was ready, he carefully brought it out. The three of them looked over, and Wu Tuisan asked, “Done?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “Yes, do you want an oil dish?”
Wu Tuisan said, “I don’t eat spicy, make two for them.”
Bai Luoluo turned back into the kitchen. By the time he returned, the three of them had already started eating.
Sucking in the noodles, Wu Tuisan somewhat embarrassedly said, “It’s pretty good.”
Bai Luoluo added, “Try the oil dish.”
Wu Zuosi and Wu Meiwu both accepted what Bai Luoluo handed them. Perhaps after eating Bai Luoluo’s food, they didn’t mock or taunt him at the dining table.
Bai Luoluo finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Jan 14, 2024
—
by
Juno
in Fight for Peace and Love
TN: This arc is spin-off of My Five Elements Lack You which is also one of my favorite novels. Recommend reading it.
………..
Having completed Task with A, Bai Luoluo was granted a three-month vacation. The higher the task rating, the longer the vacation, and he wondered if achieving an S-level rating would lead to a half-year break.
During the break, Bai Luoluo became quite laid-back. He stopped waking up early, slept in until he naturally awoke, and casually prepared something to eat after getting up.
When Bai Luoluo’s mother asked when he would return, he casually mentioned it would be in a few days, wanting to take it easy for a bit.
After all, it was a business trip to another world, and he had experienced a lot. Upon returning, Bai Luoluo needed to adjust his mindset and adapt to life in the real world.
Originally planning to spend a few days sleeping at home, Qin Baichuan started inviting him to go out.
The day after Bai Luoluo fell asleep, he woke up to find it was already the next day, and Qin Baichuan was nowhere to be found. Bai Luoluo called Qin Baichuan, apologizing for drinking too much and passing out.
Qin Baichuan replied, “It’s okay. Don’t drink often, do you?”
Bai Luoluo said, “Not really.” Indeed, as a civil servant, he rarely had the opportunity to drink, except for occasional gatherings with colleagues.
Qin Baichuan asked, “Free to hang out?”
Bai Luoluo, still nursing a hangover, asked, “Where to?”
Qin Baichuan casually suggested a place, and Bai Luoluo agreed, asking when they should go.
Qin Baichuan said, “I’ll pick you up tonight.”
Bai Luoluo agreed.
The place Qin Baichuan chose for their meeting was a cozy bar with a pleasant atmosphere, where one could read, listen to music, chat, and enjoy the company of several chubby cats.
Bai Luoluo liked animals, and they seemed to like him back. One particularly aloof cat circled him a few times and then haughtily jumped onto his lap, settling down.
Observing this, Qin Baichuan remarked, “Didn’t expect you to be so popular with animals. Do you have any pets?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “In my childhood, we had a big dog. But it got into an accident, and we never had one again.”
Qin Baichuan, with a thoughtful expression, said after a moment, “Oh, I remember that dog. Wasn’t it black and yellow, named Corn?”
Bai Luoluo exclaimed, “You still remember?”
Qin Baichuan said, “I do. Didn’t you bring it to kindergarten once?” It scared quite a few children and earned them a scolding from the teacher.
They reminisced about their childhood, and Bai Luoluo realized that Qin Baichuan had an excellent memory. He remembered every detail Bai Luoluo recalled and could even add more.
Impressed, Bai Luoluo said, “You’re really amazing. You remember all these things so clearly.”
Qin Baichuan smiled, saying, “Remembering everything so vividly isn’t always a good thing.”
Bai Luoluo thought Qin Baichuan was just being modest.
Talking about their childhood created a sense of closeness between the two, even though they hadn’t known each other for too long. Despite the relatively short time spent with Qin Baichuan, Bai Luoluo could still sense that he was an outstanding individual. His speech, behavior, and interactions were all well-balanced, making others feel neither too close nor too distant. Dealing with someone like him was comfortable, and perhaps this was why Bai Luoluo had agreed to travel with Qin Baichuan earlier.
Starting from that evening, Qin Baichuan began frequently inviting Bai Luoluo to hang out. It was evident that Qin Baichuan had a rich and fulfilling personal life, coupled with excellent family conditions. The first time he invited Bai Luoluo to go horseback riding at a friend’s stable, Bai Luoluo hesitated.
Qin Baichuan chuckled, saying, “It’s not my stable; it belongs to a friend. I helped him out before and got a membership card. Seeing that the weather has cooled down recently, I thought of inviting you. If you’re not interested, it’s fine.”
After some thought, Bai Luoluo agreed to go.
Upon arrival, there weren’t many people at the stable. Qin Baichuan personally selected a horse for Bai Luoluo and handed him a set of professional equipment to put on.
After changing, Qin Baichuan complimented with a playful smile, “You have a good figure. I thought those who work in offices don’t exercise much.”
Bai Luoluo replied, “I quite enjoy playing basketball.”
Qin Baichuan said, “Oh, we should play a game when we have the time.” His gaze briefly lingered on Bai Luoluo’s slender legs accentuated by the riding pants before moving away.
Once inside the stable, Qin Baichuan began personally guiding Bai Luoluo on horseback.
As a novice, Bai Luoluo felt nervous, stiffening up like a piece of wood on the horse, afraid to make any movements.
Seeing sweat forming on Bai Luoluo’s nose, Qin Baichuan reassured, “Don’t be afraid. This white horse is the most gentle here, perfect for beginners. Take it slow, don’t be nervous; I’m here.”
Bai Luoluo nodded. The horse beneath him was a beautiful white stallion, well-groomed with glossy fur and a sleek mane. It remained calm throughout, displaying a steady temperament.
Qin Baichuan said, “Feeling better now?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “Yes… a bit.”
Qin Baichuan observed Bai Luoluo’s situation and said, “Don’t be afraid; I’ll lead the horse. Let me take you for a walk.” With that, he picked up the reins of the white horse and began walking with Bai Luoluo towards the edge of the arena.
The equestrian field on the outskirts was vast, indicating it was quite expensive. Bai Luoluo, being from a working-class background, naturally had not encountered such places before.
On the other hand, Qin Baichuan seemed very familiar with these surroundings.
After a lap around the field, Bai Luoluo finally felt at ease and began to trot on the horse himself. Qin Baichuan also mounted a horse and followed behind Bai Luoluo.
The two spent the day at the equestrian field, and later, Bai Luoluo treated Qin Baichuan to dinner before parting ways.
As they parted, Qin Baichuan invited Bai Luoluo to come out again in a couple of days, suggesting they try shooting guns.
Like many men, Bai Luoluo also had an interest in firearms. Excited by Qin Baichuan’s invitation, he readily agreed. With few friends, the prospect of becoming friends with Qin Baichuan seemed like a great opportunity.
Qin Baichuan watched as Bai Luoluo slowly ascended the stairs, lighting a cigarette. He observed the orange glow of Bai Luoluo’s living quarters.
Squinting slightly, Qin Baichuan revealed a faint smile.
However, at that moment, his phone suddenly rang. Qin Baichuan checked the number and answered.
“What’s the matter?” His tone was now cold and intimidating, lacking the gentleness he displayed in front of Bai Luoluo. He extinguished his cigarette, sitting nonchalantly in the car, and said, “I’m outside.”
“I don’t know.” Qin Baichuan’s tone remained icy. If Bai Luoluo had seen him at this moment, he would have been startled by his expression. Qin Baichuan continued, “Is there anything else? If not, I’m hanging up.”
On the other end of the call, something was said, prompting Qin Baichuan to press the end call button directly.
His mood was affected by the call, but before leaving, he glanced once more in the direction of Bai Luoluo’s place, and his expression instantly softened.
During the three-month vacation, Bai Luoluo only stayed at home for a week. The rest of the time, he was with Qin Baichuan.
Qin Baichuan invited Bai Luoluo to various activities, all of which were interesting. He seemed to be well-acquainted with all the entertainment options in the vicinity, leaving nothing unfamiliar.
Curiosity got the better of Bai Luoluo, and he finally asked Qin Baichuan about his occupation.
Qin Baichuan said, “Well, I haven’t started working yet. Do you want to introduce me to a job?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “Don’t joke with me.”
Qin Baichuan said, “I’m not joking. I really don’t have a job right now.” He briefly explained that he had quit all his jobs and was currently just enjoying his time.
Bai Luoluo sighed, “Ah, that sounds nice.”
Qin Baichuan said, “Does it? It’s okay.” He did want to work, but his family members opposed it. His mother, in particular, constantly shed tears, acting as if he had a terminal illness and should be enjoying life. Qin Baichuan found it troublesome and decided to comply with their wishes.
Bai Luoluo chuckled, “My dream is just like yours. Earn enough money, travel around, marry a wife…”
Upon hearing Bai Luoluo’s words, Qin Baichuan’s eyes paused for a moment. He asked, “What kind of girl do you like?”
Bai Luoluo was about to describe his ideal type when a blurry face flashed in his mind, bearing a striking resemblance to Xue Hui. However, this feeling was fleeting and quickly dissipated. Bai Luoluo hesitated for a moment and then said, “Gentle and good-natured, I suppose.”
Qin Baichuan responded, “Oh, I see.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “How about you? What kind of person do you like?”
After some thought, Qin Baichuan slowly replied, “I probably haven’t liked anyone before.”
If someone else had said this, Bai Luoluo might have thought they were being coy, but from Qin Baichuan, it sounded genuinely natural. Bai Luoluo felt that Qin Baichuan was truly expressing his thoughts.
Qin Baichuan continued, “But now, I’m trying to like someone.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “How does it feel?”
Qin Baichuan’s lips curled up slightly, “Not bad.”
Some say that if it weren’t for desires and reproduction, most men would choose to live with other men. During the time spent with Qin Baichuan, Bai Luoluo deeply felt this sentiment.
Being with Qin Baichuan was incredibly comfortable, so much so that Bai Luoluo felt a bit lost in it. Their understanding of each other was almost telepathic. It reached a point where Bai Luoluo would start a sentence, and Qin Baichuan effortlessly completed the next one.
The harmonious feeling between them was truly pleasant. By the time the next mission approached, Bai Luoluo found it hard to part.
“Another business trip?” They sat in a bar with beautifully crafted martinis in front of them. Qin Baichuan asked, taking an olive off the glass and chewing on it slowly. He inquired, “How long will you be gone this time?”
“About ten days,” Bai Luoluo replied. “I’m not sure.” According to the usual flow of tasks, it should be around ten days, but Bai Luoluo couldn’t be certain. What if something unexpected happened?
Qin Baichuan said, “Alright, go ahead. I’ll wait for you.” After saying this, he smiled gently and added, “Come back soon.”
Bai Luoluo’s heart trembled suddenly. For a moment, he inexplicably saw another person’s shadow on Qin Baichuan. However, he quickly realized it was just his imagination. After all, that person only existed in the world of tasks.
“Yeah, I will,” Bai Luoluo said. “Wait for me to come back.”
Qin Baichuan nodded.
As an employee who received the rare “A” rating, even if Bai Luoluo was a bit slow, he could see the importance his superiors placed on him.
Before entering the recuperation chamber, his leaders repeatedly inquired about his condition, mentioning that if he hadn’t adjusted, they could grant him more time off.
Bai Luoluo declined their kindness, stating that he felt fine. After a few days of preparation, he once again lay down in the hibernation chamber.
Nutrient fluid flowed into the chamber through the pipes, and Bai Luoluo’s head began to feel heavy as a profound drowsiness swept over him.
The mechanical voice of the system echoed, awakening Bai Luoluo from his drowsiness.
However, when Bai Luoluo opened his eyes, he was still surrounded by darkness. Hesitating, he asked, “System, am I awake?”
“You’re awake,” the system’s voice was somewhat icy as it said, “Hello, I am the 173 System.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “Do you know 1472?”
“I know him. What’s the matter? Do you want to file a complaint against him?” the system replied.
“Oh no,” Bai Luoluo said, “I was just asking casually.”
The system remarked, “Oh, I always say 1472 is an excellent system. He probably won’t be complained about.”
Bai Luoluo found the statement a bit strange, but he didn’t dwell on it. The system had already begun asking if he wanted to receive the information of this world line.
“Receive,” Bai Luoluo said.
Memories quickly flooded into Bai Luoluo’s mind.
It must be said that Bai Luoluo, as a veteran who had experienced many worlds, was still startled by the memories. The person he took over had almost met a tragic end as soon as they came into contact with the mission target. They then witnessed the entire story in a soul-like state.
The mission target’s name was Lin Zhoumian, a blind person. Despite his blindness, Lin Zhoumian was much more formidable than the average person. He seemed to perceive things that ordinary people couldn’t see and had deep knowledge of matters related to Yin and Yang.
The person Bai Luoluo possessed was named Zhou Zhizhi, also someone involved in these matters, but the biggest difference between him and Lin Zhoumian was that Lin had genuine abilities, while he was an imposter.
Due to offending someone, Zhou Zhizhi was captured and brought before Lin Zhoumian.
Lin Zhoumian pointed to the empty space in front of him and asked Zhou Zhizhi a question, saying, “What is this?”
Zhou Zhizhi, unable to see anything, stammered and said it was the floor.
Lin Zhoumian casually waved his hand and said, “Take him down.”
Because of these words, Zhou Zhizhi lost his life directly. Surprisingly, after losing his life, he didn’t undergo reincarnation but became a wandering ghost in the mortal world, unable to leave within a hundred feet of Lin Zhoumian.
What was even more terrifying was that, in the eyes of the ghost Zhou Zhizhi, Lin Zhoumian seemed like a scorching hot sun, burning him to the point of nearly melting. Unfortunately, he couldn’t escape or break free, enduring the torment day and night until Lin Zhoumian encountered an unexpected event.
After death, Zhou Zhizhi finally understood that there were certain things he shouldn’t have touched. Unfortunately, the disaster had already happened, and it was too late for everything.
Bai Luoluo felt a bit confused witnessing such a plot. After all, he was a successor of socialism, with materialism engraved in his heart. Supernatural beings and ghosts were like passing clouds to him.
So, Bai Luoluo brought up this question to the system.
After hearing it, the system remained silent for a moment and then said in a complex tone, “You are the first one to ask me this. While others panic about why the plot is like this, you ask such a soul-stirring question.”
“Perhaps science hasn’t developed to that extent yet,” the system continued, “It’s somewhat similar to how people in the past, when seeing a lunar eclipse, thought it was a celestial dog eating the moon, causing panic. Later, as science developed, they realized it was just a natural phenomenon. Maybe, with another technological explosion, humanity will discover that the existence of souls can also be explained scientifically?”
Bai Luoluo said, “Wow, what you said makes a lot of sense.”
Just as he finished speaking, several people pushed open the door of the small dark room and dragged him, tightly bound, out of the room. In a certain sense, this scene was somewhat reminiscent of a previous world.
Bai Luoluo’s hands and feet were securely tied, resembling a rice dumpling as they threw him in front of the mission target, Lin Zhoumian.
Lin Zhoumian sat on a yellow wooden chair in front of Bai Luoluo, eyes closed. He calmly opened his mouth, “Is he the one?”
“Yes, Lord Lin,” one of the people said, “It’s him.”
Then, Bai Luoluo watched as Lin Zhoumian pointed to the ground in front of him and spoke the exact words the system had given him in his memories. Lin Zhoumian asked, “What is this?”
Bai Luoluo lowered his head and saw the rosewood floor.
Bai Luoluo: “… What the heck is he saying?”
System: “Just wait, I’ll give you a cheat code.”
As the system spoke, something appeared in front of Bai Luoluo. At first, he thought his eyes were playing tricks on him, but upon closer inspection, he realized it wasn’t his eyesight failing but rather the peculiar nature of this thing. He exclaimed, “Is this a mosaic?!”
Indeed, on the floor in front of Bai Luoluo, something seemed to be moving. Unfortunately, Bai Luoluo, a staunch materialist successor of socialism, couldn’t see anything supernatural.
The system remained silent for three seconds. Bai Luoluo somehow sensed a hint of despair in its tone. He said, “This thing is too bloody to be pixelated.”
Bai Luoluo: “(⊙v⊙).” So, does this mean he needs to log out immediately after arriving here?
Fortunately, the system came up with a clever solution, saying, “No worries, I can see it. You tell him it’s a yellow weasel.”
Bai Luoluo said, “It’s a person.”
Lin Zhoumian tapped the table with his fingers and continued, “What color is the weasel?”
The system continued to guide Bai Luoluo, saying, “It’s brown, and its tail is even broken… I can’t see it very clearly either. This pixelation system is too beep annoying.”
Bai Luoluo listened to the system’s words and realized that the system was being censored when using profanity.
Bai Luoluo quickly conveyed the description to Lin Zhoumian as per the system’s guidance.
Lin Zhoumian nodded slowly, “Who is your master?”
Bai Luoluo forced a stiff smile, saying, “I don’t have a master. I, uh, am self-taught.” Zhou Zhizhi indeed had no master. In fact, he knew nothing about feng shui or Yin and Yang, just a charlatan.
Lin Zhoumian fell into silence.
Seeing this, someone stepped forward and asked, “Sir… what about this person…”
“Leave him with me for now,” Lin Zhoumian said, “Since he can see, he’s one of us. There’s no need to be too harsh.”
Others nodded in agreement.
Lin Zhoumian asked, “What’s your name?”
Bai Luoluo said, “My name is Zhou Zhizhi.”
Lin Zhoumian commented, “A good name, but you don’t live up to it.”
Bai Luoluo remained kneeling on the ground. Although he couldn’t see Lin Zhoumian’s expression, he could sense the disdain in his tone. It was understandable, as deceit was the last thing one should engage in within this profession. However, since Bai Luoluo could see certain things, it indicated that he possessed this innate talent, and it was not shallow. Unfortunately, he had strayed down the wrong path.
“Take him downstairs,” Lin Zhoumian ordered, “talk to him about the rules here.”
“Yes,” one of Lin Zhoumian’s subordinates acknowledged.
Bai Luoluo was dragged over like a dead dog and then brought downstairs in the same manner. Those people were rough in their actions, and their attitude towards Bai Luoluo was notably unpleasant, showing clear annoyance. When they were untying him, some of them were muttering, expressing dissatisfaction with how Lin Zhoumian could take an interest in someone like him.
“Does your opinion matter in Sir’s affairs?” another person retorted, “Be careful with your words.”
The complaining individual quickly shut up, and Bai Luoluo’s hands were finally freed from the ropes.
Being bound for too long, Bai Luoluo’s hands and feet felt stiff. It took him a while to regain movement on the ground. The person said, “Zhou Zhizhi, right? You’ll be staying in the room at the far end on the second floor. There are clean clothes inside; go take a bath and change into new clothes.”
“Okay,” Bai Luoluo responded.
“Don’t wander around,” the person continued, “if we need you, we’ll come find you. If you’re discovered wandering around, we can’t guarantee what consequences you’ll face.”
Bai Luoluo continued to nod in agreement.
“You can go now,” the person said.
With the permission given, Bai Luoluo got up and went to the second floor. There were four floors in total – the first floor for receiving guests, the second floor for guest rooms, and the purposes of the third and fourth floors were unknown—Lin Zhoumian didn’t reside in this building.
When Bai Luoluo went upstairs, his feet were a bit sore, apparently injured when he was grabbed.
Speaking of Zhou Zhizhi, he indeed deserved this fate. He knew nothing about Feng Shui or divination, yet he pretended to be a master. If he only intended to scam some money, it would be one thing, but he actually set his sights on the daughter of a customer who had just turned eighteen. So, he came up with some lies, claiming that the customer’s daughter had an inauspicious fate, and only he could resolve it. As long as they spent a night together, letting his Yang energy enter her body, it could break such a destiny, bringing the customer prosperity and success.
Surprisingly, the customer believed Zhou Zhizhi’s nonsense, tied up his crying daughter, and threw her onto Zhou Zhizhi’s bed.
However, before Zhou Zhizhi could succeed, he was captured, beaten, and brought to Lin Zhoumian. If he couldn’t answer Lin Zhoumian’s questions, according to the original timeline, Zhou Zhizhi would have lost his life.
Lying on the bed, Bai Luoluo recalled Zhou Zhizhi’s wrongdoings and realized it was not just this one incident.
Bai Luoluo said, “How could such a person not be arrested by the police?”
The system replied, “A blind cat happened to run into a dead mouse.”
Bai Luoluo commented, “His luck is really something.” Zhou Zhizhi had committed many unethical deeds, but he always had good luck. For instance, when he claimed that a customer gave him money, performed a ritual, and the next year the customer would have opportunities for promotion, the customer did indeed get promoted the following year. Such coincidences, big and small, inexplicably pieced together an image of a formidable master.
Bai Luoluo asked, “Is luck also part of one’s abilities?”
The system didn’t answer and instead asked, “Want some melon seeds?”
Somehow, Bai Luoluo detected a familiar taste from the system’s question of “Want some melon seeds?” He asked suspiciously, “Have we really never met?”
The system replied, “Nope.”
Bai Luoluo said, “Then how did you know I wanted melon seeds?”
The system said, “You’re famous in our place; everyone fights to take your orders.”
Bai Luoluo asked, “Why?”
The system explained, “Because you can eat melon seeds.”
Bai Luoluo replied, “…”
After a moment of defeated silence, Bai Luoluo gave up and said, “Sure, any new flavors? I’ve grown tired of the popcorn flavor from the last world.”
“Yes,” the system said, “we have a fish-flavored one…”
Bai Luoluo was initially confused, saying, “Fish flavor?”
The system clarified, “Fish-flavored shredded pork… haven’t you tried it?”
Bai Luoluo was shocked by this flavor. He wondered if he could try the taste of Mapo Tofu in the future. However, after some hesitation, Bai Luoluo gave up and said, “Do you have caramel flavor? I’ll go with caramel.”
The system assured, “Yes, we have it.”
Then, each with their own system, they quietly enjoyed their melon seeds.
Bai Luoluo’s room was very basic, with only a bed and a table, lacking any entertainment facilities. The new clothes provided for him were also simple, resembling ancient Tang suits but with a touch of modern design.
Cracking melon seeds, Bai Luoluo asked, “What do you think the mission target wants by keeping me here?”
The system replied, “How should I know? Anyway, they won’t kill you.”
Completely deceiving, there was still a distinction between being an absolute amateur and at least knowing the basics. If Bai Luoluo couldn’t even manage the bare minimum, he would be making baseless statements that could harm lives. But if he knew a little, at most, he would be a novice who loved money and lust.
Lin Zhoumian spared his life, probably for that reason.
Earlier, Zhou Zhizhi had been frightened, and his body was a bit exhausted. Bai Luoluo lay on the bed and soon fell asleep, drifting into the second day.
However, on the morning of the second day, Bai Luoluo found bruises all over his hands and feet, looking particularly gruesome. Unaware of what had happened, he thought he had suffered some kind of abuse.
Feeling a bit weak, Bai Luoluo said, “This body is too fragile.”
The system replied, “With good food and drink, how can it not be fragile?”
Zhou Zhizhi, 26 years old and only two years after graduating from university, had become increasingly enthusiastic about his profession. However, this line of work had drained him of both money and health.
Bai Luoluo said, “No, I can’t walk properly.” The places that hurt yesterday were now swollen significantly, seemingly injuring the tendons and bones. He took a deep breath, went to the bathroom, and began applying a cold compress with a towel, hoping to reduce the swelling.
However, the cold compress didn’t work well, and Bai Luoluo couldn’t leave his room all morning. By noon, someone knocked on the door to call him out for lunch, and he limped out.
“How come you’re so delicate?” The person knocking on the door was the one who bound Bai Luoluo yesterday. He looked at Bai Luoluo with disdain.
Bai Luoluo remained silent and quietly followed him out.
The man originally wanted to say something to Bai Luoluo, but his gaze swept over Bai Luoluo’s feet. He moved his lips but chose not to say anything more.
Initially, Bai Luoluo thought that in such a large house, there would be at least a dozen people for meals. However, when he sat at the table, there were only four people, one was him, two were the ones who had tied him up, and the remaining one was someone he didn’t recognize.
The food was simple, with three dishes and a soup, but the taste was either too salty or too bland.
One of them asked, “From now on, you’ll work in this building. What can you do?”
Seeing their cold expressions and taking another sip of the tasteless soup, Bai Luoluo replied, “Cooking…?”
“Do you know how to cook?” the person asked, “How’s your culinary skills? Don’t make something worse than this.”
Bai Luoluo said, “It’s alright, I guess.”
“Hehe, speaking lies without blinking an eye. With your indolence and lack of skills, relying on a scammer to survive, telling me you can cook?” Another person mocked, “What a joke. You really believed that?”
Bai Luoluo felt a bit choked by these words. After all, Zhou Zhizhi was indeed an unscrupulous liar, effortlessly weaving lies.
“Forget it, there’s no point in him blabbering like this,” the person who spoke earlier intervened. He continued, “I’m Wu Tuisansan, he’s Wu Zuosi, and that guy is Wu Meiwu. You better not tell lies. Both Mr. Lin and us despise liars.”
Bai Luoluo nodded and said, “Alright, I’ll cook tonight.”
While eating, Bai Luoluo observed the three individuals at the table. Wu Tuisansan seemed to be the youngest, so he talked more. Wu Zuosi never showed a good expression towards Bai Luoluo, consistently making sarcastic remarks. Wu Meiwu, on the other hand, kept his head down and focused on eating. Despite the mediocre meal, he devoured it with great relish, finishing four bowls and still wanting more.
After dinner, Wu Tuisansan naturally went to wash the dishes. Bai Luoluo wanted to help, but Wu Tuisansan coldly said, “This is my business; you don’t need to help.”
Bai Luoluo felt that these people were truly full of personality.
Bai Luoluo asked, “Then what can I do?”
While washing the dishes, Wu Tuisansan commented, “What can you do with that physique of yours? Go and heal your injuries first. Tsk, even as a scammer, you should take care of your body. Aren’t you afraid of getting caught and not having the strength to escape?”
Bai Luoluo couldn’t refute that statement.
In any case, Bai Luoluo found himself in an awkward situation in this building. Anyone could come out and mock him, and unfortunately, what they said was true.
Sitting on the sofa with a gloomy expression, Bai Luoluo said to the system, “I deeply feel that I must not commit crimes.”
The system replied, “Exactly.”
Bai Luoluo sighed.
With no TV to watch and his phone confiscated, not to mention restricted movement within the building, Bai Luoluo felt like a prisoner. All he could do was sit on the sofa and daydream.
Meanwhile, the three individuals surnamed Wu were busy with their own affairs and couldn’t be bothered with Bai Luoluo.
Feeling helpless, Bai Luoluo said, “System, let’s discuss this. Can we watch a movie?”
The system asked, “What do you want to watch?”
Bai Luoluo said, “Anything is fine.”
So the system randomly selected a well-known Earth comedy-horror movie and played it for Bai Luoluo.
After watching movies all afternoon, finally, in the evening, Bai Luoluo volunteered to cook.
Wu Zuosi was originally the cook in the building. Seeing Bai Luoluo, he snorted disdainfully, tossed the kitchen utensils, and walked away, saying, “You cook. I want to see what you can make.”
Bai Luoluo thought that the people here were indeed quite spirited, but they also had the capital to be so. If he made any more trouble, he might be kicked out and dealt with.
The ingredients in the kitchen were quite limited, and Bai Luoluo noticed there was only a small amount of vegetables, without any meat. However, there was a partially consumed pot of chicken soup in the fridge.
After thinking for a moment, Bai Luoluo came out and asked if they wanted noodle dishes.
“We’ll eat whatever you make,” Wu Tuisan said impatiently. “Hurry up, we’re all hungry.”
“Okay, I’ll be quick,” Bai Luoluo replied.
He started kneading the flour, forming it into a dough, then flattened it and cut it into pieces with a knife.
The chicken soup was already boiling hot, and Bai Luoluo put the noodle pieces in. When they were almost cooked, he added fresh vegetables directly into the pot.
After finishing the cooking, Bai Luoluo chopped some green peppers and heated oil in a pan. He quickly stir-fried the green peppers and poured the hot oil over them.
In their place, the oil dish was used for noodles, as Bai Luoluo always enjoyed spicy food.
Once the dish was ready, he carefully brought it out. The three of them looked over, and Wu Tuisan asked, “Done?”
Bai Luoluo replied, “Yes, do you want an oil dish?”
Wu Tuisan said, “I don’t eat spicy, make two for them.”
Bai Luoluo turned back into the kitchen. By the time he returned, the three of them had already started eating.
Sucking in the noodles, Wu Tuisan somewhat embarrassedly said, “It’s pretty good.”
Bai Luoluo added, “Try the oil dish.”
Wu Zuosi and Wu Meiwu both accepted what Bai Luoluo handed them. Perhaps after eating Bai Luoluo’s food, they didn’t mock or taunt him at the dining table.
Bai Luoluo finally breathed a sigh of relief.
