Yu Haiqing didn’t want to admit it, but hearing those words actually lifted his mood a little.

However, reason immediately reminded him that these were precisely the kind of words Xie Shuangxue would say to keep him hooked. Too many people had fallen for it, both NPCs and players alike. This guy had mastered the art, and Yu Haiqing wasn’t immune either.

But despite what he thought, his tone softened as he spoke, his previous stiffness melting away. “You’d say the same thing to anyone else.”

Xie Shuangxue remained unfazed. He moved closer, tugging at Yu Haiqing’s sleeve, even shaking it a bit in a playful manner. “I wouldn’t. I’d say it even if there were others here. You’ve always been the most special one.”

“Really?”

Yu Haiqing didn’t pull his hand away; instead, he held Xie Shuangxue’s wrist, an unintentional smile creeping onto his face. “Then explain it to me.”

“The other Wanderers only help me because they’re following my orders, and they’re interested in finding Yun Ruowei too. So, it’s as much for them as it is for me. But you’re different. I know that.”

When Xie Shuangxue spoke, he had this way of looking at you, his eyes shining brightly, that made you feel as if you were the only person in his world. “But I know you’re not here because of those reasons. You can do things they can’t.”

When he gazed seriously like that, it was easy to feel like you were the center of his attention.

“That’s something only the two of us know, so why would I say those things to just anyone?”

He was well aware of this.

Yu Haiqing, however, still couldn’t shake a bit of his irritation. “And that token you gave to Bai Qiuyan?”

“Oh, that one?” Xie Shuangxue tilted his head in confusion. “That’s just a temporary pass. You’ll see it’s totally different from yours. I only have one real token, and I gave it to you.”

Yu Haiqing was silent for a moment, but his expression eased, and the low pressure from earlier was completely gone. Actually, he’d started to feel better just seeing Xie Shuangxue sitting there obediently waiting for him.

Before coming over, he’d carefully put away the Xie Shuangxue figurines that had been sent to his office, examining each one. Endless Sea was experienced with merchandise, and the Xie Shuangxue line was crafted with great care. Yet, despite their claim of being “perfectly miniaturized,” they couldn’t compare to the real person sitting in front of him.

And Xie Shuangxue…there was something else his fans didn’t know, something only he knew.

Xie Shuangxue had a faint scent, like delicate green tea with a hint of herbal medicine, refreshing yet subtly enticing. It fit him perfectly, an aroma that could easily lull anyone into a sense of comfort.

A few words from him, and Yu Haiqing was already charmed.

Even though he was aware of it, the reality remained that this was the effect Xie Shuangxue had.

Work kept him from logging in often, and although Endless Sea’s operations had smoothed out, routine daily life felt uneventful. But Xie Shuangxue was different. Every time he looked away, he’d turn back to find him doing something surprising.

Nobody could predict his next move.

And today, he’d invited only Yu Haiqing. Even after all this time, no one else had shown up.

Seeing his expression, Xie Shuangxue took the chance to speak again. “I asked just you here today because, for this matter, I only want your company.”

Right now, Yu Haiqing was in his most agreeable mood. Hearing those words pleased him even more, so he didn’t refuse any of Xie Shuangxue’s requests.

“Yun Qiang said she would come for me today, and my senior brother agreed to let me go. We can check out the auction house,” Xie Shuangxue said. “It’s better to set up the traps early.”

He was remarkable, able to switch instantly from clinging to someone’s sleeve, saying they were special, to getting down to business.

Xie Shuangxue was clear in his mind about how he wanted this first visit to go. He knew Yun Qiang was very cautious and had just warmed up to him. It had taken effort to reach this point, so he needed to tread carefully. Bringing too many players would arouse Yun Qiang’s suspicions, and it wasn’t worth the risk.

Besides, he needed someone to strategize with, and Yu Haiqing was the perfect choice. Yu Haiqing’s tactical skills were impressive, and Endless Sea would support him if they were making this part of their promotional campaign.

Yun Qiang arrived soon. She waited near the Feather Clan base, and when Xie Shuangxue appeared, a Wanderer followed closely behind him.

She glanced over and asked, “Isn’t your senior brother coming? Is he someone the Feather Clan hired to protect you?”

“No, my senior brothers are busy. I didn’t want to bother them,” Xie Shuangxue replied, looking over at Yu Haiqing with a smile. “He’s not a bodyguard; he’s here to keep me company.”

He didn’t elaborate further, and Yun Qiang just made a small sound of acknowledgment. Some Wanderers collaborated with the Feather Clan, so it wasn’t unusual to see one with Xie Shuangxue.

The group soon arrived at the auction house.

Xie Shuangxue hadn’t left the City Lord’s Mansion for a while, and seeing this place for the first time, he was dazzled. Lu Yun Tower was an elite commercial center, more than just a few buildings—it was layered, luxurious, winding like a maze.

No wonder Bai Qiuyan had said it would be tricky to infiltrate.

The outermost auction sections were uninteresting, and Xie Shuangxue’s focus was on the area for special auctions. He was pondering how to get Yun Qiang to let him in when suddenly, someone approached Yun Qiang, whispering in her ear with a tense expression.

Yun Qiang’s face turned serious, and she apologized to Xie Shuangxue, “Shuangxue, I’m sorry. Please feel free to browse. I need to handle something.”

This was perfect for him, but he still showed concern and asked, “Is something wrong?”

“Nothing too unusual,” Yun Qiang replied. “Some people outside have their eyes on the star item coming up in a few days and thought they’d take it by force. Things like this happen often here, but no one’s succeeded yet. Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe. I’ll just set up some defenses and be back soon.”

Someone was trying to steal the star item?

That would be the medicine for curing the City Lord, wouldn’t it?

It probably wasn’t players. The three major guilds knew the medicine was bait, and they didn’t need to risk stealing it. Besides, players didn’t have the ability yet.

He exchanged a look with Yu Haiqing, and both of them came to the same conclusion: someone from Yun Ruowei’s side had come, maybe the same assassin.

With Yun Qiang gone, Xie Shuangxue had much more freedom and immediately headed toward the inner section. Nobody stopped him; after all, visitors were allowed in both the outer and inner sections.

But on the way to the innermost area, Yu Haiqing was suddenly stopped by someone.

Turning to look, he saw it was a regular server.

“Sir, would you like a drink?” the server asked.

He looked normal, but Yu Haiqing recognized that this was a player in disguise, using a system item to blend in.

And it was a familiar face.

Qiao Zhihui had been lurking here for some time, determined to reach the inner section. Normally, he wouldn’t have been so tenacious, but recently, the streaming world had gotten fiercely competitive. Players were trying all kinds of things to break through.

He figured Xie Shuangxue couldn’t bring too many people along. If players wanted to be involved in the ambush, they had to find their own way in.

So he’d been working here diligently, pretending to be an NPC, only to see his boy here!

Before he could celebrate, he noticed Yu Haiqing next to him.

Huh? How did the first player on this mission get to follow him around?

The chat in Qiao Zhihui’s stream was filled with question marks, pushing him to investigate quickly.

Qiao Zhihui seized the chance after Yun Qiang left and whispered to Yu Haiqing, “It’s me. What did you receive?” He glanced at Xie Shuangxue, who was watching curiously. “Give me a hint, will you? Bai Qiuyan stole our chance with the Demon Clan mission, and now our guild leader is fuming. We’re all old friends here; surely you can do business with us too?”

“Isn’t Bai Qiuyan leading the way? Go find him; you don’t need me.”

“But Bai Qiuyan’s been quiet ever since that Demon Clan mission. Master, how did you get to stay by my boy’s side? I want to follow him too.”

My boy?

That must be Xie Shuangxue.

Qiao Zhihui heard Yu Haiqing give a low chuckle. He could sense the man’s obvious pleasure.

“I don’t know; he insisted on inviting me,” Yu Haiqing replied. “And he asked only me. I couldn’t refuse.”

Others might want to follow, but they didn’t have the chance.

Then Yu Haiqing turned and walked back to Xie Shuangxue’s side, casually adjusting the collar of his robe. Xie Shuangxue didn’t stop him.

Qiao Zhihui was left standing there, stunned.

After a few seconds, jealousy flooded over him.

Ahhh, what’s with this guy?!

People had called him manipulative, and Qiao Zhihui hadn’t believed it. He used to think Yu Haiqing was straightforward enough. But now, he saw he’d been wrong.

Even if he’d admired Yu Haiqing, he couldn’t treat his boy like this!

And the resentment in Qiao Zhihui’s stream chat was even more intense.

“So this is the perk of being the first to get the mission? Jealousy intensifies.”

“Why can’t Endless Sea let us farm bond points with my precious? Give us a chance! I want to fix his collar too.”

“Looks like the last mission gave some extra privileges. Though everyone got bond points for the City Lord’s heist, Yu Haiqing’s contributions stood out. The NPCs must have noticed.”

“It’s all regrets now. Why didn’t I join that night’s mission at the City Lord’s Mansion?”

Xie Shuangxue could tell the person was a player, though he didn’t recognize Qiao Zhihui. Players disguised as NPCs changed their appearance, and he didn’t care what the two were talking about.

But after their conversation, Yu Haiqing seemed more engaged, which worked out well for him.

They circled the area, taking note of the map and auction processes. Security was especially tight when items were moved to and from the stage, making it nearly impossible to steal by force. However, after the auction ended and the item was brought to the buyer in a private suite, there was a window of opportunity.

If anyone planned an ambush, that would be the best time.

Yu Haiqing soon identified the shift changes for the guards. With good timing, players could hide nearby, ready to act. He and Xie Shuangxue worked seamlessly together. Bringing him along had been a wise choice.

With this reconnaissance as a foundation, the rest of the plan went smoothly.

Xie Shuangxue and Yun Qiang’s relationship improved, and she didn’t keep close watch on him. Soon, he’d secured a private suite at the auction house for the special event. Though it was slightly out of the way, it was perfect for his plans.

With maps and ambush points identified, Xie Shuangxue shared the information with the players, setting the trap more clearly.

As the auction day arrived, excitement buzzed both inside and outside the game.

Streamers, players, and viewers each had their roles, while Lin Jiao Live organized a betting event for rewards, drawing in many participants.

Betting questions included: “Will the ambush succeed?” (An easy one to start with—players had already received the mission, so success was expected, right?) “Who will capture the assassin first?” and “Which player will earn the highest contribution in the ambush?” and so on.

The closer it got, the more people joined, with streamers setting up their cameras. The lively evening had officially begun.

On the surface, Xie Shuangxue was a legitimate auction participant. The Feather Clan had funds, and he’d only disclosed part of his plan to Ling Luochen and Chen Xin, saying he wanted to bid on the medicine for the City Lord’s cure. This investigation of Lu Yun Tower would benefit them, so they’d agreed.

The early auction items were unremarkable. Xie Shuangxue listened as the guild leaders nearby reported in—players had all successfully reached their designated positions.

Apart from the 22 players assigned to the mission, additional guild members volunteered, forming a group of about 50 to 60 people. They’d already secured the first two herbs needed for the cure, and this final one naturally held their full attention.

Players couldn’t participate in the auction, but Xie Shuangxue could.

He waited for the final medicine to come up, won the bid, and directed, “Send it to my suite.”

“Understood,” came the reply.

It was the last item on the list, and as people began to leave, the NPCs bustled around, and the atmosphere grew lively.

Now should be the time.

Xie Shuangxue waited in his suite, but when no one came, he started to suspect something. He opened the door and listened. There were noises coming from the hallway.

The guards outside his suite were missing too.

Meanwhile, the player group chat was buzzing with messages—the ambush had started, and chaos was brewing.

“Quick, help!!”

“Something’s happening!”

“In the hallway here, I’ve got him held off!”

So, they dared to try stealing the medicine during delivery.

With the alert raised, players around the area naturally rushed over, eager to contribute for the mission score.

But Yu Haiqing didn’t move; he stayed right by Xie Shuangxue’s side. “I’m worried the situation could change,” he explained. “You’re also a target, so I don’t feel at ease.”

They’d put in a lot of planning, and with so many players on their side, things should go smoothly.

Bai Qiuyan had intended to leave, but seeing Yu Haiqing stay, he decided to stay too.

Soon, gasps came from the audience seats.

From the second-floor suite window, Xie Shuangxue could see a dark figure leap from below, swiftly climbing up. With a glinting Crescent Moon Blade, the figure smashed through his window.

Yu Haiqing reacted first. Luckily, there were others in the room.

Apart from him and Bai Qiuyan, a few other players were there, as well as two Feather Clan guards assigned to protect Xie Shuangxue by Ling Luo. Ling Luo hadn’t been aware of the ambush plan, fearing the crowded event might bring danger. His precaution proved timely.

They didn’t know who the attacker was or if he was a decoy, but it seemed their real target was Xie Shuangxue.

However, this time, they couldn’t harm him so easily. With players and Feather Clan guards swarming the attacker, what they’d expected to be a fierce battle turned quickly in their favor. The assailant was soon pinned down, his blade clattering to the ground.

It seemed too easy.

Yu Haiqing felt something was off.

Bai Qiuyan also noticed. Wasn’t this assassin supposed to be a formidable foe? Why was he so easy to subdue?

Then, the player chat group started buzzing again.

“We got him in the hallway!”

“Success!”

Then came a message from Qiao Zhihui: “I got the medicine! That was close. Yun Ruowei’s people seem to have planted a mole; they took the medicine in the wrong direction. Luckily, we had people spread out and caught it.”

It was indeed the item Xie Shuangxue had purchased.

Everything seemed to be going well, with the medicine in hand and the assassin captured. But when comparing this information, something felt terribly wrong.

If the medicine wasn’t coming to this suite, then what were they fighting for in the hallway? And who had they captured?

Could there be two assassins?

Bai Qiuyan was still puzzled when the mission notification sound rang.

The result was unusual—it didn’t state success or failure. It was a cumulative assessment mission, with many factors. It only informed Bai Qiuyan that he’d earned five bond points.

Given his high contributions, he should have been among the top earners. How had he not received the maximum reward of 10 points?

Just then, the assassin they’d captured let out a sinister laugh. Bai Qiuyan felt his grip weaken, watching helplessly as the figure dissolved like smoke, leaving behind only a bone fragment.

A decoy?

The group chat quickly lit up with fresh messages.

“Damn! The one we caught here vanished!”

The only good news was from Qiao Zhihui, who confirmed he had the correct medicine. At least there was progress for the City Lord’s cure.

Players were bewildered, wanting to consult with Xie Shuangxue. Bai Qiuyan turned to check on him, only to see Yu Haiqing’s expression darken as he reacted a step faster.

Because in that very moment, the spot where Xie Shuangxue had been standing was now empty.

Where was Shuangxue?

Shuangxue had disappeared!

Damn, they’d been ambushed from behind!