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Chapter 4: Contacting NPCs
Back in the safe zone, Su Ning noticed that even after just one afternoon, some elderly people and children had started begging.
After all, when everyone was pulled into the game, they had nothing. Outside the safe zone were only the undead, and inside, there was nothing freely edible.
The only way to survive was to fight monsters—otherwise, the rules would eliminate you. Su Ning knew she wasn’t some saint who could save everyone. Without family support, it was indeed hard for the elderly and children—they didn’t understand leveling up, choosing professions, or even the game rules.
Still, no matter what, Su Ning wasn’t the type to hand out copper coins freely. On top of that, she worried about her “Father Saint” at home—hoping she hadn’t caused trouble for her dear mother.
So, after discussing with Qiao Duoduo, they decided to split up. Su Ning, who preferred minimal social interaction and could pretend to be an autistic child, would check out the system’s NPCs and the important inn.
The cheerful and clever Qiao Duoduo would look for any lost colleagues, see if she could join a group, and gather information. They needed to familiarize themselves with this route quickly and settle in.
Two flowers bloom, each showing its own beauty.
Starting with Su Ning: the system buildings were all located on the north side of the plaza. Three small buildings faced south, prime locations. On the far west was a one-story building, like a guardhouse, filled with NPC guards—ignored by Su Ning.
To the east was a two-story wooden building with a sign: Pharmacy.
In the middle, the largest building spanned four floors, labeled Inn.
On the west side, another two-story building, labeled Tea House.
Su Ning’s slight OCD kicked in; she decided to follow order and enter the pharmacy first. Inside, a young boy was grinding herbs, looking somewhat impatient. He spoke immediately:
“This shop only sells Blood Pills and Qi Pills, 5 copper coins each. One pill restores 10 HP or MP. Do you wish to buy?”
Su Ning thought silently: Wow, that’s expensive. She and Duoduo had struggled most of the day to earn just 53 copper coins—enough for only ten pills. Forget it.
“Sorry, I’m new here and really can’t afford it. But I picked some leaves outside today—they can lightly stop bleeding. Please accept them as a gift.”
She handed over some leaves. The boy’s expression softened.
“You’re sensible. If you find good herbs in the future, you can bring them to me,” he said, returning to his herbs.
Ding! Pharmacy apprentice Zeng Xiaoqi’s affection toward you increased by 10 points. Current affection: 10/100
Su Ning stepped out, satisfied—the gift worked. The leaves came from the tree she and Duoduo had climbed earlier. Constant fighting drained MP, so resting was necessary. Without pills, resting restored 10 MP per minute. During breaks, she examined the tree carefully. Her talent proved effective:
Fighting time was limited, and since Su Ning hadn’t used any pills, she could only gather a bit to study later.
Thinking this, she heard cursing from the nearby inn—complaints about high fees and poor treatment. Curious, she walked over.
NPC guards were escorting players into the one-story building; none came out for a long time.
Su Ning hesitated but entered the inn. The innkeeper was a striking young woman with a “falling horse bun” hairstyle, wearing a moon-white crossed top with a light purple chest-high ruqun skirt.
Her eyes and teeth were bright, her posture graceful—a rare beauty.
“Welcome, guest. Do you wish to stay?
“Excuse me, what’s the difference between lower, medium, and upper?” Su Ning asked. The prices were reasonable, but she wanted clarification.
The innkeeper smiled and explained:
Su Ning didn’t waste time. She took out two rolls of plain white fabric from her backpack (a card item!) and offered them as a gift.
“Thank you for the introduction. I need to discuss with my friend. Please accept these two rolls as a gift from me.”
The innkeeper’s face brightened.
“Discuss away, young ones. Earning copper isn’t easy. If you stay today, I’ll give 20% off. Next time you bring such quality items, I’ll treat you well.” She carefully placed the fabric on the counter.
Ding! Innkeeper Mrs. Li’s affection increased by 20 points. Current affection: 20/100
Su Ning privately messaged Duoduo:
“Medium double room, 36 copper coins. With 20% off, 28 copper coins. Stay or not?”
“Stay. Meet at the tea house later.”
“Mrs. Li, one medium double room, please.” With Duoduo’s confirmation, Su Ning booked decisively. Almost half their copper coins gone, but better than sleeping in the square—some expenses couldn’t be spared.
With the room key, Su Ning felt at ease. Mrs. Li only charged 28 copper coins, allowing stay until noon tomorrow.
Su Ning also gave a tea package to the tea house owner, who refused repeatedly, exchanging it for pajamas and buns three times. Eventually, the owner saw Su Ning’s sincerity and said if it were tea sets, he’d accept; otherwise, unnecessary.
Though the tea house was sparsely populated, a few noticed Su Ning and commented:
“Girl, we’ve all tried. They only want tea sets. Everyone knows, but no one has them!”
“Exactly, everyone has some equipment or daily items, but tea sets? Never seen.”
“Once a cook came—oil, salt, sauces—all set, but no pots or pans.”
Su Ning actually had a green-card exquisite tea set. But so many people watching made her hesitate.
After thinking, she decided: holding onto it serves no purpose. Giving it away might spark jealousy, but the tea set wasn’t otherwise needed—visitors seemed well-off.
The tea house owner’s affection jumped 40 points for the green tea set, promising Su Ning a permanent 20% discount—obvious trust and value.
Affection system:
Lhaozi[Translator]
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