Chapter 73: Skynet World (Part 4)

Shen Qingqiu was a clever person with strong practical skills. At first, the electric bike wobbled, sped up, and slowed down unpredictably. But it quickly steadied, so Xiao Muyu no longer needed to hold her waist.

Xiao Muyu sat at the back, watching Shen Qingqiu in front of her. The electric bike rode along the road under the warm morning sun and turned onto a street lined with sycamore trees on both sides.

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves. Fragments of light scattered onto Shen Qingqiu’s hair and clothes, lending her a glow.

Birdsong accompanied them along the way. Everything was so peaceful and beautiful. It made them forget they were at the entrance of purgatory.

Smiling, Xiao Muyu couldn’t resist asking, “I take it you’ve never ridden an electric bike?”

Shen Qingqiu turned her head slightly. The bike wobbled a bit. She quickly looked forward. “What do you mean ‘never’?” she said seriously. “Look, I’m riding it just fine.”

Xiao Muyu laughed softly and hummed. “Yes, you are. You mastered it so quickly.”

Shen Qingqiu suddenly felt no desire to argue. Instead, she smiled and said, “Sit tight. I’m about to speed up.”

After taking the real estate agent’s electric scooter, Shen Qingqiu rode straight to Sunset Apartments with Xiao Muyu. They stood at the entrance to the building. Shen Qingqiu took out her phone and made a call.

“We’re here already. Hurry up and come over. I’m not responsible for keeping your bike safe if you’re late.” She hung up decisively, then crossed her legs, looking lazy and relaxed.

Xiao Muyu glanced at her. At this moment, Shen Qingqiu resembled a lazy cat. She seemed to lack energy but exuded an indescribable charm. Standing tall with her long legs, she looked like a model.

Zhuo Minghang arrived quickly. The young man exited the cab with dejection and helplessness on his face.

“Let’s go in,” he said, swiping his access card to enter the neighborhood. Zhuo Minghang still felt sore over the expense. The cab ride had cost him 60 gold coins. Not much, but it was an extra burden on his already tight finances.

“Got a nice environment, though I hear it’s a bit spooky,” Zhuo Minghang said as he led them to Building 4. “If not for concerns about it affecting the instance, I’d say this is worth it.”

They entered the elevator. Zhuo Minghang pressed the button for the 18th floor.

“The unit is 1804. It’s had several tenants. They all say the lights turn on by themselves at night. Things in the fridge disappear mysteriously. You can also hear footsteps at night. The natives don’t dare live here, although quite a few players have come to check it out… Still, it’s strange. Those who stayed here never returned from their last instance. The place has stayed vacant over time.”

Zhuo Minghang hesitated before adding, “I’m only showing it to you. This place is unusual, to begin with. It’s not worth risking your safety just to save a bit of money. I’ll keep an eye out for other places for you.”

Xiao Muyu glanced at him but said nothing. Shen Qingqiu, however, stared at him before letting out a sneer.

“I’m not trying to scare you,” Zhuo Minghang said as he opened the door. “Anything is possible in a place like this.”

The unit was clean and tidy inside. Sunlight streamed in through the balcony, bathing the rooms in natural light. The two-bedroom apartment was simply and tastefully furnished, with a well-designed layout. It was indeed a nice place.

Xiao Muyu took a look around and walked into the two rooms. She couldn’t deny it. The apartment seemed very cozy to her.

Shen Qingqiu wandered around as well. After she finished, she stared at Xiao Muyu. Her eyes drifted, and she lifted her chin.

Xiao Muyu lowered her gaze for a moment. She turned to Zhuo Minghang. “This place has been vacant for a long time, right?”

Zhuo Minghang was startled. “Oh, yes, it has for over six months. The landlord recently had it cleaned and asked us to help find tenants.”

“Tell the landlord to lower the rent a bit more, and we’ll take it.”

Zhuo Minghang froze in surprise. “Are you sure? This place is ominous. Other players have had trouble here. Since we’re all in the same boat, I think you should reconsider…”

“This type of property,” Xiao Muyu suddenly shifted the topic. “You must get a pretty good commission if you manage to lease it out, right?”

Although bemused, Zhuo Minghang nodded. “For this unit, we can collect three months’ rent as commission from the landlord. From your side, we’d also take one month’s rent as a fee.”

“Then we’ll take it.” Shen Qingqiu glanced at him. “Consider it a boost to your performance. Waive that one month’s commission if your conscience bothers you.” Her tone sounded playful, but her gray eyes made it clear she wasn’t joking.

Signing a deal on the least likely property on his first day? Zhuo Minghang was utterly dumbfounded. It was too good to believe.

“Well, just… be careful. If something foul is here, you’ve seen enough of that. Best handle it before you’re in an instance…” Though unsure what might be wrong with the place, he warned them anyway.

“Hey, what was your name again? Zhuo Minghang?” Shen Qingqiu suddenly asked as they stood in front of the entrance, about to leave.

“Huh? Oh, yes, that’s right. What is it?”

“Nothing. Remember to be on time this afternoon to sign the lease.”

“Got it.” Zhuo Minghang’s expression was complicated.

After he left, Shen Qingqiu glanced at Xiao Muyu and quirked her lips. “Why did you agree so quickly? That Zhuo Minghang seemed to be telling the truth. Aren’t you worried?”

Xiao Muyu gave her a calm sideways glance. “You can’t see your face,” she said coolly, “So you don’t know what you looked like just now. We’ve seen five places. This is the first time you looked satisfied.”

Shen Qingqiu couldn’t restrain a smile. It was exceptionally sweet. “I won’t stay if it’s not agreeable to you.”

“Why wouldn’t it be agreeable to me?” Xiao Muyu replied nonchalantly. “6,400 gold coins a month is cheap. Much more cost-effective than your 18,000 per month.”

Shen Qingqiu didn’t call her out. However, she believed Xiao Muyu had agreed because she saw how satisfied Shen Qingqiu was.

“Still, Zhuo Minghang doesn’t seem like the shrewd type. From his position, there’s no need for him to warn us. The fact that he did shows he’s probably a decent person. We can’t ignore what he said. Aren’t you worried?”

Shen Qingqiu was pleased with the apartment, but not without concerns. If something seemed unusual, there would always be a reason. Rumors like these were not unfounded.

“Worried about what? Sure, this world is filled with supernatural instances. But I don’t think the success or failure of a game hinges on a place’s feng shui. Maybe those people failed their instances because of this apartment. However, all that proves is that there’s something here capable of influencing the instance.”

“Something in a hub within the network can influence the outcome of an instance. That part is far more intriguing than this apartment. I believe the existence of such an influence means the system either overlooked it or allowed it to exist. If it’s the former, it suggests this thing is extraordinary. If it’s the latter, it means this setup holds special significance. Either way, I think it’s worth taking the risk to explore it.”

Xiao Muyu’s reasoning was clear and well thought out. She made it plain to Shen Qingqiu that she was not afraid.

“Besides,” she added, “What if it’s just a rumor to psyche people out? We’d save a lot on rent, so why not? And what’s there to be afraid of with you here?”

Initially, the thorough, detailed analysis made Shen Qingqiu sulk, thinking Xiao Muyu’s decision had nothing to do with her. But the last sentence left her inexplicably happy.

Shen Qingqiu had to admit her admiration. Xiao Muyu could think so much about this one matter. “How does your brain even work?”

Xiao Muyu shot her a sidelong glance. “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

Shen Qingqiu chuckled. She turned around and started walking backward, facing Xiao Muyu. “Of course, it’s a compliment. Honestly, I consider myself rather smart. But I’m average compared to you.”

Xiao Muyu tilted her head. “Is that so? Average Ms. Shen, is your interest in this apartment only because it suits your picky taste?”

Shen Qingqiu blinked. “I admit, it’s not. I just had a gut feeling and curiosity. Nothing compared to your clear and sound analysis.”

After speaking, Shen Qingqiu turned and walked alongside Xiao Muyu. “Do you know? I feel the way I see you can no longer be summed up as simple admiration. Do you remember what I said before? In this world, there are two extremes many people have gone to. They struggle desperately to survive in instances and suffer endlessly, only to return to the network to drown in indulgence, lost in love affairs. I understand them but have never thought I’d be like that—falling for someone here. But suddenly, I think… maybe there could be an exception.”

Xiao Muyu froze before quickly regaining her composure. Her expression became distant. “What are you trying to say?”

“I wouldn’t mind doing something frivolous if it’s with you. That was what I said.” Shen Qingqiu lowered her head slightly, then lifted it again. Her gray eyes slid up Xiao Muyu’s torso to her face and finally settled on her eyes.

On Shen Qingqiu’s bright and captivating face was a serious look, softened by a smile. She spoke again. “I was just teasing you back then. Now, though, I think it shouldn’t be described as frivolous if it’s with you, Xiao Muyu. But enjoyment.”

“Is there a difference?” Xiao Muyu didn’t look at her. She shifted her gaze and walked straight toward the complex’s exit. Her demeanor cooled, her steps calm and measured.

Shen Qingqiu noticed the change but didn’t speak immediately. She followed a few steps behind before responding earnestly, “To me, there’s a big difference.”

“Are you angry?” she asked after a moment.

Xiao Muyu furrowed her brows slightly. “Not really. It’s just, Shen Qingqiu, I don’t…”

Shen Qingqiu curved her lips. She raised a hand to stop Xiao Muyu. “Okay, I get it. You’re not interested in me right now. I’m not asking you to reciprocate. Between adults, beyond hormones, rationality, and mutual benefit are sometimes more important—especially between us. I just wanted to know. In that clever and extraordinarily composed brain of yours, is there a chance you’d one day make room for someone as unconventional as me?”

Xiao Muyu came to a stop then. She turned to look at Shen Qingqiu, this woman who had barged into her life from the very beginning. A long moment later, she smiled faintly. “Maybe. But when will you truly keep me in your heart, and not just in your mind?”

The smile on Shen Qingqiu’s face vanished. She couldn’t help feeling this overly astute woman’s words had layers, touching on something hidden within her.

But Shen Qingqiu had no time to ask or reflect on it. A surprised voice suddenly interrupted the strange atmosphere.

“Ms. Shen, Ms. Xiao!”

The two of them turned their heads simultaneously. They saw a pretty young woman in a white shirt and jeans. Her low-spirited features couldn’t conceal her surprise and delight as she stared directly at them.

When Xiao Muyu saw her, her expression softened slightly. “Su Jin.”

The young woman was none other than Su Jin. She was a companion Xiao Muyu had met during her second instance, Deadly Room Numbers.

That instance had left a deep impression on Xiao Muyu and Shen Qingqiu. Similarly, they both had a good impression of Su Jin. She was a companion they had counted on and cleared the instance with.

Su Jin hadn’t expected to run into Shen Qingqiu and Xiao Muyu here. Her eyes showed only joy as she quickly walked over.

“What… what brings you two here?”

“Oh, we just cleared an instance, so our rest period will be a bit longer,” Xiao Muyu said casually, without pretense. “We thought we’d move and came here to rent an apartment.”

“Rent an apartment?” Su Jin’s expression shifted slightly. “Which apartment did you check out? Don’t tell me it’s the one in Building 4, Unit 2?”

Shen Qingqiu smiled subtly. “It seems its bad reputation precedes it.”

Su Jin seemed about to say more, but Xiao Muyu cut her off. “Since we’ve run into each other, let’s catch up.”

Although puzzled, Su Jin felt reassured. Xiao Muyu was smart enough to realize something was off about that apartment.

“Sure. I’m currently staying with Zuo Tiantian and Chen Kaijie. We just got out of an instance. They’ll be thrilled to see you two.” Su Jin had regained her calm. Yet it was still clear she was genuinely happy.

“You’ve formed a team.” This was no question. Shen Qingqiu had an idea already.

“Not yet. We agreed to consider forming one if we could survive the instance.”

Shen Qingqiu chuckled. Then they were already preparing to team up. She glanced at Xiao Muyu, who was also looking at her, as perceptive as always.

From the moment Xiao Muyu began contemplating Sunset Apartments, Shen Qingqiu had known she had other ideas.

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Author had something to say:

So, cuties, do you know what Xiao meant by “in your heart and not your mind”?

Xiao: Not interested.
*Slap!*
Xiao: I don’t lean that way.
*Slap, slap!*
Xiao: …I am very interested.