As the wisest of all beings, humans, with their capacity for thought, are incredibly complex creatures.
Unlike simple-minded beasts, who are straightforward and direct, humans often struggle to see into their own hearts, failing to recognize what they truly desire.
For instance, consider the present situation.
While verbally expressing a wish to 'summon a new companion,' deep within his subconscious, Shi Xiaolei secretly hoped to draw an item similar to the 'Ark' from last time—something that could bring more convenience to his family's life.
It was precisely this deeply hidden expectation that clouded his judgment, leading him to decide, 'Since there are still one or two hours left, I'll open a blind box in the Ark'—much like a gambler convinced they can win the next hand. Because he inwardly desired an 'item' more, he subconsciously overlooked the possibility of other outcomes, believing things would unfold as he wished. Simply put, it was because his subconscious first assumed, 'Anyway, what comes out will be an inanimate object,' and felt no need to consider the other party's feelings, which then led Shi Xiaolei to make such a hasty choice.
Conversely, if he had truly hoped to summon a new companion deep down… without going so far as to arrange a special 'welcome party,' he would at least set aside some time for the newcomer to adapt. There's no way he would do it so hastily and unceremoniously, using the only bit of free time left before departure, as he is now.
As for why Shi Xiaolei would prefer to draw an item… when you're not thirsty, you don't think of the sweetness of clear water; when you're not hungry, you don't remember the deliciousness of food. It's a simple truth.
He hoped for an 'item' because his current life rhythm was quite peaceful, with no problems he couldn't solve, and he hadn't suffered any defeats in the two battles he'd fought. In Shi Xiaolei's current situation, he genuinely didn't have a great need for a 'powerful companion.' In comparison, a treasure like the 'Ark' was far more enticing.
On the surface, he told himself that the probability of drawing an item was low, based on the fact that 'out of three openings, two summoned companions.' Yet, subconsciously, because he yearned for a new 'item' even more, he was convinced that this time, another treasure would appear. Although he was quite direct in personality, decisive in his actions, and an honest man without much guile, ultimately, Shi Xiaolei was still human, and inevitably had a complex and unpredictable side.
Inside the Ark.
"Dr. Banner, this is Sylvia, and this is Connie, my family." Leading the two girls into the Ark and finding Bruce Banner, who was in the base, Shi Xiaolei introduced them: "Connie, this is Dr. Banner. Remember that big green guy you saw on TV the other day? That's him."
"Huh?" Connie looked at the scholarly, gentle, and harmless Bruce Banner, then back at Shi Xiaolei.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't connect the man in front of her with the wild and powerful green giant on TV, and a look of suspicion involuntarily appeared in the little girl Connie's eyes.
"Xiaolei, you're lying, he's not green."
"That's what he looks like after he transforms. Just like you, he also has two forms." Looking at Bruce Banner, Shi Xiaolei gave an apologetic smile: "Dr. Banner, kids don't know any better, please don't mind her."
"It's alright." Bruce Banner shook his head, then knelt down, looking Connie directly in the eyes: "Hello, Connie, I'm Bruce."
"Hmm~." Tilting her head, she scrutinized him several more times, but still couldn't find any green. Connie had no choice but to temporarily set aside her curiosity and, with her usual sweet demeanor, responded to Bruce Banner's greeting: "Hello, Uncle."
After exchanging greetings, they were officially introduced.
Watching the little girl scamper off on her short legs, dashing towards Big White, who was sunbathing in the plaza, Shi Xiaolei smiled and said, "Dr. Banner, if I'm not mistaken, are you very interested in Big White? Well, if you want to get closer to it,
Now is the time. With Connie around, Big White will be even more obedient than a trained dog from a pet store; it definitely won't dare to act up."
He didn't know that Big White was so obedient to Connie because of a bloodline suppression. He thought it was just like a pet cat or dog, behaving so well and obediently in front of its 'little master' because it often played with Connie.
Well, regardless of the reason, seeing the interaction between Big White and Connie, Bruce Banner couldn't help but feel a surge of impulse.
He wanted to take this opportunity to interact with Big White for a while longer… To put it plainly, it was a professional habit of a researcher kicking in, with the desire to explore the unknown bubbling up. After a brief chat with Shi Xiaolei, Bruce Banner started walking towards Connie and Big White, who were playing together.
"Sylvia." After watching for a while, making sure nothing unexpected would happen, Shi Xiaolei turned his head, pointed back at the small building behind him, and asked 2B, who was standing gracefully beside him: "Are you staying here to guard, or coming inside with me?"
"Is something happening?"
"Nothing important. There's still some time, so I plan to go inside and open a blind box to see if I can summon a new companion." Shi Xiaolei replied.
After thinking for a moment, 2B made her choice: "Then I'll guard outside."
As she responded, she gave Shi Xiaolei a knowing, flower-like smile. 2B nodded gently, and though seemingly delicate, she stepped forward two paces with immense determination… While she didn't exude an imposing aura, one could easily imagine that if Bruce Banner had any intention of approaching, she would surely stop him at the door.
"Alright then." Understanding the unspoken meaning in 2B's words, Shi Xiaolei smiled gratefully: "Then I'll trouble you. I'll be right out."
Turning around, he entered the small building constructed of Tek panels, passing through the first floor, which was piled with various manufacturing devices, and the second floor, used as a material warehouse.
The third floor was the living area, which was also the respawn point for characters after dying in the game. After renovations, he had used various furniture brought in from outside to furnish it into a somewhat simple but cozy living space.
He walked to the window and glanced down, making sure Bruce Banner's attention was entirely on Big White. Shi Xiaolei then casually drew the newly installed curtains and returned to the center of the room.
His consciousness connected to the system, and just like the previous three times, he spent 300 sign-in points to exchange for a brand new blind box from the system.
Taking a deep breath, clearing his slightly cluttered thoughts, Shi Xiaolei opened the blind box with his consciousness a few seconds later.
There were no light and shadow effects, no magic circles; just like a video after an edit, a figure appeared abruptly before Shi Xiaolei.
However, unlike when Connie and 2B first arrived, this person didn't react immediately; they couldn't even stand steadily.
As if still asleep, she softly collapsed to the ground… Seeing this, Shi Xiaolei quickly took two steps forward and reached out his arm to catch her.
"Hmm~." About two or three seconds later, accompanied by a fragrant, orchid-like breath, the woman in Shi Xiaolei's arms slowly opened her eyes.
As if she had been feigning sleep, as she awoke, the woman's arm had already quietly lifted and wrapped around Shi Xiaolei's neck.
Then came another languid murmur, filled with endless temptation: "Darling, what time is it?"
"…Can we please talk properly, Sister Bei?"