Ye Qingfeng had been pondering the system's words. He didn't even notice when Nicole stopped the car. Still lost in thought, he trailed behind the other three, walking in a daze, and headed straight for his room the moment they entered the house.
"Qingfeng seems to have something on his mind."
Anby remarked in her usual flat tone as she watched Ye Qingfeng's retreating figure disappear up the stairs.
"He does, but don't worry. Qingfeng's pretty tough," Billy said, glancing at the time before dashing upstairs, muttering something about Starlight Knight.
Nicole, meanwhile, walked silently to the sofa and sat down, crossing her arms as she sank into thought.
"Bang—"
Ye Qingfeng closed and locked the door behind him, then flopped straight onto his bed.
'System—!'
[I already said I can't tell you! Don't cause trouble, okay?!]
The system complained in an extremely impatient tone.
Hearing this, Ye Qingfeng squeezed his eyes shut and lay there quietly without another word.
[Sigh… Host, if you have any more questions, ask them quickly. Then go wash up and sleep.]
Despite its youthful, girlish voice, its tone was oddly reminiscent of a lecturing elder.
'What's your purpose?'
[For the peace and future of New Eridu.]
'Do you have a name?'
[You can call me Xiaozhi.]
Such a fake-sounding name.
'Xiaozhi… am I really the only one you could choose?'
[That's right. The host is a variable…]
'What does that mean?'
[Alright, don't push it. Go wash up and sleep. Ha—hah~]
Ye Qingfeng heard Xiaozhi yawn before the system finally fell silent.
Fine… like the system said, I shouldn't overthink it…
'Syyy—steeem~'
[What now…]
'Two lottery draws!'
[Ding! Drawing now…]
[Congratulations, Host, on receiving the following rewards:]
[S-grade Reward: Animal Magnetism (only 50% effective on humans; can be activated or deactivated on a large scale or targeted individually. Note: No explanation needed. A furry's dream come true!)]
[A-grade Reward: Firearms Proficiency (Mastery). Note: One step away from being a sharpshooter. Guns will feel like an extension of yourself!]
Ye Qingfeng stared at the rewards, momentarily stunned—not because of the S-grade Animal Magnetism, but because of the A-grade Firearms Proficiency.
I finally have combat ability! What could be more important than this?!
After witnessing the dangers of the Hollow firsthand, gaining the ability to defend himself had become his top priority. Compared to that, the other reward felt far less significant.
Ye Qingfeng sprang out of bed like a carp leaping from water, flung open the door, and rushed out. He knocked hard on Nicole's door, but when there was no response, he hurried downstairs.
Scanning the living room, he still didn't see Nicole anywhere. He scratched his head in frustration.
Where'd she go?! Seriously… can't find her when I need her.
Oh well.
Billy probably has contacts for weapon dealers too. I'll use the bathroom first, then go find Billy.
He was beginning to realize that his workplace—the Cunning Hares—handled mostly Hollow-related commissions. In other words, they were Hollow Raiders.
"Hollow Raider" generally referred to those who entered Hollows without permission from the Hollow Investigation Association. Without official authorization, Hollow Raiders couldn't obtain exit permits or resources and usually relied on proxies for support inside.
Thinking about it, Ye Qingfeng realized he should build better relationships with Wise and Belle. He'd need to find time to connect with them.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Ye Qingfeng shoved open the bathroom door.
The next second, he froze in place, as if something inside had completely captured his attention.
His mouth went dry, and he swallowed reflexively.
So big!
Wait—is this something a kid should be seeing? Good thing I'm an adult. I can look!
Nicole, who had just finished showering and was picking up a nightgown, hadn't noticed the door swinging open since her back was turned. Ye Qingfeng forced his stiff body to move, taking a step back and quietly closing the door.
"Brr—it's chilly! Why is there a draft?"
Nicole slipped on her nightgown, shivering as she felt the cool air behind her. She turned toward the door.
Seeing her start to turn, Ye Qingfeng flinched. Fortunately, the bathroom door was already mostly closed, leaving only a thin crack. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Safe… If Nicole found out, she'd really kill me!
Ye Qingfeng tiptoed away like a thief.
Behind him, the bathroom door slowly opened.
Nicole glared fiercely at his retreating figure.
"Qing—feng!" she called out with a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Where are you going?"
"Ni… Nicole… what a coincidence…" Ye Qingfeng swallowed hard and slowly turned around, forcing a smile uglier than a grimace. "You're not asleep yet either…"
"Yeah—I'm not asleep yet!" Nicole approached with an eerily gentle smile. "So, how would you like to die?"
"Just don't hit the face!"
Moments later, a bruised and battered Ye Qingfeng lay staring blankly at the ceiling. Nicole sat on the sofa with her legs crossed, looking mostly calmed down.
Thankfully, after spending so much time together, she understood Ye Qingfeng's character well enough not to hit him too hard—she'd only put her full strength into every punch.
"Alright, stop playing dead," Nicole said, fixing her hair. Remembering that she'd rushed out of the bathroom earlier, she frowned and snapped, "Go put my clothes in the washing machine. If you're not out in thirty seconds…Then I won't just use my fists!"
Ye Qingfeng struggled to his feet, about to protest, when Nicole began counting down. He dashed into the bathroom, ran to the laundry basket, and saw Nicole's changed clothes neatly piled inside—on top lay a lacy black garment.
Hearing the countdown echoing from the living room, he didn't hesitate. He grabbed the entire basket, dumped everything into the washer, hit the start button, and sprinted out, reaching Nicole just as the final seconds ticked away.
"Hmph! You're pretty fast," Nicole said, eyeing him before quietly lowering her briefcase. "So, what did you need?"
"Nicole, you see…" Ye Qingfeng crouched beside her with an ingratiating smile. "This little brother of yours went into the Hollow without any means of self-defense. It was really dangerous. So, how about…?"
He placed his hands on her legs and began massaging them. Don't misunderstand—he was just giving her a massage. He'd learned the technique from a senior inmate, and his skills were good enough to open a massage parlor.
"Mmm—ah~"
Nicole quietly fully put down her briefcase, leaning back lazily as she enjoyed the massage. As time passed, her face gradually flushed, and she couldn't help letting out soft, pleased sighs.
[Ding! Nicole's favorability increased by 5%. Current favorability: 50%]
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A/n: New content and Story posted on my patreon go check it out!
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