ATIGIBTC Chapter 23

«Willing to give my precious first time to the Creator»

In the game “Ruins Without Restart”, all floor models are custom-designed by players. However, plenty of pre-made templates are available for purchase online, so it doesn’t always require much effort.

However, He Fang decided against using any paid templates. He painstakingly designed every floor of the entire town, essentially recreating the architecture of his small hometown.

The Finance Department, a newer addition to He Fang’s real-life hometown, was majestic and solemn. Towering and imposing, it was surrounded by guard posts. Unlike the bustling streets outside, the spacious courtyard of the department was eerily quiet, exuding a dignified atmosphere.

He Fang smacked his lips as he surveyed the area. Back then, he had been fixated on perfectly replicating his town. But now, he realized that if all the land occupied by the Finance Department were repurposed, it might fit another residential area—potentially accommodating more citizens.

When the guards saw He Fang approaching, they shot out of their booths like fireworks. They marched crisply toward him and bent at a full ninety degrees, their tall statures seeming to shrink as they bent in respect.

Min Zhizhou, simply from the uniformed appearance of the guards, could tell they were more capable than ordinary pedestrians. And from their reverent, unquestioning demeanor, it was clear that their bow was entirely voluntary.

However…

Min Zhizhou glanced at He Fang, who strode into the Finance Department as if it were his own home. Evidently, He Fang had no sense of being revered or adored. He didn’t even spare a glance at the impeccably poised guards.

“What’s that?” He Fang’s sudden question snapped Min Zhizhou out of his thoughts. Following He Fang’s gaze, Min Zhizhou looked ahead.

Through the massive glass windows, the interior decor of the Finance Department became visible. Inside the grand entrance hall, a colossal statue stood prominently.

He Fang’s face was full of confusion. He had only designed the building’s exterior and didn’t have the time to work on its interior. The unexpected sight of a large, dark object in the hall caught him off guard.

But as the two entered the building, He Fang’s expression grew increasingly peculiar. The automatic doors slid open, revealing the full view of the statue.

It was a pure gold statue of He Fang himself!

He Fang’s eyes instantly widened.

The statue depicted the boy’s slender figure and delicate features. Unlike typical statues that aim for a general resemblance, this one was stunningly detailed—almost too much so. Even the soft, fine strands of his hair had been painstakingly crafted from thin, dark-gold metallic threads, carefully assembled and adhered.

The statue’s expression was incredibly gentle, exuding a warmth akin to a nurturing mother of the earth. Its eyes gazed lovingly over the entire hall as if encouraging the hardworking people within. Its serene smile seemed to embody the ultimate reassurance and gratitude to the citizens.

Meanwhile, Min Zhizhou turned his attention to the real-life version beside him. He Fang’s face had turned an alarming shade of red, his embarrassment climbing steadily until it reached his very scalp. At that moment, He Fang looked like he might combust and burn into ashes, never to be seen again.

Understanding the boy’s mortification, Min Zhizhou considerately chose to remain silent.

“Oh my, look! The City Lord is looking at his own full-body statue! I always wondered if the sculpture was an idealized version of our City Lord, but now it seems that even the statue can barely capture a fraction of his elegance!”

“Before seeing the Creator, I thought the statue was already a masterpiece of ultimate perfection, worthy of an astronomical price. But now that I’ve seen the Creator in person, I finally understand what it means for something to pale in comparison. If I could win the Creator’s favor, I would gladly trade all my wealth and possessions!”

“In the past, money was my life. Now, my life is all about earning money to contribute to the Creator’s glory! Even if offered the treasures of the world in exchange for the Creator’s radiance, I would firmly refuse!”

Min Zhizhou, with his keen hearing, caught all these murmurs coming from various directions. Watching He Fang, who was already stunned speechless and standing motionless before the statue, Min Zhizhou couldn’t help but think that if He Fang had heard these comments, the boy might have died of embarrassment on the spot.

But these people in the Finance Department… Were they plotting how to sell He Fang off? Or perhaps, how to buy him back?

“Well, well! Isn’t this our City Lord? After inspecting the farmlands, landmarks, Rainbow Squad, and the research institute, you’ve finally made your way to the Finance Department?”

A stranger’s voice, light and teasing, came from behind the two of them.

Min Zhizhou was startled and immediately turned around.

The figure before them seemed like a raging, flamboyant flame, burning with arrogance and untamed charm.

The woman in fiery red appeared particularly bewitching under the sunlight. Her wine-red hair cascaded like flames, its unruly curves accentuating her slender fingers as if they were setting the air around her ablaze.

“And you are…?” He Fang stammered, opening the woman’s attribute panel to check her details.

The woman’s name was Lu Hu. Her stats were exceptional, indicating a highly disciplined and well-trained individual. However, two descriptors in her personality traits caught He Fang’s attention.

“Seductive and Wanton.”

“Rebellious and Untamed.”

Generally, NPCs with these traits were notoriously difficult to manage. The “seductive and wanton” trait often led to personal scandals, while “rebellious and untamed” personalities were prone to disobedience and could sabotage orders. Because of this, He Fang usually avoided recruiting or appointing individuals with such characteristics. He assumed Lu Hu’s loyalty would be low—until he saw the number.

13,083.

An extraordinarily high loyalty score, surpassing even Zhu Yan, the most loyal person he had ever encountered.

Could this be… the personality of a treacherous minister paired with the heart of a devoted servant?

Lu Hu’s position was listed as Minister of Finance. But what truly made He Fang pause was her listed age: “Forever 29 years old.”

What does that even mean?

“Lu Hu,” He Fang muttered, lowering his guard after reading her profile. With loyalty this high, there was no reason to be wary.

“Such an ordinary name, yet when spoken by our dear City Lord, it somehow feels so special,” Lu Hu murmured, her eyes narrowing slightly. They resembled a fox deep in thought, scheming and calculating. Her hands rested lightly on He Fang’s shoulders as she leaned forward, bending down due to her significantly taller stature. The curve of her waist dipped into an alluring arc, making her posture all the more captivating. Lu Hu smiled down at He Fang, her gaze filled with a blend of charm and mischief. “As long as my adorable Creator calls my name, I am willing to give you anything.”

Min Zhizhou, despite his worldly experience, found himself momentarily overwhelmed by this enchanting woman, especially as she deliberately exuded a seductive aura.

Her figure was undeniably stunning, with curves that seemed designed to captivate. Her fitted pencil skirt accentuated her hips, while her long legs, encased in sheer stockings, disappeared into simple yet elegant high heels. Though her attire lacked excessive ornamentation, she carried an innate magnificence, as if born to command attention.

He Fang, being a young boy, might not be able to resist such an overwhelming presence—or so Min Zhizhou thought.

Yet, to his surprise, He Fang’s clear, unclouded gaze betrayed no trace of being swayed.

In an unexpected turn of events, it was Lu Hu who seemed entranced. Her gaze softened as she looked at He Fang, becoming dreamy and intoxicated.

“Seeing you in person, I can finally confirm just how delicate you truly are,” Lu Hu whispered as she tilted her head slightly downward, gently taking He Fang’s hand in hers. Her slender fingers massaged the palm of his hand as she continued, “Such slender fingers, such a frail body… You’re still just a child—fragile and ephemeral as if you might disappear at any moment…”

Her eyes angled slightly. Deep within her pupils flickered an emotion even Min Zhizhou couldn’t decipher.

A faint blush tinged Lu Hu’s cheeks, her enchanting allure amplified by a shade of peach blossom red. As her excitement grew, her posture shifted further, leaning closer to He Fang’s shoulder with a teasing smile. Inch by inch, she drew nearer. “My lovely City Lord, as a gift for our first meeting, I’m willing to offer you my most precious first time.”

Her face drew closer and closer, and Min Zhizhou’s shock grew. Was she really going to kiss him?!

But just then, something caught He Fang’s attention. Before either of them could react, he abruptly disappeared into thin air, vanishing without a trace.

Min Zhizhou: “…” The awkwardness was palpable.

Lu Hu’s expression turned icy as if frost had suddenly settled over blooming peach blossoms, a chill so deep it seemed to seep into one’s bones.

“Uh… I have no idea where he went…” Min Zhizhou stammered, swallowing hard. He could feel an overwhelming sense of danger emanating from Lu Hu, her presence like that of an unassailable powerhouse. He dared not make a single rash move.

“I know,” Lu Hu replied, straightening her back as her expression turned utterly cold. “He was lured away by that detestable, despicable, lazy creature—a disgusting thing that does nothing but stand there like a statue all day.”

Min Zhizhou: “?”

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