«Boost morale with the Creator’s sculptures»
Min Zhizhou choked up, unable to understand who the “bastard” Lu Hu referred to—someone who, from Lu Hu’s tone, seemed utterly irredeemable. However, Lu Hu’s expression was exceedingly gloomy, her anger as sharp as ice spears piercing through. Min Zhizhou couldn’t help but shiver violently.
Lu Hu showed no intention of leaving. Without the permission of this overwhelmingly powerful individual, Min Zhizhou dared not leave either. The tense atmosphere was unbearable, leaving him extremely awkward. In an effort to break the silence, he ventured, “Is this your first time meeting the city lord?”
Min Zhizhou didn’t understand. As the city lord, He Fang should have been well-acquainted with anyone holding important positions in the city. Yet, from Lu Hu’s earlier demeanor, it seemed highly likely this was Lu Hu’s first encounter with He Fang.
Lu Hu slightly pursed her exquisitely painted red lips, the corners forming a displeased curve. However, to Min Zhizhou’s surprise, she actually responded, “In the game, all NPCs follow fixed routes. Important NPCs can’t even take half a step from their designated spots.”
“Game? NPCs?” Min Zhizhou, who had never been exposed to games, couldn’t grasp the meaning behind Lu Hu’s words.
Seeing Min Zhizhou’s utterly bewildered expression, Lu Hu squinted slightly, as if realizing something. Her mood seemed to improve as she curled his lips into a mocking smile. “I really like that ignorant and stupid look of yours. It proves just how easily fooled those idiots outside the city are.”
Min Zhizhou frowned. Lu Hu’s gaze was filled with disdain as if she were looking down from a lofty height. Yet, with his overwhelming strength and profound experience, Min Zhizhou could offer no rebuttal.
—
He Fang was roused by a phone call. Even within the game, the sensory simulation pod remained connected to his phone to prevent players from becoming too immersed and losing touch with reality.
He Fang didn’t like answering calls, but he always picked up every single one. He hated causing trouble for others and preferred to avoid unnecessary complications.
The phone displayed a number that seemed vaguely familiar. His heart skipped a beat—he had definitely seen this number before.
With some trepidation, he answered the call. A familiar voice, distinctive and penetrating, came through, instantly jogging his memory: “Sir, your delivery is here. I’ve been knocking on your door. Are you not home?”
He Fang: “…”
Puzzled, He Fang glanced toward the door. If there had been knocking, there was no way he wouldn’t have heard it.
“Customer?” The exceptionally pleasant male voice, having received no response, softened with a hint of curiosity, as though afraid of disturbing him. After a brief pause, as if realizing something, the speaker quickened his pace: “I’m so sorry! Customer, my apologies, it seems I’ve dialed the wrong number.”
He Fang: “…”
“I truly apologize. Since I often handle your orders, I saved your number. While dialing another customer’s number earlier, I accidentally called you. I’m really sorry.”
The man’s tone carried a blend of appeasement and a touch of grievance, accompanied by his naturally magnetic voice. It was hard to imagine anyone being petty enough to blame someone who apologized so sincerely.
He Fang pressed his lips together, reluctant to engage further, and remained silent.
The man didn’t seem to mind He Fang’s silence, as though accustomed to his reserved demeanor. He spoke warmly, “I’m sorry to have disturbed you. How about this? Next time I deliver your order, I’ll buy you a cup of your favorite pearl-oat mochi milk tea as an apology. Does that sound okay?”
He Fang remained silent for a long time. The man patiently waited for his response.
Then, He Fang suddenly hung up the call.
Worried the man might misunderstand his abrupt disconnection as anger and call back, He Fang quickly typed a text message and sent it.
——It’s fine. No need.
The two short sentences conveyed He Fang’s attitude—an evident preference to avoid conversations whenever possible.
Moments later, He Fang received another message.
——I’m truly sorry, Customer. Please forgive me for this mistake. I insist that you accept my apology gift.
Staring at his phone, He Fang suddenly recalled that strikingly brilliant shade of gold—the vivid hue that, despite appearing rebellious, surprisingly accompanied an earnest and friendly personality.
Even so, He Fang had no intention of continuing the conversation and refrained from replying further.
Returning to the game, He Fang was surprised to find that the NPCs, who had initially gathered in the area, were still standing in place, unmoving. Upon logging in, his eyes met Lu Hu’s gaze—those lofty, crimson-tinged pupils reflecting his own image.
Was it because he had triggered a mission? He Fang wondered to himself.
As someone well-versed in countless game cutscenes and innumerable browser ads, He Fang found Lu Hu’s fiery and alluring physique perfectly acceptable. In fact, the character design felt remarkably cohesive with her persona. The heightened realism only emphasized the sensation of encountering a supermodel-like beauty in real life.
But that was where his interest ended. After all, no matter how attractive a city-building game’s NPC might be, it was merely a method to captivate players.
Before anything else, though…
“Why is my statue placed right in the middle of the hall?” He Fang still couldn’t bring himself to look back; the statue behind him was a source of overwhelming embarrassment.
The statue itself was crafted perfectly, yet He Fang felt it looked nothing like him. With a compassionate expression akin to Mother Earth’s boundless love and a pose full of over-the-top heroism, as though embracing hope, He Fang could only see it as a statue that merely resembled him.
“Of course, it’s to boost morale,” Lu Hu said, half-closing her eyes as she gazed at the pure gold, extravagantly expensive sculpture. “Under the protection of our city lord, we live in prosperity and peace. To repay the city lord, we should perform our best work under the witness of your statue.”
The pride in Lu Hu’s tone made He Fang feel even more embarrassed. “Can we replace this statue with something else?”
“Sure.” Lu Hu leaned in close to He Fang’s ear, her tone bordering on intimacy. “I’ve always thought the statue is good, but it’s wearing too much clothing. Why not take this opportunity to remake it? You could model for me personally.”
“…” He Fang’s expression gradually turned blank. “Suddenly, I feel like this statue exudes the perfect sense of dignity a city lord should have. It’s fine as it is.”
Lu Hu lightly covered her red lips with one hand, letting out a soft, teasing laugh.
“I came here to ask you something. Do you have time?” He Fang quickly decided to change the subject.
“Oh, is that so?” Lu Hu straightened up, pressing a fingertip against her rosy lips. “Of course I have time. For our adorable city lord, even if I didn’t, I’d make time!”
He Fang let out a small sigh of relief. As Min Zhizhou had mentioned, a city lord should excel at utilizing people. Given how intelligent this NPC was, He Fang had high expectations.
“Well…” Just as He Fang was about to speak, Lu Hu placed a finger against his lips, stopping him mid-sentence.
“My adorable city lord,” Lu Hu said softly, “this isn’t the best place for such discussions. I know a location that suits your noble status perfectly.” Her half-lidded gaze gave nothing away, leaving He Fang completely confused.
Meanwhile, Min Zhizhou, standing to the side, looked on with a strange expression. Did Lu Hu just indirectly kiss He Fang through that little gesture? Was it intentional?
At that moment, Lu Hu’s sly, fox-like eyes flicked toward Min Zhizhou with a faintly amused glint. The meaning behind that glance was impossible to decipher.
If I hadn’t known this was a BL, I would’ve rooted for Lu Hu. But I am fine with with both the ML and Lu Hu 👀👀