Chapter 89 Unique game (7)
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Zhuang Lao answered succinctly, but Lin Zhaohe had a gut feeling that he was lying. He didn’t know why, but he had an odd intuition. Zhuang Lao seemed to have read all his manuscripts, even the ones that hadn’t been published.
This intuition came suddenly and didn’t make sense. Lin Zhaohe couldn’t confront Zhuang Lao and ask him about it, so he had to let it go for now.
Finding the main server became the top priority, before anything else. However, the search didn’t go as smoothly as expected. The proponents had hidden the server’s location cleverly and used alternative servers to mislead and divert. The addresses Lin Zhaohe’s home AI found turned out to be fake server sites. The opponents returned empty-handed multiple times, which greatly demoralized them.
Consequently, the cunning Lin Yan seemed to be the only clue to the server’s location. But according to him, he was absolutely unwilling to cooperate with Zhuang Lao. Unfortunately, the situation once again reached a stalemate.
Life was filled with unsolvable mysteries, and Zhuang Lao appeared like an immense whirlpool. The more Lin Zhaohe got to know him, the more he found this person terrifying.
His impressive strength, countless 2D works in his mansion, and close ties to the upper class left Lin Zhaohe puzzled about Zhuang Lao’s true identity.
“Earth Online” rapidly spread worldwide, becoming a popular game in just two weeks.
Upon arriving at the company, Lin Zhaohe noticed images of the game on everyone’s computer screens. But the most surprising part was that even with the mobile version, people didn’t forget to play it while using the restroom.
Before playing, Lin Zhaohe couldn’t comprehend it. However, after spending some time in the game, he came to understand its allure.
It perfectly simulated the pre-fusion state of human existence. Once inside the game, one lived in a worry-free world, becoming a blissful escape for many.
Making the decision to dismantle such a utopia was no easy task.
After careful consideration, Lin Zhaohe chose to heed Lin Yan’s advice and quickly reach level ten to assess the situation.
However, reaching level ten wasn’t an overnight achievement. Lin Zhaohe worked diligently for two days, reaching level five before succumbing to exhaustion. Dark circles threatened to materialize and fall from beneath his eyes.
Eventually, Zhuang Lao couldn’t bear it any longer and said, “Lin Zhaohe, are you planning to stay up all night? Do you intend to exhaust yourself completely for it to count?”
Lin Zhaohe, donning the persona of a panda, grew weak all over, but his determination remained firm. “I’m not tired!”
Zhuang Lao squinted his eyes slightly, his gaze fixed on Lin Zhaohe.
That gaze felt somewhat familiar. Before Lin Zhaohe could react, Zhuang Lao reached out and wrapped his arm around his waist, lifting him up. Lin Zhaohe let out a cry, “Boss—”
Zhuang Lao called him slowly, “Writer Lin.”
Lin Zhaohe: “Huh?”
Zhuang Lao: “The fan wants to chase after his idol again.”
Lin Zhaohe: “???” His exhausted mind couldn’t grasp the meaning behind Zhuang Lao’s words before he was carried into the office.
Lying on the couch, Lin Zhaohe weakly struggled and said, “I can’t sleep.”
Zhuang Lao unbuttoned the first button of his shirt and said gently, “Alright, I promise you won’t fall asleep.”
Lin Zhaohe: “……”
That night, Lin Zhaohe indeed couldn’t fall asleep. However, it felt more challenging than surviving in the fusion zone. He felt like he was living and dying, repeatedly going through the cycle.
Lin Zhaohe had never imagined that Zhuang Lao would be so cruel, completely contrasting his usual calm and restrained demeanor. The words Lin Zhaohe said, which he wouldn’t dare to think about in normal circumstances, were now shouted in a pleading manner with red-rimmed eyes.
After it was over, Lin Zhaohe immediately fainted.
After sleeping for twelve straight hours, Lin Zhaohe woke up again in the afternoon. He lay on the bed in Zhuang Lao’s office, looking at the sunset outside the window. A feeling of being abandoned by the world kept surging up from his heart.
“Awake?” Zhuang Lao’s voice came from behind Lin Zhaohe.
“Boss.” Surprised that he was still there, Lin Zhaohe turned his head and saw Zhuang Lao.
“Change your clothes,” Zhuang Lao glanced at his watch, “We have clients coming later.”
Lin Zhaohe nodded and went to the restroom provided by Zhuang Lao’s office to take a shower and change clothes. He asked Zhuang Lao about the clients coming at this hour. Weren’t they all immersed in the game? Did they have time for business matters?
Zhuang Lao said, “It’s not that he wants to come, but he’s on the brink of death. After all, he’s a company client. When it comes to compensation, we can try to give less.”
Lin Zhaohe thought to himself that the boss hadn’t changed at all. However, this familiar feeling gave him some reassurance. He sat on the couch and took a sip of the milk poured by Zhuang Lao.
Clack, clack, clack. Accompanied by the sound of hurried footsteps in high heels, a woman entered the office.
The woman wore a red dress and had delicate heavy makeup. Her presence was overwhelming, making it clear that she was not someone to be trifled with.
Indeed, it seemed to be the case. She sat directly in front of Lin Zhaohe, raising her chin. “Boss Zhuang, the person you assigned to me better be reliable.”
Zhuang Lao said, “Rest assured, Mrs. Li, I’ve assigned our most talented employee.”
Faced with Zhuang Lao’s praise, Lin Zhaohe displayed a guilty expression. He thought to himself, “Boss, you’re praising me so much, but I truly feel unworthy. But then again, I do earn the highest salary in the company…”
“That’s good,” Mrs. Li said. “That useless son of mine is now in your hands.” After saying this, she suddenly patted the side of her body.
Witnessing her abrupt action, Lin Zhaohe finally noticed a skinny teenager sitting beside Mrs. Li. This teenager, completely overshadowed by Mrs. Li’s presence, had no sense of existence. When he walked in, Lin Zhaohe hadn’t even noticed his presence. It was only when Mrs. Li’s hand landed on his shoulder that he appeared in Lin Zhaohe’s field of vision like an invisible person.
“This is my son, Xiao Xu,” Mrs. Li said. “He’s seventeen this year. Xiao Xu, why are you so impolite?” She gave the child a signal with her eyes.
Xiao Xu, a skinny and inconspicuous figure, trembled all over. His mother’s gaze felt like a whip striking his frail back. His voice was soft and small, just like his person. He whispered, “Hello, Uncle. My name is Xiao Xu.”
Lin Zhaohe thought to himself, “I’m just in my twenties, not old enough to be called ‘uncle’ by you.”
But since the boy’s mother was present, eyeing them fiercely, he didn’t want to dwell on such a trivial matter. Sensing the tense atmosphere, he quickly played the peacemaker and commented on the child’s sweet words.
“Xiao Xu is timid,” Mrs. Li said. “Both his father and I are busy with work, and these past few days, he hasn’t been going to school. Instead, he stays at home playing games. It seems that playing too much has affected his mind.” She stroked Xiao Xu’s fluffy hair, her fair fingers adorned with bright red nail polish. Her appearance was entirely different from Xiao Xu’s meek temperament. It was hard to imagine that they were mother and son. Apart from their surname, there was no resemblance whatsoever.
Zhuang Lao asked, “Affected his mind? Why?”
“The child is afraid every night, but I don’t know what he’s afraid of,” Mrs. Li said. “My husband and I have been incredibly busy lately, and we haven’t had time to look after him. So, I thought, Boss Zhuang, could you send someone to accompany Xiao Xu? You know the situation over there. The only requirement is that the person shouldn’t have a fierce appearance. Xiao Xu gets scared easily.” As she spoke, her attitude was gentle, resembling a compassionate mother. She didn’t show any signs of being strict or demanding. However, as soon as she spoke, Xiao Xu’s head seemed to bury itself in his neck. He didn’t dare to look at his own mother, like a helpless rabbit spotting a wild wolf.
“Sure,” Zhuang Lao smiled and said, “What do you think of him?”
“He’s good, he’s good,” Mrs. Li observed Lin Zhaohe, who was sitting beside them drinking milk. She nodded approvingly, stating that Lin Zhaohe seemed to meet her requirements. He looked gentle and well-mannered, drinking milk, giving off an impression of a good person.
Lin Zhaohe, inexplicably bestowed with the label of a good person, was at a loss for words.
“Then, I’ll trouble this little brother,” Mrs. Li said. “Xiao Xu is introverted and doesn’t like to interact with people. Please take care of him for these evenings until my husband and I finish our busy period.”
Lin Zhaohe said, “You’re too kind.”
“Xiao Xu, is this Big Brother okay?” Mrs. Li remained considerate and didn’t address Lin Zhaohe as “uncle.”
Xiao Xu cautiously glanced at Lin Zhaohe and softly replied, “Okay.”
“Then, it’s up to this little brother,” Mrs. Li raised her wrist to check the time, “I have some matters to attend to, so have dinner together before heading back.”
She stood up, shook her dress, and a white object fell from it. Lin Zhaohe thought it was a piece of paper or something similar. However, upon closer inspection, he discovered it was a bloody human nail. Judging by its freshness, it seemed as though it had just been pulled from someone’s body.
Lin Zhaohe: “……” His gaze towards Mrs. Li instantly changed.
“In the evening, I’ll trouble Little Brother to take Xiao Xu home. He’s afraid of the dark. You’ll stay in the guest room at my house for these days and keep him company,” Mrs. Li said. “If you need anything, just give me a call.”
Lin Zhaohe couldn’t say anything else, so he could only agree.
After Mrs. Li left, there were only three people left in the room. Xiao Xu huddled in the corner of the sofa, resembling a kidnapped hostage. As Lin Zhaohe approached him, Xiao Xu’s body trembled noticeably, causing Lin Zhaohe to quickly stop in his tracks. He said, “Your name is Xiao Xu, right? I’m Lin Zhaohe. You can call me Brother Lin… or Uncle Lin.”
Xiao Xu weakly replied, “Uncle Lin.”
“Have you eaten? Are you hungry?” Lin Zhaohe asked him.
Xiao Xu shook his head, then nodded.
Lin Zhaohe continued, “What would you like to eat, then?”
Xiao Xu softly said, “Anything is fine.”
Looking at his obedient appearance, Lin Zhaohe had an idea and suddenly said, “Do you also play ‘Earth Online’? In that game, is there anything you’d like to eat?”
“I want to eat Crispy Duck!” As expected, Xiao Xu, who had been reluctant to speak earlier, became excited when he heard the name of the game. “The one next to the West Gate!”
Lin Zhaohe smiled.
Zhuang Lao witnessed the whole process from the side. Seeing Lin Zhaohe’s triumphant smile, he couldn’t help but show a smile as well. He turned his head and whispered to Lin Zhaohe, “Is Xiao He so good at coaxing children?”
Lin Zhaohe glanced at him.
“Why don’t we…” Zhuang Lao continued, “work hard and have our own child in the future?”
This remark instantly brought to mind certain explicit scenes from the office just now. Lin Zhaohe’s face turned completely red. “Boss, don’t act like a pervert.”
Zhuang Lao innocently replied, “How can you call it being a pervert? It’s just an unwritten rule in the workplace.”
Lin Zhaohe: “……” Damn, Zhuang Lao is becoming shameless with each passing day. What am I going to do?
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