"Several years ago, this place was still known by locals as the 'stinky river,' but after years of treatment by relevant departments and the voluntary efforts of residents, the natural environment here has improved significantly. Especially in this section of the river we're visiting now, fireflies are often spotted."
The voice speaking grew closer to where Xiaojuan stood. As she listened to the content, her expression grew increasingly tense.
Something was off—very off.
When mere survival is a luxury, humans don’t devote energy to environmental restoration. The instinct to live overrides everything else.
A fish leaped out of the water with a splash. In such high temperatures, the presence of flowers, trees, water, and fish suggested this place hadn’t been scorching for long—otherwise, the vegetation would have withered by now.
Could it be that the disaster hadn’t officially begun? Were they players entering the scenario before the catastrophe struck?
The woman speaking carried a tone of deference, as if eager to showcase the area’s best aspects to her audience.
From this, Xiaojuan deduced that the listener must hold an extraordinary status, perhaps even wield significant influence here.
She didn’t know when the disaster would arrive, but she sensed this person might be the key to the players’ survival.
Adjusting her clothes, she pulled her cap lower over her slightly greasy hair, hoping to leave a decent first impression in front of this important figure.
The heat was relentless, lingering even at night without a hint of coolness—even the wind felt warm. Chao Musheng held a small fan, noticing Factory Manager Chen drenched in sweat. He tilted the fan slightly, directing the breeze toward her.
As part of the welcoming party, Factory Manager Chen couldn’t openly fan herself in front of esteemed guests. She endured the discomfort, pretending everything was fine—until the sudden gust of wind caught her off guard. Glancing over, she saw Chao Musheng subtly angling the fan her way.
"Thank you," she murmured, her lips curving slightly, eyes brightening. The other staff members noticed the gesture too, their gazes toward Chao Musheng softening with warmth.
"No need for thanks." Chao Musheng took a step closer, intensifying the breeze for Factory Manager Chen. He glanced at the unlit streetlamps lining the riverbank. "Are these lights not working due to electrical issues?"
A staff member quickly explained, "Advisor Chao, the circuits along the riverbank are fully functional. Our power plant team conducts regular maintenance. However, with the recent extreme heatwave, electricity demand has surged. We’ve cut non-essential power usage to prioritize residential supply."
Internally, he fretted. Had they known the experts would tour in such sweltering weather, they would’ve arranged for the lights to be reactivated.
"That’s a wise decision," Chao Musheng praised. "The moonlight is bright tonight—we can see the path clearly even without streetlamps. In this heat, residents’ electricity needs come first."
He scanned the surroundings curiously. "With no artificial light, are fireflies more visible here?"
"Where are the fireflies?" Other students chimed in, peering around. They’d braved the heat precisely to catch a glimpse of the legendary insects.
"Please follow me further ahead," a staff member said, amused by their enthusiasm. "The chances of spotting fireflies are higher there."
These young experts were far more approachable than expected. Despite the oppressive weather, none complained—true talents nurtured by the nation.
"Chao, isn’t that someone up ahead?" The League Branch Secretary walked beside Chao Musheng. She was his classmate and another junior representative from the computer science department.
Under the moonlight, two shadowy figures stood beneath a willow tree—a young man and woman, judging by their silhouettes. The man was unusually tall, his posture vaguely intimidating.
Both wore caps despite the late hour, prompting the League Branch Secretary’s suspicion. Were they troublemakers?
The staff swiftly repositioned themselves, shielding Chao Musheng and the others as they advanced.
Xiaojuan noted their defensive maneuver, further convinced of the central figure’s importance. Not wanting to provoke misunderstanding, she tugged Peng back a few steps.
Peng stared blankly at the approaching group. Some carried water bottles, others handheld fans—their leisurely demeanor starkly contrasted with the desperation of survival scenarios.
Weren’t they afraid of being robbed in a lawless setting?
"Are you from the processing plant?" Factory Manager Chen asked, eyeing their red caps—the same style recently distributed to all factory workers.
Processing plant?
A processing plant in a survival scenario?
Peng froze, unsure how to respond, and glanced at Xiaojuan for guidance.
"Good evening, everyone," Xiaojuan said instead of answering directly. She dipped into a slight bow, embodying the humility of a nobody before authority.
That voice… sounded familiar.
Chao Musheng switched off his whirring fan and stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
He studied the girl—her face obscured by her cap, her pants stained with dirt, a string of tied plastic bottles clutched in her hand. She looked… disheveled.
With diplomatic tact, he remarked, "The youth here are quite eco-conscious. Even collecting stray plastic bottles shows commendable awareness. Your environmental advocacy must be effective."
The local staff stared at Xiaojuan’s bottles: "…"
Only an expert from the capital could spin bottle recycling into an environmental crusade.
That voice!
Xiaojuan’s head snapped up, her gaze locking onto the figure at the group’s forefront.
The river breeze was scorching, yet her heart burned and chilled simultaneously. Instinctively, she shoved the plastic bottles into Peng’s hands.
Her mind reeled. Why was Chao Musheng here, in a 3S-level scenario rigged against them by the System? And why did she have to look so wretched in front of him?
If the ground wouldn’t swallow her, maybe diving into the river would suffice.
Peng, unprepared for the sudden handoff, fumbled—the bottles clattered onto the stone pavement with a jubilant cacophony.
Xiaojuan stared at the scattered bottles, squeezing her eyes shut in despair.
Ah. Something inside her snapped.
Probably what remained of her once-straight, now thoroughly bent backbone.
Clatter-clatter.
A bottle cap popped loose, skittering across the ground before halting at Chao Musheng’s feet.
"Oops." He bent to pick it up and approached Xiaojuan and Peng. "Here you go."
His face—fair-skinned, strikingly handsome—gleamed under the moonlight.
Peng stared at the young man who had suddenly approached, unable to resist taking a few extra glances. He took the bottle cap from the other’s hand and gruffly muttered his thanks, “Thanks.”
How could there be someone this good-looking in a desolate place like this?
“No need to be polite.” Chao Musheng chuckled lightly and turned to Xiaojuan. “Want to take a walk with me?”
Peng’s eyes widened. This guy looks all righteous with those thick brows and big eyes, but now he’s trying to whisk a girl away? What’s his game?!
“Mm.” Xiaojuan hesitated for a few seconds before nodding in agreement.
“Huh?!” Peng’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. He gaped at Xiaojuan in disbelief. You’re just going to agree like that?!
Are you really the same competitive, high-energy Xiaojuan from the player forums?
“Peng, you head back first.” Xiaojuan wasn’t entirely sure about the situation, but she knew sticking with Brother Chao was the right choice. “I’ll come find you guys tomorrow.”
Tomorrow?!
Peng didn’t understand what Xiaojuan was planning, but he knew his brain wasn’t as sharp as hers. So he nodded. “Alright, see you at eight tomorrow morning.”
If she didn’t show up by then, they’d come looking for her.
Before leaving, Peng didn’t forget to pick up the plastic bottle on the ground, its clattering echoing as he walked away.
The reception staff were baffled by the situation. Seeing Xiaojuan’s clothes still stained with dirt—hardly the image of someone from a wealthy family—they hesitated, unsure how to address her.
“The lighting was dim earlier, so I didn’t get a good look. Let me introduce everyone—this is my friend, Wang Xiaojuan.” Chao Musheng spoke up first. “She’s a free spirit who loves experiencing life in different places.”
Brother Chao!
Xiaojuan’s embarrassment melted into warmth at his words. In this world, no one treats me as kindly as Brother Chao!
The local staff immediately brightened, showering Xiaojuan with praise.
Words like “adventurous,” “life-loving,” and “full of passion” poured out in an endless stream.
Even Xiaojuan, who had survived countless trials, couldn’t help but blush at the relentless, non-repeating compliments.
Brother Chao really is the best golden thigh to have. Without him, who else would go out of their way to praise me so sincerely when I’m at my lowest?
Once the praise session ended, Xiaojuan checked her mission panel. The tasks hadn’t refreshed—still just the basic survival route.
“Ms. Wang, you just arrived in Hanyue County today, right?” Factory Manager Chen handed her a bottle of water, placing it carefully in her palms. “Did you come because of the discussions online about the fireflies?”
Xiaojuan gave a vague nod.
“The temperatures here have been unusually high lately. Once the worst of the heat passes, you should try some of our local delicacies.” Factory Manager Chen steered the conversation toward Hanyue’s cuisine, eager to make Chao’s friend feel welcome.
Friends are good—more friends mean more opportunities. We’ll definitely show Mr. Chao’s friend the warm hospitality of Hanyue!
“Fireflies!”
Chao Musheng turned toward the voice and saw tiny flickers of light in the grass, like scattered stars.
He stared at the glowing dots for a long moment before pulling out his phone to snap a few photos and record a short video. He sent them to his family… and Su Chenzhu.
But the images captured by his phone could never compare to the real thing. Watching the fireflies dance in the night sky, he reopened his chat with Su Chenzhu.
[The real thing is even more beautiful. If you’re free tomorrow night, let’s come see them by the river together.]
Su Chenzhu had just stepped off his private jet when he saw Chao Musheng’s message.
He tapped the video. In the darkness, tiny lights flickered—he recognized them immediately as fireflies, though there were only a sparse few, looking rather pitiful.
Once, these little insects had been everywhere in the wild. Aside from their glow at night, they had no striking features.
Yet he watched the clip over and over.
“Boss, is something wrong?” Secretary Liu noticed Su Chenzhu staring at his phone for an unusually long time and assumed something major had happened at the company.
“Nothing.” Su Chenzhu’s lips curved up. “Chaochao invited me to see fireflies.”
Secretary Liu eyed his boss’s poorly concealed grin. Trying to sound so calm when you’re clearly over the moon?
“Ah!” He pulled out his own phone and feigned a frown. “Xiaochao only messaged you? I had no idea Hanyue even had fireflies.”
“Chaochao probably didn’t want to disturb you since you’re busy with work.” Su Chenzhu’s eyes shone brighter than the fireflies.
Secretary Liu nodded silently. His last chat with Xiaochao had been hours ago—just a reminder about Hanyue’s sweltering weather and a suggestion to prepare for the heat.
When someone sees something beautiful and wants to share it, the first person they think of is the one they care about.
So… what place does the boss hold in Xiaochao’s heart?
After admiring the fireflies, the staff, worried about the experts getting heatstroke, led the group back.
Elderly locals who’d been cooped up all day had gathered along the roadside to chat and cool off in the evening breeze.
“Did you hear? There was a madman at the old town market today.”
“A robber, you mean?”
“What robber only steals pumpkins and sweet potatoes but not money? Unless he’s had one too many bowls of sweet potato porridge.”
“True, pumpkins and sweet potatoes aren’t worth much. I grow so many sweet potatoes, I end up feeding them to the pigs.”
Chao Musheng overheard the conversation as they passed. Someone stealing food?
Are people in Hanyue County so desperate they’d resort to that?
The reception staff flushed with embarrassment, scrambling for an explanation but coming up empty.
Heavens above, Hanyue County might be poor, but no one’s starving to the point of snatching sweet potatoes in broad daylight!
Damn it—are rival counties sabotaging our image in front of the experts after losing the funding bid?
What a vicious tactic, what a rotten move!
Xiaojuan trailed behind Chao Musheng, her head bowed so low her chin nearly touched her chest, terrified the elders might recognize her as one of the “madmen.”
Luckily, the old folks were too engrossed in their gossip to pay attention to passersby.
The group made it back to the hotel without incident. Chao Musheng paid out of pocket to book a room for Xiaojuan, despite Factory Manager Chen and the reception staff’s attempts to foot the bill. “This is a personal matter—I can’t let you all spend money on it.”
Xiaojuan stood to the side, staring at her grimy shoes, too ashamed to lift her head.
Right now, I feel like such a burden to Brother Chao.
“Let’s go.” Chao Musheng handed her the key card. “Get cleaned up first. Not many shops stay open late in this town, so if you need anything, you’ll have to wait till tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Brother Chao.”
Xiaojuan took the key and glanced around the hotel.
Compared to the pristine white villa Chao Musheng stayed in elsewhere, this place was shabby—even the floors were worn and scuffed. But if the staff had arranged for the experts to stay here, it was probably the best option around.
She found her room—about 20 square meters, with outdated furniture and a dated wardrobe. At least it had a private bathroom.
After finishing her shower, she put on the bathrobe provided by the hotel and scrubbed all her clothes clean before finally taking out her phone. The phone, which had no signal during the day, now seemed to have been awakened, with all functions restored to normal.
Looking at the location displayed on her phone—Hanyue County—and the day's highest temperature of 42 degrees, Xiaojuan tapped into the search bar. Information about Hanyue County soon appeared on the screen.
A poverty-stricken county, located in a basin, subtropical region, with sweltering and humid summers, a labor-exporting county suffering from severe population loss.
Yet, despite all this, Hanyue had nothing to do with the "desolate city" the system had described.
If the system wanted to eliminate rebellious players like them, why would it send them to such a safe place?
What had gone wrong?
Xiaojuan desperately tried to recall everything that had happened when they entered the instance. Suddenly, she remembered that when the system forcibly pulled her into the instance, her phone had emitted a flash of light.
Could it be… that this wasn’t the original location of the instance?
Had she and the other five players encountered an accident upon entering the instance, causing them to be transported to Chao Musheng’s world?
She would rather believe that than accept the possibility that Chao Musheng’s world would face disaster in the future. Many worlds had fallen victim to the schemes of the Main God, but she hoped Chao Musheng’s world would be spared.
Thinking of the five players in the factory building who knew nothing about this world, Xiaojuan sighed.
When the players returned to the abandoned factory, they found that Peng had already come back. Covered in sweat, they sat on the ground. "We’ve tried every possible route, but we can’t go beyond a 1,000-meter radius from this factory."
"That can’t be," Peng retorted. "Earlier, Xiaojuan and I walked east for who knows how long and even found a river. How could you not even make it 1,000 meters?"
"You’re serious?!" Huaba noticed the string of plastic bottles by Peng’s feet. "Where’s Xiaojuan?"
"We ran into a group of NPCs by the river. Their clothes were clean, and they looked healthy. Xiaojuan went with them," Peng explained. "We agreed that she’d come back to find us by 8 a.m. tomorrow."
"She went with NPCs?!" Little Rou frowned tightly. Xiaojuan was a veteran player—she wouldn’t easily trust NPCs. Why would she leave with strangers?
"Yeah," Peng nodded. "The NPC who took her away was exceptionally good-looking and seemed to be the highest-ranking among them. Maybe Xiaojuan thought she could find a way to survive by sticking close to him?"
"The four of us can’t leave the factory’s 1,000-meter range, but Xiaojuan and Peng can." Da Chang pondered thoughtfully. "Peng, take us back along the same route you and Xiaojuan took earlier."
"Alright."
Peng led the four players along the path they had taken before. When they reached a stretch of wasteland, he stopped.
"What’s wrong?"
"I can’t go any further." Peng reached out, touching an invisible barrier. He remembered that following this path for a few hundred meters would lead to a small ditch. "It feels like something is restricting my movement."
"It’s the instance boundary. You could leave when you were with Xiaojuan, but not with us." Da Chang’s expression turned grave. "The problem must lie with Xiaojuan."
"Are you saying Xiaojuan is suspicious?" Peng shook his head. "I don’t think she’s that kind of person."
"No." Da Chang pressed his hand against the unseen barrier. "I mean, Xiaojuan is favored by this instance world."
There were always players who encountered special circumstances in certain instances. Maybe Wang Xiaojuan was one of them.
"So the situation isn’t that Xiaojuan needs us to protect her—it’s that we need to cling to her coattails." Peng scratched his head. "Having someone to rely on in a survival instance is a good thing."
"President Su, you’ve had a long journey. Please rest at the hotel for a while." The reception staff were visibly nervous. They had never hosted someone of such high status before—even city officials had come to accompany him.
"Thank you." Su Chenzhu stepped out of the car and glanced at the hotel entrance crowded with reception staff. "Is the Jinghua University aid team staying here as well?"
"They’re staying at a hotel in the town," the receptionist explained. "It’s closer to their work site and more convenient for travel."
The receptionist hadn’t expected Su Chenzhu to ask about the Jinghua University team and quickly added, fearing a misunderstanding, "Though the town’s hotel conditions are simpler, we’ve arranged for staff to accompany them 24/7 to ensure their safety."
Su Chenzhu nodded and continued, "Is the ribbon-cutting ceremony tomorrow also in the town?"
"Yes. The experts from Jinghua University are assisting with the project you funded." The receptionist guided Su Chenzhu forward, and the crowd waiting at the entrance immediately stepped up to greet him, showing equal enthusiasm toward Secretary Liu and Assistant Yang, who accompanied him.
They had already done their research—President Su had two highly trusted aides, and these two must be them.
Secretary Liu only needed one look at his boss’s expression to know his mood wasn’t the best tonight. With a few words, he dispersed the surrounding crowd. "Boss, it’s late. Xiao Chao must already be asleep."
He and Assistant Yang took care of Su Chenzhu’s luggage. When Assistant Yang reached for the pale yellow suitcase, Secretary Liu stopped him. "Don’t touch that one."
Assistant Yang withdrew his hand, glancing curiously at the suitcase. Did it contain some important secret?
"Both of you, go back to your rooms and rest." Su Chenzhu stood and walked over, placing the pale yellow suitcase inside the wardrobe. "Coordinate with the local staff to arrange an early departure tomorrow morning."
"Secretary Liu," Assistant Yang said after leaving the boss’s room, puzzled. "It’s already past eleven. Do we really need to leave so early tomorrow?"
"Hanyue is scorching. Leaving early means cooler weather." Secretary Liu patted his shoulder with a smile. "When working for the boss, just follow his arrangements."
The next morning, Assistant Yang followed Secretary Liu downstairs and immediately noticed the pale yellow suitcase in the bodyguard’s hand.
Was the boss taking this suitcase to the town?
Hanyue’s county seat wasn’t large. The car left the city in about ten minutes.
"President Su, it’ll take about twenty minutes to reach the town from here," the receptionist said. "There are still two hours before the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Would you like to rest at the town’s hotel first?"
"Thank you." Su Chenzhu nodded. "My assistant is also staying at your town’s hotel. It’ll be convenient to meet up with him there."
Assistant?
The receptionist glanced in surprise at the car behind them—wasn’t President Su’s assistant already in the vehicle?
"President Su has several assistants. The one accompanying us today is Assistant Yang," Secretary Liu explained. "Assistant Chao at the town’s hotel is Kunlun’s technical consultant. President Su holds him in high regard."
The receptionist suddenly understood—Assistant Chao was the true right-hand man President Su trusted the most.
He immediately sent the message to the reception staff in town, instructing them to cooperate fully with Advisor Chao's work and ensure they didn’t offend him.
The car sped along the road and soon came to a stop outside the hotel.
"Mr. Su," the door opened, and Chao Musheng stood outside, bending slightly to smile at Su Chenzhu. "Good morning."
The scorching morning sunlight spilled into the car. Su Chenzhu looked up at the young man outside. "Why are you here?"
"I guessed you’d arrive early," Chao Musheng replied, raising a hand to shield the top of the car door. "So I waited for you at the entrance."
It seemed his guess had been correct.
Su Chenzhu stepped out of the car in silence. He caught a faint scent of shower gel on Chao Musheng and noticed his hair was still damp at the tips.
"Washing your hair in the morning isn’t good for your health," Su Chenzhu murmured, pulling out a handkerchief to dab at the droplets threatening to fall from Chao Musheng’s hair.
"But you were coming," Chao Musheng tilted his head slightly, lowering his voice near Su Chenzhu’s ear. "I worked up a sweat during breakfast and wanted to freshen up before seeing you."
Su Chenzhu’s neck flushed instantly red.
Assistant Yang, who had just stepped out of the car behind them, glanced between his boss and Assistant Chao, then at Secretary Liu smiling knowingly in the distance. He looked around, bewildered.
Something felt off.
Standing here, he suddenly felt very much like a third wheel.
