The anniversary celebration of the processing plant was bustling not only with employees but also their families.
Han Yue was a small town, and on such festive occasions, the factory often invited employees' relatives to join in—both to liven up the atmosphere and to foster goodwill among the workers' families. A harmonious workforce was beneficial for the factory as well.
"Normally, this would be a good thing, but today’s not the day for it," the Deputy Factory Director fretted, wiping sweat from his brow as he tried to persuade Factory Manager Chen in the office. "The big boss and city officials are coming today. If they see the state of our factory, what will they think?"
He had been fortunate enough to visit the headquarters’ Kunlun Tower in the capital, and it was nothing short of grand and modern.
"Our processing plant was built on the support of our local community. Last year’s anniversary, we thanked the families for their backing. We can’t just shoo them away this year because the big boss is visiting," Factory Manager Chen stood up, poured a cup of water from the dispenser, and handed it to the Deputy Factory Director. "Don’t worry. If the big boss looked down on us, he wouldn’t have invested so much effort into Han Yue’s economic development."
"That may be true, but..." The Deputy Factory Director took a sip, his tone softening slightly. "There’s talk of expanding the factory. I’m afraid this might jeopardize the plan."
An expansion would benefit not just Han Yue but also the surrounding counties.
The thought had kept him awake at night, dreading the day a call would come from headquarters, abruptly canceling the expansion.
"Don’t overthink it," Factory Manager Chen chuckled. "Even if headquarters isn’t satisfied, I’ll take the responsibility."
"Manager Chen, you..."
The Deputy Factory Director sighed. Not long ago, Factory Manager Chen’s child had been kidnapped by criminals. Fortunately, the child had been rescued safely.
"Let’s go," Factory Manager Chen checked the time. "President Su should be arriving soon. We should greet him at the gate."
She wondered if Advisor Chao would be accompanying him.
The day after the rescue, she had brought gifts to the hotel to thank Advisor Chao, but he was always too busy. After two or three visits, she still hadn’t managed to express her gratitude in person.
Outside the main office building of the processing plant was a large open space where the anniversary banquet had been set up.
The scene was lively. On the makeshift stage, cartoons played on a screen, and children sat in neat rows, watching with rapt attention.
Families of the employees chatted in small groups, the atmosphere so cheerful it felt like New Year’s.
Factory Manager Chen and the management team stood at the entrance. Spotting a smudge of dust on the plaque just as the big boss’s car approached in the distance, the Deputy Factory Director hastily wiped it clean with his sleeve.
Once the car stopped, Secretary Liu and Assistant Yang stepped out from the vehicle behind and opened the door for Su Chenzhu.
"Manager, which one is the big boss?" The Deputy Factory Director was confused. Two men had exited the first car—one wore glasses and carried an imposing aura, seeming like the obvious choice, yet he had opened the door for the younger man.
If he were the big boss, why would he be opening doors for someone else? It didn’t make sense.
Factory Manager Chen was momentarily stunned as well. Only now did she realize that the man who had opened the door for Advisor Chao was the same one who had accompanied him the day her daughter was kidnapped.
"Advisor Chao." Factory Manager Chen stepped forward quickly, bending slightly to shake hands with Chao Musheng. "Thank you for coming."
"You’re too kind, Manager Chen." Chao Musheng returned the handshake before turning slightly to introduce Su Chenzhu. "This is Factory Manager Chen. You saw her last time when we were together. Manager Chen, this is President Su, the helmsman of Kunlun. He takes a personal interest in Han Yue’s economic development, which is why he’s here for an on-site inspection."
So this was President Su?
Factory Manager Chen suppressed her shock. "President Su, I failed to recognize your importance last time. Please forgive my oversight."
"Given the circumstances, it was understandable." Su Chenzhu gave a slight nod before turning his gaze toward the factory gates.
"Our employees work hard, especially during peak production periods. Their families shoulder many burdens at home, and the factory’s progress wouldn’t be possible without their support." After greeting the executives from headquarters, Factory Manager Chen led them inside. "Tonight is a celebration, so I encouraged our employees to bring their families to share in the joy."
The other managers felt uneasy, worried the visiting executives might find their setup unrefined.
Su Chenzhu showed no displeasure. "Your arrangements are excellent."
"Oof!" A three- or four-year-old child dashed out and bumped into Su Chenzhu’s leg, leaving a sticky smear from the lollipop clutched tightly in his hand on Su Chenzhu’s trousers.
The unexpected mishap sent a ripple of tension through the managers. The child, sprawled on the ground, took one look at the alarmed expressions of the adults and didn’t dare cry.
"Little one, are you hurt?" Chao Musheng picked the child up, crouching to dust off his clothes before lifting him into his arms. "What’s your name?"
He deftly took the dirty lollipop from the child’s hand and replaced it with a fresh piece of candy from the nearest table.
"I’m Little Hu." The boy, initially timid, gradually brightened in Chao Musheng’s embrace.
"No wonder you’re so sturdy—your name’s as mighty as a tiger’s." Chao Musheng ruffled the boy’s hair. "Are you as brave as one too?"
"Yeah!" The child nodded vigorously. "I’m super brave!"
His innocent words eased the managers’ nerves, and the atmosphere warmed again.
"Advisor Chao, this is one of our employees’ children." Noticing Chao Musheng’s slightly awkward hold, Factory Manager Chen smiled and took the boy, guiding him back to his parents.
"Kids this age love running around." She glanced nervously at Su Chenzhu. "My apologies, President Su..."
"It’s fine. Don’t dwell on it." Su Chenzhu’s gaze flickered toward Chao Musheng, his thoughts unreadable.
After Factory Manager Chen led the group on a tour of the main production lines, they returned to the banquet.
Noticing the children eagerly waiting to eat, Su Chenzhu declined the pre-meal speech and asked Factory Manager Chen to begin serving directly.
Knowing city folks had refined tastes, Factory Manager Chen had even prepared wine glasses for the occasion.
"My apologies." Su Chenzhu glanced at the glass placed before him, his tone measured—soft but audible to everyone at the table.
"My partner is quite strict. No alcohol for me." He lightly covered the rim of the glass, a faint smile playing on his lips.
Factory Manager Chen froze. She looked down at the freshly squeezed juice in her hand—who in their right mind would serve alcohol to the big boss?
Chao Musheng shot Su Chenzhu a sidelong glance. Seriously, who even asked?
"Turns out President Su is just like me—whipped by his partner." The Deputy Factory Director stood up to pour Su Chenzhu some juice. "Try this, it's freshly squeezed local juice from Hanyue."
"Thank you." Su Chenzhu slid the glass toward Chao Musheng. "It's not about being whipped, though. I just don’t want him to worry."
The Deputy Factory Director nodded politely, but inwardly, he marveled at how the big boss could make "being whipped" sound so refined.
If the boss’s lover were sitting at this table, he’d surely be grinning from ear to ear at those words.
But…
He noticed Su Chenzhu’s gesture and how naturally Advisor Chao took the glass and drank from it. A question nagged at him—just how high was Advisor Chao’s status in the boss’s eyes?
What followed left the Deputy Factory Director even more stunned.
Whenever Advisor Chao glanced at a dish, the boss would immediately serve it to his bowl.
The moment Advisor Chao’s glass emptied, the boss refilled it without hesitation.
For a moment, he couldn’t tell who was the boss and who was the consultant.
Originally, everyone had worried that the big shots from headquarters might look down on their small-town celebration. But seeing Advisor Chao eat with such relish, they quietly relaxed.
As the banquet ended, the dishes were cleared, replaced with nuts and fruits for the awards ceremony.
Chao Musheng sat in the audience, listening to the managers’ earnest speeches, and nudged Su Chenzhu’s arm lightly. "Tell me, Mr. Su, is your boyfriend really that strict with you?"
"Not strict." Su Chenzhu chuckled softly. "But I just like listening to him."
Chao Musheng smirked. "Oh?"
Su Chenzhu rummaged in his pocket, pulled out an orange-flavored lollipop, unwrapped it, and held it to Chao Musheng’s lips. "Here."
"Something was off with you before dinner." Chao Musheng mumbled around the lollipop. "What’s wrong?"
Two children ran past them hand in hand. Worried his legs might block their path, Chao Musheng tucked them back slightly.
"You really like kids?" Su Chenzhu noticed the movement.
"Of course." Chao Musheng nodded.
Su Chenzhu lowered his gaze.
"I also like cats, dogs, flowers, and plants." Chao Musheng added. "There are lots of things I like."
Yes, Chao Musheng had many things he loved—and Su Chenzhu was just one of them.
"But you’re different." Chao Musheng clasped his hands behind his back, intertwining his fingers with Su Chenzhu’s. "You’re my beloved."
Liking and loving were not the same.
"Secretary Liu, the boss looks so happy." Assistant Yang, sitting nearby, glanced up and whispered upon seeing the unmistakable grin on Su Chenzhu’s face. "Is this the power of love?"
The boss used to be as cold and distant as a statue. Now? He was smiling like… well, like a lovestruck fool.
"Wouldn’t you be happy too, finding someone like Xiao Chao?" Secretary Liu glanced over, admiration clear in his voice. "This is good for him."
Assistant Yang: "..."
Damn it. The boss couldn’t even hear him—why was he still sucking up?
He’d lost this round.
Secretary Liu gave Assistant Yang a faintly superior look. If he wanted to compete for the boss’s favor, Assistant Yang still had a long way to go.
He’d witnessed every little gesture the boss made for Xiao Chao. What did Assistant Yang know?
Opening the company’s gossip chat, he found everyone buzzing about the boss’s relationship.
[Who exactly is the boss’s partner? Secretary Liu and Assistant Yang have been around him lately—they must know, right?]
[Did you see Xiao Chao’s social media? Looks like he’s off the market too.]
[No need to check—the internet’s flooded with rumors about Advisor Chao dating a wealthy tycoon.]
[Don’t worry, Legal and PR are handling it.]
Secretary Liu scoffed at the chaotic chatter. Why hadn’t anyone considered that the boss and Xiao Chao’s relationship announcements coincided?
Were they too afraid to connect the dots, or had someone figured it out but didn’t dare speak up?
These were all seasoned professionals. With Kunlun’s generous benefits, no one would risk gossiping about the boss and the company’s rising star consultant.
Especially since Xiao Chao was in this very group chat.
The anniversary celebration reached new heights when headquarters distributed bonuses, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
"Advisor Chao." Factory Manager Chen approached, leading a little girl by the hand. "Thank you so much for saving my daughter. I haven’t had the chance to properly express my gratitude until now."
The little girl pulled a bouquet of twisty-tie flowers from her backpack. "Brother Chao, thank you for rescuing me from the bad people."
Seeing the clarity in the child’s eyes—proof she’d moved past the trauma of her kidnapping—Chao Musheng patted her head gently. "Thank you."
Factory Manager Chen poured out her thanks, even trying to press a small golden pig figurine into Chao Musheng’s hands.
"Manager Chen, I’ve already received the best gift." Chao Musheng waved the twisty-tie bouquet. "Keep the golden pig for your child."
Tears welled in Factory Manager Chen’s eyes as she whispered another "thank you."
To Advisor Chao, it might have been a simple act of kindness. But to her, it was an immeasurable debt.
When Chao Musheng refused the pig, she switched tactics, producing a small golden bead. "I saw on your social media that you’ve found someone special."
"This bead is just a few grams—hardly worth anything. You could have it made into a bracelet for your partner." Not giving him a chance to refuse, she pressed it into his palm. "Please accept it. May your future together be as bright and perfect as this golden bead."
Chao Musheng studied the smooth bead, then took Su Chenzhu’s hand and placed it in his palm. "Thank you, Manager Chen."
Relieved he’d accepted the bead, Factory Manager Chen smiled—until realization struck.
Why had Advisor Chao given the bead meant for his lover… to the boss?
Her eyes darted between Chao Musheng and Su Chenzhu. Her mouth fell open.
"Thank you for your blessing, Manager Chen." Su Chenzhu closed his fingers around the bead. "I cherish this gift."
Wait—he—they—
The boss and Advisor Chao were together?!
As the celebration wound down and the managers bid farewell to the headquarters team, Factory Manager Chen stood frozen, staring at the departing cars.
"What’s wrong, Manager?"
"Nothing." She handed the boss-approved expansion plans to the Deputy Factory Director. "Our factory’s upgrade proposal got the green light."
"YES!"
Cheers erupted.
Factory Manager Chen watched the convoy disappear, a slow smile spreading across her face.
How wonderful.
Hanyue had found new hope.
"The threads of fate here have strengthened again."
Late that night, Lin Sheng jerked upright in bed, his eyes flickering with chaotic static.
Data exploration: failed.
Scenario simulation: failed.
Failure!
Failure!
Directive recalibration—Sever the entanglement of destiny and vitality.
In the modest airport, Chao Musheng handed a coat to Su Chenzhu: "The temperature in Jing City is only around ten degrees now. Remember to wear this when you go back."
"Chaochao." Su Chenzhu pulled Chao Musheng into an embrace. "Come back soon."
The receptionist assigned to see them off stared wide-eyed at the scene.
"Once I finish my work here, I’ll return to you as quickly as possible." Chao Musheng hugged him back briefly before letting go. "Go on. You’re the domineering CEO responsible for countless people’s livelihoods—they’re all counting on you. Work hard."
"Alright." Su Chenzhu smiled faintly. "Since it’s your wish, I’ll do my best."
After Su Chenzhu and his entourage disappeared through the boarding gate, the smile on Chao Musheng’s face gradually faded. He stood by the massive window until Su Chenzhu’s private jet took off before finally leaving the airport.
For the following period, he barely went anywhere except his studio. On the day the project was completed, the receptionist invited them to take a group photo at the construction site.
This time, the arrangements were kept low-key. The workers weren’t lined up at the entrance to greet them, nor were they taken to the storage area. Instead, an open space was chosen, where a sign for the main project was set up, and a few worker representatives were called over for the photo.
Professor Zhang observed the employees before glancing at several laborers hauling heavy sandbags in the distance. "Call those workers over too."
"Professor Zhang, those are temporary laborers hired for the site, not our company’s official staff," the construction company’s manager whispered in reminder.
"They’ve all contributed to the nation’s development—what does it matter if they’re temporary or permanent?" Professor Zhang said. "It’s fine. Bring them here."
Peng, Huaba, and the others were surprised when they were called over for the photo.
Xiaojuan, who had just started working at the site that day, was equally startled. Aware of the staff’s status on the construction site, she nodded at the other five, signaling them not to refuse. After wiping her face and hands with the towel handed to her by a staff member, she joined the group for the photo.
The six of them looked up at the person standing beside Professor Zhang, none daring to make a sound.
Xiaojuan even guiltily averted her gaze. Had she known she’d run into Brother Chao, she wouldn’t have taken this 150-yuan job.
"Come here." Professor Zhang, mistaking their hesitation for shyness, beckoned warmly and gestured for them to stand behind him. "You’re all still so young."
Under everyone’s gaze, Xiaojuan shuffled over to stand behind Professor Zhang.
"Everyone, make sure your faces are visible in the gaps. One, two, three—smile!"
The photo was taken, capturing an image of people who didn’t originally belong in this world.
"Brother Chao," Xiaojuan said softly after the photo session, stepping closer to Chao Musheng. "Are you leaving Hanyue?"
"My flight’s tonight." Chao Musheng replied. "There’s only one evening flight from Hanyue to Jing City. Do you want to come back with me?"
Go back?
Xiaojuan looked up at him. In Brother Chao’s heart, was Jing City her home?
Falling into Brother Chao’s world had already been an accident. She didn’t know if she’d ever have another chance to return.
For a moment, she desperately wanted to nod.
"Brother Chao, there are still some things I need to do." She glanced back at the five behind her and shook her head slowly. "I won’t be going back for now."
"Alright." Chao Musheng’s gaze drifted past her shoulder, briefly taking in Peng and the others. "I’ll look forward to our next meeting."
"Brother Chao!" Xiaojuan’s eyelids trembled slightly, a smile on her face. "Meeting you has been such a happy and fortunate thing."
If not for Brother Chao, she would never have uncovered the truth about the dungeon worlds.
"I’m happy too." Chao Musheng asked, "What are your plans next?"
"Once I finish what I need to do, I’ll come back—"
"Wait." Chao Musheng interrupted her. "In dramas, people who say things like that usually end up in trouble."
He took out a thumb-sized keychain doll. "A friend gave me this lucky charm a few months ago—it’s said to bring good fortune. I’ll lend it to you. You can return it when we meet again."
An S-rank Lucky Puppet Doll!
Every player recognized this item.
Luck-boosting items were incredibly rare, let alone an S-rank puppet doll.
As far as they knew, only one player in the entire Infinite Space had ever possessed this item—and that player had long since died in an exploration dungeon.
"Was the person who gave this to you named Xiaoyou?" Xiaojuan took the doll. "Brother Chao, I know its original owner."
Words that had been impossible to say before now seemed to loosen slightly.
"Xiaoyou and I come from the same place." The moment she uttered this, her tongue began to stiffen. "Brother Chao, you… must be careful…"
Her mouth opened, but no more words came out.
The construction machinery roared loudly, drowning out whatever Chao Musheng said in response.
"Don’t overwork yourself." Chao Musheng smiled. "I need to go back to the hotel to pack. See you next time."
After he left, the five players crowded around Xiaojuan. "Sis Juan, what did you just say to the golden thigh? Our system panels all flashed red warnings!"
Xiaojuan shook her head, her tongue still numb and speech impossible.
"Come get your photos!" A staff member approached, handing them the group photo.
Despite the chaotic construction site, there was an odd sense of peace in the image, as if capturing a fleeting moment of prosperity.
The players stared at the photo in a daze. Had they really smiled so carelessly while taking it?
Xiaojuan gently traced the photo. So Brother Chao had been smiling too.
Clutching the Lucky Puppet Doll, her turbulent emotions gradually settled. She turned to the five. "After midnight tonight, we’re going back."
"Ah?" Peng’s smile faded. "Right. It’s time."
After a few days of living normally, they’d nearly forgotten they didn’t belong here.
Seeing the smiles vanish from their faces, Xiaojuan’s resolve only grew firmer.
The moment they returned to the player hub, Xiaojuan noticed how much dimmer it had become. The players in the hall all wore uneasy expressions.
Her eyes darted to the large screen—many dungeons had vanished.
The beginner dungeons… were all gone?!
Did this mean the System could no longer summon new players into the Infinite Space?
She sought out You Jiu and asked what had happened.
"Not long after you were pulled into the dungeon, the Infinite Space became unstable." You Jiu paused, unsure himself. "Then the entire space plunged into darkness. When the lights came back on, all the beginner dungeons had been forcibly shut down."
"I suspect the System was attacked somehow. These past few days, it hasn’t been forcibly dragging players into dungeons as often."
"This is a joyous occasion. In Chao Musheng's world, we'd be throwing a banquet to celebrate." Xiaojuan pulled out a stack of signal jammers from his backpack. "Take these and stick to the plan as we discussed."
Beep—
The system emitted a long, piercing tone.
Under the players' feet, another violent tremor shook the ground. Darkness and light flickered in rapid succession before everything settled—yet the infinite space now seemed even dimmer than when Xiaojuan had first returned.
"All survival dungeons have been forcibly shut down!"
