Qi Xu originally didn’t want to inconvenience others by making them run errands for free. Even though they’d offered to help without charge, Qi Xu preferred spending a few survival coins to avoid owing favors. After all, her relationship with Blessed by Luck wasn’t that close.
Blessed by Luck: "Ahhhh! Black Swan Cake! Before the survival game, I’d only seen it on TikTok. Never thought I’d get to eat it now!"
Invincible Black Tornado: "Thanks! Next time you go to the store, remember to ask me again."
Blessed by Luck: "Definitely! I’ve got a membership card now—next time I can get 20% off. Even better deal!"
Qi Xu also had a membership card, but... she hadn’t been able to visit the Monster Store. Based on speculation, only the first player to reach a height of sixty at each monster NPC’s location would receive benefits and discounts.
Too many players had stumbled upon opportunities, and delaying further might waste this lead.
With three Any-Station Selection Cards left, Qi Xu was hesitating whether to use one to head straight to the Monster Store.
Not to buy anything, but just to boost Taotao’s favorability. Still, she needed to prepare carefully to ensure success and avoid wasting the card without achieving her goal.
Foxes were carnivorous—small mammals like mice and rabbits were probably their favorites.
So Qi Xu immediately sent a message to Chinese Master Chef.
"Got time to prepare a rabbit for me? For gifting. Make it high-end."
Chinese Master Chef had set a special notification for Qi Xu, so the moment the unique alert sounded, he saw it.
Instant understanding. "OK, coming right up!"
Then Qi Xu asked Retired Magical Boy for some lemon grass. Its juice could enhance beauty—though only effective the first time consumed.
Taotao loved beauty—she’d definitely adore this. Besides that... it was all about spending money! With over 5,000 survival coins left, she could afford to splurge.
Chinese Master Chef sprang into action as soon as he got the message.
Luckily, he was at the restaurant, where all kinds of ingredients were available. In less than an hour, he sent the dish over.
"French Red Wine Braised Rabbit."
Just seeing the name, Qi Xu knew—this was a surefire hit.
At the trading hall, Qi Xu picked out a fancy cup and gift box, then bought high heels, a full set of cosmetics, and an evening gown.
The players selling these items were stunned. Their long-unsold, forgotten stock had not only been bought—but by the top-ranked player!
Their first thought? The big shot was in a generous mood, doling out charity.
After using the Any-Station Selection Card, Qi Xu applied a full face of makeup. She hadn’t done it in a while, so her skills were rusty, but the process was soothing.
So happy~
Then she styled her hair, slipped on the high heels, and—seeing they’d arrived—grabbed the gifts and stepped out with a click-clack.
"Little Seven, guard the house!"
"Woof woof!"
Qi Xu felt a little nervous. The Monster Store had three managers. If Taotao wasn’t there today, all this preparation would be for nothing.
"Taotao, Taotao, Taotao, Taotao..."
Before even pushing the door open, Qi Xu chanted the name in her mind. The moment she entered, she flashed a bright smile.
"Welcome—ah! It’s you, my esteemed guest! You look so beautiful today! I love your dress—it’s so sparkly!"
Taotao practically skipped over, her eyes gleaming with hearts.
Though the Monster Store had served many human players, Taotao adored Qi Xu the most.
Elegant, beautiful, and generous—but most importantly, she’d even killed for Taotao!
That image of her walking away with a severed head and corpse? Taotao would never forget it.
[Monster Store Manager, the White-Pink Twin-Tailed Fox’s favorability toward you has increased by 3 points! Current favorability: 58!]
Wow, and she hadn’t even done anything yet.
"Taotao, long time no see. I missed you so much."
Taotao lowered her head. Taotao blushed. Taotao’s favorability rose another two points.
"Look, I brought you gifts! My favorite dish, specially prepared by the finest human chef. And this lemon grass juice—it makes us prettier!
"As for this dress, I had two made. Let’s wear matching sister outfits, okay?"
Taotao dramatically covered her mouth with both hands. "My esteemed guest, you even brought gifts for Taotao?"
"Don’t call me ‘esteemed guest.’ Call me ‘Dear Qi Qi.’"
[Monster Store Manager, the White-Pink Twin-Tailed Fox’s favorability toward you has increased by 5 points! Current favorability: 65!]
"Dear Qi Qi..."
"I’m here! And I’ve earned some money. Have you hit this month’s sales target? If not, I’ll cover it for you."
The rich persona had to stay intact. Whether she could actually afford it or not, the words had to sound good. Worst case, she’d borrow from her group chat friends!
Taotao was so moved she nearly teared up.
"Not yet, but it’s fine! The tip you gave me last time isn’t even spent yet—it’s way more than my salary."
Qi Xu frowned slightly. "We girls should pamper ourselves and stay pretty. Don’t skimp! I’ll visit whenever I get an Any-Station Selection Card, but I worry you might not always be here. And these cards are rare."
Qi Xu steered the conversation deliberately, and Taotao immediately followed along.
"No worries! We can just exchange contact info and chat often. Oh, Dear Qi Qi, would you like to be my exclusive agent?"
Qi Xu exhaled in relief. Opportunities favored the prepared—this trip’s goal was finally achieved.
Though her motives weren’t pure, actions spoke louder than thoughts. And in terms of emotional support and effort, she’d gone above and beyond.
Just look how happy Taotao was.
"Of course! If it’s your invitation, I’ll always say yes."
Taotao blushed again.
"Then I’ll apply for your work permit!"
"Great! Show me today’s product list. I’ll buy a lot and help you hit your monthly target."
Taotao shook her head. "Nothing good today. Later, I’ll take you upstairs to see our private collection."
Then she went to process the work permit.
Qi Xu wasn’t hungry—though she hadn’t eaten until stuffed at lunch, she’d still had plenty.
But she sampled everything out of politeness.
Taotao soon returned, bouncing excitedly with the permit.
"Qi Qi, look!"
"Monster Store Taotao Manager Junior Agent: Gains permission to sell Taotao’s exclusive goods. One item per month. Upon successfully selling 1,000 units, automatically promoted to Intermediate Agent."
Without hesitation, Qi Xu accepted and added Taotao as a friend. Perfect! Now she could chat daily to stay on Taotao’s radar!
..........
