"Ultimate Cheat Card! While others are banging their heads against walls in the dungeon, you can just whip this out and instantly dominate! All the hidden secrets, the boss's weak spots—laid bare before you! Isn’t this even more thrilling than sneaking a peek at the top student’s notes before an exam? With this, first place in the dungeon is practically yours!"
Qi Xu thought it was something special, but this thing was hardly worth her attention. What cheat card could possibly compare to her 19,738-time rewind ability? Besides, as a seasoned restart player, she had no intention of wasting survival coins on it.
Even though she wasn’t lacking, she couldn’t afford to splurge recklessly.
"The starting bid is 100 survival coins, with a minimum increment of 10 coins. Let the bidding begin!"
The orange-and-yellow twin-tailed fox confidently tapped her little wooden gavel, only to be met with dead silence.
Both participants sat stone-faced, neither making a move to speak.
The fox coughed awkwardly. "Ahem... esteemed guests, you may begin bidding now."
Xie Shaoning suddenly spoke up. "Do I always have to make the first move?"
Qi Xu put on an exaggerated nod. "Fine, I’ll go first. 500 coins."
Xie Shaoning smirked. "1,000."
With this cheat card, first place in the dungeon was guaranteed. A thousand survival coins would be easily recouped, not to mention the additional rewards.
Qi Xu feigned shock. "You... you’re actually this loaded?!"
Xie Shaoning’s eye twitched. He turned away, unable to look at her any longer—otherwise, he might just lose his temper. Judging by her appearance, she seemed like a capable player, so why did she sound like such a clown?
Qi Xu decided to ease up. I’m being too kind, really. Spending so much just to give you a little emotional payoff. I’ve been slaughtering monsters nonstop in dungeons lately, so today, I’ll be the merciful Qi Qi.
The fourth auction item was the Pink Map Fragment—something Qi Xu absolutely had to get her hands on. There were three pieces up for grabs, and these things were incredibly rare. If she could secure them just by spending some survival coins without any additional hassle, it’d be a steal.
However, when the item was announced, Qi Xu subtly furrowed her brows as if puzzled by what it was. Though she quickly schooled her expression, Xie Shaoning caught it immediately.
This time, Xie Shaoning jumped in first. "500 survival coins."
Qi Xu followed without hesitation. "1,000."
Instantly, Xie Shaoning’s face twisted in disgust, as if he’d just bitten into something foul. He stared at Qi Xu in disbelief. Are you insane? You don’t even know what this is, yet you’re throwing 1,000 coins at it?!
He’d been certain she wouldn’t compete for it, but...
Qi Xu blinked innocently. "Huh? Isn’t it my turn after you bid?"
"Do you have to go 500 and 1,000 every single time?" Xie Shaoning asked, his soul practically leaving his body.
Qi Xu grinned. "Yep! Let’s not go overboard. The auctioneer said the minimum increment is just 10 coins. You can bid 1,010 next, and I’ll just add a little more."
Xie Shaoning couldn’t shake the feeling that she was playing dumb on purpose.
But... he had to admit it was effective. His earlier complacency had now put him in a tight spot—whether to fight for these fragments or not.
After a long pause, Xie Shaoning gave up.
The twin-tailed fox auctioneer felt like she was delivering the performance of a lifetime!
All four items sold so far had gone for sky-high prices!
Riding the momentum, she unveiled the final auction item.
"The Gourmet Robot! Oh my god, this isn’t just a robot—it’s a kitchen cheat code! Faster than takeout, tastier than Michelin! Craving Chinese, Western, or fusion cuisine? Not a problem!
And the best part? It even washes the dishes afterward! Buy it, and your kitchen becomes a paradise. Hunger? Never heard of her! Sold in pairs for maximum value!"
The starting bid was again 100, but Xie Shaoning immediately threw out, "1,000."
Qi Xu glanced at him, mildly surprised.
She’d originally planned to buy this robot as an assistant for Master Chef. With his hands full and the golden group chat expanding, Qi Xu didn’t want to overwork the kid.
She wanted him to have time to train... but if the price got too steep—ugh, even then, she’d have to buy it. Otherwise, how could Taotao remain the sole shop manager?
Then Qi Xu remembered—her companion had mentioned something about Master Chef being kidnapped.
Testing the waters, she said, "1,010?"
Xie Shaoning gritted his teeth. "1,100."
Qi Xu understood now. A foodie, huh? But that’s no excuse for kidnapping!
She wouldn’t outright attack him over past incidents, but she’d be on high alert.
Still, Xie Shaoning had already driven the price up. Qi Xu had no choice but to fight for the Gourmet Robot—for Master Chef’s sake, and for Taotao’s. She needed to widen the gap in their bids to ensure Taotao’s victory.
Besides, in the survival game, food was everything. If it weren’t, she wouldn’t have been so moved when she first tasted Master Chef’s dishes after restarting.
In her last playthrough, Qi Xu had taken the frugal route. She knew most players survived on instant meals from supply crates.
These players might not be top-tier fighters, but they were the backbone of any faction.
The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.
Before joining a faction, you were stuck eating stale bread and instant noodles. After joining? Hot soup for breakfast, chewy noodles for lunch, and maybe even a stir-fry with steamed buns and beer for dinner. Suddenly, survival feels downright luxurious, doesn’t it?
Qi Xu was certain no player would turn down a faction like that.
So she declared, "1,110. Bid whatever you want—I’ll match it."
Xie Shaoning slammed the table. "This is ridiculous. Do you really have to be so hostile the first time we meet?"
Qi Xu tilted her head. "Isn’t it just the highest bidder wins?"
Xie Shaoning considered making a massive bid, but he worried she might back out—especially after her "I’ll match it" claim.
Someone truly committed wouldn’t say that outright. This girl’s acting skills still need work.
"Fine, fine. It’s yours."
With that, Xie Shaoning shot Qi Xu a long, inscrutable look. Then, as if amused by his own frustration, he turned and strode out of the auction hall, his expression unreadable.
Taotao immediately rushed over and hugged Qi Xu. "You spent so much... and on overpriced items too! Ugh, my heart hurts for you, Qi Qi..."
"Don’t worry. I told you—today’s all about making sure you come out on top. I’m here to back you up."
..........
