The events unfolded much as Qi Xu had guessed. Chinese Master Chef was timid, soft-spoken, and polite, with excellent culinary skills. He had brought delicious food, and he wasn’t lacking in survival coins—exactly the type of customer goblins loved. Both parties completed the transaction happily.
The only unexpected twist was Chinese Master Chef running into Xie Shaoning.
While Chinese Master Chef was happily returning with his newly upgraded weapon, Xie Shaoning was still miserably tied up on the ground, unable to move.
"Wait a second—you don’t recognize me?" Xie Shaoning suddenly put on a friendly smile.
Chinese Master Chef instantly widened his eyes. "Don’t frame me! How could I possibly know you? Are you trying to drag me down with you? Make the little goblin think we’re accomplices? You’re such a scheming jerk!"
Xie Shaoning was speechless. Suppressing his anger, he explained in a gentle tone, "I meant before the survival game. Take a closer look—don’t you recognize me?"
Chinese Master Chef squinted at him but still shook his head in confusion.
Xie Shaoning frowned slightly. If he had run into a fan, they might’ve helped him out. But this chubby guy was clearly a shut-in otaku with zero interest in sports. What rotten luck!
"I’m a Chinese swimming champion, an eight-time gold medalist at the 2028 Olympics, and a recipient of the National Sports Honor Award. My name is Xie Shaoning. Could you cut the vines binding me? We’re from the same country, and I didn’t do anything that bad—I just accidentally trampled some grass outside the goblin’s door, so he got mad."
Chinese Master Chef blinked. "Wow, you’re amazing! I’ve seen news about you!"
Xie Shaoning’s expression relaxed slightly. "Since we’ve met by chance, I’d really appreciate your help. Don’t worry, I’ll pay you back for the favor."
Chinese Master Chef tilted his head in confusion. "Why don’t you just apologize to the goblin? You crushed his flowers and grass—just say sorry! The goblin’s really nice. If you apologize sincerely, he’d definitely untie you. Doesn’t matter if you’re an eight-time gold medalist—even an eighty-time gold medalist should own up to their mistakes."
Xie Shaoning’s smile vanished. His eyes darkened, and an uncontrollable killing intent seeped out.
It scared Chinese Master Chef so much he nearly raised his shield on reflex.
"Fine, I’ll apologize to the goblin. Thanks for the advice."
But Chinese Master Chef wasn’t the same naive, clueless guy anymore.
Now that he was well-off and had seen the full spectrum of human nature, he wasn’t fooled by Xie Shaoning’s act. While the man was still tied up, Chinese Master Chef turned tail and ran.
Only after reaching his vehicle and leaving the goblin’s hut did he let out a sigh of relief. He immediately messaged his leader.
"Boss, boss! The goblin gave my shield a full upgrade and modification! Even though it dropped back to Level 5, it can tank more damage and last longer than before! The goblin even said it can go up to Level 20! After Level 10, it’ll even have a counterattack effect! And the goblin didn’t mock me at all for only using a shield—he’s so nice! I love him!"
Invincible Black Whirlwind: "Awesome! Then stick to your plan and keep upgrading your shield. Chat with the goblin often to maintain a good relationship."
Chinese Master Chef: "Of course! Such a great goblin—I’ll cook delicious food for him every day!"
Reading this, Qi Xu suddenly realized the fundamental difference between himself and Chinese Master Chef. With every NPC—even Taotao, whom he was closest to—Qi Xu admitted there was always some calculation involved.
Chinese Master Chef was different. He genuinely connected with others.
Qi Xu thought of Taotao’s favorability rating: 99.
That last missing point was probably because of this. After all, sincerity begets sincerity.
Qi Xu was deep in thought when a sudden tolling of a bell nearly scared him to death.
Realizing it was midnight, he figured it must be the notification for the next round of dungeons.
[Announcement! Announcement! This round’s dungeon will be a cross-region challenge, with participating players selected by last month’s top-ranked leaders!
Top player of Region 88, District 666: Invincible Black Whirlwind. Asset Score: 88.7
Top player of Region 136, District 711: Crushed Ice Lamb. Asset Score: 51.7
Therefore, Invincible Black Whirlwind will represent our district in negotiations and arrangements, while Crushed Ice Lamb will automatically lock in a team roster.
May Region 88, District 666 achieve glorious victory!]
Forever Love Mountains & Seas: "A lucky break right after merging districts! No dungeon for me—when the big shots step in, us small fries can just sit back and cheer. Wishing you victory!"
Blessed by Luck: "Gotta admit, Crushed Ice Lamb’s words sound sweet this time!"
First-Gen Pure Love Warrior: "How many slots are there? Can we volunteer?"
Ex-Girlfriend’s Future Dad: "Fortune Dog’s part of Whirlwind’s crew now. You still wanna go if she’s in?"
Buried Love 2009: "Hey buddy, wake up! Even if you wanna go, would Whirlwind even take you?"
Cheese Bread: "@Crushed Ice Lamb, fight for us! No way Whirlwind picks anyone outside his district. Where’s our chance?"
C137 Mighty Ox: "Exactly. If we’re picking, make it fair."
Fortune God's Only Daughter: "You can call me Fortune Sis."
Top Battlefront: "Stop dreaming. Know your place."
Blade Wanderer: "Seems fair. Just split slots between District 666, 444, and our 711."
Heartbroken Kitten: "Whirlwind, please note—these idiots don’t speak for all of us. No collective punishment, okay?"
Invincible Black Whirlwind: "If you want in, DM me your stats. No other nonsense."
War Wolf Egg Seven: "Roger. Applying now—stats sent."
Sleeves Full of Stars: "Seriously… since when? Player stats are private! How rude! Are all of you in his district brainwashed? Scared of one guy? Pathetic!"
Fluffy Ball: "Whirlwind, time to flex your Location Card stash again! These clowns are giving me a headache."
..........
