Chapter 002 Sister Lan

Gray fog stretched out over the outskirts of the city, and the truncated city walls appeared and disappeared, isolating the lights and safety of the city.

Rustle, rustle.

The grass was shaking, and one, two, three... more than a dozen black shadows the size of hares rushed out.

They balled up in the wind, spinning rapidly like tumbleweeds, and with a puff they leaped into the cutoff wall, rushing towards the red line drawn by humans.

"Chirp, chirp, chirp."

The black shadows rammed into the Changhe City signboard, making a mocking friction sound.

This kind of weak and inferior monster has a too low Paster value and will not trigger the abnormal protection of the cutoff wall.

However, these shadowy growths can still drain life force, weakening ordinary people's bodies. In extremely unfortunate cases, they can also spread spiritual pollution or even plague.

"Chirp~" The growths twisted and rolled in the shadows, searching for prey driven by instinct.

They feed on life and flesh, rats, cats, dogs, and best of all... humans!

The fluff trembled violently in the wind.

Blood—it smells like blood!

Hiss, hiss, the black shadow rolled quickly following the fishy and sweet smell.

Bang.

The fur balls bumped into a fleshy flower bud.

There was a crackle, a puff of sand. A cloud of blood mist swelled in the air.

The bright red flower of flesh and blood turned over, tightly wrapping around a large black shadow like a starfish spitting out its intestines, and swung it left and right.

Click, click, click.

The tumor formed by the petals squirmed, making a teeth-aching chewing sound as it bit through the brittle bones and gelatinous layer.

Gurgle.

The tumor calmed down after swallowing. It gradually withered and faded like a real flower. The stem stuck to the back suddenly withdrew and merged with the crimson vine.

Dozens of soft fleshy rhizomes are entwined on the twisted steel bars. They are as thick as an adult's arm, holding up the collapsed house. The leaves flutter deftly, emitting a sweet and fishy aroma that attracts prey.

The strange roots were deeply embedded in the soil, and the exposed parts covered the entire ruins like ivy, making it look like a villa of flesh and blood.

Snap, clatter, clatter.

The flower buds and tumors open and wither one after another, and the thick rhizomes hang on the orange signboard.

[Danger! Predatory monster (with special rules)! Please stay away immediately! !]

The red paint is gorgeous, and the area around it is really - clean.

…

The roots moved flexibly through the ruins, clearing out a tidy area like drawing a curtain.

The soft inner wall is like the highest-grade leather goods, and a girl with long black hair sits on it.

She reached out her hand to a nearby rhizome, and the chosen rhizome immediately meandered down, producing three rose-red fruits at the top.

These fruits are smooth and round, and except for the mouth that screams "Ahhhh", they are no different from the apples in the gift box.

The girl caught the fruit and smiled at the empty space.

"Sister Lan, eat cake~ah——"

Chen Xiao'er took the tray from the waiter and picked up a piece of blueberry cake.

"Ah."

The girl lazily pushed up her sunglasses and bit her finger, her soft tongue touching the fingertip absentmindedly.

Chen Xiao'er stuffed the fruit puff she ordered into her mouth, staring at the other person's face thoughtfully as she ate it bit by bit.

But Qingmei didn't say anything, instead she just stared blankly, so she had to find a topic to talk about herself.

"You changed to purple contact lenses today? They suit you very well."

Purple contact lenses easily conjure up images of anime characters, yet Lan Jie possesses a unique, nonchalant aura. That subtle dominance, like the lemonade in a dessert, carries an unexpected balance and realism.

Rather than saying that she is close to a virtual character, it is better to say that the handsomeness and uniqueness of the virtual character are close to her in real life.

Unfortunately, this sister's eccentricity was probably ingrained in her bones, and she remained unmoved in the face of Xiao'er's hopeful eyes.

"Yes." Her eyes wandered over the store's potted plants, her long legs crossed over one another, and she looked like she would pull out a cigarette and take a puff at any moment.

snort……

Chen Xiao'er wiped her mouth with a tissue.

"Sister Lan, this shop is great, right? The environment is nice, the service is great, and the cakes are delicious. It's so cheap, but the location must be a disadvantage; it's too far from the city."

"Um."

"Hmm~?"

"Hmm, hmm." Sister Lan supported her head with her right hand, her eyes blank and her long boots tapping lightly on the ground.

Are you a dead pig that is not afraid of boiling water?

Chen Xiao'er's cheeks slowly puffed up, and her fingers stirred the tissues in the store.

I got into Taoli University! Taoli University is in the United City, and transportation to Chixing is so inconvenient, didn't you think of anything?!

Xiao'er didn't care about any gifts. Whether it was from classmates or teachers, just saying "congratulations" was enough.

But at this moment, feelings of resentment and dissatisfaction overflowed in my heart, and even the resentment in the corners was rapidly growing.

Ever since I met you when I was 7 years old, we have always been best friends.

Orphanage, elementary school, middle school... Because you "don't remember your birthday, just that day. Uh, when did we meet?", so I will give you a birthday present every December 12th.

Bracelets woven with beans, leaf vein bookmarks with four-season themes prepared for a year... Later, when I was able to do social practice, I would treat you to dinner every few days.

Sister Lan, you have never returned any gift, nor have you ever treated me to a meal.

Is this just personality or is it just not caring enough?

Chen Xiao'er picked up the last piece of lemon cake and chewed it viciously.

She thought her angry gaze was enough to kill the three hamsters, but even after all the desserts were eaten, the guy opposite still didn't react.

"Did you finish eating? See you later."

Sister Lan stood up from her seat, shaking her arms and stretching comfortably. "This place is close to your home, you can walk back and digest your food. Yawn~"

Helps digestion.

Yes, this place is very close to my home, can't you imagine how far away we will be in the future?!

You… you could just say “remember to text me every day” to give me a perfunctory answer, you bastard!!

Inexplicable anger filled her brain, and Chen Xiao'er slammed the table and chased after him.

She quickly chased to the door and almost pounced on Sister Lan's sleeve.

"I'm going to go to school in United City from now on. It's so far from Changhe City, we can't..."

Chen Xiao'er took a deep breath, tears welling up in her eyes. "It might be hard for us to meet again, woo."

"Hmm."

Sister Lan raised her head and bit her lip gloss: "Who said that?"

"Hey," Chen Xiao'er lost her balance and leaned down with her eyes wide open.

Sister Lan turned around lightly and caught Xiao'er's arm steadily. Her stunned expression was reflected in her deep eyes.

The tall girl raised her lips playfully. She let go of her hands and patted the girl in her arms, feeling lazy and helpless.

"Idiot, how could I be so far away from you? Here, hold still, I'm leaving first."

“…”

Chen Xiao'er stood blankly in the cake shop. After a minute, she suddenly raised her head and looked out through the window.

"Sister Lan—what did you mean by what you just said?!"

Sister Lan and the silver motorcycle disappeared without a trace. The streets were clean and there was not even a leaf to be found.

"bad!"

Chen Xiao'er stomped her feet hard, her eyes turned slightly red, but her lips couldn't help but curl up.

…

The black-haired girl left, her figure disappearing at the end of the street corner.

Rustle, rustle.

The thick rhizomes began to wriggle happily, like elementary school students turning around in front of the computer after their parents left.

It picked up two banknotes with its vines and crushed them. Then it extended several very delicate leafless tentacles and circled around the place where the girl had been sitting.

All the tentacles carefully avoided the butt-sized area and finally found the part they were interested in: about one meter away from here.

If there is a table in the middle, that is where the seats opposite would correspond.

Rustle, rustle!

The vine instantly bloomed six or seven small flowers, which quickly evolved into fleshy balls and then withered.

I don’t know what the meatballs ate, but those delicate roots expanded in a few seconds, and some invisible nutrients flowed through them and were transported to the core of the flesh and blood.

Gulp, gurgle.

The fleshy core pulsed powerfully once, twice, then settled into a satisfied stillness.

A skinny little mouse ran in from outside the ruins. It sniffed the fragrant vines outside the door, nibbled them tentatively with its little teeth, and instantly an ulcer appeared in its mouth.

"Squeak!" The little mouse slid away, wagging its tail.

The vines didn't react at all. They lay lazily on the ground, like a bunch of well-fed lazy cats.

…

"Really? Is this just a show of being cool or what does it mean..."

Chen Xiao'er walked down the street, her mind agonizing over what she had just said. Was Sister Lan also going to the United City? What would happen to her work and friends back home then?

Maybe it's because of inexplicable jealousy.

Actually, I am not familiar with Sister Lan’s friends.

Unlike me, Sister Lan was not adopted. She did not get into college and went out to work very early.

She has a good sense of fashion, and she dyes her hair, uses colored contact lenses, and wears makeup. She always wears clothes that look very expensive, rides a motorcycle that looks super expensive, and smokes cigarettes that are hard to buy.

I never asked where these things came from, and she never told me.

The difference between Sister Lan and me is like that between a canary and a killer whale.

We are not from the same circle at all.

Thinking of this, Chen Xiao'er's steps became heavier and heavier.

People always grow up, and the fate that begins in an orphanage may end at any point in life.

A heavy feeling gripped my heart. Perhaps it was not Sister Lan who was hesitant about this feeling, but me... Will you go on with me?

【“I won’t leave you.”】This was her answer.

In contrast, I was the one who asked the question and was already prepared to leave when I asked it.

If Sister Lan just smiled and perfunctorily passed it off, I wouldn't force her to leave, nor would I choose to stay. I would just wait for ten or twenty years and say "Haha, long time no see" on the phone.

What a useless coward I am.

Beep.

The phone in my palm vibrated.

Text message, could it be Sister Lan?

Chen Xiao'er quickly wiped away her tears and nervously opened the text message only to find that it was from her netizen Xiao Nuan.

Since Chixing's network was very primitive and the signal was often interrupted, sometimes there was no network and no phone calls for several days, so text messages became the most widely used way of chatting.

[Xiao Nuan: Good afternoon. Is everything going well today?]

Xiao Ai: It went so smoothly! Professor Owo personally told me, "Welcome to Taoli University." Hehehe.

【Xiao Ai: You are the second person to know about this! 】

【Xiao Nuan: The first one to know was Lan? 】

【Xiao Ai: That’s right! 】

Xiao Ai: There’s nothing I can do. Sister Lan is here to pick me up today.

The message was interrupted for a moment and then resumed after crossing the alley.

[Xiao Nuan: She will go to United City with you, right?]

Chen Xiao'er's hand holding the phone trembled.

Xiao Nuan has never met Sister Lan, but she seems to know her better than I do.

Maybe it’s because... Xiao Nuan knows me very well.

That selfish me.

She couldn't see my timidity through the Internet, but she could guess my deepest desires.

I really want to catch Sister Lan at all costs.

Sister Lan cares about me more than I thought, which is really - great.

Xiao Ai: Yes.

She pressed the "," key one more time to go back and delete.

[Xiao Ai: Should I persuade her to stay? After all, Sister Lan has been settled in Changhe City for so long.]

Xiao Nuan is a very kind person, and she will probably spend a lot of time considering it.

She might tell me to calm down and not drag down my best friend, saying that distance doesn't necessarily affect relationships. She might also tell me to have a good chat with Sister Lan and try to find a better solution.

For example, I would first settle down in college, help Sister Lan find a suitable place to rent a house, and then let her move in after she found a job.

According to the original plan, we estimated that we would take the high-speed rail there together in a few days.

Maybe just ride a motorcycle.

How should I reply to Xiao Nuan’s text message? I shouldn’t be so selfish. It’s better to call Sister Lan first to confirm future arrangements.

Beep.

So fast?

Chen Xiao'er's eyes widened instantly when she saw the words appearing on the screen.

【Xiao Nuan: That’s great.】

【Xiao Nuan: Since you are both willing, don't worry about other people's opinions. 】

【Xiao Nuan: Including me.】

Why, why did Xiao Nuan say that? Although she was very happy, Xiao Ai was still a little confused.

This is different from the usual Xiao Nuan.

[Xiao Ai: What if Sister Lan gets into trouble in the United Cities?]

【Xiao Nuan: It’s okay, you can take responsibility. 】

Me—yes, I’ll take responsibility.

Sister Lan and I have many differences in interests, hobbies, personalities and dreams, but we feel very happy as long as we are together.

Chen Xiao'er pursed her lips, her eyes, washed by tears, sparkling.

【Xiao Ai: Thank you!! (crying)】

[Xiao Nuan: No need, just live your life as you please. (Bunny smiley face)]

[Xiao Nuan: I have something to do here. See you later.]

【Xiao Ai: See you later! (Mmmmmmm)】

Huh—Chen Xiao'er took a deep breath, inhaling the warm afternoon air into her lungs.

It’s decided.

If Sister Lan can’t find a job after leaving Changhe City, I will work with her!

Since people are destined to distance themselves from some friends in their lives, why can't I be the friend who has always been with Sister Lan?

I cherish this friendship as much as anyone else!

After being enlightened by her friend, Chen Xiao'er's steps suddenly became lighter.

She walked through the ancient street with swaying lanterns and entered Xicheng District in a flash.

Xicheng District, also known as the old suburbs of Changhe City, boasts a wealth of ancient buildings under cultural heritage protection. Due to the disastrous tourism development in Changhe City, it's usually deserted.

The manor where my adoptive mother lives is between Xicheng District and the new suburbs. The area listed on the property certificate is 120 mu, which is about the same size as Changhe City Primary School.

Fortunately, the family was small, with only 2.5 people who could be considered masters. So her mother took her and her sister to live in a newly built small Western-style building, so they didn't have to go around the hillside and the pond to get to the mansion.

…

Chen Xiao'er stopped at the door of her house, took a look inside, and retreated back to the street as quickly as possible.

A pure black extended car was blocking the yard. The silver snake head logo on it was used exclusively by the Chen family, giving it a feeling of an ancient feudal family.

Tsk, that’s terrible, it’s those relatives from my mother’s family!

Her face wrinkled and she paced back and forth under the shelter of the green belt.

This group of unwelcome guests would come to our house three or five times a year, discussing important matters with our mother behind closed doors and also visiting the distinguished young lady. After they left, our mother would always feel very weak, and even our younger sister would cry secretly at night.

My mother's condition has been worsening recently. Those bastards must be here for the inheritance!

Chen Xiao'er held the phone in her hand, her fingers scratching it unconsciously.

She never coveted her adoptive mother's inheritance, but instead hoped that these properties could protect her disabled little sister.

However, an adopted daughter has no say in such matters. My sister just turned 7 this year, and her biological father has already passed away.

If my mother had passed away in the past few years, she would have had no right to prevent my sister from being adopted by those "rich and powerful" relatives.

She subconsciously wanted to seek advice from her friends, and gradually bit her lip as she looked at the black screen of her phone.

I wanted to retreat when my mother was alive, so what's the point of retreating in the future!

She took a deep breath, held her bag steady, and walked into the door with her head held high and her chest puffed out - I'm not just an adopted daughter, I'm Xiaotong's sister!