Chapter 76 Bai E on the Immortal Boat in Luofu. Luofu, Jinren Alley. ...

Immortal boats on Luofu Mountain, Golden Man Alley.

Bai E marveled at the cyberpunk style of the Immortal Ship, picked up the Jade Sign and looked at it again and again, and then turned around and said to you seriously, "Why is it that when they are both communication devices and even have similar appearances, how come they can come up with such an elegant and fitting name as 'Jade Sign,' while they just call it 'Stone Slab,' which doesn't sound cool at all?"

You said, "Don't rush, I'll show you something even more fun."

So, amidst the lively cries of the surrounding vendors and bathed in Bai E's curious gaze, you squatted down and took out a bottle of soda soy juice from the vending machine.

...No, just thinking about the look on his face when he drinks it makes me want to laugh...Hold on and stop smiling!

Bai E: ...Partner, what are you laughing at?

"Ahem!" You quickly suppressed your laughter, shoved the still-cool bottle of soy milk into his hand, and looked away from him, afraid that your composure would crumble if you met his gaze. "Try it, it's a local specialty."

Bai E hesitated for a moment.

You wouldn't hurt him... but your tone was strange...

Things that come out of a vending machine shouldn't be poisonous, right?

He knows you might just be teasing him. But since it's nothing serious, he's willing to play along with this harmless little joke to cheer you up. After all, he's tough as nails and won't be knocked down by a small drink. If it can make you smile, he'd be willing to fight the Black Tide monsters, let alone drink a beverage.

Thinking this through, Bai E finally accepted the bottle of soy milk.

He unscrewed the cap, but before he could even drink it, a strong smell assaulted his senses—the sensation immediately reminded him of the cup of coffee Himeko had handed him with a smile during breakfast on the train that morning.

To avoid leaving a bad impression on Himeko, he forced himself to take a sip of the coffee and finish it. By the end, he was completely pale and shakily leaned against the bar, startling Pam who rushed over shouting, "Something's wrong! Someone's fainted here! Quickly call the interstellar medical team, Pam!"

Himeko was very pleased. March 7th and Danheng were so shocked that they couldn't utter a word for a long time. Even the usually composed Uncle Yang pushed up his glasses in surprise and smiled helplessly.

Bai E glanced at the soy milk in his hand, then at your profile as you tried to suppress a laugh, and understood your little scheme.

“Partner…” he tried to whine.

The old alley was bustling with people. Since you were both so good-looking, passersby would occasionally stop beside you to watch you tug at each other. Some even helped you deceive Bai E, making solemn and credible statements that almost convinced you, leaving Bai E completely bewildered.

He had just left Onphalus, unaware of the treacherous nature of people outside, and instinctively reached for a sip—

"—Trail Blazers! You're actually here!"

An orange-haired girl pushed through the crowd, like a ripe orange that had suddenly fallen to the ground. Her bright eyes locked onto you, and she smiled, revealing a set of white teeth.

"Why didn't you tell Xiao Guizi you were coming back? Are you not family anymore?"

"Xiao Guizi, slow down! Huo Huo is still here, she's having trouble keeping up with you—"

"Um... don't worry, Huo Huo will try her best to keep up..."

"Tsk, you little brat, speak louder! Don't be so timid, everyone can't hear you. Hey, you over there! Can I have a word with you?"

*

"Oh, it was all a misunderstanding."

Gui Naifen's eyes swept over the soda can in Bai E's hand. A layer of condensation still floated on the surface of the cold beverage can, which he easily held in his large hand. Something that you need to grip the can firmly to hold, he could hold almost perfectly with a casual squeeze. It's true what they say, comparisons are the thief of joy.

"Big guy, don't try this soy milk lightly."

Su Chang wasn't that cunning and didn't see through the intricacies between you two, so she shook her head directly.

"Many locals in Xianzhou can't get used to it. Every year, it's a tradition for outsiders to come to Xianzhou to drink douzhi (fermented mung bean juice), and they always end up spitting it all out."

"So, are you one of the travelers who travels around with the Trailblazers?" Gui Naifen asked familiarly. "I know this place well! If you don't mind, how about we show you around? We help with the reception whenever the Trailblazers bring friends back. The process is all set up, so don't worry!"

"It's second nature," the old man with the tail reminded him speechlessly.

"Huo Huo can also help... The Ten Kings' Division isn't busy lately. We're very useful!" Huo Huo quickly added.

The crowd surrounding you gradually dispersed under Gui Naifen's guidance.

Bai E glanced down at your guilty expression and smiled indulgently.

"It's alright, I'm quite resilient," he said. "Are you her partners too?"

Hearing this, the three girls instantly gained confidence.

Several people started talking at once.

"That's right, that's right! We've been on so many adventures! The most famous and popular ghost-hunting team in Luofu... that's us!"

"I've known her since the Pioneer first came to Xianzhou. Actually, I met Danheng first, but he was always worried about her safety. Oh God, who knows how many times I heard her name from his mouth back then... This road isn't long! He's been talking to my ears until they're calloused. He's practically as tired as my mother."

"The tail issue is all thanks to the Pioneers. Otherwise, it might still be in the void right now..."

"Hey, don't curse me!"

Seeing that they had gotten into a heated discussion, you suddenly slapped your forehead and remembered.

"Oh, I forgot to mention that," you said, somewhat annoyed.

You patted Bai'er on the shoulder, and he tacitly realized what you were about to say, so he silently straightened his back.

"Actually, this is my boyfriend." You said calmly.

"...Hey, Xiao Guizi, I thought it was something serious. It's just a boyfriend—a boyfriend!?"

"You're in a relationship?!"

Several people shouted at the same time, attracting the attention of passersby nearby.

"...I must still be dreaming."

Su Chang was in a daze, "This isn't right, is it? I thought it would be Dan Heng..."

Huo Huo blushed and quickly glanced at the corners of your clothes where you and Bai E were rubbing against each other intimately, a testament to how close you were, how much you trusted each other, or more bluntly, how intimate things you had done together. She had never seen anything like this before, and buried her face in her hands, letting out a sob as if she couldn't bear it.

"Then...then...then..." Gui Naifen stammered, "Then have you...um, you know...hugs...?"

"Yes, I do." You nodded.

"Have you kissed him?"

"Isn't it normal for couples to do this?"

"ah--!"

The girls then noticed the floral wreath ring dangling around your neck, emitting a soft blue glow under the dim lights of Jinren Alley. Mixed with the smoky aroma of food, it exuded a unique, fresh, and rich fragrance. Several girls let out quiet squeals.

"Shut up, shut up, what's there to argue about? It's just dating!" Old Man Tail was so shocked he was almost deafened. He shouted in dissatisfaction, "Haven't you ever seen other people dating?... Although it's surprising that this girl did this without saying a word, there's no need to get so worked up, is there?"

"Grandpa Tail, you just don't understand."

Su Chang, however, spoke mysteriously, "That's exactly what I want... to suddenly surprise everyone by ignoring romance! That's how it's written in the storybooks!!!"

For them, they haven't experienced the sweet and innocent feelings of teenage girls yet, nor do they have any crushes. Suddenly, a friend announces that she has entered a new relationship and has even put on a ring symbolizing commitment... It would be strange if they weren't excited.

They practically want to be in a private room with you right now, push Bai Er out, and then ask you about every little detail of your relationship—not for any other reason than to satisfy their curiosity and find it exciting to hear their best friend's gossip.

Bai Er smiled, his eyes crinkling, seemingly pleased with your assertive behavior. He nodded, gesturing in agreement with your words.

"Upon closer inspection, this young man is indeed quite handsome."

Grandpa Tail muttered, "The aura you exude... tsk, that's precisely the problem. The dangerous scent is too sharp. Don't you know you have to sharpen your claws and teeth when facing your lover? Where did you come from?"

"Oh, right!" Su Chang suddenly remembered something. "I almost forgot to mention. Today we're here to hand over the reins with the company representatives... Scott, and I think there's also some kind of director, to inspect the subsequent operation of Jinren Alley... what's his name... Sand Gold?"

Your hand paused.

One lone wolf is one thing... but why are you joining the fray, Gold Dust?

*

A discreetly luxurious Star Cruises pulled into the parking area in Jinren Lane.

Inside the spacious car, a man was huddled in a corner, his shoulders trembling.

"I'm not afraid, I'm not afraid... So what if he's a director I had a conflict with before, and he was recently promoted... Hahaha, who am I, Scott, afraid of! I refuse to be sabotaged in the workplace, and I uphold the spirit of our great company!"

The man leaning against the window crossed his legs, idly playing with the chips in his hand, his gaze aimlessly drifting through his sunglasses onto the bustling scene in Jinren Alley.

...I've been busy with Onfaros Investment lately, and haven't seen her in a long time. I wonder how Miss Starcore is doing?

Although she already had a boyfriend… Sand Gold gritted her teeth in hatred at the thought of that man named [Bai E]. But dating isn't marriage, so who said he had no chance?

Besides, if things really get to the worst point, he wouldn't mind being a mistress.

Thinking this, he smiled charmingly.

You've always been a sucker for good looks, so he doesn't believe you can say anything harsh about his face just because you've spent money to maintain yourself. He's not exactly a saint when it comes to relationships. Even if you're deeply in love with Bai E and can't see anyone else, Sha Jin is confident he can wait until you give in.

When you're in a relationship... there will always be times when you argue, right? And there will always be times when you need comforting, right?

He will prepare himself well and diligently for that day.

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Author's Note: The next chapter will have a minor chaotic scene, so please be aware. If you can't handle that, you can skip it.