Chapter 122: Threatening, Heavy Armor, Frequent Appearances of a Hooded Man...
After getting into the car, Fu Ze received another message.
However, the sender this time was rather unusual.
Dragon Spine: [document].dox
Dragon Spine: I've compiled some tips on using [keys] and [special keys], which might be useful to you.
Dragonspine: Although with your GM status, you might be able to grasp all the content the moment you retrieve your [Special Key], it's always better to study in advance than to cram at the last minute.
The feelings about the "reality" of this world that Fu Ze had just experienced because of Mu Wangzhuo vanished in the face of these few lines of cold, hard text.
Every word from Dragonspine emphasizes the same thing: you are a GM who entered this world with a mission.
After his previous discussion with Yuan Jianxing, and considering the philosophical "question" Longji had posed before their conversation in the gallery, Fu Ze now understood perfectly why Longji had approached him.
While surrendering to him, the dragon spine was also blackmailing him.
The person being blackmailed was none other than Hara Mihoshi.
The logic behind it suddenly reminded Fu Ze of a widely circulated online rhyme:
Computer problems? Restarting solves 90% of them, reinstalling the system solves 99% of them, and buying a new computer solves 100% of them.
Applying this to the current situation, it is surprisingly fitting.
However, the difference between the two is:
Although the game is malfunctioning, since the player has not yet left the game, options such as "restart," "reinstall," and "repurchase" cannot be executed.
The entire action logic was completely frozen.
But once the hacker completes the transaction with the outside world and all the players leave the game, it remains to be seen which method the game's development team will use.
Simply "rebooting" is clearly insufficient to eradicate the "virus," a major threat, while "repurchasing," which means retraining a "central hub for all things," comes at an excessively high cost.
In comparison, "reinstalling" seems to be the best option.
However, for the creations generated by the anchor point of the [Center of All Things], that is, the NPCs in this game, "re-armoring" means that their existence will be completely erased, leaving no trace.
Initially, for Fu Ze—a GM who entered this world with the ultimate mission of saving the players—this world was nothing more than a buggy program that needed to be repaired. "Reinstalling" it was no big deal.
But now, things are different.
Fu Ze silently fiddled with the pendant he had picked up at a street stall in L City.
In this world, there is a star named Yuan Jianxing.
But is Yuan Jianxing really a player?
Just then, news of what happened next in Dragon Spine arrived.
Dragon Spine: The document contains methods for detecting the [key].
Dragon Spine: But unfortunately, only those with a special key have this viewing permission.
Looking at the text that popped up on the screen, Fu Ze could almost imagine the ease and confidence that Long Ji must have had when he wrote it down.
Generally speaking, based on this confident yet deliberate performance, Fu Ze could boldly speculate that Long Ji had fabricated Yuan Jianxing's identity so that he would have to carefully consider the consequences before acting.
But then I thought about it again, and Longji's confident demeanor at the time didn't seem like he was bluffing.
Moreover, apart from the portion of the [key] that was sent out to mislead the [Center of All Things], all the other [keys] and [special keys] were in the hands of the hackers, leaving Dragon Spine with no room for maneuver.
In other words, since he was 100% certain of Yuan Jianxing's identity, he must have been absolutely confident and not afraid of Fu Ze investigating.
In other circumstances, if he were merely a third party not involved in the event, Fu Ze would certainly applaud Longji's top-notch open scheme.
But unfortunately, I'm the one caught in this situation now...
Ignoring Longji's "kind suggestion," Fu Ze changed the subject on his own.
Fu Ze: Did the hacker really not leave you any means of contact in case of an emergency?
Dragon Spine: Perhaps he felt that if there were any problems I couldn't solve myself, I could just find someone else to use.
Dragon's Spine: As an aside, that person called himself "Raven".
Fu Ze: What a fake name.
Dragon's Backbone: Not important, just a substitute name.
Fu Ze: Finding the person might not be difficult, but how do I get my [special key] back?
Fu Ze: Based on the documents you sent and the summary from the adjudication bureau over this period, there are only two ways to obtain the [key].
Fu Ze: Either I make a peaceful deal with him, or to put it more formally, "contact information transmission," or I kill him and directly "fill the gap."
Fu Ze: The former is completely impossible, otherwise he wouldn't have specifically asked you to take my [special key].
Fu Ze: The latter, at least for me right now, is almost impossible.
Dragon's Spine: I agree with you.
Dragon Spine: But I also believe that someone who can predetermine the ability of "death and rebirth" based solely on guesswork before entering a closed world will definitely find a solution.
Fu Ze: ...Thank you for your sincerity.
Dragon Spine: You're welcome. Feel free to contact me anytime if you need anything.
Fu Ze thought to himself, "I want you to hand over a [attachment] that is exactly the same as the last one. Why don't you give it to me?"
Fu Ze: Speaking of which, since Raven is going to release a batch of players, is there a list of these players? And when does he plan to release them?
Dragon Spine: There's no list, and no timeframe. Even if there were, he wouldn't tell me.
Fu Ze: It seems the only way is to start by investigating Raven's own movements.
Dragon Spine: With Yuan Jianxing able to mobilize the resources of the Judgment Bureau, this matter shouldn't be too difficult.
Dragon's Spine: And, I hope you get the result you want. (Smiling face)
-
While waiting for the results of Yuan Jianxing's big data surveillance, Fu Ze diligently played the role of Que Ling.
Photo shoots, interviews, social engagements, offline events...
If it weren't for that ever-present, subtle thought tugging at his mind, Fu Ze might even feel as if he truly belonged to this world.
In contrast, the conversation at the art center earlier was a discordant noise.
During this time, Fu Ze also tried to observe various details that would theoretically be abnormal according to the design concept of ordinary games, but he failed to find a single flaw.
Even if there is one, the explanation is quite far-fetched.
It has the air of "shooting the arrow first and then drawing the target," which is like making trouble out of nothing.
But Fu Ze had a vague feeling that he had indeed witnessed a situation that was definitely not normal.
He couldn't remember exactly what it was.
After finishing a job, he received a message from Yuan Jianxing.
Hara Mikihoshi: [Location]
Yuan Jianxing: Just come here at 6:30 pm. You can see it as soon as you enter the booth at the very back on the second floor.
This address seemed somewhat familiar to Fu Ze.
He clicked to jump to the navigation software, looked at the "Rotten Violin Bar" on the screen and the abstract sculpture welded from scrap steel bars next to it, and chuckled to himself before typing a reply.
Fu Ze: Are you friends really friends who host a welcome dinner in a place like this?
Yuan Jianxing: Do you mind? If you do, I'll ask them if we can go somewhere else.
Fu Ze: When in Rome, do as the Romans do. I certainly don't mind. Just think of it as a return visit.
Fu Ze: Actually, I rarely have this kind of opportunity.
Yuan Jianxing: That's fine then.
Fu Ze: Speaking of gifts, what should I bring?
Fu Ze: I originally wanted to bring a bottle of wine, a gift that's hard to go wrong with, but since you chose a bar as the welcome venue, this gift is a bit awkward and could be seen as trying to ruin the party.
Fu Ze: For your reference, what are your friend's usual hobbies?
Yuan Jianxing: Does she count as an audiophile? I often see her sharing her experiences of using equipment and her burn-in tips on her WeChat Moments. She also likes to collect vinyl records from secondhand bookstores while traveling.
Fu Ze: Okay, I understand.
Yuan Jianxing: Don't bring anything too expensive, or it will make others feel a little awkward. (Hands clasped in prayer.jpg)
Fu Ze: ...Do you think I'm such a tactless person?
Yuan Jianxing: Are you sure you know how to write the word "discretion"?
Fu Ze: ? ? ?
After putting away his phone and reporting his whereabouts to Kang Yanyan, emphasizing that Yuan Jianxing would also be there, Fu Ze changed into simple clothes, put on a mask, and headed straight for the Rotten Violin Bar with the gifts.
The Rotten Violin Bar was still the same Rotten Violin Bar, but compared to the deserted atmosphere when Fu Ze visited during the day, it truly awakened at night. Amidst the aromas of alcohol and fruit, the band, the lively breathing, and the emotions mixed with laughter, anger, and tears, it exuded the burgeoning, vibrant life that a bar should have.
With his head slightly lowered, Fu Ze hurried up to the second floor. As he squinted, trying to make out the booth that Yuan Jianxing had mentioned in the dim light and swaying shadows, a warm hand steadily wrapped around him from behind, the palm resting on his shoulder blade.
"Why are you dressed so scantily?" Yuan Jianxing's voice rang in Fu Ze's ears, carrying his usual composure and undisguised concern.
Following the faint warmth emanating from through the clothes, Fu Ze relaxed and leaned against that arm, letting the other person lead him into a semi-circular booth further inside.
After confirming that the seat back could block most of the outside view, he took off his mask and laughed, "It's lined with fleece, but it feels thin. I even find it too hot to wear."
Before he finished speaking, the three or four people who were originally sitting in the booth all stood up and immediately surrounded him.
"Oh my god, it's real! What they said in the news is actually true?!" A boy with a neatly trimmed beard exclaimed first.
"Mom! I saw a big star!!!" The girl next to her, wearing round-framed glasses, covered her mouth and whispered, stomping her feet excitedly.
Having inquired about the members of today's gathering from Yuan Jianxing beforehand, Fu Ze's gaze swept across the room and landed precisely on the face of the girl in the camel-colored sweater who was surrounded in the middle.
After responding to the first few greetings, he walked over to the girl, his smile both polite and warmer than it appeared on screen: "Hello, congratulations on your graduation," and handed her the simply designed gift box.
"Thank you! You're too kind..." The girl was both surprised and delighted.
When Fu Ze took the box, she was a little at a loss. Then, amidst the cheers of "Quickly open it and see!" around her, she carefully tore open the packaging.
Judging by the size of the gift and listening to the suspicious sounds it made when it was opened, Yuan Jianxing's eyebrows twitched slightly, and she asked with her eyes if the other party really hadn't spent too much money.
In response, Fu Ze gave a half-smile, his eyes hiding a sly glint that seemed to say, "Guess what?"
"Holy crap! It's an O&B 100th anniversary vintage record player, priceless on the market?" The girl gasped as she unpacked it, her voice rising an octave. "This...this is amazing!"
If it's available but priceless, how can it not be considered "not expensive"?
“Brother Xingxing said you like listening to vinyl records, especially collecting old records.” Fu Ze said gently, “I hope you like this gift, and I wish you a life filled with music you love.”
"That's so thoughtful! I really like it!"
Just as everyone was taking this opportunity to further their conversation, a little girl with her hair tied up in a checkered cloth pushed the door open with her back and walked into the private room.
Although she was carrying a plate of colorful cocktails in her left hand and a case of beer in her right, she didn't seem to be struggling at all; her steps were extremely steady.
Fu Ze remembered the little girl.
Although there was some misunderstanding, she did indeed call Wells Lee down to fix the car for her last time.
More than half a year has passed, and she has grown a lot taller. Perhaps because she often helps out at the bar, the muscles in her forearms have also become much stronger.
"Everyone's here, and the drinks' here too! Let's raise a glass together—" Mu Wangzhuo grabbed a bottle of beer, pried the cap off with his teeth, and tapped the bottle on the table. "Celebrating our medical doctor's triumphant return from L City, having finally overcome all difficulties and holding his graduation certificate and degree certificate! Cheers!"
The glasses clinked together, producing a crisp, pleasant sound, and everyone exclaimed in unison, "Cheers!"
After clinking glasses, Fu Ze was about to drink the wine in his glass in one gulp.
However, just as the rim of the glass touched his lips, another hand with distinct knuckles reached out from the side and firmly covered the rim of the glass, preventing him from getting even a drop of alcohol on his lips.
"Hey, hey, hey, what's going on here?" Mu Wangzhuo frowned. "Everyone did it, even big stars can't cheat or get special treatment!"
“He doesn’t drink.” Yuan Jianxing withdrew his hand, his tone calm and even, yet carrying an undeniable air of authority. “His manager instructed me to make sure he doesn’t touch a drop of alcohol.”
Another person chimed in, "If that's the case, it's fine if the big star doesn't drink, but shouldn't you, as the big star's boyfriend, do it for him?"
Yuan Jianxing glanced at the man, said nothing, and simply took the dark-colored cocktail from Fu Ze's hand, tilted his head back and drank it.
During the process, his Adam's apple clearly moved up and down with each swallow.
After Yuan Jianxing showed the empty bottom of the cup to the surroundings, the booth erupted in good-natured laughter and whistles of "Oh oh oh oh!"
The atmosphere instantly warmed up, and the previously somewhat awkward topics flowed freely like a flood.
From reminiscing about embarrassing and funny things that happened during their university days, to revealing each other's "true colors" after starting work, and then jumping to boundless daydreams about the future.
Even the usually calm and composed Yuan Jianxing couldn't escape being "exposed," and several of his chuunibyou and clumsy past events when he first became an executive officer were exposed.
Fu Ze was overjoyed to hear this and would try to extract as much information as possible whenever he had the chance.
Yuan Jianxing looked helpless, but gently squeezed Fu Ze's hand under the table.
After chatting for an unknown amount of time, a rapid and distinctive ringtone sounded from Harami Hoshi's pocket.
Besides Yuan Jianxing, Fu Ze and Mu Wangzhuo also looked up.
They all knew that this was an internal communication alert from the adjudication bureau.
Yuan Jianxing made an "apology" gesture to everyone, picked up his phone, and walked to a relatively quiet corner.
At the same time, Fu Ze gave him a wink.
Fu Ze understood immediately.
He first chatted with Mu Wangzhuo and the others for a few minutes about the latest celebrity gossip.
After about three to five minutes, he also stood up, smiled apologetically, and said, "I'll go check on him; he drank a little too fast just now."
As Fu Ze's figure disappeared from sight through the swaying shadows, Mu Wangzhuo rested his chin on his hand, grinning mischievously as he tried to cover up his mistake: "Do you think we can wait for them to come back tonight?"
With him taking the lead, the others exchanged knowing glances, their expressions becoming ambiguous.
"What are you saying? Our Brother Xing is a gentleman, let's stop here."
"I think it's the big stars who ran out of energy first."
"Hey, I'm telling you, why don't you guys have any faith in him? My brother, who's betting on stars, will be drained dry first."
It was a rare opportunity to joke around with Kaiyuan Jianxing, and everyone immediately burst into laughter.
At that moment, Fu Ze gently pushed open the door to the relatively quiet restroom at the end of the second-floor corridor.
Yuan Jianxing was standing in front of the sink, looking down intently at his phone screen.
Fu Ze pressed the back of his hand against Yuan Jianxing's face and exclaimed, "Chief, you have such a huge capacity for alcohol! You drank so much and you're completely fine?"
Yuan Jianxing didn't say anything, but simply raised her hand to take Fu Ze's hand off her face and held it in her palm. Then she tilted her phone screen to the side, gesturing for Fu Ze to look.
Because ravens can teleport between different locations, surveillance cameras can hardly capture many clear and continuous images. They can only draw a dotted map with varying density on the electronic map based on the extremely few effective images.
The report concluded that ravens had been frequently appearing in the central area of V City recently, and that area was not far from the Rotten Violin Bar where the two were.
Furthermore, considering the relatively clear screenshot above, the other person is holding a napkin with a violin logo printed on it...
"Ring ring—"
The doorbell hanging at the bar's entrance rang, barely noticeable amidst the noisy crowd.
At the same time, a hooded figure entered through the door and sat down at the bar.
“A Black Swan, my friend.”
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