Everyone in and outside the company knew that the two had met each other’s parents, but Cen Chen still had some regrets about certain things.
Looking at the lavish spread of food on the table, Cen Chen was a bit surprised. “What special occasion is it today?”
“It’s indeed a special day.” Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow and decided to keep him guessing. “You’ll find out soon.”
Recently, Ye Qiu seemed to have been busy with everything related to virtual games; it was unlikely that he would be holding a wedding at home… He shook off those unreliable thoughts.
Other than this, it seemed there was no other important matter. After pondering, Cen Chen couldn’t figure it out, so he stopped asking and just quickened his eating pace.
Once the food was gone, he placed the dishes into the dishwasher.
Feeling somewhat nervous, Cen Chen lay down on the bed, closing his eyes in anticipation for a long time. Suddenly, he sensed something was off and opened his eyes to see Ye Qiu slowly approaching with two computers.
“Come on, let’s play the game.” Ye Qiu said, sounding amused as he turned to open the computer for him.
Cen Chen blinked in confusion, logging into the game while trying to follow Ye Qiu’s character, running around the mountains aimlessly.
“What are we doing?” Cen Chen sighed and asked, puzzled.
Feeling a bit disappointed, he thought he shouldn’t have gotten his hopes too high.
Ye Qiu maneuvered his game character, brushing against Cen Chen’s character repeatedly, explaining, “I’ve been too busy in reality and haven’t had the chance to take you out. So I figured I’d take you sightseeing in the game.”
“Oh,” Cen Chen obediently followed.
“Chase after me!” Ye Qiu urged.
Cen Chen maneuvered his character, repeatedly brushing past Ye Qiu’s, as if playing hide and seek, unable to understand what he was doing. “Is it done yet?”
“Not yet.”
“How about now?”
“Just wait a bit longer.”
Cen Chen looked at the suddenly darkened screen, feeling a little stuttered. “Alright… is it done?”
【You have brushed past another knight multiple times; in this world of fate, the secret realm of auspicious encounters will open for you. Would you be willing to enter?】
【Confirm Cancel】
【Another knight has confirmed; countdown 19s.】
The countdown was rapidly approaching.
“Focus, the time is almost up,” Ye Qiu reminded Cen Chen, who was frozen in place.
【9s.】
【8s.】
Cen Chen frantically clicked the confirm button on the left.
The screen went dark in an instant.
【A sudden gust of wind, fallen wood creating smoke, a crowded carriage, a few nameless soldiers chatting, an air thick with dangerous tension, and a rain of arrows—who is watching my every move in the dark?】
【Those who enter the secret realm with me, when will I meet you again to explore this tumultuous martial world?】
When he opened his eyes again, his game character appeared on a carriage driven by a coachman. The rain of arrows shot down, killing the chatting NPCs, leaving Cen Chen as the only survivor.
【These bodies are already cold, seemingly dead for some time; uncertain if there are dangers nearby, let’s explore a bit.】
This was the introductory plot of the game; Cen Chen expertly collected healing ointment from his companions and headed to the valley to rescue the NPC.
【It seems someone is calling for help ahead, and there seems to be another knight in the valley; let’s go rescue the trapped knight.】
“Where are you?” Cen Chen’s character spun in place, unable to find Ye Qiu.
Ye Qiu, tied up, sighed helplessly. “I’m tied to a post. Do you see any special mark above my head?” he hinted.
“Now you’ve taken on the NPC’s quest,” Cen Chen couldn’t help but laugh.
As he continued down the pathway, the heart above the character’s head began to pulse more frequently. Following the indication, Cen Chen successfully rescued Ye Qiu, who still hadn’t figured out what was amiss.
During the exploration, numerous plot points were triggered, seeming like a reflection of the game’s story.
【You have successfully met another knight; please explore the martial world together.】
【In broad daylight, someone is committing murder in the streets; will you intervene or shout from afar?】
【A beautiful maiden sobs softly: Who are they? So terrifying! If it weren’t for the knight’s help, I fear I… I haven’t properly thanked you for your great kindness. This precious ornamental sculpture, a cherished family heirloom, has attracted the attention of a shameless thief. My home is in turmoil, and I am so frightened. Why not entrust it to you for safekeeping?】
【River God: This tree was planted by me, this river is my home. Did you drop this silver axe or this golden axe?】
【Main Clerk: The other day, the coachman Dai Guo was driving on a narrow path; the horses were startled by children playing on the roadside, and there was no time to dodge…】
The plot transitioned from single-player to co-op, requiring teamwork to calm the unrest in the martial world, while multiple temptations appeared, yet they remained true to their original intentions.
After finishing the plot, the screen darkened again, and in the distance, there seemed to be a faint light. Approaching, an ancient carved stone door stood at the bonfire.
Pushing the door open.
【Amidst the mountainous terrains, one seems to find a path; the willows are dark and the flowers bloom brightly in another village. There seems to be light ahead; let’s explore the area.】
“I think there are two swords standing there,” Cen Chen hesitantly maneuvered his character towards them.
【There are two long swords stuck in the ground; only two can pull them up.】
He pulled out the long swords.
At the cliff, a long bridge appeared. In the dimly lit sky above, a massive pink peach blossom tree could vaguely be seen, surrounded by floating red ribbons, an enchanting sight.
【The distant floating island can be reached by the wooden bridge, and some lights can be seen.】
Crossing the wooden bridge, the ground was scattered with starlight.
A few pink flowers were scattered across the wooden bridge, and the bridge resembled a wedding arch decorated beautifully.
Cen Chen gazed at the wooden bridge, reminiscent of the Magpie Bridge, realizing something. He turned to look at Ye Qiu beside him, who didn’t speak but glanced at him reassuringly before turning away.