Chapter 26: Conversation with the System and the Second Draw

Ye Qingfeng spent the entire journey pondering the system’s words, oblivious when Nico stopped the vehicle, stumbling dazedly behind the three of them, and rushed straight to his room upon entering the house.

“Qingfeng seems troubled.”

Anbi said flatly, watching Ye Qingfeng’s back as he climbed the stairs.

“True. Don’t worry—he’s still pretty strong,” Billy said, glancing at the time and sprinting upstairs, muttering something about Star Emblem Knights.

Nico silently walked to the sofa and sat down, arms crossed, lost in thought.

“Bang—”

Ye Qingfeng slammed and locked his bedroom door, then collapsed onto the bed.

“System—!”

“I already said I can’t tell you! Stop causing trouble!”

The system complained in an extremely impatient tone.

Ye Qingfeng closed his eyes tightly, lying still in silence.

“Huh... If you’ve got more questions, ask quickly, then wash up and sleep.”

Though spoken in a child’s high-pitched voice, the tone was that of an elder.

“What’s your purpose?”

“For the peace and future of New Aelidu.”

“Do you have a name?”

“You can call me Xiao Zhi.”

What a fake name...

“Is Xiao Zhi really dependent on me?”

“Correct. The host is a variable...”

“What does that mean?”

“Enough. Don’t push your luck. Wash up and sleep. Ha—ha~”

Ye Qingfeng fell silent after hearing Xiao Zhi yawn.

Whatever... as the system said, don’t overthink it...

“Sys—tem~”

“What now...”

“Two draws!”

“Ding! Drawing now...”

“Congratulations, host. Your rewards are as follows:”

“S-Rank Reward: Animal Charm Body (50% effectiveness on Sheen people; requires ability to activate or deactivate over a wide area, or individually on a single target)”

Note: No need to explain—Furry enthusiasts will rejoice!

“A-Rank Reward: Firearms Proficiency (Mastered)”

Note: One step away from a gunslinger—firearms will obey you perfectly!”

Ye Qingfeng stared blankly at the rewards—not because of the S-Rank Animal Charm Body, but the A-Rank one: Firearms Proficiency?

I finally have combat ability! What could be more important than this?

After witnessing the danger of the Hollows, self-preservation was his top priority; the other rewards seemed trivial compared to the Firearms Proficiency.

Ye Qingfeng leapt off the bed like a leaping carp, burst out of his room, and sprinted to Nico’s door, pounding hard. Hearing no reply, he dashed downstairs again.

He scanned the living room but saw no sign of Nico. He sighed and scratched his head.

Where did Sister Nico go?! Seriously... can’t find her when it matters. Whatever...

Billy probably has contacts for weapon dealers... I’ll just use the restroom, then find Billy.

He’d finally realized: his employer, the Hare’s Den, mostly took contracts related to Hollows—that is, Hollow Poachers.

Hollow Poachers are those who enter Hollows without permission from the Hollow Investigation Association. Without official authorization, they cannot obtain return permits or resources from Hollows and usually rely on Rope Crafters for support during their operations.

Realizing this, Ye Qingfeng decided he needed to build better relations with Zhe and Ling—find time to hang out with them.

Ye Qingfeng pushed open the bathroom door without hesitation—and froze in place, his gaze locked by something inside.

His throat went dry; he instinctively swallowed.

So big! So white! Such a back—what a waste not to get cupping on it...

Is this even something a child should see? Good thing I’m already an adult—I can look!

Nico, just out of the shower, had picked up a nightgown and was about to put it on. With her back to the bathroom door, she hadn’t noticed it was wide open. Ye Qingfeng forced his stiff body to step back, planning to quietly shut the door.

“Sss—It’s kinda cold! Where’s this draft coming from?”

Nico slipped on the nightgown, felt a breeze at her back, shivered, and turned toward the door.

Ye Qingfeng flinched at the sight of her turning—luckily, the bathroom door was nearly shut, leaving only a crack. He exhaled in relief.

Safe now... If Sister Nico finds out, she’ll definitely kill me.

Ye Qingfeng tiptoed away like a thief. Behind him, Nico slowly opened the bathroom door, glaring fiercely at his fleeing back.

“Qing—feng!” Nico called with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “Where are you going?”

“N-Nico sis, what a coincidence...” Ye Qingfeng swallowed hard, turning slowly, forcing a grin worse than crying. “You’re still awake too...”

“Yes—I’m still awake!” Nico walked up to him with a sweet smile. “So, how do you want to die?”

“Don’t hit my face!”

Moments later, Ye Qingfeng lay on the floor, eyes glazed, bruised and swollen. Nico sat on the sofa, legs crossed, her anger apparently subsided.

Fortunately, after living together so long, she understood Ye Qingfeng’s character well enough to hold back—though she still hit every punch with full force.

“Enough with the pretending to be dead,” Nico brushed her hair aside, remembering she’d rushed out of the bathroom and left her clothes in the laundry basket. She scowled. “Go dump my clothes in the washing machine. If you’re not back in 30 seconds, I’ll make you groan.”

“It’s not just fists anymore!”

Ye Qingfeng struggled to rise, ready to resist—then heard Nico begin counting down. He bolted into the bathroom, sprinted to the laundry basket, and found Nico’s discarded clothes: atop them lay a black lace-trimmed garment, glistening.

Hearing the countdown from the living room, he didn’t hesitate—he grabbed the entire basket and dumped it into the washing machine, pressed start, then sprinted out, arriving at Nico’s side with seconds to spare.

“Hmph. Fast,” Nico glanced sideways at the obedient Ye Qingfeng, then quietly set down her suitcase. “So, what do you want?”

“Sister Nico, I just went into a Hollow—that’s dangerous! I don’t even have a single weapon for self-defense. Could you...?”

Ye Qingfeng crouched beside Nico, offering a sly smile as he placed his hands on her legs. Don’t misunderstand—he wasn’t just massaging; he’d learned from Brother Yu of the Prison. His technique was good enough to open a massage parlor.

“Sss—ah~”

Nico quietly set down her suitcase again, leaning back lazily on the sofa, savoring Ye Qingfeng’s massage. As time passed, her cheeks flushed, and soft moans escaped her lips.

“Ding! Nico’s affection increased by 5%. Current affection: 50%”