Chapter 41

“Back then, I was just as stubborn as you are now, sigh...” The owner let out a deep breath. “Everyone’s wrong, but sit down calmly, talk it out, face it together...”

“If every choice leaves regret, then choose the one that won’t make you look back with remorse.”

“Thank you!”

Ye Qingfeng walked aimlessly down the street, two bags of groceries in hand, suddenly letting out a heavy sigh as he gazed at the cloudless blue sky, sinking deep into confusion.

He couldn’t say he was heartbroken over Mao You’s departure—after all, they’d only just met, like two people who fell instantly in love on first sight, only for one to be forced away by circumstance.

Nor could he say he was truly happy—like meeting a wonderfully charming cat you’d already decided to take home and live with, only to find out it already has a family...

A strange feeling rose in his chest: the next time he saw Mao You wouldn’t be far off.

Until then, he should live well in the present!

【Ding! Mao You’s affection increased by 10%. Current affection: 40%】

【Obtained two lottery draws!】

A sudden announcement echoed in Ye Qingfeng’s mind; he smiled helplessly.

Knowing that Mao You was also waiting for their next meeting—that was enough...

By the way... Nico and the others should be inside the Hollow by now. I wonder how things are going...

And there are still so many cans of sardines—will Mao You even get to eat them before they expire?

Better head to Phaethon’s place than stay in this empty Rabbit Hole.

Ye Qingfeng looked at the two heavy shopping bags in his hands, raised his hand, and hailed a taxi by the roadside.

(The author never saw a taxi in Empty Zone, but don’t be too picky about fanworks.)

After giving the driver the address, he settled into the most comfortable position and closed his eyes to rest.

Should’ve bought less... Walking all the way to Sixth Street with these bags is exhausting. A taxi ride is worth it.

If he weren’t carrying these two bags, he’d never take a taxi—dead set against it!

Wait—

Ye Qingfeng suddenly remembered something and sat bolt upright, mouth slightly open, frozen in place.

He still had the space backpack! How could he have forgotten?!

“Um... sir, is there something wrong?”

The driver was startled by Ye Qingfeng’s sudden movement.

“No, no, just remembered something.” Ye Qingfeng forced back the urge to vomit. “How long until we get there?”

“Almost there.” The driver, noticing Ye Qingfeng’s pallor through the rearview mirror, saw at a glance he was severely motion-sick. He spoke flatly: “Five thousand Ding Ni if you vomit inside.”

(PS: 1 RMB = 100 Ding Ni)

“Please... Master, hurry...”

Having lived with Nico for so long, Ye Qingfeng wasn’t obsessed with Ding Ni—but he’d never turn it down either.

As Nico always said: don’t spend Ding Ni unless you have to.

He silently rolled down the window, letting the cold wind rush in—finally, his stomach settled, no longer churning.

They arrived soon. He paid the driver, grabbed both heavy bags, and walked toward the video store. He barely reached the door when he spotted the “Closed for Business” sign.

“Is anyone there?”

Ye Qingfeng, having come this far, knocked on the door. After waiting a moment with no response, he knocked again, pulled out his phone to send a message—just as he finished typing, light footsteps approached from inside.

Zhe was in a foul mood from the mess he’d left behind. He ignored the knocking at first, but when it came again, he sighed and told Ling to wait a moment while he dealt with the visitor.

“Sorry, we’re closed today—please come back tomorrow...” Zhe strode to the door, yanked it open, and launched into his standard professional phrase—then froze halfway, seeing Ye Qingfeng standing there.

Zhe glanced at the two heavy bags on the ground, puzzled, but seeing Ye Qingfeng drenched in sweat, he quickly swung the door fully open and grabbed one of the bags. “Ah, Qingfeng! Come in, come in! Why’d you buy so much?”

“It’s a long story... I bought too many vegetables...” Ye Qingfeng held up the bags, shaking them slightly. “When Nico and the others come back, we’ll all head back to the Rabbit Hole—I’ll cook you a big meal!”

“We’ll talk about that later...” Normally Zhe would’ve agreed instantly. Now his expression was grim. “Something happened—we’ve lost contact with Nico.”

Ye Qingfeng dropped the bags instantly. A pile of sardine cans spilled onto the floor, clattering loudly.

Though he’d complained about them, hearing they were in trouble sent panic flooding through him. He forced himself to calm down, voice trembling: “W-what’s the situation now?”

“Calm down, Qingfeng. Nico and the others aren’t in immediate danger.” Zhe patted his shoulder—he could see how deeply Ye Qingfeng cared for them. He opened the door beside the front desk and turned to him. “Come inside. I’ll explain.”

Ye Qingfeng followed Zhe into the room and immediately saw Ling sitting at the computer desk, watching him.

She’d heard Ye Qingfeng’s voice from outside moments ago and had perked up her ears. When the voices faded, only two sets of footsteps approached her direction—she spun around, eyes wide, staring at the door.

“Qingfeng, you’re back!”

She leapt to her feet the moment she saw him, waving at him with a dazed, starry-eyed grin.

Zhe sighed softly at his sister’s idiotic smile. He’d lived with her long enough to know she’d fallen hopelessly for Ye Qingfeng.

He’d once thought she’d been drugged with some love potion, so he secretly checked her phone. Their chat logs were mostly normal—except for the occasional insane message from her.

He realized it was just one-sided infatuation. He didn’t understand why she’d suddenly taken to him, so he’d paid a fortune to ask Nico for details.

Under Nico’s deception, he’d spent a huge sum to learn everything she knew.

Combining Nico’s description of Ye Qingfeng with his own observations from their chats, Zhe found him reasonably trustworthy—and decided not to interfere too much.

But! At the very least, he wouldn’t let Ling give herself away too easily. And he’d still offer her occasional help!

After all...