Chapter 44: The Scheming Ling

The three of them were stunned at the sight; based on their prior understanding of Ye Qingfeng, he had never once touched a firearm, yet he had just received it this morning and already achieved such precise shooting.

Just as Ye Qingfeng said—he truly is a genius!

All three turned to look at Ye Qingfeng; feeling their gazes fixed on him, he completed his final motion, lifting the still-smoking barrel to his lips and blowing gently.

Anbi clapped her hands softly in front of her chest, “Ohhh—Qingfeng is a sharpshooter!”

“I never expected you to have such a talent for shooting!” Billy said, genuinely astonished; though he himself could have replicated the scene, it was incomparable!

First, he was a combat robot—shooting required only simple aiming and firing, but Ye Qingfeng had been someone who had never held a gun before.

Even ignoring that, humans tremble from nerves when shooting—something no robot could ever experience.

Nico felt deep satisfaction seeing the shattered stones in midair; she had originally intended to train Ye Qingfeng as a public servant, and after his accidental entry into the Hollow, she had become even more certain of that choice.

Whether it was Billy or Anbi, Nico treated them all like family—even Ye Qingfeng, who had joined the Rabbit’s Den last.

Whether due to his age or his personality, Nico mostly regarded him as a younger brother.

But when she saw his shooting talent, it was as if a fledgling with broken wings had suddenly learned to fly.

She was genuinely happy for him!

【Ding! Nico’s affection increased by 5%. Current affection: 60%】

【Reward: 5 free draws!】

“You little brat!”

Nico completely forgot their current predicament and sprinted excitedly toward Ye Qingfeng, hooking her arm around his nape and pinning his neck between her armpit, then yanking off his hat and vigorously ruffling his hair.

“You even wear a top hat to show off!”

Nico’s massive chest crushed Ye Qingfeng’s face, a strong milky scent flooding his nostrils—he felt as drunk as if he’d swallowed wine, his cheeks flushing crimson all the way to his earlobes.

So soft! (╯▽╰) So fragrant~~

I... can’t breathe!!

“Mmm! Mmm!”

Nico looked down in confusion at the muffled noises coming from the figure in her arms; she saw his entire face buried against her chest, his flushed cheeks barely visible.

“Whoa!” Nico instantly released Ye Qingfeng, embarrassed as she watched him gasp for air, then asked cautiously, “Qingfeng, are you okay?”

“What do you think?”

Ye Qingfeng gave Nico a disdainful glance in reply.

If every time he enjoyed Nico’s “blessings” meant risking suffocation, he’d better keep such things infrequent!

He remembered the love guru from before his transmigration saying there were only two rules for dealing with girls!

Don’t initiate! Don’t refuse!

Honestly—don’t even say it! That’s exactly right!

Anbi stepped up to Ye Qingfeng and blinked. “Qingfeng, your face is so red.”

“Cough!” Ye Qingfeng cleared his throat awkwardly, worried Nico might suspect something, and quickly changed the subject, “So what’s your situation now?”

Only then did the others remember they were still trapped in the Hollow; they briefly explained the situation to him.

Ye Qingfeng was surprised by Nico’s decision, raising an eyebrow teasingly, “I never thought you’d choose not to report the Rope Jiang ?”

“Yeah… I never thought I’d do something like this…” Nico’s mood sank as she thought of their current state. “The Rabbit’s Den, obsessed with money… I always thought my creed was to care only for myself.”

“I didn’t expect you to make the same choice as Faethon and the others.”

Ye Qingfeng briefly told Nico what had happened at the video store.

“Faethon and the others gave up the Big One to save us?!”

After hearing Ye Qingfeng’s account, Nico was stunned; both Faethon and they themselves had made decisions contrary to their own interests.

Only then did she realize all three were staring at her; she crossed her arms defensively. “Ugh! Faethon, to stop me from haggling, actually gave away his account!”

At that moment, Ies rose from the ground and suddenly spoke in Ling’s voice: “Nico really doesn’t like being at a disadvantage, does she?”

“Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh? Eh?!”

Nico, hearing Ling’s voice, instinctively clapped her hand over her mouth and screamed.

Ling smiled teasingly. “Nico, can’t your scream contain even a little more joy?”

“Rope Jiang ? Is it really you two?”

Nico’s earlier gloom vanished instantly; her appearance meant their situation had turned.

“Sorry we kept you waiting. But Qingfeng, you suddenly went to Nico—Zhe and I were so worried!” Zhe shifted tone. “Still, we saw you all chatting happily, so we didn’t interrupt.”

Ling blushed, covering her cheeks with both hands. “Brother! No way~”

Billy, hearing Ling’s sweet voice, suddenly felt goosebumps rise. Huh?

I’m a robot… why am I feeling this?

“The boss just got really creepy.”

Billy muttered to Ye Qingfeng beside him.

Ye Qingfeng’s pupils widened instantly; he silently shifted one step away and firmly clamped his mouth shut, shooting Billy a look.

Kid, you’re really brave.

Billy tilted his head, clearly not understanding Ye Qingfeng’s meaning.

“So… you all heard that?” Nico slowly turned her head aside, cheeks flushed, letting out a cute muffled noise: “Mmm… mmmnnn~!”

“I never knew Nico had such an adorable side!”

Ye Qingfeng leaned close to Billy and teased softly.

“Yeah! I thought Nico was a she-demon from her last life, ah—dragon!”

In a flash, Nico moved like a phantom toward Billy, raising her right foot and kicking his waist.

“Bi—li!”

A dull thud echoed—Billy’s body arched instantly, then flew backward like a severed kite, crashing heavily several meters away.

“Wow! Nico’s giving us a show!” Ling grinned, adding fuel to the fire. “Brother, should we consider giving Nico a discount?”

“Now that you mention it, it makes sense… but…” Zhe instantly caught Ling’s implication. “This level of performance might still be insufficient!”

Hearing this, Nico’s eyes instantly turned red; she slowly turned her head toward Billy.

Hunting time.

“No! Nico boss!”

“Qingfeng, save me!”

“Anbi, when did you get three incense sticks?!”

“Boss! I’m sorry!”