Chapter 30: The Days Have Got Better

Bai Lu pursed her lips, her little face full of indifference: "You're from the Dan Ding Department! Always this can't be eaten, that can't be touched, and you have to drink those medicines that are bitter to death! I'm just sneaking out to eat something tasty!"

As she spoke, her gaze was drawn to the dazzling array of snacks on Bai Hang's table, and she involuntarily swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

Bai Hang watched the little girl's greedy expression and couldn't help laughing, as if seeing her own younger self slipping into the kitchen for snacks to avoid elders' discipline.

She picked up an untouched, delicately shaped lotus pastry and handed it to Bai Lu: "Here, try this? It's not too sweet, should be okay with the restrictions, right?"

Bai Lu's eyes lit up as she took the lotus pastry, took a small bite, and instantly squinted happily: "Delicious!"

While eating, she continued curiously looking at Bai Hang: "Big sister, you're not a native of Luofu, are you? I don't think I've seen you before. Are you a traveler from elsewhere?"

Bai Hang felt a slight tightening in her heart but kept a natural smile, replying: "Hmm, you could say that. I came from far away, passing through here, and thought I'd sample the cuisine."

(Inner thought: It's more than just passing by…)

"Really?"

Bai Lu tilted her head, a faint glint flashing in her blue eyes, "But I always feel… there's something very familiar about you, as if… I had seen you somewhere a very long time ago."

As a holder of the Bright Dragon Dignity (though she may not yet be fully aware), her perception is far sharper than that of an ordinary child.

Bai Hang felt a jolt inside but remained composed, gently rubbing Bai Lu's little dragon horn (surprisingly pleasant to the touch), and laughed: "The little girl knows how to strike up conversation. Maybe it's because I look rather familiar?"

Bai Lu shrank her neck from the rub, giggled, and didn't probe further.

She was soon drawn to the other dishes Bai Hang ordered, and the two of them—one a sneaking‑out little dragon dignitary, the other an anonymously deceased fox person—shared a table of delicacies in the bustling eatery, occasionally whispering, the atmosphere unexpectedly harmonious and warm.

Until all the packed food was ready, Bai Hang stood up to settle the bill and said to Bai Lu: "Little one, I should be going too. You… be careful on your own, finish eating and head back early, don't let your family worry."

Bai Lu felt a bit reluctant to part, but obediently nodded: "Got it! Thank you for the snacks, beautiful big sister! Hopefully I'll get a chance to come back to Luofu to play!"

Bai Hang smiled, waved at her, lifted the bundled food, and turned to blend into the street crowd.

Bai Lu stood at the shop entrance, watching Bai Hang's departing silhouette, especially the striking snow‑white long hair and fox ears, her little face showing a hint of contemplation.

(Bai Lu's inner thought: Strange… I've never seen you, yet why does it feel so familiar? It's like… a fragment of memory…)

She flicked her head, shooing away the puzzling thoughts, and her attention was quickly drawn to the fragrant snack stall next door.

Meanwhile, as Bai Hang walked the return route, a slight ripple rose in her heart.

The child named Bai Lu… gave her an inexplicable sense of closeness, as if this land centuries later, her former home, released a faint yet warm kindness toward her, The Dead.

She nudged the heavy, fragrant food bundle in her hand, thinking: Xi Lian would probably like these, right?

In System Space, Black Curtain Lady took the rustic bracelet from Bai Hang's hand—a device with built‑in storage space.

After a brief report of the procurement, Bai Hang impatiently requested to see Xi Lian.

Heimu simply waved a hand casually, indicating she could proceed as she wished.

Bai Hang felt as if granted a pardon, her face instantly blossoming with a radiant smile, darting toward the black door leading to the lower level of System Space like a joyful little bird.

After Bai Hang left, Heimu returned to the carriage, surveying the compartment that, aside from basic furniture, remained empty.

She walked toward one of the passenger room doors and pushed it open.

Inside was a standard train passenger room layout, simple but lacking vitality.

"It's time… to arrange things a bit," Heimu murmured.

Can't keep sleeping on the sofa forever.

She thought briefly, and through the bracelet began extracting the supplies purchased in Luofu.

First came an ultra‑large lounge chair that looked incredibly soft and comfortable, replacing the originally hard bed.

Next were deep‑purple velvet curtains she hung herself, covering the Observation Window, creating a secretive ambience.

A compact black‑obsidian coffee table appeared beside the lounge chair, bearing a set of uniquely shaped purple clay tea ware.

The walls gained several hanging paintings depicting dim starry skies or abstract data streams.

In a corner even appeared a mini freezer emitting a faint chill, used to preserve special drinks.

The system automaton quietly assisted nearby, placing items with precise motions, adjusting angles, making everything look both comfortable and in line with Black Curtain Lady's mysterious, profound aesthetic.

When the room was roughly arranged, exuding a lazy, private aura, the system automaton seemed to "liven the atmosphere", and in its flat electronic tone said:

"Madam, according to data records, appropriate humor helps relax the mood. Do you know why Silver Wolf always breaks defense in the simulated universe?"

Black Curtain Lady was placing a thick volume titled *Universal Fungus Atlas: Toxic and More Toxic* on the coffee table when she paused at the words, said nothing, and simply lifted her eyes toward the system.

The system automaton, on its own, gave the answer: "Because she is a—'break' defense expert."

The carriage fell silent.

Only the train's steady hum.

The air seemed to freeze for a few degrees in an instant.

Heimu silently stared at the system automaton's earnest (?) inverted‑cross eyes for a full three seconds before slowly uttering two words: "…cold."

The system automaton tilted its head slightly, as if performing a logical check: "Feedback received. Retrieving more efficient heating solutions…"

Meanwhile, the atmosphere on the Lower Platform was completely different.

Bai Hang practically bounded down the stairs, her face flushed with excitement.

"Xi Lian! Xi Lian! I'm back! Look, I brought a lot of good stuff back!"

Xi Lian, who had been sitting in the corner with knees drawn to her chest, staring blankly into the void, was startled awake by her voice and raised her head, a little bewildered.

Then, she saw a sight that left her dumbfounded.

Bai Hang, like a little hamster, kept pulling items out of that bracelet!

First were soft carpets and cushions, laid directly on the cold floor, creating a small warm zone.

Next came a full set of toiletries, clean towels, and several simple‑styled yet comfortable change‑of‑clothes (Bai Hang had deliberately measured Xi Lian's size when buying).

That's not all!

Bai Hang then pulled out a huge pile of books, ranging from popular Xianzhou romance novels to travelogues describing the customs of various planets, even a few basic science primers, a kaleidoscope of titles piled into a tiny mountain.