Su Cheng was on the second floor of the mall, searching for a mask specialty store, but halfway there, he suddenly realized several critical issues.
1. What if a regular mask doesn't allow Li Zhaohao to transform?
2. What if Li Zhaohao doesn't catch a doll but instead tries to catch him?
After all, he already had elements of exploitation and mockery.
Thinking about Li Zhaohao's impressive measurements of "998," he couldn't help but shiver.
Last time, Ji Qingyi had just lightly pinched him, and it nearly shattered his bones. Now, he didn't dare to guarantee that Li Zhaohao wouldn't punch him if she transformed.
Also, Gu Ruoxue is likely an S-class character, and even she couldn't pick up the doll. So, Li Zhaohao probably wouldn't be able to either, right?
At this thought, Su Cheng felt a bit discouraged but didn't give up on trying to catch the doll. Instead, he started brainstorming another method.
"Got it!"
All of a sudden, inspiration struck Su Cheng. If in doubt, activate the Fourth Force!
Since this was Ji Qingyi's family's business, he took out his phone, found Liu Qingyue's number, and dialed it. As soon as the phone was answered, Liu Qingyue's familiar voice came through: "Hey, junior, did you run into another trouble again?"
"Yes, it's like this..."
Hearing Liu Qingyue's voice, Su Cheng didn't beat around the bush and directly told her his current predicament.
"Oh, that's simple. I'll just call the manager later," Liu Qingyue said with a smile, then teased him, "Seems like you're on a date this weekend... that makes me a bit jealous~"
Su Cheng hurriedly denied it.
"No, no~ She's just a 'friend.'"
"Well, who are these 'friends' of yours?"
"Um, Gu Ruoxue, Li Zhaohao, and Li Guanqi."
After hearing Su Cheng's answer, Liu Qingyue fell silent for a few seconds before continuing, "It's only been a few days, and you've already made many 'new friends'. Guess I need to pick up the pace too."
"Oh, and be careful, junior. Gu Ruoxue is a dangerous character. You better not join her club."
Liu Qingyue suddenly warned.
"How dangerous?"
"Your typical school life might turn into something really weird."
...
After hanging up the phone, Su Cheng still couldn't shake Liu Qingyue's last words. A chill ran down his spine.
This Gu Ruoxue's club wasn't as simple as he had imagined. Now, it seemed like joining the club would mark the transition from ordinary life to something else entirely.
With that in mind, he arrived at the floor with the claw machines but found the three girls sitting in a café nearby, chatting. Seeing Su Cheng, Li Zhaohao and Li Guanqi waved to him.
Gu Ruoxue, on the other hand, sat straight-backed, hands resting on her skirt, eyes closed, as if merging with the atmosphere, unnoticeable like air.
When she opened her eyes, she glanced at Su Cheng.
Seeing her demeanor, Su Cheng scoffed inwardly, vowing to prove this enigmatic person wrong later.
Now all the claw machines were set to a 100% strong grip. If she allows Li Guanqi or Li Zhaohao to try or even attempts it herself to pick up the panda, it would break her unspoken bet.
Because Gu Ruoxue seemed to be wanting him to catch the doll, but he just won't cooperate, not wanting to engage with this enigmatic woman.
"Looks like Su Cheng's luck is about to turn."
Gu Ruoxue said mysteriously to the two girls.
Li Guanqi was momentarily stunned. Li Zhaohao, on the other hand, looked expectant. She stood up and approached Su Cheng, saying, "Come on, try again."
Su Cheng's expression stiffened slightly.
Then he looked at Gu Ruoxue, who also gazed back at him.
One second, two seconds... Time passed as they stared at each other.
"I've always been quite lucky myself."
Surprisingly, Li Guanqi broke the silence, glanced at Gu Ruoxue, and continued, "How about I give it a try first?"
Upon hearing Li Guanqi's words, Gu Ruoxue's eyes flickered slightly before she seemingly lost interest in Su Cheng, turning her gaze toward Li Guanqi and nodding faintly.
"Well done, that's my Third Force," Su Cheng thought, delighted. He quickly joined Li Guanqi and headed toward the claw machines, while Gu Ruoxue, brushing a finger through her bangs, stood up and walked toward the machines.
At the claw machines, Su Cheng's expression stiffened again.
Li Guanqi also frowned.
Because the claw still had no grip at all.
This frustrated Su Cheng as he wondered if it hadn't been set up correctly.
"...Hmm."
Gu Ruoxue stood beside Su Cheng, sighing melancholically, as if lamenting Li Guanqi's bad luck.
Li Guanqi, hearing this, despondently lowered her head and said, "Seems my luck is still pretty bad. I'll spare my efforts this time."
After saying that, she stepped away from the machine, while Li Zhaohao, on the other hand, was eager to try and inserted a coin, but the claw still showed no grip.
Su Cheng's brows were almost knitted together, realizing something was amiss since Liu Qingyue had confirmed the machines were adjusted.
Could Gu Ruoxue have something to do with this?
His suspicions deepened as he looked at her, trying to read something from her emotionless face, but she remained aloof, as if the situation had nothing to do with her.
Breaking the silence again, Gu Ruoxue spoke first, "Why don't you try again, Su Cheng?"
"Actually, my luck is quite bad too. Senior, you seem to be doing well. Why not give it a try?"
Su Cheng proposed, looking at Gu Ruoxue, "Go ahead, give it a shot?"
"...Hmm."
She continued calmly, "Alright."
With that, she took a coin from her skirt, and the three held their breath, watching her movements carefully.
With her left hand skillfully guiding the joystick and her right hand gently pressing the buttons, the claw machine buzzed twice before the claw slowly descended, landing on the adorable panda.
However, in the next second, the claw still showed no grip at all.
Seeing this result, Su Cheng cursed inwardly, realizing the setup hadn't been applied.
Gu Ruoxue stepped back, making room for others, her gaze shifting toward Su Cheng, her meaning clear— waiting for him to have another go.
Feeling Gu Ruoxue's gaze on him, Su Cheng shook his head.
At this, her lips slightly parted, as if wanting to say something but unable to form the words. This sight made Su Cheng feel unusually uneasy.
Despite this, Su Cheng still shook his head again, "That's enough. My luck has always been bad, and I don't want to waste time anymore."
Somehow, it felt like the next attempt would definitely pick up the panda, so he refused.
"Is that so? Then I'll take my leave."
Gu Ruoxue's gaze grew cold, as she looked away from Su Cheng and turned around, walking toward the deserted stairwell. Her figure as she left seemed particularly lonely.
Su Cheng stood by the claw machines, watching Gu Ruoxue's retreating figure, frowning deeply, his heart filled with an inexplicable unease that he couldn't put into words.
This feeling was really uncomfortable.
At this moment, Li Guanqi's voice broke his thoughts.
"Isn't your luck quite good, after all?"
She said, grabbing Su Cheng's hand and placing it on the claw machine's joystick. Afterward, she let go and asked, "Earlier, you were quite eager to catch it, so why give up now?"
Startled, Su Cheng understood Li Guanqi's intentions.
Earlier, he wanted to seek out the truth by approaching Gu Ruoxue, only to be told he had to join her club, so he rejected the idea.
Gu Ruoxue suddenly appeared, it was like she was stepping back, hoping he would pick up this specific doll.
Therefore, this panda— according to Liu Qingyue's instructions— was the key element driving further events!
Moreover, considering Liu Qingyue's previous comment.
He felt this marked the dividing line between normalcy and something extraordinary.
Unexpectedly, Li Zhaohao by the side seemed to be observing everything. She took another coin from her skirt and inserted it into the claw machine.
"Ding-Dang~"
The sound was so quiet, but the coin clinking resonated throughout the floor.
Even amidst the bustling chaos of other patrons, the sound of a coin dropping was clearly heard by Gu Ruoxue. She paused in her steps and turned her head around.
Su Cheng also turned to look—
Naturally, their gazes met once again.
She kept her head lowered, her shoulders perfectly still, yet through her eyes, Su Cheng felt an immense pressure.
That gaze truly stirred a mixed bag of emotions within him, and his own evasive eyes wandered aimlessly, unable to settle.
For some reason, he lacked the courage to meet Gu Ruoxue's eyes.
Eventually, he turned his head to gaze at the claw machine, one hand gripping the joystick, the other hovering above the button, his eyes dead serious as he stared at the panda doll inside the glass.
His mind was made up.
Gradually… Gu Ruoxue's eyes became clear and bright.
Then, with a dignified stride, she walked towards the staircase and disappeared from this floor.
Seeing Gu Ruoxue's actions, Li Guanqi felt a sense of relief, but also a faint sense of loss.
"Ding dong~"
The sound of the doll dropping rang out.
Originally holding his breath, Su Cheng suddenly widened his eyes because, damn it, he had actually caught the panda.
"Su Xue Di's luck is indeed very good."
Li Zhaohao bent down to retrieve the panda from the chute, her eyes instantly lighting up. With a smile, she handed it to Su Cheng: "You're really good at this."
"Th-thank you."
It was only then that Su Cheng reacted, taking the doll and turning his head to find that Gu Ruoxue had already disappeared. A sinking feeling hit him, and then he suddenly had a strange sense of déjà vu.
"Looks like I'll have to deliver this to Gu Xue Jie in person on Monday."
Li Guanqi next to him wore a face of regret.
"So… why does this sense of completing a task and then turning it in feel so strong?"
Su Cheng couldn't help but complain a little.
"If you put it that way, there should be a reward for handing in the task, right?"
Li Guanqi blinked her big eyes, thoughtfully asking.
Su Cheng's face darkened at her words, feeling there was something odd about her tone.
"No one would waste time on a task without a reward."
Li Zhaohao followed up, saying: "The reward for a task we all worked so hard to complete must be very rich."
Su Cheng looked at Li Zhaohao's innocent and bright face, suddenly leaning close to her ear to whisper: "There’s a kiddie ride by the side shop, do you want to go for a spin, Hui Zhang?"
“You…”
Li Zhaohao blushed, awkwardly turning away.
What are you blushing for, you little teapot!
So you do know shame!
Su Cheng inwardly complained, having once watched Li Zhaohao enjoy herself on the kiddie ride, yet now, just a mention and she turned shy. Clearly, she felt it was hard to admit, which was why she played it off as if no one was watching.
Hmph, he'd keep this secret to himself forever.
"Alright, shall we go somewhere else?"
Seeing the situation, Li Guanqi guessed what happened and suggested.
Su Cheng nodded and left the mall with the two sisters, arriving at a nearby pedestrian street. Along the way, Li Zhaohao attracted countless gazes.
Why?
Because she was cute as an angel, dressed in a princess dress, with a childish face and a pure, innocent look that made many boys want to protect her, secretly following behind them.
It wasn't that Li Guanqi lacked charm, but everyone could only see him walking with Li Zhaohao.
And since he was wearing a mask and sunglasses, no one recognized him.
"Are these two celebrities?"
"I think so, look, he’s wearing a mask and sunglasses, obviously doesn’t want to be recognized."
"Then guess who he is?"
"How could I guess that?"
Two female passersby nearby overheard their discussion, one of them analyzing: "But I feel like he's my idol."
At this point, she became more certain and, putting her hands around her mouth like a megaphone, shouted: "Nongfu Spring tastes a bit sweet, but if you don't love XX, it's a bit risky! XX, I love you~"
“What, is he XX?”
“You fake fan, step aside, he’s clearly my Ji Brother!”
A guy beside her retorted and, also putting his hands around his mouth like a megaphone, shouted: “Ji Brother!!”
………………………………
The three of them were momentarily stunned by the scene.
But thankfully, such a small situation wasn’t enough to faze the witty and clever Su Cheng.
If anyone had x-ray vision, they would see a smile under Su Cheng's mask, a mix of three parts confidence, three parts smugness, four parts arrogance, and a full ninety parts sheer amusement.
He pretended to ready himself to remove his mask, suddenly speaking loudly: "I'm not a celebrity, just a patient with a contagious disease. That's why I'm wearing a mask."
With that, he acted as if he was about to remove his mask. Hearing it wasn't their idol and fearing a contagious disease, the surrounding crowd panicked and scattered immediately.
The two women beside him gave him a strange look, as if saying: "Is it really okay to lie like that?"
Su Cheng merely shrugged and continued walking.
After a while, the three of them each bought a cup of milk tea and sat down in a park near the pedestrian street.
It wasn’t clear if it was by Li Guanqi's design, but eventually, the three of them were seated together, with Su Cheng not in the center, but Li Guanqi sitting in the middle.
"Look, the camera!"
On the far left, Li Zhaohao held up her phone with one hand while cradling her milk tea with the other. Seeing them look over, she placed her milk tea on the bench, gently touched the screen with her fingertip, and a group photo of the three was taken.
This was the first time Su Cheng had taken a photo with female acquaintances, making him a bit flustered.
But the next moment, he couldn’t hold it together.
Because after taking the photo, Li Zhaohao casually placed her milk tea on her chest, drinking through the straw, her head lowered as she played with her phone, seemingly admiring the photo.
Su Cheng was utterly shocked, so much so that his own milk tea almost slipped from his hand. Li Guanqi, noticing, frowned unhappily.
Su Cheng sensed her change in mood, quickly set his milk tea down, then coughed dryly to mask his inner awkwardness, though he couldn't help but sneak a glance at her, casually measuring her up.
And deduced that Li Guanqi didn’t have this feature.
Then—
Feeling insulted, Li Guanqi reached out and pinched a soft spot on Su Cheng's waist through his clothes.
"Hiss~"
Su Cheng sucked in a sharp breath but gritted his teeth, forcing himself to remain composed as if nothing had happened.
"It seems pretty lively over there, shall we go check it out?"
Li Zhaohao put away her phone, her gaze falling on the various small stalls in the center of the park, excitedly suggesting.
The two nodded and followed her over.
"Wow!"
At one stall, Li Zhaohao was captivated by all kinds of sugared figurines. Seeing them uninterested, she didn’t hesitate to pay for one, then continued walking and eating.
Soon, Su Cheng stopped at a target shooting stall in the park.
It was just before sunset, and the afterglow of the setting sun bathed Su Cheng in a soft, golden light. Under his mask, a smile of delight graced his face.
Yes… he was feeling delighted.
And his aura of pretentiousness was fully unleashed.
Because it was time for the national archery champion of Yan City to take the stage.
His archery skills were eternal!
"Boss, I want to play!"
Su Cheng raised his hand to signal the stall owner.
He decided to gift the Li sisters each a bundle of dolls to take home!
The two girls also stopped when they heard, looking at the stall. The stall had a red cloth wall with hundreds of small balloons, while the ground was filled with dozens of unopened dolls. The table had a few toy bows and blunt arrows.
"Alrighty."
The owner, hearing this, was overjoyed and quickly turned around, but when he caught sight of the familiar masked man, his pupils suddenly contracted.
The next moment, without a shred of hesitation, he did what instinct dictated. In the shocked silence of the three, he swiftly tore down the red cloth and tossed it into a nearby electric tricycle, then stuffed all the dolls into the cloth bundle, throwing it into the trunk of a van, and quickly cleaned up the rest.
In this lightning-fast sequence of actions, he was seamless, leaving only exhaust fumes…
“Holy crap, is someone here to bust us?”
“Guys, hurry up and pack up!”
“City management’s here!”
Surrounding stalls saw the commotion and quickly panicked, hastily picking up their items and tidying up. In no time, the once chaotic park was left with only bewildered passersby, Su Cheng, and the two sisters.
Su Cheng opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but the words got stuck in his throat and he swallowed them back. He could only look at Li Zhaohao and Li Guanqi: "Sorry, I didn't expect this to happen."
However, Li Zhaohao turned away, covering her mouth with one hand while her shoulders trembled. Next to her, Li Guanqi, though expressionless, had an unusually flushed face and avoided looking at Su Cheng, silently lowering her head.
Seeing this, Su Cheng felt even more awkward and could only scratch his head, letting out an embarrassed laugh.
“That uncle… he was probably setting up a stall near where you were competing.”
Li Guanqi's voice was a bit unnatural as she explained.
"Now I get it, that's why!"
Su Cheng slapped his thigh, realizing how careless he had been and deciding that next time he needed to be more careful about who he showed off in front of. After all, even wool cannot always be sheared from the same place, and showing off naturally couldn't be directed at the same victim.
Su Cheng looked up at the sky and noticed it was starting to get dark. He glanced at the two beside him and said, "It's getting late today, I need to head back."
Su Cheng finished and looked at Li Guanqi, who still had her usual red, expressionless face—very cute. On hearing this, she immediately took out her phone and made a call.
………………………………
Six o'clock
When he got home, it was almost six.
Li Guanqi and Li Zhaohao had taken him back. Upon returning home, he found Cornelia sleeping on the couch, while Yaya next to her was doing something that left him utterly baffled.
She was letting Yaya play with her laptop keyboard, and the computer screen displayed some kind of puzzle game.
Playing with the computer!?
What if it gets addicted to the internet?!
Yaya spotted Su Cheng's return and spread its wings to fly onto Su Cheng's shoulder. Cornelia, hearing the commotion, woke up.
"You're back."
She rubbed her eyes and stretched her legs clad in white stockings, hopping off the couch to walk towards Su Cheng. After checking him for any abnormalities, she finally breathed a sigh of relief, then waved her hand and headed towards the door: "I'm going home now."
"Don't you want to eat before you leave?"
No need to trouble you. I need to rest tonight and adjust my condition. Remember to come to my house tomorrow.
Cornelia unusually refused and, without waiting for Su Cheng to respond, ran out the door.
He knew that Su Cheng must have eaten with that woman outside, so he didn't want to waste Su Cheng's time.
Seeing this, Su Cheng didn't know how to stop her, so he went to the refrigerator planning to casually grab a bite before bathing and sleeping.
"Where are all my drinks?"
Seeing the empty fridge, Su Cheng widened his eyes in surprise.
Yesterday night, he had just replenished his supply with over a dozen bottles of walnuts milk, but now there was nothing left.
Therefore, he promptly opened his System Character Panel.
【Target: William Henry Cornelia】
【Intelligence: 4.9】
【Charm: 8】
【Stamina: 3】
"Not a waste of drinks after all; she grew by 0.1."
Looking at the pile of empty cans in the trash bin, Su Cheng lamented.
After some busy work, he prepared food and water for Yaya, then lay down on the bed to chat.
Because Li Guanqi had sent him a group photo from today, he replied briefly, and after saying good night to each other, he opened Ji Qingyi's chat interface.
Not a fan of oranges: "President, good night!"
However, after waiting more than ten minutes, he did not receive the usual cold 'Hmm' from his president.