Chapter 238 – Extra – Sister Blood Bull and Fighter Jet’s Love Dungeon (Part 3)

After one meal, Shi Kuo had basically revealed his entire family history. After that, their conversation revolved entirely around Huaxia Online—Sky Arena, Ace Academy, and even a glimpse into the future where the Commander led the legion to dominate the Lover’s Constellation. But one thing they didn’t discuss was romance.

Too long of a dry spell had left Shi Kuo’s romantic skills at an all-time low. Several times he tried to steer the conversation in that direction, only for Lin Yi to divert it onto the strange path of brotherly camaraderie. Objectively speaking, if his romantic skills were at the level of a level 30 alt, then Miss Lin was still in the starter village! With such a handsome guy accompanying her under the moonlit sky, couldn’t she stop bringing up the Commander’s underhanded tactics and Your Uncle’s cursed luck?!

But this topic had one advantage—for the rest of the journey back, the two of them never felt awkward again. They walked side by side from the school gate to the graduate dormitory. Though the wind was chilly, the starry sky and bright moon perfectly set the mood for their conversation.

“I’m here.” Lin Yi stopped two steps from the dorm entrance—a safe distance beyond which any guy who ventured forward would be instantly annihilated by the dorm auntie, the ultimate NPC.

Shi Kuo was reluctant to part, but since she’d said so, he could only smile and say, “Go on up, get some rest.”

Lin Yi didn’t move, leisurely watching him as if waiting for something.

Shi Kuo quickly added, “If that guy bothers you again, call me!”

Lin Yi still didn’t move, but a glint similar to the prelude to a Brutal Strike flashed in her eyes.

Shi Kuo suddenly had an epiphany, then widened his eyes in disbelief, unable to fathom that happiness could come so suddenly. But whatever—night, cool breeze, stars, bright moon—not taking the chance for a farewell kiss would be a waste of this open-world map!

Lin Yi watched as this shameless face drew closer and larger, instinctively stepping back. But the more she retreated, the more he advanced, until they were practically touching—

“What are you doing?!”

Shi Kuo, whose chin had just been shoved away by a slap, was dazed. “Wasn’t that a signal for a goodbye kiss…?”

Lin Yi could no longer hold back the epic eye-roll she’d been saving all night. “Without the Deputy’s monitoring skills, at least learn from 438’s adorably cluelessness, okay!!!”

Shi Kuo was wounded. “Don’t I have any cute qualities at all?!”

Lin Yi gave him a sidelong glance.

“I was wrong to ask such an unscientific question.” Shi Kuo sincerely repented, then obediently followed 438’s example of speaking his mind. “So, what were you waiting for just now?”

Lin Yi: “For you to say something.”

Shi Kuo: “Say what? Isn’t action more obvious than words?”

Lin Yi took a deep breath, then another, suppressing the urge to one-shot him with all her might. “How many days of leave did you take?”

“Five,” Shi Kuo admitted honestly. “But including the weekends before and after, it’s nine days total.”

“What are your plans for tomorrow?”

“No plans. I came here to see you, not for sightseeing.”

“…”

“Oh! Of course, I want to ask you out tomorrow if you’re free…”

“I’m free. Goodnight.” Lin Yi couldn’t stay a second longer, or she really wouldn’t be able to hold back her Bloody Sandstorm!

Shi Kuo finally caught on belatedly, grinning so wide his mouth nearly reached his ears as he called after Lin Yi’s retreating figure, “I’ll wait for you here tomorrow at 10 AM~\(≧▽≦)/~”

This had been a surreal day.

As Shi Kuo lay in the hotel bathtub, it still didn’t feel real.

Before today, he had occasionally let his imagination run wild during battles, fantasizing about meeting Lin Yi. Sometimes she was a beauty, sometimes a dinosaur. Sometimes they’d share a knowing smile and go their separate ways, other times they’d bond over camaraderie. And of course, as a healthy, normal man, there were also fantasies of a passionate one-night stand. In this era where a simple shake could land you a hookup, two single adults who spent day and night together in-game—what else could happen after meeting in person? If sleeping together wasn’t the first option, then mutual ghosting definitely was.

But when he actually met her, all those fantasies vanished, replaced by a warm, tangible feeling filling his heart. This was what Blood Bull Don’t Graze should be like. It wasn’t about her appearance—the moment she spoke, smiled, or even raised an eyebrow, he knew: she was the girl he’d spent day and night with in-game.

The bath left Shi Kuo refreshed, and with it, some of his intelligence seemed to return. While it wasn’t too late, he went online and rented a Mercedes convertible, which absolutely crushed Wang Hao’s crappy SUV. After arranging to pick it up at 9 AM the next day, he set his alarm and slept peacefully.

But the next morning, when he realized that driving with the top down for even ten minutes would freeze his brain and blow his face off, he had to admit his IQ was still in arrears.

Lin Yi asked the same thing when she got in: “Why did you rent a convertible?”

Shi Kuo glanced at the now-securely fastened roof and answered earnestly, “I liked the car’s sleek lines. The convertible feature just happened to come with it.”

Lin Yi nodded. “I believe you.”

Shi Kuo: “Thank you TAT”

The convertible, now decidedly un-convertible, merged into the bustling streets. Shi Kuo’s driving skills were solid—smooth and steady, ensuring his passenger’s comfort.

Leaning against the window, Lin Yi suddenly felt relaxed. For her, this was also a strangely novel experience.

In past relationships, she’d always been tense, hyper-aware of the other person’s moods and her own words, terrified of making a mistake that would ruin this high-difficulty dungeon. But with Shi Kuo, she didn’t feel that way. Not only did she naturally understand his emotions and thoughts without overthinking—a tacit understanding born from long-term online interactions, which had been subtle when they were just Blood Bull and 2B but now, face-to-face, was fully effective—but also because she knew that even if she slipped up, so what? This wasn’t just anyone; this was 2B Fighter Jet. Even if they argued, misunderstandings would melt away like rain clearing the skies. Where this confidence came from, she had no idea ^_^

“Where are you taking me?” Lin Yi asked casually.

Shi Kuo didn’t answer, but his foot slipped on the accelerator.

Mocking someone for their foolishness was very rude, but if that person was trying to pursue her, a little laughter couldn’t hurt—because it was really hard to hold back. “You were too busy picking the car last night, weren’t you?”

The amusement in Lin Yi’s voice flustered Shi Kuo, who suddenly empathized deeply with a certain Commander thousands of miles away… Monitoring skills were the worst TAT. Just as he was mentally sulking in a corner, Lin Yi added, “How about the museum?”

These two words—”how about”—were like sweet dew to Shi Kuo’s parched fields. Without another word, he set the GPS and drove off!

…

Much later, on a certain romantic evening, Shi Kuo would realize that the museum wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment idea after seeing his lack of preparation. Instead, the girl had anticipated that his underpowered brain wouldn’t consider post-meeting plans and had prepared in advance to prevent awkwardness—what better way to pass time and foster feelings than sightseeing?

This was the girl he’d fallen for—unpretentious, unflinching, never playing weak or coy. She might lack some conventional charm, but she was sincere, strong, and beneath that seemingly tough exterior hid a gentleness that would roll up her sleeves to build a step for you whenever you stumbled.

…

The lovely Sunday passed quietly amid the Historical Museum and nearby attractions. After dinner, Shi Kuo dutifully escorted Lin Yi back to her dorm. After politely confirming her availability for the next day, he shamelessly requested that she plan their itinerary again.

But Shi Kuo was at peace with this. Since his dignity was already in tatters, letting Lin Yi—who knew the local customs and scenery—take the lead was the most scientifically sound choice ╮(╯_╰)╭.

Only after the light in Lin Yi’s room turned on did Shi Kuo relax and prepare to leave. But the moment he turned, he nearly collided with a familiar face. Thank goodness for their slight height difference, or the scene would’ve been too horrifying to behold.

“Are you a vengeful spirit? Standing so close!” Shi Kuo’s heart nearly leaped out of his chest.

Wang Hao shrugged. “This distance ensures you’re fully within my shadow.”

Shi Kuo: “Is this some kind of psychological victory?”

Wang Hao didn’t answer, instead suggesting, “Let’s talk somewhere.”

Shi Kuo gulped nervously. “You didn’t… come here specifically to wait for me, did you?”

Wang Hao looked as if struck by lightning. “What do you think!!!”

“Okay, that guess was pretty disgusting =_=” Shi Kuo sincerely reflected, though he also roughly understood the situation. The guy had probably come to harass Lin Yi again but, spotting him, decided to settle things here first.

Coincidentally, Shi Kuo wanted to deal with him too.

The two men quickly agreed and found a café near campus, sitting across from each other.

Wang Hao wore a casual jacket today, looking less cold and irritable than last time, more relaxed and at ease.

With Lin Yi, Shi Kuo often felt like his IQ and EQ were offline. But facing Wang Hao, he instantly regained the sharpness of a man who’d weathered society’s storms.

“I know what you’re after,” Wang Hao cut to the chase. “Got worked up in-game and came to seal the deal in person.”

His assumption was natural, but for some reason, it grated on Shi Kuo’s ears. “Think what you want of me, but at least she’s someone you once seriously dated. How can you talk about her like that?”

“Pretty words are just for fooling girls,” Wang Hao said dismissively. “Every man knows what’s really on his mind.”

“So you’re not actually serious about getting back together either.” Shi Kuo turned the tables.

Wang Hao hesitated, then finally cursed. “Fuck…”

Shi Kuo suddenly understood. Wang Hao did want to reconcile. His nonchalance and indifference were just habitual defenses—just like Shi Kuo himself, never showing his full hand, always leaving room for retreat.

“Okay, I believe you,” Shi Kuo said.

Wang Hao was stunned, clearly surprised.

Shi Kuo continued, “So I hope you’ll believe me too. I genuinely like Lin Yi. I want to pursue her—not as a game fling or a hookup. I really want to take care of her, cherish her, and make sure she’s happy from now on.”

Wang Hao: “…”

Shi Kuo: “Of course, if you don’t believe me, it’s fine. I’m not trying to win you over.”

Wang Hao wondered if all long-term gamers had similarly bizarre thought processes. Who the hell confesses to their crush’s ex-boyfriend?! What kind of lunatic—

Even worse, he actually wanted to retaliate in kind—

“If we get back together, I’ll take care of her, cherish her, and make sure she’s happy too.”

He’d been infected too, dammit!!!

Given the “harmonious and friendly” atmosphere, Shi Kuo had no reason to flip the table and start a fight. But some grievances just had to be aired: “If you’re crying and begging to get back together now, why the hell did you cheat in the first place?!”

Perhaps it was the café’s romantic candlelight, or the vague sense that the man across from him might be one of the few people in the world who truly understood him, but Wang Hao actually began to reflect—for the first time since the breakup. “I guess I was just bored. Lin Yi doesn’t have any flaws—independent, not clingy, straightforward, smart. She gets things without needing much explanation, tsk…”

“Easygoing.”

“Yeah, that’s the word.”

“But not captivating.”

Wang Hao was startled by Shi Kuo’s insight. After a long pause, he forced out a bitter smile. “Understanding is mutual.”

Shi Kuo sighed. “I hate to say it, but I used to think the same way.”

Wang Hao: “Used to?”

Shi Kuo: “Yeah. Now I’m so smitten I can’t tell north from south—I almost ran a red light earlier.”

Wang Hao: “If I’m not mistaken, yesterday was your first time meeting, right? And in just a day and a half, you’re head over heels? Care to share what you did today?”

Shi Kuo: “Visited the Historical Museum.”

Wang Hao: “…”

Shi Kuo: “Love came too fast, like a tornado~~~”

Wang Hao: “Stop singing! =_=”

Whether it was the airing of grievances or some inexplicable mutual sympathy as Lin Yi had described, their conversation soon turned into a heartfelt exchange about relationships—

“Just because a woman can take care of herself doesn’t mean she doesn’t need a man to care for her. Whether she needs it is one thing; whether we want to is another.”

“I get the logic, but saying and doing are two different things. Admit it—if women don’t act up, it’s hard to notice what they need.”

“No. If you care about her, you’ll notice. That’s why I’m telling you: if you have any decency, stop bothering Lin Yi. She’ll never be the one who truly matters to you, so why waste her time?”

“You’re so sure she’s your destined one?”

“Let me ask you this: when you first saw me at the dorm, realizing I was also here for Lin Yi, how did you feel?”

“Surprised. I didn’t expect her to be so popular.”

“But my first thought was to beat you up—preferably strip you naked, stomp on your crappy wool coat, and watch your trembling, bare ass disappear into the cold wind.”

“…”

“Wow, saying it out loud makes it so vivid I’m kinda excited…”

“Piss off =_=”

“Now you get it. You don’t want to hit me not because I’m likable, but because Lin Yi just isn’t that important to you.”

“…”

By the time their coffee went cold, the two had reached a mutual understanding.

Wang Hao’s desire to reconcile wasn’t born of regret or deep love—it was just that after circling back, he found Lin Yi the easiest to be with. But was she irreplaceable? Not really. In contrast, he almost hoped his “rival” was right—that one day, a woman who’d leave him oblivious to traffic lights would appear, rendering all rules and logic meaningless, leaving only a version of himself with zero IQ or EQ.

What he didn’t know was that after serving him this dose of emotional wisdom, Shi Kuo silently added a fervent prayer: May the heavens bless Wang Hao with the most high-maintenance, drama-queen girlfriend imaginable.

As they parted, Wang Hao remembered the account he’d stolen and offered to return it. Shi Kuo refused outright: “Keep it. Consider it recycled. I’ll get her a new one.”

Wang Hao raised an eyebrow. “Should I take back the down jacket too?”

Shi Kuo didn’t hesitate. “No need.” He’d find a way to discreetly dispose of it—no chance of any future interactions over it.

But seriously… What kind of idiot woman would wear her ex’s gift in front of her suitor without a second thought?!

“Oh, one more thing.”

“How many things do you have?!”

“Last one, I promise.”

“Fine. Go ahead.”

“The things I said during the breakup were all nonsense. Tell her I’m sorry.”

“What did you say?”

“She didn’t tell you?”

“She only mentioned calling you when she was sick and you didn’t answer.”

“…Putting it like that, I really was a jerk. During the breakup, even though I was the one at fault, I criticized her—no femininity, too competitive, no sense of style, lacking refinement… Tsk, I must’ve been out of my mind.”

“…”

“What’s with that look? Want to hit me?”

“No. I just realized my previous assessment of my own moral character was overly generous.”

“Now you think you’re a saint?”

“A paragon of virtue.”

Back in her dorm, unable to sleep, Lin Yi turned on her computer and finally saw the Commander’s YY private message—

[Come back when you’re free. If you’re feeling down, it’s simple—we’ll gang up and bully whoever pissed you off, the most shameless kind of bullying! Don’t worry about your account. Your Commander has nothing but max-level alts to spare. On behalf of the entire Ghost Server Legion, we await your return.]

Three days ago, she’d thought she was cutting ties for good.

Three days later, those bonds transcended dimensions to warm her heart.