Chapter 55 – Bet
As the two of them return to the party, Spectral Fire appears like he is very sad. Those that do not know the truth will think that Bai Song has wronged Spectral Fire.
"Don't mind him. He always likes to exaggerate, after a while, he will be fine." Ghost Island walks over and jokes with Bai Song who nods his head to indicate that he does not mind.
Spectral Fire's gaze seems to bear a grudge as he watches them, making him seems like a mistreated wife. But due to the number of guild members around them, he smoothly restores his emotion back to normal.
After all, Spectral Fire knows that if such things are spread out will not be pleasant to hear. Thus he needs to pay attention to his image.
If Bai Song can hear Spectral Fire thoughts, he will think that it is not worth it, after all, taking note of his image is no use as this thing in the past has already spread to the entire gaming community.
As they have obtained the key, Bai Song ignores Spectral Fire and commands everyone to turn back and collect as much water as possible.
In this dungeon, water is the most important. If they do not have water to rely on, they will have to forcefully push through. If they have to use force, they will need to use levels or equipment to suppress the monster.
After passing through the first few stages, everyone knows the importance of water. Thus without complaining, everyone turns around and go back to the beginning to collect as much water as possible.
"If only we had plastic bags." One of the player moans.
"You ah please think before speaking. With the background of this game, how can there be items such as plastic bags." Another player scolds.
"Meh, why are you so serious. I am only making a joke." That player rolls his eyes and continues to collect water.
Bai Song who is beside them smiled when he heard the entire conversation, but he did not say anything. Actually, in
The main ingredients for plastic are petroleum and natural gas.
For the manufacture methods, the trade professions need to firstly find out the macro-molecule composition of petroleum to natural gas. After which, they have to split up the monomer before combining them into a polymer and form plastic.
[TL: O.O well looks like I still can't run away from all of the polymers and chemistry]
With the hard work of
After paying a huge price to manufacture, the results will be left forgotten in the backpack because a small fireball from any random person will instantly destroy it.
People are such complex beings. When they are in a modern science and technology era, they yearn for the world of sword and magic. But when they are in the world of sword and magic, they will start to miss the world of modern science and technology.
"Alright, since we have packed as much water as possible, let’s open the door." Bai Song seeing that everyone has finished collecting water, he resumes his commander role.
Although he is the commander, Bai Song also follows the party to collect water.
The shield bearer opens the wooden door. It is another dark tunnel. This time around, there are no torches along the tunnel. Thus one of the player wants to light up his torch.
But after thinking of Bai Songs earlier warning, he asks: "Commander? Are we allowed to light the torches?"
"Light it." Bai Song nods his head. It looks like this party member is teachable.
After obtaining Bai Song's permission, that player finally lights up a torch.
It is not that the players are stupid, after all, they are a member of a guild's elite party. Their mistakes earlier were all because this is their first time doing this dungeon. In the past, they have given up before clearing the first stage in normal mode.
Another reason is Ghost Dance has particular status in the elite party, and most of them are his friends. Thus they did not trust Bai Song in the beginning. After they saw Ghost Dance following Bai Song's orders to the letter, they stop messing around. Otherwise, Ghost Island will punish them strictly.
In the beginning, Ghost Island wants to observe Bai Song capability, and now he is indeed impressed by Bai Songs capability. After all, he is a guild leader who has to roam around the Jiang Hu for a long time, thus how can he not see what the party members are doing.
The tunnel is not narrow and can accommodate several people walking shoulder to shoulder. At the same time, it is very long. After walking for a long time, the party is finally able to see a faint light from a fire in front of them.
At this time, the front most player is shocked. The rest of the players hurriedly walk out of the tunnel only to see something that looks like a diving platform in front of them.
When compared to a diving platform, it is even wider and longer and could accommodate the entire party. Vines grow all over the surrounding walls, and if a player climbs down the vine, he will be able to see that underneath the platform is a circular battlefield.
In the circular battlefield, there is a person with long hair, wearing a ChangPao. His face is blurry, and his two feet are not touching the ground even though he cannot fly.
There are 4 warriors surrounding him. Each wearing a suit of steel armor covering their entire body. The warriors are holding simple steel swords, and all of the warriors look alike without much difference.
Bai Song looks at the monster in the center. It is indeed the final BOSS of this dungeon. The final BOSS is a doppelgänger of Jing Hua Shi and its name is Ah Ke Si. Being a doppelgänger, it can possess its name proof that……it is rather powerful as a doppelgänger.
"This BOSS is rather difficult to defeat. I cannot guaranty that we will be able to defeat it on our first try." Bai Song knows that simple words of motivation are not enough. He needs to let them know how tough the following fight will be to ensure that they are serious throughout the entire fight.
Seeing that no one speaks up, Bai Song continues to speak: "I will roughly brief the battle strategy. All of the mages stand on top of the platform, the rest of the players will head down. This time round, there is no need to assume any battle formation."
One of the mages ask: "Commander if we do not assume battle formation, what about the healers? Without healers, the shield bearers will not be able to tank!"
At this time, Bai Song says: "The rest of the player’s task is to settle the 4 warriors. While they are settling the 4 warriors, Number 1 to Number 10 task is to stall the BOSS."
After which, the elite party looks at each other. Finally, their gazes stop at the ten players with number 1 to 10 on their forehead. These ten players are the players that Bai Song have marked before entering the dungeon. All of them are chosen after consulting Ghost Island. Every single one of them has the best techniques in the elite party.
Warriors are number 1 to 5 while archers are number 6-10.
Ghost Dance is number 10. At this time he is unable to bear it any longer and speaks out: "Are you awake? That is the final BOSS, and you want to rely on eleven people to stall him! Are you dreaming?!"
"Yeah." Bai Song faintly replies. "If we are unable to delay for a while, Guild Leader Ghost Island, there is a sentence which is a little unpleasant to hear. I rather not say it."
Although Bai Song did not continue speaking, everyone can guess what the latter half of the sentence is. Instantly the ten appointed players including Ghost Island got mad.
When Ghost Island hears it, he narrowed his eyes but did not say anything.
At this time, the warrior bearing the number 1 on his forehead steps up and say: "Isn't it just stalling for a while? I don't believe that we will not be able to."
The rest of the appointed players also agree when they hear it. There is even a player who says: "Let's have a bet, including Bai Song, whoever dies first needs to take out gold."
Chapter 56 – Mistake
The ten players are the most outstanding archers and warriors in Spectral Guild. They can also be acknowledged as experts, and each of them has their pride, even Ghost Dance as well.
"Such a pity. I also wanted to join the bet." Spectral Fire slips over. As the ten players were very agitated, all of them ignored him.
Ghost Island stops Spectral Fire. "Enough, you properly stay with me up on the platform. Your most important job is to make sure of your accuracy."
When Spectral Fire hears the orders from the big boss, he can only take his staff and be a battery(like the towers in dota2). Although Ghost Island is the guild leader, he is also a mage. Thus he can only stand on the platform and toss out spells.
The ten players who have objections in the beginning, within moments become motivated due to a sentence from Bai Song.
Of course, Ghost Island will not get angry from Bai Song's sentence. Instead, he becomes more appreciative of his talents because of it.
Ghost Dance is different from those zero intelligence villains written in the novels. He is also considered talented otherwise how could he almost become the vice-guild leader of the Spectral Guild.
Bai Song's physiological method is not considered as very high level. Although Ghost Dance immediately recognize the physiological method after Bai Song has spoken, he did not try to ruin in. Instead, he prepares fight tactics with tactics.
'Later on, when I lure the BOSS I will attack in his direction. The money is a small matter. If the first to die is the commander, that face slapping will be awesome.' Ghost Dance sneers coldly in his heart. But on the surface, he displays an incited appearance.
But what Ghost Dance does not know is that to Bai Song, being slapped in the face is a minor matter while money is a big matter. After all, he does not have much money currently.
A gold coin is around 2k RMB. Although this amount is not considered small, only large guilds can take out a few tens of hundreds of gold coins. A normal rich person is unable to take out so many gold coins and only those multi-millionaires can.
On the exchange network, there are very few people selling gold coins, even if it is way higher than the actual price, the early stages of the game are the most special period. The early stage capital determines the future structures.
Most of the guild has their own established gold farming parties, and it is very expensive to set up such a party. Only those people who are unable to find a job in real life will join a gold farming party, thus how are they able to afford a gaming cabin? Thus the cost of hundreds and thousands of gaming cabins and the wages are all to prepare their early stage capital only.
Countless players mock and look down on the members of a gold farming party, thinking that they are being played by the game. But the truth is the game is never played around with any person, the only thing that can play with a person is their livelihood.
There is no need to lure the monster as Jing Hua Shi's doppelganger Ah Ke Shi has already notice the crowd of players climbing down the vine. When Bai Song sees the crowd not moving, he pats his head. 'Nearly forgotten that I am the commander.'
"Mages attack the small ones first. Warriors block those small monsters from running around. Clerics unless the warriors are about to die, do not heal them. Do not establish aggro on them and reduce your existence."
Bai Song's Sneak skill is superb. But being the final BOSS, Ah Ke Shi can see through such superb sneaking. As Bai Song continues to sneak forward cautiously, as this time, Ah Ke Shi sweeps over with a pike.
As Bai Song is wary, he has already guarded against it. This overbearing attack did not land on Bai Song's body, but the wind from the attack landed on Bai Song's body and took away from his health along with it.
'Only the wind from the pike can damage me slightly. If that attack lands on me, I will be instantly killed. It looks like an extreme thief is too paper.' Bai Song shakes his head inwardly.
But what Bai Song did not think much, if he is a balance thief, with his agility as a balance thief whether if he can dodge that attack is another story. Even if his health is higher, if he got hit, he will most likely die.
Luckily Bai Song is not the only person. The five archers also attack and instantly attracts the attention of Ah Ke Shi. Although the rest of the warriors did not attack, they use their Taunt skill. Taunt skills are unable to aggro the BOSS. Thus the taunt actions become pointless actions.
Ah, Ke Shi who wields a pike, his eyes start to release red lights. This represents that he is angry.
A shield-bearer is quickly picked up by Ah Ke Shi with the pike. At this time, the crowd quickly take advantage of the time and attacks. Ah, Ke Shi angrily tosses the shield bearer outside. As the shield bearer had high health, he did not die after being smashed onto the ground.
In the sense of way, he did not need to pay up a gold coin from the bet. Bai Song starts to sweat as he watches. If he receives that horrifying attack before he smashes on to the ground, he would have died.
After drinking a potion, the shield bearer energetically returns to the battlefield after his health is back to full. Seeing that the shield bearer is fine, Bai Song is suspecting if he is purely adding constitution only.
But this is also a good thing. As least until now there is no reduction in numbers.
Seeing the shield bearer being tossed out, Ghost Dance is slightly worried. But it is not because he is worried for his guild members, but because he is worried that he is not able to let Bai Song be the first to die and loss his face.
If Bai Song loses his face, Spectral Fire will also lose his face. After all, Bai Song is a person that Spectral Fire brought in. He does not have any hatred with Bai Song, and there is no need to make life difficult for Bai Song after he has seen the talents that Bai Song had displayed.
After all, he is not those mindless villains that randomly anger people as written in novels. The most important reason is his grievance with Spectral Fire.
Bai Song has already pulled a long face earlier. If they can overcome this BOSS, although he will receive some rewards, at the same time, Spectral Fire position in his guild will improve.
At this time, Bai Song executes a movement to completely evade the BOSS attack. Just at the same time, Ghost Dance makes a 'mistake' and walks into Bai Song retreating path. Bai Song who was retreating properly suddenly feel a gust of wind behind him.
Through his peripheral vision, Bai Song sees that Ghost Dance makes a very real 'mistake.’ At least from the surface, Bai Song can’t find any problem, but he immediately guesses that Ghost Dance is trying to harm him.
On the high platform, Ghost Island frowns as he watches the situation. Although Ghost Dance 'mistake' seems to be caused by him trying to dodge the BOSS long-range attack in a rush, the path he is running to is just nicely along Bai Songs dodging pathway.
Although Ghost Dance pathing 'mistake' can work on the others Ghost Island can see through it with a glance that he is trying to secretly harm Bai Song.
As Bai Song retreats, he takes out a cloak from his backpack and wears it. This action is very fast; the entire action does not take more than a second.
Chapter 57 – [Clearing the Dungeon]
Ghost Dance does not care why Bai Song still takes the time to change his equipment when he is already unable to retreat. But all of this is not important. As long as Bai Song is the first to die, then it will be enough.
Bai Song smiles in humor and activates the Spectral Cloak skill, Strong Concealment. He is no longer concerned about revealing his Strong Concealment as he does not want to hold in his anger when others are trying to harm him in secret.
After all, it is nothing but a piece of trash equipment that relies on the special skill to be a Dark Gold equipment. As long as he does not reveal Artifacts or Ghost grade equipment, the equipment will not be in the line of sight of the leviathans.
The next moment, Bai Song disappears right in front of Ghost Dance. In Ghost Dance eyes, he can only see the BOSS infuriated red eyes. Ghost Dance who had planned meticulously is unable to dodge the attack.
Jump backward.
At crucial moment, Ghost Dance does a backward jump. Although this action is unable to completely evade the BOSS pike, it is enough to avoid death. It can be seen that Ghost Dance will not die even if he is struck by the attack. But at that instant, a blaze appears on the head of Ah Ke Shi's pike.
Bang!
Ghost Dance was forcefully smashed onto the ground and instantly turn into a white light. Thus Ghost Dance becomes the first person who died.
Bai Song sneers in his heart. If you want to plot against me, you need to be prepared to suffer losses. One Ghost Dance lesser does not affect the plans for the BOSS.
After Ghost Dance died, another two people died as well. It becomes obvious that they will not be able to hold the BOSS back any longer. At this time, Spectral Fire shouted from the platform: "We have killed the four-guard monstesr. Everyone quickly engages the BOSS."
Spectral Fire being the Vice-guild leader while Ghost Island does give commands, the crowd will follow his orders. As Bai Song is already very busy with the battle, being the vice-guild leader, Spectral Fire takes over the command while the commander is too busy.
A few stupidly heavy shield bearers step up, and within moments, they have resolved the disadvantages situation. After clearing the guard monsters, the clerics no longer have to worry about aggro anymore. They immediately heal the shield bearers properly.
Being the strongest existence in the dungeon, there is no need to doubt Ah Ke Shi abilities. Although he does not have a lot of AOE skills, those few AOE skills are much more ruthless.
Ah, Ke Shi stands on the spot and starts to chant. As he chants, an iron chain appears on his body. Bai Song immediately shouted: "Shield bearers position yourselves properly and surround him. Clerics make sure that you are standing behind a shield bearer!"
Group pulling: Ah Ke Shi uses a second to chant and can shots up to 6 iron chain from his body. The chain will bind the target and pull the target towards him.
The shield bearers hurriedly surround the BOSS properly, but there is a small gap which allows a chain to go through and binds an archer. After the targets are pulled to him, with a sweep, Ah Ke Shi instantly kills the archer. The 5 shield bearers who were prepared did not have much trouble resisting the attack.
After using this skill, Ah Ke Shi does not seem to finish. He immediately activates Sudden Dash. Ah, Ke Shi's body turns into a light ray that continuously dashes around. Ah, Ke Shi dashes into 4 archers and instantly kills them.
Seeing the situation, Bai Song know that the situation is far from good. At this time, the BOSS health has already dropped to around half. Ah, Ke Shi raises his pike which starts to blaze. Ah Ke Shi sweeps his pike in front of him, and the blaze rushes towards the crowd like a wave.
At this time, there is no longer any use of a commander. Bai Song holds the Earthworm Dagger tightly and rushes forward. Seeing Bai Song rushing towards him, Ah Ke Shi sweeps with his pike again. With a jump, Bai Song jumps over the fire wave. Despite that, Bai Song's health drops slightly from the heat.
"This attack radius is as perverted as usual." Bai Song swallows his saliva and uses Flying Assault to draw close to Ah Ke Shi.
In the past, Bai Song only uses Flying Assault as a burst attack. But this skill is originally a skill that is used to dash forwards. Bai Song successfully dashes in front of Ah Ke Shi.
Instead of continuing and attack, Bai Song dodges in advance and dodged Ah Ke Shi's thrust. Although Bai Song has dodged the thrust, his health still drops. Ah, Ke Shi is already thoroughly raging. Not just his attacks, even his entire body is covered with blaze. As long as a player is standing close to him, that player's health will continuously drop.
Seeing that he is unable to kill Bai Song with the two attacks, Ah Ke Shi decided to ignore Bai Song. But Bai Song is like a bedbug, annoying Ah Ke Shi. As he moves behind Ah Ke Shi, he uses Random Slashes. Not only is Bai Song like a bedbug, but he also summons a bedbug that is even more annoying than him. This bedbug also crawls up his body.
But this does not have any effect as Ah Ke Shi entire body is covered in flame. When those small earthworms crawl up his body, they were burned to death instantly. But the small earthworms have no fear of death and continues to 'vengefully' throw themselves onto Ah Ke Shi.
Ah Ke Shi is unable to stand it anymore. If he ignores Bai Song and allows him to freely attack him, Bai Song damage is quite significant. Ah, Ke Shi angrily attacks Bai Song wanting to kill him. But Bai Song is a pure agility thief with tons of experience from the past. With his understanding of the BOSS, Bai Song can stubbornly hold back the BOSS for close to seven-eight rounds of attack.
Within this seven eight rounds, the rest of the members are very busy. There are even a few that take damage increasing potions and completely release all of their firepower.
Ah Ke Shi who have achieved his rage form had a large increase in attack and attack radius. But this comes at a cost of a large reduction in his defense.
During the duration, while he is tangled with Bai Song, Ah Ke Shi's health has dropped until he is left with 10%. Ah, Ke Shi immediately ignores Bai Song and jumps to the center of the battleground.
The raging inferno is still burning, except it is burning even more furiously. All attacks that land on it will be reduced by 90%.
This is the BOSS final skill. If they are unable to kill him within this period, everyone will receive an explosive damage, and the party will be instantly wipeout.
"Everyone stop attacking and toss the water you have collected onto the BOSS. All the mages directly jump off the platform. You will not die from the fall damage." Bai Song quickly gives out a chain of commands.
After which, all of the mages jump off the platform. One of the mage with very little health left also jumps down when he heard that you will not die from fall damage. The result is he instantly dies. This causes Bai Song to be speechless.
Sizzle, sizzle.
The water was splashed onto the BOSS like no tomorrow. Very quickly the fire on Ah Ke Shi's body was put out. After the BOSS final skill was broken, he does not have any strength to lift his pike and retaliate.
Under a relentless hail of attacks, the BOSS finally collapse.
"The BOSS died just like that?" Spectral Fire asks. In this entire battle, all he has done is throwing down skills from the platform and then jump down to splash water on the BOSS. With just these actions, the BOSS got defeated…
Bai Song rolls his eyes at Spectral Fire. "While you are relaxed, I'm about to tire myself to death."
Spectral Fire scratches his head and laughs shamelessly. After which he uses the ultimate Tai-Chi technique to divert attention. "Right the BOSS has died. Quickly loot the corpse. Forget it. Let my red hand loot the corpse."
Spectral Fire turns around and walks towards the BOSS corpse. The first item immediately causes Bai Song's eyes to light up.
Chapter 57 – [Clearing the Dungeon]
Chapter 58 – Hellfire Staff
Spectral Fire found 4 items. A medal, a shoe, a blueprint and a large shield.
When Bai Song sees them, he instantly becomes happy.
At this time, the atmosphere froze. First clearance name this matter was not mentioned by Ghost Island. In Ghost Islands heart, Bai Song accepting such 'low-price' is to become famous. Later if all the main force members are from Spectral Guild, he still can carve out his fame.
Of course, it is even more beautiful if the party is called Spectral Guild.
At this time, Bai Song smiles towards Ghost Island. "Does guild leader Ghost Island wish to have this commander position?"
The commander is the person who can name the party.
If Bai Song wants to establish his guild, he would not say such thing, and instead, he would directly input his guild name and start to recruit players with the fame.
Only that when the guild becomes very large, internal turmoil for benefits will become complicated. Casually forming a guild with a group of friends and call out for other friends, then a large group of highly skilled, upright and selfless players who will kneel down and join the guild to play together…. this will only happen in a melodramatic novel plot line!
The truth is the early stages for a guild is a phase of the burning of money and resources. Up to thousands of elite members, capturing for benefits, the will of the people is hard to comprehend. Even if Bai Song knows of a few economical source information, it is not enough for him to support an entire guild development.
Additionally, the benefits are also tangled and complicated. Enemy guilds have innumerable methods of attacking him.
Only relying on oneself is the strongest person!
When Ghost Island hears it, he becomes happy, and he knows that there will be terms. “Just tell me the conditions Brother Bai Song.”
“Guild Leader Ghost Island, I shall not beat around the bush then. Additionally to the agreement earlier, I would want one more of the items that the BOSS have dropped.” Bai Song voiced out his conditions.
Ghost Island hesitates slightly because, at this time, Spectral Fire has just walked over. Originally, of the 4 items, Bai Song will be taking two of them. If he can take one more, that will be three of them!
The shoes and shield are both LV 15 gold grade equipment. The medal, in contrast, is worthless as it does not give a single attribute. As for the blueprint, it is a blueprint that can improve a hang glider.
Base on Ghost Island plans, Bai Song, will take the two gold grade equipment or take one gold equipment with the blueprint for the hang glider. Regardless of how Bai Song chooses, he will still be able to obtain either a gold equipment or the hang glider blueprint. If he agrees to Bai Song request, he will be left with a useless medal.
Ghost Island hesitated for a moment, but he nods his head. Bai Song takes the medal, shoes, and blueprint and keeps into his back, leaving Ghost Island with a gold grade shield.
Bai Song originally wanted to steal the gold shield for money, but the hang glider blueprint and shoes are very important for him. Don’t forget, the main purpose for Bai Song wanting to clear this dungeon is to obtain the medal. Other than the 100% chance of it dropping during first clearance, the chances of it dropping, later on, becomes very very low.
Originally prepared to take home a ‘rubbish,’ Ghost Island thought that Bai Song is giving him face when Bai Song left behind the ‘highest value’ gold grade shield. Ghost Island wanted to place Bai Song’s name at the top but was rejected by Bai Song.
{World Announcement: Player “Ghost Island” have successfully led his party
The system announces it three times.
Among the names, Bai Song’s name is hidden under his request, and he also requested that they do not let others know of his involvement of being the commander for the dungeon. Ghost Island solemnly vows to guarantee: “The members of this party have signed a contract in real life. After this, I will immediately declare that this matter will be considered as the guild’s classified information.”
“Brother Bai Song, the matter of Glorious Guild listing you as a wanted person… I know that you are a person who loves freedom. If you take up an empty post in Spectral Guild, I can be able to try and medicate if the Glorious Guild tries and look for trouble with you.”
“Thank you Guild Leader Ghost Island for your kind intention; I can settle my matter.” Facing the olive branch that Ghost Island has offered, Bai Song only smiles and directly leaves the dungeon.
There are only a few idle players in the dungeon zone. The makeshift parties and guild parties are all hard at work inside the dungeon. When Bai Song check the time, he does not even bother to check the equipment stats before choosing to log out.
It is about to turn dark during the summer night. The fiery red sun burns the horizon a deep red.
Bai Song climbs out of the gaming cabin and walks to the window as he stretches. He sees three kids carrying a bag fighting against each other. When they fall, their body becomes stained with dirt.
Later when they return home, they will be harshly scolded by their elders.
“Bai Song…”
Qiu Yu who is lying on the bed not far off, calls out feebly.
“Yes, I’m here.” Bai Song walks to the bedside. Seeing Qiu Yu who gives him an expression that she wants to get up, he hurriedly supports her to sit up.
[TL: he is whipped]
Qiu Yu half lying on the bed uses her hand to knead her chaotic hair. “What is the time now?”
“It is 6:15pm now.” Bai Song looks at the clock again and says apologetically: “I’m sorry, I am late due to some matter.”
Qiu Yu shakes her head. Seeing that she wishes to get up to cook dinner, Bai Song lets her continue resting. He follows the instruction from an internet cookbook and clumsily cooks a dish of non-greasy dish. He even simmers a pot of vegetable soup with the leftover vegetables.
7:10pm
Bai Song learns as he cooks, using nearly an hour to prepare the food while the elderlies below have already finished eating and are starting to stroll around alone or with a partner.
As the two of them eats, there is conversation but no subject.
Qiu Yu suddenly have a feeling about Bai Song but how to say? Obviously, he is very familiar, but he is also like a stranger, a familiar stranger… it should be this feeling.
When Bai Song sees Qiu Yu suddenly lost in thoughts while holding her chopsticks, his hand automatically moves and brushes aside her messy fringe gently. “What is the matter? Are you feeling unwell?”
Qiu Yi uses the chopstick to pick up a cluster of rice and shakes her head saying: “It is nothing. I am thinking… tomorrow is the weekend and Blossom is coming home from the kindergarten.”
[TL: yup we don't understand women…]
Blossom is studying in a private school. Thus she can only come home a day per week.
When Bai Song hears that his daughter is coming home tomorrow, he becomes very happy and blurts out: “Tomorrow you are not working, and the fever should recede tomorrow. How about we and Blossom go out to the zoo tomorrow?”
“Really?” Qiu Yu earlier thoughts are replaced by Bai Songs current sentence. But she starts to have second thoughts and say: “But how about your matter in the game? Wouldn’t it hinder you?”
When Bai Song hears Qiu Yu mentioning it, he suddenly remembers his plan for
“No… it will not be a problem. A day more or a day less is alright.” Bai Song withdraws his hand that is in front of Qiu Yu’s forehead.
“Then it is a promise.” Qiu Yu charmingly blinks her eyes.
“Yes, it is a promise.”
In his previous life, he has thought before, but he did not accompany them properly, resulting in Qiu Yu’s surprised expression. Thinking to here, Bai Song faintly sighs.
Chapter 59 – Promise
After making sure that Qiu Yu has eaten her medication as well as sleep, Bai Song starts to think about a very realistic question: He does not have the money currently!
"Hai." Bai Song turns away from Qiu Yu when he suddenly remembers: "Right! The two gold that Spectral Fire has lent me, I seem to be left with 50 silver. "
Based on the current market price, although the value of a gold coin is dropping, there are still people who are willing to pay 1k for 50 silver. But if he does it, he will be broke again.
Let's not say about anything else. Currently, Bai Song is regaining his health through natural regeneration! He is so poor that he is unable to consume health potion. Originally, Bai Song had planned to use the 50 silver to purchase some basic items, but now it seems that it will be impossible.
But as long as it is going out to play, there will be expenditures. As a man, how could he refuse to pay for the trip's expenditures? Even if he does not care about what other people think, but Bai Song is unable to bear to let Qiu Yu down as she is the one who has supported the family until now.
"Blast it. The time wasted can be made up by some overnights and money can be farmed." Bai Song clenches his teeth: "Worst come to worst, I can sell one of my key equipment. Afterall, didn't I clear that quest without the Geeko Boots?"
Bai Song scanned his ID on the transaction website. The game ID is based on the personal ID; thus stealing accounts is impossible.
As Bai Song is in a hurry to sell the silver, he did not ask for a high price. Instead, he asks for a slightly lower than the average price. The market price is 1200 while Bai Song asks for 1199…. well it is only slightly lowered.
But with this 1 dollar difference, if arranging from lowest to highest, Bai Song's sale will place the first, thus very quickly there is a person who purchased his silver. There isn't much-complicated procedure during the transaction. Bai Song sends the items to the buyer, and after the buyer has confirmed that he had received the goods, he transfers 1199 dollars to Bai Song's account.
Bai Song logind to the game and read the return home scroll. Just as he is about to log off, he is called back by Spectral Fire.
Spectral Fire ask: "Brother Song do you have anything one? Do you want to grind levels with me?"
As Bai Song wishes to log off, he shakes his head and says: " I will in the future, but I have matters in real life. Let's talk about it some other time."
"Right." Spectral Fire flusteredly takes out two gold and passed them to Bai Song. "This is the gold that Ghost Dance owes you from the bet."
Only then did Bai Song remember about the bet with Ghost Dance. But as it is not proper, Bai Song shook his head and rejected it.
But Spectral Fire forcefully passes it to Bai Song. "Take it. The two gold that I have given you is already refunded by the guild treasurer. This is the gold that Ghost Dance has lost to you. I definitely will not keep it."
It is hard to reject the kindness. Thus Bai Song accepted gold in the end. He passes the other gold to Spectral Fire well like what pirates always say: splitting the booty.
No longer willing to talk, Bai Song logs off.
***
Meanwhile, around an hour has passed after Bai Song cleared the Imperial Palace Ruins hell mode.
A player lies on the ground as a strong wind blows by him.
Party eliminated.
Bai Cheng gloomily stares at One Blade. "One Blade didn't you say that you have almost finished analyzing? It has been a day! After wasting an entire day here, we are still stuck in this damn stage while the Spectral Guild has already cleared the Imperial Palace Ruins hell mode!!"
One Blade lowers his head as he ponders, disinclined to listen to Bai Cheng nonsense. After a while, he shakes his head and says: "It should not be possible ah. We have also tried to clear the Imperial Palace Ruins normal mode. With the abilities of the players, we can only pass through 2 stages at most. Spectral Guilds allocation of manpower in that dungeon is lower than ours, in fact, it is way lower than ours….."
Bai Cheng is also not an idiot. After listening to One Blade's analysis, he calms down and frowns before asking: "Then tell me how did they clear Imperial Palace Ruins?"
This time, One Blade looks at Bai Cheng seriously before answering: "Unable to understand…unable to understand… it should be they have hired an external helper."
"External helper?" Within Bai Cheng mind pops up that hateful face. He thought: Don't tell me it is him?
***
The afterglow of the setting sun has already disappear, hidden behind the Azura.
The curtain of night draws across the sky as it waits for the morning sun to lift it open.
" Bai Song, help me wipe my body. I am unable to sleep with the sweat on my body." Qiu Yu powerlessly calls for Bai Song.
When Bai Song hears it, his face turns red as he starts to have second thoughts: She is my wife, what am I afraid of?! Although this is what he thought in his heart, he is having other feelings as he has not seen her for a long period in the past.
There is a water heater in the house that uses natural gas, but it is already worn down after many years of non-repair. Thus the temperature of the water can only be used to bath during summer. If he uses this temperature water to clean Qiu Yu's body, there is a high chance of her getting a cold again.
There is a large pot that is set aside for bathing usage during winter. Bai Song uses it to heat up a pot of water for Qiu Yu. Bai Song carries the hot water to the bedside as well as preparing the towel that Qiu Yu uses to bath in preparation to clean her body.
Qiu Yu watches as Bai Song walks over and hovers over her. Facing his wife that he has reunion finally after many years, Bai Song swallows his saliva before using the warm towel to gently wipe Qiu Yu's body.
As Qiu Yu is still wearing her underwear, there are a few places that were not wiped. Seeing this, Qiu Yu wants to remove the clasp at the back. When Bai Song notice, he hurriedly stops her not knowing why he does so.
Qiu Yu looks at Bai Song curiously, not understanding him. Looking at Qiu Yu's beautiful face, Bai Song is slightly bewitched as he slowly leans towards Qiu Yu…
At this time, from outside the window comes a baby cry. Bai Song rushes over and opens the window to take a look, only to see that it is a wild cat…
But how did a cat cry become a baby cry???
***
High up in the sky, the birds look at the ground and see a group of ants. The ant’s head is very big, but their hands and legs are very slim.
It is the weekend; the depressed people are welcoming the brief holiday that they have. But the as the number of people who comes out for relaxing are too many; there is no way to relax.
"Blossom, did you listen to the teacher in the kindergarten?" As the public bus is slightly crowded, Bai Song carries Blossom as he is worried that Blossom will be squeezed.
"Uh." Blossom nods her head and says: "The teachers tell us a lot of stories and teaches us how to sing."
"Is it? Then later when we return home, you need to sing for mama and me." Bai Song tweaks Blossom's nose happily.
Blossom wrinkles her nose, seeming to indicate that she is unhappy about Bai Song tweaking her nose. Seeing this, Bai Song and Qiu Yu glance at each other in merriment.
The surround two passengers is smitten by Blossom's cute behavior. As they smile, they move away slightly, seeming as if they are not willing to squeeze the cute angel.
After alighting from the bus, Blossom got off Bai Song. Holding Bai Song's hand she asks: "Papa, when can I return home and tell you and mama stories?"
After those that need to alight alighted, the public bus slow amble away to the next stop.
Bai Song looks forward and says softly: "Very soon."
Chapter 60 – Panda
Every time seeing the summer, the thoughts would be blisteringly hot. If seeing that in front is suffering, then cold winds this term should be able to lower the heat.
The air is slightly stuffy, and Bai Song is a person that does not like sweating, but sweat is flowing out of his forehead currently.
Perhaps only during such hot weather would there be so few people in the zoo during the weekend.
"Papa, it’s very hot." Blossom gives off an unlively appearance.
"Come, papa brings you to buy ice-cream." Bai Song says as he leads Blossom.
Blossom perks up and nods her head.
"Go ahead; I’ll wait for you here." Qiu Yu indicates that she is not going.
Today Qiu Yu is wearing a white border blue dress and is carrying a small fashionable bag. She is also wearing a skin color stockings to protect her beautiful legs from the dust and sun.
Who could imagine that such a goddess like the pretty lady is already a mother?
Bai Song brings his daughter to the shop that sells ice-cream, outside the shop are a few al fresco tables and chairs which are meant to increase business.
"Papa, look, look, the panda is coming over." Blossom pulls Bai Song's hand.
Bai Song faces the direction that his daughter is pointing and take a look. The 'panda' that she is talking about is a person wearing a panda costume. Places like the zoo usually hire part-timers to do such jobs to welcome the guest.
The 'panda' walks over and sits down on a chair. The boss of the shop did not chase away neither did he question him, apparently the boss is used to such situation.
The 'panda' takes of its headgear and reveal a man who looks around 27/28 year old. His hair is neither long nor short but is very wet like he has just taken a bath.
The man did not place the headgear on the floor. Instead, he hugs it and takes a deep breath. In such hot weather, the temperature inside the costume is like being above a stove.
"Papa, what happened to the panda sir?" Blossom asks Bai Song curiously.
Just as Bai Song is about to reply, the boss cuts in and ask: "What do you want to buy?"
"Give me three ice-creams." After Bai Song reply, he asks Blossom: "Do you want to eat ice-cream?"
"Eh." Blossom nods her little head.
The boss actions are adept, and very quickly, he has made three ice-cream.
"Six yuan." The boss passes the ice-cream to Bai Song.
Bai Song takes out the money that he has just withdrawn from his card, which is all in hundred. The boss skillfully takes out the change and say: "94, please count."
Bai Song passes two of the ice-cream to Blossom, this way Blossom is holding one in each hand. Bai Song did not count the money neither did he leave immediately, which causes the boss to look at him curiously.
At this time, Bai Song takes out two yuan from the change and passed it to the boss: "Make one for him as well."
Bai Song points to the 'panda.’ Seeing the boss nods his head, Bai Song brings Blossom and leave. After walking further away, Bai Song turns around and take a look. Despite being far away, Bai Song can see that the ice-cream that the boss has given the 'panda' is…rather big?
Right, there is no one who will look down on those who struggle to make a living.
Blossom also follows Bai Song's gaze and looks back. When the young man sees Blossom looking at him, he puts on the headgear instead of receiving the ice-cream and does some comical actions and makes Blossom laugh.
But, other than the child, no one else can laugh.
Bai Song leads Blossom away saying: "Blossom don't watch anymore. Panda sir is tired and needs to rest."
"Eh." Blossom's gaze seems to have some understanding.
***
Bringing Blossom to see the fierce lion and tigers, graceful cranes and peacock, quick-witted golden snub-nosed monkeys and the cute pandas.
But the fierceness of the lions and tigers are gone. With only an inch of land how to be graceful? A false rock garden restricted their intelligence. The cute and simple appearance is the wrapping around a ferocious beast.
But there is nothing bad about this.
It is better than being busy from morning to night, so hurried that he is like a passing traveler, throughout one's life, he survives in the midst of fluster.
When leaving the zoo, the 'panda' is still at his post, when he sees Blossom, he makes a cute action to bid Blossom farewell. Perhaps…..he thinks that it is this little angel that sent it to him.
Afterwards, they stroll around the park before going to a large shopping center to purchase some daily necessities. After which, he brings his wife and daughter outside to eat a 'delicious' meal.
Originally, Bai Song suggested to have hotpot, but Qiu Yu rejected him with a no discussion tone. Thus he can only compromise and suggested to have mutton soup. It is not considered expensive, around 15 yuan a bowl, thus for three people, the cost is only 45 yuan.
The sun has strolled a round in the sky, at this time he is preparing to go to the other side of the planet to take a stroll. He is diligent.
The family of three decided to stroll back home. Along the way, occasionally there are people who turn around and stare. Their gaze is either on Qiu Yu or Blossom, after looking at them, they will stare at Bai Song.
That gaze should be… envy? Perhaps it is.
But along the way, Bai Song's heart is wandering. He is questioning himself: Is this the way I wish to live? For family, struggling with a depressing mode like the 'panda'?
At this time, a beetle flies past his eyes. Blossom reaches out with her hands wishing to catch it. Bai Song starts to recall an extracurricular book that he had to read in elementary and junior high school.
Faber's book of insects.
Geotrupidae is a type of beetle, only its body is larger, and there is a lance growing out from its chest.
The female bug only job throughout its entire life is to take care of its offsprings in its underground lair; it's whole heart is in its family. As for food, the male bug is the one responsible.
The male bugs entire life is: transport the earth, collect food, help lighten its wife workload. There is no rest in its entire life.
Finally, after constructing, finishing the lair, it wearily and tiredly leaves home and dies in somewhere else miserably.
In the loose nature of insect world, it is like another kind. It does not have companion to be joyful with, no woman to flirt with. When dying, it can say with clear conscious: "I have done my best for my family!"
The 'panda' is perhaps like the geotrupidae, maybe they have the same situation, same life, and same duties….
[TL: geotrupidae is a type of stage beetle]
The stuffy summer day finally welcomes a breeze of cold wind during the night. The restlessly of the people walking slightly ebbs. When the cold wind blows on Bai Song's face, his messy hair starts to sway.
Glances at his lively and adorable daughter and his youthful and beautiful wife, but within Bai Song's heart, depression starts to form.
Is this the life that I wish to live?
From the sky comes the sound of plane flying by, leaving behind a long stream of cloud-like exhaust.