Li Rong, the real-life version of the Grand Canal in Rong City, connected information networks, facilitated illicit relationships, engaged in arms dealing, drug trafficking, and assassinating politicians—there was nothing she couldn’t do.
She was called Li Mazi because of the freckles on her face, which marred her appearance. Yet her homely looks made her inconspicuous, and with a wealth of intelligence at her disposal, she gradually became a notable figure in Rong City.
Unlike other Non-Player Characters, aside from selling information and conducting transactions, Li Rong had a hidden quest that could be randomly assigned to players to unlock a special ending, or she could assassinate other NPCs based on the storyline.
During Hu Xiu’s ten visits, she had bought Tickets to escape the Republic of China, Warrants to Search Communists, and sold Opium...
Li Rong’s scenes all took place before the Battle Royale. Her personality was eccentric and perverse—she often demanded exorbitant prices, was lecherous, and exploited missions to swindle money.
Once, an actress playing Li Mazi had asked Hu Xiu for her WeChat, but likely due to her messy handwriting, the matter was dropped.
Although everyone was an actor, Hu Xiu never would have imagined that Qin Xiaoyi would play this Role.
He entered from Rong City’s main road, fan in hand, flicking it open with a snap. Spotting Hu Xiu, he seemed slightly surprised, then knowingly lowered his head, a hint of secret delight in his expression.
Dressed in a soft, smooth cotton-linen long gown that clung to his slender frame, it was unclear whether Qin Xiaoyi had chosen this makeup himself. The freckles on his face were delicately applied to resemble beauty spots, lending him a charming, scholarly air.
He had the aura of a young Leonardo DiCaprio. Hu Xiu glanced at the new Qin Xiaoyi in his white suit, then at the slickly grinning Li Rong standing nearby, who was soon shooed away. Now, it was time to formally address him by his real name, Diao Zhiyu.
Thinking of the Tycoon Ladies Club, Hu Xiu discreetly glanced at the blue-haired woman, whose expression remained calm and unruffled. As a player who had completed fifty rounds, she had witnessed all of Rong City’s ups and downs and was naturally unfazed by a freckled Qin Xiaoyi.
If she truly tipped generously, this blue-haired wealthy lady might have flirted with every NPC like collecting stamps, paying each time.
The other wealthy ladies stood in a row beside her. Hu Xiu observed: Number 1 with a nose reaching for the clouds and a chest thrust up to her neck—a cosmetically enhanced face; Number 2, tall and burly with an imposing presence—a tank; and Number 3, the Green Sprite, plain-looking but wearing a green cheongsam, adorned with an emerald ring and earrings.
Dazzling jewels outshone all else—having money was truly remarkable.
Thanks to ibuprofen for saving the day, Hu Xiu’s 3:30 PM session in Rong City had her walking a few steps, working up a sweat, and feeling refreshed.
This time, Miss Feng, though Chinese, was a British spy in Ning Zechen’s group. Her tasks included assassinating a German officer, engaging in drug trafficking, and escorting the Russian journalist Herzen to Britain.
Sitting on a bench outside the theater, Hu Xiu carefully considered the three tasks: the assassination required hiring a hitman through Li Rong; the drug trade needed Li Rong to handle the disposal of illicit goods; and going to Britain required a Ticket, which also had to be bought from Li Rong.
This Role was inextricably linked to Li Mazi—coming here during her period was totally worth it!
Having figured out all the connections, Hu Xiu adjusted her hat and strode toward Li Rong.
Li Rong was pretending to sleep in a Rickshaw, a pipe dangling from her mouth, feigning nonchalance.
She didn’t open her eyes at the sound of footsteps. Hu Xiu called out “Mr. Li” three times, and only when she shouted “Li Mazi” did Li Rong finally open her eyes: “Why use a nickname instead of my real name? Don’t you know I hate being called by nicknames?”
“Calling you Mr. Li didn’t get a response either…”"Then speak louder!" Li Rong suddenly raised his voice, causing Hu Xiu to shrink her neck in fright. Wasn't this completely different from Qin Xiaoyi?
Li Rong, wearing a traditional mandarin jacket, was fastidious about cleanliness. Straightening up, he brushed his sleeves. Leaning his elbows on his knees, he asked in a low voice, "What do you want?"
"I need to buy something from you, and sell something too."
Li Rong stared at her chest for a few more seconds, carefully reading the name, already aware of her Role's mission: "Miss Feng, what are you buying, and what are you selling?"
"Things that can't be openly discussed in Rong City." After coming here so many times, her acting had become flawless.
"Such matters aren't easily arranged." Li Rong jumped off the rickshaw: "I'm in a bad mood today, not interested in helping anyone unless I receive some gift."
He then tilted his head to look at Hu Xiu, his eyes lazy and eyebrows raised, his face full of roguish charm.
This shameless demeanor was truly the polar opposite of Qin Xiaoyi. And... he hadn't shaved today, the bluish stubble surrounding his pale lips looked so sexy! Hu Xiu felt her breath tighten: "Then what do you want?"
"We're standing right at the entrance of Yunheng Department Store. Let's see how sincere Miss Feng is."
Hu Xiu felt the money in her pocket—only four thousand—and entered the department store to buy a watch.
Seeing the steel-strapped watch, Li Rong remarked: "The hands on this watch aren't even moving, Miss Feng. How sincere are you with me? How much did you spend on this?"
"Eight thousand..."
"Eight thousand?" Qin Xiaoyi sneered: "I've been around Rong City long enough—you think you can fool me? I'll ask one more time, how much really?"
"Four thousand..." She could deceive Qin Xiaoyi, but lying to Li Rong was useless. Qin Xiaoyi was devoted and loyal, loving only Lin Qiumei, while Li Rong was shrewd, cunning, greedy, and never missed an opportunity.
Hu Xiu had no choice but to try another tactic: "I only had four thousand in my pocket, and I spent it all on this watch for you. Isn't that enough to show my sincerity? My intentions toward you are noble."
"Too noble intentions always hide ulterior motives." Li Rong leaned in and rummaged through Hu Xiu's bag, giving her goosebumps: "I'm really not lying. I wanted to buy something from you but now I have no money left. Mazi, if you want to take advantage of me, go ahead."
"After all, I, Feng Yao, have nothing else to give you except my sincere heart and a living body!"
Hu Xui immediately regretted saying this, but then thought—isn't this just acting? Who couldn't do that?
This time, it was Li Rong who blushed. He took a step back: "What do you want to buy?"
"A Pass and a Ticket."
"Twenty thousand..."
"Ah?" Hu Xiu had dealt with Li Mazi before—two paper tickets were only five thousand at most.
Thinking about how hard it was to earn money in Rong City, Hu Xiu nearly teared up: "Mazi, you can't overcharge just because you're handsome."
This made Li Rong laugh. With that laugh, he transformed back into Qin Xiaoyi—the shy, barely suppressed amusement, completely unable to hide his emotions. He cleared his throat: "Better go earn some money, there's still time."
As Hu Xiu left, she saw Li Rong still standing by the rickshaw. His fair skin and black hair accentuated his bright eyes and white teeth, his silhouette clean under the warm yellow light, his gaze lingering on her—suddenly, all her aches and pains vanished.
After energetically running around Rong City to earn twenty thousand, she returned to find Li Rong surrounded by people. Unfamiliar players chattered around him, shrill voices clashing with deep tones. With every step Li Rong took, the girls swarmed after him.Everyone seemed very familiar with Li Rong. Only now did Hu Xiu understand that all sixteen people, including herself, were veteran players, since they could appear at half past three and be this acquainted.
Ning Zechen passed by her: "Miss Feng, why are you spacing out? Is this your first time seeing Li Rong?"
"Have you seen this scene before?"
"Of course, it's a classic moment." Ning Zechen smiled: "The climax hasn't even arrived yet. Oh, Miss Feng, I heard you're carrying contraband. Get rid of it quickly - if you get searched, it'll be troublesome."
After saying this, he swaggered away. Soon other players approached Ning Zechen too. Although Hu Xiu's quests all required finding Li Rong, there were also players who needed to use code words to buy things from her. If two people competed, she could even make some profit.
Sitting on the bench in the grand theater waiting, not only did no one come to her, but the crowd around Li Rong grew even larger. The human lotus lantern moved from east to west.
Hu Xiu abruptly stood up and walked toward Li Rong: "Pockmarks, I want to buy something from you!"
Li Rong poked his head out from the crowd: "Twenty thousand, do you have it ready?"
"I only have fifteen thousand."
"Keep earning..."
As he said this, Li Rong remained at the center of the human lotus lantern. Plastic surgery face No.1 clung to Li Rong's arm, Tank No.2 blocked other players, and Green Sprite No.3 slapped away a young player's hand that was grabbing Li Rong: "Don't touch Rongrong! He said he's marrying me today."
Marriage?
Li Rong looked somewhat embarrassed. But he was still in character: "I've already agreed to marry Miss Mei, but I can break off the engagement. Anyway, we've been married, been in love. To satisfy your happiness, who's next to get married?"
Hu Xiu couldn't help but approach Ning Zechen and ask loudly: "What's this about marriage?"
"You don't know? You can get married in Rong City. You just need to get the Marriage Certificate stamped at the notary office. Of course, if either party proposes divorce, the marriage becomes void. What, want to marry Li Rong?"
"I'm just asking."
"You probably won't get your turn this round." Ning Zechen quietly leaned close to Hu Xiu's ear: "You haven't encountered marriage situations before, right? The late-night sessions are all first-timers honestly doing quests. This time slot is when wealthy ladies come out to play wild, having sent their husbands and children away to have fun."
Feeling both wronged and angry, Hu Xiu checked her quest card. She couldn't come for nothing - at least she needed to complete her quests.
Qin Xiaoyi was framed for poisoning the general and was about to be publicly interrogated. This plot development made Plastic surgery face No.1 very unhappy: "What the heck, I wanted to bribe the guards to let me into the prison cell to watch Little Qin get beaten up close and feel sorry for him. Who triggered this? Annoying."
"Watching Little Qin get beaten publicly is fine too. Enjoying the view doesn't depend on the occasion. I bet Big Sister will definitely sit in the closest spot later. She even brought Little Qin a gift this time, not sure when she'll give it to him." Though Green Sprite No.3 appeared delicate, she loved gossip.
Hu Xiu checked her quest card. The buying quest should be with the blue-haired woman.
She needed to earn some money anyway. She walked over to the blue-haired woman, Scarlett, that's right. She asked softly: "Do you need to buy something from me?"
"I don't want them anymore. Even if I buy these things and complete the quest, there's not much reward. Wait for someone else." The blue-haired woman said this without ever looking at her.Utterly baffling...
In the second scene where Qin Xiaoyi was publicly interrogated, the blue-haired tycoon lady sat in the closest seat, coldly watching the new Qin Xiaoyi take a beating.
The new Qin Xiaoyi improvised extensively, his face truly handsome, with an air of nobility even more pronounced than before.
Yet perhaps due to his youthfulness, he always appeared somewhat weaker in acting skills. Combined with his fuller cheeks—befitting a pampered young master—his beaten demeanor failed to evoke much pity.
Only Ning Zechen, Feng Youjin, and the bruised Qin Xiaoyi remained present. Hu Xiu felt every passing second like an eternity—damn this scene is dragging on, I need to get out and find Li Rong, buy a Pass from Li Rong!
The moment curfew lifted and doors opened, Hu Xiu dashed out. Before anyone could approach Li Rong, Hu Xiu purchased another golden watch and cornered him in the Rongcheng Restaurant lobby: "Time's critical, Pockmarks. Satisfied with the gift this time? I need you to kill someone."
"Who?"
"That tall, imposing woman. The German politician."
Struggling to unbuckle the watch strap—having been carried out by Qin Xiaoyi last round yet remaining utterly unaccustomed to physical contact—Hu Xiu's fingers turned icy as weakness spread through her body. Each accidental brush against Li Rong's arm revealed his warmth, almost feverish.
Hu Xiu's face grew increasingly flushed: "Killing her is my mission. Originally came to buy a Pass and Ticket from you, but I've changed my mind. Forty thousand for one bullet—eliminate her before the Battle Royale begins."
"Such deep hatred?"
"Love rival..." Fastening the watch strap, Hu Xiu turned and strode away. Penniless yet feeling imposing, she decided to earn some petty cash in the remaining time—buy herself jewelry at the department store, get some Gummy Candy from the street vendor. If nobody else was doing missions, why should she?
After selecting three flavors of Gummy Candy at the stall, Hu Xiu suddenly felt unwell and sat quietly by the grand theater entrance.
Before her lay Rong City's main thoroughfare, bustling with activity. Up close, the new Qin Xiaoyi had three women vying for his attention, quarreling over him. Qin Xiao asked, "Why should I marry any of you?" while two women competed to lavish him with extravagant praise, and Plastic Surgery Face #1 outright held his hand while coquettishly pleading. Further away, Li Rong stood surrounded by the Tycoon Ladies Club—Tank #2 and Green Sprite #3 firmly occupied the innermost circle, blocking other players. Beside them stood the expressionless blue-haired woman, arms crossed as she leaned against the bulletin board, watching the spectacle like it was some comedy.
Amid the cacophony of "He's mine!" "Why should you have him?" "It's my turn this round!", Li Rong turned to the blue-haired woman and declared: "I'll marry you."
So there indeed was a wedding ceremony before candidate announcements. Six of the sixteen players stood on stage—among the three newlywed pairs were the fawning Li Rong, Qin Xiaoyi who appeared more aristocratic than Tank #2 beside him, and Ning Zechen who stood with his collar open, laughing arrogantly.
Hu Xiu remained seated, counting her money—twelve thousand left. This round had been truly disastrous.
Li Rong stood on stage delivering wedding vows, his seductive voice booming: "Loyal to the motherland, loyal to my wife!"
Throughout it all, Hu Xiu never lifted her head, chewing her Gummy Candy with audible crunching.
During the third round of Battle Royale, Hu Xiu leaned by the doorway. After being killed, her glowing coating awaited game over.
Sitting against the wall, she saw the blue-haired sister calmly draw a knife from her bag and slice her own coating to commit suicide. Then, moving through darkness, she approached Qin Xiaoyi and pressed something into his palm.Hu Xiu sat not far away in the shadows, hearing the new Qin Xiaoyi politely say thank you.
Snowpiercer wasn't just a den of extravagance—it was also a host club. Ning Zechen's wild claims, which she had initially refused to believe, were now confirmed before her eyes.
During the evening rush hour, Hu Xiu took the subway. The tightly packed passengers squeezed the moisture from her body, tears continuously welling up. Li Rong, with her superb acting skills, navigated effortlessly among a group of wealthy ladies, choosing the one who appeared richest—undoubtedly for the tips. After all, Ning Zechen had said that Qin Xiaoyi could earn twenty thousand a month from tips alone.
So frivolous!
Returning home, Hu Xiu collapsed into bed. The ibuprofen seemed to be wearing off; pain sprouted from the extremities of her body, soon bringing on clammy sweat.
Curled under the blankets, Hu Xiu felt unusually cold today—the temperature had dropped. Scenes with Qin Xiaoyi at Snowpiercer flashed before her eyes, still fresh as they hadn't happened long ago, while today's Li Rong felt distant instead.
Perhaps she was trying hard to reject this unpleasantness, but never mind—it wasn't necessary. She should bundle it all up and delete it together.
The damp, chilly climate of the south seemed to be friends with menstrual cramps, and with heartbreak too.
The mold spots bred during the rainy season, the lingering chill from winter rains—sunlight could hardly drive them away easily.
Coincidentally, her few heartbreaks had all occurred during rainy winters. The wind crept into her bones along with the rain, the damp cold and sharp pain attacking together. Whenever a similar season arrived, memories would draw near alongside this damp chill.
Although cherry blossoms bloomed as early as late March, bringing mostly bright and mild weather, the winter's gloom had instilled in Hu Xiu a reverence for nature.
Hu Xiu thought to herself that she probably really had no eye for men—suffering crushing defeats every time. The only fate-like pattern was that all her heartbreaks happened on rainy days.
Next time she fell in love, if only a considerate man who wouldn't break her heart would appear.
Someone who could understand her feelings, sincerely accept them, and be willing to entrust his own heart to her too.
Thinking this, Hu Xiu buried her face in the pillow. Heartbroken—this would absolutely be the last time.
She drifted into a hazy sleep until three in the morning. The moonlight was too bright, so Hu Xiu got up to draw the curtains. Kneeling on the sofa, she instinctively glanced toward the spot outside where Qin Xiaoyi used to stand.
The moment she made this gesture, she began mocking herself. She had decided to stop liking Qin Xiaoyi—how long would it take to break the habit?
And the spot she often watched outside...
Hu Xiu thought she must be seeing things. Qin Xiaoyi—no, Diao Zhiyu—was standing right there. Not on his bike, just positioned at the edge of the white light by the building entrance, half his shadow in the light, half in darkness, as if hesitating whether to stand in the protagonist's spot.
He looked up toward the upper floors, his expression unreadable, more like he had wandered here unconsciously.
Hu Xiu pressed against the window, peering down intently, her heart pounding. Soon she realized her hands were wet—tears streamed down the glass, meeting her sorrowful fingers.
In a normal love story's plot development, she should rush down recklessly, embrace him, pull him into the stage's spotlight, into her romantic drama, forgiving his frivolity and cunning.
After all, it was all acting, just part of the persona. If he could stand downstairs outside the performance, he was her true lover.Hu Xiu stood fixedly by the window for a few moments, her gaze unconsciously meeting Diao Zhiyu's in the distance. Reluctantly stealing a few more glances, she forcefully drew the curtains shut and returned to bed, sinking into dreams.
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