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「Mission 2-5: Rescue Jiang Huan to a Safe Zone. Today’s dream scenario takes place in the outskirts of Mowu City, set during extreme cold weather with heavy snowfall. Due to the harsh conditions, the time limit is 30 minutes. You can interrupt the mission to claim rewards or choose to persevere for double the reward. Proximity to torches and magma zones restores body temperature. Plan accordingly.」
The snow-covered mountains were bitterly cold. Bai Jingchuan touched his face; the wind was piercing, and hypothermia would lead to death quickly here. This urban area connected to the nearby snowy peaks—if he encountered Jiang Huan here, it must be related to her abandoned data. If she appeared in the dream, she’d likely be waiting for him from her perspective. The last time they met in a dream, he was her arena mentor. This time, however, he was a cold-blooded Executor. He quickened his pace—what kind of story awaited him this time?
Beyond the city limits stretched an endless expanse of snow, with biting winds howling fiercely, penetrating his body rapidly. Bai Jingchuan’s fingers stiffened almost immediately, but he managed to find a campfire just in time to warm himself, narrowly avoiding freezing to the point of being ejected from the dream.
Each dream involving Jiang Huan represented a past experience they had shared. Bai Jingchuan sought to uncover his true identity. In the upper-left corner of his vision, a thin blue line appeared—a feature not present before. Judging by the stiffness of his body, this indicated health points quantified as freeze levels. The extreme cold and enemies wielding weapons with reddish-brown scales reminded him that this battle was against time. Bai Jingchuan lacked a proper weapon, so he manipulated the air to make several groups collide. However, enemies kept multiplying, and his frown deepened. Teleportation alone wouldn’t suffice—he needed a weapon soon. Time was running out, and by the end of the first stage, his limbs were rigid, his hands burning and itching. His freeze level reached 70%, forcing him to backtrack halfway to find a heat source, recover, and then press onward.
He still hadn’t located the rescue position, and only 8 minutes remained.
The scene resembled a film frame—gloomy gray skies, slippery ice, and relentless snow. On a long bridge connecting two mountains, a layer of ice coated its surface. A car approached and stopped—not to pick him up—but a man dressed in black sat in the backseat, watching him. “Li Bode, you’ve attacked your own people, making yourself our enemy. All this for a girl like her?”
The man in black stepped out, revealing Jiang Huan bound in the passenger seat. The black-clad man slashed her throat, and the icy wind quickly engulfed them both.
「You have completed this mission. Dropping items. Gained 10,000 coins.」
The 30 minutes ended. Unable to save Jiang Huan as she fell off the bridge, Bai Jingchuan nearly froze to death in the snow. His stiffening body left him unable to speak. The outcome was completely out of his control—unacceptable. The dice chimed in, “Li Bode, stop staring. Your ‘Other’s Salvation Coupon’ was already used last time. Move forward. Defeating enemies will allow you to level up. Don’t attempt to save her.”
「Using ‘Time’s Wheel,’ resetting time to 30 minutes ago.」
“What? That item was meant for increasing affection during dates. Why are you using it here?”
“Being forced to retreat is disgraceful for an Executor. No task should end so casually—it counts as fleeing in defeat.” Bai Jingchuan’s fighting spirit ignited. More importantly, seeing Jiang Huan in the passenger seat fueled his murderous intent.
With the timeline reset, Bai Jingchuan memorized the route, avoided enemies, and swiftly completed the first two stages while dodging all adversaries. When confronted directly, he evaded as much as possible, sustaining minor injuries within tolerable limits. Reaching the bridge again, he saw the hijacked car once more—Jiang Huan in the passenger seat, with someone from the Executive Department who had vested interests tied to him sitting behind her. If he attacked, Jiang Huan would be pushed off the cliff. He stowed his weapon and walked straight toward her. Savage dogs lunged at him, and below the bridge lay a pitch-black abyss. Blood-dripping bats flew overhead, their droplets vanishing into the snow, creating holes that summoned even more bats.
It hurt excruciatingly, his breath trembling from the pain. But he waited for the right moment. The smugness of the man in the backseat grew as he watched the Executor, rarely seen beaten and injured, succumb to what seemed like standard romantic brainwashing.
At this precise moment! The rope binding Jiang Huan loosened, and she seized the opportunity to stab the black-clad man in the eye and leap out of the car. Bai Jingchuan manipulated the air to thrust the vehicle off the cliff, where it exploded with a deafening boom. He grabbed Jiang Huan and pulled her into his arms as the ground trembled beneath them. But within his embrace, she was absolutely safe.
「Mission 2-5 complete. Earned ten stars. Lv31 upgraded to Lv32. Acquired items: ‘Deep Slumber,’ ‘Perfect Reversal,’ and ‘Winding Path.’ Gained 20,000 coins.」
The mission ended quickly, leaving Bai Jingchuan surrounded by a terrifying aura of bloodlust, though he didn’t notice it himself.
Executor Li Bode possessed immense power, drawing the attention of multiple factions eager to restrain him and uncover his weakness. Upon learning about his connection with Jiang Huan in the arena, they targeted her. He had assumed Jiang Huan, distrusting him in the arena, would never appear. Yet, upon hearing news of the Executor in the snowy mountains, she rushed over, willing to trade her safety for his presence.
What a clever girl, resorting to self-sacrifice tactics despite knowing both would suffer in this trap.
He too bore wounds, but necessary self-inflicted harm was a means to elicit sympathy—and he admitted to harboring some childish desire for care and pity. Even the mighty War God couldn’t forget the marshmallows and chocolates Jiang Huan brought him in the arena, toasted over a campfire until crispy…
Bai Jingchuan shielded Jiang Huan, who stood still. Instinctively worried about her catching a chill, he pulled her hat snugly over her head. She grabbed Li Bode’s hand. “Only like this would you come.”
“I told you to go home. Why didn’t you leave?”
“They said you were here.”
Didn’t she consider the danger before coming?
The sky darkened, the distant mountains covered in snow reflecting onto the night sky. Enemies charged toward them, and Bai Jingchuan’s hands began acting on their own. Jiang Huan’s body temperature wasn’t high, but she insisted on seeing him. Was he really that captivating?
“I represent danger. Being associated with me disregards your own safety.”
“But you chose me to cultivate in the arena, didn’t you see my potential? That proves I possess the ability to restrain you. So when I want to see you, you’ll appear.”
The frigid wind howled. Continuing like this, she might freeze to death, yet Jiang Huan clung to him, refusing to let go. Bai Jingchuan couldn’t read her mind; he suspected his abilities were still frozen in this current mission. As an Executor, he couldn’t comprehend this relationship. But amidst his injuries, the pain left him gasping, leaning on Jiang Huan with soft groans. Her eyes sparkled with vitality, and wherever she touched seemed healed, the pain less severe. No wonder she endured so long in the arena—she possessed the gift of healing others.
“In truth, today I also gambled on whether you’d come. Having someone risk themselves for me leaves me without regrets.”
“If it’s to save you, I’m quite willing to play the hero once. But don’t do such foolish things again.”
“I know you’re powerful and wouldn’t care for someone ordinary like me. But someday, I’ll surpass you. To me, you’re magic—I’ll run toward you bravely, even if you’re unloved and unadmired.”
“Fool.” He almost surrendered outright: “…If you wish, you may. But remember, to surpass me, don’t rely on emotional manipulation or worship. Strive to stand at my level and make me yield.”
“I know you have special abilities, but so do I—I can save you when necessary. Therefore, you can’t disappear easily.”
Jiang Huan’s face was smudged, and she looked reluctant. “Can I see you again?”
Bai Jingchuan smiled. Once this dream ended, her finger would still be in his mouth. Not only would they meet, but their relationship would grow incredibly intimate.
But… he didn’t dislike it. Concealing his smile, he said, “Look at you, all dirty like a little cat. Let’s leave this place first.”
After completing the mission, he could return with Jiang Huan to Mowu City. The familiar sensation truly lifted his spirits. Jiang Huan ran and jumped through the streets, vastly different from her composed demeanor in the real world. She actively took his hand, quickening his steps. Glancing around, she asked, “It’s good to see you. Where are you taking me?”
He entered a fashion boutique. They had recently gone through a similar scenario, but in Mowu City, he felt more at ease. “Pick any clothes you like here.”
“Do you think I don’t look good now? Do you prefer dresses?”
Bai Jingchuan chuckled. “You look beautiful in anything. What you like matters most. No need to ask my opinion—I’ll say something only if it’s truly unsuitable for you.”
He meant it sincerely—her appearance didn’t matter. Rather than deliberately flaunting her looks to attract him, he preferred her boldness in running toward him despite the danger, brimming with courage, passion, and focusing solely on him.
Jiang Huan emerged wearing a red dress and red mid-heeled shoes, adjusting her hair a few times. Her waist was cinched, and a pearl adorned the shoelace near her ankle. She appeared light and slightly shy, and Bai Jingchuan couldn’t help but feel captivated.
“Do I look good?”
“Of course.” He smiled. “As I said, you look beautiful in anything. Feel free to change as much as you like.”
Jiang Huan smiled. “This one is fine. I don’t want to waste time on this.”
As a powerful yet unloved Executor, he could take her to the most luxurious restaurant in Mowu City, forever reserving the spot facing the Twin Towers. Though the food lacked soul, the grandeur and scenery were unmatched. However, frequenting high-end venues now would put Jiang Huan in greater danger. She pulled him into a nearby eatery: “Isn’t this fine? I’m starving and can’t walk anymore—I spent a lot of time finding you.”
Really? Bai Jingchuan felt disdainful, but as Jiang Huan sat down, the surroundings seemed to improve. Especially the way she devoured the burger made him suspect that the soulless burger might actually be delicious. He took a sip of the drink: “Looks like you’re really hungry. But from my experience, the drinks in this city aren’t great…”
He froze. The drink suddenly didn’t taste as bad. Across from him, Jiang Huan bit the straw, tilting her head. “What’s wrong? I think it tastes pretty good. Plus, seeing you makes even water taste sweet.”
No, it was still the same flavor—industrial-grade saccharin crudely manufactured, flavorings formulaically blended. Yet indeed… he tasted something different. The fruity aftertaste in his mouth wasn’t so unbearable. Her mischievous expression paired with the refreshing sensation in his mouth left him feeling differently intoxicated. An instinctive resistance flashed in his mind—no, this was bewitchment, tender persuasion, uncontrollable emotions caused by cognitive-induced taste distortion…
But he suddenly understood. Taste was altered by memory. Being with her, surrounded by her smile, even the music no longer annoyed him. Instead, it became lively, like the rhythm of Jiang Huan skipping earlier—ding dong, ding dong, click clack, click clack.
Her hands were greasy from eating, and the Executor, with his germaphobic tendencies, would never touch a hamburger that dirtied his hands. Yet she grabbed his fingers one by one, wiping them clean. She didn’t shy away. This dream was truly extraordinary. Bai Jingchuan thought to himself—perhaps this is what it feels like to fall in love. After walking through Mowu City for so long, he finally experienced a sense of emotion tied to this place.
The Executor, with all his power and authority, would soon have to leave. If they stayed together any longer, their connection would be discovered, putting Jiang Huan in even greater danger. Gently, he pulled a small clown badge from his pocket—the souvenir Jiang Huan couldn’t afford during training. “This is for you. I believe that, in time, we’ll meet again at an even higher level.”
“Being with you may bring danger. But… no matter your stance, this is my resolve.”
Delaying further would only put Jiang Huan in harm’s way again. Just as he was about to urge her, she tiptoed, pulling his tie toward her, and kissed him fully on the lips. The touch was soft, sweet, and delicate, like cream—unlike anything he’d ever experienced. Her reluctant, lingering expression as she pulled away was unmistakable. In this abandoned story of Mowu City, Jiang Huan had shown him her unreserved affection, even willing to gamble with her life.
Their joyful memories together were discarded fragments, restored now that his level had increased. Clearly, earning more favorability points was essential.
Her ears turned red. “I’ll wait to see you again. I’ll also wait until I’m stronger. Will you fight me when the time comes? I’ll definitely surpass you.”
Before he could respond, the dream began to fade. In the final moments, he glimpsed a figure with gray hair across the street, seemingly watching everything unfold.
Bai Jingchuan speculated that this might be part of the main storyline of the abandoned project he was tied to. But why was Jiang Huan involved?
In the quiet bedroom, Bai Jingchuan sat on the couch, flipping through a copy of The Tower of Babel . Jiang Huan stirred in her sleep, murmuring softly. Opening her eyes, she saw his shadow bathed in lamplight, dressed in a suit, quietly reading as if still immersed in the story, emotions yet to withdraw. He looked up and smiled gently. “You’re awake?”
“You…” Jiang Huan glanced at her nightgown under the covers and the sweater placed on the bedside table, suddenly remembering the finger still in his mouth. Her face flushed as she clenched her fists tightly. “Nothing… happened between us, right?”
“What do you hope happened between us?”
“…I had a dream.”
“What kind of dream?”
“Come closer, and I’ll tell you.”
The air conditioner hummed softly. Bai Jingchuan had indeed wiped her fingers dry, but heaven knows, while she slept, she had tossed and turned, throwing off the sweater and kicking out her legs. Removing someone else’s clothes was absolutely not his style. However, Bai Jingchuan faintly sensed that Jiang Huan was deliberately luring him to the bedside—they had shared the same dream, and he wanted to see what she intended to say.
He leaned closer. The room wasn’t entirely silent, and he bent down slightly. “You can reveal the answer now.”
“I dreamed we were in another world—a very cyberpunk city, freezing cold. You were badly injured because of me. The distance between us was…” Jiang Huan abruptly pulled Bai Jingchuan close, their noses touching. “…this close.”
Bai Jingchuan nearly lost his balance, catching himself beside the pillow, careful not to crush her hair. “And then?”
He already knew what happened in the dream. If Jiang Huan lied now, it would mean ill intentions. As an Executor, he needed to harshly judge such deceptive behavior cloaked in dream narratives. Still, he lowered his voice and asked further: “Tell me, what happened in the dream?”
“I woke up too early and quickly forgot. But at the end, I did this.” Jiang Huan tugged Bai Jingchuan toward her once more, their faces inches apart. “So I ask you—if you experienced the same dream, what would you do in this situation?” She hesitated slightly. “I can use it as reference material for a romantic plot. As my superior, you have an obligation to help me find inspiration.”
“You said it yourself—the person in the dream was me. Why would you use my story for someone else?”
Jiang Huan froze.
「Jiang Huan’s Favorability +100.」
He adjusted his glasses, his fingers brushing teasingly against her lips. “Just kidding. But if there must be a male lead in your dreams, I hope it’s me. I’m also willing to hear your story—it sounds fascinating, as if we were lovers in another timeline.”
“Why do you say that? What if… what if we were enemies?”
“In this position, it’s hard to believe.”
On Jiang Huan’s lips lingered traces of cream—remnants of the dream. He gently wiped it away with his finger, smiling as he leaned closer. Jiang Huan didn’t pull back. Watching her blushing face, he pushed the soft bedding aside, slowly rising to his feet. It was time to leave.
「You have used the item ‘Deep Slumber.’」
A gentle breeze brushed past her ear, and Jiang Huan fell asleep, her cheeks still flushed.
The dice shouted beside him, “This was clearly the moment for a kiss… Why don’t you return to Mowu City? I’ve already planned everything for you—you could start a ‘Male Virtue’ class! Don’t back out now!”
Bai Jingchuan’s palms grew slightly sweaty. An Executor who thrived on waiting for fruit to ripen wouldn’t take advantage of a situation unless it was completely within his control. Absolute mastery was his comfort zone. Whether in Mowu City or the real world, he had tasted and seen everything, except this—he hadn’t experienced it yet.
He didn’t do things without certainty.
「Jiang Huan’s Favorability +500.」
On Saturday morning, he woke up intending to knock on Jiang Huan’s door to learn how to make cream puffs—or perhaps invite her over to bake desserts. He took the initiative to knock, but there was no response. The dice floated nearby, chiding, “Just admit it, huh? Check Jiang Huan’s status. But I suggest you make your place cozier. Besides the blanket, pillow, and oven you received, plus the shower gel, hand soap, and fridge, what else do you have? It looks uninhabited…”
“I’ll move out after completing five missions.” He sniffed the butter, then dropped it into the trash with a thud.
Jiang Huan sent a message: “Good morning! Want to hang out?”
Just looking at the phone screen, Bai Jingchuan’s expression visibly shifted from darkening brows to a pale-pink flush. “Sure, I’ll come over. Where are you?”
“At Sandimon’s shop.”
His face darkened again instantly. The dice shivered beside him. “Li Bode, your expressions change way too fast. Stop it already. If you can’t handle it, just go see her.”
He originally didn’t plan to meet, but he had indeed stayed at Sandimon’s shop one night after getting drunk. He should at least stop by to say hello. Within three seconds, he arrived at the entrance of “Feast,” pushing the door open. Seeing Jiang Huan, his expression softened, breaking into a full smile. The dice lagged a few seconds behind. “There we go—with this eager attitude, your romantic brain is officially activated.”
The next moment, Sandimon brought out a bowl of noodles, pushing his sunglasses up with his wrist. “New guest, welcome.”
The lenses of his sunglasses caught the light streaming through the doorway, gleaming brightly alongside his naturally silver hair.
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PS: Xiao Zhang is here! Didn’t expect a kiss to trigger another old memory—looks like the Executor is thoroughly ensnared now… Welcome to add this story to your bookshelf and vote for recommendations!
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