Chapter 66: “You’re Very Good at Praise Kink”

On Saturday night, Bai Jingchuan returned from the City of Mists and carefully reviewed the MENU in his vision. The dice, after wandering around the house, felt lonely and nudged Bai Jingchuan’s ear: “Are you studying how to trigger more dates?”

Bai Jingchuan didn’t respond. He was merely searching for materials to upgrade his talents. Even trips to the City of Mists triggered fanfiction stories about Jiang Huan, and entering missions required him to reverse death outcomes—something that both angered and frightened him.

He dreaded every mission related to “death.” Li Bode had always faced death with equanimity, believing the weight or triviality of life was determined by one’s actions before death. If he felt “this moment is enough,” life could end anytime. But now, it wasn’t him who would die—it was others whose lives were on a countdown, and he had to block all their attempts to reverse fate. This drove him mad.

「Would you like to upgrade? Current upgrade requirements: Strength 6000, Coins 300,000, Materials: ‘Jiang Huan’s Fingertip Touch x10,’ ‘Jiang Huan’s White Mist Pearl x18.’ Insufficient materials.」

「Sell 16 items, gain 80,000 coins.」

「Would you like to purchase ‘Jiang Huan’s White Mist Pearl’? Daily limit is three times. Would you like to use a refresh ticket to reset the count?」

「No refresh tickets left. Please try again after the daily reset at 5 AM. Lv 73 upgraded to Lv 75, dropping 160,000 coins and 20 item boxes. Current rank: C.」

Never did he imagine he’d spend his life calculating resource levels. The dice explained helplessly nearby: “With moves as fierce as a tiger, you’ve become quite skilled at hoarding resources. I advise you not to get too carried away. Higher levels won’t unlock more advanced dates—those have to be triggered with Jiang Huan. I’ve told you before to interact with her more, whether in the main storyline or side quests, focusing on leveling up. Now you’re scrambling to catch up—what’s the difference between this and obsessively spending money on gacha games?”

“Spending money on gacha games improves the gaming experience. The Realm of Myriad Gods is also a system; the mechanisms aren’t much different.”

“I know you’re afraid Jiang Huan might suddenly die, but it won’t happen in the short term. Don’t waste time in the City of Mists. Instead, take the initiative to pursue love. You haven’t made any breakthrough progress. You’re almost level 80, and Jiang Huan hasn’t even called you once. Could it be she doesn’t like you?”

As soon as he finished speaking, the phone rang. Bai Jingchuan calmly answered, concealing his satisfaction.

“Bai Jingchuan, my neighbor seems to be in trouble. She asked if I have a boyfriend…” 

Help was always given when needed.

Bai Jingchuan felt a bit disgusted by this invisible rule: having a boyfriend in the real world symbolized safety. After teleporting to Jiang Huan’s elevator, he stepped out to find the neighboring girl already waiting at the door, pale-faced: “We live on the same floor, so I kept your girlfriend’s contact information. I thought to ask for your help first…”

“Do you have any idea what he looks like? Do you remember anything specific?”

“He always knocks on my door late at night. Since it’s a loft design, I can just close the door, but I still need to go to work… A few nights ago, my internet went out, and there was a power outage. When I opened the door, I saw him. Luckily, I closed the door in time, but he comes every day, saying he means no harm, yet clearly trying to enter my home, uttering scary words, telling me to obey…”

The girl turned pale. Bai Jingchuan turned his head and saw the man at the elevator entrance—a burly figure with a sharp nose. Upon seeing Bai Jingchuan, the man didn’t appear afraid but rather somewhat provocative. Jiang Huan tensed up: “Bai Jingchuan, he’s here…”

He resembled… an NPC monster from a game. Bai Jingchuan activated his vision; the man was a level 32 player, likely from a ninja game. The dice grew serious: “Even those who have the chance to enter the real world are still harassing others? Li Bode, this is unacceptable.”

Letting the two girls retreat into the room, Bai Jingchuan faced him. The man noticed Bai Jingchuan’s player status and didn’t flee. Rather than immediately passing judgment like Eros, Bai Jingchuan instinctively chose to examine his trajectory.

「Would you like to view the opponent’s game history?」

Bai Jingchuan selected “Yes.” The man was a swordsman from the unaired animated series Soul of the Sword, appearing as a supporting character known for his righteousness despite hardships. However, the information displayed in the vision wasn’t kind, especially regarding his recent harassment behavior at the girl’s home, which clearly violated his character setting. Perhaps due to poverty in the original work, he hadn’t received a good start here either, leading him to commit increasingly vile acts.

Such a character shouldn’t qualify to enter the real world, yet the Realm of Myriad Gods’ qualification standards were inconsistent.

The man had already drawn a dagger. Bai Jingchuan asked him: “Do you know players can’t attack humans?”

“Why should I remain insignificant? I’ve earned the right to live. Why should I be inferior!”

“So you decided to harm others?”

“Enough talk. Isn’t this supposed to be an equal world? Aren’t we all contributing? I do physical labor three times faster than others, creating far more value than women. Why should I…”

「You have used the character skill—’Judgment.’」

“Huh? Where did he go?” Jiang Huan opened the door: “I was still watching through the peephole!”

Of course, she couldn’t see him—he had already vanished into data. Bai Jingchuan calmly replied: “The peephole has limited visibility. He’s gone.” Turning to the neighbor girl, he reassured her: “Don’t worry, he won’t come back.”

The two girls exchanged glances. Jiang Huan patted Bai Jingchuan’s chest: “Rest assured, you can trust my boyfriend’s words.”

“I remember now. I met him on the way home from the supermarket. He looked like he was about to die of thirst by the roadside, so I bought him a bottle of water. But I really don’t know how he found my address. Was it my fault…?”

“It’s not your fault. Victims aren’t guilty. Don’t instinctively think you’re wrong. It’s the evil that festers in society that deserves reflection. Your kindness isn’t wrong; don’t blame yourself.” Bai Jingchuan, who had been frowning, now smiled: “He won’t come back. Rest assured and live peacefully.”

There was a similar plot in Forbidden Love Zone. Only, when the female protagonist called Li Junzhu, she didn’t know the danger was brought by him. Regardless of the purpose of seeking help, he deeply realized that players caused trouble for ordinary people, and Jiang Huan might know he could thoroughly resolve such dangers.

He couldn’t do much, as ordinary players wouldn’t have higher permissions. Without thorough investigation, he wasn’t prepared to reveal everything.

“Ouch!”

Jiang Huan slipped and kicked the table corner, whimpering in pain. She hastily gathered her underwear and hopped into the bedroom to throw it inside. The series of actions… he cleared his throat.

She still didn’t treat him as one of her own. What was wrong with being a little messy? Didn’t being her true self feel better?

Girls were strange.

“So, he really won’t come back?” Jiang Huan peeked out, pretending nothing had happened.

“Yes, I said I’d stay here and call the police if he came back. Told him not to cause trouble for himself.” Bai Jingchuan said lightly.

“Huh?”

“Just teasing you.”

“But Bai Jingchuan, you’re really weird. The other day, when we visited Minnie Castle and saw Duanmu Xuan, you didn’t seem surprised at all. How did you transform yourself into Snow White? And just now, looking through the peephole, you spoke like a judging judge.”

Bai Jingchuan took Li Junzhu’s pillow and quietly compared it in the mirror: “In your story, I’m passive. After entering Snow White, I could only lie there passively.”

Of course, he couldn’t say anything. In the timed mission 3-6, to ensure Jiang Huan survived the fairy tale, he flipped through three years of fanfiction at lightning speed. Unexpectedly, he found the relevant fanfiction and read the ending, using a prop to forcibly change identities to survive. According to the original Snow White story, as the prince, he would fail to win the war and be stabbed to death, with no one to save him, resulting in the deaths of both the prince and princess.

As for Duanmu Xuan, he was the variable in this story, appearing where Jiang Huan needed help, especially in combat situations—that’s why the main mission occurred in Romance Continent. Different gaming worlds were beginning to merge within the Realm of Myriad Gods.

“Your princess form…” Jiang Huan chuckled: “It’s actually quite beautiful.”

“Is it a fairy tale you like?”

Jiang Huan choked on her sip, forgetting how unembarrassed he was. But why was she wearing a robe with bare legs? “Why don’t you come sit over here?”

Standing behind the kitchen island, Bai Jingchuan simply smiled: “It’s fine. I’m okay here.”

Something felt off to Jiang Huan. Instinctively crossing her legs, she turned on the gaming console, her short skirt drawing more attention. The dice laughed uncontrollably: “Hey, Li Junzhu, weren’t you supposed to be calm and collected? Since you’re at home and have confirmed your feelings for each other, why don’t you go sit together…”

Bai Jingchuan took a deep breath, suppressing the urge to retort to the dice. After reading countless romance stories over three years, finding the Snow White one took a long time—circumstances forced him to skim rapidly. Once the crisis passed, his photographic memory retained vivid scenes of blushing, heart-pounding passion… He remembered her preferences, kinks, and favorite positions. Her preferred kissing styles were repeatedly described, and the sounds of caresses meticulously portrayed. Recalling them still made his cheeks flush. Standing farther away was better—he was relieved Jiang Huan couldn’t hear his racing heartbeat.

“Bai Jingchuan, if you don’t come sit over here, I’ll think you’re standing here as punishment.”

The dice chimed in teasingly: “Exactly, Li Bode. How can standing improve affection?”

Pretending to grab empty air, he actually chased the dice away: “What comes next might not be suitable for minors. You should leave.”

「You have temporarily severed communication with Eros.」

This was the first time he’d used this function.

From Jiang Huan’s perspective, Bai Jingchuan heroically driving away the burly intruder seemed like a minor incident. But knowing him longer, she could tell when he lied—his speech sped up unconsciously, and he avoided eye contact. Like now, leaning against the window staring at the scenery, his gaze lingered a few seconds too long… Was it because her skirt was too short? Was he afraid of being caught with impure thoughts?

Hadn’t they hugged before?

When they embraced, he was the one who misbehaved.

Despite his clinginess, he wanted to press his whole body against hers…

The light stretched his shadow halfway, split by a step, half in the light as an upright man, half in the shadow hiding ulterior motives.

Thinking of this, she turned off the lights: “I’m going to sleep. Are you leaving, or staying to keep me company?”

“Can I stay?”

Polite to the extreme, straightforward and pure, he sat beside her, opening his arms, waiting for Jiang Huan to lean in. Sensing his abnormality, Jiang Huan’s playful teasing gradually calmed down. Bai Jingchuan slowly spoke: “Could you avoid going to the City of Mists recently? Promise me. If a door opens in your dreams, don’t go alone. I might not always be able to accompany you.”

“Are you afraid it’s too attractive to me? Well, aside from the terrible food, it’s quite an interesting amusement park.”

“Let me ask you something. If your mother appeared in the City of Mists, would you go there to live for her?”

Jiang Huan fell silent for a long time: “No. I know she’s not real. Even if electronic data could replicate many aspects of her personality, as long as it’s the City of Mists, every scene reminds me that she’s gone.”

“So virtual data can’t replicate genuine emotions.”

“Not entirely. My love for her hasn’t changed. But after kissing her icy cheek, crushing her bones into ashes myself, pouring them into a box, and signing dozens of inheritance renunciation forms, it’s hard to believe she could be reborn. You’re fundamentally different. Project 2028 is remarkable, but it doesn’t mean my sorrow can be saved.”

“You’re reminding me that no matter how hard virtual data tries, its efforts are futile.”

“Some people will find solace, even a little companionship can ease loneliness.” Jiang Huan seemed to think of something: “Maybe it’s my fault. I might have caused trouble for others more than once.”

“Who taught you to think like that? Swallow it and never say it again.”

「Jiang Huan’s affection for you +1000.」

If only hugs could convey all the love, and kisses could express all the thoughts. A slightly shy Jiang Huan turned her head away in the dark, deliberately joking: “I’m really curious. If I call your name, will you instantly vanish into ashes? The system’s bugs are so glaring—it’s amazing they managed to create the City of Mists.”

“Don’t speak. Let me look at you.”

Of course, she couldn’t let him stare directly—last time, it felt like his gaze would burn her. He wasn’t unfamiliar with the terror of old houses catching fire. But Bai Jingchuan cupped her chin, kissed her for a long time, then stroked her hair, his voice hoarse: “Good girl.”

If reason could be instantaneously ignited, Bai Jingchuan knew exactly how to find the fuse. She covered her eyes with her hand, trying to push him away, unwilling to show her vulnerability from liking him. He persistently asked, “Why? Why are you avoiding me? Let me hold you, touch you, okay?”

After saying that, he turned on the bedside lamp. Jiang Huan panicked and tried to stop him, but he gently pried open her fingers one by one until their hands intertwined. His lips delicately brushed against her cheeks and brow bones, as if outlining her features with his mouth: “You’re so cute. What are you afraid of?”

“I don’t look good like this…”

“No, I’ve seen you many times. You’re beautiful. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

His fingers traced her collarbone and arms, originally smoothing her hair, but the sensation felt like igniting an unnamed fire. He leaned closer, his eyelashes fluttering against her eyelids like butterfly wings. How did he know her favorite way to kiss was with eyelashes? Driven by revenge, she leaned in to bite his Adam’s apple. Bai Jingchuan didn’t dodge, his greedy hands roaming her waist and spine, trailing back to the nape of her neck. His sweet nothings continued: “I love your proactive side. Why did you stop? Don’t hide. Such a cute expression should only be seen by me…”

Jiang Huan now understood. “Good girl,” “So cute,” “So pretty”—plain and simple praise, but every word sent shivers down her spine, making her tremble and crave surrender. Beyond that, he would grow uneasy, seeking refuge-like assurance—”Don’t leave. Let me hold you, touch you, okay?”

She knew these words came from the heart. Despite small insecurities making her doubt, when he said “I love you,” was it real? She could feel his attachment and urgency in his gaze and tone again and again.

Being loved might be an unremarkable biological experience in subtle human interactions, viewed by invisible eyes as replaceable, usable, depreciating insects. But at this moment, she was a gem, amber cradled in cherished palms, gazed upon with moist eyes.

Being loved like this once was regret-free.

Leaning against the bedframe, Bai Jingchuan played with Jiang Huan’s hair ends, like a cat fond of catching another kitten’s tail. Jiang Huan turned her head: “Bai Jingchuan, you’re very good at praise kink.”

Searching via vision, Bai Jingchuan frowned: “What kind of things are you reading every day?”

Jiang Huan stuck out her tongue: “If you’ve got the guts, stop doing it!”

Bai Jingchuan tried to catch the girl’s escaping ankle but failed. He followed her to the kitchen, carefully organizing the ingredients she hadn’t arranged yet, changing the subject: “Want to go out and play? I remember you once said if you had a vacation, you’d want me to accompany you somewhere relaxed and fairy-tale-like. How does that sound?”

“Bai Jingchuan, do you dislike my home?”

「Jiang Huan’s affection for you +200.」

Misunderstood. Actually, as long as it was with her, anywhere was fine. But Bai Jingchuan thought about her pessimistic imagination of fairy tales and considered taking her somewhere to wash away those memories—even if he could do little.

Jiang Huan took the initiative to speak.

“Do you know why Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth? Because everything there is adorable, and even thrilling things aren’t too intense. It fulfills most people’s fantasies. A place that captivates must be beautiful, offering a sense of belonging. No matter what you wear, you’ll be told you look pretty. You’ll always hear cheerful, warm music, and you can become any princess.”

“But I don’t recall hearing you express interest in going.”

“I’ve never been.”

Calmly sitting on the sofa, Bai Jingchuan pretended to be surprised: “Why?”

Jiang Huan remained nonchalant: “Actually… I don’t really like it.”

“I noticed you occasionally looked sad during our last visit.” Bai Jingchuan looked at her: “Can you tell me about it?”

「Jiang Huan’s affection for you +100.」

“During the development phase of Forbidden Love Zone, business negotiations discussed a collaboration with Disney. Sigh… but the project fell through, and Disney blacklisted us.”

This long explanation was both adorable and heartbreaking: “Is that why you don’t want to go to Disneyland?”

“You don’t understand. Having our characters collaborate with Disney characters—the strongest legal department internationally—such collaborations are like limited-edition cards, luxurious.”

Bai Jingchuan reached out to brush her bangs aside. Her soft strands glided across his fingertips like birds ready to fly away.

“We’ve been there before. I can accompany you again.”

“No.”

“Seems like this incident left quite a scar.” Bai Jingchuan caught her frustration: “Are limited-edition cards really that hard to draw?”

Jiang Huan stood up, defiantly rummaging through the drawers for two decks of playing cards. She marked one card, shuffled it, and placed it face down on the table: “One hundred eight cards. Draw. Pick the one I marked just now.”