On Wednesday afternoon, He Yuan and Big White Goose were chatting on the deserted island paradise as usual.
No one was slacking off too much, so when night fell on the island, they lit a bonfire and sat on the sand by the sea. The sound of the waves and the sea breeze in their headphones was especially relaxing.
Ye Miao wasn’t in class, but Xixizi, who loved skipping the most, was actually there. He had spent money to buy his character a set of blue plaid pajamas and was now sitting next to He Yuan, strumming a ukulele randomly.
“It’s such a scam to trade with NPCs,” Huahua Kindergarten complained. “A bag of copper ore for a tiny glass cup? I vomited out my soul mining all day for that.”
“Speaking of which, Wall’s thousand green tiles also got sold.”
He Yuan picked up a 98k and chuckled, but he didn’t respond. He was reading a book offline, wearing his headphones, occasionally tuning in to their conversation.
“That thing’s worth a lot,” he finally said, still holding the 98k. “I’ll sell it to you for 100,000 gold coins. Who even sells things like this?”
“Brother, I’m worth a lot too,” Xixizi paused before saying, “I’m worth 100,000 gold coins now.”
Everyone burst into laughter, and even He Yuan couldn’t help but smile.
“I can’t sell it,” He Yuan said.
“Then don’t sell it. I got it back from you, so I’m yours now,” the boy bumped against the burly man and added, “I’ll do whatever you want.”
“Go study,” He Yuan replied, not even sure if the other had received the exercise book he bought.
He had placed the order last weekend—it should have arrived by now.
“By the way, isn’t the V Station anniversary coming up?” Big White Goose suddenly remembered. “Are we meeting up this year?”
“We talk about meeting up every day, but last year I was the only one who actually went,” Pick Up a 98k said.
V Station held offline events every year before its anniversary, inviting well-known UP masters and streamers.
Except for Xixizi, everyone in their group was well-known and would definitely be on the invitation list this year.
The event was held in He Yuan’s city every year, but he hadn’t attended last time—mostly because he didn’t want to show up at such a big event.
“Are you guys going?” Xixizi asked.
In reality, everyone knew he was mainly asking whether Wall would be there.
“Your bro might not go,” Big White Goose answered. “We’ve known each other for two years, and I haven’t even seen his photo. He’s way too mysterious.”
He Yuan turned a page in his book, thought about it for a second, then said casually, “I’ll go.”
He still wasn’t too keen on showing up this year, but there were things he had to handle in person.
The group was shocked into silence for a few seconds.
“Then it’s settled,” Pick Up a 98k concluded. “This year, everyone’s going.”
He Yuan only played for half the afternoon before heading to the playground to run at four.
Jogging in this season didn’t make sweating easy. By the time he stopped, the sky had darkened, and his phone vibrated with a WeChat message from Xiao An.
Xiao An: Are you at school?
Xiao An: I’ll return your sketchbook and pen.
He Yuan replied, telling him to wait at the main entrance in fifteen minutes.
The other responded with an OK.
He slipped his phone back into his pocket and strolled towards the main gate. When he arrived, a black car was parked outside—one that looked just like the one Xiao An had driven when he was drunk the other night.
Standing under a tree, He Yuan watched as Xiao An stepped out of the car, holding a bag.
His face was oddly flushed, but his steps were steady. He didn’t seem drunk at all.
As he got closer, He Yuan noticed something—Xiao An had gotten his ear pierced. His left earlobe was red, looking like it was about to bleed, and a silver earring dangled from it.
“Sorry, I was gonna return this to you this morning, but my friend called me out,” Xiao An said, handing over the bag.
He Yuan took it and felt its weight—it was heavier than expected. Peeking inside, he found not just his stuff but also an extra box of 3D printing pens and dozens of rolls of consumables.
“I saw these outside this afternoon and thought you’d like them,” Xiao An explained. “Not sure if you have a preferred brand, though.”
He Yuan wasn’t used to receiving gifts like this, but he still said, “Thanks.”
He figured he’d return the favor later—maybe a small gift, or even letting Xiao An take a few free shots when they played basketball.
“Your ear’s still bleeding,” He Yuan pointed out.
The edge of the earring was still oozing blood—it looked painful.
“Ah,” Xiao An hesitated, not daring to touch it. He forced a smile. “My friend did this. He’s very skilled and very brave.”
He Yuan thought, If you dare to do it, the one getting hit has to be just as brave.
“Why only one side?” He couldn’t help but ask.
The other looked a little embarrassed before finally raising his eyebrows. “It’s cooler to wear just one.”
He probably thought the eyebrow raise made him look handsome, but with his flushed face, it really didn’t.
He Yuan found it amusing.
They exchanged a few more words before saying goodbye. This time, Xiao An didn’t throw in a casual “Let’s play basketball next time” and instead hurried back to his friend’s car.
—
The next morning, Xiao An—now sporting dark circles—once again quietly placed a packaged express parcel in the corner of his apartment lobby.
He hadn’t slept all night because of the earache, so he had simply stayed up making jam for the collaboration video.
After all, it was something that was going to be painted on the wall. He tasted it carefully and felt pretty good about it.
The security guard on duty today was the same one from last time. Xiao An looked over and saw him making a “got it” gesture. Xiao An nodded in satisfaction and yawned as he left.
At this early hour, not many people were coming in and out of the apartment building. Xiao An had been walking for less than ten minutes when one of the elevators descended to the first floor.
He Xin stepped out, carrying a bag over her shoulder, dressed in a sharp, business-like suit with delicate, elegant makeup.
The security guard’s attention was immediately drawn to her.
She clicked forward in high heels, waited half a minute for her driver, but when he didn’t show, she turned back into the building—it was too hot outside to keep standing around.
Today, she had to negotiate a big deal. There was no room for delays. Pacing back and forth in the lobby, she walked past the pile of express deliveries when something caught her eye.
A package had been carefully placed by the floor-to-ceiling glass window, tucked safely away to prevent it from being knocked over—just like the one He Yuan had received a few days ago.
He Xin bent down to take a look. Sure enough, “Wall” was written in the recipient’s spot. She picked it up.
This one was noticeably heavier than the last. The sender? Still “An An.” And the mailing address? A middle school in the city.
Her younger brother was actually hooking up with a high school student?! The melon was too juicy—He Xin’s gossip radar was on high alert.
And just then, she noticed the security guard glancing at her with a hesitant expression.
“Something on your mind?” He Xin asked, raising a brow as she walked over, package in hand.
“That package…” The security guard smiled awkwardly. “It was dropped off by a boy from the 19th floor.”
“A boy?” He Xin pressed.
“Yeah, pretty good-looking. About 1.8 meters tall, dyed hair, looks like he’s in college.” The security guard did his best to describe him.
He Xin immediately put two and two together.
It was the same kid she had seen a few days ago.
The same day she had helped He Yuan collect a package.
“He told me not to tell anyone he left it here,” the security guard added, scratching his head before offering a kind suggestion. “Is he secretly pursuing you?”
He Xin paused, deep in thought. Then, slowly, a smile spread across her face.
The security guard was slightly startled.
“No,” He Xin laughed, eyes gleaming with amusement.
It was obvious—he was pursuing her stupid brother!
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