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墨書 Inktalez
How long had it been since she last saw Qin Yaojie?
Initially, it was a separation of two months, and then she entered the game at the end of July. Now, in December, it had been seven months since she and Qin Yaojie had seen each other.
Seven months—it was hard for Xu Nuan to believe. This was the longest time she had ever been apart from Qin Yaojie, long enough that she felt as if she could hardly remember him.
She had a premonition that she could obtain information about Qin Yaojie from this person named Zhang Xiao.
But how could she ask? She hesitated to speak up.
After learning that Zhang Xiao was one of the First Batch of Players, Xu Nuan instinctively took a few steps back, her eyes filled with deep conflict and apprehension.
Gu Ze glanced at Xu Nuan without making it obvious, frowning slightly but saying nothing.
Zhang Xiao had indeed helped them greatly. Xu Hang, as the team leader, stepped forward to express his gratitude and introduce himself properly.
“Thank you very much for your help. I am Xu Hang from the Third Batch of Players and also the captain of our six-member team.”
“Pleasure to meet you.”
Zhang Xiao maintained a subtle smile, nodding slightly before shifting his gaze to Gu Ze, who was watching Xu Nuan.
“Ahem.”
Xu Hang cleared his throat a few times before Gu Ze turned his head to glance at Zhang Xiao, appearing indifferent.
“Gu Ze, Third Batch of Players, vice-captain.”
His face bore no trace of a smile, and the pressure he emanated swept over the others once more, causing Xu Hang and Deng Yinyin to exchange glances but failing to draw Xu Nuan's attention again.
Deng Yinyin, Tang Jingshu, and Xie Huai were engaged in a rather bland self-introduction, all thanks to Guo Dafu. Although they were curious, they no longer dared to initiate a conversation. After all, experience taught them to be cautious, and there was also the saying that one could know a person’s face but not their heart.
Zhang Xiao seemed unfazed by the lukewarm reactions from the group. Instead, he turned his attention to Xu Nuan, who had remained silent during the introductions, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
“You must be Xu Nuan,” he said.
The Third Batch of Players were aware that Xu Nuan's ex-boyfriend was part of the First Batch of Players, so they didn’t react much to Zhang Xiao’s statement. Observing Xu Nuan's expression, which hinted at lingering feelings for her ex, it was likely that he too couldn’t forget her, prompting him to mention her to his companions.
However, Xu Nuan did not share this perspective. Regardless of whether Qin Yaojie liked her after their breakup or not, she didn’t want outsiders discussing her past relationship unless Zhang Xiao was someone he approved of.
With this thought in mind, Xu Nuan looked at Zhang Xiao with a more complex expression. She nodded slightly and replied, “I am Xu Nuan from the Second Batch of Players. Thank you for what you did earlier.”
After speaking, Xu Nuan fell silent, which caused Zhang Xiao to raise an eyebrow in curiosity from a distance.
Gu Ze quietly observed the interactions between the two, taking in every nuance of their expressions and movements.
To everyone’s surprise, Zhang Xiao suddenly spoke up. “I’m going through this alone. May I have the honor of joining your team?”
Gu Ze’s gaze sharpened momentarily but didn’t linger on it.
Since Xu Hang had been chosen as the team leader, it was essential to trust his judgment and decision-making abilities; otherwise, it would only disrupt the harmony within the group.
This was also why Gu Ze was willing to accept Xu Nuan into their team after the conflict she had with a few others previously. A team that already had established rules would not casually slander or abandon its members, alleviating his concerns about anyone being wronged.
Xu Hang thought for a few seconds before fixing his gaze on Zhang Xiao, his expression serious.
"I have a few questions to ask you before you join our team."
"Of course, please go ahead."
Unlike Zhang Xiao's cool demeanor, he spoke very politely.
Xu Hang was pleased with this and softened his tone slightly.
"My first question is, why are you acting alone? You were originally part of a team, right?"
Zhang Xiao chuckled lightly, elegantly scratching his chin with his right index finger as he replied.
"I was originally in the team with Qin Yaojie. However, during the last challenge, I stumbled into a hidden mission called Survival Game. By the time I emerged, I had already missed the time we agreed upon, so I continued on my own. Of course, when I catch up to them, I will rejoin their team."
Upon hearing that familiar name, Xu Nuan's eyelids twitched slightly. She suppressed the urge to look at Zhang Xiao and refrained from interrupting Xu Hang's questioning.
Beside her, Gu Ze clenched and then relaxed his fists repeatedly.
Noticing this, Tang Jingshu deliberately blocked Deng Yinyin's gaze towards Gu Ze, her brows furrowing as she cleared her throat several times.
"I see," Xu Hang nodded and asked again, "You seem quite familiar with this challenge, but why haven't you cleared it yet?"
As the team leader, Xu Hang had to consider everything thoroughly. Guo Dafu was a lesson that could not be ignored, and obtaining better clues for clearing challenges was certainly beneficial.
Zhang Xiao lowered his hand and quickly glanced past Xu Nuan before looking back at Xu Hang.
"To be honest, I can't clear this challenge. How should I explain it?" Zhang Xiao paused for a moment. "There’s a Python blocking the way near the Special Tree. I simply can't handle that massive Python on my own. That's why I've been wandering in this challenge, hoping to encounter other players to clear it together."
Zhang Xiao spoke slowly, exuding a refined demeanor, but unlike Xie Huai's delicate and frail appearance, Zhang Xiao gave off an impression of someone formidable who should not be underestimated.
"You know where the Special Tree is," Xu Hang raised an eyebrow, feeling increasingly satisfied. "Having you join us is an honor for our team."
This sentiment echoed in the hearts of everyone except Gu Ze. With a guide, they no longer had to wander aimlessly but could quickly find the Supply Station. Thinking this way, they all felt that encountering the Slimwaist Cat and Vampire Bat was a blessing in disguise.
With another man joining them, setting up two tents would be a matter of moments.
Deng Yinyin, who had already started to yawn, supported Tang Jingshu and was the first to step into one of the tents. Meanwhile, Xie Huai and Xu Hang entered another tent, leaving Xu Nuan, Gu Ze, and Zhang Xiao outside, exchanging glances.
No matter how conflicted they felt, the desire to learn more about that person remained unchanged. Despite the difficulty in voicing her thoughts, Xu Nuan took a step forward, wanting to speak.
Noticing that Xu Nuan's attention was entirely on Zhang Xiao—or rather, on a man named Qin Yaojie—Gu Ze felt a sense of helplessness. He initially thought it would be enough to observe from a distance. But when even that became impossible, he began to feel discontented and sought ways to keep him in the team. He enjoyed their daily banter and sparring sessions, yet gradually found himself wanting more.
Regardless of his satisfaction or dissatisfaction, the initiative was not in his hands. Whether it was boiling frogs in warm water or employing schemes to sow discord, the effects were barely noticeable.
Why was that door and that heart so difficult to approach?
"Get some rest; I'll head in first."
He still had opportunities in this long game with an uncertain future.
"Okay, you should rest early."
Xu Nuan replied reflexively to Gu Ze's words without noticing his somewhat unpleasant expression, her gaze fixed intently on Zhang Xiao.
When only Xu Nuan and Zhang Xiao remained outside the tent, Zhang Xiao finally spoke and gestured invitingly.
"I think you might have many questions for me. However, to avoid disturbing others' rest, let's go over there to talk."
Xu Nuan naturally agreed and followed Zhang Xiao to a tree, where they both came to a stop. After a moment, Zhang Xiao withdrew his gaze from a distant point and turned to Xu Nuan.
"Feel free to ask anything; I will answer honestly."
Xu Nuan unconsciously tugged at the hem of her shirt, gathering her thoughts for a long time before speaking.
"Did Qin Yaojie mention me to you?"
"Of course," Zhang Xiao suddenly broke into a warm smile. "He and I are good friends and companions. He has never forgotten you and has been talking about wanting to reconcile with you after clearing the game. I just didn't expect you to have such deep feelings for him that you came into the game."
"Has he really not forgotten me?"
Xu Nuan tilted her face slightly upward, her eyes shimmering as if reflecting the cool light of the moon.
"Does he really intend to reconcile with me?"
"You don't need to doubt that," Zhang Xiao said, now resembling a gentle older brother, the previous coolness completely gone. "Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to call your name as soon as I saw you or know about your relationship with Yaojie. You know him well; he wouldn't act this way toward someone he doesn't recognize."
Hearing this, Xu Nuan's expression brightened considerably, and she asked again.
"How is he doing now? Is he eating well? Is he getting hurt often? Does he get along with everyone?"
The thought of Qin Yaojie in distress from her dreams made her heart ache.
"You're asking so many questions at once; where should I start?"
Zhang Xiao chuckled lightly, causing Xu Nuan to blush.
"Well, he's doing quite well. His leadership skills are strong, and he adapts easily. Everyone is recommending him to be the team leader, and he hasn't let anyone down. He isn't picky about food, so he eats well. After long journeys, he sleeps soundly at night."
Zhang Xiao slightly raised her head, stroking her chin with one hand, seemingly in doubt.
"As for getting hurt, it's quite normal to have a few bumps and bruises in this game. However, he hasn't suffered any serious injuries like fractures. At the rate he's progressing, I believe he'll clear the level soon."
Xu Nuan smiled lightly, feeling relieved. "If he clears it that quickly, I'll never catch up. My abilities are nowhere near his."
"That's far from the truth," Zhang Xiao disagreed with a serious expression. "You and the Third Batch of Players have done remarkably well to reach this point so quickly. Considering how long I've been stuck on this level, you and Yaojie are only about five levels apart at most. If he encounters a tougher Survival Game, you might only be two or three levels apart. You could meet again in just a week."
Although Xu Nuan knew Zhang Xiao was trying to comfort her, she couldn't help but fantasize about meeting Qin Yaojie in a week.
"Are there any other questions?" Zhang Xiao asked gently. "It's getting late; you should get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll take you to find the Special Tree."
Xu Nuan hesitated for a moment, swallowing her question about why Qin Yaojie entered the game. Zhao Xi's explanation contained some truth, which meant that Zhang Xiao's answer would only be half true as well. The other half was something only Qin Yaojie himself knew.
She decided she would ask Qin Yaojie directly.
"Nothing else, then. Go get some rest; Gu Ze and the others are easy to get along with."
"Really?" Zhang Xiao replied ambiguously. "Then it’s truly my honor."
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