NOVPUBThe woman approached him and effortlessly took a seat on the chair opposite. She raised her hand to tousle her thick hair slightly before turning her head toward Bai Lian.
Elegant, self-assured, and captivating—especially her violet eyes, which resembled black holes brimming with allure.
“Welcome,” Bai Lian said, barely glancing at her, his tone indifferent. He then grabbed a book on class change from a nearby shelf and covered his face with it.
The woman observed his behavior, her eyebrows arching slightly:
“Shopkeeper, is this how you greet customers? You could at least offer a cup of tea.”
Bai Lian held up two fingers:
“First, you’re clearly not someone who enjoys tea. Second, you’re not here as a client.”
“Given that, I’m already treating you well by not kicking you out.”
When she first entered, he’d noticed her lingering nearby while stealing glances at him. Though subtle, Bai Lian couldn’t miss it. She was undoubtedly targeting him.
The woman paused, momentarily surprised, but soon softened into a smile. She elegantly crossed her long legs over the chair and said earnestly:
“I came to discuss business with you.”
“We’re strangers. There’s nothing to discuss,” Bai Lian waved dismissively, showing no interest.
She seemed to expect this. Narrowing her eyes playfully, she replied:
“Don’t be so quick to refuse, New King Bai Lian. Why not hear me out first?”
Bai Lian lowered the book, meeting her gaze impassively:
“You have one minute. Don’t waste my time.”
“Ah, you’re exactly as they say,” she murmured, lips curving. “But that suits your reputation.”
She extended her hand:
“Let me introduce myself. I’m Li Xin, captain of a squad in the professional organization Nullification.”
Bai Lian shook her hand, noting its soft smoothness before she withdrew it.
Li Xin smiled coyly:
“You killed a member of the Professionals’ Association in your last dungeon, correct?”
“How do you know that?” Bai Lian raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise.
On the Train of the Century, he’d indeed slain a player claiming ties to the Professionals’ Association. But only a few hours had passed since that dungeon’s completion. Had word spread so quickly?
This woman was a stranger—not a fellow player. That left one explanation.
“Powerful organizations have ways to track their members. The Professionals’ Association, being one of the most influential player groups, naturally has such methods,” Li Xin explained.
“The moment you killed their member, every top-tier organization—including us at Nullification—learned of it.”
“So you sought me out just to share this news?” Bai Lian smirked lazily. “Well, thanks. I’ll treat you to dinner sometime.”
“Oh, there’s more!” Li Xin wagged a finger, then leaned forward, her gaze smoldering. “I’m here to help. How about joining Nullification?”
Bai Lian sat upright, slipping a hand into his pocket. He briefly touched the folded note from Yu Wen before withdrawing it.
“What’s in it for me?”
Li Xin blinked, unprepared for the bluntness. “What’s… in it?”
“Of course. Why else would I join? Got any S-rank items? Tens of thousands of Rule Points monthly? Those perks must be standard, right?”
S-rank items? Tens of thousands of Rule Points? Li Xin nearly cursed aloud. Even as a squad captain, she didn’t get such privileges—let alone the higher-ups!
Reading her stifled irritation, Bai Lian pressed innocently: “Don’t tell me you don’t have those?”
Li Xin twitched, then her gaze sharpened with renewed interest. “Well… we lack those, but we have me. Join Nullification, and I’ll date you. How’s that?”
Bai Lian stared blankly before shaking his head.
“Why not?” Li Xin frowned. Was she not attractive enough? Rumors painted him as reserved, but surely…
“If I only wanted your body, your sole value is your shell. Whether you’re in Nullification or not becomes irrelevant.”
He met her eyes calmly. “Truthfully, even that shell holds no interest for me.”
“No interest?” Li Xin’s lips thinned, eyebrows climbing. After a long silence, she exhaled and stood. “Fine. I’d planned to invite you to our headquarters—introduce you to prettier sisters—but if you’re unwilling…”
Whoosh!
Bai Lian sprang up, grinning. “That sounds perfect! While I’ve no interest in your group, visiting others’ bases is… enlightening.”
“Where’s your HQ? Let’s go now.”
Li Xin sighed inwardly. So he’s all talk and no action? Still, getting him to the base was a start. She’d ensure Nullification secured him before rival organizations could.
“West Street. Follow me.”
…
The Conscience Store’s sign swung shut behind them. Li Xin eyed it curiously: “Your shop offers loans? How?”
“I lend Rule Points. Simple,” Bai Lian replied flatly.
“Just like that?” Li Xin eyed him skeptically. “No contracts? Interest rates?”
“No contracts. A mere 0.1% interest. Didn’t you read the sign? It’s all about conscience and honesty.” He pointed at the placard.
Li Xin studied his earnest face, instinctively certain trusting him would leave her bankrupt.
They crossed the street, arriving at Nullification’s headquarters. Bai Lian whistled at its scale.
The rich always have it better. I should expand my own place—this spot’s ideal!
Striking a contemplative pose with Facai mimicking him on his shoulder, Bai Lian scrutinized the base.
