Chapter 165: How Odd
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
It was eight in the morning when Li Yi and Chen Yang met up. They took the rapid maglev train to the capital to join the gathering that Little Elf from the Magical Realm had organized.
Pretty Good Mood and Little Elf from the Magical Realm discussed for days yet there was still a surge of newbies joining up to the last minute. If it were not for Little Elf from the Magical Realm deciding to finalize the day today, the planning could have gone on for days or even months!
“I’m nervous, I’m nervous, I’m nervous, Brother Yi, aren’t you?” Chen Yang made a drastic change from his usual wardrobe and wore a black suit. He even wore wide sungla.s.ses over his round face. He really resembled a mafia goon.
Li Yi covered his face with his hand, “I wasn’t until I saw you like this.”
They both boarded the maglev train in laughter.
“Brother Yi, how many do you think are joining in this time?”
Li Yi shook his head. “It’s hard to say.”
“Hehe.” Chen Yang grabbed his chin and suddenly burst into chuckles.
Li Yi hit a nail on Chen Yang’s thoughts, “You don’t really care how many are going. The point is how many girls are attending, right?”
Chen Yang gave Li Yi a big thumbs up, “My parents may have birthed me, but Brother Yi, you know me best.”
Li Yi smiled and took out his mobile phone, calling Jiaojiao.
“Who…” The line connected and Jiaojiao’s lazy voice was heard.
“It’s time to get up and wee wee.”
“Go to h.e.l.l!” snapped Jiaojiao.
Li Yi chuckled, “The gathering’s today, you coming?”
“I don’t have the time, you guys go ahead…” Jiaojiao hung up.
Li Yi felt helpless. It seemed their relations.h.i.+p was not quite where he wanted yet. He recalled that in his past life when he mentioned that he wanted to have his birthday abroad, she ditched her work and accompanied him to fool around for a whole three days.
The TV display at the front of the maglev train was broadcasting Xu Man, a major celebrity’s latest song. Li Yi inadvertently caught a glimpse at the concert date and was stunned.
Li Yi was in shock. “Don’t tell me…”
“What’s up, Brother Yi?”
“Was the date we took down Fire Devil Dungeon, August, the 7th?”
Chen Yang nodded, “Yeah.”
“That’s not right.” Li Yi frowned as he looked at the concert date of Xu Man’s song debut. It was also showing August, the 7th.
Could Lil Man be Xu Man?
Li Yi was a little muddled. Ever since he found out one of his friends was a major celebrity, Xu Man, he had been noting suspects. His top guess was Platinum Hand’s leader, Lil Man.
But this was odd. Lil Man was with the party to clear the dungeon on August, the 7th. If she was Xu Man, then who was the Xu Man in the concert?
The party was created at three in the afternoon of August, the 7th and Xu Man’s concert also began at the same time.
Li Yi was confused…
Chen Yang took a look at the display and recognized her. “This girl is called Xu Man. She is different from those regular singers.
Li Yi was thunderstruck. “You know her? Tell me, what’s different about her?”
“She is from the army, called something something Wengong Organization. Her father is the leader. Her grandfather is some big shot general or some sort. Anyway, it’s that kind of freaking’ awesome super huge official. She has quite the background.”
“For real?” Chen Yang’s words startled Li Yi. Even with his eight-year memory, he still had no clue on Xu Man’s background.
“It’s true. I have a little brother who was her neighbor. They were all living in some military compound. How freakin’ awesome. Her father drove a tank and her grandfather navigated a fighter plane…”
Chen Yang was not cultured, so for him to explain something at length was no easy task.
“…” Listening to this, Li Yi was lost for words.
Driving a tank and fighter plane did not sound realistic. But a military compound was believable.
Li Yi was lost in his thoughts when Chen Yang pointed out, “Oh yeah, I just noticed. This girl’s lip-syncing. I knew it, this sort of beautiful girl with such a background must not know how to sing.”
Li Yi lifted his head for a good look. Fatty was right. Although Xu Man on the screen had placed the mike near to her mouth, it could be seen her lips were not matching the lyrics.
It was certainly lip-syncing…
Chen Yang snorted, “Wow, organizing a concert with lip-syncing. Only she could pull it off. If it were someone else, the fans would already have raged.”
“Lip-syncing…” Li Yi narrowed his eyes and stared intently at Xu Man on the screen for a fair amount of time. He came to the conclusion that the person on the screen was indeed her.
The maglev train departed the station as Li Yi’s thoughts turned from the celebrity Xu Man to something else.
Whether or not Lil Man was Xu Man, he should know by today, right? Lil Man too signed up to partic.i.p.ate in this gathering.
Little Elf from the Magical Realm’s hospitality was first-cla.s.s. Li Yi and Chen Yang had just stepped off the maglev train when they saw over a hundred people raising signboards and welcoming them.
Dark Wing, Tall and Mighty, Sometimes It Gets Sad, One Big Bun… The signboards were a magnificent sight.
Needless to say, this must be one of Little Elf from the Magical Realm’s arrangements.
“Friends of Director Yang, this way, please.”
Once Li Yi and Chen Yang’s ident.i.ty was confirmed, a tough-looking young man led them into a luxurious convoy of cars.
As Li Yi was the deputy Guild Master, he received a more VIP treatment compared to regular guild members.
The limousine started its engines and headed towards the venue, the most famous five-star hotel in the capital, Century Aristocracy.
“Is your Director Yang, your boss?”
Chen Yang’s words made the chauffeur choke with laughter.
Li Yi covered his face again. It could not be helped. He had already prepared to be made a fool of on this trip with Chen Yang.
Chen Yang sensed the peculiarity of his question. He thought about it before rephrasing, “Is your company big? Private or state-owned?”
The chauffeur held back his laughter, “We’re not state-owned. We have over 5,000 employees, do you think it’s big?”
“I guess so.” Chen Yang curled his lips. Although he was not familiar with this, Little Drunk Cat has close to ten thousand members who were under his command. Chen Yang compared the two, not taking into account the difference between online and reality.
“Our company is known internationally, with an annual gross of tens of billions. This is all because of Director Yang, ever since…”
“Cough cough…” Hearing the chauffeur prattle on. The youngster bodyguard who was sitting in the front coughed, cutting him off.
“What’s the name of Director Yang?” Asked Li Yi.
The chauffeur stole a glance at the bodyguard but did not dare to reply. The bodyguard was all smiles. “Yang Rong.”
Li Yi exclaimed in acknowledgment and did not continue the conversation.
He was an otaku in his past life, being an expert in anything related to games but he has never known any major companies in reality so this was out of his league.
“So you’re Guild Master Dark Wing in that game that Rong Rong’s playing? I am Rong Rong’s bodyguard, Yan Li.”
The bodyguard, Yan Li extended his arm towards Li Yi.
“h.e.l.lo.” Li Yi stretched out his hand in a friendly response.
“Rong Rong has always mentioned that you’re really good in the game but I don’t get it. What’s so great about a game?” Yan Li was all smiles but the hand holding Li Yi’s was crus.h.i.+ng.
Li Yi’s face immediately darkened a shade.
He was out to make him look bad, of course, he was not going to let it be. As Yan Li mustered his strength, so did he. Their joints were popping as their hands tightly gripped onto one another.
Chen Yang satby and watched earnestly, shaking his head. He turned his head to the vehicle’s windows to admire the sights.
In the beginning, Yan Li’s face was all smiles. It was not long before the smile on his face faded and his muscles were twitching. Sweat drenched his forehead.
Li Yi was quite the opposite. He was smirking as if he felt no pain, but he was still going at it.
Yan Li took a deep breath and suppressed his urge to scream out loud. He said to Li Yi, “Guild Master Dark Wing, could you… loosen your grip?”
“Oh.” Li Yi ruthlessly tightened his grip. Watching as Yan Li grimaced in pain, he was filled with glee and finally unlatched his hand.
Even with Li Yi on the game daily, he did not miss out on training. The force of his grip was immense to begin with, what more if he went all out? If another party dared to play dirty, he would definitely return the favor with full force. Chen Yang once boasted about the strength of his grip but after playing once with Li Yi, he was left to the point of wailing to his mum and dad about the crus.h.i.+ng grip of Li Yi. He dared not even play with him anymore.
“Guild Master Dark Wing once trained?” Yan Li rubbed his hand and forced a smile.
“I’m preoccupied with playing games every day, no time for that.” Witnessing the character of the person before him, Li Yi did not wish to be acquainted with him any further.
“Diligence in w.a.n.king, if you w.a.n.k, you’ll be strong too,” Chen Yang cut in.
“Haha, no wonder then. What strength!” Yan Li gave a hollow laugh.
Then Yan Li’s mobile phone rang. He answered it and his face instantly lit up. “Director Yang, is there anything I can help you with?”
“Oh oh, they’re on the way. We’ll reach the place in around ten minutes.”
From the way the conversation went, Li Yi could tell who called.
“Oh, right, you still don’t know why Rong Rong is treating them, right?” After the call with Yang Rong, Yan Li bubbled over with excitement.
“Isn’t it to celebrate the clearance of a dungeon?” Chen Yang was curious.
Yan Li smiled. “Mainly it’s because of that but not entirely.”
Li Yi asked, “What then?”
“Today’s the birthday of Director Yang’s daughter,” the chauffeur suddenly b.u.t.ted in.
“Old w.a.n.g, focus on your driving!” Yan Li glared at the chauffeur.
“Daughter’s birthday?” Li Yi was stunned. His gaze wandered off out the vehicle. After a while, he shouted, “Stop the car!”
“What’s going on?” The chauffeur stopped the car.
Li Yi took large strides down the car and bought two cashmere toys by the streets. He tossed one to Chen Yang once he got back into the car.
“What’s this?”
“A gift for a little girl.”
Chen Yang held the cashmere toy up for a look before tossing it back, “You can give it, I’m not gonna do it.”
“How silly.” Li Yi glanced at Fatty in contempt. He held both cashmere toys in an embrace and closed his eyes to calm down.
The convoy steadily advanced forward and after five minutes, they arrived at their destination, the five-star hotel, Century Aristocracy.
Little Elf from the Magical Realm was dressed in a dull blue professional attire, and she guided a cute little girl dressed like a little princess to stand at the entrance, awaiting their arrival.
“Guild Master’s here!” It was unknown who yelled that out and the guild members who had already arrived immediately swamped out, following Little Elf from the Magical Realm from behind, welcoming him.
Little Elf from the Magical Realm’s appearance was similar to in the game. An absolutely rare beauty.
“Momo, come here for a hug,” Yan Li beamed with joy as he walked toward the little girl. He never expected this little girl to turn her face away. She did not allow him to even touch her.
“Momo, Momo…” Yan Li called out a few times but the little girl ignored him. He awkwardly smiled before he retreated in dejection.
“Who would have thought our Guild Master is such a hottie.” Little Elf from the Magical Realm’s words stirred a roar of laughter. The atmosphere became considerably relaxed.
“I long knew that Director Yang was a beauty. I was right.”
Li Yi laughed out loud, taking out the two cashmere toys to the little girl. He offered them to her, “Your name’s Momo, right? This is for you, happy birthday.”
Yan Li who was standing beside coldly snorted, grumbling within, ‘Momo’s cheapest toy is at least tens of thousand bucks, how can she take fancy to this street trash?’
What Yan Li did not expect, happened. Momo saw the cashmere toy and her eyes beamed with delight. She held each with one arm and gave him a kiss, “Thank you, uncle.”
“Director Yang, today’s your daughter’s birthday. Why didn’t you say so? I had to get them at the last moment. I really didn’t have time to prepare.”
“It doesn’t matter whether I mentioned it or not on such small matter. Look, my daughter’s loving them,” Little Elf from the Magical Realm looked at Momo in pleasant surprise. It has been a long time since she saw Lil Momo this happy from receiving a toy.
Little Elf from the Magical Realm pinched her little nose lovingly. “Tell mummy, what’s this toy called? I’ll buy you a whole truck full of them the next time.”
“It’s called Gra.s.s Mud Horse 1 .”
Lil Momo’s sweet little voice brought about a total silence in the room.
…
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COMMENT FIRSTRate this chapterVote with Power StoneSend GiftsChapter 166: Gathering in Session
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
“I have told you long ago to buy me a Gra.s.s Mud Horse toy, but humph, you ignored me.”
Little Elf from the Magical Realm did not know what to say to that. The others did not know how to continue on the conversation either. The atmosphere was becoming awkward.
“Oh, so Lil Momo likes Gra.s.s Mud… Cough cough, I’ll buy you another next time,” Li Yi tried to mediate but it seemed to have made it more awkward.
“Brother Yi, Gra.s.s Mud Horse was a trendy divine beast ten years ago, didn’t you know about this?” Chen Yang whispered from behind.
Li Yi viciously glared at Chen Yang, “s.h.i.+thead, no wonder you didn’t want it earlier. Of course, I know about divine beasts but how would I recognize such a cute version of it…”
“This is called Alpaca and it’s extremely rare,” Pretty Good Mood walked over and explained to everybody with a smile.
Pretty Good Mood looked pretty much the same as he did in the game. In reality, his occupation was a postman. It really had nothing to do with being a commander.
Regardless, if anyone was in the know, the awkward situation finally dispersed. Little Elf from the Magical Realm clapped her hands as her face was flushed red and invited everyone to enter and sit.
Many guild members still arrived one after another but Little Elf from the Magical Realm had arranged for personnel to welcome them so Li Yi and the rest need not worry.
Thanks to the game’s virtual stimulation, the appearances of the majority of the players were similar to their in-game appearances. Of course, there were those who looked different, such as those players playing the Orc cla.s.s. Their faces that looked completely savage in-game looked fairly different from reality.
“Brother Tall, I am Sister Qin Shou.”
“Brother Tall, I am Beast Yaya…”
Everyone took turns to introduce themselves. The happiest person was not Li Yi who was surrounded but Chen Yang who was hemmed in by Orc girls.
There were quite a bit of big fat ugly girls who played as an Orc but there were also a few beauties that caused ripples in Chen Yang’s heart. He held their hands without letting go.
“So you’re sister Qin Shou. Oh gosh, I really can’t tell. The impression you left with that wolf head in the game really is too deep.
“You too, you’re dressed like some mafia goon.”
“Haha, really?”
“Yeap.”
…
Century Aristocracy was owned by Little Elf from the Magical Realm, Yang Rong. In order to entertain over three hundred guild friends, the hotel was closed for the day since the reservation was made two days earlier.
Century Aristocracy’s super huge ballroom could fit up to a thousand people. Above their heads hung dazzling chandeliers while beneath their feet, white-jaded flooring. The walls were decorated with famous paintings. It was as though they walked into a foreign palace.
A harmonious melody was playing and guild members were seated rows of twos and threes. Spit flew through the air as they were chatting excitedly about interesting events in the game.
Although they could have the same conversation in the game, it was not as fulfilling as chatting in real life. A lot of them had this sentiment in mind when they joined in this gathering.
Little Elf from the Magical Realm arranged for Li Yi to be seated at the head of the table as she still needed to welcome Platinum Head leader, Lil Man. Her daughter, Lil Momo was seated by Li Yi’s side and was watched over by a maid named Aunty Zhang.
“Uncle, are you friends with my mother? Why hadn’t I seen you before?” Lil Momo widened her eyes as she asked Li Yi.
“We’re friends in a game. Have you played the game before?”
Li Yi’s words caused Lil Momo to pout her lips. She dangled the Gra.s.s Mud Horse toy in her hand, “It’s not fun to play games. Momo likes to play with toys.”
“Then I’ll buy you more toys next time,” Li Yi did not have a good grasp of Lil Momo’s hobbies so he just went along with whatever she said.
And it was then when Yan Li entered to touch Momo but Momo dodged his hands.
Lil Momo pointed at Yan Li. “I don’t like you, don’t touch me.”
“This child, cough cough.” Yan Li walked away dejectedly.
Li Yi was gleeful at that sight. He pulled Momo over to ask, “Tell me, why don’t you like him?”
Lil Momo snorted and whispered into Li Yi’s ear, “He’s always sticking to mother, like a fly, buzz buzz buzz… How annoying.”
“Hahaha…” Li Yi was thoroughly amused.
“Oh right, where’s your dad?” Li Yi looked left and right.
Lil Momo’s spirits dimmed. “I hadn’t seen father for a long time now. Mother said that father went to a place really really really far away. He’ll only be back after a long long long time.”
“Erm…” Li Yi was stunned.
“Guild Master, I am One Big Bun, hahaha…” A fella, looking like a bun walked over, introducing himself while grinning.
“Leader, I am… Sometimes It Gets Sad.”
Another pale-faced youngster that resembled a dumpling walked over…
Introduction, and acquaintance, introduction, and acquaintance. There was a continuous stream of people that came cozying up to Li Yi. Li Yi treated them all alike and chatted with them.
“Guild… Guild Master, I-I am…”
A quiet girl in spectacles tugged and pulled her skirt as she walked up to Li Yi shyly. She timidly spoke but could not complete her sentence.
“Ah, Fire Ice, come over here to sit.” Li Yi recognized her with one look.
“Where’s Tall? Did he come?” Fire Ice sat beside Li Yi and glanced around. Her gaze was wandering all over the place. Anyone could tell she was currently on edge.
Li Yi turned and pointed. “Over there talking with some Orc girls. Need me to call him over?”
“N-no need for that, I’m not looking for him, thank you…” Fire Ice lowered her head. Her face blus.h.i.+ng red as an apple.
“These fellas, all calling themselves experts but I don’t see them any good when clearing the dungeon,” Pretty Good Mood shook his head and sat opposite Li Yi.
Li Yi chuckled. “It’s common for abilities not to match up with aspirations. Isn’t some commander here the same?”
“Cough cough, I’m the exception,” Pretty Good Mood blushed and took a sip from his gla.s.s.
The discussion in the hall got fully heated, with lively conversations going on. They laughed out loud when they got excited whereas when they were debating about their views, their faces flushed red as they raised their voices to get their points across.
Pretty Good Mood sighed, “It’s really not easy to organize such a gathering. Just the attendance list alone took up a few days. It’s more tiring than clearing dungeons.”
“If it weren’t for Little Elf from the Magical Realm, we wouldn’t be able to make this happen,” said Li Yi with a smile.
“Uh huh, that’s true.” Pretty Good Mood nodded. He was struck by a thought but looking at Li Yi, he did not have the b.a.l.l.s to bring it up.
Li Yi asked, “What’s up? Speak your mind, there’s nothing to hide between us, right?”
Pretty Good Mood was embarra.s.sed. “It’s this, two guilds are hiring me to aid in running them. I wanna ask your opinion if its a good idea.”
“Go, why not?” Li Yi did not give a second thought.
In the past life, Pretty Good Mood aided others in command before becoming famous. Why would he restrict his development in this life then? Everyone had their reasons for playing games. Pretty Good Mood had his while he had his own as well. For Pretty Good Mood to be honest about his thoughts was good enough.
“Thank you…” Pretty Good Mood felt touched. He still owed Li Yi money…
Li Yi smiled, “No need to be polite. We still have plenty of fighting days ahead of us.”
“Lil Man’s here! Platinum Hand leader Lil Man’s here! Mad Dragon, Infinite Insanity, too! So many famous people!”
It was then when there was a commotion at the door. A few of them were shouting at the top of their lungs.
Li Yi’s attention immediately turned over to them. He stood up and went to the door to welcome them.
Platinum Hand has always been mysterious. Even when both parties once cooperated, they remained a mystery all the same. Its leader, Lil Man was the most cryptic. Rumors varied about her true appearance. Some said she was a beauty while others said she was ugly. There were also those who mentioned she was inters.e.x. This guessing game went on for eight years, yet no one knew the truth.
It would soon be revealed whether or not she was a celebrity.
There was a stir within Li Yi. Although he was no groupie, if Lil Man really was Xu Man, he would be happy. A celebrity was playing the game with him. That fact meant something to him.
Little Elf from the Magical Realm led the members of Platinum Hand organization over. Li Yi took one look and was immediately disappointed.
Leader Lil Man was behind Little Elf from the Magical Realm but what left everyone speechless was that she was wearing a yellow duckbill cap and covered half her face with big sungla.s.ses. Beneath her nose was a white surgical mask. She was dressed in black, camouflaging her body completely. It was hard to tell who she was from her appearance or figure.
This little b*tch really was not letting loose. Li Yi was b.u.mmed out by Lil Man.
“h.e.l.lo, I’m Lil Man.”
As Li Yi’s face was not that different from the game, Lil Man recognized him immediately. She went forward and graciously extended her arm at Li Yi.
“h.e.l.lo,” Li Yi shook her hand in exchange. He felt even more gloomy as he realized that Lil Man was faking her voice as well.
“Guild Master Dark Wing, a pleasure to meet you. I didn’t think you’re this young. I’m Mad Dragon.” A young man with sideburns and a beard walked up and introduced himself.
“I’m Infinite Insanity.” Infinite Insanity was a bookish clean-looking young man.
“Pleasure to meet you.”
Li Yi stepped forward and exchanged handshakes with them.
“Let’s go in and chat. It’s too hot out here. Lil Man’s outfit will not withstand the sun.”
“Hahaha,” The crowd burst into laughter.
Little Elf from the Magical Realm’s words drove everyone back into the hall.
It was the afternoon and only a small portion of people had yet to arrive. Little Elf from the Magical Realm, Platinum Hand leader, Lil Man, Infinite Insanity, Mad Dragon and Li Yi sat together, talking excitedly about the interesting events in the game.
The employees of Century Aristocracy did a headcount and reported it to Little Elf from the Magical Realm. Currently, there was a total of 328 attendees, more than what the name list expected.
“The more the merrier. Welcome them as long as they present their ident.i.ties to prove they’re members of Little Drunk Cat or Platinum Hand.”
“Understood, Director Yang.” The employee in charge of attendance dismissed himself.
Less than five minutes later, the attending employee came running back and reported an unexpected happening to Little Elf from the Magical Realm. “Director Yang, Master Mo, one of the four masters of capital is here, shall I let him through?”
“Master Mo?” Little Elf from the Magical Realm was perplexed.