"Hubby dear, thank you!" After the snacks, a leisurely break naturally followed. In one corner of the garden stood a swing, making it the perfect spot for casual chatting.

"Hmm?" He Yucheng sat on another swing. Hearing Lengjiang's thanks, he smiled. "It's just pocket money. Nothing to fuss over."

Lengjiang shook her head gently. "Nope, baby isn't thanking you for the cotton candy~"

"Uh..." Misunderstandings always brought awkwardness. He Yucheng chuckled sheepishly. "Then... what are you thanking me for? What happened?"

Lengjiang gazed at the sky. "Hubby dear, you're actually the first person I've met in-game besides my sister~"

"...". He Yucheng's expression stayed calm. A player with such high status in an MMORPG feeling this lonely was unheard of in any game.

How many friends and partners surrounded top players?

But Lengjiang had none. Her only reliance had always been her sister—Xiaoye.

"Honestly, hubby dear, I was almost bored with this game. My sister kept switching games with me, but no matter what, baby found them all so dull."

"But then, hubby dear suddenly sent me a vow request. Baby was so scared~" Lengjiang's face flushed red again, but she finished speaking.

"After meeting hubby dear, the game became way more fun. Even watching you get bullied felt thrilling, like being chased..." Lengjiang swung gently on the swing, a smile blooming on her face.

"So, thank you for being so kind to baby. I'm really glad I clicked 'accept' back then~"

The swings swayed. Sunlight cast two shadows on the ground.

He Yucheng watched Lengjiang's happy expression. His own heart churned with mixed emotions.

By pure accident, they'd become vow partners, sticking together in this game ever since.

Though the journey brought extra trouble, it also added fun. He Yucheng never aimed for greatness here. His only goal was to avoid burdening his aunt and uncle further.

He stared at Lengjiang's profile. She didn't react for a long time. Sensing something off, he asked, "Wife, what's wrong?"

"Hubby dear, if only everyone were as gentle as you and my sister..." Lengjiang's eyes held a trace of complexity.

"...". He Yucheng stayed silent. He guessed her real life was far from ordinary—so harsh she had to escape into games. If she wanted to talk, he'd listen.

"Hubby dear, you must have lots of friends, right?" Lengjiang suddenly asked.

He Yucheng shook his head slightly. "Not really. We rarely share common interests. Most classmates just follow trends into esports games. I usually play 3D MMORPGs."

"I see..." Lengjiang hadn't expected He Yucheng to be like her. Esports dominated the gaming scene now.

MMORPGs required long-term grinding, suiting her taste. He Yucheng was the same.

"Actually, I've played these games for nearly ten years, always solo. My sister only joined right after graduation. Then she got busy with work, leaving me alone again." Lengjiang's gaze dimmed as she looked afar—

"Our parents never cared. They're always working, so only my sister looked after me."

"When I was little, kids bullied me for no reason. They'd yank my hair even when I did nothing."

"My sister said to tell the teacher next time. But the teacher just scolded them lightly. They came back cursing and threatening me, saying they'd beat me if I told again."

"Later, I dared not report it. I was scared they'd hurt me..."

Lengjiang's voice grew more plaintive. She'd endured the bullying but felt powerless.

He Yucheng stayed quiet. School bullying did happen sometimes, and it was utterly unfair. Yet, as Lengjiang said, she was trapped. Reporting might get her hurt; staying silent meant endless torment.

"After that, those few kids told the whole class how petty I was. Soon, nobody would talk to me..."

Lengjiang still longed for friends. She envied those surrounded by crowds, wishing for constant company during meals or activities.

But her reality? Eating alone. Sitting alone in class. No one bothered with her...

Why? She desperately wondered what she'd done wrong to deserve this.

"Why not ask your parents to transfer schools?" He Yucheng couldn't hold back his question. Lengjiang owned so many in-game costumes; her family must be wealthy.

"I did. But they said it's a famous 'elite elementary school.' They insisted I stay."

"Elite... elementary school?" He Yucheng knew of elite schools, but starting that young seemed pointless.

"Yeah. They always brag about their money and look down on others..." Lengjiang's head drooped low.

He Yucheng knew such schools. Usually fully boarding, they taught advanced material early. Only wealthy families attended, so comparisons were common—especially among clueless elementary kids.

Such cases were rarer now, making Lengjiang's experience pitiful.

The world held all kinds of oddities...

"What about middle school?" He Yucheng pressed. With elementary trauma, escaping that shadow would be tough.

"Middle school..." Lengjiang's eyes grew distant. "My parents only cared about grades. I never liked school or studying..."

"I hate studying. I'm not as smart or capable as my sister. They kept comparing us, listing all my flaws... preaching how vital education is for my future. I tried hard, but just couldn't get it. They kept scolding me, clueless about everything..."

...

The laptop rested on Xin Qian's lap. That memory haunted her like a nightmare. Tears streamed down Xin Qian's face—too much injustice bottled up.

Effort without reward was the cruelest pain...

Especially when what others were born with took a lifetime to chase...

Talent and hard work rarely crowned the diligent...

...

Churan remained calm. Despite his own pitiful past, he felt Lengjiang's heartache. His parents adored him; home was his safe harbor. But for Lengjiang? That so-called haven was her hell.

...

"At least I have my amazing sister..." Lengjiang found comfort, her mood lifting slightly.

Xiaoye always soothed her after bullying or parental scolding, even stepping in early to soften verbal blows.

That was Lengjiang's only luck...

"Do your parents still control you now?" He Yucheng noted Lengjiang was online all day. With such parents, she should be constantly scolded...

"They can't reach me. They work abroad~"

"...".

Every parent dreamed of their child's success. He Yucheng understood that truth. He wouldn't lecture Lengjiang or dismiss her pain—everyone knew the theory.

Her family seemed aristocratic, demanding perfection.

"Strict teachers produce brilliant students" wasn't always true. Some needed balance; pure harshness backfired.

Sharing her burdens eased Lengjiang's heart. Venting to a friend always helped.

She hadn't mentioned Xiaoye's secret yet. He Yucheng couldn't pry into privacy. If it became unbearable, she'd speak—when she was ready.

"ヽ(￣▽￣)ﾉ Thanks, hubby dear~" Lengjiang hopped off the swing. Pouring out her gloom lifted her spirits.

"Mmhmm. Whenever you're upset, come to me. You're my silly wife, after all." He Yucheng stood up, teasing.

"(*/ω＼*)"

"Ah, wife. Now I'm the one with trouble." He Yucheng's words carried a smile.

"!!!∑(ﾟДﾟノ)ノ" Lengjiang tensed, fearing she'd messed up.

"Well, how should I leave the city now?" He Yucheng grinned slyly, pointing toward the gates.

Lengjiang relaxed. She looked away, spreading her hands. "Baby can't help~ It's a dead end."

"Tsk tsk." He Yucheng shook his head. Guess he'd have to rely on the second guild president—Nai Xiaodu!