"Whoa!"

In an instant, he leaped back over ten meters, trembling as he stared at me. His fists clenched into a boxing guard stance, like a startled cat with fur bristling—utterly amusing.

"What's wrong? I just wanted a friendly chat with my buddy."

I tilted my head, a smile playing on my lips.

The night breeze carried a slight chill, rustling tree branches with a soft swish. The neighborhood remained as quiet as ever.

"N-no, sorry! I just remembered something urgent. See you later!"

Xiang Yu fled, scrambling away in a panic. Just as I thought—he was still a greenhorn.

With a wry smile, I looked up at the sky, recalling a song lyric:

"Being invincible is so, so lonely. Being invincible is so, so empty. Alone in the cold wind, blowing endlessly—who understands my loneliness?"

Lately, I’d grown oddly fond of those words. "Being invincible is so lonely," I murmured bitterly. Who could grasp my solitude?

Closing my eyes slightly, I stepped out of the neighborhood and strolled along the bustling road.

Biyang High School—also called First High—sat in the city’s southern district. Spanning over 660,000 square meters, it covered everything from elementary to university levels. The city’s most prestigious academy, its surrounding area thrived like a commercial street, packed with shops. Even at night, it buzzed with energy.

I skirted the campus and slipped into a deserted alley. Pulling a cigarette pack from my pocket, I lit one.

*Puff—*

"The real world is honestly pretty dull."

Leaning against the wall, I muttered to myself. "It’d be more fun if it were like a game. Monsters suddenly appearing, saving the world—well, that’s basically impossible."

Crushing the cigarette butt underfoot, I exited the alley.

Near the school, I owned a coffee shop. It rarely turned a profit, but as a hobby, running it was genuinely fun. Truth was, I seldom managed it—lately, I’d been too absorbed in games to visit. Might as well drop by; it stayed open late anyway.

"Jade Dream"—the café’s name. Its interior was draped in green-themed decor. Despite the "jade" in the title, it was pure clickbait.

Inside, dim lights cast an intimate glow. Only five patrons whispered in the spacious room. I found a seat by the window.

"Sir, the usual order?" A waiter in black-and-white uniform approached.

"Mm-hmm."

"Understood. One moment, please."

Watching student couples stroll outside, I smiled faintly. Young love was sweet. If I could, I’d want to feel it too.

"Boss! You finally showed up!"

"What is it, Qianyuan-chan?" I turned to see a wavy-haired beauty standing by my table.

"Stop adding '-chan' to my name!"

"Isn’t it cute?"

Fenghuo Qianyuan—ash-blonde hair framing a mature face—was only twenty. Don’t let her gentle café demeanor fool you; she drew erotic manga.

"You say that every time." Pouting slightly, she sat across from me. Her ample D-cup chest pressed against the table, jiggling with a soft *jiggle-jiggle* as if enhanced. Even I couldn’t help glancing.

"What’ll you drink? My treat."

"Waiter, a Saint Helena coffee."

"Show some courtesy! Must you fleece me every visit?" I sighed wryly at the pricey order.

"Courtesy? Does it taste good? This is a reward! Haven’t you seen sales rising? Oh—sorry. Forgot the boss is a relic."

"You insult me on sight. Seriously." I flicked her forehead lightly.

"Ow, ow, ow!" Rubbing it, she glared until the coffee arrived.

"Oh, right—a gift for you." She pulled a neatly wrapped sketchbook from her bosom. The cover looked innocent; the content, predictable. I flipped through it.

"Isn’t this from 'Emperor’s' Ice Elf City? Seriously, doing this on a crowded street?"

Naked figures used invisibility skills to make love amid pedestrians.

"That’s the thrill! Doesn’t it excite you? Is your little brother standing at attention?"

"Don’t duck under the table—and you can’t even do that in-game."

"Just checking your brother’s reaction. Details don’t matter—doujinshi transcends reality."

This was getting troublesome.

"So? Verdict?"

"Boss, you’re sick! No majestic hill in sight."

"You’re the sick one—" I stood, chopping her shoulder lightly. Seriously, this could be misunderstood. I was perfectly normal.

I chatted with Fenghuo Qianyuan until late before heading home. But being forced to dissect manga plots every time? Exhausting.