After regulating my breath, I headed toward the residence.

A pile of cabbages sat by the front door. Oriental September perched on top, waiting for me.

"I’ve been waiting forever! What took you so— You’re hurt! You’re bleeding so much—we need an ambulance!"

She rushed over in a panic, supporting me.

"It’s fine. I’m used to scrapes like this. No hospital needed."

"Woof woof woof."

I pushed open the door. A tiny black dog bounded from the yard, rubbing against my legs and rolling at my feet.

"Wow! Such a cute dog!"

Stars sparkled in Oriental September’s eyes—instinctive love for cute things shining through.

I gave her a cool glance, unlocked the door with voice command, and stepped inside.

"D-do you need anything? Anything at all—just say it!"

"The first aid kit’s on the second-floor cabinet. Bring it to the bathroom."

"Mhm mhm mhm!"

Oriental September hesitated, set down the pup, and dashed upstairs. I walked straight to the bathroom.

I stripped off my shirt, washing the wound with hot water. The bullet sat low on my left abdomen. Eyes closed, I could feel its exact spot between my muscles.

Luckily, the wound wasn’t deep. Removing it wouldn’t be too messy.

When Oriental September arrived with the kit, I pulled out surgical tools, forceps, bandages, and disinfectant. I laid them neatly in a square tray.

"You were shot!"

She clapped both hands over her mouth, eyes wide with shock.

Ignoring her, I widened the wound with a small knife. Eyes shut, I focused on the bullet’s position. Carefully, I tensed my muscles—guiding it to drift out with the blood. Finally, I gripped it with forceps and yanked it free.

It looked complex, but took mere seconds.

After disinfecting the wound with alcohol, I slowed the bleeding by controlling my qi flow. Then I wrapped it tightly in bandages.

Oriental September stayed silent the whole time, frozen in tension.

"D-doesn’t it hurt?"

"Haven’t I said? I’m long used to this."

"You can get used to being shot?! Are you even human?!"

She wiped bloodstains off the floor. She also redressed my shoulder wound—a tiny scratch I’d ignore anyway.

At the sink, I washed cold sweat from my face. Staring in the mirror, a bitter smile crept up.

My hard muscles were etched with nearly ten scars. Mercenary buddies called them "badges of honor." Total nonsense. Each scar proved a near-death moment.

Glory means nothing if you die. Only survivors get praised. I’m no ambitious man—though sometimes, wild dreams flicker.

"Ugh, exhausted. Hey, question."

"What?"

Oriental September grumbled as she entered my room, plopping onto the bed.

"Do you treat me like an ATM? Restaurant bills, cabbage money—I feel useless beyond that."

She actually knew her role. They say big chests mean no brains. Guess flat-chested girls are sharper.

"Why stare at my chest? What’s your problem?!"

Under my gaze, she didn’t blush like a normal girl. She puffed out her chest—but it stayed stubbornly flat.

"Not interested in flat chests."

"It’s not flat! I’m an A-cup!"

"Oh, wow. Amazing."

Is that really brag-worthy?

Mentally snarking, I clapped slowly—*clap clap clap*.

Glancing at the wall clock, I realized it was past midnight.

"Hey—didn’t something just float past the window?"

"No way. Believing in ghosts now? Are you a kid?"

"I’m serious! A golden-haired girl! She stared at me with zero expression!"

Eyes darting around the room, Oriental September edged closer to me.

"Golden-haired girl? Ah. Come out, Violet Evergarden."

"Yes, Master. Violet Evergarden welcomes you home."

A phantom shimmered mid-air, solidifying into an anime-style girl.

"That’s her!"

"Ouyang Family’s test product—a virtual butler Gatebox. Also my little wife."

Violet Evergarden stood rigid, face blank as a soldier’s, awaiting orders.

"Little wife... Your place is full of weird stuff..."

She scowled first, then shrugged—accepting my otaku life.

"All Ouyang Family prototypes. Might never sell. Violet Evergarden, activate full-house virtual network."

"Yes, Master."

She saluted sharply. The room hummed to life with digital light.

"She’s so smart! Can she chat?"

"Violet Evergarden has her own mind—but obeys Master’s commands."

"Can you customize her character? If I find Xue Xue, can I buy one?"

Eyes sparkling, Oriental September reached out. Her hand passed right through Violet Evergarden’s body.

"No idea. But it’s late—shouldn’t you go home? Staying here’s dangerous for a girl."

Dangerous indeed. I’m no saint.

"You treat me like an ATM! One night here’s fair. And you’re not a stranger—I see you as a brother. Got a virtual helmet? I need to log into ‘Emperor’ tonight."

"This."

I pulled a small white pill bottle from the nightstand.

"Swallow this, fall asleep—you’ll enter ‘Emperor’s world."

"Holy crap! Your tech’s insane—ten years ahead of everyone!"

"Just prototypes."

Virtual space digitizes a real area. Your consciousness logs into games while sleeping. Xuanyuan Group made it post-‘Emperor’ launch. Still buggy, but safe—no Sword Art Online lock-ins.

"Tired. Done ranting. Shower time, then gaming."

"Violet Evergarden, prep warm bathwater."

"Yes, Master. Requesting standby mode if no further orders."

I nodded. She saluted, fading into nothingness.

"I want one so bad!"

"Get your own."

Weary, I swallowed a sleep pill. My mind drifted toward darkness.

Before sleep took me, I heard Oriental September ask where to sleep. My reply was something careless.