"Thanks for the polite words! But if you really have something to say, say it now—don’t make me dig it out myself!" Ou Tao turned to face Weida Ge.

The man let out a sigh. "Put it this way: this is for your safety."

Weida Ge settled onto a corridor sofa, gazing at the futuristic skyline of Yang City. Dazzling neon lights melted the night’s chill; maglev trains streaked overhead like luminous ribbons woven through darkness.

Silently, he picked up a takeout box and began eating.

Ou Tao did the same, munching between words. "Let me guess—we’ve got competitors."

"For three hundred years, Yang City’s been the top destination for southern drifters. Fighting over money here? Nothing new."

As he spoke, Weida Ge pulled out a steel plate and tossed it to Ou Tao. Ou Tao caught it, tapped it lightly—Bika instantly displayed the scan results.

"Titanium alloy with compressed atoms?"

"No. This is Fluent Steel—fold-jumped from another world. Used for warships. Cuts production costs by nearly forty percent versus compressed-atom methods. And there’s more: materials like the magic stone that healed your sister’s brain. Massive profits. Already, anomalous substances from other worlds are circulating on the black market."

"I get it. Like colonial-era 'explorers' hunting gold in Africa—now 'players' like me raid other worlds for treasure. Different factions. Collisions are inevitable."

"Exactly! That’s why we need someone like you. If that Rod guy dies? No problem—we’ll find you another body from another world. But if *you* get hurt? There’s no respawning. No alt account."

"Got it. The profits are too tempting. Ruthless players show up. Can’t beat you in-game? They come after your real self offline."

Ou Tao stood, pushed open his sister’s care-room door. "Don’t worry. I’ll stay sharp. I’m young, but don’t mistake me for fragile. I’ve been independent since eight. I’ve seen things—I’m not just some gamer. I’ve got Bika, my terminal. She guards my privacy. No one can track me."

"Wow! So cool! I *love* this side of you!"

The moment the door swung open, Ou Tao jumped back with a startled yelp.

"Hey—what are *you* doing here?!"

Before him stood a breathtaking beauty. Today’s cosplay: a qipao dancer. Her form-fitting qipao, deep blue patterns tracing every curve, slit high to reveal long bare legs. Crimson heels tightened her calves, hips lifted with poised elegance. The open collar framed a generous swell of cleavage—enough to make any onlooker swallow hard.

"Little brother~ We meet again!" Su Lianxue smiled, gently taking his hands.

Passing employees turned heads.

"Su Lianxue!"

"Whoa—Su the cosplay queen! I’ve seen her albums. Stunning."

"A celebrity idol?! Here?! Quick, get her autograph!"

"Don’t! She’s on the board now!"

"Her qipao cosplay with the leg slit—we only saw pics before! Live footage?! Too… too amazing!"

Male staff stared, utterly transfixed.

"How did you find me?!" Ou Tao stepped back. Su Lianxue advanced in sharp clicks of crimson heels.

"Running’s pointless, little brother~ You tampered with traffic cams, but I traced you straight from the court contract."

"What *does* your dad do?! Pull files from the physical layer? Wait—you only saw the parent company name. How’d you pinpoint *this* subsidiary?!"

*Clack!*

Her crimson heel slammed the wall beside his thigh. A slender bare leg blocked his escape. Trapped. Cornered. Leg-locked.

Su Lianxue leaned in until their noses were a finger’s width apart. "Simple. I invested 1.6 billion. Bought into Hamiyou. Joined the board. And now… you’re mine again."

"Are you some domineering CEO—?" Ou Tao sputtered.

Before he finished, she yanked him into a crushing hug, smothering his face against her chest. "Perfect! Little brother! Boss and employee—just like old times!"

Ou Tao flailed, gasping. "S-Sis! P-please—l-let go! I’m… drowning!"

"Does… does this count as workplace harassment? Should we report it to the business bureau?" Two male employees exchanged glances.

Envy flickered in their eyes. She was a board member *and* a top cosplay star—status, beauty, fame beyond dreams. And this kid? Struggling. Unwilling. Lucky bastard.