Back in her tiny apartment, Bai Xia neatly set her umbrella aside.

Sure, the neighborhood was a bit run-down with lousy transport—but aside from that? Actually pretty decent.

The place wasn’t big, but fully furnished. Living alone, it felt more than spacious enough.

Best of all, the previous tenant had prepaid six months’ rent. Three months remained—no risk of homelessness anytime soon.

Honestly, if rent were still a worry, she’d be starving on the street by now. At least she’d save on meals… maybe some kind stranger would take pity?

Bottom line: if she didn’t want to survive on milk alone, she needed cash—fast.

Shedding her damp coat, Bai Xia felt the warmer air ease the tension on her face just slightly.

She dropped the parcel onto the rug, sank into the sofa, and let out a heavy sigh.

Judging by the timestamp, the original owner ordered this half a month ago. What took so long to arrive?

The box was head-sized and heavy. An adult wouldn’t blink—but for her current body? A real strain.

Especially since this body was not only a legal loli but also looked kinda frail.

Just a quick trip downstairs left sweat beading her forehead. The chilly wind made her dizzy, vision swimming like she might collapse any second.

Basically, even a short jog would leave her breathless.

“Emotionless, sickly legal loli, plus glasses-wearing girl? Way too many traits,” Bai Xia muttered, rubbing her temples. Thankfully, no actual illness—just weak constitution. Otherwise, she’d really feel heaven was against her.

After zoning out briefly and recomposing herself, her gaze landed on the hard-won parcel.

She hesitated, then decided: eat first.

Frail-looking or not, this body had a huge appetite. How such a tiny frame ate so much yet stayed hungry was a mystery.

She lazily ordered takeout, then squeezed in a hot shower to shake off the chill.

At first, she’d resisted bathing—shut-in habits aside, she had mild OCD. After three days? She caved. And realized… zero reaction to this scrawny, childlike body. Now, daily showers felt totally normal.

Perfectly timed, she changed into pajamas just as delivery arrived.

Bai Xia shoveled a few bites of chicken cutlet rice, then used a small knife to slice open the sealed parcel.

Inside the shipping wrapper sat a smaller black box, cushioned by foam.

Pulling it out, confusion deepened.

“What is this?”

She unpacked the tightly sealed black case, dumping its contents onto the coffee table. Her face screamed question marks.

A pile of sci-fi-looking metal parts stared back—purpose unknown, but radiating serious “advanced tech you can’t quite grasp” vibes.

Blinking dazedly, Bai Xia spotted the thick manual underneath.

“Hmm… ‘Huanmeng Production: Era-Defining Ultra-Holographic Online Game *Another World*—Deluxe Limited Edition Login Device, with Accessories’? What the heck is an ‘ultra-holographic online game’?”

This world had holographic games, sure—but nothing like novels described. No magic helmets or bracelets to “teleport” you. No true immersion.

Honestly? Just souped-up VR headsets from her past life.

Devices projected visuals and simulated motion, but the experience felt clunky. High-difficulty actions required real movement. Play too long? Exhausting.

So despite the flashy rep, holographic gaming stayed lukewarm here.

Why not just game comfortably at a desk like a cozy shut-in? Who wants to collapse dog-tired after every session—and need perfect setup space?!

Inconvenience killed it.

No wonder Bai Xia felt deflated. She’d even showered and changed, hoping for treasure.

Turns out… hype. Well, not *totally*—this rig must be worth something, right?

Her eyes lit up. She abandoned her meal and activated her Tianxun.

The Tianxun resembled smartphones from her memories—but sleeker. No bulky phone shape; common forms were earpieces or glasses. Functions bloomed via private holographic projections.

Bai Xia wasn’t nearsighted—her glasses *were* the Tianxun.

A faint glow coated the lenses. A personal interface unfolded before her eyes.

Familiar with it after half a month, she quickly pulled up the device’s price. Then…

“Nani?! Standard version over four thousand?! Upgraded doubles it?! Deluxe Limited Edition—limited stock, sixteen thousand per unit?!”

She stared, silent. Her total savings? Under two thousand.

Sixteen thousand… Wait. Had the original owner gone broke *just* to save for this?!

She felt she’d uncovered the truth—but why did it sting so much?

In that instant, all lingering guilt over occupying this body twisted into pure, unfiltered murderous intent.

If this body weren’t already hers—and if she weren’t now stuck in a girl’s form—she’d pin the original owner down and give them a thorough thrashing!

Spending sixteen grand on a *game*? Bai Xia was speechless. …Could she return it?

But first, curiosity won. She searched online. Why would anyone be *that* reckless?

Big mistake.

Gaming forums were flooded with *Another World* chatter.

Turns out, this wasn’t ordinary holographic tech. *Another World*, by Huanmeng, used advanced brainwave integration—recently breakthrough tech fused with gaming.

True immersion. Like stepping into another world.

“…So high-tech? And brainwave tech… why does that sound kinda dangerous?”

Bai Xia’s mind flashed to that legendary “real men conquer a hundred floors” game. Would this trap players too? Refuse exit unless they cross-dressed?

Well, internet rumors aside—the tech sounded legit impressive.

Return it? Instant cash. Comfort for months. But… after hearing *that*? Tempting.

As a former gaming addict, how could she *not* feel the pull?

Something straight out of novels now sat within reach. Irresistible.

Food… or game? The eternal dilemma.

“How ’bout trying it a few days? Taste it, *then* return… Yeah! I’m a freaking genius!”

Willpower lost. She scarfed the cold takeout, tidied up, and hauled everything to her bedroom.

Installation was foolproof. Done in minutes.

Tested it—nothing.

Quick search: open beta starts in *two days*. All devices activate then.

Bai Xia groaned in frustration… but left the setup untouched.

She turned back to her Tianxun, digging deeper into *Another World*.