"Alright," Mu Qingyun replied with a smile, slipping the black card into her pocket before turning to leave.
Following the original host's memories, her first stop was to purchase a mobile phone. She stood in front of a store display for a while, studying the basic operations on the large screen. Using a search app, she quickly looked up comprehensive instructions and tips on how to use the phone.
Reading rapidly, she quickly grasped the functions of various apps. Without delay, she booked a plane ticket using her newly acquired phone.
Next, she visited a clothing store and bought a women's outfit and a handbag. She then headed to a cosmetics shop, picked up a few makeup items and a set of clip-in hair extensions—her disguise mission had officially begun.
In a public restroom, she changed into her new clothes. Ensuring she was alone, she faced the mirror and, following the makeup tutorial and extension instructions she found online, began transforming herself.
Intelligent people learn fast. After a few failed attempts, Mu Qingyun fully grasped the techniques. She skillfully applied the currently trending "pure and seductive" makeup style while blending the extensions seamlessly.
Once satisfied, she walked out of the restroom.
Her tall figure and perfect proportions stood out, even in a loose-fitting outfit. Despite the relaxed design, it could not hide her curvaceous silhouette. Her bangs were swept back and tied into a high ponytail along with the extensions, giving her a clean, sharp look. Her makeup left her skin looking flawless and radiant.
"Hey, pretty girl!"
A voice called from beside her. Mu Qingyun turned to see a group of unfamiliar young men.
"Do you need something?" she asked, raising an eyebrow slightly as she stopped in her tracks.
"Can I get your contact number?" one of the guys asked bashfully, raising his phone toward her with a hopeful smile.
Mu Qingyun did not answer immediately.
In her past life, sharing personal details—like your residence or number of family members—was something done only between those who admired or trusted each other.
They had just met. There was no admiration—just a blatant attempt at flirting.
With a frown, she stared at the boy coldly. "Are you harassing me?"
"...What?"
The boy was stunned by her bluntness. He quickly waved his hands. "No, no! I'm not harassing you. I just... I only wanted to make a friend. I swear I'm not a creep!"
"Make a friend?"
She shook her head without hesitation. "We do not know each other. That won't be necessary."
As she turned and walked away, the boys behind her whispered among themselves:
"Geez, if she didn't want to give it, she could've just said no—why the drama?"
"Maybe something's wrong with her? Watched too many period dramas or something?"
"Tsk, do not say that. She just talks a bit bluntly. Doesn't mean you have to insult her."
"Yeah, come on, don't take rejection so personally."
With all his friends criticizing him, the boy who made the comment pouted but didn't argue back.
When the boarding time came, Mu Qingyun followed the crowd toward the departure gate.
She noticed everyone scanning something at the entrance. A thought struck her—she quickly pulled out the identity card from the original host's storage pouch.
But when she placed it on the scanner, the machine repeatedly displayed an error.
"Excuse me, is there a problem?" A staff member approached politely upon noticing the congestion.
"No." She grabbed her card and, timing it perfectly, slipped through the gate right after the person in front of her.
Scanning her digital ticket on her phone, she finally boarded the vehicle.
Her destination was the southern coastal region.
In her past life, that region was famous for producing spices like Sichuan pepper. Every year, the local people would offer their spices as tribute to the empire.
Even though there were no real plants left in this world, she believed traces of them still remained.
Currently, spices were extremely expensive, synthesized through precise technology to perfectly replicate natural flavors.
Her goal was to use this opportunity to make a fortune—and become a local tycoon.
"Don't touch me! I don't know you!"
Suddenly, a young girl in school uniform shouted loudly. Her sweet face twisted in fear as she tried to escape from the lecherous old man beside her.
Mu Qingyun frowned. She looked down at her ticket—coincidentally, that pervert was sitting in her seat.
"Move," she said coldly, grabbing the man's wrist just as it reached toward the girl again. "You're in my seat."
"You son of a—oh! My apologies, miss, please sit, please sit!" The pervert's expression shifted the moment he saw her face. He quickly scooted to the side. "Come on, have a seat—it must be tiring to stand."
The young girl glanced at Mu Qingyun with grateful eyes.
Without saying a word, Mu Qingyun sat down.
But before she could settle in, the old man's filthy hand crept toward her.
"Some people really don't know their limits," she said coldly, glancing sideways at him. A faint red glow began flickering in her right hand.
Frightened by her tone and the glint of light, the man immediately retracted his hand.
Yet not even a minute later, his hand reached out again—this time toward her back.
Catching sight of it out of the corner of her eye, Mu Qingyun let her fire ability surge. A small flame erupted, engulfing the man's fingers.
"Ahhh!"
He screamed in pain, grabbing a water cup and dousing his hand frantically.
"You b*tch! That was your doing!" he bellowed, his rage exploding. He threw the cup at her.
She caught it midair, and with a squeeze, crumpled it effortlessly.
"Which eye of yours saw me do anything?" she said coldly. "Unless you have proof, it's still you causing trouble."
"You—!"
"Enough, old man. Being creepy might be your nature, but at least keep it in check. Or it'll come back to bite you." As she concealed her left hand, internal energy swirled from her dantian and materialized into a force wave, striking him with a snap.
Smack!
A loud slap echoed. The man's face instantly swelled and turned bright red.
"What the hell—who hit me?!"
He roared, looking around wildly, only to find everyone watching him like it was a show. Some had even sneakily taken out their phones to record.
"Stop filming! Don't film!"
"Just sit down already, old man. Stop embarrassing yourself," Mu Qingyun said, her tone icy.
Seeing the murderous gleam in her eyes, the man visibly flinched.
His legs gave out, and he collapsed into his seat.
For the rest of the journey, the pervert curled into himself, too scared to look at Mu Qingyun again.
When they arrived at the destination, she stood and left without looking back.
"That damned b*tch, acting all high and mighty…" the man muttered bitterly under his breath.
Smack!
Before he could finish, he was slapped twice more.