In this corner, several trees were planted, their branches and leaves lush, casting large shadows that concealed the couple who were whispering sweet nothings to each other.
Yu Deng was still held by the teenage stepson, feeling dizzy from the kisses.
He didn't clearly hear what Cheng Xiao said earlier, so he spoke quietly with a hint of tears in his voice, "What did you say?"
"I said that your mouth is so soft, and your tongue is also very soft; kissing you feels really nice," Cheng Xiao repeated bluntly after being satisfied with kissing Yu Deng.
Yu Deng was a bit slow to respond, understood what he was saying, and turned his head away, not wanting to look at him.
Why describe it so in detail? It's so weird.
When Cheng Xiao tried to kiss the reddened earlobe of Yu Deng again, the nearby black mist finally couldn't hold back any longer.
The black mist surged forward, pulling itself into a thin sheet, hanging over Yu Deng's ear like a veil to block the scheming person.
Yu Deng thought, "Huh? Is this the black mist of my deceased husband?"
"Cheng Chaoling," Yu Deng called out.
The black mist twisted in confusion, continuing to cling to Yu Deng's face, and secretly extended a tentacle to wipe Yu Deng's lips, trying to remove Cheng Xiao's lingering scent.
But apart from that, the black mist had no other reaction and didn't speak.
Yu Deng tried to analyze.
The black mist is part of Cheng Chaoling but not entirely Cheng Chaoling. Since the main body hasn't come, it seems the black mist can't communicate.
After all, the black mist seems not very smart.
Seeing Yu Deng's face covered by the black mist, Cheng Xiao clicked his tongue, "Baby, what is this thing? It's so ugly. How can it be hanging on your face?"
Black Mist: "…"
The black mist floated down with a plop, curling up sadly and snuggling into Yu Deng's neck to show weakness and act cute.
Yu Deng blinked and poked it; the cold black mist instantly squashed like a flattened black sesame dumpling.
It's like a little pet.
Yu Deng instructed, "If you want to follow me, don't move around too much."
The black mist obediently curled up, indicating it was a harmless little accessory.
Cheng Xiao sneered, his fist clenched. "Continue pretending."
The boy gave the black mist a scornful glance and refocused Yu Deng's attention, "It seems there's no activity in the classroom right now."
Yu Deng, upon hearing this, was also puzzled.
Oh right, why is there still no movement? Did he find the wrong place? He certainly didn't want that; he had worked hard to get in.
"Shall we go check the situation at the teaching building?"
After Cheng Xiao said this, he finally put down his delicate baby.
On the way to the teaching building, they didn't encounter many students. Occasionally, they passed by a few people who seemed to ignore them. The most noticeable reaction from these passersby was being stunned by Yu Deng's appearance, their eyes unable to look away for a moment.
Cheng Xiao barely restrained his urge to kiss and cuddle Yu Deng and quickly analyzed the situation.
The NPCs encountered in the second phase of this illusion were mostly mechanical and only interacted when specific information was triggered.
But Yu Deng was still as lively and adorable as a few days ago—crying when kissed, scolding people, and even actively climbing walls to observe the classroom. He showed no signs of being mechanical.
A previously overlooked suspicion arose in Cheng Xiao's mind.
The boy gazed at Yu Deng, his eyes dark and thoughtful.
At this point, they had arrived in front of the largest teaching building.
The private school was styled after Western architecture, with a three-story teaching building and an open area in front that featured a corridor and pavilions.
It seemed to be after class, with many young men and women in student uniforms chatting in the open area.
"Hey, isn't that Miss Lin?" Yu Deng's sharp eyes spotted a familiar face.
"Yes, it is her."
Not far off, a charming girl with long braids was holding a book and chatting happily with a male student next to her, looking very close.
It was indeed Lin Zhi Yue. She appeared younger and more lively compared to how she looked a few days ago at the mansion, carrying a more youthful student demeanor.
However, after observing for a few minutes, Yu Deng and Cheng Xiao saw only that Lin Zhi Yue was chatting and there was nothing unusual happening.
Yu Deng was puzzled and instinctively turned to Cheng Xiao, seeking help.
"Think quickly."
Fortunately, Cheng Xiao's mental abilities hadn't deteriorated despite his obsession with competitions. He pondered the so-called plot triggers and suddenly said, "Someone from the Cheng family must have gone to find her."
Yu Deng nodded.
Cheng Xiao's words seemed to act as a switch, and the open area suddenly became noisy.
A young man in an extravagant, expensive suit, flanked by several underlings, walked over with a clear target—heading straight toward Lin Zhi Yue.
It was evident that this person was Cheng Wen Hao.
Yu Deng had seen Cheng Wen Hao's bizarre death, and seeing him alive again now felt oddly unsettling.
Cheng Xiao took Yu Deng's hand and followed the group cautiously, drawing nearer.
Cheng Wen Hao reached Lin Zhi Yue, his smile superficial. "I've heard that Miss Lin is beautiful, and seeing you today, it truly is the case."
Lin Zhi Yue nodded distantly and politely, without speaking.
Her dismissive demeanor provoked Cheng Wen Hao's anger. He directly reached out to pull Lin Zhi Yue towards him. "So, you refuse to drink my toast and choose to drink a punishment instead. Do you know that my family has invested in all the schools here?"
The male student beside Lin Zhi Yue hurriedly tried to stop Cheng Wen Hao, but he overestimated the young master's character. Cheng Wen Hao actually kicked the student aside and, ignoring Lin Zhi Yue's struggles, forcibly embraced her.
The gatekeeper and the young master's underlings blocked anyone trying to help. Other onlookers, deterred by Cheng Wen Hao's status, could only watch silently.
The place, which was supposed to be a pure and sacred school, felt like the most disgraceful scene. The chaos made everyone furious.
Cheng Xiao was not surprised by the scene. "As expected."
Yu Deng furrowed his brows, his pretty face scrunched up in distress.
He finally understood. The talk about Cheng Wen Hao heroically saving Lin Zhi Yue and driving away those harassing her was all a lie. Cheng Wen Hao was actually the one harassing Lin Zhi Yue in broad daylight.
Lin Zhi Yue's final choice to take such an extreme measure for revenge, even if she encountered worse than they had guessed, raised the question of why she would still marry into the Cheng family.
Yu Deng's mind was tangled in confusion.
The scene before him seemed to replay the past events.
Is this what immersive truth-seeking is like? Looking at Cheng Wen Hao's unruly behavior and the silent crowd, Yu Deng felt a mix of disgust and sudden sorrow. He wanted to do something for Miss Lin, even if it was for something that had already happened and was irreversible.
Unnoticed by Yu Deng, the cost of watching the scene had already manifested. Lin Zhi Yue, with her head lowered, had elongated nails, deep red pupils, and eyes filled with indiscriminate hatred and aggression. A transparent barrier appeared, enclosing Yu Deng and Cheng Xiao within the chaotic scene.
The black mist, which had obediently acted as an accessory, expanded alertly. Cheng Xiao sensed something was off and tensed up.
But Yu Deng moved faster than both of them.
He grabbed a stone from the flower bed and threw it forcefully at Cheng Wen Hao.
His aim was precise. The unruly young master was hit, cried out in pain, and let go in panic.
Like a nightmare being shattered, the strange anomaly slowly returned to normal. Lin Zhi Yue slowly raised her head and looked at Yu Deng from afar. The noise in the classroom gradually subsided, the danger passed, and the scene fell back into a brief calm.
Cheng Xiao suddenly smiled. "Baby is so smart; you solved the problem right away."
Yu Deng, confused, asked, "What..?"
[Even though I had guessed what had happened, seeing it in person was still disgusting.]
[Indeed. Baby did what I wanted to do!]
[So encountering plot events in the illusion means breaking the original development, right? Oh my, Deng Deng is so smart.]
[I think with my wife's not-so-bright mind, he wouldn't have thought of this as a solution. He might have simply wanted to help the former Miss Lin.]
"Baby, there shouldn't be any more plot here for now."
Yu Deng looked back and responded glumly, "Oh, then let's go."
With this part of the plot concluded, the previously closed door of the school was now open, sparing Yu Deng from having to climb over the wall again.
As they left the school, they saw two figures running toward them in a hurry, rolling and stumbling. It was the two college student players.
Behind them, a child was chasing them.
The fleeing pair also noticed Yu Deng and Cheng Xiao, looking at them with hopeful eyes and hoarse pleas for help.
Yu Deng and Cheng Xiao exchanged glances. Cheng Xiao understood Yu Deng's intention and waved to the fleeing duo, signaling them to come over.
Breathless, the two stopped and thanked Cheng Xiao in broken sentences.
Cheng Xiao lazily said, "Don't thank me; it was my stepmother who said he wanted to help you."
In front of other players, Cheng Xiao still referred to Yu Deng as "stepmother."
He had promised Yu Deng not to reveal his name to others. If he broke his promise, the delicate little widow might throw a tantrum.
Cheng Xiao could be somewhat perverse, often making Yu Deng cry with his bullying.
But that didn't mean he wanted to see Yu Deng cry from disappointment.
Yu Deng was confused. He hadn't spoken just now.
The two players thanked Yu Deng gratefully.
Moments later, the pursuing newspaper boy caught up. He was surprised to see Yu Deng again and smiled brightly.
He also remembered to retract his ghostly fangs. "You, hello."
Yu Deng tilted his head and greeted the newspaper boy, "Hello."
"Hehe, handsome brother, we meet again." The newspaper boy shyly smiled. "So these two are your friends? In that case, I don't need two arms. One will be enough as payment."
The two novice players, who had almost risked their lives, were stunned.
Kid, why don't you listen to what you're actually saying? It's just a newspaper!!
Yu Deng was startled by the child's words and extremely shocked. "Wait, isn't the newspaper kid supposed to be a nice child?"
Yu Deng hesitated and said, "Did they take your newspaper? If it's returned, does that mean no payment is needed? I have a copy here; it's enough."
The newspaper boy thought for a few seconds and nodded. "Okay."
The two players widened their eyes again. "That's not what you said before! You clearly said that if we took it, we wouldn't get a refund!"
Zhang Ziyun returned the newspaper to the newspaper boy, watched him leave, and looked at Yu Deng with intense gratitude, thanking him wildly once more.
"Originally, Xiaoyun and I didn't meet at first. I triggered a small plot at a pharmacy and almost got turned into medicinal herbs," Ke Qi said, raising his arm to show the crisscrossed scars, and explained, "Xiaoyun was chased down half a street by a car and nearly got hit."
"Then we saw the kid selling newspapers and thought we'd get one to check for clues, but we nearly lost our hands."
[Viewers in various livestreams were nearly laughing themselves unconscious. Thanks for the invitation; our baby was spared from dangerous pursuit because he's too good-looking.]
[If I were an NPC, I'd gladly put down the knife. It's an honor for a beautiful baby to speak with me..]
[But currently, only two bad dogs got to kiss the baby. They're eating too well (envious) (gloomy)]
Perhaps due to triggering an important plot segment earlier, the illusion's sky changed rapidly, as if time were compressed.
Just as they regrouped, they saw the Mediterranean man who had been unconscious for days limping over, followed by a woman walking at a relaxed pace.
The Mediterranean man had long noticed the players and walked directly towards them. Upon seeing Yu Deng among them, his eyes lit up.
"I heard them say you're friendly and will help us," the Mediterranean man moved closer to the players and ordered Yu Deng, "If that's the case, that woman wants a pair of eyes. Go get them for her."
Yu Deng struggled to understand.
He wasn't the sharpest, and he wasn't as clever as others, but it was clear that this person was trying to morally blackmail him.
Moreover, the attitude was quite terrible.
The players were also taken aback by his arrogant demeanor.
Cheng Xiao's expression instantly turned cold. He stepped in to protect Yu Deng, and with no hesitation, punched the Mediterranean man, knocking his head sideways.
"You—"
The woman who had accompanied the Mediterranean man had arrived in front of everyone. With a seductive smile, she said, "A pair of eyes; it's time to give them."
"Get his eyes, they're quite nice," the Mediterranean man attempted to push Yu Deng forward, but Cheng Xiao shielded Yu Deng, so he could only point at Yu Deng and shout, "It's just a pair of eyes; it's not going to kill him. Aren't you a friendly NPC? Why won't you help me?"
[Who is this guy? Such a big face.]
[He probably thinks our baby is an easy NPC to bully. Actually, many players do exploit NPCs, but this guy's attitude is outrageous.]
[Our baby even saved this person once. I'm kissing the beautiful and kind baby with all my might.]
The woman looked at Yu Deng with a gaze that was both stunning and somewhat wary. "Really?"
Yu Deng raised his head and said unhappily, "I didn't agree to that."
His delicate face was expressionless, with clear, bright eyes that resembled a beautiful, indifferent angel.
It was somewhat different from Yu Deng's usual appearance but had a strangely attractive quality.
Yu Deng looked down at the middle-aged man sprawled on the ground and said softly, "Besides, I've already saved you once."
Yu Deng didn't regret saving the Mediterranean man's life initially, as his act of saving came from his conscience. However, he didn't want to help this person again.
The thought of having his eyes gouged out was terrifying and he found the demand very unpleasant.
The Mediterranean man didn't immediately understand Yu Deng's words, but the others quickly realized.
If Yu Deng hadn't spoken with the butler on the first day of the instance, this Mediterranean man would have been disposed of long ago.
Everyone accepted Yu Deng's statement, and the woman, understanding, walked toward the Mediterranean man.
"Hey!" the Mediterranean man, frantic, pointed at the other two players. "Why are you willing to help them but not me?"
Yu Deng replied without hesitation, "They're polite."
The two college student players, who had ingrained "thank you" and "sorry" into their genes, were quite pleased. [Haha, see, being enthusiastic and polite does work.]
The Mediterranean man was infuriated, pointing at Cheng Xiao. "What about him? Why are you willing to cooperate with him but refuse to help me?"
Of course, it was because Cheng Xiao was his task target.
But Yu Deng remembered the system's reminder and wouldn't reveal this secret. Besides, he now thought the Mediterranean man talked too much.
Yu Deng glanced at the pudgy Mediterranean man, unwilling to look closely, and replied perfunctorily, "Because he's good-looking."
Cheng Xiao paused. [Did the baby just compliment me..?]
Suddenly being praised, Cheng Xiao's anger was almost completely extinguished. He tried to control himself, but his invisible tail was still wagging happily.
The black mist, carrying Cheng Xiaoling's will, twisted impatiently, nudging Yu Deng several times and giving frantic hints.
Cheng Xiao proudly glanced at the agitated black mist.
Did you hear that? Baby complimented him!