Mini World Game Console

Zhao Huo sipped the dark red wine in his hand. Beer is still better, he thought. It wasn't that he found wine unpalatable; he simply preferred the feeling of gulping it down, GLUG, GLUG, GLUG.

Vice Chancellor Yuan Chu was still conversing with Euphy Lampeluji. The Cultivators whose English was weaker had already left. After all, everyone present was a Cultivator. If they couldn't understand the conversation but continued to stand there with silly grins, the confusion in their eyes would be impossible to hide.

Although Zhao Huo was confident in his English proficiency—having obtained a Level 8 certificate in his English major during college and facing virtually no barriers in listening, reading, and writing—he had never been immersed in an English-speaking environment. Consequently, he lacked communicative proficiency and didn't usually take the initiative to engage in English conversations. Not to mention, when it came to swearing in English, Ren Suo could probably do it more authentically and with more flair—Ren Suo had, after all, received professional training from native speakers on foreign game servers. Thus, Zhao Huo dared not interject and could only listen to Yuan Chu and the others from the sidelines.

Watching Yuan Chu converse fluently, casually sharing interesting anecdotes from abroad, and interacting with Euphy like an old friend, Zhao Huo suddenly had a revelation. He finally understood how Ren Suo and the others felt. Being single truly is miserable!

Ah, thankfully I'm not single, he mused.

Although he didn't usually interact much with the Vice Chancellor, Zhao Huo knew he was a doctorate holder who had studied abroad. Zhao Huo was also aware that Yuan Chu was one of the top talents within Heavenly Lotus Academy. Even though Yuan Chu couldn't compare with Bai Ji in combat power and cultivation level, he was an Awakener. He had previously held a position at the National Spiritual Energy Research Institute and possessed unique insights and ample research experience in Spiritual Energy cultivation.

After his transfer to Heavenly Lotus Academy, Yuan Chu was also responsible for designing the academy's curriculum and allocating teaching assignments. However, he delegated executive authority to Dean Huo He. This was why Yuan Chu wasn't very prominent in the academy; even few cultivation instructors fully understood him. However, serving as Vice Chancellor at Heavenly Lotus Academy indicated that his comprehensive abilities ranked first among all Cultivators at the institution. In this relatively peaceful era, combat power wasn't the sole determining factor. Even Bai Ji—first in cultivation, looks, and combat power—had never objected to Yuan Chu's arrangements, which spoke volumes about his recognized capabilities.

At this moment, another male teacher bravely joined the conversation. Yuan Chu smiled, picked up the thread of conversation, and then elaborated further, discussing deeper theories and connecting them to current events. Soon, the male teacher could only retreat from the conversation, looking embarrassed.

Zhao Huo knew that to be a leader in one of the top ten Transcendent Schools, which the government valued highly, Yuan Chu naturally possessed superior emotional intelligence, IQ, and knowledge. Transcendent Schools aren't ordinary schools. If leaders of ordinary schools are idiots, the teachers might just tolerate it. But if leaders of Transcendent Schools are idiots, hmph, 'armed with sharp blades, the intent to kill arises naturally' is a common occurrence.

Additionally, Yuan Chu had a refined and gentle appearance, his looks surpassed only by Zhao Huo himself and Bai Ji. Even when conversing with less knowledgeable individuals, Yuan Chu could speak eloquently, making them feel exceptionally comfortable. Consequently, the few people who had interacted with the Vice Chancellor held him in high regard. But now, Yuan Chu's primary responsibility was attending to the foreign guest, Euphy, leaving him no time for the other teachers.

Zhao Huo could tell Euphy's knowledge was no less profound than Yuan Chu's. The topics they discussed—which Zhao Huo could only vaguely grasp—were generally related to teaching and cultivation. If he had wanted to express his own thoughts, he would have had to purse his lips and slowly organize his words. By the time he'd sorted out and mentally translated his opinions, Yuan Chu and Euphy would have already moved on to another subject...

The dinner had been underway for over ten minutes. Young Karen sat quietly to one side, eating, while Euphy exchanged insights on cultivation and teaching with the school leaders. Zhao Huo and the others could only pretend to follow the discussion, occasionally nodding and smiling. However, unlike his colleagues who hoped to 'latch onto a rich and beautiful catch,' Zhao Huo was purely there for the spectacle—he had already secured his own 'sponsor.'

Zhao Huo merely wanted to witness the power of these 'strongest Transcendent sisters from Britain,' as documented in their files. Naturally, striking up a conversation would be ideal. Of course, Zhao Huo also harbored a sliver of hope of establishing a friendly relationship with this foreign noble Female Cultivator. This has absolutely nothing to do with any base desires, Zhao Huo thought. I'm extremely loyal to my fiancée. But if I became friends with a foreign noble Female Cultivator, it would give me more to brag about in the future.

But now, it seems such an opportunity isn't meant for me, he mused.

Zhao Huo shrugged, preparing to leave and fill his stomach. But at that moment, a hand suddenly landed on his shoulder.

He turned his head and saw Ren Suo.

"Hmm?" Zhao Huo said. "You... why do you seem a bit strange?"

He didn't know what to say. He sensed some subtle changes in Ren Suo, but these changes were hard to articulate. If he had to describe them, 'a Salted Fish turning over' is a fitting metaphor, Zhao Huo thought.

Ren Suo, who usually exuded an aura of 'effort might not bring success, but giving up is so easy' and 'stealing a half-day of leisure is like living for that day alone,' suddenly seemed taller in Zhao Huo's eyes—

He straightened his back, his neat suit fitting him perfectly. His eyes widened, the earnestness and warmth in their depths feeling surprisingly familiar. A cool, rather comforting sensation emanated from his palms.

"Strange, am I?" Ren Suo smiled.

A Determination Value of 100% had not only dispelled all his 'lazy thoughts' but had also brought him immense self-confidence. This naturally culminated in his Vital Energy and Spirit reaching their peak. The coolness on his hands was simply because he had hugged Bai Ji for too long earlier. His clothes were fine, but his hands had frosted over after washing them, and they were just now thawing.

Although Ren Suo seemed a bit eerie, as soon as Zhao Huo saw him intently staring at Euphy, he had a sudden realization. This is like a peacock spreading its tail feathers! Ren Suo's in heat!

"Forget about it. Those opportunities aren't for you," Zhao Huo chuckled, arms crossed. "Regretting not studying English diligently in college? Can't even understand what they're saying now, can you?"

"Yes..." Ren Suo's expression was complex, as if truly reminiscing about his younger, more reckless self. "I do regret it quite a bit."

"Let's go back and eat. This banquet is quite upscale." Zhao Huo tugged at Ren Suo, but he didn't budge.

"Hmm? Want to take photos for your Moments? The academy explicitly forbade that, you know," Zhao Huo warned.

"No," Ren Suo said. "I'm going over to her."

"Not even for a group photo," Zhao Huo reiterated.

Ren Suo glanced sideways at Zhao Huo, thought for a moment, and said, "Virgin."

Zhao Huo flared up instantly. But since they were in public, he couldn't just use 'Strong Man Locking' on Ren Suo to teach him a lesson. He could only whisper a sarcastic retort, "Oh? Comrade Ren Suo, are you implying that I, Zhao Huo—a nationally registered Second Turn Combat Cultivator, one of the top three handsome men at Heavenly Lotus Academy, owner of a house, a car, and three cabinets full of figurines, leader of one of the top three subtitling groups in the country, a Project 985 university graduate proficient in three languages, Inheritor of the Changshan School, and the future life partner of a beautiful, cute, understanding, and independent woman—am a virgin?"

Ren Suo said leisurely, "When you don't even dare to communicate with someone you're interested in, you're a spiritual virgin—a loser forever bound by the constraints of reality. It's not about expressing your desires like an animal, and it doesn't specifically refer to the opposite sex. It means you should be able to bravely express yourself in front of anyone you're interested in. Your hesitation only shows you feel you're not perfect, so you don't dare to express yourself. That's what being a spiritual virgin is. Being a spectator on the sidelines, too afraid to approach, is just like back in school when you only dared to openly glance at the girl you liked during morning calisthenics."

Zhao Huo was stunned. "How did you know about my school days... Damn it, you must have been like that too, or you wouldn't know so clearly!"

"I used to be, but not anymore," Ren Suo said, lifting his head proudly.

Zhao Huo's mouth twitched. "You make it sound so simple... Alright then, let's see how capable you are. Let's see how long you can chat with Miss Euphy."

"And what if I do?" Ren Suo asked leisurely.

At that moment, Zhao Huo suddenly had an epiphany and looked at Ren Suo warily.

In an instant, many guesses flashed through his mind: Could it be that Ren Suo and Euphy are pen pals? Online friends? Childhood Sweethearts who exchanged keys and locks? Or maybe they taught each other English and Chinese online as pen-pal teachers?

Although Ren Suo usually seems goofy, he's never really failed at anything he set his mind to. Since he's so confident this time, it must be a sure thing.

"If you do it, you do it. May you have many happy returns of the day," Zhao Huo said perfunctorily, cupping his hands in a mock bow.

Tsk, Ren Suo thought, surprised that Zhao Huo had actually wised up. Well, if a hidden trap won't work, an obvious one will have to do. He then said, "I'm going over now. But remember, it's not that *I* want to go. *You're* the one who insisted I go, to prove who the spiritual virgin is."

"Yes, yes, yes," Zhao Huo nodded. "But don't blame me if you end up embarrassing yourself."

"Of course," Ren Suo said meaningfully. "But if I become the center of attention, I certainly won't forget your contribution. If it weren't for you, I definitely wouldn't be going to chat with Euphy."

"Enough about being the center of attention..." Zhao Huo scoffed.

However, as Ren Suo walked over, Zhao Huo replayed the conversation in his mind and suddenly felt puzzled. Wait, wasn't it Ren Suo himself who said he wanted to go over to Euphy in the first place? He insists on pinning this on me. What kind of scheme is he plotting? But never mind. After all, he…

By this time, Ren Suo had reached the small group conversing, which included Yuan Chu and Euphy. Both immediately turned their gaze toward him. Ren Suo, neither obsequious nor arrogant, smiled and asked Euphy a question. Zhao Huo listened for a moment and realized Ren Suo was actually discussing the Fairy Palace.

Zhao Huo fumed internally. Hmph, shameless scoundrel, using the Fairy Palace as an icebreaker!

But Zhao Huo had to admit, Ren Suo's choice of icebreaker was very clever. Euphy herself had been saved by a Fairy Palace Assassin, and the Fairy Palace had a mysterious and deep connection with Ren Naiser. It was easy to transition the topic to Ren Naiser—all of which was familiar territory for Ren Suo and of great interest to Euphy. Although Zhao Huo had never pursued anyone, he knew this was how ordinary people often approached someone they were interested in: first, pick a topic the other person liked, then delve into it to quickly build rapport. For example, if girls liked shopping for clothes and makeup, a guy could learn about makeup and women's fashion to more easily get closer to the girl he fancied. Apparently, guys who tried it swore by its effectiveness!

At this point, Vice Chancellor Yuan Chu also chimed in, cracking a dry British joke that made Euphy cover her mouth and giggle.

Zhao Huo thought, Ren Suo's going to stumble now. Does he even understand British dry humor? He's more likely to know British swear words...

However, Ren Suo simply smiled and built upon Yuan Chu's dry joke. Yuan Chu and Euphy were momentarily stunned, then burst out laughing, disregarding their composure entirely, almost laughing to the point of tears.

Of course, the onlookers were still bewildered. We can't understand a thing! Are they really speaking English? What's so funny?

Once again, Ren Suo steered the conversation. He returned to discussing Ren Naiser and the Fairy Palace, occasionally throwing in a well-timed anecdote or joke, gradually drawing Euphy's full attention to himself. Although Yuan Chu tried to interject occasionally, Ren Suo always managed to reclaim the conversational thread. Slowly, Yuan Chu found himself becoming like the nearby onlookers, simply watching Ren Suo and Euphy chat and laugh animatedly.

At this moment, standing in the middle of the crowd, Ren Suo was also slightly relieved. He didn't actually possess strong English speaking skills. However, the entire conversation had already played out during the game. As he stood before Euphy, the dialogue and pronunciation surfaced in his mind almost automatically. He knew exactly how Euphy would respond and what he should say next. Ren Suo felt as if he were communicating with Euphy in his native language. It wasn't just that he spoke fluently; when he listened to Euphy, he could instantly recall the corresponding lines from the game's original text, which he had meticulously translated using an Oxford dictionary.

Incidentally, the real Euphy was even more beautiful than she appeared in the game or in online photos. She had fair skin, a slender waist, golden hair, and blue eyes. Her stunning gown perfectly accentuated her figure, and her confident yet modest speech made it clear that this young female capitalist was not to be underestimated.

For a moment, Ren Suo felt the game wasn't so bad after all. Being able to chat with an eye-catching foreign beauty is a unique experience for a shallow human like me, still indulging in lowbrow tastes, he thought.

"Ah, I remember now! You're Ren Suo! No wonder you know so much about the Fairy Palace," Euphy remarked.

This comment left Ren Suo slightly bewildered. Did she know me before this?

Although it felt a bit odd, Ren Suo continued, voicing the lines that came to him: "Apart from the Fairy Palace, there are many other things I'd like to discuss with you."

Euphy tilted her head curiously and asked, "Such as?"

Ren Suo looked at her, the next line already forming in his mind.

Then, just as he was about to blurt it out, he swallowed back the words that were about to emerge from his throat—

All the joys, anger, sorrows, and happiness of my past life, everything you weren't a part of—I want to tell you all of it. And then... I hope you'll be a part of the rest of my life.

...

Meanwhile, Zhao Huo, standing on the sidelines, was already impressed with Ren Suo.

I never expected Ren Suo to be this good! He can actually chat and laugh so freely with Miss Euphy. When it comes to interacting with the opposite sex, I, Zhao Huo, acknowledge you as the strongest!

"What is Ren Suo doing?"

Hearing the voice behind him, Zhao Huo casually replied, "He's chatting with that beautiful foreign princess... Huh?"

Zhao Huo turned his head and saw Dong Chengling's calm face.

His first reaction was schadenfreude. Ren Suo, you're going to crash and burn this time! Hahahaha...

His second reaction was a sudden realization. Wait a minute, what did Ren Suo tell me earlier? Something like, 'You're the one who insisted I go,' and 'If it weren't for you, I definitely wouldn't be going to chat with Euphy.'

His third reaction was to grit his teeth. He actually managed to shift the blame to me in advance!?