Mini World Game Console

"Young Master Mu shook the divination sticks container, and out came a stick with a number written on it. He found the corresponding fortune according to number zero two, and the result was: Excellent Luck."

After thirty-three retries, Ren Suo finally managed to achieve the future where Young Master Mu drew the 'Excellent Luck' fortune!

In that instant, Ren Suo's heart was a mix of conflicting emotions. There was the joy of long-term efforts paying off, the thrill of unlocking a hidden Easter egg, and even the happiness similar to obtaining a Divine Artifact with an extremely low drop rate...

It seemed that the game console had not anticipated a player so stubborn, and thus it promptly bestowed upon him the rewards he deserved:

"Because you drew the 'Excellent Luck' fortune, Young Master Mu's mood significantly affected the resentment he carried, purifying 10,000 points of Filth and Resentment."

Ren Suo had thought that drawing 'Excellent Luck' would at most improve Young Master Mu's mood a bit, but he hadn't expected it could directly purify Filth and Resentment!

Indeed, reversing an inevitable plot would yield better rewards... Ren Suo immediately took these plot points to heart, and after saving the game, he eagerly anticipated more such scenarios for Young Master Mu.

It's just a matter of reloading and monster grinding, huh? As a former RPG looter master (unlocking all treasure chests on the map), a paragon of virtue (completing all side quests), and a versatile madman (triggering all endings), Ren Suo could replay games endlessly for even the most trivial reasons.

Moreover, now that triggering Easter egg scenarios also helped advance the main storyline, Ren Suo naturally took it upon himself to ensure Young Master Mu's escape journey was both easy and enjoyable!

However, such good fortune wasn't common. Along the way, after scenes involving snacking, washing hands, and visiting towers, when Young Master Mu and Maid Xiao Suo were talking, Maid Xiao Suo suddenly sighed, "It would be nice if others could come and play too."

At that moment, three options suddenly popped up on the game screen:

"Who would you like to come with? Ling'er, perhaps?"

"You wouldn't be thinking of bringing Sister Bai, would you?"

"What dissatisfaction do you have with coming with this young master?"

Ren Suo frowned, finding that things seemed to have gotten simpler.

Have we finally entered the simple 'romantic adventure scenario'?

Cough cough, after all, Ren Suo had once been a college student, and the main characteristic of college students is that they fall in love when they have nothing better to do after a full meal.

And Ren Suo was quite something—sometimes he didn't even have enough to eat, spending his meal money on games, merchandise, flying to Shenhai City to watch the TI9 tournament, and other such things.

Although he had never been in a relationship, and neither had his roommate, he had played countless games. These often featured multiple female protagonists vying for attention, becoming cannon fodder, or even self-destructing with the final boss in their endings. Therefore, Ren Suo considered himself a veteran of virtual romance and was quite confident in handling this kind of 'romantic adventure scenario'.

Of course, most importantly, "Inverted World" was not primarily known for 'romantic adventure', and since the game allowed for reloading, Ren Suo was full of confidence!

The first target of his conquest was his Maid Xiao Suo? Not the main character, after all, always opting for the girl next door.

Ren Suo chose the first option: "Who would you like to come with? Ling'er, perhaps?"

Maid Xiao Suo: "Yes, yes, if Ling'er could come, that would be great. I haven't tasted her cooking in two days, and I miss it."

Young Master Mu: "I'm sorry that running away with me has caused you to eat poorly."

The game prompted, "Young Master Mu's mood is slightly affected, changing from 'Quite Pleased' to 'Pleased'."

How can your own failures in hitting on someone cause your mood to get worse!? With your kind of mentality, how can you play the heartbreaker? The playboy? Don't tell me you're the pure love type?

Ren Suo was speechless at this protagonist. In other games, when the main character screwed up, it would make others angry. But in this game, when the main character screwed up, they got angry at themselves...

Especially since the key point of this game is to prevent the main character from getting angry—whose brilliant idea was this game mechanic? They might as well have made the main character a female protagonist!

Despite the complaints, the game needed to be played, and Ren Suo had to admit it was surprisingly compelling—he was indeed curious how the protagonist's mood would change with the other options.

He selected the second option: "You wouldn't be thinking of bringing Sister Bai, would you?"

Speaking of which, Sister Bai had only appeared in dialogue; it was unknown whether she was one of Young Master Mu's harem. However, judging by the tone of the dialogue, Sister Bai might be as close to Maid Xiao Suo as a sister, but it seemed Young Master Mu did not have much affection for Sister Bai...

Maid Xiao Suo: "It wouldn't be bad with her... I heard she wanted to visit Yingzhou before and knows it well. She wanted to travel with me."

Young Master Mu: "I'm not very familiar with Yingzhou, I'm really sorry."

The game prompted, "Young Master Mu's mood is moderately affected, changing from 'Quite Pleased' to 'Somewhat Happy'."

Ren Suo realized that this Young Master Mu must be a contrarian—someone mentioned how well Sister Bai knew Yingzhou without criticizing him for not knowing it, so why let it ruin his mood!?

However, the game had already explained that due to harboring Resentment and being on the run, Young Master Mu's emotions were easily influenced and fluctuated, prone to self-pity and self-loathing. Since it was a game setting, Ren Suo could only accept it.

So choosing the third option must be correct, right? "What dissatisfaction do you have with coming with this young master?"

Maid Xiao Suo: "I'm not dissatisfied at all, quite happy actually."

Young Master Mu: "If it weren't for this Young Master dragging you down, you wouldn't have to live like a fugitive..."

A game prompt popped up, "Young Master Mu's mood was moderately affected, changing from 'Quite Pleased' to 'Somewhat Happy'."

Ren Suo wanted to bang his head against the wall—Why were all three options negative! You know your own words will upset you, so why do you keep talking! Rebels are easier to deal with than you!

Since all three options were incorrect, Ren Suo naturally realized what to do next. He quickly clicked on the newly appeared three lines of worried ink in "Xiao Suo's Secret Diary," which then merged into one sentence: "Xiao Suo knows what to do."

However, beneath the ink, there was still the option, "What should be done?" Ren Suo didn't bother but immediately reloaded to experience the plot again.

And then he shockingly discovered—

The sentence from Maid Xiao Suo that provoked Young Master Mu's question, "It would be nice if others could come and play too," had simply vanished...

Thus, that part of the 'romantic adventure' plot completely disappeared.

The daytime round ended immediately, and the game summarized the round, "After a day of rest, the Demon Lord and Maid Xiao Suo, in high spirits, experienced the human world's prosperity during their playtime, purifying a total of 25,000 Filth and Resentment."

Ren Suo was stunned by this move. Although Young Master Mu couldn't solve the problem, Ren Suo had directly dealt with Maid Xiao Suo, the one who had raised the issue...

Is this game that straightforward?

Of course, the most important thing was that Ren Suo could directly influence Maid Xiao Suo to take such action.

In other romantic adventure games, no player can directly control the actions of the female protagonist.

Watching the screen transition from day to night, entering the night round, Ren Suo blinked and then returned to the main game interface, opening "Xiao Suo's Secret Diary."

No new content appeared in the diary, so Ren Suo clicked on "What should be done?" and discovered it cost 5 Merit Points.

Theoretically, Ren Suo could no longer intervene in the sightseeing plot that had just passed. However, there was still an option here that cost money. This indicated it was no longer content Ren Suo could trigger through 'playing'; it required a purchase. Simply put, it was paying to advance the plot. Heaven knows how foolish Maid Xiao Suo must be to need Ren Suo to spend money to help her.

After spending the Merit Points, Ren Suo once again went through the daytime plot and discovered that Maid Xiao Suo suddenly said while walking, "Young Master, it's so wonderful to be able to come to Yingzhou with you."

Young Master Mu: "...Really?"

Maid Xiao Suo: "Yes, it has been a long time since I traveled, and it's my first time coming to such a far place too!"

Young Master Mu: "If I hadn't dragged you down, you wouldn't have to be wandering from place to place..."

Maid Xiao Suo: "How can we talk about 'dragging down' between us? When I received Skycraft Pavilion's bounty on you, I already knew what would happen later and knew how to help you, so I had to escape with you."

"I was prepared."

"Young Master, trust me, trust yourself, trust that the ending of all stories will definitely be a happy reunion."

Young Master Mu: "Will the Demon Lord's tale also have a happy reunion?"

Maid Xiao Suo: "Definitely, I guarantee it."

Spending 5 Merit Points led to Maid Xiao Suo suddenly becoming sensible and proactively comforting Young Master Mu.

And this newly emerged storyline did not disappoint Ren Suo: "After a day of rest, the Demon Lord and Maid Xiao Suo, in high spirits, experienced the human world's prosperity during their playtime, with the Demon Lord letting go of some of his guilt, purifying a total of 35,000 Filth and Resentment."

An additional 10,000 Resentment purified!

Five Merit Points in exchange for an increase in the main quest's completion rate; Ren Suo didn't feel it was a loss.

During the night round, Ren Suo naturally planned to investigate, as the game's main quest included purifying Resentment and investigating the mastermind behind the scenes. He had to give equal effort to both tasks.

Having triggered every investigation point on the first day, Ren Suo was aware of the general situations at these points. Hence, he kept reloading to make Young Master Mu investigate the locations where clues appeared at night, to see if he could trigger any special plot.

After loading the game three times, Ren Suo quickly reaped his rewards.

They arrived at Investigation Point No. 3, located on both banks of the river, where the water sparkled. Being far from the bustling downtown area and some distance from the commercial and residential districts, this stretch of road was rather quiet at night.

When Young Master Mu and his companion arrived, they saw a woman struggling in the river. Without a second thought, Young Master Mu plunged in to save her.

"There's something strange in the river!"

Five grotesque greenish creatures, approximately the size of children, emerged from the bank and lunged straight at Young Master Mu, taking the game into the battle interface.

A thought flashed through Young Master Mu's mind, "I can't use flashy martial arts here or it will draw the attention of the Soul Hall. Moreover, the woman in the river is already weakening; if I can't get to her quickly, she will surely be drowned by the Water Ghost."

About half of the more than ten skills shone with a red light, indicating that these were 'flashy martial arts' and advising players not to use them.

A 13-second countdown timer appeared in the top-right corner, meaning if Young Master Mu couldn't reach the woman within 13 seconds, she would drown.

Ren Suo first had Young Master Mu charge directly at a Water Ghost, using a powerful yet inconspicuous martial art— "Demon Sword Hand"!

Young Master Mu's hands were covered with a transparent vibrating Qi Barrier. With a heavy blow, like a high-frequency vibroblade, he smashed the Water Ghost, sending it flying and shattering its limbs, while spewing out lots of transparent fluid.

However, after a brief pause to recover, the Water Ghost quickly secreted liquid and regained its combat power, attacking Young Master Mu again!

Ren Suo quickly identified the creatures' traits: low attack power, high numbers, and extremely strong recovery. Simply dragging out the fight to deplete their health points would make for an easy victory.

However, saving the woman was an urgent matter. Young Master Mu had already spent two seconds severely injuring just one Water Ghost, and there was no way to eliminate all these creatures in such a short time!

Therefore, Ren Suo naturally chose another tactic—

He had Young Master Mu swiftly employ his lightness skill and dash towards the middle of the river to rescue the woman first!

But when Young Master Mu went towards the center of the river and pulled up the girl who had stopped struggling, Maid Xiao Suo's dialogue box appeared on the screen: "AHHH AHHH AHHH!"

The Water Ghosts on the riverbank didn't rush into the water to attack Young Master Mu, who was rescuing someone; instead, they started fighting with Maid Xiao Suo.

"Maid Xiao Suo inflicted 23 points of Armor Break damage on the Source of Disaster Water Ghost."

"The Source of Disaster Water Ghost attacked Maid Xiao Suo, but she dodged it."

"The Source of Disaster Water Ghost attacked Maid Xiao Suo, but was blocked by her Qi Barrier."

…

Maid Xiao Suo: "Young Master, hurry back!~"

Ren Suo glanced at the battle record and noticed Maid Xiao Suo was actually gaining the upper hand in the fight, so he wasn't worried. Besides, the girl was drowning because a Water Ghost was grabbing her foot. Ren Suo had Young Master Mu directly eliminate this Water Ghost on the river's surface.

Maid Xiao Suo: "Young Master, come back and help me deal with these enemies first!~"

This game didn't have the concept of gaining strength by killing monsters. Ren Suo saw Maid Xiao Suo was still fine, so he ignored her plea.

Moreover, because he was carrying someone, Young Master Mu's movement speed and attack speed were greatly reduced, and the underwater Water Ghosts were elusive and difficult to hit.

Maid Xiao Suo: "Young Master—"

By the time Young Master Mu had finished off the creature and returned, Maid Xiao Suo had already taken care of the five Water Ghosts on the bank, panting heavily.

Young Master Mu: "Xiao Suo, you're not so young anymore. You should learn how to fight."

Exactly! In the future, you're destined to be a tank—how can you be afraid to confront even minor monsters?

Maid Xiao Suo seemed to sulk in silence.

While playing, Ren Suo's phone suddenly rang.

Ren Suo glanced at the time and realized he should go pick up Little Jiu from school, but as soon as he answered the phone, Bai Ji said on the other end, "Ren Suo, I've already picked up Little Jiu from school."

"Ah? …Sorry for troubling you again."

"It's no trouble. I was passing by anyway. Since Cheng Ling is still in seclusion today, how about we eat out?"

"Sure."

"Then come out to the school gate; Little Jiu and I will wait for you there."

"Hold on, how about we have a seafood buffet tonight?"

「10 minutes later」

Ren Suo arrived at the school gate in Zhao Huo's car. After Bai Ji and Little Jiu got in, Zhao Huo said helplessly, "I only invited you."

"Don't you owe me two meals? So Little Jiu's counts on your tab, too," Ren Suo said, looking at Little Jiu. "Little Jiu, don't forget to say thank you to your little brother here."

"Thank you, little brother!" Little Jiu said crisply.

Although a bit displeased, being called 'little brother' by Little Jiu eased Zhao Huo's mood slightly. But then Little Jiu hugged Ren Suo and said, "Big Brother, Teacher Su secretly asked me about you today..."

You call me 'little brother' and Ren Suo 'Big Brother'? Am I smaller than him in any way!?

This inner retort did a full loop in Zhao Huo's throat, as he couldn't bring himself to voice it—he knew that if he dared to ask, Ren Suo would immediately retort with, 'You can't beat me.'

He had failed to win against him during their second turn, and now that Ren Suo had reached the third turn, he stood even less of a chance!

And because he had lost a bet, he had to treat him to a meal again!

Harboring a surge of irritation, Zhao Huo drove on. Bai Ji, sitting in the passenger seat, turned his head with apparent interest to ask Little Jiu, "Why is Teacher Su suddenly interested in Ren Suo?"

"Yesterday when Big Brother came to pick me up, he met Teacher Su, and they had a really pleasant chat!" Little Jiu candidly revealed.

"I see..." Bai Ji laughed lightly and quietly took out his phone to play.

The four of them arrived at the restaurant shortly. Ren Suo, Little Jiu, and Zhao Huo were old hands at this; without even touching their seats, they went off to grab food, while Bai Ji obediently waited at the table for them to return.

Around the dining table, with delicious food and cola, everyone naturally enjoyed their conversation.

Zhao Huo was a bit reserved at first. After all, Bai Ji was his immediate superior, and his relationship with Bai Ji wasn't as close as his relationship with Ren Suo. However, dining together truly helped to bridge the gap.

Feeling the pleasant atmosphere, Zhao Huo tentatively asked, "Teacher Bai, may I ask for leave in advance?"

"For which days would you like to take off?" Bai Ji didn't agree rashly but instead asked very cautiously.

"From the 28th to the 31st of December."

Bai Ji frowned slightly. "Including the New Year's Day holiday, that's like taking five days off in a row... Theoretically, it's not possible to grant leave right before New Year's Day. What do you need the leave for?"

Zhao Huo replied somewhat sheepishly, "I want to go to Tokyo for the Winter Comi."

"Oh, I see..." Bai Ji had an epiphany. "But still, I can't decide on my own. I'll discuss it with Teacher Huo when I get back."

"Then I'm counting on you!" Zhao Huo joined his hands together in a pleading gesture.

Little Jiu blinked and asked, "What's 'Winter Comi'? Is it a delicious type of rice?"

Before Zhao Huo could reply, Bai Ji chuckled and shook his head. He pulled out a napkin, wiped Little Jiu's greasy little mouth, and explained, "Winter Comi is a major fan convention held in Tokyo. It's where creators gather to showcase the work they've done throughout the year."

Little Jiu comfortably enjoyed Little Bai's service and asked, "Is Tokyo far from here?"

"Around 3,000 kilometers in a straight line?" Bai Ji pondered and suddenly felt inspired, asking, "Does Little Jiu want to go on a trip?"

"Yes!" Little Jiu immediately hugged Ren Suo's hand. "Big Brother, let's go on a trip! Trips are so much fun!"

"I think final exams are more fun," Ren Suo said nonchalantly—he, a traditional gamer, certainly didn't want to go on a trip.

Bai Ji smiled and said, "Visiting Flourishing Sakura in winter can be quite fun. There are many events, and we can soak in hot springs. I've been thinking about when to take a trip and have already prepared a travel guide. If you guys decide to go, I can take you around."

Little Jiu immediately started swaying Ren Suo's arm. "Big~Bro~ther~"

"We can talk about it after your final exams," Ren Suo said, having almost instinctually mastered the 'Procrastination Technique', making no firm commitment and speaking ambiguously.

Maybe Little Jiu will forget about this after her final exams. Even if she doesn't forget... Dong Chengling should be out of seclusion by then. In any case, a trip is out of the question. Ren Suo would never voluntarily go on a trip in his life.