Bab 11: Chapter 11: Party Storm (Additional Chapter 3)
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Li Yao freshened up and checked the time—it was already a quarter past eight in the morning, with plenty of time before ten o'clock.
Modern hovercars were fast, and as long as he got in one, it would take Li Yao only ten minutes to reach Dao Ming Pearl Hotel from where he lived. So, he wasn't in a hurry and fortunately decided to log into the game.
After a day of training with Tongtong, his backpack's supply of Exploding Sheep and Spike Traps had nearly run out, so Li Yao made his way to the workbench, paid the rental fee to the trainer, and began to craft.
Such items were essential; having too few was problematic, but too many would also be an issue. Plus, they were incredibly costly. Tongtong and the Shape-shifting Sorceress had only seen the sharpness and high damage of Li Yao's Mechanical Hunter, but they had no idea that he was spending Gold Coins to level up each day. On the fourth day of the game, while most players had generally reached level three, their daily income was barely four or five silver coins.
Initially, the trainer didn't pay much attention to Li Yao renting the workbench, but after watching Exploding Sheep after Exploding Sheep smoothly crafted by Li Yao—who evidently wasn't a novice—at this point, he hadn't seen Li Yao fail even once.
An hour later, Li Yao had already crafted over a hundred sheep.
"You're not bad, kid, quite a talent. Next time, even if I'm not here, you can use the workbench; just leave the rental fee," the trainer said when he saw Li Yao was about to leave.
"Thanks," Li Yao nodded and chose to log out.
"It seems I'll need to train two players interested in engineering in the future; making them myself is too time-consuming," thought Li Yao, and then he changed into clean clothes and left the house.
The public hoverbus had a dedicated aerial lane, and the bus service was frequent. After waiting for just two minutes, Li Yao boarded one.
While observing the floating screen advertisement of "The Ancient God World" projected from the roof of the public hoverbus, Li Yao couldn't help but crack a smile. With the national endorsement, the ad campaigns for "The Ancient God World" were absolutely overwhelming.
It was almost impossible not to notice, as the large buildings outside the window were adorned with massive promotional screens, and these relentless advertisements only dwindled when it truly became the second world.
Pearl Hotel was one of the iconic buildings in Mingzhu City; from afar, it looked like a Blue Giant Dragon soaring into the sky.
This was a structure designed by a new generation of Chinese architects, using cutting-edge building materials, modeled after the Eastern Azure Dragon.
"Li Yao, you finally made it."
As soon as he arrived, Li Yao was greeted by a beautiful and capable-looking woman.
"It's been too long, squad leader; you've become even more beautiful," Li Yao said with a smile.
"You're just sweet-talking me again. I'm old now, there's no more beauty to speak of," Wang Xiaolei said with a bright smile, leading him into the hotel, "Hurry up and head upstairs. Everyone who could come has already arrived; you're the last one."
"Sorry, I didn't expect everyone to arrive so early," Li Yao said, feeling a flush of embarrassment. He lived in the city yet was the last to arrive, which made him feel slightly apologetic, "It was my oversight."
"It's fine; it's only nine-thirty," Wang Xiaolei reassured him as they entered the elevator and she pressed the button for the 105th floor. Once she saw they were alone in the elevator, she quietly added, "Today, Li Haitao is footing the bill. It's rare for classmates to gather like this, so keep it low-key and don't act rashly."
"Don't worry, I'm fully aware," Li Yao understood what Wang Xiaolei meant; he knew very well that Li Haitao was his old nemesis. Putting aside the four years of grudges, even those who wished to curry favor with Li Haitao wouldn't let an opportunity to target someone as low-profile as him slide by, as proven by Li Yao's past experience.
When they first started university, the two couldn't stand each other. Li Yao couldn't stand Li Haitao's snobbish ways, relying on his father even for being a class leader, while Li Haitao couldn't bear Li Yao's poor and down-to-earth appearance, despite being shrouded in various honors.
The real conflict between the two was essentially over a woman, Feng Yi, an extraordinary and elegant girl.
It was said that Feng Yi came from a mysterious background with a distinguished status, but she was humble and polite, without an ounce of pretentiousness. She became the dream goddess of countless students at the university as soon as she arrived at the school.
No other school beauty could shake her position ever since she topped the list of beauties; logically, such a girl would be the enemy of all other girls, but quite the opposite happened. A bunch of girls flocked around her, following her lead.
Even with Li Yao's qualities, he and Feng Yi were worlds apart—while he had his honors, he was at best mildly handsome, not even a school hunk, and he came from an ordinary family. In terms of social standing, one was a phoenix in the sky, and the other, a common chicken on the ground.
This wasn't meant as an insult, but an undeniable reality. With the emergence of the interstellar program, although the law deemed everyone equal, in reality, the social hierarchy was incredibly rigid.
It should have been impossible for two such different people, albeit in the same class, to develop anything more than a simple friendship.
However, during a school-organized trip to a primitive forest, their equipment malfunctioned, and Li Yao and Feng Yi found themselves in the same group, lost in the forest.
While the other classmates panicked, it was their cooperation that safely guided everyone back to the assembly point. From then on, they grew close and even became a couple a year later.
Li Haitao believed he was the most qualified to be Feng Yi's boyfriend, but he couldn't tolerate seeing her constantly close with his rival.
Thus, he began opposing Li Yao at every turn, even scheming to sabotage their relationship. But both Li Yao and Feng Yi were sensible and intelligent, and instead of drifting apart, their relationship only grew stronger through the adversities.
By their senior year, although Li Haitao had already given up hope, his perception shifted when he saw Feng Yi, the star of any gathering, at a high-class event he attended with his father; he finally learned of her true status.
Later, Li Haitao stirred trouble that reached Feng Yi's family and only then did Li Yao realize how noble her background was. Furthermore, Li Yao found it troubling that Feng Yi had been betrothed from a young age.
To make matters worse, without his knowledge, and with the interference of Feng Yi's fiancé's family, they had even used Li Yao's family to threaten him.
Under immense pressure from all sides, an argument over differing opinions had escalated between the two, ending in separation and the onset of a cold war.
Both of them were proud and headstrong by nature. In their past lives, they never reconciled until their rebirth.
Reborn into this life, Li Yao had not seen Feng Yi for ten years. Seeing her again stirred a complex mix of emotions within him.
The two quietly met each other's gaze for a few seconds before Li Yao gave a slight smile and walked over to his close friends, not even he knew what he was thinking at the moment.
Was that deep, unforgettable love still there? Li Yao was uncertain. Ten years of trials and tribulations can fade even the most sincere feelings.
Love enduring through rocks shattering and seas running dry may only exist in fairy tales. Such bewildering complexity was indescribable.
"Back in school you acted all high and mighty; I didn't expect you to still put on airs after graduation," Wang Qiang complained next to Li Haitao.
Zhang Ming added sarcastically from the other side, "If you ask me, it's disdain for us old classmates. He lives the closest, yet he's the last to arrive."
Knowing Feng Yi's family background, even a nouveau riche family like Li Haitao had ceased pursuit, but his grudge against Li Yao had never been dropped.
A female classmate said with a smile, "He's dressed so casually; it's clear he's looking down on us. But in my opinion, he must be doing poorly wearing street market clothes. I've always said doing well in school doesn't guarantee success later."
Before Li Yao could respond, his close friend Zhao Lei suddenly stood up and said loudly, "Enough from you all, is this still a class reunion?"
Zhang Ming laughed boisterously, "Zhao Lei is right. It's not like Li Yao did it on purpose. I heard he's not doing too well and has never been to such an upscale place. It's normal for him to get lost coming here for the first time."
Some roared with laughter, while others showed displeasure. The once harmonious atmosphere froze instantly upon Li Yao's arrival, dividing into two factions. It was well known that Li Yao's supporters were no fewer than Li Haitao's.
Zhao Lei was about to slam the table in anger when Li Yao pulled him back and sat down calmly, not even glancing at the others.
"Yaozi, can you really tolerate this?" Zhao Lei said furiously.
Li Yao pulled Zhao Lei back down to his seat and spoke indifferently, "Stay calm. Why bother stooping to the level of someone's dog, degrading ourselves to that level?"
Now it was the turn for Li Yao's side to burst into laughter. Even Feng Yi, who had been studying her drink with her head lowered, looked up at Li Yao in surprise, as if seeing him in a new light.
Having lived together for over two years, she knew him exceptionally well. In just a few words, she could tell that Li Yao seemed different from before, though she couldn't quite pinpoint how.
It was Wang Qiang's turn to be furious now. Pointing at the laughing classmates, he shouted, "You need to understand, if it weren't for Haitao's face, could we gather at such a venue? Do you even have a conscience?"
Pearl Hotel wasn't just for anyone with money; one had to have a certain social status. Upon hearing Wang Qiang's words, everyone's expressions shifted.
Li Yao simply smiled and said, "There's one thing I'd like to clarify. Is today a class reunion, or are we being treated to a meal?"
Zhang Ming scoffed, "Are you stupid? Of course, it's a class reunion."
Li Yao's smile brightened, "Then I'm even more puzzled. If it's a class reunion, aren't we all the main characters? I admit I can't shoulder such a huge expense, but I can at least afford my own share. When the bill comes, I'll settle my own part to avoid any gossip."
Zhao Lei laughed, "I'll also clear my own share. It's better than using it as an excuse to belittle a classmate."
"I'll pay for myself too."
Instantly, at least half of the several dozen people wanted to pay their own bills.
Li Haitao gave Li Yao a piercing look before standing up and saying loudly, "Quiet down, everyone. Please trust that I, Li Haitao, have never thought this way. This hall was lent to me by my father after his meeting, and the bill is already paid. How could we let such a small issue hurt our camaraderie after so many years?"
After speaking, Li Haitao gave a fierce stare to his lackeys, then he lifted a glass of wine towards Li Yao, "Don't take the misunderstanding to heart, Yaozi. I'll drink this one as self-punishment, and you do as you wish."
Li Yao also stood up, beaming, "Naturally, I won't hold a grudge against my classmates. I'll drink to that too."
After finishing his drink, Li Yao sat down with a smile. The classmates applauded his magnanimity.
Watching Li Haitao still holding his glass looking somewhat dazed, Li Yao sighed to himself, everyone can put on a show, but Haitao, with ten years of social experience, was no match for him in playacting.
And indeed, Li Haitao was confused because Li Yao had always been fiercely proud and easy to provoke, often putting people in an awkward position, especially him. Li Haitao had wrecked the relationship between Feng Yi and Li Yao, and in the past, Li Yao had treated him like a mortal enemy, never appearing so nonchalant.
His plan today was to undermine Li Yao's prestige, and even if his underlings failed, he wanted to show his own superiority and pressurize the entire room, making everyone see who was the prodigy.
All for paving the way for his own objectives, yet the first step of the plan had already changed...
Bab 12: Chapter 12: Introduction
Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Almost all of the classmates who were familiar with Li Yao's character looked at him in surprise. They had even been ready to step in and mediate, yet they hadn't expected Li Yao to react so nonchalantly.
On the contrary, it was Li Haitao who was taken aback and slightly embarrassed. It wasn't until Zhang Ming nudged him that Li Haitao snapped back to reality and downed his drink in one go.
His prepared speech was forgotten, and he silently took his seat.
The large hall was divided into two parts; one was a leisure area similar to the layout of a bar, and the dining area was in a private room on the other side.
Wang Xiaolei laughed and suggested, "It's not even ten o'clock yet, it's too early to order food. Besides, since this is our first reunion after more than a year since graduating, why don't we find a game to play?"
"That's a good idea; we should have some fun," Li Haitao quickly chimed in. "I wonder if any of our classmates have played 'The Ancient God World'?"
When 'The Ancient God World' was mentioned, the atmosphere immediately heated up, as nearly all the classmates played this game.
After allowing the classmates' enthusiastic discussion to go on for a while, Li Haitao felt it was the right moment. He loudly proposed, "Just talking about it isn't interesting. There are connectors behind the bar. With these connectors, we can extract characters from the game to duel, and we can watch it here like a small-scale competition. Since we all play this game, how about we hold a mini-competition?"
Li Haitao's men roared in approval. Grinning, Li Haitao asked, "Vice Monitor Wang, what do you think?"
"Sounds good, so let's do it. I'll be the referee," said Wang Xiaolei cheerfully.
"Okay, I have no objections," Li Haitao replied, smiling. "In addition, I will personally offer 150,000 credit points as a prize. The winner gets 100,000, the runner-up 30,000, and the third-place finisher 20,000."
The small bar instantly erupted into noise. Despite a few rich second generations in the class, most were ordinary people. For them, a month's work was only worth a few thousand credit points; 100,000 credit points were considered a significant sum.
Li Haitao was satisfied with this effect. As the crowd quieted down, he said, "If you want to join, sign up with Vice Monitor Wang. We'll start right away."
Zhao Lei noticed that everyone was signing up, and whispered, "Yaozi, are you going to sign up?"
Li Yao sipped his wine, swirled his glass casually, and replied indifferently, "Not interested."
"How can you not be interested? Li Haitao is clearly trying to win people over. I'm signing up to teach him a lesson," Zhao Lei declared, eager to compete.
"Then I'll cheer for you," Li Yao replied.
"Watch how I take down Li Haitao, that bastard. When I win the money, we'll have a good time," Zhao Lei said and ran off to sign up.
Li Yao, however, flashed an inexplicable smile. In his past life, Li Haitao had used this method to showcase his impressive abilities, which, of course, were just powered by his superior equipment.
With fully enhanced Green Equip, he didn't have to exert himself much. He would then tempt others by promising to help them get good equipment if they joined his guild, thus attracting a group of people to his guild.
Of course, he would also provoke Li Yao along the way and embarrass him through one-on-one fights.
Just like in the past life, when the high-spirited Li Yao, with his level 3 rogue, duked it out with Li Haitao, only to be unable to even breach his defenses and ended up making a fool of himself.
Now in this new life, even if things were slightly different, Li Yao knew that Li Haitao would surely find a way to make him join the competition. So, why should he bother signing up?
He was now more inclined to toy with them. This feeling was strange, but Li Yao found it enjoyable.
In his past life, Li Yao had developed a fondness for drinking. However, being new to this rebirth life, money was limited. But now, with others footing the bill, he would naturally not hold back. He knew that in his past life, riled up and angry, he had dismissed these fine wines.
Li Yao wandered over to the bar and selected a few bottles of wine. While sipping his drink alone, he watched his old classmates compete against each other on the large screen. It was quite lively.
However, for Li Yao, who had been there and done that, it was akin to children fighting.
Just like in his past life, Li Haitao and his two minions dominated the matches. None of the classmates were able to defeat the three of them.
Seeing the admiring and envious classmates gathered around to watch the competition and compliment Li Haitao and his group, the corners of Li Yao's mouth curved slightly upwards.
"You've changed a lot," a familiar and pleasing voice reached Li Yao's ears.
Feng Yi casually took a seat next to Li Yao and continued, "I see mockery and disdain in your eyes."
"That must be your imagination," Li Yao lightly tapped her wine glass in response and continued to sip his wine slowly.
Feng Yi's alluring face turned serious, and her eyes showed confusion, "I trust my own eyes. What have you been through this past year?"
Li Yao only shook his head, thinking to himself, 'I have experienced a whole lifetime's reincarnation.' He hadn't figured out how to deal with this ex-girlfriend. Forgetting her was impossible, but the passionate love was no longer there. It felt like reminiscing an old lover he hadn't seen in over a decade; hazy and beautiful, distant and unreal.
"I heard you spent a year writing game guides and acting as a host?" Feng Yi asked softly.
"I have done it for a year, but not anymore." Li Yao responded casually. It could be said that half the reason Li Yao wanted to be a commentator and host was because of Qin Fengyi.
Now, Li Yao doesn't value being a commentator and host as much. What he wants is to gradually establish his own guild, set up a club, own a world-class team that can go to battle with him. Reborn once, this goal is not an unachievable dream. As for revenge, he will definitely take it, but it's just a side job. Living in hatred is not his goal.
"Why are you doing this? It's clear to both of us, I wouldn't be where I am now without your help." Qin Fengyi earnestly said.
As a top commentator in China, Qin Fengyi is the most mysterious. In this world, only a few people know that Qin Fengyi is Xiayao, also known as the ever-changing enchantress, a top commentator who has never shown her face, yet has conquered countless gamers with only her voice and impeccable skills.
This is also her second conflict with her family, who would rather not see her in this profession.
However, Li Yao shook his head and said, "I dare not take credit for this, your current achievements are due to your personal charm and efforts, and I am not indispensable. You don't lack material, and you also have a professional team for post-production."
"Damn, Zhang Ming's equipment is too good, I can't break his defense, damn it, he's provoking me, it's killing me." Zhao Lei cursed as he walked over. He only noticed Qin Fengyi sitting in the dark after he arrived, hastily coughed and said, "Ah, I walked into the wrong place."
Qin Fengyi simply smiled and turned back, speaking earnestly again, "I have already cut off ties with my family, they can no longer control my decisions."
"Congratulations then." Li Yao picked up the wine bottle to pour a drink, hiding the surprise in his eyes.
A hint of disappointment flashed across Qin Fengyi's eyes, she stood up, walked a few steps, and with her back to Li Yao said, "I will only use half the money I've earned these two years."
Li Yao was deep in thought, drinking glass after glass of wine. How could he not understand what Qin Fengyi meant? With her pride, this was a proposal for reconciliation.
However, he was now in a dilemma, with a beautiful image rolling in his mind. When he was most helpless and lost in his previous life, it was that woman who kept encouraging and comforting him.
And it was under the encouragement of that girl that he had deleted his rogue account and retrained as a hunter. Since then, he had taken strength and was on the verge of Divine Enthronement success.
Her years of constant encouragement and care had given him new hope, and taught him what it was to give and what gentleness was.
Without her, a reborn Li Yao would undoubtedly have gotten back together with Qin Fengyi without hesitation, but now, Li Yao was somewhat reluctant.
"So what's the result, did you reconcile with Goddess Fengyi?" Zhao Lei asked with a smile.
Li Yao shook his head; he didn't want to pursue the topic and asked instead, "Who did you lose to earlier?"
Zhao Lei looked even more unhappy and said grumpily, "I won the first round, only to meet this damned Zhang Ming in the second. This ass has such good equipment, I simply stood no chance.
While sorrowfully drinking his beer, Zhao Lei continued, seeing Li Yao start to watch the game, "Fortunately you didn't participate, otherwise you would definitely be hit hard by this little bugger Li Haitao. Not only does he have full Green Equip, he also ****** enhanced it, damn nouveau riche."
Li Yao comforted him for a bit, while Li Haitao was happily leading, after a few rounds of competition, he became the first, his two lackeys took second and third places.
All the old classmates had no choice but to admit his prowess, pouring out compliments like they cost nothing, tinged with envy and jealousy.
Li Haitao enjoyed their praises, having spent a fortune on top-quality gear for this effect. He suddenly noticed Li Yao drinking in the corner, and gave his lackeys a signal.
Zhang Ming loudly said, "Everyone, we have been having fun till now, but isn't someone missing? Li Yao, it's not really good to be hiding in the corner while everyone else is having fun."
The old classmates, still in high spirits, immediately joined in when they heard Zhang Ming's words.
Li Yao strolled up, looked around the room, and holding his drink said, "Sorry, but my skills are just average, so I'd better not embarrass myself."
Quick to respond, Zhang Ming replied, "You're wrong there, we're classmates, skill doesn't matter. Winning or losing isn't important, it's all about having fun, right guys?"
"Yes, we're just playing."
"Exactly, I heard that Li Yao has been a commentator, his skills must be excellent, you should not be so modest."
"Come on, PK with me, I will be gentle." A female classmate teasingly chipped in.
Wang Xiaolei also joined in, "Why don't I have a game with Li Yao?"
"Our monitor has been refereeing for so long, he must be tired. I'll take up the task." Wang Qiang turned to Li Yao and said, "What do you say? Do me a favor and join in."
Li Yao walked into the crowd, ignored Wang Qiang, and with a half-smile looked at Li Haitao. Casually, he asked, "Haitao, are you sure you want me to play?"
"It's all in good fun, we're just trying to have a good time. I'm sure Yaozi wouldn't want to ruin everyone's good mood." Li Haitao said with a sincere smile, like they were close friends.
"Alright then, let's play." Li Yao handed his drink to Zhao Lei, turned around and with the same sincere tone said, "However, I want to play a round with you. Let's forget about the others, how about it?"...
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