Chapter 27: Reactions from All Sides

Seeing her so nervous, Hu Cunji offered some comfort. "It’s alright, he is very kind. You don’t need to worry. Just answer whatever he asks, and tell the truth."

But Ning Yun remained anxious. That was the person who appeared on television so often. She seemed to realize something and quickly checked her clothes. "Uncle Hu, is my outfit too casual? Should I change?"

Ever since she had returned to reality, she had been wearing casual clothes. After arriving at the Hu family home, she hadn't changed at all. She and Grandpa Hu had spent the whole night talking about the game, barely getting any sleep. Uncle Hu had only returned at four or five in the morning with a grave expression before finding Ning Yun. They had taken a private jet directly to the capital, arriving by eight o'clock in the morning.

Ning Yun had also received a text message. She had not expected the state to act so quickly—only a night had passed, and they were already moving. She was even more surprised that *he* had specifically asked to see her. They drove directly to a certain location, and it was in the car that their conversation took place. Seeing how nervous she was, Hu Cunji continued to reassure her. "Don't worry, I have reported everything you told me word for word. Just relax and be honest. You'll be fine."

Hearing this, Ning Yun felt a little more settled. Upon reaching their destination, a middle-aged man in a suit and black-rimmed glasses walked over. "Miss Ning Yun, is it?" His expression was kind. "My name is Wei Hanchuan. Time is tight, so please just follow me."

Ning Yun nodded quickly and kept pace with him. After passing through security, Wei Hanchuan explained the situation. "I will take you to the office shortly. You will go in alone, so don't be nervous."

Ning Yun took a deep breath. "Yes, thank you. I'm not nervous." Little did she know, her stiff face completely betrayed her true feelings. Wei Hanchuan understood but said nothing more.

Eventually, they arrived in front of an office. Security personnel stood all around. Ning Yun snuck a few glances, only to be met with sharp, piercing gazes. A woman in a suit approached, carefully checked Ning Yun, and after confirming everything was in order, gave a nod.

"Please, go in." Wei Hanchuan opened the door. Ning Yun quickly thanked him. Before stepping inside, she glanced at Uncle Hu one last time, then entered alone.

Inside the office, it was not as Ning Yun had imagined. There were no dense crowds of bodyguards; there was only one person sitting in a chair, watching her with a kind expression. Ning Yun didn't know what to say for a moment. *Hello* felt too casual. *Greetings, great leader* felt even more awkward. She had never felt her mind go so blank. Seeing him on television was completely different from seeing him in person!

To her surprise, he spoke first: "Little comrade, you have done a great job."

It was a simple sentence, yet it brought tears to Ning Yun’s eyes. "No, I was just lucky to have made it back."

He looked at Ning Yun as if she were his own child; his eyes were filled with warmth. "Sit down first. Let's just have a casual chat." He gestured for her to sit on the sofa nearby. Ning Yun was flattered. Someone appeared from nowhere, placed two cups of tea on the coffee table, and then he sat on the other side of the sofa, just like an ordinary elder. Without realizing it, Ning Yun began to feel less nervous.

"What is that game like inside?" He had seen the reports, and Hu Cunji had briefed him, but nothing compared to a firsthand account from someone like Ning Yun.

Ning Yun thought for a moment and decided to start from the beginning. "The game is very similar to reality, incredibly realistic. After entering, everyone is in a thatched cottage..." She recounted her experiences in the game, including how she received a novice reward at the start and drew an S-rank talent. "We are beta testers, and the game goes public in two days. I believe others will be able to get novice rewards then too!"

She hoped that all the people from Earth who were dragged into the survival game would survive. But she hoped even more that the people of China would thrive. Therefore, she shared every detail about novice rewards, dungeons, and other information. Hu Cunji had reported these things, but Ning Yun’s account was clearly much more detailed.

"Playing the game alone is definitely difficult, but if a family stays together, helping one another, many more people will surely survive." More importantly, the chances of survival for the elderly and children would increase significantly.

For most of the time, Ning Yun did the talking while he listened quietly. After an unknown amount of time, Ning Yun had shared almost everything she knew and took a sip of tea. After hearing everything, his expression did not change much, but Ning Yun could sense that the weight on the old man's heart was immense.

"Comrade Ning, thank you for being willing to share such precious information with the country. The country will not forget your contribution."

Ning Yun stood up quickly. "No, this is what I should have done."

Until she left, that sentence echoed in her mind. She couldn't hide her smile. Seeing her secretly smiling, Hu Cunji felt relieved—he wouldn't be scolded by the old man after all.

After they left, Wei Hanchuan entered the office. "Another player has been found and is on the way to the capital. Most of the information he provided matches Ning Yun's. But one thing is strange: he only knows the game starts in two days, but he doesn't know how to form a team to enter."

The old man flipped through the report and said only one thing: "Everyone has secrets, but Ning Yun did not lie."

Wei Hanchuan understood the old man’s meaning. "From now on, you are responsible for maintaining contact with Ning Yun. We must provide all necessary support to such a fine comrade."

Orders were issued one after another from that office. No one could imagine how the old man withstood the pressure to stabilize the situation in such a short time.

"The Eagle Kingdom requests a phone call with you."
"The Bear Kingdom requests a phone call with you."
"..."

Beyond domestic pressure, there was significant international disagreement regarding China's actions. Most did not believe them and even mocked China. Even within China, there were many voices of doubt, which the old man had only temporarily suppressed. However, the internet was a chaotic place, and many shills were stirring up trouble.

Among them, Shi Yunxiang was the loudest. He had millions of followers on social media and often expressed opinions on major national affairs. In reality, he was an editor for a media outlet. After the official announcement, he posted over a dozen messages, dripping with sarcasm.

"Heh, causing such public resentment over a rumor—what kind of skill is that?"
"When a country rises, the people suffer; when it falls, the people suffer."
"Forcing people to return to their hometowns—what kind of maneuver is this?"

...

Beneath his posts, many followers gathered to echo his sentiments.