Chapter Thirteen: Don’t Get Too Close to Him

“My face…” The young man was stunned for a moment, then anger flashed in his eyes. “How dare you mess up my face?”

“Today, all of you…” His gaze swept slowly over everyone present—the cold-faced man beside him, the quarreling groups, and not far away, the girl watching the scene unfold with a hint of amusement.

“No one leaves.”

“What a big mouth!” The gang leader, still shaken, vented his remaining anger on the person who’d tried to snatch his gun. “This is your last day alive!”

“Get him! Kill him!”

Faced with the oncoming mob, the young man smiled and raised a middle finger to Gu Xingze beside him. With a flick, a flame sprang to life at his fingertip.

Alarm swept through the crowd. “He’s an Awakened! A fire user!”

“Gu, be careful!” The girl’s voice rang out, drawing Gu Xingze’s attention. He couldn’t help but snap at her, “Didn’t I tell you not to come down?!”

Boom—boom—

In an instant, fire surged high, engulfing the entire gas station in a roaring inferno. Heat waves rolled fiercely.

Gu Xingze searched frantically in the direction of Xu Nuo, his mind barely able to process what was happening—the events were unfolding too quickly, leaving no time for emotions.

“Gu, I’m here.” Xu Nuo grabbed his arm. “I’m fine.”

The girl before him stood wreathed in flames, so dazzling it was hard to keep one’s eyes open.

“Xu Nuo!” For the first time, Gu Xingze cried her name, completely losing his composure.

“Gu, it’s dangerous here. You need to leave.” Xu Nuo tried to push him toward safety, but he gripped her hands tightly.

Gu Xingze stared at her intently. “What are you planning to do?”

“There’s probably some unburned fuel left inside,” Xu Nuo replied. “I’m going to check.” The young man’s movements had been swift, but her eyesight was sharp—he hadn’t destroyed all the fuel, but instead escaped with the remainder.

Without another word, Gu Xingze tried to drag Xu Nuo away. “Don’t you feel pain?”

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that?” she countered. Gu Xingze was the one engulfed in flames, after all. She was wearing a special suit; this bit of fire was nothing.

“Come with me.” Gu Xingze’s gaze was unwavering. “I know you have many secrets, but this is dangerous.”

“Oh? Are we witnessing a dramatic love scene here?” The youthful, clear voice echoed from above. The young man sat leisurely on the roof, his face alight with interest.

“Keep going—I’m enjoying the show.”

“And you are?” The heat had warped the air, making the youth’s features indistinct. Xu Nuo narrowed her eyes.

[Ding—]

A mechanical chime sounded in her mind.

[Congratulations, Host. Another target has appeared. His affection level for you is currently at minus three. Please keep up the good work.]

Minus three?

How could it be negative three? They’d only just met, hadn’t they?

Xu Nuo was baffled. How could her first impression be so poor?

“Let’s go.” While Xu Nuo was distracted, Gu Xingze pulled her from the flames.

The youth was displeased. “Tsk, why stop now?”

007, ever the patient adviser, said, [Host, his name is Lin Qisheng. He’s extremely arrogant and difficult to handle. You saw what he’s like—he’s not easy to win over. Gu Xingze is much simpler.]

“I have a question,” Xu Nuo said. “If I successfully win over a target, do I get a reward?”

[Of course,] 007 replied enthusiastically. [When you reach one hundred percent affection, the rewards are extremely generous—usable even outside this world.]

“So, if I get a huge reward for winning over one, wouldn’t I get even more if I win over several?”

007: ???

Why would the host think like this?

What kind of logic was that?

“Right?” Xu Nuo pressed.

Reluctantly, 007 nodded. [That’s true, but it’s much harder, and really not worth the effort…] All it wanted was for the host to focus on Gu Xingze and keep things simple!

Out of the sea of flames, Lin Qisheng strode forward. Even in peaceful times, his style would be considered fashionable—short hair radiating a rebellious air, a smile meant to be friendly but instead mischievous and wild. His loose jacket hung off his shoulders, revealing a pink T-shirt beneath.

“Looks like the little couple is all alone now.”

Gu Xingze stepped protectively in front of Xu Nuo.

Lin Qisheng commented casually, “You’re really protective of your girlfriend.”

“She’s not,” Gu Xingze said, frowning.

“Oh? You two aren’t together?” Lin Qisheng said with a lazy grin. “Well then, pretty lady, how about you come with me instead? I promise I’ll treat you right.”

Xu Nuo scoffed, “No, thanks.” With a heartthrob value of minus three, she could imagine what impression she’d made on him.

Since he couldn’t make any headway with Xu Nuo, Lin Qisheng turned to Gu Xingze. “Hey, bro, were you trying to steal my fuel earlier?”

“That’s a bit much. You scared me so badly I had to dump all my fuel. Now my car’s dead, I can’t get home, and I’ve lost so much. How are you planning to make it up to me?”

Suddenly, Lin Qisheng hopped over to Xu Nuo’s side. “How about giving me a ride home?”

“Is your house far?” Xu Nuo asked.

“In the city center.”

“And if I refuse?”

“Then I’ll just have to tag along with you two for a while. Is that okay?” Lin Qisheng’s handsome, youthful features were deceptively innocent. At that moment, he looked for all the world like a wronged puppy, his eyes drooping in a way that was almost a weapon.

[Mom loves you! Come home with mom, baby!]

[Don’t be fooled, streamer, he’s a mad dog!]

[I’ve read the character guide—this wild dog is the hardest to win over. Don’t mess with him!]

Xu Nuo nodded readily. “Sure, that’s fine.”

“Miss,” Lin Qisheng said as soon as he got in the car, claiming the front seat as if it were his by right, “do you think your friend here will mind me joining you?”

“If you get on his nerves, I’ll throw you out by the roadside,” Xu Nuo replied lightly.

She pressed the accelerator and sped toward the city.

Unlike Gu Xingze, Lin Qisheng was outgoing and talkative, with a silver tongue—calling her “sister” at every turn.

“Miss, your outfit is gorgeous. Where did you get it?”

“I earned it through my own efforts,” Xu Nuo answered. She was wearing the “Dawn of the Apocalypse” suit—a reward, so striking it looked fit for a royal ball.

007 had spent the whole journey agonizing over the fact that its host insisted on pursuing another target. It had to admit it admired her cunning; choosing such a dazzling outfit for a first meeting was clearly meant to make a good impression on Lin Qisheng.

But for some reason, her affection value with him remained negative, even after their lively conversation, as if they were old friends.

They parked. Lin Qisheng was the first to hop out.

Gu Xingze grabbed Xu Nuo, warning her, “Don’t get too close to him.”