Chapter 166: (Extra 1)

Song Pianxian has rationally analyzed what kind of person she is, undoubtedly, beneath her mild demeanor lies unquestionable strength.

Unlike Qinglu, Song Pianxian, as the eldest daughter of the Song Family and the current helmswoman, has been accustomed since childhood to controlling everything as an upper-class person. This may not be described as “desire for control” but rather smoothly taking the initiative— at least not letting herself fall into a disadvantage.

If romance is likened to a business activity, the other party’s hidden personality and secrets in public are like difficult-to-obtain yet desirable business secrets.

However, love is vastly different from career. How can two individuals, as life entities, achieve honesty? The probability is extremely low, so Song Pianxian rarely hopes for the existence of love and has almost never thought about it.

People are multifaceted, complex, and difficult to control. This is a theory that Song Pianxian has been familiar with since childhood.

But then Qinglu appeared.

Song Pianxian took Qinglu home. From the age of 8 to 21, she understood Qinglu too well.

Even the side of Qinglu that she hadn’t previously revealed to her, Song Pianxian knew completely from the replica.

Qinglu was so much like herself, and Song Pianxian had long noticed her imitation, not only in her growth trajectory but also in her way of dealing with people. Qinglu gradually shed her childishness and transformed into an elegant woman.

The flicker of light in her eyes, the smile at the corners of her mouth, like a sweet and fragrant rose, behind the blooming flower was a cold barrel, dangerous and mysterious.

Yet she was also passionate, with an unreasonable recklessness that came rushing forth, overwhelming even herself when she became forceful.

Song Pianxian was familiar with every aspect of Qinglu, as if an opponent at the negotiation table had handed over their vital cards, willingly giving up the intricate maze, allowing her to understand everything perfectly.

Qinglu was paranoid and dangerous, yet she willingly exposed everything to herself, including the fears and weaknesses she never showed to others—

The most wonderful thing was that her weakness was herself.

At this moment of Qinglu’s honest admission of weakness, Song Pianxian felt not only pity but also an indescribable sense of pleasure spreading rapidly in her mind, like a layer of silver watermarks, moistening her eyebrows and eyes.

She suddenly understood the significance of that trip to herself.

Song Pianxian complimented obediently, “You don’t have to feel troubled about the trip, even… I think it was a very good decision you made, even though you didn’t inform me beforehand.”

Song Pianxian felt that if Qinglu had boldly asked her to accompany her on such a special trip, she might have agreed out of soft-heartedness— the only point she would refuse would be the issue of harming Qinglu.

But it was precisely because Qinglu hadn’t asked or informed her beforehand that Qinglu could become a surprise that Song Pianxian had not anticipated. Song Pianxian didn’t dislike this kind of “loss of control”; no one would refuse a deeply agreeable lover. Her presence was already a miracle.

Qinglu blinked, looking extremely obedient but also a bit puzzled, as if she didn’t know what she had done to suddenly receive praise.

Song Pianxian’s eyes lit up with a smile. She glanced at the students nearby, then turned back, standing up straight, saying:

“Some classmates are here to see you. Let’s talk about the rest on our way home.”

Several students who had been taking photos nearby approached, and there were even a dozen or so looking over in this direction from afar.

“Qinglu, Qinglu, would you like to take a photo with us?”

“We don’t want to disturb your conversation, but someone needs to leave soon and he’s crying and begging to take a photo with his goddess…”

“All the members of the Student Union are here, we’re just missing you, the chairperson.”

Qinglu had already put away the demeanor she had in front of Song Pianxian, smiling openly and saying:

“Sorry, I’m coming right now.”

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and surrounded Qinglu as they walked towards the distant students, chatting lively.

Song Pianxian exchanged a final glance with Qinglu, watching as Qinglu was surrounded by the crowd and walked towards the bustling area.

It was easy to see that Qinglu had extremely high prestige and was extremely popular among these students. She had a tall and graceful figure, delicate features, and even though she was wearing the same academic gown, she stood out among the students.

Just now, Song Pianxian even saw a boy blush and stutter when he stole glances at Qinglu.

Standing in the crowd, all eyes and attention were on her. With her clever communication skills, she made everyone smile and laugh. As long as she wanted, her charm and affability were enough to conquer anyone. Song Pianxian believed that with another year or two of refinement, Qinglu wouldn’t be inferior to herself—

Of course, what made Qinglu valuable was that she was herself, possessing qualities that no one else had. Everyone was unique.

Song Pianxian smiled, looking forward to the day when Qinglu would fully bloom.

Qinglu and Song Pianxian received an invitation from Xu Zhaojiu to attend the technology exhibition together.

Xu Zhaojiu hyped up the technology exhibition, making it seem like a big deal, but only mentioned the key point at the end:

“…Ling Yi’s works will also be exhibited. Ahem, and also 01 and 09.”

Qinglu paused in the middle of peeling an orange for Song Pianxian. Song Pianxian’s gaze shifted away from the screen filled with financial news and raised an eyebrow:

“They… are also participating?”

Xu Zhaojiu honestly replied, “They are the exhibits.”

On the day of the technology exhibition, Song Pianxian and Qinglu arrived together.

Xu Zhaojiu didn’t exaggerate too much. This technology exhibition was indeed an international event hosted by the province. People coming and going were dressed formally, polite, and engaged in lively conversations.

Song Pianxian and Qinglu both wore little dresses designed by Xu Zhaojiu herself. Xu Zhaojiu was not very skilled in sewing, but she had some talent in design. Accustomed to being generous, she practically gave away her designs for free, creating finished products and eagerly giving them to her sisters to try on. Over the past year, Song Pianxian and Qinglu’s wardrobe had been filled with her designs, but eventually, they kept only one each and would wear them whenever they felt like it.

At this moment, Ling Yi went to attend a meeting hosted by the organizers, and Xu Zhaojiu personally led them to Ling Yi’s booth, speaking proudly and arrogantly:

“Look, Ling Yi’s works, the new human.”

Song Pianxian tilted her head slightly to look.

On the silver-white textured platform, which was two steps high, stood two virtual figures she was extremely familiar with.

A short girl with long curly hair and big eyes, like a doll, appeared to be only eight or nine years old. She held a blue pencil taller than herself, with a pink cherry blossom-shaped eraser on the pencil’s head. The little girl’s eyes lit up when she saw Song Pianxian. She bounced up like a little rabbit, and the pink cherry blossom petals on the eraser fell down.

Song Pianxian softened her expression and waved at her, “09.”

The two big eyes of 09 instantly curved into small crescent moons.

“She’s not even this happy to see me,” Xu Zhaojiu complained.

09 stretched her neck and looked around, as if estimating the height of the platform. She seemed eager to come down, but was caught off guard when 01 beside her firmly restrained her:

“Stand still and complete your mission.”

09 hugged the large pencil tightly, pouted, and even her hair strands seemed slightly aggrieved.

After a pause, 01 continued, “After it’s over, I’ll take you to the zoo.”

09 became happy again.

Qinglu’s tone was subtle, “Can they still go to the zoo?”

Xu Zhaojiu intervened, “In the Illusory Network—the game world where you all used to stay—what can’t be found? 01, as the data processing center of the torrent, not to mention taking 09 to the zoo, it’s a matter of minutes to turn 09 into a little white rabbit.”

“Your tone seems a bit envious.”

Xu Zhaojiu glanced at Qinglu and said softly, “Of course, I envy it. People like them, the new humans, can have whatever they want. Don’t you envy them? Oh, no, you don’t, because whatever you want, your big sister will give it to you.”

Qinglu took pride in Xu Zhaojiu’s words and smiled sweetly, “You’re right.”

With the increasing flow of people, more and more guests gathered around the booth of the new humans. There were murmurs of amazement, and staff members were guiding a continuous stream of visitors to experience the Illusory Network firsthand.

The game that Song Pianxian and Qinglu had once entered would gradually enter public testing or even officially launch after this technology exhibition. It was ever-changing, based on human thinking, and simulated a vast world with infinite possibilities.

“How powerful the human spirit is” has always been a difficult topic to discuss, and the emergence of the Illusory Network might shed some light on it.

The vast and magnificent universe unfolded slowly, and the foundation of all this was an active yet silent brain.

No one could predict what would happen next, but Song Pianxian had a positive and affirmative attitude towards this project—her affirmative way was to let the technology companies under the Song Group cooperate and acquire shares with Ling Yi, and even before her, Qinglu had already invested in Ling Yi’s studio.

Therefore, this technology exhibition was also a field trip for the two bosses.

As frontline managers of the Illusory Network, the new humans played an indispensable “system” role, and their importance was no less than that of Ling Yi, the game architect. Judging from the discussions sparked by the new humans at the exhibition, they might even become the first stepping stone for the Illusory Network to enter the market.

“The new humans.”

Song Pianxian murmured the term. Initially, she thought the new humans were just something the system made up to deceive her. Later, she realized that the new humans did exist, but it wasn’t Qinglu; it was System 09.

While Xu Zhaojiu was whispering something to Qinglu up ahead, Song Pianxian spent some more time with 09. In a soft voice, 09 greeted Song Pianxian and complained that 01 wouldn’t let her enter the paranormal instance.

A little girl bounced over, tilting her head to look at 09, “Mommy mommy, this little Big Sister’s princess dress is prettier than mine, waah—”

09’s attention was caught by the human cub. She immediately took out a candy from her pocket to comfort the child, and the two little ones huddled together to chat.

Only then did Song Pianxian wave with a smile, nodding to 01, and walked towards Qinglu and Xu Zhaojiu not far away.

“…Didn’t you finish your engineering exams? Come be my model quickly! It’s been three years, three years, and under my Star Network account, people are still asking when the first-generation model will be back.”

Qinglu’s gaze was fixed on Song Pianxian interacting with 09, and she casually replied, “Next time, for sure.”

“What next time for sure? Do you have something going on lately? I asked Big Sister, and you don’t have any plans for the next two months!”

“I do.”

“Huh? Oh, it’s just going on a vacation to the island with Big Sister, right? Speaking of which, it’s been a while since I’ve been, take me with you.” Xu Zhaojiu immediately forgot about work.

“Not taking you.”

“Huh?”

Reluctantly, Qinglu revealed the truth to her sisters, with a hint of joy and pride in sharing, expressing it subtly and modestly, “I’m planning to propose.”

“!” Xu Zhaojiu paused for a moment, excited, “Does Big Sister know?”

Qinglu looked at her as if she were stupid.

Xu Zhaojiu rubbed her face, damn it, who would have thought that her ship would be sailing soon? She quickly regained her wits, glanced at the figure of her elder sister, and whispered like a thief:

“Proposal is great, engagement follows after, right? As long as you help my little shop shoot a few videos amidst your busy schedule, I’ll customize wedding dresses for you and Big Sister. How about that?”

Qinglu looked at Xu Zhaojiu confidently.

She had always been curious, how did Xu Zhaojiu manage to always be so confident? But… Qinglu sighed. The wedding dress personally designed by sisters did have more meaning. Perhaps Big Sister would like it more.

Qinglu nodded, agreeing.

Xu Zhaojiu said happily:

“You have good taste—Later, let Lingyi customize two new human-like little friends for you, trailing behind at the wedding, sprinkling flower petals, swoosh, swoosh.”

“Oh, by the way, the new human-like ones can be adjusted according to your personalities. Hey, have you noticed that 01 and 09 look a lot like me and Lingyi—ahem, I’ll set you up with them in the future too.”

…

Xu Zhaojiu kept talking, and Qinglu just wanted to say to her, “Thank goodness 09 isn’t like you,” but in her gaze, Song Pianxian was already walking towards her.

The rest didn’t matter anymore.

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Translator: Glariosa
Editor: Ruu

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