Chapter 118: Infinite Cannon Fodder (8)

Qiao Qian sat to Tong Ling’s left, while Bai Bei was on her right. Mei Di watched these two and walked without hesitation over to Bai Bei. He didn’t say anything, but everyone understood his meaning—he wanted Bai Bei to give up his seat.

Bai Bei paid no attention to this monster’s actions; he was completely focused on his girlfriend. He wanted to see how she would react. Would she choose him or that fish? He waited for her answer.

On the side, Chu Yue clenched his hands tightly together, feeling both excited and anxious. He had never seen such a chaotic scene in a survival instance before! If things continued like this, NPCs might even come to blows.

For players, the greater the conflict between NPCs, the more room there was for manipulation. Who knew how many monsters were among them—if they could slaughter each other, it’d be perfect!

Zhuang Wu couldn’t miss Mei Di’s damp hair and steam rising from his body. This handsome man looked as if he had just stepped out of the bathtub, exuding an incredibly sensual allure.

Zhuang Wu couldn’t help but recall a conversation between NPC Lingling and Miya during their argument.

Lingling had mentioned keeping a fish in her bathtub—the very same fish that infuriated Miya. Could it be… Medius?!

Other players clearly reached the same conclusion, as their gazes toward Tong Ling and Medius turned noticeably more suggestive.

Who would’ve thought? These two had barely met, yet they were already pulling off a bathroom-themed erotic scene. The Sea King truly lived up to his reputation, even when it came to raising fish—he did so with such audacity…

Mu Bai glanced at the top of Bai Bei’s head; he felt like it wasn’t just a hint of green—it was very green!

Sure enough… “A lickspittle deserves no mercy”—what an eternal truth!

Li Yun rubbed his head, relieved that he hadn’t developed any special relationship with NPCs. Otherwise, he might have faced a similar tragic fate.

In this matter, he genuinely admired Bai Bei—how could one sit there steadily without getting angry? What kind of immense magnanimity was required for such restraint?

Miya had always sat in the seat of honor, but this time he deliberately chose a spot far from Tong Ling. Even so, he could still see what was happening across the table with one glance. His eyes held a mocking chill, his mood utterly foul. He refused to acknowledge that this woman was still affecting him. Turning to the person beside him, he ordered, “Bring me a bottle of wine.”

Li Yun started, realizing the red-haired youth was speaking to him. “Do you want wine?” he asked hastily.

Miya shot a cold glare at the man next to him. In such a bad mood, he couldn’t bother maintaining false friendliness towards others. “No?”

“Yes.” Li Yun didn’t dare get upset at this NPC. With an easy smile, he said, “There happen to be a few bottles of red wine stored in this castle. I’ll go fetch one for you right away.”

Off to the side, Chu Yue muttered quietly, “Wine? Is it time for her coming-of-age ceremony…?”

When Miya’s icy gaze swept over him, Chu Yue quickly shut his mouth. I’ve been too relaxed, he thought. Nearly forgot these people might not even be human anymore, just because I got caught up watching the show.

Meanwhile, Tong Ling effortlessly diffused her own trouble.

“Medius, come sit across from me,” Tong Ling said affectionately. “That way we can both see each other clearly.”

Medius longed to be closer to his female, but since Tong Ling had spoken, he wouldn’t oppose it.

Mu Bai, who was sitting directly opposite Tong Ling, didn’t need prompting; he immediately moved aside to let Medius take his place.

When Mia saw this scene, he clicked his tongue in disdain.

This damned fish is truly too obedient, he thought. Shouldn’t he rip apart the one sitting next to Tong Ling instead of being so useless!

Bai Bei, though not fond of Tong Ling’s closeness with Medius, understood that his girlfriend choosing him over Medius showed her preference for him over that damn fish. Moreover…

“A-Bai, what happened to your hand?” Tong Ling tilted her head, concern etched on her brow as she asked gently. “I’ve been feeling something’s off. Why do you only use one hand even when eating?”

Bai Bei kept his other hand hidden beneath the table. The hand visible was dishing out food for his girlfriend. He’d always concealed his wound, hoping his girlfriend wouldn’t notice—yet he secretly wished she would pay attention to him.

To receive such concerned inquiries from his girlfriend warmed Bai Bei’s heart immensely.

“Nothing serious,” he replied softly. “Just a minor issue.”

“If you get hurt, it’ll delay your ability to take care of me.” Tong Ling’s words sounded self-centered, tinged with an innate arrogance. Yet, hidden within them were traces of genuine concern, making her affection seem all the more precious.

“So you must recover quickly.”

Bai Bei couldn’t help but smile. “Mm-hmm, don’t worry. I’ll be fine soon.”

How could he possibly entrust his girlfriend to someone else’s care? For this reason alone, he had to return to health as soon as possible.

Miya found this scene utterly grating. When Li Yun brought over red wine and glasses, he averted his gaze, pouring nearly half a glass of wine without hesitation and gulping it down.

“Disgusting,” Miya muttered under his breath; it was easily the most unpleasant drink he’d ever tasted.

The red-haired beauty’s lips were stained with crimson, his cheeks flushed slightly with anger. His features, already delicate and handsome, now exuded a decadent aura, evoking an enticingly wicked allure that seemed to beckon one towards moral downfall.

The red-haired youth suddenly released his grip, and the wineglass in his hand plummeted straight to the ground.

With a sharp crackle, the glass shattered into pieces on the floor. Mia’s expression darkened as he said, “This wine is utterly repulsive.”

The atmosphere at the table had already been stiff and awkward, but Mia’s actions undoubtedly made the situation even more tense among everyone present.

Li Yun, seated next to Mia, felt a cold sweat instantly break out on his back, fearing that the NPC beside him might undergo some sudden transformation in this charged moment.

He didn’t have many offensive options; if monsters were to attack, he’d rely solely on his teammates for protection.

Exchanging glances with several of his allies, Li Yun prepared himself to spring into action at any instant.

Pfft.

It was none other than Tong Ling who broke the heavy mood. Tucking stray strands of hair behind her ear, she smiled brightly at Li Yun and said, “Dr. Li, pour me a glass too, would you?”

Her gaze slowly swept over the red-haired youth before settling back on Li Yun. “I’m curious about what kind of drink could possibly disgust Miya so much.”

Mia knew he should leave—the longer he stayed, the higher his anger would rise—but he couldn’t just depart like this. It would be akin to admitting defeat in front of Tong Ling!

There was no need for him to hide from her; he wasn’t angry at this woman either. It was all because of that awful-tasting red wine—absolutely revolting!

Li Yun shakily poured a glass of wine for NPC Lingling and carefully handed it over.

Tong Ling swirled the wine in her stemware glass, smiling slightly in the direction of the red-haired youth before taking a sip.

The wine stored in this castle was by no means inferior. On the contrary, its aroma was rich and full-bodied, with a smooth and well-rounded taste—a truly high-quality red wine.

Tong Ling savored the wine, praising it as she said, “I’m increasingly curious about who the owner of this castle might be. They certainly have impeccable taste.”

“Miya, is it that you can’t appreciate the beauty of this wine?” A hint of amusement danced in Tong Ling’s voice. “Or are you just venting your dissatisfaction?”

Miya clenched his fists tightly, retorting sarcastically, “It’s more like you have terrible taste, being able to swallow even this ‘wine’.”

“Well then, would you care to try the one I’m holding now?” Tong Ling lifted her glass suggestively. “Perhaps it will feel different to you.”

Miya scoffed, “Different? How could it possibly be any different?”

“If you won’t drink it… then…” Tong Ling pushed the half-empty glass towards Bai Bei beside her. “A-Bai, why don’t you give it a try?”

Tong Ling didn’t forget to recommend it to the others at the table. “Everyone should try it. I think the castle owner left us such good food and drinks; we shouldn’t waste them.”

Bai Bei looked at the wine glass in front of him. On the glass wall was a faint lipstick mark.

Miya also saw that lip print. His eyesight was too good, making it impossible for him to ignore such tiny details.

“Give me that glass of wine,” Miya said, forcing back his anger. “I want to try again.”

But it was too late.

Bai Bei picked up the wine glass. He pressed his lips to the faint lip print on the glass and drank all the wine inside.

Bai Bei’s gaze fell on Tong Ling’s face. He licked the wine stain on his lips, his pale skin blushing slightly as he murmured, “It tastes very good.”

Miya was consumed by rage. That was his—that cup of wine should have been his!

He abruptly stood up. Just as he was about to make a move, he saw the woman give an enigmatic smile. She brought her lips close to her wrist and gently kissed it.

Miya’s heart jolted. He recalled what Tong Ling had said earlier:

Miya didn’t linger any further; he left the dining table once again, making a hasty retreat.

With Miya gone, the atmosphere at the table visibly relaxed. Tong Ling turned towards Qiao Qian. During Miya’s outburst earlier, Qiao Qian had gripped her hand beneath the table. Though trembling, she hadn’t let go—her gesture likely meant protection.

Before Qiao Qian could release her hold, Tong Ling clasped Qiao Qian’s slender fingers. “Thank you.”

Qiao Qian shook her head, disapproval written across her face. “It’s dangerous!”

Tong Ling leaned closer to Qiao Qian. The latter seemed to have grown accustomed to her presence, showing no sign of pulling back this time.

“Xiaoxian, are you my early warning system?” Tong Ling smiled. “Can you say more than just ‘dangerous’ to me?”

Qiao Qian hesitated before withdrawing her hand and turning away in apparent annoyance. Yet, her ears betrayed her as they subtly flushed red.

Medius remained silent, Arnold regained his composure, and Bai Bei focused solely on Tong Ling. The men ate peacefully together until only the chatter between Tong Ling and the players echoed above the table.

Tong Ling’s position was naturally at odds with the players’. As their “quest objective,” she naturally needed to get to know them well.

It was obvious that the Main God hadn’t chosen any newcomers for this group. They showed no surprise at the existence of the dungeon, acted steady and cautious, and tolerated her probing questions within reason—they weren’t the type of brainless bullies who would rush in without thinking.

Among them, the one who most piqued Tong Ling’s curiosity was a young boy named Yuan Ju. The reason for her interest was simple: throughout the meal, he was the only one who hadn’t engaged her in conversation. Moreover, his baseball cap obscured much of his face. Someone who neither spoke nor revealed themselves could be somewhat difficult to handle.

However, Tong Ling didn’t dwell on it too much. This was just the first day in the castle; there was no need to rush.

After finishing their meal, Tong Ling thanked the players for their efforts. Their cooking truly impressed her—based on these dishes alone, she hoped they could survive a few more days.

The players also took care of cleaning up after the meal. With nothing else to do, Tong Ling invited Qiao Qian to visit her room. Unfortunately, Qiao Qian remained angry and ignored her invitation. Unable to explore or play with Qiao Qian, Tong Ling returned to her own room to rest.

“Are we certain?” Chu Yue asked his teammates.

Mu Bai and Li Yun affirmed, “Yes, we’re certain.”

Zhuang Wu nodded, “It’s her alright. She can have several NPCs wrapped around her finger; she’s definitely no ordinary person!”

Only Yuan Ju remained unconvinced, “This tool should be used to investigate the most dangerous individual. By understanding our opponent’s capabilities, we can better prepare for any threats.”

“Isn’t she dangerous enough?” Li Yun questioned, astonished. “Magician, haven’t you noticed even Miya couldn’t control her?”

Li Yun recalled how he had instinctively wanted to flee when Miya was near him. He reasoned that Tong Ling, who could manipulate Miya’s emotions, must be more perilous than anyone else.

Yuan Ju hesitated before sighing, realizing his teammates were set on their decision. ”…Fine, let’s proceed with the investigation then.”

Chu Yue produced a prop card. On the back of the Predictor Card, he inputted the name “Tong Ling”.

A golden light flashed as the one-time use card dissipated. In its place, a panel appeared, visible only to the players:

Name: Tong Ling

Gender: Female

Age: ? (Secret)

Identity: A terrifying woman with countless ex-boyfriends (true identity unknown)

Species: Human (pure human lineage)

Overall Stats: Health 100 (exceptionally healthy), Physique 50 (below average for humans), Agility 70 (very nimble), Attack 20 (virtually powerless), Intelligence 90 (highly intelligent)

Skills:

1. Fish养殖大师 (She’s a serial dater who loves keeping fish in her pond.)
2. Sweet Talker (an essential skill for any woman trying to keep men around)
3. PUA (uses dirty tactics, leaving no stone unturned)
4. Dog Training Mastery (she adores dogs, especially obedient ones)
5. Ideal Girlfriend Archetype (seems to always hit the mark on what you desire)…

Interests: Dating Men (should be obvious from her skills alone)

Attribute Rating: SSS (a flawless gem of a woman)

Summary: This is undoubtedly the one woman you cannot afford to miss in your lifetime! Want a romantic relationship? Approach her. Seeking personal growth? Find her. Curious about experiencing both blissful happiness and heart-wrenching pain? Seek her out, without hesitation! Just as a child must stumble before learning to walk, this woman will leave an indelible mark on your life that you’ll never forget!

The players were left speechless.

As the lines disappeared, Chu Yue was the first to wail in anguish. “What kind of hellish trick is this?! My precious item card!”

Mu Bai stared blankly. “A human… This is an SSS-rank human who excels at seducing men.”

Yuan Ju sighed again. “I told you earlier, we should’ve investigated someone else.”

Chu Yue sobbed pitifully. “Let’s not even mention it. I regret it now—I suspect there’s something toxic about this card! It didn’t reveal a single useful piece of information!”

Zhuang Wu tried to console him. “Well, at least it helped us eliminate one possibility. Lingling isn’t a monster.”

“Plus, her level is absurdly high,” Zhuang Wu added. “It’s not wrong for us to be cautious around such a human.”

Li Yun’s lips twitched. “Cautious against her trying to seduce men? Or women? Is this dungeon really messing with our heads?”

Exhaustion was written plainly on everyone’s faces. “Forget it—let’s just wash up and sleep.”

Who knew what other surprises awaited them through the night…