Chapter 10: Noble Aura

A Dai answered Zixueta: “If you’re Ghost Pupil’s kin, little sister, then I…”

Zixueta cut him off, displeased: “I’m not little sister.”

Her words and attitude surprised A Dai.

He thought she was a girl, which she was, but she hated the term.

Living in the Black Forest so long, she wasn’t a ‘little sister’ by age.

She was mature, and A Dai had misunderstood.

After a moment, he shook off his surprise: “Fine, tell me Ghost Pupil’s habits, and I’ll give you the data.”

Zixueta frowned: “No way.”

With Bai Mingliu behind her, she turned to A Dai: “You’re both princes. You can bond.”

A Dai was testing her.

They looked so alike—could she be the missing Ghost Pupil?

Seeing Zixueta mention him, Bai Mingliu waved his hands: “I’m no good, I’m no good.”

A Dai didn’t glance at him, eyes on Zixueta: “No habits, no data.”

Zixueta snapped: “A Dai, don’t forget you took his medicine when Ghost Pupil saved you. He always keeps a trick up his sleeve. Why would he help you if he didn’t trust you? What if he’s betrayed again?

He says he likes spicy food—do you believe that? Does saving someone make him good? There’s a phrase, ‘repaying kindness with enmity.’ He’s cautious.

How do you know his medicine was all for your health? What if some controlled you? He didn’t use it because you didn’t betray him.”

A Dai found her words reasonable.

He thought, then said: “No, he wouldn’t harm me. Keeping me alive is his best use of me. I’m a prince—my status helps him. If he disliked princes, he wouldn’t treat noble visitors better.

He wants to befriend people of status, but those he doesn’t get along with are another story.”

He nodded: “Alright, I’ll give you the data.”

Since she was Ghost Pupil’s kin, giving her his things was fine.

He produced a book from somewhere.

It flew from his hand to Zixueta’s.

She took it and said: “Thanks.”

She turned to leave.

Bai Mingliu was useless in this exchange.

Outside, he chattered: “That blood prince played Ghost Pupil so well! Must’ve served lots of clients for him. And you’re Ghost Pupil’s kin? No wonder you look similar.”

Zixueta sneered: “How do you know I didn’t dye my hair or get cosmetic work? Hmm?”

Her words silenced Bai Mingliu.

Zixueta said irritably: “Cosmetic systems are advanced now. Who knows?”

Her comment made Bai Mingliu slow down.

Trailing behind, he wondered if her claim of being Ghost Pupil’s kin was true.

As Zixueta walked, she said: “If you want me to fix the drug issue here, listen. In Wangcheng, everyone climbs over others’ corpses to rise.

No one’s kinder than the next. Some trades are controlled by nobles, and some info is exclusive to their circles. We need to mingle with nobles using drugs.

Build good relations—it’ll make things easier. You’re from their circle, but you might not know who’s into drugs. No problem. In their circle, observe and listen. Deal with them, and you’ll find out.”

She said bluntly: “You clearly avoid ‘non-mainstream’ types. Dealing with them isn’t mandatory, but more contacts mean more info. You don’t have to become like them just by interacting.

If they can’t resist temptation, must you fall too? They chase fleeting pleasure, unaware of the toll on body and mind. After one high, they’re unsatisfied, and their desires grow.”

Bai Mingliu found her words wise: “Then… should I take you to meet nobles now? I know where they gather. Your clothes…”

He eyed Zixueta’s simple outfit.

She looked at herself: “I don’t have noble clothes.”

Bai Mingliu said urgently: “Image matters. Some nobles won’t talk to you dressed like that. I’m broke—gave you all my money.”

Zixueta said calmly: “If there’s no time, I’ll buy something. Where’s a clothing store?”

Asking Bai Mingliu was right.

He said excitedly: “Oh, Xue Dingyi’s Theory, that store’s great. There’s also an exotic creature clothing shop. They customize clothes with weird functions—like lamp dresses, candy outfits, octopus suits.”

Xue Dingyi’s Theory was just ahead.

By chance, Bai Mingliu led her there.

The shop was unmanned, high-tech.

Such stores were common.

A virtual figure appeared at the entrance counter, the system serving customers.

The girl smiled sweetly at Zixueta and Bai Mingliu: “Welcome to Xue Dingyi’s Theory! What style do you need?”

Bai Mingliu blurted: “Noble girl clothes. Boy clothes too?”

The girl waved, and a screen appeared: “We have many noble styles—blood, demon, charm race, different series and brands. For the young guest, I recommend the popular dessert series noble clothing.

It boosts attention to the wearer. Effect lasts up to two hours in human time, viewable on the system, activated anytime.

Buy multiple sets, and the effect starts automatically. Plus, you get inedible dessert accessories. Spend 99,999 credits, and we’ll throw in clothing props.”

She tapped the screen.

Clothing images appeared before Zixueta.

The clothes were stunning, looking almost edible.

A full set included headpiece, main outfit, shoes, and socks.

The system note said the headpiece and shoes came only with a full set purchase.