Chapter 8: The Dilemma of Hidden Riches

“…

Wang Tianming gazed at the familiar ceiling, momentarily at a loss for words.

In his hand, a distinct, papery sensation confirmed the reward from the game: one thousand Yuan in cash.

However, he was currently immobile, and the stack of banknotes presented an immediate dilemma of concealment.

Though it was the dead of night, and his father, the doctors, and his fellow patients were all asleep, none could see the money in his grasp.

But once daylight broke and everyone awoke, the cash would be plainly visible.

“Are you troubled? Worried someone might see the money, yet you have no way to explain its origin?”

Just as Wang Tianming fretted, the voice of the ‘Destiny System’ (TL Note: ‘Tianming Xitong’, often translated as ‘Heavenly Mandate System’ or ‘Destiny System’) resurfaced in his ear.

The ‘Destiny System’ was not the same entity as Nina.

Nina, the guide for the ‘Destiny Game’, possessed a sweet and saccharine girlish voice.

In contrast, the ‘Destiny System’ spoke with a neutral, synthetic tone, making it impossible to discern its gender.

“Look, when you appear next time, could you at least give a warning? You understand this nearly scares people to death, right?” Wang Tianming snapped at the ‘Destiny System’.

“Yes, I am indeed troubled by this.

Can’t you just use card transfers? Must you always deliver cash? Honestly, who even uses cash anymore these days?”

“We have received feedback regarding your concerns, and the higher-ups will consider modifications.”

The ‘Destiny System’ replied to Wang Tianming’s query in a formal, almost robotic manner, yet then offered a surprisingly human-like suggestion: “However, since you’re unsure how to conceal this money now, perhaps you’d like to hear my idea?”

“Immediately join the next game.

During this period, external time will be paused, and perhaps after the next game, you’ll discover a method to hide the money.”

“Are you telling me that while I’m in the game world, time in the real world stands still? That’s quite magical, almost like a dream.” Wang Tianming immediately pressed for clarification.

“But can I enter this game world whenever I please? Is there no interval between games?”

“We do not have an anti-addiction system; if players wish to play, we naturally offer our full support.” The ‘Destiny System’ explained.

“Therefore, as long as a player decides to enter the next game, we can initiate it.”

“However, if a player fails to enter a game for an extended period, we will forcibly compel them to join, until [The following content is confidential; players must explore it themselves].”

“What the hell?! What’s with this sudden censorship? How can I avoid playing the game? And I have to ‘explore it myself’?” Wang Tianming couldn’t help but exclaim.

“So, if I keep refusing to enter the game, I’ll eventually be dragged into the game world anyway, is that it?”

“Yes, for the specific details, players must explore them themselves.” The ‘Destiny System’ replied succinctly.

“Would you like to enter the next game?”

“Enter, why wouldn’t I? Since I’ll be pulled into the game world regardless, why shouldn’t I clear these games sooner rather than later?” Wang Tianming declared with resolve.

“Alright, ‘Destiny System’, tell me, what’s the next game?”

“Welcome to the game instance – ‘Enchanted Forest’!

As the scenery continuously shifted, the ‘Destiny System’ began its introduction.

“You will be playing as an adventurer, exploring the fantastical forest alongside your teammates, with the ultimate goal of capturing the Azure Dragon (TL Note: ‘Qinglong’, a mythical beast in Chinese constellations and mythology)!”

“There is only one Azure Dragon, so only the first player to acquire it will achieve victory in this game.

Good luck~” (TL Note: ‘Jiā gè yóu’, literally ‘add oil’, an encouraging phrase akin to ‘go for it’ or ‘good luck’).

The ‘Destiny System’ concluded its introduction there.

However, Wang Tianming observed that his surroundings had transformed into a very cartoonish, Q-version (TL Note: ‘Q-version’ or ‘chibi’ refers to a super deformed, cute art style) aesthetic.

He was now about to face a common feature unique to many RPGs: character customization.