Lost in the Otherworld

"Phfftt—" Fat Jun spat out his tea, “He’s a man?!”

“I knew it,” Officer Huang, now visibly relieved, kissed the ring on his fourth finger. “Looks like I’m still a decent guy after all.”

“Electric Mouse, did you see that? Learn something from it,” Bai Tu said after placing the order and pressing the service button on the table.

“Learn what? I’m renowned for my deep affection!” Wu Dahai exclaimed excitedly, “But first, get me a girlfriend so I can prove it!”

“Hello, may I take your order?” A young waiter approached.

Bai Tu expertly recited the dishes, “Large beef ribs, large pork belly, one portion of beef fat, squid tentacles, sole fillet, egg drop, corn, king oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms… and lastly, a spicy rabbit head. Oh wait, does anyone else want one?”

Everyone shook their heads, not too keen to try.

“I’ll take one,” Qing Ling said.

“Say no more. From now on, we’re soul sisters, no matter the bloodline!” Bai Tu threw her a sincere glance.

After placing the order, Gao Yang felt it was time and asked, “Bai Tu, about…”

“Gu Family Village? Rune circuits?” Bai Tu cut him off. “You’ve been holding it in for a while, haven’t you?”

“Yeah,” Gao Yang responded sheepishly, feeling as though he was the only one eager for answers while the others seemed unconcerned.

But he couldn’t help it! He wanted to grasp more rules and information to survive longer in this terrifying world. Was that so wrong?

“Be patient. I like to talk while eating.” Bai Tu removed her baseball cap, letting her slightly tousled short hair fall around her soft, pale cheeks. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled, her small nose delicately upturned, and when she smiled, her mischievous little fangs peeked out. In her silence, she truly looked like a little "white rabbit."

Fat Jun was momentarily mesmerized.

Noticing his gaze, Bai Tu said, “What are you staring at? I don’t even have the Allure talent.”

Fat Jun, embarrassed, quickly lowered his head.

Bai Tu paused, then suddenly realized, “Wow! Don’t tell me you’re into someone like me?”

“Hey!” Wu Dahai butted in. “I like her too.”

“Oh, please,” Bai Tu rolled her eyes at him, “you like any girl you lay eyes on.” She placed her oversized baseball cap on Fat Jun’s head. “Keep it up, once you make it past probation, I might just consider you.”

“Really?!” Fat Jun’s eyes widened, thinking he had misheard.

“Of course,” Bai Tu said slyly. “Chubby guys are cute, they give off a sense of security.”

“Bro, don’t believe a word of this woman’s nonsense!” Wu Dahai interjected angrily, “That’s exactly how she tricked me into joining! She’s the HR for the organization, recruiting’s her job—she has a quota to meet every year!”

“Oh… I see…” Fat Jun scratched his head with a bitter smile, as if he had expected as much. “Yeah, someone like me… it’s impossible…”

“Don’t listen to him,” Bai Tu leaned forward, resting her cheek on her hand, and flashed Fat Jun a sweet smile. “You’re not like Wu Dahai. I’m serious about you.”

“Great!” Fat Jun’s hope reignited. “I’ll work hard!”

Gao Yang shuddered inwardly—this woman was terrifying!

“Oh, right,” Bai Tu suddenly remembered something and looked at the others. “As your senior, here’s a piece of advice for you rookies.”

“Go ahead.”

“Although beasts are the most terrifying thing in this world, as long as you don’t go looking for trouble, it’s rare to encounter one that’s truly dangerous. Right now, what’s more dangerous for you are awakened ones, especially those outside the organization. So, steer clear of them as much as possible—like the proprietress of this shop, for example.”

“Why? Aren’t we all the same? Shouldn’t we unite against the beasts?” Fat Jun asked, genuinely puzzled.