On the Fallen Winds Plain, Bai Xia’s figure darted through the blood-red light, leaving trails of shadows. The scattered wild monsters, already sparse, barely had time to respawn before being torn apart in the bloody storm, fading into white light once more.
Tian Zheng watched without intervening, for he knew these creatures posed no threat to the swiftly moving girl. Besides, what unfolded before him was less a hunt than a release of pent-up emotions.
Indeed, Bai Xia was venting her frustrations. Though she sensed an unknown emotion influencing her, the source of this inexplicable restlessness and sorrow remained elusive. Unable to pinpoint the cause, she chose to unload her inner turmoil through her actions, each movement imbued with tremendous force and each strike ferocious enough to make one avert their gaze.
It seemed as if the monsters before her were not mere wild beasts, but the very things causing her distress. And it appeared her method was somewhat effective, for as she sliced the last monster into pieces, a measure of calm returned to her.
Taking a deep breath, Bai Xia stood on the grass, settling her emotions. Tian Zheng, observing from afar, pondered the reason for her unusual behavior today. Naturally, without her sharing, he found no clear connection. For just yesterday, her mood had been excellent. Could one dream alone have altered her so? Or was there another reason?
‘Something troubling you in reality, or perhaps… you’re short on funds?’
Stroking his chin, Tian Zheng pondered how to console her. Yet, Bai Xia seemed not to need anyone’s comfort. Shaking his head, with their limited interaction in reality, he could only think of one ‘consolation’—economic support. Though her current state didn’t suggest money was the issue, her squirrel-like nature might appreciate the gesture. Besides, yesterday’s haul had been quite valuable. Thus, he decided on a course of action.
Of course, these thoughts need not be voiced. Seeing Bai Xia standing still for a while, with no intention to continue hunting, he approached her, ‘Feeling better?’
‘Good enough.’
Bai Xia nodded, but her gaze soon fell upon the distant village, still shrouded in a dim haze. ‘Being affected by someone else’s emotions is certainly unpleasant,’ she muttered, ‘Let’s go… Today, I’ll slay every monster within sight to vent my anger!’
‘…Alright.’
Tian Zheng, though confused, saw her renewed vigor and held back his doubts.
****
The village of Little Bear, even in daylight, remained enveloped in a gloomy atmosphere, a chilling dampness that seemed to defy the sun’s warmth. At the entrance and within the village, mutated blood corpses had predictably spawned, appearing less terrifying by day but no less grotesque.
Bai Xia’s foul mood ensured a grim fate for these hideous creatures; she reduced them all to fragments. As they cautiously prepared to venture deeper, a sudden ring startled Bai Xia. Her startled reaction did not go unnoticed by Tian Zheng, who raised an eyebrow, ‘Something wrong?’
‘Uh… it’s a call from reality?’
Realizing the source of the sound, Bai Xia’s expression was one of puzzlement. In nearly a month, she had received few calls, mostly from delivery services. The only other person who had called was that strange caller during a rainy night, seemingly a wrong number or a malfunction. So, who could this be?
Though baffled, the possibility of this being related to the original owner was too significant to ignore. She excused herself to Tian Zheng and logged off to answer the call.
Removing her headset, Bai Xia hurriedly picked up her flashing phone. It was an unknown number, and upon answering, a woman’s voice inquired, ‘Is this Miss Bai Xia?’
‘Who is this?’
Though the greeting was unfamiliar, the voice was oddly familiar. ‘Um… I’m your landlady. Don’t you remember? We met about half a month ago.’
Bai Xia paused, recalling the original owner’s fragmented memories, and a plump face came to mind. ‘Oh, right… Mrs. Landlady? Sorry, I just woke up and I’m a bit groggy. What’s the matter?’
‘It’s not about the rent.’ The woman hesitated, pausing before continuing, ‘Miss Bai Xia, do you have some time? I’d like to discuss something with you in person.’
Bai Xia frowned slightly, looking at the time before agreeing. ‘Sure, where should we meet?’
‘Stay where you are, Miss Bai Xia. I’ll be there shortly.’
Bai Xia had no objections, but after hanging up, her brow furrowed deeper. A landlady’s visit, especially not about rent, could only mean trouble with the property. And this wasn’t a rent issue… ‘Seems like there’s some trouble,’ she murmured, logging back into the game to inform Tian Zheng of the situation.
‘The landlady?’ Tian Zheng showed little reaction. ‘About the rent? No, demanding rent in person would be too inconvenient…’ ‘I thought so too, there must be something else,’ Bai Xia sighed, her gaze returning to the distant village. ‘If I’m not back online in fifteen minutes, go ahead and return to the city for other tasks. I’ll find you when I’m back. If Qian Qiao and the others are online, invite some to help clear the boss here.’
The man lowered his gaze, gently patting her head. ‘Understood. But if you encounter any trouble, don’t forget to tell… us.’
‘Bai Xia nodded, logging off again.
****
Mrs. Landlady was a plump, round-faced woman, not overly obese, appearing to be in her forties. Her kind, gentle features matched the description. Although this was technically their first meeting, Bai Xia recognized her from the original owner’s fragmented memories. After serving tea, Bai Xia inquired, ‘What brings you here? I believe my rent is paid for several more months.’
‘Well…’ Mrs. Landlady’s expression was awkward, struggling to speak before finally apologizing, ‘I’m sorry, Miss Bai Xia. This isn’t about the rent. I have an important matter to discuss with you.’
‘What is it?’ Bai Xia’s patience was tested by the hesitation, but she pressed on, ‘Please, just say it directly.’
‘My husband had a sudden medical emergency at work. Though he was rushed to the hospital and is now stable, he needs immediate treatment abroad. And for that, we require a substantial sum. So…’ Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her husband’s sudden illness clearly a profound shock, both emotionally and financially.
‘I understand your situation,’ Bai Xia frowned, knowing the gist without further explanation. ‘You want me to move out?’
‘Yes, I’m so sorry!’ Mrs. Landlady’s apology was heartfelt, her voice choked with emotion, ‘I know this violates our agreement, but I have no other choice. To cover the medical costs, the quickest way is to sell this property. Of course, I’ll refund your rent in full, and if you wish, I can even…’
‘No need to go that far,’ Bai Xia waved off the offer, ‘I won’t take advantage of your situation. I understand everyone faces hardships. So, I’ll move out. Just return the upcoming months’ rent, and please give me a few days to find a new place.’
‘Of course, thank you… Thank you so much, Miss Bai Xia! I’ll transfer the rent immediately. I need to visit other tenants, so I won’t disturb you further. I hope you find a suitable new home soon!’
After seeing Mrs. Landlady off, Bai Xia sat on the sofa, staring at the ceiling, and sighed, ‘Moving? Ugh… it’s such a hassle.’