A Brotherhood’s Gamble and a Sister’s Bond

After Yao Lei arrived and briefly understood the situation, he pondered for a moment before asking, “You’ve truly decided to do this?”

Ye Jue nodded firmly. “Indeed, Leizi. Do you still not trust me? Consider this an investment, albeit a substantial sum for me. Yet, I’m willing to take the risk—it’s up to you whether you are too.”

“Perhaps it will yield hundreds, even thousands of times the return, or perhaps we’ll lose everything.”

Yao Lei offered a faint smile. “If you dare to do it, what reason do I have to shy away? However, brother…”

Yao Lei’s expression turned serious. “I can support you, but I truly want to hear your reasoning behind this. If you can genuinely convince me, I can even offer some private sponsorship. My main concern is that I don’t want to see you embark on a path where you lose everything.”

Ye Jue remained silent for a moment before replying calmly, “What if I told you I’m confident I can secure at least one of the top three spots on the leaderboard by myself?”

Yao Lei’s demeanor grew even more solemn. “Are you being serious?”

Ye Jue nodded. “This is merely a conservative estimate. You’re well aware of this game’s potential, so you should understand its future prospects.”

Yao Lei considered his words. “Then, is this person also part of your plan?”

Ye Jue affirmed with a nod. “That’s right.”

Yao Lei contemplated for a while. “Alright, for the sake of our brotherhood, I’ll help you this once. However…”

Yao Lei’s face hardened. “If you fail, I hope you’ll extricate yourself as quickly as possible. I don’t want to lose you as a brother over this money.”

Ye Jue felt a surge of emotion and nodded. “Don’t worry.”

In his previous life, after falling into destitution, Ye Jue had lost contact with Yao Lei. Yet, he knew Yao Lei could have reached out but chose not to utter a single word.

This wasn’t because Yao Lei looked down on him, but rather to spare Ye Jue’s pride from further blows. Thus, Yao Lei had chosen to distance himself.

Later, after Ye Jue’s parents suffered a car accident, Yao Lei had initially intended to contact him. However, Yao’s father had forbidden any contact, as the power behind the Heaven Guild was not to be trifled with.

To avoid implicating his family, Yao Lei was forced to help Ye Jue in secret, daring not to let anyone else know.

Though Yao Lei’s assistance was covert, Ye Jue was vaguely aware of it. He understood that this brother had never abandoned him, even in his lowest moments.

Therefore, in this life, he vowed to elevate Yao Lei’s family to new heights.

Yao Lei turned to the figures behind him. “Come in. Take this gentleman and his brother to the hospital my father sponsors for treatment.”

Two bodyguards entered from outside, bowing respectfully. “Yes, Young Master.”

After watching the bodyguards escort the men away, Yao Lei smiled. “Let’s go. We have a lot to talk about.”

As they settled into the car Yao Lei had driven, he asked, “The usual spot?”

Ye Jue’s eyes held a touch of nostalgia as he smiled. “Sounds good.”

****

When Lin Shenyue awoke, Chris was no longer beside her. She rose and stepped out of the room.

It was now the daytime of the fourth day, and several maids hired by Chris were already tidying up outside. However, it was clear that such a vast mansion would not be cleaned in a short while.

Lin Shenyue casually asked one of the maids, “Where is Chris?”

The maid glanced at her, a hint of surprise in her eyes, yet she remained respectful. “Miss Chris is in the room over there.”

She pointed to a nearby building. Lin Shenyue thanked her and walked over.

Inside the room, Chris was gazing at a painting, a look of sorrow on her face. Lin Shenyue approached and also noticed the artwork. It depicted three people, clearly Chris and her parents.

Upon hearing the sound, Chris turned her head. Seeing Lin Shenyue, she composed herself and offered a gentle smile. “Sister, you’re here.”

Lin Shenyue softly acknowledged her, then asked, “Are these your parents?”

Chris nodded. “Yes, but they’re both gone now. It’s just me.”

Having said this, Chris couldn’t help but feel a fresh wave of sadness. Lin Shenyue remained silent for a while before finally saying, “Then, consider me your family.”

Chris’s eyes widened in delight. “Really? Can I?”

Although she had initially harbored intentions of using Lin Shenyue, Lin Shenyue had since accompanied her through her most sorrowful period. Coupled with the inherent sense of reliance Lin Shenyue’s presence inspired, Chris had long come to view her as an older sister.

Lin Shenyue smiled gently. “Of course. You can just call me Yue’er… Sister.”

Chris immediately threw herself into Lin Shenyue’s embrace, exclaiming joyfully, “Yue’er Sister, I have family again today!”

Lin Shenyue, however, stood frozen, not from Chris’s embrace, but from a system notification.

“Ding! Congratulations to player ‘Yue’er’ for reaching 100 affinity with NPC Chris, becoming the first to activate the NPC system! Rewarding 91,000 EXP, 100 Reputation, and 1 Skill Point. Would you like to announce your name?” “No.”

“System Notification: Player ** has reached 100 affinity with an NPC and officially activated the NPC system.”

“System Notification: Player ** has reached 100 affinity with an NPC and officially activated the NPC system.”

“System Notification: Player ** has reached 100 affinity with an NPC and officially activated the NPC system.”

Ye Jue had just entered when he saw this message, and he couldn’t help but be surprised. In his previous life, this achievement was first completed two weeks later.

Because this achievement officially opened up communication between players and NPCs, it had been widely discussed. Yet, this time, someone had completed it so early.

He quickly considered the possibility: there was a ninety percent chance it was Lin Shenyue who accomplished it, given her high charm stat, which gave her a significant head start.

While Lin Shenyue was still in a daze, she saw Ye Jue send her a private message. “Was that you who triggered it just now?”

Lin Shenyue replied, “Yes.”

Ye Jue nodded. “Alright, have Chris take you to coordinates 21983, 3907. After you triggered this system, you should be able to bring Chris into combat directly.”

Lin Shenyue agreed. Chris, noticing Lin Shenyue’s expression, asked, “Yue’er Sister, do you have something to do right now?”

Lin Shenyue saw Chris’s reluctant look and offered a slight smile. “You can come with me.”

Chris was delighted. “Really? I can?”

Lin Shenyue nodded. “Of course, you can. He specifically asked for you to come along.”

Chris obediently nodded. “Then, Sister, let’s go.”

Lin Shenyue, feeling a bit awkward, said, “You lead the way to 21983, 3907.”

Chris looked at Lin Shenyue with a hint of confusion. Noticing her slightly embarrassed expression, she seemed to realize something, suppressing a giggle. “I understand. I’ll take you there right away.”

Lin Shenyue watched the playful Chris, wishing she could give her a good scolding. However, seeing the maids nearby, she ultimately dismissed the thought, let out a huff, and followed her out.