Middle-aged Love Patch

"That wasn't me."

"It was you."

"No, I just dozed off for a second. I didn’t know anything."

Shi Yue couldn’t help but laugh: "You call that dozing? Your snoring could’ve woken up the heavens! Want me to show you the recording?"

Xu Youyuan clapped a hand over Shi Yue’s mouth, glaring daggers. "Shut it. Is breakfast not tasty enough, or do you not have work today?"

Shi Yue nuzzled into her palm, prompting Xu Youyuan to immediately pull her hand back.

Shi Yue smirked. "How’d you know I was eating breakfast?"

"Watching you chew like that—what’s so delicious? You’re making me hungry."

Once the game crystal connected to neural pathways, the entire gaming environment unfolded within the player’s mind. All they had to do was close their eyes to dive into the virtual world and immerse themselves in the experience.

Theoretically, a player’s physical actions didn’t affect their in-game movements. However, character actions were controlled by the subconscious, requiring some adjustment time to separate mental and physical reflexes.

It wasn’t difficult—most players needed just a few practice rounds to get the hang of it.

But if they relaxed too much, real-life expressions and movements would still bleed into the game, just as in-game scenarios could make players flail around in reality.

Right now, Shi Yue was lying in her car, still ten kilometers from the office. Given the traffic, it’d take at least half an hour to get there. Her breakfast—bought purely for entertainment—was only half-eaten, and she was savoring every bite. Good thing she hadn’t gotten a drink; the scene in the detention center had nearly made her spit it out in laughter.

"Jianbing," Shi Yue answered casually, since Xu Youyuan had asked. "With sausage and egg. Crispy outside, tender inside. So good."

Xu Youyuan: "…Are you trying to torment me on purpose?"

"You haven’t eaten breakfast yet?"

"I’ve been busy staying online trying to get released early!"

"And whose fault is that? You’re the one running around the game killing people. The victim is right here, and you don’t even feel a shred of remorse?"

Xu Youyuan: "Who exactly drove me to this? Use that little brain of yours, will you?"

"You game developers are so single-minded. What’s there to be mad about? If I annoy you, just annoy me back. No need for violence."

Xu Youyuan decided silence was the better option.

Arguing with a kid would only drag her IQ down.

Shi Yue pulled out her phone, found the top-rated breakfast spot in the city, and ordered Xu Youyuan the most extravagant jianbing combo available. After a moment’s thought, she added a "mystery gift" from another favorite shop.

"You’re at home, right? Be ready to answer the door later."

"…You’re not coming over, are you? How do you even know my exact address?" No need to ask—Shi Ye had clearly betrayed the cause.

"I’d love to, but I’ve got a meeting this morning and can’t skip it…"

Xu Youyuan quickly cut in: "No need for the courtesy, really. Focus on work. By the way, what time do you usually clock out? Want to play a round tonight?"

"Since I got to the office early today, I’ll try to sneak out sooner. Around 8 p.m.? We can—"

"Last time, we already cleared the first stage of the adventure theme. Might as well push forward into the second while we’re on a roll. We got through it pretty smoothly last time, even without focusing much on the scenario. Let’s charge ahead into the competition phase of the adventure theme to free up time for the horror and romance ones. Those two haven’t even been touched yet, and they’re way harder."

Shi Yue was tempted to tease Xu Youyuan about the whole "not focusing much on the scenario" bit.

During their last run—a difficulty level over 5.0—they’d basically made out their way to victory. And Xu Youyuan hadn’t even been wearing any buff gear. If they actually tried, breaking into the competition phase would be a breeze.

This was a rare moment where Xu Youyuan’s embarrassment threshold had been breached, a fleeting instance of intimacy between them. Shi Yue wanted to savor it over and over.

But after last night’s blowup—where Xu Youyuan had been so furious she practically turned into a raging boar—Shi Yue figured she’d better behave for a while and let her cool off.

Xu Youyuan, as if completely oblivious to the subtext, asked, "The horror and romance themes are harder than adventure?"

"Yep. The horror one—just the name tells you it’s tough. And the romance theme’s mechanics are totally different from the other two. It’s all about team synergy." Shi Yue explained, "Even the adventure theme, which we’ve already started, ramps up in difficulty from the second stage onward. Raw courage and strength won’t cut it."

"Now I’m even more interested. Dark Box is basically a full-fledged VR game—in some ways, it rivals Remake Universe."

Xu Youyuan lit up at the mention of games. Back in her student days, she’d played nearly every title she could get her hands on—from retro Nintendo and Xiao Bawang to every PC, PS4, and mobile game of her generation. When it came to gaming, no one was more knowledgeable or passionate than her.

Shi Yue said, "I heard Dark Box’s competitions are still experimental. Compared to Remake Universe, it’s still pretty rough and simple."

"Why the modesty on Dark Box’s behalf?" Xu Youyuan replied. "Oh, how much did it cost to bail me out of detention? I’ll transfer it back to you."

"Don’t worry about it. Just a small amount."

"No. You just started working—every penny’s hard-earned. And yet you keep splurging on in-game purchases. What if you run into an emergency?"

Shi Yue: "You sound exactly like my sister."

"Of course. I am your sister. And about that 50k deposit—"

"Stop overthinking it. That money’s yours. I was the one who dragged you into this achievement unlock in the first place, all for my own goals. I promised another 50k once we clear everything, and I’ll deliver." Shi Yue cut her off before she could protest further. "This has nothing to do with whether you end up dealing with Caps or not. It was my idea from the start, and I don’t go back on my word. Besides, my sister mentioned your dad was sick recently—you went back to your hometown? Is he okay now?"

Shi Yue made no attempt to hide that Shi Ye had been spilling secrets. Xu Youyuan said, "Nothing serious. Just a fall."

"Glad to hear it. This is a fair transaction—don’t feel like you’re taking advantage just because I’m younger. I earn my own money now, and I spend it where it matters to me. And Xu Youyuan, don’t underestimate Dark Box. The upcoming stages are way tougher than the first. You’re earning every cent—no guilt necessary."

The vampire’s expression darkened, her pupils shifting to red as the heart-shaped wisps trailing her tail transformed into flickering flames.

Xu Youyuan chuckled.

"What’s so funny?"

"First time I’ve seen the little bract actually be serious."

The vampire scowled. "I’m always serious."

"Sure, sure. Get back to work. We’ll talk tonight."

Xu Youyuan logged off, and Shuang came over begging for food. Xu Youyuan's own stomach growled with hunger, her lower back still aching as she struggled to get up to fill the golden dog bowl with kibble. She grabbed a head of cabbage from the fridge to boil for herself.

In her days of financial struggle, Xu Youyuan had figured out a way to make poverty-stricken life more flavorful.

Meat was expensive, but cabbage was cheap—though plain boiled cabbage was nearly inedible. That’s where a good hotpot base came in handy.

Whether it was a light broth, mushroom, or tomato base, the right seasoning could elevate plain cabbage into something delicious. Adding greens and tofu skin could even make it feel like a feast.

One important note: unless you were a fan of spicy food, never use a numbing peppercorn (mala) base for vegetables. Picking out all the peppercorns would drive anyone insane.

Xu Youyuan washed a whole basin of cabbage, spread out an electric hotpot setup, dumped the vegetables in, and ate until tears dropped into the pot.

No matter how much she tried to fool herself, she still missed the taste of oil and meat…

One bite of cabbage, imagined as tripe; one bite of greens, imagined as duck intestine; a slice of mushroom—this was wagyu beef…

Life was tough, but imagination made it bearable.

Midway through her meal, Xu Youyuan suddenly froze, chopsticks hovering in the air.

Then she tossed them aside, rushed to her computer, and began frantically drafting a proposal for a food-themed game.

Love was a necessity, but food was even more essential.

A hearty meal could bring happiness, could lift spirits.

In these economically dire times, this game could help pull people out of their lowest moments.

Xu Youyuan buried herself in writing, ignoring the vegetables turning soggy in the pot. She barely glanced at two delivered takeout orders, too focused on finishing the proposal to send to Cang Lu immediately—to shove it in her face, demand funding, and kick the development team into action.

It had been a long time since she’d written with such passion. Two hours later, she finished the core content—a personal record.

Not sure if Cang Lu was busy and couldn’t video call, Xu Youyuan sent it to her email instead.

If the ever-busy President Lu could spare her a glance by tomorrow, that would be a miracle.

She was just scooping up some limp cabbage when a message popped in:

"That fast?"

Xu Youyuan tapped the voice note. Cang Lu’s voice came through: "Sweetheart, you know what? I used to think you were out of touch, always dreaming up those grand cosmic games, never considering the lives of us ordinary folks. But now you’ve gone and thought up a food game? I like it. Let me review it properly when I have time, then we’ll meet to discuss."

Another message followed: "Last month’s payment will hit your account tomorrow—don’t complain it’s too little. I really like this proposal. That thing about replacing you as lead designer for the romance game? That was just to push you. Didn’t expect it to spark another project. Youyuan, I still want you on the romance game. I know you can do it. Oh, and I’ve picked an assistant for you—she’ll add you on WeChat later. Coordinate schedules with her; she’ll start tomorrow."

So, Sister Lu hadn’t given up on her. She was still giving her chances, time, and space to refine her ideas.

With such trust and support, Xu Youyuan could only repay her by making even better games.

Though an assistant was being assigned—hopefully someone efficient and quiet, who could handle life’s little hassles. Like filtering peppercorns out of spicy hotpot broth, or staking out the meat section at the market by 9:30 PM to snag the cheapest, freshest discounted cuts…

Only after finishing the hotpot did she remember the two untouched takeout orders!

Could they really be from Shi Yue?

Xu Youyuan dug them out. The smaller box was a jianbing wrap with fried egg and sausage, plus soy milk. The wrap’s texture suggested it had been crispy when fresh—now sadly soggy.

Shi Yue really had sent her food. Xu Youyuan took a bite. Even soft, it was delicious.

And the bigger box below it—also from Shi Yue?

Munching on the thick jianbing, she opened the larger container.

It was beef.

Xu Youyuan froze.

Three thick, beautifully marbled short ribs lay in the box—tender as a newborn, juicy as first love.

Meat. Actual meat!

One glance told her these would melt in her mouth after a quick sear.

This cut wasn’t cheap.

She checked the packaging: only delivery info, no price. She recalled similar ribs selling by the gram—these three slices would easily run over 2,000 yuan.

Kids fresh in the workforce had no idea how hard money was to come by, spending so recklessly…

If she tried to pay Shi Yue back, she’d just get an earful. So, accepting the kindness, she decided to savor it.

She grabbed her phone, noting in her memo:

"50,000 yuan, Sichuan restaurant, long-distance ride home, luxury jianbing set, incredibly delicious short ribs."

She recorded every bit of help Shi Yue had given her. Her memory for non-work matters was spotty, but these things—she didn’t want to forget.

When times were better, she’d repay Shi Yue properly.

After finishing the jianbing, she stored the ribs in the fridge for a special occasion—when she had time and an empty stomach to truly enjoy them.

A good nap, yoga at 4 PM, then a round of Wing Chun—Xu Youyuan warmed up thoroughly, refreshed and ready for the evening’s adventure-themed dating scenario: Phase Two.

At 8 PM sharp, Shi Yue messaged:

"Log in."

When Xu Youyuan entered the Dark Box room, Shi Yue had already sent a date invite—location: "Little Desk—Plasma Flower Cream Cake Room."

"What ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌‍kind of room name is that?" Xu Youyuan clicked "Accept."

Inside Shi Yue’s room, stars and trees adorned the space, clearly a paid decor set. It reminded her of her mom’s old QQ Space.

But the desk? And books scattered everywhere? Since when was Shi Yue such a studious type?

"Ready?" Shi Yue still wore the vampire avatar. "Phase Two scenarios take longer—minimum one hour. If either of us dies or logs off mid-session, it’s a fail."

"I’m good. You home yet?"

"Yeah, at home."

Xu Youyuan said, "You know… you don’t have to keep wearing the vampire outfit."

What she meant was: You don’t have to stick to one avatar just because of something I said. Feel free to switch to whatever you like.

Shi Yue glanced at her but didn’t respond directly. Instead, she countered, "Aren’t you going to pick an outfit with buffs? The second stage is even harder. Even with buffed gear, you could get wiped out instantly. And you’re going in with nothing? That’s just asking for death."

Xu Youyuan stayed silent, waiting for her to continue.

Sure enough, Shi Yue opened the in-game store and pointed at a pair of pink cat ears, speaking with utmost seriousness: "Don’t underestimate these. They’re not just ordinary cat ears—they boost agility by 99 points, the highest among all agility-enhancing items right now. Not only will they help you dodge faster, but they also carry a special significance."

Xu Youyuan asked, "What significance?"

"Cuteness."

Xu Youyuan rolled her eyes inwardly and opened her mailbox, where Shi Yue had already sent her the cat ears.

The ears were fluffy, plush, and adorably pink. Xu Youyuan admitted, "They are pretty cute."

Shi Yue’s vampire tail gave a little flick—Wait, was there hope?

Xu Youyuan suddenly turned and placed the cat ears on Shi Yue’s head instead, then quickly retreated to a safe distance to admire her handiwork. "Yep, definitely adorable."

Shi Yue, utterly shameless, equipped them without hesitation, swaying her hips and letting out a playful "Meow."

Xu Youyuan couldn’t help but laugh. "Is this how all you young people are these days?"

"How old are you, calling me ‘young people’ like that?"

"Eleven years older than you."

"So what? You’re the same age as my sister, and she still drools in her sleep."

Xu Youyuan burst into laughter.

"And you’re not much better—snoring like a chainsaw. Pot calling the kettle black."

"That was an accident! It was the outfit’s fault!"

Shi Yue giggled, leaving the cat ears on. After all, once they entered the second stage, cosmetic items might be hidden for realism, leaving only the stat boosts and their original character appearances.

After equipping a pair of strength-boosting gauntlets, Shi Yue was ready.

Xu Youyuan, however, was still hesitating.

Normally, she didn’t care much about outfits. As a veteran game developer and player, she’d seen it all—no matter how revealing or ridiculous, if the stats were good, she’d wear it without a second thought. Even in a full-dive VR game, it wasn’t a big deal since it wasn’t her real body anyway.

But with Shi Yue watching, she felt inexplicably self-conscious. For some reason, she couldn’t relax around her.

"Xu Youyuan," Shi Yue called from behind her. "If you don’t pick soon, it’ll be morning."

"Quiet, I’m choosing."

Just then, Cang Lu transferred her salary—30,000 yuan, even though she hadn’t done anything this month.

It was enough to cover her and Shuang’s living expenses for a month. Since she was a homebody, she’d probably have some left over to invest in "Dark Box."

After browsing for a while, she settled on a "Plain Green Cloak"—+20 agility and +129 strength, priced at just 599. The "Phoenix Wings" listed below it offered +30 agility and +150 strength and physical attack but cost 4,999. Clearly, the latter was all about aesthetics. Xu Youyuan firmly believed the ugly green cloak was the better deal.

Just as she was about to confirm her selection, a hand shot out from behind her, swiftly selecting the Phoenix Wings and gifting them to her.

"You’re so wasteful."

"Stop fussing. I can’t believe you were seriously considering that eyesore. Hurry up and equip it—we’re entering the stage." Before Xu Youyuan could protest, Shi Yue initiated the scene entry request.

Xu Youyuan had no choice but to quickly don the outfit as the scene invitation popped up before her.

[System Notification: You are about to enter an Adventure-Themed Date Scene

(2035 Season Adventure Theme Preliminaries – Stage 2)

Host: Plasma Frosting Cake

Imported Film: Not Acquired

Difficulty: Not Acquired

Notes:

1. Due to the unique nature of stage competitions, starting this round, scenes are no longer limited to the host’s imported settings.

2. From Stage 2 onward, all weapons must be obtained within the scene.]

The surroundings around Xu Youyuan and Shi Yue rapidly assembled, as if an entire city were being constructed at hyper-speed.

They hovered midair, watching the loading bar tick up to 24%.

The wind whipped Xu Youyuan’s hair and clothes, the tension of entering a dangerous setting prickling at her nerves.

Xu Youyuan asked, "‘Scenes are no longer limited to the host’s imported settings’—so the movie you prepared might not even be used?"

Shi Yue’s cat ears twitched. "Yep. To increase difficulty and weed out casual players, elite selection might involve randomized original 'Dark Box' scenarios."

"So even you don’t know what’s coming…"

"Right. That’s why you should take this." Shi Yue handed her a baby bottle. "For emergency heals."

Xu Youyuan wrinkled her nose at it, but since it probably restored HP, she grudgingly accepted. Once equipped, the bottle automatically strapped to her back. She glanced at it and sighed. Whatever…

The second note also piqued her curiosity:

"‘Weapons must be obtained within the scene’—so from now on, we have to farm mobs?"

Shi Yue: "Not necessarily. Depends on the scenario. But trust me, sometimes no-mob scenes are harder than combat-heavy ones."

Towering skyscrapers neared completion, and Xu Youyuan spotted the Tokyo Tower among them.

The bustling yet orderly metropolis stood ready, awaiting their adventure.

Uncertain what heart-pounding dangers lay ahead, Xu Youyuan’s excitement bubbled over, her fingers itching to begin.

With a flash of darkness and a racing heartbeat, they entered the Stage 2 adventure scene.

Xu Youyuan braced herself for an immediate onslaught of monsters, fists clenched, nerves taut.

Instead, she found herself indoors.

It was a quiet office. A sofa set sat neatly by the floor-to-ceiling windows, through which the Tokyo Tower stood serene and unshaken amidst the forest of skyscrapers and aerial walkways.

Xu Youyuan leaned over the desk, scanning for threats, her attention briefly snagged by the tower.

As she pushed herself upright, her palm brushed against something warm and soft.

This sensation…

She looked down.

A young woman who looked strikingly like Shi Yue lay beneath her, her professional blouse unbuttoned and disheveled. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears as she whimpered:

"That hurts…"

Xu Youyuan nearly slid off the desk. "??"

What kind of plot was this?! Wasn’t this supposed to be an adventure scene? What the hell was going on?!