She’s a Passerby, But Can See the Protagonist’s Halo

On Sunday, Yan woke up and lingered in bed for a long time before slowly getting up.

She and Zhu Jue hadn’t made any specific plans for the day, as weekends were meant for resting.

Chu Bingbing, surprisingly, had gotten up early. By the time Yan got out of bed, Chu Bingbing was already dressed and wearing light makeup, seemingly ready to go out.

"Yan, are you planning to go home for National Day?" Chu Bingbing asked casually as she saw Yan coming downstairs.

Yan smoothed her hair and glanced at the electronic calendar on the table. It was already September 24th.

"No, it’s only been half a month since school started. Going home would be too much hassle, and the round-trip plane tickets aren’t worth it," Yan shook her head.

"The Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays are connected this year, making it a ten-day break. Zhu Jue and I can have a good time exploring Bin City and the surrounding areas," Yan added.

"What about you guys?" she asked, looking at the others.

"Not going back," Yi Zhi and Ding Ling shook their heads in unison.

"I haven’t decided yet, maybe I’ll go somewhere to relax," Chu Bingbing said.

Gu Jiasui spoke up directly, "My grandfather’s birthday is coming up, so I have to go back. Plus, I have some guest appearances lined up, so my schedule is packed."

Hmm, it seemed like none of her roommates were leaving. Yan thought to herself that she’d have to be careful.

If all her roommates were staying in Bin City, she’d have to consider going to another city with Zhu Jue to avoid accidentally stumbling into some strange situation again.

"Yan, if you’re planning to travel, have you booked your tickets and itinerary yet? National Day is peak travel season, and Bin City is already a popular tourist destination. Prices will probably double or triple. The tourism industry makes most of its money during holidays," Chu Bingbing kindly reminded her.

At this, Yan frowned. "I wasn’t in a rush earlier, thinking I’d just go with the flow and not plan anything too intense. But with all the military training and classes, I completely forgot. I’ll have to look into some off-the-beaten-path destinations."

Yan realized she’d miscalculated. She had originally planned to stay in Bin City with Zhu Jue and explore different parts of the city each day, but with her roommates staying, she felt she needed to get away from this potential trouble zone.

Who knew what strange events might happen at Bin University during the National Day holiday?

Not long after Yan finished washing up, Zhu Jue arrived downstairs with some things.

Ding Ling went down to help carry the paper, paint, brushes, and ink back to the dorm. Yan simply put them on the bookshelf, grabbed Zhu Jue’s backpack and her own small bag, and headed out.

She had originally planned to laze around in the dorm today, but Chu Bingbing’s reminder was important. Yan decided she and Zhu Jue needed to figure out where to go to avoid the crowds during the holiday.

Hand in hand, they walked through the campus. Yan sighed, "The country is beautiful everywhere, and the weather is great this season, but it’s also crowded everywhere."

"All the high-speed train tickets out of Bin City before Mid-Autumn Festival are sold out!"

Zhu Jue thought for a moment and said, "We could rent a car. You decide where to go, and I’ll drive."

"Da Bao sent me a message. His company’s new car is on display in Bin City, and the exhibition is ending soon. We could join their team for a test drive in a special region in the northwest, away from the regular tourists."

Yan was surprised. "Da Bao’s company’s new car, isn’t that the one designed for special groups?"

"Xiao Bao even sent me a message saying it’s hideous."

The Da Bao and Xiao Bao they were referring to were Tan Dabao and Tan Xiaobao, the first "halo figures" Yan had ever encountered. With their "genius prodigy" aura, they had brought one blow after another to Yan and Zhu Jue’s lives.

When Yan was in elementary school, her new neighbors, a single mother Aunt Tan and her twins, Da Bao and Xiao Bao, moved in. Da Bao was the older brother, and Xiao Bao was the younger sister, both three years younger than Yan and Zhu Jue.

It was precisely because of being overshadowed by these two geniuses from elementary to middle school that Yan’s teenage self-esteem took a hit, prompting her to drag her childhood friend to a private high school.

Of course, thanks to their excellent grades, they both had their tuition waived and even earned five-figure scholarships during their three years of high school.

Despite Tan Dabao and Tan Xiaobao not yet being adults, their achievements had already surpassed 99.99% of the world’s population.

When Tan Dabao was in middle school six years ago, he had already identified many trends and made numerous investments. The car company was just one of his less noticeable ventures.

Since the twins dabbled in so many fields, Yan couldn’t keep track. After some thought, she said, "Is it that doomsday car company? The one based on the ideas we came up with when we were kids, with space cars and underwater cars? They’ve actually made it to a car show?"

Yan usually kept in touch with Xiao Bao more, while Da Bao was closer to Zhu Jue and often sought his advice.

But now the two were far away in Ning City, so they could only bother them through their phones.

"Where’s the car show? Should we go take a look?" Yan asked.

Zhu Jue swiped his phone. "Today’s the last day. It’s at the convention center."

Yan thought for a moment. "We don’t have anything to do today anyway, so let’s go check it out. We can also ask Da Bao’s team about the specifics of the test drive."

Having watched the twins grow up for over a decade, even though they had always been overshadowed by them, the neighbors were like family. Yan didn’t feel any guilt about tagging along on a test drive trip organized by her younger siblings’ company.

…

Not long after, the entire 320 dorm was empty except for Yi Zhi. After confirming that her roommates wouldn’t be back for a while, she went into the bathroom, locked the door, and with a thought, entered her space.

The emerald-green mist that had once enveloped the small space had completely dissipated. As soon as Yi Zhi entered, she noticed that the space had undergone a dramatic transformation!

It had grown larger and wider, several times its original size.

The black soil was darker and richer, clearly more fertile. The fruits and vegetables she had planted earlier were already ripe, but Yi Zhi hadn’t had time to harvest them in large quantities.

Now, however, these fruits and vegetables looked even better than before!

Yi ​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​​​​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​​​‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​​‌‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌​​​‌‌​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌‌​​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​​‌‌​​​​‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​​​​‌‌​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌‌​‍Zhi walked around, measuring the land. The area of black soil was roughly three times larger than before. Most notably, the spring at the edge of the space had expanded significantly, and even the color of the water had changed!

Yi Zhi had a feeling that the energy contained in the imperial green jade had mostly gone into this spring.

The emerald-green spring water was so rich in color that it was almost startling.

At this moment, Yi Zhi felt a pang of regret. If only she had discovered that jade could upgrade her space during the apocalypse, she might have been able to save more people.

When the apocalypse first hit, people were scrambling for food, water, and daily necessities. Jewelry stores and gold shops were ransacked during the initial chaos of the virus outbreak.

Later, gold, gemstones, and jade were all devalued when traded for resources. After all, humanity had entered the era of superpowers, and natural treasures imbued with different types of energy became more sought after by those in power than traditional jewelry.

Having lived through the apocalypse with this space for so many years, she had only ever used its original, small form.

Thinking about this, a bitter smile crossed Yi Zhi’s face.

Was she lucky or unlucky?

Lucky to have discovered the space, using its small plot of land to store personal supplies and grow enough food to survive.

But to have lived through the apocalypse without figuring out how to upgrade it—was it because she was too poor in her past life to even own a piece of jade? She had tried throwing jade into the space before, but it had no effect! Who would have thought that in this new world, it would work?

Yi Zhi’s regret was fleeting. Things were different now, and dwelling on the past was pointless. She couldn’t go back to the apocalypse.

Letting go of these thoughts, Yi Zhi crouched by the spirit spring. She observed carefully—the water was clear, its flowing emerald hue free of any impurities.

Was this the effect of the imperial green jade? Besides the color, what else had changed about the spirit spring? Was it more potent now? Or did it have new properties?

Yi Zhi looked at her hands and hesitated before reaching into the spiritual spring. After some thought, she walked over to a simple shed she had built in a corner of her space. This was where she stored all the belongings she had accumulated bit by bit during the apocalypse. In the past, she used to eat and sleep here, as it was the only place where she could truly rest without worry.

Yi Zhi found a metal bucket and a ladle. Previously, the tiny spring in her space had been pitifully small, and she could only fetch a few buckets of water every so often to water her vegetable patch. Sometimes, when the plants she had planted were already wilting, she had no choice but to buy expensive purified water from the base or rely on water stored by water-based ability users.

She carried the metal bucket to the now-enlarged spring, scooped up some water with the ladle, and brought it to her nose to smell. It was odorless.

Back then, she had tested the spiritual spring water on animals and plants before daring to use it herself. This time, she decided to conduct another experiment. She poured a bucket of water next to the newly appeared black soil and cleared a small patch of land. She divided it into two sections: one side would be watered with the fresh spiritual spring water, while the other side would be watered with tap water from her university dormitory.

After setting up the control experiment, Yi Zhi turned her attention to the harvested fruits and vegetables and began working diligently.

There was no other choice. If she didn’t take care of her own space, who would? If she didn’t finish the work today, it would just pile up for tomorrow. It was better to take advantage of the weekend and get it all done.

Yi Zhi had never tried bringing anyone else into her space. This was her greatest source of security.

She picked some cherry tomatoes, strawberries, and raspberries and popped them into her mouth without washing them.

The strawberries were a vibrant red, perfectly shaped without any deformities. The flavor was rich and intense, with just the right texture, even better than the ones she had eaten last time!

A glint of excitement flashed in Yi Zhi’s eyes. The fruits she had eaten before were already excellent, but these were even better. Could the spiritual spring enhance already ripened fruits? Had they absorbed more spiritual energy?

She ate the cherry tomatoes next and felt her mood improve instantly. She felt refreshed and invigorated, her entire body at ease.

Looking at the harvested potatoes and sweet potatoes, Yi Zhi felt a headache coming on. Given the current size of her space, if the golden bricks continued to expand it, the amount of fruits and vegetables she could harvest would become a problem. How would she consume or store them all?

She roasted some potatoes and sweet potatoes in the simple oven in her space and took notes on the details of planting, the different control groups, and the changes in taste and texture.

The potatoes were ordinary yellow-skinned ones. Once roasted, the skin wrinkled up and could be easily peeled off, though it was also edible as is. Yi Zhi rolled the hot potato in her hands for a while before taking a bite.

Ah! It was hot, but so fragrant!

The natural aroma filled her nose. Beneath the crispy, slightly charred skin was the soft, starchy flesh of the potato. Yi Zhi could feel her mouth watering. Even without any seasoning, the roasted potato was sweet and delicious on its own, making it impossible to stop eating.

The roasted sweet potatoes were even sweeter, but not in an overwhelming way. They had a clean, honey-like sweetness, melting in her mouth and making it hard to stop eating.

Eating too many sweet potatoes could cause heartburn, but Yi Zhi ate several roasted sweet potatoes and potatoes without any discomfort. On the contrary, she felt even more comfortable.

Yi Zhi was now certain that the crops grown in her space had effects beyond ordinary fruits and vegetables. It wasn’t just about their delicious taste.

After eating them, she felt as if she had entered a special state—comfortable, content, and utterly relaxed.

Yi Zhi filled a basket with some fruits and exited her space. These were for her roommates. Although she brought them breakfast every morning, the cost was split equally among everyone every week.

"You can treat us for a day or two, but we can’t let you keep buying breakfast for us every day. It’s not fair to have you spend money on us while also asking you to help out," Chu Bingbing had said.

So, Yi Zhi had never shared anything from her space with her roommates. This time, she decided to let them taste the fruits she had harvested.

After carefully taking a shower and checking her clothes, Yi Zhi opened her laptop and began researching ecological farms that supplied natural fruits and vegetables, as well as high-end imported and out-of-season fruits.

If she were to sell the potatoes and sweet potatoes from her space at several times the market price, would anyone buy them?

Money wasn’t an issue for her now, but she needed to find a way to get rid of the surplus from her space. Should she rent a warehouse near the school? But she wasn’t entirely comfortable with the idea of using a space that wasn’t her own.

For a moment, Yi Zhi fell into deep thought.

…

On Sunday, Bin City was experiencing heavy traffic. Chu Bingbing had been waiting for a limousine that hadn’t arrived, so she decided to take the city’s subway line 2—a transportation system worth billions—instead.

The follow-up matters regarding *The Handscroll of the Zhou Dynasty Emperors* no longer required her attention. Although it was still the weekend, a special team of experts from the Ning City Palace Museum had already arrived in Bin City the night before. All she needed to do was sign a few documents and attend the donation ceremony in Ning City when everything was ready.

Today, Chu Bingbing was carrying a large bag, which was unusual for her.

In her hand was an H-brand HERBAG bag, with a gold buckle and a brown-and-white glacier color scheme that was perfect for carrying documents.

Inside were the property documents for a top-tier penthouse in Bin City’s Lakeside Heaven, as well as the purchase details and license plate for a luxury car—rewards for completing yesterday’s task.

Bin City was currently hosting an international auto show, and today was the final day. The organizers were preparing to dismantle the exhibits, so she could pick up her car and drive it to see her new apartment.

Now, she could finally say she had both a car and a home in Bin City.

The international auto show was held at the Bin City Convention Center, located in the district next to Bin University. After a forty-minute subway ride, Chu Bingbing stepped out of the station and saw the massive convention center.

She scanned her e-ticket to enter the venue. Despite it being the last day of the show, the place was packed, likely because it was the weekend. The areas showcasing new energy vehicles, futuristic concept cars, and luxury cars were particularly crowded.

Chu Bingbing wasn’t in a hurry. To be honest, she didn’t know much about cars, nor was she particularly interested in them. Still, as she walked around, she couldn’t help but notice that many of the new models were stunning and eye-catching.

Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche… She spotted the same model of sports car she had in Ping City in the luxury car section.

Soon, Chu Bingbing found the car she was here to pick up.

The Jidao brand—the Overlord SUV, an off-road battle vehicle.

This was a top-tier concept off-road vehicle, with only ten units produced worldwide. Its massive body was even more rugged and imposing than a typical off-road vehicle, with diamond-cut surfaces that gave it a futuristic, mecha-like aesthetic.

Chu Bingbing stood nearby, admiring the sheer size of the Jidao Overlord.

【19,000,000 RMB (Sold)】

A 19-million-yuan off-road vehicle!

A crowd had gathered around the glass display. Chu Bingbing overheard a man with slicked-back hair enthusiastically explaining and boasting to his female companion:

"Don’t let the fact that Jidao isn’t a well-known brand fool you. This is a top-tier survival vehicle. Rumor has it that their CEO is obsessed with post-apocalyptic survival, and Jidao’s cars are designed to handle any doomsday scenario, dominating all terrains."

"A real man drives a Jidao! Women can’t handle such a beast of a car."

"Too bad this one’s already been bought by some big shot. Otherwise, I’d love to take it for a spin."

The man sighed dramatically, running his fingers through his bangs to show off his "charm."

Chu Bingbing couldn’t help but let out a soft, mocking laugh.

Her laughter was subtle but unmistakable, and since she was standing right next to the couple, her expression spoke volumes.

"What are you laughing at?" the man asked, glaring at her.

"I’m laughing because a real woman can drive a Jidao, while a real man can only stand here, spouting nonsense and trying to impress girls."

Chu Bingbing glanced at the girl next to the man. She was wearing a simple white dress and canvas shoes, with soft black hair and a pure, innocent look. She seemed like a student, clearly impressed and swayed by the man’s bragging.

With a meaningful look, Chu Bingbing said to her, "Sweetie, when looking for a boyfriend, don’t just listen to what he says, no matter how grand it sounds. Pay attention to what he actually does."

A young man dressed in luxury brand logos, looking every bit the playboy, suddenly flared up in anger. He scrutinized Chu Bingbing from head to toe. Today, she was wearing a matching set from MIU, but for the sake of driving convenience, she had opted for a pair of P-brand loafers. The H-brand bag she carried seemed somewhat out of place with her overall sweet and elegant style.

The Herbag, one of the cheapest offerings from H-brand, priced at over 20,000, was something many couldn't afford but used as a status symbol. It was often referred to as one of the "poor man's four-piece set."

The slick-haired man sneered at her, "Where did this country bumpkin come from? Dressed in fast fashion, carrying a poor man's set, and thinking she's some heiress. The stench of poverty is going to ruin the car."

He pinched his nose, making a disgusted face.

The sudden confrontation quickly drew the attention of onlookers, and soon, staff from the exhibition booth rushed over.

"Excuse me, what seems to be the issue here?"

Chu Bingbing raised her hand slightly, pointing calmly at the staff with a faint smile. "I'm here to pick up my car today. Is it ready?"

She pulled out the car reservation slip from her bag. The staff member, dressed in a suit, took it and immediately broke into a wide grin. "Ah, so it's you! We apologize for not greeting you properly. The entire Jidao team is at your service."

As the staff member spoke, he activated his internal communication device. In the next moment, barriers rose around the most expensive car in the exhibition center.

"Jidao Overlord, exhibition period concluded," the announcement blared.

Within ten seconds, muscular security personnel in black suits and tall, handsome men formed a human barrier between the stage and the VIP lounge.

"Please, this way," the staff member said, holding Chu Bingbing's bag with both hands, bowing and smiling as he led her forward.

The crowd watched as Chu Bingbing walked away, and with every step she took, the security team swiftly closed ranks behind her, ensuring no one came within three meters of her.

Throughout the entire process, neither Chu Bingbing nor the staff member so much as glanced at the slick-haired man.

Engaging with such a distasteful nuisance would only lower their dignity!

After a moment of stunned silence, the luxury car exhibition hall erupted in chaos.

"Holy crap! Is that the rich lady who reserved the car?"

"Nineteen million! A real woman drives the Jidao Overlord!"

"Someone actually bought this car? Are they just burning money?"

"Rich lady, look at me!" someone in the crowd shouted.

"Rich lady, can I get your WeChat?"

Meanwhile, the slick-haired man was completely dumbfounded, muttering to himself, "How could this be?" "It can't be real." "It must be fake."

The onlookers looked at him with disdain. "Tried to show off and got humiliated by a real rich lady. Let's get away from him."

"Honestly, real wealthy people are so low-key. They don't flaunt their wealth like some people who plaster logos all over themselves, desperate to show off their money."

"How old is that rich lady? She looks so young, probably in her twenties, and she just bought a twenty-million-dollar luxury car! It's so unfair!"

Chu Bingbing walked on a handwoven exotic carpet as she was ushered into the super VIP lounge.

The Jidao brand booth manager beside her was growing increasingly anxious. Why hadn't the general manager come out yet? They couldn't keep such a high-end client waiting! He was just the booth manager, and clients of this caliber were beyond his ability to handle.

The information on such wealthy clients was highly confidential, and he hadn't even dared to ask the rich lady's name, fearing it might upset her.

Finally, the door to the VIP lounge opened, and a man's eager voice could be heard.

"Director Yan, Director Zhu, the Jidao Bin City team is ready for your test drive during the National Day holiday. Director Tan has already given his instructions. You two are our..."

Chu Bingbing and the people coming out of the room locked eyes.

For a moment, everyone froze.

"Why is she here?"

"Why are they here?"

Chu Bingbing instinctively touched her ear. If she had heard correctly just now, Yan was being referred to as "Director Yan"?