Compared to Yi Jian Hanguang and Wu Xin Zui, Yao Yao’s skills were much worse. It was fortunate that she was a healing physician; if she had chosen the assassin class like Shen Mufan… yikes—the thought alone was unbearable.
Shen Mufan covered his face. In the eyes of a skilled player like him, Yao Yao’s technique was almost painful to watch. He suspected that the only reason Yao Yao had such a high level was, first, because Yi Jian Hanguang had been carrying her through leveling and grinding, and second, because Yi Jian Hanguang had likely given her plenty of high-tier gear.
Glancing at Yao Yao’s equipment and weapons, Shen Mufan shook his head. “Tsk, tsk, tsk. So this is the so-called ‘carry’ everyone keeps clamoring for?”
If he were Yi Jian Hanguang, he would probably have chosen Wu Xin Zui instead. The two of them shared more common interests and could complement each other better as partners.
But Shen Mufan wasn’t about to comment on the trio’s dynamics. To each their own—maybe Yi Jian Hanguang just preferred someone like Yao Yao, who evoked his protective instincts. Personal preferences varied, after all.
However, as Shen Mufan’s countdown timer inched closer to zero, the battle between the three grew fiercer. With the arrival of Yi Jian Hanguang, Yao Yao, and Wu Xin Zui’s friends, the fight escalated. Thankfully, they weren’t in the city, or the guards would have already dragged them off to jail.
But then Shen Mufan noticed something odd—the group seemed to be drifting away from their original position. Upon closer inspection, he confirmed it. This unexpected turn delighted him. Once the crowd’s attention had shifted, he activated his assassin’s stealth and dashed forward to submit his quest.
Though the delay meant he didn’t receive the highest-tier rewards, Shen Mufan wasn’t particularly bothered. He didn’t need those items anyway. With the quest completed, he was satisfied.
Melting back into the crowd, he glanced at the still-battling group before turning away to prepare for his next mission.
Later, when his stomach growled, Shen Mufan logged out to grab lunch.
While eating, he browsed the official website of *Wandering Heroes* on his phone, eyeing the post about the upcoming Qixi Festival event. His usually expressionless face softened slightly, his slightly narrow phoenix eyes widening with interest as he scanned the list of prizes and generous rewards.
Shen Mufan certainly wasn’t short on money, but those prizes were undeniably tempting.
He sighed regretfully. If it were a solo competition or quest, he’d have no problem securing a top spot. But a Qixi couples’ event? That was a different story.
In-game, *Sifan* was a lone wolf. Offline, Shen Mufan was an introverted shut-in. Finding a partner for such an event was… impossible for someone with his social anxiety.
“Ah…” He sighed again, putting his phone down. It seemed he’d have to sit this event out. What a shame—he really wanted those rewards.
Meanwhile, Xie Jinghong sipped his afternoon tea while happily reviewing the dossier on Shen Mufan he’d just acquired.
As the CEO of Jingchang, he had access to resources that could dig up information quickly—especially since Shen Mufan had previously collaborated with Jingchang. The company’s connections made gathering intel effortless.
Xie Jinghong was pleasantly surprised to discover that the “little cutie” he’d taken a liking to was none other than Shen Mufan. If only he’d handled the business deal personally back then—he might have met him sooner and already had him in his bed by now.
He wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with Shen Mufan. Their past dealings had brought significant benefits to Jingchang. While the company could have expanded into that market without Shen Mufan’s shares, his cooperation had saved time, effort, and money, maximizing profits.
Shen Mufan’s decisiveness had left an impression on Xie Jinghong at the time, though they’d never met face-to-face. Their encounter at the private restaurant had been their first.
Well, technically, he’d only seen Shen Mufan’s back then, but it still counted.
After reading through the dossier, Xie Jinghong found himself even more intrigued. Shen Mufan had brains, skill, and strategy—if he’d wanted to take over his family’s company, he could have built something impressive. But he’d chosen not to.
Xie Jinghong stroked his chin. “This little cutie… really does suit my tastes.”
Noticing Shen Mufan’s *Wandering Heroes* ID, he decided to approach him carefully to avoid triggering any resistance. *Sifan*—the famous assassin legend. And with the Qixi event coming up, it was the perfect opportunity to get closer.
Excited, Xie Jinghong logged into the game to find his “little cutie.”
He had his own account, though he rarely played due to work. His skills were excellent, but without much playtime, he’d never ranked or formed a guild, remaining largely unknown.
Using his CEO privileges, he located Shen Mufan’s coordinates and sent a message:
**[Nearby][Jing Xing Xing Zhi]:** Sifan, can I add you as a friend?
Normally, he’d have sent a friend request directly, but Shen Mufan had *”Decline Friend Requests”* enabled. Ironically, so did Xie Jinghong.
After sending the message, he worried he’d been too impulsive. Why would a stranger like Sifan accept?
The thought of being ignored filled him with an inexplicable sense of loss.
But Shen Mufan didn’t leave him hanging.
**[Nearby][Sifan]:** Sure.
**[System]:** *Sifan* has sent you a friend request. **[Accept]** / **[Decline]**
Was there even a choice? Xie Jinghong accepted immediately. Just like that, they became friends—far smoother than he’d expected.
Then a new concern arose: *What if someone takes advantage of his lack of caution?* Well, no matter. He’d just have to protect his “Fanfan” from now on.
Unbeknownst to Xie Jinghong, Sifan wasn’t entirely unfamiliar with *Jing Xing Xing Zhi*. He’d once seen him solo a high-level world boss—and win. His positioning and mechanics had been flawless, earning Sifan’s respect.
Sifan knew that in a duel, he’d likely lose. That was why, despite his usual reluctance to interact, he’d made an exception. Besides, the anonymity of online games made socializing easier.
(Though to others, *Sifan* still seemed aloof and mysterious—just slightly less so than the real Shen Mufan.)
Still, he was curious about the sudden friend request.
**[Friends][Sifan]:** Need something?
**[Friends][Jing Xing Xing Zhi]:** Actually, yes. I want to participate in the Qixi event, but I don’t have a partner. Your skills are impressive, and you seem to be solo too. Would you team up with me?
For Shen Mufan, this was a godsend. He’d wanted to join but lacked a skilled, compatible partner. *Jing Xing Xing Zhi*’s timing couldn’t have been better.
**[Friends][Sifan]:** Okay.
**[Friends][Jing Xing Xing Zhi]:** Great. Shall we head to the Matchmaker’s Temple now?
Shen Mufan agreed promptly.
Even though it was just an in-game marriage for an event, Xie Jinghong’s heart soared as if fireworks had exploded inside him. Normally composed and unreadable, he now felt his emotions and pulse spiraling out of control.
This was a rare, precious moment for him.
(And certainly not the last of its kind.)
Tai Sui Yellow Amulet Paper FuLu Taoist Love Talisman Traditional Chinese Spiritual Charm Attracting Love Protecting Marriage