“That’s not two ‘stores’ at all, they’re two social media platforms,” Local Snake said. “If you don’t understand, could you at least not spout nonsense?”
“Then could you stop mocking people for no reason?” Qiao Jiayin shot back.
“Do I need to take orders from you on how to act?” Local Snake replied with clear annoyance. “This is my own choice, and everyone who joined the organization did so voluntarily.”
“Nice words,” Qiao Jiayin scoffed. “Do those old friends of yours know you laugh at them behind their backs?”
“Of course not,” Local Snake answered. “If they knew, how could I keep laughing?”
“But they think they’ve found salvation in you—only to realize they’ve become clowns,” Qiao Jiayin pressed. “When things go wrong in your own life, don’t you wish someone would help you? And when you finally muster the courage to accept help, only to find out it’s all a scam, wouldn’t that crush you even more?”
“What does that have to do with me?” Local Snake retorted. “Some ridiculous ‘support group’… Does this world have any selfless saints who help others unconditionally? I provide the space, the time, and the emotional labor—all these people have to do is dump their sorrows in front of me, and they get endless comfort. How is that any different from free handouts?”
Qi Xia, who had been listening quietly, furrowed his brow. Something felt off. He rubbed his chin and asked, “If I recall correctly, we were just asking about the ‘support group,’ yet you laid all your cards on the table. Is that wise? What if we were potential ‘participants’ looking to join?”
“Don’t kid me,” Local Snake waved dismissively. “The three of you—one’s arrogant, one’s naive, and one’s downright wild. What kind of sob story could you possibly tell me that’d be worth a laugh?”
“What if there is one?” Qi Xia pressed.
“If there is, it wouldn’t be the kind of sorrow I’d find amusing,” Local Snake sneered. “I only want the sorrow of those worse off than me. People like you? If you suffer, it’s deserved—divine justice, karma at work.”
“I think I get the kind of person you are now,” Qi Xia nodded. “But you’re a ‘Land-level’ now—superior to ordinary people in every way. Why do you still need to feed off others’ misery?”
“Because I’m miserable too!!” Local Snake snapped, eyes blazing. “Can’t you see the sorrow in my eyes?!”
“Apologies, but you have the eyes of a snake. Hard to tell,” Qi Xia remarked dryly.
“You’ve got the nerve to criticize me…” Local Snake scoffed. “As if your own eyes are any better?”
“So you know me…?” Qi Xia probed.
“I’m not in the mood. No answer,” Local Snake turned away.
“Fine. Then explain why a ‘Land-level’ needs the sorrow of ordinary people.”
Local Snake pondered for a moment before replying, “I’m a conflicted soul. I despise the world, resent everyone—the rich, the handsome, women, even the kind. But when I hear a truly tragic story… I still feel it. I empathize, deeply.”
“And then?” Qi Xia prompted.
“Then I need to hang myself…” Local Snake said. “A normal person in this situation would either jump off a building or hang themselves, right? But every time I hang myself, I realize how strong my body is. What would kill an ordinary man can’t even scratch me. And then it hits me—even if that sorrow were mine, it couldn’t break me. So I instantly feel better. That’s what I do every cycle. I need to ‘hang myself’ to prove I’m stronger than them.”
Chen Junnan, barely holding back his temper, muttered, “Damn, you live one hell of a contradictory life—acting, grieving, fearing, attempting suicide, then feeling great. Might as well just stay put.”
“Stay put…?” Local Snake sneered. “I told you, I do what I want. Even if my whims have consequences, that’s my problem. Besides, if I did nothing, I’d go insane… I can’t fathom how my colleagues just stand at the entrance every day. Don’t they get bored out of their minds?! Do they even have thoughts in their heads?!”
“Maybe they do, but they’re not as twisted as yours,” Qi Xia remarked.
“Hah.” Local Snake barked a laugh. “I’ve always been twisted. And I think everyone is—just to different degrees.”
“Alright, next question,” Qi Xia said. “How are you feeling now?”
“Decent. Still a bit like hanging myself,” Local Snake admitted.
“Save it for later.” Qi Xia then pointed at Chen Junnan. “What did you just do to him? Can you manipulate emotions?”
Local Snake grinned at the question. “Let’s test it out.”
“Test it?”
He stood up, stepped between them, and extended his hand, palm down.
“Let’s all cheer together,” Local Snake said. “You’ll understand after.”
“Are you for real?” Chen Junnan groaned. “Can’t you just tell us?”
“Where’s the fun in that?!” Local Snake cackled. “Come on!! This’ll lift my spirits!!”
Qi Xia stepped forward without hesitation, placing his hand on top of Local Snake’s. Qiao Jiayin and Chen Junnan followed, and Qin Dingdong was the last to join, stacking her hand atop the pile.
Local Snake beamed. “Now watch my trick!”
He counted, “One, two, three,” then shouted, “Go team!”
He was the only one who cheered.
“Qi Xia,” Local Snake called, grinning. “Seems your memories didn’t carry over. This is hilarious.”
“Oh?” Qi Xia smirked. “Hearing you say my name confirms coming here was the right move.”
“Too bad I can’t decide whether to indulge you or not. What’ll you do about it?” Local Snake taunted. “You don’t even remember what happens when you touch me. Enjoy the consequences.”
“I’ll wait and see.”
Within seconds, the others’ expressions shifted.
Chen Junnan and Qiao Jiayin frowned, while Qin Dingdong’s eyes welled up.
They looked deeply troubled, weighed down by sudden sorrow.
“HAHAHA!” Local Snake roared with laughter. “Feels amazing to laugh freely! No need to pretend—just mock your pain! Make you cry on command. How am I not a god?!”
But his laughter faltered as he noticed something wrong.
His gaze slid from the others to Qi Xia.
Qi Xia stood perfectly still, face blank. “This is your power?”
“What…?” Local Snake stiffened. “Impossible… You touched me directly. You… you…”
“No worries.” Qi Xia slowly raised his hand again. “Let’s try once more.”
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