Chapter 5, Covenant

In contrast, the owner of the maid café on Chunxi Road lacks sincerity, hiring a group of middle-aged women in their thirties and forties to fill the gaps. It is said that when there were not enough staff, he even attempted to step in personally, torturing every customer in the café with his thick leg hair. Rather than dining there, it would be more accurate to say that one is being subjected to punishment.

"Is it you who has been playing tricks on me?" One must admit that the other party's opening line successfully captured Zhang Heng's attention

This place can be a park, a temple, a museum... Of course, it can also be, as it is now, a maid café

Master, please enjoy your forbidden love ~

Zhang Heng looked up and discovered that, at some point, a stranger had appeared across from him. It was a short elderly man dressed in a Tang suit, yet wearing a small top hat and a tie. This incongruous and mismatched attire made him appear quite peculiar.

Thursday afternoon is Zhang Heng's designated time for daydreaming

Who exactly are you

The old man drained the cup of forbidden love in one gulp, "So we will now use a game to determine the winner and loser, after all, the one sitting on the throne is that annoying guy. Bound by those ancient agreements, I cannot disclose the content of the game to you in advance. Strictly speaking, our meeting this time is also prohibited, but don't worry, I can still handle this little trouble."

For me now, achieving such a thing is not easy, but who can blame you for being someone I value? I must at least give you a token of my appreciation, right? The old man reached out and directly grabbed the forbidden love from the tray, startling the little maid who had just walked over. She looked at Zhang Heng, silently inquiring whether there was a need to call the police.

The old man sighed, "As you can see, I have also become increasingly frail, so this time I have decided to place my bet early, although this carries significant risks, after all, you might also be eliminated halfway through."

It is a pity, but I still prefer some of his earlier works

In the distant past, we resolved disputes through war, a simple and effective method. My goodness, I long for those bloody yet beautiful old times. However, the times have been evolving, and civilized society should no longer resort to such barbaric and primitive means, should it not

"It seems that my memory has not deceived me," the old man cracked a smile, revealing a mouthful of yellowed teeth. "How have you been over the past month, Zhang Heng? Are you satisfied with my little gift? Rest assured, the matter you are concerned about does not exist; these 24 hours are an extra gift and will not be deducted from your life."

"What game?" Zhang Heng asked

Since this game is so important, why don't you participate yourself

As I mentioned before, due to certain ancient conventions, we cannot participate directly. You are like my agent; I am placing my bets on you. If you win, I win; if you lose, I also lose. We are like grasshoppers on the same string. However, my luck has not been very good lately, as my final standings in the recent games have not been favorable

Thus, this is also the place Zhang Heng visits most often when he is lost in thought

Zhang Heng gazed into the old man's eyes. The latter had just delivered a lengthy monologue that sounded rather juvenile, yet it fit well with the atmosphere of the maid café. However, the fact that this somewhat comically dressed individual could call out Zhang Heng's name and seemed to know everything about him suggested that he was not joking. Moreover, Zhang Heng had to admit that the small gift the other party had given him was indeed quite useful.

"Alright, Master, please wait a moment," said the small maid with cat ears, crossing her arms and holding the tray against her chest, speaking in a gentle tone

Without considering other factors, in terms of visual appeal alone, the latter is clearly the superior choice

At this time of the week, he usually does not schedule any work for himself, but instead finds a favorite spot to nestle in and indulge in the leisurely enjoyment of life

Zhang Heng gently shook his head

"Wait, will this game still result in deaths?" Zhang Heng's eyelids twitched

Seeing Zhang Heng seemingly about to say something, the elder waved his hand and said, "I am aware of your family situation; money does not hold much allure for you. Moreover, once you possess this ability, making money will be effortless. However, believe me, the experiences this game can offer you will far exceed your imagination"

The old man appeared to be in good spirits, "Be cautious of the agents of other players, but you should not encounter them in the early stages of the game. Additionally, no matter what happens, make sure to prioritize your survival."

No, it's just dying in the game; in reality, it would be more accurate to say one disappears. Not only does the body vanish, but all memories related to you will also disappear, as if you had never existed at all. I know a guy who happens to be very good at this. The old man said this in a tone as casual as remembering to buy a bag of salt when going out

"I will not take advantage of you; after we finish our conversation, you will still be able to enjoy your drink," the old man mumbled something somewhat difficult to understand, then said seriously, "Now, let us get back to the point. I am quite satisfied with your performance over the past month. Since the probation period has ended, it is time to discuss the conditions for your formal employment."

"One cup of forbidden love, and a plate of 'Brother, not today', please. Thank you." Zhang Heng earnestly ordered something he himself did not know what it was.

The little maid not far away is holding a cup of deep red beverage, walking briskly towards this direction, and revealing two adorable little canine teeth while smiling

The gaze in the maid café was immediately drawn to him

... ...

Please make sure not to use such ambiguous and poor expressions, as I have already begun to regret it. Zhang Heng also extended his right hand

Zhang Heng wanted to say something else, but his eyes suddenly became inexplicably hazy for a moment. The next moment, the old man had already vanished from sight.

As of now, you may consider me your investor and partner. As for the future, all I can tell you is this: the longer you persist in this game, the closer you will get to the truth of this world. Alright, our time is limited, so now, tell me your answer

Conditions for regularization

This also piqued his interest in the game mentioned by the other party, so after a moment, Zhang Heng spoke up, "It sounds quite interesting, how should I participate?"

Indeed, to put it simply, I need you to help me win a game, which itself can bring you substantial rewards. In addition, you will also be able to continue using the small gift I have given you

Professional! Zhang Heng gave a thumbs up in his heart; the maids in this shop are all university students working part-time from nearby schools, and they have an excellent reputation in the otaku community

As he clasped both hands, Zhang Heng felt as if he was touching a cold, hard rock

While waiting for the meal, Zhang Heng casually pulled a copy of "Food Wars!" from a nearby shelf. He had just flipped through a couple of pages when a voice reached his ears

"It's very simple, let me see which gaming spot is closest to your school..." The old man took out a small Xiaomi phone from his Tang suit pocket, opened Baidu Maps, and tapped a few times, "Desire City Bar, Gaming Spot 137, 11 PM tonight, you won't regret your decision."

Oh, I almost forgot. The old man extended a hand, "The final step, to forge an alliance. After we shake hands, you will be my person."

Zhang Heng's brother is not doing well today, as he has also been brought up. It is a plate of cookies that are slightly burnt, and their color looks quite suspicious

Zhang Heng raised his eyebrows, "Saeki Jun? He used to be a [beep] manga artist"