Unknowingly, it was already noon.
Alister and Yumikou were having their meal at a duck blood vermicelli noodle restaurant on the second floor of a shopping center.
This restaurant had a good reputation, so it was crowded with customers, creating a lively atmosphere.
"Here are your duck blood vermicelli noodles."
A young staff member brought the plates and marked their orders on the receipt with a pen, showing a polite smile before leaving calmly.
Two bowls of aromatic duck blood vermicelli noodles were served.
The translucent sweet potato vermicelli, complete with duck intestines, liver, heart, gizzards, and meat, were complemented by light yellow tofu and cilantro leaves.
Of course, Alister also ordered a plate of celery and pork dumplings, which looked like golden dumplings, but smaller and more delicate.
Yumikou first picked up the soup spoon and tasted a sip of the broth, which had just the right temperature and a delicious flavor of duck.
Then Yumikou picked up the chopsticks and gently picked up the translucent vermicelli. After observing the rising steam for a while, she began to taste it.
Chewing... chewing...
Then Yumikou raised her gaze in confusion, her watery eyes seeming to ask, "Why aren't you eating?"
Alister rested his chin on his hand and admired, saying, "It's delightful to watch a beautiful girl eat."
Before Yumikou could say anything, Alister left his seat.
Yumikou tasted a spoonful of the soup and watched as Alister went to the condiment area and took a small spoonful of chili.
Then Alister turned around, his eyes signaling, "Would you like some?"
Yumikou's sleeve covered half of her hand, and she gently waved it in a charming manner.
That meant she didn't need any.
"The soul of eating duck blood vermicelli is right here."
So, under Yumikou's gaze, Alister added a reddish hue to the duck blood vermicelli and drank a sip of the soup in front of her.
"Did I add enough?" Yumikou asked with concern.
Alister carefully savored it and then made a comment like a top chef:
"I added too little."
"..." Yumikou chewed on the gizzards, resembling a squirrel nibbling on a chestnut.
...
...
When they left the shopping center and looked at the passing vehicles, Yumikou held Alister's hand.
A gentle breeze brushed against their hair tips. Yumikou's long eyelashes trembled slightly, and the warm sunlight shone on her profile through the buildings.
Yumikou bit her lip lightly, tiptoed a few times, and said:
"I have something to give you."
Alister turned his head and watched her rummage through her canvas bag, which contained many items they bought at the shopping center.
At this moment, passersby cast curious glances, seemingly amazed that such a good-looking couple existed in A City.
After about ten seconds, Yumikou turned to look at Alister and said mysteriously:
"Close your eyes."
"Why are you being so secretive?"
Although Alister said so, he still followed her instructions and closed his eyes.
In the distance, the grand bridge seemed to divide the world in half. Under the vast blue sky, there were tiny birds and a gentle breeze blowing.
Under the witness of A City's tallest building, Yumikou gently put a necklace on Alister.
The silver luxurious necklace hung a piece that looked like a broken sword, with unknown but beautiful engravings on it.
Yumikou's gaze softened as she looked at his face, wanting to say something but unable to speak.
...My Alister...
I really want to tell you about the world of the sequence game and that I am the 91st ranked Clear Stream in the A-ranked sequence...
But you're just an ordinary person... Perhaps, no, you would definitely think I'm talking nonsense...
I really want to announce to the whole world that I like you, I really want to...
But if...
Yumikou's eyelashes trembled slightly as she withdrew her hand that wanted to caress his cheek.
...If people discover your connection with me, you will be involved in the disputes of those dangerous players...
"Are you done?" Alister had his eyes closed for a long time.
When I climb to the top ranks of the sequence and have enough strength to protect you, I... I will confess to you!
Yumikou straightened his collar and said, "Okay."
Alister opened his eyes and examined the necklace that Yumikou put on him, pondering for a moment before asking:
"Which store sells this necklace? It looks so peculiar."
Yumikou blushed slightly, turned her face away, and somewhat huffily confessed:
"I personally made this talisman for you. You should always keep it with you."
"How about keeping it as a memento at home?" Alister was reluctant to wear it.
Yumikou stared at Alister for a moment, then took out her phone and showed him the news from last night, saying seriously:
"There have been so many news reports lately. What if something happens to you suddenly?"
Yumikou was really worried last night. Holding a sword, she chased after Serad desperately, fearing that Alister would be involved.
If Alister had her talisman, she could focus on her missions without worry.
Alister once again remembered Clear Stream from last night. He always felt a certain charm and resemblance between Yumikou and Clear Stream, but Clear Stream lacked Yumikou's cuteness and seemed cold.
"If something happens to me..." Alister put the talisman deeper into his clothes, "...as a ghost, I will protect you for the rest of your life."
"No." Yumikou crossed her arms and said coldly, "I want you to live."
Alister smiled wryly, sighed helplessly, and promised:
"Don't worry, I won't suddenly disappear."
Yumikou's eyes turned gentle for a moment, then she gently tapped Alister's cheek and spoke in the bustling commercial district:
"What if you break your promise?"
"Then I'll become a ghost and protect you for the rest of your life." Alister said seriously.
"No, I want you to live." Yumikou stubbornly insisted.
Alister gazed at Yumikou for a moment, causing her face to blush.
After a short while.
Alister, uncommonly, turned his face away and looked at the bustling crowd on the distant bridge, his gaze deep and profound:
"I promise I won't break my promise..."
...
...
Later in the evening, Alister and Yumikou arrived at the bridge, overlooking the flowing traffic below.
The buildings reflected the twilight's hues, turning the world into an orange canvas, and the distant cityscape was hazy and indistinct.
The towering commercial buildings in the distance continued to play advertisements for the trendy game on giant screens, with neon lights gradually brightening.
The wind was stronger at higher elevations, causing Yumikou's white hair to flutter, and her collar was also blown into disarray.
Perhaps it was due to the breeze, her heartbeat was restless, thumping and pounding.
She seemed to be aware that time was running out, and her hand holding the canvas bag tightened gradually. Yumikou lifted her wind-blown long hair and turned her face.
Even after spending the whole day together, parting at this moment was difficult, hard to separate...
Alister had been resting his chin and observing the scenery, but he sensed Yumikou's gaze and instinctively turned his face as well.
The two locked eyes, their emotions clearly displayed on their faces.
"Goodbye." Yumikou put on a gentle smile, showing her best side. "Be careful when walking at night."
"Yeah." Alister waved his hand. "You too, be careful not to twist your foot."
"I know."
She left.
The twilight was beautiful, and as the passing crowd gradually obscured Yumikou's departing figure, it seemed like she had been transported to another world.
But as she descended from the bridge, Alister noticed that she stumbled for a moment.
Alister was a little concerned and asked from a distance, "Are you okay?"
Yumikou didn't answer, she just glanced at him from the side and then walked down quickly as if she was sulking, like a child.
Alister smiled for a moment, then retracted his gaze and looked at the scenery of A City.
A bustling scene that couldn't be seen in a single glance.
"When I become the number one in the sequence, I'll confess my feelings to you."
He murmured to himself, closing his eyes and feeling the whispers of the wind.
...