Inside the fast food restaurant.
Chen Zhuo ate his burger while secretly glancing at the two strikingly different beautiful girls sitting across from him.
Zhu Ming went without saying—she was an incredibly gentle and kind big sister, smiling cheerfully with an elegant presence.
The newly arrived girl wore the handsome red-and-black uniform of a private high school. The refined design and quality fabric gave off a sophistication his own loose, sack-like school uniform couldn't possibly match.
Even with sunglasses hiding her face, he could tell she had delicate features and exquisite facial structure.
But sitting with the two of them didn't make Chen Zhuo feel like he was enjoying some privilege.
Instead, the constant sideways glances from passing classmates just made him increasingly nervous.
Meanwhile, Lin Yu finished explaining Chen Zhuo's commission details to Li Nian through his phone.
"So that's the situation... this kid just cleared four dungeons. His first round happened to be with me. He seems decent enough—just unusually lucky."
After speaking, Lin Yu turned his attention to Chen Zhuo.
Even though Chen Zhuo sat right across from them and had heard every word of their conversation, he still pretended to just notice they'd finished talking as he set down his burger wrapper.
"Oh, ah, you're done talking?"
"About the... price, right?" Chen Zhuo tried his best to sound professional. "Maybe you could introduce yourself? Sister Zhu Ming only mentioned you're Second Tier..."
Lin Yu watched Li Nian with amusement.
He'd deliberately avoided introducing her to Chen Zhuo earlier, curious what false identity she would create for herself.
Li Nian understood Lin Yu's intention perfectly.
Resting her chin in one hand, she leaned forward slightly.
"Well, I offer two payment options. The first: you pay me 500 points in cash, which equals 50,000 yuan. For that, I'll tell you I'm just an ordinary 'Second Tier' Thief who'll use some [common items] and basic skills to try keeping you safe in your next dungeon."
"The second option... you pay me 1000 points—but not directly to me. I'll give you a list of items worth 1000 points that are sold on the 'forum,' items that only accept point payments."
"But in return—no matter how difficult the next dungeon gets, I'll do everything in my power to ensure you come out completely unharmed."
"And... if the opportunity arises, I'll even throw in a special gift."
As Li Nian spoke, Chen Zhuo couldn't help but swallow nervously at her meaningful tone.
"What does that mean?"
"Before you make your choice, that's all the information you get."
Li Nian took a sip of her ice-cold cola, then frowned.
"Why does this cola have no fizz?"
"It cost one-fifty per cup. Don't complain."
Lin Yu commented from beside her.
Hearing Li Nian's words, Chen Zhuo fell into deep internal conflict.
Finally, he reached a decision.
"I choose the second option... and I hope this chance will let me build a connection with you!"
"Maybe we can work together long-term in the future."
Chen Zhuo declared with intense eyes.
Li Nian burst into laughter.
"Personally, I think you made a wise choice. Anyway..."
She lowered her sunglasses slightly, her eyes meeting Chen Zhuo's.
"Let me introduce myself openly. I'm 'A Nian,' though you can also call me..."
"'Master Thief.'"
She offered no further introduction.
That single name alone was enough to make Chen Zhuo gasp in shock.
"You're the 'Master Thief'?"
"The... the one who..."
Li Nian gave a slight nod. "Yes, the newest member of the 'Free Alliance'... though I suspect this title might soon be taken by the 'Sister Zhu Ming' sitting next to me."
Li Nian said lightly: "So, how does it feel? Having one 'Free Alliance' member and one prospective 'Free Alliance' member running a dungeon with you? Exciting enough for you?"
Chen Zhuo was clearly overwhelmed.
"This is too exciting..."
He murmured, forcing a somewhat strained smile.
"Um, is it too late to change my mind?"
"Haha—of course not!"
Li Nian laughed as she pulled out a utility knife from her pocket.
"Usually transactions involving 1000 points require deposits and notaries. The reason I didn't ask for your deposit or find a notary is simply because I..."
"Have complete confidence in my ability to collect this debt myself."
She clicked the utility knife blade out one notch at a time, the sharp edge glinting coldly.
"Alright, take out the [Team Cards]."
As Li Nian spoke, Lin Yu looked at Chen Zhuo.
"Don't be too nervous. While it's true the 'Free Alliance' is a banned organization, they're not exactly chaotic, violent, or malicious. This 'A Nian' especially doesn't kill indiscriminately—she just really enjoys stealing things."
Lin Yu said with a smile.
Li Nian also shrugged. "That's true. If anything... the 'Miss Zhu Ming' who introduced me here is actually more dangerous."
With both of them tag-teaming like this, Chen Zhuo had no choice but to tremblingly pull out the [Three-Person Team Card] from his pocket.
"Then, you two... let's form the team."
There were supposedly two ways to use [Team Cards]. One required face-to-face contact—everyone just needed to hold the card simultaneously to form the team successfully.
The other method apparently allowed remote team formation, though Lin Yu didn't know the specific operating procedure.
In any case, all three reached out to hold the [Three-Person Team Card] together, looking like they were playing with a Ouija board.
Cardholder Chen Zhuo dramatically recited the phrase that actually only needed to be thought silently.
"Use Team Card!"
As Chen Zhuo's words faded, the Team Card instantly vanished.
A line of [blood-written prompt] appeared before Lin Yu's eyes.
[Team formation successful. Current team members: 3]
[Team status will remain until the next dungeon concludes.]
Seeing this [blood-written prompt], Li Nian patted her pants and stood up.
"Alright, that's done!"
"See you Tuesday night, chubby."
Li Nian stood up casually, and Lin Yu followed suit.
Leaving behind the still-shaken Chen Zhuo, the two walked out of the fast food restaurant.
On the way out, Li Nian looked at Lin Yu and grinned.
"Ah, really, thank you... letting me earn 1000 points in one go... plus getting a 'shopping agent'!"
For someone banned from the forum, having someone willing to buy 1000-point [items] from the forum for them was far more valuable than straight cash or points.
Lin Yu remained characteristically humble.
"Don't mention it. You earned this reward yourself... let's make money together."
Li Nian cheerfully elbowed Lin Yu. "What are you talking about? Without your introduction, I wouldn't have had this opportunity."
"And you didn't expose me when I was scaring him earlier!"
"Truly worthy of someone who can deceive the 'Psychological Society'!"