Chapter 20: Mansion of Five (3)
“There are ten minutes left before work begins. You may move freely, but once the time starts, you must begin your tasks,” David added, glancing at his watch before turning and walking away.
The ten remaining players exchanged glances, sizing each other up.
Soon, two players decided to act first. They headed straight to the villa staff dormitory, where work tools were stored. Seeing them take initiative, the others didn’t linger. Three followed the first two, while the rest entered the villa. Bai Lian was among them.
But unlike the others, he didn’t search for tools. He had the Lawless Criminal skill. Why bother working? If there was a chance to relax, Bai Lian wouldn’t lift a finger—his life philosophy remained unchanged, even in this strange world.
Of course, this assumed idleness wouldn’t get him killed.
While others scrambled for tools, Bai Lian studied the villa’s layout. Luxurious, impressive, yet understated. He preferred this ambiance to gloomy places like Laboratory No. 45, which felt suffocating.
His gaze drifted to the living room. Target acquired: the sofa.
The moment he lay down, Bai Lian couldn’t help closing his eyes. Bliss~
Whatever material the sofa was made of, its comfort nearly erased his accumulated fatigue. Nearby, four players noticed him. Unlike their tense scrambling, Bai Lian looked utterly out of place.
Is he… relaxing?Doesn’t he fear breaking the Rules?
By now, worktime was approaching. Yet Bai Lian lounged, unconcerned. The four players exchanged baffled looks.
[Is the streamer… slacking off?]
【That sofa looks comfy. Is it sold anywhere?】
【Focus! He’s supposed to work!】
【Maybe it’s a strategy? The Rules don’t forbid sofa-lazing.】
【Ever heard of Anomalies exploiting loopholes? He’s painting a target on himself!】
Bai Lian’s antics confused the Stream Chat. Some viewers rationalized it as a bold tactic—a “Kennedy in an open convertible” gamble. Others dismissed him as reckless.
“He’s clearly asking for trouble.”
“Just ignore him. He’s given up.”
As the clock neared 9:00 AM, the four players focused on their tasks. Bai Lian? If he kept lounging, tragedy awaited.
—Hm?
Bai Lian suddenly opened his eyes and sat up.
Tap-tap-tap.
Sharp footsteps echoed from the staircase. Everyone, including Bai Lian, turned toward the sound.
First, a red high-heeled shoe came into view. Then another. A pale, slender leg. The hem of a dress—
Bai Lian craned his neck but quickly relaxed. It was like scratching a lottery ticket: initial excitement fades once you see the numbers.
【LMAO, his mood shifted so fast!】
【Same reaction here. Classic.】
【Everyone in this chat’s a dog (🐶 emoji).】
【Hey, I’m not old!】
The chat erupted as Bai Lian’s disappointment went viral.
From the villa’s second floor emerged a figure that captivated all. Red heels, a crimson dress, golden hair, and blue eyes—her face still carried a childlike innocence, yet her presence was staggering. 𝖗Â𐌽ꝊВÊŞ
Bai Lian recognized her instantly: Winnie.
A recurring NPC in this dungeon. The nanny’s daughter, rumored to share a “homework-help” dynamic with David Milne. She loved snooping into secrets—like the mansion owner’s hidden truth.
But Bai Lian didn’t care about lore. His eyes roamed freely: her legs, her grape-cluster bust… Pure admiration!
Winnie held a pen in one hand and a book in the other. Descending the stairs, she glanced casually at the nearby players. Their heads snapped down, avoiding eye contact.
In the Mysterious World, attracting an Anomaly’s attention meant death. Best to stay invisible.
But Winnie’s gaze lingered on the sofa.
Bai Lian stared back, unflinching.
She smiled—a predator spotting prey—and strode toward him.
“He’s dead.”
“Who dies this early?”
“His fault. We’ve got work to do.”
“How’s he this dumb post-beginner dungeon?”
The players shook their heads. Once an Anomaly noticed you, doom was inevitable.