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Chapter 55

Yes, it was Jiang Xiuxiu who came up with the idea to use the game system against Xu Bai.

 

After her conversation with Wang Xiaoyun, Jiang Xiuxiu realized that she didn’t need to confront Xu Bai directly.

 

Given the overwhelming difference in strength, any tricks or schemes would be useless.

 

She was just an ordinary person, firmly under Xu Bai’s control, and the chances of escaping on her own were almost nonexistent.

 

So, she had to find another way.

 

For instance, seeking help from another entity.

 

Asking the remaining players for help was out of the question.

 

This left her with only one option: the game system.

 

Xu Bai had a bug, something the system should have detected and fixed.

 

The system, holding higher authority within the game, was Xu Bai's natural enemy, capable of completely suppressing him. Choosing the system was a surefire strategy.

 

Then came the problem.

 

Under Xu Bai's deliberate control, the game hadn't shown any signs of breaking down that would catch the system's attention.

 

So, how could Jiang Xiuxiu relay information to the system and prompt it to investigate?

 

She didn't have to think long. The answer was to do something that would trigger a response from the system.

 

And among the many possible actions, the easiest one was to push the boundaries of "indecency."

 

The horror escape game was highly sensitive to any behavior below the neck. If excessive sexual harassment occurred, it would trigger a system warning.

 

This was precisely the loophole Jiang Xiuxiu intended to exploit.

 

Thus, under her deliberate orchestration, the villagers, deceived by Wang Xiaoyun, collectively engaged in public disrobing.

 

Naturally, this caught the system's attention.

 

*Beep* System check complete, issuing a yellow card warning.

 

*Beep* Data anomaly detected, significant NPC data missing, suspected virus detected.

 

*Beep* Requesting advanced permissions.

 

Upon hearing the system's final determination that a virus was present, Jiang Xiuxiu's heart leaped with joy.

 

She knew she had succeeded.

 

She couldn’t take down Xu Bai herself, but the system could.

 

Especially now, with Xu Bai’s abilities significantly reduced, it would be difficult for him to resist the system directly.

 

Sure enough, noticing the strange occurrences in the game, Xu Bai loosened his grip on Jiang Xiuxiu’s neck.

 

Narrowing his eyes, he looked at her and asked, "What’s going on?"

 

It seemed that the mysterious player who had leaked information to him hadn’t told Xu Bai about the virus or the program issues.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu, her strength sealed and unable to move, was forced to meet his gaze as he lifted her chin.

 

Not daring to look into Xu Bai’s eyes, she simply closed her own and responded, “I don’t know, don’t ask me.”

 

Based on all the information she had, Jiang Xiuxiu surmised that Xu Bai still couldn’t fully trap her in the game.

 

If he could, there would be no need to keep her close and monitor her, or to be so wary of her actions.

 

Reflecting on how Xu Bai had tried to kill her throughout the game, Jiang Xiuxiu guessed that he intended to make her "falsely die" in the game and then use some method to deceive the system into believing she had left.

 

As long as she stalled for time and the system quickly removed Xu Bai, she could return to the real world.

 

“You really are stubborn.”

 

Seeing her lifeless expression, Xu Bai's eyes darkened slightly.

 

But before he could say anything, the game’s environment changed.

 

*Beep* Advanced permissions granted. Game progress halted. Beginning scan.

    With the system's command, the entire game environment suddenly transformed.

 

It was as if someone had pressed the pause button—everything came to a standstill.

 

The villagers, who had been eagerly waiting, and the trees that were gently swaying, all froze in place at that very moment.

 

People stood motionless, a hint of unease still etched on their faces. Leaves, which were about to fall, hung suspended in mid-air, and the waves in the river were frozen in a single shape.

 

The wind vanished, and the world became eerily silent.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu could even vaguely see strings of data behind the frozen scenery around her.

 

These data streams continuously swirled, forming this virtual yet realistic world, occasionally flickering in and out of existence.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu stared at this scene, momentarily stunned.

 

Then she realized that her strength was gradually returning.

 

She could move again.

 

Overjoyed at this discovery, Jiang Xiuxiu's heart leaped.

 

However, just as she began to move, ready to make her escape, she felt a force pulling her back.

 

It was Xu Bai.

 

To prevent her from escaping earlier, Xu Bai had kept his arm wrapped around her, holding her in his embrace.

 

Now, sensing Jiang Xiuxiu's attempt to flee, he exerted force, pulling her back into his arms.

 

His grip on her wrist was so tight that even with her pain receptors dulled, she could feel the pressure, as if he was about to snap her wrist.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu: "..."

 

Jiang Xiuxiu: "..."

 

Wait, even after the system halted the game’s progress, Xu Bai could still move freely?

 

No way, is he really that powerful?

 

Jiang Xiuxiu’s eyes widened in disbelief at the sight.

 

Above her, Xu Bai’s soft voice came, “What a nuisance.”

 

His voice was as calm as ever, with only a hint of annoyance creeping in.

 

It was clear that the system’s intervention was causing him some discomfort.

 

Hearing this, Jiang Xiuxiu's eyes lit up, and she quickly said, “If it’s such a bother, why don’t you just let me go and make your escape? Trust me, once I’m out, I won’t—”

 

But before she could finish, Xu Bai, still holding her, vanished from the village in a flash.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu’s vision blurred for a moment, and the next thing she knew, she was back in the temple’s room.

 

“...won’t report you.”

 

Seeing the crimson decorations around her, Jiang Xiuxiu felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her.

 

It wasn’t just that Xu Bai could still move—why could he teleport as well?

 

What kind of permissions does this game have? Why does it seem like the boss's authority surpasses that of the system itself?

 

“Let you go?”

 

On the other side, Xu Bai chuckled softly at her suggestion and replied, “Don’t even think about it. It’s impossible.”

 

His eyes, calm and serene, looked at Jiang Xiuxiu with surprising gentleness.

 

But there was an undeniable finality in his tone as he added, “As long as I have my consciousness, I will never let you go.”

 

Jiang Xiuxiu: “Well, thank you very much.”

 

She had expected that once the system appeared, she could just sit back and safely wait for the game to end.

 

She never imagined Xu Bai would have the ability to drag her back here.

 

Faced with this outcome, Jiang Xiuxiu was at a loss for words, her mind blank. She could only curse the horror survival game developers in her thoughts.

 

After getting out, forget about reporting it—she swore she’d never touch this game again, even if she starved or had to jump off a cliff.

 

But now that things had come to this, no matter how frustrated she was, she still needed to figure out how to save herself.

 

Thinking of this, Jiang Xiuxiu looked up and noticed that Xu Bai’s face was noticeably paler than before.

His expression was natural and the way he leaned against the railing was relaxed, but Jiang Xiuxiu saw that his lips were slightly parted and his face was bloodless.

    His deep black eyes appeared even more haunting against his increasingly pale skin, giving him an unintentionally fragile look.

 

His energy had been further drained.

 

Although the system hadn’t directly captured Xu Bai, it had undoubtedly suppressed him.

 

Wang Xiaoyun had mentioned to Jiang Xiuxiu in a dream that Xu Bai had become weaker.

 

In the past, he could effortlessly destroy a mountain, but later, he could only wipe out a village.

 

At the time, Jiang Xiuxiu had scoffed inwardly, thinking that such a reduction in power was as meaningless as a luxury watch brand offering a 50% discount—still far out of her reach.

 

Though the price might have dropped by millions, it didn’t change the fact that she still couldn’t afford it.

 

However, when she later considered seeking help from the system, Jiang Xiuxiu realized that this weakening was actually quite fatal.

 

Especially now that the system had arrived. Previously, Xu Bai could have roamed freely across the map, but with his powers diminished, his ability to escape had been significantly curtailed.

 

He might not even be able to harm her for the time being.

 

This gave her the chance to continue thinking of ways to attract the system's attention.

 

"Don’t even think about it," Xu Bai suddenly spoke, as if noticing the change in her expression.

 

Seeing Jiang Xiuxiu glare at him, he smiled slightly. "I may struggle to deal with that thing, but handling you is still a piece of cake."

 

Jiang Xiuxiu snorted, "Don't be so sure."

 

All she had to do was strip off her clothes, and the system would definitely intervene.

 

According to the rules of the horror survival game, it wasn’t just male players who were monitored. If a female player harassed NPCs or male players, she would be punished just the same.

 

So even if it was a girl being indecent, the system would still detect it.

 

However, just as Jiang Xiuxiu was considering this, she saw Xu Bai reach out and tap her forehead with a finger.

 

Immediately, she found herself unable to move.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu: "..."

 

Damn it, Xu Bai had pulled this trick on her again.

 

If he had the guts, he should face her in a fair competition, not seal off her strength!

 

But to be honest, the idea of stripping or flirting was just something Jiang Xiuxiu had imagined in her head.

 

After all, she had a boyfriend, and even though Xu Bai was just an NPC, she couldn’t bring herself to actually touch or hug him.

 

However, “not planning to do it” and “unable to do it” were two different things.

 

If the situation became dire enough, she wouldn’t hesitate to go streaking if it meant survival.

 

Now that her strength was sealed, leaving only her mouth free to move, how could she attract the system’s attention?

 

Jiang Xiuxiu was at a loss.

 

Maybe she could say something that would count as harassment?

 

But being too explicit wouldn’t be good either.

 

After pondering for a moment, Jiang Xiuxiu suddenly recalled that in the horror survival game, the system detected inappropriate behavior through a program called "Green JJ."

 

Green JJ, originating from a certain romance website, excelled at detecting sensitive words.

 

If too many sensitive words were used, the speaker’s voice could be censored, or the written text could turn into a row of “***”.

 

So, she decided to try saying a few sensitive words.

 

After all, with nothing left to lose, she might as well take a gamble. It just might work.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu glanced at Xu Bai and cautiously said, "Fuck."

 

Xu Bai glanced at her, "Hmm?"

 

Jiang Xiuxiu continued, "Eight-nine, Ul, counterfeit currency."

 

Xu Bai: "..."

 

Jiang Xiuxiu pressed on, "Mustard gas, lottery, part-time job."

 

Xu Bai: "..."

 

Jiang Xiuxiu was now reciting special sensitive words she had memorized before entering the game.

 

To avoid triggering a system investigation, she had carefully noted them all down.

 

She could feel Xu Bai's gaze growing increasingly perplexed as she continued.

 

He seemed to realize something was off but couldn’t figure out how these words could possibly be harmful.

 

To be honest, even Jiang Xiuxiu didn’t understand why these words would trigger the system.

 

"Atomic bomb, degree, Minghui, True World."

 

*Beep* Detected a large number of sensitive words. Initiating system scan.

 

Just as Jiang Xiuxiu was about to give up, the system’s notification rang in her ears again.

 

At the same time, Xu Bai’s expression changed.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu: "..."

 

Wait, this is actually working?

 

*Beep* Bug detected, initiating elimination mode.

 

*Beep* Locating target, countdown begins.

 

Ten, nine, eight...

 

Before Jiang Xiuxiu could fully process what was happening, she felt her strength returning.

 

She quickly stood up and saw Xu Bai sitting calmly in the chair.

 

Perhaps knowing he couldn’t defeat the system, Xu Bai didn’t struggle this time.

 

He just sat there, tilting his head to look at Jiang Xiuxiu.

"You did it."

 

He spoke.

 

The room was bathed in a festive red, the soft orange glow of the candles casting a warm light on his face, which only made his complexion appear even more ghostly pale.

 

He looked less like a groom in a wedding chamber and more like a ghost who had died on his wedding night, returning to the mortal world seven days later to search for his lost bride.

 

Seven, six, five...

 

The countdown continued, but Jiang Xiuxiu kept her guard up, eyes fixed on Xu Bai.

 

She expected him to say something threatening or make a final move.

 

Perhaps he would, as he often did, face his defeat with that same nonchalant demeanor, treating victory and loss with indifferent ease.

 

But to her surprise, Xu Bai looked at her and asked a question she didn’t anticipate.

 

"Do you really want to leave this place so badly?" he asked.

 

Four, three...

 

"Of course I do." Jiang Xiuxiu didn’t hesitate to nod. "Why wouldn’t I? This place is nothing but a fake world to me, just a game."

 

She did enjoy playing games, but she wasn’t the type to lose herself in them completely, treating them as her entire life.

 

In reality, she had money, friends, family, and a lover. The game was just a temporary stop on her journey.

 

It might make her pause, but it would never make her stay.

 

Two...

 

"I see."

 

Xu Bai blinked and then unexpectedly smiled.

 

One...

 

"I was careless," he said. "As you wish, you can leave."

 

*Beep* Countdown complete, location confirmed.

 

*Beep* Boss privileges revoked, initiating cleanup mode.

 

As the system’s sharp notification sounded, the world around Jiang Xiuxiu plunged into chaos.

 

The temple began to tremble, the buildings started to crumble, and countless fragments rained down from the ceiling. Even the statue of the evil god in the distance began to crack deeply.

 

She looked up and saw that at some point, glowing white chains had appeared around Xu Bai’s body.

 

These chains bound him tightly, rendering him immobile and unable to struggle.

 

Now that his in-game privileges had been stripped, Xu Bai had lost all his power.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu thought for a moment and realized that Xu Bai was now completely defenseless.

 

Was it time to finally put the bunny girl outfit in her pocket to good use?

 

A peculiar smile spread across her face as she looked at the helpless young man.

 

She reached into her pocket and pulled out the bunny girl costume that she had long forgotten.

 

This was payback for everything—for sealing her strength, for holding her captive, and for constantly chasing after her.

 

Now, it was time for him to see her true power.

 

*Fade to black*

 

Unlike the previous times she had changed clothes, Jiang Xiuxiu moved swiftly and decisively this time.

 

In just a few moments, she had stripped Xu Bai down and dressed him in the seductive black bunny girl outfit.

 

She even placed the bunny ear headband on his head, which, surprisingly, made him look somewhat cute.

 

After completing this task, Jiang Xiuxiu felt a strange sense of satisfaction, beyond just venting her frustration. As she looked at Xu Bai, her heart unexpectedly skipped a beat.

 

He looked... oddly adorable in that outfit.

 

It seemed that for the increasingly twisted Jiang Xiuxiu, only dressing up a pretty boy could truly bring her satisfaction.

 

Meanwhile, the system’s notifications began ringing in her ears one after another.

 

*Beep* Congratulations, player "Jiang Xiuxiu," for successfully completing the mission to dress the boss in the specified outfit.

 

As the first player to clear this level, you will receive a cash reward from the game’s developers within three days after logging out. Please verify your personal information.

 

In 10 seconds, the player will exit the game world. Please prepare accordingly.

 

Hearing the system’s notification, Jiang Xiuxiu felt a surge of joy.

 

So, completing the mission even under these circumstances came with a cash prize?

 

Well, at least this trip wasn’t for nothing.

 

Overjoyed, she eagerly awaited the end of the countdown, ready to leave the game and share her experience with her friends and Ye Ming.

 

But just before exiting the game, an inexplicable impulse made her glance back at Xu Bai.

 

Amidst a sea of countless lines of code, the handsome, pale young man sat quietly on the ground.

 

His back was straight, and he sat alone in that place, surrounded by a desolate darkness, with not a sound to be heard.

 

At that moment, his deep black eyes were fixed on her.

 

His gaze was lonely yet focused, as if in this entire world, she was his only reason for being.

 

Jiang Xiuxiu and Xu Bai locked eyes, and for a brief moment, she felt a strange, indescribable sensation in her heart.

 

If, just if, Xu Bai truly had his own consciousness...

 

Would he, living alone in this game world, feel the same loneliness as a human?

 

This thought flashed through Jiang Xiuxiu’s mind.

 

The next second, her vision went black, and she was immediately logged out of the game.