“You drunk yet?” Jin asked Qiu Yue who was sitting at the side of the couch fiddling with her phone when he individually aided the rest back to their respective rooms.
“I picked my poison well. Have you forgotten that between us, I was the who could hold my liquor, you were always the one I had to take care of.” Qiu Yue teased Jin as she already had taken a cup of Black Ivory coffee from the kitchen’s coffee maker. (Yun had purposely placed one there as she found it irritating to keep going back to the store to have one made.)
“That was a long time ago… How’s the interface so far? Are you getting familiar with it?” Jin was a bit embarrassed as he tried to change the subject. He asked as he sat on the floor, eating the leftovers. He was surprised they were still piping hot and then remembered Yun saying something about the coffee table having a time stasis function courtesy of the System.
It paused the physical and chemical process that was ongoing on the coffee table until the food left the area. That was also why all of their food stored within the cabinets were never rotten or spoilt. Lynn also used that particular function to prepare cooked food in advance and kept it in their kitchen storage when there were lesser customers. She also used it to evaluate her penguin disciples when Lynn was not around to examine their food.
“Very simple…very intuitive. It is really as easy as playing a computer game. Just that I did not expect it to be something like augmented reality. Can you see it?” Qiu Yue was reading the manual given by the Empire Building Sub System from her revamped phone by the System. As she pressed a particular app in her phone, the System screens would pop up for Qiu Yue to preview. Jin and the others who were affected by the System would be able to recognise what Qiu Yue was doing. However, everyone else like King Sol, all he would see was Qiu Yue making weird hand gestures in the air as if she was practising casting some magical spells while holding on to a thin metallic block of an artefact.
“Hahaha, and apparently, it is giving me a lump sum of dungeon dollars as a bonus which is not affiliated to your account although I also have access to that one. I must say, you are not a very thrifty person at all as compared to the person I knew you as back then.” Qiu Yue told Jin as she swiped her augmented screen towards Jin for him to see.
“Well, business and real life are different, you know. At the very least, I am still getting a small- *cough* ahem, VERY SMMMMALLLLL cut out of every dungeon instance I sold, and they are all in the bank.” Jin purposely emphasised the pathetic sales percentage he was given by the System back when he first started the shop. It never increased but the business accounts checked out in case of any audits. He figured there had to be some ex Panda clan member who could do such brilliant bookkeeping under the System’s care.
“User will have a major increase in percentage when he reaches Dungeon Supplier Rank 4, up to 5% of the cut.” The System noted and Jin wondered if it was a coincidence of the System improving his quality of life whenever he brought up a particular issue.
“Do you actually have a plan on the benefits I get from ranking up or do you implement whatever I say as the improvement for the ranking?” Jin wanted to know and the System acknowledged his reply.
“Indeed, some of the ranks’ rewards are based on User’s desires and complaints as a way to improve the User’s relationship with the System. This is because the System accommodates differently for each and every user it encounters. System must have a flexible ranking system to fit the user’s situation and especially since he is contributing to it. However, System has fixed milestones pegged to certain ranks as a default reward. The rest of the ranking system is based on the User’s needs. If you wish to change your rewards, do not hesitate to ask and the System shall implement it when fulfilling the requirement.” The System stated and Jin for the first time realised that was how it was being done.
“So, do I enjoy such benefits as well?” Qiu Yue asked and the System answered that the Sub Systems worked differently from the Main System. Whenever Jin levelled up, the rest would too but the rewards were more or less narrowed for the Sub System Users. For Lynn, it would be unlocking various cuisine recipes or food materials. Qiu Yue would have the opportunity to unlock certain quality of life functions that would make her Empire Building smoother.
“Oh well, that is better than nothing. Anyways, Jin, come and take a look what Peppers has prepared beforehand. It was preloaded into the Sub System before I acquired it. Apparently, it is also one of the rewards that the System bestowed to me for doing such a seemingly excellent (according to the System’s rating) job in managing the Goblin Orc relations and the War.” Qiu Yue said with a hint of pride as she beckoned Jin to the couch while she grabbed her cup of coffee from the table. “It had analysed what Peppers created and used Mooogle Maps along with other famous GPS apps to give me a model predicting of how the city will turn out to be in the future.”
“Then isn’t Peppers initial work is for nought?” Jin examined at the map carefully on the console while Qiu Yue sneakily cuddled Jin up as she sipped her coffee. Jin was concentrating on the map so much, he did not even notice it since Qiu Yue was also explaining to him the details of the city model map.
“No I wouldn’t say that. What Peppers did was to allocate the regions like industry, agriculture, housing and surprisingly even tourism into the city model. The Sub System then added roads, transportation, the electrical and sewage system into it based on the hundreds of cities it analysed. It even recommended a swap of few regions but also stated the advantages of Pepper’s decision and left it to us to decide how we wish to proceed.” Qiu Yue pointed out while holding her cup and Jin instinctively pulled Qiu Yue closer as if it was the old times. (She snuggled a bit tighter when given the opportunity!)
“I see, then what about defence wise? I mean we will be facing strong oppression from that particular dungeon’s world demon army. Don’t we at least need walls or anything?” Jin asked to see if there was a difference in opinion with Qiu Yue.
“Hmm, Modern cities do not have walls, and I think putting a wall up would not make too much of a difference if what you previously mentioned before is true. Besides, we already have a magical barrier to protect us from those crazy ass earth shattering spells. And why make the city a stronghold fortress when we can make each and every building THE stronghold. Get my drift? Capeesh?” Qiu Yue was laughing when she said that and Jin realised he had not even considered that at all. He had been wanting to construct a city akin to old medieval ways rather than modern ones even though his city was meant to be modernised.
“That is awesome but I have some more questions. For one, I thought you said you are going to hire some building planning experts to alleviate the city building problem?” Jin asked and Qiu Yue replied that she initially did not know what to expect from the Sub System.
“I was actually waiting to take a look at the Sub System first before I start the hiring process. The recruitment drive is not done yet so my final choices can still differ a little. Hmm, maybe I just hire a small team as perhaps consultant? I do not know how much help they can offer but I believe no matter what, their experience should be helpful. Additionally, we let them take this back home as valuable lessons. We can accumulate more favours that way.” Qiu Yue deduced and Jin began to remember why he chose this girl for the job. Decisive, kind hearted and yet a little sly.
“But aside from Peppers and the System’s input, don’t you also have any input of your own?” Jin asked.
“Hmm, Regions wise I have no qualms and they make perfect sense. In fact, what they did, might actually bring out the optimal growth for city. I am more concerned about the cost of building the cities. The Sub System did allow me to have a look at the markets and buy things at the basic prices. I mean, we do have access to discounts and stuff by buying a lot so we should be able to get by with the money I received on my account. But I am also looking for alternatives.” Qiu Yue explained and showed her Empire account to Jin. “Not to mention, one of the other rewards from the System was actually an Investments Mode…I erm bought the Orcs and Goblin’s Central Banks through a little bit of negotiation between King Sol and the new Orc King Frost Echo.”
“Holy shit. And considering their economy is still pretty immature, you stand to earn lots if you apply even the simplest concepts such as bonds and mortgages into their banking system…well if they did not have such a concept in the first place.” Jin became so excited about the current issue and his amazement at her feats that Qiu Yue felt it oozing out of Jin. She felt rather aroused and wondered if it was the exotic alcohol that played a part even though she still felt sober.
“Oh no, I want him so badly now…” Qiu Yue thought as she playfully pushed herself closer to Jin and touched his abdomen. She was surprised to feel the results of his training. No more flabby tummy like he had back in university and even his arms were well toned. “I checked, they do not have such concepts and if I implement them, I can definitely earn back a decent sum.” Qiu Yue leaned her head on Jin.
“Sleepy? Looks like the coffee isn’t working on you. We can continue this tomorrow if you want.” Jin asked as he could feel the heaviness of her head on his right arm. Qiu Yue gently shook her head.
“I just want to be right beside you. Let me…hold you a while longer.” She pushed herself even closer to Jin and whispered into his ears. Knowing he was vulnerable and there was no one in the living room, Qiu Yue went ahead and nibbled on his ears before looking right into his eyes.
Jin was not that oblivious and knew what was going on. He went on to grab Qiu Yue by the waist and brought her onto his laps. Their breathing became heavier but soon after it was synchronised. The stare between the two were intense and without any word, Qiu Yue’s face inched towards Jin’s with every second passed.
“MASTER! MASTER! MASTER!!!!!” Mr Patsu suddenly barged in from a portal on the side of the living room and ran in with bated breath. Jin turned his head to hear what was the commotion but Qiu Yue was extremely annoyed by the change of circumstances. She was not giving up even though Jin released his hands from her and quickly hugged Jin tightly while showing a pouty face at the incoming penguin NPC. However, Mr Patsu did not care for anything else but the news he was about to relay.
“There is an emergency! A group of gangsters has entered our shop! They are trashing the place for no reason! Another Jin told them to stop and instead, they assaulted him! He is currently holding them off but because you are split up, his powers are limited! Some of the cultivators tried to help but he told them not to interfere.” Mr Patsu was panting heavily after he spoke and quickly turned on the TV. The System immediately switched the channel to the CCTVs. “16 in total and they are not low grades at all. At least Grade 4 or 5!” Mr Patsu exclaimed.
“User, while unfortunate, given the situation you are required to return to the shop. Wear the Panda Mask and find a way to merge back with Another Jin. Do you require further assistance from the bellators?” The System asked as it opened a portal.
“I will help you with this, let the others rest.” Pei appeared visible to all from the blessing bracelet and whistled as she put on her Fox Mask. Tsu and Kai responded to her call and stood right beside her waiting for her commands. As Jin got up from the sofa while apologising to Qiu Yue, she stopped him forcefully.
“You two. Stay. I will be the one go. It would be awkward if your real identity is accidentally revealed by the gangsters.” Qiu Yue said as she took her katana out and her Red Panda Mask.
“But your grade, it’s too dangerous to -” Jin wanted to stop her, but Qiu Yue placed a finger at his mouth before he could finish his sentence.
“Let me show off a little to my new Boss. You won’t believe how strong I can be with this all New Sub System.” Qiu Yue said as she picked up Jin’s phone. “You will support me right, System? Since it’s within the premise in the name of self defence.” Qiu Yue commented as she walked towards to the portal.
“As a showcase, the System shall provide the appropriate funds for Sub User Qiu Yue to impress User.” The System replied openly before switching to a private transmission. “As compensation for interrupting a potential mating session, Sub User is permitted to go all out. The System will bear all costs incurred.” Qiu Yue heard the System and grinned widely with her eyebrows furrowed with anger under the Red Panda Mask as she threw Jin’s phone back at him.
“Well, expect this to get expensive. Because I have plentiful amount of frustration to vent on these goons to ‘coincidentally’ disturb my happy time.” Qiu Yue replied as she walked into the portal.
