Restricted Fantasy Invasion

Chapter 42
Linmen, Luoqiao District, An Le home.

An Le, now in her pajamas, returned to the room and looked at the neatly folded clothes on the bed.

They were also newly bought, but not the one that cost over a thousand earlier. Instead, they were a budget alternative An Le purchased after leaving.

Of course, in terms of both style and fabric, they were far inferior to the one Little Finger had originally favored.

But An Le was still quite satisfied.

Gazing at the newly bought clothes on the bed, An Le unfolded them to examine them properly.

Then, with a warm smile, she decided to wash them tomorrow before wearing them.

After folding the clothes again, she turned to look at the lifeless white snake on the bed and called softly,

"Little Finger?"

"."

Hearing this, Little Finger weakly glanced at An Le.

Then, it lowered its snake head again and let out an extremely long sigh.

It said nothing, yet seemed to say everything.

An Le climbed onto the bed and poked its snake head with her finger.

Normally, Little Finger would have bristled at this, but now it seemed to have lost its soul.

It remained motionless, letting An Le fiddle with it as she pleased.

Thinking it might be sick, An Le asked with concern,

"Little Finger, can you even get sick? You look really unwell."

"."

At this, Little Finger finally raised its head to look at An Le, its eyes conveying,

"Are you serious?"

An Le's worried expression remained unchanged-she genuinely seemed to think so.

And our Little Finger, utterly disarmed by An Le's innocent gaze,

"Waaah! Why is my fate so bitter?! Why?! Why did I have to pick you as my host, waaah!"

"Huh?"

An Le pursed her lips, as if finally understanding why Little Finger was unhappy.

She glanced at Little Finger, who was now banging its head against the mattress, and cautiously asked,

"But... Little Finger, didn't you say you wanted to fulfill my wishes? Why... are you unhappy when I do this?"

"That's nonsense! You clearly wanted that pretty dress too! Wasn't that your wish? You're betraying your own wish!"

An Le blinked and said softly,

"That was indeed my wish, but not wanting the clerk sister to suffer a loss because of me is also my wish. This doesn't violate our agreement, does it?"

Little Finger gaped, completely dumbfounded by An Le's words.

An Le continued,

"Besides, it just doesn't feel right. After I save up more money and ask Mama Bai for some, we'll go buy that dress again."

Little Finger took several deep breaths, nearly passing out on the bed,

". You're invincible."

Why is this happening, divine one?!

I've had two hosts in a row-one ignored me and punched me away, and the other is even worse.

Others with cheats are already going wild, and you're still playing the goody-two-shoes here?!

What's the difference between this and waiting at red lights while gaming?!

If you keep being a law-abiding citizen and slowly building desires, when will I ever reach my full form?!

Why is my brilliant self so cursed?!

Why is this happening?!

"Don't worry, Little Finger, the new clothes are pretty too~

"I got my hair done today, bought new clothes and... underwear, so I'm fully prepared.

"My biggest, biggest wish is to reunite with Xiaohuan. With all this early preparation, it'll definitely work!"

An Le couldn't bear to see others look disappointed, even Little Finger.

She didn't treat it as a tool spirit or anything similar but as a friend.

So now, whether to cheer herself up or comfort Little Finger, she clenched her fists and spoke with flushed cheeks.

However, Little Finger just rolled its eyes in response.

Oh, thank heavens.

That Yan Huan is definitely being targeted by another finger.

He's prime fodder for desires.

With a weak and kind host like you, who hasn't even laid the groundwork, how can you win against powerful modifiers like Index Finger or Thumb?!

Be practical-first, understand how modifiers work!

Even scum like Pu Shuwen could bully you so easily, and you needed Spencer to bail you out.

Explain that to me!

Seriously, my brilliant Little Finger's reputation is ruined by you...

No shame left!

At this thought, Little Finger flopped onto the bed, nearly fainting.

Thinking it was going to sleep, An Le leaned closer and whispered,

"Going to sleep, Little Finger?"

"."

"Then sleep well. I'll play on the computer for a bit."

"."

This time, Little Finger didn't even twitch.

It might be dead.

An Le got off the bed and headed to the computer, opening the browser.

She planned to browse the galgame forums to see if there were any interesting games.

Instead of finding games, she came across an intriguing post,

"The Linmen Game Expo this Sunday will showcase White Horse Studio's new game 'Dragon of Bondage.' Can anyone going grab a copy for me?"

White Horse Studio specialized in niche, adult-oriented otome games, and An Le was their loyal fan.

So, she clicked on the post and scrolled through the replies,

"Where'd you get tickets? Scalpers have driven prices sky-high-over a thousand per ticket. How many games could that buy?"

"Sigh, just wait for the digital release on their site."

The Linmen Game Expo...

Is White Horse Studio exhibiting there?

An Le blinked and searched for the expo, pulling up its official website,

"Linmen GL Game Expo, sponsored by Golden Lion Group, is an annual large-scale ACG convention.

"This year's event is the largest yet, with the most invited developers and doujin circles!

"One main venue, twelve sub-venues, showcasing the most comprehensive and vibrant cultural festival to all of Linmen society!"

Wow, it looks lively, but...

The tickets are so expensive!!

Seeing the four-digit price, An Le's interest instantly vanished.

Disappointed, she was about to close the browser when her mouse accidentally clicked on "Golden Lion Group" on the page.

Instantly, she was redirected to Golden Lion Group's official site.

Against a lavish golden backdrop, a lion's head emblem with a golden mane roared fiercely.

That was Golden Lion Group's emblem and the namesake of this behemoth.

The gleaming golden icon briefly caught An Le's eye-she'd heard of this world-renowned company.

She stared at the image on the page, watching the lion in the emblem throw back its head and roar,

"Roar!"

The roaring lion's animation distorted the emblem bit by bit, until it overlapped with a lion mural on a marble wall in a luxury apartment in Jinghe District.

The lion on the wall silently watched the vast room before it, watching the golden-haired girl lying on the sofa by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The room was dimly lit, but her golden hair still shone brightly, looking especially beautiful.

She wore a sports T-shirt and shorts, her long, fair legs propped straight against the wall.

She lay on the sofa cushions, her head hanging over the edge, facing the ceiling.

Her mouth was wide open, as if preparing for something.

The next moment, she tossed a jellybean into the air.

Her open mouth below acted like a net, perfectly catching the falling jellybean.

"Awoo~"

Chewing the sweet jellybean, the girl named "Aria Spencer" wore a bored expression.

"So bored."

In the vast luxury apartment, only her voice echoed with no response.

Swallowing a jellybean, Spencer sat up straight and took out her phone.

She browsed the video website for animations to project on screen.

But finding nothing to her taste only made her more irritable the longer she searched.

She'd finished Peppa Pig and found other cartoons uninteresting.

Spencer wasn't in a good mood today.

Her sky-blue eyes gazed at the 115-inch screen where a golden lion head stared back.

Her mother's AI butler had messaged her earlier:

Young lady, the President has received feedback about your recent school performance.

"She's extremely angry."

Remembering this, Spencer narrowed her eyes and tore open a bag of chips on the table.

Please attend classes seriously, complete homework on time, and join study groups per the student council's email.

"Contact me anytime for assistance. I'll also report your status to the President in real time."

Spencer "tsk"ed, ate a chip, and pressed the smart remote.

The Golden Lion butler's voice came through again:

"How may I assist you, young lady?"

"When is she returning?"

"I don't know the President's schedule. Based on her last reply, I estimate she'll return to Linmen within two months for 2-3 days."

Spencer looked at Linmen's nightscape outside the window with an "I knew it" expression.

Then she ruffled her golden hair irritably:

"I'm bored this weekend. Find me something fun."

"I recommend the library or gym. Reading cultivates one's character-"

Ugh, this dumb AI.

Veins bulged on Spencer's forehead as she crossed her arms and turned away sharply:

"I want to go out! Somewhere fun!! Tell me weekend spots in Linmen or I'll go smoke, drink, and find a boyfriend!!"

"Understood. One moment, young lady."

The butler paused, then found relevant information:

"I recommend Sunday's Linmen GL Game Expo, a major cultural event we sponsor."

"Linmen GL Game Expo?"

Spencer blinked, sat upright, and studied the screen while stroking her chin.

Finally showing interest, some boredom faded from her face:

"Haa~"

When will Mother ask Xiaohuan to stay?

In a luxury hotel suite in the southern district, Ye Shiyu picked at food with her own chopsticks from her backpack.

She glanced at Yan Huan and Ye Lan conversing across the table while pondering.

Should I bring it up first?

"Aunt Ye, were you already in the southern district today?"

"Yes, discussing matters with Linmen authorities about installing charging stations here. The environment leaves much to be desired."

"The southern district can be troublesome."

Perfect opportunity!

Ye Shiyu set down her chopsticks and looked at Yan Huan:

"Since Xiaohuan works here in these conditions, he should live with us instead. It'd be easier for him."

Yan Huan looked up, surprised at Ye Shiyu's initiative.

He hadn't expected her to invite him home or mention his part-time job's hardships.

Sakuramiya's words this afternoon must've had an effect.

Yet something about Ye Shiyu's offer gave him an ominous feeling.

Should he accept?

The benefits were obvious - Ye Lan's status would elevate his life instantly.

No more part-time jobs, impoverished districts, or orphanage past.

But would returning help resolve Ye Shiyu's modifier issue?

"Meow~"

Beneath the table, illusory Meow-chan stood by his paper bag.

Its furry head poked inside, pawing at something.

Then it looked up at Yan Huan and meowed again:

"Meow!"

Found something, Meow-chan?

Yan Huan checked the bag holding Ye Shiyu's returned clothes and saw Meow-chan persistently scratching one item.

"What are you showing me, Meow-chan?"

After examining the clothes, he asked mentally when nothing stood out.

"Yan Huan, look inside the collar - very hidden."

Instead of checking immediately, he glanced at Ye Lan's thoughtful expression.

He "accidentally" knocked a spoon off the table.

"Clatter."

"Sorry."

Bending to retrieve it, he actually inspected where Meow-chan indicated.

Upon closer look, he noticed something alarming.

Hidden inside his school uniform's lining, someone had embroidered three tiny, nearly invisible characters.

Without Meow-chan, no one would've spotted the microscopic stitching!

Guess what those characters were?

"Ye Shiyu"

Swallowing hard, Yan Huan felt immediate pressure seeing his name embroidered.

"And not just this uniform - other clothes too, in different spots."

"."

Yikes.

He'd thought her condition was improving, but-

This wasn't improvement - it was terminal illness!

She'd claimed him completely without him realizing her obsession remained unchecked!

Thank goodness for Meow-chan, or he'd have unlocked a bad ending tonight.

"Meow-chan, I love you."

"Meow?"

Sitting back up with the spoon, Yan Huan smiled brightly while mentally scrambling for excuses.

Excuses to avoid returning to the Jinghe District mansion.

Wealth was tempting, but survival came first-

Sorry, Aunt Ye, but I must decline again.

However, after brief consideration, Ye Lan sighed and shook her head:

"Shiyu, I knew you'd become more cheerful around Xiaohuan. But I've reconsidered-"

"Huh?"

Both Ye Shiyu and Yan Huan froze.

Ye Lan smiled apologetically at Yan Huan:

Xiaohuan has lived independently in Linmen for over a decade. Treating him like a child was unfair.

"Forcing him to abandon his life for my expectations when we'd just met was inappropriate."

She then turned to Ye Shiyu:

After learning more about his life this week, I see he's mature and self-sufficient.

So I'll provide financial support to ease his life, not force him to live with us.

"What do you think, Shiyu?"

Aunt Ye!!

To Yan Huan, Ye Lan now seemed haloed in divine light, angelic wings and all.

Her maternal warmth made him want to devoutly bask in her grace.

Not only saving him from Ye Shiyu's hypnosis tonight but offering unconditional support-

Aunt Ye, you are my god!

"Xiaohuan, recite the prayer to the benevolent deity (Aunt Ye)~"

"Aunt Ye, I don't want to work hard anymore."

"Hehe, so adorable~"

Completely different from Yan Huan who had already converted to the Ye Lan religion, Ye Shiyu was utterly shocked.

Mom?!

Ye Shiyu's eyes widened, pausing for a moment before squeezing out words,

"But..."

"Just because we won't be living together daily doesn't mean our relationship will fade. You and Xiaohuan go to school together every day, and occasionally I can invite him over on weekends. Wouldn't that be even better?"

Ye Shiyu looked at her mother, then at Yan Huan who was nodding repeatedly beside her, and continued,

"But...the southern district's environment is chaotic. I've even heard about gang fights here before. I'm worried..."

Seeing the worried expression on Ye Lan's face, Yan Huan quickly explained,

"It's fine, Sister Shiyu. I've lived here for over ten years and can take care of myself. Actually, thanks to Aunt Ye, the southern district will definitely improve."

"Thanks to me? Why?"

Yan Huan smiled slightly and said,

The Linmen government is collaborating with Aunt Ye to promote infrastructure development, which will inevitably improve public safety in the southern district.

"After all, that's real money being spent. If it keeps getting vandalized by hoodlums, Aunt Ye would be the one losing out, right?"

Ye Lan covered her mouth with a light laugh, clearly not having considered this angle before,

"That's true. I don't know if the southern district will improve, but we definitely won't lose money. At worst, Xiaohuan, you can move somewhere else later. You don't have to stay in the southern district."

As she spoke, she took out a white card from her bag and handed it to Yan Huan,

"This is a credit card I prepared for you. The PIN is six ones. Just use this for all expenses, and I'll reimburse you~"

Looking at the offered white card, Yan Huan blinked.

Raising his eyes to see Ye Lan with angelic wings and a loving smile, he instinctively opened his mouth,

"Thank..."

"Shh, no need to thank me. Just accept it, Xiaohuan."

"Okay, Auntie."

The scene of "motherly kindness and filial piety" across the table left Ye Shiyu with no chance to take Xiaohuan home tonight.

Ye Lan's actions were unexpected for both Yan Huan and Ye Shiyu.

However...

Holding her phone, Ye Shiyu looked at the smiling faces of Ye Lan and Yan Huan, gradually calming down inside.

Her mother had talked about Xiaohuan for so long, and Xiaohuan clearly yearned for family warmth too.

Maybe now was just the right time.

If they went back, she might do something extreme and ruin this beautiful moment...

Anyway, they'd see each other often at school, and she could invite Xiaohuan over on weekends.

No rush.

Rationality ultimately couldn't be extinguished by desire and resurfaced.

She gripped her phone, took a deep breath, and silently agreed to her mother's arrangement.

Meanwhile, her phone screen lit up without being touched, forming a dark purple vortex shape.

But now, the screen flickered wildly with static fragments as if having signal issues.

After a second, the screen reluctantly turned off, dissolving into the room's perfect atmosphere.

(End of chapter)