Waking from the dream, Topaz brushed the snow off her clothes.
The voice call had disconnected.
Topaz pulled out her phone and glanced at it.
Less than a minute had passed.
There were two new messages.
[Aventurine: Weren't you staying on Jarilo-VI? What's going on over there?]
[Aventurine: I'm coming to find you. You'd better hold on until I get there.]
Topaz smoothed her hair and began typing a reply.
[Topaz: Don't bother. I'm not in any danger.]
[Aventurine: You should've said so earlier! I was already halfway out the door!]
[Aventurine: Please, stop dragging me into this.]
Topaz ignored Aventurine.
Recalling everything she had just experienced in the dream, she couldn't help but curl her lips into an excited smile.
She pressed the reconnect button on her earpiece and rejoined the voice conference.
"Topaz, what happened just now? Your signal dropped suddenly."
"I'm fine. Maybe I was too close to the fracture, and it interfered with the signal."
The woman on the other end fell silent.
This excuse wasn't particularly convincing, but she chose not to press further.
After a few seconds, she spoke again. "In that case, let's proceed."
"We've just discussed the potential negative impact Honkai: Star Rail could have on our department."
"According to Aventurine, your debt collection mission on Jarilo-VI was also affected by this game, preventing you from completing it smoothly."
"So, please share your thoughts on the matter."
Topaz smiled faintly.
In a tone that brooked no argument, she replied, "When did I ever say Honkai: Star Rail would have a negative impact on our department?"
"I only said it had an influence—but not a negative one."
"On the contrary, in my opinion, studying this game seriously could elevate our department's performance to new heights."
"If we seize the opportunities and challenges this game presents, our Strategic Investment Department might even surge ahead of the competition and become one of the company's most formidable divisions."
No one reacted with shock or cheers.
Instead, the call fell into complete silence.
It felt like Topaz's attitude had done a complete 180 before and after her disconnection.
She sounded like she'd been injected with pure adrenaline.
It was... a little unsettling.
A long moment passed.
Finally, Aventurine broke the silence with a joking tone. "Topaz... don't tell me Yu Ling paid you off to hype up his game—"
"Hahaha, Director Aventurine, you do love your jokes."
"If anyone's paying, it should be me."
"If buying rankings in this game were really possible, I wouldn't hesitate to invest."
"Personally, I don't quite understand Director Topaz's stance. As the company's sole creed dictates—Everything for the Amber Lord—we shouldn't deviate from our core principles."
But as he spoke, his voice grew quieter until it faded from the call entirely.
The conference room fell silent for a few seconds.
After confirming Aventurine had also disconnected, someone couldn't help but mutter, "What's going on today...?"
"This is so weird..."
"Director Topaz, are you two together?"
Topaz: "No. He left Jarilo-VI two system hours ago."
Internally, however, she couldn't help but wonder:
"Could it be... that Aventurine also...?"
"After all, the Jarilo-VI mission involved him too."
"This time, he's finally getting a share of the profits—no, a full feast—just like me, right?"
Aventurine stared blankly at the scene before him.
It was a vibrant urban paradise, reminiscent of Penacony's style. He stood atop a skyscraper, the city's neon lights stretching endlessly below like a dazzling performer flaunting its brilliance.
From this vantage point, it felt as though the entire city lay in the palm of his hand.
Two prepared cocktails rested on the railing.
Lost in thought, Aventurine picked up one of the glasses.
At that moment, the owner of the other drink appeared.
"Hello. I'm Yu Ling, the developer of Honkai: Star Rail."
It took him several seconds to process the words.
"Is that... really you?"
Yu Ling smiled faintly. "Do I need to provide proof of my identity?"
"N-No, of course not!"
Aventurine tried to remain calm, but he couldn't help pulling out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his brow.
"With your presence and the sheer scale of this dream you've crafted..."
"What reason would I have to doubt you?"
Yu Ling nodded. "It seems those who hold positions among the Ten Stonehearts are all quite perceptive."
Aventurine's eyes flickered with a barely noticeable gleam.
So Topaz must have also met Yu Ling in this dream!
That explains her sudden change in attitude!
Why did Yu Ling reach out to me next?
What does he want me to do for him?
And what can I gain from him in return?
Yu Ling smiled slightly, as if reading his thoughts.
"Relax. I won't make you work for free."
"You can consider what follows a... collaboration."
Aventurine's mind buzzed.
Then, he broke into a radiant smile.
"As expected, your insight is unparalleled."
"Forgive my bluntness—I've always been a pragmatic man."
Yu Ling gestured toward the sprawling city before them.
"It resembles Penacony, doesn't it?"
"Your mission is to go there, and my game's storyline will also lead there."
"Before that, I plan to film a MV called Sleepless Night as a prelude."
Aventurine was stunned.
He had expected Yu Ling to propose some grand scheme—only to hear it was just... an MV?
What kind of twist is this?!
"I'm just giving you a heads-up."
Aventurine stood frozen for several seconds.
He scrutinized Yu Ling's expression, searching for any hidden meaning behind this seemingly trivial request.
Is he really just asking for my opinion?
So many characters have appeared in the game without Yu Ling personally seeking their approval.
Why approach me specifically?
He's testing my attitude?
Aventurine immediately replied, "Mr. Yu Ling, appearing in your work would be an honor!"
"How could I possibly demand compensation?"
"Creating a game of this scale, mirroring reality itself—you're clearly no ordinary individual."
"Even a hint of insider knowledge would be an invaluable opportunity for someone like me."
"So how could I have the audacity to ask for payment?"
"Whatever scenes need filming or narration—I'll cooperate fully!"
Yu Ling raised his glass.
Aventurine quickly followed suit.
Their glasses clinked softly.
A silent agreement had been reached.
Advance 100 Chapters are up on my !
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