The small-statured man thought of this and couldn’t help but show a bitter smile, the hopeful gleam in his eyes dimming.
Indeed, he should have known, should have realized at once. Someone like him, born into poverty without any exceptional traits, how could a true talent ever take interest in him? Yet, he just refused to give up, couldn’t grasp his own position, and always felt there was hope in the other’s polite refusal.
"First, tell us your thoughts, Fujikichiro. If we were to join you, what do you plan to do?"
Striving not to look at the young girl, Gu Mo continued to feign nonchalance and asked, "At the very least, you should share your thoughts and plans, so we can see if you’re really worth investing in before making a judgment."
"I..." Fujikichiro hesitated for a moment, "My idea is that we can first seek refuge with the overlord of Mino, Lord Dao San. I have purchased Spirit Stones from him many times and had certain dealings, plus he’s willing to give me a chance..."
Taking a breath, he began to fluently elaborate on his ideas and considerations. Initially, he was a bit uneasy, but as he spoke further, he became more fluid, and it all sounded very detailed, not the kind of fanciful plan but rather one that’s been pondered over long and waiting for an opportunity to be put into action.
Before he knew it, time had passed. The Sun outside the window had noticeably risen higher before this small-statured man finally stopped, savoring the moment with a smack of his lips. Then, he looked at the two opposite him with anticipation, his eyes full of non-contemporary brilliance—
"...What do you think?"
"..."
"..."
Hidechika slightly furrowed her brow again, almost imperceptibly. She didn’t know how to evaluate this man’s ideas and strong vision. However, she still didn’t have any particular thoughts, and instinctively, she looked at the strange person beside her.
Could her arrival have disrupted the trajectory of destiny? Did she actually not want to leave?
After all this time, Gu Mo, who had calmed down, glanced at her, then quickly turned his head away. With something in mind, he said dryly, "I think, Ah Xiu, you might actually consider going to Mino..."
Saito Dosan is actually Hidechika’s dad...
It’s quite tragic to reconcile as father and daughter just before dying. And if my chaotic involvement prevents this, then it’d truly be a sin...
Hidechika blinked. Why should she go to Mino? Is there a special reason?
"Ah hah, that’s what I’m thinking..." Gu Mo laughed awkwardly, still daring not to meet the girl’s eyes. His finger scratched his cheek, just as he was about to fabricate some reason.
Then, a familiar electrical surge ran through his nerves, an electrifying sensation roaring in his consciousness.
The next moment, the screen went dark unexpectedly.
His last remaining consciousness was filled with disbelief; according to his calculations, there clearly should have been more time left, so why was it like this... Wait! He seems to have repeated this evening once; during the first cycle, he was delayed for quite a long time.
But after failing, the "black screen" and, upon waking again, he found himself lying in bed...
So, although the "save point" in the real world had regressed to midnight, the activity time he had spent before was still accounted for? And subconsciously, he started counting from midnight after the second wake-up, but in fact, the remaining time wasn’t actually eight hours?
His thoughts connected like flashes of lightning, sparking revelations, allowing him to understand something.
Shortly after, he lost all perception and consciousness.