Cao Yi felt that this world was incredibly unfair.
After graduating from university, Cao Yi went to Jianghai City in the south.
Qin Feng, on the other hand, stayed in his hometown in the north.
Separated by over a thousand kilometers, they unexpectedly met in a "virtual online game."
"Ah... no wonder."
"I remember the Four Seas Hotel has three bartenders on shift. I can recall the other two, but I just couldn't remember who you were."
The characters of players originally existed in the world of "Land of Divine Descent."
When players log in, they merely replace the original character, rather than creating a new one from scratch.
Based on this setting, "Land of Divine Descent" developed another underlying logic.
That is, the memories of the replaced characters, or the players, are mutually blurred.
This is to protect the personal information of the players.
Cao Yi vaguely remembered a bartender named Qin Feng, but he found it hard to recall specific details about Qin Feng, including his name.
"How long have you been playing this game?"
"About ten days."
"Did you also get caught by a game helmet?"
"Yeah, exactly."
It seems players have similar experiences.
"But that doesn't make sense..."
Cao Yi quickly realized that he tried on the "motorcycle helmet" because he was riding a motorcycle.
Qin Feng doesn't ride!
"This whole thing is really strange."
Qin Feng looked around, noticing that the few customers in the shop weren't paying attention to him and Cao Yi.
"When you see this helmet, you get this mental urge to 'try it on.'"
"It's like some kind of mental suggestion."
Hearing Qin Feng say this, Cao Yi showed a thoughtful expression.
"If you put it that way..."
"I think I also..."
The more he thought about it, the more terrifying it seemed.
"Could it really be aliens planning to invade Azure Star and recruit us as their inside men?"
"Why can't it be 'Land of Divine Descent' descending into reality, with the game world invading?" Qin Feng countered.
Although they hadn't chatted for a while, their college friendship hadn't changed.
Good buddies have a mutual understanding.
"Let's talk later."
"I'm starving."
"Get me something to eat."
"And another liter of dark beer."
"Uh..."
Qin Feng blinked.
Food was available, but there was no dark beer.
Cao Yi: "?"
A tavern that doesn't sell alcohol, are you running a market?
"I mean..."
"How long has it been since you read the newspaper?"
Not to mention that Cao Yi had been locked up in a temporary detention center recently.
Even if he were outside, he wouldn't understand the newspaper.
"Five days ago, the Tiannan Great State issued a Prohibition Order."
"Privately brewing, transporting, or selling beverages with an alcohol content over 0.5% is considered a violation of the ban."
Qin Feng shrugged.
Now, not only does the Four Seas Tavern not sell alcohol, but no tavern in Zhuohong City dares to sell it.
As everyone knows, new policies are most strictly enforced when first introduced.
Just like the gun ban issued fourteen years ago.
If caught, one faces hefty fines.
The Sheriff's Office is particularly good at this sort of thing.
After all, no one would go against "funding."
With no alcohol to sell, business naturally plummeted.
Now the tavern is considering whether to completely transform into a restaurant.
In fact, they recently hired a new chef to test the waters.
"I suggest you have a cup of lemon iced tea or cola."
"I think you'll find it hard to drink anything else."
In the end, Cao Yi didn't order a drink but opted for a serving of tomato beef stew with rice.
Along with a complimentary glass of ice water from Qin Feng.
"Aren't you... quite wealthy?"
A serving of tomato beef stew with rice costs twenty-five Lifen.
If you measure Lifen's purchasing power by today's prices in Xiawa District:
Cornmeal is three Lifen per pound.
Flour is six Lifen per pound.
Rice is twelve Lifen per pound.
The price of beef brisket is about thirty Lifen per pound.
Due to the productivity of crops, rice is particularly expensive.
The rice yield in the Tiannan Great State is not high.
However, crops like wheat, corn, and sorghum grow well.
So, the ordinary people of the Tiannan Great State mainly eat flour and grains as staples.
They only eat rice to celebrate on festive days.
It's no exaggeration to say that this serving of tomato beef stew with rice could cover a family's expenses for an entire day.
Qin Feng works as a bartender here, with a weekly base salary of only two Copper Marks and fifty Lifen.
Regarding Cao Yi's actions, Qin Feng could only comment with one words—extravagant.
"Aren't you new to this game?"
"Why are you so rich?"
"I robbed it."
Qin Feng: "..."
Spending someone else's money doesn't hurt.
Many things can be saved on, but food should never be skimped on.
If you don't eat well, your physical condition will deteriorate.
When the time comes, you won't even be able to run away properly.
The beef was pre-cooked.
All it took was to stir-fry the tomatoes, then add the beef broth and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
Many of the cultural aspects of the Tiannan Great State are similar to those of the Great Xia Federation on Azure Star.
For example, the modes of interpersonal communication and language habits.
Also, people in the Tiannan Great State prefer eating rice, steamed buns, and noodles as staple foods.
Perhaps due to different historical development processes.
The social system and daily life in the Tiannan Great State are more akin to those of the Freedom Federation on Azure Star.
In Cao Yi's view, the civilization in Zhuohong City is quite complex.
It seems fragmented, yet complete.
The beef brisket was tender and flavorful, and the tomato broth was rich and delicious.
It deserved a five-star rating.
"Have you seen any other players?"
Qin Feng nodded.
"Have the other players changed classes?"
"Why don't you ask if I've changed classes?"
"Would a Classholder still work here as a bartender?"
Qin Feng: "..."
Lies don't hurt people; the truth is the sharp blade.
"Changing classes is difficult..."
Cao Yi: "?"
How hard can it be?
Isn't it just about having a Class Card?
That's a good point.
But the main issue is that Class Cards are not common items.
They can even be considered rare, even in the Transcendent World.
Cao Yi had just logged into the game and hadn't yet interacted with the player community.
He didn't understand the value of a C-rank Treasure Chest.
"Have you changed classes?"
"No."
Qin Feng extended his middle finger at Cao Yi.
"Any major events happening recently?"
"Any ways to make money?"
As soon as this was mentioned, Qin Feng immediately switched from bartender to information broker.
Qin Feng lowered his voice, just about to speak, when he saw a customer approaching the bar.
"Ahem..."
Qin Feng had to swallow his words, "What can I get you?"
"A cup of..."
The person didn't finish speaking, catching sight of Cao Yi eating seriously nearby.
The man paused, "A cup of lemon iced tea."
With other customers around, it was difficult for Qin Feng to whisper to Cao Yi.
The man seemed to suddenly have something urgent.
He glanced up at the clock on the wall, quickly finished his iced tea, and hurriedly left.