TCFGBH Chapter 106

The Holographic World.

Beside the mecha performance arena, there was a large mall housing a romantic restaurant themed for couples. Screens of red roses wove private spaces between tables.

Soft saxophone melodies filled the air.

Occasionally, faint sounds of playful banter from couples could be heard, saturating the atmosphere with love.

Disguised with black hair and black eyes, the young man cautiously sipped his sparkling water, his peripheral vision darting to the boy across from him, whose dark mood was unmistakable.

“Ian, would you like to try the matcha-baked snails?”

“Heh.” The boy let out a familiar, mocking laugh. “Some fancy molecular cuisine? A whole plate isn’t even enough for one bite. Pretentious and pointless.”

“… How about a tomahawk steak?”

Ian replied, “I’m just a commoner. Naturally, I’m only fit to eat cheap street food.”

“…”

Xian Yan was sure of it now—he was deliberately being difficult.

In the past, Ian had always been sweet and adorable around him, constantly clinging to him and acting spoiled. But now… He leaned back in his chair with a relaxed and casual posture, a hint of hostility in his sharp features, his gaze dark and brooding.

This was the true protagonist shou from the original story.

The leader of the space pirates, a boy who walked the line between good and evil.

The only reason he had been deceived by the original owner was because his harsh upbringing had left him craving love. Once he realized that love was a lie, he quickly acquired a fake identity, entered the Central Military Academy, and teamed up with the protagonist gong to destroy him.

Xian Yan averted his gaze, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts.

Had Ian figured out he was being deceived? But Xian Yan hadn’t gotten the blueprint yet. Or had his guess at the banquet been correct? Was yesterday’s guilt and unease leading to today’s cold shoulder, pushing him to break up?

Would Ian then join forces with the protagonist gong and live happily ever after?

Even though the system repeatedly assured him that the protagonists in this world wouldn’t deviate from their roles, Xian Yan’s harrowing experiences in the previous two worlds made him doubt the system’s promises.

What on earth was he supposed to do now?

As the young man’s thoughts spun out of control, the boy suddenly spoke again in a soft, almost sorrowful voice:

“… So now you don’t even want to talk to me anymore?”

“!!!” When one seeks to assign guilt, there’s never a shortage of excuses.

Ian continued in a sarcastic tone: “Of course, as a mere commoner, how could I ever be worthy of someone as noble as you?”

His words carried the heavy air of a bitter lover, leaving Xian Yan stunned. The remnants of his romantic instincts kicked into high gear, catching on to the key point in Ian’s statement.

“Ian, did someone say something to you?”

Ian: “…” Oh yes, it was you.

“Perhaps some old-fashioned nobles insist on marrying only within their class to uphold their so-called noble dignity,” Xian Yan admitted, silently adding that the original owner had been one of them.

Outwardly, however, he spoke with conviction: “But I believe everyone is equal. Whether noble or commoner, we are all citizens of the Empire, and it is the duty of our military to protect everyone equally.”

Xian Yan meant it.

Having grown up in modern China on Earth, he had been taught the value of equality from a young age. He couldn’t understand the original owner’s extreme mindset, though he had to play along to earn the points.

But it didn’t matter. As cool and arrogant as the original owner had been, he was destined to die and be reduced to ashes, serving as karmic justice for those he had wronged.

With a clear conscience, Xian Yan mentally gave a thumbs-up to the original storyline.

Ian… Ian was thoroughly bewildered.

Having matured early due to his childhood experiences, Ian had a sharp ability to read people. It was how he had seen through his foster father’s vile nature and set the groundwork to kill him.

At the banquet, he had been able to tell at a glance that Xian Yan’s words were true.

Xian Yan really didn’t like him. Not one bit.

That realization had devastated him. The swirling darkness in his heart almost drove him to summon his pirate crew next door, storm the banquet, and kidnap Xian Yan for a thorough “education.”

His remaining rationality held him back.

But now… Xian Yan was earnestly comforting him!!!

This was too much of a personality split.

The impact left Ian momentarily speechless.

Xian Yan’s lips twitched as he forced himself to stay in character. He slowly lowered his head, looking despondent as if Ian’s words had deeply hurt him.

“I thought you already understood my feelings.”

“…”

“The time we’ve spent together has been so happy. I love—” Xian Yan faltered at the word “love,” finding it too embarrassing. He pivoted mid-sentence, “… I like you so much, yet you belittle me like this. It really breaks my heart.”

Ian’s lips twitched.

No doubt about it—he was lying now.

Before, when Xian Yan said he liked him two out of ten, Ian had thought he was exaggerating it to ten. Who could have guessed it wasn’t even one?

What a hypocritical noble.

If Ian had any dignity, he’d stand up immediately, expose Xian Yan’s lies, curse him out, and walk away forever.

But… he didn’t.

Yes, he didn’t.

Ian had long accepted he’d fallen for him. Now, he simply understood himself better.

Even if it was just the position of a virtual boyfriend, he didn’t want to let go. The people at the banquet had all been eyeing Xian Yan like wolves; at least he still had some claim.

He tried to convince himself.

Xian Yan: “…” Why wasn’t he saying anything? What was he supposed to do next?

If only he’d watched more romance movies to improve his dating skills! Frustrated and unsure, he suddenly felt his left hand being grasped.

Startled, he reflexively tried to pull away.

But Ian’s grip was firm, unyielding. Looking up, Xian Yan saw the boy’s innocent expression. “Yan Yan, we’re a couple. Can’t we hold hands?”

Xian Yan: “… I guess?”

“Great! Yan Yan, you come to me every night just to spar in mecha battles. I was starting to think you only saw me as a free mecha trainer.”

Ian finally voiced his grievances.

Who goes on dates just to train? He wasn’t some battle maniac.

“Huh?” Xian Yan was genuinely confused. “You don’t like mecha?” How could any man resist the allure of mecha aesthetics?!

Ian’s cat-like eyes widened in disbelief. The pressure he exuded earlier faded, replaced by a hint of youthful innocence.

Did Xian Yan really think those dates were enjoyable?

At that moment, Ian had a sudden epiphany: from now on, he couldn’t let this dating novice plan their outings! Too much time had already been wasted.

“Darling, I just like being with you more.”

Ian held Xian Yan’s fair left hand, lowered his head slightly, and pressed a reverent kiss to the back of it.

The tactile feedback in the virtual world was incredibly realistic—the heat of his lips, the faint airflow from his breath, everything was vividly recreated.

Ian felt the subtle tremor of Xian Yan’s sensitivity.

A faint smile played on Ian’s lips as he looked at Xian Yan’s flustered, inexperienced expression. His previously foul mood brightened considerably. “I’ll decide where to go for tonight’s date, okay?”

Xian Yan hesitated briefly. “Alright.”

Although this was Ian’s first time dating as well, he was adept at researching—and he had an entire forum of netizens offering advice. Yes, the same forum that had once mocked him as a lovesick fool.

Ignoring the breakup suggestions, he posted a new thread.

#Location: Holographic 343*94. Two and a half hours left for the date. Where should I take him? Urgent, online now. Reward: 10,000 star coins for accepted answer.#

The hefty reward drew a crowd of replies.

【Are you two seriously still together?】

【Wow, I believe in true love now.】

【I want your boyfriend to write a dating guide. I’d buy it in a heartbeat!】

【You guys actually believed this post? It’s obviously bait.】

Some joined the chaos just to watch the drama unfold, while others, tempted by the promise of money, eagerly offered advice to the original poster:

【OP, with that much money, just spoil him with lavish gifts!】

Ian: 【He’s not short on money.】

【Take him to a horror movie. Dark theater, spooky vibes—you can comfort him when he gets scared and dives into your arms. One thing leads to another… hehehe.】

Ian was a little tempted but felt that watching a movie on their first date might be too cliché.

【Coordinate 309*84, fifth floor. There’s a charming magic show starting in twenty minutes. It lasts about an hour and a half. The magician is great at creating a lively atmosphere. If you and your boyfriend are still in the early stages of dating and just want something lighthearted to strengthen your bond, this is perfect!】

The words ‘lighthearted’ struck a chord with Ian.

【Got it, thanks. PM me your account details.】

The person hesitantly sent their details. Less than a minute later, their system notified them of a deposit of 10,000 star coins.

Dumbfounded, they reopened the post: 【Holy crap!!! I actually got the money. OP is so generous!】

【Ugh, I thought it was a joke. Now I’m jealous.】

【There are so many rich people in the world; why can’t I be one of them?】

【Wait, this isn’t just a bait post? OP, you’re so lovesick—you’re bound to be taken advantage of in the end. Heartbreaking.jpg】

–

The forum’s suggestion turned out to be spot on—the magic show was genuinely enjoyable.

The performers were seasoned magicians with lightning-fast hands and creative tricks. Beyond the illusions, their witty banter and jokes had the entire audience in fits of laughter.

At first, Xia Yan was tense, but he gradually relaxed, eventually becoming fully immersed in the show.
He even forgot to drink the coffee by his side, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on the stage. Occasionally, he let out soft gasps of surprise. Compared to the loud exclamations and laughter from the rest of the audience, his reactions were subtle—yet full of life.

Ian took advantage of the dim lighting to quietly observe the young man. Xia Yan’s newly altered appearance was clean-cut and simple, with bright, sparkling eyes. Though it paled in comparison to the striking beauty of his real-world self, Ian still found him stunning. More beautiful than anyone else.

Perhaps this is what people mean when they say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Seemingly sensing Ian’s gaze, Xia Yan turned his head. Ian quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the performance. A minute or two later, he couldn’t resist sneaking another glance.

An hour and a half passed in what felt like an instant.

As they left the venue with the rest of the audience, the two were noticeably quieter than the others, who were chatting excitedly.

Ian broke the silence. “What did you think?”

Xia Yan blurted out, “It was really interesting.”

The moment the words left his mouth, he realized they didn’t quite fit his character. The story he’d spun earlier at the restaurant to appease Ian could still align with the original owner’s manipulative, self-serving persona. But how could someone as arrogant as the original owner find enjoyment in a magic show?

Oh well, he couldn’t take it back now.

He decided to treat it as another way to placate the protagonist shou. Feeling justified, Xia Yan even found himself engaging in a brief discussion about the performance with Ian, surprising himself by enjoying it.

For the first time, Ian felt as though he had genuinely connected with Xia Yan.

Even after they parted ways, Ian lingered in the virtual world, reluctant to log out. Thrilled, he found the account of the girl who had recommended the date location and sent her another 100,000 credits.

The girl: [?]

The girl: [Did you send this by mistake? I’ll transfer it back to you.]

[No need. It’s yours.] Ian couldn’t help boasting. [Yan Yan and I both had a great time.]

[Congratulations!] She sent a spinning celebratory emoji. [When you two get married, don’t forget to send this matchmaker some wedding candy!]

Married!!!

The word struck a deep chord in Ian’s heart.

With a flourish, he transferred another 200,000 credits: [Consider it a token of thanks for the blessing.]

The girl froze for a moment, overwhelmed by the sheer extravagance. Was this what life was like for the wealthy? It was simply exhilarating!

When Ian finally logged out, the girl couldn’t resist logging into the forum to post a screenshot of their conversation and the transactions. 【Grateful to the boss—today, I earned a year’s salary in one go!】

The responses were instantaneous:

【???】

【OP, I can say good things too! Let me take over this job.】

【I once had a chance at a job paying 310,000 a day, but my arrogance made me miss it. If I could turn back time, I’d beg the boss: Love me one more time!】

【Am I the only one focusing on the wedding candy? 23333. OP said neither of them lacks money. If they actually invite this girl to the wedding, will she even have enough to give an appropriate gift?】

The girl paused for three seconds before replying: 【I’ll just focus on eating and drinking for free.】

【Hahaha!】

The forum was bustling with activity, a harmonious and cheerful scene.

–

Meanwhile, at the Imperial Central Military Academy, a dorm room was shrouded in cold silence.

Ludwig lay on his bed, holding a book he hadn’t turned a page in for a long time. Periodically, he glanced at his smart device, opening and closing Xia Yan’s quiet profile.

No messages.

Since they’d parted ways that morning, Ludwig hadn’t seen Xia Yan again. Even the messages he sent received no reply.

For the first time, Ludwig realized how fragile their relationship was. Outside the confined environment of the academy, they were people from two entirely different worlds.

I have to become stronger. I have to make him mine.

“Urgh!” Ludwig groaned, clutching his head as pain surged through him.

Over the past few days, he’d been plagued by sharp headaches, as if someone were poking his brain with a needle whenever they felt like it. He’d gone to the medical center, but the doctors said he was perfectly healthy.

Even painkillers were ineffective.

The only explanation offered was psychosomatic pain caused by mental strain. If it continued, he might have to leave the academy and be confined to a mental health facility.

Unacceptable.

Ludwig refused to accept such an outcome.

Today’s pain was particularly intense, each stab leaving his back drenched in cold sweat. After what felt like an eternity, it was as though an explosion went off in his mind, unleashing a new force within him.

He felt like a ghost, slowly floating upward, phasing effortlessly through walls as he took in the world around him.