Although Bai Xia wouldn’t admit it, she might really be a little—just a little—tiny bit addicted.
These past few years, she thought about many things every day: how to survive, how to deal with vicious underground loan sharks, how to find opportunities to investigate the secrets behind her parents’ business…
And besides all that, she still had to set aside part of her mind to stay calm in every situation.
In comparison, that feeling just now—emptying her mind, not caring about anything, simply following the original feeling of her body and enjoying the massage of her cerebral cortex—was truly exhilarating.
But Bai Xia would absolutely never admit to being addicted.
She was the master of emotions, after all.
Forget it, better to think about the rewards first.
Task rewards, not the reward of rewarding herself.
Bai Xia stood up and walked to the bedside, grabbing the mattress with both hands.
With a bit of force, the thick mattress was lifted easily.
“Not bad,”
The girl commented.
“Versatile.”
An increase of a few dozen kilograms of strength sounded ordinary, since it wasn’t a qualitative change.
But in real situations, a few dozen kilograms of force could change a lot.
For example, when in danger, a bit more strength could move obstacles out of the way or instantly knock down an enemy…
Even power from the Reward Pool that seemed insignificant could be hugely useful—let alone the others, especially the Mystery Category that Bai Xia wanted most.
And to get more rewards, she had to complete more Supermarket Tasks.
So, she needed to find a way to keep doing things with Bai Xiaoya!
Logic circled back around and reached the conclusion her heart desired most.
It seemed redundant, but actually, it was based on objective, rational, calm, and practical thinking.
In the words of the Maid who helped tidy up the room earlier, this was a sign of maturity.
“That’s it, then.”
Bai Xia confirmed she’d reached the “best conclusion,” stood up, and began to clean up with a clear conscience.
First, the Lock Pick and Signal Blocker—these two tools for crime had to be hidden well.
Their functions were too specific and hard to explain if discovered.
The Rope for Restraint hadn’t been used this time, but there was no guarantee it wouldn’t be needed next time, so it could be kept under the pillow for easy access.
As for the Digital Camera…
Bai Xia opened the Notebook Computer and imported the Video, her mouse hovering over it, unable to click.
Was there any reasonable reason to look at this?
“Confirm whether the video is damaged.”
As clever as Bai Xia was, she immediately came up with an excuse.
But just as she was about to click, the sound of a car parking came from downstairs.
Mom and Dad were back.
It wasn’t early, and the whole family was hungry.
After coming home, they sat right at the dining table.
Bai Xia heard the movement downstairs, hid the video, and went down to the dining table.
Even after a long day, Madam Bai’s first concern was her daughter.
“Xia, how was your day at home?”
“It was fine.”
Bai Xia answered instinctively, then reconsidered.
“It was good.”
Saying “fine” felt a bit dishonest.
“That’s good, then. By the way, why hasn’t Xiaoya come yet?”
Madam Bai turned to Zhang Butler.
“Little Zhang, call Xiaoya down for dinner.”
Bai Xia spoke up quickly.
“Don’t!”
Under her parents’ puzzled gazes, the girl steadied herself and spoke calmly.
“She’s too tired and fell asleep early.”
Madam Bai was slightly stunned.
“She went to sleep this early? Did you two play together?”
What kind of game was this?
The usual Little Night Owl who never slept before midnight was so tired she went to bed at dusk.
“Mm, yes,”
Bai Xia’s gaze wavered.
“She… went a bit too hard.”
“I see. Alright, then.”
A flash of concern crossed Madam Bai’s face, but mostly she was delighted.
“The two of you getting along so well fulfills my wish.”
Mr. Bai nodded in agreement.
Bai Xia smiled along, her mouth twitching unconsciously.
Was it really harmonious?
No matter what, the day was finally over.
The May Day Holiday was already half over—only three days remained.
On the quiet afternoon of the next day, Bai Xiaoya woke up, staring blankly at the ceiling, feeling weakness all over.
“Why did this happen…”
[Ding dong, according to Contract Clause 3.13, all consequences resulting from completing a Task are to be anticipated and borne by the Host.]
“I know that clause exists, but the consequences I expected were being scolded, beaten, injured, even killed—not… not that!”
[Unable to understand the Host’s meaning. Does the Host think ‘that’ is harder to accept than death?]
Bai Xiaoya was momentarily speechless.
After thinking for a while, she muttered,
“It’s not a matter of whether it’s hard to accept. Death is death, that is that. It’s just… just…”
[A blow to your pride?]
“…More or less.”
Bai Xiaoya did feel a little embarrassed.
As someone who was once a proud warrior, she had been confident even facing new jobs, but within a few days she was pinned to the bed and forced to enjoy herself.
So humiliating.
[Host, what do you think is the greatest obstacle for a Villainess in fulfilling her mission?]
Bai Xiaoya paused.
“Why are you asking this?”
Mainly, she felt the question was familiar, like the philosophical ones she pondered after… certain moments.
[It’s setbacks. Villainesses rarely get away perfectly after every deed and often face retaliation. Such retaliation can leave a deep impression, frightening them from continuing their schemes.]
“You mean…”
Bai Xiaoya seemed to understand.
Yes, whether it’s scolding, beating, or being utterly defeated, all are forms of the Protagonist Miss’s retaliation against the Villainess—a lesson.
These lessons are crushing, and those who can’t endure may flee at the first sign of trouble.
So, does that mean she’s someone who would run away?
A resolute light flashed in Bai Xiaoya’s eyes.
Even her waist didn’t feel so sore anymore.
[Ding dong~ That is why we signed the Contract with you.]
“You’re right. I won’t be brought down by any setback. That’s who I am.”
After saying this, Bai Xiaoya felt strength return to her body.
She changed into clean pajamas, slipped on her Rabbit Slippers, and walked outside.
She hadn’t eaten in days—she needed a hearty meal to restore her energy and fight Bai Xia to the end!
Today, Mr. Bai and Madam Bai were still busy.
And because of what they’d heard at dinner yesterday about the “harmonious” relationship between Bai Xia and Bai Xiaoya, they felt even more at ease going out to work.
So only Bai Xia was at the lunch table.
Standing at the top of the stairs, Bai Xiaoya spotted her from afar—long black hair neatly brushed, eating with small, delicate bites, her slender figure almost motionless, incredibly elegant.
The white-haired, big-chested girl snorted, then strode toward her with her long legs.