Chapter 452: Tan Han’s Willingness to Accept the Bet
“Oh, so Xiao Han, you’ve gone through so much, huh? It’s really beyond my expectations.”
After hearing what I said, Bai Yu slightly recovered from her initial shock.
Even though I spoke casually and briefly, Bai Yu could sense the many hardships embedded in my words.
Whether it was facing the unknown world or dealing with those peculiar Excavator players, they were certainly not easy to handle.
Moreover… there was actually a Child of Fortune in that Small World who wanted to compete with her for Xiao Han, which was the most unbearable for her—this was like digging her wall!
“Well, no matter what happened, it’s all in the past now. Neither the indigenous people of that world nor those players can harm me anymore. The only pity is that the Reverse Summoning Spell cannot locate the coordinates of that world.”
“Even if it could locate them, Xiao Han, you can’t just rush over, got it?”
“I know! Anyway, this isn’t something I need to worry about; I’m not willing to take that risk.” I waved my hand to reassure Sister Bai. As expected, when it comes to matters of my safety, Sister Bai would always become especially serious and persistent.
The topic about the Small World barely came to a close by the end of the meal.
However, considering the upcoming written test and my grasp of those knowledge points, I naturally had no reason to linger with Sister Bai any longer. Before we parted ways, I finally handed over my Secret Silver figurine.
“This is a figurine I made for you! It’s the most special summoning beacon I’ve created. If you want to see me, you can activate it anytime. No matter where I am, even across two worlds, I can feel its summons. It’s the most special creation of mine.”
“Really? Then… I’ll accept it.” Sister Bai looked at the Secret Silver figurine handed to her and didn’t refuse. After all, who would reject a figurine that could summon Xiao Han at any time?
“This was actually made a long time ago, but I never had the chance to give it to you. Just don’t do anything weird with it, okay?”
“What do you take me for? How could I possibly do anything with a small figurine? Alright, if there’s nothing else, Xiao Han, you should head back. The written part of the Teaching Assistant test is coming up; don’t mess it up!” Sister Bai said unhappily while silently putting away the figurine.
“Don’t worry! I won’t trip over such a hurdle… Huh?” Just as I said that, my phone suddenly buzzed.
“Who’s calling? Is there something important?”
“Oh, it’s nothing.” I glanced at the caller ID; the caller was actually Tan Han.
However, I didn’t answer it right away but chose to hang up for now. Given my current relationship with Tan Han, it was likely that her call was related to her Spellbooks, which was a minor issue for me.
“Really nothing?”
“Ah, it’s fine. Let me hang out with Sister Bai a little longer to digest.”
“Alright then.”
…
“Tan Han, were you… hung up on?”
At that moment, the few girls surrounding Tan Han figured out from her dropped call that she hadn’t spoken a word before hanging up.
“Yeah, she hung up on me, maybe she was busy.” Tan Han shook her head.
“Maybe she really doesn’t want those Spellbooks?”
“Yeah, Tan Han, to be honest, you really don’t need to force yourself to connect with that person.”
“Those are your hard-earned Spellbooks, if you give them all away, your ability will definitely decrease.”
At that moment, the girls around Tan Han were all trying to persuade her not to persist any longer. After all, from their perspective, Tan Han had never done anything wrong, while that Yang Yuelan was cold all day long, had no friends, yet gained a huge benefit.
Despite doing nothing, the other party could take all of Tan Han’s Spellbooks… It wasn’t greed; these Spellbooks, if allocated to Tan Han’s supporters, would absolutely elevate their group to an unattainable level among the new students. They could even use this to create a wave and deliver a public relations blow to other Children of Fortune.
“Alright, enough talking. This was already decided; this is the second time I didn’t seize the opportunity. I bet and I’ll accept the loss. I know she might not want those Spellbooks, but I can’t not give them to her. Do you understand?” Tan Han had already shared the backstory and her considerations with them earlier, but it was evident that they hadn’t taken it to heart.
Maybe some listened, like Minian and Heddy—they played well with Tan Han and even fought alongside her as friends. However, facing so many people, their efforts to not follow suit and join in were their greatest endeavor since their voices were drowned out.
“I still don’t understand. I can’t fathom why someone would not want Spellbooks. Tan Han, you even gave away the Excessive Consumption Spellbook. What reason does she have not to want it? Adding this up, doesn’t Yang Yuelan at least have three Excessive Consumption Spellbooks now? She’s a new student just like us; can she handle such gifts?”
After listening to this girl’s unyielding words, Tan Han fell silent. It wasn’t that she found it reasonable, but rather she was also pondering whether Xiao Han could endure the fact that a new student possessed three Excessive Consumption Spellbooks.
She once faced trouble from an upperclasswoman when she had just one, and as for Xiao Han… she wasn’t sure, perhaps she had also been troubled by those upperclasswomen.
Just as Tan Han thought things had hit a standstill, she suddenly received a message from Xiao Han.
“I was busy earlier. If there’s something you want to discuss, let’s meet face to face. How about at the Witch Cat Café?”
Seeing the message with its location, Tan Han instantly understood—it was a request for an offline meeting. That would be good; face-to-face communication was much more convenient than chatting over the phone.
“Xiao Han replied! She was busy before, um… she wants to meet me at the Witch Cat Café.”
“She really replied? She doesn’t actually want those Spellbooks, does she?”
“Alright, enough of this nonsense. Don’t make it seem as if Xiao Han accepting or refusing those Spellbooks means you all want to demean her.” Tan Han slammed the table at this moment.
This was her first time expressing her emotions towards the group. Previously, Tan Han had always taken their voluntary support into account, wanting to respond to those who carried her banner.
However, over time, she realized she had become entrenched and unable to escape; she was unconsciously changing herself to meet the expectations of others, and at this moment, the feeling was particularly pronounced while she felt somewhat powerless.
As Tan Han vented her feelings, everyone could sense the restraint in her tone, but even then, the unintentional aura she emitted made her supporters gasp for breath.
As for whether Tan Han’s emotional outburst made these people reflect, that was uncertain.
Don’t think about how ugly these people’s faces were or how poor their appearances were. They were simply using their own way to “fight for” benefits. Everyone could rally around Tan Han as a banner; wasn’t this also a form of a community based on mutual interests?
They believed Tan Han could be a leader, bringing them more benefits instead of trying to find ways to give her own things away to others.
At this moment, it seemed like no one was wrong, yet it also felt like everyone was wrong. However, one thing remained unchanged: Tan Han would not change her mind.
Tan Han edited her message and sent it back, agreeing to the meeting. “Alright, I’ll head over first; you all can disperse.”
“Tan Han! I’ll go with you!”
“Yeah, I’ll accompany you. It’ll be easier to have someone looking out for you.”
“No need, thank you for your kindness. But this time is not suitable for a third person to go. I can handle it alone. Let’s consider this matter settled and conclude it here.”
Seeing Tan Han so determined, the girls had nothing to say and watched her leave.
After Tan Han walked far away, the remaining girls exchanged glances.
“Uh… what do we do now?”
“I still don’t understand. I want to follow along and see.”
“Ah! Isn’t that a bad idea?”
“What’s so bad about it? I want to see too! I don’t believe Tan Han really wants to willingly give those Spellbooks to that Yang Yuelan!”
“Count me in! By the way, do you guys know where Tan Han is going?”
…
Witch Cat Café.
After parting with Sister Bai, I replied to Tan Han’s message. After all, it was me who hung up on her call first, and now I wanted to meet her in person to clarify things.
Our last meeting during the monthly exam felt a bit hurried, so I naturally wanted to be clearer this time.
Thus, I arrived early at the Witch Cat Café, which had become a frequent haunt of mine, and naturally, I had left a teleportation mark there.
The time wasn’t too late, it was just that Sister Bai and I had eaten early.
The Witch Cat Café wouldn’t close so early, or perhaps it also had a night shift, as cats are nocturnal creatures. Some high-end Cat Petting Guests enjoy hunting the melancholic Guest Catgirls during the night; these are among the specialties of the Witch Cat Café.
The front desk girl was in for a tough time, holding down shifts, as night shifts could be incredibly boring.
“Do you have the Fool Dream Drink? I’d like one made fresh.”
“If it’s made fresh, it might be a bit pricey.”
“That’s fine.” I answered nonchalantly, then took out my golden Cat Card and handed it over.
“Alright, I’ll check if that lovely Fool Dream is free right away.” Upon seeing the golden Cat Card, the server didn’t hesitate and went off to get it done.
Not long after, the catgirl server came back with a tray of tools, and on her shoulder sat a cute little Fool Dream, happily swinging her tiny feet.
From the satisfied smile of the server, it was clear she didn’t mind having the Fool Dream perched there. After all, who could refuse a little catgirl playfully dangling her feet on their shoulder?
“Oh, it’s Sister Xiao Han!” The Fool Dream initially thought she was just going to mix the drink for a regular guest, but didn’t expect she was serving Sister Xiao Han!
What an honor!
So she hurriedly hopped down.
“Well, it seems you’ve been enjoying your time at the café. This time, could I trouble you to help mix a Fool Dream Drink?” I smiled, patting the adorable Fool Dream.
At the moment, the petite Fool Dream stood on a specially customized elevated surface at the Witch Cat Café in a cute catgirl uniform, easily evoking emotions in girls towards cute things.
“Hehe, it’s my honor to make a Fool Dream Drink for Sister Xiao Han!”
Watching the Fool Dream shift into work mode, I didn’t want to intervene, but witnessing her skillfully preparing the drink was indeed a unique aesthetic experience. From juicing fruits to mixing juices, every step was a visual delight.
Before long, a cup of Fool Dream Drink was mixed, and the Fool Dream who prepared it personally handed the cup to me.
“Thank you!”
I received the cup, shook the liquid inside, and admired the sunset refracted within the Fool Dream Drink through the sinking sun.
I took a gentle sip, and that unique sensation exclusive to the Fool Dream Drink instantly made me feel relaxed. Although the taste of her mixed drink was slightly different from the one I prepared, this small difference brought a refreshingly distinct experience.
The leisurely Fool Dream didn’t rush to leave. As a catgirl within the Witch Cat Café, no one could force them to do what they disliked. If she wanted to stay, no one would object.
And I was waiting for Tan Han to arrive.
Taking advantage of this moment, I casually chatted with the Fool Dream to get to know about their situation, mainly to pass the time.
However, I didn’t expect that before I could finish my cup of Fool Dream Drink, I would spot a familiar figure at the entrance. While I admit I was drinking a bit slowly, wasn’t Tan Han arriving a bit too quickly?
Could she have flown over on her broomstick at top speed? After all, I had great confidence in the speed of a Flying Broomstick.
“Hey, could you bring me the raw materials for another Fool Dream Drink?” I said, stroking the now-napping Fool Dream on the table.
“Alright, Sister Xiao Han, just a moment!” The Fool Dream promptly dashed away.
As the Fool Dream sped off, my gaze shifted to Tan Han.
“Tan Han, over here.” I smiled and waved at her.
“Sorry for coming a bit late.” Tan Han sighed in relief upon seeing me and sat directly opposite.
“It’s alright, not too late, after all, I did call you out. I’ll treat you to a Fool Dream Drink; this is a new product at the Witch Cat Café.”
“Thank you; I’ve heard of the Fool Dream Drink from the Witch Cat Café.” Moreover, she had even had it in the Fool Village Secret Realm earlier, but Tan Han didn’t mention that.
“Really? I didn’t expect the Fool Dream Drink to be so famous already?” I chuckled lightly before getting to the point. “But let’s talk about the main issue first. I’m sorry I hung up on you earlier because I was busy. I’m curious about why you contacted me?”
“Well, there’s nothing serious, but considering you asked, you obviously know a bit about it.” Tan Han replied, her tone light.
“True.” I admitted to my own triviality, but before diving into this issue, I was still curious about something else—Tan Han intended to return the Spellbooks, which indicated she didn’t succeed in the practical test during the monthly exam. She had failed her challenge.
So, what did this failure bring upon Tan Han? Would she continue to rise to the challenge?
“But I still want to ask, did you try to challenge it again afterward?”
“Yes, of course.” Tan Han responded succinctly.
“Did you succeed?” I asked with a smile, as if unbothered by the fact that Tan Han was continuously honing her skills and might surpass me.
“No, I pulled out those Spellbooks that no longer belong to me, and this has made the gap between you and me more apparent. However, I believe someday I’ll defeat the data you’ve left behind.”
“Really? I wish you success; after all, that’s just a piece of data, one that won’t progress. Surpassing it is only a matter of time. Here’s a suggestion: perhaps you should try challenging yourself, facing your data-oriented self.” I sincerely wished her well.
During the monthly exam, she utilized the Spellbooks I had temporarily returned to her, and even then, she hadn’t won. Now she was separating those Spellbooks to face the challenge again…
That spirit is worthy of my respect; at this stage, I see Tan Han not simply aiming to conquer me, but striving to defeat herself.
I had only needed one battle to surpass the data that once matched mine.
“Then let me thank you in advance for your wishes and suggestions.”
