CHAPTER 43: CHAPTER 43: OBSERVER

At this moment, there is about 1.6 kilometers to the destination.

Shen Jingqi carefully drives while scanning ahead, further observing [Z] and [Cyan Silk].

Only to see [Cyan Silk] readjusting the steering wheel, suddenly stepping on the accelerator fiercely.

The car’s front shoots upward.

Vroom~~~ Vroom~~~

The car body is quickly lifted.

[Cyan Silk] drives out of the sea of flowers and onto the highway.

[Z] adjusts direction on the flower-covered path, also heading towards the highway entrance.

Shen Jingqi follows [Z]’s car, moving forward along the way.

Just as [Z]’s car enters the highway, [Cyan Silk]’s car jumps from behind, positioning alongside [Z]’s car.

Hisssss!

The contacted parts of the two cars rub against each other, and Shen Jingqi sees sparks igniting near the car doors.

There are no more turns ahead.

It’s all a straight route.

Straight speed 1.5 kilometers.

The two cars race side by side on the highway like lightning.

From the rear, Shen Jingqi sees [Z] and [Cyan Silk]’s cars as though they are a single joint vehicle, a magnet holding them together without separation.

Shen Jingqi fiercely presses the accelerator, gripping the steering wheel, the car trailing rapidly behind.

In front lies the finish line.

Shen Jingqi watches [Z] and [Cyan Silk] simultaneously cross the finish line.

Feet pressing on the accelerator, Shen Jingqi’s car closely follows across the finish line.

A barrage of petals rains down, covering the car body.

[Congratulations to [Deep Mirror] for completing the [Mist Sea Flower Path] track, taking 3 minutes 15 seconds, ranking third!]

Just as Shen Jingqi sees this announcement, he suddenly spots a car head turning towards him.

Something positioned on the car hood, swaying side to side.

Buzzzzz——

Shen Jingqi feels a bout of dizziness in front of him, body collapsing onto the right driver’s seat.

The brain swims with drowsiness.

Shen Jingqi closes his eyes, and suddenly the position between the two eyes lights up.

Shen Jingqi "sees" everything around.

[Cyan Silk]’s leg steps out from the car door, her gaze falls on Shen Jingqi, extending a hand to probe Shen Jingqi’s breathing.

Shen Jingqi remains motionless, holding his breath.

[Cyan Silk] pauses for a few seconds, walking toward the front of [Z]’s car.

Click——

[Cyan Silk] pulls open the right side car door, slipping inside.

"I installed a hypnotic device in the car, that fool has already passed out."

"Now, no one can hear our conversation, you can spill everything thoroughly, right?"

"Dear Father."

[Cyan Silk] stares at [Z].

"You, how could you do this?"

[Z] seems somewhat angry.

"Dr. Shen is of interest to President Yu, you’d better not lay plans for him."

"Hahaha, I’m not plotting anything against him, just a newly graduated naive kid, no background, no support, just somewhat good-looking. But at most he’s a worker, I truly don’t take him seriously."

"I’m doing this solely to ensure no one else knows. After all, I respect your situation and refrain from discussing this matter in reality to avoid being discovered. But in [Sensory Paradise] you shouldn’t be under surveillance anymore, we can discuss all secrets. Now, when we are the first batch of experiencers, making that kid fall temporarily unconscious is the best chance. Later, as more people enter, it won’t be as convenient."

"Also, that kid is quite tough, he fainted once before in single-player mode and was fine, so you can be rest assured."

[Cyan Silk] does her best to persuade [Z].

"You’re wrong."

"This is not an absolutely safe place. There’s no absolutely safe place in the world. Surveillance, scrutiny are always present."

[Z] slowly says.

"And what you did to Shen Jingqi will eventually be known. If President Yu finds out, think through the consequences."

[Cyan Silk] fiddles with her gloves, her eyes dodging a bit, then showing determination.

"Didn’t you say, [Sensory Paradise] is originally one of the tasks? Everything that happens inside can only be observed physiologically outside, with no knowledge of inner specifics. At least, looking at it for now, discussing within [Sensory Paradise] is still secure. When it opens further and others join in, it becomes uncertain. But, at least, it should be somewhat more private compared to the outside world."

"Regarding other aspects, this is what I want to do, I will face everything. About that kid, since you say so, I’ll be mindful in the future. If he’s indeed that significant, I think, utilizing him would be entirely advantageous for us."

"Dear Father, you’ve labored all your life, don’t you want to see higher ground? Instead of being controlled, why not control others? You have the power and chance and should show your talents, do something for this world."

"What I can do is these, and I’m already quite content."

[Z] closes his eyes, unmoved.

"You seem content, yet you received punishment, involving your family in suffering. Don’t you think about me?"

[Cyan Silk] questions.

Her body shakes, tearing off the gloves from her hand.

"You should not have been born. It’s my fault; I willingly take it. As such, I should atone, fulfilling more duties."

[Z] sighs deeply, shaking his head.

"You’re exhausted, time to take a break!"

"Your identity could be passed to me, Father.

"Father. Observer’s identity."

[Cyan Silk] clutches [Z]’s arm, shaking.

"I’m willing to share your burden, becoming an observer. You have to tell me how to become an observer?"

"Why do you wish to know these things? Haven’t you always been dutiful? In my impression, you are understanding, gentle, you’ve worked for years as a nurse, everyone in the hospital thinks of you that way, how can you suddenly turn like this?"

"Yes, because of my observer identity, I have always felt guilty towards you and your mother, but I reckon, by worldly standards, I’ve done well enough. Since you’re unsatisfied with me, why are you so curious about my identity?"

[Z] asks.

"As for the matter you want to know, I can tell you."

"Observer requires authorization."

"I am responsible in my task execution, just should not develop desires crossing family boundaries."

"I knew the prohibition, observers can’t marry observers, but I still got together with your mom! Afterwards, your mom received greater punishment, stripped of observer identity."

"Other than that, no comment. You should not be curious either."

"You needn’t worry about my matters. Since you say I shouldn’t have been born, but I was born, which means this is fate’s arrangement. I will do what I wish. If you don’t help me, then don’t interfere."

[Cyan Silk] descends from [Z]’s car, returning to her own vehicle, flipping the car head again.

Shen Jingqi slowly "wakes" up, rubbing his eyes.

"How did you fall asleep? Were you too exhausted from playing?"

[Cyan Silk] gently asks in concern.

"Probably, combined with the previous mountain climbing, I think my body might need rest."

"Alright, we’ve passed the level; we’re preparing to return now."

Shen Jingqi unfastens the seatbelt, opens the car door.

In an instant, both [Z] and [Cyan Silk] have disappeared.