Very well, a classic opening.

    “I have a friend...”

    Truth be told, this “friend” might very well be herself.

    Sometimes, the truth isn’t what matters.

    What Bai Lian needed to do now was listen.

    “She comes from a very happy family.”

    “She was happy... but one day, she suddenly discovered her father is a terrible person.”

    “She witnessed him murder her friend.”

    “Doctor Bai... what do you think I... what should my friend do?”

    Xiao Qing’s eyes were filled with confusion.

    She didn’t know how to answer this question.

    Or perhaps, in her mind, the once-kind father who had suddenly revealed his cruelty—

    This worldview-shattering change was too much for her to bear.

    At this moment, she was like someone lost in fog, unable to see the way forward. She needed a lighthouse to guide her. And Bai Lian became that lighthouse.

    “You... your friend can’t accept that her father is a bad person who killed her friend. Or she doesn’t know how to face him, what to do next. Am I right?” Bai Lian leaned forward, meeting Xiao Qing’s gaze thoughtfully.

    “Yes!” Xiao Qing nodded vigorously. His words were so precise she couldn’t help but agree. This was exactly how she felt. No normal person could accept such a situation.

    Bai Lian fell silent for a moment. As Xiao Qing’s anxiety grew, he folded his hands on the desk and continued:

    “Before offering advice, I have two questions. First: Was this friend important to your... friend?”

    Xiao Qing pondered, then shook her head:

    “Just an ordinary friend. They only spoke a few times.”

    “Second question: What was his relationship with your father?”

    “He was my father’s employee,” Xiao Qing answered honestly.

    Employee? Bai Lian’s eyes narrowed slightly.

    He studied Xiao Qing, his expression shifting.

    In this dungeon, there was only one company—Phantom Corporation. Xiao Qing hadn’t said “subordinate” but specifically used “employee.” That meant her father wasn’t just management—he was the owner!

    The corporate hierarchy here was clear: ordinary employees at the bottom, group leaders overseeing hundreds, department heads above them, and the pyramid’s peak—the executives and CEO. But those wielding absolute power over life and death were the board members.

    Clearly...

    Xiao Qing’s father was a top-tier board member!

    Sometimes, Bai Lian couldn’t help marveling at his luck.

    He’d picked a random task and stumbled upon a hidden heavyweight.

    His maneuvers were beyond their comprehension.

    If this weren’t the Mysterious World—where glitches didn’t exist like regular games—they’d swear he was cheating!

    “Doctor Bai... you’re also very handsome when you smile,” Xiao Qing suddenly remarked.

    Bai Lian froze mid-step, glancing at her.

    Xiao Qing smiled wider. “My friend once told me... if you smile often, luck finds you.”

    “No matter what happens... keep smiling.”

    “I think... that’s what you meant too, right?”

    No, I didn’t—

    That’s not what I—

    Internally, Bai Lian denied it thrice over.

    “Mm... you’re quite perceptive.” He scratched his nose—a telltale sign of embarrassment.

    Xiao Qing opened her mouth to say more, then abruptly stood.

    “Doctor Bai, talking with you was wonderful.”

    “May I have your contact information?”

    “If my friend has more troubles... it’d be easier to reach you.”

    Regarding this “friend,” Bai Lian stifled a smirk.

    He scribbled his work email on a notepad and handed it over.

    “Here’s my email. Feel free to add me.”

    “If your... friends ever need help, I’m here.”

    Xiao Qing took the paper, studied it, then flashed a radiant smile. Turning to leave, she paused at the door, winking:

    “Doctor Bai... thank you, on behalf of my friend. You’re a good doctor.”

    “Hope we meet again!”

    Bai Lian waved until she disappeared from view.

    “Task Complete!”

    As the notification chimed, Bai Lian rose and exited the psychological counseling room.

    Beyond task completion...

    He’d gained something else.

    The friendship of a VIP’s daughter.

    This connection might prove very useful later.