Rivalry: Infinite Buff

Chapter 47 FallenAngel’s Visit

The voice at the other end of the line surprised Ivan.

How did the beautiful, FallenAngel get my number?

“Oh Angel, how did you get my number?” asked Ivan.

“From Leo. You’ve got some nerve, thinking that I am selling something. Humph, even after I came all the way to San Jose,” FallenAngel said angrily.

“What? You’re in San Jose? Really?” Ivan was even more surprised now.

Why has she come? Is it because I’m so handsome that she’s eager to see me?

“Yeah, I’m in the hospital right now but I don’t know which floor you’re on. I called to ask you, but you rejected my call. So irritating,” FallenAngel complained.

“I’ll be right down.” Ivan hung up and ran down the hall.

Ivan caught sight of FallenAngel in the crowd immediately. She was more gorgeous in real life than in the game. Her long hair was swept back in a ponytail and was wearing a turquoise print skirt that exposed her long legs. Countless passers-by were distracted by her beauty.

When Ivan caught her eye, he was much less composed than in the game and actually felt a bit nervous. When he reached her side, he found she was actually taller than in the game. He stammered, “W-w-why…why are you here?”

“Am I not allowed to be here? I’ve come to see your father, you, Killer, and  Bunny. Where are FierceKiller and Bunny?” FallenAngel laughed, running her fingers through her hair.

“Of course, you can. Welcome to San Jose. I’m Ivan. FierceKiller is Leo and Bunny is Claire. We’re in the same gaming studio. They’ve been trying to get in touch with the members in our previous guild. I think they’ll be here later,” Ivan said.

“You’re quite tall and handsome, Ivan. My name is Angela.” She extended her hand to Ivan with grace.

Ivan shook her hand playfully. Her fingers were long and slender and her hand was soft and smooth. Ivan was reluctant to let go of it, but he managed to politely withdraw his hand. It was the first time they met in person after all but he continued to gaze at the beautiful girl in front of him. He knew he as FallenAngel but her real name was Angela, Ivan smiled and thought both were wonderful names that totally suited her.

Angela’s shiny cherry-colored lips reminded Ivan of the unforgettable scene in the game when they first met and kissed by accident.

“So, Angela, where have you traveled from?” Ivan asked out of curiosity.

“San Jose is my hometown, but I go to university outside the state,” Angela answered.

“What a coincidence! Leo, Clair and I are all from San Jose too. It must be fate,” Ivan chirped.

“Next time I come back, I can play with you guys.”

“You’re always welcome to play with us, as long as you are not a rich girl and give us the cold-shoulder then,” Ivan joked.

“What the hell?!? You’re the one who is rich. You’ve earned quite a lot in Rivalry, haven’t you?” Angela laughed.

“Unfortunately, I’ve spent all the money on my dad’s treatment,” Ivan sighed.

“Don’t worry. Your dad will be fine,” Angela consoled him.

“Right, let’s go upstairs.”

They took the stairs up the second floor and greeted Ivan’s family in the waiting room.

“Ivan, this is your girlfriend, right? She’s so beautiful,” Ivan’s aunt asked giggling.

Ivan looked at Angela who was blushing and explained, “No, no, she’s just a good friend. She’s here to see my dad.”

“Okay…Okay, you’re shy hahaha,” Aunt Sarah laughed.

Angel opened her bag and handed Ivan’s mother a parcel, “These are some health tonics for Ivan’s dad.”

“That is very kind of you. Thank you!”

Two hours had passed since Angela arrived, Ivan didn’t realize time had gone so quickly but everyone was getting along so well, just like family. They were all startled when Leo and Claire walked in. However, they were even more surprised to see their gaming friend, FallenAngel.

Not long after the friends began talking, Angela’s mother called for her to go home so Ivan, Leo, and Claire reluctantly walked her to get a taxi.

About five hours later, Ivan’s father was finally out of surgery. The entire family crowded around, Ivan anxiously asked, “Doctor, how is my dad? Has he come to yet?”

The doctor wiped the sweat from his forehead and laughed, “The operation went well. The patient has an 80% chance of recovery but he will still be under observation for several more days.”

“Thank you. Thank you very much!” Ivan said sincerely.

After Ivan stopped to see his father, he and Leo went to the balcony to have a cigarette.

“Ivan, you need to log on to the game once your father’s condition stabilized. I’ve contacted over 30 playmates from Pursuer recently. We’re waiting for you to return and pursue a Guild Token with us,” Leo said slowly, exhaling the smoke.

Ivan threw away his cigarette butt and replied, “I know. I’m up to my eyeballs in debt now. I won’t be able to pay off all my debts unless I put my heart and soul into the game.”

“Gaming, an idle thing as far as the elderly are concerned but it has become what you refer to as a day job, hahaha. I agree with you,” Leo chuckled. Then he suddenly moved on to another topic. “What’s going on between you and FallenAngel? Are you in love?”

“Come on. How is it possible? There’s a big gap between us. Besides, it was you who gave her my number. You know better than me whether she and I are in love,” Ivan said with a modest laugh.

“There must be something going on between you two. You didn’t log in to the game recently and she messaged me every day to ask about you. I was tired of it so I gave her your number. I know you are grateful to me. You are welcome.” Leo said self-righteously.

“You’re bullshitting,” Ivan said speechlessly.

Just then Cindy walked over to them, carrying a lunch box, “What is so interesting? Ivan, is your father’s operation done?”

“This… is?” Leo stared fixedly at Cindy who was simply dressed but always full of energy. Leo was deeply attracted by her crescent-shaped eyes and white teeth when she was smiled, his eyes glistened with passion. Just looking at her, he felt like he was falling in love for the first time.

“Where did you go, Cindy? My dad’s operation was finished long ago,” Ivan asked with confusion.

Cindy showed him the lunch box in her hand and explained, “I was so tired, so I went to the library across the street for a little rest. Then I thought Uncle would be hungry when he woke up, so I went to the hospital canteen to buy porridge. I will go see if he is awake.”

Smiling as she left, Cindy was out of sight before Leo even blinked. After she was gone, he threw his arms around Ivan’s shoulders and said, “Ivan, so she is your cousin? Haha, we’re friends, right?”

“Don’t you dare hit on my cousin?”

“How can you call my affections ‘hitting on’? Every man likes a beautiful woman. Is she single?”

“Nope, she has a boyfriend more handsome, more muscular, and wealthier than you. So, drop the whole thing.”

“Humph, I don’t buy your story.”