Love at First Game

Episode 8 Encounter

Back at the herb-gathering spot in Dreaming of World, Vivian tries to shake off the earlier encounter with the Ruby Family. Instead, her curiosity piqued.

“How did you know Blaze was doing a chain quest?” she asked Nathan as she clicked on herb nodes.

Nathan replied matter-of-factly, “In the afternoon, I logged in and saw him shouting in the world chat about collecting seven types of feathers.”

Vivian frowned. “Collecting feathers? That could be for several quests.”

Nathan elaborated, “The NPCs for those quests are different. Feathers are part of the 36th quest in the chain. I waited by the NPC for the 36th quest, and Blaze showed up soon after.”

Vivian stared at her screen, stunned. He remembered the exact quest number and the NPC’s location.

She let out a sigh, marveling, “Your memory is incredible.”

But as she thought about it more, another realization hit her. Not only did he figure out Blaze’s chain quest, but he also calculated the timing to confront him at the final stage. Vivian shuddered at Nathan’s level of precision and muttered, “Daniel Thorne, you’re too ruthless >_From “Indoor Beauty” to “Indoor Moldy Girl”

Vivian’s gaming sessions became increasingly lengthy. Her roommates, who once teased her with the nickname “Indoor Beauty,” have now upgraded it to “Indoor Moldy Girl.”

Where she once enjoyed shopping trips with them, buying clothes and indulging in small luxuries, Vivian now spent most of her time either gaming or studying.

One evening, as her roommates prepared for a shopping spree, Stella tried to persuade her to join them. “Vivian, think of it as exercise. Sitting in front of the computer all day isn’t good for your health.”

Vivian groaned, “Don’t kid me. You’re the one who keeps asking me to do morning exercises and check in every day.”

Elle joined in, “Vivian, you’re still wearing clothes from last year. Come buy something new.”

Vivian waved dismissively. “If my clothes are wearable, they’re fine.”

Elle dramatically pointed at her, “It’s shameful for a beautiful girl like you to say that! If you keep this up, you’ll fall off the campus beauty rankings!”

Vivian rolled her eyes. “Good. I’d rather be off that list. I’ve always compared myself to others based on inner qualities.”

Mia finally lost her patience. “Vivian Ashcroft! If you don’t come, who’s going to bargain for us tonight? If you dare stay, you’ll regret it!”

Dragged to the Streets

Reluctantly, Vivian was dragged out for the shopping trip. While her roommates tried on outfits, they frequently handed Vivian their selections to hold. Rather than complain, she decided to buy everything they handed her.

By the time they entered another store, her arms were laden with bags of her roommates’ clothes. Elle emerged from the dressing room just as Vivian muttered to herself, “Am I destined to always be the sidekick?”

Elle laughed, amused. “Still grumbling? If you’ve been such a helpful sidekick, I’ll treat you to Aroma Haven’s red wine chicken wings tonight. How does that sound?”

At the mention of the expensive yet delicious restaurant, the group erupted in cheers. Vivian smirked. “Fine, but I want half the wings.”

Stella scoffed, “Who’s fighting with you? I still need to lose weight.”

Vivian grinned mischievously. “You’ll just be jealous when I don’t gain any weight eating them.”

A Chance Encounter

As they walked toward Aroma Haven, chatting and laughing, Stella suddenly grabbed Vivian’s arm. “Quick, look! Isn’t that Daniel Thorne?”

Across the street, a group of well-dressed individuals emerged from the restaurant. Among them, Daniel Thorne stood out, dressed impeccably in a suit. Under the warm glow of the lights, his handsome features and composed demeanor were striking.

Unlike the few times Vivian had seen him before, there was a hint of a smile on his face, softening his usual arrogance.

“Let’s cross the street and get a closer look!” Stella whispered excitedly, tugging Vivian along.

But by the time they reached the other side, the moment had passed. Daniel Thorne was stepping into a sleek car.

As the group watched, he paused, his gaze sweeping toward them. For a brief moment, their eyes met.

Unlike the warmth he had displayed moments earlier, his expression now was cool, detached. With an air of indifference, he closed the car door, and the vehicle drove off.

Lingering Impressions

The group stood in silence for a moment, watching the car disappear.

Elle finally broke the tension, sighing, “Even when he’s indifferent, he’s so elegant.”

Vivian, however, was lost in thought. That calm gaze, that calculating precision… Daniel Thorne wasn’t just a star student or gaming legend. He was a puzzle she could never fully solve.

Shaking her head, she followed her friends toward Aroma Haven, the earlier encounter already fading into the night’s excitement. But deep down, she knew—whether in reality or the game—Daniel Thorne had a way of leaving an impression that lingered.