“Maybe so.” Ye Shu wasn’t sure how to explain it. The fact that both the Ye and Qin parents would run headlong into a wall for Ye Wanwan… perhaps this was simply love.

“They want to buy the exit card with money.”

Su Bai understood her friend wasn’t as fragile as before. She hesitated for a long time but finally felt she had to speak up.

“Mm, that’s normal.”

Parents buying whatever their beloved little girl needs? Entirely reasonable. As the apple of their eyes, the last thing Ye Wanwan’s parents wanted was for her to face any danger. Qin Zaozao, the ever-devoted big sister, didn’t seem to love her delicate little ‘white lotus’ sister quite as much as before… Otherwise, she wouldn’t have visited them last time.

There was not a ripple in Ye Shu’s gaze. She even found time to tease Da Piaoliang, her beautiful cat. Su Bai finally let herself believe that Ye Shu truly didn’t care anymore.

……

On Blue Star, the authorities had launched a universal human communication network, where all players from surviving countries could share and discuss strategies for the Survival Game.

The most talked-about group were the survivors from the last round of hide-and-seek—the highest survival rate in the game’s history! There was hope for humanity yet, especially with Area A-101’s victory, which included defeating a hidden boss and even clearing the stage early.

[Meihualu]: "When does the game start up again?"

[Caoyun de Mianhuatang]: "It’s been five days! I’ve spent three days straight just lazing in bed—I’d almost forgotten what ordinary life was like. I suggest they postpone the game indefinitely. Or better yet, never bring it back!"

[Xiaoheitulu aichirou]: "My mom watches over me all day and makes chicken soup every night. I’m getting sick of it."

[Zhuiyun de Guang]: "I’m still not used to it. I keep up my training every day. Who knows, we might get yanked back into the game tomorrow. Always gotta stay ready."

Days passed by—one, two, three… even half a month. Humanity heard nothing from the system, which seemed to have vanished without a trace.

Some began to question whether the game was truly gone for good, while seasoned players insisted it would return—and when it did, the difficulty would be even greater.

Ten more days, still no hint from the system.

A month later, nothing. Not a word.

Governments launched satellites to search for the game’s invisible barriers from the oxygen crisis, but found nothing. The game had evaporated, leaving no physical sign, no sound—nothing.

In Huaxia, people gradually resumed their ordinary lives. Only a handful still kept up daily training—Ye Shu and Su Bai among them.

Ye Shu didn’t believe the system would let humanity off so easily. Her gifted ability remained, and the other players still had theirs. The game wouldn’t just give humans superpowers for nothing, she was sure there was another purpose.

As time passed, the exit cards faded from memory. Some believed the game was truly gone and sold their cards for a high price.

Ye Shu bought one with her own money.

If the card issued by her system failed, then she’d use someone else’s—it was that simple.

[Confirm domain exit?]

Ye Shu stared at the glowing screen, a flicker of hope in her eyes. Maybe this time, she’d make it.

[Confirm.]

[Exit failed!]

What a sick joke of a life. She’d wasted her money—her entire savings!

Fuming, she flung the hard-bought card to the ground and stomped on it.

“Awoo—Master, what are you doing? So you can’t exit the game. It’s not that big of a deal!”

Da Piaoliang, a sleek cat with a live fish clamped in its mouth, mumbled around its snack.

Ye Shu shot her a daggered glare.

Da Piaoliang’s fur bristled. “What I mean is, you’ll always be peerless, Master. Clearing whatever challenge in no time at all!”

Ye Shu bent down, picked up the discarded card, and tucked it away. Just because it was useless for now didn’t mean it always would be. Besides, when the Survival Game returned… she could sell it for a fortune! Worst case, she’d give it to Su Bai—though honestly, with Su Family funds, Bai hardly lacked for cards.

Su Bai had stayed with her nearly half a year, but two days ago, Su Dad had called her home for a family visit. Now, Ye Shu felt just a little bored.

[Ding! Updating Survival Game to version 2.0…]

A familiar mechanical voice cut through her musings. Ye Shu leapt from her bed.

Damn it—they’re really doing this? All her complaining had been just for show; in truth, she’d grown to enjoy the peaceful, humdrum days.

But that notification crashed down like thunder, catching everyone off guard.

In less than a minute, the Survival Game’s return was trending on every major website.

[Kapiba Baila]: "No way, really? I was torn about it for so long—finally lucked into drawing a card, spent all that time getting an exit card, and the game comes back the next minute?! If I give the money back, will the buyer return my card?"

[Moximoxi]: "Haha! No chance, buddy. That card’s gone."

[StarMart Upstairs]: "Thank god I never had enough points to buy a card. Dodged a bullet."

[Wanniou Tuzi]: "Is it finally about to start again? I can’t help it—I’m weirdly excited. Am I going crazy?!"

[Kongxin Liulian]: "Didn’t you notice? This is version 2.0—doesn’t that mean the difficulty’s increased? Will any of us even survive?"

The internet went up in a frenzy. The game was hard enough before—now, with an upgrade? The odds would be worse than ever.

Ye Shu scrolled through updates, snatching up a call from Su Bai.

“Shushu… the game…” Su Bai’s voice shook with heavy breathing.

“Maybe it’s now, maybe tomorrow.” Ye Shu, calm as a rock, gazed out the window at the flawless blue sky and sipped chrysanthemum tea.

After the single announcement, there was only silence from the System.

Within half an hour, news of the game’s return had rippled across every corner of Huaxia. Smiles faded as anxiety crept back in; fear took hold again.

Ye Shu watched dusk fall and waited through the night. This time was different—tonight, sleep would not come to many. Those who hadn’t entered the game prayed for luck; a daring few longed for the game, hoping to change their fate.

[Ding-dong! Survival Game version 2.0 update complete!]

The cold mechanical voice echoed across the midnight sky.

Ye Shu rolled out of bed, face grim, peering up into the darkness. "Faster than I expected... Su Bai won’t reach me for hours yet, and the game won’t wait—teleportation will begin any minute."

[Loading…]

[Survival Mall opening soon!]

[Gentle Reminder: Lost the game, lose your life. All selected players, complete each round with utmost care!]

[The ninth round is about to begin. As there are not enough players, one million will be chosen at random to enter.]

[Anyone wishing to use an exit card has three minutes to confirm their exit.]

[Exit cards can only be used once—they will never again be registered in the Survival Game! Choose wisely.]

Ye Shu was undaunted. She clicked her card again and again, but the answer was always the same: exit failed.