Virtual Idol in the Beast World: Five Clans Fight Over Me

’What about now?’

Gu Ning looked at the freshly washed clothes in her hands. She was beginning to suspect Alex knew she was female.

If he thought she was a Mimic Mixed Species, there would be no reason for him to be this nice to her—so meticulous that he’d even wash her clothes for her.

’Considering Alex’s personality, he probably wouldn’t make a big deal of it even if he knew she was female. Besides, he’s from Zone 5. He must have seen plenty of females...’

As Gu Ning’s mind raced with jumbled theories, a message from Alex arrived:

The medicine is on the table. Remember to take it according to the instructions. Wait until you’ve recovered to resume work.

Gu Ning paused when she saw the message, then got up and went to the living room.

On the dining table was a packet of medicine wrapped in white paper, with the instructions tucked underneath. A glass and a kettle were placed beside it.

She lifted the lid of the kettle, and a puff of hot steam immediately billowed out.

KNOCK KNOCK—

Gu Ning heard the knock on the door and turned to look at the entryway.

’Is that Alex?’

’No, that can’t be right. This is his apartment. Why would he knock on his own door? Did he forget his key and need me to let him in?’

After the knocking, Alex sent her another message:

I had Seth bring you some food. Once you’ve recovered, I’ll arrange a new job for you to make up for your missed hours. Seth is your work partner.

’A work partner?’

Seeing that Alex had arranged work for her, Gu Ning felt a surge of relief. Never before had the idea of a job seemed so wonderful, so secure.

A wave of relief washed over her. She jogged to the bedroom to put on her hat and mask, then ran to the entryway to open the door.

Seth stood at the door, waiting patiently.

He had followed the boss’s orders, knocking gently twice and then stopping. After five or six minutes, the little Mixed Breed inside opened the door for him.

The door opened only a crack, and a small, dark head peeked out from behind it.

"Your lun... uh, afternoon snack," Seth said, holding out the bag in his hand.

’It’s already three in the afternoon. Did the little Mixed Breed just wake up?’

Gu Ning quickly sized up the Beastman at the door. She glanced up at the pair of wolf ears on his head before her eyes fell on the bag he held out, which emanated the fragrant aroma of food.

’So this is my future work partner?’

’What about Kloer?’

Gu Ning’s gaze swept the hallway outside, but she didn’t see anyone else.

"Hurry and eat. You haven’t eaten for almost a day, right?" Seth said, looking at the little Mixed Breed peeking around cautiously. "Don’t worry, it’s safe here. I’ll be on guard. Just call me if you need anything."

After speaking, he thrust the bag into her arms, then stepped to the side without another word, like a loyal and silent guard.

Gu Ning closed the door hesitantly.

’What does he mean, he’ll be on guard here? Did Alex specifically send him to watch me?’

Gu Ning returned to the dining table with the food, and another message from Alex popped up:

Take your medicine and eat well. Get better and prepare for your new work assignment.

Zone 19 has entered a full state of combat. Don’t go outside unless you have to. I’ll be out working during the day. If you need anything, find Seth. It’ll be safer for you to move around as a team.

After a moment, he sent another message:

You can find me, too.

After reading his messages, Gu Ning’s suspicions of being watched were somewhat dispelled.

’So he gave me a partner for my own safety?’

Gu Ning took out an insulated container and a box of small, golden-brown cakes that gave off a sweet honey scent.

The insulated container was filled to the brim with still-hot meat congee.

Gu Ning’s fever hadn’t fully broken, and she had no appetite, so the congee was perfect.

Her mouth tasted bitter, so she took a bite of cake before starting on the congee.

As she ate the congee, Gu Ning opened the messages Barto had sent her yesterday.

Barto went from simply asking when she would be back at the beginning, to his tone becoming more and more anxious later on.

She had told him yesterday afternoon that she had to work overtime, and he had replied, saying he would come pick her up on time.

’I hope Barto didn’t wait for me too long last night.’

Seeing the dozen or so messages from Barto, Gu Ning lost her appetite. After sending him a message to say she was safe, she quickly called him.

A few seconds after the call connected, it was hung up.

Gu Ning was startled. She called again. The other side picked up quickly, then hung up again.

After the call was disconnected, a message from Barto immediately followed:

I know. I didn’t wait for you last night. I was busy.

Seeing this message, Gu Ning relaxed a bit. It was good he hadn’t waited for her; otherwise, the little fox would have waited so long for nothing and would definitely be angry with her again.

Barto’s messages popped up one after another:

Alex told me you’re sick. I have things to deal with for the next few days and can’t look after you. Just stay at his place, get better, and don’t cause me any trouble.

Don’t worry about Cook. I’ve got him with me.

Gu Ning sighed in relief after reading. She was most worried about Cook. It was for the best that Barto could take care of him. She felt awful right now and estimated she’d need at least two or three days to recover.

Alex was busy, Barto was busy, and Kloer was probably busy too. ’Good,’ she thought. ’It’s good that they’re all busy. It gives me a chance to rest by myself for a couple of days.’

However, seeing Barto say he had something to do, she still asked worriedly:

What do you have to handle?

Barto quickly replied:

None of your business. Stay out of it.

Gu Ning:

Is it okay to have Cook with you?

Barto took a while to reply:

It’s not like I haven’t taken him with me before. I’ve been the one looking after him this whole time, haven’t I? Just focus on getting better and stop causing me trouble.

Seeing the little fox’s impatient tone, Gu Ning decided not to ask any more questions and sent him a sticker of a well-behaved puppy nodding obediently.

Barto didn’t reply.

Having gotten in touch with him, Gu Ning felt much more at ease. After finishing the congee, she opened the medicine Alex had left on the table.

It was a packet of grayish-brown powder.

Gu Ning looked at the packet of powder, a little afraid to take it.

When she had a fever before, Cook had brought her back some medicine. She took a few pills and ended up with vomiting and diarrhea, making her even sicker.

’But this is from Alex, so it should be more reliable, right?’ Thinking about how Alex had likely been the one to care for her last night—and had probably given her medicine then, too—Gu Ning steeled herself and poured the powder into her mouth.

’I have to get better quickly...’

COUGH COUGH COUGH!!!

The moment the powder entered her mouth, Gu Ning was hit by a bitterness so intense the world spun, and she almost fell to her knees and pounded the floor.

She choked on the powder and quickly poured a glass of water to gulp down.

The water was actually sweet.

Gu Ning drank the entire glass of sweet water before the bitter taste in her mouth finally subsided.

Just then, a slightly urgent knock sounded at the door, and Seth’s voice came from the other side, "Are you okay?!"