Volume One, Chapter 15: A Collaboration from the Whispering Winds

At this thought, a chill ran down Lin Yu’s spine.

If she truly was a reincarnator, then his own identity as a reincarnator had likely been exposed to her as well. After all, whether it was his early entry into the game or his knowledge of the Ghost Scorpion Valley, anyone with half a brain—assuming Xiao Xiaoran wasn't a fool—could probably figure it out.

"I wonder what business you have with me, inviting me here?" Although Lin Yu had already guessed her identity, he did not explicitly state it. He did not want to become overly entangled with these people. For now, he only wanted to develop his strength gradually and avoid participating in their power struggles.

"What’s the matter, Junior Lin Yu? Still playing dumb?" Seeing Lin Yu feign ignorance, Xiao Xiao couldn't help but chuckle, which only confirmed her suspicions further.

"I’m sorry, I don't know what you are talking about. I don't believe we even know each other, do we?" Lin Yu chose not to admit anything. According to the standard timeline, he did not know Xiao Xiao at this point, even though they attended the same school.

"Fine, fine, fine. Since you have such a short memory, Junior, let me refresh it for you." It was clear that Xiao Xiao was somewhat annoyed by Lin Yu’s stubbornness. However, in order to win him over, she kept her composure and didn't lose her temper. She paced around him as she spoke:

"To my knowledge, Junior Lin Yu, you previously had no interest in games. Why, then, the sudden change of heart? If you want to claim that *Gods and Demons Continent* is an epoch-making game you wanted to try, then how do you explain knowing that killing a thousand Red-Feathered Chickens would trigger a special quest?"

"Furthermore, for a level five player to secure a first kill on a boss—if I am not mistaken, you must have re-awakened the god-tier talent, 'Absolute Defense', right?"

Xiao Xiao rattled off a long list of facts, and with each word, Lin Yu’s heart raced with increasing alarm. He had never expected her to so easily strip away all his secrets.

"Junior Lin Yu, don't be nervous. The reason I know so much is that we are the same kind of person." Seeing Lin Yu’s expression growing increasingly grave, Xiao Xiao added languidly.

This single sentence, "we are the same kind of person," struck Lin Yu like a heavy hammer. There was no doubt; she was laying her cards on the table, clearly telling him: I am a reincarnator!

"Since that is the case, I assume you didn't just call me here to tell me these things, did you?" Lin Yu’s expression darkened. After a long moment, he regained his composure and spoke coldly. Now that she had shown her hand, there was no need for him to be coy. Of course, he still did not admit to his own reincarnation. After all, her guessing it and him admitting it were two entirely different things.

"I assume you are aware of the fate of the Xiao family. My purpose in finding you is simple: help me remove the cancer within my family."

Seeing that Lin Yu had stopped playing dumb, Xiao Xiao got straight to the point, her tone gradually becoming icy.

Hearing Xiao Xiao’s intentions, Lin Yu’s expression became significantly more serious. He had heard rumors about the Xiao family’s fate in his past life. The second master of the Xiao family—Xiao Xiao’s second uncle—had harbored dissatisfaction with his elder brother’s rule and conspired with external forces to seize power. Ultimately, this led to the death of the Xiao family head and left the family severely crippled. Xiao Xiao had only managed to escape death thanks to her father’s protection, but even then, she was left critically injured and eventually went missing.

"Senior Xiao, you must have the wrong person. With my current ability, how could I possibly help you?" Although he felt a sense of sympathy for Xiao Xiao’s plight, Lin Yu was not foolish enough to be used as a pawn. Given his current status, getting involved in the Xiao family’s power struggle would be like throwing an egg against a rock.

"Junior Lin Yu, don't be so quick to refuse. Hear my offer first, then you can decide." Xiao Xiao said calmly.

Lin Yu looked at her, curious to see what terms she could offer.

"If you agree, I will pay you an annual salary of ten million, plus a villa on the Zhongjiang Islands." Xiao Xiao spoke with confidence.

Hearing this, Lin Yu’s eyelids twitched slightly. He hadn't expected her to be so extravagant. A villa on the Zhongjiang Islands could easily cost tens, if not hundreds, of millions. Even so, Lin Yu wasn't overly tempted; given his current achievements in *Gods and Demons Continent*, making money was not difficult.

Seeming to read his mind, Xiao Xiao continued unhurriedly: "Also, I can provide you with one of the high-end game pods going on sale tomorrow."

A high-end game pod?

At these words, Lin Yu felt his heart skip a beat. High-end game pods allowed for twelve hours of online time—a full four hours more than a standard game helmet! For someone with "Absolute Defense," this was absolutely vital. While he currently had over a million in savings, which was enough to buy one, high-end pods were monopolized by the major families; even with money, they were impossible to purchase. Her offer was tempting.

Watching his reaction, Xiao Xiao smiled slightly and continued: "Furthermore, if I recall correctly, your mother is suffering from stomach cancer. I can have her transferred to the best hospital under the Xiao family for treatment. You know better than anyone the status of the Xiao family in the medical field throughout China."

Upon hearing about his mother, Lin Yu finally lost his composure. In his previous life, his mother had died of stomach cancer. By the time he discovered it, it was already in the middle-to-late stages, and without money, he could only watch helplessly as she suffered.

By his calculations, his mother should currently be in the early stages of the disease, completely unaware of it. He had planned to take time off in a couple of days to bring her to the hospital for a checkup, but he never expected Xiao Xiao to bring it up first. This offer was one he could not refuse.

"Senior Xiao, what is it exactly that you want me to do?" Though tempted, Lin Yu did not lose his head. He wouldn't agree until he knew the full extent of the requirements.

"You needn't worry. Given your current abilities, I only need your help within the game for now. As for the rest, your assistance will only be needed after the spiritual energy on Blue Star recovers." Seeing that Lin Yu had lowered his guard, Xiao Xiao explained.

"Senior, given your status, getting opportunities in the game shouldn't be difficult, should you?" Lin Yu asked curiously. As a reincarnator with inside knowledge and a powerful background, she should be miles ahead of everyone else.

"Do you think everyone is like you?" Xiao Xiao rolled her eyes, looking at him with a helpless expression. "It’s true I have some information, but god-tier talents aren't easy to obtain. Besides, very few people have ever leaked information regarding things of that level." Despite using her foreknowledge to complete several hidden quests over the past two days, she was not satisfied with the results.

"Senior Xiao, I can agree to this partnership, but I have one condition: my identity must remain a secret from everyone." Lin Yu stated.

"That goes without saying." Xiao Xiao nodded without hesitation, as this also served to protect her own identity.

"Senior, when can you arrange the treatment for my mother?" Lin Yu asked. Her condition needed to be treated as soon as possible.

"Don't worry. Once you have time, we can schedule an appointment to take her to the hospital." Xiao Xiao said coolly.

"Then thank you, Senior." Lin Yu looked at her with gratitude; this had been his greatest burden.

"Since we’ve finished our business, shall we go?" Xiao Xiao looked at him.

"Go? Go where?" Lin Yu asked, confused.

"To hunt monsters and level up, of course. I’ve paid such a high price—did you think you could just sit there and do nothing?"