Chapter 23 : Becoming a Big Shot

There were many ways to achieve her goal; it depended on which she chose.

Warn past self early, or fundamentally influence Xu You with her existence, preventing future intersection.

Either way, she wouldn’t let herself lose again.

“If weekend, what excuse to go out… will they allow…?”

Gazing at warm milk, she sipped lightly—smooth, lingering dry heat.

Sigh: some things not as easy as thought.

Actually, overlooked current situation.

“Mm… right, why not?”

“Can’t direct contact—start from his surroundings?”

Genius—or slow.

Triggered by phone: decade back, retro stuff.

Saw new 2D card game launch.

Recalled old game group—early player.

Opportunity.

Past self never suspect deliberate approach via familiar.

Thought of oblivious past self—couldn’t help smile.

“Don’t blame me—for your good.”

Sent join request; await approval.

Done—heart uneasy.

Magical, lost meeting past self.

“Fine… different memories, treat as separate.”

“Why obsess connection—I just know him best…”

Tossed in bed, seeking release.

Biggest meaning: unconditional trust.

None else known; security from deep understanding.

Secrets, likes—usually hidden.

But she knew past self fully—how to gain absolute trust, even favor.

“Mm, approved?”

“Fast…”

Near sleep; phone ping woke her.

Energized.

“In? Now him.”

“Member list…”

Scrolled 200+; tiring.

Found: Xia Yu.

Black呆 avatar, Fallen Sword…

So chuuni? Embarrassed at old ID.

“Damn.”

Confirmed; back to chat.

Lively, new joins—her plain unnoticed.

“Not here, sleeping…?”

“No rush.”

Lurked; no show—gave up.

Pin function—won’t miss.

But first…

Brush presence? Else ignored as stranger.

‘Newbie here.’

Decade experience—shared freely.

Ignored at first; till newbie asked—poured knowledge, awed.

Status soared.

New server; “pros” pay-to-win.

True experts rare—she accidentally flexed.

“Rebirth perk—casual tips crush.”

Endless PMs for advice, adds—wistful.

Understood spotlight.

Small group dominance—addictive superiority.

Half-day: newbie to omniscient pro.

Non-whale—approachable, equal.

No burden—natural focus.

Bubble: greeted, never ignored.

“Enough. Almost forgot purpose.”

Helpless smile; late—forced offline.

Night: family asleep, hall light on.

Xu Jiu yawned; finish milk, sleep.

But hall noise woke her.

Someone home late—Dad?

No thought; continued milk.

Footsteps neared—light, slow.

“Mm, Xiao Jiu…?”

“Not asleep?”

Glanced; paused.

“Uh, out with friends for supper. Don’t tell parents.”

Hated brother Xu You—boozy, obvious.

Silent; closed fridge, ignored fully.

“Uh…”