Chapter 1 First Draft

Su Lun was seeing Gambler for the first time in her formal attire.

The long dress was made of dark cyan brocade with gold纹 (wén, patterns), outlining her graceful figure with exquisite lines. Large swaths of light纱 (shā, gauze) decorations resembled wisps of a refreshing breeze. Combined with the faint英气 (yīng qì, heroic spirit) between her brows, Su Lun couldn't help but take a second glance.

Magnificent and delicate.

The leader of a black帮 (bāng, gang) in front of the dressing mirror transformed into a proper lady of a prestigious family with a change of clothes.

However, Qian Tiao seemed very uncomfortable wearing a dress, looking at herself in the mirror with a嫌弃 (xián qì, disgusted) expression, mumbling something unintelligible.

At this moment, she seemed to notice Su Lun's gaze, turned around, and asked, "Su Lun, kid, don't you think something feels weird?"

Su Lun smiled and said only two words: "Beautiful."

Qian Tiao pouted at his reply, "Don't just stand there; hurry up and change. Although the reception is at nine, we have to get there early to wait for that little princess."

Hearing this, Su Lun put down the puppet in his hand and stood up.

With a收 (shōu, retracting) of the Eight-Armed Spider Spear, he didn't even take off his work clothes. With a抖 (dǒu, shake) of his body, his work clothes suddenly transformed into a white suit, as if by magic.

Qian Tiao, seeing him change clothes in a second, saw through his trick and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Oh... you're using spatial abilities just to change clothes?"

Su Lun smiled, "Just a little trick I came up with, a magical quick-change act."

As he spoke, he shook his feet, and shiny leather boots appeared on his feet.

Then he clasped his hands together and pulled, and a silver-handled cane appeared in his right hand.

Thinking that something seemed to be missing, he conjured a boutonniere in his left hand and magically produced a bowler hat, placing it on his head.

Having done all this, he glanced at Gambler and said, "Let's go. We can leave now."

Qian Tiao sized up Su Lun from head to toe, a playful look flashing in her eyes, and teased, "Tsk, you look pretty good in that skin."

Su Lun smiled and shrugged, walked over, and extended his arm. Qian Tiao naturally took it.

At this moment, she suddenly noticed something, "Wait."

Su Lun stopped, watching Qian Tiao put her arms around him and smooth out the wrinkles on his collar.

"That's better."

Qian Tiao seemed very satisfied, a smile appearing on her pretty face.

.......

Before Princess Teresa even arrived at the camp, the families in the inner city had already received news of the reception.

Unicorn Inn, a property of the Reis family.

As the only daughter of the Reis family's eldest branch, Reina had naturally come to the underground world this time.

In the top-floor suite, a maid was applying her makeup.

The old butler next to her had a grave expression, reporting on the recent situation: "Miss, the situation is not good. News from the family says that several branch families are restless again. They hope we will be careful, as they may be detrimental to you. And this morning, several large wasteland reclamation groups who signed employment contracts with us earlier – the 'Red Dragon Wasteland Reclamation Group,' the 'Iron Eagle Wasteland Reclamation Group,' the 'Paladin Wasteland Reclamation Group'... their leaders came to us together and rejected our employment."

Reina frowned upon hearing this; bad news kept coming one after another, "But, didn't we already sign employment contracts?"

"Yes."

The butler said in a heavy tone, "But they compensated us with high breach of contract fees and tore up the contracts. I am negotiating with the wasteland reclamation guild, but the effect is not significant... I heard that the second and third branches, in conjunction with the five major families of the camp, paid this breach of contract fee. Moreover, they let it be known that they would suppress any wasteland reclamation group that cooperated with us. So far, even if we offer a higher price, no other wasteland reclamation group dares to contact us.... Therefore, apart from the personnel Miss brought from the family and the 'Cross Society' wasteland reclamation group, we don't have many people we can use. It has been confirmed that all the major families in the inner city must go to the wasteland reclamation this time, so we will be very passive... The risk of this wasteland reclamation will be significant; I worry that those people want to isolate and蚕食 (cán shí, nibble away at) the family's power, and then put pressure on the master and them, or even have greater ambitions..."

Reina listened, and the expression in her eyes grew increasingly grave.

After a pause, the old butler continued, "Also, the Clark family sent someone earlier to deliver a message, saying they could help solve our predicament, probably to see you... But you said you wouldn't meet them, so I refused. But if possible, at this reception, Miss, you can try to contact a few allies, some families who were previously on good terms with us, hoping that they will help out of respect for the master..."

Reina: "Mm. I understand."

.......

Su Lun and Qian Tiao were not walking fast.

Although Qian Tiao's淑女 (shū nǚ, ladylike) dress looked really good, she didn't like it at all.

Su Lun held her waist, their actions intimate.

It wasn't just for show; it was because the Gambler was genuinely annoyed wearing a dress.

"This damn dress, I can't even take a proper step! Su Lun, kid, hold me closer; these high heels are so awkward to walk in..."

As they walked, Su Lun heard Qian Tiao complaining about the dress more than once.

But fortunately, the distance to walk wasn't too far.

Along the way, they encountered many gorgeously dressed young masters and ladies, who looked like they were also going to the reception.

Looking at the high-颜值 (yán zhí, attractiveness) combination of Su Lun and Qian Tiao, there were inevitably envious glances.

They walked along, chatting.

Qian Tiao instructed Su Lun, "Your current identity is 'Zorro.' This identity is a registered bounty hunter in the Bounty Hunter Guild. Although you're a bit famous, no one has ever seen your face... You might encounter some people from my family later, and they'll ask you a lot of啰嗦 (luō suō, nagging) questions... So, do you understand?"

"Mm. I understand."

Su Lun listened, a bright smile on his lips.

The identity arranged by Qian Tiao was naturally without problems. In her words, "The best identity disguise is replacement."

This was better than any fake identity Su Lun could fabricate himself.

As for the rest of what she said, Qian Tiao spoke vaguely, but Su Lun understood.

Qian Tiao, a big sister and older young woman, still couldn't escape俗 (sú, common custom) and needed a shield when meeting her family.

"So, Qian Tiao, did you go to the Cross Society to escape a marriage?"

"Otherwise? Of course, that's one of the reasons. You should have guessed the others."

"Qian Tiao, it's said on the streets that you don't like men. Is that true?"

"Tch~ False! I don't like men or women; I only like knives!"

"..."

They were already very familiar, and these topics were discussed without any reservation.

As they walked, they suddenly saw a familiar face.

A young girl in an evening dress, surrounded by a group of guards, walked out of an inn painted white and with a "Unicorn" sign.

Looking at that beautiful, straight black hair, who else could it be but Reina?

She seemed a little absent-minded and didn't notice Su Lun and the others passing by.

Qian Tiao called out, "Reina~"

Reina looked at Qian Tiao, seemed to愣 (lèng, be stunned) for a moment before recognizing her. Her crystal eyes then lit up, and she greeted excitedly, "Ah... Aunt Qian Tiao~"

Qian Tiao walked over and rubbed her head, "Little girl, what are you thinking about, looking so glum?"

Hearing this, Reina tried to force a smile, but her small face still showed worry.

She didn't hide anything from her family elders and said directly, "The butler just said that all the wasteland reclamation groups who signed contracts with us have broken their agreements..."

"Oh, a small matter."

Qian Tiao waved her hand dismissively.

She then introduced Su Lun beside her, "This is my friend 'Zorro,' a very skilled bounty hunter. He will also be helping with this wasteland reclamation."

Reina glanced curiously at Su Lun, who was holding her aunt's arm.

She remembered that her aunt had never been so intimate with a man before?

But she didn't look too much, lifted her skirt, and gave a curtsy, "Hello, Mr. Zorro. Nice to meet you, I look forward to your assistance."

Su Lun nodded, "Mm."

The two loners became a group of three, walking towards the small slope.

......

The reception was located at Stormwind Manor.

To welcome Princess Teresa's arrival, the original Wasteland Reclamation Guild had also moved its location.

The families of the camp concentrated all their resources, renovated the thousand-year-old manor, and created a brand-new, luxurious manor.

After handing over the invitation, the guards stayed at the manor entrance.

Su Lun, Qian Tiao, and Reina entered the manor.

Unlike the dilapidated and noisy scene before, Stormwind Manor was now completely new.

The gardens were lush and green, with brightly colored flowers blooming beautifully, and枯树 (kū shù, dead trees) had also grown leaves and lush branches. The greenery had been carefully trimmed by gardeners, and walking through it gave one a refreshing feeling.

This was probably a garden that wood-系 (xì, type)术士 (shù shì, sorcerers) had spent a lot of resources to催生 (cuī shēng, force to grow).

Walking into the building, it was even more magnificent.

But Su Lun felt a little strange. In this mansion, he always felt like he was looking at the scene of the cursed space when he first transmigrated.

Especially... the layout of this manor, anyone who understands architecture would know.

The place that should be the宴会厅 (yàn huì tīng, banquet hall) was still the banquet hall.

The location of the reception this time was the same location as the former "Bloody Banquet."

The banquet hall was brightly lit, and soothing music echoed in the hall. Gorgeously dressed young ladies and masters were chatting and laughing while holding wine glasses.

When Su Lun and the others entered, they naturally attracted the attention of those people.

But somewhat embarrassingly, the three of them were immediately ignored, not even receiving the most basic nod.

These were all young masters and ladies from the inner city families, who originally knew each other and even had close relationships.

Qian Tiao hadn't混迹 (hùn jì, mingled) in high society circles for a long time. She didn't want to bother with these people, so it was normal that they didn't pay attention to her.

But something was wrong, especially with Reina, a young miss of a top财阀 (cái fá, conglomerate).

When the Reis family hadn't split up, she was the center of attention wherever she went.

But now, when these people saw her, not only did no one come up to greet her, but they seemed to be avoiding something, their eyes evasive.

Reina didn't mind, but she was a little worried and whispered, "The butler said that the situation in Old Lingdun City isn't very good either. This time, father even asked me to bring almost all the high-阶 (jiē, level)护卫 (hù wèi, guards) from the family. I don't know if there will be any problems..."

Qian Tiao listened, looking indifferent, "Don't worry... those guys aren't that easy to succeed."

Reina: "Mm."

Su Lun glanced around, distinguishing the identities of some people based on his memories.

Standing beside Reina, even Su Lun, a third party, was subjected to some inexplicable "malice." He raised his eyebrows, a smile playing on his lips, "Little Reina has a lot of enemies..."

One could imagine that going to the wasteland reclamation this time, almost anyone she encountered would be an enemy.

However, Su Lun didn't take this malice to heart.

With Big Boss Qian Tiao around, the Reis family's situation wouldn't collapse, at least Reina wouldn't die so easily.

At worst, with Su Lun's current strength, unless a Third-Order professional came along, no one would really qualify to threaten him.

Having many enemies... wasn't necessarily a bad thing in some respects.

.......

"Tsk, Reina is in big trouble this time. I heard that they can't even hire a decent wasteland reclamation group now. When the time comes, relying on those few people they brought out from the inner city, I'm afraid they won't be able to last long..."

"Now the families in the inner city have united to isolate them; no one dares to help them..."

"I heard that Miss Sophia of the Reis Second Branch and Master Danze of the Oliver family have been in close contact recently and seem to be planning to get engaged. When the time comes, with a strong alliance, the structure of the inner city will change..."

"..."

Su Lun listened for a while and soon understood.

The Reis family was indeed a top財阀 (cái fá, conglomerate) in the past, but after splitting into seven, their influence was far less than before.

Moreover, some families who were once allies had become enemies.

The seven families that had been split off were naturally at odds with the main family, and could even be said to be enemies.

Moreover, they had completely offended each other, so those families who had taken advantage of their misfortune naturally wanted to completely defeat them and eliminate future troubles, so that they could share the spoils.

After all, Reina brought many嫡系 (dí xì, direct lineage)高手 (gāo shǒu, experts) this time, and she was still the sole heir. If she were to be wiped out in the遗迹 (yí jì, ruins), it would inevitably directly affect the situation in the inner city.

Internal and external troubles, her situation was indeed worrying.

The three of them ignored the whispers of others and found a corner to talk.

With no one bothering them, they didn't have to deal with the so-called high society社交 (shè jiāo, socializing).

With Qian Tiao, a senior, supporting her, Reina's worries eased a little.

However, as they chatted, Qian Tiao's "trouble" came as well.

Several贵妇 (guì fù, wealthy ladies) walked over with their sons, who wore unhappy expressions.

The middle-aged woman wearing a large祖母绿 (zǔ mǔ lǜ, emerald) necklace greeted Qian Tiao, "Oh, Otilia, long time no see, what are you doing here~"

This time, not only young masters and ladies came, but also many mothers of families who were worried that their宝贝 (bǎo bèi, precious) sons and daughters would be wronged.

Qian Tiao frowned upon seeing the person, but she had to greet, "Aunt Camilla, long time no see."

Listening to their conversation, Su Lun glanced at Qian Tiao out of the corner of his eye, feeling slightly curious.

So, the Gambler's real name was "Otilia..."