Yes, Zhang Pingfan and Dou Youyou, their eyes met.
Zhang Pingfan quickly looked out the window.
Dou Youyou even felt a hint of daze.
"Is that you, Master?"
But she soon felt she was overthinking. Her master was just an NPC in the game; he wouldn't possibly be here. Perhaps the person just looked similar.
Zhang Pingfan had modified his appearance when entering the game, so there was a slight difference between his real-life image and his in-game avatar.
However, Dou Youyou had spent too much time with Zhang Pingfan, so seeing him reminded her of her master.
"What are you looking at, Youyou? Grandpa is waiting for us. Let's go!"
Glancing at Zhang Pingfan one last time, she then nodded and followed her sister to the private room on the second floor.
Watching Dou Youyou leave, Zhang Pingfan let out a sigh of relief.
Li Yutong saw through Zhang Pingfan's thoughts.
"You seem to know Dou Youyou?"
Zhang Pingfan quickly shook his head.
"Not really. We just met in Pingfan Town. She's so radiant, how could I possibly know her?"
"Oh, let me introduce you to our specialties here. This dish is the restaurant's signature..."
Zhang Pingfan nodded mechanically. He didn't know why he had felt a moment of distraction when he saw Dou Youyou.
In the private room on the second floor, Dou Youyou was in a daze. She didn't even react for a long time when her grandfather called her.
"My dear Youyou, are you unhappy seeing Grandpa today? Why are you so lost in thought?"
Dou Youyou put on a smile.
"No, I was just thinking about things in the game. My birthday is in a couple of days. What gift will Grandpa give me?"
Dou Guojun said, "My dear, just tell Grandpa what you want, and he'll buy it for you!"
Dou Youyou said, "No, it won't be a surprise if I say it myself!"
"Haha, alright. For your 18th birthday coming-of-age ceremony, Grandpa's gift will definitely be good. You'll surely like it. But Youyou must also promise Grandpa to obtain the best properties in the game to the best of your ability, so that our Dou family's business can flourish once again in the game!"
Dou Youyou nodded.
"I know. Dad has already told me. I'll work hard!"
"That's good. Youyou is now a celebrity in the world of Mythology. This is a rare opportunity for our Dou family. So many people are trying to curry favor with this old man. Grandpa is benefiting from your fame!"
Dou Youyou smiled, but her heart was still preoccupied with the man on the first floor.
When they had almost finished eating, Dou Youyou couldn't suppress her curiosity. She made an excuse to go to the restroom and went down to the first floor.
However, the person she was thinking about was already gone.
"He left?"
Dou Youyou's appearance attracted a lot of attention.
Several young men even came forward to strike up a conversation.
But they were all stopped by the bodyguards behind her. Slightly disappointed, Dou Youyou wanted to go home as soon as possible. She decided to ask her master in the game.
Outside Zhang Pingfan's apartment building!
"Xiao Zhang, how was tonight's meal? Did it not disappoint you?"
Zhang Pingfan nodded and said, "Yes, it was indeed very good. It's the first time I've had such delicious food. It's really special!"
Aunt Wang said with a smile.
"I knew you would like it. Then I won't disturb you. Thank you for your help today!"
Zhang Pingfan smiled.
"You're too kind, Aunt Wang!"
Zhang Pingfan and Li Yutong took the elevator back to their residence.
"I noticed you seemed preoccupied tonight. What's wrong?"
Zhang Pingfan shook his head and said, "Nothing."
"That's good. By the way, what's your name in the game?"
Zhang Pingfan said, "That's not important. I'm just a regular player. At most, I sell potions at a stall. I'm just playing out of boredom. I can't compare to you professional players!"
Seeing that Zhang Pingfan still didn't want to reveal his name, Li Yutong was a little disappointed.
"Okay. Remember to find me if you have any problems in the future!"
Zhang Pingfan nodded.
Back in his room, Zhang Pingfan took a deep breath and put on his helmet.
When Zhang Pingfan appeared in the small courtyard, before he could even steady himself, a figure rushed towards him.
"Master!"
Zhang Pingfan was stunned to find Dou Youyou suddenly in his arms.
He had returned early intentionally, but he didn't expect this girl to be here even earlier.
Zhang Pingfan stroked Dou Youyou's head.
"What's wrong?"
Dou Youyou raised her head and looked at Zhang Pingfan's face.
"Master, where did you go just now? Why couldn't I find you?"
Zhang Pingfan stammered, unsure how to answer.
"When I was eating, I saw someone who looked very much like you. But when I went downstairs to look for him, he was gone. So, I rushed back home immediately. I wanted to tell you this, but you were nowhere to be found!"
Zhang Pingfan shook his head and said, "The world is vast, and there are all sorts of people. How many look like me? Why are you suddenly so sad?"
Dou Youyou hugged Zhang Pingfan tightly.
"I really wish Master could meet me in reality. I hope you can attend my coming-of-age ceremony. Will you appear?"
Zhang Pingfan shook his head and said, "I'm not from your world. I can't leave here."
As he spoke, tears welled up in Dou Youyou's eyes.
"But I miss Master a little."
Zhang Pingfan's face darkened. Am I not in front of you? And you're hugging me so tightly.
"Are you hugging a ghost then?"
Dou Youyou immediately burst into laughter.
"Master, can't you let me be sad for a moment?"
"Sad for what? I'm not dead. Since we've finished eating, let's go level up quickly. If you reach level 30 soon, I can complete my quest!"
Dou Youyou wiped her tears and said, "Okay, but don't forget my birthday gift!"
"Got it, you little kid, always wanting gifts!"
Saying that, Zhang Pingfan shooed Dou Youyou away. If she didn't leave, he didn't know how long she would cling to him.
Free from Dou Youyou, Zhang Pingfan returned to his recliner.
"Xiao Hei, what gift do you think I should give Youyou?"
Hei Huang said, "That depends on what the young master likes."
What does Dou Youyou like? Zhang Pingfan had no idea.
"How would I know that?"
Hei Huang said, "Master, I have a lot of things here, but I don't know if the young lady will like them!"
Zhang Pingfan said, "Bring them out, and I'll pick one!"
"Understood!"
Saying that, Hei Huang took out a pile of things from his backpack. These items laid out before Zhang Pingfan were truly dazzling.
Every item was a masterpiece.
But these were not the gifts Zhang Pingfan wanted to give.
Although each item was good, they were not quite what Zhang Pingfan had imagined.
Just as Zhang Pingfan was agonizing over this, Ri Tian walked over, a piece of clothing in his mouth.
"Woof!"
Clothing? A smile appeared on Zhang Pingfan's face!
"You perverted dog, you've finally done something good. Let me see how this clothing is."
Mystic Ice Dragon Scale Robe (Limited Edition Fashion): Made from the scales of the ancient divine beast, the Mystic Ice Dragon King. Reduces ice damage by 80%, increases defense by 30%, and boosts maximum HP by 20%. When worn, it provides a 50% attack bonus against fire-elemental monsters.