What could be more satisfying for Lin Yu than "winning an acting award and going on stage to receive it"?
Of course, refusing the award!
If he couldn't act...
This scenario better matched Lin Yu's idea of a "daydream."
This was what he had always wanted to do.
As the trophy shattered, the "illusion" froze.
After Lin Yu's scathing verbal assault, the shocked expressions of the hosts, guests, and audience members all froze in place.
The only one who could still move was Lin Yu.
And...
The God of Banquets, Wine, and Revelry who appeared beside him."I see now!"
This liquor-bottle-headed figure wore floor-length white robes, holding an engraved golden goblet in his left hand and a kylix pottery cup in his right, swaying as he looked around.
He had now taken on a human-sized form, even slightly shorter than Lin Yu.
The God of Revelry marveled at the scene around Lin Yu.
"Truly impressive... Even better than 'the honor of being adored by thousands' is 'the feeling of trampling on the hollow fame others desperately pursue'..."
"I never even considered this possibility before!"
The deity lavished praise without restraint.
"I'll give you full marks... guest... full marks!"
The God of Revelry said excitedly.
Lin Yu remained relatively calm in the face of this sudden divine appearance.
"I simply followed my heart's desire."
Hearing Lin Yu's words, the painted features on the liquor bottle head transformed into an expression of fervent admiration.
"This is your most precious quality... this level of 'obsession' and 'sincerity,' such wonderful yet unconscious 'arrogance' and 'wit'..."
"And you're even the first to complete it!"
"Ka already told me—neither his prized Mourning Wine from Kirishima Vineyard nor A Victor's Blood Runs Ever Sweet had the slightest effect on you..."
"No wonder you're the seventh 'uninvited guest' at this banquet!"
"I'll be keeping an eye on you... If you became my follower, my agent, you'd surely bring about the most interesting banquets and greatest joys!"
The God of Revelry stepped closer—
"So... guest, might you be interested?"
Before Lin Yu could answer, the god suddenly raised a finger.
"Wait, wait, don't answer yet—let's finish the banquet proceedings first."
With a crisp snap of his fingers, the frozen illusion shattered and Lin Yu returned to his chair.
The god's voice echoed from above:
"Adding 'arrogance' to 'honor'... brilliant concept, perfect harmony!"
"I award you five ropes!"
Five ropes descended before Lin Yu.
The transparent liquor in his glass clinked as several sharply angled ice cubes appeared.
He raised his glass to the deity in salute, then drained it in one gulp.
The cold ice made the strong liquor's taste sharper, reducing the burning sensation while adding layers to its rich aroma.
Beyond just his mouth, a light tipsy feeling emerged.
"Whew—"
Lin Yu exhaled a concentrated breath of alcohol.
Though he couldn't explain why...
This drink's "experience" truly felt best described as "arrogance."
He took the opportunity to observe the other players.
Each held their own glass, eyes vacant as if immersed in pleasant illusions.
Clearly...
As the god had said.
Lin Yu was the first to "complete" and "awaken."
And judging by progress...
He remained far ahead.
"Though I'm inferior to these veteran players and experts in many ways—they're all geniuses far beyond me—I'm not completely worthless compared to them either."
Lin Yu mused to himself.
As he reflected, the hovering god gave him a peculiar look.
That strange expression seemed to say...
"How did this person think to add 'arrogance' to the drink just now?"
Best Daydream reflected each person's inner desires—to complete this drink required using one's most genuine, intense "emotions."
Yet this guest's current reaction seemed excessively humble?
But the God of Revelry, true to his name, didn't dwell on such questions.
Besides...
Another player had awakened.
Lin Yu looked across the table at Fish.
She exhaled, looking thoroughly satisfied.
"That was awesome!"
The god's voice sounded again from above:
"Adding 'slaughter' to 'victory'... a decent idea."
"I award you two ropes!"
Two ropes descended before Fish.
Just from the god's description, Lin Yu could guess Fish's dream and actions.
This girl must have dreamed of fighting someone and annihilating her opponents.
The color of the soybean milk in her hand had deepened slightly.
Fish chugged the entire cup, then made a face.
"Still packs a punch... but..."
"With this salty flavor balancing it, it's surprisingly decent now."
As she spoke, she noticed the other obviously awake person.
"Oh, Sister Nail? First again?"
The Best Daydream must have truly pleased Fish—her mood seemed excellent.
Earlier she'd been calling Lin Yu "Fluoxetine"...
Now she'd reverted to the original nickname "Sister Nail," reflecting her shifting mood.
"Yes, first again."
Lin Yu smiled.
Fish blinked admiringly. "As expected from the Psychological Society—your mental resistance really is strong."
"But speaking of which... five ropes in front of you?"
"Your reward?"
Lin Yu didn't deny it: "Of course."
"That amazing? How'd you do it?"
Fish asked instinctively.
Lin Yu tilted his head slightly with a light smile: "That's a secret, Fish."
Fish didn't press, just shrugged.
"Alright, back to your cryptic nonsense..."
"Just like that earlier riddle—all twisted and impossible to understand!"
But her attention soon shifted elsewhere.
"Hey, the Gambler's out too!"
Beside Lin Yu, Li Hua also awakened.