Outside, through the haze, there seemed to be a woman? And not just any woman—an absolute stunner?

Without hesitation, Qin Fei swung the door open with the lightning-fast reflexes honed by twenty years of singlehood.

As expected, standing at the doorway was a breathtaking beauty that made Qin Fei's eyes pop out of his skull. Though an internet-addicted youth, he was still a red-blooded male who couldn't help but react to such a vision.

"Hello there, I'm Qin Yi from Room 303," the beauty at the door introduced herself.

Hearing her name, Qin Fei chuckled. "No kidding? What a coincidence—I'm Qin Fei. We share the same surname! Must be fate."

Qin Yi smiled. "Indeed, what are the odds?"

"So... what brings you here, Qin Yi?" Qin Fei asked, his heart pounding like a drum. Every glance at Qin Yi's flawless face and the curves accentuated by her blue stepmother dress sent his pulse into overdrive.

Not that he could be blamed for losing composure. Between Qin Yi's staggering beauty and the fact that it was already 10 PM, any man's imagination would run wild. What business could a knockout like her have knocking on his door at this hour? Maybe her shower broke and she needed to borrow his bathroom?

Qin Yi interrupted his fantasies. "Since you're new here, I thought we should get acquainted as neighbors. I'm a tea master—this is my special brew. Would you like to try some?"

Qin Fei's hopes deflated. So much for shower scenarios. Still, he invited her in. Remembering the previous knocks, he asked if they'd been from her. Qin Yi confirmed—she'd assumed he wasn't home and was about to give up after this last attempt.

Qin Fei claimed he'd been gaming with headphones on, careful not to admit he'd deliberately ignored the door earlier. After all, who wouldn't want to impress a gorgeous woman? Whether male or female, when an attractive person shows interest, the mind naturally wanders to possibilities.

"Got any cups?" Qin Yi asked. Qin Fei produced two clean glasses, which she filled with golden-hued tea. As Qin Fei admired the vibrant color before taking a sip, Qin Yi surveyed his messy apartment—piles of trash bags, snack wrappers, empty soda bottles, and the cacophony of computer game sounds.

"I enjoy gaming too," Qin Yi remarked.

Qin Fei's eyes lit up. When she named a few mobile and PC titles, he launched into passionate explanations, thrilled to have found common ground. Soon he was showing off his laptop, enthusiastically pitching his favorite game. "This is literally the best game in the world!" he declared, secretly hoping to lure Qin Yi into his gaming world—and by extension, his life. As a top player, guiding a newbie girl would be child's play. More importantly, it'd give them reasons to keep interacting. Maybe even kindle romance?

Qin Fei had dated before—mostly online relationships. One disastrous meetup with an internet girlfriend who turned out to be... underwhelming had traumatized him into singlehood. But tonight, Qin Yi was resurrecting his petrified heart.

Qin Yi studied the game screen and shook her head with a smile. "The best game in the world? I doubt that."

Qin Fei blinked. "How so?"

"I know a game that's far more... exciting," Qin Yi murmured, her liquid gaze locking onto him, making his face burn. "You'll see soon enough."

No man could withstand such a look from a goddess-level beauty, especially with that tantalizing promise. Qin Fei's mind raced—what could be more thrilling than his beloved game unless...? Was she hinting at...? Could his luck really be this good? What would an absolute stunner see in him? Maybe she had unconventional tastes? Some women preferred unconventional looks—he recalled a celebrity wife who'd cheated with a remarkably plain man. Not that he was anywhere near that level—he was way better looking!

Still... something felt off. What kind of woman visits a stranger's apartment at 10 PM just to share tea?

"Whatever," Qin Fei decided. "It's not like I'd be the one losing out here."

Just as he fantasized about what might unfold, a sudden dizziness overwhelmed him. The world spun violently—even Qin Yi's beautiful face distorted grotesquely. With a heavy thud, he collapsed, consciousness slipping away.

"Qin Fei? Qin Fei, wake up," Qin Yi called, nudging him. When he didn't stir, she pulled out her phone. Soon, her younger sister Qin Kelian arrived dragging the same large suitcase that had once held Murong Fu.

"Help me, sis! This stinking man weighs a ton!" Qin Kelian struggled to lift Qin Fei alone while Qin Yi watched impassively.

"Consider this your punishment for failing with Jiang Ran," Qin Yi smirked.

Qin Kelian pouted. "Not my fault! You just got lucky not being assigned Jiang Ran. Who knew he'd be immune to sedatives?"

Qin Yi shrugged. "Luck is part of competence."

As Qin Kelian wrestled Qin Fei into the suitcase, Qin Yi's gaze landed on the laptop. The game's chat window showed frantic messages from Qin Fei's guild:

[Where are you?? We're getting slaughtered!]

[Dude, did you fall into the toilet?]

[We're losing because of you!]

[You bail now? I'll hunt you down in real life!]

Qin Yi's red lips curved. "Poor things. Your vice guild leader won't be fighting by your side... ever again."