Chapter 106

After washing up, Bai Xuechao glanced at the clock in his bedroom.

It was currently ten-thirty.

It was too late for breakfast and too early for lunch at this time. It was better to finish reading the manga before heading out to find food.

Having made his decision, Bai Xuechao leaned back on the leather sofa and opened the latest chapter of Special Ability × Food Chain through Xiao 6.

This time, the cover image featured Zhou Chenhao, Ling Feng, Gong Ting, and Bai Xuechao.

The cover was divided into four irregular panels. In the first top panel, the red-and-black-haired boy was frowning slightly, his gaze somewhat serious; in the second, the black-haired, blue-eyed boy pulled up the corners of his mouth, looking somewhat arrogant; in the first bottom panel, the blond, green-eyed man held a dice cup, his smile confident; the last panel was of a white-haired, red-eyed boy, his slender fingers flipping poker cards with a flourish.

The readers in the bullet comments were as enthusiastic as ever.

【I'm sorry, Brother Hao has clearly run into trouble, but I just think he looks so alpha and handsome when he's serious. I'll be a fangirl for a minute (shy)】

【Ahhh Ling Feng maomao can actually make such an expression, I'm feeling a certain way (face turning yellow) (heart gesture)】

【Wifey's fingers, I'll lick them, I'll lick them, I'll lick them hard!】

【Xuexue knows how to do card flourishes, this Pandora's Box cut on the cover is so standard! A very classic cardistry move!】

【Gong Ting Jade Liquor's smile has such a villain vibe hhhh.】

"You've really exchanged for something incredible," the manga began, showing Gong Ting with a smile, looking very interested. "Aren't you afraid of dying?"

Next was Bai Xuechao's calm face: "It's alright, I won't lose."

【Ahhh my wifey is so cool!】

【Don't you have a wifey, person in front? Why are you trying to steal mine!】

【I'm different, this is my hubby. (shyly cupping face)】

【Screenshot! Added to wifey's cheesy quotes handbook! 1. This boring world. 2. I won't lose.】

Later, when Zhou Chenhao asked who would be the dealer and called Bai Xuechao "Dongfang Bubai," the readers in the bullet comments laughed so hard they almost passed out.

Gong Ting stated that Bai Xuechao would be the dealer and told Ling Feng that the game rules could be changed after the dealer lost three times, asking if he wanted to switch.

Beside this panel were a few lines of small text: The City Lord has the responsibility to inform players of all game rules. If the dealer loses up to the fifth round and the City Lord has not explained this rule, the system will announce it and penalize the City Lord by deducting game coins.

【Good heavens, and I thought he was kindly reminding them.】

【Gong Ting Jade Liquor is so scheming. The rules can be changed after the third loss, and he'll be fined by the system if he doesn't remind them by the fifth round. Gong Ting waited until Ling Feng lost the fourth round to remind him, so he earned an extra round's worth of game coins and wouldn't get fined.】

【Damn... Gong Ting Jade Liquor, hurry up and get poured out!】

With Bai Xuechao as the dealer, the manga used several fluid panels to show his movements as he shook the dice cup, looking at ease and even adding some flair.

The next panel was a close-up of Zhou Chenhao's focused expression, with a small panel of the dice cup beside it, and another close-up of Zhou Chenhao's ear, with the small word "twitch" written next to it.

Turning the page, there was a bust shot of Bai Xuechao bringing the dice cup close to the table. The next panel was a close-up of his expression; his beautiful red eyes shifted slightly.

Bai Xuechao's hand lifted again, and he continued to shake the dice cup.

【Bai Xuechao looks so handsome shaking the dice cup. I just love this casual and effortless feeling. The few panels Bai old scoundrel gave are so beautiful, I'm starting to like him a bit.】

【What, sis, you're only now getting wifey's charm? It's not too late to join the fandom. After finishing this chapter, hurry and vote for wifey in the popularity poll!】

【Is Brother Hao listening to his dice? Like in the movies?】

【Hiss, why do I feel like Xuexue was about to put his hand down, but when he noticed Brother Hao listening, he continued?】

【Secretly increasing the difficulty for Brother Hao?】

【Could also be that he was going easy on him?】

This round ended, Zhou Chenhao and Gong Ting guessed correctly, their game coins increased. Ling Feng guessed wrong and had game coins deducted along with Bai Xuechao, who lost as the dealer.

Ling Feng only had enough game coins left to play two more rounds.

In the next round, Zhou Chenhao was the dealer. After he finished shaking the dice, the manga showed two close-ups of Zhou Chenhao's and Ling Feng's expressions. Ling Feng's face was calm, while a "blink" was written next to Zhou Chenhao's eyes.

【Ahhhh, Chenfeng CP exchanging glances! I approve of this marriage, I'll gift 200 game coins! (bushi)】

【Well, the game coin setting is a 10:1 exchange rate with real money. Momma has been buying too much merch lately and is a bit broke, so I'll just gift 10 coins. (doge emoji)】

【woc I forgot it was 10 to 1. Sorry Brother Hao, I'll give a discount, 20 coins.】

This round, everyone guessed correctly. Gong Ting asked if they wanted to increase the bet per round, but Zhou Chenhao refused.

Below were panels of Gong Ting shaking the dice cup. He also started to show off, and Bai Guzi provided different angles, making it clear that he was even flashier than Bai Xuechao.

【Tsk tsk, I can see this kid's competitive spirit.】

【Why didn't he show off so many tricks when playing with Brother Hao and Ling Feng, is he looking down on them? (doge emoji)】

"Come on," Gong Ting said.

Bai Xuechao was the first to make a choice. Zhou Chenhao and Ling Feng looked at each other again, then also made their choices.

"What a pity." The smile on Gong Ting's face was a little strange, his curved, smiling eyes filled with malice. "You three, all guessed wrong."

In the next panel, he had already lifted the dice cup, spreading his hands joyfully: "See~"

The subsequent expression panels were very thought-provoking.

Zhou Chenhao and Ling Feng stared in disbelief at the "four-four-two" dice on the table. Beside them was someone's inner thought: Wasn't it four-four-six?

But Bai Xuechao was looking at Gong Ting, the corners of his lips hooking up into a meaningful smile: "Let's continue."

【In the previous two rounds, Brother Hao and Ling Feng both guessed correctly, which means they should have been able to hear the dice numbers. But they guessed wrong this round, and the inner thought also indicates that what they heard wasn't the current dice number. There's definitely a problem.】

【Is it possible they guessed correctly by luck in the first two rounds...?】

【But my wifey Axue's expression is also a bit off. I feel like he's about to cause some trouble, hehehe.】

【I bet 1 game coin that wifey is angry (.)】

【Then I'll also bet 1 game coin that Gong Ting Jade Liquor cheated just now!】

【LMAO, have game coins become a new type of currency? Then I'll also bet 1 game coin that Bai Xuechao is going to destroy Gong Ting!】

The next round, Ling Feng was the dealer.

His face was expressionless, but his inner thoughts betrayed his anxiety: Oh no, I no longer know if what I'm hearing is correct.

After he stopped, Bai Xuechao and Gong Ting both made their choices, but Zhou Chenhao was frowning slightly, his gaze serious—exactly the expression from the cover.

The manga provided a long passage of Zhou Chenhao's inner thoughts. The gist was that he had already heard the numbers of Ling Feng's dice, but because of the previous mistake, he wasn't sure if he had heard correctly this time, and he couldn't figure out why he had been wrong before.

Here, there was a panel of Gong Ting's expression.

He looked at the conflicted Zhou Chenhao with a pleased smile, his curved eyes rolled up slightly. His inner thoughts were displayed: Heh, just one act of cheating and he's already shaken. What a fragile boy. If he can't withstand his self-doubt and chooses the wrong answer, that would be wonderful!

【I knew Gong Ting Jade Liquor cheated! So insidious, playing psychological warfare!】

【Playing mind games in a casino is perfectly normal. I hope Brother Hao can pull through, he must choose correctly!】

【So wifey saw that Gong Ting cheated just now, right?】

【What's the use of Bai Xuechao seeing it, unless he can catch Gong Ting in the act with evidence, according to the rules.】

【Maybe wifey can cheat too, giving him a taste of his own medicine!】

【No way, right? If he can cheat to win against Gong Ting later, I'll give him two popularity votes =.=】

【I've come back after finishing the chapter. Bro in front, I've memorized your ID. Remember to vote.】

A 10-second countdown appeared on the small screen for choosing the dice size, and Zhou Chenhao made his choice decisively.

Ling Feng revealed the dice cup first. This time, all three guessed correctly.

He looked towards Gong Ting, thinking to himself: As I thought... he cheated last round.

The large screen updated the game coin counts.

The next panel was Zhou Chenhao's questioning: "You cheated last round, didn't you?"

"Do you have proof?" Gong Ting didn't admit it, saying that without catching him in the act, there would be no punishment. He even mockingly told Zhou Chenhao to worry about Ling Feng instead, as Ling Feng didn't have enough game coins for another round.

Bai Xuechao interjected here and asked, "What punishment?"

Gong Ting explained the rules for catching a cheater to Bai Xuechao, who had joined the game late. His expression was relaxed, and next to him was a thought bubble: My card shark skills have reached a state of perfection. The three little brats present will never be able to catch me cheating with evidence.

And in the next panel, Bai Xuechao smiled, his beautiful brows and eyes relaxed, and said, "Then you'd better be careful."

【I have a feeling, wifey will definitely be able to catch Gong Ting Jade Liquor cheating!】

【Gong Ting is so thick-skinned, saying he doesn't cheat so there's nothing to be careful about, haha, just a moment ago he was thinking to himself how his card shark skills have reached perfection. (rolling my eyes while laughing)】

【Don't worry, he's definitely going to get slapped in the face later.】

Zhou Chenhao asked Ling Feng: "Are you still continuing?"

"Of course—" Ling Feng pulled up the corners of his mouth into a smile, exactly the expression on the cover art, "I'll continue."

At the same time, his inner thoughts read: Even if I quit the game now, I can't redeem my special ability. And I won't let Zhou Chenhao face Gong Ting and Bai Xuechao alone.

Needless to say about Gong Ting, but Bai Xuechao also seems to be very good at this game. Zhou Chenhao can't win against them alone. So-called teammates, aren't they supposed to support each other?

【Ahhh I'm raising the Chenfeng banner high! Iconic line: So-called teammates, aren't they supposed to support each other!】

【Xiao Xi is gone now, you two can be as sticky as you want. (shipping so hard I'm fainting)】

【This is also to save Xiao Xi, sob sob. The trio is really great to ship. I really hope the three of them can stay together forever and be well, and that there are no defections or anything. (pinching my philtrum)】

【LMAO, sis in front, have you been reading too much of the manga next door? Do you have defection PTSD?】

【A friendship that moves heaven and earth! But if Ling Feng maomao wants to continue the game, he'll have to exchange for game coins again... what is he going to use to exchange ahhh, I'm so worried.】

The next page of the manga answered the readers' question.

Ling Feng actually chose to exchange his eyes and hands. At the same time, his inner thoughts said: My marksmanship is very good. If there is anything else of value on my body, it would be the eyes I use for aiming and the hands that hold the gun.

【Sob sob sob ah, Ling Feng!!】

【Although Ling Feng maomao always seems emotionally reserved, not as expressive as Brother Hao and Xiao Xi, he's really willing to go all out for his friends, sob.】

【He's really like my cat. Usually, he's super aloof and ignores me, but when I was sick with a fever and lying in bed, he came over to snuggle with me, afraid I'd die silently.】

【Although, the example the sister in front gave is so funny. Maomao was probably afraid no one would scoop his litter box. (doge emoji)】

Seeing this, Bai Xuechao's hand, which was turning the page, paused.

Actually, he had thought about it before, why Ling Feng's eyes and hands were worth 80 million game coins. Just now, seeing Ling Feng's inner thoughts, he knew it was because the other party's marksmanship was very good, and these two organs could directly affect it, but he still felt something was off—

Just what kind of marksmanship could be worth 80 million game coins?

Was it the marksmanship that was worth 80 million game coins? One had to know that Ling Feng wasn't exchanging his marksmanship, but his eyes and hands.

After a special ability user awakened, they would only know how to use their special ability, but they still needed to figure out the specific details and rules on their own. Even though Bai Xuechao was now the City Lord of the Dream Game City, he still hadn't fully grasped its exchange mechanism, nor was he completely clear on its standards for measuring value.

For example, his own life, why was it worth 800 million game coins?

Could he earn 8 billion in his lifetime? Or would his life affect others, and the value of these "others" added up to 8 billion?

Returning to Ling Feng.

Was his marksmanship so excellent that the system deemed it worth 800 million, or would it create 800 million in value in the future? Or perhaps, this 800 million was not just for the marksmanship, but also included other skills related to his eyes and hands?

If it involved the future, then it must be like Lin Lang's divination, referencing the "original story plot" of the pre-run. In that case, as someone who had already "died of illness," the value of his life was likely 0, unless he could still affect many people even after death.

This question couldn't be figured out just by thinking about it like this. Bai Xuechao needed to conduct tests.

However, Bai Xuechao's research into the mechanics of the Dream Game City was not urgent. Even without understanding these things, he could still use this special ability. It was just that after understanding them, he could use this method to indirectly obtain information.

He temporarily set aside the thoughts in his mind and continued reading the manga.

In the manga, Gong Ting reminded Ling Feng that if he lost after exchanging his eyes and hands, he would become blind and lose both hands upon leaving the room, but Ling Feng still went ahead with the exchange.

Ling Feng obtained 80 million game coins.

【woc Ling Feng maomao's eyes and hands are worth 80 million!】

【It's 80 million game coins, equivalent to 800 million? Just how good is his marksmanship?!】

【My god, I have a theory. Could it be that Ling Feng maomao's marksmanship will be very useful in the future? Like in that "Pawnshop No. ●," only things with future value can be pawned.】

【!! A path I had never considered.】

The new round of the game had Bai Xuechao as the dealer.

After he finished shaking the dice, Gong Ting's expression wasn't very good, and his smile didn't look very happy either: "Very good, it's been a long time since I've had this much fun."

Zhou Chenhao and Ling Feng's expressions were also grave.

Their expressions made the readers very curious. What on earth had happened?

Bai Xuechao lifted the dice cup and smiled, "My pleasure."

The dice on the table were three sixes.

Beside this close-up panel, there was a small note reminding readers: If all three dice show the same number, the dealer wins.

【Ahhhh Axue is awesome!】

【I love wifey's calm and composed look when he shakes the dice so much, sob sob. The way he smiles after lifting the dice cup is also so beautiful. I really want to make him cry, I want to see his eyes and the tip of his nose all red, completely defeated and unable to maintain his composure! (going crazy) (roaring) (screaming)】

【No way, sis, you can even drive on this broken road? Hurry up and put on your pants!】

【Um, me too... (takes off pants)】

【I'll be honest, I want to as well! (throws pants)】

The bullet comments after that all went off-track, with all kinds of dirty talk flying everywhere.

When Bai Xuechao saw the increasingly unrestrained bullet comments, his pupils quaked, and he quickly turned the page.

The usually silly Xiao 6 actually figured something out from Bai Xuechao's reddened ear tips.

It lit a cyber cigarette, chuckled twice, took a deep drag of the cyber cigarette, and exhaled a puff of smoke, saying, "Host, ah, the readers' dirty talk flies around often. You have to get used to it."

Bai Xuechao: "..."

That experienced tone of yours.

Bai Xuechao's delicate face remained calm, and he said composedly, "It's not the first time I've seen it. I'm already used to it."

Xiao 6: Really? I don't believe you.jpg

Just now, the Host's ears were as red as if they had been scalded by boiling water.

But Xiao 6 didn't dare to say it.

Bai Xuechao coughed lightly and continued reading the manga.

Next, Zhou Chenhao received a signal from Bai Xuechao's eyes and was also trying to roll three of a kind.

But his skills were lacking.

There was a panel here where Bai Xuechao let out a "heh," with "chuckle" written beside it.

Then there was a close-up of Zhou Chenhao secretly glancing at Bai Xuechao, thinking to himself: Ahhh, I can't roll it! How did he do it!

【Wifey: Tired, can't carry this team.】

【Why is Brother Hao messing up at the critical moment, hahahaha!】

The manga showed a Q-version drawing of Zhou Chenhao. The little Q-version figure with dot-eyes and a triangular mouth was shaking the dice, with "10 seconds..." "20 seconds..." "30 seconds..." written above his head and on both sides.

Even Gong Ting couldn't help but urge him on.

Zhou Chenhao was still shaking the dice: "I'm not in a hurry."

【Hahaha Brother Hao is going to piss Gong Ting Jade Liquor to death.】

【Gong Ting Jade Liquor's inner thoughts are also hilarious. He said he's going to add a time limit for shaking the dice to the game rules in the future hahaha, I almost want to help him pinch his philtrum.】

【Ling Feng maomao on the side is already showing dead-fish eyes, laughing so hard I'm crying!】

In the next panel, Bai Xuechao suddenly reached out and pressed down on Zhou Chenhao's dice cup, helping him shake it twice before stopping, then retracting his hand.

Below that was a panel combining three frames, showing the three people's stunned expressions.

Then Zhou Chenhao came back to his senses and said in surprise, "Oh, it worked!"

【??? I almost thought I saw wrong, Xuexue helped Brother Hao shake the dice?】

【LMAO, did he just lose his patience ahahaha, if he didn't help, Brother Hao would really have shaken it by himself until the end of time.】

【I was just wishing I could sign Brother Hao up for a crash course in dice shaking. (facepalm bitter smile)】

【I'll ship this Bai Zhou first as a tribute!】

【Xue-zi, how can I shake without you! Xue-zi! (running version of Brother Hao)】

【Ahhhh are you trying to kill me with laughter, person in front!】

Gong Ting slammed the table and said that wasn't allowed, only to be choked back by Bai Xuechao's "Is there a rule about this?"

The bullet comments erupted in joyful laughter again.

The next round was Gong Ting's turn to be the dealer.

His dice-shaking movements were even more flamboyant this time. When the dice cup was slammed down, he lowered his chin and gave Bai Xuechao a confident smile, the very expression from the cover art.

He thought to himself: Heh, I also rolled three sixes. Dongfang Bubai, let's see what you do now. This victory is too easy.

【He's still calling wifey Dongfang Bubai haha!】

【This name is good, this name is marvelous. (smirking face)】

Next, Bai Xuechao proposed to Gong Ting that, to prove the other party hadn't cheated, he should be the one to open the dice cup. He also said, if you don't know what to choose, just choose big, as if hinting to Zhou Chenhao and Ling Feng.

Gong Ting saw the choices of the three on the small screen and thought to himself: They really all chose big, but no matter what, the winner is me!

Gong Ting agreed to Bai Xuechao's proposal.

"That's great then." Bai Xuechao leaned forward and pressed on the dice cup.

The next panel was a close-up shot of Bai Xuechao. His snow-white hair looked soft, falling beside his pale face. His long, slender, white fingers pressed on the dice cup, and his blood-red, gorgeous eyes curved slightly, holding a somewhat malicious smile. The brilliant lights fell from behind him, enveloping him in a halo, as if a demon had donned the skin of an angel.

He said: "I can personally witness your loss."

【Ahhhh who is he killing with his beauty, he's killing me!】

【Screenshot! Frantically taking screenshots! This will be my phone wallpaper from now on, it feels like wifey is speaking close to me ying-ying-ying.】

Gong Ting: "What did you say—"

Bai Xuechao lifted the dice cup, and Gong Ting's green eyes widened.

The manga gave a close-up of the dice: six-six-three.

And Gong Ting's inner thoughts just now were still saying he had rolled three sixes.

【Was it wifey who did it! Was it! It must be!】

【Xuexue can cheat too! And he seems awesome at it, he can directly change Gong Ting Jade Liquor's dice numbers!】

【Where's that bro from before who made a bet? My wifey cheated and beat Gong Ting Jade Liquor, honor your bet, hurry up and give him two popularity votes! (happy) (throwing confetti)】

【Um, can someone perform that thing for me again, you know, that thing!】

【My card shark skills have reached a state of perfection?】

【No, the other one!】

【I get it, I get it, let me do it! (hip thrust) (hand covering half of face) (in a deep voice) This victory is too easy.】

【Hahahahahahaha!!】

The readers in the bullet comments were having a blast here, mocking Gong Ting in all sorts of creative ways.

In the manga, Gong Ting grabbed Bai Xuechao's wrist, saying that he had rolled three sixes and that Bai Xuechao had cheated.

Bai Xuechao pried Gong Ting's fingers off, his expression calm, and even asked, "Did you guys see me cheat?"

Zhou Chenhao: "No!"

Ling Feng: "Mn."

Gong Ting gritted his teeth, thinking to himself: Damn it, I didn't see anything just now. It was clearly just an ordinary movement, yet it changed my dice numbers!

【Gong Ting Jade Liquor's inner thoughts have really contributed a lot of laughs.】

【My card shark skills have reached a state of perfection~】

【This victory is too easy~】

【Hahaha that's enough, you guys!】

The big screen updated everyone's game coin count.

Gong Ting's expression also calmed down. He thought to himself: Dongfang Bubai's technique is too fast, I underestimated him.

The manga added a line of text here: For the first time in a long while, Gong Ting felt nervous. The last time he had this feeling was—

However, the next panel of the manga showed Bai Xuechao grabbing Gong Ting's collar.

And the next panel was a side-view composition.

Bai Xuechao grabbed Gong Ting's collar and pulled him closer. The distance between them was less than half a meter, and Gong Ting looked stunned, his body pulled over the table by Bai Xuechao, supporting himself with his arms.

Next was a close-up of Gong Ting's eyes.

In those emerald-like eyes, Bai Xuechao's pale and beautiful face was reflected. He lightly lifted the corners of his lips, his expression carrying a hint of nonchalance.

He said: "The card shark skills you're so proud of are just things I got tired of playing with as a child."

【Help, who is he killing with his coolness? He's killing me!】

【What what, Axue knew how to cheat since he was a child?】

【Hiss, that sounds a bit improper, but I'm not a proper person either, so we're a perfect match. (doge emoji)】

【Stop dreaming, person in front. I'm splashing a basin of water to wake you up right now (.) (doge)】

The next panel showed Bai Xuechao from Gong Ting's perspective.

However, in the panel after that, a phantom image of a white-haired youth's face was superimposed on Bai Xuechao's. Beside it was Gong Ting's thought bubble: Same white hair... the person I lost to last time...

Further down, the white-haired youth's face became fully solid, and Bai Xuechao's face could no longer be seen.

The manga then showed a long shot of this scene.

The same game table.

Gong Ting sat on the left, showing a side profile to the camera, his hand on the table clenched into a fist.

On the right, a youth with medium-length white hair parted in the middle sat sideways with his legs crossed. His right elbow rested casually on the game table, and his handsome face was turned towards the camera, a gentle yet illusory smile on it.

The next panel was a half-body close-up of the white-haired youth.

With a flick of his left hand, a poker card flew out. The lights were dazzling, and his golden eyes shone with a wicked glint: "The card shark skills you're so proud of are nothing special."

The memory ended, and Gong Ting clenched his fists tightly.

He thought to himself: I've already lost once, and the price was losing my freedom to become that person's subordinate. I will absolutely not lose a second time. I must defeat the person before me! I will defeat you, Dongfang Bubai!

【Isn't this white-haired man the leader of the Apocalypse Society?】

【Gong Ting is connected to the Apocalypse Society!】

【Holy crap, that prophet thread on the forum actually got it right!】

【Although, suddenly shouting Dongfang Bubai at this moment really takes me out of it ahhh hahaha!】