Chapter 400: Your Proposal to Sleep Together Has Been Rejected
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 400: Your Proposal to Sleep Together Has Been Rejected
Night fell, and the city lights began to flicker on. Having left behind the sights and sounds of our previous location, we arrived before a high-end hotel. The atmosphere here gave off an illusion of extravagant decadence; compared to this place, where we had been before was practically a slum.
Actually, I had originally planned to go to the hotel named after the country itself—Lanas Island. After all, being named after the nation spoke volumes about its prestige.
However, I heard that there was currently no normal way for someone like me to enter. Even money wouldn't cut it. I was quite surprised, but to avoid unnecessary complications, I didn't try to force my way in. Instead, I silently committed the hotel's name to memory.
It’s rare to hear of a service industry open to the public that sets such high thresholds for its guests. Generally speaking, shouldn't the only threshold be money?
A place you can't get into even with money... naturally, it must serve the "Great Figures."
Still... a hotel with such a distinct personality... wouldn't that just make it even more attractive to Secret Diggers?
I had a feeling those death-defying Secret Digger outlaws would probably blow the place sky-high one day.
Even I felt a bit tempted to try.
Under the night lights, this hotel looked particularly magnificent. Perhaps it was a difference in perception, but it didn't feel high-end or sophisticated to me; instead, it felt a bit tacky. Did the people of this world also have such a fondness for shimmering gold?
Then again, considering that gold was the most sought-after precious metal in this world as well, it wasn't exactly surprising.
As the doors were pulled open, the greeting girls welcomed us with professional smiles. The scent of sweet air accompanied by soft background music hit me with a force that made me slightly uncomfortable, confirming that this was not my kind of place.
Moreover... it reminded me of an invitation I once had from Senior Sister Renata, that veteran member of the Witch Secret Realm Club. That meal hadn't been particularly pleasant.
I wondered if this hotel would satisfy me.
To judge whether a hotel's service is up to par, one naturally has to see if their waiters can serve a "country bumpkin" like me without disdain, allowing us to enjoy a pleasant dinner.
However, the first hurdle to eating here stopped us in our tracks.
Reservations. It was indeed a hassle without one. Their reasoning was that without time to prepare the seating, ingredients, and service arrangements, they couldn't maintain their high standards.
In the end, however, all these issues vanished under the temptation of extra money. Their "reasons" and "principles" amounted to nothing in the face of cash. To the wealthy, such things were nothing more than a joke.
We followed the waiter through the lobby. The floor, which looked like marble, gleamed under the lights. We stepped into something resembling an elevator; through the transparent glass, I watched the ground and buildings recede beneath my feet. It seemed they were taking us to a higher floor. During the ride, the waiter enthusiastically introduced the hotel's services until we finally reached our last-minute table.
It was a slightly lavish private room. After sitting down, I looked out the floor-to-ceiling window to my side; I could overlook the entire night scene at a glance. I had to admit, the night view here was beautiful.
"To be honest, do you like it here?" I looked at the freshly laid tableware and the bread-like appetizers. I reached out, tore off a piece, and took a bite.
"I don't..." Qiu Ruxin said, shaking her head.
"To be honest, I don't like it either. This is only my second time in a place like this. But I hope you can enjoy yourself a bit; after all, we did pay for it."
"I suppose..."
"Don't feel inferior. Those disdainful looks we got on the way in weren't your fault. I have to say, the service here is really subpar."
I sighed. To take my money and still give me looks of contempt over things even I wasn't clear about—I doubted a complaint to the hotel would do any good. The suggestion box was likely just for show.
"Um... Sister Xiao Han, can we not come here next time?"
"I wouldn't come back even if they invited me. The decor feels like they're just pleasing themselves, but the result is gaudy. It’s like it was specifically designed to fleece nouveau riche types and provincial landlords." I habitually pulled out a palm-sized object and checked the time. It had taken so long just to get from the entrance to the table; what a waste of time.
The object in my hand was this world's version of a mobile phone.
It wasn't even a touchscreen. Its primary function was making calls; any other features were just for show. No wonder electronic payments hadn't taken off here; there was simply no foundation for them.
I had originally hoped to use a phone to search for information, but it looked like I’d have to use a computer. Fortunately, I’d spent a fair bit of money on a decent setup; I just hoped the shopkeepers hadn't ripped me off.
I knew a thing or two about the PC building scene. If I found out I’d been cheated, I might just leave that place a little "gift" the next time I visited.
"Is that so? Sister Xiao Han, your description is... very apt." Qiu Ruxin gave a slight, soft laugh. After all... in a way, we were currently the nouveau riche ourselves.
That’s how it goes with the suddenly wealthy—suddenly possessing riches beyond their understanding, they don't even know how to squander it properly. Consequently, they often end up in ridiculous farces.
The table was covered with a snow-white linen cloth, and exquisite cutlery was arranged neatly. There even seemed to be some strange dining etiquette involved.
"Qiu Ruxin, do you drink?"
"No, I'm still a minor."
"A minor... then juice it is. I don't like alcohol much anyway." I looked at Qiu Ruxin. I hadn't realized she wasn't an adult yet. Thinking about it that way... those thugs deserved to die even more.
As we chatted briefly, the waiter regretfully set the expensive wine aside and poured us exquisitely packaged juice. The price, of course, was not cheap either.
As the courses arrived, the waiter introduced the evening's specialties in a soft, melodic voice. Each dish was placed before us like a work of art.
But no matter how much they talked them up, the taste was actually quite mediocre. They weren't even as delicious as some of the dishes in the Witch Academy cafeteria.
After all... if the food isn't good but you praise it to the heavens, the only ones who should feel embarrassed are the waiter and the chef.
When the waiter's expression soured under my sharp critique, I didn't bother wasting any more words on them.
The only thing about this dinner worth a compliment was the view outside the window.
Now that dinner was over, the most I could look forward to was the room. It shouldn't be too bad.
After finishing the meal, I took Qiu Ruxin for a short walk around the premises. The hotel offered quite a few services. Next time, I wouldn't choose the à la carte dining; it would be better to go to the buffet area. That way, I wouldn't have to deal with anyone's attitude, and I wouldn't even need a reservation.
Finding nothing particularly interesting, I hurried to our guest rooms. I had booked two separate suites for Qiu Ruxin and myself.
I was very satisfied with the room. It was fully equipped with all sorts of facilities, and its level of luxury was arguably more refined than the villas at the Witch Academy.
However, if I had to compare, the villa dorms at the Witch Academy felt more like a home; this place was just pure, high-end luxury.
I flopped onto the soft, king-sized bed. Having the whole thing to myself felt amazing!
After clearing my mind, I slowly opened my eyes and looked at the glass chandelier above. Everything felt a bit surreal.
I remembered that when I was checking in, the hotel's services weren't limited to just this. They apparently offered spa and massage services as well. I was tempted, as it was something I’d never experienced, but after some thought, I decided against it—unless the one doing the massage was Sister Bai.
Regardless, the room had a private bathroom, and there was a large tub inside, big enough for several versions of me to lie in.
Feeling the constant, slightly hot temperature of the water, I submerged myself completely. The sensation of being evenly enveloped and pressurized by the water was incredibly cathartic. It was so comfortable I almost didn't want to get out.
As expected, this was much better than a shower.
It was a pity I didn't have the chance or time to enjoy this every day... then again, maybe if I relaxed a bit more, I could actually make the time.
Time ticked by, but the water remained warm.
"Mmm~ I've been soaking a bit too long. Time to get out."
I stood up and stepped out of the tub. Water cascaded down my body; some droplets seemed reluctant to let go.
I grabbed a nearby bath towel and wrapped myself up. With a snap of my fingers, the excess water in my long, damp hair evaporated instantly.
However, I didn't dry myself completely. I mostly used the towel for my body.
While magic was convenient, some things didn't need to be done perfectly. Without a bit of moisture on the skin or hair, it would feel like the bath I just took was an illusion.
"Ah~ that's the stuff."
I stood before the mirror, looking at my pale arms. Because I had just soaked in the bath, they had a warm, pinkish hue, and my whole body was still radiating a faint mist of steam.
But being in just a towel felt a bit too suggestive. Looking at myself in the mirror, I felt a momentary daze; I rarely studied myself like this.
My long, silver-white hair was draped damply over my shoulders, and my blood-red eyes looked lazy and tired.
While my need for sleep had diminished, it didn't mean I didn't need it at all. I hadn't slept in a day; I definitely needed a good rest tonight.
Just as I was about to swap the towel for the nightgown I’d bought today, the phone I’d tossed aside began to ring.
"Hmm?"
I picked it up. I really didn't like this phone that could only make calls. Besides, it was a new phone; almost no one knew my number.
When I looked at the screen, I saw... it was Qiu Ruxin. Not a surprise at all. I’d almost expected an insurance telemarketer.
"Hello? Qiu Ruxin, we're just across the hall from each other. Is a phone call really necessary?" I said. Immediately, a string of language I couldn't understand came from the other end.
Hearing that familiar voice but unfamiliar language, I sighed and rubbed my forehead. Right, the phone didn't allow for direct consciousness communication.
This call was essentially pointless.
I quickly pulled on a loose nightgown and opened the door.
The moment the door opened, I saw Qiu Ruxin, who was just about to knock.
"I'm sorry, Sister Xiao Han. I forgot about that," Qiu Ruxin said, holding her phone.
"It's fine. I didn't think it through either. Did you need something?"
"Um... Sister Xiao Han... can I... can I sleep with you? I'm a little scared sleeping alone..."
"Sleep together?" I looked at Qiu Ruxin, my head instinctively leaning back. "I think I'll pass. If you're scared, I can set up some spells for you. No bad guys will dare come near tonight."
The main thing was that Qiu Ruxin was still a minor! I screamed internally.
Besides, I have a girlfriend! How could I sleep with another girl?
"Eh? But... Sister Xiao Han, didn't you say you needed me to help teach you the language and writing? And the computer terminal... it'll be hard to use if you can't read."
"That's true, but it's very late now. Let's leave those things for tomorrow." I patted Qiu Ruxin's small head. Seeing her persistence, I didn't know what else to say.
I couldn't just give her a blunt rejection, could I?
"Okay... Sister Xiao Han, did you just take a bath? You smell so good..." As Qiu Ruxin spoke, her nose twitched slightly.
"Yeah, I suggest you go try it too. It's very relaxing." I instinctively tightened the collar of my nightgown. I felt like Qiu Ruxin's attitude toward me was a bit... off.
It couldn't be that in this world, relationships between girls were encouraged, could it? Why did it feel like Qiu Ruxin's orientation was a bit questionable?
Maybe I was overthinking it. After all, she was just a lonely, love-starved little girl with a withdrawn personality. It was understandable that she didn't want to sleep alone.
Perhaps I was just being too sensitive. Being someone with a girlfriend and a strong sense of self-discipline, I tended to overthink things.
After going over to help Qiu Ruxin set up several protective measures in her room, I left under her lingering gaze.
Back in my own room, the space felt a bit empty and boring. I had already scanned this room when I first entered; fortunately, there were no hidden devices. A girl has to protect herself when she's out, after all.
I didn't want to come to this world only to have some lewd hidden-camera video taken of me. If that ever happened... I think the destruction of this world would be a very fitting end for it.
When I was setting up the measures for Qiu Ruxin, I was also checking for such devices, but there were none, which was a relief.
Once that was done, I set up similar measures in my own room, though I focused more on early-warning systems. Compared to the lethality of these traps, I had more confidence in my own strength.
The night passed without incident. It was the most peaceful sleep I’d had in a while. When I woke up in the morning, I felt full of energy. However... checking the time, it seemed it was still the early hours of the dawn.
As my physical fitness improved, my rest efficiency had also increased, naturally reducing the amount of sleep I needed.
Though it was a bit surprising, I accepted the fact.
At worst, I could just meditate after waking up. As for body tempering, I remembered there was a gym here. I wondered if there was a private yoga studio or something similar where I could practice my Ritual War Dance.
By the time I finished my meditation, it was already morning. I pulled back the curtains just in time to see the rising sun.
I wondered if Qiu Ruxin was awake yet.
She had slept until noon yesterday; adding last night to that, she should be fully rested. I was quite looking forward to what we had planned for today.
After finishing my morning routine, I pushed open the door to go call Qiu Ruxin, but her door "coincidentally" opened at the exact same time.
"Sister Xiao Han... what a, what a coincidence..."
"Yes, what a coincidence," I replied with a smile. I didn't mention that even without using Spirit Vision, my mental power was enough to know she had been waiting by the door.
"Come on, let's go see how the breakfast is here."