Chapter 918: MISTLETOE VILLAGE

HUANG WEN stared at the huge pine trees as the sled he and Ying Chen were travelling on passed through this forest filled with giant pine trees. When Ying Chen told him that they would go to this island that only opened during Christmas, he didn't really think much and just agreed.

He still didn't know much about this game even though it was more than a week since he started. As evidence of his still low level. But what could he do, he's not the type to be interested in video games and such. Even when both Ying Chen and Liang Sen were telling him to play, he didn't even give the game a look.

So, why now? What exactly changed? He didn't even have to think hard to know the answer. It's because of that damn rumor circulating, not only in his class, but in the whole school.

It's about how Luo Yan was actually the player named 'Noctis'. His curiosity about the truth of that rumor led him into playing this game. No, actually the thing that really pushed him to play this game was after he saw the avatar of the captain of the team 'Noctis' was supposed to be a part of.

The guy looked so jarringly similar to the person who visited Luo Yan at school. He could still remember the cold blue eyes of the other as he looked at him with no emotion. It was the total opposite of how the other looked at Luo Yan.

He could still clearly picture the image of the standing together, looking at each other's eyes as if they were in their own world.

For some reason, Huang Wen absolutely hated that image.

So, when he saw the avatar of that player named YUN, it was the final push for him to play Arcadia. Not because he was interested in the game, but because he wanted to investigate if Luo Yan was indeed 'Noctis'.

And then, there was that weird announcement video that YUN released just a few days ago. About his devotion to his partner, even saying that embarrassing thing about how he's willing to have his thing cut off if he every betrayed his partner.

Huang Wen really didn't care about that little announcement. What he was worried about was the weird feeling that welled up inside him while he was watching it. That nagging feeling that the announcement was somehow related to Luo Yan.

He knew that was such a crazy thought to even have. Like ordinary people would definitely not even think on that direction. Why would they when that YUN barely mentioned any names? But despite that, his brain still believed that he was right.

What if YUN was actually talking about Noctis? Or worse, what if Luo Yan was indeed 'Noctis'? these two questions kept circling around his mind like a pin wheel that refused to stop spinning.

And then, he saw that promotional video earlier. Seeing Noctis wearing normal casual clothes, his resemblance to Luo Yan became even more uncanny.

"Ah Wen, look, aren't they pretty?"

Ying Chen's voice brought Huang Wen back to the present. He turned to the other sitting beside him. Ying Chen was looking at the pine trees with sparkling eyes. The bubbling irritation inside him was somehow abated by that. Although it's still a bit weird seeing the other in this avatar form of his.

Still, he was glad that at least Ying Chen was having fun. It would probably be better if Liang Sen had gone with them. At least, the atmosphere would be livelier with the other around. Ying Chen was probably also getting bored with his company. The other would have probably been happier if Liang Sen was the one with him.

"Ying Chen, if you ever feel bored, tell me so we can end the tour," he couldn't help but say.

Ying Chen's expression seemed to crack when he said that. But it was only for the briefest second so he thought that it might just be his imagination.

"No way, we're going to finish this tour," Ying Chen said. "Besides, how could I be bored when I'm with you."

The other mumbled that last part that Huang Wen almost didn't hear it. He scratched his cheek, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"So, where are we going next?" he just asked.

"To the Mistletoe Village."

----------

Luo Yan looked around the tiny village. The huts were all small and dainty. It was obvious that this was the home of the Christmas elves. The village was, of course, filled with beautiful Christmas decorations. One could say that just by stepping in her, one could immediately feel the spirit of Christmas.

It also looked quite magical, with all the snows and the lights around. So, going around would definitely be a delight.

But that's not what he was interested in. He was interested with the mysterious mistletoe. It was the reason why this village was called the Mistletoe Village. Because there was a mistletoe that kept evading visitors.

Yes, that's right. It kept hiding and moving as if it was a real NPC. There was a legend among the residents of Yule Island that if a visiting couple found the mistletoe and shared a kiss under it, their love would be bless and the would be happy forever.

Of course, he knew it's not real a real legend since it was just a scenario made by the game devs. But still, wouldn't it be fun and interesting to search for that mistletoe and show to everyone that he and Shen Ji Yun was Arcadia's couple of the year?f????????????????????????????????ѵ????????.????????????

"Let's go and find that mistletoe, Brother Ji Yun," he said with determination.

Shen Ji Yun stared at the other. Even though there's a mask covering half of Luo Yan's face, he could still imagine the cute determined expression he must have right now. He resisted the urge to remove Luo Yan's mask just so he could see that.

He just smiled and held the other's hand. "Okay, let's go."