Sparkle sighed in resignation, finally giving up the struggle. "Fine," she said. "If that's what you want to believe, it doesn't really matter."
Jiang Li immediately clapped her hands triumphantly. "I knew it! In this world, there's no such thing as a mysterious benefactor. You're more likely to have a system drop from the sky! So, what should I call you? Miss System? Miss Spirit?"
"Just call me Miss System," Sparkle replied casually.
Since Sparkle would be working with Jiang Li on the film project for an extended period, she couldn't avoid revealing her name indefinitely. But saying "Sparkle" would immediately expose her identity. After all, everyone knew that the Deputy Director of the Sakura Nation was "Miss Sparkle's dog."
So, rather than making up a new name on the spot, having Jiang Li address her as "Miss System" seemed perfectly reasonable.
Besides, from Jiang Li's perspective, Sparkle's actions at that moment really did resemble the workings of a system in some ways. She was helping Jiang Li selflessly, even though Sparkle had her own hidden motives. The assistance itself was undeniable.
Having made up her mind, Sparkle put one hand on her hip and said, "So, do you still want the System rewards? Do you still want Miss Robin's help? Then hurry up and study the script!"
Jiang Li nodded frantically, like a chicken pecking at grain. "Yes! I'll get right to it!"
"Alright, just call me if you need anything. I'll appear instantly," Sparkle said with a dismissive wave. Then, right in front of Jiang Li's eyes, she vanished into thin air.
Jiang Li stared in stunned silence for a moment, then muttered dazedly, "Huh... a System, huh? That makes perfect sense!"
In reality, Sparkle had left a Clone to tail Jiang Li while she slipped away to contemplate her next move: deciding what to eat later.
As she pondered her culinary options, a notification appeared before her—or rather, before all of her Clones:
Red Cape Hero: "Bad news, everyone! I think some weird, creepy thing is stalking me! What should I do?"
Red Cape Hero: "It might be a Ghost, a lingering obsession, or something else entirely. But the worst part is... it's gay! Attracted to my dashing looks! What if it tries to sneak into my room tonight?!"
Invincible Bro: "Seriously? Are you out of your mind? You've been rambling about this same thing for ages!"
Red Cape Hero: "I'm just scared, Big Boss! @Peace Dove, do you have any idea what's going on?"
This was the Shu Cat Chat Group. When Sparkle first saw the conversation, she paused in surprise before understanding what was happening.
She had originally thought that after her prank, Lü Heng would return, talk to Invincible Bro, explain the situation, and the joke would quickly be forgotten. But now, it seemed Lü Heng actually believed he was being haunted by a gay ghost! In a panic, he had turned to the chat group for help.
During the dimensional rift at the Spirit School, Firefly had left Lü Heng with the impression that she was a powerful figure. Since they were all friends in the chat group, his request for assistance wasn't entirely out of the blue.
However, in a way, Lü Heng's desperate plea had backfired, planting a new idea in Sparkle's mind.
Actually, she thought, one prank should have been enough. But seeing Lü Heng's frantic messages... wouldn't it be a waste of his 'expectations' if I didn't pull off a proper 'night raid' now?
Wait a minute, could this be a trap? Sparkle wondered. Are they deliberately luring me there, with the Bureau of Anomalous Investigations already setting up an ambush nearby?
But she quickly dismissed the idea. That seemed highly unlikely. After all, who would use a chat group to set up a trap?
The group members continued their conversation:
Shu Cat: "Gay ghost??? What the hell is that?"
Today I Want to Eat Soup Dumplings: "Same question! I'm so curious!!!"
Peace Dove: "Uh, I don't know what you're talking about, but if you encounter a ghost, just cut it down, right?"
Sparkle's response was quintessentially Firefly. Well, technically, it was Firefly speaking. Three bodies, one soul, all sharing the same account—it was perfectly logical.
The only difference was whether Sparkle or Firefly was typing with their mind.
Red Cape Hero: "But Big Boss, I'm not you! How am I supposed to cut it down?!"
Red Cape Hero: "What should I do? If things get dangerous, can I request backup? Please, Sister Peace!"
Shu Cat: "Get lost! The group member summoning feature isn't for trivial situations like this. Save it for a real life-or-death emergency!"
Seeing Shu Cat's message, Sparkle couldn't help but scratch her nose awkwardly. She had used the Chat Group's teleportation feature countless times, it had become second nature to her. Yet it seemed the others in the group had never used it, treating it as a last resort.
This was understandable. Summoning someone for help felt like imposing on them. Who would shamelessly keep asking others for favors or handouts? If she could handle it herself, it was always better that way.
Still, this revealed how genuinely scared Lü Heng was—or more specifically, how terrified he was of being sexually assaulted by a gay man.
After a moment's thought, she replied, "I'm sorry, I'm currently in Europe. It would be difficult to explain if I suddenly appeared in the Dragon Nation. But if your life is truly in danger, call me. I'll come back to help. We can deal with the consequences later."
Shu Cat: "Waaah, Sister Peace, you're so kind!"
Shu Cat: "@Red Cape Hero, how can you be so embarrassed? The worst that could happen is you get... taken? What's the big deal? Just endure it for a bit, it'll pass soon enough!"
Red Cape Hero: "No way! This isn't something I can just tough out! Family, can't you help me think of a solution?"
Today I Want to Eat Soup Dumplings: "Speaking of which, aren't gay guys supposed to hate women? Maybe... you could buy a life-sized silicone doll—the prettier the better—and put it by your front door like a guardian. That might scare them away!"
Invincible Bro: "Woah woah woah chill chill!"
Red Cape Hero: "Seriously? What kind of ridiculous idea is that? I don't even know if it would scare off gay guys, but I do know I'd die of embarrassment if I actually did that!"
Pfft! Sparkle, who had been lurking in the chat, finally burst out laughing. She typed:
Peace Dove: "It's okay! Look on the bright side—what if it's not a gay ghost at all? What if it's a beautiful girl ghost?"