in Qingyang City, Tao Yao's residence.
A flash of light appeared, and the system sprite Xiao Xiao suddenly jumped out.
She looked panicked, her voice urgent and excited.
"Master! It's bad! Something big has happened!"
Tao Yao was leisurely sipping tea and seemed to have anticipated Xiao Xiao's sudden appearance.
She slowly set down her teacup, her expression still calm, and looked at Xiao Xiao with serene eyes.
"Speak, what happened?"
Tao Yao's voice was gentle and peaceful, showing no signs of panic.
Xiao Xiao's tiny wings flapped frantically as she anxiously flew back and forth.
"Master, many players are hating you right now! There are all sorts of criticisms online targeting you, saying you're a villain and shouldn't be redeemed…"
Seeing that Tao Yao's expression remained calm, Xiao Xiao became even more anxious, stamping her feet.
"Master, why aren't you worried at all? This is a big deal!"
"Ugh, I can't explain it clearly. You should see for yourself…"
Saying this, Xiao Xiao waved her hand.
Soon, a virtual screen appeared in front of Tao Yao.
The screen displayed various comments scrolling by:
"Firmly against redeeming Tao Yao! A villain should be a villain!"
"Are you overthinking it? Tao Yao is obviously a role where the appearance is sweet but hidden darkness; how could such a character be redeemed?"
"Her tone towards the main character is very gentle, but her actions behind the scenes are indeed dark."
Looking at these comments, Xiao Xiao expressed her discontent.
"These players are too hateful! Master, you clearly haven't done anything wrong, but they keep saying more and more absurd things, insisting you're the bad guy. They say you look sweet on the outside but are actually dark inside; they're so tired of this kind of character!"
After hearing this, Tao Yao let out a gentle sigh.
Her expression remained composed, but a hint of helplessness flickered in her eyes: "It's okay, this isn't a big deal. We just need to do what we must."
"But…"
Xiao Xiao wanted to say more but was interrupted by Tao Yao.
"There's no but."
Tao Yao's tone was firm yet calm, "By the way, how much is my popularity value now?"
Popularity value is a special indicator that can only be gained when players genuinely like a character and display concrete affectionate behavior.
As the game's popularity continues to rise, Tao Yao's popularity will naturally increase correspondingly.
Last time it was only a few hundred popularity points; after some time, it must have grown.
Upon hearing Tao Yao's question, Xiao Xiao immediately checked the data, her tone suddenly filled with excitement.
"Master, your popularity value has accumulated over 5,000! It seems a lot of people really like you!"
However.
When Tao Yao heard this number, she seemed somewhat indifferent.
She knew very well that this popularity was likely due to some players' infatuation with her physical appearance.
Although this is also a form of genuine affection.
And sincere affection is the source of popularity.
But being desired for her looks is clearly not what she hoped to see the most.
Nonetheless, Tao Yao understood that having some popularity is better than having none.
The higher the popularity, the more beneficial changes she could make to the game as perceived by players.
It creates a positive cycle: popularity brings influence, and influence can in turn bring more popularity.
The corners of Tao Yao's mouth slightly lifted, revealing a faint smile.
She knew that as long as she could maintain this momentum, she could gradually realize her plans.
Regardless of how players view her now.
As long as she ultimately achieves her objective, these temporary troubles are nothing to worry about.
"Xiao Xiao."
Tao Yao said softly, "Keep an eye on the players' reactions but don't worry too much about negative comments. We just need to do what we must."
"Understood, Master!"
Xiao Xiao replied respectfully and then disappeared into the air.
Tao Yao picked up her teacup again and gently took a sip.
At that moment, the maid Shiro slowly approached.
She slightly bent forward and respectfully said:
"Miss Tao Yao, are we going to the orphanage this week?"
Hearing this, Tao Yao's lips curled into a gentle smile as she nodded lightly:
"Of course, it's our weekly routine."
Now, Tao Yao's publicly known identity.
To the people of the orphanage, she is a kind and helpful mysterious older sister.
She is elegant, kind, and helpful, the perfect image in their hearts.
However, all of this is just a facade.
According to the originally planned plot trajectory.
Tao Yao is indeed, as players guessed, a typical "sweet facade but dark inside" character.
She appears glamorous on the outside but hides darkness within.
Although that dark side hasn't fully manifested.
It is precisely because of this subtle darkness that she has caught the attention of the fairy will.
And it is due to being invaded by the fairy will that Tao Yao fell into a state of losing control.
In the original story, she would eventually become a target for the main character's team to hunt down, becoming a permanent boss in the internal test version's dungeon, challenged by players time and again.
And now, none of this has happened.
But that doesn't mean that Tao Yao's heart isn't dark.
Anyway, Tao Yao's heart is definitely not pure white.
If it were otherwise, she wouldn't be plotting how to "stab" those players.
But before that, she must maintain her beautiful facade.
Just like now, regularly visiting the orphanage to see the children, bringing gifts and care.
Although these actions are to maintain her persona.
It cannot be denied that there is also a sincere emotion within Tao Yao herself.
Because before her rebirth and transmigration, she too was an orphan.
Those difficult years still leave a deep imprint in her heart to this day.
"Shiro."
Tao Yao said softly, "Prepare some gifts. Buy some new toys and dolls. I remember there are a few children who especially want these."
"Understood, Miss."
Shiro respectfully replied and then turned to leave to prepare the gifts.
Not long after, Tao Yao brought Shiro to the orphanage in Qingyang City.
They carried large and small bags of gifts, wearing warm smiles on their faces.
As soon as the doors of the orphanage opened, a group of children excitedly ran out.
One little girl, about six or seven years old, ran over joyfully as soon as she saw Tao Yao.
"Sister Tao Yao!"
The little girl happily called out, jumping into Tao Yao's arms.
Tao Yao smiled and crouched down, gently stroking the little girl's hair, "Little Jiajia, it's been a while. Look, Sister brought you new toys!"
Little Jiajia's eyes lit up instantly, excitedly gazing at the gift bag in Tao Yao's hands.
Tao Yao smiled tenderly as she handed a beautiful cloth doll to Little Jiajia.
"Wow! So pretty! Thank you, Sister Tao Yao!"
Little Jiajia hugged the doll and spun around happily.
The other children gathered around as well, and Tao Yao patiently handed out gifts to each child, kindly inquiring about their recent lives and studies.
Her smile was warm, and her demeanor elegant.
However.
At the same time that Tao Yao was happily interacting with the children.
At the gate of Qingyang City, three young people were slowly walking into the city.
These three were the trio from the game "Fairy Journey": Jasmine, Violet, and Hiyakura.
As they walked, Jasmine couldn't help but complain, "I really don't understand. Clearly, the mission has ended, and we were all ready to go back to the academy. Yet suddenly the principal wanted us to change our plans and rush here. Who knows what this commission is about."
Violet responded calmly, "The Dawn Land has been unstable recently. Our Manzhuhua Academy is stationed here, so we naturally have an obligation to help them with some troubles."
After speaking, Violet turned to Hiyakura beside her, apologizing slightly, "Sorry! I originally wanted to bring you back to the academy to take the systematic extraordinary courses, but now, I have to take you along to execute this mission."
Hiyakura shook her head, her smile appearing gentle.
"It's fine; I'm actually quite excited to be able to execute a mission with you. Plus, looking at it from another angle, this is also a rare learning opportunity."
Hearing Hiyakura's response, Violet broke into an appreciative smile.
She continued, "Hiyakura, by the way… you've probably never been to this city, right?"
"Qingyang is the most prosperous city among the four main cities of the Dawn Land. Since it hasn't faced disaster beasts for a long time, it's not nearly as dead as Liuguang."
"If you haven't been here, you can stroll around and have a good time; perhaps you'll gain a clearer understanding of what we need to protect."
"Next, Jasmine and I need to prepare a bit to meet some graduates from the academy, then meet with the lord of Qingyang City."
Violet added, "During this time, you have enough time to explore the city. Once you've had enough fun, you can come back to find us."
Hiyakura nodded in agreement, her eyes shining with curiosity.
She couldn't wait to explore this unfamiliar city and learn about the people and culture here.
And so, the three went their separate ways.
Violet and Jasmine went to make some necessary preparations.
While Hiyakura began her exploration journey in Qingyang City.
She strolled along the streets of Qingyang City, feeling the unique atmosphere of this city.
The architectural styles on both sides of the street were unique, blending classical charm with modern vibes.
Passersby came and went, their faces full of happy smiles.
This place was indeed much more vibrant than Liuguang City.
At that moment, her attention was caught by a particular building.
It was an orphanage.
At this moment, the entrance was bustling, as if some activity was ongoing.
Out of curiosity, Hiyakura walked a bit closer.
And then.
She encountered Tao Yao, who was playing with the children.