[Congratulations on obtaining "Lifespan +60 days," automatically redeemed]
...
[Congratulations on obtaining "Memory Recall Capsule*1," automatically stored]
[Congratulations on obtaining "Expert Climbing," automatically learned]
[Memory Recall Capsule Details: An impressively vivid first crime scene that remains fresh in memory no matter how much time passes—it can even help you recall criminal details from that time to construct more perfect lies and testimony.]
[Expert Climbing Details: The ideal choice for flawless escape from crime scenes, the best partner for arson and murder. Allows more covert infiltration into crime scenes and quicker getaways.]
Xiao He had exceptionally good luck this time, obtaining a total of one hundred lifespan days along with one item and one skill.
To be honest, Xiao He was somewhat surprised to find items in this prize pool. The lottery system was more complex than he had imagined. Though these prizes... were rather hard to describe.
The Memory Recall Capsule could help recall imperceptibly fine details from past memories after consumption—for example, immediately remembering the arrangement of shoes by the door when leaving home on a certain day, or even which hand was used to wipe after using the toilet (though we normally use toilet paper).
If a student obtained this capsule, they'd probably treasure it like gold, saving it for the college entrance exams. But for Xiao He, it wasn't particularly useful. His memory was already quite good, and having grown accustomed to memorizing scripts daily, he had no need to recall events in such detail. This disposable consumable held no current value for him; he preferred to stockpile it.
As for "Expert Climbing"... it might prove somewhat useful during filming, perhaps? Maybe he could try crime action films next, listing "proficient in free solo climbing" on his resume—directors might find that interesting...
Xiao He rested his chin on his hand, seriously considering the feasibility of this idea.
Before he knew it, the year was coming to an end.
On the 31st, the film crew granted a half-day holiday so everyone could enjoy New Year's Eve. Coincidentally, Xiao He's roommate He Junhao had moved to a new place and invited Xiao He over for a New Year's Eve dinner. Thus, Xiao He declined other invitations from the crew and prepared to meet up with He Junhao.
After notifying the director in advance, Xiao He discreetly left the set.
But shortly after exiting the Republican-era film set area, Xiao He encountered someone rather unexpected—Xu Youyou.
Though they had been filming at the same studio, Xiao He hadn't seen her since the last incident. Perhaps because the previous stalker incident had been so frightening, Xu Youyou now had two black-clad bodyguards accompanying her.
Since Xiao He was wearing sunglasses and a mask, Xu Youyou didn't notice him. Instead, one of the bodyguards vigilantly locked eyes with him.
Startled, Xiao He quickly averted his gaze and walked past nonchalantly.
He recognized the aura—this bodyguard likely had a shady background!
A black Bentley slowly approached from ahead, passing Xiao He before stopping in front of Xu Youyou.
The car window rolled down. Upon seeing the occupant, Xu Youyou forced a smile and spoke softly to them. Then Xiao He saw a hand reach out from the window to adjust Xu Youyou's hat, tucking stray hairs behind her ear.
Xu Youyou's smile stiffened momentarily, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she opened the car door and got in, followed by the two bodyguards. The car then drove off.
Xiao He sucked in a breath pensively.
Was that Su Shengxi in the car? It didn't seem like it... Nor did it appear to be Xu Youyou's personal vehicle.
How peculiar...
"Brother Xiao!"
He Junhao stood at the intersection ahead, waving excitedly at Xiao He.
Xiao He turned his attention away and looked up at He Junhao jogging over with a camera. "You came all the way here?" he asked, surprised.
He Junhao grinned. "Perfect timing—I can get some extra footage."
Xiao He glanced at the camera. "You're recording now?"
"Yep! Do you mind, Brother Xiao?"
"Not at all." By now, Xiao He was accustomed to cameras and even greeted the lens proactively: "Hello everyone, I'm actor Xiao He."
"And my best buddy—my college roommate who shared a bunk bed with me for three years!" He Junhao proudly announced, slinging an arm over Xiao He's shoulders.
Xiao He broke out in a cold sweat. "Who shared a bed with you? At most, we slept foot-to-foot. Don't make it sound so gross."
He Junhao declared righteously, "Then answer me this: Did we use the same ladder for our bunk bed? When you moved around up there, could I feel it too?"
Xiao He: "?"
Did a dirty joke just roll past them?
"Get lost. Immediately. Don't ruin my image."
He Junhao clutched his chest dramatically. "Wuwu, Brother Xiao, you've changed! How could you be so cold-hearted—"
Xiao He pretended to stroke his chin thoughtfully. "Since you put it that way, shouldn't we properly calculate my appearance fee?"
"Nooo,Supreme!" He Junhao instantly switched to groveling mode. "How could mere money shake the bond between father and son? I implore you to reconsider, lest filthy lucre corrupt our sacred paternal relationship."
Xiao He snorted. "We'll see how you perform. I'm hungry—hurry up and feed me!"
"Yes, yes! This way, Supreme!" He Junhao obsequiously ushered Xiao He forward like a eunuch attendant.
Since this was for video content, Xiao He played along with He Junhao's banter the entire way. Fortunately, their rapport was excellent, keeping the conversation flowing naturally. They chatted all through the ride until arriving at He Junhao's new apartment complex.
He Junhao had rented a relatively new apartment in a middle-class residential area—close to the subway but distant from commercial districts. Most residents were working professionals who returned only to sleep at night. He Junhao had chosen this place for its semi-open kitchen layout and relatively quiet filming environment.
The gated community strictly controlled access, ensuring security and privacy. The only downside was that food delivery personnel weren't permitted entry, requiring residents to pick up orders at the gate.
"Make yourself at home!" He Junhao opened the door and gestured for Xiao He to enter.
Xiao He removed his hat and mask, taking in the apartment's layout. It had three bedrooms and a living room, plus a very large semi-open kitchen. The overall decor was minimalist, though the pile of delivery boxes by the entrance disrupted the simplicity with mild clutter.
The living room table was already set up with hotpot ingredients—all they needed to do was turn on the stove and start cooking.
But before that, He Junhao brought out a perfectly intact human skull replica and placed it on the table. "Not just hotpot today—I also made this!"
Xiao He jumped. "What the hell is that?"
I come over as a guest, and you serve me a head?