Chapter 16 Draw a Card, Find an NPC
+8 Pearls
Who knew if the NPCs they’d draw would be helpful or troublesome? What if they ended up assigning incredibly difficult tasks?
“Who are the NPCs?” Levi asked softly.
“Who else could they be? Obviously, they’re people from this Downtown Village, Taylor interjected without hesitation.
Indigo chuckled, “That’s right, they’re all villagers here. Each of them has a distinct description.”
“If you carefully read the cards, you’ll be able to figure it out.”
This activity was somewhat like a murder mystery game.
They needed to locate the characters described in the storyline before receiving their tasks.
“Ms. Ashen, Mr. Finley, why don’t you go first?” Tiana suggested graciously, addressing the two senior participants.
No one objected.
“Yes, Ms. Ashen, and Mr. Finley, you two should choose first,” the others chimed in.
Since everyone insisted, Ashen and Finley didn’t refuse. As seniors, it would have been awkward to argue about it. Finley made a gentlemanly gesture, inviting Ashen to go ahead.
Ashen smiled and said, “Then I won’t hold back.”
She casually picked a card from Indigo’s hand.
The description read, “She is Lily, an assassin who disappeared from the martial world long ago. She is also the leader of the Lotus Sect, identifiable by the lotus flower mark on her forehead…”
“This description seems pretty obvious. Can I really find someone like this in the village?”
Indigo nodded, “The NPCs are all active within Downtown Village.”
Next, it was Finley’s turn.
His card’s description was even more distinct, “He is the Immortal of Wine, carrying his bottle at his waist, roaming the world carefree…”
“I got the Wine Immortal. Ashen, should we team up to look?”
“Sure,” Ashen agreed. Walking together would spare them from getting involved in the younger participants‘ disputes.
After the two seniors left, Taylor wasted no time picking a card for herself.
She read the description out loud, then urged Tiana to draw one.
Encouraged by Taylor, Tiana chose a card as well.
“Tiana, let’s go together,” Taylor suggested after glancing at Tiana’s card, finding the task relatively simple.
Tiana instinctively looked at Isabelle. “Isabelle, should we wait for you and go together?”
Before Isabelle could respond, Taylor frowned in annoyance.
“Tiana, why wait for her? Isabelle can figure it out herself!”
“Let’s go! The sooner we finish our task, the better!”
Taylor grabbed Tiana’s arm and practically dragged her away, leaving Isabelle behind.
“Isabelle, you go first,” Levi said politely.
Without hesitation, Isabelle stepped forward and drew a card, leaving the last one for Levi.
3:55 PM
Chapter 16 Draw a Card, Find an NPC
“What does your card say, Isabelle?” Levi asked curiously after reading his own card aloud.
+8 Pearls
“Thirty years ago, she was the famed courtesan of Deci Pavilion. Out of jealousy, someone scarred her face. Ever since, she’s worn a veil and refused to show her true appearance”
“My NPC should be easy to identify–just look for someone with a veil and a scar,” Levi said confidently.
Isabelle remained silent, glancing at her own card.
He is a gambler who frequently visits gambling dens. To avoid debt collectors, he often disguises himself as a street vendor but remains addicted to gambling…
“Isabelle’s task seems a bit tougher. What kind of features does a gambler have?” Levi asked, scratching his head after reading her card.
“Disguised as a street vendor but still gambling–it sounds like he’s running a stall while gambling on the side,” Isabelle speculated.
That seemed to be the case. In a place like this, gambling likely involved simple card games or dice among laborers and small–time workers.
“Isabelle, should we…”
Levi was about to suggest teaming up when his manager, standing off–camera, frantically signaled him to stop.
Levi, being an up–and–coming idol, had once been allowed to cozy up to Isabelle because of her Powell family background.
But now, Isabelle had been disowned by the Powells and burdened with the Frye family’s mess. Associating with her could only bring trouble.
Levi’s manager worried Isabelle might use Levi as a stepping stone.
Isabelle’s reputation had been deteriorating lately, and sticking close to her wouldn’t do Levi any favors.
Seeing his manager’s insistence, Levi hesitated, embarrassed.
Isabelle noticed his discomfort and found it amusing. This kid still has a lot to learn. Why try to chase girls if you’re this easily flustered?
Recognizing he didn’t dare defy his manager, Isabelle smiled. “Let’s split up and search separately.”
Levi nodded eagerly. “Sure, that’s a good idea.”
After agreeing, he regretted not insisting more. He slapped his forehead. Why didn’t I try harder?
The two went their separate ways, but Isabelle overheard Levi’s manager lecturing him.
“What were you thinking? Didn’t I tell you to stay away from Isabelle? Do you want her to latch onto you? Are you really that captivated by her looks? Did you forget her current situation? You’re here to boost your popularity, not to date on company time! If you pull something like this again, I’ll have you pulled from the show–understand?”
Levi’s head drooped. “I get it. I won’t do it again. I just thought she could use some help since she’s alone.”
His manager poked him in the forehead. “Help her? How do you know she’s not playing the damsel in distress card on purpose? Use your brain. Stick to singing and dancing–you’re not cut out for playing mind games with others.”
The manager seemed exasperated, fretting over his star’s naivety.
Levi weakly defended Isabelle. “I don’t think she’s the scheming type.”
“You don’t think? What do you know?”
The scolding continued until they noticed Isabelle walking up beside them.
It wasn’t until Parker nudged them that they realized her presence. Both Levi and his manager looked awkward.
2/3
Chapter 16 Draw a Card, Find an NPC
+8 Pearls
They weren’t even officially filming yet, and Levi still needed a touch–up. Who would’ve thought Isabelle would double back?
“Isabelle, are you here for a touch–up too?” Levi asked instinctively.
Isabelle shot him a glance. “Yes, for a touch–up.”
Of course, she didn’t need one–she hadn’t even worn makeup that day. Her skin was so flawless it made the makeup artists envious.
But Lennon had insisted, arguing that since everyone else wore makeup, Isabelle going without might make others uncomfortable.
“Alright, we’re done here,” Levi said hastily, dragging his manager out.
They had no choice but to leave–it was too awkward.
Isabelle walked past them and headed straight to the makeup room.
The makeup artists, who had been packing up, froze for a moment when they saw her. They had been gossiping about Isabelle just moments ago.
“Do you think Isabelle really pushed that old lady next door?”
