Chapter 64: The Gap Between Hearts, the Distance Between People
Soon after the three of them went upstairs, various sounds like water flow kept hitting the ears of Allen, who was leaning silently on the s
Soon after the three of them went upstairs, various sounds like water flow kept hitting the ears of Allen, who was leaning silently on the stairs:
Senis's roar at the top of her lungs;
The sound of kneeling on the ground;
Apologies spoken through crying;
Senis rushing toward the door;
Fabric being tugged;
The sound of her thrashing Paul;
Rudy's voice begging Senis;
Their true thoughts about the family;
Kowtows and promises of repentance;
And finally, Rudy asking Senis to pass judgment.
Then, silence.
Allen pinched his palm, trying to calm himself.
Ten minutes passed in silence.
Senis began to cry—first with soft sobs, then painful wails, then hoarse, broken sounds.
The Greyrat family's cheating incident finally came to an end.
Senis did not choose to leave.
Allen exhaled deeply, returned to the dining table, poured himself some water, and tried to slow his heartbeat.
Family drama.
So thrilling.
——
It was an hour later when the crying stopped.
During this time, Allen had called out to the system many times, expecting a score, but received no reply. He was confused.
Finally, footsteps echoed on the stairs. Lilia supported Senis as they descended. Paul followed behind, scratching his head as if he had narrowly escaped death. When he saw Allen, even he looked a bit ashamed and didn't know where to place his gaze.
Eventually, Paul straightened up, trying to help Senis—only to be slapped away by her red-eyed glare.
He quickly looked away, embarrassed.
Allen smirked internally and glanced at Senis, whose eyes were swollen like walnuts. Lilia stood beside her, clearly guilt-ridden, her eyes equally red.
"Although I relied on my knowledge from novels to help Lilia, this still feels like I went against fate. They've become like sisters now? Senis is too kind. I don't know how many lifetimes Paul must've cultivated to get this blessing."
Allen reached out to assist Senis, but instead, she hugged him.
??
Allen froze. He blinked, awkwardly patting Senis on the shoulder as he looked at Rudy for answers.
Rudy smiled with squinted eyes.
Allen turned to Paul.
Paul scratched his head and finally said, "We told Senis what you said earlier. Allen, you really helped a lot."
Allen was about to respond with something modest when Lilia suddenly joined the hug, embracing both Senis and Allen.
Paul hesitated for a moment, then awkwardly joined the group hug. Seeing that Senis didn't push him away, he relaxed.
Rudy chuckled at the side and winked at Allen, giving him a thumbs-up.
Finally, Senis spoke.
"Thank you, Allen. Really, thank you."
Allen tried to smile, but couldn't manage it.
That same strange feeling returned.
It reminded him of when he met Luo Qixi again in the forest. It was a feeling of complete immersion.
This wasn't a game, nor a story—this was a life. A world he was truly part of.
Warm arms. Earnest words. An indescribable sensation burned quietly in his chest.
After a while, he replied, "You're welcome."
A system prompt appeared.
\[There is only one path to 20 points, and the host is on this road.]
\[You have facilitated Paul and Lilia's self-salvation and restored Senis's dignity. You've won the gratitude of everyone.]
\[Evaluation: When the gap between hearts is closed, the distance between family members disappears.]
\[Childhood participation increased.]
\[Current stage: Childhood. Cumulative participation score: 90 points.]
\[It may seem like only one step remains, but often the most critical step is the hardest to take.]
\[Good luck, host.]
——
Allen was thanked by Senis, Lilia, Paul, and even Rudy, who came over and thumped him on the waist with a "Well done, Master Allen."
But he only felt dazed.
Even at midnight, Allen still sat in a trance at the table.
Before him was a wrinkled letter, its handwriting faint in the candlelight.
---
*Dear Allen,*
I'm sorry, I thought I made a typo, but it seems to be just an illusion. I don't have new letter paper, so I have to continue writing on this one.
Let's get back to the point!
It's been four months since we parted. I've been traveling from Liget City along Asura's border. Only recently, after settling temporarily in Usir Territory, did I have the chance to write to you.
Sadly, I probably won't get your reply before I move again.
Ah, you must want to write me a letter too, right?
Anyway, I started writing, even if I mess up, I'll keep going—this is my only sheet of paper.
Next, I plan to pass through the Red Dragon's Jaw to adventure near the Wanglong Mountains. Don't worry, I won't go to the disputed zones. If you're not worried, just ignore this.
Red Dragon's Jaw is near a dense forest, where in autumn, the leaves turn red and yellow like flames. It reminds me of the forest where I met you. Those leaves were green, but beautiful in the firelight.
I think Red Dragon's Jaw must be just like that.
When I pass by, I'll collect some leaves for you.
Today is September 30th. I hope this letter reaches you by your birthday.
It's your tenth birthday now, isn't it?
Haha, I often forget that you're still so young.
I've included a birthday gift. I gave Rudy a wand when he turned five and an amulet later. For you, I hesitated a long time and ended up buying a magic stone necklace from a vendor.
It's blue—I guessed you might like that color.
The craftsmanship isn't great; the rope's a bit crooked. But it's the best I could find. Please don't dislike it.
That's all for now. Every time I pick up the pen, I feel like I have more to say, but when I write, it's hard to find the words.
*Alan, how have you been?*
When I settle down again, I'll write to you.
By then, I hope you can write back too.
*—Luo Qixi*
---
Allen read the letter again, pulled out the necklace from his collar.
The blue magic stone sparkled faintly in the candlelight.
Simple, yes, but warm.
"Did she really buy this from a vendor? Or... did she make it herself?"
He thought of Luo Qixi's calm tone in her letters. Probably not a lie—but who knows?
He watched the stone reflect firelight, silent.
"Immersion. Both times it happened because of the butterfly effect. The original plot wasn't this moving."
Senis crying in his arms, Paul patting him with heartfelt thanks—he saw it again in his mind.
He picked up a memo from the drawer and reread it.
"Big Transfer"
"Senis Trapped"
"Paul Died"
Then he added a line:
"Let go of the helping complex, respect the fate of the character."
As the candle burned out, darkness swallowed the room.
...
A short, cold sneer echoed.
Allen lit another candle.
His voice was cold.
"Helping complex? Respecting the character?"
"…Hypocrisy."
He crossed out the line.
And rewrote three words:
*"Future Vision."*
He leaned back, finally relaxing his shoulders.
The candlelight danced over his expression, indistinct.
Outside the window, it began to snow again.