Forgetfulness Bookstore is a 'domain' with its own consciousness.
It enjoys interacting with intelligent individuals who possess unique perspectives.
If you manage to defeat it in an argument on a certain point, it will grant you a special reward.
For example... Youxi's Translator's Earring.
Additionally, you can exchange 'memories' for some of its knowledge or assistance.
Professor Youge and Eric likely made a deal with the Bookstore.
However, the Bookstore's way of thinking is not human, so its methods of fulfilling promises are often bizarre and mischievous.
It's like a deal with the devil.
'Perhaps... I can observe Eric's situation to compare how much difference there is between the Forgetfulness Bookstore in the game and in reality...'
Li Andy pondered as he walked with Molly on his back.
Unconsciously, he arrived at a quiet spot under a tree.
This tree had lush branches and leaves, but to match the academy's overall mechanical art style, it was inlaid with many metal pieces, which made it lose much of its natural charm.
Li Andy placed Molly on the grass and estimated her weight... about 0.8 Youxi, and her touch was soft and light, like cotton candy.
Academy, old tree, young man, young girl... these words combined always make people think of many stories about youth.
"Alright, now tell me, what exactly happened?"
Li Andy sat to the side and silently inquired using soul threads.
Molly looked at him, then slowly lowered her head, replying internally:
"Teacher Youge, he seemed to have calculated something, then grabbed his head and shouted 'Impossible,' and then jumped off the building."
From an outsider's perspective, the two looked like a pair of introverted lovers, both waiting for the other to speak first.
"What about the suicide note? Did you really participate in Professor Youge's mysterious research?" Li Andy asked again.
Molly pondered for a few seconds, then replied meticulously:
"It might be related to the reverse research of blood coal crystal. A few days ago, he had me deduce some formulas. But he didn't tell me the content of the research, though I could infer what it was researching. Strictly speaking, I didn't directly participate; I was indirectly involved."
Li Andy couldn't help but raise an eyebrow:
"You actually saw blood coal crystal before me? Why didn't you tell me about this that night?"
"Was I supposed to?"
Molly looked up, her eyes clear.
Her way of thinking differs from ordinary people; she doesn't seem to understand sharing related matters, only giving partial answers to your questions.
Li Andy couldn't help but rub his forehead, knowing it was useless to scold her.
This was a problem with her thinking; it needed to be adjusted slowly.
He paused, reached out and ruffled the girl's head, and said in his mind:
"Next time... for important related matters, remember to organize them and tell me everything at once."
Molly looked at him, and in her clear eyes, the faint shadows of gears turned, as if this casual suggestion was being written into her underlying code, fresh and vivid:
"Mmm."
"Research on strategic resources is a troublesome matter... If anyone asks later, just continue to pretend you don't know. If you encounter suspicious people, call me immediately."
After Li Andy finished giving instructions, he prepared to get up, but unexpectedly, his coat corner was suddenly clutched by Molly.
The girl looked at him quietly, saying nothing, asking nothing. A ray of sunlight pierced through the branches, dappling her hair with emerald green, making her look even more pitiful and delicate.
Li Andy was silent for a few seconds, then spoke:
"You... actually don't have to be so cautious."
Molly was stunned for a few seconds, then finally nodded slightly:
"Mmm."
Li Andy took a deep breath, slowly sat back down, and reached out to hold the girl's hand that was clutching his coat corner.
The sunlight was just right, partially obscured by a few floating clouds, neither dazzling nor cold.
The two sat quietly, leaning against each other, like two rocks watching the tide on the sea.
.......
Near noon, Youxi, who had just finished class, hurried to the usual meeting spot with Sophia, clutching her notes.
The academy's curriculum model was very similar to universities in later generations; courses were fixed, but classrooms were not.
Throughout the day, one often had to run to many different places.
So she and Sophia usually accustomed to meeting at the same spot, and then continuing on to the tower to find Molly.
The sight of the three walking side by side in the academy was also a common sight to those familiar with the academy.
"Sophia?"
Youxi saw her golden-haired best friend from afar; she was leaning on the railing, her small ears twitching slightly, as if she was trying hard to eavesdrop on something.
So much so that, unconsciously, the two beast ears on top of her head also stood up.
Fortunately, this was a secluded corner, and no one else was paying attention.
Youxi frowned slightly, and as she slowly approached, she also released Specter Nun.
It was daytime now, and Specter Nun's power was weakened, but exploring the surroundings was still simple.
Not long after, she discovered a man and a woman arguing at a certain corner.
"Eric! That's enough!"
The girl said, her voice choked with sobs,
"My father just died, and you're making such a joke! I... I should have listened to my father's advice and cut ties with you! Wuwu..."
The man's expression was flustered and conflicted:
"Irene, I... I'm not lying. I really am your father! You're in a very dangerous situation now, come with me, I'll take you to a safe place!"
"Shut up! Don't call me Irene!"
The girl, in tears, angrily slapped the man, then covered her face and ran away heartbroken.
The man stood stunned for a long while, then slowly knelt down, holding his head and weeping:
"I... I wasn't lying..."
After a long time, he finally wiped away his tears and walked away in the opposite direction with a determined look in his eyes.
The gossip drama ended.
Sophia finally came back to her senses, blinked, and the two beast ears on top of her head swayed twice in sync, then quietly disappeared.
She turned to her best friend and said angrily:
"Youxi, do you know how awful that man was! The girl's father just died, and he actually tried to impersonate someone else's father. This... this is worse than Andy making me call him Master!"
Youxi slowly opened her eyes, having now recalled Specter Nun.
She pondered for a few seconds, then retorted:
"What if... what the man said was true? In the mystical realm, anything is possible."
"???!!!"
Sophia was stunned, her small mouth slightly agape.
What if it was true... Hiss—!
Sophia suddenly shivered.
She actually knew those two; she had seen them twice when looking for Molly. From their scent, she deduced that they must have had a few flings.
So, if it was true.
Is this a father, or a boyfriend?
Is it a boyfriend, or a father??
Sophia put herself in their shoes, and goosebumps rose all over her body; she felt like her brain was going to burn out.
She looked at Youxi for help, but the latter was completely unconcerned, not bothered in the slightest.
"This is not for us to think about."
Youxi reached out and took Sophia's hand,
"Let's go find brother first."
"Molly... should be with him."