I Will Never Submit to Miss Grim Reaper - Chapter 260
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- Chapter 260 - Mianyun Constellation and the Real Sky
Chapter 260: Mianyun Constellation and the Real Sky
Located in the southern part of Nanqi District, Shenzhen City, near the Nanqi Sea.
This is a relatively remote area. Although there are few people, you can see the large roads and various buildings being constructed around.
The most prominent feature is the broken bridge on the sea. Around the broken bridge, there are many steel bars and concrete structures. Excavators and cranes used for repair and excavation can be seen everywhere.
The connection between the bridge deck and the mainland shore is very spacious. The main body of the bridge has been built for tens of meters, resembling the grandeur of the “Golden Gate Bridge” often seen in movies.
The Mianyun Bridge, the largest project in Shenzhen City in 2022.
At this time, a large number of ships are anchored in front of this newly constructed sea-crossing bridge. They continuously transport various building materials to the bridge side, preparing to assist in the construction of the bridge when it reaches the deepwater area.
“Drip—”
Above the Nanqi Sea, sitting on Fei Luo’s shoulder, I took out my phone and opened an app that Su Yunjin had sent me before. I aimed the camera at the bridge ahead.
The camera quickly identified the location, and the app provided specific data on the sea-crossing bridge – “Construction progress 0.97%, Yue Mian No. 1 cargo ship.”
In addition, this app also presents a large amount of very detailed engineering models and 3D holographic projections similar to those in science fiction movies.
Digital twin, a concept somewhat similar to the metaverse.
However, “digital twin” is much more practical in real terms than the metaverse.
The New West District of Shenzhen City, one of the most remote areas in Shenzhen City. In the past, it was a wasteland. It is said that the establishment of the New West District was initially aimed at alleviating the city’s housing and living problems. After building residential areas, houses, planting trees, and establishing parks and scenic areas, unexpectedly, a large amount of ore was discovered there.
However, due to the remoteness and inconvenient transportation in the New West District, there were significant safety issues in ore collection. Moreover, the further west one goes, the more severe the conditions like sandstorms become.
Some drivers were unwilling to work in such places. This situation forced the authorities at that time to adopt technologies similar to “digital twin”. Simply put, they utilized the current 5G signal to install corresponding operating systems and signal towers for mining equipment or engineering vehicles, greatly reducing latency. This allowed drivers and operators to directly operate excavators for mining while sitting in offices in the city.
This technology is akin to the manipulation of clones in “The Age of Aquarius,” but in a different context. In “The Age of Aquarius,” controlling new bodies with the human brain not only requires advanced scientific and technological civilization but also strict requirements in the field of biomedicine.
It could even be said that if humans could achieve virtual interaction similar to “Sword Art Online” — experiencing being cut, touched, tasting food, feeling pain when injured, etc., with all these signals accurately transmitted to the brain through a single helmet, enabling the wearer to experience the same sensations, then it would indicate that medical science in this era has almost mastered the study of the human brain.
Obviously, this era has not yet reached such a level, only achieving “human-machine interaction,” much like what’s happening here in the Nanqi Sea area.
As I hovered in the air, I attempted to click on one of the ships on the sea surface and glanced at its interior structure.
Sure enough, unmanned.
“This is quite spectacular.”
In the dark of night, Gabriel came up behind me, glanced at my phone screen, and then looked at the broken bridge ahead.
“Humans, such tiny creatures, have developed to such a level in a completely anti-magic environment. This has shattered almost all the research results of the Holy Heavens about humans.”
Under our gaze, several tents by the bridge, where ordinary construction workers lived, were emitting a faint light, and the aroma of food could be faintly smelled.
Some workers took off their clothes and swam in the water wearing only shorts.
“Bro, can I borrow some shampoo?”
“These leaders in Shenzhen City really dare to do big projects, haha.”
A few workers lit a bonfire on the shore and played mobile games around it.
“Bot lane, bot lane, team fight, come quickly!”
“Last ten pulls! Don’t deviate from the guaranteed minimum!”
Some workers somehow found sweet potatoes and grilled them with a stereo playing music, joking with their companions.
“We’re good here, no need to deliver.”
After flying for a while in the air, not far away, Yin Xiamo, dressed in a black windbreaker, carrying a small backpack, and wearing a hood, stared at the lights by the sea for a while before turning around.
“When Fei Luo and Nuo’er go to play in the city later, be careful to avoid crowds and try not to be seen.”
“Actually, it doesn’t matter if we’re seen, right?”
Fei Luo, carrying me on her back, chuckled, “These past few days, I’ve almost figured out the hearts of people in this world. Unless we fly right in front of them, even if someone looks up at the sky at night, they’ll probably just think we’re a big bird.”
Turning her head to glance at me on her back, Fei Luo continued, “Unknowingly, thousands of years have passed. Time flies! Our trio is about to become a quartet.”
“I’ll definitely alert Dolly and the others when I get back. The Elf Queen will probably inquire about the situation here too. I’ll ask them to bless this cosplay outfit that Cai Jingtong and the others sent me. Nuo’er will need it for the comic convention tomorrow.”
Yin Xiamo, facing away from us, gestured towards the backpack behind her, which contained the Dendro Archon Nahida cosplay outfit that Cai Jingtong and the others had given me.
“Well, I’m off. Fei Luo, you activate the language barrier.”
“Go on, what’s with the hesitation after almost half a day of farewells? That’s not like you, Momo. Where did my legendary cold-blooded assassin, The Nightmare Momo, go?” Fei Luo teased deliberately.
“Or is it… love that’s made you softer?” she added playfully.
“……”
It was apparent that upon hearing Fei Luo’s words, Yin Xiamo’s body visibly trembled, though she didn’t offer any explanation. A faint purple light lit up around her, hovering in the air for a moment, then with a swift “whoosh,” she darted towards Moon Orchid Island like a cannonball.
Time flies!
On the coast, hovering over the sea, I watched as her entire body transformed into a streak of purple light, leaving behind a long tail. The fierce wind it stirred up could even tear up the foam on the sea surface below, prompting an involuntary comment in my mind.
Wasn’t the speed somewhat restrained when she used to carry me and fly?
“This girl is still the same.”
With a halo above her head and her large wings flapping behind her, Gabriel stood with crossed arms, watching as Yin Xiamo departed. “Truly worthy of the demon race,” she remarked.
“I say, Gabriel, this place is different from where we come from. That thing on your head is too bright, it’s easy for ordinary people on the ground to notice. Take it off.”
Before I could react, Fei Luo had already turned and flown towards Gabriel. In one swift motion, she took off the halo from her head and, with a flick of her hand, grabbed Gabriel’s two jade hands. She then used the halo to tie her hands together as if with a rubber band.
“Would you like another hug of love?”
After using the halo to bind Gabriel’s hands, Fei Luo lifted them into the air with one hand while the other held Gabriel’s chin. “Now that we both have little magic left, in terms of skills in bed, you are no match for me.”
This seamless operation of “angel halo binding” left me dumbfounded.
Angels can use this kind of play with that thing on their heads?!
If there were walls here, could Gabriel be considered as having been “pressed against the wall”?
Then, when I’m being bullied by Xiao Mo later, can I also do the same thing?
“You… What are you talking about?”
Perhaps noticing my somewhat shy expression, Gabriel quickly waved her white wings and retreated a long distance. The halo in her hands quickly turned into a beam of light and disappeared.
“There is a child here, don’t mess around.”
“Oh.”
As if awakened, Fei Luo coughed. “Nuo’er, please forget about what just happened.”
“What on earth!” I protested. “I’m an adult now!”
Not only have I grown up, but everything that should and shouldn’t be done, I’ve actually done with Xiao Mo.
“You’re not an adult yet,” Gabriel said solemnly.
“To the elves, you’re still a child.”
“I also have human blood!” I retorted.
“But neither Fei Luo nor I are human,” Gabriel replied seriously. “So, in our eyes, you’re still a child.”
“……”
I was momentarily at a loss for how to defend myself.
Well, you two are older, I can’t argue with that.
“Speaking of which, Nuo’er, that app on your phone… It’s so amazing. What is it?” Gabriel flew over to my side as if wanting to change the subject.
“That’s an app our boss just sent. I only received it after finishing dinner.”
I took out my phone and reopened the app called “Dream Cloud Seat”.
“This is mainly a software that aligns with our work area. It’s not just about this bridge by the sea, but also the café we were at earlier and the commercial street behind… mainly the commercial street.”
Switching the interface to “Nanqi District Commercial Street,” I switched the camera to “Planning Mode”.
“It’s said that its main function is to attract investment and plan for the future of the city.”
Metaverse, digital twin, 3D visualization… These things all feel a bit too “avant-garde” for me right now.
I used to think the “commercial street” behind the café was just an ordinary project Shenzhen City had initiated to improve the environment of Nanqi District and lay the groundwork for the future “Mianyun District.” However, when Su Yunjin sent me this software, I realized… things might not be so simple.
Because from this app, I can directly see almost all the ongoing projects behind the café and the commercial street, as well as the planning and current situation of the entire area.
I can freely switch perspectives with my phone to observe the environment inside the commercial street, just like entering “Minecraft” and activating “Creative Mode.” I can see how many businesses are there, how many houses, how many vehicles on the road, their current status, and so on. This app gives me a comprehensive view of everything.
It is said that during the construction of the commercial street behind the café, a large number of cameras, capturing technologies, and artificial intelligence were employed. Except for certain privacy areas, the area is essentially transparent to users who have installed the app.
Investors can use this software to see what houses and shops are being built on each street. They can also use the simulation programs provided by the software to predict the specific situation of this area in the future, allowing them to decide whether to buy houses here or invest in opening shops.
Construction workers can use the app in their offices to see which trees have not been planted properly, which gardens need watering, which buildings need what materials, and so on.
In the future, there will be additional robots and transport vehicles, such as delivery robots and takeout robots. Residents who order takeout or delivery can directly log in to the app to check the status of their deliveries. They can even access the cameras on the delivery vehicles to manage their deliveries throughout the process.
It’s just like a future world from a science fiction movie.
But it’s happening right before my eyes.
“Is all of this technology?”
Gabriel stared at the phone screen for a while, feeling a headache.
“I don’t quite understand.”
I put away my phone. “Actually, I don’t understand it either.”
I used to think that remote-controlled mining and smelting machines were already high-tech enough, but now these things on the commercial street have given me a feeling of “Did I sleep for twenty years?” Just like graphics cards, I remember when the 1080ti was first released during my university days.
At that time, I was amazed by the rapid progress in computer graphics quality while watching others play “Blade & Soul” because the earliest 3D games I remember were “Starry Sword Butterfly” and “GS,” where the characters were just vague outlines, and their hands and feet were blurred together. I blinked, and it was already graduation, and I heard about graphics cards being in the 4090s, and game engines were comparable to the real world.
It’s said that similar “ultra-future” modes, like the ones in the Nanqi District of Shenzhen City, are the first “test points.” It’s normal for Gabriel not to understand, and as a “modern person,” I don’t understand either.
All I can say is that when the commercial street in Nanqi District is truly established and the game “Age of Aquarius” is in open beta, I’ll slowly experience it.
Just like how I use electronic computers for typing, chatting, and playing games, but I’m not sure how terrifying the current CPU memory has developed, nor do I know how revolutionary features like ray tracing and DLSS in graphics cards are. I also don’t know exactly what stage society has progressed to.
The hottest concepts now… high technology, metaverse, information digitization, digital twin—I don’t really understand them, but I know that the times are constantly advancing, people’s lives are improving, and I’m grateful for the hard work of these dedicated scientists.
“Where do you guys plan to go?”
Perched on Fei Luo’s shoulder, I carefully grasped her two horns. “Shenzhen is considered a fairly typical big city. Basically, anything bustling that might appear in the human world can be found here.”
“I don’t quite understand…”
Gabriel pondered for a moment. “But… if we go out to play, will there be delicious food outside?”
“What kind of question is that?” Fei Luo chuckled. “In such a big city, there’s everything to eat.”
“Is that so?”
Gabriel seemed somewhat incredulous.
“The food we eat at home… it’s so delicious, isn’t it because Nuo’er is skilled and specifically selects the best dishes in this world to entertain us? After all, the previous hero was very good at cooking.”
“Tonight’s dinner was indeed bought by me, but I didn’t cook it,” I explained.
“It was made by Lan Jiajia, the one… um, the tallest sister among us. Haven’t we introduced each other before?”
Originally, I wanted to say “the sister with the large chest,” but considering Miss Angel’s self-esteem, I changed it at the last minute.
“Ah… I thought the food was so delicious because Nuo’er bought it and cooked it herself. It’s really not the most delicious food in this world?”
Gabriel looked a bit embarrassed. “Like that bean… tofu? It’s that round thing with minced meat in the middle, and there’s also that chicken soup, and roast goose, even the taste of the vegetables is so fragrant, and then there’s that… that gel, after meals…”
I reminded her, “Black jelly.”
“Ah, yes, black jelly, sweet, and they even put raisins and red beans in it. There are so many types of food here! Plus, the buns we had for lunch, and the egg tarts? Is that what they’re called? How did you guys come up with the recipes for these things?”
Gabriel’s face was full of disbelief. “And now you’re telling me there are other delicious things in the city, I… I find it hard to believe.”
“In our place, cooking methods are mostly straightforward, with minimal boiling and grilling,” I explained.
Perhaps seeing that I was also a bit puzzled by Gabriel’s words, Fei Luo hurriedly explained, “Although there’s a wide variety of food there, because most people practice magic, eating magical plants helps improve magical abilities. So, few people bother to study the preparation methods of common crops. Magical plants can spoil or even explode when exposed to fire or high temperatures, while common crops basically just serve to fill the stomach, unless it’s something very stimulating to the nerves, like alcohol, or coffee-like beans, but even then, there’s not much variety in such foods.”
Ah… so there are such big differences in lifestyle habits between different worlds because of different rules? I instantly gained a clearer concept of “alternate worlds.”
In this light, it seems that the existence of a magical alternate world isn’t exactly a utopia. Magic holds a high status, everyone learns it, which fundamentally sets the environment there apart from Earth. If you don’t learn magic, you’ll get beaten up or even killed. Most people spend their whole lives striving to “become stronger.” Even eating requires consuming food that aids in magic practice. However, food imbued with magic cannot be cooked at high temperatures, so it’s understandable that no one wants to be a chef…
“Since that’s the case, let’s just pick one at random. Sister Gabriel, you decide.”
I leaned against Fei Luo’s head. “If you want to see the wilderness, go to the New West District. If you want to see the extravagance of the rich, go to the Honor District and the Beiyang District. If you want to experience the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the Central District and the Shuiming District. If you’re interested in modern technology, cross this sea and head east to the Dadong District and the Craftsman District… That’s all I know about this city.”
“Alright, then Gabriel decides.”
Fei Luo added, “I’ve been to many places during my time here at night, so I can be the guide.”
“Me? I… I don’t know…”
“Just pick randomly, quickly.”
“Then… the Central District?”
Gabriel seemed uncertain. “It should be the area in the middle of the city, right? I want to see the hustle and bustle here.”
“Okay, Nuo’er, the Central District it is, hold on tight.”
Fei Luo beneath me suddenly flapped her wings twice. “Off we go!”
“……”
……
Twenty minutes later, Fei Luo brought me to the entrance of the largest “People’s Square” in the central district of Shenzhen City.
It’s called the “largest in the central district” because the largest square in Shenzhen City is in the Canjing District. However, the characteristic of this square in the central district is that the municipal management’s supervision is not as strict. There are many small vendors inside, as well as a street full of street food and clothing stalls, giving it a special “hustle and bustle” atmosphere.
“Oh my goodness, oh my god!”
From far away, Gabriel, flying in the sky, was amazed by the urban lights in the central district.
“So many people! And such bright lights! Are those things called electric lights? And those cars! They’re so beautiful!”
We found an unnoticed corner to land. Passing through a dark alley ahead, when we finally stood on the main road of the People’s Square, Gabriel was instantly overwhelmed by the crowds coming and going and the colorful streets ahead, to the point where she was almost unable to move.
“What’s that? And this… what’s this again! Why are those things so bright, and this…”
Gabriel stopped in place, looking up at the shops and skyscrapers ahead with a trembling voice.
“Is this… is this really not heaven?”
“Snap out of it. Heaven doesn’t have this many people and things, or, in other words, even hell is more fun than your heaven. At least in hell, there are succubi.”
Fei Luo patted Gabriel’s shoulder on the side. “Also, pay attention, don’t get too excited and fly uncontrollably. Now that Momo is not here, let’s not cause trouble for Nuo’er.”
“But this is just… ”
Gabriel turned her head, and I saw her entire little face was red.
“The buildings here are simply too beautiful, and… and the smell! What are all these foods? So many goods, although there’s no magical aura, they all look so busy and fulfilling, completely different from the humans on our side who are either clueless or resigned to their fate!”
The People’s Square in the central district is awake all night. At night, this area can basically be regarded as the “Night City” of Shenzhen City.
Not only are there many large buildings with huge billboards in the center of the square, such as the Book City, Computer City, and Brand Clothing City, there are also “Grand Department Stores” and “Peace Shopping Mall” specifically for ordinary people to consume.
In addition, there are many mobile small vendors around these large buildings. Some are selling barbecue and offal, some are selling chestnuts, roasted sweet potatoes, and boiled edamame, and there are also many stalls set up directly on-site, selling various miscellaneous items and clothes.
“What are these buildings usually used for?”
After standing still for a while, Gabriel pointed to the nearest brightly lit tall building. “Doesn’t it look like a church?”
“Not a church.”
From what angle did it look like a church.
I shook my head. “Over here… um, at least in this country, there’s very little religious belief, so there are no churches.”
When I was in school before, if I needed to buy clothes or daily necessities, I would usually come here.
The name of this large building shown on the phone map is “Peace Shopping Mall.” I remember that the first floor specializes in daily necessities, such as shower hoses, showerheads, buckets, etc., or kitchen utensils like pots, bowls, and pans. The second floor sells all kinds of bedding, and the third floor sells clothing…
The biggest feature of the things sold here is their good quality and low price. Almost all of them are supplied directly from factories, and the workers there are from the older generation of laborers.
Most of them are unaware of modern marketing strategies and still have the mindset of the “if the wine is good, it needs no bush” era. So there are many goods with excellent quality that can’t be sold elsewhere and can only be supplied to small shopping malls like this one.
I remember buying a small electric fan here one summer, for only eight yuan. Its wind power was stronger than most fans on the market now, and I would run it at full power every summer. It stayed with me until I moved out of the cramped apartment and it never broke.
“What? Very little religious belief? No churches?!”
Hearing me say this, Gabriel showed her surprise without concealing it.
“Then how did they create such a terrifying civilization and technology, relying on what kind of power? That’s impossible, right?”
“Um… that’s a tough one for me.”
I hesitated for a moment, then turned to Fei Luo. “Sister Fei Luo may know more about human sociology than I do.”
“I don’t know either.”
Fei Luo, on the other hand, was very optimistic. She grabbed my wrist with one hand and pulled Gabriel along with the other, running towards the bustling street ahead.
“Why worry about all that? Anyway, I really like it here. The war has just ended, and I’d love to play here for another two hundred years!”
“Huh?”
Today, I wore a cute-style top and a skirt, with cute lace socks and round-toe casual shoes. Being pulled by Fei Luo like this, my skirt suddenly showed signs of flying up, and I instinctively covered it with my hands.
“Slow… slow down…”
“Besides being good at cooking and having a delicate mind, Nuo’er has completely lost the shadow of that hero, you know!”
Fei Luo ahead wore a grin. “Have you noticed that Momo is a bit domineering sometimes?”
I thought for a moment. “A little, maybe.”
“The former hero used to treat Momo like that too!”
Fei Luo had a somewhat mischievous expression in the wind. “You may not know, but back then, the hero was super domineering. If Momo wanted to go hunting with him, he wouldn’t allow it. If Momo wanted to help with some miscellaneous tasks, he wouldn’t allow it either. Even when cooking, if Momo wanted to help, he wouldn’t let her, always saying things like… ‘Girls should just stay home obediently’. He was super controlling, but at the same time, he spoiled Momo a lot. I guess Momo started getting naughty because of him.”
Ah… I understand the reasoning, but I don’t have the memories of that hero. It’s so unfair! I thought to myself gloomily as I followed behind.
“So Nuo’er, don’t think too much. Just be a good mascot in this life, obediently enjoy being pampered. Momo’s efforts for thousands of years have led up to this moment.”
Stopping in front of a cart selling candied haws, Fei Luo took out Yin Xiamo’s phone and unlocked it.
“Do you guys want to eat this?”
“What’s this?”
Hearing about food, Gabriel was the first to come over. “Why does it look like… haws strung together? And it’s sparkling.”
“This is called candied haws here. It’s usually made with hawthorn or apple, and yes, it’s sweet.”
Fei Luo poked my waist. “Nuo’er, do you want some?”
“No.”
I blurted out instinctively, “Expensive.”
“I’m treating tonight, okay?”
The dark dragon girl in front waved Yin Xiamo’s phone. “And Momo’s footing the bill.”
“Then I’ll have some!” I almost reflexively ran up at the mention.
“Oh, and besides candied haws, I know there are many delicious eateries nearby. Fei Luo, please take us there.”
“……”
……
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