I Will Never Submit to Miss Grim Reaper - Chapter 289
Chapter 289: Shining Bright Like an Idol
“I’ll go wash the sheets.”
An hour later, when I opened my eyes in a daze and feeling weak, I saw Xiao Mo, who had changed back into her usual shorts and t-shirt, already carrying the bedsheet out of the room.
My whole body felt limp, as if I had spent the day doing strenuous physical labor followed by a hot bath. I didn’t entirely dislike this sensation, but…
With a little effort, I sat up in bed, naked, and glanced at the “Nahida full-set cosplay” outfit beside me. Although my natural hair color in elf mode was also a pale green, to achieve a complete transformation, a wig was indispensable. I had underestimated my own situation before.
Most importantly, my hair was too long and difficult to style into the look of that little loli. A wig would be much more convenient.
“Ah…”
I neatly folded and stored the cosplay outfit in the closet, then picked out a loose-fitting dress from the small wardrobe, along with a child-sized bra and panties, and put them on.
By now, I had a fairly good understanding of girls’ clothing.
Usually, if I wanted to be cute, or in situations that required “socializing”, like working at a café where I’d encounter many people, or greeting guests at the café’s entrance, I’d need to put on a “cute outfit” to showcase my adorableness.
Since almost any outfit looked good on my current body, and since we were in the service industry, dressing in a cute manner for work would put customers in a good mood. If some customers happened to take a photo and promote it, it could indirectly boost everyone’s spending level.
This is Ouyang Xue’s summary based on her own experience.
A long time ago, Ouyang Xue also did similar things. She needed to play the role of a small bear outside the door, and she found that there was a noticeable difference in how customers treated her when she wore the bear costume compared to when she wore regular clothes like a blouse and jeans. However, since I don’t need to deliberately please the customers in the store, I just dress according to my mood.
Generally speaking, I only specifically choose cute and slightly otaku-style clothes when I’m in a very good or very bad mood. Clothes like skirts with over-the-knee socks and little leather shoes, to be honest, take a lot of time to put on. If I’m not feeling particularly good and don’t want to doll myself up a bit, or if I’m feeling really bad and plan to wear cute clothes to cheer myself up, I probably won’t bother changing into them.
Over-the-knee socks tend to fall down when walking, pantyhose need to be pulled up a bit on each leg, and going to the bathroom is particularly inconvenient.
As for suspender stockings, let’s not even talk about them, they are the most complicated to wear of all stockings. As for shoes… those round-toe, chunky-heeled shoes that match with Lolita-style skirts often have buckles, sometimes more than one, which need to be threaded through and hooked onto holes, with another strap around the ankle.
Just dealing with one pair of shoes can take one or two minutes, and with both, it’s five or six minutes. Similarly, those cute round-toe flat shoes are the same. Manufacturers often design a bunch of strange buckles for stability and aesthetics, making them very inconvenient to put on and take off.
Comparatively, in the realm of “women’s clothing,” I find the easiest outfit to be a dress paired with short socks or lace socks, along with round-toed casual shoes.
It’s simple: slip into the dress, put on the short socks, then slide your feet directly into the shoes. There’s not as much fuss, and it’s easier to take off as well.
?Screen saver: 3D maze initializing?
I slipped into a plain dress with a small bow at the chest and a pocket on the side for holding a phone. After putting on a pair of lace socks, my attention was drawn to the monitor on the computer desk.
Hmm… Strictly speaking, it should be called a television.
As Xiongxiong mentioned, this big thing also functions as a TV. Once connected to WIFI, it can access a plethora of free channels and even play videos directly from well-known streaming sites using the remote control, which is very convenient.
Since the TV is facing the bed, if Xiao Mo and I want to watch TV at night, we don’t need to turn on the computer, we can just operate it from here using the monitor.
However, using this TV as a computer monitor also has a downside, as Xiongxiong reminded me before leaving.
There are many types of panels for monitors, such as VA, IPS, TN, and then there’s the OLED panel screen on this device. Each type of panel has its own strengths and weaknesses. For example, some panels have slow response times and ghosting issues when playing FPS games, while others may cause motion sickness for people prone to it, or have poor color reproduction, appearing grayish.
Additionally, controlling backlighting is difficult for all three types of panels. When displaying a pure black image, there will still be some residual light because the backlight is still emitting light, resulting in a not completely black color, either appearing gray or slightly white.
On the other hand, OLED monitors operate in a self-emissive mode, with each pixel acting as its own light source. When displaying black, the pixels are simply turned off, eliminating any residual light and achieving true black, thus providing infinite contrast, perfect color reproduction, and transparency. OLED monitors also have fast response times and do not suffer from issues like ghosting during gaming. However, one drawback of OLED panels is the risk of burn-in.
Xiongxiong mentioned that some of the smartphones we use also have OLED panels, and prolonged use may lead to burn-in. This occurs when a static image is displayed for an extended period, causing the pixels to emit continuous light and resulting in the image becoming “fixed.” Even after closing the page, ghost images of frequently used screens may persist, which is known as burn-in.
To prevent burn-in and prolong the lifespan of the TV, it’s advisable not to keep a static image on the screen for too long when using it as a computer monitor. Turn it off when not in use or set shorter screen saver intervals to keep the display dynamic and reduce the risk of burn-in.
I can only say that many technologies are still not very mature, and I look forward to further developments in future technology. At least the set of things in my room now is quite satisfying.
Walking up to the computer, I moved the mouse and loaded the desktop. Lifting my head, I could see the small wind chimes swaying gently behind the window on the desk, and a light blue slime on the windowsill.
This slime was also bought by Xiao Mo and me at the comic convention, the protagonist slime from “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime,” about the size of my head. Its main function is to absorb light during the day and then glow at night, serving as an energy-saving lighting device.
I found that Xiao Mo really likes these inexpensive but decorative little ornaments that enhance life. Speaking of which, she is still a girl after all…
Turning away from the computer, I glanced at the door. Normally, she’s just like an ordinary beautiful girl, but when we’re in bed… she’s so naughty.
I remembered what happened earlier. Ah, no… I’m a little thirsty.
I walked out of the room and went to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of warm water, then returned to the room and sat down at the computer. Apart from the keyboard and mouse, Xiao Mo bought me a lot of other things.
Opening the drawer, I took out two hairbands and a small mirror. Placing the mirror on the computer desk, I skillfully began to tie up my hair.
Left side, right side… alright, any simple twin tails will do. Anyway, it’s almost dinner time now.
After fixing my hair, I glanced at the sunset outside the window, sipping warm water as I opened my QQ and Honeydew novel interface.
?Great book, gonna stick with it for a few days. Author, don’t mess it up?
?Is the author really an uncle? How come some people say the author is a loli??
?Why do you care about the author? Isn’t anyone discussing the plot? This book is slice of life, right? No main storyline??
?That’s fine, after a long day of work, coming home to read, I don’t want to chase the main story. What if I forget to read one day? I probably won’t even remember what the main story is about, wouldn’t that be exhausting??
Just like the previous days, there wasn’t much change in the comments section of my yuri novel. The ratings were still steadily rising. According to this trend, it should perform quite well after being published.
I clicked into the reader group—
?Drink some Ganyu’s Cocogoat milk!?
?My friend just wore a lab coat, but he said he was cosplaying. That’s the laziest cosplay I’ve ever seen.?
?Crawling in the dark, writhing madly, roaring, struggling to blacken?
?Dual hammers, skeleton sea, thumbs up, G7 people.jpg, the moment I saw the defender, I knew it was over?
?Crit Rate: 3.9% and Crit damage: 7.8% [screenshot123.jpg], can you believe this is a +20 artifact??[1]
“……”
Well, it feels like there’s not much difference from usual. The cute-selling friends continue to sell cuteness, the gamers are still gaming, and the slackers are still slacking off…
I casually checked what other groups I joined were discussing, and I was quite surprised at what I found. Because almost all the groups were discussing the “Tongmeng Comic Exhibition” in Shenzhen City, particularly the “Character Demonstration” and the “Angelic Voice” performance that Xiao Mo and I did together.
It seems Xiao Mo exerted too much force. Plus, there were quite a few people at the comic exhibition with professional-grade cameras. Our entire performance was recorded and uploaded online. Many videos about it on various video websites have already exceeded a hundred thousand views. And mind you, it’s been less than eight hours since Xiao Mo and I performed in the morning.
The most discussed topic is naturally how the special effects were achieved.
?I’m a professional. Theoretically, this kind of holographic projection is achievable. Just think about the Hatsune Miku concert, that was years ago, and it was possible then, let alone now. There’s nothing surprising about it.?
?You’re just bragging. I’m in the industry too, and with current technology, this is simply impossible. Haven’t you noticed? There were hardly any devices at the venue.?
?That’s because the cameras didn’t capture them. The venue was so large, and the ceiling was so high. How could you know there were no devices up there at the time??
?It can’t be magic, right? This is too amazing. Since this effect was achieved, it must be possible.?
?My uncle works at Jialan Company. He says this is Jialan Company’s black technology, and it can indeed be done.?
Of course, there are also a few people who aren’t interested in how the effect was achieved, but are instead discussing me, the performer, throughout the entire process.
?Any information about the cosplayer? This is the most authentic cosplayer I’ve ever seen. So cute. Is this really a girl in real life? No beauty filter, right??
?I searched online for all the relevant videos, and there are a few shot with old phones, definitely no beauty filter. Really… too beautiful?
?Those few above, stop arguing about whether it’s achievable. Who cares if this effect is magic or science? Do you have any information about this cosplayer??
?Brother, how long has it been since you’ve been online? This little girl has been really popular recently, don’t you know? She’s the new maid at the cafe opened by Tongmeng. Probably under contract, her name is Yin Nuo’er?
?So, is her cosplaying this little Dendro Archon also a task from the company??
?How would I know? If you want to know, you can go to the cafe in Shenzhen and ask her. Don’t add her on QQ or WeChat. The manager of the shop has posted a statement on the official account. Recently, many people have been adding the maids from the café on WeChat for various reasons, even insulting and harassing them, causing trouble in their lives?
?……?
In addition, many groups were discussing another performance on stage at the time, which was me, under Xiao Mo’s guidance, spontaneously awakening into “elf mode” and improvising a solo performance according to my inner instinct.
I only remember at that moment I had a feeling akin to “the impulse of a caged bird seeing the wide-open door of its cage and the boundless forest ahead,” facing the verdant natural illusion around me and the natural song deep within my heart, I unconsciously began to sing.
With no distractions, completely unrestrained.
But I never expected the effect to be so astonishing. After my singing ceased, there was a silence in the audience, no one spoke for quite some time, everyone immersed in the sound of music.
Xiao Mo said it was a natural instinct for humans to feel admiration and respect when facing the elven race, much like how people have an impulse to pet a kitten when they see one. Unknowingly, I sang out this feeling while I was singing.
In the setting, the elven race in the otherworld is the original race, and humans are a branch that split off from the elves. So humans instinctively regard the elven race as their deities—except for the bad ones, of course.
Earthlings have never seen the elven race, and Xiao Mo explained that the inherent charm of the elven race would have a “standout” effect on the humans here.
?What language is this song in? It feels like the first time I’ve heard it. Is this the legendary angelic voice??
?Didn’t the cosplayer of Lumine over there say it? Their name is Abandoned Prison, sung in elven language.?
?Isn’t Haikyo the song related to the Eastern series… the flame cat, related to Phosphorus? Called… “The Mouth of the Dungeon,” found it?
?They say it’s stunning to hear it live, recordings don’t capture that feeling. But even just listening to the recording, I’m deeply moved. I can’t imagine what it’s like live. I regret not going to this comic exhibition?
?Do you think we can go to the café in Shenzhen City and listen to the voice of this maid named Yin Nuo’er? It’s such a waste for her talent to not be a voice actor. How do we find her? Do we go to Tongmeng and check their official account to see when she’s working??
After reading for a while, I came to a rough conclusion that after I go to work tomorrow, there might be a lot of people coming to the café from all over the country to ‘catch a glimpse of the little Dendro Archon.’
“What weird cat videos is my Kitty secretly watching?”
While I was still contemplating how to deal with all sorts of strange people, a voice outside the door made me “stand on end”.
“Just seeing me isn’t enough, you still want to look at other kitties online?”
“H-How is that possible!”
I turned my head, “I was just routinely checking if anyone in the group was bad-mouthing me!”
It seems that in these years as an author, “secretly peeping at group information” has become an indispensable part of the job.
You can learn about the latest popular events, favorite anime movies and games from the group, and flexibly apply them in books, or like I said… see if any group members are talking bad about you.
Like spreading rumors about the author being a lolicon, for example.
“Oh?”
With a slightly mischievous expression on her face and a few water stains still on her hands, Yin Xiamo leaned in.
“Let me see… trending at ninth place, the angelic voice of the little Dendro Archon?”
“They’re just making things up.”
I closed the computer page, grabbed a tissue, and helped Xiao Mo wipe off the water stains from her hands.
“All cleaned up?”
“Mhmm.”
The girl in front of me smiled like a little fox.
“A certain water mage kept using water magic in bed, keeping me busy.”
“You’re still talking about it!”
I gave her a glare and pushed her hand away.
“Ai Luodi’s still sleeping, and you…”
“Hey, you two… good morning.”
As she spoke, Ai Luodi, dressed in pajamas, had somehow made her way to the doorway of our room, yawning as she said, “Is there anything to eat?”
“Ah…”
I felt a bit embarrassed. “We just got back from the comic exhibition and haven’t cooked anything yet.”
“Then let’s go to the café together to eat. I want to have their spicy chicken.”
Ai Luodi yawned again, “Was the comic exhibition fun?”
“Not really.”
I responded instinctively, “Tiring, and it makes you thirsty easily.”
“Tiring and making you thirsty? Oh…”
Glancing at me and then at Xiao Mo beside me, Ai Luodi made a meaningful “oh” sound, then turned and walked towards the living room.
“Wait a moment, I’ll change clothes and go to work.”
Was she thinking something weird?
I looked at Xiao Mo, then glanced at the sunset outside the window. Standing up, I retrieved the drawing tablet I had bought for Xiao Mo from under the computer desk.
“Do you want to try using it with the computer?”
“You want me to draw you right now?”
“I mean, just try using it with the computer first!”
“I want to draw Nuo’er without clothes.”
“I’ll bite you!”
“The teeth marks on my hand haven’t even disappeared yet…”
“……”
After playing around with Xiao Mo in the room for a while, when Ai Luodi finished changing clothes, we together tidied up the trash in the house, went out, and downstairs, we threw away the garbage.
“Hey, tomorrow is the Dragon Boat Festival. Will our café prepare rice dumplings?”
On the way to the café, Ai Luodi yawned, “Lan Jiajia told me she’s off for the next three days, going back to her hometown. You won’t have to cook for her at night.”
“Okay.” I nodded.
“Will there be dragon boat races at the Shenzhen River?”
The café doesn’t close on the Dragon Boat Festival. Instead, it adopts a flexible working system. Since the café is in the food and beverage industry, there’s usually a surge in customers during holidays. Closing would result in a significant drop in revenue.
Thus, we opt for a rotating shift schedule. Tomorrow and the day after tomorrow, Xiao Mo and I will work, while Lan Jiajia will have a day off. Fei Luo will also have a day off to take Gabriel to learn about Earth knowledge.
Dragon boat racing is also a tradition during the Dragon Boat Festival. Since Shenzhen City is near the sea and has many rivers, similar events are held almost every year—people in the city compete in dragon boat races, various temples are open for worship, and those who live far from home return to visit their elders and pay respects to their ancestors. Near the Shenzhen River, those commercial ships and cruise ships will also offer various discounts.
“I heard from Ouyang that there will be, right on the river next to us.”
Ai Luodi lazily remarked, “So, your workload tomorrow is estimated to be very high.”
That’s it, today just became a hot topic online with “Café’s Little Dendro Archon” and “Angel’s Song”, and tomorrow is still a holiday, with activities around…
There will be a swarm of people rushing to the café then. I’m sure I’ll be busy as hell.
Should I consider using “Elf Mode” tomorrow to cope? I remember this mode, besides being a bit weaker, seems to have much better endurance and physical senses than human mode. Anyway, as a waitress, I don’t need to carry too heavy things.
“You’re back?”
With Xiao Mo and Ai Luodi arriving at the café, it happened to be at the peak dinner hour. Ouyang Xue, sweating profusely, was busy on the first floor.
“Have you had dinner?”
“Not yet, so I came here to have a meal.”
Ai Luodi went straight to the second floor. “Wait for me while I change clothes.”
“Are you two also here to have a meal.”
Watching Ai Luodi walk away, Ouyang Xue turned to Xiao Mo and me.
“I remember that Nuo’er seems to prefer cooking and eating at home?”
“We went to the comic con today and forgot to buy groceries.”
I felt a bit embarrassed. “Just some Mapo Tofu with greens and a bowl of rice.”
“Why so vegetarian?”
Ouyang Xue noticed my hair and ears. “You’ve been playing at the expo until now and still haven’t taken off your wig?”
“Yeah, I think it’s cute this way.”
I smiled, casually took a seat, pulled out my phone to order, then turned to Xiao Mo beside me.
“What would you like?”
“Just a regular chicken leg rice.”
“Alright, mapo tofu with greens, chicken leg rice, for here.”
“Okay.”
Ouyang Xue quickly wrote down the order.
“Nuo’er, we got two more negative reviews for delivery today. Would you mind… taking care of them when you have time?”
“More negative reviews?”
I was puzzled. “What’s it about this time?”
The café items are listed on delivery apps, but because we’re busy with other things, delivery is basically at an outsourced level. Delivery guys are also part-time or assigned by the platform. Despite the large volume of orders, they earn very little.
“It’s the same old story. They complain about the delivery taking too long, food arriving cold, or rough handling resulting in spilled soup, but the quality itself is fine.”
Ouyang Xue sighed, locking eyes with me. “I feel like we should consider hiring full-time delivery guys, like those at KFC. They might be a bit more expensive, but they deliver quickly and provide better service.”
“Why… why are you looking at me?”
I felt a bit uncomfortable under Ouyang Xue’s gaze. “Surely hiring delivery guys isn’t something I should be doing, right?”
Ouyang Xue remained noncommittal. “Delivery girls could work too.”
“No, no, no, that’s not the point…”
“Pfft…”
Seeing my flustered state, Ouyang Xue chuckled.
“I’m just kidding. There’s no rush for this matter. I’ll go hand over the orders to Chef Wang first.”
“Nuo’er, you’re off today, so don’t worry about work stuff.”
“Su Yunjin seems very satisfied with the angel you hired. She’s still playing downstairs right now. Just a moment ago, a team that is said to be the champion of some national competition went in, making it seem like they’re going to have a showdown.”
“Once you’re done eating, you can go downstairs and check it out. I think it’s going to be quite exciting.”
“……”
……
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