First Battlefield Commander! - Chapter 112

Chapter 112: Placing Pieces

The surrounding crowd turned to look at them upon hearing this. The girls behind stepped forward, wanting to share some of the losses.

They had actually bought insurance before entering, and these small machines could be sent back to the factory for repairs and refurbishment, which wouldn't cost much.

"We'll pay," Zhao Zhuoluo said decisively. "We'll pay right now!"

The staff member's expression softened slightly upon hearing this. The machines inside were all cheap small devices, mainly responsible for maintaining movements. To ensure realism, they were implanted with AI to converse with customers. The smart chips inside were the most expensive components, having collected over a decade of haunted house data, but they were installed deep within the machines and wouldn't be easily damaged.

Normally, guests damaging or dismantling small robots due to emotional excitement was common, and they wouldn't pursue it like this. But never before had someone destroyed so many robots at once! And she wasn't even scared—she might have come specifically to cause trouble!

A girl stepped forward and picked up a half-body mannequin. Looking at it now, it really wasn't scary—just looked like a silly tomato head.

The tomato head tilted its head and asked, "Sister, did you bring me out? It's so bright outside."

The girl pulled apart the fabric to check the internal mechanisms.

"It's not too bad, right? The limb joints seem intact. The main parts can still move, just a bit dislocated," the girl said skeptically. "Isn't this your quality issue?"

The staff member glanced at it—the damage wasn't severe, probably not intentional. But they had clearly seen Lian Sheng smashing the machines in the surveillance footage, recorded in the backend system. There was no escaping responsibility for this.

"The quantity adds up, so compensation is necessary," the staff member said. "But it's not expensive."

"No problem. We'll pay. Calculate the total," Zhao Zhuoluo said, taking out his optical computer and adding gratefully, "Luckily, none of them were real people inside."

Medical fees, psychological damages, and subsequent moral supervision would have been no small matters.

Lian Sheng said discontentedly, "From your tone, it sounds like you think I'd hit a real person?"

Zhao Zhuoluo: "You not hitting real people is based on you knowing they're real people. But this was a haunted house."

Lian Sheng rolled her eyes dismissively: "Do you think I can't tell the difference between these shoddy dolls and real people? I've seen plenty of attempts to scare people, but this is the first time I've encountered something so half-hearted and perfunctory."

All the staff members felt as if an arrow had pierced their hearts.

"Stop talking, I'll give you a 50% discount," the staff member said while waiting for the logistics department's calculation results. "Our haunted house is already very advanced, but even so, we can't make the scenes too extreme or realistic. If we leave psychological scars on customers, our entire amusement park would have to shut down."

Lian Sheng said, "You told me this was a game for adults. Trust me—it's neither for adults nor a game."

The staff member felt their dignity had been insulted.

"It is," the staff member insisted. "No one under eighteen is allowed in!"

Lian Sheng: "Then is there a place where people under thirty aren't allowed?"

Staff member: "There's a place where people over sixty aren't allowed."

Lian Sheng, interested: "Why? Where is it?"

The staff member pointed behind them: "The haunted house."

Lian Sheng shook her head in disappointment.

The staff member was about to speak when their optical computer vibrated. "After the 50% discount, you only need to pay 500 star coins. We can issue a receipt if needed."

Zhao Zhuoluo waved his hand to decline and was about to transfer the money when Lian Sheng stopped him, handing over her own optical computer: "I'll pay. General Zhao has plenty of money."

Ye Buqing intercepted her: "It's my fault—I shouldn't have brought you to the haunted house. I'll pay."

Ye Buqing swiftly transferred 500 star coins, then put away his optical computer and led the group away.

The girls nearby, seeing them willingly pay, felt there might still be hope for salvaging the situation.

"Hey!" the staff member called after them. "If you're not scared of this, you could try our ultimate mode. It's much more realistic. The gameplay relies on jump scares, and the experience is far more terrifying—"

"No!" the four shouted in unison. "Not needed!"

Fang Jianchen, raising a finger dramatically, scolded: "This person harbors ulterior motives and wicked intentions! Do not trust them, my liege!"

Staff member: "..."

Cheng Ze darkened his face: "Do you really want to replace all your equipment? Go apply for approval, but stop trying to trick us!"

Staff member: "..."

Lian Sheng also refused: "I'm not particularly interested in what you consider terrifying."

Zhao Zhuoluo pushed Lian Sheng along, eager to leave. The girls behind waved goodbye.

The five of them walked toward the amusement park entrance with long strides, wanting to get away quickly.

"It's a shame you didn't come in with me—you missed the best part," Lian Sheng said, stroking her chin. "I don't understand why, but their spider webs were really well-made."

The others: "..."

Zhao Zhuoluo: "Thanks, but really, no need."

Lian Sheng shrugged: "The haunted house charges so much, yet people just walk through casually, not even completing a full loop. What a waste."

Cheng Ze said, "Actually, the tickets aren't expensive. The expensive part is the compensation."

Lian Sheng pretended not to hear and continued, "Why are they so scared? If they know they'll be scared, why go in? Though I didn't find it scary at all."

"But ghosts... are scary!" Fang Jianchen said. "You're not their target audience—you're their trash customer."

"Please tell me, what's the point of a haunted house?" Lian Sheng said. "I went in to catch ghosts—"

"So we've established it's not for catching ghosts!" Fang Jianchen cut her off, exhaled deeply, controlled his expression, and forced a polite smile. "Haunted houses are for experiencing fear. And in that cramped, terrifying environment, you can bond with your companions."

Lian Sheng thought back. Bonding? She was pretty sure that couple would break up after coming out.

"Heh," Lian Sheng said. "If they really want that, they can just pay me, and I'll make them feel it immediately."

The four covered their faces.

That there were people in this world who enjoyed torturing themselves, and that such things were called "games for adults," made Lian Sheng instantly lose interest in the entire amusement park.

Zhao Zhuoluo stopped and glanced at a nearby attraction. "Let's go somewhere else. I don't think this place suits you."

"You still dare to take her somewhere else?!" Fang Jianchen said, horrified. "If someone screams on a roller coaster, will she tear down the whole park? We can't afford that!"

Zhao Zhuoluo turned to him: "Then you entertain her?"

Fang Jianchen hugged himself and shook his head violently.

Lian Sheng asked, "So? Anything else?"

Fang Jianchen asked shamelessly, "Want to ride the roller coaster?"

Lian Sheng said generously, "Go ahead. I'll wait for you."

The others: "..."

Cheng Ze asked curiously, "So what were your usual pastimes before?"

"Me?" Lian Sheng thought for a moment, then nodded. "Hmm."

Half an hour later, at a famous chess house on Central Avenue.

An AI robot recited the rules at the front:

"Attention, customers. This chess center does not permit AI-assisted gameplay. We adhere to human-to-human chess matches and prohibit any form of cheating. If you win a challenge and achieve victory, you may receive a monetary reward from the house based on the match. Public matches may also earn tips from spectators~"

"Will you be playing, learning, or observing?"

Lian Sheng: "Playing."

"How many hours and how many people are you reserving for?"

"One hour is enough," Lian Sheng said, looking at them. "Given that they're all beginners, I'll allow four against one. Or an unspecified number against one."

The four snorted dismissively.

Fifty minutes later.

Lian Sheng tapped the chessboard. "Gentlemen, your move."

A dozen people crowded opposite her, staring at the board as if facing a formidable enemy.

Zhao Zhuoluo, sitting in the only seat, rubbed his temples, feeling overwhelmed.

"Wait!" Fang Jianchen pointed shakily at a spot. "I think we should place it here."

"No!" everyone shouted in unison. "That's an instant loss!"

Zhao Zhuoluo, holding a black piece between two fingers, said, "I still think we should place it here."

Ye Buqing patted his shoulder. "You'll lose in three moves. Once the board fills, we'll count the pieces, and we're definitely losing right now."

Cheng Ze said, "No matter where we place it, someone disagrees."

A middle-aged man behind them pointed decisively. "With twenty years of experience, I say placing it here gives us a fighting chance."

And so, the debate resumed.

Lian Sheng propped her chin on her hand. "Since you all think placing it anywhere means losing..."

Everyone looked at her.

Lian Sheng said, "Then concede."

The dozen people shook their heads in unison.

Fang Jianchen declared firmly, "A warrior may be defeated, but never surrenders!"

Lian Sheng: "..."

A robot assistant approached. "Does little A need to help you? Little A can give hints~"

Everyone shouted in unison again: "No need!" Seeking AI help was tantamount to self-destruction.

A group of beginners, brimming with inexplicable confidence.

Lian Sheng said, "I need help. Please settle the bill."

She stood up, vacating her seat. The crowd wailed, pleading for her to stay.

Lian Sheng checked—the tips had already exceeded 10,000 star coins. The chess players here were all wealthy and leisurely. If she finished the match, she could have claimed the 100,000+ star coins in the prize pool. But the tedium had drained her interest.

The four followed her as she left.

Fang Jianchen, hands in pockets, scrutinized her mysteriously from behind. "You've unlocked too many skills. I'm starting to think you're not human."

Lian Sheng transferred all her earnings to Ye Buqing's account.

Ye Buqing was startled. "What's this for?"

Lian Sheng: "Compensation."

Ye Buqing: "And the extra?"

Lian Sheng: "Consider it interest."

The others gasped.

Zhao Zhuoluo drove her home.

Lian Sheng got out, turned slightly, and bowed in thanks. "Well, I had a great time today. Thank you, everyone. Goodbye."

The four smiled warmly and waved farewell.

Halfway up the path, Lian Sheng paused. She glanced back at them, hesitating, then smiled faintly without saying anything.

Only after Lian Sheng entered her neighborhood did their car slowly start moving again.

After a few minutes of silence:

Fang Jianchen fiddled with his seatbelt. "Did she seem... happy today?"

Ye Buqing said, "Clearly not."

Fang Jianchen: "Then what does she actually like to do?"

Ye Buqing shook his head. "Clearly, she doesn't know either."

"Fellow creature Zhao Zhuoluo," Fang Jianchen leaned forward. "What do you usually like to do for fun?"

"Clearly, I don't know either," Zhao Zhuoluo said. "Don't I just follow you guys around?"

The four fell silent.

Ye Buqing said, "Actually, just hanging out with friends, grilling skewers, racing cars, shooting guns, doing pointless things—that's what makes us happy."

If you had to define it specifically, there was no definition. Just chatting casually with friends was the point.

Wasting time was inherently a joyful and relaxing activity.

Lian Sheng was accustomed to always doing meaningful things, assigning purpose to every action. She seemed perpetually at some urgent juncture, never pausing.

She kept walking forward.

Just like before. Passing by them, she'd greet them. Then continue, hands in pockets, walking nonchalantly.

Whether as Lian Sheng or as the legendary cavalry general, she was strong enough to stand alone.

But if they thought about it carefully, they knew.

Even if bored, she had spent the entire day with them. Even if bored, she had left them with that ambiguous smile and unspoken words.

She was a legend at the Military Academy, a legend at Alliance University. Yet it seemed no one truly knew her. People marveled at her brilliance but treated her like a stranger.

They called her General, called her Master, called her War God, called her Commander, or called her Genius. But she called everyone else "brother." No one ever called her "friend."

Lian Sheng pushed open her door, kicked off her shoes, and went straight to her room. She took out her optical computer and began recording the day's events.

She flexed her fingers.

"Today, I went to the amusement park haunted house with Zhao Zhuoluo, Fang Jianchen, Ye Buqing, and Cheng Ze from school. Oh, what an interesting place. I broke some of their machines and ended up paying 500 star coins in compensation. Ye Buqing covered the cost for me.

The drinks at the entrance were delicious. Some strange plant juice.

I rarely go out with four guys. But it's fine—they clearly don't go out with girls much either. So none of us treated the others as potential romantic interests.

Oh, so it was a relaxed and happy day. I had fun.

Happy New Year, Ms. Lin Lie."

After writing, she sent it to Lin Lie, then set the optical computer aside.

She lay on the desk for a while. What to do next? She rubbed her neck and picked up the optical computer again.

Might as well read.

Zhao Zhuoluo returned home to find his father in the living room. "How was your day out? What did you do? Who did you invite? Why didn't you ask Lian Sheng to come up?"

Zhao Zhuoluo took off his shoes and answered obliquely: "This New Year's... are we going out?"

His father paused. "Where to?"

Zhao Zhuoluo walked in. "Out. Anywhere. Just walk around the streets."

"Lian Sheng is spending New Year's with us," his father said, setting down his optical computer. "You know that, right?"

"I know. So let's take her out," Zhao Zhuoluo said. "Let's eat out too. Why make her cook for us? Invite a few more friends. This year, let's not stay cooped up at home."

On New Year's Eve, Zhao Zhuoluo and his father came to pick her up in the afternoon.

Lian Sheng came down carrying a bag and raised it slightly. "I didn't know if you had the tools, so I brought my own kitchen knife."

Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."

"No cooking. We're eating out," Zhao Zhuoluo said. "At eight tonight, Central Avenue will be closed for the citywide festival."

Lian Sheng: "Citywide festival?"

Zhao Zhuoluo snapped his fingers. "Aerial military parade."

The Alliance's aerial parade was always the most spectacular moment of the festival.

Soldiers of all branches marched across the starry sky in perfect formation. Dazzling lights bloomed above the crowd as they strode forward, creating a brilliant river of stars.

Their booming chants and synchronized footsteps echoed across the city.

Even as projections, their grandeur was palpable.

Then the Expeditionary Force marched out in their mechs, and the cheers from below nearly drowned out the background music.

Lian Sheng's view was blocked by a sea of heads. Arriving any later, and they wouldn't have been able to enter Central Avenue at all.

"Wow!" Lian Sheng exclaimed at the spectacle ahead. "Wow! Wow—!"

Zhao Zhuoluo and his father were surprised. Was this her first time seeing the aerial parade? It happened every year.

Their necks ached from looking up, and when they glanced down, they realized she was actually watching... an animated advertisement projection.

A cat-eared girl waved a magic wand, darting through the crowd and lighting up stars one by one. The stars floated upward like balloons, joining the glittering river in the sky.

Lian Sheng turned to them, intrigued. "That looks fun!"

Zhao Zhuoluo's father played along. "Wow."

Zhao Zhuoluo: "..."

His father nudged him.

Zhao Zhuoluo: "Wow..."

Lian Sheng, hands in pockets, gestured and chased after the cat girl.

Life was always short, always filled with unfinished business. No matter when you looked back, even without regrets, there would always be things you wished you'd done.

But. Lian Sheng couldn't remember how many victorious battles she'd fought, how many narrow escapes she'd had. Yet she would always remember the times when snow sealed the city, and everyone huddled around a fire, gnawing on rock-hard rations, scooping bowls of melted snow, singing and laughing.

With them, she was a commander, a leader. Time could slow down. She didn't need to think about what to do next or whether it had meaning.

"Hey! Lian Sheng!!"

Lian Sheng stopped mid-step, her gaze drifting toward the outskirts of the closed-off area.

A dense crowd pressed against the barriers, straining to get closer.

Her eyes landed on a row of familiar faces.

Hundred Meter Flying Dagger waved wildly at her from the front.

Lu Mingyuan blew into his hands, stomping his feet against the cold.

Fang Jianchen shook his fist angrily. "Dammit! Get that bastard Zhao Zhuoluo out here! We couldn't even squeeze in, and he's ignoring our calls!"

---

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