Chapter 162: Vivian's Secret

What on earth are you doing?! Chen Hao asked with a mixture of shame and anger. To his absolute embarrassment, he had just been forcefully kissed by an NPC elder sister right in front of Zhuge Taxue. Furthermore, he had been utterly powerless to resist, leaving him terrified that Zhuge Taxue might suspect he had willingly submitted and enjoyed it. If she were to misunderstand and report this to Fan Yirou, he would be in deep trouble.

The romantic relationship they had worked so hard to establish—surely it wouldn't be ruined over such a trivial matter, would it?

To his surprise, however, Zhuge Taxue seemed unbothered. Instead, she stepped out from behind Chen Hao and looked at him with a hint of disdain. What are you making such a big fuss about? It is just a kiss! You are not losing anything. Besides, this is just a game; kissing does not actually feel like anything!

Chen Hao was just about to retort when the elder Vivian spoke up first. Little Sister Zhuge, you are quite wrong about that. Have you not noticed that since entering the game this time, your character feels a bit different than before? Of course, I am not referring to the absence of your menu and inventory, but rather other aspects.

Huh? Zhuge Taxue blinked in confusion. Different? There is nothing different! I am still myself! The character was created based on my own appearance, exactly like before. Even the clothes have not changed. How is it different?

Heh! Vivian smiled. Have you really not noticed that you now possess senses in the game other than sight and hearing?

Ah? Zhuge Taxue was stunned for a moment, and then she recalled soaking in the hot spring earlier with little Vivian. Realization hit her instantly. Goodness! That is true! I actually have a sense of touch! I can feel the temperature of the hot spring water, as well as the sensation of the water flowing against my skin. And I can smell your fragrance...

This... this, this... what is going on here? Chen Hao, do you experience this change as well?

Zhuge Taxue’s immediate instinct was to seek confirmation from Chen Hao, who nodded affirmatively. In truth, he had discovered this phenomenon the very first time he entered the game.

Back then, little Vivian had hidden behind him, crept close, and covered his mouth with her hands. Even then, from the touch of her delicate fingers, Chen Hao had caught the scent of her fragrance. From that moment on, he had suspected something unusual was afoot.

Although the original virtual reality technology was already a cutting-edge online game that defied conventional understanding, its pinnacle was limited to delivering hyper-realistic visual and auditory effects. Virtual reality had never been capable of integrating all human sensory perceptions into a game.

However, ever since the virus outbreak and the subsequent redevelopment of the game, everything seemed to have changed. The game could hardly be described as merely re-released; it felt much more like a massive overhaul, incorporating the most fundamental human sensory faculties. Currently, smell and touch had been discovered, though whether other senses were included remained unknown.

Moreover, Chen Hao was uncertain whether this transformation was exclusive to him or if it applied to every player entering the game. After all, no other players had entered previously, as the game was still in its internal development phase. At the very least, he knew he had been the sole player inside.

Now, Zhuge Taxue had joined, and she was experiencing the exact same sensations. Furthermore, Chen Hao was certain this transformation had occurred only after she logged into the game this time, judging by the genuine astonishment reflected in her expression.

Reflecting on the sense of touch, however, Chen Hao also recalled a peculiar anomaly. When he entered the game for the second time, rescued Vivian, and fought against Dong Xin, he was certain he had felt no pain whatsoever.

During their combat, even though he maintained the upper hand, Dong Xin had fought back and parried. With punches and kicks exchanged between them, there should have been at least some degree of pain.

Yet, from beginning to end, he had felt nothing of the sort. But just now, when Vivian had cradled his cheeks and kissed him, he had distinctly felt her touch.

So what on earth was going on?

Without hesitation, Chen Hao voiced his doubts directly to Vivian, asking for an explanation with utmost seriousness.

Oh~~ You mean that? Vivian pinched her own pointed elven ears. How should I explain this to you? Actually, following this recent game update, a portion of sensory perception has indeed been added, centered primarily around the sense of smell.

Essentially, all olfactory information you can perceive in your reality has been fully incorporated into the game. In addition, a certain degree of touch has naturally been included. However, after considering various factors, they did not unlock all sensory experiences; instead, they only enabled tactile sensations that do not cause discomfort.

For example, sensations like severe pain, burns, and freezing cold have not been unlocked. What you can perceive are merely ordinary tactile sensations that do not interfere with normal movement—including that sweet little kiss from just now~~

Hehehehe~~~ I suppose with this feature, the number of couples—or even female couples—falling in love inside the game is bound to increase in the future!

As she said this, Vivian cast a deliberate glance at Zhuge Taxue, her tone and gaze carrying the distinct implication that she knew Zhuge Taxue's sexual orientation.

Zhuge Taxue was instantly taken aback. No way... You know I am a lesbian?

The elder Vivian smiled. I told you, I know a great deal more than you think! Not only do I know you are a lesbian, but I also know you are actually bisexual. Of course, your standards happen to be quite high. Even someone like Chen Hao fails to catch your eye, and to this day, you have never truly fancied anyone.

Actually, I feel your situation doesn't even fall under bisexuality; you simply haven't met the person you like yet. From my perspective, your orientation should be entirely normal, only you haven't realized it yourself yet...

Y-y-you... Zhuge Taxue was completely shell-shocked because everything Vivian had just said was remarkably similar to what someone had told her in the past. That person had been a psychologist whom she had consulted precisely because of her struggles with her sexual orientation. The conclusion the doctor had drawn back then was almost word-for-word identical to what Vivian had just stated.

Isn't it surprising? Don't underestimate me, oh~~~ Vivian blinked playfully at Zhuge Taxue.

Chen Hao cast a rather surprised glance at Zhuge Taxue. Judging by the expression on her face, it was clear she did not deny Vivian's words. Was there really such a reason behind it? While Chen Hao was both surprised that Zhuge Taxue wasn't truly a lesbian and somewhat relieved on behalf of single men everywhere, he simultaneously felt a pang of sadness for himself and a deep sympathy for the countless men who harbored feelings for Zhuge Taxue.

If even someone with his looks and background couldn't pass her rigorous standards, then other men... Tsk tsk tsk... Cough! It seemed he had lost track of the main point.

Alright, Vivian, stop teasing Taxue. Judging by what you just said, it seems you aren't just thoroughly familiar with the game world; you also appear to know everything about our real world, right? You even knew about this game update? Chen Hao asked.

Vivian nodded as she walked over to Zhuge Taxue. While Zhuge Taxue was still dazed, Vivian swiftly cupped her face just as she had done with Chen Hao and planted a kiss.

However, this time, Vivian did not kiss Zhuge Taxue on the lips; instead, she kissed her forehead. Because of this action, Zhuge Taxue finally experienced the exact sensation of immobilization that Chen Hao had felt earlier.

The moment Vivian touched her, not only was her body paralyzed, but even her consciousness seemed to be under Vivian's complete control, leaving her entirely at the mercy of the other's whim.

Why did you kiss him on the lips, but me on the forehead? Zhuge Taxue asked with a hint of dissatisfaction.

Because I am not a lesbian~ Vivian answered matter-of-factly. Besides, just like my little sister, I happen to adore Chen Hao! Only a fool passes up a free advantage!

...

Alright! No more joking around, let us talk about business! Vivian turned rare and serious, her face reflecting earnestness for the first time. I know you must have countless puzzles and confusions regarding what is happening to you and the changes occurring within the game world.

I can tell you quite clearly that while I know the answers to most of these things, I will not tell you.

...

Don't look at me like that! Vivian waved her hand. I have my own reasons for doing this. Given your current level of strength, the more you know, the worse it will be for you.

You are both people with a strong sense of curiosity—both you and Zhuge Taxue. People with such intense curiosity will go to any lengths to find out more once they learn even a little bit.

However, for the likes of you right now, the more you know, the greater the danger you face. Virtual reality is certainly not as simple as a mere online game you imagine it to be.

As for my identity, it is obviously far more complex than being Vivian's mere symbiote. Long before my little sister ever awakened self-awareness, or even before her program ever existed, I was already here.

I have witnessed far too many events and far too many phenomena that seem bizarre to you. Even if I wanted to tell you now, you probably wouldn't be able to comprehend it.

Therefore, rather than doing that, it is far better for you to discover the mysteries step by step as you play the game. All I can do is provide assistance when it becomes strictly necessary.

Just like today—if not for the magic I cast, once you entered the Elven Forest, although human players might not have noticed your anomalies immediately, the inspectors there would have seen right through you in a heartbeat.

Now that the preparations are complete, let us go take a stroll inside the Elven Forest! It has been ages since any players showed up; I was about to go crazy with boredom...