The girl's soft ears were hidden beneath her smooth, jet-black hair, and her eyes were as clear as rubies, revealing a hint of confusion. Her pure white military uniform accentuated her tall, straight figure, exuding an invisible charisma and a cold aura that kept strangers at bay.

In the frozen time, upon seeing the familiar face branded deep within her memory, countless possibilities and response plans flashed through Xu Xiaoyou's mind. All the frozen and complex emotions shattered into pieces under the girl's inquiry, vanishing without a trace.

"Do you know me?"

"I..."

Whether from relief after intense nervousness or from falling into deeper emotions, her eyes somewhat unfocused, Xu Xiaoyou swallowed before her senses returned when Bai Youyou reminded her again. She adjusted all her facial expressions to the most appropriate state.

"The Four-winged Investigator from the Association has arrived at Chichu Heaven, I've heard. Is it too much of a coincidence that my client is actually you, Miss Bai Youyou?"

"I'll go change clothes first."

Bai Youyou shook her head, "There's no need; this is fine." She realized the oddity as soon as she finished speaking. Why did she instinctively think that it didn't matter if the other party was informal when they were together?

Though she was only encountering the famous Dark Gold Rose for the first time, it felt as if they had known each other well long before. Had she met her before?

The outright answer was no. She had grown up training in the simulated Light Chasing Tower in Oasis since childhood, missing her coming-of-age ceremony, and only recently woke up from the container she had stayed in for eighteen years to truly experience this world for the first time...

Because of this confusion and perplexity, the stark conflict between memory and instinct had plunged her into confusion and bewilderment over the past few days. She even doubted if she was truly the owner of this body. However, her memories were so clear and profound that Order Court's researchers assured her it was a normal reaction, attributing her unconscious actions to Sea of Consciousness deviation syndrome from being immersed in a container for eighteen years.

Amidst her thoughts, Bai Youyou followed Xu Xiaoyou downstairs; she noticed the other was holding her hand. She was always resistant to physical contact with others, which was why she wore gloves. Yet, she didn't feel that instinctive resistance towards this blonde girl's touch.

The mysteries kept piling up, layers of enigmas descended upon her, suffocating Bai Youyou like someone stuck in a quagmire, the more she struggled, the deeper she sank. The more she wanted to dispel the fog and clarify everything, the more this unknown misty world sought to strip away her every sense.

A sharp pain seized her heart and chest, and she heard Xu Xiaoyou's concerned voice beside her, "You don't look well; have you remembered something?"

It was as if a pair of hands pulled Bai Youyou up from beneath the water, the ringing in her ears faded, everything around became clear. She found herself sitting at the bar, beside rows of slot machines, where women addicted to gambling sat shoulder to shoulder, jointly resisting this mysterious Association investigator.

Light connected in a line along the patterns, thoughts returned, and Xu Xiaoyou's concerned gaze met hers, passing a Red Pomegranate Ocean to Bai Youyou. The bartender behind the counter stood with perfect posture, his gaze seasoned and resolute, temples graying as he polished the crystal glass in his hand.

It was indeed Sebastian. Xu Xiaoyou greeted the old bartender, who nodded in acknowledgment and continued with his work.

"I'm treating you to this drink; I thought it might suit your taste," Xu Xiaoyou said with a smile.

Bai Youyou intended to refuse on business grounds, but her hand raised the glass in front of her unconsciously. She smiled awkwardly, her pale red lips taking gentle sips at the rim of the glass.

The unexpectedly smooth taste, the alcohol's kick wasn't strong. The brandy's mellow texture balanced the whiskey, with more of a pomegranate-grape fruitiness, and the aging wooden barrel's aroma signaling its craftsmanship; Bai Youyou almost thought she was drinking a fruit-flavored beverage.

"How did you know this drink would suit my taste?"

Xu Xiaoyou replaced words with a smile; she certainly remembered that night by the seaside, followed by their bar venture where they drank till drunk, and the girl personally introduced her to this cocktail named 'Red Pomegranate Ocean'. That was the first time Bai Youyou bared her heart to Xu Xiaoyou, pouring out all her troubles, concerns, and aspirations. At that time, the girl embraced her, rested her forehead against her chest, claiming she'd pack Bai Youyou into her suitcase to take her away before leaving.

"Before receiving guests, I always try to investigate my clients, at least to discern their personality and preferences."

"If that's the case, then I should arrest you," Bai Youyou held her face, "I am an Association investigator. My personal information is absolutely confidential. If you found a way to discover my affairs, there's no mistake in arresting you."

"I never said I found your information. As I mentioned, I tried to investigate you, but found nothing. I merely thought this Red Pomegranate Ocean matched your aura well," Xu Xiaoyou replied with an unchanged expression.

"Sly tongue," Bai Youyou muttered with a snort.

Soon after, she realized her attitude was somewhat odd and silently straightened her posture, her tone gaining an element of distance and clarity.

Before coming here, Bai Youyou had mentally prepared herself. She was extremely averse to this kind of customary store, and when her instinctual contact turned out to be a blonde girl, she thought she might have been mistaken.

Perhaps it was the other's gentle demeanor, an appearance inexplicably inviting closer proximity, or perhaps her humorous and witty conversation, for now her perception of everything here had altered.

At least she held a favorable impression of Xu Xiaoyou before her.

After a bit of casual chatting, Xu Xiaoyou nonchalantly broached the main topic.

"So, why did the investigator decide to come to such a place and specifically request me to serve you?" Xu Xiaoyou asked, sipping the golden tulip in her cup.

"Investigators have their own troubles. As for the name-calling, is it possible I just happened to pick you? The people here handed me a list and your name was at the top, catching anyone's first glance."

"Besides, the renowned Dark Gold Rose arouses natural curiosity to unveil the mystery..."

Bai Youyou didn't know the Red Pomegranate Ocean that Xu Xiaoyou chose for her was smooth on entry, yet the alcohol content was actually very high, its aroma rich and the glorious dark red exterior hiding the gaze of a snake. Shortly after, slight tipsiness already appeared on the girl's face.

Xu Xiaoyou smiled and listened attentively, realizing that her counterpart was just like before, explaining her actions when feeling guilty. Through their brief interaction, Xu Xiaoyou speculated that Bai Youyou's memory was tampered with upon returning to Order Court, though the reason remained unclear; she sensed something amiss in the tiny details.

"You are quite adorable."

Bai Youyou didn't respond. Xu Xiaoyou lowered her head to stir the drink in her glass, then looked up to find Bai Youyou staring at her with a cold expression, her eyes imprisoning Xu Xiaoyou's entire body within them, as if threatening to see through her soul.

"Did you tell me that somewhere before?"

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