Plum Blossom Youth waved gently, and a 10-meter-long LCD screen appeared in the center of the venue, playing introductions to the two main cities. If Plum Blossom 4 was like an entrance exam, then the video playing now was more like a "university recruitment video."
Sun City is located on the seaside and is an island surrounded by the sea.
Bathed in sunlight, the city seemed draped in a soft, golden veil. The pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear, azure waters showed no signs of pollution.
Not a single piece of trash can be seen on the beach. In the video, many people are walking barefoot on the sand in swimsuits, some are lying on deck chairs sunbathing and reading, and others are playing various fun activities in the sea, such as parasailing, surfing, and yachting.
Everyone wore bright, sunny smiles. If Xiao Lou weren't in Card World, she might have mistaken this beautiful seaside city for a vacation paradise.
The more Yu Hanjiang looked at it, the stranger it seemed.
The warm and beautiful scenes on the screen are in stark contrast to the cruelty and harshness of the locked room.
It's like... two completely unrelated worlds.
Xiao Lou felt the same way, and he couldn't help but ask, " Don't the Challengers in Sun City need to continue?"
Plum Blossom Youth said calmly, "The indigenous people don't need to go through challenges; they have their own lives. But you Challengers have to go through challenges regularly. Of course, if you like, you can integrate into this world, find a job here, and even get married and have children."
He looked back at the screen, and at that moment, the video was playing a beautiful coastline. There is a road in Sun City called "Sunshine Boulevard". The wide asphalt road is lined with palm trees on both sides, and the umbrella-shaped leaves hang down to form a large area of shade on the ground.
The lush green trees, clear sea, azure sky, and white clouds complement each other, and any screenshot taken is a beautiful 5A scenic spot that can be used as a computer desktop wallpaper.
Plum Blossom Youth continued, " Sun City, as a coastal city, boasts the most beautiful sea views in Card World, the best and cheapest seafood, and Sun Avenue is a great place for citizens to take a stroll. The city has moderate prices, and sea view houses are quite cheap. You can buy a fully furnished sea view villa for just 50 million gold coins."
At an exchange rate of 100:1 between gold coins and RMB, 50 million gold coins is equivalent to 500,000 RMB.
Want to buy a seaside villa in the real world for 500,000 RMB? That's just wishful thinking!
Xiao Lou and Yu Hanjiang exchanged a glance. Instead of being delighted by the low prices in Sun City, they were even more worried. Their prediction was correct: many Challengers might gradually integrate into this world after entering the main city, discover its beauty, and then waver in their determination to return.
Imagine someone who can't even afford a 50-square-meter unfurnished apartment in the real world, but in Card World, they earn some coins through escape rooms and can directly buy a fully furnished seaside villa... Would they still be determined to go back and live in their dilapidated rented room?
The allure of material things, though the most vulgar method, is often irresistible to many.
Yu Hanjiang frowned and asked, " What's the situation with Moon City?"
With a flick of his finger, Plum Blossom Youth instantly transformed the screen into another promotional video.
If Sun City is the most beautiful coastal city, then Moon City is the most beautiful garden city—the entire city is nestled deep in the forest, surrounded by tall trees, giving one the illusion of having wandered into a "tropical rainforest".
The large trees lining the streets can grow directly onto residents' balconies, so that opening the window reveals a lush green canopy.
The exotic flowers and plants grew extremely lushly, and there was a beautiful view at almost every step in the city.
The city's architectural style is also in stark contrast to the skyscrapers and seaside villas of Sun City. Here, you'll find more primitive wooden houses. Each jungle cabin has a unique shape and a distinctive charm. Some cabins are built directly on top of large trees, and you can climb up using steps made from the tree trunks. Three-story wooden villas are scattered throughout Moon City, making the whole city feel like a secluded paradise for relaxation and retirement.
Compared to the hustle and bustle of Sun City, Moon City is remarkably quiet.
Under the hazy moonlight, Moon City, nestled deep in the forest, exudes a touch of mystery. Here, people can live a life in close contact with nature. With a green coverage rate of up to 70%, the air here is absolutely the freshest and most pleasant.
Plum Blossom Youth said, " The prices in Moon City are similar to those in Sun City. You can buy a log cabin or villa for the same price. Seafood is expensive here, but there are plenty of wild game. There are more than a dozen varieties of mushrooms alone, and all kinds of grilled meats are quite cheap."
The boy, with a blank expression, dutifully introduced the two cities to everyone.
Xiao Lou keenly noticed a detail in the promotional video and said, "In the Moon City promotional video, the entire city is always at night and illuminated by moonlight... Is this a coincidence, or does Moon City not have daytime?"
Liu Qiao hadn't realized this until Professor Xiao asked her the question, at which point she immediately understood— Sun City's video was indeed of bright sunshine during the day, while Moon City was always shrouded in moonlight at night.
Plum Blossom Youth said calmly, "Both cities operate on a 24-hour basis. Sun City has 18 hours of daylight and 6 hours of night; Moon City has 18 hours of night and 6 hours of daylight. The work on both sides..."
The times are from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
Liu Qiao's eyes widened in surprise: "Only 6 hours of work a day?"
Plum Blossom Youth said, "Yes, people should spend most of their time resting and having fun. Don't you work six hours a day?"
The four of them fell silent at the same time.
In the real world, let alone working 6 hours a day, 8 hours is the bare minimum. Overtime is the norm in many IT industries. Often, people don't get home until 10 p.m. and are so tired that they fall asleep as soon as they get off work.
Leaving get off work at 4 PM? Nobody even dares to dream of it.
Buy a fully furnished villa for 500,000 yuan, work 6 hours a day, and spend most of your time on leisure...
This kind of life is like a dream.
Liu Qiao suddenly said, "These two cities seem like ideal cities from a fairy tale."
Plum Blossom Youth glanced at her and nodded: " Sun City and Moon City are indeed ideal cities for human life."
Silence fell in the room once again.
Xiao Lou and Yu Hanjiang were deeply shocked. They had always thought that Card World was cruel and full of dangers. However, Card World's main city was built into an "ideal country" that was hard for human society to achieve.
Here, they can buy a villa at a very low price, enjoy all kinds of delicacies, and experience the best living environment: the fresh air and lush greenery of Moon City, or the bright sunshine and beautiful beaches of Sun City …
Who would want to go back to a place like this after staying there for a long time?
Xiao Lou clenched his fists tightly; he finally understood what the biggest pitfall of Card World was.
The traps that the two kings laid for the Challengers were subtle and understated. The two main cities were like a gentle quagmire, trapping people so they could never escape.
By using the best material conditions to corrupt people's hearts, the Challengers lose their motivation to return and settle in Card World.
As Challengers integrate into this world, they gradually forget their previous lives, which were far worse than this one, and forget their friends and family in the real world. Here, they make new friends and family and start a new life.
Of the nearly 80 million Challengers who passed the first four challenges, none have completed the game.
That's incredible!
Xiao Lou turned to look at Yu Hanjiang, who nodded at him, clearly indicating that they had the same idea.
Yu Hanjiang said decisively, "Let's go to Moon City."
Plum Blossom Youth said, "What about contestants number 3 and 4? Please choose."
Liu Qiao naturally chose Moon City as well, but the Masked Man smiled slightly and said, "I like seafood, so I choose Sun City."
Plum Blossom Youth opened two doors in the venue, one gold, representing Sun City; the other silver, representing Moon City. He made an inviting gesture: "Four of you, please. Remember to check your card holders after you enter."
Xiao Lou, Yu Hanjiang, and Liu Qiao walked through the silver door.
Xiao Lou thought he would be teleported directly to Moon City, but instead the three of them walked into a large airport. Xiao Lou was stunned for a moment, and immediately checked the card holder as instructed by Plum Blossom Youth. He found that there was an extra card [ticket] in it, starting point: plum blossom 4 - destination: Moon City.
These were the plane tickets given to them by Plum Blossom Youth. The three exchanged glances and noticed the bustling airport, filled with many Challengers like themselves looking bewildered. Yu Hanjiang's gaze swept across the airport, landing on the check-in area, and the three of them walked over together.
Airport staff quickly helped them with the formalities, and the three of them boarded the plane together.
There were nearly 100 people on the flight.
Some passengers appeared calm and began to rest with their eyes closed after boarding the plane; others looked around furtively, glancing at the passengers next to them; still others looked blankly out the window.
Xiao Lou, Yu Hanjiang, and Liu Qiao were seated right next to each other.
Liu Qiao sat by the window, Yu Hanjiang in the middle, and Xiao Lou by the aisle. He noticed two young men around twenty years old sitting next to him, dressed like college students. Xiao Lou leaned closer and whispered, "Are you from Plum Blossom 4?"
The boy paused for a moment, then his face lit up with joy, as if he had met a fellow countryman abroad. He exclaimed excitedly, "Yes! You guys are too?"
Xiao Lou nodded: "It seems that people going to Moon City from Plum Blossom 4 all fly there."
The boy scratched his head and said, "I wonder if anyone will meet us when we get to Moon City? My mind is completely blank right now, just like when I went abroad to study alone..."
After all, it was a completely unfamiliar city, and everyone felt uneasy.
Although the promotional video presents a peaceful scene, who knows what real life in the city is like? Especially for some Challengers who lost their coins in Plum Blossom 4, they are even more worried that they will have nowhere to live.
The pretty flight attendant read out some safety instructions to everyone, and then the plane took off.
It's late at night outside the window, and you can see countless stars.
The passengers on the plane had different expressions; most were anxious, and some were whispering to their companions, discussing their next plans.
Yu Hanjiang suddenly said, "I'm worried that CEO Shao and Ye Qi might not have traveled by plane from Hearts."
Xiao Lou paused for a moment, then remembered that Red Heart 4 was the " Express Train." He nodded and said, " Captain Yu is right. I think it's very likely that CEO Shao and Ye Qi took the express train from Red Heart 4 to Moon City."
Liu Qiao said, "In this way, we will land at Moon City's airport, but they will get off at Moon City's train station. Even if we are both heading to Moon City at the same time, we will not meet."
Xiao Lou said helplessly, "We probably won't run into them. But it's okay, as long as we're all in Moon City, we can find a way to find CEO Shao and Ye Qi." He looked at Yu Hanjiang and asked, " How much money does Captain Yu have left?"
Yu Hanjiang did the math and said, " After winning and losing 4 times, I finally won 200,000."
"I also earned 200,000 in Plum Blossom 4, and with the money I earned from Financial Crisis before, we now have about 800,000 in disposable funds." Xiao Lou stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then said, " CEO Shao should have several million in savings in his account. After we find him, we'll figure out how to sell the cat's eye bracelet and the jade rough, and then we won't have to worry about money anymore."
Penniless Liu Qiao: "..."
Noticing Liu Qiao's unusual expression, Xiao Lou smiled and asked her, "Did Xiao Liu lose all her money at Plum Blossom 4?"
Liu Qiao said with a pale face, "I didn't have much money on me to begin with, and I just happened to step into the penalty zone, so I really don't have any cash on me."
Xiao Lou suggested, "Why don't you come with us first? Once we meet up with CEO Shao, you can sell the bracelet and then figure out what to do with the money." He paused, then added, "Besides, we can also help you find your sister's whereabouts once we get to the main city."
Liu Qiao was grateful and nodded earnestly, saying, "Thank you, Professor Xiao."
Xiao Lou smiled and said, "You're welcome."
He took care of Liu Qiao for two reasons. First, he had promised Liu Qiao's sister during the Plum Blossom 2 escape room that if he ever met Liu Qiao again, he would make sure she lived a good life. Second, he was a teacher, and Liu Qiao was a student at their school; he couldn't just stand by and watch her sleep on the streets.
He may not be able to help many people, but he can certainly help out some students.
The three of them finished discussing their next plan when an announcement came over the loudspeaker: "Passengers, our plane is about to land. Please fasten your seatbelts..."
After a slight turbulence, the plane slowly landed on the ground.
Under the guidance of the flight attendants, everyone disembarked the plane in an orderly manner according to their seats and walked out of the airport.
It was still night outside. As soon as the three stepped out of the airport, they saw a full moon hanging high in the night sky—the most beautiful moon they had ever seen. The enormous moon seemed almost within reach, and its soft moonlight gently enveloped the city. In the distance, lights shone brightly, indicating that the city's residents were still awake, and their nightlife was perhaps just beginning.
The airport clock showed that it was 8 p.m.
A gentle breeze carried the faint scent of grass and trees in the air. The pleasant temperature and fresh air made all three of them feel incredibly comfortable.
Looking back from the outside, you can see that Moon City Airport is built in the shape of a large tree, with the central axis being the trunk and the three floors above being like the branches extending outwards. The entire building is wrapped in green vines, and the skywalk is full of flowers. The flowers are growing extremely vigorously, and some light blue flowers hang down from the third floor to the ground, forming a large "flower waterfall".
Liu Qiao couldn't help but exclaim, "If this were in the real world, it would definitely become a tourist hotspot!"
Xiao Lou said, "Even if we hold a wedding here, the scene would be beautiful enough."
The flower waterfall that surrounds the airport, in particular, surpasses any real-world flower-themed tourist attraction.
In the distance, there is a large lavender field, where purple flowers bloom in competition under the moonlight, and a faint fragrance is refreshing.
A girl nearby exclaimed excitedly, "Oh my god! Such a huge lavender field, it's so beautiful!"
This place is beautiful; the design of the airport alone is breathtaking.
The more impressed Xiao Lou was, the more uneasy he felt. He could tell that many Challengers around him really loved these flowers and plants. If this were the real world, they would probably be taking selfies and posting them on social media. Even in Card World, the surprise and joy in their eyes were undisguised.
If you were to ask them at this point, "Would you be willing to settle down in this city?", they might still hesitate.
Why don't you ask again later?
The hesitation in your heart may very well disappear.
Xiao Lou gently rubbed his temples and exclaimed, "What a beautiful city!"
Yu Hanjiang said coldly, "The two kings are using such methods to bewitch people. We shouldn't fall for it. Let's go and find a place to stay first."
However, after the three had only taken a few steps, they noticed some banners suddenly appearing outside the airport.
One of the banners read: "Penniless 'outsiders' can come to us for temporary shelter!"
The phrase "outsider" is highlighted in red and put in quotation marks. This is how locals refer to Challengers; they don't need to use quotation marks. This must be an organization of Challengers.
There was also a banner nearby that read " Luoying Pavilion Recruitment Point, Females are welcome to come and inquire."
Seeing this, Xiao Lou whispered in Liu Qiao's ear, "Xiao Liu, go over there and ask what's going on."
Liu Qiao nodded and went to the recruitment point at Luoying Pavilion to ask. There were two women sitting there, wearing exquisite makeup, chatting, with bright smiles on their faces and looking to be in great spirits.
Liu Qiao walked over and chatted with them for a while, then returned to Xiao Lou's side and whispered, "It's the Challenger Association. Luoying Pavilion only accepts girls. Girls who don't have a team can register with them, and they will help arrange team formation."
Xiao Lou and Yu Hanjiang exchanged a glance—there were indeed many Challenger organizations in the main city.
Just as I was wondering, a soft female voice suddenly rang in my ears: "Announcement for someone, announcement for someone, Mr. Yu Hanjiang, a tourist from out of town, please go to the airport information desk immediately, a friend is waiting for you."
These words startled all three of them.
Yu Hanjiang frowned: "Are you looking for me?"
Xiao Lou suddenly realized something and said, " Captain Yu is very likely your friend in real life."
Liu Qiao also realized: "That's right, Professor Xiao and Officer Yu broke the world records for Heart 3 and Red Heart 4 before. I saw this news too, and maybe the Challengers in the main city have seen it as well."
Xiao Lou nodded in agreement: "If it's someone Captain Yu knows in real life, they'll definitely know you've come to Card World after seeing the message. They can estimate when you'll enter the main city, keep an eye on flights from Plum Blossom 4 or trains from Red Heart 4, and use this broadcast method to find people, which is convenient and quick."
Yu Hanjiang thought it made sense, so he turned around and said, "Let's go take a look."