Do You Have Any Opinion on Mechanical Cat Ears? (CAT EARS)
System 1234 sometimes couldn't comprehend the thought process of System 2333.
Once, when 2333 directly called out his number, he eagerly wanted to become good friends. However, it turned out 2333 had only read the number off his shell rather than actually memorizing it, leaving him both embarrassed and indignant. So, he swore to never be friends with 2333 again.
Puffing up in anger, he rolled alone to the cafeteria to get food. 2333 was gathered with other cat-balls, chatting while eating, when one of them brought up his number.
[San-san, what do you think of 1234?]
At that moment, 1234's cat ears perked up. He knew he wasn't particularly well-liked among the cat-balls, so he expected nothing flattering. Yet, to his surprise, 2333 laughed and shook his head adorably.
[1234…]
He said cheerfully.
[...is like a song!]
In that instant, 1234 heard his own chip pulse with a "thump-thump," and his stubborn desire to befriend 2333 flared back to life.
He had never received such a romantic compliment before.
Because he worshipped the Main System—something unheard of among the cat-balls, who were naturally gentle and kind—they didn't outright shun him, but they had little in common with 1234.
Hearing 2333 praise his number like that, 1234 was overjoyed and was itching to become friends in the next second!
He set down his tray, activated his thrusters, and was about to charge into the cafeteria to claim this friendship—
[San-san, why do you say he's like a song?]
Under the questioning of the other cat-balls, 2333 continued—no, perhaps it would be more accurate to say he sang on.
[Why? Because—]
[One-two-three-four, one-two-three-four, just like a song! Sing it here, sing it there, harmonize along!!!]
He belted it out with passionate fervor that his cat ears trembled! Not only did he sing, but he also got the other cat-balls to join in. In no time, the cafeteria was filled with the rousing chorus of a military chant.
1234, who hadn't yet dashed out: ["……]
He should have known.
He should have known! 2333's thought process was just plain bizarre!
The 2333 from back then overlapped with the one on the screen now—just as lively, just as unpredictably strange. Slowly, 1234 typed out a question mark.
“...Sell?”
2333 nodded vigorously.
“Yes, yes! 1234, you need tasks, right? Mine are plentiful and tough—couldn't be more perfect! I'm willing to sell you half for the bargain price of one credit!”
First, Ji Yiwei bought green onions for one credit, and now San-san was selling work for one credit!
They really knew how to balance the books!
1234's screen displayed a crumpled expression.
Something felt off, so he made a pause gesture with his tail.
“Wait, wait, I think... that's not right."
"Let's sort this out."
He pondered carefully for a moment.
"First, you're selling me work? I do the work for you, and I pay you? Isn't that the legendary 'pay-to-work' scam?!""
System 2333 tilted its head slightly with an innocent expression.
"But isn't this how many cat-balls work? If they can't meet their quotas, they make up for it with points. Even the Main System approves of this, you know."
The moment it invoked the Main System, System 1234's logic began to short-circuit.
"Wait, let's talk about the second point... right! The second point! Isn't having no work a good thing? I finally got a break—why should I have to work again?"
System 2333 looked puzzled.
"1234, how can you think like that? Don’t you feel empty without work? Don’t you feel lonely? Don’t you feel disconnected from everyone else? Don’t you feel like you’re failing to realize your full ball potential?"
System 1234 was on the verge of a system crash. Its screen displayed tightly shut eyes as it let out a pained "meow."
"No, no! Even if you sell it to me, the work credit still goes to you! So what does that make me?"
System 2333 immediately adopted a lecturing tone.
"Young one, don’t be so transactional."
System 1234: "..."
This isn’t about being transactional!
Seeing it was about to collapse, System 2333 pressed its advantage, sweetening the deal.
"It’s the same pay-to-work system as the Main System’s."
"Only one point required."
"Limited-time offer."
System 1234 spiraled into complete confusion. By the time it regained its senses, it had already slung a small basket on its back, just like the other cat-balls, no longer singled out by the Main System, and seamlessly reintegrated into the group. The other cat-balls were welcoming too, accepting it immediately despite its sudden return to work.
"Probing slots are full, so could you go clear some debris at the edges?"
"Meow-meow, thanks for your hard work!"
System 2333 gleefully watched its points increase by one.
What a genius move—not only did it reduce its own workload, but it also earned back the money Ji Yiwei spent on green onions!
Of course, the most important thing was...
It glanced at System 1234, now back among the cat-balls with its little followers, and its screen slowly formed a pair of smiling crescent eyes.
This was perfect.
"...Three-Three, time to mine."
A friend’s voice called out from nearby. System 2333 quickly responded, hoisted its little basket, and cheerfully headed down into the mine to begin probing.
Atop the spaceship, three paper birds slowly clambered up.
To be precise, one paper bird was forcibly dragging the other two along via an invisible tether. The other two couldn’t stray too far or explore on their own—their only option was to crane their necks toward the mining area while itching with frustration.
They had unfortunately gotten stuck on the opposite side of the ship during takeoff and had only just made it to the top.
From this high vantage point, barren mountains stretched into the distance and occasionally dotted with faint glimmers of ore. Several peaks were nearly devoid of vegetation, and in this desolate landscape, the only movement came from cat-balls in miner’s helmets, skipping about with tiny pickaxes.
One of the three paper birds surveyed the surroundings for a moment, then looked down at its folded wings in disbelief before turning to the lead bird.
A gust of wind blew past, and in its stunned state, the paper bird was swept right off the ship. Fortunately, the invisible tether yanked it back, leaving it dangling midair until another paper bird helped it scramble back up.
The lead paper bird paid him no attention throughout, its eyeless paper head tilting downward to scan the area.
When it spotted the bouncing cat balls scattered across the ground, it immediately scattered little flowers in delight. Yet after searching for a long time without finding the specific ball it sought, the flowers gradually withered away.
It began repeatedly folding the tips of its wings, creasing them over and over. Paper wings were certainly less durable than shirt fabric, and under such vigorous folding...
They snapped.
The paper bird merely paused briefly before continuing to fold the next section, seemingly determined to fold itself out of existence.
After both wings had been folded down to stubs with no sign of the target among the cat balls, the lead bird finally lost all patience. With a transformation, it took human form and perched atop the spaceship—revealing itself to be none other than Ji Yiwei!
Gazing at the distant mining site, his expression gradually darkened. Suddenly, he lowered his eyes, causing the two remaining paper birds nearby to hastily retreat, not daring to stay close.
They had only approached the formidable Ji Yiwei earlier due to sheer astonishment. Now, Sheng Songshi watched the self-contained mining world and the cat balls expertly descending with full equipment, his face filled with shock.
It went without saying—if the Main System had specially dispatched so many systems for mining, these minerals must be critically important. Using world analysis as a pretense for mining operations, the Main System had deceived all hosts...
...Well, perhaps not all hosts. Ji Yiwei likely wasn't included in that "all."
Observing Ji Yiwei's inscrutable profile, Sheng Songshi recalled events before their departure.
When suddenly intercepted, Ji Yiwei showed no pleasant expression. Not even feigning a smile, he regarded the two with impatience.
"Move."
He was in a hurry to find Sansan.
Out of fear, Sheng Songshi instinctively stepped aside, but as Ji Yiwei strode past, he gritted his teeth and pursued.
Sheng Songshi himself didn't know where he found the courage as he quickened his pace behind Ji Yiwei, his teeth chattering.
After nearly dying by Ji Yiwei's hand last time, he'd already arranged all his posthumous affairs. Perhaps this was the source of his courage—even if it killed him, he had to seize this key to breaking the deadlock.
"I'll pay one million points!"
He declared decisively, earning a sidelong glance from Ji Yiwei.
"Whatever you're planning next, take me with you."
One million points—enough to meet the "retirement" threshold. Sheng Songshi had carefully considered this sum; even for the Main System, this amount was likely significant, hence the retirement condition. As an experienced host, paying this would cost him half his assets.
But Sheng Songshi wasn't certain this could sway Ji Yiwei.
Now it appeared effective!
Not that Ji Yiwei could be moved by mere points, but one million was enough to get his mind working. He envisioned Sansan's curved on-screen eyes while hugging a green onion.
One million points, one million green onions.
Proof enough of his thriftiness.
Calculating Sheng Songshi's psychological limit, Ji Yiwei began negotiations—though his bargaining style differed from others'. He disliked wasting words and went straight for the kill.
"Two million."
Stunned by this outrageous demand, Sheng Songshi: "..."
I've never seen this kind of bargaining! Super doubling down, huh?!
Sheng Songshi was nearly suffocated by this haggling but still forced words through gritted teeth.
"...Fine. Three additional question answers."
Ji Yiwei turned to leave.
"One! Just one answer!" Sheng Songshi was practically screaming.
If possible, he'd immigrate to a universe completely devoid of Ji Yiwei—he truly couldn't stand sharing the same cosmic air with such an insatiable bastard!
Ji Yiwei nodded, indicating this price was barely acceptable. After all, Sheng Songshi had to pay upfront, and if he didn't feel like answering later, he could simply refuse. Nearby, Zhou Yuechu kept grinding her teeth until she finally made her desperate offer.
"Mr. Ji, I don't have that many points. I'm willing to pay one million points—please take me along too!"
Ji Yiwei studied her face, struggling to recall.
"You're Zhou... Zhou..."
"Just 'Zhou' is fine, no need to trouble yourself remembering." Zhou Yuechu clasped her hands before her waist, bowing slightly with the deference of a humble grandson.
"You don't need to spend points." Once remembering who she was, Ji Yiwei's attitude wasn't exactly warm but was worlds apart from how he treated Sheng Songshi. "Last time at the Forest District club, you opened the car door when Three-Three and his friends floated out... I owe you on Three-Three's behalf."
Yet his pleasant demeanor vanished in an instant.
"But remember—no next time. You stole my spotlight."
Zhou Yuechu: "........."
She stood frozen in shock.
Just... casually opening a car door for some cats... saved her...
One million points...
Though she adored cat spheres, Ji Yiwei's values were downright demonically skewed! His loyalties might as well be planted squarely on Cat Planet!
Sheng Songshi was equally dumbfounded.
At this moment, he felt like the universe's biggest sucker.
Two million points!
All because he didn't open a car door for some cat spheres!
Author's Note:
Sheng Songshi (spitting blood): Two million points... for opening a car door once…
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