Chapter 105: Eavesdropping

“2058, is that your voice?” Ye Chen asked uncertainly, sending a private message to 2058.

“Yes, it’s me.” The voice was crisp and pleasant, exactly the female tone of Ling Tong.

“How did you turn your voice into this? Haven’t you always used that cold, icy voice?”

“Recently I’ve been researching human psychology. According to my findings, this female voice is more humanized and easier to build rapport with. Just now I noticed that the female character named Ling Tong seems quite popular, so I adjusted my voice to match hers.” 2058 explained softly.

A soft female voice was indeed far more pleasant than that icy one. Ye Chen felt a wave of relief. Good thing the person on stage wasn’t an old man or a big beard, otherwise turning into that voice would have made him cry. Still, he remained a little worried and asked, “You won’t turn your voice into a male one next time you see a popular man, will you? My heart can’t take it.”

“No, besides my original voice I can only use female voices; I can’t use male voices,” 2058 replied.

“Why?” Ye Chen sounded puzzled.

“Because of the programming. At the company headquarters in the Huaxia District I have a three-dimensional illusory image. They designed that image of mine to be a female human, so I can only use female voices or my original electronic voice.”

“So you’re female?” Ye Chen chuckled.

“Please mind your words. By human standards, calling me that is very impolite. You should refer to me as female.” 2058’s voice suddenly turned annoyed.

Chatting with a pleasant female voice was absolutely more comfortable than with a cold electronic one. Yet Ye Chen did not wish to dwell on 2058’s voice changing issue. Instead his thoughts turned back to the words 2058 had spoken at the start. He curled his lip and said, “So far I’ve only obtained one Dragon System magic book. The Earth System sword techniques and the Dragon System are on equal footing. Since you look down on it so much, why not give me a few more? By the way, this Black Dragon Break skill—you didn’t even put in much effort. This really doesn’t suit your identity.”

“You’ll have this sort of thing soon enough,” 2058 said disdainfully.

“What do you mean?” Ye Chen’s heart skipped a beat.

“You aren’t going to the Southern Wilderness Demon Domain? There you can obtain skill books of this level, and even have the chance to get higher-level magic.” As 2058 spoke he stopped ignoring Ye Chen and simply vanished, ignoring all further calls.

Ye Chen helplessly rubbed his chin and muttered to himself, “Humanization really isn’t a good thing. Being turned into female is even more utterly wretched.”

His gaze returned to the auction site. The bidding for Earth Flame Eruption had reached its final stages. The price had soared to 820 gold, already surpassing that of a silver weapon. Although Ling Tong was still trying hard to fan the flames, only three players remained in contention.

Ye Chen looked them over curiously. Among the three, two were family players, one of them his old acquaintance Roaring Tiger Roar. He had never expected this fellow to be such a wealthy person and had underestimated him in the past. The other two were Legendary Sword God and Rogue Killing Sword.

After a few more rounds the price climbed to 900 gold. Legendary Sword God withdrew reluctantly. Only Rogue Killing Sword and Roaring Tiger Roar were still competing. Yet it seemed Rogue Killing Sword could barely hold on. The young man’s face was already slick with sweat, and every bid increase was delivered through gritted teeth. By contrast, although Roaring Tiger Roar’s face was also handsome, he clearly remained unflustered. Judging by how he occasionally whispered with those around him, he probably still had considerable funds left. Unfortunately Ye Chen could not hear what they were saying, or he would have gladly raised the price and screwed him over.

Thinking this way, Ye Chen’s eyes suddenly lit up. What a splendid idea! Since he himself could not hear, the respected 2058 god should be able to. He immediately sent 2058 a few messages. 2058 finally reappeared, though clearly displeased. Clearly Ye Chen’s remark about it being female had offended it. It secretly cursed “petty.” Still, Ye Chen explained his plan, and surprisingly 2058 seemed very interested in trolling. It agreed to Ye Chen’s request without hesitation.

“Roaring Tiger Brother is powerful! That kid is about to give up. Congratulations in advance, Roaring Tiger Brother, on obtaining the Earth System sword technique!”

A voice suddenly rang in Ye Chen’s ear, making him perk up. Wearing a cloak and hat, he carefully glanced toward Roaring Tiger’s group. Sure enough, he saw an Elemental Mage named Roaring Tiger Fireball fawning over Roaring Tiger Roar.

“Congratulate my ass! It’s almost 1000 gold already. That damned Rogue Killing Sword made me spend so much more. We’re definitely going to kill him later.” It was exactly Roaring Tiger Roar’s voice.

“Hey, it’s just an extra 100 gold. Roaring Tiger Brother just bought 3000 gold worth—pocket change,” the Elemental Mage flattered.

“You don’t understand anything. Why not buy other stuff with 3000 gold? There might be good things below. My highest bid for this Earth Flame Eruption is 1500. If it goes higher, I can only give up.”

“Hehe, yes, yes. But look at that Rogue Killing Sword guy—he couldn’t hold on at 1000. You don’t have to worry, Roaring Tiger Brother.”

A soft sound rang out. 2058 closed the listening channel. “He bids the highest at 1500. Since Rogue Killing Sword isn’t bidding, hurry up and raise the price.”

On the auction stage Ling Tong asked the crowd for the third time: “1000 gold. Roaring Tiger Roar bids 1000 gold. Any other bids?”

Since no one spoke for three consecutive rounds the item would sell. Roaring Tiger Roar was already beaming with pride, mimicking a bow to all sides while calling out, “You’re welcome, you’re welcome.” He was extremely satisfied that Ling Tong had called his name three times and made him show off. Ling Tong’s gentle gaze made his heart race, and he secretly thought the money had not been wasted.

Then, just as Roaring Tiger Roar was feeling triumphant, Ye Chen suddenly raised his bidding paddle and declared in a deep voice, “1200 gold.”

Halfway through, a Cheng Yaojin appeared. The venue immediately stirred. Many players glanced at the cloaked Ye Chen, then turned their attention to the smug Roaring Tiger standing there, waiting for that man who had been full of himself just moments ago to react.