"Is Hexia going out today?"
After assisting Grandma He in tutoring the children for a while, Hexia had gradually recovered. Her injuries were now invisible.
"Yes, I'll be heading to the Upper Level later." Hexia sat at the vanity, combing her hair and then tying it up with a blue hairband.
"I need to buy a new personal terminal and also look for a suitable job."
"It's probably not easy to find a suitable job in Payin City. Moly Crystal City might be a better option." Grandma He came into Hexia's room with a plate of freshly cut melon.
"Eat something before you go."
"Thank you."
"Most of the enterprises in Payin City are industrial, and the rest are mostly restaurants and mediocre service businesses; they're tiring and not suitable for you." Grandma He spoke candidly about the city they were in.
"Hmm, I'll still go and have a look." Hexia nodded.
Seeing Hexia so earnest, Grandma He felt a bit of tenderness for her, "Actually, a girl like you shouldn't need to work. You should be taken care of delicately."
"Not at all, everyone has to move towards independence and can't always rely on their family."
Hexia secured the hairband at the back of her head, then picked up a pair of glasses from the table and put them on. Her originally smooth black hair gradually turned into a lusterless gray, and the lively azure blue in her eyes also dimmed. Her pitch-black eyes were hidden behind the reflective surface of the glasses.
The dreamy and charming girl from just a moment ago had once again changed back to her former plain and unadorned appearance.
"That's quite an ability, much safer this way." Grandma complimented from the side.
Being a very pretty girl is lucky, but if one comes from a poor family background, that beauty can bring its own risks, and the young woman was well aware of this.
"Well, I'm heading out now."
After getting ready, Hexia said goodbye to Grandma He and left the house.
The spacious corridor was as usual, slightly cluttered. Under the bright yellow streetlights, people were coming and going: some to shop, some to work, and some taking children to school since the primary schools had already started. Although transportation options were increasingly developed in this era, not many people from the lower levels could afford them in order to save money.
Additionally, the convenience of public elevators and tracks in the Underground City was another reason.
"Hexia, good morning!"
"Is that you, Hexia? Going out today?"
"Yes, just buying some things," the young girl replied with a nod.
"Little Tilan finally feels like going out for a walk."
The surrounding neighbors now mostly recognized the girl, partly because the incident before was so well-known, having been discussed by people from several nearby districts for over a week, and partly because Hexia had started tutoring at Grandma He's house. The children she taught would talk about the girl when playing with their peers, letting many adults in the vicinity get to know her.
Even though Hexia still couldn't remember the full names or titles of these neighbors, the familiarity over this period made her feel less panicked than before.
Stepping into the vertical elevator and seeing the doors slowly close, the elevator became quiet, and Hexia sighed in relief.
Everyone is so enthusiastic, a feeling I've hardly ever experienced before.
She wasn't someone who had lived here since childhood but had moved here with her family about six years ago. Perhaps her father had some interaction with the neighbors at that time, but as a child, she didn't know much about it.
```
The security around the neighborhood couldn't be said to be very good, but it wasn't particularly poor either; most of the residents had lived here for over ten years, and some households had even passed through several generations, like Grandma He's family.
Drip——
[Floor 43 has been reached]
The elevator doors opened, and the towering buildings awash with neon signs came into view, the air becoming somewhat fresher.
We're here, Hexia thought as she stepped out of the elevator, focusing on her two objectives for the day.
One was to buy a new personal device; the other was to look for suitable employment.
Let's go get the personal device first, Hexia thought, turning her steps toward the bustling pedestrian shopping street on one side.
Walking along the spacious street, with people coming and going, a gentle breeze occasionally swept down from above, lifting strands of hair. The blue and purple neon lights cast the girl and passersby into mottled squares of light and shadow.
The stores along the street were decorated in various styles, their brightly lit interiors contrasting dramatically with the dark-colored street, as if they were two different worlds.
The lasered gradient glass doors revolved, and Hexia walked into this world of light.
The pure white store interior showcased various virtual projections constantly manifesting and demonstrating the capabilities of personal devices.
"The 'Fire Eye Sparrow Y-1800' is designed to handle sudden situations in life. Its Chromium Flame Crystal lens can gather and emit the 'Flame Flow Ray' within 2 seconds, powerful enough to penetrate a 20mm steel structure..."
"The 'Sentinel E-100' can help you scan the surrounding area for any surveillance devices within 100 meters, ensuring maximum privacy protection..."
"The 'Matrix MR-4500', your handy everyday assistant, whether it's analysis, calculation, work support, or enhancing personal defense weapons, it can let you stand out among others, nearing superiority..."
"The 'Ink Painting·GeWu 2700', with its elegant style and Eastern charm, its dark frame barrier lets your elegance and tranquility remain undisturbed by the outside world's noise."
All these models demonstrated in the advertisem*nt were the leading products of various brands these days, and they weren't cheap. For instance, the last one was the new product from 'Ink Painting Workshop,' priced at about 30,000 Federation Coins.
Hexia's eyes swept across these new products; although envious, she felt no strong desire to purchase them, since saving money was more important for her at the moment.
Perhaps it would be better to check out some products with better cost-performance, models released in previous years that should now be discounted.
However, as the girl moved around the store, she bumped into someone she knew.
"Hexia, are you here to check out the new arrivals as well?"
With strands of deep purple highlighting her golden short hair, Lina wore a cropped jacket that revealed her toned waist, exuding the vibrancy of youth, and standing by her was a slightly mature elf man, dressed like a business elite.
"This is Lina's friend, isn't it?" he asked curiously, examining Hexia from head to toe.
"Yes, she's a classmate and a friend," Lina replied openly, then moved towards Hexia.
"My personal device broke earlier, so I came to take a look," Hexia said, averting her gaze slightly, feeling at that moment just like an ugly duckling compared to the confident and dazzling Lina in front of her.
"Ah, we're in the same boat then. I'm also looking to buy a new personal device," Lina said, slapping a hand on Hexia's shoulder.
"Let's go have a look together."
Too embarrassed to refuse, Hexia could only be pulled along by Lina, and the three of them approached the counter together.
...
```
"Take down that 'Purple Owl D-1260'; I want to check it out," Tilan said.
"Of course, please wait a moment," the sales attendant nodded with a smile and took down a personal terminal that was rarely seen from behind her.
"This 'Purple Owl D-1260' can independently create a personal stage with lighting effects and play vocals with high power and high definition. It can also temporarily project dynamic background dancers. It's very suitable for music lovers..."
Lina took it with interest and kept testing its functions, projecting dazzling stage effects in the store; she seemed to like it a lot.
"What do you think, dear~" After finishing the tests, Lina hooked arms with the elf man by her side and asked him with a coquettish tone that Hexia had never heard before.
"I think it's quite nice too," the man said, sounding bored throughout but still confirmed with affirmation when Lina asked.
"Then I'll take this one."
"No problem." With that, the man gestured to the salesperson.
"This model costs 23,890 Federation Coins, but we have a promotion going on and can offer it to you for 22,890 Federation Coins..."
"Alright, no need to say too much, just proceed to checkout." The man took the payment reader and, with a beep, made the payment.
Hexia watched with amazement from the side, silently envying the ease of wealthy people. Nowadays, if she could find a job that paid 80 Federation Coins per day, it would be good, especially since she hadn't graduated from high school yet.
"Thank you~ Hehe."
Lina happily took the brand-new personal terminal and played with it in her palm before reluctantly putting it down after a short while.
"Hexia, it's your turn now. What kind do you like? Let me help you choose~"
"I'll just buy a regular one; I don't need too many functions." Hexia wanted to save some money.
"Hey, aren't you going to buy a better one? High school is coming up," Lina said, bending down to look at the various models.
"No need." Hexia gathered a bit of courage to refuse.
"Okay, how about this one?" Lina pointed to one of the models.
['Silver Star Gr-620', can create realistic scenery and sound effects to let you feel like you're on vacation anywhere and relax your mood...]
"It's priced at 12,580 Federation Coins. Although it's a few years old, it's said to have good reviews."
"It's still too expensive." Hexia shook her head.
After Lina recommended a few more models, Hexia had to decline again and then chose one herself.
"Or I could lend you part of the money, friend, and you wouldn't have to rush to pay it back," said the elf man, who had been silent for quite a while, eyeing Hexia for what seemed like an eternity.
"This... umm..." Lina hesitated.
"Thanks, but... no need. I can buy it on my own," Hexia replied, looking up somewhat embarrassed.
Since she was determined, they didn't press the matter further.
In the end, Hexia bought a slightly outdated model that had good durability reviews, which cost her about 4,000 Federation Coins.
Actually, this price was still a bit high, but Hexia was too embarrassed to choose a cheaper model. If it hadn't been for the presence of the two people, she would have been content with a basic model priced between 2,000 and 3,000 Federation Coins.
After their purchases, the trio walked out of the shop. Lina invited Hexia for a drink, but Hexia politely declined.
After saying goodbye, Hexia waved her hand and left.
Watching Hexia walk out of the store, the elf man's eyes lingered on the young girl's charming silhouette for a long time before turning to Lina, who was absorbed in her personal terminal.
"How come you never mentioned this friend before?"
"Her?" Lina looked up.
"She's not very notable in class. I only became acquainted with her because we were desk mates for a while."
"How should I put it? She's very introverted and doesn't talk much, just like a rock, very dull. There's no point in discussing anything trendy with her."
"I think she's quite attractive. Doesn't she have suitors?"
"Looks, well, that's true. Although Hexia doesn't know how to dress up, she naturally has very good skin and indeed looks very nice. At least, there are not many among the people I know who surpass her..." Lina started to ponder.
"It's strange, indeed almost no one has pursued her. Maybe she's too plain? People overlook her unknowingly, plus she never initiates conversations with others, and she wears glasses all the time."
"Right, with her glasses. You might not know, but she naturally has gray hair and wears glasses. She doesn't go out even during breaks, just sits in a corner, so not many people pay attention to her. Moreover, many classes in middle school are combined with other grades; there are a lot of strangers, so even fewer people talk to her."
"It seems she's an uncut jade," the elf man adjusted his silver-rimmed glasses.
"Hey, are you interested in her?"
"Just want to get to know her more."
"Tsk, I know what you men are thinking. You're probably contemplating getting both of us in your bed right now," Lina waved her hand dismissively.
"Suit yourself if you want to find her, but I won't help."
"Why not?" The elf man was puzzled as he had just thought about asking Lina to set him up.
"Don't you think that's a bit insulting? I do have my pride."
"Then next time I'll take you to the white beaches in the Southern District of the Underground City for a vacation. For those who live in the Underground City, going to the beautiful beaches outdoors is incredibly appealing."
"Next time? When is that?"
"Alright, this June."
"Fine, you said it. I'll ask around for you these next couple of days. Hexia seems to be short on money; it probably won't be hard to convince her."
After putting away their personal terminals, the two left the store and continued toward a high-end restaurant with a flashing sign.
In the Underground City, where it's eternally night, neon lights flicker without end, and people indulge in their desires, intoxicated and bewildered.
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