"It sounds like you're just repeating your miserable situation, and in an extremely stubborn way," Ratio said with a hint of helpless expression.

"That's all I can say. Have you forgotten? You've already betrayed me, Professor," Aventurine reminded the other seriously:

"Go where you're supposed to go. I can't wait to see the company's fleet surrounding Penacony. You've got what you wanted too, haven't you?"

[March 7th: Is he still acting?]

[Welt: It's an obvious fact. By the way, if a high-ranking company official really died in Penacony... the company definitely won't let it go.]

[Jing Yuan: A perfect claim, isn't it, Mr. 'Gambler'? He's really putting himself in the game, trying to outsmart the family.]

"Indeed, but so what? Don't tell me you've hidden a beacon to call for near-Earth orbit support in that bag of yours?" Ratio's lips curled into a mocking smile, his tone full of contempt.

Aventurine's face showed a mysterious expression, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

"Maybe? Perhaps that's why I'm still thinking about giving out money even when I'm about to die."

Ratio couldn't help but roll his eyes, grumbling irritably: "...You've gone completely mad, you damn gambler."

However, in the face of Ratio's accusation, Aventurine seemed unusually serious. He muttered:

"Maybe I've been mad for a long time, who knows?"

"Heh, hmm... whatever. Here, take this. Open it when you're at death's door, you'll thank me," Ratio said with a cold laugh, handing the small, delicate bottle to Aventurine.

Aventurine lowered his head suspiciously, staring at the mysterious little bottle in front of him, pondering to himself.

What the hell is this thing? Could it be some sort of life-saving medical advice? Just as he was about to ask, he looked up and was surprised to find that Dr. Ratio had already left silently.

Looking at the empty street, Aventurine shook his head helplessly and said to himself with a bitter smile: "Heh, you do have a sense of drama, Professor."

After saying this, he carefully tucked the small bottle into his bosom, as if it contained a precious pill that could determine life and death.

Suddenly, he clutched his head, looking pained, and said through gritted teeth: "Asking me to investigate without giving me any clues... you're really something, you winged-head bastard."

If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

[Stella: Sunday's title plus one]

[Sparkle: I still think 'Chicken Wing Boy' sounds better, hehe~]

But the way that smuggler from the family was sitting on pins and needles confirmed my guess. Next... let the company's rain of wealth fall equally on everyone's head.

Under the dazzling and mesmerizing lights, the square of the Golden Age was bustling with people coming and going in an endless stream. Aventurine was striding through the crowded crowd with his briefcase, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings, carefully selecting his target. Just then, a crisp and melodious female voice suddenly sounded over the square:

"To keep the song of pure beauty singing in the galaxy, please support my performance."

Hearing this, Aventurine immediately turned his head. He saw a woman dressed in gorgeous attire dancing gracefully, surrounded by various self-playing instruments. She was dancing lightly while enthusiastically promoting herself to the people around her.

From her appearance, this lady could at best be considered a minor celebrity, but Aventurine thought to himself: Maybe she might have some clues?

With this thought in mind, Aventurine slowly walked towards the lady and casually handed her a gemstone: "This gemstone is for you."

"Wow, what a beautiful gemstone! How could someone be willing to casually give such a crystal clear, dazzling gemstone to a complete stranger?" The lady's face was full of surprise and confusion, but she couldn't hide her inner joy.

"Because I..." Aventurine's lips curled into a faint smile as he said softly: "can't bear to see anyone poor in a beautiful dream."

The lady was moved by this and said with emotion: "You're truly kind-hearted. I'll accept it then. Thank you, sir, whom I've just met. If there's a chance, you're also welcome to come and listen to me sing."

Aventurine still wore a smile, responding firmly: "It's a deal. But I'd like to take this opportunity to ask, have you heard any anecdotes about 'death'?"

"Death?" Hearing this word, the lady's face suddenly became solemn, her eyes revealing a hint of fear and unease. She frowned and muttered: "This... is really a chilling word, not fitting for a beautiful dream."

"To be honest, I'm a tabloid reporter, collecting strange tales from Penacony. You know, the scarier these things are, the more attention they get. Perhaps you could help me?"

[Seele: 'To be honest']

[March 7th: Although I don't like lying either, this is a necessary measure.]

"If rumors are acceptable... although it's not related to death, it's said that in the Reality Hotel, there have been cases of guests not waking up from sleep," the lady said gravely in a low voice, her voice revealing a hint of worry and unease:

"It seems to be an unexplained coma, fortunately, the person involved eventually regained consciousness... after all, the family is protecting the guests."

"Thank you, that's enough. May Xipe bless us."

Not waking up does fit with the possible reaction of the real body when the brain dies in a dream. If only it hadn't included that last part about waking up.

Aventurine couldn't help but sigh, then furrowed his brow again. Ah... it's like there's something in my head, is it Harmony, starting to have an effect?

He scanned around and fixed his gaze on an old man next to the roulette bar. He walked up to him and handed him a gemstone:

"This is for you, hope you like it."

The old man, hunched over and squinting, said:

"You... oh, I get it, this must be some prank show! You must have set up cameras on that building over there to film yourself doing good deeds, right?"

Then, the old man sternly reprimanded him, saying, "You young people, always thinking about doing things in unconventional ways, that's not right. Real good shows need to be filmed with heart."

Faced with the old man's rebuke, Aventurine remained very friendly. He smiled and explained, "The real show will start soon, old man. But before that, I'd like to ask you something. Do you know where I can find 'death' in this dream?"