No mask, no armor, no disguise whatsoever, surrounded by luxurious brocade and ribbons, her hair styled in a single burgundy ponytail, Pharmacist’s Wish now looked just like a young noblewoman on the run.

Perhaps it was because Yan Qing and Xinlei’s stares were so intense, climbing mountains and crossing valleys from bottom to top, that even the ever nonchalant Pharmacist’s Wish couldn’t help but cover her chest, "What’s the matter? My maid helped me change... Is it not suitable?"

"No, it’s very suitable for you," Xinlei immediately said, leaning towards Yan Qing with a mocking tone, "You never said she was this pretty."

"Indeed, she looks very nice. If only she wore black stockings, it would be even better!" Yan Qing nodded. It was also his first time seeing Pharmacist’s Wish’s true appearance in real life, and she certainly looked better than in the game. This was probably one of the few advantages of the real world.

Xinlei gave him a hard poke in the waist, grinding her teeth as she said, "Did I sound like I was asking for your opinion?"

Pharmacist’s Wish walked up to Xinlei, and although without her mask she was a sharply beautiful woman, Xinlei remembered she had just been gossiping about her and promptly shrank behind Yan Qing, blinking innocently, "What’s up?"

Pharmacist’s Wish slowly lowered her head and bowed to Xinlei.

"I’m sorry." She said sincerely, "I’ve been speaking harshly to you these days... I actually know the relationship between you and Yellow Dog isn’t as dirty as I accused, but I just couldn’t control myself from venting my anger on you."

Black Wolf is actually apologizing to me?

Because it was so unexpected, Xinlei stood there dumbfounded. She pushed Yan Qing aside, and seeing Pharmacist’s Wish bowing, she felt awkward and ended up supporting her up by the shoulders, "I really didn’t expect you to specially apologize to me for this... All right, I accept."

"Aren’t you angry?" Pharmacist’s Wish asked, "Before and after the mission, I said a lot of harsh things to you. Even though I had my reasons, I don’t think you should forgive me... If it weren’t for Yellow Dog’s stern warning during the mission about this, I might not have even realized my mistake."

Xinlei looked at Yan Qing in some surprise. Yan Qing leaned against the stone table and turned his head away, thinking, Pharmacist’s Wish, if you’re going to apologize, then just apologize, why drag me into it? It lowers the sincerity of your apology.

Moreover, for some reason, having Pharmacist’s Wish specifically mention this made Yan Qing feel a bit embarrassed.

But that’s just what Pharmacist’s Wish is like: merciless to enemies like an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves, but straightforward and distinct in gratitude and grudges with her own people, akin to a leader in a wolf pack—fangs forward, back to the pack. Xinlei previously mentioned that Pharmacist’s Wish was proud, and it was true, because she always considered herself an undisputed leader. If she had to resort to petty tricks on her own people, it would be admitting she lacked the talent to lead everyone... That would be the greatest humiliation for Pharmacist’s Wish.

"Of course I was angry, but not to the point of holding a grudge for long. I’m usually quite busy, not much room for hatred," Xinlei laughed, "Besides, I also caused you trouble during the last mission. If it weren’t for Yellow Dog and me losing track, it wouldn’t have been just you and White Fox ambushing Shang Xuanwen, and you wouldn’t have had to come save... If we had to settle accounts, maybe I still owe more. Neither Yellow Dog nor I have apologized for that!"

"Only you should apologize—" Yan Qing reminded.

"No idle chatter from outsiders allowed in our conversation!" Xinlei glared at him.

"You gave us gifts at the time, White Fox and I long since stopped blaming you," Pharmacist’s Wish said, "Besides, going to the Imperial Palace was indeed part of the plan."

"So that’s enough," Xinlei said, holding her hand, "After all, we’re teammates who have completed three tasks together, and we’ll keep standing shoulder to shoulder in the future. How could every account be settled one by one? But Black Wolf, are you sure it’s okay to take off your mask? This is the Thief’s House."

"Yellow Dog knows my identity thoroughly. Since you know me, it shows he’s already talked to you about my situation. There’s no need for any pretense in front of you." Pharmacist’s Wish said seriously, "Besides, it would be insincere to apologize without revealing my true face."

"Makes sense," Xinlei mused for a moment, "In that case—"

Yan Qing realized what was happening, but before he could speak, Xinlei had already tugged off her scarf and mask, flipped back her hood to reveal her glossy hair, and spiritedly stood in front of Pharmacist’s Wish, letting out a long breath, saying cheerfully, "I’ve been wanting to take it off; it was so hot and sweaty on my neck, it’s much easier to talk this way."

"That’s not what I meant," Pharmacist’s Wish said with tears of laughter, "I don’t even know your identity, you didn’t have to reveal your true face to me... Aren’t you afraid I’ll find you in real life?"

"Wouldn’t that be better? I don’t have many friends in the real world. If you come to Jiangnan City, I can show you around," Xinlei said casually, "Besides, I trust someone who can become friends with Yellow Dog’s subordinates isn’t a bad person."

Pharmacist’s Wish was startled, "Do you also..."

"I’ll keep the details to myself so that you won’t easily guess who I am. But unlike you, back then I didn’t have your courage or strength, I wasn’t able to fight alongside her. What you’ve accomplished that I didn’t is enough to earn my trust," Xinlei said, looking at her, "I used to think arrogant and oblivious people like you and White Fox were unsuitable to associate with, but maybe you’re both exceptions. Since we’re friends, revealing our true faces is the most basic courtesy."