In a perfect world, you start by relying on your own strength.

Xia Dou, standing nearby, looked up at Shi Geng, who was lost in thought, and then took the opportunity to speak up: "Hey, do you want to go up and play a game? The arcade machines here are really good."

Hearing the commotion, the children turned to look. Upon seeing Shi Geng, a stranger, they stopped playing and quieted down, their eyes filled with curiosity.

Shi Geng smiled faintly, stepped forward, and gestured for the children who had gathered around to make way.

He gripped the handle with practiced ease, his finger movements fluid and graceful, showing no sign of unfamiliarity.

Powering on, selecting levels, and unleashing combos are all done in one smooth motion, with light and shadow flashing across the screen, showcasing exquisite control.

The children, who had just been boasting about their skills, stared wide-eyed, mouths slightly agape, completely dumbfounded.

The once noisy game room fell silent instantly, with only the sound of the game machines running.

Xia Dou stood to the side, watching with a mixture of surprise and delight. She had long forgotten her previous apprehension and fear, and only one thought remained in her mind: "This guy is not only good at fighting, but he's also incredibly good at video games!"

In a short while, the difficult level was easily overcome, and the final boss collapsed with a thud under the skillful operation, and the level completion screen popped up.

The children who had been standing in a circle instantly erupted in excitement, their previous restraint and fear completely gone, their eyes filled with admiration as they chattered and crowded around.

"Big brother is too strong! We've been struggling to get past this level for ages!"

"Brother, can you teach us how to beat this game?"

A group of children surrounded and admired Shi Gen.

Xia Dou stood to the side, smiling with her eyes crinkling. All the anxiety she had felt earlier had vanished without a trace, and she had completely let down her guard.

This guy doesn't seem so scary after all.

Shi Geng put down the game controller, a faint smile appearing on his face. He turned to look at Xia Dou, who was beaming with joy, and said in a relaxed and casual tone, "Your village must be a peaceful and carefree place."

"Of course, although our village doesn't have many people, we live a peaceful and comfortable life, much better than that big pot lid in the sky..."

Xia Dou was speaking with a smug and radiant expression when she suddenly stopped mid-sentence and snapped back to reality.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she secretly groaned. She hurriedly shut her mouth and timidly glanced at Shi Heng's expression, scrutinizing him over and over, afraid that her casual remark might offend him.

Seeing that Shi Geng's expression was calm and indifferent, his brows and eyes were completely undisturbed, neither angry nor surprised, and he continued to walk forward slowly, Xia Dou finally breathed a long sigh of relief, and her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, settled back into her stomach.

She secretly patted her chest, feeling a wave of fear wash over her; she had almost forgotten that the guy in front of her was the one who had come down from that lighthouse-shaped cauldron lid.

A moment later, Xia Dou shrank her neck and whispered, trying to smooth things over: "I, I didn't mean the lighthouse was bad, it's just... it's just that the lighthouse has too many rules and is very restrictive. It's not as carefree and happy as our village."

"It's alright, you're right, the Lighthouse is indeed far less comfortable and pleasant than Dragonbone Village."

Shi Geng shook his head slightly, not taking what he had just said to heart at all.

In his eyes, the Lighthouse has a strict and demanding survival rule under dire circumstances, while Dragonbone Village has a carefree and peaceful way of life on the ground. The two places have different circumstances and each relies on its own abilities to continue the human race. There is no right or wrong, superior or inferior.

However, compared to the Lighthouse, he preferred life in Dragonbone Village. At least there was less backstabbing and intrigue, and everyone there was more human. There was no need to suppress human emotions through strict rules.

Hearing his understanding reply, Xia Dou felt completely relieved, her eyes brightened again, and her tone became even more cheerful and natural.

"Exactly, that giant pot lid in the sky is constantly under strict control, and we have to be on guard against the Devouring Beasts all the time. Unlike us here, we can play, cook, and live a peaceful and warm life."

Shi Geng smiled faintly, casually picked a high-difficulty level, and smoothly completed it in no time.

The children around him immediately lit up with admiration, their eyes shining with starlight. They gathered around him, unwilling to leave, chattering and pestering him to watch the top-level combo again.

Shi Geng readily agreed, smiling as he gripped the game controller again, operating it at a steady pace, smoothly executing moves while casually explaining the operating techniques.

Those complex and obscure operating techniques became clear and easy to understand immediately after he explained them in just a few simple words. Several children with outstanding comprehension immediately tried them out, and their progress was visible to the naked eye.

Xia Dou leaned against the door frame, watching quietly, the last trace of fear and estrangement in her heart completely vanishing.

After another round of challenges, Shi Geng simply gave up his spot so the children could take turns trying it out, while he stepped aside to watch quietly.

The room was filled with laughter and playful banter, accompanied by the flashing lights and sounds of game consoles. It was all the pure and innocent joy of children, and the simple, rustic atmosphere was peaceful and comforting.

Xia Dou slowly approached, her tone intimate and natural, without a trace of restraint or timidity: "Shi Heng, you've had enough fun, it's getting dark. I'll take you home to settle in, and later I'll have my sister cook you some home-cooked meals."

Shi Geng looked up at the darkening sky, slowly nodded, his expression relaxed and at ease: "Okay, you can arrange it."

The children waved goodbye with reluctance, promising to wait for him to come again tomorrow.

The two bid farewell to the bustling game house side by side and strolled slowly along the smooth village path. The atmosphere was peaceful and tranquil, a picture of leisurely comfort.

Smoke curled from chimneys along the way, and the aroma of food wafted from the eaves of every household. The twilight bathed the houses and trees of Longgu Village in a soft and warm glow.

Villagers passed by on the road from time to time. When they saw Shigen walking slowly alongside Xiadou, they all stopped in their tracks, their eyes filled with inquiry and curiosity.

An older woman carrying a bamboo basket stopped and teased with a smile, "Oh, isn't this Xia Dou? When did you get a boyfriend? He's quite handsome."

Upon hearing this, several passersby smiled knowingly and looked over with interest.

Xia Dou's cheeks immediately flushed red. She hurriedly waved her small hands and tried to explain, both embarrassed and anxious: "Auntie, don't talk nonsense! No, no! This is Shi Geng. It's his first time visiting our village. He's a distinguished guest who was arranged by Boss Bai to stay at my house temporarily!"

She was afraid that her joke might offend Shi Geng, so she quickly turned her head and secretly looked at the person next to her, afraid that the other person would mind.

Upon hearing this, Shi Geng merely curled the corners of his lips slightly, his expression calm and composed. He neither got angry nor argued, standing quietly to the side, letting the little girl anxiously explain.

Seeing this, Xia Dou breathed a sigh of relief but was also a little embarrassed and annoyed. She quickly grabbed Shi Heng's sleeve and left the crowd, unwilling to be laughed at by everyone anymore.

After walking for a short while, an elegant and quaint farmhouse came into view. A wooden fence enclosed a small space, with vegetables and wildflowers planted in the yard. The house was simple and unadorned, but it was spotless, and the whole place was filled with a down-to-earth and warm atmosphere of life.

"Shigen, we've arrived. This is my home."

Xia Dou quickly stepped forward, pushed open the small wooden gate, stepped aside, and gestured politely, her face full of sincerity: "Please sit down and rest first, I'll go tidy up the guest room."

Shi Geng raised his eyes and slowly surveyed the entire courtyard. A warm feeling spread across his eyes. On the lighthouse, he had seen countless life-and-death dangers and deceitful schemes. On the contrary, this kind of rural courtyard, full of human warmth and peaceful tranquility, was the most comforting to his mind and made him feel at ease and at ease.

He nodded slightly, his tone gentle and sincere: "Thank you for your hard work."

Xia Dou crisply agreed and strode into the house to tidy up.

As dusk settled, a gentle breeze rustled through the leaves, filling the courtyard with a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Shi Geng lay on his recliner, enjoying this tranquil moment amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.