Chapter 132 - 130: Vying for Fame and Fortune

Chapter 132: Chapter 130: Vying for Fame and Fortune

Feng Ling followed Pei Xianjue into the car. The Special Attack Team members helped fold down the rear seats so the Cat Spider and Cat Owl could also squeeze in.

Feng Ling had sent Huangfu Miaomiao to ride in another car with Li Qing and Bao Changzhi.

Once everyone was in their vehicles, the convoy departed from the Sanqing Mountain Scenic Area.

Applause was incessant along the route, with cheers rising and falling in waves.

Feng Ling gazed out of the tinted window. "Quite a scene," she remarked.

Pei Xianjue sniffled, pulling a few tissues from a dispenser in the car to wipe her tears. "Yes, the people are so passionate."

The corner of Feng Ling’s eye twitched. "..."

She often found Pei Xianjue’s reactions to be overly dramatic.

"Where are we going now?" Feng Ling tugged at her raincoat. "I want to go home and take a shower."

She hadn’t showered in five days.

’I feel like I’m starting to stink. It’s awful.’

"First, we’re going to the Yuquan Inspection Bureau. We’ll rest for a bit in the Bureau-provided apartments, then attend an emergency meeting tonight," Pei Xianjue replied, still dabbing at her eyes.

Feng Ling sighed. "Looks like I won’t be back in Qingjiang City until tomorrow."

Hearing this, Pei Xianjue turned to face her. "Have you considered staying in Yuquan City? It’s a nice place, very livable. Besides, I’m the Deputy Captain here. I’ve got your back if you need anything."

"Thanks, but I’m not interested," Feng Ling replied lazily, leaning back in her seat.

Pei Xianjue wasn’t disappointed. In fact, she grew even more enthusiastic. "Xiao Ling, you’d better get ready. A lot of people are going to be inviting you, trying to recruit you. Every city would love to have a Hunter like you. You’re going to be a huge star!"

Feng Ling glanced at her and smiled.

Pei Xianjue pulled out her phone. "Oh, by the way..."

She tapped on her phone a few times and then handed it to Feng Ling, her face alight with excitement. "We’re trending! Seven of the top ten stories are about us!"

Feng Ling glanced at the phone. The screen showed the trending news page, and a quick scan was all it took to spot Pei Xianjue’s name—

#HumanityBreachesMazeForFirstTime#

#AlienSpeciesMazeDiscoveredAtSanqingMountain#

#PeiXianjueLeadsTeamToBreachAlienSpeciesMaze#

#MazeOperationAGreatSuccess#

...

Normally, the names of Inspectors were kept confidential. Zhou Diao, for example, had distinguished himself multiple times in Qingjiang City, but was only ever referred to as "Deputy Zhou" in news reports. This was to protect their privacy as well as their personal safety.

But Pei Xianjue’s name was right there in the headlines for all to see.

Feng Ling guessed this was at the Pei Group’s behest. If Pei Xianjue wanted to become a household name, a national idol, she couldn’t very well keep her name a secret.

’What a mouthful, though. So hard to remember...’

Pei Xianjue tapped on one of the headlines.

The news post was filled with both text and pictures. The main photo was a perfectly timed shot from moments before, capturing her waving to the crowd as she got into the car.

—The female warrior in her raincoat seemed to glow against the dark, rainy backdrop. A young face, a determined expression, and even the flecks of blood visible at the collar—it was the picture of a survivor returning from the brink, an image that inspired and uplifted.

"It’s a good picture," Feng Ling offered, a rare compliment.

"Of course," Pei Xianjue said smugly. "Hehe~ My fansite photographer took it, after all."

Feng Ling blinked. "...Fansite photographer?"

"She’s the person who’s paid to follow me around and take my picture. She was in the crowd just now." Pei Xianjue took back her phone, shooting Feng Ling a self-deprecating smile. "Surprised? The Pei Group probably leaked the news that we were entering the Maze. My dad must have planted his own people among those reporters, too. The press releases were written in advance. The second I walked out of that Maze, they’d be published. Then all the paid promotional accounts would share and repost, molding me into a national hero."

Feng Ling asked, "And what if you hadn’t made it out of the Maze?"

Pei Xianjue thought for a moment. "Then I’d be... a nationally renowned martyr."

Feng Ling lowered her head and bent forward, her shoulders and back starting to tremble slightly, accompanied by strange, hitched breaths.

Pei Xianjue asked urgently, "What’s wrong? Hey!... You’re not laughing, are you?"

Feng Ling clutched her stomach and shook her head. "...Nope."

"You’re laughing so hard you can’t even sit up straight!" Pei Xianjue protested. "I only told you this stuff because I think of you as a sister! Stop laughing!!!"

"Maybe you should... get Baozi to help me control my emotions," Feng Ling said, struggling to stifle her laughter.

Pei Xianjue pouted. Baozi was in the other car; there was no way he could help. Feng Ling was obviously just making fun of her.

’But who cared? It was just a sign of their friendship growing stronger!’

Being laughed at couldn’t dampen Pei Xianjue’s mood.

She contentedly put her phone away, reclined her seat, and closed her eyes to rest.

’Call her vain, call her a glory hound—whatever. Today, she was finally one step closer to her dream.’

The car gradually fell silent.

On the way to the Yuquan Inspection Bureau, they both found a brief moment of peace.

Meanwhile, online, the news was spreading like wildfire, reaching every corner of the internet.

First, every detail of Pei Xianjue’s background was unearthed.

The public’s reaction was overwhelmingly positive.

A wealthy heiress who could have been living a life of luxury at home had instead fearlessly joined the war against the Alien Species, undaunted by hardship. Major online influencers praised her as a role model for the new generation.

Coupled with that heart-stirring photo in the rain, Pei Xianjue gained countless fans overnight.

That same day, Pei Xianjue’s mother changed her social media handle from the formal "Mrs. Pei" to the more maternal "Pei’s Mom." Then, seizing the perfect moment, she posted an update: "Mom is so proud of you!"

The post was accompanied by a photo of Pei Xianjue from when she had just joined the Inspection Bureau and was undergoing physical training.

In the photo, Pei Xianjue was bare-faced and wearing a plain combat uniform. There was no jewelry, no makeup—only the sweat from her training.

This won over another huge wave of fans. Netizens praised Pei Xianjue as "the real deal" and "a true heroine." In the comments, users even tagged other wealthy heiresses known for showing off their designer bags, telling them to take notes.

The hype went viral. Influencers chased the clout, making exaggerated videos and memes. Orders for all Pei Group products began flooding in, and their stock price soared.

This was partly due to the Pei Group fanning the flames and partly a cathartic release of emotion from an inspired public.

Everyone online was enthusiastically discussing everything "Pei," tirelessly sharing every piece of news about the Maze.

As more news reports and photos surfaced, one netizen picked out a particular image, circled an eight-legged monster in the shot, and posted a question:

"Does anyone else think this spider looks a little familiar?"