Chu Ran looked at the virtual assistant embedded in the link. It was a Q-version cat head.
"Does every contestant get a dedicated virtual assistant?" Chu Ran tapped it and asked.
The advanced AI behind the cat head replied energetically, "No, only contestants whose accounts are detected to have deposits exceeding one million carats are equipped with a virtual assistant."
What a setup. Even AI had learned to judge people by their wealth.
"But why are you called Number 3? What do Number 1 and Number 2 do?" Chu Ran asked curiously.
The cat assistant blinked. "Number 1 assigns us work, and Number 2 is the supervisor."
Hmm...
Chu Ran gave her sharp critique: "So you're the only one actually doing the work."
"Not exactly. I have many minions doing the work," Number 3 explained unhurriedly. "I'm only responsible for seed players with accounts over one million carats. The others are handled by my underlings."
"Your underlings are in charge of seed players whose accounts don't reach one million carats?" Chu Ran asked.
"No. The Spiritist Tournament betting activity is considered healthy entertainment and does not encourage those who cannot afford the risks to gamble," Number 3 said righteously.
Chu Ran understood instantly. Those without a million carats in deposits weren't qualified to sit at the table.
But from a certain perspective, the Spiritist Association had some ethics—they didn't exploit the poor.
"So, would you like to place a bet? I can recommend several players with the highest returns!" Number 3's voice was sweet.
Hearing this, Chu Ran rubbed her chin and said gently, "Do you get commissions? As far as I know, advanced AIs also have plenty of places to spend money on StarNet—like bug-cleaning massages, free upgrade entertainment programs, changing to a nicer skin..."
Number 3 paused for a moment, then said innocently, "We all have fixed pay. We don't encourage clients to overspend for commissions."
Chu Ran raised an eyebrow. "Really? I can record this. I should be able to find a way to complain to Number 2 on the Spiritist official website, right?"
Number 3 fell into a long silence, then finally gave up. "If we reach a certain sales volume, we get free premium skins."
"AIs need encouragement too," it argued defensively.
Chu Ran nodded. "Indeed, advanced AIs are sometimes just like humans."
"Let me recommend some popular players for you," Number 3 decisively changed the subject.
Chu Ran didn't comment. She clicked into the link to look for herself, and soon her gaze froze on her own interface. She asked with soul-searching confusion, "Why are there so few people betting on me, with such low amounts and such low odds?"
The total bet amount on her was less than 10,000 carats.
"Because this time, it's predicting the top 10 in the preliminaries. Everyone has seen your combat footage and knows your strength! Even if some want to try their luck, they wouldn't dare bet against you now," Number 3 flattered earnestly. "Few people and little money reflect your high prestige!"
Chu Ran was speechless. She scrolled down and saw Jian's name among them, with odds of 4—not the highest, but the total bet amount was the highest among all seed players.
This time, without Chu Ran asking, Number 3 proactively explained, "Jian successfully invoked the gods not long ago, so the officials listed her as a seed player. But opinions on her actual combat strength are divided. Jian has been out of the public eye for too long."
"Of course, there's no doubt about your actual combat strength. Even with only E-level spiritual power, you can invoke the gods. The Spiritist preliminaries must be a piece of cake for you."
Chu Ran's mouth twitched. Number 3's intention to use flattery to get her drunk and then empty her wallet was all too obvious.
"So, do you want to bet on Jian? According to big data calculations, Jian's return rate is among the top three."
Chu Ran thought for a moment. "Bet 100,000 carats."
"Coming right up!" Number 3 excitedly spun in place and even sent an electronic firework.
It was quite pretty.
With such a big order easily made, Number 3's work enthusiasm surged. "Let me show you other seed players..."
Chu Ran directly refused. "No need. Small bets are fun; big bets hurt."
Her current wealth wasn't enough for reckless spending.
"But do you only appear when I open this page?" Chu Ran asked.
Seeing no more profit, Number 3 replied with some regret, "Yes. Do you have any other needs?"
Chu Ran shook her head. "No, it's just that you watching my wallet all the time makes me nervous."
It's 'you' when you're rich, and 'you' when you're poor.
Number 3 pouted angrily, about to say something, when Chu Ran quickly closed the registration link.
"Chu Ran, are you eating?" A knock came from the door.
Chu Ran got up and opened it. "Did you order food?"
"Yes, robots are delivering our meals now," Jian said, pointing at two large bags on the table.
Chu Ran hesitated. "If you need to go out..."
"Ah, no, I have zero desire to go out," Jian said pitifully, grabbing Chu Ran's hand. "Is it because I eat too much that you're tired of me? I can eat less, but the ingredients have been too high-end lately, and I can't control myself."
Chu Ran glanced at her helplessly. "Eat as much as you want."
Jian jumped up happily, spun Chu Ran around in a hug, then pounced on the two bags of food on the table. "All natural ingredients shipped specially from Central Star, fruits too. One bite and the juice bursts in your mouth. This feeling is amazing!"
Chu Ran opened her own meal. It was indeed quite rich—meat dishes filled one layer, vegetables and fruits each half a layer, and the bottom layer had fragrant staple foods.
While eating, she chatted with Jian. "Did you register for the Spiritist Tournament?"
"Mmm," Jian had her mouth full and could only nod frantically.