When Ultraman appears in reality, however:

July 7th in China.

"Can you take this project?"

From the other end of the headphones came the voice of a friend whom Yue Ji was familiar with, or rather the project leader - Ku Chen. They had collaborated on many game video projects before, and Yue Ji was often the focus of the project, after all, he had enough show effects.

"I'm not sure if I can make it. I'll let you know if I can't."

"No, buddy, are you kidding me? If you don't come then you'll be embarrassed. Tang is done."

Ku Chen said it without hiding anything, but Yue Ji showed a painful expression on his face.

"I've been very busy in real life recently, but I really need this project. As for dividends, I don't ask for too much, just give it as you see fit."

"Hey... Brother, are you short of money recently?"

"If that's what you're saying... then it's true."

Yue Ji frowned as he looked at the only 5.3 yuan balance in his bank card. During this period, he had to accumulate wealth quickly because buying medical supplies and war preparations alone had already cost him a lot of money.

"Okay then... give it to me when you get here. I have to go to a meeting next door now. I'll talk about it tomorrow."

Kuchen quickly exited the voice software. Looking at his online friends whom he hadn't contacted for many months, Yue Ji couldn't help but let out a sigh.

After all, in today's turbulent modern society, it is really difficult to make money.

As he watched the sky gradually being swallowed by darkness, the hesitation in his heart gradually dissipated. At this moment, the feeling of hunger surged into his heart like a tide, and his stomach made a rumbling sound, as if urging him to act quickly.

……

"Sister Zhang, give me some hot pot chicken!"

Yue Ji pushed open the slightly old door and shouted loudly. His voice echoed in the air, as if carrying a hint of expectation and eagerness.

At the same time, a crisp response came from the kitchen: "Okay, I'll be there right away!" The voice was familiar and kind, making Yue Ji feel inexplicably at ease.

He found an empty seat and sat down, looking around. The restaurant was bustling with people, and the guests sat together, chatting and laughing. Everyone's face was filled with a happy and satisfied smile, as if they had forgotten the hustle and bustle and troubles of the outside world.

This dining scene with thousands of lights and everyone enjoying the meal made Yue Ji feel a strong sense of warmth in his heart.

He sat quietly, listening to the conversations of people around him and feeling the unique atmosphere.

There are no hypocritical masks here, only real emotional exchanges; no cold distance, only warm human touch. In this small restaurant, people seem to have found a sense of belonging, sharing the little things in life with each other and comforting each other's tired hearts.

Maybe... this is why I want to protect...

While Yue Ji was meditating in his heart, he also relaxed his body and leaned back against the back of the chair. Although he had lacked love since childhood, when he saw this scene, the softest part of his heart was still touched.

At this moment, Yue Ji's tearful sadness disappeared in an instant, and even he didn't notice that a smile was appearing on his face.

……

"It's still the same as always. You added so many dishes to me."

Yue Ji said with a slight smile on his face. However, Zhang Lihui just shook her head slightly.

"The price of vegetables has risen too much recently. We don't have many dishes in the first place, but customers don't order them. If we can't sell them, we'll just give them to you to eat." Zhang Lihui explained calmly.

"Ah, but I see you haven't raised the price either?"

Yue Ji frowned slightly, a hint of doubt appeared on his face. He looked up at the menu posted on the wall and found that the prices were still the same as usual.

You know, in various restaurants in 2024, scanning QR codes to order food has become a common trend. However, this small restaurant has always adhered to the business methods of its predecessors.

"It doesn't really matter whether the price goes up or not. The key is that people don't eat these vegetables much anymore. If this continues, there's nothing we can do."

Zhang Lihui sighed helplessly, with a hint of worry in her eyes. She seemed to be quite troubled by this situation, but could not find an effective solution.

"But to be honest, Sujing is still the best. It's a city of gourmet food. It's really hard not to eat the food from my hometown. I'm thinking of bringing my friends here for a meal after graduation."

"Of course you're welcome. You have to take food home every time you eat it anyway, so you can't finish it all."

Zhang Lihui's frown suddenly relaxed and her eyes softened. She had witnessed every moment of the growth of this child in front of her, from the time when his tiny figure first appeared in front of her.

She didn't dare to say that she knew everything about the child, but she knew a lot.

Looking at it from another perspective, Yue Ji can actually be considered as half of her godson. After all, they have been together for so many years and their relationship is relatively deep.

The image of Yue Ji running to her crying on that previous night when it was pouring rain was still deeply imprinted in her mind.

"Eat slowly, don't burn your mouth."

Zhang Lihui said as she watched Yue Ji wolfing down his food, and then she carefully tied her apron again. Her originally plump figure had become increasingly thinner after so many years of hard work and life pressures day after day and month after month.

The apron that once fit her well now needs to be retied from time to time to barely hang on her body. The years have not only changed her appearance, but also put too much burden on her body.

……

Walking out of the restaurant filled with the smell of fireworks, Yue Ji looked at the city where the streets were deserted, and a sense of satisfaction emerged in his heart. Of course... his stomach was indeed very satisfied.

Although Yue Ji could not find the definite meaning of light, even according to his personal wishes, he was willing to protect this pure land, even if not for others... but for himself.

The next afternoon, the sun shone through the window onto the bedroom floor, creating patches of light and shadow. Yue Ji sat quietly beside the bed, staring at the Evolution Truster on the table, which lay there quietly, as if in deep sleep.

Time passed by, and the bedroom was still quiet, without any movement. However, the heavy weight in Yue Ji's heart slowly fell at this moment. He took a deep breath, feeling the peace and relaxation in his heart.

Suddenly, an excited shout broke the silence. "Oh shit, here I come!" Yue Ji quickly put on the headphones and pressed the start button. The game world that he was so familiar with appeared before his eyes again.

The screen flashed with dazzling light, and the music and sound effects of the game filled the entire room. When he saw the login prompt in the lower left corner, a smile appeared on his lips.

"Oh my god, Tang's Mooncake! You're here!" Kuchen's voice came from the headset, with undisguised surprise and joy. Others followed suit, with laughter and cheers one after another.

However, these laughs were not ridicule or sarcasm, but a kind of tacit understanding and intimacy unique to online brothers.

Life without monsters...maybe it's pretty good.