Increasing Bai Qianshuang's Favorability

Taking the bus, Ye Chuan brought Bai Qianshuang to a bustling commercial plaza nearby.

Compared to the places Ye Chuan had visited with Luo Xi, this area was far more crowded. Since it was also the weekend, the lively and vibrant scene clearly took Bai Qianshuang by surprise.

She lifted her gaze slightly, taking in the towering skyscrapers, the noisy crowds, and the playful children. It was as if something had stirred within her.

"This place... is so peaceful," Bai Qianshuang murmured, turning to Ye Chuan. "Do people in your world never fight?"

Such a scene was unimaginable in the Tianxuan Continent, where the strong preyed on the weak. Only places under the protection of powerful cultivators could maintain such tranquility—and even then, the buildings there were simple lodgings, nothing like these soaring high-rises.

Having grown accustomed to ancient, elegant architecture, the sight of steel and concrete left a profound impact on her.

"Of course there are conflicts," Ye Chuan replied with a smile. "But there are always people working silently to maintain peace. A peaceful era is something fought for—fall behind, and you’ll suffer. That’s true everywhere."

Bai Qianshuang nodded.

In her understanding, it must mean this land was protected by a group of powerful beings.

……

Ye Chuan led Bai Qianshuang to a milk tea shop. The line wasn’t too long—after all, the commercial plaza had no shortage of milk tea stores, spreading out the customers.

"Two pearl milk teas, please," Ye Chuan ordered.

"Got it."

A short while later, Ye Chuan took the two cups handed to him and passed one to Bai Qianshuang.

Feeling the cold touch against her fingertips and seeing the milky-gray drink in the transparent cup, Bai Qianshuang’s brows furrowed slightly.

"What’s wrong? Try it," Ye Chuan said, noticing her hesitation.

"Is this... mud?" Bai Qianshuang seemed reluctant to accept it. The drink contained strange black beads—was this really something people consumed?

"It’s milk tea—a mix of milk and tea. The 'pearls' inside are just a mix of syrup and starch," Ye Chuan explained casually. "Well, think of them as tiny rice balls."

His explanation was simple enough. Hearing that the grayish drink was a blend of milk and tea, Bai Qianshuang gave a slight nod—but then shook her head.

"But I’m not thirsty."

She had no interest in this murky-looking beverage.

"Nobody drinks alcohol just to quench thirst either. Don’t overthink it," Ye Chuan said, inserting a straw and taking a sip.

Hearing this, Bai Qianshuang considered that Ye Chuan had bought it for her and decided to try a small sip.

The next moment, her eyes brightened.

Born with an innate Dao physique, she had reached the Foundation Establishment realm from birth and had never tasted ordinary food. The sweet, creamy milk tea and the chewy pearls blending in her mouth took her by surprise—it was unexpectedly delicious.

"Better than Elder Martial Uncle’s immortal wine," Bai Qianshuang remarked, glancing at her cup, which was already a third empty.

Ye Chuan had only taken one sip. Realizing she had drunk much faster than him, Bai Qianshuang’s ears turned red as she set the cup down, her expression blank as she subtly hid it behind her back.

"Glad you like it," Ye Chuan said, oblivious to her little act. Hearing her praise, he smiled.

"Is it... very expensive?" Bai Qianshuang asked.

"Not really. It’s something ordinary people can afford," Ye Chuan replied, glancing back at the shop. Two pearl milk teas for 12.9—definitely not pricey.

Just then, his phone buzzed.

[Newbie Mission: Increase Bai Qianshuang’s favorability further

Current: 15% (Target: 20%)]

Huh?

Was this a main quest?

Seeing no mention of it being a side mission, Ye Chuan stared at the screen thoughtfully before suddenly looking up at Bai Qianshuang.

At that moment, Bai Qianshuang had been sneakily sipping her milk tea while Ye Chuan wasn’t looking. Caught off guard by his sudden intense gaze, she froze mid-sip.

The young woman reluctantly released the straw. "Did I... drink too loudly?"

She thought Ye Chuan was displeased with how quickly she was finishing it.

"No, I meant—if you want more, I can buy you another cup," Ye Chuan said immediately. If this golden goose wanted to bathe in milk tea, he’d gladly oblige.

Hearing this, Bai Qianshuang was momentarily stunned, but then she voiced her confusion.

"Ye Chuan... why are you so kind to me?"

As she said, she couldn’t teach him cultivation techniques, nor did she possess any treasures. There was no reason for him to treat her so well.

Could it be... he wanted her body?

But if that were the case, he could have taken advantage long ago. The thought was beyond her comprehension.

Hearing her question, Ye Chuan clasped his hands behind his back and spoke solemnly. "Perhaps... it’s fate."

"Fate?"

"You and I are the same—both alone in this world." Ye Chuan’s gaze deepened as he tilted his head at a 45-degree angle, looking up at the sky. "I just... can’t bring myself to abandon you."

"We’re not so different."

Bai Qianshuang’s heart trembled slightly.

So that was it. Out of shared circumstances, Ye Chuan had taken pity on her.

What a good person he was.

Even without any benefit to himself, he was so generous.

Having grown accustomed to the deceit and treachery of the cultivation world, Bai Qianshuang—aside from her master and mother—felt genuine warmth from someone for the first time.

A selfless, pure kindness.

Her beautiful eyes lingered on Ye Chuan, her expression shifting as she pondered how to repay him.

But she knew nothing except cultivation.

"Buzz—"

Ye Chuan’s phone vibrated again. Glancing at it, he was surprised to see the mission already completed.

[Newbie Mission: Increase Bai Qianshuang’s favorability further (Completed)]

He had planned to take her shopping, eating, and even to a movie—yet it had been this easy.

Ye Chuan tapped his phone.

[Daily earnings: 2000 → 3000, medium chance of obtaining cultivation-related items]

[Daily points earned: 10 → 15]

Points? What were those?

After checking, he found no interface explaining them. But the jump from 2000 to 3000 was huge!

Three thousand a day!

Ninety thousand a month?

A million a year?

He could cry from happiness.

Noticing Ye Chuan’s moved expression, Bai Qianshuang tilted her head slightly. "?"

Ye Chuan’s mind raced—if one tenant could do this, what about a few more?

"Now this is what I call passive income," he muttered, snapping back to reality when he noticed Bai Qianshuang staring. Clearing his throat, he said, "Alright, let’s go get some good food."

Bai Qianshuang opened her mouth to say she wasn’t hungry—but then her gaze fell on the milk tea in her hand, and her throat moved involuntarily.

"Okay..."

She couldn’t bring herself to refuse.

Bai Qianshuang was craving more.