The lace nightgown-like outfit accentuated Bai Qianshuang's graceful figure, and Ye Chuan found himself unable to look away.
When it comes to beautiful women, a single glance is respect—staring is just prolonged respect. (?)
Of course, Ye Chuan felt too embarrassed to keep gawking. Just as Bai Qianshuang swiftly grabbed a nearby blanket to cover herself, he pulled out a contract with a rustle of paper.
"Oi, let’s make a deal, girl."
Bai Qianshuang: "?"
Seeing her confusion, Ye Chuan explained the rental situation, though he deliberately avoided mentioning the app on his phone. After all, the concept of a "system" would be hard for her to grasp, and even if he explained, she likely wouldn’t understand.
Besides, some things just shouldn’t be casually shared.
To his surprise, Bai Qianshuang shook her head in refusal. "Renting won’t be necessary. I won’t be staying here long."
"Wha—?!" Ye Chuan panicked.
He was genuinely panicking.
So much so that he wanted to roll around on the floor.
The system had just arrived, and now his cash cow was about to bolt?! What did she mean by "not staying long"?!
His 2,000-a-day, beauty-boosting money tree!
At that moment, Ye Chuan felt no desire for the woman before him—only an obsession with money.
He was desperate for cash. Medical bills alone were a massive expense. Before, he’d had no choice, but now he just wanted to live. If an opportunity for a better life presented itself, he’d cling to it with everything he had.
"I can send you back!" The moment the words left his mouth, Bai Qianshuang’s gaze locked onto him. She studied him carefully before asking with solemn seriousness,
"Is that true?"
"Yes. Just… not right now."
Ye Chuan nodded. He suspected her arrival was tied to the system. If she truly wanted to return, the solution likely lay there. Once he figured out how the system worked—or what functions it unlocked—he could probably send her back.
Hearing that it wasn’t immediately possible, Bai Qianshuang’s eyes dimmed briefly before she composed herself.
At least there was hope now. Compared to wandering aimlessly outside, staying here to recover was a decent option.
Provided this man meant her no harm.
But as he’d said, if he’d wanted to hurt her, he could’ve done so while she was unconscious. There’d been no reason to wait.
"I understand." Bai Qianshuang took the pen Ye Chuan offered. Though it differed from the writing tools in her world, signing a name wasn’t difficult. Under his eager gaze, she penned her signature.
【Bai Qianshuang】
The moment the ink dried, Ye Chuan’s phone vibrated. He snatched it up and checked the screen—
【New Tenant: Bai Qianshuang successfully moved in】
【First day’s earnings have been deposited】
【(Agricultural Bank of China) Account ending in 4399 received 2,000.00 CNY at 17:24 on June 22. Balance: 2,003.10 CNY.】
【Tenant: Bai Qianshuang
Strength: Early-stage Golden Core
Status: Injured, reincarnation memories not awakened
Daily earnings: 2,000 (chance to obtain cultivation-related items)
Daily points earned:
Storyline 1: Locked
Storyline 2: Locked
Storyline 3: Locked
……
Please work to increase favorability】
In his tenant interface, Bai Qianshuang’s chibi avatar now appeared—tiny and oddly adorable.
Ye Chuan: "YES!"
Bai Qianshuang watched as he pumped his fist in excitement, her delicate face scrunching in confusion.
Did his grandpa die…? Why so excited?
"This calls for celebration! I’ll whip up a couple of dishes. Stay put." Ye Chuan gestured for her to rest in bed while he cooked. After all, patients needed proper meals to regain strength.
"Oh?"
Bai Qianshuang nodded, though she couldn’t shake the feeling she’d just been subtly insulted.
Soon, Ye Chuan returned with a plate of scrambled eggs with tomatoes and another of stir-fried greens.
"Here, you must be hungry. Dig in."
Bai Qianshuang eyed the food but shook her head. "Those who cultivate have long transcended mortal sustenance. We purify our bodies to commune with heaven and earth, forsaking earthly grains."
Then her stomach growled loudly.
Ye Chuan: "..."
Bai Qianshuang: "..."
"I don’t know much about cultivation, but this world has no spiritual energy, right?" Ye Chuan handed her chopsticks. "Back home, you absorbed qi to replenish yourself. Now? You’ve gotta eat. Energy conservation law and all that."
Bai Qianshuang stayed silent. He was right. Without spiritual energy, not only would her power remain depleted, even basic movement would grow arduous.
Another growl echoed through the quiet room. Ears burning, she accepted the chopsticks and settled at the table, taking small, measured bites.
"It’s… good." The sweet-sour tang of the tomato and eggs surprised her.
"Free food always tastes better," Ye Chuan chuckled, relieved she could eat. "So what do cultivators usually snack on? Immortal fruits?"
"Rare herbs and treasures," Bai Qianshuang murmured. "The taste… isn’t always pleasant."
"Rough life. Here, try the greens—I added MSG."
Perhaps due to her injuries and depleted energy, Bai Qianshuang’s appetite kicked in. Though each bite was small, she ate steadily, polishing off half a bowl of rice in no time.
Ye Chuan observed her quietly. Her lashes were long, and a beauty mark beneath one eye didn’t mar her near-flawless features—it added charm.
Truly breathtaking, like someone untouched by mortal trifles.
"Sir, is something troubling you?" Bai Qianshuang’s sharp senses caught his lingering gaze.
"Nah, just rare to see someone so beautiful. Can’t help looking." His grin was unapologetic.
"Beautiful…" In her world, most cultivators purified their bodies, so exceptional looks were common—practically no one in the daoist circles was ugly.
But being complimented so bluntly still pleased her. Ears still pink, she focused on her meal.
"Oh, forgot to introduce myself. I’m Ye Chuan."
"Ye Chuan."
"Mhm."
Bai Qianshuang committed the name to memory.
After the meal, as Ye Chuan cleared the dishes, she hesitated before asking, "Ye Chuan, are you… alright?"
"What do you mean?"
"You seemed overjoyed earlier. Did your grandfather pass away?"
"Huh?" Ye Chuan blinked. "My grandpa’s been dead for years."