Green Plums: Soft and Fragrant

But Ye Chuan thought again—since he had the chance to obtain the best, why not aim for the Heaven-tier Foundation Establishment?

Still, 280,000 was a bit too much.

That meant he’d need to collect two months’ worth of rent to afford it.

No, he needed to raise Bai Qianshuang or Lan Xiaoke’s favorability to boost his income. Otherwise, he’d have to visit Wang Yanran a few more times.

Considering the possibility of failure in alchemy, Ye Chuan decided to set aside the Foundation Establishment plan for now. He’d wait a few days, capture a Ghost King to gather funds, and then make his move.

Even though he had enough for one attempt, it was better to save up more.

Expensive or not, the system had given him such rapid leveling speed—he deserved this.

After reassuring himself, Ye Chuan prepared to head to school.

After washing up and opening the door, he found Lan Xiaoke floating mid-air in a dress, holding a rag as she wiped the cabinets. When she noticed Ye Chuan stepping out, she feigned surprise.

"Yo, you’re up early today, kid!"

Ye Chuan glanced up at her—since she was floating, he had a clear view of certain… prominent features, especially the ample curves beneath her dress.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Couldn’t sleep, so I started cleaning bright and early!" Lan Xiaoke emphasized her diligence, her visible eye twinkling.

Ye Chuan: "…"

Had he not checked the logs, he might’ve believed her. But this girl had spent the whole night gaming, occasionally indulging in… other activities.

Ghosts didn’t even need sleep, after all.

She was clearly putting on a show for him at this exact moment.

What a crafty little spirit.

Amused, Ye Chuan said, "Oh, so hardworking? Here’s an extra 100 bucks for your allowance today."

"Woohoo!" Lan Xiaoke’s wiping speed instantly doubled, her hands practically a blur.

Ye Chuan checked Bai Qianshuang’s status—no movement—then grabbed an umbrella and headed out.

"I’m off. Try to get along with Qianshuang," he called back.

"Be careful out there~~~"

Lan Xiaoke waved her rag. Hearing her voice, Ye Chuan paused. It had been so long since anyone had seen him off like this—not since his parents and grandfather passed.

It felt… nice.

Smiling, he shook his head and left.

The moment the door closed, Lan Xiaoke cheered, tossed the rag aside, and dived back into her room to game.

The air was crisp, the rain lighter now. The stone pavement glistened with moisture, puddles dotting the uneven ground.

From a distance, Ye Chuan spotted a familiar ponytailed girl jogging toward him—Luo Xi.

"Chuan, good morni—whoa?!" She slipped mid-step, nearly toppling sideways.

Ye Chuan moved lightning-fast, catching her in his arms.

Luo Xi, bracing for impact, blinked in surprise at the strong arms holding her. She glanced between Ye Chuan and where he’d stood moments ago. "How’d you get here so fast?"

It wasn’t far, but he’d crossed it in an instant!

"I’m Superman," Ye Chuan teased.

Blushing, Luo Xi closed her eyes. "Kiss me…"

Ye Chuan leaned down—

A few seconds later, Luo Xi’s eyes flew open. She squirmed free, backing away. "A kiss, not a pinch! And we’re outside!"

"So it’s fine at home?" Ye Chuan asked.

"…Maybe," she muttered, composing herself.

She stepped closer again, eyes sparkling. "Chuan, Mom’s getting better. Last night, she was praising you."

"Praising me for what?"

"For being amazing! Even the doctors couldn’t cure her, but your family’s remedy worked." Luo Xi tilted her head. "Ever thought of selling medicine for profit?"

Selling medicine…

Ye Chuan considered it.

Not a bad idea, but he lacked the proper licenses. Plus, peddling such potent remedies would draw unwanted attention.

He preferred his current life—raking in money and cultivation progress while lazing around. No need to show off. At most, he’d help Wang Yanran hunt ghosts.

As for more… ambitious ventures? He’d wait until he reached Bai Qianshuang’s level.

At the very least, he’d need nuke-proof durability.

For now, laying low was the way.

"Materials are hard to get. I’ll only make it for your mom," he said.

Luo Xi looked touched. "Chuan… you’ve done so much for us. We don’t know how to repay you."

"Don’t worry. I’ve already got their daughter."

"Dummy!"

They walked to school side by side, Luo Xi clinging to his arm. Despite the soggy path, Ye Chuan didn’t mind.

Maybe because they were so familiar, but he didn’t feel the fiery passion of a new romance—just a natural, effortless bond.

Truthfully, he’d always had feelings for Luo Xi.

With her long ponytail, fair skin, flawless figure, and bright personality, Luo Xi had been the school’s undisputed crush since high school.

But back then, reeling from his family’s deaths and his own poor health, Ye Chuan never dared to act on it.

Even knowing she liked him, he couldn’t take that step.

Now, though?

The tables had turned.

His childhood friend was sweet, soft, and all his.

At that thought, Ye Chuan pulled her closer. "Tighter."

"Huh?" Luo Xi blinked.

Just as they entered campus, a group approached them.

Ye Chuan recognized a few faces.

"The Taekwondo Club?" Luo Xi whispered, spotting Huang Haotian and his crew. "Chuan, what do they want?"

Ye Chuan shrugged. "Who cares?"

"Looking pretty cozy there," Huang Haotian sneered, eyeing their linked arms. "Feeling proud after beating us?"

"Not really," Ye Chuan said.

Huang Haotian faltered. Was this guy backing down now?

"Crushing a bunch of ants doesn’t make me proud," Ye Chuan added. "Even if it’s a dozen of them."

One sentence—and Huang Haotian lost it.