"Free combat? Or no-holds-barred fighting?" Ye Chuan didn't care much about any rules. He simply shrugged with indifference and said, "Sure, since the money's already been transferred, anytime is fine."
With his impending Heavenly-level Foundation Establishment, earning an extra 200,000 was a nice bonus. The more opponents, the better.
"Then this afternoon, same place as usual. I’m looking forward to it," Jin Zhengxi said before turning away. He paused mid-step, a sly smirk curling at the corner of his lips. "Don’t run away."
Hearing this, Ye Chuan couldn’t help but chuckle before flipping Jin Zhengxi the bird.
Jin Zhengxi’s expression darkened instantly when he saw Ye Chuan’s middle finger raised at him.
He was going to teach this arrogant brat the price of his recklessness!
...
"Big bro, you have to win. Don’t underestimate that guy—he’s weirdly strong," Huang Haotian warned. Having suffered at Ye Chuan’s hands before, he knew firsthand that the guy was no pushover.
That scorching-hot leg of his didn’t even seem like something a normal human could possess.
Though he had more faith in Jin Zhengxi, he couldn’t help but voice his concerns.
Jin Zhengxi grew increasingly irritated by Huang Haotian’s repeated warnings.
"Huang Haotian, do you really have so little confidence in me?"
Huang Haotian immediately shook his head, panic flashing across his face. "No, big bro, of course I believe in you! I just don’t want you to get caught off guard."
"Then shut up and watch how I deal with him!" Jin Zhengxi waved him off impatiently.
Seeing that Jin Zhengxi wouldn’t listen, Huang Haotian had no choice but to keep quiet. Pushing further would only earn him a beating.
Meanwhile, Ye Chuan returned to the classroom with Luo Xi.
"Xiao Yu, are you still running bets?" As soon as he entered, Ye Chuan went straight to An Shiyu to ask. With more capital now, he could place bigger bets and rake in a decent profit—even if the odds were low, a 10% return was still something.
An Shiyu propped her chin on one hand, lazily spinning a pen between her fingers. "Nope. Got warned. They said gambling isn’t allowed on campus, so no more next time."
Ye Chuan was surprised. Was she really going to obey just like that?
He lowered his voice. "Seriously? No more at all?"
An Shiyu shot him a sidelong glance. "A little private action isn’t out of the question, but with fewer participants, there’s no real profit. You can’t expect me, the bookie, to lose money, can you?"
Hearing that, Ye Chuan gave up. Still, 200,000 was a decent haul.
He wondered if Huang Haotian would let him milk him a few more times.
After sitting back down at his desk, Luo Xi leaned in and whispered,
"Chuan, so your grandpa left you over 400,000?"
No wonder Ye Chuan had suddenly become so well-off lately.
In Luo Xi’s eyes, 400,000 was an enormous sum—especially since they were just college students. Most people their age still relied on their families for living expenses, having no income of their own.
Ye Chuan grinned at her reaction. "I’ll make even more in the future. Just you wait."
Luo Xi nodded repeatedly, "I believe it. My mom said you’ll either strike it rich or end up in jail someday."
Ye Chuan: "..."
The morning classes were a bit dull for Ye Chuan. When the teacher wasn’t paying attention to him, he casually laid his head on Luo Xi’s lap, enjoying the softness beneath him. With a yawn, he decided to take a quick nap.
Luckily, Luo Xi’s ample "Slimes" were large enough to block the harsh sunlight when he glanced upward.
Breathing in the faint fragrance around him, Ye Chuan soon drifted off to sleep.
By the time he woke up, class was already over. Students passing through the hallway shot him envious and resentful looks as they saw him comfortably resting on Luo Xi’s lap.
Their expressions seemed to say—
What makes this guy so special?
"Chuan Chuan, you’re awake! I need to use the restroom," Luo Xi said, poking his cheek playfully before flashing him a sweet smile.
Ye Chuan checked the time and sat up with a stretch.
Luo Xi stood as well, though her legs had gone numb from being his pillow. She winced slightly and rubbed her thighs to ease the discomfort.
Seeing this, Ye Chuan asked, "Why didn’t you wake me up if your legs were numb?"
Luo Xi simply shook her head. "You looked so peaceful, and class was almost over anyway. I wanted you to sleep a little longer."
Ye Chuan held out his hand. "Here, let me massage them for you."
Luo Xi glanced around before resting her legs on his lap. "Daddy, give me a rub!"
With a chuckle, Ye Chuan began kneading her thighs, subtly channeling his spiritual energy to soothe her muscles and blood vessels. Luo Xi soon felt warmth and a tingling sensation wherever he touched, the fatigue gradually melting away.
Before long, the soreness in her legs had completely vanished.
She blinked in surprise.
Did Chuan Chuan have a hidden talent for massage?
"All done," Ye Chuan said, withdrawing his hands.
Luo Xi seemed reluctant for it to end, wiggling her legs slightly on his lap. "That’s it?"
Ye Chuan raised an eyebrow. "I just helped with your sore legs. Didn’t you say you needed the restroom?"
After a pause, he added with a smirk, "If you like it, I can give you a full massage next time—every inch of you."
Luo Xi’s cheeks flushed pink as she let out a soft "Oh," suddenly remembering her original task.
---
The day’s schedule wasn’t too packed. After a short break in the afternoon, Ye Chuan headed to the familiar gymnasium for his next two classes.
This time, the crowd was much smaller—just a handful of spectators, along with members of the Taekwondo and MMA clubs.
The Taekwondo team hadn’t made a big fuss about it, only inviting a select few to watch.
The moment Ye Chuan stepped in, he felt the weight of everyone’s gazes.
Huh.
"Not as many people as last time," he mused, his eyes eventually landing on Jin Zhengxi standing atop the platform.
The latter curled a finger at him. "Hey, brat! Come here and face your punishment. I’ll teach you how to respect your seniors."
"Go get ’em, Chuan Chuan!" Luo Xi cheered from the sidelines.
Ye Chuan gave a brief nod before leaping onto the platform in one swift motion.
"Wasn't the former Taekwondo club president that super-skilled Korean guy?"
"Who knows? They all just kick wooden boards anyway—the King of Board Kickers or something."
"Whatever, I'm definitely not buying it this time."
The audience below began murmuring among themselves.
"Not bad. You actually didn't run away," Jin Zhengxi grinned when he saw Ye Chuan step forward.
"Why would I run? I'm not the one getting beaten up," Ye Chuan shrugged.
Even Jin Zhengxi, who was used to trash talk, felt his composure waver for a moment at Ye Chuan's words—though he quickly steadied himself.