She's in a panic, she's really panicking

The changes in her body.

Ren Yuege could actually feel it very clearly.

It was just too embarrassing.

After all, she was a young woman, not some middle-aged aunt—being a bit thin-skinned was normal.

So,

As she spoke, her eyes even reddened.

Cao Cheng thought to himself, "Oh no, this is going to generate so much negative emotion—hahahaha!"

Sure enough.

She started racking up points again.

Ren Yuege sat to the side, her eyes red.

Cao Cheng waited until her emotional feedback stopped before pouring her another cup and comforting her: "Alright, alright, stop crying. Have some tea."

"I won’t drink it! You’re just trying to mess with me again. I’ve never met anyone as bad as you," Ren Yuege snapped, her eyes still red.

Cao Cheng chuckled. "Relax, it’s just a one-time detox. If you drink more, nothing will happen. Look at me—I haven’t even gone to the bathroom."

"Really?"

"Of course. If you don’t believe me, I’ll drink first." Cao Cheng picked up the thermos and gulped down several mouthfuls.

Ren Yuege sniffled and glared. "I’ve never met anyone as awful as you."

Most men around her would always maintain their gentlemanly demeanor.

Forget pranking her—none would even dare swear in front of her.

Cao Cheng shrugged. "Like I said, you can’t blame me. I warned you multiple times—this stuff is for me. If others drink it, bad things happen. Lucky for you, you’re at home. If this happened outside… tsk tsk tsk!"

Smack.

Ren Yuege slapped Cao Cheng.

It didn’t hurt much, but it was harder than her usual playful hits—proof she was still mad.

Of course.

Her negative emotions had already racked up to 150. No way she wouldn’t be furious.

"Really just once?" Ren Yuege hesitated, staring at the teacup.

Logically, she knew—Ren Yuege, don’t drink it. You should teach this disobedient little brat a lesson.

But deep down, she couldn’t resist.

It was just too delicious.

"Drink up. I’ve been drinking it for so long with no issues—what are you scared of? And when have I ever lied to you?" Cao Cheng put on his most sincere face.

Still doubtful, Ren Yuege picked up the cup and took a small sip.

No denying it.

Just as amazing as before.

Cao Cheng handed her the thermos. "Come on, cheers."

"I’m not clinking cups with you, you little jerk!"

Ren Yuege rolled her eyes, turned her head away, and downed the remaining purple tea in two gulps. The refreshing sensation made her narrow her eyes slightly.

Good tea.

One sip was enough to soothe the soul—even her negative emotions faded a little.

Suddenly, Cao Cheng’s expression changed. He stood up abruptly. "Oh no, stomachache! I’m heading to the bathroom. Don’t come in—figure it out yourself if you need to go."

"!!!"

Ren Yuege’s face paled instantly.

A fresh 20 points of negative emotions surged out.

She couldn’t even imagine how mortifying it would be if she had to find a bathroom outside.

"Cao Cheng!"

Ren Yuege shouted his full name.

She was panicking.

Really panicking.

Her head kept flashing +1, +1, +1, +1…

Cao Cheng leisurely sat back down on the couch, completely relaxed. "Just kidding. Look how scared you got. Don’t worry, you won’t have to run to the bathroom again. Drink up."

Ren Yuege’s breathing grew heavier.

Even though she knew Cao Cheng was just teasing her, it only made her angrier.

Negative emotions skyrocketed again.

"You’re the worst!!" Ren Yuege reached out and pinched Cao Cheng’s ear again.

……

This time, the emotional harvest was beyond satisfying.

Almost 200 points in just over half an hour…

Cao Cheng suddenly wondered—should he leave Sanjiang and head to Zhonghai instead?

To his aunt’s place in Shanghai.

She had four daughters.

With that sibling dynamic alone, he could milk so much negative emotion. Add some teasing on top, and the buffs would stack.

In the long run, he might even pull off a ten-draw every single day.

But then again,

That would be too hard on his sisters.

Just look at Ren Yuege—she was already on the verge of tears.

This level of anger would take her at least a day to recover from.

And he couldn’t do this every day, or she’d develop "resistance," making it harder to trigger critical hits.

Occasional bursts were fine.

But too often would backfire.

Honestly,

Aunt Wang was still the most reliable source. After a month of built-up emotions, just a little teasing would set her off.

The only question was—how long could Aunt Wang keep this up? How many more years could she provide?

He really hoped she’d live to a hundred.

"Alright, stop being mad. I already said sorry," Cao Cheng said, rubbing his still-throbbing ear.

Ren Yuege turned her back to him, muttering under her breath, "I’m calling Uncle Cao tonight."

Cao Cheng sighed. "Still tattling at your age? Besides, just feel the changes in your body. This kind of tea—you can only get it from me. Even with all your millions, you couldn’t buy this anywhere else."

It sounded like a huge boast.

But Ren Yuege half-believed it.

She’d tasted premium teas before and had the experience to recognize that this purple tea was even better than the legendary mother-tree Da Hong Pao.

She’d tried the mother-tree variety years ago.

Back then, her mom had gotten some as a gift for someone important, and the whole family had a taste.

But compared to this purple tea?

The mother-tree stuff was garbage.

That alone proved how priceless this purple tea was.

The only question was—where did this little brat get it?

No doubt about it…

This guy had secrets.

Ren Yuege turned back, eyeing Cao Cheng suspiciously. "Are you really sorry?"

"Yes," Cao Cheng nodded.

He had to smooth things over—only when her emotions settled could he trigger another critical hit later.

A spring had to be pressed down before it could bounce higher.

"Then give me some of this tea. Not much—just half a pound," Ren Yuege demanded.

"You can stay mad." Cao Cheng turned to leave.

Ren Yuege quickly called after him, "Fine, you little jerk! Just a little then—three ounces."

"Two ounces… even one is fine!"

Cao Cheng turned back. "Ten grams!"

"Ten grams? That’s nothing!" Ren Yuege frowned.

Cao Cheng: "I only have about 30 grams on me. I’d love an ounce too. And this tea is light—ten grams is enough for a few brews."

"Fine, ten grams it is. I’ll take it back for my mom to try."

Her mother had always been buried in work.

Over the years, her health hadn’t been great—always some minor ailment or another.

But this tea made her body feel lighter, even her mind sharper.

Perfect for someone who worked long hours mentally.

Cao Cheng smirked. "Didn’t take you for a filial daughter?"

Ren Yuege rolled her eyes. "Obviously… By the way, where did you get this tea? Can you buy more? Money’s no issue—name your price."

"It’s not something money can buy."

Cao Cheng shook his head. "I saved someone’s life once. This was his thank-you gift."

Ren Yuege nodded, still skeptical.

It made sense, though.

Tea like this? No way it was for sale.

The mother-tree Da Hong Pao had already stopped production this year, sending prices through the roof.

And this purple tea was on another level entirely.

Ren Yuege had seen Cao Cheng save someone before, so she naturally assumed the earlier scenario applied here, believing he couldn’t possibly be lying to her.

But what she didn’t know was this:

Not a single word from Young Master Cao held any truth.