Alas, a Bunch of Naive People

Having two girls suddenly appear in the house was actually quite nice—at least it was pleasing to the eye, wasn’t it?

But don’t be too envious.

This was traded for with my dear old dad.

Today, Third Sister woke up late.

She claimed it was because the bed felt unfamiliar.

After freshening up and changing clothes—

"Let’s go!"

Seeing them ready, Cao Cheng waved his hand and headed out for breakfast.

Cooking at home was out of the question—no ingredients, and even less motivation to wake up early.

Enjoying life came first.

Who wanted to spend all day slaving over a stove?

"Third Sister, you look like you didn’t sleep well. Later, I’ll brew you a sleep-aid tea—guaranteed to knock you out till dawn," Cao Cheng said.

Ren Yushang nodded. "Thank you, little brother."

"Don’t mention it."

Ren Yuege, standing nearby, curled her lip and muttered jealously, "Pfft, as if you know anything about traditional medicine. ‘Brewing’ tea, my foot!"

Cao Cheng raised an eyebrow. "Fourth Sister, don’t provoke me. I actually know a thing or two about Chinese medicine."

"…"

The phrase "a thing or two" triggered some unpleasant memories for her.

Ren Yuege eyed him skeptically. "You know medicine?"

"A thing or two, just a thing or two!" Cao Cheng replied with a smirk.

Ren Yushang stifled a laugh—she’d already heard from Ren Yuege about Cao Cheng’s history with the term "a thing or two."

Whether they believed him or not, Cao Cheng didn’t bother explaining further.

This was just a flex, after all.

Brewing sleep-aid tea was child’s play.

The real skill lay in… massage!

The perfect moment would come when one of them twisted an ankle or took a fall—that’s when Cao Cheng would truly shine.

Isn’t that how it always goes in novels?

Otherwise, why even study traditional medicine?

Actually treat people?

Yeah, right.

No medical license? That’s illegal.

We righteous folk don’t break the law.

"No need to drive. There’s a breakfast spot right outside—just a short walk. Plus, there’s nowhere to park over there," Cao Cheng said, waving it off. "If you want authentic local food, go for the hole-in-the-wall joints."

Hearing this, the two girls didn’t argue.

They strolled alongside Cao Cheng, the three of them ambling along.

It felt pretty nice.

"Xiao Cao, oh my—who’s this?"

"Wow, Xiao Cao, you’ve got a girlfriend now?"

"These two girls are real lookers—which one’s your sweetheart?"

The moment the twins stepped outside, they caused a stir.

Twins weren’t common in real life, let alone twins of this caliber.

Emotional energy levels skyrocketed around them.

Most men passing by radiated feelings of [envy], [resentment], [dejection]… even [rage].

Cao Cheng hadn’t expected this.

He’d taken Ren Yuege out before, to malls and such.

But back then, she’d worn a mask—only her figure drew second glances.

Who would’ve thought that the twins showing their faces together would have such an explosive effect?

Plus, after the system upgrade, his perception of emotions had become fascinating. Before, it was just system notifications.

Now, it felt eerily real—he could practically see the emotions swirling around people.

Almost like a "mind-reading" ability.

From now on, whether someone harbored malice or goodwill toward him, Cao Cheng would sense it.

Pretty handy.

Ignoring the glares from other men, Cao Cheng cheerfully introduced the twins to the aunties at the gate: "This is my Third Sister, and this is my Fourth Sister!"

"??"

One sharp-minded auntie frowned. "Aren’t these girls twins? Shouldn’t they be the same age? How’s one your elder sister and the other your younger sister?"

Great question.

Cao Cheng shot her a look. Oh, you’re the clever one, huh?

Looking for trouble?

Talkative, aren’t we?

Ren Yuege smirked, watching Cao Cheng squirm. Let’s see how he wriggles out of this one.

Cao Cheng chuckled. "Funny story—they were born three minutes apart. I popped out right in between. Hence, one’s older, one’s younger."

"Ohhh!" The aunties nodded sagely.

What a coincidence.

Ren Yuege rolled her eyes but didn’t correct him.

In public, she’d give him some face—she’d just twist his ear later.

What nonsense.

And these old biddies actually bought it?

Unbelievable.

"Wait, Xiao Cao, since when do you have sisters?"

"Adopted."

"Oho, now that’s something." The aunties exchanged knowing glances.

You know nothing.

Cao Cheng waved them off. "Alright, ladies, carry on. We’re off for breakfast."

"Sure, sure."

"Take care."

"See you later, Xiao Cao."

"Xiao Cao, come by for dinner sometime—Auntie will make you braised pork."

"Will do!" Cao Cheng replied cheerfully.

(He wouldn’t.)

This particular auntie had a son in his early twenties.

Probably matchmaking.

Wishful thinking.

Her son was a deadbeat—graduated but stayed home mooching off his parents, refusing to work. And not even going out to play chess or mahjong—just rotting at home gaming.

Pathetic.

—

Leaving the neighborhood, the emotional energy still buzzed behind them.

Ren Yuege sniffed. "Didn’t realize you were so popular with the local gossips. They all adore you, huh?"

"Quit the sarcasm." Cao Cheng shrugged. "You’ve clearly never heard of my reputation around here—"

"Xiao Cao, off to breakfast?" Another auntie greeted him warmly, eyeing the twins. "My, these girls are stunning. You’re a lucky man."

"Ah, thank you, thank you." Cao Cheng grinned.

As they walked away, he nodded smugly. "See? That’s what I call a solid fanbase. Proof of my upstanding character."

Ren Yushang played along, nodding earnestly in agreement.

Bantering and laughing, they soon reached the breakfast shop.

Packed.

Office workers, students.

Their arrival caused another commotion.

Now Cao Cheng understood why Ren Yuege always wore a mask outside.

Too pretty—people couldn’t help staring.

Masks didn’t stop it completely, but they cut down the gawking significantly.

Twins? Double the devastation.

Cao Cheng was floored.

Harvesting emotional energy had never been this easy.

Just walking around with them netted him over a hundred points already.

You guys make my past chess hustling look pathetic by comparison.

—

Ren Yuege scanned the room and frowned. "No seats?"

"Here!" A middle-aged man shot to his feet. "Ladies, take my table—I was just finishing up."

Cao Cheng eyed the man’s half-eaten noodles and untouched steamed pork dish.

"Just finishing," his ass.

Pathetic simp.

Forty-something and still white-knighting? Planning to die on that hill?

A familiar woman waved. "Xiao Cao! Over here!"

"Ah, Sister Liu! Fancy seeing you." Cao Cheng guided the twins toward her table.

The rejected man slumped back down, radiating negativity—especially when his friends mocked him.

But he forced a smile, determined to keep up appearances in front of the beauties.

His eyes kept darting toward their table.

Around them, most patrons stole glances.

The more restrained ones looked away, then peeked, looked away, peeked again…

Creeps.

The boss even personally brought over the noodles, took a close look, and then left satisfied.

Cao Cheng was impressed.

Are twins really that captivating?

He didn’t see what the big deal was—they looked pretty average, just ordinary people. What was so special about them?

Tsk, a bunch of people with no taste.