So much news, what a joy to battle with women

Just a few seconds later.

The video call from his "online wife" came through.

Shen Buyao grinned mischievously, having successfully pulled off her little scheme.

Then, she rejected the call.

Soon after,

Her online wife sent another WeChat message.

「Online Wife: A knockoff? You kidding me? That shape can’t be the real deal!」

「Shen Buyao: You think I’ve got nothing better to do? Why would I waste time faking this? Seriously?」

「Shen Buyao: It’s genuine. I just authenticated it myself.」

「Online Wife: (Shocked WTF GIF)」

「Online Wife: (Volcano erupting, zooming into a "Holy Sht" image)」

「Online Wife: (100-meter sprint into a dramatic kneel GIF)」

「Shen Buyao: Good things come to those who wait, and your hubby’s always got you covered. Come over tomorrow night—I’ll have it listed at your family’s auction house.」

「Online Wife: OMG, really? Won’t the old-timers from your side want it too? You’re not letting them bid?」

「Shen Buyao: I’ll give them a heads-up, let them fight over it. Hahaha… Then the seller and I will make a grand entrance with the treasure, shut those cranky old critics up for good!」

「Online Wife: (100-meter sprint kneel GIF)」

「Shen Buyao: (Kid laughing maniacally GIF)」

「Online Wife: Seriously though, who’s the seller? Some kind of legend? How could they part with something like this?」

「Shen Buyao: You’ll find out tomorrow night.」

「Online Wife: Fine. Is that college kid still grinding your account? Hook me up, let me bask in the glory of a pro.」

「Shen Buyao: Piss off! All you care about is gaming—get a life!」

After ending the chat with her online wife,

Shen Buyao suddenly rested her hands on Lin Yu’s shoulders from behind.

“Hey, college kid, after hooking you up with the Haitang Plate, don’t I deserve some credit?”

Lin Yu: “…”

A bad feeling crept up his spine.

Whatever Shen Buyao was about to say, it was definitely premeditated.

Lin Yu hopped slightly, feigning nonchalance as he asked,

“Of course, Sis Buyao. Is there… something you need my help with?”

Shen Buyao smirked slyly:

“Heh heh, it’s a tiny favor for someone like you.”

“After this is done, wreck someone for me in-game, okay?”

“Not that flirty dancer from earlier—someone else.”

Lin Yu: “…”

Such a simple request!

She could’ve asked for more money.

But no, she was obsessed with gaming.

Lin Yu: “Please don’t tell me it’s against some middle-aged dude?”

Shen Buyao: “They’re all hotties, and you’re being picky?!”

Lin Yu: “No, no, I’m cool with anyone.”

Come to think of it,

This must be Shen Buyao’s [Urgent Quest: Phantom Artifact Duel], right?

From both their perspectives,

Lin Yu had zero reason to refuse. He agreed without hesitation.

……

By the time they left the Wubao Pavilion,

It was already close to 10:30 at night.

Before parting ways,

Shen Buyao made sure to emphasize:

Next time he went treasure-hunting in Ghost Market Street, just drop her name.

Play that card, and no one would dare mess with him.

After thanking her repeatedly, Lin Yu hailed a cab and left Ghost Market Street.

In the car, he finally checked his messages.

After just over an hour offline,

Multiple people had flooded his inbox.

First,

Lin Yu opened Chi Qingshui’s chat.

He read through all her messages.

His tsundere little girlfriend had secretly bought him medicine.

Classic case of overthinking out of concern.

Such a sweet gesture—wasn’t she worried he’d read too much into it?

No doubt,

She’d wrestled with herself before deciding to send it.

Lin Yu sent a quick thank-you followed by a red packet.

Whether she accepted it or not,

The gesture was non-negotiable.

He couldn’t let “Dreaming Rain” think he casually took things from girls.

He gave red packets to girls.

Meanwhile,

Women also sent red packets to him.

「He Jing: Hey handsome, was busy all day, so I couldn’t text earlier.」

「He Jing: Lunch was amazing today. Hope I can taste it again tomorrow.」

「He Jing: (WeChat Red Packet)」

A woman of the world—straight to the point.

Basically telling Lin Yu: Bring me lunch tomorrow, I’ll be at the shop!

「Lin Yu: Sis, I can’t accept this.」

「Lin Yu: If you liked it, I’ll bring more next time.」

Replying like a kid politely refusing New Year’s money,

He deliberately avoided saying “tomorrow,” opting for “next time” to keep He Jing guessing.

A smart prey walks right into the hunter’s trap.

Before Lin Yu could check other chats,

He Jing replied instantly.

「He Jing: Haha, such principles! Adorable.」

「He Jing: Just accept it and send it back to me, okay?」

She had this flirting game down pat.

If Lin Yu took the money and returned it,

She’d never accept it back.

Of course,

A “pure-hearted” man like him had no ulterior motives.

Lin Yu clicked receive without a second thought.

「WeChat Red Packet: 99.99 yuan!」

Then,

He theatrically sent the same amount back.

「He Jing: (Teasing tongue emoji x3)」

「Lin Yu: Sis, why won’t you take it?」

「He Jing: Gotcha, cutie! The money will auto-refund tomorrow.」

「He Jing: It’s my treat—can’t have you spending money on me.」

「He Jing: That missing 0.01? I’ll give it when you muster a little more courage.」

Masterful manipulation, expertly playing the college boy psyche.

Any other student would’ve been hopelessly charmed.

Making him feel the tease,

While burdening him with “debt” over a red packet.

A naive guy would’ve agonized over how to repay her.

Lin Yu spammed crying emojis.

He Jing immediately showered him with comfort.

「He Jing: Don’t cry~ Fell for my little trick? I’ll make it up to you tomorrow.」

「He Jing: Auntie Qi Meng will probably have lunch at the shop tomorrow. See you then!」

「He Jing: (Child waving goodnight GIF)」

Her schemes were practically transparent.

What a strategist!

As if Qi Meng’s lunch plans were set in stone?

More like you’ll be loitering at the shop, refusing to leave.

With Qi Meng’s polite nature, she’d never kick you out.

Fat chance of her actually eating there!

Still,

Even if He Jing hadn’t reached out, Lin Yu would’ve found a way to reel her back in.

Less her fishing—more her getting hooked.

「Lin Yu: Got it. I’ll deliver lunch on time.」

「Lin Yu: (Goodnight x3)」

……