Chapter 16: New Client Request: Meeting an Online Girlfriend on Someone Else’s Behalf?

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When Yun Zhi first joined the group, she sent a welcoming sticker but didn’t participate in the chat for the time being. She informed Yun Xinbo that she would be making frequent trips to the restroom. By now, all of Yun Xinbo’s external wounds had healed, and he was fully capable of taking care of himself.

Yun Xinbo: ……

At this moment, he understood why his daughter insisted on picking him and his wife up from the hospital, moving into a more secure villa, and dismissing the nursing staff early. Hesitant but unable to hold back, he finally asked, “Xiao Zhi, where did you get this medicine? If you can’t say, at least tell me it’s legal and harmless, right?”

He had asked twice before about the source of the medicine, but Yun Zhi never gave a direct answer. He realized there were things his daughter couldn’t even share with him.

Yun Zhi assured him, “Dad, don’t worry. What I’m doing is absolutely legal and morally upright.” What she was doing was all about helping others, even though those people were no longer on Earth.

As for the cursed talismans given to Gong Xiurong and Qin Wei, they were neither righteous nor innocent. Having caused Qin Tianhai’s death and schemed to seize the Qin family fortune, they were now reaping the consequences of their actions. The talismans didn’t cause physical harm, and they had already swindled millions in compensation from the Qin family. If they were dissatisfied, they could ask Qin Tianhai themselves in their dreams. Every debt has its debtor; she was just an emotionless errand runner!

Yun Xinbo didn’t ask further. “You want to give Mom the medicine too? Let’s go. I’ll check on her.”

Yun Zhi took out a new bottle of the tonic. Yun Xinbo helped by gently holding Ran Yao’s chin to open her mouth. The previous nurse had been diligent, cleaning Ran Yao’s mouth daily, so there was no unpleasant odor.

Yun Zhi carefully administered about a quarter of the dose. Ran Yao mainly had cerebral bruising, much less severe than Yun Xinbo’s injuries. But injuries couldn’t be judged solely by area. Moreover, Ran Yao had been unconscious for nearly two months; her internal organs and muscles had slightly deteriorated and atrophied, causing significant weight loss. It was uncertain if this quarter dose would be enough to help her regain consciousness.

After giving the medicine, Yun Zhi gave Ran Yao some water. The night was deep; neither father nor daughter felt sleepy as they quietly kept vigil by Ran Yao’s bedside.

After a while, Yun Xinbo’s face suddenly changed, and he rushed to the en suite bathroom…

Yun Zhi thought: Uh, looks like the detoxification is starting!

About ten minutes later, Yun Xinbo came out, exclaiming, “I feel much lighter inside and out!” But then his expression turned awkward. “Well, Xiao Zhi, I’m going back to my room first…” Actually, he needed to visit the toilet again.

Yun Zhi didn’t call him out: “Go ahead, Dad. I’ll watch over Mom here.”

The occasional sound of the flushing toilet came from the next room.

Just as Yun Zhi’s head was starting to nod off, faint sounds came from the bed: “Xiao Zhi?”

She suddenly looked up toward the dim wall light, seeing her mother awake. To avoid the bright overhead light disturbing Ran Yao’s adjustment, she deliberately left only the wall lamp on.

“Mom, you’re awake! You really woke up?”

Yun Zhi rushed over and clasped Ran Yao’s hand.

Ran Yao nodded. “Where am I?” She vaguely felt she had been asleep a long time.

Yun Zhi explained briefly, “This is a friend’s house…”

Ran Yao asked, “How’s your father’s company?”

As if on cue, Yun Xinbo, freshly bathed and dressed in casual clothes, looking refreshed and elegant, came from the next room and heard his wife’s long-awaited voice.

“Ayao, you’re finally awake. It’s my fault, I was wrong to trust the wrong people and dragged you into this…”

His eyes welled up with tears that he couldn’t hold back. A man rarely sheds tears lightly—it’s only when the pain is unbearable.

If not for Ran Yao suddenly learning about his company’s bankruptcy and rushing to the office, speeding and overtaking on the road, she wouldn’t have been caught in that chain car accident…

Ran Yao’s stomach growled, breaking the somber mood.

Yun Zhi couldn’t help but chuckle.

“Dad, it’s all in the past. Now you and Mom are getting better. We have to look forward.”

“I’ll go make some porridge for Mom. You talk to her.”

Since Ran Yao had been unconscious so long, she mainly relied on nutritional injections and small amounts of liquid food to sustain life. Starting with light porridge was best for digestion.

*

From then on, Yun Xinbo’s condition improved significantly. He only needed to use the restroom once or twice every few hours and took on the responsibility of caring for Ran Yao and updating her on current affairs. He reminded Yun Zhi to give Ran Yao the remaining medicine after finishing the porridge.

After delivering the porridge, Yun Zhi returned to her room on the second floor and drank an entire bottle of the pale green tonic in one go.

Rationally, she knew it was late and she should sleep first, saving the medicine for the next day. But with so many errands done and the good stuff in hand, she couldn’t resist.

The tonic tasted sweet, like some fruit, but she couldn’t quite place it.

Yun Zhi was still young and healthy, so her detox reaction wasn’t severe. After two trips to the bathroom and a shower, she drifted into a sweet, deep sleep.

After four hours, she woke early and headed straight to the bathroom. By noon, her detox was complete.

Looking in the mirror, her skin was fair and translucent, flushed with a rosy glow, as tender as if it might drip water.

Previously, she had a few faint acne scars on her face and a light scar on her left temple from childhood when she mischievously fell from a tree and got stitches. Now, all were gone.

A small scar on her right calf had vanished too.

Her whole appearance looked like she’d been airbrushed—her once yellowish hair now dark, shiny, and smooth.

Her 300-degree nearsightedness was gone; her vision was clearer than 5.2!

Her lips were naturally red without makeup, and her complexion was radiant.

Originally a stunning beauty scoring 95 out of 100 on pure allure, she now rated herself at 99, docking one point to keep modesty!

Yun Zhi smugly pinched her cheek.

Moreover, the tonic not only optimized her appearance but enhanced her physical strength…

She had been pampered since childhood; even after two months of hardship and heavy labor, she was never strong—carrying a 10kg bag of rice was tiring.

But after taking the tonic, she could effortlessly lift the solid wood dressing table in her room!

Her hearing improved too; she could hear her parents chatting while cooking downstairs.

They were talking about her.

“I don’t know where Xiao Zhi got such miraculous medicine. She won’t say, and we don’t want to pry. But my heart is uneasy. I worry she might be paying a huge price we don’t know about,” said Ran Yao.

Yun Xinbo replied while washing vegetables, “Ayao, don’t overthink. Xiao Zhi promised me it’s legal and harmless. You know she never hides things easily. If she were under great pressure, she wouldn’t be so lively and carefree.”

Ran Yao said, “I’m just afraid she’s learned to hide her feelings from us and only shows her good side. It’s your fault, trying to jump off the building and leaving the mess to our daughter, adding to her burden!”

Yun Xinbo sheepishly said, “Before I tried to jump, I prepared a bank card with 100,000 yuan and a plane ticket abroad for Xiao Zhi. But she refused to leave. Still, the family ending up like this is my fault…”

Ran Yao turned the heat from high to low on the clay pot on the stove. Inside was medicinal chicken soup that needed slow simmering to taste good.

“All right, I’m just worried about Xiao Zhi and venting a bit, not really blaming you. Now that we’re all well, that’s what matters. From now on, no more attempts at self-harm, or else I’ll remarry whether alive or dead and won’t have you anymore.”

Yun Xinbo immediately stopped washing, embraced Ran Yao, and said, “No, Ayao, you can’t get rid of me. We promised to grow old together and be married in the next life too…”

Yun Zhi: ……

Ugh, she’s a singleton and really doesn’t want to hear her parents flaunt their love.

Fortunately, as her thought passed, her hearing returned to normal.

It seemed she had to focus consciously to hear distant sounds.

Yun Zhi tested how far she could hear…

She could even hear a male college student in the neighboring villa, about ten meters away, watching some sort of adult film…

How embarrassing!

She quickly withdrew her attention and returned to normal.

Taking out her phone, she messaged Qin Tianhai to report her status and ask what was going on.

That morning, she had sent Qin Tianhai chat logs with Zhang Shuying.

Zhang Shuying said she and Qin Fugui still had mild diarrhea but far less than before; little Hu had no diarrhea at all today. Their physical and mental states were better than ever, and she sent several short videos to Yun Zhi.

They planned to do full medical checkups after their detox.

They expressed endless thanks.

Yun Zhi forwarded all this to Qin Tianhai.

Qin Tianhai, worried about his family’s condition after taking the medicine and any emergencies beyond Yun Zhi’s ability to handle, had been reviewing cultural study materials instead of immersive training to respond promptly.

Upon receiving Yun Zhi’s inquiry, he quickly replied: “Yun, you’ve perfectly absorbed the tonic and awakened a faint spiritual power. Due to Earth’s environment, your spiritual power won’t be high. It’s useful mainly for projecting your spirit to sense events within dozens of meters—first hearing sounds, then gaining blurry visual images.”

Those with severe injuries and toxins cannot reach spiritual awakening; they only gain slight strength and sensory improvement.

Qin Tianhai: “I’ll find you an introductory book on spiritual power training. We still have one unused trade opportunity; I’ll give it to you then.”

Yun Zhi didn’t hesitate: “Great, thanks in advance!”

She asked, “By the way, are there any martial arts suitable for ordinary people to cultivate over there?”

Who could resist the temptation to grow stronger?

With all these good things now, she wanted to take on more group tasks and needed to improve her self-defense.

For example, the cause of Tang Panpan’s death was a pending task not yet generated. Besides wanting to finish the auction to clear family debts before investigating, her main concern was her own insufficient strength. Tang Panpan feared she might be endangered on missions.

Qin Tianhai: “There’s no martial art suitable for you. All martial arts in the high-martial world are based on ‘yuanqi,’ which Earth lacks.”

Qin Tianhai: “Maybe you could ask the new member from the ancient world?”

Yun Zhi: …!!!

Makes sense. The ancient world had lightness skills and martial manuals!

However, after talking with Chi Xiaoyu, she was disappointed.

In his world, lightness and martial arts systems existed, but he had no martial manual. He was an ordinary cook relying on a system cheat to survive in the palace.

Martial manuals were out of reach for now. His monthly income barely covered expenses.

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Yun Zhi wasn’t willing to give up after chatting so long with Chi Xiaoyu. She couldn’t come away empty-handed.

Each group member was a walking points machine; she wouldn’t pass them by!

Chi Xiaoyu was thrilled knowing Yun Zhi could help purchase Earth supplies and handle commission tasks.

He listed a huge array of things he wanted—seasonings, ingredients, seeds unknown in the ancient world, plus knowledge on papermaking, movable type printing, soap making, glass production, ice making, salt production, crossbow weapons, improved farming tools, penicillin extraction… even gunpowder.

He wanted grain supplies and weapons too.

He practically looked like he wanted to rebel and claim the throne!

Yun Zhi shut him down with one sentence: “Comrade Xiaoyu, I don’t work for free. What will you trade me?”

Poor and penniless Chi Xiaoyu: …

Yun Zhi: “No pie-in-the-sky promises. I don’t accept empty checks.”

No more talk about golden treasures and unlimited martial manuals after he becomes king.

Chi Xiaoyu, still typing furiously, trying to sell grand dreams: …

Chi Xiaoyu: “Sister Yun Zhi, you’re my only sister, please!”

Yun Zhi: “Stop it, I’m not buying sob stories! Offer something real, and lower your demands. Don’t get carried away. If I buy you loads of grain and weapons, I might get called in for questioning tomorrow, maybe worse!”

Chi Xiaoyu: “Then get me 100 jin potatoes, 100 jin sweet potatoes, 100 jin corn, and planting methods for these high-yield staples. Also some common spice seeds like chili and Sichuan pepper, and modern delicacies like cake, ice cream, cream puffs, chocolate, watermelon, Hami melon, cherries, grapes…”

Chi Xiaoyu: “My reward is the Chef God system’s eighteen recipes. They’re delicious. I’ve unlocked just eighteen so far. If you open a private kitchen with these, your business will be booming!”

Yun Zhi stroked her chin, considering the deal.

Her cooking was mediocre and lacked patience for a private kitchen, but her mother Ran Yao loved cooking and was skilled, so she might be interested.

Since Yun Zhi would be frequently out for missions, she wouldn’t be home much.

Having her parents run a private kitchen sounded good—it would keep them busy, distracted from worrying about her.

In short, she wanted to keep her parents occupied, not fixated on her!

That afternoon, Yun Zhi borrowed a bread van from Tao Qi’s pawnshop and went downtown to browse and visit a bookstore.

She bought far more than Chi Xiaoyu requested, preparing almost all the materials he wanted. She didn’t get gunpowder info but did get a compendium of common poisonous herbs and their antidotes, plus some traditional Chinese medicine books.

She stocked various popular delicacies, grains, oils, seasonings, meats, vegetables, kitchenware, pots, and pans.

She also prepared some self-defense weapons and farming tools.

Additionally, she got ten fully charged stun batons—enough for self-defense but no plans for large-scale warfare.

She prepared several sets of cosmetics, wigs, chest pads, voice changers—essential tools for crossdressers—and a phone loaded with tutorials on disguise and cooking, plus four solar power banks.

If Chi Xiaoyu faced harassment from a matriarchal world’s villainess again, these would help him change identity and escape to a remote mountain to live in hiding.

Of course, Yun Zhi didn’t encourage rebellion and wouldn’t supply vast amounts of grain or weapons for it.

Chi Xiaoyu’s system was about becoming a chef, not a king.

While preparing the supplies, she consulted Qin Tianhai, who told her that in the high-martial world, culinary development lagged far behind Earth, focusing on energy-rich rather than delicious food, so she prepared some delicacies for him as well.

Finding a place without surveillance, she stored all the supplies in her space.

She quickly completed trades with Qin Tianhai and Chi Xiaoyu.

She obtained a book titled “Training and Application of Spiritual Power (Introductory).” She also got a handwritten imperial-level recipe book with eighteen dishes.

She earned 100 points twice, bringing her total to 990—just 10 points shy of Level 2, which unlocks the points shop.

She had traded with all reachable group members; she had to wait a month before new trades.

As for commission tasks…

Qin Tianhai’s commission was complete.

Tang Panpan’s task—investigating her death—was complicated, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous, so it was postponed.

Mu Xue’s revenge-related commission on a scumbag was pending because she wasn’t ready.

Cen Junfei’s commission was still untouched.

Private messaging Cen Junfei, Yun Zhi learned he was an orphan who left the orphanage at 16, working and studying part-time.

He died at 18 shortly after finishing college entrance exams, admitted to a second-tier university but hadn’t enrolled yet.

He could get a student loan for tuition but had to cover living expenses himself.

During summer vacation after senior year, he worked hard delivering food but was electrocuted by a leaking wire in an old residential area.

On Earth, he had no close relatives but was grateful to the orphanage that raised him for sixteen years.

He wanted Yun Zhi, when financially able, to donate two million yuan to the orphanage and visit the director and the children on his behalf.

He had no more wishes; his orphanage experience was unhappy; he was often bullied, and the director favored other well-behaved, high-achieving children who bullied him most.

He felt repaying the orphanage was only this much.

Yun Zhi couldn’t do this commission yet; she couldn’t donate such a large sum before clearing her father’s debts. It would be too conspicuous—like announcing “I have money” on a megaphone.

Her funds were not traceable.

She had to wait until her parents’ private kitchen was operating with legitimate income before doing charity without suspicion.

She reopened chat with Chi Xiaoyu.

“Xiaoyu, do you have any special wish you want me to help fulfill?”

Chi Xiaoyu was happily inventorying the supplies she’d procured for him.

Though sharp-tongued, Yun Zhi was soft-hearted and gave him more than he asked.

Profitable!

But as for unresolved wishes on Earth…

His parents had divorced when he was little, each remarried with new children, and both disliked him as a burden. He lived with his grandfather, who recently passed away. His parents only sent minimal living expenses and wouldn’t welcome him.

If he died, his parents likely wouldn’t mourn, maybe even be glad he was gone.

After much thought, Chi Xiaoyu said, “Sister Yun Zhi, I want you to meet my internet girlfriend of three and a half years and record the whole process for me.”

“From freshman to senior year, whenever I had time, I worked part-time and sent her all the money I earned as red envelopes or gifts.”

“We planned to meet on Valentine’s Day, but two days before, I fell into an uncovered sewer manhole after working late.”

“My biggest regret was never seeing what my internet girlfriend really looks like.”

Yun Zhi was shocked: “Wait, after three and a half years, you never saw her photo or video?”

Chi Xiaoyu shyly replied, “No. She’s conservative and wants to keep some mystery.”

He had gotten photos of her slender back, hands, and legs—pale and beautiful. She must be a beauty!

Yun Zhi: ……

This [Meet Internet Girlfriend] commission was hard to judge.

Somehow, she had a bad feeling. Who keeps a normal girlfriend secret from their boyfriend after so long, taking countless red envelopes and gifts but never showing her face?

And Chi Xiaoyu, who was dumb enough to be scammed in an online romance, still dreamed of rebellion… unbelievable.

This task wasn’t difficult. The girlfriend lived in Haicheng.

In a few days, Yun Zhi would go to Haicheng for appraisal and auction preparations, perfect timing to fulfill this task.

Chi Xiaoyu’s payment surprised her: a finely embroidered double-sided crane picture, lifelike and framed in an exquisite round wooden frame.

Small and suitable for a traditional-style study or display shelf.

At auction, it could fetch over 200,000 yuan.

But Yun Zhi planned to keep it as a birthday gift for Yun Xinbo, who loved collecting antique, exquisite ornaments.

Chi Xiaoyu said it was made by a palace colleague over months, who wanted to smuggle it out for sale but couldn’t due to strict palace inspections. He traded it for a fruit knife and chocolate.

He regretted not being able to get porcelain vases matching any known dynasty’s style to send her.

Yun Zhi thought: not impossible. Though unsuitable for auction due to appraisal, large batches of bowls, plates, and vases would be useful for her parents’ private kitchen.

No rush—the kitchen wasn’t open yet.

With Chi Xiaoyu’s skills, gathering large quantities of quality official kiln porcelain would take time.

She told him about her idea to trade for porcelain, advising him to prioritize safety. If dangerous, the trade was not mandatory.

Modern factory-made porcelain was good enough.

Chi Xiaoyu agreed, promising to collect some if possible and keep an eye out for martial manuals for her.

He valued his life, having already died once, and wouldn’t take foolish risks.

His talk of rebellion was just bluster; in male-oriented time-travel novels, half the protagonists rebel, and the rest inherit the throne “legitimately,” usually with harems.

But novels are novels; reality is reality.

In male-centered ancient-time travel stories, male leads have towering warriors and beautiful women; female leads have warrior women and handsome men.

The difference was like buyer’s photos versus seller’s photos!

Even if the rebellion succeeded and he became emperor, who would the ministers be? What kind of consorts?

Just thinking about it was depressing.

Worse, in this world, men got pregnant and bore children!

Suddenly, he didn’t want a partner at all.

Chi Xiaoyu sighed: better not rebel!

*

That day, Yun Zhi stayed home, studying the “Training and Application of Spiritual Power (Introductory)” book.

After multiple attempts, she managed to project her spiritual power outward to hear sounds fifty meters away—her current limit.

During this time, Zhang Shuying and Tao Qi sent frequent updates on their condition after taking the medicine.

Zhang Shuying’s family had undergone full checkups. Preliminary results from doctors showed old ailments gone; they looked four or five years younger.

Qin Xiaohu’s heart disease was completely healed; he was healthier and stronger than most children his age.

Tao Qi and Mu Qingsong showed similar improvements.

Tao Qi had trained in Taekwondo before and could handle two or three untrained adult men. Now, with doubled strength and agility, he could easily defeat his own Taekwondo coach.

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Mu Qingsong, 52 years old, looked 45 after taking the medicine, as he had good health habits and exercised regularly, with fewer minor ailments, so the effect was more pronounced.

Both sides asked Yun Zhi if she could get more of the tonic, as their friends and relatives wanted it and were willing to pay.

Yun Zhi’s answer was always: No more! She got it from an old Chinese medicine doctor by chance and lost contact after this batch.

She called them, urging secrecy. Spreading word would cause trouble for them and herself.

Both Tao Qi and Zhang Shuying, Qin Fugui agreed.

They weren’t fools—once sure the medicine was unavailable for purchase, they wouldn’t spread rumors. If everyone came begging them when sick or dying, where would they get supplies?

Yun Zhi also advised Qin Fugui, Zhang Shuying, and Mu Qingsong, who looked visibly younger, to dye their hair black to hide the youthful color.

As for their youthful faces, just say they had cosmetic treatments.

Qin Tianhai could get the tonic again, but the life herb was rare in the high-martial world and risky to obtain, requiring armed escorts.

He risked it for his parents and son’s health. Now that his loved ones were healthy, his biggest wish was fulfilled.

If it didn’t endanger him or consume excessive time and favors, Yun Zhi could ask for small favors, like finding a beginner’s book on spiritual power.

Small favors he wouldn’t refuse.

But risking life and spending much effort to help was out of the question.

Yun Zhi couldn’t afford that price.

Even if she could later, she wouldn’t buy in bulk.

Too many tonics in circulation would attract unwanted attention.

After the Haicheng auction, she wouldn’t lack money and wouldn’t risk herself just to make a profit.

*

The next morning, after breakfast, Yun Zhi packed her backpack and prepared to leave.

She had told Yun Xinbo and Ran Yao in advance. They knew she was going to Haicheng to sell the imperial green bracelet for cash.

Yun Xinbo and Ran Yao’s health had improved greatly; they looked younger by a year or two.

Because their injuries were more severe, the tonic’s external beautifying effects were less obvious.

They wanted to accompany Yun Zhi to Haicheng but had only recently left the hospital bedridden and shouldn’t exert themselves yet.

They needed half a month to a month more rest before going out.

Though their recovery was remarkable, it shouldn’t be too shocking.

Tao Qi arranged a competent and discreet auntie to deliver fresh ingredients daily, and they could order anything through her.

Yun Zhi provided her parents with new phones, temporarily using her secondary SIM card numbers, and transferred 100,000 yuan each to their WeChat accounts for pocket money. They could shop online if needed.

To prevent them from worrying about her, Yun Zhi photocopied the recipe book from Chi Xiaoyu and gave it to Ran Yao, mentioning the idea of opening a private kitchen to see if they were interested.

Yun Xinbo and Ran Yao immediately stopped fretting over Yun Zhi’s trip.

Yun Xinbo enthusiastically said, “Xiao Zhi’s idea to open a private kitchen is good. We can rent a small place first. Even if it loses money, it won’t be much. I’ll prepare some business plans to compare.”

Ran Yao cherished the recipe book: “I don’t know where Xiao Zhi got this, but every dish looks delicious. If we follow the recipes strictly, the taste will be great. I can’t wait to try! Lao Yun, you’re my assistant!”

“Right away, my lady! Always at your command!”

At this moment, Yun Zhi had already left.

She overheard her parents’ conversation with her spiritual power and smiled.

Her parents seemed receptive to the private kitchen idea.

Tao Qi and Tian Tian waited at the villa entrance, still using the Land Rover.

Tian Tian came along, planning to drive the car back from the airport.

Tao Qi was driving.

Yun Zhi and Tian Tian sat in the back.

Tian Tian’s gossip-loving nature remained: “Yun Zhi, I think my cousin had cosmetic surgery a few days ago. He disappeared for two days and blamed everything on me. When he reappeared, he looked like a top celebrity instead of just average handsome… Hey, wait, you’ve gotten prettier too! Your skin looks great!”

Yun Zhi gave an awkward yet polite smile. “I had cosmetic treatments too.”

Tian Tian, who never had cosmetic surgery, didn’t know the treatment couldn’t achieve such results and assumed Yun Zhi was just naturally beautiful.

Tian Tian: “Your hair too…”

Yun Zhi: “Oh, I got a hair care package as well.”

Tian Tian wanted to ask where.

Yun Zhi anticipated this: “The hair care salon is good. One treatment costs 19,998 yuan. Many celebrities and socialites have annual memberships there.”

That was true but Yun Zhi hadn’t gone lately.

Tian Tian’s family was ordinary working-class with a monthly salary of about 10,000 yuan after bonuses—the discounted price Tao Qi gave her was a rare treat.

She couldn’t continue the chat that day!

Those wicked rich people!

Seeing Tian Tian’s glum face, Yun Zhi took out a gift bag from her backpack, bought at a mall boutique.

“I brought this for you when I went out of town recently.”

Tian Tian was delighted. “You brought me a gift? Wow, it’s from T brand! Can I open it now?”

Yun Zhi: “Of course.”

Inside was a delicate rose gold bracelet, pretty and stylish, with a color popular among young women.

It cost over 8,000 yuan—affordable enough not to burden Tian Tian mentally.

Tian Tian loved it and immediately put it on.

She fretted about returning the favor, worried her gift wouldn’t meet Yun Zhi’s standards.

Yun Zhi said, “I saw in your moments you bake handmade cookies that look delicious.”

Tian Tian understood the hint: “Then I’ll bake more next time and give you some to try!”

Tao Qi, the driver, muttered, “Enough, you two completely ignore me.”

Tian Tian teased, “I haven’t received a single gift from you since childhood. Every festival or birthday, you just send red envelopes! So unromantic!”

Tao Qi: …

He thought red envelopes were fine; she always happily accepted them.

*

On the plane, Yun Zhi and Tao Qi booked business class seats next to each other.

Yun Zhi noticed Tao Qi looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated.

“Tao Ge, if you have something to say, just say it! If you keep hesitating, it’s annoying.”

Tao Qi: …

He looked around and decided it wasn’t appropriate to speak directly.

With time before takeoff, he took out his phone and sent Yun Zhi a WeChat message.

“I want to send a return gift to Sister Mu Xue. Can you help deliver it?”

Yun Zhi: …???

Wow, the return gift was a boring red envelope for his cousin.

At least he remembered to return a gift to his old flame. So he’s not entirely a cold-hearted guy.

But the key is, the old flame’s soul wasn’t even on Earth anymore!

Why would he have such a ridiculous idea?!

Was this return gift mandatory?!

Yun Zhi had plenty of complaints but only turned her phone off, pretending not to see Tao Qi’s message.

Tao Qi thought she refused to help and felt down.

In fact, Yun Zhi used her sunhat to hide her hand as she opened the group chat interface invisible to others.

She privately messaged Mu Xue about Tao Qi’s request.

“Sister Mu Xue, Tao Ge is disappointed he didn’t get a positive answer. He really wants to send you a return gift. Do you want to accept it?”

Mu Xue, accustomed to a bizarre world full of curses, missed the past more.

The past was gone forever.

Her greatest regret was missing Tao Qi’s sincere love because of prejudice.

She only allowed herself one caramel macchiato a day and cherished the cup.

But Tao Qi’s gift was even more precious.

This gift would give her courage to keep going in darkness because someone still cared for her.

Yun Zhi replied, “Okay, I’ll tell Tao Ge to prepare well, hehe. But it has to wait until next month’s trade opportunity to deliver it…”

Then a notification popped up:

[Task from Earth native Tao Qi—Deliver a gift to the traveler Mu Xue. Mu Xue has agreed to accept the gift. Task generating…]

[You can submit the task item via the physical gift transfer function. Reward: 100 points]

[Do you accept the task? Accept/Decline]

This time, the system didn’t cause trouble, probably knowing Yun Zhi wouldn’t refuse.

She immediately clicked [Accept].

The plane was about to take off; the voice announcement reminded passengers to fasten seat belts and switch phones to flight mode.

Yun Zhi tapped Tao Qi’s arm under her sunhat.

Tao Qi sulkily turned his head: “Hmm?”

He had been pondering what to gift Mu Xue and was crushed when told no.

He knew it wasn’t Yun Zhi’s fault.

Yun Zhi whispered, “Tao Ge, once you prepare the gift, give it to me. I’ll try to help deliver it. But just this once—no next time!”

Tao Qi excitedly covered his mouth, suppressing a scream.

His eyes sparkled like a dog given a bone.

He nodded vigorously: “Yes, yes, okay!”

But then came another problem.

He had many things he wanted to give Mu Xue, especially one…

A moment later, Tao Qi leaned over and whispered, “Yun妹子, can you send me with the gift to spend a day with Sister Mu Xue and then bring me back?”

Yun Zhi: …???

What are you thinking?!