28：A Life Between Two Worlds

Shen Hao came to this world solely for wealth and leisure. Learning some martial arts techniques and achieving longevity—was that too much to ask? Besides, the Dayang Dynasty was just a vassal state under the rule of the Tianwu Empire.

The Tianwu Empire's system was somewhat similar to the feudal system of the Zhou Dynasty. You were granted a title, sent to conquer new lands, and whatever territory you claimed was yours to govern—as long as you paid tribute to the empire. States like Dayang and Beihuang operated under this structure.

As for the wars and annexations between these smaller kingdoms, the Tianwu Empire didn't interfere. "Fight if you want, just make sure my tribute arrives on time," was the unspoken rule. The Tianwu Empire had ruled Zhongzhou for hundreds of years, possessing the most fertile lands and the greatest military might. Even if the vassal kings had rebellious ambitions, they needed the strength to back it up.

If Beihuang conquered Dayang, it wouldn't affect Shen Hao's fortune in the slightest.

When it came to air quality, nothing beat the fresh atmosphere of the otherworld. But in terms of living standards, the modern city life was unmatched. The otherworld was utterly lacking in the pleasures of fine food and entertainment. Otherwise, why would a single bottle of alcohol fetch such a high price?

This time, Shen Hao went on a shopping spree. He bought several thermoses—since the otherworld had no way to keep water warm. Even after raiding the supermarket, he wasn't satisfied. He turned to online shopping, ordering over a hundred high-temperature gold-melting guns with express delivery, not caring about shipping costs.

The purpose? To melt down all those gold ingots he'd gotten from the "monthly benefactor" into 100-gram gold bars for easier transactions.

After spending three days in the modern world, Shen Hao returned to the otherworld.

Things remained unchanged upon his return. He summoned Song Yongci and Ji Dongge, who were both amazed by the thermoses. The fact that hot water could stay warm inside was simply mind-blowing to them.

The more they saw, the more they felt their young master was extraordinary.

Shen Hao ignored their awe and brought out seasoning like chicken essence and MSG, explaining their usage to Song Yongci.

When it was time to cook lunch, Song Yongci was shocked. With the new seasonings like chicken essence and cooking wine, the food tasted incredible—good enough to open a restaurant as a professional chef.

Ji Dongge's eyes lit up as she took her first bite.

"Yongci-jie, your cooking is amazing! I've never had such delicious food before—not even in the capital's finest restaurants!"

Song Yongci blushed slightly, feeling embarrassed by the praise.

"It's not my skill; it's the seasonings the young master gave me."

"Enough talking—let's eat," Shen Hao interrupted. "We still have work to do after lunch."

"Yes, Young Master!"

After cleaning up, Shen Hao called them over again to teach them how to melt gold.

Watching the gold ingots liquefy under intense heat, both women were astonished.

"The temperature of this flame is incredible!" Song Yongci exclaimed.

Ji Dongge stared at the molten gold in awe.

Without offering much explanation, Shen Hao simply instructed,

"Melt all twenty of these gold ingots."

"Yes, Young Master!"

Leaving them to their task, Shen Hao lounged in the sun with his eyes half-closed.

By the time the sun began to set, both women excitedly rushed over. Song Yongci beamed with pride.

"Young Master, look at our work!"

Inside a wooden box, neatly stacked, were 500 gleaming gold bars, each weighing 100 grams.

Though not as profitable as selling wild ginseng, gold was far less suspicious. After all, how could one keep explaining the endless supply of wild ginseng? It's not like it grew like cabbage. Gold was far more convenient.

In the modern world, Shen Hao was just an ordinary person with no influential connections. Gold suited him best.

Ji Dongge's beautiful eyes sparkled with anticipation, hoping Shen Hao would praise them. She had been trying hard to make a good impression so he wouldn't get rid of her cat.

Seeing right through them, Shen Hao chuckled.

"Not bad. You've done an excellent job."

He pulled two pieces of chocolate from his pocket and handed them over.

"Here, a little reward for you."

They unwrapped the chocolates, staring curiously at the dark, round treats.

"Young Master, what's this?" Song Yongci asked, frowning slightly. "Is it really edible? Why is it black?"

"Just think of it as candy. Of course, it's edible."

To prove his point, Shen Hao opened another piece and popped it into his mouth.

Seeing this, Song Yongci didn't hesitate. She tossed it into her mouth and was instantly surprised.

"It's a bit bitter at first, but then it becomes so sweet! This is amazing!"

"Do you like it?" Shen Hao smiled.

"I love it! Thank you, Young Master!"

Curious, Ji Dongge tried hers as well. The smooth, rich taste melted on her tongue, utterly delightful—far better than any candy she'd ever had.

How does the Young Master have so many incredible things? she wondered, growing more convinced that his origins were anything but ordinary.

Meanwhile, Lai Yuejing arrived at an opulent manor, carrying a bottle of liquor.

After being announced by the servants, he entered respectfully, bowing deeply to a woman in black seated at the head of the hall.

"Greetings, Lady Wenren."

Wenren Yiyi replied coolly,

"There's no need for such formality. We barely know each other. Why have you come?"

Feigning humility, Lai Yuejing answered,

"I dare not call myself anything grand, merely a discarded son from the Lai family. But today, I've brought you a rare treasure."

Wenren Yiyi smirked, clearly unimpressed.

What kind of treasure could a cast-off like him possibly have? She'd seen her fair share of rare items and wasn't interested.

"Oh? Let's hear it."

Unfazed by her dismissiveness, Lai Yuejing sneered inwardly, Just wait and see.

He revealed a bottle of white liquor. As soon as the red bottle appeared, Wenren Yiyi's interest piqued. The bottle was smooth and glossy, reflecting light like a mirror.

"Interesting," she murmured.

Lai Yuejing uncorked the bottle, and a rich, intoxicating aroma instantly filled the room. Wenren Yiyi's eyes lit up with surprise. In a flash, she was beside him, snatching the bottle to take a deep whiff.

"What a fine wine!" she exclaimed.

She peered inside—the liquid was crystal clear. She'd only ever seen such clarity in the imperial wines of the Tianwu Empire, but even those didn't have such a strong aroma.

"Excellent! Bring me a cup!" she ordered sharply.

Lai Yuejing, already prepared, handed her a white jade cup with a flattering smile.

"Please, Lady Wenren."

However, Wenren Yiyi frowned in disgust.

"I don't need that."

Lai Yuejing's smile stiffened, his hand awkwardly frozen mid-air.

Ah, right—she has a cleanliness obsession.

A maid hurried over with an emerald-green cup. Wenren Yiyi snatched it, poured herself a drink, and examined the clear liquid with growing fascination before taking a sip.

A burst of fiery warmth surged down her throat, followed by a lingering, rich aroma that danced on her taste buds. Her eyes sparkled with delight.

"Amazing! Truly excellent wine—clear as water, yet bursting with flavor. This is extraordinary!"

In her heart, she was overjoyed. Her master loved fine wine, and this would make the perfect gift.