Wuhun City.
On the bustling breakfast street, the aroma of various delicacies filled the air as vendors loudly hawked their goods. People moved through the streets in an endless stream, creating a lively and vibrant scene.
Since Gu Han now lived outside the orphanage, he could no longer rely on their meals. He had no choice but to leave his home and head toward the breakfast street to find food.
"Uncle, bring me two steamed buns and a cup of soy milk."
Stopping at a small bun shop, Gu Han reluctantly pulled out a few copper soul coins from his pocket and handed them over.
It wasn't that he didn't want to eat something better—he simply didn't have the money.
As an orphan, he had earned some copper soul coins by completing small tasks around the orphanage, such as cleaning. But after so many years, he hadn't managed to save much, only a dozen or so silver soul coins.
While a dozen silver soul coins weren't insignificant—enough to buy a bowl of beef noodles—it still felt too extravagant for him.
Gu Han planned to ask his teacher, Bibi Dong, for some pocket money in the future to improve his life. But for now, he needed to be careful with his spending.
Just as he received his buns and soy milk and was about to leave, a striking figure appeared on the breakfast street.
A young woman, wearing a white and gold-trimmed dress, walked gracefully through the crowd. She was tall and curvaceous, with snow-white skin, long golden hair, and exquisite features. Her pure yet enchanting aura made heads turn as she passed.
This was Hu Liena.
As she scanned the bustling street, her eyes suddenly locked onto Gu Han.
After the Tianyan system had optimized his body, Gu Han's appearance had become flawless—his features refined to a level of delicate perfection.
And to Hu Liena, who was extremely particular about looks, his face was an absolute masterpiece.
"What a cute little brother!"
Hu Liena's eyes gleamed with excitement as she fixated on Gu Han.
Having grown up with her older brother, Xie Yue, she had always dreamed of having a younger brother—one who was delicate, beautiful, and adorable.
Unfortunately, despite living in Wuhun City for more than ten years, she had never found anyone who matched her ideal.
Until now.
The moment she laid eyes on Gu Han, an overwhelming instinct screamed in her heart: It's him! That's the one!
Hu Liena felt a sharp pang in her heart as she watched Gu Han, dressed in simple blue robes, hand over his meager copper coins to buy nothing but two steamed buns and a cup of soy milk.
So pitiful! He can't even afford a proper breakfast.
Just as Gu Han turned to leave, Hu Liena suddenly stepped in front of him, blocking his path. With a radiant smile, she waved and greeted him cheerfully.
"Hello, little brother! My name is Hu Liena. What's your name?"
Hu Liena?!
Gu Han's heart tensed as he quickly took several steps back.
Since leaving the orphanage, he had overheard many people discussing the so-called "lucky loser" who had somehow become Pope Bibi Dong's disciple. Their tone was filled with disbelief and hostility.
Naturally, he assumed Hu Liena's attitude would be the same.
This foxy senior sister… what is she up to? Does she really not know who I am? Or is she just playing with me?
Sensing his wariness, Hu Liena chuckled and reassured him in a gentle tone.
"Little brother, don't be nervous. I just think you're really cute and want to treat you to breakfast!"
"You're still growing—steamed buns and soy milk aren't enough!"
Seeing that Hu Liena genuinely didn't recognize him, Gu Han relaxed slightly but remained puzzled.
"Why do you want to treat me to breakfast?" he asked cautiously.
"Because you look cute!" Hu Liena answered matter-of-factly.
Before Gu Han could respond, she took his hand and eagerly pulled him along.
"Come on, come on! I'll take you to eat something delicious. Look how skinny you are!"
"This is Wuhun City—you don't have to be scared. I won't kidnap you and sell you or anything!"
Hu Liena's enchanting eyes sparkled with warmth as she looked at Gu Han's not-so-strong figure, feeling an inexplicable sense of affection.
After a moment of hesitation, Gu Han decided not to refuse.
"By the way, little brother, I still don't know your name."
"Uh… my name is Han Xiaogu."
—
An hour later.
Under the guidance of the rich young lady Hu Liena, Gu Han indulged in a feast of delicacies he had never tasted before in this world.
Crab roe buns, rainbow pudding, small cakes—his taste buds were in heaven.
Although he had enjoyed these foods in his past life, after traveling to the Douluo Continent, he had never had the chance to eat them again. Even a simple bowl of beef noodles had been a luxury beyond his reach.
As he savored every bite, Gu Han couldn't help but feel grateful.
"Sister, thank you."
Even though he still didn't fully understand Hu Liena's motives, he sincerely appreciated her kindness.
"No need to thank me!" Hu Liena beamed. "From now on, you'll be my little brother! Where do you live? I'll take you to dinner later!"
Hearing the promise of more free meals, Gu Han blurted out his address without thinking.
"I live in the Green District."
Hu Liena's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
"What a coincidence! Xiao Gu, I'm heading there too. Let's go together—I want to see where your home is!"
And so, the two of them walked side by side.
As they strolled, Hu Liena turned to Gu Han with a sly smile.
"By the way, Xiao Gu, do you know why I'm going to the Green District?"
"Hmm? Why?"
"Hehe." Hu Liena smirked.
"Did you watch the martial soul awakening ceremony yesterday?" she asked.
"I heard that during the ceremony, a total loser with an innate soul power of only level 0.25 was accepted as a disciple by the Pope!"
"Everyone in Wuhun City is talking about it. I happen to know where he lives, so I'm going to check him out and see what's so special about him!"
As she spoke, Hu Liena clenched her fists in frustration and waved them in the air.
Little loser.
Gu Han's expression twitched slightly.
Now, he was certain—Hu Liena truly didn't know his identity.
"Xiao Gu, don't you think it's ridiculous? Does that little loser deserve to be the Pope's disciple?"
"Well…" Gu Han hesitated. "I don't think we should judge so quickly."
Chatting as they walked, the two arrived at a single-family courtyard in the Green District.
Above the entrance, the house number was clearly marked: No. 8.
"Xiao Gu, I'm here! This is where that little loser, Gu Han, lives!" Hu Liena announced. "Where's your house?"
Gu Han fell silent for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, he pointed at the courtyard.
"Actually… this is my home."
Hu Liena's charming smile froze instantly.
Her expression stiffened as she let out a dry laugh.
"Xiao Gu, stop joking. This is where that little loser Gu Han lives—how could this be your home?"
…Wait.
Han Xiaogu. Han Xiaogu… Gu Han?!
Hu Liena's eyes widened in sudden realization.