Chapter 35: Tang Hao’s Message in the Letter

Ye Qiu arrived at Old Jack's house, stayed for a short while, had some snacks, and took two carrots.

He left behind more than ten gold soul coins before heading back home.

Ever since Xiao Wu became the boss of Notting Academy, the meal expenses for the working students had been covered by Xiao Chenyu. Because of this, Ye Qiu had managed to save quite a few gold soul coins, including what he had earned from Xiao Wu and the extra allowance given by Grandmaster Ma Xiunuo.

At this point, Ye Qiu could be considered quite wealthy in Holy Soul Village—perhaps even the richest person there.

Giving away most of his savings didn't bother him. After all, he had no need for crafting hidden weapons, and earning money was easy for him. More importantly, he had been raised on Old Jack's generosity, and some gratitude was due.

With a rough burlap sack hanging from his neck, filled with carrots, Ye Qiu walked home with Xiao Wu.

"Ye Qiu, where's your house?" Xiao Wu nibbled on a carrot, tugging at Ye Qiu's sleeve as she asked softly.

"Are you just making conversation?" Ye Qiu rolled his eyes. She had seen his memories, so she clearly knew where he lived.

"If you have something to say, just say it."

Knowing Xiao Wu well, Ye Qiu was certain she wouldn't ask such a simple question for no reason.

Pouting, Xiao Wu clung to Ye Qiu's arm and whispered in his ear, "I just want to know… why do you want me to stay away from Tang San?"

"I'll tell you when the time is right. But if you want to get close to him, I won't stop you." Ye Qiu frowned. If he weren't afraid of scaring Xiao Wu, he would've already told her about Tang Hao, a powerful Titled Douluo.

Sensing Ye Qiu's displeasure, Xiao Wu quickly explained, "No, no! I don't want to get close to him. I always listen to you…"

"Loosen up a bit, it's too hot to be sticking so close!"

Ye Qiu sounded somewhat exasperated, making Xiao Wu realize she had been clinging a bit too tightly. But she was telling the truth—she had refused Tang San's challenges multiple times.

Before long, Ye Qiu arrived at his small wooden house.

Though tiny, the place had everything—a single bedroom, a living area, and a bathroom, separated by wooden planks and a curtain.

"We're here."

Ye Qiu took out a key and, with a ceremonious gesture, unlocked the worn-out door.

Xiao Wu followed closely behind.

"Ah, I'm exhausted!"

Without caring about the dust on his bed, Ye Qiu flopped down onto it.

Seeing his flushed cheeks from exhaustion, Xiao Wu rolled her eyes. Besides training and teasing her, Ye Qiu was always this lazy.

Standing in place, Xiao Wu scanned the small room. Though cleaner than Tang San's home, it was much smaller. It seemed like a single room had simply been partitioned into different sections. Looking back at Ye Qiu, a strange emotion flickered in her eyes.

Ye Qiu got up and started searching for a cloth and a basin to clean up his small home. "Hey, dumb bunny, why are you just standing there? Are you seriously going to watch me do all the work by myself?"

"…"

Xiao Wu hesitated. Her lips moved as if she wanted to refute his nickname for her, but in the end, she only blushed and said, "Do you have an extra cloth and basin?"

"No need to be so formal. It's all just old junk. Look around and use whatever you find." Ye Qiu waved her off. Everything in this wooden house was old; he had hardly bought anything new, nor did he plan to.

"Okay." Xiao Wu nodded slightly, but as she turned away, she pouted a little and looked at Ye Qiu with grievance. "Can you stop calling me 'bunny' from now on?"

Her voice was no longer as forceful as before; instead, it carried a hint of pleading.

After saying that, she quietly walked toward the bedroom.

Ye Qiu scratched his head, puzzled. Had he done something to upset her?

Though single, Ye Qiu wasn't completely clueless. After being mentally connected with Xiao Wu for so long, he understood her feelings toward him.

Sometimes, when they were out in town, he'd get distracted admiring mature, attractive women and would end up neglecting her. This would infuriate Xiao Wu, causing her to pick fights with him on purpose.

Things were progressing faster than Ye Qiu had expected. Was this the so-called "Romance Bonus" of this world? Or was it simply the natural outcome of sincere feelings?

Shaking his head, he pushed these thoughts aside. The future was long—there was no need to rush.

An incense stick's worth of time later, after Ye Qiu finished cleaning the cramped bathroom and the table in the living area, he entered the bedroom—only to find Xiao Wu kneeling on the wooden bed, scrubbing it down with a soaked cloth.

Ye Qiu was momentarily speechless. Massaging his temples, he sighed, "Are you… actually dumb? If you soak the bed like that, when do you think it'll dry?"

"Huh?! I—I didn't know…"

Xiao Wu froze, sitting back on her heels, looking genuinely lost.

She had never done housework before.

Noticing her hair covered in dust, her face smudged, and her damp clothes, Ye Qiu hesitated but ultimately didn't scold her.

"You should go take a bath first. I'll handle the rest." Ye Qiu waved her off.

"Alright."

Xiao Wu nodded gently.

As Ye Qiu took the soaked cloth from her, he casually reminded her, "If cold water's too much, I heated some earlier under the eaves. The temperature should be just right now. Any hotter, and it'd be enough to skin a rabbit."

Originally touched, Xiao Wu's face immediately darkened.

"Ye Qiu! I told you not to call me a rabbit anymore!"

…

At noon, under the blazing sun, Ye Qiu carried a few food containers and headed toward Tang San's blacksmith shop.

"Tang San! Tang San!"

Before even reaching the door, Ye Qiu shouted inside.

Inside, Tang San was tidying up a pile of empty liquor bottles while practicing hidden weapon techniques to take care of rats and cockroaches. Upon hearing Ye Qiu's voice, he frowned.

Recalling his father's instructions in the letter, he immediately stepped out.

"Ye Qiu, what's up?"

Ye Qiu lifted the containers in his hands. "What else? I brought you food. Old Jack knew we just got back and wouldn't have much at home, so he made some for us. Since his legs aren't great, I brought yours over."

Saying that, Ye Qiu pursed his lips. He knew that Tang San had plenty of food stored in his Twenty-Four Moonlit Bridges, but this was Old Jack's kindness.

"Thanks."

Tang San smiled slightly. Though he had food, a hot meal was always better.

"No problem. Here's your big, steaming bento meal."

Ye Qiu handed over the container with a grin.

Tang San's mouth twitched. Ye Qiu's phrasing made it sound like something entirely different.

"By the way, where's Xiao Wu?"

"Don't worry, she's waiting at my place for her meal—still full of energy." Ye Qiu waved him off. "If there's nothing else, I'll be heading back."

"Mm."

Tang San nodded. There was still plenty of time. If he wanted to make Ye Qiu submit to him, he didn't need to rush.