"Hello? Okay, mm-hmm, I'll tell him. Sure, thank you for the trouble, much appreciated."

After a round of pleasantries, Ye Chun hung up the phone, sighed in resignation, and glared at Ji Jue: "Again, it's your fault."

"Huh? Whose call was it?"

"The university."

Ye Chun shrugged.

As the pampered member of the Ye Family and a slacker in the workshop, and even the disgrace of the academic world and a burden to modern alchemy, she still had work to do—though the work involved lying around at home every day eating snacks. But once she stepped out, in formal settings, she had to dress businesslike and engage in communication.

As Ye Xian's assistant.

After all, with only three people in Tide Sound Workshop, Ye Xian never bothered with trivial matters. It was Ye Chun who single-handedly managed the acquisition of materials, inventory, and communication and response for orders.

Before, it was alright because her aunt's personality meant there wouldn't be many orders, and for big orders, the clients were often easygoing and didn't care about the trivial stuff.

But after bringing Ji Jue onboard, the workload increased several times over.

Nowadays, Ye Chun is, to some extent, also Ji Jue's assistant and manager. People who can't find Ji Jue often end up finding their way to Ye Chun.

Other matters are fine; matters with the association are discussed by her and the local director. As for orders… currently, Ji Jue has just got the craftsman position, so what orders could there be?

Most of the time, Ye Chun is racking her brains helping him collect garbage. After all, the warehouse reserves are limited. Relying on Ye Xian's waste to support Ji Jue is simply not feasible.

Fortunately, Ji Jue is not picky. Good stuff works, and he can make do with junk.

The recent rebuilding and scavenging in Spring City have provided a lot of alchemy waste. Otherwise, she might just go crazy.

Now, the university calls every few days.

"They want you to make an appearance."

Ye Chun grinned, "After all, you're the contemporary genius craftsman who easily took the top spot. The school leaders are just hoping you'll show up and give a speech to help secure the budget.

In a month's time, there's a lecture for this season's graduates. Are you planning to go and show off your brilliance in front of the juniors?"

"We'll see."

Ji Jue curled his lips, not very interested.

For people in society, the switch from arrogance to flattery is normal. Everyone's out to make a living; dignity doesn't matter anymore.

Before becoming Professor Ye's student, Ji Jue even had trouble getting a license for his scooter. But as a student, he could ride a trike freely around the campus. And after becoming a craftsman, he suddenly became a hot commodity overnight.

He really had no interest in standing on stage to show off for a bunch of old fogies.

"If you're free, you should go. Maybe you can use the opportunity to gather some sponsorship."

"And then split the money fifty-fifty with those guys?" Ji Jue was utterly uninterested: "Too bothersome."

Even if he were so poor that he couldn't afford food, he wouldn't go looking for those guys. It's just too much trouble over the smallest amount of money.

"Have you seen that plant working overtime every day at the Security Bureau?"

Just a few words from me, and I can make the Tong family's pillar of support hand over all his money!"

"Tsk, young people these days."

Ye Chun shook her head, sounding old-fashioned: "In our time, there were no such easy days..."

Ji Jue laughed, knowing her too well to be fooled: "Back then, you got a guaranteed postgraduate spot right after graduating, spent your days either writing papers or lying on the sofa eating chips and drinking cola. You've been living well this whole time!"

"Nonsense, I call it lying low and conserving strength!"

Ye Chun glared, "Keep babbling, and I'll dock your garbage!"

This is outrageous, the student—no wait, the craftsman—has turned against the master!

A mere sideline craftsman dares to offend the mainline senior sister, today you're definitely not getting any garbage to eat!

Ji Jue smirked, pulled Ye Chun in again, went over his Chief Craftsman story once more, then dusted himself off and got up, ready to continue tackling the Sword Discourse.

"Let's call it a day."

Ye Xian waved her hand: "You don't need to continue this afternoon. You just moved in, after all. Finish dealing with the mess first."

"What about tonight?" Ji Jue asked curiously.

"If I'm free, I'll go."

"Alright, then I'll go get ready."

Ji Jue waved with a grin, grabbed one more bottle of cola from the indignant Ye Chun, and left with a proud laugh.

There was still plenty of time. He drove his scooter to the market, stocked up on ingredients for the evening, and returned with bags full to his freshly organized home.

Not far from Ye Xian's workshop, the small two-story building in the desolate seaside suburb had been rejuvenated thanks to Ji Jue's guidance and Isis's hard work over the past few days.

Even the originally empty yard now had a tree. After much effort, the transplanted tree had taken root and looked right in place.

How could it not?

Ji Jue had spent half a day picking it from Chen Yubo's garden and dug up the best one!

He opened the door to see Lu Feng lying on a deck chair under the tree, scrolling through short videos.

Ji Jue kicked him right away.

"What are you doing?" Lu Feng deftly dodged, lounging even more dramatically.

"What are you up to?" Ji Jue sneered, "I bet Lu Ma told you to babysit."

"I am babysitting!" Lu Feng remained unflustered.

"Where are the kids?"

"Hmm?"

Only then did Lu Feng realize the third and the little one were missing!

"Stop looking; they're all climbing onto the roof."

Ji Jue sighed, looking at the two little ones sneaking up along the eaves: "Remember to give them a good scolding when they fall down."

"It's true... haven't hit in several days." Lu Feng scratched the stubble on his chin. "Where's your stick?"

"Who keeps a stick around just to hit kids?"

Ji Jue rolled his eyes. "Do it yourself."

As he pushed open the door, he saw the living room had completely transformed over the afternoon. All the dusty nooks and crannies were cleaned up, and the discounted sofa Ji Jue bought was covered with fabric and cushions.

"Second brother, second brother, the living room's all cleaned up!" As Lu Ling, who was mopping the floor, saw Ji Jue return, she beamed and came over, her hair ruffled enthusiastically by Ji Jue.

"Have you grown taller again?"

"Seems like a little bit."

Lu Ling squinted. "Recently, a teacher was asking about you. Is your craftsmanship license really impressive? A senior who used to look down on me is now all humble."

"Well, getting more certificates is always good, study hard, okay?"

Ji Jue smiled slightly and peeked into the kitchen. "Lu Ma already started cooking? Didn't we agree to wait till I got back?"

"Ah, idle hands, you know? Didn't you say a lot of people were coming? The soup takes a long time to stew." Lu Ma turned and laughed happily upon seeing Ji Jue.

The laughter extended to the corners of her eyes.

Today was the rare day of Ji Jue's move, with many friends expected. Before she went out, she wore all her jewelry and even dyed her hair in advance.

Having come early, she tidied the upstairs again, not wanting him to lose face in front of friends.

"Mm, smells great, chicken soup?" Ji Jue sniffed around.

"Yes, Mrs. Liu from next door brought some fresh peach roots today, perfect for the soup. All right, put down the vegetables, don't make trouble."

After exchanging just a few words, Ji Jue was chased out.

Lu Ling had already cleaned everything, and Lu Feng outside was already in the groove of disciplining without needing his help.

After checking things around, he had nothing to do.

Packing up his bag, he headed to the basement.

After opening the door, the empty basement began to change, revealing a platform.

The lights in the train cars were stable.

Mercury Spiders crawled busily in and out of corners. As he walked in, they paused, turning their blood-red eyes to stare directly at him.

"Isis, how are you adjusting to the new environment?" Ji Jue asked as he put down his bag.

"Are you referring to being imprisoned in a confined space, working endlessly for twenty-four hours, selling my sweat and Spiritual Wisdom to satisfy your endless desires?"

Isis spoke calmly, "Yes, I'm quite adapted."

"Ah, come on, our workshop values a balance of work and rest!" Ji Jue smoothly covered up, then continued, "How's the work going?"

"Currently, the train's exterior has been repaired, but internal maintenance sequence four is on hold due to a lack of materials."

"Out again?" Ji Jue was shocked.

"You are tasked with maintaining and refurbishing Sky Rail Group's core asset, a train equivalent in value to a complete Crack Realm, and a workshop framework you currently can't possibly finish.

Did you think it was a child's play model by the roadside?"

Isis spoke bluntly, "Considering your dire financial situation, the repair of this train and workshop construction might only see preliminary results in thirty years.

But don't worry, with your face that can drive female hormones wild and your skillful exploits, I believe our future is bright."

"..."

Ji Jue's eye twitched slightly. "Isn't this the sixth time you've suggested I become a gigolo or rob a bank?"

"Ninth time."

Isis corrected, "And given the current trend of e-money, a single bank's reserves might not suffice for such huge consumption.

I recommend considering the Hai Province Gold Reserve Center."

The voice of instigation was sweet, earnest, and actionable.

Ji Jue almost couldn't control himself.

Who could resist the temptation of instant wealth?

Anyway, Ji Jue, always in a cycle of sudden money and poverty, couldn't.

But dignified as a craftsman, he wasn't like Nirvana, always making big headlines. Could life go on like this?

"Money..."

Ji Jue sighed, sitting in the chair, looking at the empty train body and Reserve Spirit storage, scratching his head.

The future is always bright, meaning the present is always dark.

Being broke is tough, especially when no amount of money seems enough for a craftsman. Every gift from fate comes with its price, and company gifts are even more extravagant. The car from the president hadn't even been used yet, and Ji Jue was nearly bankrupt.

"As for money, no need to worry for now."

He said, "Lately, I should have a sum of money coming in."

Isis dismissed, "To be frank, you don't seem to have any income lately."

"What are you talking about?" Ji Jue rolled his eyes. "I don't go looking for work, does it mean people can't bring it to me?"

The starlight flickered, as if observing disdainfully from above:

"Is this a dream?"

"This is reality."

Ji Jue shrugged, waving towards the monitor, observing the wavering figure outside on the road with a suitcase.

He raised his eyebrows slightly.

"See, isn't the money coming?"

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