Chapter 96: Zhang Yu's Temptation

Chapter 96: Zhang Yu’s Temptation

Le Muran’s phone screen displayed a photo—Zhang Yu standing outside Peak Stationery Shop, flashing a thumbs-up at the camera. The caption read: “Peak Stationery Shop—best stationery store near Songyang High. Friendly owner, great value. Highly recommended!”

Her slender fingers pinched the screen, zooming in until Zhang Yu’s face filled the display. After a long pause, she swiped to the next set of photos.

The first image showed Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen slung arm-in-arm, grinning at the gates of Bailong High. The second captured Bai Zhenzhen hugging a colossal bottle of energy drinks. The third depicted the pair leaning back-to-back, surrounded by empty bottles, with Song Hailong standing nearby, clearly exasperated.

The caption read: “Back at Bailong again! Their energy drinks are strong and delicious. Every time I visit, I stock up on buckets. As a Bailong monthly subscriber, I’ll deliver for anyone interested.”

Le Muran zoomed in on Zhang Yu’s face in each photo, lingering before swiping again.

The next set showcased Songyang City’s night skyline, shot from a distant high-rise. At the center loomed the Central Tower, piercing the clouds, with the half-finished Oasis Mansion nearby. Neon-lit skyscrapers radiated outward, fading into the dim outskirts.

The caption read: “4 AM in Songyang. You can waste three years or suffer through them. Waste three, and you’ll suffer a hundred. Suffer three, get into university, forge your foundation, and then suffer another two hundred.”

A soft laugh escaped her as her fingers scrolled, but a new message popped up:

Lian Tianji: “Sacred First Place, are you kidding me? You want me to buy what from Zhang Yu??”

Her fingers flew across the screen.

Le Muran: “Not kidding. Please, I’ll pay extra.”

Transfer 2,000

Transfer 2,000 Accepted

Lian Tianji: “It’s not about money. Why don’t you ask him yourself?”

Le Muran: “If you refuse, I’ll step on your head during class.”

Lian Tianji: “Delivery or pickup?”

Le Muran nodded, smirking. “Threats work best with classmates who score lower than me.”

Returning to Zhang Yu’s feed, she muttered, “Zhang Yu and Bai Zhenzhen—those two paupers are inseparable.”

She didn’t care, but as she scrolled, her lips curled into a satisfied smile.

“All this effort wasn’t wasted. Looking at his photos now, I barely feel anything.”

“Now I just need Lian Tianji to deliver his clothes.”

“Once I adapt, I’ll finally stop trembling whenever I see that poor bastard.”

She’d face Zhang Yu head-on, conquering her weakness for good.

---

In the cafeteria, Bai Zhenzhen replayed Lian Tianji’s message to Zhang Yu in her mind.

Zhang Yu set a fresh meal before her, preoccupied with broaching illegal tutoring with Bai Zhenzhen. He didn’t notice her odd, lingering glances.

After lunch, he said, “Ah Zhen, come to the rooftop with me. I need to talk.”

Their secret training ground. Over the past weeks, they’d poured sweat here, witnessing each other’s growth.

Zhang Yu began, “I’ve been making some money lately. You’ve noticed, right?”

“Noticed? I saw your client’s message!” Bai Zhenzhen thought, face twisting. “Is he about to confess his secret with Lian Tianji?”

She knew students pressured by poverty sometimes sold themselves for cultivation. Some scorned them—“Poor people chasing immortality?”—while others admired their resolve.

But Zhang Yu? Approaching Lian Tianji?

"Zhang Yu, you've gone too far! Why him? Lian Tianji only made it to the Martial Arts Tournament's top eight—he's not even worthy of you!"

“Why not find a real top scorer? Even Song Hailong would’ve been better… No, his Physical Strength Level is too high. Medical fees would bankrupt you.”

“I’d even accept Le Muran paying him!”

Bai Zhenzhen steadied herself. “So… this is about your recent money?”

Zhang Yu nodded. “I’ve found a way to earn more. It’s in the outskirts. I’ve checked it out—safe.”

Her face contorted like a wrinkled gourd. “Is he dragging me into this?”

Her first instinct was to refuse. Yet she admired him—

“Yuzi, your grades already surpass mine. You’re still hustling after school, taking on Lian Tianji’s ‘tutoring’ to fund your cultivation. I admit your resolve is stronger. This time, you win.”

She sighed, patting his shoulder. “Thanks, bro, but no. Keep this golden goose for yourself. I’m not desperate yet.”

“Lian Tianji’s Physical Strength Level isn’t low. Don’t end up in the clinic.”

Zhang Yu frowned. “What does Lian Tianji have to do with this?”

Bai Zhenzhen sighed. “I saw Lian Tianji’s message at noon. Don’t worry—I turned off your screen. No one else saw. I’ll keep your secret.”

Zhang Yu snatched his phone, groaning at the message. “Seriously! Out of all people, Lian Tianji? I thought he was a friend!”

He shoved his chat history at her. “See? Clean as snow.”

Bai Zhenzhen relaxed, then asked, “Why does he want your used clothes?”

“Who knows what’s wrong with him?” Zhang Yu typed furiously. “Let’s see what he offers.”

Bai Zhenzhen leaned in.

Zhang Yu: “How much?”

Lian Tianji: “Any used shirt. 2,000.”

“Try 5,000,” Bai Zhenzhen whispered.

Moments later:

Lian Tianji: “Agreed.”

Bai Zhenzhen laughed. “5,000 for one shirt? Easy money!”

Zhang Yu grimaced. “But why does he want it?”

She clapped his shoulder. “Who cares? 5,000 for a shirt? Just take it.”

Zhang Yu’s eyes lit up. “Oh, right—I was telling you about the job.”

A voice echoed in his mind—the Cloth Doll Deity, disguised as a black bead on his chest. “Remember, trust no one. Not even blood kin. You sure about this woman?”

Zhang Yu ignored it. “Ah Zhen, have you heard of the Dark Tutoring World?”

As he explained, Bai Zhenzhen’s expression shifted.

Good news: He’s not selling his body.

Bad news: He’s joined a gang doing riskier work than robbery.

A top student from a prestigious high, she respected copyright and feared corporations. “Won’t the Corporations enslave us as laborers if we’re caught?”

Zhang Yu countered, “I was scared too. But the Shadow Study Gang’s legit—taxpaying, deity-worshipping. We just teach. No killing, no fighting.”

“And the pay’s insane—6,500 per hour.”

He paused, voice softening. “In Kunxu Realm, the poor can’t survive through honest work. Only places like this offer a shot at the Top Ten Universities.”

Her heart raced at 6,500 per hour. “No wonder people join gangs.”

At his final words, she nodded, resolve hardening. “You’re right. Poor bastards like us need to bleed to climb.”

She met his gaze. “I’m in. Tell me what to do.”

---

Tomorrow, I’ll piece together the chapter fragments, repay one Monthly Ticket Loan, and beg for more Monthly Tickets.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end