As a top-tier businessman, I excel at spotting opportunities.

Last time’s marketing strategy worked wonders, and now, I’m making a grand comeback.

Seizing this once-in-a-millennium chance—the first event of the “After-School with the Dark Lord and Me” Fan Club—I’m back at my stall, waiting for prey.

This time, I’ve learned my lesson: I set up right next to the lecture hall.

Recalling last time… No! Don’t think about it!

Tears would just spill over.

In the distance, a familiar figure slowly approached. I squinted…

Holy crap! That unlucky guy from last time?

Meh… no matter! Time to test my skills on him again!

“Hehe! Little bro! Yeah, you!”

He finally spotted me, staggering over with a limp, eyes blazing.

“You… you…”

He jabbed a trembling finger at my nose, face pale green.

“Huh? Brother, why so green?” I asked sweetly.

“Bullshit! All because of that damn wasabi bun you sold me!”

Shock flashed in my eyes, then I scowled.

“Brother, this bun takes ten years to root, a hundred to bloom, a thousand to fruit—a divine medicine! I selflessly sold it for just three thousand gold coins. Ungrateful? Accusing me? Morals are sinking…”

I squeezed out crocodile tears. Oops—overdid the eye drops; they won’t stop…

“Liar! Divine medicine? After eating it, I’ve been… constantly running to the toilet… skipped classes, abandoned Battle Qi training… months later, still… ugh!”

He clamped his legs shut, face greening, feet shaking.

My heart lurched. I pulled the crystal-clear bun from my sleeve.

(Does this thing pack such punch? Perfect for home invasions… Time to tweak my sales pitch…)

“You’re pulling that out again?! Trying to kill me?!”

He collapsed, staring blankly at the cute bun, shoulders trembling.

*Sigh.* Slow sickness needs strong medicine…

“Brother, hear me out…”

I glanced skyward. Event’s not started—I’ve got time. Spent three thousand gold for a saved spot; gotta recoup it from this fool.

“What’s left to say? Return my money!”

He squeezed tighter, face flushing red.

“Money’s trivial. Three thousand gold? I’d return three thousand and a bit more—no problem.”

Let me explain my genius.

If he agrees to “a bit more,” I’d pay up fully.

Why? Simple: that “bit” is the decimal point.

I sighed deeply. He was bursting.

“Question: no Battle Qi practice lately—has your cultivation dropped?”

“N-no…”

(Of course not. On Reno Continent, skipping training never lowers cultivation.)

“Next: feel lighter lately? Everything twice as efficient?”

“Well… now you mention it, kinda…”

(Heh. Diarrhea for months? You’d lose weight and rush tasks.)

“Hmph. Want to know why?” I delivered the killer blow.

He gulped, trembling finger aimed at my bun.

“You’re not saying… it’s because of this?”

“Exactly!”

I roared. He nearly lost control.

“Listen—this medicine’s first effect: purging your meridians!”

My eyes blazed. He froze, barely holding it together.

“P-purging meridians?” He stammered, dazed.

“Brother, Battle Godhood isn’t instant. Remove impurities first—build a solid base.”

“…”

“What a pity…” I sighed skyward. He lurched closer. Ugh—stench! Wrap this up!

“What pity?”

“Your body’s too impure. The medicine’s wasted on cleansing… Battle God? Hopeless.”

“How?!” He crumpled, eyes hollow—then locked on my bun, blazing with hunger.

“Ahem.” I hid the bun, packing up.

“Wait, sir!” He grabbed my hands. Gross! Back off!

Outwardly, I stayed calm.

“Little bro, what now? I’m late for the show—”

*Thud!* He knelt before me.

“Please! Sell me that bun! Any price! Three thousand!”

I turned away.

“Four thousand!”

I stepped forward.

“Five thousand!”

I marched on.

“Six thousand!!!”

I stopped, flashing a warm, season-changing smile.

“You moved me. I’ll sell it—meant for myself.”

“Thank you! You’re a saint! Your name?”

I smiled mysteriously.

“I am Stoss—no aliases.”

After a quick trade, I packed up, ignoring him hugging the bun and weeping, and sprinted to the hall.

No way I’m listening outside again!

Inside, the hall buzzed louder than last time.

This wasn’t just the Fan Club’s debut—it kicked off the new Radiant Ten Stars Selection.

All eyes fixed on the silver-haired youth onstage and the girl beside him.

“Hey… why am I performing?” Sima Luan Tong muttered to the lolis.

“Duh—you’re club president. First event? You must show.” Alice glared at Ryosuke, who grinned sheepishly.

“What do I do? Warning: I suck at singing or dancing.”

*Pfft.* Alpha giggled, gently taking his arm.

“Master, just stand still…”

Her face flushed; she peeked at Alice, who blushed too.

—Their secret, soon revealed.

Ryosuke’s head spun. Lights dimmed.

In darkness, the two exquisite lolis crept close.

On tiptoe, shyly, they gave their first kisses.

Ryosuke gasped—but soft, fragrant fingers sealed his lips.

Gentle music swelled.

…Chu…

Since when did these feelings

Sleep quietly in the soil?

Like a sprout breaking earth,

Budding hope’s flower.

Love’s fleeting hours,

Blossoms fill memories.

Every falling tear,

Given all to you.

Awaiting our reunion,

I’ll become the rain,

Drizzling in your heart.

Threads of luck, pure joy—

Gazing at sunlit skies,

These tears I offer,

Silently guarding you…

…………

[Who the hell can explain what’s happening right now?!]