"How much is this?"

"One gold coin."

"That’s way too expensive. The stall next door is cheaper."

"Then why didn’t you buy it there just now?"

"..."

The customer immediately turned and walked away.

Chu Xueyue had watched the boy running this stall handle customers like that. He couldn’t figure out why the boy had so few items left. Was it really just because of the crowd here?

Chu Xueyue had been observing the whole transaction from the neighboring stall. This vendor was incredibly bold—daring to treat customers that way. Even when the customer pulled the classic "too pricey, I won’t buy—chase me if you dare!" move, the boy stayed completely unmoved. Was this really how business worked in this world?

"Hey, is this how you do business? That guy just left. Aren’t you gonna get him back?" Chu Xueyue asked the boy.

"Hmph." The boy snorted coldly, pointing straight at the book in Chu Xueyue’s hand. The message was crystal clear: *You’re holding something you bought from me. My method works fine—people like you still buy here. Take it or leave it.*

Though this was all Chu Xueyue’s imagination, he felt it was the perfect explanation for the moment.

So arrogant. Terrible for business. And you’re a student here, right? If you talk to noble kids like this, won’t you get beaten to death?

"..."

"Alright, I won’t disturb your business anymore."

He turned away—but less than a second later, spun back around.

"What else? Didn’t you just say you wouldn’t bother me?"

Bro, with this attitude, you won’t just fail at business—you’ll have zero friends. Seriously, who maxes out their taunt skill like this? Be careful out there. If I see you again, I’ll beat you up every single time.

Chu Xueyue suppressed the urge to punch him. Charging now would just get himself beaten. Better to wait until he was stronger.

"What I actually wanted to ask: why are all the stall owners here old uncles or boys like you? Did I accidentally enter an all-boys school? No—I’m sure this is a normal academy with both genders."

The total lack of girls was seriously weird. Albert’s sister Muse studied here too. Could this place really have only one female student? Was this some reverse harem plot?

The boy student’s eyes instantly dimmed. He stared blankly at the academy buildings ahead, frozen in place.

Huh! Did I say something wrong? Or did I hit a nerve? Was this school exclusive to noble girls?

"Of course there are only boys here. You’re new—you don’t know. See that building over there?"

Chu Xueyue followed his finger. Sure enough, some ancient-looking structures stood there.

A bad feeling crept in. Could it be...

"That’s a girls-only zone." The boy’s desolate tone made Chu Xueyue’s suspicion feel terrifyingly accurate.

"So this place is gender-segregated?"

"Of course not! Normally, we study magic together. But every year at this time, the girls wear beautiful clothes and set up stalls inside. Damn it! Only now do they shed those stuffy mage robes and show their true beauty to the world. Why can’t we see them? Is it because it’s the noble district—better prices, maybe snagging a noble boyfriend if you’re lucky?" Tears streamed down his face, revealing his painfully lonely life.

Kid, you definitely don’t have a girlfriend.

Chu Xueyue walked over, patted his shoulder, and mirrored his sad expression. "It’s not your fault. It’s the world’s fault."

Thankfully, the boy didn’t hug him—if he had, people might’ve thought they were gay.

"Stop crying. Real men don’t sob over missing girls for a few days. How will you ever amount to anything? How will you get a girlfriend?"

The boy hastily wiped his eyes with his sleeve and nodded. "You’re right. I’ll be a great mage someday—I can have any girl I want. Why cry now? By the way, brother, what’s your name?"

*I hope you’re not a fire mage. If you are, you deserve to be single forever.*

Chu Xueyue patted his chest, beaming. He set down his purchases, shook the boy’s hand firmly, and declared, "Call me Jack. That’s the spirit! You’ll be a big-shot mage soon. No girlfriend now? Just temporary—it keeps you focused on magic. Don’t waste that talent!"

The boy gripped Chu Xueyue’s hand back, as if reuniting with a long-lost friend. "Brother Jack, you’re absolutely right! I’m Adam Reck. From now on, I’ll look out for you in this city. I’m not a great mage yet—but trust me, I will be!"

"Got it, Brother Adam. I’m counting on you." Chu Xueyue squeezed out a few tears of fake excitement.

*Pfft. I’m protected by the former Dragon Slayer Hero. Like I’d ever need you.*

If Adam knew Chu Xueyue’s thoughts, his excitement would vanish—he’d probably want to beat him up instead.

They finally let go. The weird stares from nearby onlookers had made them both uncomfortable.

Adam pulled out a card. Chu Xueyue had one too—bought from Albert. It was basically this world’s phone, but only for calls and texts. Zero fun features. It reminded him of those old brick-sized "Big Brother" phones.

"Oh!" Chu Xueyue whipped out his identical card. They exchanged contacts—Adam was only the second person he’d added, after Albert.

"By the way, Adam—any way to get into that place?" Chu Xueyue pointed toward the noble district.

Adam’s friendly mood soured as he frowned at the direction. *If you were a girl or a noble, sure. But you? Total country bumpkin.*

"Bro, forget it," Adam advised kindly. "Unless you’re nobility, it’s impossible. Or... you could try dressing as a girl to sneak in."

Chu Xueyue’s eyes lit up. "Brilliant idea, Adam! You’re a genius!"

"I’ll go buy a dress now."

!!!!!!

No way—he’s a pervert!!!!

"Wait! You’re not serious, right? I was joking!" Adam reached out to stop him.

But he froze—not from Chu Xueyue’s words, but from what came next.

"Adam, listen. No girlfriend? Just dress up yourself! You might even find a boyfriend who likes you!"

Holy crap—he really is a pervert! I just shook hands with him. Gotta wash my hands now.

Aaaaaah!!!!!!!