Yuhan He watched the scene, feeling a bit dazed. She turned to Lin Ming in confusion. "Senior, what are you doing?"

Lin Ming didn’t look up. He started untying his black boots. "I was showing off earlier," he said. "When I stomped, I didn’t expect the ground to be so fragile. Luckily, I didn’t use much force. But the shoe prints are probably left. Gotta change shoes fast."

Yuhan He blinked blankly. "Senior, why do you seem so practiced at this?"

"Practiced? You’re mistaken. This is just basic common sense!" Lin Ming declared confidently.

Yuhan He’s lips twitched slightly. *Common sense? Excuse me? Who skillfully runs after breaking things—or expertly disposes of evidence (shoes)?*

Just then, Lin Ming’s expression turned grave. "Junior! Step back. A weapon of mass destruction is about to appear."

"Huh? What?"

"Don’t ask. Get twenty meters away, or you’ll regret it!"

"Okay! Got it." Seeing his serious face, Yuhan He nodded solemnly. She moved about twenty meters from where he sat.

Lin Ming sighed in relief. With a heavy expression, he pulled a mask from his Storage Ring and put it on. Then he took out a small tin box.

He took a deep breath. Determinedly, he removed his left shoe. An overwhelming stench surged into the air—like rotten eggs decaying for years, mixed with dozens of durians. It was utterly terrifying. Cold sweat beaded on Lin Ming’s forehead. *Damn, the smell’s worse again.*

Gritting his teeth, he took off the other shoe. Another wave of stench rose. He struggled to open the tin box.

From afar, Yuhan He turned pale. When he removed the first shoe, she instinctively backed another ten meters. She vaguely saw a nameless black mist curling from the discarded boot. The lush shrub behind Lin Ming instantly withered. Nearby trees lost their leaves. Pigeons in the park scattered in panic.

As Lin Ming took off the second shoe, the barely surviving plants dropped all their leaves. They looked dead.

In a flash, Lin Ming yanked open the tin box. He pulled out fresh shoes, tossed the "weapon-grade" stinkers inside, snapped the lid shut, and stored it in his Storage Ring. Then he slipped on the new pair. The whole motion was fluid and precise—like he’d done it countless times—all within two seconds.

"Phew." Lin Ming wiped his sweat and relaxed. But the plants around him looked like autumn turning to winter. Within twenty-five meters, everything was desolate.

He glanced around. "Good thing this place is remote."

He stepped out of the twenty-five-meter zone, removed the mask, and stored it. Waving to Yuhan He, he called, "Junior! All done. Where to next?" He walked toward her.

Yuhan He stared, dumbfounded. Seeing him approach, she pinched her nose and stepped back. "Senior, don’t come closer! You must still reek!"

Lin Ming felt a flicker of embarrassment at her wary look. He raised his voice. "Junior, it’s fine. The academy uniform purifies odors. No smell at all."

"Really?" Yuhan He eyed him skeptically.

"Really! Sniff if you doubt me. If there’s even a hint of stink, I’ll treat you to dinner today!" Lin Ming sighed inwardly. That stench was terrifying—anyone weak passing by would’ve collapsed, foaming at the mouth.

Cautiously, Yuhan He approached. She released her nose and took a light sniff. Finding no odor, she patted her chest in relief. Suspicion returned to her eyes. "Senior, how long has it been since you washed your feet?"

"What? I showered just two days ago!" Lin Ming retorted. He’d bathed back at the academy. How could he skip his feet?

"Then why are your feet so horrifying?" Yuhan He asked, puzzled.

Lin Ming covered his face with one hand, hiding his expression. A wave of sorrow washed over him. "There are many reasons. Damn that old man!"

Seeing this, Yuhan He’s curiosity flared. She widened her big, watery eyes. "Senior~ can you tell me why?"

"No. That memory’s too shameful to share." His sorrow deepened.

Her thirst for knowledge grew stronger—like a kitten craving mint. "Senior~ please tell me!"

"No! Absolutely not!"

"Tell me. I won’t tell anyone."

"Even then, no."

"Mmph! Mmph!" Yuhan He puffed her cheeks, looking adorably frustrated.

Behind his covered face, Lin Ming’s eyes glinted with cunning.

Recalling his foot-scratching and love for money, Yuhan He pointed at him. "If you tell me, I’ll cover your meals today."

"Deal." Lin Ming dropped his hand instantly. A sly smile spread across his lips.

"..." Yuhan He froze at his sudden shift. Then she realized—she’d been tricked. He’d exploited her curiosity.

Her mood turned gloomy. Anyone would feel scammed like this.

Lin Ming spotted a crepe stall near the park center. Time to earn back that ice cream money. "Junior, there’s a crepe stall at the center!"

"!! Really? Where? Where?" Yuhan He’s gloom vanished instantly. Sweet treats truly worked wonders on girls.