Making money is an art. It takes a sharp mind, long-term vision, and the ability to read the room—not just shouting sales nonstop. That’s inefficient and embarrassing. Ignore these, and you’ll end up like those two ahead. Lin Ming lounged lazily on the bench, arms draped over the back like a boss, watching the pair hustle.

On the street, Yuhan He and Yaya weaved through the crowd, calling out to sell flowers. But success was scarce. Logically, Yuhan He’s beauty should’ve drawn buyers. Yet reality bit hard: she lacked experience, couldn’t read people, and shyness choked her words.

"E-excuse me, sir... would you... buy a flower?" Yuhan He stopped a passing couple, twisting her fingers as she addressed the man.

"Sure... ah! N-no, better not." His eyes lit up at her sight, nearly agreeing on impulse. Then hands twisted his waist—a sharp pain shot to his head. He turned to find his girlfriend smirking. He snapped to his senses and refused instantly.

"Oh, okay. Sorry to bother you," Yuhan He replied, disappointment heavy in her voice. Her small face drooped with dejection.

The man felt a pang of guilt. Just as he opened his mouth, small hands gripped his waist again. He grabbed his girlfriend’s hand and hurried away.

"Sigh! Another failure!" Yuhan He trudged back to Yaya, face gloomy.

"Sister, it’s okay. Failure is the mother of success!" Yaya patted her arm comfortingly.

"But we’ve sold for over an hour. Not a single flower," Yuhan He sighed, shoulders slumped.

"Sister, let’s rest by Brother first! Maybe sales will pick up later," Yaya urged, seeing her mood darken.

"Fine." Yuhan He sighed helplessly. Her current state was worse than before—if she couldn’t sell earlier, how could she now?

They approached to find Lin Ming lounging on the bench, utterly at ease. Yuhan He’s anger flared. She stood before him, face stormy. "Senior! Yaya and I are working our butts off over there. You’re comfy here?"

Lin Ming lifted his eyelids slightly, then drawled, "Comfy? Bullshit! This bench is rock-hard, and the street’s noisy."

Yuhan He’s face darkened. Fists clenched, she nearly swung at him. "Senior, if you won’t help, fine. But complaining while resting? Do you know how hard we’re working?"

"Sister, don’t be mad!" Yaya soothed, then scolded Lin Ming, "Brother, really—can’t you be considerate?"

Lin Ming eyed Yuhan He lazily. "Junior, my task is only to protect you back to the Academy. The boss was busy, so I followed for safety. Selling flowers isn’t in my job description."

"Senior, you—" Yuhan He choked on words. He was right. His duty was protection.

*Uh! Wait... task!* Yuhan He suddenly recalled their first meeting—Lin Ming’s match with Rosen over a task for her. Combined with his greed, an idea sparked.

"Sister, are you okay?" Yaya asked worriedly.

"Yaya, it’s fine. The flowers will sell soon!" Yuhan He flashed a confident smile.

"Really?" Yaya gasped.

"Really." Yuhan He turned to Lin Ming. "Senior, I’m giving you a task!"

"Uh! A task?!" Lin Ming shot up from the bench. His eyes flashed terrifying golden light. *Holy crap—a task here? Awesome! Truly people-oriented! Better than fetching items or killing Magic Beasts. Human tasks mean side gigs. Small, but no skim from that bloodsucker Task Hall!*

"Correct. Help Yaya sell all the flowers. Reward? I’ll tell you after," Yuhan He declared sweetly.

"Easy." Lin Ming’s whole demeanor shifted. He combed his hair, suddenly sharp.

"Selling requires timing, location, and people," he lectured seriously. "Timing: mornings and evenings. Mornings for fresh blooms, evenings for crowds."

"Ooh!" x2 Yuhan He and Yaya nodded eagerly.

"Location: avoid main streets. Crowded, busy people won’t stop."

"People: sellers like Yaya can approach anyone—she’s small and cute. But Juniors like you? Never target men with girlfriends."

"Why?" Yuhan He raised a hand.

"Because no girlfriend lets her boyfriend gawk at a prettier woman," Lin Ming smirked, finishing with a gentlemanly bow. "Alright, I’m done. Thank me!"

*Clap clap clap...* Yuhan He and Yaya burst into applause.

"Brother, you’re amazing!" Yaya’s eyes sparkled with pure adoration.

"Senior, you’re incredible! But if you’re so skilled... why are you so poor?" Yuhan He’s awe turned to doubt.

"Ugh!" Lin Ming staggered as if an arrow pierced his heart. He clutched his chest, leaning on the bench. "How do you know I’m poor?"

"Hmm? Your appetite. Obsession with money. Extreme stinginess!" Yuhan He counted on her fingers.

"Ugh ugh ugh!" Three more arrows seemed to strike his heart. Lin Ming swayed unsteadily. "Junior... let’s just figure out where to sell."