Inside the room, Chi Yuzhou nibbled pastries from a gift box, thinking some human customs truly deserved praise.

Without them, he’d never have tasted such delicious treats.

He glanced at the pastry in his hand, then at the energy jelly he’d planned for breakfast.

How wonderful if pastries could be breakfast fare.

Sadly, he couldn’t afford them.

But maybe he could still snag some gourmet food.

After all… his neighbor was Alchemist Guanmingxue.

Last time he’d shrunk from a fever, she’d prepared meals without hesitation.

If he reappeared as a kid, tricking her for snacks would be easy as pie.

Unfortunately, the risk was too high.

Not only might she punish a child, but if his size-shifting ability was exposed, it’d cause endless trouble.

Shrinking for cravings wasn’t necessary.

Plus… he had a job—he really shouldn’t let Guanmingxue know.

As a minor in human society, working at a bar wasn’t exactly normal student behavior.

So… he’d only shrink when desperation hit.

Chi Yuzhou popped the last pastry into his mouth, then slowly got up to wash up.

In the bathroom, cool water splashed over him. He closed his eyes, savoring the chill.

The enclosed space grew colder, yet his expression softened with enjoyment.

His heart fluttered slightly.

At the bar, he’d subtly freeze drinks; maybe at home… occasionally using his shrinking ability wouldn’t hurt.

After all, a good life depended on oneself, right?

…

Mid-September’s heat made even brief outings unbearable.

As work time neared, Chi Yuzhou grabbed a bread roll for lunch at a convenience store, then strolled toward the bar, dodging sunlight.

Before he’d walked halfway, his phone rang unexpectedly—Manager Heng Li called to grant him a paid day off.

Chi Yuzhou accepted gratefully.

Honestly, even without today’s pay, he wouldn’t have minded.

Manager Heng Li was truly kind.

Sheltering under a bus stop awning, Chi Yuzhou hesitated.

Roam under the scorching sun or retreat to his comfy apartment?

Just then, a bus pulled up, its open doors releasing a wave of cool air.

He’d browse somewhere, then.

The spacious bus held few passengers. After only two stops, the scenery transformed completely.

He’d arrived at the seaside.

Yinyun City bordered the ocean, so reaching the coast was effortless.

He moved closer to the beach, sat in the shade, and let the salty breeze brush his face.

Chi Yuzhou sighed again.

If he’d stayed trapped in those remote mountains, this vibrant world would’ve meant nothing to him.

Escaping was his best life choice.

Families played on the sand, laughter filling the air.

But the blazing sun killed his urge to join.

He chuckled softly, picturing himself sneaking here at midnight.

Would anyone mistake him for attempting suicide?

Probably, yeah.

Breezes gently rustling, Chi Yuzhou relaxed there for half an hour.

Mostly, he pondered the Mystic Ring’s possible effects—but drew no conclusions.

He’d been free two months, a month spent in Yinyun City. If it had tracking, she’d have caught him by now.

Confused, he decided to grab some steamed meat buns.

The bus ride hadn’t been far; walking home took barely ten minutes, same as to the bar.

The sun had mellowed slightly but still burned hot.

Chi Yuzhou ate a bun on the way, then rested in a park.

He was just killing time anyway.

A child’s distant sob caught his attention.

Near a seesaw, two kids argued—one suddenly wailed.

“Waaah… if Brother hadn’t taken me so far, we wouldn’t be lost…”

“You wanted to play on the seesaw.”

“Waaah.”

“Stop crying.”

…

Seemed like trouble.

Chi Yuzhou preferred waiting for others to help, staying out of drama.

But the girl’s soft cries and her brother’s hushed comfort went unnoticed by passersby.

After a pause, Chi Yuzhou sighed, recalling a certain classmate, and walked over.

Up close, he saw the boy’s eyes were red-rimmed too, holding back tears.

He really disliked kids—always crying over everything.

Chi Yuzhou sighed inwardly but asked gently, “Need help?”

His cool tone made the boy shield his sister, eyes wary.

Not bad instincts for a kid.

Chi Yuzhou softened his voice. “I’m not dangerous. If you’re lost, I can find a police officer.”

“We… we’re lost,” the boy whispered.

“Shall I call the police?”

“Mm…”

The girl remained suspicious. Chi Yuzhou almost smiled.

He wasn’t an Alchemist—and kids were far less tasty than cupcakes.

“Follow me.”

He turned and led them out of the park toward the security office.