Before Guanmingxue could react, Chi Yuzhou slipped out the door, quickly fished his keys from his pocket, and darted back to his room.

He closed the door extra carefully, minimizing every sound.

Blind spots under the light were thrilling too.

But if the hallway had cameras, Chi Yuzhou would never have dared such a stunt.

Tossing the child-sized clothes aside, his small frame shifted back to its original form.

Dressed again, Chi Yuzhou flopped onto his bed with deep satisfaction.

Nothing beat the happiness after a full belly.

Just an "Alchemist"? How utterly ordinary.

Facing Guanmingxue’s lust-filled gaze, Chi Yuzhou felt barely a flicker of panic.

Even if she succeeded, he could always shift back.

If he transformed right before her eyes, his physical strength would effortlessly slip him free of any "crisis."

After all, how could an ordinary human woman overpower him?

He might even use it as leverage.

If leverage worked, he could casually mooch free meals at her place every day.

Thinking this way, Guanmingxue’s advances seemed full of perks for him.

Next time, he might even mimic her tactics—lure her into making a move.

*Heh*. The real question was whether she’d dare.

...

The next day, around 9 a.m.

Xiao Yingwan sat at her desk, thoughts drifting elsewhere.

The family restaurant felt noisier than expected for tutoring. Should she pick a quieter spot with Chi Yuzhou?

Somewhere filling, where she could subtly showcase her charm.

And within Chi Yuzhou’s budget...

Options seemed limited.

Xiao Yingwan sighed softly and picked up her phone.

The family restaurant it was.

Yet her message remained unread for five full minutes.

With anyone else, they’d have flooded her inbox already.

Only with Chi Yuzhou did she feel... unremarkable.

As she pondered outfits to impress him, her phone finally *dinged*.

*"Might be late today. 1 p.m. okay?"*

After the lunch rush?

A strange ripple stirred in Xiao Yingwan’s chest. Her delicate features curved into an unreadable smile.

Clearly, dining with her held zero appeal for Chi Yuzhou.

*Well, well. Bold move.*

---

Meanwhile, Chi Yuzhou—still in summer uniform—had left early.

Last night, Hua Fu had messaged, asking if he was free to play games with her little brother.

Chi Yuzhou gladly agreed.

Games were addictive. Fun.

And free lunch? Pure profit.

Though Hua Fu sent her address, Chi Yuzhou took the bus, arriving in fifteen minutes using last time’s memory.

The doorbell chimed. Hua Fu appeared—serene, stunning, no attempt to hide her face. Chi Yuzhou followed her in naturally.

Trust, perhaps. Or just his flawless discretion lately.

Her air-conditioned home offered instant relief. Even brief exposure to the summer heat made him restless.

In the living room, Fu Ziyang had waited eagerly. "Big Brother’s here! Let’s play!"

Chi Yuzhou nodded at the TV screen showing a dark Souls-like game. *Looks intense.*

They took turns tackling challenges. For beginners, even elite mobs were brutal roadblocks.

Yet neither grew discouraged. They traded tips, laughing through failures.

Hua Fu watched quietly, then slipped away to tidy up her sleepy sister, Fu Zihan.

Tiny and tousled, Fu Zihan obediently endured her sister’s ministrations. Hua Fu finished swiftly, leaving her neat and presentable.

---

Back in the living room, Chi Yuzhou and Fu Ziyang were deep in gaming bliss.

After forty minutes of struggle, Chi Yuzhou finally mastered the controls enough to defeat the mob.

"WOW! Big Brother’s amazing!" Fu Ziyang cheered.

"Hmph." Chi Yuzhou’s eyebrows lifted slightly. Smug satisfaction danced in his eyes, hidden by his bangs.

*This game’s mediocre. Give me time, I’ll breeze through it.*

But maybe switch games now.

As Fu Ziyang navigated menus, Chi Yuzhou spotted Fu Zihan shuffling over, carefully balancing a fruit plate.

"For you, Big Brother."

"Thanks."

The little girl popped a piece into her own mouth first.

*So that’s where she was—helping her sister.*

Watching her earnest offering, Chi Yuzhou felt an unexpected warmth. She looked especially cute now.

Hua Fu approached, apron tied. "Stay for lunch?"

"If it’s no trouble?"

"Mild flavors okay?"

"Perfect."

He knew she meant for the kids. *Guests follow the host’s lead.*

(Though if she’d suggested spice, he’d have vetoed it.)

"Ziyang, wrap up soon, okay?" Hua Fu murmured.

"Okay~" The boy nodded, still glued to the screen.

*This big house... only three people?*

Chi Yuzhou wondered. Both weekends he’d visited, Hua Fu alone cared for her siblings.