Feng Ye was quite used to his sister’s ladylike tone and mannerisms. He’d always doted on her, but after learning she’d given up her luxurious, princess-like life at home to live with him in a small apartment following his fallout with their family, his affection deepened even more.

If it were just Feng Ye alone, any place would’ve sufficed. But for his sister’s sake, he finally revealed some hidden resources and bought this apartment.

So, hearing her words, he wasn’t angry at all.

Especially since he’d just been in another world romancing Stella. Her complaints made him feel slightly guilty—making his adorable sister go hungry for his girlfriend was undeniably his fault.

Of course, he kept those thoughts internal. Outwardly, he replied calmly, “I wanted to come back early too. But I ran into a Beast attack. As a powerful Awakened, I had to step up without hesitation. That’s why I’m late.”

“Another Beast attack?” Coco suddenly sensed something off. “Servant, your War Spirit isn’t a spear. How do you keep running into Beast attacks every other day? And even if one happens, a mere D-rank Awakened like you wouldn’t be called to handle it.”

Feng Ye didn’t mind her belittling his strength. After all, he was playing a weak D-rank Awakened with mediocre abilities here. “Even if I don’t fight directly, I can cheer from the sidelines. Plus, Article 21 of the Awakened Association’s Beast Handling Protocol says any Awakened who participates gets a 5,000-yuan subsidy, regardless of contribution. I’m just earning a living.”

As he spoke, Feng Ye put on a pitiful look. “I have to job-hunt and fight monsters. Your brother lives a tough life every day.”

Coco’s expression softened a bit, seemingly feeling sorry for him. After thinking for a moment, she said, “Since you’ve worked so hard, Servant, I’ll graciously give you a small reward.”

Feng Ye looked at her in surprise. “A reward? What kind?” He felt a hint of warmth inside, touched she was being considerate for once.

Then he saw Coco lift her fair, slender leg from under the blanket, her delicate foot nudging his side. “I’ll be merciful and let you lick my feet.”

Coco lifted her chin, signaling him to bow and accept her grace. She didn’t care that her thin nightgown rode up, exposing her white bear-patterned panties to his view.

Hearing this, Feng Ye nearly choked in exasperation. Annoyed, he flicked her forehead. “What kind of reward is that?”

Coco clutched her head, looking wronged and indignant. “Stupid Servant! Books say brothers would do anything to lick their sisters’ feet—even brave mountains of blades and seas of fire! I offered my foot mercifully, and you not only refuse but hit me!”

Feng Ye was fuming. “I’ve told you to stop reading nonsense books! Where do you find brothers who’d face fire and blades just to lick feet?”

Coco pretended not to hear, rewrapped herself in the blanket, pouted, turned away, and huffed silently.

Seeing her like this, Feng Ye knew she was reflecting. He sighed at his troublesome sister, turned up the AC, then headed to the kitchen to cook.

After he left, Coco made a face at his back and whispered, “Silly brother.”

Living together so long, Feng Ye had mastered his sister’s picky tastes. For dinner, he prepared mild dishes like sweet and sour pork ribs. For balance, he also placed stir-fried greens on the table under her deeply resentful glare.

Coco hated vegetables, especially bland greens. But under Feng Ye’s insistence, she pinched her nose and ate them, biting hard as if venting her hatred on the food.

“Stupid Servant really has a heart of stone,” she muttered, struggling to swallow. “I begged so pitifully, yet you won’t spare me.” Her eyes welled up.

After finally finishing most of the greens, she looked at her favorite braised pork ribs but suddenly lost her appetite.

She ate the rest of dinner in low spirits, not speaking to Feng Ye again.

Clearly sulking, but Feng Ye had a counter. Like a magician, he pulled out a box of ice cream cake hidden in the fridge. Plopping on the sofa, he handed it to her.

Coco hesitated, eyeing the exquisitely wrapped box radiating temptation. Then she puffed her cheeks and glared. “D-don’t think one ice cream cake can trick me into making up, Stupid Servant. Don’t be delusional.”

As she spoke, her eyes kept darting to the cake box.

“This is simply my daily tribute to Lady Sister, unrelated to forgiveness,” Feng Ye said with a smile. “I only hope it helps you calm down.”

“Hmm,” Coco pouted, thinking it over. Deciding it wasn’t a big deal, she snatched the cake and hid it in her arms, as if afraid it’d vanish.

She stared at Feng Ye, ensuring he wasn’t scheming. A childlike smile appeared—then vanished when she caught him watching. “I-I’m not happy because of your tribute. I’m just laughing at the childish cartoons on the cake.”

She paused. “For earlier, I’ll magnanimously forgive you this time. Hmph, Stupid Servant, force me to eat greens again, and I’ll never forgive you.”

Ignoring him, she happily opened the box. With her fair little hand, she carefully took a palm-sized piece, bit gently, and blissfully closed her eyes.

After settling his sister, Feng Ye breathed a sigh of relief. He didn’t take her last words seriously—he was forgiven like this every other day. He was used to it.

“The monthly random task is done. Only the Association’s mandatory Beast-slaying task remains. Beasts appear often, but locations are random. I can’t wander outside daily just to kill them, can I?”

Feng Ye hated the hassle. He logged into the Awakened forum with “yefeng01,” entering Haven City’s chat section. Flooded with team-up posts, it wasn’t hard to find options.

It was month-end. Many Awakened scrambling to meet quotas were active.

“Pure tank-type B-rank Awakened seeking team. Survived an A-rank Overdeity task. Strong, with a round shield War Spirit that tanks B-rank Beast attacks. Contact needed teams.” Capable Awakened self-recommended like this, and such posts drew quick replies.

“Wind Rage Squad recruiting one support-type Awakened. Help complete Association quotas with Beast core rewards. C-rank or above, contact for assessment.”

Other teams posted similar recruitment messages.

Feng Ye skimmed quickly, scrolling down to find what he needed.

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