From Qu Yi’s words, Lai Yingxin pictured Ye Thirteen as a handsome uncle who’d just left his team and was currently jobless.

Combined with his present aura, she instinctively pegged him as a freelance Demonhunter.

After all, someone entrenched in the official system wouldn’t carry *that* vibe.

And on this, Lai Yingxin held serious authority!

Her own family and the elders of Qu Yi’s circle were all system-affiliated Demonhunters—each radiating a distinct aura instantly recognizable to her.

When Han Xiangxue heard Ye Thirteen was unemployed, she muttered under her breath:

“Jobless drifter.”

Lai Yingxin covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. Han Xiangxue’s rare display was utterly amusing.

Qu Yi immediately spoke up in defense:

“Uncle’s just taking a break! Once he’s rested, he’ll find work in no time!”

Lai Yingxin’s amusement deepened.

*My two childhood friends are way too entertaining~*

Compared to Lai Yingxin’s delight, Ye Thirteen felt far less cheerful.

Truth was, Han Xiangxue wasn’t wrong—he *was* a jobless drifter.

What’s a jobless drifter?

A social deadweight!

Someone contributing nothing to country or society.

Still, touched by Qu Yi’s loyal defense, Ye Thirteen felt a warm flicker of comfort. He gently ruffled her soft, silky hair.

Han Xiangxue froze. Seeing Qu Yi purr under his touch like a contented cat—

Her fists clenched tight!

Lai Yingxin blinked in surprise.

Qu Yi, though cheerful, was fundamentally a mischievous little imp—wild since childhood, even Qu Xuelin couldn’t fully rein her in!

She’d never imagined Qu Yi could look so docile, so *cat-like*.

*Ah…*

*Is my childhood friend actually serious?*

Lai Yingxin’s brow furrowed. She glanced at Ye Thirteen and nodded thoughtfully.

*Then I’d better vet him carefully…*

Though Qu Yi was the oldest in the Pretty Girl Squad, she was only months older than Lai Yingxin.

So while Qu Yi wore the captain title, Lai Yingxin was the squad’s true strategist.

Sure, she had her off moments—like lugging that mana cannon earlier—but beside Qu Yi’s fire and Han Xiangxue’s ice, she was still the most reliable.

Lai Yingxin lifted her paper fan, flicked it open with a soft *swish*, half-masked her face, and smiled:

“Come to think of it… Didn’t Grandpa Qu recently announce a new policy? Student-formed Patrol Squads can recruit their own extracurricular practice mentor. Uncle seems perfect~

Strength-wise *and* connection-wise.

We *are* three pretty girls, after all. What if we accidentally recruit someone shady? Troublesome~

Right, Yi Yi?”

Qu Yi’s eyes sparkled brighter with every word.

*More time with Uncle?!*

Imagining strolling openly with him on missions, she nearly bounced off the floor!

She shot both hands up: “I approve!”

Han Xiangxue opened her mouth—but caught Lai Yingxin’s mischievous wink.

She frowned silently.

Lai Yingxin smiled. “Then it’s settled.”

“???”

Ye Thirteen pointed at himself. “What about *my* opinion?”

*Did I even agree?*

Lai Yingxin blinked.

*Legit job. Solid salary. Plus daily time with three pretty girls!*

*And he’s hesitating?!*

She shot him a wistful glance—only to find him *actually pondering it*.

*This guy… is he seriously this dense?*

She snapped the fan shut, tapped her forehead, and turned to Qu Yi:

“Yi Yi. He’s all yours.”

She stood, pulled Han Xiangxue into another room.

Qu Yi snapped to attention, saluted crisply: “Mission accepted!”

Ye Thirteen: “….”

Inside the room, Han Xiangxue cut straight to the point:

“Xiao Lai, what’s your plan?”

Sensing Han Xiangxue’s simmering worry, Lai Yingxin hurried to explain:

“Sweetie, I care about Yi Yi just as much as you do.

But she clearly likes that handsome uncle. We can’t stop her.

So why not keep him close? Watch him ourselves—make sure he never hurts her~”

Han Xiangxue paused… then nodded.

Yes. This way, they *could* protect Yi Yi better.

*Note to self: Ye Thirteen = potential threat to Qu Yi.*

Meanwhile, Qu Yi was still clinging to Ye Thirteen’s arm, swaying it playfully.

“Uncle~ Pleeease be our mentor~!”

Her triumphant grin, tiny fangs peeking out—utterly adorable.

Ye Thirteen’s heart softened. He admired her spirit, and her cuteness was disarming. He *was* willing…

“But… I’d love to agree. Just not sure my credentials fit.

Strength? No issue. Resume? Uncertain.

I’ve never mentored students—only taught teammates in-squad.”

Qu Yi leaped up, cheering:

“(＾－＾)V Yay~ So you *did* agree! Don’t worry—Xiao Lai’s dad’s mayor of City C! If your strength checks out, it’s fine!”

“Isn’t that… cutting corners?”

*Feels like nepotism.*

Qu Yi waved dismissively: “Pfft! Uncle Ye’s character? Absolutely trustworthy! I’m *sure*~!”

???

*That’s NOT the problem!*

…Though honestly, using this privilege wasn’t unusual.

Other squads likely recommended familiar High-tier Demonhunters too.

Ye Thirteen wasn’t an exception—he was the norm.

After all, if the squad members all agreed? Others’ opinions barely mattered.

Strength was all that counted.