Situ Qingxue had caught a cold. Bundled tightly in thick layers, she let out a forceful sneeze.

After the failed assassination attempt and her worsening illness, the Hero Association didn’t scold her. Instead, they offered warm concern and granted her a few days’ leave.

Honestly, this felt like classic protagonist treatment—strong enough to be supported, free to slack off a little.

She was currently staying in the Nanzhou region of the Eastern Empire. The Hero Association headquarters had even arranged a luxury suite for her temporary use.

Outside the door, the golden-haired girl with a single ponytail wrinkled her nose slightly.

Things felt… too quiet. After days in bed, Situ Qingxue had woken that morning wondering how to spend her time.

If this were a novel, this would be called “daily life.”

What do protagonists even *do* during daily life?

Fall in love? Deepen bonds with the heroine? Yeah… that’s about it.

Come to think of it… I’m just a single dog. She gazed blankly at the sky.

All this time—training, leveling up, building connections, defeating rivals—romance had somehow slipped her mind.

A faint trace of anxiety flickered in her chest. *If I keep chasing strength… will I end up unmarriageable?*

The breeze was gentle. She peeked outside, then stepped onto the street.

Restless by nature, she couldn’t stay idle once she was on her feet.

Wait—Nanzhou was also where that reclusive supreme being lived, right? Shen Zhan had mentioned it.

His attitude was reportedly friendly. No threat detected. Maybe she’d pay a visit.

…

Lu Feng gently dusted the shelves with a feather duster.

Another customer-less day. Boredom was eating at him.

His routine: teaching Yuzi speech, basic pharmacology, and occasional stories from his past world.

Yuzi wore twin tails and a long, loose white lab coat. The hem brushed her calves; the sleeves hid her wrists, leaving only small hands visible.

At the table, she meticulously wiped dust from potion bottles, checked labels, and jotted notes on a clipboard.

Lu Feng had designed the outfit himself—she was his capable assistant now. Proper workwear mattered.

*Efficient Little Nurse Training Program.jpg*

“Hey, Yuzi,” Lu Feng crouched down. “Ever thought about going to school?”

“Does Feng want me to go?” Yuzi turned, blinking, ears twitching.

“If possible, school would be best.”

“If Feng worries about my ears… don’t.” She touched her head.

Her ears vanished.

“Whoa.”

Lu Feng’s eyes lit up. He scooped her under the arms, lifting her to inspect her curiously.

Yuzi squirmed slightly but didn’t resist. Cheeks puffed in mild protest, she spoke in a soft, sweet voice:

“I’m a sixth-tier great yaomo now. Please stop treating me like a child.”

“True,” Lu Feng said lightly, unfazed by the word *yaomo*. He set her on the table.

He’d heard the Hero Association used tiered ranks too—but had no clue what “sixth tier” meant.

“Feng is an idiot,” Yuzi pouted.

“Heh, so you’ve learned *that* word too.”

He pinched her cheeks playfully, stretching them into a silly grin. Yuzi froze, eyes wide as lanterns, blinking twice.

“Mmph…”

“If school’s possible, it’d be great. You’d learn so much more.” Lu Feng smiled.

“You worked hard. Clothes are dusty. Bath time?”

Yuzi nodded and hopped lightly off the table, the coat fluttering.

“Need help washing?”

“Feng always treats me like a kid.”

Pouting, she handed him the clipboard. “Some items are near expiration. Handle them.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” He took it and ruffled her hair.

“I’m ignoring Feng now.” She shook her head, muttered, and dashed off, shielding her hair.

*Still a kid,* Lu Feng chuckled, watching her go.

Just then, a bundled figure peeked through the clinic door—hesitant, curious, notebook in hand.

“Hello,” Lu Feng called. “Here for a consultation or medicine?”

Outside stood a slender girl with a golden ponytail, thick clothes making her look round. A western-style sword hung at her waist.

“Ah… um, just cold medicine,” Situ Qingxue stammered, hastily tucking her notebook away.

She’d meant to scout quietly per Shen Zhan’s warning—but Lu Feng’s sharp instincts caught her instantly.

*One glance.* Hero Association’s newly promoted S-rank hero. Situ Qingxue. The world’s undisputed protagonist!

*So the plot’s finally reached the NPC’s turn?*

“Feel free to look around. Call if you need anything,” Lu Feng beamed.

Not a bookstore, sure—but frame it like a game: protagonist browsing NPCs, maybe triggering hidden quests.

And who tips NPCs generously without haggling? *The protagonist.*

This sale? Absolutely cannot miss.

*Time to charge a premium.*