Shi Ji wasn’t interested in that practical assignment at Silver Frost Academy. The only reason he’d come out was that he’d had no choice. Just as Jing Xin had said, there was hardly anyone at the academy now, which meant there was nowhere to eat. With no other option, he’d had to leave.

As he brushed the dust off himself, Shi Ji ignored Lin Xinyan for a good while, still holding a grudge against Jing Xin.

That brat really went for it. If I hadn’t dodged fast enough, she would’ve hit me for sure.

The two of them had only just met yesterday, and already they’d managed to become enemies.

Lin Xinyan watched Shi Ji and slowly walked over. There was a lot she wanted to ask him, and she also wanted to thank him for what had happened yesterday.

When she reached him, Lin Xinyan said earnestly, “I never thought you’d be that new student. What a coincidence!”

At the sound of her voice, Shi Ji finally looked up at Lin Xinyan.

At first glance, Shi Ji thought she looked a little familiar. Then he noticed her outfit and those long, slender legs, and it finally came back to him.

“Oh, it’s you! So you’re a student here too.”

Shi Ji approved of Lin Xinyan’s idea of what a hero should be. She was different—bright and straightforward.

Lin Xinyan nodded, smiling warmly.

“Yeah, what a coincidence. You left so quickly yesterday that I didn’t get the chance to thank you. I really am grateful. If it weren’t for you, I might not be standing here talking to you now.”

Shi Ji had never given that sort of thing much thought. After all, it had happened to him so many times before.

“No, no. You were brave to face a Spirit Rank creature head-on.”

After what had happened yesterday, Lin Xinyan had gained a new understanding of strength. The student in front of her seemed carefree, but he was clearly more than he appeared. Hearing his approval now made her feel even better.

“It was just my duty. Hearing you say that makes me feel a little embarrassed.”

Jing Xin had told him to find a partner who could show him the ropes. Looking at Lin Xinyan, Shi Ji grinned. This tall, beautiful girl must be the partner Jing Xin had meant.

Some things just bored Shi Ji. He was a practical sort.

“Heh, I’m hungry. I’m going to grab something to eat. Want to come?”

Lin Xinyan hadn’t eaten either. At Shi Ji’s invitation, she quickly nodded and happily agreed.

“Sure! Let me treat you to thank you.”

“Oh! You’re treating me? I really don’t know what to say. But since you insist, I’ll gladly accept. Heh!”

Shi Ji was more than happy to accept, and he did a terrible job of pretending to be polite. He was like someone holding on to another person’s money while saying he didn’t want it.

Food at the academy was free, but eating outside cost a fortune. What a rip-off! Shi Ji could afford it for now, but if he kept it up, he’d end up starving on the street. He rarely ate outside unless he had no other choice. He was short on cash and badly needed a way to make money.

And so, the two of them headed down the main road and left.

“Oh, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m Lin Xinyan.”

“Oh, that’s a nice name. And you’re beautiful, too.”

“And… what’s your name?”

“Oh, right. I’m Shi Ji.”

“Mm-hmm. Shi Ji, we’ll be partners for the next week. I look forward to working with you.”

“Same here. So, what are we getting to eat?”

“What do you want to eat?”

“Anything’s fine, as long as it fills me up. Meat would be even better, though. Heh!”

“Come with me. I guarantee you’ll be satisfied!”

…