47: More cost-effective

The welcoming ceremony quickly concluded.

Shen Bei and the other graduating students returned to their classrooms to pack their belongings, then they could leave directly.

Students who didn't get into a Martial Arts University either continued studying academic subjects with the liberal arts students, becoming 'knowledgeable' societal cast-offs, or they simply entered society to make a living.

As for the students who were accepted into a Martial Arts University, they only needed to wait for the new semester to begin.

As he was leaving, Professor Gu Xinrou pulled Shen Bei aside.

Her expression was conflicted, and her full lips, glistening enticingly, curved slightly as she tentatively asked, “At yesterday’s banquet, many Lingnan City Martial Arts University teachers came. Which teacher did you choose to follow?”

Shen Bei looked at Professor Gu Xinrou's posture and almost couldn't resist leaning down to kiss her sweet lips.

That passion in the morning was truly unforgettable.

Shen Bei swallowed and said, “I wasn’t there then. Afterwards, I heard the Martial Arts University teachers didn’t rate me very highly, saying my attributes were too balanced and lacked a standout quality.”

Hearing this, Professor Gu Xinrou’s heart lightened, and her face immediately bloomed with joy: “Exactly! Your attributes are too balanced! No one but me can guide you to success. It’s settled then, after the Martial Arts University starts, you will enroll in my class.”

Shen Bei tilted his head.

Good heavens.

So, Teacher Gu, that was your plan all along?

One must know that within a Martial Arts University, students can choose their preferred teacher to guide them on the path of a Martial Artist.

The more reputable and experienced a teacher, the more students they attract, and the more pronounced the 'siphon effect' becomes.

It is said that some famous teachers can have over a hundred students under them.

Those with fewer… well, they are just lone commanders.

This is also why various teachers flocked to the Martial Arts University banquet.

To snatch up students in advance.

And new teachers like Professor Gu Xinrou, who had just transferred to the Martial Arts University, naturally had no popularity.

It could be said that for a student to choose her, it would purely be a gamble with their future martial arts path.

And teachers without students could only be relegated to assistant instructors.

To put it plainly, they would be doing odd jobs.

Shen Bei stroked his chin, his words full of menace: “Although my attributes are quite balanced, I’m still the Champion, so there will definitely be teachers who want me.”

Professor Gu Xinrou’s clear eyes, misted with what looked like unshed tears, gazed at Shen Bei, saying, “You can’t be ungrateful!”

Shen Bei licked his lips, looked around, and seeing no one.

He immediately said, “Actually, I’m still willing to follow Teacher Gu.”

“Really?”

“Only if Teacher Gu lets me kiss her again.”

Professor Gu Xinrou’s pretty face flushed, and she stomped on the young man’s foot, scolding playfully, “Get lost! I’d rather be an assistant instructor!”

Shen Bei looked at Professor Gu Xinrou’s charming and pitiful appearance, truly a beauty among mortals, and chuckled, “She’s flustered, she’s flustered.”

“I’m just asking if you’re coming or not?”

“I’m coming!”

“Then it’s settled.”

Professor Gu Xinrou smiled sweetly. She stretched, displaying her subtly graceful curves.

The weight on her heart had lifted.

With Shen Bei as her student, she would still be a legitimate teacher!

Shen Bei, on the other hand, was indifferent to this.

Shen Bei’s true trump card was the daily settlement panel; having a teacher or even being Professor Gu Xinrou’s student didn't make much difference.

…

Upon returning to the classroom, Shen Bei became Jian Tong’s porter.

Jian Tong didn't know where she had gathered her things, a whole large bag of various items.

“Here, carry this.”

Jian Tong’s gaze held a captivating tenderness as she placed the backpack on Shen Bei’s shoulder.

“50 yuan!” Shen Bei immediately quoted a price.

Jian Tong’s expression froze, her hazy, slightly parted eyes wide with surprise as she said, “This costs money too?”

“This is my professional Dao. Don’t haggle, it’ll hurt our relationship.”

Jian Tong’s dark, smooth hair was a little messy, falling on both sides of her head, her small nose gently fanning her beautiful rosy cheeks: “You’ve already hurt it!”

Shen Bei shrugged: “Then carry it yourself.”

“You—”

Jian Tong was so angry that she saw stars and her head ached terribly, but in the end, she took a deep breath and relented: “Alright, alright, let’s go.”

…

Out of the campus.

They both looked back at the same time.

First High School was still First High School.

It sent off batch after batch of students, and First High School remained.

“Teacher Gu looked for you, she must have wanted you to follow her, right?”

Jian Tong asked halfway.

Shen Bei nodded.

Jian Tong pouted: “That’s fine too, a golden nugget will shine on its own.”

Jian Tong’s meaning was also very clear.

She was worried that Professor Gu Xinrou couldn't truly guide Shen Bei, but she believed Shen Bei could rely on himself.

Shen Bei didn’t say anything.

The two chattered all the way, imagining their future.

Passing a snack stall.

Shen Bei bought two steamed buns: “Here, try something new.”

In Changtu County, steamed buns were rare.

It wasn’t that they couldn’t afford them.

But it was a matter of habit; people generally didn't care much for pasta.

Just like people in Guangdong don't eat savory tofu pudding.

“This is truly new food.” Jian Tong took a small bite.

Shen Bei tasted it; it had no flavor.

It wasn't as round and plump as modern steamed buns, nor was it as soft when squeezed.

Along the way, they also bought two cups of “Martial Artist Ice City” milk tea.

Just 10 yuan a cup was enough to make Jian Tong giggle with delight.

“Oh, right.” Jian Tong slurped her milk tea and said, “I’m going out with my dad during the holidays, so don’t come looking for me.”

Shen Bei snorted: “Darn it! Aren’t you taking me with you on your trip? Are we even a family?”

“Stop being a rascal.” Jian Tong’s willow-like eyebrows, resembling distant spring mountains, arched slightly: “We’re not married yet, what family? Besides, Dad is going to visit a comrade-in-arms. He’s said to have extremely high spiritual attributes and unique insights in that area. He’s going to teach me how to enter the Dao of a Martial Artist in advance.”

“Oh.” Shen Bei nodded: “So that’s how it is. I wish you success.”

These students who got into a Martial Arts University wouldn't be idle this holiday.

Generally, they would start basic Cultivate methods, condensing Qi and blood, and tempering their bone structure.

After all, they were already Martial Arts University students, so they no longer had to worry about losing attributes.

And Shen Bei had already completed this step in advance, even mastering basic boxing techniques.

He was far ahead!

After dropping Jian Tong off at home.

Shen Bei chatted with Jian Shan for a while about this and that, then went home alone.

He passed a small alley with a flashing red light.

Shen Bei felt a little tempted.

Jian Tong was going out and wouldn't be seen for a while.

Professor Gu Xinrou had even less time, busy with handover procedures and preparing teaching materials.

Shen Bei’s youthful fire had nowhere to vent.

And the alley in front of him was a place for men’s pleasure.

Those very poor Young Misses were barely clothed, looking truly pitiful.

It usually involved spending some money for a brief, intense encounter.

Fun and inexpensive, until next time.

It wasn't that he couldn't afford to fall in love, it was just…

More cost-effective.

Shen Bei shook his head and left anyway.

While he had time.

Shen Bei went to the Labor Market.

Working couldn't stop!

Today’s work only consisted of one task: carrying a bag for Jian Tong.

He knew with his toes that there wouldn't be much of a reward.

This wouldn’t do!

It was even more unbearable than killing himself.

So, even though Shen Bei was the Wu Ke Champion, he continued to work as usual.

Just as he arrived at the Labor Market and started looking for work, he saw an acquaintance drive up in a minivan.

It was Boss Zhang, loudly calling out and selecting laborers for work.

“Boss Zhang!” Shen Bei called out with a grin.

Boss Zhang shivered: “My goodness! Shen Bei? Why are you still here?”

“Looking for work.”

“With your current status, you have more than enough people to look for you; are you still taking odd jobs? You need to adapt to your status.”

Boss Zhang earnestly advised him.

They were all quasi-Martial Artists now; earning a mere hundred or so, wasn't that demeaning himself?

Cherish your reputation!

“What kind of work is it this time?” Shen Bei didn’t have time to dally with him and asked directly.

Although Shen Bei could exert some strength, he couldn't do just any job.

For example, carpentry, a skilled trade, Shen Bei didn’t know how to do.

“Cleaning debris from the Taiyangshan Reservoir.” Boss Zhang replied.

“Count me in.”

Boss Zhang: “…”