52: Chapter 52, Level E, Tenth Floor.

The car started.

Driving on the road.

Lu Chen tapped the car's screen.

Soothing music immediately filled the cabin.

"..."

As the gentle melody played.

Luo Nianwei's slightly trembling heartstrings gradually calmed down.

Lu Chen was the first to break the silence.

"The entrance exam is on July 2nd—only 16 days away."

"How are your preparations? Do you plan to focus on warrior research or switch to actual combat?"

Luo Nianwei paused for a moment.

Before speaking softly.

"I'm more inclined towards power research... but now, I think I will also take combat into account."

"Yesterday's events gave me a wake-up call. I don't want to feel that helplessness again."

"You're right."

Lu Chen nodded.

"This world ultimately respects strength. Cultivation research is indeed very valuable."

"But before a B-rank powerhouse, even the most Genius scholar is nothing. However—"

He smiled gently.

"You have me. Even if you don't switch to combat, you won't feel helpless again."

Luo Nianwei felt a warmth in her heart upon hearing this.

It felt as if a hundred flowers were blooming in her chest.

But she didn't respond.

Instead.

She leaned back.

Turning toward the car window.

The car drove on silently.

Twenty minutes later.

They arrived in front of a twenty-story building.

The restaurant was on the top floor.

Lu Chen parked the car.

He unbuckled his seatbelt, stepped out, and walked around the car.

He opened the door for her.

Luo Nianwei stepped out.

She looked up at the building.

They entered the lobby.

And took the elevator straight up.

The top floor wasn't luxurious.

But it didn't need to be.

Amber lights emitted a soft glow.

Shining down from the ceiling.

The scents of roasted parsley, butter, and cheese wafted through the air.

Gentle jazz music echoed slightly.

Adding a warm atmosphere to the small space.

Like a harbor for the Soul.

Romantic and peaceful.

Lu Chen pushed open the door.

Letting Luo Nianwei in first.

She admired the restaurant.

—Dark oak panels, framed photos of cityscapes, and shelves filled with small potted plants.

A sweet smile involuntarily appeared at the corners of her mouth.

A female shop assistant greeted them warmly.

"Welcome to the Cloud Top Restaurant. Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes," Lu Chen nodded, "My name is Lu Chen."

The assistant checked the reservation records.

Then she immediately broke into a smile.

"Welcome, Mr. Lu. We have been waiting for you."

She waved to a waiter in uniform.

The waiter immediately walked up to Lu Chen and the other.

And said politely.

"Sir, Madam, this way please."

They were then led to a table in the corner near the window.

The window was wide.

Snow-white curtains fluttered slightly.

Golden sunlight streamed in.

Luo Nianwei smoothed her skirt and sat down.

She stole a glance at Lu Chen.

He looked very relaxed.

As if this were just an ordinary night.

However.

His eyes never left her for long.

Their gazes met in mid-air.

Luo Nianwei immediately looked away.

Like being caught red-handed while stealing something.

The waiter handed over the menu.

"Sir, Madam, what would you like to drink?"

"A glass of bayberry juice."

Luo Nianwei said.

"The same."

Lu Chen said as well.

The waiter left quickly.

The menu was simple.

Lu Chen scanned it.

"I'll order a cod steak with buckwheat pancakes, how about you?"

"The hot and sour fish soup, please."

Luo Nianwei said.

"Alright."

Lu Chen smiled.

After the waiter returned.

They placed their orders.

The entire restaurant was very quiet.

Except for the soft whispers of a few diners.

Only the clinking of cutlery against porcelain remained.

The atmosphere was very comfortable.

They sat quietly.

Looking at the city outside.

A boy was selling flowers on the road.

A young couple sped past on a motorcycle, laughing and singing.

At this moment.

Everything seemed to slow down.

Lu Chen suddenly spoke.

"Nianwei, it must be very tiring to balance your studies while working as a coach at the martial arts hall."

Luo Nianwei sighed.

"There's no other way. If I get into Star Dou Battle Academy, I'll have to go to A-1 Base City."

"Mom and Nian Yin still need money. This job pays well—I want to save some backup funds for them before I leave."

"You know, after I enroll, it might be some time before I can start earning money again."

Lu Chen nodded.

"I understand. But if it's just a matter of money, I can help you. You can pay me back once you've settled down."

Luo Nianwei felt warmth in her heart upon hearing this.

Then she shook her head.

"Thank you, but I don't need it. Although the coaching job is tedious, it helps me train my fundamentals. It's not a waste of time."

Lu Chen respected her choice and didn't push.

Then he said.

"I'm going to A-1 Base City in five days. I'll wait for you there."

Luo Nianwei blinked.

Her expression was slightly surprised.

As far as she knew.

Entry into A-Class Base City was very strict.

Especially A-1 Base City, which served as the human center.

Even Formal Warriors needed a legitimate reason to enter.

And to live there.

One needed a special status—like being a student.

But then again.

This was Lu Chen.

With the strength and potential he had shown.

Nothing seemed impossible for him.

However.

She still asked curiously.

"Why so sudden?"

Lu Chen didn't hide anything.

He explained his family background.

Luo Nianwei was speechless for a while after hearing this.

She murmured.

"No wonder your Talent is so... terrifying. Three B-ranks in one family? Your Lu Family's genes are truly powerful..."

Just then.

Their drinks were served.

—Two large glasses of bayberry juice, with two lemon slices on the side.

Luo Nianwei took a sip.

Soon, the food was served.

After a hearty dinner.

Lu Chen gave a tip.

—8,000 yuan.

This made the waiter, whose monthly salary barely reached 4,000, immensely grateful.

He bowed repeatedly.

Lu Chen just waved his hand.

Luo Nianwei couldn't help but roll her eyes.

"Show-off."

Lu Chen smiled smugly.

When they left the restaurant.

The waiter came to the door again to see them off.

Lu Chen drove Luo Nianwei home.

But this time he didn't go in.

He had other arrangements.

Back at home.

Lu Chen went into his room.

And sat cross-legged.

His parents were still working on wrapping things up.

They wouldn't be back until tomorrow morning.

He immediately circulated the Primal Eternal Origin Art.

His body immediately became an Incarnation of a black hole.

The surrounding Universe energy surged toward him like a vortex.

Forty minutes passed—

Boom!

E-rank Eighth Layer.

Forty-five minutes passed—

Boom!

E-rank Ninth Layer.

Fifty minutes passed—

Boom!

E-rank Tenth Layer.