Yun Liu furrowed his brows, lost in thought, as Ao Tian’s seemingly absurd plan actually presented him with quite the dilemma.
Refuse directly?
Not a good idea……
Even though he had no idea what Crouching Dragon, Young Phoenix were loudly scheming about, with Ao Tian’s cunning nature, there was no telling what more outrageous tricks would follow if he refused.
For all he knew, Ao Tian might just force things anyway.
Either way, he was just working at Rosy Fragrance Pavilion and could run off at any time.
One more tagalong was nothing more than another guinea pig for medicinal experiments.
The protagonist wouldn’t die anyway, so why not make use of a tool character?
With this change of perspective, Yun Liu decided to wait and see, replying irritably, “I don’t have an unfilial daughter like you who’s lazy and greedy. I’ll let you work, but I’m not your teacher, and I’m definitely not Reverse Butterfly!”
No master-disciple relationship, and even less of a father-daughter bond.
“See, he’s scared! Go on, seize the advantage! Repeat after me: ‘Sworn Father, please accept your disciple’s bow!’”
Seize the advantage, my foot!
If I trust you again, I’m a fool.
“Hah, I knew you wouldn’t leave me behind.”
Ji Shiyu hugged the Yellow Chicken tightly, nodding fiercely, letting out a sigh of relief in her heart.
At least she’d managed to keep her precious horse.
But you know, Ao Tian’s blundering actually got things done this time……
The Yellow Chicken grinned slyly, as expected.
Having just been played by Yun Liu, it immediately got its own back.
This kid is immune to both persuasion and force; guess I’ll have to take a different route—an indirect approach.
So what if it’s a father-daughter thing?
A close little cotton-padded jacket is still better than an ex-wife!
Advance or retreat, both have their merits—an unbeatable position.
Although the struggling sisters of the Heaven Courtyard are in just as tough a spot, even combined, they don’t compare to that daydreaming young lady who knows how to get things done.
Lord Ao Tian, with nothing better to do, was watching all this with keen interest.
“Don’t get too happy. Being my apprentice isn’t that easy.”
Yun Liu curled his lips, sneering inwardly.
Heaven’s way always comes full circle.
You all brought this on yourselves.
Now that you’re in my hands, don’t expect the sweet treatment you got from Feng Aotian!
Ji Shiyu never imagined her trials were only just beginning.
What seemed like a slapstick comedy between the yellow-haired girl and her victim was, in truth, a subtle contest between an external brain and a background character.
“Hooray, another comrade! Welcome, Junior Sister Ji, to Rosy Fragrance Pavilion!”
“Huh?”
Before Ji Shiyu could react, a group of lively girls pushed her into the inner room.
She was quickly dressed in a pale yellow little daisy qipao, and in the next second, she became part of the business.
Low collar, high slit—a golden-haired girl with graceful curves, like a delicate porcelain doll, was made up beautifully by the Clear Mist Peak Senior Sisters and rushed into service, officially registered for duty.
Huo Tian Tian whistled, squinting her eyes.
“Senior Sister’s old clothes fit pretty well! Junior Sister Ji, why not consider further training at Clear Mist Peak? With your talent, you’ll be promoted to Inner Disciple in no time!”
The senior sisters showered her with praise, pushing the yellow-haired girl in front of Mr. Xiao Yun.
Ji Shiyu usually traveled light and rarely showed her gentle side, never mind trying on such a boldly elegant Eastern private dress.
She awkwardly spun in front of the mirror, blushing deeply.
“So, h-how is it?”
“Mm.”
Yun Liu only glanced at her before lowering his head to work, his ten fingers slicing spiritual material with the precision of a surgeon.
“That’s it? Just one word? Don’t be shy, tell me what you really think!”
Ji Shiyu’s cheeks were rosy as she cupped her face, narcissistically.
How could someone look good in anything they wore?
Oh, right, that someone is me!
The young man only said coldly, “I’ll deduct your Overlord Meal from your wages until it’s paid off. You’d better be useful, or when the Lady Boss comes back, you’ll be thrown out with a mountain of debt.”
“Why—t-these are two different things!”
The yellow-haired girl jumped up, the fallen young lady instantly transforming into a spokesperson for the proletariat.
Is the first time I earn my own living really going to be met with such ruthless exploitation by the foreman?
“Know your place. If you don’t want to obey, you can leave now. No one’s stopping you.”
Yun Liu couldn’t wait for the yellow-haired girl to get as far away from him as possible.
“Don’t be mean, I was just joking! Master is the best! What’s my first task? I’m ready!”
Ji Shiyu snapped to attention and saluted, throwing a flirtatious wink.
Now was the time for the generous Peak Idol of Sighing Peak to reward her true fan.
She would prove with action that she wasn’t a burden!
Once she showed off her World-Shaking Talent, wouldn’t the Oily Boy be begging her to stay?
“Stop shouting nonsense. Here, help me grind these herbs thoroughly. Soak the Golden Tongue Root for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, then use a spell to dry it. As for the rest, mix the Qi Gathering Powder with Spirit-Guiding Water and stir evenly until it forms a paste.”
The yellow-haired girl’s mouth hung open, as if listening to an alien language, her wide eyes filled with confusion.
“I—I’ll handle it!”
So saying, the newly minted Rosy Fragrance Pavilion apprentice puffed up with confidence.
Yun Liu couldn’t help but curl his lips.
Bossing the reincarnated heavenly maiden around like a servant was unexpectedly amusing.
At that moment, a round, fluffy Yellow Chicken hopped onto the table, smiling as it stared at the youth, keenly catching this scene.
“Happy now? I know Shiyu best. She’s not this affectionate with everyone, but in front of you, she shows her true self without reservation, treating you as her best friend.”
Even the yellow-haired girl herself hadn’t noticed this.
She always tried to present a flawless image in front of others, though with little success.
Only when she was with this certain someone did she truly relax, slowly developing a kind of dependence.
Yun Liu immediately put on a stern face, pretending not to hear.
Happy?
As if.
If we’re friends, then you ought to keep your boundaries.
Seeing the youth feign deafness, the Yellow Chicken began muttering to itself.
“You treat Xiao Xinran like a little sister, so why not raise Shiyu as your daughter? She never had a father, lived under her mother’s wing, and was always surrounded by sycophantic, annoying men. How could she not turn out like this—mischievous and unruly? Now that she’s in your care, I’m relieved.”
“…….”
“By the way, you wouldn’t lose out by becoming the head of the Ji Family. Ji Xingshu is not only highly skilled, but also has an incredibly good temper—you’d love her. Just imagine what Shiyu would be like if she grew up normal. She could fill the gap of motherly love you’re missing!”
“…….”
Yun Liu’s hands clenched so tight veins popped, barely holding himself back from slapping the Phoenix Hatchling.
The alluring image of the Heavenly Matriarch flashed through his mind.
The yellow-haired girl did indeed have an outstanding mother.
Wait a minute, what is this dumb bird up to!?
Ao Tian was running his mouth like a runaway train, thinking Yun Liu spoiled his fiancée because of some twisted complex or unique preference.
Not interested in young girls?
No problem!
There’s also married women, the lonely widows and orphans of Star Isle are waiting!
Luckily, Senior Sister Tian Tian happened to pass by and saved the day, scooping up the Yellow Chicken with a shout.
“Wow, what a chubby parrot! And it can talk! So cute!”
“Parrot!? Stop! Woman, where are you taking me? Put me down! You ignorant mortals!”
A group of medicine hall disciples gathered curiously, teasing the flapping, adorable spirit beast, shrieking with delight.
Yun Liu let out a sigh of relief, only to quickly pay the price for his naivety.
Even though he’d only assigned the simplest of tasks, someone still managed to mess it up.
The foreman had sorely underestimated the apprentice’s extraordinary talent for disaster.
Ji Shiyu returned, wearing an awkward smile and proudly presenting her handiwork.
Not only were the herbs mashed to a pulp, the spiritual material’s roots had been roasted into dry twigs, and the prepared spiritual liquid was a complete disaster.
This is how you reward your mentor?
“…….Maybe you should just watch the furnace. When the smoke rises for the third time, extinguish the fire—the pill will be done.”
“That’s easy! Leave it to me!”
Not long after, the energetic yellow-haired girl started nodding off after just a glance at the furnace, falling asleep.
When she woke up, the Spiritual Medicine was burnt to a crisp—she nearly set the entire Alchemy Room on fire.