Teacher by day, Farmer by passion-Chapter 161: Divine Library [3]

"Shan Yifeng?" Ace managed to utter just before impact.

Thankfully, Liu Mei reacted fast.

Crack!

A clean punch to the midsection sent Shan Yifeng flying backward with a yelp, crashing into a patch of dry grass.

He rolled twice, then popped up, not even registering the blow as he beamed brightly at the sight of the two.

"What are you doing here?" he asked Liu Mei, completely ignoring the fact that she had just sucker punched him halfway across the road.

Liu Mei crossed her arms. "We're swapping roles now. I get to explore the outside while you get to play stay-at-home formation master."

Ace waved his hand. "Not yet. I need both of you with me."

Liu Mei blinked. "Wait... then that means... the excuse I made was...?"

"Totally unnecessary," Ace said with a grin.

She pouted, clearly betrayed by her own cleverness. "I was so proud of it too..."

Ace chuckled. "Alright, let's get down to business. Shan Yifeng, time to make yourself useful."

Shan Yifeng eagerly plopped down on the ground like a loyal hound awaiting command. "What's the mission, Master?"

Ace began to explained the plan: to begin the process of returning the abandoned children to their rightful families or rather, their mothers.

The idea of rebuilding what was left of those bonds. Just an attempt.

Shan Yifeng tilted his head thoughtfully.

"What happens after that?"

Ace raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, what about their living conditions? Their homes? You're not planning to feed every family from now on, are you?"

Ace didn't answer immediately.

I could feed the entire kingdom if I wanted. But that wasn't the point.

[That's a lie.]

The system's voice chimed unhelpfully in his head.

"Well," he said slowly, "what's your take on it?"

Shan Yifeng thought for a moment, tapping a finger against his chin before snapping.

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"Master, what if we grow a business first and then hire them? Not directly of course, we'll disguise it. Make it seem like some mysterious benefactor sent someone to give them work."

Liu Mei, still hugging Ace from the back, furrowed her brow.

"Why go through all that trouble?"

"It's to ease their hearts," Shan Yifeng said seriously. "If we help them openly, they'll feel burdened. Obligated. But if it's just a job they earned, they can hold their heads high."

"That doesn't make any sense," she said flatly.

"Humans don't," Shan Yifeng shot back.

She narrowed her eyes dangerously, but this time decided to let it go.

Ace stared at his disciple, unimpressed. "Your take on humans is... a bit oncerning."

"B-but Master!" Shan Yifeng stammered. "I still don't get how people don't know how great you are. Do you know someone dared to bet against you? Fifty thousand taels of gold! And I took that bet with confidence!"

Ace blinked. "Wait. Is that true?"

Shan Yifeng nodded proudly. "Yes! Remember that old man who ran away during the academy challenge? He owed me.. ahem well, us fifty thousand taels!"

Ace saw his hesitation and couldn't help but gave a laugh. "I don't really need money. You can keep it."

Shan Yifeng's eyes sparkled. "Really?! Really?! Thank you, Master! I really, really love you—"

WHAM!

Liu Mei's punch this time had real weight behind it, knocking Shan Yifeng flat on his back.

"Wh-what was that for?!" he wheezed from the ground.

"Your fault," she said simply, turning away with a sniff.

Ace raised a brow at her.

"Liu Mei… don't tell me you're jealous he got fifty thousand gold? Don't worry, I'll give you the same amount as pocket money."

She blinked. "That's not—" then paused. "Wait. Fifty thousand gold?"

Ace nodded.

She squatted beside Shan Yifeng, patting his head gently.

"Junior Brother, I'm really sorry for punching you."

Shan Yifeng blinked up at her, touched by the gesture.

But then Liu Mei leaned in closer, her smile turning ever-so-sweet… and wicked.

"But you can't love Master. That's only for Liu Mei, okay?"

The air chilled slightly.

Ace coughed into his hand.

Shan Yifeng was still groaning on the ground when the soft sound of footsteps approached the group.

The scent of freshly brewed tea drifted in, delicate and warm.

Lotus appeared, her movements graceful even in her annoyance. She held a small tray with two porcelain cups of steaming tea, each cup painted with the faint outline of a lotus flower in bloom.

Her brows were ever-so-slightly furrowed, her lips pursed in a faint sulk.

"I brought the tea, Professor," she said, refusing to meet Ace's eyes directly as she held out the tray.

Ace raised an eyebrow as he reached for a cup. "only two cup?"

"I wasn't told how many people were inside," Lotus muttered under her breath, clearly embarrassed. "I thought it was just you and–"

From behind Ace, Liu Mei's voice cut her short. "Oh my, such a considerate assistant. Only thinking of Master, huh?"

Lotus stiffened slightly. "That's not—!"

Liu Mei leaned over Ace's shoulder, her arms resting lazily on him as she peered at the tea tray with exaggerated interest. "But that means... I don't get any?"

She let out a theatrical sigh, clearly waiting for someone to ask if she wanted a sip.

Lotus shot her a look. "You weren't even supposed to be here."

"But I am here," Liu Mei grinned, "and I'm always by Master's side. You should get used to it now if you're going to be brewing tea daily. Oh and I want with lots of sugar."

Ace silently sipped his tea, wisely choosing not to get involved in the territorial dance.

Lotus set the tray down with a soft clink and crossed her arms, staring defiantly at Liu Mei. "It's not like I brewed the tea for him alone."

"Then why only two cups?" Liu Mei asked, voice lilting with innocent malice.

Lotus faltered. "B-because—!"

"You thought you'd get a private tea moment with Master," Liu Mei finished with a smirk. "That's cute."

Lotus flushed pink, eyes darting toward Ace. "I did not!"

Lotus turned sharply to Shan Yifeng, desperate to correct the misunderstanding.

"I brought it for you too. You were also there, so it wasn't just for him!"

Shan yifeng who was still trying hard to stand up properly turned his head instantly.