Fang Yang's eyes widened in disbelief at the scene before him.
His Adam's apple bobbed involuntarily—his voice trembling slightly.
"Gu Yue, this—"
Gu Yue merely tilted her head, her waterfall of black hair spilling over her shoulders.
A faint, playful smile touched her lips.
"What? Didn't you say you wanted to live off my generosity?"
Her delicate finger tapped her chin, feigning deep thought.
"Not enough? Should I… buy another floor?"
She leaned closer—her warm breath brushing his ear, carrying a hint of delicate fragrance.
"Or… maybe I should just buy out the entire Donghai Auction's spirit herb collection?"
Fang Yang froze.
This was the Silver Dragon King standing before him!
This money was probably Di Tian's life savings—hoarded over thousands of years.
At that thought, he couldn't help but spare one silent moment of mourning for the Beast God of the Star Dou Forest.
—
At that very instant, deep within the core of the Star Dou Forest, Di Tian—meditating with eyes closed—sneezed.
He opened his golden dragon eyes, scanning his surroundings in confusion.
"Strange… why do I suddenly feel a terrible premonition?"
"Enough! Enough!" Fang Yang quickly grabbed Gu Yue's hand—terrified this young miss would actually empty the entire Donghai Auction.
Beside them, the female attendant stood slack-jawed, stammering:
"H-Honored guest… I-I'll go get the manager right away!"
Before the words fully left her lips, she dashed off, her heels clacking desperately against the floor.
Gu Yue nodded in satisfaction. "Now—you can properly pick the spirit herbs you need."
A hint of pride glimmered in her voice, a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks.
Fang Yang shook his head helplessly—though his lips curled into an uncontainable smile.
He gently squeezed her palm, whispering, "Gu Yue… it seems I'll be living off your generosity for life…"
At those words, Gu Yue's ears turned crimson—but she turned her face away with feigned indifference.
"Hmph. You shameless rascal—just remember that!"
Yet the upward curve of her lips betrayed her joy.
Soon, a sharply dressed middle-aged man hurried over—the attendant trailing behind.
He bowed deeply. "Honored guest—heard you wish to purchase the entire first floor's spirit herbs?"
Gu Yue gave a slight nod. "Correct."
The manager immediately presented a detailed inventory. "Here's the full catalog with pricing. Please review."
Gu Yue gestured for Fang Yang to take it.
He flipped it open—rows of rare spirit herbs listed:
Dragon Soul Grass – 15 years – Enhances soul power affinity – 320,000 Federation Credits
Crystal Peach – 30 years – Nourishes meridians – 350,000
Starlight Vine – 25 years – Boosts spiritual power – 280,000
Fang Yang scanned the list. Most were low-grade—10 to 30 years old.
But for his current needs? Perfect for alchemy.
"How's it looking?" Gu Yue leaned in, her hair accidentally brushing his cheek—sending a tingling warmth through him.
"The herbs are solid," Fang Yang said, closing the catalog.
Gu Yue turned to the manager. "Package everything. Check out."
The manager's face lit up. "Of course! Total comes to ten million Federation Credits."
He handed her the Black-Gold Card.
"Payment confirmed—ten million Federation Credits."
The soul-guided terminal chimed.
"Wrap all first-floor spirit herbs in our finest packaging—immediately!" the manager ordered.
The attendant sprinted off—and returned moments later, breathless, holding a storage soul-guided device.
"All items are packed, sir!"
The manager presented it to Fang Yang. "Your purchase, honored guest. This custom storage device is our complimentary gift."
Fang Yang was about to thank him—when he remembered something.
"Could I have your business card? For future reference."
"Ah! My apologies!" The manager smacked his forehead, pulling a card and a crystal vial of red liquid from his ring.
"This is Hundred-Year Dragon-type Spirit Beast Blood—consider it my personal gift."
"I couldn't possibly—" Fang Yang protested.
"Please, honored guest—accept it!" The manager insisted, thrusting the items into his hands. "Hope to see you again soon!"
"Then… thank you." Fang Yang accepted them gratefully.
With his new treasures in hand, he and Gu Yue left the auction house.
—
As they reached their dorm building, they stumbled upon a tender scene.
Tang Wulin stood holding Senior Sister Ouyang Zixin's hand, the two locked in a lingering farewell.
"Senior Sister… see you tomorrow!" Tang Wulin gazed at her, eyes brimming with affection.
Ouyang Zixin gently squeezed his hand. "Mm… remember to think of me, junior brother…"
"Ahem! How much longer will this goodbye take?"
Fang Yang cleared his throat pointedly as he and Gu Yue approached.
The couple blushed instantly, realizing they'd lost track of time.
Seeing it was Fang Yang and Gu Yue, Tang Wulin sighed in relief.
"Thank goodness—it wasn't Xie Xie…"
"Fang Yang—how dare you tease me?"
Tang Wulin's eyes sparkled with mischief. "You and Gu Yue are together every single day!"
"???" Fang Yang blinked, bewildered.
"Wait… Tang Wulin, are you really this bold for Senior Sister?!"
Just then—
a familiar voice cut in from behind:
"Ohhh~ So this is what you two are up to…"
Xie Xie had appeared—grinning widely.
But before he could finish—Fang Yang and Tang Wulin whipped their heads toward him in perfect unison.
"XIE XIE!" they barked in stereo.
Xie Xie's spine went ice-cold. "Wait—I just got here! Why are you—"
Ouyang Zixin covered her mouth, giggling. "Seems you boys have… business to handle. Wulin—I'll take my leave."
With a graceful wave, she departed.
Gu Yue stood beside Fang Yang, her lips curved in quiet amusement—clearly enjoying the show.
Fang Yang and Tang Wulin exchanged a look—then advanced in sync.
Xie Xie backed away two steps. "Hey now—let's talk this out!"
"Heard you've been very… free lately?" Fang Yang smiled sweetly.
"How about we have a… deep chat?" Tang Wulin added, equally "kind."
Sweat beaded on Xie Xie's brow—then he snapped his fingers. "Wait! I'll treat you! There's a new BBQ place in Donghai!"
The duo paused—exchanged glances.
"Most expensive cuts," Fang Yang said.
"Double portions," Tang Wulin added.
Xie Xie nearly wept with relief. "You got it!"
(Though his monthly allowance was surely doomed…)
Gu Yue watched the three chaos-makers, shaking her head—but her eyes shone with warmth.
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