Chapter Thirty-Three: One Hundred Billion!

“Raise your hands and look at me…”

The school doctor accompanying the Ninth High School team examined Gao Wu, confirming that his breastbone hadn’t fractured or cracked. He then had him perform several movements to ensure there were no internal injuries, marveling at the results. He’d witnessed the match closely: Han Songhu’s tiger-fist strikes had landed eight consecutive blows on Gao Wu’s chest, and the tiger’s claw, sharper and more destructive than the fist, should have been enough to break his ribs. The force of a thousand kilograms behind those tiger-fist strikes should have shattered Gao Wu’s chest, yet he emerged unscathed. His physical resilience was astounding.

Coach Huang Hai watched quietly from the sidelines. He’d long noticed Gao Wu’s extraordinary constitution, and this battle only confirmed his suspicions. The martial arts team members, including Huang Long, looked at Gao Wu with complex expressions. Ordinarily, they should be celebrating his victory and the team’s win. But their relationship with Gao Wu had never been particularly warm. Seeing him defeat two senior martial artists in succession, their feelings leaned more toward envy and jealousy than genuine joy.

At the same time, they knew it was wise to cultivate a good relationship with Gao Wu—after all, he was now a senior martial artist and clearly destined for greatness. Yet none of them could bring themselves to approach him openly. Such is the simplicity of youth; an adult would have set aside pride and sought friendship without hesitation.

Gao Wu understood their awkwardness. These youths weren’t bad people; their personalities simply didn’t mesh with his, and he saw no need to force camaraderie. His recent surge in strength and rapid improvement in martial arts had consumed his entire focus, elevating him beyond the petty grievances of childish rivalry.

Huang Long managed a strained smile. “Brother, you’re incredible. You took down two senior martial artists in a flash—the victory was all thanks to you! You’re even more formidable than Han Yang!”

He started off awkwardly, but as he spoke, his words flowed more easily, ending with a thumbs-up in admiration.

“Hardly. I’m still far behind,” Gao Wu replied earnestly. He’d watched many of Han Yang’s fight videos; the top student of Dongjiang was physically outstanding, but even more impressive in martial skill. Han Yang always finished his opponents in a single round; even senior martial artists were overwhelmed by his dominance.

Though they shared the Han surname, Han Song was leagues beneath Han Yang. Gao Wu’s victory over Han Song relied on his own physical endurance, but against Han Yang, he doubted he’d stand much chance.

But the Flying Mouse serum would soon be his, promising a substantial boost in agility. Perhaps then he could measure himself against Han Yang.

With Huang Long setting the tone, the other youths gathered around. Gao Wu looked at their enthusiastic smiles and listened to their clumsy compliments. He couldn’t help but laugh—and did so aloud.

Seeing Gao Wu laugh so heartily, the others joined in, though they didn’t know why. The atmosphere grew lively and cheerful.

For the sake of goodwill and courtesy, Gao Wu exchanged a few polite words. With his acknowledgment, the youths’ awkwardness melted away; their feelings toward Gao Wu improved, and some even started to genuinely like him…

After the match, Gao Wu was awarded Best Performer, and with two KOs against senior martial artists, he received a three-thousand yuan bonus.

He rode the team’s bus back to school, hurriedly showered, changed into clean clothes, and cycled to Yunhu Villa.

The afternoon’s intense battle had drained him. Song Mingyue prepared a simple dinner, but all dishes were made from ingredients of the other world, rich in source energy particles and nutrients.

After a hearty meal, Gao Wu felt thoroughly satisfied and comfortable. He glanced at Song Mingyue, who sat across from him eating slowly, and sighed inwardly—it was a pity she wasn’t his sworn brother, otherwise dinner would have been even more enjoyable…

After finishing her meal, Song Mingyue led Gao Wu to the tea room, then left to wash up and change into a loose, comfortable practice outfit before returning.

Seeing her in new clothes, Gao Wu couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you change?”

“There was food residue and various smells on my clothes, which would affect tea tasting and interfere with my sense of smell. It’s also more hygienic,” Song Mingyue replied earnestly.

“Elegant!” Gao Wu thought to himself, unimpressed, believing that the wealthy were simply fastidious. Still, out of respect for his friend, he offered a compliment.

Song Mingyue took a black leather case from the tea table drawer and opened it, pushing it toward Gao Wu.

Inside were twenty vials of serum, gold and silver liquids shimmering brightly in sealed glass tubes. The other half of the case held an injection gun.

“Flying Mouse serum?” Gao Wu’s eyes lit up. He picked up the instruction leaflet from the case, which detailed the serum’s properties.

“Nerve synapse super-frequency agent, Cloudlight Phase Four, Model 909. Matching neutralizer… Manufacturer: Tai Chi Pharmaceuticals, Factory No. 9…”

The instructions were densely packed, thousands of words, ending with a disclaimer stating the product was experimental and all consequences were the user’s responsibility.

Such disclaimers were standard practice for big manufacturers.

Gao Wu wasn’t concerned by this. He asked curiously, “How much does each vial cost?”

“One hundred fifty thousand. The neutralizer is fifty thousand,” Song Mingyue replied.

“Wow…” Despite being prepared, Gao Wu was still shocked by the price.

Twenty vials totaled two million; by Dongjiang’s average wage, an ordinary person would have to work fifty years to earn that sum.

For him, it was a huge amount.

He thought for a moment and said, “I can’t afford that right now.”

Song Mingyue shook her head slowly. “This is our transaction; you don’t need to pay.”

“That doesn’t seem right…” Even Gao Wu, normally thick-skinned, felt embarrassed. He’d been eating and drinking at Song Mingyue’s house every day—already a considerable expense. And she spent time training with him, offering meticulous guidance in every aspect.

The old man and Iron Dalong were both warriors, but neither could teach as thoroughly as Song Mingyue. Gao Wu was certain of this.

He still didn’t understand how Song Mingyue always spotted his subtle problems and managed to help him so directly and easily.

“You saved my life and helped me suppress the alien spirit. If you quantify those two things, I’d say they’re worth a hundred billion.”

Song Mingyue glanced at Gao Wu, then lowered her eyes, speaking calmly and seriously. “Compared to that, what I’m giving you is insignificant.”

Ordinarily, Song Mingyue should be emphasizing their partnership, stressing their shared interests and projecting the importance of future collaboration. Instead, she made a cold, realistic calculation—a peculiar approach.

Moreover, Song Mingyue had obviously grown taller and her mental strength had increased. She was progressing rapidly as well.

Her future seemed limitless; valuing herself at a hundred billion didn’t seem far-fetched.

Gao Wu was momentarily stunned, then responded sincerely, “You’re absolutely right!”

He realized that Song Mingyue’s straightforward manner was refreshing and even cool. He felt a pang of envy—his attempts at banter were clumsy mimicry, while Song Mingyue’s words were effortlessly impressive.

Song Mingyue didn’t want to linger on the topic. She pointed at the serum. “The first use of the Flying Mouse serum has the strongest effect. It acts directly on the nerves, causing interference and cognitive disturbances—that’s when you need the neutralizer.”

She paused, then continued, “Using the neutralizer will reduce the serum’s potency, so avoid it unless necessary. The biggest issue with this serum is its addictive nature—be careful. If, after injecting a vial, you feel compelled to immediately inject another, that’s addiction—then you must use the neutralizer…”

Gao Wu wasn’t paying much attention to her explanation; his focus was on Song Mingyue’s rosy lips. For some reason, he suddenly thought they looked soft and inviting.

“I wonder how much a kiss would cost? Could that be deducted from the hundred billion?”

A mischievous thought popped into his mind, but he quickly suppressed it. “Don’t get carried away—you’re a decent person!”

(Please vote and follow~)