Chapter 5

Considering Ming Shiyu's body hadn't fully recovered and required a light diet, Mu Li prepared two dishes and one soup: chicken stewed with cabbage, sweet and sour pork ribs, and tomato and egg soup.

He had already started cooking the rice while preparing the meal. Just as it finished, he served two bowls of fluffy white rice in new, clean porcelain bowls and placed them on the table.

Ming Shiyu helped him carry the dishes.

Mu Li opened the refrigerator and asked, "What do you want to drink? We have coconut milk, cola, and orange juice."

Without hesitation, Ming Shiyu replied, "Coconut milk."

Mu Li was surprised. He hadn't expected such a reserved person like Ming Shiyu to enjoy coconut milk. Was this... a cute contrast?

After filling Ming Shiyu's cat-themed mug more than halfway with coconut milk, Mu Li handed it to him. Noticing Ming Shiyu's gaze lingering on the cat design, he explained, "I bought these mugs when I got the bowls and chopsticks. Yours is the black cat, and mine is the orange cat. Aren't they cute?"

"Mm," Ming Shiyu replied politely. He wasn't particularly fond of cute aesthetics, but Mu Li seemed to enjoy them.

Before they started eating, the washing machine finished its cycle. Mu Li told Ming Shiyu to eat first while he quickly went to the balcony to hang the duvet cover, pillowcases, and sheets to air. After hanging them, he stuffed the newly bought clothes and bath towels inside.

When he returned to the dining room, he found Ming Shiyu hadn't touched his chopsticks, having been waiting for him. Feeling a little embarrassed, he sat down. "I kept thinking about the chores and couldn't enjoy my meal, so I went ahead and did them first."

"You're efficient. Good," Ming Shiyu said, having only waited a little longer with no complaints.

The sweet and sour pork ribs were tangy and appetizing. Ming Shiyu ate this dish for the first time, and a flicker of surprise crossed his usually impassive eyes. He reached for another bite.

The chicken and cabbage stew was Mu Li's own creation. Though it looked simple, the broth was surprisingly savory. The chicken thighs, chosen for their chewy texture, added a satisfying bite.

During the meal, Ming Shiyu formally offered to hire Mu Li. "You're currently unemployed, and I can't be sure the System won't pull you into another instance to complete tasks. If you work for me, you won't have to worry about that."

Mu Li hadn't expected to stay this long. His original plan was to find his own way once Ming Shiyu recovered. But with the System's unpredictability, he wanted to accept. He hesitated, however. "I'd be happy to work for you, Mr. Ming, but I'm afraid I'd just be a burden..."

Ming Shiyu chuckled. "Do I seem like a burden to you? Don't worry, my savings are more than enough to support you."

"Then I accept," Mu Li said, his hands fidgeting on his lap. "Thank you for giving me a job."

"Eat," Ming Shiyu said, accustomed to Mu Li's excessive politeness. His tone was slightly commanding. "You don't need to be so formal."

"Okay."

"Your job is to handle the three meals a day and manage the household. I'll be going to work in the instance tomorrow, so could you pack me a lunch?" Ming Shiyu remembered the food in the instance and, after tasting Mu Li's cooking, found it utterly unbearable.

"Sure!" Mu Li felt useful and full of energy.

This meant he'd need to buy a thermos lunchbox. Since he couldn't ask Ming Shiyu to take him to the supermarket every day, Mu Li asked, "Can I drive to the supermarket myself?"

Ming Shiyu nodded. "Yes. I'll grant you map access next time—both Zangzang Supermarket and my instance's map. Actually, there's a convenience store in town if you need anything urgently."

"Great!" Mu Li was very curious about Ming Shiyu's work. After spending a day with him and finding him to be a very easygoing and gentle person, he asked directly, "Mr. Ming, what kind of instance do you work in?"

"Weird Tale Campus," Ming Shiyu replied, going to the kitchen to get another bowl for the soup. He served a portion to Mu Li first. "I'm a teacher there, but I haven't been in my office for the past two months. I've been working in the infirmary instead."

"Why?" Mu Li asked, puzzled.

"Because the doctor in the infirmary's wife is eight months pregnant. He's worried about her and took two months of leave at once, so I had to fill in for him."

"I see. I hope the doctor's wife has a smooth delivery," Mu Li said, taking a sip of the soup and smiling. "I'm starting to think this game is quite good. Ever since you told me so much, Mr. Ming, I realize that even the NPCs in the instances have lives and jobs just like ordinary people."

"Hmm," Ming Shiyu agreed, not explaining the fundamental difference between NPCs and ordinary people. In the game, instance NPCs and Bosses were essentially the same; promotion could turn an NPC into a Boss.

And he was an Instance Boss himself.

Mu Li didn't need to know about all that.

After cleaning up the dishes with Ming Shiyu, Mu Li went to the master bedroom to make the bed for him. The sheets and duvet covers had already been dried in the washing machine, so they just needed a little more airing before they were ready to use.

The mattress was moderately firm, and Mu Li used a summer duvet. Based on his own comfort, the temperature in the small town was around 20 degrees Celsius.

After making the bed, Mu Li asked if he could organize Ming Shiyu's closet. Ming Shiyu shook his head. "No need to trouble you with so much. I'll do it myself."

Mu Li then asked if the study needed tidying.

Ming Shiyu nodded. "The desk surface and floor need cleaning, but don't touch the bookshelves."

With the boundaries clear, Mu Li went to the spare bedroom to make his own bed. Seeing Ming Shiyu sitting on the sofa reading, he didn't disturb him. After finishing the chores, he changed into his pajamas and went for a nap.

Lying down in the soft bedding, Mu Li sighed in relief. Finally, a proper bed! This was too hard!

Though he had only transmigrated here yesterday, it felt like a lifetime ago.

Remembering the System, Mu Li opened the System Light Screen and checked the Live Stream Interface.

The livestream room, which should have been silent according to his expectations, was packed to the brim, the chat scrolling so fast it made his eyes ache.

The streamer's finally noticed us!

Don't miss out, everyone! Unprecedented livestream perspective—the streamer's gone undercover inside the instance NPCs!

Ahhhhhh! So this is what the NPC world is like! It's so interesting! Streamer, you have to keep living! We're rooting for you! (10 Points donated)

Mu Li scanned the chat and understood: because of his unique situation, he wasn't considered a player by the livestream audience, making him a novelty. This explained his skyrocketing popularity.

The fact that the System hadn't shut down the stream meant the content was still broadcastable. Though Mu Li wasn't used to streaming, seeing his balance completely broke his resistance.

In just one day, his viewers had donated nearly 1000 Points. The implications were staggering. From his time at the Zangzang Supermarket, he knew the purchasing power of Points: 10 Points could buy 10 eggs, and a bottle of orange soda cost only 5 Points.

Had he become rich overnight?

Mu Li stared blankly. The problem he'd been most worried about—Points—had been solved so effortlessly that he felt utterly bewildered.

Drawing his sword and looking around, Mu Li felt utterly bewildered.

Yet, having money in his hand brought a real sense of security, and he slept much more peacefully.

After waking up, Mu Li continued to research the System Mall and Player Forum.

Now that he had ample Points, he could afford many of the items he needed from the System Mall. Remembering Ming Shiyu's injury, he opened his bedroom door and saw Ming Shiyu still sitting on the sofa, reading a book. He sat down beside him and asked, "Mr. Ming, I've gained some Points now. Are there any medicines you need to buy?"

Ming Shiyu looked surprised. "You've already gained some Points so quickly?"

"Yes, these are from the livestream donations, and you get a share too. By the way, if you'd prefer, I could try to shut down the livestream."

"No need." Ming Shiyu had known about player livestreams since his time working in the instance. The viewers in the Livestream Room were actually spirit bodies from another dimension. He didn't mind being seen by the audience or becoming a topic of discussion.

"Then are there any medicines you need?" Mu Li opened the System Mall. He could now afford Intermediate Recovery Potions, which cost 300 Points each, while Advanced Recovery Potions cost 2000 Points.

"Hmm, the medicine you gave me earlier would be fine. It helped my body a bit." Ming Shiyu recalled the medicine Mu Li had fed him after he fainted. Since it was a System product, its energy was very pure.

Although he had a connection to the Main System, Mu Li couldn't always get his hands on these kinds of potions. After all, the system primarily supplied them to players.

"Alright!" Mu Li immediately purchased an Intermediate Recovery Potion. His balance visibly decreased, but he didn't care.

The next moment, a bottle of red liquid appeared in his hand—the Intermediate Recovery Potion.

Handing it to Ming Shiyu, Mu Li said, "Here's the Intermediate Recovery Potion I just bought."

"Thanks." Ming Shiyu gestured for him to extend his wrist, and though Mu Li was puzzled, he complied.

He then received a system notification: 500 Points had been deposited into his account. Mu Li's face flushed crimson as he hastily waved his hands. "Why are you giving me money back? That's too much!"

Ming Shiyu drank the Intermediate Recovery Potion. "It's not just for the potion. You need money for groceries too. This is your weekly living allowance."

"B-but..." Mu Li felt awkward, as if he was taking advantage of Ming Shiyu again.

"I'm the employer. It's my responsibility to pay you. If you want to repay me..." Ming Shiyu shook the empty bottle in his hand. "When you're better off, buy me some recovery potions."

"Okay!"

Mu Li wanted to check out the convenience store in the small town. After asking Ming Shiyu and confirming he could go out alone safely, he cautiously made his way downstairs.

In the living room, Ming Shiyu answered a video call from the Main System.

"What's the meaning of this application you just submitted?" the Main System asked, frowning at the screen. "You want to hire a Reserve Player as your nanny? I've never heard you mention needing a nanny before. You wouldn't even accept the hourly workers I introduced earlier."

"My application is legitimate and complies with all regulations," Ming Shiyu replied calmly.

"Can't I, as your brother, show concern for you?" The Main System's features bore an eight-tenths resemblance to Ming Shiyu's, but its expression was more rakish and frivolous.

"We're just two data streams split from a previous system. There's no such thing as brothers here."

Seeing Ming Shiyu's unyielding demeanor, the Main System feigned heartbreak, clutching its chest. "Yesterday, when you begged me to exploit system loopholes, you weren't so cold-hearted. After using me, you turned your back. It hurts."

Ming Shiyu remained impassive. "If you have something to say, say it."

"Fine. I investigated the person you want to hire, and it's quite remarkable—he's the only Player from an unknown world."

"Can you trace his world?"

"Not yet." The Main System stroked its chin. "Keep him by your side. He's quite special."