Collecting Rent From All Realms, Even Empresses Must Pay Tribute
Ch. 78 - A Coward and a Glutton's Rapprochement

It was late when Ye Chuan returned home, his body shrouded in the shadow. 

Even flying on his sword, no one in the urban village could see him in the darkness.

"Sunshine Rainbow White Horse, didi didi dada," Ye Chuan sang, his shadowy form appearing at his doorstep. (This seems to be a nonsensical, made-up song, perhaps referencing children's shows or internet memes.)

After dismissing the shadow, Ye Chuan felt that he had consumed half of his spiritual energy. He glanced at the time.

[11:59]

The moment the clock struck midnight, Ye Chuan felt his energy replenished, spiritual energy surging through him.

"Nice, full HP again," Ye Chuan nodded in satisfaction. (TL: HP = Health Points, a gaming term)

As he returned to the living room, a door opened, and a long-haired girl walked out. 

She was wearing a simple black lace nightgown, her long, slender legs gleaming white.

Seeing Ye Chuan, she paused, then looked surprised. "Early Foundation Establishment… how?"

Bai Qianshuang's beautiful face was filled with astonishment. H

er eyes flickered. "What's going on, Ye Chuan? Weren't you only at the Qi Refining realm a few days ago?"

How could someone break through a major realm in just a few days?

"Maybe I'm just talented?" Ye Chuan chuckled. "Being near you made me reach Foundation Establishment."

Clearly, Bai Qianshuang didn't believe him, but considering that everyone had their secrets, she just shook her head, suppressing her doubts.

The recovery of her strength put Bai Qianshuang in a good mood. She hadn't expected to be able to continue cultivating and increasing her strength in this world.

Just then, Lan Xiaoke, hearing their conversation, poked her head out. Due to her unique ability to phase through walls, from Ye Chuan's perspective, it looked like a head was suddenly hanging from the doorframe.

"What are you talking about?"

"None of your business," Bai Qianshuang said indifferently.

"Wow! You're so mean! I didn't even do anything to you!" Lan Xiaoke floated out. 

Sensing Bai Qianshuang's coldness, she put her hands on her hips.

"Keke is angry!"(TL: 可可 (Kěkě) it's the end of her name, it's a cute way of addressing people, Lan Xiaoke is talking in third person)

"Oh?" Bai Qianshuang just glanced at her.

Lan Xiaoke then remembered that she was no match for Bai Qianshuang and quickly retreated back into the wall. 

"You guys continue chatting, I won't disturb you."

Seeing Lan Xiaoke retreat, Ye Chuan said, "Xiaoke is also living here now. You two should get along, you don't have any grudges against each other."

Bai Qianshuang said stiffly, "I hate ghosts."

"Why?"

Bai Qianshuang was silent for a few seconds, then said, "My loved ones were killed by a malicious ghost."

"So if someone killed your father, would you hate all humans?" Ye Chuan asked.

Bai Qianshuang shook her head.

"Then there you go. There are good and bad people, and there are good and bad ghosts," Ye Chuan said. 

"Although Lan Xiaoke isn't exactly a good ghost, that idiot isn't malicious either."

"Who are you calling stupid?" Lan Xiaoke's head popped out.

"And Xiaoke choked to death on food, so you don't have to be so cold to her," Ye Chuan chuckled.

Choked to death… on food?

Bai Qianshuang was surprised by Lan Xiaoke's cause of death. "Such a foolish way to die?"

Ye Chuan shrugged. "That's why she's a stupid ghost."

Lan Xiaoke, whose head was still sticking out of the door: "..."

Calling me stupid right in front of me, are you guys being too much?

"I was being too narrow-minded." Bai Qianshuang seemed to realize something and looked at Lan Xiaoke with a softer expression. 

"Sorry, Miss Lan."

Lan Xiaoke was stunned that Bai Qianshuang had apologized to her.

In the next second, she put on a smug expression. "Hmph, big girl doesn't hold grudges against little girl!"

"Oh?" Bai Qianshuang looked up, and Lan Xiaoke quickly retreated into her room.

Such a coward.

Ye Chuan shook his head, amused. But it was a good start; they should be able to get along soon.

Putting Lan Xiaoke aside, Ye Chuan saw Bai Qianshuang still standing there and said,

"Qianshuang, come sit down."

"Okay."

Bai Qianshuang sat down on the sofa, her usual aloof demeanor. Her beautiful eyes were serene and calm. 

Seeing her indifferent expression, Ye Chuan suddenly smiled and said,

"Want to go out for barbecue?"

"Barbecue…" Hearing the mention of food, Bai Qianshuang's throat moved involuntarily, and her ahoge perked up.

After all, she had enjoyed the delicious food from their previous outing to the food street.

Technology, pure Hextech. (TL: A reference to League of Legends)

"But it will be expensive," Bai Qianshuang said. She wasn't familiar with how people earned money in this world, but she had seen some livestreams where people earned money from donations.

Was this how everyone in this world made a living?

"It's fine, aren't you going to stay with me forever? If I don't treat you well, who will?" Ye Chuan took Bai Qianshuang's hand gently and said,

"Don't break your oath."

What would he do without his number one gold coin and item-producing money tree?

He didn't want to chase after Bai Qianshuang's flying sword, shouting—

Shuangzi, I can't live without you!

Held by Ye Chuan, Bai Qianshuang's usually pale face flushed slightly. 

She quickly pulled her hand away. "I-I made a Heavenly Dao oath, I-I naturally won't leave."

She added seriously, "Otherwise, my soul will be destroyed."

Hearing Bai Qianshuang's assurance, Ye Chuan's smile widened.

"Then… if we go out," Bai Qianshuang said softly, nervously fidgeting with the hem of her skirt, "can I have a cup of milk tea?"

"As many as you want."

"Then… I'll go change." Bai Qianshuang stood up. A few seconds later, she noticed Ye Chuan following her into her room. 

She asked, her expression impassive,

"Ye Chuan, what are you doing?"

"I'm just helping you pick out some nice clothes," Ye Chuan said. "Some clothes are quite complicated to wear."

Bai Qianshuang: "..."

"There's no need."

In the next second, the sword beside her started trembling, sensing her displeasure.

"Oh, okay, I'll wait outside then."