The Landlady’s Teasing and an Unexpected Proposal

“You’re quite prompt with rent today, Su Mu. Struck it rich?”

“Oh, come on, sis. When have I ever not paid on time? If only I truly had such good fortune.”

“Hmm, but you look quite spirited. I understand now—you’ve found yourself a girlfriend!”

“Haha, sis, you really know how to tease me. I have the heart for it, but not the means?”

“You can’t?”

“It’s because I have no money!” Su Mu quickly waved his hands, cutting off her mistaken assumption before his landlady could give him a strange look.

“Su Mu, how can young people talk about love when they’re always talking about money? With your looks, what if some girl, perhaps a bit blind, or rather, if she happens to take a liking to you?”

“Hehe.”

Su Mu offered a strained smile and endured her chatter for a while longer, finally closing the door and gaining a moment of peace.

‘Thank you, Landlady, for letting me experience the warmth of visiting relatives during the New Year, even after being kicked out of my own home.’

‘Distant relatives are not as good as close neighbors. That’s truly correct, haha.’

Su Mu lay on his large bed.

“Host, you’re so sluggish this early in the morning. That won’t do!” Su Xiaoqian rubbed her eyes. Her puffy-skirted nightgown instantly transformed into her usual attire as she flapped her tiny wings. “Ah! Today is another day full of vitality! Host, let’s go do some good deeds!”

“Shut up, you good deed money-grubber. Don’t you know how wonderful a morning nap is?”

“Eh?” Su Xiaoqian tilted her head, her hands clasped over her chest. “Host, where’s your motivation from a few days ago?”

“I’ve already bought a motorcycle, and there are still plenty of good deed points left. If I convert them all into money, it’s equivalent to someone else’s annual salary. So, what’s wrong with me taking a break?”

“Can’t I just enjoy myself for a bit?” Su Mu grumbled, his head buried in the pillow.

“……”

Su Xiaoqian spread her hands helplessly. “Alright then.”

She flew towards the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash her face before heading out.

“Hmm…”

Su Mu rolled over.

He opened his phone, scanning the news. There was no mention of Red Spider Lily’s deeds whatsoever.

The headlines were exclusively about Saint Lily.

Saint Lily, the Healer and Savior.

Saint Lily, the Enthusiastic Philanthropist.

Saint Lily, the Born Benevolent Mother.

Saint Lily, the Grandstander.

Saint Lily, the Slowpoke.

Saint Lily, the Blood-Soaked Opportunist…

“?”

A massive question mark appeared in Su Mu’s mind.

‘Why did the tone shift so dramatically towards the end?’

[Do you know how I feel? I went out today, hit an invisible wall, and realized the road was blocked because of a Calamity Beast. So, I decided to take a detour, and when I came back, the invisible wall was still there! I’m going to be late for work, damn it! Over an hour? What kind of Calamity Beast takes this long?]

[Don’t think Saint Lily is so great just because she’s everywhere. In reality, she’s utterly useless. Not only is she incompetent, but during battles, she loves to cast barriers, fencing off the area and preventing others from entering. Any other super-ability team would have solved it by now. What is she doing? Marking her territory?]

[Exactly, exactly! Pure theatrics! When White Rose and her team were around, wasn’t it always handled with ease?]

[Now that someone’s gone, she’s certainly making a show of herself!]

[Riding on the coattails of the dead is disgusting! I’m unfollowing!]

[Right! It’s like she didn’t even bother with a proper funeral, just chasing clout… So sickening. And she calls herself a magical girl? It’s not about love and justice, or even camaraderie, but all about capital now, isn’t it?]

“……”

Su Mu snapped his phone shut.

He stared blankly at the ceiling.

“Host, time to get up and brush your teeth.”

“Ah… mm.”

Su Mu rose, tossing his phone aside. As he brushed his teeth and washed his face, he looked at his reflection in the mirror.

He recalled the words from a few days ago, when someone had called him a good person, during that farewell.

He quirked a corner of his mouth.

“Host, you have a message. It’s from Miss Lily’s side.”

“?”

****

Red Spider Lily removed her helmet.

She arrived at the designated meeting place and stepped inside. Saint Lily was already waiting, a smile gracing her face at Red Spider Lily’s arrival.

She didn’t seem to carry any lingering shadows.

‘Could it be that she isn’t the type to browse the internet?’

“What is it? Why the sudden contact?” Red Spider Lily asked, her voice calm after a moment of composure.

“Ah… um… I apologize if this is presumptuous. I know my request might be a bit much to ask.” After a long pause to gather her thoughts, Saint Lily spoke in a hushed tone. “I don’t know where else to seek help. If you could assist us… though it might seem minor to you, it is still a troublesome matter. It’s perfectly normal if you’re unwilling, but if possible… I still hope you might consider it…”

Evidently, she was still quite nervous.

“Lily, I think it would be better if we started from the beginning,” the gentle Dandelion said, patting a nervous Saint Lily and offering a reassuring smile. She then turned to Red Spider Lily. “Hello, Miss Red Spider Lily, I’m Dandelion, in charge of logistics and supplies for ‘Lucky Garden’. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“How much of a pleasure?” Red Spider Lily raised an eyebrow.

“Probably a little less than meeting Lily,” Dandelion replied honestly.

“Is that so?”

“What would you like?” Dandelion handed over a menu. “The composition of our floral teas and their effects are all described. Please take a look.”

“Hmm…”

Red Spider Lily took it, glanced, then abruptly flipped it over.

“!”

She cleared her throat.

“Just plain boiled water will be fine.”

“Ah, our shop is open to internal members for free, Miss Red Spider Lily. There’s no need to worry about the prices,” Dandelion said with a soft, gentle smile.

“Ah… is that so?”

Red Spider Lily patted her chest. “Then I’ll take a look!”

“Speaking of which, Miss Red Spider Lily, you seem a bit anxious. Have you been staying up late often lately, experiencing insomnia and restless dreams?”

“Can you tell?”

“A little. I recommend this blend of Roselle and Calendula. Calendula can be refreshing and invigorating, reduces heat and internal fire, and stabilizes emotions, making it most suitable for those who frequently stay up late…”

It seemed Dandelion had entered her professional domain, much like the café owner in that one anime, ‘I Have a Little Confidence in My Coffee’.

Dandelion’s enthusiastic monologue captivated Su Xiaoqian, who listened intently.

Red Spider Lily, meanwhile, propped her chin on her hand, observing Saint Lily across from her.

It seemed that this brief interlude had helped Saint Lily calm down.

“?”

Saint Lily, who had just looked up, saw the girl opposite her staring intently. Her recently calmed emotions wavered once more.

“Cough, cough.” She let out a feigned cough, closed her eyes for a moment, then reopened them. “Dandelion.”

Dandelion smiled, concluding her speech and returning the stage to Saint Lily.

“……”

“Red Spider Lily, this all began with the incident at Xinyuan Residential Area…”

Red Spider Lily tapped the table. ‘Ah, so those little brats are still alive?’

And this Miss Saint Lily in front of her wanted to save them.

‘Well, isn’t that something~’

‘Putting everything else aside, she definitely holds grudges.’

“To accumulate experience quickly and to resolve Calamity Beasts without letting the barrier’s presence delay everyone, I would like to ask you, Red Spider Lily, to accompany me.”

“…So you weren’t completely unaware of what’s been happening online,” Red Spider Lily mused, a flicker of understanding crossing her face as she looked at Saint Lily’s earnest expression.

“Ah, yes, my personal desires have indeed caused trouble for everyone,” Saint Lily said, rubbing her cheek.

“How has a rare creature like you survived until now?” Red Spider Lily quipped.

“Eh?”

“Exactly! Why does such a miracle still exist in this corrupt world? But precisely because of this, she is a saint, our light!”

“Ah… Dandelion… that’s a bit much…”

Saint Lily bit her lip helplessly, then looked at Red Spider Lily. “So, Red Spider Lily, your decision…”

“You’re right! You spoke so well, I’m deeply moved…” Red Spider Lily turned her head away. ‘That expectant gaze is too much, but I still have to refuse.’

“That’s wonderful!”

[Good Deed Points +200 +200 +300…]

“I don’t even know how to thank you!”

[Good Deed Points +300 +400 +400…]

‘What’s with this inflationary surge?’

“Uh, Lily, Miss Red Spider Lily probably means to refuse.”

“Eh? Is… is that so?”

“……”

‘Why did it stop? I advise you, Dandelion, not to meddle!’

“How could that be? I, Red Spider Lily, am known in the martial world as ‘Timely Rain,’ the benevolent Sister Hua! I love helping people with things like this! Saint Lily, I’m definitely helping you!” Red Spider Lily grabbed Saint Lily’s hand, looking at her earnestly.

“Red Spider Lily…”

[Good Deed Points +400 +500 +500…]

‘Yes, just like that, don’t stop! What an unparalleled gold mine!’