Teacher by day, Farmer by passion-Chapter 156: Aftermath [2]

"Master! It's because he owes me 50,000 taels of gold!" His eyes sparkled with excitement.

Ace blinked. "Huh? How?"

Before Shan Yifeng could explain, a screen flickered in Ace's vision.

[Lily: Master, you'll want to come in real quick. She's awake.]

Ace's thoughts stalled. His mind raced as he processed the message.

Meanwhile, Shan Yifeng, completely oblivious, was still chattering away.

"…and just like that, that's how he owes me 50,000 taels of gold!" His voice was full of pride.

Ace stared at him blankly. Did I just zone out? He felt like he had missed something important in the past few seconds.

Shaking his head, he pushed those thoughts aside. "Let's get a room first."

Amon, having overheard, turned to Lotus without hesitation. "Professor Lotus, please take the new professor to his quarters."

Lotus lowered her head instantly. "Yes, Headmaster."

Her tone was quiet, her posture obedient, completely unlike the brave professor she had been mere seconds ago.

Without another word, she gestured for Ace to follow.

Ace along with Shan Yifeng followed Lotus through the academy grounds, his hands tucked behind his back, lost in thought.

Lotus, walking slightly ahead, stole a glance at Ace. Despite his casual stride, there was an air of command around him, as if he belonged at the top.

She clenched her fists.

How did things change so fast? Just this morning, she was one of the most respected professors in the academy.

Now, she was walking beside a man who had publicly defeated her—no, humiliated her—and then, instead of outright dismissing her, made her his assistant.

Her steps faltered for a moment. Was this his way of showing mercy? Or was it arrogance?

She wasn't foolish enough to think she could refuse. Even the headmaster had simply accepted it without question.

Master Alchemists hold too much weight.

"Stop brooding," Ace's voice snapped her out of her thoughts. "Your face looks like you swallowed something bitter."

Lotus stiffened. She wanted to retort, but she held back. Instead, she kept walking.

After a few more turns, they arrived at a secluded courtyard.

The building was modest but well-maintained, with a peaceful garden and an alchemy room attached.

"This is your new residence," Lotus said stiffly. "It has everything a professor needs, including a private refining chamber."

Ace gave it a brief look before nodding. "Good. It'll do."

He stepped past her, pushing the door open. As he did, he paused slightly. "You. Assistant."

Lotus flinched at the word but remained composed. "Yes, Senior?"

Ace smirked. "Bring me tea. I have things to do."

With that, he walked inside, shutting the door behind him.

Lotus stood frozen, her mind whirling.

Tea? That's it? He humiliates me, makes me his assistant… and my first task is tea?

Her fingers curled into fists. A sharp, burning irritation simmered in her chest, but there was nothing she could do.

She forced a breath, loosening her grip. Without a word, she turned, walking off to fulfill the order.

Students whispered in hushed voices as she passed, but she kept her head high. She refused to let them see her falter.

Meanwhile, inside the residence, Ace's expression darkened as he pulled up his system interface.

Shan Yifeng blinked. "Wait—Master?"

[System Space Accessing…]

Before Shan Yifeng could get another word in, Ace was gone.

The young boy frowned, rubbing his chin. "Why not take me with you?"

With a sigh, he turned, deciding to scheme about how he'd spend his winnings.

* * *

"Master, you're here," Lily greeted, her eyes lighting up as Ace appeared.

"Which one's awake?" Ace asked, his tone calm but edged with curiosity.

"The elder sister of those kids," Lily replied, motioning for him to follow.

She led him toward the stone house where the girl had been resting. As they stepped inside, a hush fell over the room.

The children huddled around her bed, their eyes filled with worry.

Despite her frail frame, the girl stirred slightly, her fingers twitching at the soft fabric of the blanket.

Blind Dog, was the first to react. His head snapped toward Ace, body tensing.

Ace chuckled. "And to think the blind boy notices me first."

Lily clapped her hands sharply. "Alright, you little rascals, out! Shoo, shoo!"

Her voice was playful, but there was no room for argument. The children hesitated, throwing reluctant glances at their sister.

"Go to Grandma," Lily added, softer this time. "Your sister needs rest."

Even Blind Dog lingered for a moment before reluctantly following the others out.

As the door clicked shut, silence settled over the room.

Ace pulled up a chair, studying the girl's face. Her complexion was pale, her lips cracked.

Yet there was something else, a dullness in her eyes, a kind of exhaustion that went far deeper than just sickness.

Ace folded his hands together. "What's your name?Well, tell me about yourself."

The girl hesitated. Then, with a weak, almost lifeless smile, she whispered:

"My name is Yuri…"

She paused. Her fingers clenched the sheets, knuckles turning white.

Ace didn't rush her. He simply waited.

Finally, she exhaled, a trembling, uneven breath, as if even speaking was a weight too heavy to bear.

The source of this c𝐨ntent is freeweɓnovēl.coɱ.

Her gaze drifted, staring past Ace, past Lily, past the walls themselves.

Like she was somewhere else entirely.

"…and I was a sex worker," she whispered, voice hollow.