I'm really not the god of time.

Chapter 7 First Transaction with an Outsider

Bai Lu's suggestion sounded good, but Zhang Lingyun didn't agree immediately.

Because the principal had previously said that he would help him with the admission process.

Seeing his hesitation, Bai Lu didn't urge him any further, and instead said:

"You can take your time to think about your university choices. But how about you consider joining our Golden Rose Society first? My advisor and I are both members of this society."

This gym and the potion shop downstairs are also properties of the Golden Rose Society; joining will grant you internal benefits.

Zhang Lingyun heard an unfamiliar term again, and having no prior knowledge of it, he instinctively looked to Xia Youran for help.

Bai Lu misunderstood, and laughed it off:

"You two are so close? You can't be apart for a moment? You can let your girlfriend join you too."

Xia Youran couldn't help but declare:

"I'm not his girlfriend."

Zhang Lingyun nodded slightly.

"That's right, we only spoke for the first time this morning."

Bai Lu laughed and asked, half-jokingly:

"So what do you think of me, senior?"

As she said this, Bai Lu showed off her figure.

Her waist-to-hip ratio is indeed quite attractive, far surpassing Xia Youran's skinny figure.

However, witches have rather strange personalities, and it's hard to tell if she's serious.

Therefore, Zhang Lingyun simply didn't respond, but instead made a polite excuse:

"Let me think about it."

Bai Lu asked anxiously:

"No problem. Could you please leave me your contact information?"

Zhang Lingyun remained cautious and did not readily reveal his opinion:

"Well, let's talk about that next time I come."

Bai Lu escorted Zhang Lingyun downstairs.

The sales clerk behind the counter looked puzzled.

She thought to herself that although the young man was handsome, it didn't mean Bai Lu was being so attentive.

But when she heard that Zhang Lingyun's [magic power] was an astonishing 12000 units, her face instantly filled with a fawning smile.

She helped Zhang Lingyun pack the two bottles of potion, and then casually added another bottle inside as a bonus.

"This is a level 0 potion called [Resistance Enhancement]. Pair it with the [Blade Enhancement] you bought, and you'll have both physical and elemental resistances."

Zhang Lingyun thanked him and reached out to take the packaging bag.

The waitress took the opportunity to gently hook her slender fingers around his palm.

"If you want to buy potions again, be sure to come to my counter first." She smiled with exceptional charm.

Zhang Lingyun felt embarrassed.

In his previous life, he had never been so enthusiastically courted by a girl.

Bai Lu gently touched Xia Youran and asked in a low voice:

"Is he really not your boyfriend?"

Xia Youran responded:

"Um!"

"Don't regret it if someone else snatches it away!"

***

The two walked out of the store together.

It was already getting dark.

As dusk settles over the shopping street, the streetlights begin to illuminate the scene.

Warm yellow light emanates from the European-style building, and one Chinese red lantern after another lights up.

The neon signs shimmered faintly in the night, and the night breeze carried a delicate scent of herbs.

Xia Youran spoke up sarcastically from the side:

"Having a high [magic power] is great! If I had such a high [magic power], would handsome guys secretly touch my hand too?"

Zhang Lingyun glanced at her:

"What you're doing is called 'sexual harassment'."

"Sigh, it's true what they say, comparisons are the thief of joy."

"Keep a calm mindset and don't always compare yourself to others, as it will affect your mental health."

Zhang Lingyun casually offered his advice, then asked, "By the way, what do you want to eat tonight? We can buy some on the way back."

"I'm so full from eating so much gas."

"Not eating is not an option; it can easily lead to suicidal thoughts."

What Zhang Lingyun fears most right now is that Xia Youran will commit suicide.

Neither of them noticed that in the pitch-black night sky...

A red-eyed raven trailed far behind, silently watching them.

Just then, a figure suddenly blocked the middle of the road.

Zhang Lingyun's heart tightened, thinking that she was about to encounter trouble again.

But upon closer inspection, he realized it was someone he knew.

It was that old witch from the Necromancer's School in the meditation room.

Seeing Zhang Lingyun's strong reaction, the witch aunt smiled somewhat awkwardly:

"I don't mean any harm, I just want to chat with you for a bit."

Zhang Lingyun made up an excuse to shirk responsibility:

"But it's getting late, and we need to go home for dinner."

"Oh, okay? Then I'll treat you to a meal."

The woman looked up and glanced at the street, then pointed to a charming French restaurant. "This one will do."

While Zhang Lingyun was still hesitating, Xia Youran's eyes lit up, and she immediately nodded:

"Great, we're in for a feast!"

Not wanting to spoil Xia Youran's mood and make her feel down again, Zhang Lingyun could only reluctantly agree.

This middle-aged witch introduced herself as Qin Yu, a senior executive at a large company.

In a worldly sense, she is a truly successful person;

But as a witch, she was a complete failure.

Limited by her talent, she was never able to fully comprehend the [meditation method].

Although you can increase your [Magic Power] through other means.

However, without meditation to stabilize the mind, the soul will inevitably age.

Just as Xia Youran said before, she probably only has five years left to live.

People only realize how precious life is when they are on the verge of death.

During this period of time—

She desperately searched for a breakthrough opportunity, but to no avail.

Seeing Zhang Lingyun today, this young man actually broke through the first level of meditation on the very day he awakened, gave her a glimmer of hope again.

That's when she stopped the two of them, hoping to get some tips.

Xia Youran slowly cut her steak while speaking lightly:

"You should just give up. This thing is all about comprehension; there's no trick to it."

Zhang Lingyun glared at her, thinking to herself:

This witch speaks bluntly and doesn't consider other people's feelings at all. How can you justify this meal?

Qin Yu smiled bitterly and shook her head helplessly.

She knew the chances were slim, but she was just trying anything as a last resort.

Hearing Xia Youran say this, she let out a long sigh:

"Just as I thought. But even so, I'd be happy to treat you to dinner. Seeing such talented young people like you makes me feel a little more relaxed."

Xia Youran remained outspoken:

"Auntie, you have such a good attitude. If it were me, I wouldn't want to live anymore when I was twenty."

Zhang Lingyun lightly kicked her under the table, then forked a piece of foie gras and stuffed it into her mouth, hoping this would make her say less.

Zhang Lingyun turned to Qin Yu:

"Auntie, how many years have you been practicing meditation?"

Qin Yu gave a wry smile:

"It's been a full sixty years since I first encountered it. Unfortunately, I haven't gained any insights from it."

Sixty years.

This number surprised both Zhang Lingyun and Xia Youran.

Regardless of talent, this perseverance alone is astonishing.

Zhang Lingyun thought for a moment, then asked:

"If one can break through the first level of meditation, will their lifespan be extended?"

Qin Yu nodded:

"Meditation can nourish the soul. If the soul is strong enough, it can be combined with other methods to prolong life."