I Studied Abroad in the Modern Times

Vol 2 Chapter 7: Hard Work Brings Wealth

 

If a woman finds happiness in another man, you should reflect on why you can’t bring her that joy—not blame the woman, and certainly not blame the man.

Right, Senior Sister Yuan?

Zheng Fa glanced at her, trying to convey this universal truth with his eyes.

Unfortunately, Senior Sister Yuan didn’t catch his meaning. Instead, she pointed at the desk piled with account books and wailed, “Three days! I’ve been stuck in this room for three whole days!”

It was clear that for someone who loved shirking responsibilities as much as Senior Sister Yuan, being cooped up with account books was akin to torture.

Following her gesture, Zheng Fa saw not only the books on the desk but also scattered stacks all over the floor. The workload looked immense.

Understandable, though—the Jiushan Sect taxed all transactions in the market. With countless stores and stalls, the daily volume was astronomical.

When Zheng Fa remained silent, Senior Sister Yuan grabbed a ledger and shoved it into his hands, saying, “Senior Sister Zhang said you’re good at math. Since you took her away, this is your responsibility now!”

Then...

“You’re free to refuse, but why did you sneak-attack me with a lightning talisman? And if you’re going to attack, at least use one with more power! What was that? Tickling me?!” she said indignantly, rubbing her hand where she had been shocked.

Wait, are you mad because you got zapped or because it wasn’t strong enough?

“Forgive me, Senior Sister. I’ve just begun cultivating the Five Thunder Talisman Body and haven’t fully mastered its control,” Zheng Fa explained.

“Five Thunder Talisman Body? You’ve tempered your skin already? Doesn’t that take seven days to show results?” Senior Sister Yuan blinked, tilting her head as she counted on her fingers. “I gave you the Xuanlei Stone only three days ago. Did I really do accounting for seven days straight? Am I this diligent? …Impossible!”

Wow. She knows herself well.

Senior Sister Yuan, realizing her mistake, eyed Zheng Fa skeptically. “You tempered your skin in three days? Even the Sect Master took seven days to reach that stage.”

She seemed very familiar with the Sect Master’s achievements, and her expression grew more amazed. “Could it be that you really are a genius at cultivating the Five Thunder Talisman Body?”

Behind Zheng Fa, Han Qi and his two companions exchanged wide-eyed glances. This was big news.

Spread the word—Zheng Fa is more talented than the Sect Master!

Zheng Fa wanted to downplay it, but Senior Sister Yuan cut him off coldly: “Even if the Sect Master himself were here, he’d still have to help me with these accounts!”

“…But Senior Sister, this concerns the market’s finances. It’s not appropriate for a new disciple like me.”

Zheng Fa tried to decline. He hadn’t volunteered to supply math problems to Senior Sister Zhang! He was a victim too!

“Not willing?”

“Senior Sister, I’m not qualified for this responsibility.”

“…Five spirit stones a month.”

“To help Senior Sister, I gladly accept!”

Zheng Fa clutched the account book tightly, radiating dedication to the sect.

---

Evening, Zheng Fa’s courtyard.

After a long day of accounting, Zheng Fa meticulously drew talisman patterns with his brush.

While earning five spirit stones a month from Senior Sister Yuan was a nice perk, it was far from enough to fund his need for Condensing Yuan Pills.

Worse, it was an unstable side gig.

Senior Sister Yuan didn’t seem like the most reliable employer—her whims could shift at any moment. Or, heaven forbid, Senior Sister Zhang might run out of challenging math problems and decide to revisit accounting for fun.

Zheng Fa resolved to rely on himself. Hard work would pave his path to wealth!

Days spent accounting, nights spent crafting, and cultivating after that—as long as overwork didn’t kill him, he’d push himself to the brink.

Earlier, he had returned to the market to confirm the prices of Mysterious-grade talismans.

While the Jiushan Sect had plenty of talisman makers, Mysterious-grade talismans were far more valuable than the oversaturated yellow-grade ones.

Depending on the type, Mysterious-grade talismans sold for one spirit stone per five to three sheets.

With his current spiritual energy, Zheng Fa could produce three talismans a day, earning 20 to 30 spirit stones a month.

Once his cultivation improved, his earnings would increase.

For Foundation Establishment cultivators, this wasn’t much.

But for a Qi Refining disciple? A monthly income exceeding 10,000 yuan at 30 sounded great!

---

Han Qi and his two companions approached Zheng Fa’s courtyard.

Han Qi carried a half-person-tall chest, moving slowly because the other two kept dragging their feet.

“Senior Brother Han, are we really giving all of it away?” asked the tall, thin one, his eyes lingering on the chest with reluctance.

“If you want to take back your share, do it now,” Han Qi replied. “I’m committed, but you don’t have to join me.”

“Senior Brother, we’ve done everything together for decades!” The tall one flushed. “You said we’d leave the Jiushan Sect, so we followed without complaint. Then you said we’d stay, and we stayed. But giving all our life savings to Zheng Fa—are you sure it’s worth it?”

“I don’t know,” Han Qi admitted with a sigh. “I haven’t fully figured him out. But I do know this: Senior Sister Zhang values him highly.

“And who is Zhou Qianyuan? Even he’s trying to curry favor with Zheng Fa!

“More importantly, Zheng Fa cultivated the Five Thunder Talisman Body faster than the Sect Master!”

Han Qi’s words carried conviction. “Even Senior Brother… Sister Yuan gave him spirit stones!”

“Isn’t that just his accounting fee?” the tall one muttered.

“Idiot! Have we ever been paid for anything we’ve done for Senior Sister Yuan? Five spirit stones a month! I’d eat her account books for that!” Han Qi fumed.

---

Reaching Zheng Fa’s door, the three spotted an unwelcome figure already there.

Zhou Qianyuan.

They exchanged uneasy glances, a sense of foreboding settling over them.

“Senior Brother Zheng, are you in?” Zhou Qianyuan called, knocking politely.

Opening the door, Zheng Fa found Zhou Qianyuan first, then noticed Han Qi and his companions standing farther away.

“You’re all here for…?”

“Senior Brother Zheng, I heard you’re low on funds. I happen to have some extra and was wondering how to spend it,” Zhou Qianyuan said with a smile, producing a finely crafted black storage pouch.

Opening the pouch, he retrieved a small box and handed it to Zheng Fa.

“Inside are 40 spirit stones. Please don’t refuse.”

Zheng Fa blinked, stunned by Zhou Qianyuan’s generosity.

This was the power of being a Nascent Soul disciple’s favorite. Extra spirit stones? Who had such luxury?

Behind him, the tall companion whispered, “Senior Brother, that guy’s made of spirit stones.”

Han Qi, feeling self-conscious, moved to hide the chest of gold and spirit stones behind him.

“You three…” Zheng Fa glanced at the chest and Han Qi’s awkward expression, quickly piecing things together.

“Please, come in,” he said, inviting everyone inside.

---

Inside, Han Qi opened the chest, revealing its contents. “This is everything the three of us have saved…”

Inside were spirit stones and a chaotic assortment of gold nuggets, clearly collected bit by bit.

“Senior Brother Han, I appreciate the thought, but I can’t accept this.”

Han Qi’s face fell, and his companions exchanged glances. They seemed to think their offering had been rejected because it paled in comparison to Zhou Qianyuan’s.

“As for you, Junior Brother Zhou…” Zheng Fa turned to him. “I can’t take something for nothing. Please keep your spirit stones.”

“Senior Brother Zheng!” Zhou Qianyuan protested.

But Zheng Fa’s expression was firm.

He wanted the spirit stones, but accepting either gift felt wrong. Gifts always came with expectations.

Han Qi’s group had offered their life savings. Zhou Qianyuan’s motives remained unclear, given his high status and talents.

Seeing Zheng Fa refuse Zhou Qianyuan’s stones as well, Han Qi’s group brightened, realizing their gift hadn’t been rejected out of disdain.

Han Qi stood, speaking resolutely. “Junior Brother Zheng, we only want to serve as your supporters. Please, don’t refuse us!”

His two companions nodded eagerly, their hesitation gone.

Zheng Fa thought for a moment. “Senior Brother Han, I’d be grateful for your help.”

The three lit up with joy, barely believing their ears.

Meanwhile, Zhou Qianyuan stared at Zheng Fa, his voice tinged with grievance.

“Senior Brother Zheng, do you… not like smart people with high aptitude? Is my talent a crime?”

Han Qi’s group turned to Zhou Qianyuan, their expressions clearly saying: If you weren’t so talented, you’d deserve a beating for that comment.

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