Chapter Seventeen: Warmth of Heart

"Are you out of your mind!"
Huang Hai looked at his nephew with impatience written all over his face. As if lacking martial talent wasn't enough, the boy was dim-witted too!
If the Blood Dragon Serum was really that effective, would he not have given it to him already?
Huang Long was still staring blankly, completely unable to grasp why his third uncle was suddenly angry.
"The better the medicine works, the worse its side effects."
Huang Hai reined in his temper and said, "I've already contacted Rising Dragon Corporation to custom-order the newest Blood Dragon Serum, along with the corresponding neutralizer. Each dose costs fifty thousand, three courses total one and a half million. That should be enough to make you an advanced martial artist.
Your parents and I can only help you this far; the rest is up to you."
"Ah, thank you, Third Uncle..." Huang Long was overjoyed, grinning so wide his gums showed.
Huang Hai ignored his nephew, his gaze fixed on the diligent bodybuilder, Gao Wu.
The effects of the imitation Blood Dragon Serum were almost too good; it struck him as highly abnormal.
It seemed this Gao Wu was truly exceptional, able both to absorb the medicine well and withstand its side effects—a real talent.
Three courses of the Blood Dragon Serum might really allow this kid to defy fate and change his destiny.
At this thought, Huang Hai sneered inwardly. No matter how Gao Wu struggled, he could never escape the palm of his hand...
At half past five, training ended.
Gao Wu took a quick shower in a bathroom without heating, then hurried to the cafeteria.
Cafeteria meals were unlimited for martial arts team members, but the dishes themselves were not. Especially the meat dishes—the little that remained would not suffice to fill him.
After an afternoon of training, every cell in Gao Wu's body was screaming for food. He estimated that even if he ate all the remaining meat dishes, it wouldn't be enough.
Resolute, he turned and headed to Celestial City, spent 499 at Sea Horse Buffet, and feasted once again.
Even at the buffet, Gao Wu's eating drew many curious eyes.
Martial artists could eat a lot, but consuming the equivalent of a dozen adults' portions at once was still rare.
While the best foods at the buffet were limited, the meats, cakes, and high-fat, high-sugar foods were unlimited, and Gao Wu ate until he was stuffed.
When Gao Wu left the restaurant, night had already fallen; the temperature was well below freezing, the wind fierce, but he felt warm all over.
The massive energy from the food was circulating through his body, nourishing his organs and tissues.
Compared to this, the cold outside had no effect, instead making him feel brisk and comfortable.
He suddenly understood the exhilaration of Nine-Patterned Dragon Shi Jin, calling out, "What a refreshing breeze!"

Opening the Book of Boundless Merit, Gao Wu saw his accumulated merit had surpassed fifty thousand—delighting him further.
He couldn't help but hum softly, "Long roads ahead, I'll brave them with you, bearing courage and a warm heart..."
This song echoed from memories of his past life; he only knew the first few lines, but singing them now suited his mood, the melody carrying a hint of carefree wandering.
Everything was moving in a good direction, and this burgeoning momentum stirred a sense of ambition within Gao Wu.
The weather was too cold; not a soul remained on campus.
Repeating those few lines, Gao Wu briskly crossed the White Scale Bridge, spotting a figure at its center.
It was past eight, clouds thick overhead, and Gao Wu couldn't make out the person's features, though the slender silhouette seemed familiar.
"It's that girl who jumped into the lake!" Gao Wu realized, sensing a subtle connection—perhaps due to the Azure Dragon Divine Qi spell's blessing.
The girl wore a long coat, the north wind catching its hem and wrapping her inside, making her tall, slender form seem lonely and melancholic.
"Meeting again, classmate," Gao Wu approached and greeted her.
The girl's jawline was clear and refined, her eyes, nose, and mouth forming a beautiful profile.
Even in the dim light, Gao Wu couldn't discern the nuances of her expression, but he could sense the innate remoteness and detachment she radiated.
He felt a little sympathy for her; such a temperament must make life oppressive, and he doubted she found much happiness.
"My name is Song Mingyue."
The girl turned toward Gao Wu, formally extending her right hand in introduction.
Gao Wu was momentarily stunned before realizing she wanted a handshake. As a student, he wasn't used to such formal social gestures.
He shook her hand, "I'm Gao Wu."
Song Mingyue gazed deeply at him, her sharp eyes able to read the subtle expressions and changes in his gaze even in the dimness.
Gao Wu's voice was hoarse and low, but his face wore a sincere smile. This openness and warmth were infectious, and Song Mingyue felt a flicker of warmth in her heart.
To run into Gao Wu at this hour was indeed unexpected.
From another perspective, this encounter confirmed her belief: there was a strange fate linking her to him.
Not skilled in conversation, she felt a sense of kinship with Gao Wu but couldn't find the words to express it.
Fortunately, Gao Wu was considerate. Seeing that she wasn't good at social interaction, he took the initiative: "Dear classmate, what brings you out to White Scale Lake so late?"
"Well..." Song Mingyue hesitated; the matter was complicated and significant, not something that could be explained in a few words.
Moreover, some things weren't quite suitable to share directly with Gao Wu.

Gao Wu's question had been casual, but Song Mingyue's hesitation puzzled him—was she here to jump into the lake again?
Even if she really wanted to end things, there were many ways; she didn't need to come to White Scale Lake.
Besides, she seemed cold and distant but emotionally stable, not the type to seek death at the drop of a hat.
He kindly reminded her, "Swimming isn't allowed in White Scale Lake."
He'd said the same thing before, hoping Song Mingyue would understand his good intentions.
Song Mingyue shook her head slightly, signaling she had no such intention.
Though she remained silent and her expression unchanged, Gao Wu understood her message clearly.
Relieved, he smiled, "If you really like diving, come during the day. More people are around then, and I can show off again..."
As he spoke, a thought struck him: if he found someone to jump into the lake and rescued them publicly, could he gain merit?
But if he did this every day, people would catch on—such a shortcut wasn't meant to be.
Lost in his musings, Song Mingyue spoke softly, "Gao Wu, could you help me one more time?"
"Hmm?"
Gao Wu looked at her, puzzled. Song Mingyue came from the Song family, wealthy and powerful, and her demeanor showed intelligence. Her martial arts skill was likely greater than his own.
Even if she faced trouble, it shouldn't fall to him to help.
Song Mingyue's beautiful phoenix-like eyes locked onto Gao Wu, startlingly earnest, yet she offered no explanation.
Gao Wu replied seriously, "No problem. Helping others is my favorite thing—just say the word, I won't refuse!"
"It's really simple, just save me again."
With that, Song Mingyue turned, vaulted over the rail, and jumped.
Her movements were incredibly agile; Gao Wu, standing nearby, had no time to react, only watching her plunge into White Scale Lake.
With a splash, the silver-white ice on the lake's surface broke, deep waters surged up, instantly swallowing her figure.
"Hey—sister, what are you doing?" Gao Wu was dumbfounded. Hadn't Song Mingyue just signaled with her eyes that she wasn't here to jump in?
Before his words were even finished, she pulled this stunt... Had he misunderstood? He truly couldn't fathom a girl's thoughts...

(Please follow and vote~)