NOVEL NEXT Chapter 37: Increasing Favorability
Chapter 37: Increasing Favorability
【Tiger bones added. Advancement successful.】
In an instant, Xu Lian felt the changes surging through his body. His bones emitted a series of cracking sounds, as if they were being reshaped, refined to perfection, and reaching an unprecedented state of balance.
He opened his attribute panel.
【Name: Xu Lian】
【Stage: Bone Refining Stage】
【Skills: None】
【Items: None】
【Notes: Add stone marrow to advance to the Marrow Refining Stage.】
“The Quarry Patrol Inspector said that once I reach the Bone Refining Stage, it would introduce me to the Yi Sect,” Xu Lian murmured to himself, weighing his options.
Should he inform the quarry patrol inspector about his breakthrough?
After all, he had only reached the Muscle Refining Stage just a few days ago. Now, he had already advanced to the Bone Refining Stage. What would the quarry patrol inspector think?
Two possibilities came to his mind:
The Quarry Patrol Inspector might see him as an extraordinary genius and devote himself to raising him with unparalleled effort.
The Quarry Patrol Inspector might suspect that he possessed some secret treasure or method for rapid advancement and decide to kill him for it.
Although the Quarry Patrol Inspector didn’t appear to be a sinister individual, Xu Lian couldn’t afford to let his guard down in this treacherous and unpredictable world. Caution was the key to survival.
“I’d better hold off on spreading the news for now,” Xu Lian decided. “I’ll wait a while before announcing my breakthrough, so that I don’t seem too extraordinary.”
Having made up his mind, Xu Lian sealed the vat and loaded it onto Yang Ye’s black donkey cart with the help of several overseers. He intended to take it home to avoid complications if Pei Heng returned to the mine and discovered the tiger bones missing.
With the large tub taking up most of the cart, there was no room for passengers. Pu Ling, Zhang Yuan, and Lin Bufeng had no choice but to walk. Zhang Yuan was particularly annoyed and muttered under his breath, “I’ve already paid for a monthly pass with Yang Ye’s donkey cart, and now I have to walk. What a waste of money!”
To appease him, Yang Ye jumped down and offered his place on the cart, allowing Zhang Yuan to drive it instead.
However, Xu Lian wasn’t bothered. He had long grown accustomed to the pettiness of the people in this world, where everyone calculated their gains and refused to suffer even the slightest loss.
Riding on a horse that belonged to the mine, Xu Lian didn’t have to walk. This horse, bought by Pu Ling at the market, was reserved for emergencies at the mine. Xu Lian had specifically forbidden others from “privatizing” the horse for personal use.
“You’re all overseers, but you don’t even have your own donkeys, and you have to walk to and from work. If word got out, people might think I’m mistreating you,” Xu Lian said with a grin, his good mood evident after advancing to the Bone Refining Stage.
Waving his hand generously, he announced, “How about this? Pu Ling, go to the granary tomorrow and withdraw some silver from my account. Buy three donkeys from the market for all of you – my treat.”
Hearing this, Zhang Yuan’s face immediately lit up. “Brother Lian earns 20 taels of silver a month, plus extra income, and he doesn’t even have many women at home. He’s got more money than he can spend!”
What does my spending have to do with you? Xu Lian rolled his eyes inwardly. In any team, a competent person like Pu Ling was essential, but so was someone like Zhang Yuan to keep Pu Ling in check. That was Zhang Yuan’s value.
“Thank you, Brother Xu!” Lin Bufeng chimed in gratefully.
However, Pu Ling frowned slightly. “Manager Xu, I don’t think this is a good idea. Using your personal funds for the mine could cause problems in the long run.”
Xu Lian said, “It’s okay. This is a one-time thing, and it won’t happen again. I can’t continue to subsidize you with my personal funds.”
Pu Ling thought for a moment and nodded in agreement, saying nothing more.
However, Yang Ye appeared anxious, stealing glances at Xu Lian and opening his mouth as if to speak, only to hesitate.
Xu Lian found it amusing. Of course, he knew what Yang Ye wanted. “Father-in-law already has a donkey. I’ll just give you ten taels of silver instead.”
Yang Ye’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, dear son-in-law!”
When they arrived in the city, Zhang Yuan, Pu Ling, and Lin Bufeng went their separate ways to return home.
Yang Ye drove the donkey cart and followed closely behind Xu Lian until they reached the gate of Xu Lian’s residence.
Yang Ye’s eyes sparkled. “Out of all my sons-in-law, you’re the only one who moved to the main street. What a big and splendid house! Chan’er is truly lucky to have married you.”
“You are overpraising me, father-in-law. Chan’er is beautiful, obedient, and considerate. I’m the one who’s fortunate,” Xu Lian replied as he dismounted and prepared to unload the large vat from the cart.
Yang Ye stepped forward to help, but froze in astonishment when he saw Xu Lian effortlessly lift the vat by himself. “Son-in-law, you are incredibly strong!”
“I’ve been eating well lately. I am getting stronger every day,” Xu Lian said casually as he brought the barrel inside. As an idea struck him, he added, “Chan’er has been with me for some time now. Father-in-law, why don’t you come in and see her?”
This, he thought, could further increase Yang Chan’er’s favorability toward him. Her favorability was already at 85/100, approaching the milestone of 90/100.
Yang Ye hesitated. “Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”
“It’s fine. Chan’er misses you and mother-in-law very much,” Xu Lian reassured him, knowing what was on his mind.
In this world, once daughters got married, they were considered part of their husband’s family. Typically, their natal families would not visit them, fearing it might give the impression that they didn’t trust their daughter’s treatment or were trying to take her back. In addition, most households had several women, making such visits inconvenient.
“In that case, I’ll pay a quick visit,” Yang Ye finally agreed, seeing that Xu Lian seemed sincere.
Xu Lian smiled and called out, “Chan’er, come and see who’s here!”
Hearing the commotion, Wang Cuiyun, Li Xiya, and Yang Chan’er came out of the house.
Yang Chan’er’s face lit up with joy. With tears glistening in her eyes, she ran over and called out, “Father!”
Yang Ye, a bit nervous, awkwardly replied, “Ah, my good girl.”
Li Xiya noticed the presence of the men and retreated inside out of courtesy.
Wang Cuiyun, being older, didn’t need to avoid the situation. She carried herself with the demeanor of a matriarch and approached with a smug smile. “Brother Yang, you’re truly blessed to have a daughter married to someone as capable as our Brother Lian.”
Yang Ye quickly replied, “Yes, thank you, Sister Wang, for taking good care of my Chan’er.”
Wang Cuiyun huffed. “You should be grateful. I’ve treated your Chan’er well, ensuring that her food, clothing, and everything else matches that of my own daughter Xiya.”
Yang Ye could only bow repeatedly in thanks.
Noticing that Wang Cuiyun was gearing up for another long speech, Xu Lian pulled her aside. “Madam Wang! Please let the father and daughter have a moment to talk.”
Wang Cuiyun’s brow furrowed in dissatisfaction. “As the head of the household, can’t I say a few words? Is that not allowed?”
Xu Lian put on a stern face. “Believe me, if you keep this up, I’ll stop bringing meat home.”
This hit Wang Cuiyun’s weak spot. She immediately plastered a smile on her face. “Alright, alright, my lord. I’ll stop now.”
Ever mindful of etiquette, Yang Ye spoke briefly with Yang Chan’er before preparing to leave. Despite Xu Lian urging him to stay longer, he declined. Left with no choice, Xu Lian gave him two chickens and half a basket of eggs as a parting gift.
After watching Yang Ye drive away, Xu Lian finally closed the gate.
Yang Chan’er had witnessed the whole exchange. When Xu Lian returned, her eyes brimmed with affection as she clung to him.
Xu Lian felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew that she was deeply moved, making this the perfect moment to increase her favorability even further.
After dinner and some rest, Xu Lian finally said, “It’s getting late. Time to turn in for the night.”
Wang Cuiyun, who knew exactly what this meant, said nothing.
Li Xiya glanced at Xu Lian and reminded him to be careful before leaving with Wang Cuiyun.
Long prepared, Xu Lian led Yang Chan’er by the hand into her room.
After a night of tenderness, Yang Chan’er fell asleep in exhaustion, bringing Xu Lian an unexpected surprise – her favorability had reached 90/100!
【Name: Xu Lian】
【Stage: Bone Refining Stage】
【Skills: None】
【Items: None】
【Notes: Yang Chan’er’s favorability toward you has reached 90/100. You’ve gained one progression point. You can allocate it to Rank, Skills, or Items.】
“Earlier, I allocated one progression point to Rank, which requires stone marrow to advance. For now, I’ll keep that progression point in reserve,” Xu Lian decided.
With his cultivation progressing steadily, he could now consider investing in skills or items. Having a progression point in reserve gave him more flexibility.