Sitting on a bench in the rest area beside the fields, Chong Ning was delighted to see her long-unseen younger brother.
"That's great, Chong Ping. How have you been lately? Is everything going smoothly with your 'Apprentice' business?"
Imitating Chong Ping's manner, Lin Yu spoke with confidence. "Of course. My progress has been extremely smooth... I feel that, barring any surprises, I'll definitely become a 'Hero' in the future!"
Chong Ning beamed. "That's truly amazing. Our family is going to have a 'Hero'... When you were chosen to become an 'Apprentice,' Mom and Dad were overjoyed."
Already fully in character, Lin Yu said solemnly, "Not at all, Sis. There is no distinction of rank or status between Hero Apprentices and Residents. Heroes are merely people who bear different responsibilities... As a 'Resident,' you work diligently here in the No. 2 plantation, and you're just as great—if it weren't for all your hard work... Uh, speaking of which, why are you setting the fields on fire? Are you incinerating the crops into compost?"
Chong Ning smiled. "It's because of the 'Crimson Flame Fruit' that the research institute here recently developed using data from the 'Simulated World.' This fruit can absorb intense heat and grow rapidly. Eating it can ward off the cold, and I'm responsible for cultivating this new crop."
Lin Yu nodded. "I see... Look, Sis, your work is just as great!"
"Not at all, little brother. The researchers who developed these fruits, as well as the Apprentices and Heroes who brought back the data from the 'Simulated World,' are much more impressive." Chong Ning shook her head. "I'm just using a Flamethrower to burn the fields here. Anyone can do that."
Lin Yu still disagreed—he knew Chong Ping would disagree too.
"There's no such thing as something anyone can