This Is a Date!

"It's nothing, I just signed with Douyin and need to recruit an editor to help me with the cuts since I don't have much time during the day."

Ling Yun then spent some time explaining the reasons and process of signing the contract to Jiang Yingqing.

Jiang Yingqing listened attentively and finally asked with concern about the contract details, "What about the contract terms? Can I see it? I have someone in my family who understands law, they can help you review it to make sure there are no hidden traps."

Ling Yun felt a warmth spread through him; this girl genuinely cared about him.

Trapped? he scoffed inwardly. The knowledge he'd gained online was enough to handle things, and if he truly encountered someone with malicious intent, a cultivator's methods were not just for show.

However, he appreciated her gesture and knew it was also necessary to showcase his capabilities—he didn't want any melodramatic scenarios later where her family looked down on him.

"Sure, I'll send it to you," Ling Yun readily sent the electronic contract to Jiang Yingqing's phone. "This way, your family can also understand it and won't worry about you associating with 'shady' people."

He said it with a hint of a joke, his eyes shining with confidence.

Jiang Yingqing's cheeks flushed slightly as her fingers quickly forwarded the contract to her father, Jiang Mingyuan, with a message: "Dad, please help me review this contract. It's for my classmate. I'm worried he might get ripped off by the platform."

While waiting for a reply, they chatted casually. Jiang Yingqing's eyes suddenly lit up, and she clapped her hands, "Brother Ling Yun, I've thought of someone! My sister! She studied animation in college and is really good at editing. She's at home right now and wants to find a job that doesn't require her to go out or interact with many people! Her salary expectations aren't high either. She's perfect for this!"

Ling Yun also thought it was a good suggestion. "Sister Yingxue? That sounds quite suitable. Is she available to chat now?"

"Yes, yes, she's such a homebody, she's definitely awake right now!" Jiang Yingqing nodded quickly.

Ling Yun immediately sent a message to Jiang Yingxue. Just as Jiang Yingqing had said, she replied almost instantly.

After a brief conversation, the situation seemed to be a perfect fit: Jiang Yingxue genuinely didn't want to be in the public eye and only wanted a stable job she could do from home to support herself. Her skills were exactly what was needed. They quickly reached an agreement on cooperation, setting the monthly salary at 6,000 yuan.

"All set! Your sister agreed," Ling Yun put down his phone and said to Jiang Yingqing with a smile.

"That's fantastic!" Jiang Yingqing cheered. "Now you have help, and my sister won't be bored at home anymore. It's a win-win!" Her eyes sparkled, clearly happy that she could be of assistance.

Just then, Jiang Yingqing's phone vibrated. She looked down and saw it was a reply from her father, Jiang Mingyuan, and the corners of her mouth curved into a smile.

After reading it, she handed the phone to Ling Yun, her tone carrying a hint of pride, "Here, my dad's reply. He rarely praises people like this!"

Ling Yun took the phone and saw the conversation between father and daughter displayed on the screen:

Jiang Mingyuan: Just had the lawyer look over the contract. It's clean, no traps. Also, daughter, your classmate is impressive! This contract is absolutely top-tier treatment on Douyin. The platform is grooming him as a future ace! The young man has a boundless future! Is he a male or female classmate? What's your relationship?

Jiang Yingqing: He's a male classmate, and a good new friend!

Jiang Mingyuan: Good! Good! To achieve this at such a young age, what will he become in the future? When you have a break, you must invite him over for dinner. I want to get to know this young talent properly!

Jiang Yingqing: [Surprised emoji] Dad, didn't you used to tell me not to get too close to male classmates?

Jiang Mingyuan: Is that the same thing? Of your previous male classmates, which one had even half of his capabilities? Alright, Dad's busy. Remember to bring your classmate home during the break!

Ling Yun understood after reading it. Jiang Mingyuan's attitude had changed so drastically, which must have been because the lawyer pointed out the "value" of this contract—the potential of a future top streamer and the astonishing projected income (at least hundreds of millions annually).

This suited him perfectly. Paving the way directly with his strength would save countless troubles.

"Brother Ling Yun, you're amazing!" Jiang Yingqing took back her phone, her gaze towards Ling Yun filled with admiration. Her father's high praise made her even more aware of how outstanding the young man beside her was. "So... when our military training ends and we have a break, can we go to my house for dinner together?"

She blinked her big eyes, full of anticipation.

"No problem," Ling Yun readily agreed. "Didn't we agree to go rock climbing at Qingmang Mountain during the break? We can go to your house for dinner right after climbing. It'll be a full day."

"Right!" Jiang Yingqing blurted out, her face beaming with pure joy. "We'll be together the whole day then, just like a date!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she realized what she had said, and her fair cheeks instantly flushed red, like a ripe apple.

Ling Yun looked at her shy yet expectant expression, his heart filled with even greater pleasure.

He was no longer hesitant about everything like in his previous life. His gaze met hers, clear and firm:

"You guessed right. This is a date."

Jiang Yingqing was stunned for a moment, then overwhelmed with immense joy. Her shyness was washed away by his frankness. She also raised her bright smile, nodded vigorously, and said crisply:

"Yes! This is a date!"

They looked at each other and smiled. The afternoon sun streamed through the classroom windows, as if gilding their newly confirmed feelings with a warm golden edge. Amidst their lighthearted conversation, the school bell quietly rang.

After waving goodbye to Jiang Yingqing at the school gate, Ling Yun walked home alone.

His stomach rumbled at an opportune moment, reminding him that he hadn't eaten dinner yet.

He familiarized himself with the route to the barbecue stall he frequented in his previous life.

"Fifty skewers of lamb... and add some chicken wings, chives, eggplant..." His fingers flew across the screen, quickly totaling an order of 100 yuan.

Ning City's barbecue was always known for its generous portions and affordability. The lamb skewers, priced at one yuan each, were substantial.

The boss brought the freshly grilled food to Ling Yun's table.

Looking at the enticingly fragrant barbecue, Ling Yun's appetite was whetted. However, despite the strong physique of a cultivator, his appetite hadn't entirely detached from the mortal world.

After feasting heartily for a while, he looked at the more than half-remaining skewers on the table and smiled helplessly.

"I ordered too much... I'll pack it up."