How come I'm the one being conquered?

But in reality, all of that was manageable. The most outrageous thing was that the system didn't provide any explanation for the skills it drew!

Yes, literally no explanation at all.

There were no descriptions of abilities, usage methods, or side effects. This meant that drawing a skill didn't automatically mean he could use it; he had to guess what the thing actually was. It was far from the convenient and powerful tool he'd imagined, feeling more like a half-finished system.

He could vaguely guess the abilities of "Favor of the Sun" and "Mind Catcher." The former likely boosted his charm or similar stats, as its name suggested.

He'd spent a long time figuring out "Mind Catcher," and now he had a general idea: it allowed him to briefly hear others' thoughts.

It sounded powerful, but in practice, it was too uncontrollable. He could only occasionally pick up fragments of the target's inner monologue. Its accuracy and control were both quite poor.

For example, imagine the target was thinking: "I feel like I've met this person before."

If "Mind Catcher" worked normally, Bai Jun would know the person's thoughts. But if the ability malfunctioned, it could cut the sentence into: "I feel like I've met this pe—"

It was completely taking things out of context!

Adding to that, Bai Jun couldn't control when the ability activated. Sometimes it would even automatically listen to his pet's thoughts. He could honestly say it was an ability with more drawbacks than benefits. Fortunately, it only triggered occasionally, so he could still tolerate it.

However, the truly significant one was clearly the ability called "Favor of the Sun." He'd drawn it so long ago, but not only did he not know how to use it, he didn't even know what it was. Shouting cheesy names at the sky or striking all sorts of embarrassing poses hadn't worked. He was starting to suspect the system was bugged.

Did the system think it was funny? Or did it enjoy being a riddle-master? No, it wasn't even a riddle-master, because this darn system didn't speak at all.

The ability he'd just drawn was the same:

"Sacred Judgment of Heavenly Fire..."

It sounded cool, like some weapon from a game, and he felt it suited him well.

Bai Jun walked home under his oil-paper umbrella, muttering about the items he'd just drawn.

But no matter how much he called out, the twin guns didn't react at all. Bai Jun sighed. Fine, I'm used to it anyway. I won't think about it anymore.

Looking on the bright side, at least he had a new place to live sorted out.

He deliberately splashed through some puddles on the street with his umbrella to kill some time. Only then did Bai Jun leisurely return to the public office of the Department of Earthly Rulings.

"Ugh, this feels awful."

As he put away his oil-paper umbrella in the entryway, he looked at his wet shirt and pants with some distress, regretting splashing in the water earlier.

Just as when he'd left, the public office was still bustling. Except for the Pine Smoke Steward, who wasn't taking things seriously, everyone else was flushed and red-faced. They were so heated they looked like they were about to drag over the people from the Jade Omen and beat them up.

Indeed, some people were thoughtless in their work. Whether it was a big matter or a small one, from a child's coming-of-age ceremony, down to how many settings to use for cooking the stove fire, or even what to eat for lunch, asking the Department of Earthly Rulings was incredibly annoying. Bai Jun had suggested arresting those troublemakers more than once.

Because everyone had their own tasks, and he had a low presence, no one noticed him for several minutes as he took a book from the shelf, turned on the desk lamp, took a towel from the counter, and made a steaming cup of fragrant tea.

However, Bai Jun enjoyed this kind of life. He took a sip of his hot tea, then looked up at the clock. Less than half an hour until he could get off work.

So good. Wasting time like this, another morning has passed. One should be this passionate about life, shouldn't they?

After a while longer, the Pure Ink Steward walked to the center of the public office and clapped his hands, the crisp sound stopping the hardworking employees:

"Alright, everyone worked hard this morning. There are ten minutes left until closing. Let's use this time to summarize our performance over the last half-month."

"Ah, great, finally saved..."

Upon receiving this order, everyone looked as if a great burden had been lifted. They closed their office Jade Omens and slumped in their seats like broken puppets or drowned fish. Some staff members who didn't have seats sat directly on the floor, ignoring the wet patches.

The Pure Ink Steward's gaze swept over everyone, finally landing on Bai Jun, who was leisurely drinking tea and reading: "Next time you come back, remember to inform me. Otherwise, it'll count as absenteeism, Qing Yan."

Bai Jun naturally wouldn't say much, responding with phrases like "I know I was wrong," "I'll definitely do it next time!" and "You are absolutely right." His practiced response clearly showed he'd been caught slacking off many times before.

However, his colleagues beside him only then turned their attention to Bai Jun, their eyes filled with surprise and confusion:

"Huh? When did Qing Yan get back?"

"Now that you mention it, I just realized. Speaking of which, I've wanted to ask for a while, isn't Qing Yan's presence too low?"

"Exactly! He's so good-looking, why is his presence so low?"

Hearing the whispers from below, the Pure Ink Steward coughed again, interrupting their curiosity: "Alright, let's start the summary. No talking."

The Pure Ink Steward tapped the blackboard behind him, which represented performance, and picked up a red chalk, adding another mark under Bai Jun's name: "A client just gave Qing Yan a five-star review. This is a special commendation..."

Looking at the large swathes of red positive reviews on Bai Jun's performance sheet, and then at his colleagues' faces, as dark as possible with a flood of bad reviews, this huge disparity had already decided the winner of this month's Best Staff award.

However, the others didn't show any other emotions on their faces, only genuine admiration.

For the shining star who had been the top performer for three consecutive years since arriving here, the other colleagues in the Department of Earthly Rulings were long accustomed to it.

If they had to say anything, it would be admiration. After all, dealing with all sorts of strange people and troublesome individuals during work, it was already god-like to refrain from swearing for even a second, let alone maintaining a peaceful mindset while working. And this person could even achieve a year of no bad reviews, practically a reincarnated goddess mending the heavens.

With such heaven-defying results, anyone else would have been promoted to the General Affairs Department at the Star Raft Sea's core and soared to success. At the very least, they could have become a local public office steward or something similar.

But this person? He had refused all of it, steadfastly remaining in his grassroots position, contributing to the people of Luofu for years on end. He perfectly embodied the saying that a comrade from the Department of Earthly Rulings is like a brick, to be moved wherever needed.

The human brilliance emanating from such righteousness made them feel ashamed. Sometimes, they even felt that the Best Staff award itself was not good enough for Bai Jun.

Just think about it.

Competent at work, high emotional intelligence, smooth in handling matters, not to mention good-looking, and also very kind-hearted. Furthermore, according to gossip, he seemed to have a close relationship with General Jing Yuan. Having a colleague who possessed ability, talent, looks, and background all in one, they were more than happy.

As for jealousy? Resentment?

No, no, no. When the gap reaches a certain level, there are no other thoughts besides looking up to them.

After the brief review, the hard work of the morning finally ushered in about two hours of rest. The rain outside had also subsided, so the other colleagues from the Department of Earthly Rulings invited Bai Jun to have a meal together, but he declined.

"Sorry, I have other plans this noon."

Bai Jun explained apologetically. His colleagues certainly wouldn't blame this star figure. Although a few female colleagues pouted in disappointment, they understandingly left.

He walked under the eaves and saw that the rain had stopped. The artificial haze from the dome was also gradually disappearing, so he decided not to bring his oil-paper umbrella.

There were still many puddles on the road, so Bai Jun deliberately slowed his pace. He didn't want to get his trouser legs wet again.

Because it had just rained, there weren't many people on the street. However, businesses along the roadside were still opening one after another, adding a touch of life to the desolation.

He arrived at a high spot in Changle Heaven, a place he frequented. Besides the tea he wanted and the extra spicy Red Braised Beef Offal, Bai Jun habitually ordered a cup of Immortal's Joy Tea, a portion of Singing Lotus Root Cake, and a small portion of Tapir Roll.

Before long, the owner brought out the food. He also specially gifted him a Qiongshi Bird Skewer. However, Bai Jun didn't start eating. Instead, he idly gazed at the scenery below.

Sitting at the tea stall here, sipping tea and enjoying the view was quite elegant. But before long, this brief elegance was shattered by a voice as clear, warm, and lively as a spring.

"Guess who I am?"

A pair of soft little hands covered Bai Jun's eyes, and she asked with a faint smile.

Smelling the familiar scent of his shampoo and feeling the soft touch of the little hands, Bai Jun answered almost without thinking:

"Lord Fu Xuan."

"You guessed... huh?"

The tea-haired girl's smile froze.

ps: New author, new book, please support!

Chapter 3: Brother, You're So Fragrant

Qing Que had only one thought in her mind: Why was it Lord Fu Xuan...

No! How could Lord Fu Xuan play this game with you too!

But before she could get angry, upon seeing the smiling look in Bai Jun's eyes, Qing Que instantly realized he was teasing her.

After a slight pause, two blushes of shyness and annoyance appeared on Qing Que's delicate and pretty little face.

"Hmph, Qing Yan is a dummy. I'm not playing with you anymore."

She puffed out her little mouth in dissatisfaction, put her hands on her hips, and acted as if she was about to turn and leave. However, her fair and tender little legs hadn't moved an inch from her spot, showing her true feelings.

Although she looked angry, her entire being exuded a soft and cuddly aura. Her little face was turned away, but she kept glancing back at him, as if to say, "Hurry up and coax me!"

Bai Jun naturally followed her lead, quickly pulling her to his seat. At the same time, he solicitously handed her the still steaming Immortal's Joy Tea. "How was your work this morning?"

"Hey, why are you talking about work right after you see me..."

Although she said this, her tone had clearly softened. The hot Immortal's Joy Tea in her hands seemed to be warming her heart.

"It's the same as usual. As soon as I have some free time, the Grand Diviner pops up like a Jade Omen and assigns me all sorts of trivial tasks. It's truly stealing half a day of leisure. Hmm... what's the other saying?"

"Life is but a fleeting moment. Always striving, when will it end?"

"Yes, yes, it's still Qing Yan who understands me."

Bai Jun gently stroked her tea-colored long hair, tied in twin ponytails, as if comforting a kitten or puppy, and shared what happened at work today.

A moment later, Qing Que, who had been pouting, burst into laughter. "And then you rented that place for less than half the original price?"

Bai Jun nodded. He had already planned to move. Firstly, it was to avoid certain people, and secondly, to seek some peace and quiet.

"Qing Yan, can you really see feng shui from a compass?" Qing Que had always been interested in his compass, so she leaned in curiously, looking at Bai Jun with anticipation.

"Of course... not."

His voice abruptly stopped, and Bai Jun sighed helplessly. "It's just a gimmick. Otherwise, how could they believe me? They don't listen to explanations based on reason or logic. They always prefer to place their faith in something vague and ethereal. After a long time, I got too lazy to argue with them, so I just went along with it, but the results were surprisingly good."

Bai Jun took a slow sip of tea and took out the compass again. The pretty girl crowded around. A curious head was reflected on the compass face.

"Besides, that person runs a renovation company. But on the streets for several miles around Jiren Alley, there are all new buildings that were renovated not long ago. Where is he going to get business? I'm not really deceiving anyone."

Looking at Bai Jun's profile, her lips unconsciously curved upwards. A gentle, reserved look mingled with a hint of introversion and shyness flickered in her eyes. Her eyelashes fluttered like newborn butterflies. As she got closer, she could even smell the faint scent of lime on Bai Jun, probably from his shampoo.

[Brother, you smell so good!]

"Pfft!"

The thought that suddenly appeared in his mind made Bai Jun spray his tea everywhere, followed by violent coughing.

"Hey, are you okay, Qing Yan!"

Qing Que immediately stepped forward and gently patted his back, her face filled with concern.

"I-I'm fine..."

Seeing the genuine concern on Qing Que's face, Bai Jun shook his head in surprise and doubt, wondering if this ability was acting up again.

How could Qing Que say such nonsensical things?

Yes, it must be the ability acting up again. After all, this wasn't the first time such a situation had occurred. Convincing himself of this in his heart, Bai Jun chuckled and scratched his cheek. "I just choked on my tea just now, don't worry."

"Okay..."

Hearing Bai Jun say this, Qing Que had no choice but to return to her seat. Looking at Bai Jun's clear blue eyes, as pure as cornflowers, and his slightly troubled expression, for some reason, she felt an inexplicable... excitement?

Speaking of which, has Qing Yan gotten even more beautiful recently? Oh dear, oh dear, this won't do. What if bad people take notice if he continues like this?

Qing Que's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts as she gazed at Bai Jun's profile, her fork unconsciously turning the Tapir Rolls on her plate into a mess.

"What are you thinking about? You look a little strange..." With a sixth sense as sharp as a needle, Bai Jun seemed to have caught wind of her inner musings, looking at her with a hint of bewilderment.

"Hehe, it's nothing," Qing Que replied with a sheepish grin. She lowered her head, intending to eat some Tapir Rolls to ease the awkwardness, but when she saw the egg rolls messed up by her fork, she fell silent again.

"Qing Yan, try the Tapir Rolls, they're delicious!" She decisively swapped the messy plate of Tapir Rolls with Bai Jun opposite her and then, without any politeness, snatched the spicy braised beef offal Bai Jun had been halfway through eating.

"This one's a bit spicy."

"It's okay, it's okay! I'm not afraid of spicy!"

Bai Jun's lips moved slightly. If the girl didn't mind, he certainly wouldn't say anything more. He then lowered his head and began to deal with the Tapir Rolls Qing Que had left behind.

While eating the beef offal in her bowl, Qing Que secretly observed Bai Jun. Especially when he ate the Tapir Rolls that she had touched, her secret delight grew, making the beef offal in her bowl taste much better. She completely failed to notice how many chili peppers had been added to her bowl swimming in red oil.

Before long, as the spiciness kicked in, Qing Que suddenly realized something was wrong: "Wait a minute! Why is this so spicy!"

"Hmm? The doctor told me eating spicy food is good for the body," Bai Jun explained, pushing the Immortal's Joy Tea that Qing Que hadn't finished towards her.

Qing Que drank it down without thinking, but even so, the spiciness in her mouth didn't subside. "Ugh, what kind of doctor tells you to eat such spicy food!"

She was so overwhelmed by the spice that she spoke incoherently, her pink tongue sticking out slightly as she sucked in cool air, trying to alleviate the burning sensation.

After finishing the Tapir Rolls on his plate, Bai Jun stopped his chopsticks, propped his chin in his hand, and teased, "You're always like a child."

"What are you talking about? I'm already an adult!" Thinking of this, Qing Que, ignoring the fiery sensation in her mouth, immediately patted her chest to prove she was already a capable adult.

She didn't want Bai Jun to simply see her as a younger sister; all along, what she wanted was to be treated as a member of the opposite sex.

Bai Jun took the medicinal tea the owner brought over, thanked them, and placed it on his table, shaking his head. "You still don't understand, little Qing Que."

"What do you mean?"

"Only when the hair falling on your pillow increases, and your favorite jiā cài miàn bāo disappears from the convenience store, only when these small despairs accumulate will people grow up," Bai Jun said, sounding like an old man of six or seven hundred years about to fall into demonic slumber, always fond of saying pessimistic and philosophical things with a straight face.

"Qing Yan, how old are you this year? Sometimes you feel like an old man." Qing Que took another sip of the Immortal's Joy Tea. She guessed Bai Jun was around her age, her tense fingertips betraying a hint of anticipation.