The Date

Chapter 5: The Date

He woke up feeling refreshed.

Sulu opened his Attribute Panel and studied it some more. In the end, he decided to start saving up experience.

First, a hundred sit-ups, a hundred push-ups, then a long run...

After a whole series of exercises, he was exhausted, panting with his tongue hanging out. His experience was still stubbornly stuck where it had been, without the slightest increase.

Sulu was instantly dejected. "Damn cheat... One star!"

But there was no refunding a life he'd already transmigrated into. He rubbed his stomach and decided to get something to eat first.

The school had a dedicated dining hall that served fried chicken wings, pork chops, fruit salad, mashed potatoes, white bread, meat floss cakes, and even lobster gratin... Just thinking about it made his mouth water.

Sulu returned to the dorm, wiped off his sweat, and changed clothes. Then he fished around in his pockets and looked at the handful of Toners and a few pitiful Silver Dollars. He couldn't help but smile bitterly.

The White Eagle Federation's traditional currency consisted of Toners, Silver Eagles, and Gold Dragons, all minted coins. The Toner was the smallest unit. Roughly speaking, a hundred Toners could be exchanged for one Silver Eagle, and ten Silver Eagles for one Gold Dragon.

Simply put, Toners were copper coins, Silver Eagles were silver coins, and Gold Dragons were shiny little beauties.

No matter the world, it seemed humanity's greed for gold was boundless.

But over the past few decades, as industrialization advanced, precious-metal currency had gradually become insufficient. The Federation had introduced paper Silver Dollars, stipulating that a Silver Dollar with a face value of one could be exchanged for a standard Silver Eagle coin at any bank. This was all well and good in the cities, but few people in the countryside were willing to accept them.

Even Sulu, a modern transmigrator, preferred solid gold and silver coins to flimsy paper money.

"Right, according to Federation standards, an ordinary sandwich costs three Toners. The minimum daily living expense for one person is ten Toners, or three hundred Toners a month—that's about three Silver Eagles, or three Silver Dollars."

That showed just how generous the salary Green Tree Castle had offered him. He could say he'd taken a single step straight into the middle class.

Unfortunately, Sulu hadn't started work yet. With less than five Silver Dollars saved from his part-time jobs, if he dared to eat lavishly at the dining hall every day, he'd be broke in no time.

"Between lobster gratin and a hot dog, I choose the hot dog!"

Muttering to himself, Sulu went downstairs, planning to grab a quick bite from a hot dog cart by the road.

The area beneath the university dorms was lively. Couples were everywhere, dealing critical damage to Sulu, the lone dog.

It seems that becoming a transcendent hasn't changed anything from before... No! I can't really call myself a transcendent yet. I've only learned one Black Sorcery spell, and I haven't even tried it out...

Sulu stopped in front of a hot dog stand.

Ah, the fragrant, black-pepper sausage, paired with soft, sweet bread and fresh vegetables, then topped with ketchup... It completely captured his attention.

Who cared about being single or all those couples? What mattered more than food?

He took out some Toners and was about to order when a sleeve beside him was suddenly tugged.

"Hello, Potter!"

A timid voice came from beside him. Sulu turned his head and saw a female student in a plain dress. She had a round face, a few freckles on her cheeks, and a pair of oversized round glasses that covered almost half her face. Her eyes were pure and lovely, giving her a somewhat cute look.

"Hello, Molly! What is it?"

Sulu recognized her as his classmate, Molly Apple, and asked without changing his expression.

Even a female classmate couldn't stop him from eating first!

Sulu knew all too well that his personality was the reason he'd remained single until now, but there was nothing he could do. After being a shut-in for so long, he couldn't change.

Molly lowered her head, seeming a little frightened by Sulu. She handed him a note and stammered, "Beatrice asked me to give this to you. Goodbye!"

Then she immediately turned and ran off.

Congratulations! You've made another step forward on the road to becoming a lifelong bachelor!

Sulu kept his poker face, bought a hot dog and some juice, and stuffed them into his mouth as he opened the note:

[Seven o'clock tonight, Room 303 at the White Tower Cafe. There's something I want to tell you. —Beatrice]

The pink note carried a hint of perfume. Sulu's heart stirred. Could it be... that my single life is finally about to end?

Well, it was possible.

I may not be much to look at, but Sean has a big mouth. He must have spread the news that I got an offer from the Green Tree Castle Laboratory.

As a research assistant, my salary already exceeded that of many ordinary workers. My future was practically guaranteed to bring me into high society.

Beatrice turned me down before, but now she regrets it and wants to be my girlfriend? That could work.

Sulu didn't look down on her for changing her mind. Girls from families with money to spare were rare; most people had to take responsibility for themselves, their families, and their future.

Besides, the Federation was open-minded. Dating didn't necessarily mean you had to get married.

Hmm, this is definitely worth checking out!

Sulu glanced at the clock tower. There was still a little time, so he immediately went back to the dorm and dug out Sean's formal clothes.

"White shirt, jacket, trousers, bow tie, wool hat... Hmm, not bad!"

Once he was dressed, he looked in the mirror and straightened his bow tie. As if he were going to a job interview, he left the university and headed for the White Tower Cafe.

The White Tower Cafe was near St. George University, only a short walk away. Its couples' coffee was famous, making it a favorite among students in love. It also had private rooms with excellent soundproofing... Sulu deeply admired the fellow who had personally tested their soundproofing.

It was only an ordinary date, but as he walked, he felt inexplicably excited. He quickened his pace and soon arrived in front of a huge, three-story white building.

"Welcome!"

As soon as he passed through the revolving glass door, a waiter in a tailcoat came to greet him.

Sulu looked around. The soft lighting and refined European-style decor gave the place a pleasant atmosphere. Sofas lined the lobby, the air was filled with incense and coffee, and soothing music played in the background. He had to admit, the atmosphere was nice.

"Hello, sir. How many people?"

"Room 303. I have a reservation!" Sulu kept his expression composed.

"Please follow me." The waiter naturally took Sulu's coat and led him up to the third floor. In a small private room, he opened the door and hung the coat on a rack. "The room fee has already been paid. Would you like something to drink?"

"Thank you, but I'd like to wait until my companion arrives before ordering."

Sulu politely declined. He watched the waiter leave and gently close the door, then finally had time to look around the room.

Hmm, the sofa was large, and the purple curtains were quite romantic. Once drawn, they offered excellent privacy.

What will Beatrice want to talk to me about? Begging me to forgive her? Wanting to be my girlfriend... Or... asking to borrow money?

At that last possibility, Sulu's face filled with wariness.

Time passed minute by minute. Finally, at seven fifteen, the door to the private room opened, and a young woman walked in.