What I, Yuexia Ming, do is none of your business

"Three days from now, there'll be a ninja graduation ceremony. Let me leave in the form of graduation and advance to genin. That way, I'll still remain in the village. With the status of a genin, it'll be easier to explain things both internally and externally."

After reaching an agreement, Yang Ming nodded and left. Thinking back on the conditions Grass Shadow had offered, he could not help but feel relieved.

Grass Shadow was afraid he would leave, so he gave him the identity of a Grass Ninja.

He was branding him with the mark of a Grass Ninja.

Yang Ming did not mind. After all, he had been born among the Grass Ninja. Wearing a Grass Ninja forehead protector and becoming a Grass Ninja genin was nothing to him.

Afterward, Yang Ming went to the construction site to resign.

The contractor, Kurahashi Rui, had treated him fairly well. Although that was related to how diligently he worked, he still needed to resign. It was only right to see things through from beginning to end.

However, when Yang Ming arrived at the construction site, he spotted someone unexpected.

Gong Lizi!

The orphanage director!

She was actually here, and from the looks of it, she had been waiting specifically for him!

"Why are you here? Haven't they finished repairing the damaged areas yet?"

Yang Ming looked at Gong Lizi and spoke blandly.

"That was repaired long ago. I came here specifically to find you this time!"

Gong Lizi looked at Yang Ming and replied calmly.

"Looking for me? I think the grievances between us were settled long ago. I don't want anything to do with you anymore. Sorry."

Yang Ming sneered and turned to leave.

The grievances between him and Gong Lizi had already been settled.

"Yuexia, you've misunderstood. I didn't come here to involve myself with you. I came to tell you something. I hope you don't stray down the wrong path!"

Seeing this, Gong Lizi hurriedly called out.

"I'm straying down the wrong path?"

Yang Ming turned his head and smiled disdainfully.

"Yes. I know your strength has improved rapidly lately, but you're too much of a loner. I watched you grow up, so I understand you."

Gong Lizi spoke earnestly, her tone completely that of an elder lecturing a junior.

"You were like this even as a child, but I hope you can change this flaw of yours. You should know that Grass Shadow has taken an interest in you this time. This opportunity is once in a lifetime, so you absolutely must not miss it. Many people may never get such an opportunity in their entire lives, let alone seize it."

"Ha ha ha!"

Yang Ming suddenly burst out laughing at Gong Lizi's words.

"What are you laughing at? I'm talking to you about something serious. I hope you'll take it seriously!"

Gong Lizi could not help frowning.

"Gong Lizi, Gong Lizi, you think far too highly of yourself. Who do you think you are, that you're qualified to lecture me and teach me?"

"I respected you before because you kept me alive. Over these five years, at least you didn't let me starve to death. But that doesn't mean you get to decide how I live!"

"When Chong Chunyi came before, I already saved your life. One life for one life—we're even now. What I, Yuexia Ming, do and how I conduct myself have nothing to do with you. You needn't trouble yourself, and you have no right to control me."

"As for what Grass Shadow sees in me, that's my own business. What does it have to do with you? From now on, you are not to interfere in my affairs. Otherwise, don't blame me for being rude!"

Yang Ming spoke coldly, showing Gong Lizi no mercy.

He had thought she had come for something important, but it turned out she wanted to control his mind again, trying to use this to persuade him, or perhaps make him dwell on old feelings.

On the surface, she seemed to be acting for his sake. In reality, she wanted to interfere in his affairs under the guise of an elder.

If it had been someone else, they might have remembered old ties and been moved by her words. But unfortunately for her, this was Yang Ming!