NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Conspiracy
The radiant glow of multicolored light enveloped Cai Yi's entire body. In the next moment, she transformed into the size of a normal human. Her appearance and figure became more mature, resembling a young woman in her prime. She still wore the same elegant palace attire, but the iridescent butterfly wings had vanished.
Cai Yi turned to the old trickster and smiled. "Not bad. No wonder you chose him to enter this world. But honestly, losing your Purple Brocade Immortal Robe and needing an ordinary teenager to help you retrieve it? That's just pathetic!"
The old trickster gave an embarrassed chuckle. "Well… Immortal Cai Yi, you know that the Purple Brocade Immortal Robe has astonishing defensive power. That cunning demon dragon managed to escape into the Dream Space. My powers here are only a tenth of their usual strength, so I had no choice but to find a human to slowly grow stronger and help me slay the demon dragon and retrieve the robe. Besides, I've given that boy plenty of benefits—he even owns the entire Dream Space now. Honestly, he's gained more than enough."
"Is that so?" Cai Yi gave the old trickster a knowing look. He cleared his throat awkwardly. "Of course!"
Cai Yi smiled faintly and began to fade from sight. "Perhaps."
Meanwhile, when Arlo opened his eyes again, he found himself back home. The cramped space, dim lighting, and creaky ceiling fan struggling to stir the hot air greeted him. The pungent stench from outside wafted through the window, making him nearly gag on the spot.
"Ugh, it reeks!" Arlo pinched his nose. Even though he was used to the smell, it was unbearable now after experiencing the fresh, vibrant energy of the Dream Space.
After a few minutes of acclimating to the odor, Arlo instinctively touched the ring on his middle finger, trying to remove it. No matter how hard he tried, it wouldn't budge. The more force he used, the more pain shot through his finger.
"Could it be that once the ring bonds with its owner, it can't be removed?" Arlo's initial surprise gave way to excitement. If the ring couldn't be lost, he could always access the Dream Space.
In the next instant, five crisp $100 bills appeared in his hand. Seeing the cash, Arlo couldn't help but laugh. "I'm rich! My big break is coming!"
"Arlo, what's going on in there?" his mother, Ma Min, called out, concerned about the commotion.
"Nothing!" Arlo quickly stashed the money back into the inventory and stepped out of the room.
Ma Min was watching TV, a relic from her wedding days and even older than Arlo.
"Mom, where's Dad?" Arlo sat beside her.
"He went to play chess outside. What were you up to in your room?" she asked, curious.
"Just a weird dream," Arlo replied casually. Then he added, "Mom, I've got a friend whose uncle is a butcher. He suggested I learn butchery from him. Once I master it, I can sell meat and earn good money. What do you think?"
"A butcher?" Ma Min asked. "Can you trust this friend?"
Arlo nodded eagerly. "We've known each other for over a year. He's solid."
Ma Min thought for a moment and said, "If you can really learn the trade, it'll be better than unloading goods every day. Having a skill will also give you more options for the future."
"So, you agree, Mom?"
She nodded. "I don't mind, but you should discuss it with your dad too."
"No problem. Dad will definitely agree. Mom, you know how expensive meat is nowadays. If I master butchery and open a stall, selling meat at affordable prices, we could easily earn $500 or $600 a day. If business picks up, maybe even over $1,000. Don't you think that's great?"
Ma Min's eyes lit up at the prospect but said, "Talk to your dad about it first. I'm fine with it."
"Okay, I'll go find him." Arlo slipped on his sandals and headed out. A short walk straight down the road and a left at the corner brought him to an old locust tree. Beneath it, several middle-aged and elderly men were either sitting or standing, watching two others play chess. Arlo's father, Niu Xin, stood among them.
"Dad," Arlo called out.
Niu Xin turned and nodded at Arlo. "Why aren't you asleep?"
"It's too hot to sleep," Arlo said, wiping sweat from his face. "Dad, I need to talk to you."
"What's up?" Niu Xin asked. Arlo rarely brought things up with him unless it was serious. Excusing himself from the others, he walked home with Arlo.
As they walked, Arlo repeated what he had told Ma Min. When his father didn't respond right away, he asked, "Dad, what do you think?"
Looking at Arlo, Niu Xin nodded. "Learning a skill isn't a bad idea. If you can open a meat stall, it's definitely better than unloading goods. I have no objections."
"Great." Arlo grinned, having easily convinced his parents. "I'll start learning tomorrow and try to master it as soon as possible."
"Don't rush it. Butchery might look simple, but it's not as easy as it seems," Niu Xin said, his tone carrying the wisdom of experience.