Upon waking up, he felt completely refreshed.
Following a detailed review of his status, Su Lu ultimately decided to start accumulating experience points.
He started with a hundred sit-ups, a hundred push-ups, followed by a long run...
After a series of workouts, he was dog-tired, panting, but his experience points remained stuck in place, not increasing in the slightest.
Out of frustration, Su Lu blurted out, "Damn golden finger... you're rubbish!"
But there was no going back now. He patted his stomach and decided to eat something.
The school had a dedicated cafeteria that served chicken wings, pork chops, fruit salad, mashed potatoes, white bread, shredded pork pancake, and even lobster with cream sauce... just thinking about it made his mouth water.
After returning to his dorm, Su Lu wiped off his sweat, changed into fresh clothes, and checked his pockets, only to see some copper coins and a few pitiful silver notes, making him wryly chuckle.
In the White Eagle Federation, the traditional currencies were copper coins, silver hawk coins, and golden dragon coins, all minted in metal. The copper coin was the smallest unit, with roughly a hundred copper coins equalling one silver hawk coin, and ten silver hawk coins equalling one golden dragon coin.
To put it simply, copper coins, silver hawk coins, and golden dragon coins were akin to copper, silver, and gold coins, respectively.
Seems like the human greed for gold knows no bounds in any world.
However, in recent decades, coinciding with the progress of industrialization, the shortage of precious metal currency led the Federation to introduce paper silver notes, stipulating that a silver note with a face value of 1 could be exchanged for a standard silver hawk coin in any bank. But the adoption of this system was much slower in rural areas.
Despite being a modern transmigrator, Su Lu still preferred the tangible gold and silver coins to the lightweight paper currency.
"Hmm, according to Federation standards, a regular sandwich costs three copper coins. The minimum daily living expenses for a person is ten copper coins or three hundred copper coins a month, which equals three silver hawk coins or three silver notes."
Thus, one could see just how generous the salary offered by Green Tree Castle was. It would catapult one straight into the middle class.
However, since Su Lu hadn't yet taken up the job, he could only rely on his meager earnings from part-time work, which amounted to less than 5 silver notes. If he indulged in extravagant meals at the cafeteria every day, he would end up blowing his savings in no time.
"Between the cream lobster and a hot dog, I choose the hot dog!"
Grumbling, Su Lu walked down the staircase and decided to have a quick meal from the local hot dog cart.
The area below the dormitories was always bustling. He could see couples swarming around everywhere, which was a punch to the gut for a lifelong bachelor like him.
'It seems like becoming a Transcendent hasn't changed anything... No! I'm not even a true Transcendent yet. I have only mastered a bit of black witchcraft, which I've yet to put into practice...'
Su Lu stopped in front of a hot dog stand.
Oh, the fragrant black pepper sausage, served with soft, sweet bread, fresh vegetables, and covered in ketchup, had completely claimed his attention.
Who cared about being single or seeing couples around when he could just eat?
As he was about to order, someone tugged at his sleeve.
"Hello, Pottery classmate!"
A timid voice sounded. Su Lu turned to see a female student in a plain dress. She had a round face, freckles on her cheeks, and huge spectacles that almost hid half of her face. However, her eyes were pure and beautiful, imparting a sense of cuteness.
"Hello, Moli! What can I do for you?" Su Lu asked expressionlessly, recognizing his classmate, Moli Aibo.
Even if she was a classmate, it couldn't stop his urge to eat!
Su Lu knew deep down that his attitude was probably why he's still remained single, but he was beyond help; he was too used to his old lifestyle to change.
Moli lowered her head as if scared by Su Lu, handing over a note and stuttering, "This is a note Bicui asked me to give to you, goodbye!"
Hastily, she made her exit.
'Congratulations! You've moved one step closer to becoming a golden bachelor!'
Su Lu kept a poker face, bought some hotdog and juice, gobbling it down while opening the note:
[Meet me today at 7 pm in box 303 of White Tower Café. I have something to tell you – Bicui]
The pink note was enveloped in a mist of perfume, causing Su Lu's heart to flutter: 'Could it be... is my time as a single man finally coming to an end?'
Yes, quite possibly.
Even though my looks are ordinary, Sean is a blabbermouth who would have surely spread the news about my offer from the Green Tree Castle lab.
As a research assistant, my salary outstrips those of many working class people, and my future mingling in upper-class society is sealed.
Bicui rejected me before, but she's regretting it now and wants to be my girlfriend? Sounds good.
Su Lu didn't think badly about her change of heart. After all, only few among girls come from wealthy families. Most people need to look out for themselves, their families, and their future.
Moreover, the norms in the Federation are open-minded; you don't have to get married just because you're dating.
'Hmm. Worth a shot!'
Su Lu glanced at the clock tower, realizing he had some time, so he went back to his dorm and took out Sean's formal attire.
"White shirt, coat, trousers, bow tie, felt hat... Mmm, they look quite neat!"
After dressing up and adjusting his tie in front of the mirror, he left the university, looking as if he was heading for a job interview, and headed towards the White Tower Café.
White Tower Café was situated near St. George's University, a mere walk of several minutes. Its love-themed coffee was renowned and a top pick among dating students. It also had private rooms with superb sound-proofing ... Su Lu couldn't help but admire the chaps who checked it first-hand.
Despite it being just a casual date, Su Lu was filled with an inexplicable sense of excitement while walking down the street. His steps quickened and he didn't take long to reach the imposing three-story white building.
"Welcome!"
Passing through the revolving glass doors, a well-dressed waiter greeted him immediately.
Su Lu looked around the room, appreciating the sophisticated European decor under soft lighting. Sofas lined the café, the air was rich with incense and coffee, and soft music played in the background. The ambiance was excellent.
"Hello, sir, how many guests do we have?"
"Room 303; I have an appointment," Su Lu replied, his face expressionless.
"Please follow me." The waiter naturally took Su Lu's coat and led him to the third floor — to a small room. He opened the door, hung the coat on a rack and said, "The room fee has been paid already. What would you like to drink?"
"Thank you, but I'll wait for my companion before I order!"
Su Lu politely declined. Watching the waiter leave and gently close the door, he finally had a chance to observe the room.
Uh-huh, the sofa is large, and the purple curtains lend a romantic atmosphere. They offer good privacy when closed.
'What might Bicui want to talk about? Begging for forgiveness? Wanting to be my girlfriend... or maybe... asking for a loan?'
Thinking of the last possibility, Su Lu's face tensed.
Time went by slowly and finally, at a quarter past seven, the door of the room opened, and a young girl walked in.