Unfortunately, it appears to have forgotten that its size had increased to that of a fist-sized bird rather than one with a wingspan of one meter!
Su Bai was caught off-guard and fell to the ground; thankfully, his cocooned Phantom Butterfly larvae were quickly taken back into his pet space before it would have had no choice but to sit flat.
Iron Beak Sparrow and Su Bai exchanged glances. Their eyes were filled with intense emotion as they stared deeply into one another's.
The iron-beaked sparrow made a timid call.
Su Bai only smiled with a wry smile, gently stroked the iron-beaked bird's feathers with hard steel, and said: "It's okay, I don't blame you."
Su Bai had comforted the iron-beaked sparrow and taken it back to her pet space before considering their next course of action.
Though I once believed I could spend my whole life in the orchard, with today's system in place, that plan no longer holds true and must be re-derived.
"First and foremost, I need to apply to the school for a place on their training ground. With only one month left until my college entrance exam, it is essential that I make up for any progress that was lost."
Su Bai began to examine each item one by one.
"The experience value of an iron-beaked bird remains unchanged. It appears that ordinary caterpillars cannot offer enough stimulation. If no accident occurs, then the beast must be dispatched."
"Thank goodness, the Federation often opens their training grounds to students. Even lower-level black iron can enter. Though I wasn't eligible before, next week is my chance and I mustn't miss it!"
"Once the iron beak can be upgraded to reach black iron intermediate level beastmaster status, it will catch up to the level of the large army and should no longer be a barrier to enter into its specialized academy and study further - possibly even reaching bronze level upon graduating!" class!
"No, I already possess the Sky Steel Crow and will become a silver-level beastmaster when I graduate from the Beastmaster Academy!"
"Gold level, it's only a matter of time"
Gold-level Beastmaster!
Elite level!
An existence Su Bai could never have imagined!
Now, within reach!
Chapter 4 Saying Goodbye to the Orchard
"Su Bai, why are you being so lazy?"
Su Bai was contemplating when a familiar voice from the side interrupted her thoughts.
Looking back, Yang Le's family stood at the entrance of the orchard.
Standing alongside him was a middle-aged man with a similar appearance; this man was Yang Le's father, Yang Dongxu.
Yang Dongxu's presence here is not unexpected; he occasionally visits to take in the sights. However, this is his first time visiting Yang Le's family.
Su Bai pretended not to hear Yang Lejia's words and instead offered his greetings to Yang Dongxu.
Working here can be seen as a benefit since the work is straightforward and no one usually needs to take care of it - as long as your orchard output isn't affected by caterpillars.
Yang Dongxu had an endearing manner, and his gestures extended even to Su Bai.
Yang Lejia may not sing often, but Su Bai has never expressed much concern for him - so why bother with federation currency?
Twenty federal dollars a day is an effective way to provide household subsidies.
Of course, Su Bai has since changed her mind.
Initially, my plan was to find an opportunity to explain the situation to Boss Yang and not come here again for part-time employment. Now that Yang Dongxu is here, however, I decided against coming here in order to save another trip for later.
"Xiao Le, what are you talking about?" Yang Dongxu smiled and replied to Su Bai, "After your college entrance examination is over, I expect you will come and work here with Uncle Yang. I know your attitude - in the future this orchard will be controlled by You!"
Yang Lejia expressed her disdain and asked, "Hei Tie has no subordinates - how can he possibly be in charge of our orchard?" With that, Yang Lejia abruptly said, "Why?" she wondered.
Yang Dongxu said with regret, "Don't take this personally - this kid is spoiled."
Su Bai said calmly, "Uncle Yang, don't worry; I don't mind."
"So, as the person responsible for maintaining and harvesting the orchard, are you in agreement?"
Yang Dongxu inquired with a smile.
"I appreciate Uncle Yang's kindness, but I must regret to inform you of my plans, so I sincerely apologize."
Su Bai was feeling slightly embarrassed.
Su Bai would undoubtedly approve. After all, the size of this orchard is no small feat - if he were in charge, his income would far surpass even that of his parents combined! For him, it is truly a thing of beauty!
Su Bai has now awakened the system, so he knows better than to succumb. But he still feels unworthy of Yang Dongxu's kind and thoughtful support.
"Young people are motivated, which is a good thing. Everyone has their own dreams and aspirations - that's okay," Yang Dongxu didn't seem bothered when the teenager said, "But Uncle Yang has always reserved a place here for you if ever necessary - just come!"
"Thank you, Uncle Yang." Su Bai was deeply moved.
Although he may not be visually appealing, Su Bai is willing to work with such a kind individual.
"Che, Su Bai, do you really not understand what's going on here, how precarious is the position of the person in charge of the orchard is?" Yang Lejia asked with dissatisfaction.
Su Bai pretended not to hear him and looked at Yang Dongxu with concern in her eyes, saying: "Uncle Yang, the college entrance examination will be in one month. I plan to hurry up and prepare. Unfortunately, you won't be able to employ me in the future."
Yang Dongxu felt some regret; he had really wanted to recruit Su Bai, even if he wasn't particularly strong physically. Despite that, Su Bai was personable and conscientious in his work - traits that Yang Dongxu found admirable.
Yang Dongxu took out his wallet and counted out a pile of federation coins, thinking to himself: "This is your salary this month; the extra is just a little piece of my heart - don't refuse!"
"Thank you," replied the woman.
He glanced over at Su Bai and saw that there were 1,200 federal coins present - enough for two months' salary!
After saying his goodbyes to Yang Dongxu's father and son, Su Bai left the orchard. In his thoughts as he walked far away, Su Bai could still hear Yang Dongxu's sincere teachings.
At ten in the evening, my parents were watching television in the living room.
Mother Mei Pingliang came over and smiled as her son returned. "Xiao Bai, your dad has sent you back to take over the orchard." With that, she added: "You must work hard in the future if you want success - that is your goal!"
Su Bai was deeply moved as he looked upon his unsmiling father on the sofa. In his previous life, he had grown up in an orphanage and never experienced true family love.
Though his parents are ordinary individuals, they always make sure to leave him and his younger brother with the best things in life.
Su Bai's eyes became clouded as he remembered his younger brother Su Yan, who had fallen ill while still in his mother's womb and needed to use a wheelchair to get around.
Su Yan's path out was similar to his own. After two years, he received government random beast eggs and then contracted some small beasts based on luck for basic jobs. Even with all this inconvenience, Su Yan could work in increasingly rare industries!
From now on, these will be a thing of the past!
Su Bai is now confident to lead his family towards a brighter future! With this system, Su Bai can lead his family toward greater stability and security!
He desires to demonstrate to everyone that he is the strongest!
Su Bai had originally intended to share the news of his departure from the orchard with his parents, but when she saw his mother's white hair on her temples and the look of anticipation in his eyes, Su Bai could only swallow the words and promise "I will work hard."