...

A few minutes later...

Jin removed his headset and stood to his feet as he grabbed the cellphone resting on the nearby stand.

The moment Jin took the phone into his hand, he felt it tremble as an incoming call from Fang Qiu came through.

'The technology of this world never ceases to amaze me.'

In the Seven Realms, it was possible for powerful cultivators to send a long-distance message; however, those who lacked the power to do so had to rely on artifacts or relics.

Such items were not that easy to obtain for weaker cultivators. And, when it came to mortals, there was no hope of them ever acquiring an artifact or relic unless they had the assistance of a cultivator.

But, in this world, even a mortal child could use a device to contact someone thousands of kilometers away!

Jin answered the call and was immediately greeted by Fang Qiu's voice.

"Your ride is outside." Fang Qiu said.

"That was faster than I expected," Jin stated.

"Do you need more time?" Fang Qiu asked.

"No, the timing couldn't have been better. I'll head out right now." Jin replied.

"Understood. I'll be waiting."

Fang Qiu ended the call.

'Hm?'

Jin placed the cellphone into his pocket as he walked towards his room door and made his way outside.

...

In less than a breath of time, Jin arrived at the entrance of his house and saw a car parked out front. The vehicle resembled a Lamborghini SC20; however, the exterior possessed a more sleek design that gave it a modern touch.

Several people walked by and could not help but stare in awe. Some of them even stopped and started taking pictures as they talked among themselves, trying to guess the driver's identity.

"Hey, isn't that the SC-Super model? I thought it wasn't supposed to be out for another six months...!"

"I knew it looked familiar! The person driving must be a celebrity paid to endorse it."

"Ha? If that's true, what are they doing in an area like this? The places around here aren't exactly cheap, but they definitely aren't enough to catch a celebrity's eyes—especially one who can afford to drive an SC-Super."

"The driver's a beauty! I wonder if I can get an autograph. Hehe, maybe I can even get her number."

"You? Ha! Dream on!"

"Look, someone's walking up to the car..!"

"What are you- Eh? You're right! Damn, don't tell me she's here to see her boyfriend? Who the hell is that guy?"

"Quick, take pictures! Maybe it's a potential scandal..!"

As everyone gawked and speculated, Jin approached the car as the door automatically opened for him.

"I didn't think you'd come yourself. It hasn't even been more than ten minutes since our conversation ended." Jin said as the door fully opened.

The woman in the driver's seat dressed in designer clothes with sunglasses on was none other than Fang Qiu!

This was Jin's first time seeing Fang Qiu in casual clothing, and he had to admit, her formal attire did not do her nearly as much justice.

But, more importantly, Jin was taken aback by Fang Qiu's presence. He had not made his request for an arranged ride that long ago, yet she had personally come to drive him.

To reach his house on such short notice meant that Fang Qiu had to be somewhere close by. But, of course, Jin did not believe that she just happened to be in the area at the time.

"Since I finished reorganizing everything at the shop, I figured we could use the time to discuss a few things on our way." Fang Qiu said as Jin sat down in the passenger seat.

"That's fine and all, but... You sure know how to make an entrance." Jin commented, feeling numerous gazes aimed at them.

"I did not take you for the shy type. Hold on."

The instant the car door closed, Fang Qiu pressed down on the pedal, causing the car to accelerate quickly!

Before the onlookers knew it, the vehicle had already made its way down the street and away from the front of Jin's house.

"I was unaware that you lived close by," Jin commented.

"I recently moved into a place nearby not too long ago. I figured it would be easier to get things done in the future." Fang Qiu clarified.

"You- No, never mind. How long will it take to reach our destination?" Jin questioned as he inwardly shook his head.

He decided to brush off the subject for the time being.

"At our current speed, it should take around fifteen minutes. It's not exactly a place that the residents around here would welcome with open arms." Fang Qiu responded.

She paused for a moment and then continued, "I'll be blunt, I'm still against investing in something that has no potential for monetary return. At least, that is my professional opinion as your financial advisor."

"Oh? Then, what is your unprofessional opinion?" Jin asked.

"I've seen money thrown down the drain for idiotic causes more times than I can count. That's why... My unprofessional opinion—I admire your choice. Not as my employer, but as a person." Fang Qiu answered.

"I see. Though your outlook is wrong about one thing, Advisor Fang Qiu." Jin said with a carefree smile on his face.

"Wrong? Then, would you care to enlighten me?" Fang Qiu jerked the wheel sideways as she drifted around a corner.

"Not all gains are monetary. Sometimes, there are things that no amount of money can buy—making their inherent worth priceless. As far as I'm concerned, even if I had to spend ten times more, it would have still been the equivalent of trading clay for diamonds." Jin explained.

"Clay for diamonds, is it? Well, I suppose if you feel that strongly about it, there will be no regrets in your decision. However, it is reassuring to know that you see value beyond pure numbers." Fang Qiu noted.

For a moment, Jin could have sworn that he saw the "Ice Queen" Fang Qiu crack a smile.

After their initial conversation, Jin fell into deep thought. While they were still in RML, he asked Fang Qiu to find a way to contact Menerva in the real world; however, it turned out to be somewhat more complicated than she expected.

Menerva's contact information was tied directly to the orphanage, but the listed phone number was inactive.

In addition, there was little to no information available when it came to contacting her—besides a physical address where the orphanage was located. This was Jin and Fang Qiu's current destination.

'Given her circumstances, it's not surprising that she doesn't have active phone service. But, I can't shake this feeling... What is it that's bugging me?'

...

Meanwhile...

Bang! Crash!

The sound of objects breaking and being thrown around could be heard throughout the building as a rowdy group of twenty people acted without restraint.

The group's threatening demeanor and wild behavior did not make it difficult to uncover their identity as thugs and streetwalkers.

The building itself was already in poor condition due to being old and worn out before their arrival; however... Torn wallpaper, broken furniture—it looked as if a storm had recently been through the place. 

"Look at this dump! Wasn't it already messed up before we even got here? I think we actually made it look better! Bwahahaha!" One of the thugs cackled.

"Yeah, you're right! Hey, maybe we should charge them a decorating fee. I heard those decorator bastards get paid pretty decent money, heh!" Another chimed in.

At the same time, huddled in the corner of the room, was a group of children whose ages ranged from four to twelve. In total, there were sixteen of them. But, they were not alone. At the front of the group was a woman who appeared to be in her late teens to early twenties, with a calm expression on her face. She bore a striking resemblance to Menerva!

"I'm scared..." One of the younger children muttered as they tried to hold back their tears.

"It's okay." The woman said as she reached her hand out and gently placed it upon the child's head.

She then went on to say, "I will not permit any harm to befall any of you."

"Is that any way to teach children? You shouldn't make promises you can't keep, ya know?" A chilling voice sounded from the nearby couch.