The door clicked shut, leaving Kai alone in the dusty silence of his room. The lingering scent of Ye Rou—that intoxicating blend of jasmine and aroused woman—still hung heavy in the air, teasing his senses.
But Kai forced himself to focus. Lust was a motivator, but power was the vehicle. Without strength, he was just a pervert in a peasant's body. With strength, he was a conqueror.
"System, open Inventory," Kai commanded, his voice steady.
The blue screen flickered into existence. He selected the [Minor Healing Potion].
A small glass vial materialized in his hand, filled with a viscous, ruby-red liquid that seemed to glow with its own internal light. It was warm to the touch, humming with faint spiritual energy. Without hesitation, Kai popped the cork and downed it in one swig.
It tasted like liquid fire mixed with honey.
The sensation hit his stomach and exploded outward. It wasn't gentle. It rushed through his veins like a breaking dam, scouring away the lethargy, the ache in his joints, and the lingering weakness of the previous owner's malnutrition. His bones popped and cracked, realigning. His muscles tightened, feeling denser, more responsive.
[Ding!]
[Item Consumed: Minor Healing Potion (Common)][Status Effect Removed: Malnutrition.][Status Effect Removed: Lingering Fever.][Constitution +1 (Permanent Increase due to first-time consumption)][Current HP: 100/100]
Kai gasped, flexing his fingers. The lethargy was gone. In its place was a buzzing, electric energy. He felt lighter, faster. He felt... potent.
"Good," Kai muttered, rolling his shoulders. "Now I can move."
He walked to the door, his stride confident. He wasn't the sick boy who needed coddling anymore. He was a man on a mission.
He found Ye Rou in the small, cramped kitchen that adjoined the main room. She was standing by the stove, stirring a pot of porridge. Her back was to him, and for a moment, Kai allowed himself to simply appreciate the view again—the way her hips flared out, the apron strings tied tightly around her waist accentuating the curve of her ass.
"Mom," Kai said, his voice clearer, deeper than before.
Ye Rou jumped, the wooden spoon clattering against the pot. She spun around, her hand flying to her chest. When she saw him standing there—upright, healthy, with color in his cheeks—her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Kai?" She rushed over, wiping her hands on her apron. "You... you're up? You're walking?"
"I feel great," Kai lied smoothly, flashing a charming smile that he knew played well with his new stats. "The fever broke. I feel stronger than I have in years."
Ye Rou reached out, her hands hovering over his arms as if afraid he was an illusion. She squeezed his biceps. They were firm.
"It's a miracle," she breathed, her eyes glistening. "I was so worried..."
"Don't worry about me," Kai said, stepping closer, invading her personal space just enough to make her breath hitch. "I'm going to the Training Academy today. The selection results should be posted. I need to see if I made it."
Ye Rou looked up at him. The boyish weakness was gone from his eyes, replaced by a dark determination that made her heart flutter in a way a mother's shouldn't.
"The Academy..." She bit her lip. "Kai, you know the chances... but if anyone can do it, it's you."
She leaned in, rising on her tiptoes. She placed her hands on his shoulders and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead.
It was meant to be maternal, but the tension from the bedroom still simmered between them. Her breasts brushed against his chest—briefly, softly—and Kai saw a flush rise up her neck.
"Be careful," she whispered against his skin.
She pulled back, clearing her throat and turning quickly to the counter. She picked up a clay pot covered with a cloth.
"Actually, since you are going out," she said, her voice regaining some of its composure. "Could you do me a favor?"
"Anything for you," Kai replied.
"Mrs. Lin, our neighbor... she ran out of milk this morning. She was asking if we could spare some." Ye Rou held out the heavy pot. "It's fresh. Can you drop it off to her on your way? Her husband is away on a merchant trip, so she's all alone and can't leave the house easily."
Kai took the pot. It was warm. The liquid inside sloshed heavily.
Mrs. Lin, Kai thought, searching the previous owner's memories. The widow-in-waiting next door. The one who always wears those loose robes.
"Mrs. Lin," Kai repeated, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Of course. I'd be happy to help her with her... needs."
"Thank you, honey," Ye Rou smiled, oblivious to the double entendre. "Go on now. Don't be late."
Kai stepped out of the house into the bright morning sun, the clay pot of milk heavy in his hands. The world was vast, the Academy awaited, but first... he had a delivery to make.