The worse you are, the stronger you become: My summoned beast is a photographer.

"Mr. Ming Luochen, Miss Aura, please take care. We'll have tea together again sometime." After handing the invitation to the celebration banquet to Aura, Fitz saw the two off to the carriage waiting outside the palace gate. Even when speaking, he unconsciously mentioned Ming Luochen's name first, completely disregarding the fact that he was not a real summoned beast.

"Yes, Lord Fitz, let's have tea together another time. We'll head back now."

The carriage slowly drove out of the palace, rolling over the stone-paved roads of the capital, its wheels clattering. A night breeze, carrying the chill of early winter, blew in through the carriage window, causing Ming Luochen's hair to flutter slightly.

He looked up at the starry sky, its light as dazzling as scattered diamonds on a black velvet cloth, and suddenly said, "Honey, what do you think we should name our restaurant?"

Aura thought for a moment: "You take it."

"How about calling it 'Another World'?"

"An otherworldly restaurant?"

"Hmm. Promotions always need a gimmick." Ming Luochen smiled, recalling the headlines from his past browsing UC Shocking News—things like "Shocking! The owner of this restaurant is from another world!" "Everyone who's eaten here says they've traveled through time!" "Otherworldly cuisine has arrived in the capital; if you don't try it, you're not an Osvilian!"—though formulaic, they worked.

Aura looked at his profile. On that angular face, there was a light she had never seen before—not smugness, not pride, but a steady, stable, and directional certainty.

"I'll do whatever you say." Aura gently rested her head on the top of his head. Now that he was taller and stronger, her chin could rest perfectly on the top of his head, a position that made her feel like she could snuggle in his arms too.

Ming Luochen reached out and embraced his wife's slender waist, his fingers gently caressing her waist. Earning money, opening a shop, having children—it seemed the responsibilities in this strange world were slowly increasing. His heart gradually took root in this land, and he had a home.

It was almost midnight when we arrived at the hotel.

As soon as I entered the hall, I saw Principal Hollen chatting and laughing with several of today's judges. Several cups of half-finished black tea were on the coffee table, indicating that they had been talking for quite some time.

"Ming Luochen, Aura, you're back." Upon seeing the two, Hollen happily stood up to greet them, his trunk curling up excitedly.

"Hmm." Ming Luochen glanced around at the old orcs and found that their gazes toward him were so intense, it was as if they wanted to devour him.

Hollen stood to one side and enthusiastically introduced them one by one: "Ming Luochen, Aura, let me introduce you. This is Mason Adler, the president of Osville University. This is Hayden Cross, the dean of the School of Computing at Osville University. This is Trent Grant, the president of Edestan University. This is Katrina Sanders, the dean of the School of Arts at Edestan. This is Owen Dalton Griffiths, the president of the Imperial Royal Public University. And lastly, this is Milo Summers, the president of the Imperial National University of Arts."

Each name was followed by a long list of titles, which made Ming Luochen a little dizzy, but he understood the meaning very well—they were all the heads of the empire's top universities.

"They all want to invite you to their schools." Hollen smiled, his eyes narrowing into slits and his nose sticking out.

Upon hearing this, Aura immediately became respectful and stood ramrod straight. However, she showed absolutely no interest in the terms "College of Computing," "College of Arts," or "University of Arts."

Ming Luochen nodded apologetically: "I'm sorry, I'm not interested in humanities."

He could tell that these people were specially recruited because of the liberal arts competition. But how could someone with five thousand years of Chinese civilization need to study at a liberal arts university in this world? Besides, his wife was passionate about martial arts and wanted to be a female warrior; how could he possibly agree to study liberal arts?

Hayden Cross grew anxious, taking a step forward and raising his voice several decibels: "Why don't you reconsider? Tuition is completely waived, and you'll receive the highest scholarship!"

Owen Dalton Griffith immediately added, "Our school has a martial arts program! If you'd like, you can get a double degree, how about that?" He emphasized the words "martial arts program," his eyes full of sincerity.

"It's like we don't have any like that at our school," Mason Adler, the president of Osville University, retorted jokingly. Then, turning to Aura, he changed the subject, "I think Aura is quite good and could be specially admitted to the Martial Arts Academy. If Ming Luochen is willing to study humanities, both of you will have your tuition waived, and I'll give you the highest level of treatment, including independent housing."

When Katerina Sanders, the dean of the Faculty of Arts at Edstein University, saw that Aura's eyes had changed, she quickly tugged at the principal's sleeve, her nails almost digging into the fabric.

Trent Grant reacted quickly, immediately interjecting, "Come to our Edstein University! Not only will you get all these benefits, but I'll also give you a separate scholarship—an S-grade gem!"

"Honey, this is great." Aura's eyes lit up as she tugged at Ming Luochen's hand, her voice filled with barely suppressed excitement.

She knew very well that Osville University, Imperial Royal Public University, and Edestan University were the three top universities in the empire. She never dared to dream of getting into one of them before. She never expected that all three top universities would come to recruit her and Ming Luochen!

"Trent, you're breaking the rules!" Mason's face turned red with anger, his mane bristling. "Who admits students with an S-grade gem? You're disrupting the admissions process!"

"Mind your own business!" Trent scoffed, chin held high. "Our school has plenty of money, so what? What are you going to do about it?"

"You—" Mason took a step forward, his chest slamming into Trent's shoulder, "You think only you Edelstein people have money? We in Osville have plenty too!"

Katarina tugged at Trent's sleeve from behind and whispered, "Stop arguing, it's embarrassing."

Trent turned and glared at her: "Mind your own business!"

Katarina rolled her eyes, stepped aside, and stopped talking.

Irwin Dalton Griffith, the president of the Imperial Royal Public University, stood to the side, intending to interject, but seeing the two arguing so fiercely, he opened his mouth but then closed it again.

When Milo Summers, the president of the Imperial National University of Arts, heard Ming Luochen say that he was "not interested in the humanities," the light in his eyes dimmed instantly. He thought of Ming Luochen's painting—the golden wheat field, the twisted cypress tree, the flowing colors—and felt a pang of reluctance, but he didn't want to force her, so he silently took a step back.

The three principals started arguing, and the argument escalated, their voices echoing in the hotel lobby, attracting the attention of several passing guests who peeked in.

Mason Adler, not wanting to argue with a mad dog, looked at Ming Luochen, his tone carrying the reserve of a prestigious university: "Ming Luochen, our Osville University boasts the Empire's top martial arts instructors. The head of the combat department is the champion of the previous martial arts competition, the tactics professor was once the chief of staff of the Imperial Legion, and the instructor of the secret realm development course has personally explored twelve SSS-level secret realms. If you come to our school, you won't need to take regular courses; you'll go straight into the elite class, and I'll personally arrange an instructor for you."

Not to be outdone, Trent Grant stepped forward: "Faculty? While our martial arts program at Edestan University may not be as renowned as yours, our medical program and magical artifact development are the best in the entire empire. Ming Luochen, have you ever experienced a magical cannon blasting apart a secret realm? Besides, if you want to open a shop, make money, and collect crystals in the future, connections and resources are more important than anything else. Edestan's alumni are spread throughout the empire's business, political, and military circles—whatever you lack, we can find it for you. Moreover, our school's campus environment is the best among the three prestigious universities, nestled against mountains and by water, with its own secret realm training ground, and student dormitories are all detached buildings."

Owen Dalton Griffiths finally chimed in: "Our Imperial Royal Public University, backed by the royal family, has resources second to none. Our Military Management Academy is the best in the entire empire, and we excel in territory management, taxation systems, and population policies. Ming Luochen, if you want to help your wife's family develop their territory, our school is the most suitable choice. Moreover, our school has the most flexible scholarship system, and outstanding students have the opportunity to receive an S-level crystal reward every year."

Mason scoffed, "Scholarships? At Osville, we offer entrance scholarships directly. Ming Luochen, you come here. Two S-grade crystals, plus four years of tuition waivers, and accommodation in the best international exchange center on campus."

"Three!" Trent said without blinking. "We at Edstein will provide three S-grade crystals! Plus a free annual medical check-up, personally attended to by professors from our medical school. Your wife will be taken care of whenever she gets injured during training."

Owen gritted his teeth: "We'll offer... two S-grade crystals, plus a letter of recommendation from the royal family. With this letter, no one will dare to make things difficult for you in any part of the empire."

Katrina Sanders whispered to Trent from behind, "We're over budget..."

"Don't worry about the budget!" Trent said without turning his head, his eyes fixed on Mason.

Mason laughed in exasperation: "Trent, are you here to recruit students or to hold an auction?"

"Mind your own business! We at Edstein have plenty of money!"

The two argued more and more fiercely. Hollen stood aside, his trunk curling and loosening repeatedly, feeling smug inside—his school's students were being snatched up by the three top universities like this; this was something he could brag about for a lifetime.

Aura stood beside Ming Luochen, excitedly clutching his sleeve. She had never imagined that one day she would be accepted by three of the top universities at the same time. Before, she wouldn't even dare to open the admission brochures of these schools, but now the principals were arguing heatedly over her and Ming Luochen.

She looked at Ming Luochen excitedly, asking in her heart: "Honey, what should I do? Which one do you choose?"

Ming Luochen did not answer immediately, but instead searched through Aura's memories to quickly learn about the basic information of the three universities.

Osville University focuses more on martial arts and the development of secret realms, boasting the best training facilities in the entire empire and producing countless adventurers of S rank or higher. Edstein University emphasizes humanities, medicine, and magical artifact research; it's incredibly wealthy, with alumni spread throughout the empire's business world. The Imperial Royal Public University excels in military affairs and territory management, offering the easiest path to a noble title; it was the dream school of Valerius, his father-in-law, in his youth.

In fact, all three universities are very strong, just like Tsinghua and Peking University on Earth. They only have slight differences in their professional focus, but in reality, they are not that different.

After much deliberation, he had already made up his mind.

"Principal Mason," Ming Luochen said calmly, "if I could get two S-grade crystals, I would choose Osville University."

Mason Adler was taken aback at first, then a smug smile spread across his face as he looked at his old rival with a deliberately drawn-out tone: "As expected—Ming Luochen has good taste!"

Trent grew anxious and took two steps forward: "Think it over again! Edstein University is a better fit for you! Our school is steeped in culture, and our martial arts program is top-notch!"

Ming Luochen smiled apologetically: "Thank you, Lord Trent. I have made up my mind and will choose Osville University."

"Why?!" Trent couldn't understand, making a final struggle, "What do I lack compared to him? He puts in two, I put in three!"

"It's not a problem with the crystal," Ming Luochen shook his head. "It's because Osville University has the best martial arts training ground in the country."

Trent opened his mouth, as if to say something, but then swallowed it back. He remembered that Ming Luochen had said from the beginning that he wanted to study martial arts.

"Alright." Trent's voice suddenly dropped, like a deflated balloon. He had no doubt that Osville University did indeed have the most advanced training facilities.

"Hahahaha!" Mason burst into laughter, his voice filled with mockery of Trent, his mane trembling with mirth. "You have a good eye! A good eye indeed!"

Aura looked at Ming Luochen with moved eyes. She knew his true thoughts—why did he choose Osville University? It was all because of her. Because she wanted to be a female warrior, loved martial arts, and wanted to study martial arts. That's why he gave up the connections and resources of Edestan University, just so she could have the best training environment.

"Good, good, good, you made the right choice!" Hayden Cross, Dean of the School of Computing at the University of Osville, excitedly grasped Ming Luochen's hand and shook it vigorously. From now on, when Ming Luochen came to his school, he could discuss complex computational problems with him!

Ming Luochen smiled sheepishly and looked at the other principals: "Thank you all for your kindness, but I'm really sorry."

"Alright, since you like martial arts, we respect your choice." Trent said listlessly, adjusting his collar in an attempt to save face.

"Since you've chosen our school, I'll have two S-grade crystals delivered tomorrow." Mason adopted the principal's friendly demeanor, deliberately putting on an act for Trent's benefit. He even glanced at Katarina beside him, like a victorious rooster, head held high and smug.

Trent's face flushed crimson. Mason's gaze infuriated him—it was the same look he'd given Mason when he was pursuing Katarina. Now, having lost to his wife's ex-boyfriend, he was furious.

"It's getting late, so we'll be going now." Trent turned around unhappily, grabbed Katarina's hand, and strode out.

"Then we should head back too." With the matter settled, the others also indicated their departure, exchanged a few polite words, and filed out.

"Take care on your journey, and be careful on the road." Hollen was all smiles as he saw his old friends off.

Ming Luochen had originally wanted to ask Principal Mason when enrollment would begin, but it was too late and he was exhausted after a long day. He led Aura away and said, "Let's go back to our rooms and rest. We have the Wuhan University of Science and Technology competition to participate in tomorrow."

"Mmm." Aura nodded gently, her voice as soft as cotton candy. Now, no matter what Ming Luochen said, she obediently agreed without the slightest objection.

Back in his hotel room, Ming Luochen took a shower.

He usually finishes showering in just a few minutes, but today he stayed in the bathroom for almost an hour—standing in front of the mirror, turning left and right, raising his arms, bending his elbows, pulling in his stomach, admiring every muscle on his body. Solid pectoral muscles, well-defined eight-pack abs, thick thighs, taut forearms… He grinned, his smile as bright as if he had won the lottery, and it took him a long time to finally emerge wrapped in a towel.

"Your old clothes are all too small now, you can't wear them anymore." Aura gently packed her luggage, holding up a shirt that Ming Luochen had brought from Herma. She held it up against him and found it was way too short. "I'll ask Ellie to buy you some new clothes tomorrow."

"Okay." Ming Luochen lay down on the bed, sinking into the soft mattress.

So much happened today—winning the liberal arts competition, transforming myself after drinking the magic potion, being summoned by the emperor, negotiating business with the princess, and being offered special admission by three prestigious universities. There's also the prize money from the liberal arts competition and two S-grade crystals waiting to be claimed.

As for the martial arts competition, he still had about two hundred photos of lightning in his camera, but he didn't know if that would be enough, or if he could get any ranking. The capital had been sunny these past few days, with no natural disasters to photograph, and there wasn't enough time anyway. However, his innate skill was hard control, consuming only magic power and usable at any time, which gave him some confidence.

In particular, the rules of the martial arts competition, such as not being able to kill a participant and being judged as having surrendered if you leave the ring area, are very favorable to me. They are practically a bug in the competition.

Just as I was thinking about tomorrow's match, the sound of water in the bathroom stopped.

After taking a shower, Aura came out wrapped in a bathrobe, her hair still wet and draped over her shoulders, exuding a faint scent of shower gel. She turned off the light and lay down next to Ming Luochen.

The room was completely dark.

This pulled Ming Luochen back to reality. In the darkness, a fragrant, warm scent wafted from beside him. He rolled over to his wife's side, expertly embraced her, and gently kissed her lips.

After growing taller, even the feeling of hugging his wife is different. Before, he could only wrap his arms around her waist, but now his arms can encircle her entire upper body, his chest can press against her chest, and his chin can rest on the top of her head.

Aura felt the wacky thoughts in Ming Luochen's mind, and her cheeks instantly burned. She obediently nestled her head in his strong arms, a feeling that was very unfamiliar—it used to be her who held him in her arms when he was small, but now it was the other way around.

The unfamiliar touch made Aura feel somewhat resistant, yet his scent was so familiar.

In the darkness, that strange yet familiar sensation was amplified infinitely. She felt Ming Luochen's gentle kisses, from her lips to her cheeks, from her cheeks to her earlobes. She hugged his neck tightly, and couldn't help but call out in her heart:

【husband?】

It's me.

【husband....】

【Um....】

She confirmed again and again, each response like a reassuring pill settling into her anxious heart, as if soothing her inner unease and sense of infidelity. She slowly accepted this dramatic change—he was no longer the small, chubby boy she needed to bend down and protect. He had grown up, into a tall, strong man she could rely on. Yet, that familiar tenderness, that unique doting affection, remained unchanged.

The night is long.

She grew old enough to melt away all her anxieties with tenderness, and she grew old enough to remember firmly that no matter what he became, he would always be her one and only true love in this life.