Traveling through the second dimension, the joy system encourages me to laugh heartily!

He then got into the driver's seat, and as he turned to help Qing Zijing fasten her seatbelt, his body naturally leaned closer to her. A fresh and captivating scent instantly filled his nostrils—it wasn't just the fragrance of shampoo, but also the clean, natural scent of a young girl, along with the unique notes of her perfume, subtle yet subtly sweet. In short, it smelled wonderful!

Their bodies were pressed very close together in the cramped space. Chen Ming's arm reached around the girl to pull the seatbelt, a gesture that was almost like another embrace. He could clearly feel the girl in his arms stiffen slightly, her fair face flushing red, and her long eyelashes trembling slightly.

The girl had never had such intimate contact with a man in such a private space before, and her shyness and unease were hard to hide.

Although Qing Zijin's heart was pounding and she was a little nervous, she still tried her best to cooperate, slightly adjusting her posture to make his movements easier, while whispering, "Thank... thank you, senior..."

"You are welcome."

Chen Ming found her slightly flushed cheeks particularly amusing. He deftly fastened his seatbelt, returned to his seat, and smiled gently. The engine let out a deep roar, and the Porsche 911 Turbo S smoothly merged into the traffic, disappearing into the distance.

Only after the dazzling sports car disappeared around the street corner did the male college students who had been silently watching Qing Zijin start discussing it like a boiling pot:

"Holy crap! What's going on? Isn't that Qing Zijin, who's seventh on the school beauty list? Hasn't she always been single? How come she's getting into a man's car?"

"My God! My goddess! No way... Is she doing that kind of thing too...? I don't believe it! No way!!" A boy covered his face, looking like the sky had fallen.

"Pshaw! What's so surprising?" another guy said with a hint of sourness and worldliness. "As long as the other person drives an expensive car and offers a high price, what's so strange about getting into a man's car? I bet they're on their way to a hotel right now..."

"It doesn't seem like it," a more rational voice rang out. "Didn't you hear her call him 'senior' just now? And she hugged him as soon as they met. They're obviously acquaintances. Maybe he's a senior from our Hedgehog Cat Media Academy?"

"'Senior'?" The boy who had previously brought up the "hotel room theory" scoffed, with a hint of world-weary sarcasm. "As long as the money's right, you can call anyone 'godfather,' let alone 'senior'! These days, what does a title matter?"

……

Chen Ming drove away from Hedgehog Cat Media Academy and came to a steady stop in a parking lot next to a travel agency about ten minutes later.

After getting off the bus, he habitually took the girl's fair hand in his own.

When Qing Zijin was led by him, her arm stiffened noticeably again, as if a faint electric current had passed through it.

But this time, she reacted even faster. Almost the next second after she froze, she relaxed and even took the initiative to gently and tentatively insert her fingers between Chen Ming's fingers, turning it into an intimate gesture of interlocking fingers!

This subtle gesture instantly brought the two closer together, making them appear incredibly intimate.

Chen Ming felt the soft touch from her palm and the strength of the girl's proactive response, and the smile on his lips deepened slightly.

He had to admit that the feeling of holding this junior's hand... was really nice. Delicate, soft, and with the elasticity of youth.

He took her hand, and the two walked towards the bright glass doors of the travel agency like a real couple.

Passersby would always take a second look at the couple holding hands, all because of Qing Zijin's outstanding appearance and slender figure, like a moving landscape. It was normal for Chen Ming to attract some envious glances.

Once inside the travel agency, the process was efficient and smooth.

With the guidance of the staff, the two quickly completed the photo taking, ID card photocopying, and form filling. When Qing Zijing handed her passport to the staff for expedited visa processing, Chen Ming also took out his passport.

A little anecdote about why they had passports:

Qing Zijin loves to travel. She enthusiastically got her passport during her first summer vacation in college. Unfortunately, her wallet limited her travel options, and the beautiful scenery she longed for remained only in her collection of travel guide videos.

Chen Ming's passport, on the other hand, carries an "unfinished plan".

Before awakening the Pleasure System, he was just an ordinary security guard earning a meager salary, with little savings and no plans to travel abroad.

However, by chance, he came across a video series called "Open Your Eyes to the World" online. The host went deep into Russia, Pakistan, Vietnam and other places to record the local customs and culture, especially his real experiences related to transnational marriage and love.

The exotic scenes and the host's slightly teasing yet sincere narration gave rise to a bold idea in Chen Ming's heart, who was somewhat confused about the future at the time: Maybe, going out to see the world could really lead to a different way out.

With this vague impulse and a glimmer of hope for the future (or perhaps a "take a gamble" mentality), he quietly went to apply for a passport.

Without the awakening system, in a few years, when he has saved up a little money, he might really embark on that unfamiliar path of "seeking destiny".

Of course, there's no need for that now, because he has long since transcended the realm of "opening his eyes to see the world" and become the person he once admired the most, even able to open his eyes to see another world!

……

With the visa procedures all completed, Qing Zijin stepped out of the travel agency, her mood noticeably more cheerful, and her steps even lighter.

The girl instinctively wanted to continue holding Chen Ming's hand, but found that he seemed to have forgotten about it and was walking forward at a steady pace on his own.

Qing Zijin felt a slight urgency in her heart, but pretended to be nonchalant on the surface. Her small hand casually and gently touched Chen Ming's large hand hanging at his side.

As he felt the touch, Chen Ming chuckled inwardly; he had, of course, noticed the little movement. But he was determined to tease him, so he remained expressionless, staring straight ahead and continuing to walk, as if he truly hadn't noticed anything.

No response after one touch?

Qing Zijin was a little skeptical, so she deliberately rubbed the back of Chen Ming's hand with the back of her hand.

Still no response? Let me try again!

After several "accidental" touches went unnoticed, Qing Zijin suddenly realized: the man wasn't unaware at all; he was clearly teasing her on purpose!

I'm so angry!

A surge of embarrassment and dissatisfaction instantly welled up in my heart.

Just as she puffed out her cheeks, deciding to give up, a warm and strong hand reached out precisely and grasped her slightly cool little hand tightly without saying a word.

The familiar warmth and pressure instantly dispelled Qing Zijin's slight dissatisfaction, and the corners of her mouth involuntarily curved upwards, forming a sweet arc. Their fingers intertwined naturally once again.

After walking hand in hand for a while, Qing Zijin turned to Chen Ming and asked curiously, "Senior, now that the visa is done, where are we going?"

Chen Ming's gaze swept across the street, where a magnificent large shopping mall stood—the Jintai Shopping Mall. He casually remarked, "It's still early. There's a Jintai Shopping Mall over there, shall we go check it out?"

Qing Zijin was taken aback upon hearing this, and then she thought of the man's generosity. She had personally witnessed Liu Rushuang and Su Mengdie carrying luxury goods back to their dormitory.

Those meticulously packaged bags, those gleaming brand logos... it would be a lie to say I'm not envious at all.

She works so hard every day to livestream, and she painstakingly switched from being a beauty influencer to a travel influencer, all just to earn more money so that she can live a better life.

Upon hearing Chen Ming suggest going to the mall, she could almost immediately guess his intention—he probably wanted to treat Liu Rushuang and the others generously by buying her clothes, bags, and shoes! A huge sense of surprise and anticipation instantly filled her heart.

[Ding! Qing Zijin's favorability +5, current favorability 55!]

But Qing Zijin took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing her excitement, trying her best to maintain a reserved and sensible expression, and speaking softly:

"Ah, shopping... Senior, how about we skip it today? We can go shopping during our trip, okay?"

That's how girls are; they like to ask ordinary guys for houses and cars, but in front of real tycoons, they tend to show the image of a virtuous, family-oriented, and considerate "good girl."

"Huh??" Upon hearing this, Chen Ming paused slightly and turned to look at Qing Zijin beside him with some surprise.

He clearly heard the system notification in his mind that her favorability rating was increasing—a clear indication of her inner desire and joy at shopping. So why was she refusing verbally?

So he asked curiously, "Are there any restrictions? We can shop at Jintai Shopping Mall today, and then shop there again during our trip, right? It won't conflict with anything..."

Hearing how good Chen Ming was to her, Qing Zijing felt a sweet warmth in her heart, as if she had been filled with honey. Her man was truly generous and genuinely willing to put in the effort for her.

But she still tried her best to maintain that virtuous and obedient appearance, gently shaking their clasped hands, and with a hint of coquettishness, cleverly changed the subject: "Oh dear! Senior—I'm a little hungry now! Come on, come on, let's go get something to eat, okay? Let's go get something to eat first!"

After saying that, without waiting for Chen Ming's response, she grabbed his arm and walked briskly in the opposite direction of the mall.

Chen Ming wasn't actually hungry, but glancing at the time, it was indeed lunchtime. Besides, since his woman was hungry, how could he let her go hungry?

So he nodded and smiled, saying, "Alright, alright, let's go eat, okay? Junior! Stop pulling me, walk carefully, be careful not to fall..."

"Hehehe!! I'm going to be cool, I'm going to be cool..."

Upon hearing this, Qing Zijin became even more excited, like a child who had successfully pulled off a prank, her eyes crinkling with laughter.

Chen Ming looked at her lively and mischievous appearance, which was completely different from her usual aloof school beauty image, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.

However, this unexpected cuteness felt quite nice, and Chen Ming smiled knowingly, saying:

"What would you like to eat?"

Qing Zijin stopped and tilted her head, deep in thought. Her gaze swept over the numerous restaurant signs lining both sides of the street, finally settling on a familiar name.

"Hmm... let's go eat at 'Grandma's Home'!"

She chose a chain restaurant with a good reputation, affordable prices, and one that ordinary students could easily afford, subtly reinforcing her image as a virtuous and capable woman once again.

"Okay, let's eat at Grandma's House then!" Chen Ming nodded in agreement.

The two walked hand in hand for a few minutes and then arrived at their destination.

After taking their seats, Qing Zijin enthusiastically ordered several signature dishes. Although Chen Ming wasn't hungry, seeing the girl's expectant look, he joined in the eating. After all, with his current physique, he wouldn't feel full no matter how much he ate!

His physical weakness is relative to his magic. If we only compare physical constitution, he has already surpassed the Grand Master of the Knights Order in World 1—and that's his normal state. If he activates his battle aura to protect himself and further strengthens his body with magic, he will be even more powerful.

……

While Chen Ming and Qing Zijin were enjoying lunch, hundreds of kilometers away...

Zhang Wanzhen returned to Hongdu, the capital of Jiangxi Province...

Although for Chen Ming, three whole years had passed since they last parted ways in World 1 and World 2.

However, in the main timeline, only two days had passed since Zhang Wanzhen and Chen Ming parted ways.

In fact, after receiving an advance of a huge sum of "pocket money" (enough for a whole year) from Chen Ming, which was enough to change her family's predicament, Zhang Wanzhen was eager to return home and couldn't wait to fly back to her hometown to completely unload the huge debt that had been weighing on her parents' hearts for many years.

However, the intensity of her first experience with this person far exceeded her expectations!

Chen Ming recharged her too quickly, even though he had silently cast a gentle healing spell on her, relieving all her physical discomfort.

But the psychological suggestion that came from that first experience and was imprinted deep in her mind always made her feel a sense of awkwardness and strangeness in her steps.

To avoid any possible embarrassment or explanation, Zhang Wanzhen suppressed her urge to go home immediately and chose to stay at her cousin's house for two more days to avoid arousing her parents' suspicion.

She carefully observed her condition until she was sure that her walking posture had completely returned to normal, and then, with mixed feelings of anticipation, she embarked on her journey back to her hometown.

Standing at her doorstep, she took a deep breath, checked the reassuring numbers in her bank account on her phone, her eyes filled with hope for the future and an indescribable gratitude and attachment to Chen Ming…

PS: Thank you "Star Spirit Executive" for the 17 spicy snacks!

Thank you to "亦无心亦无命" for the 6 spicy snacks!

Chapter 216: A Minor Abrasion

Inside a somewhat dilapidated residential area in Hongdu City, a suffocating atmosphere of oppression permeated the air as a heated argument took place.

Zhang Wanzhen's mother, Zhang Xuanni, even with her brows furrowed in anger, could not hide her beautiful face, fair skin, and graceful figure; time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her!

But those beautiful eyes were now filled with disappointment, grievance, and long-accumulated weariness.

She stood in front of the sofa, her gaze piercingly fixed on the man curled up there—her husband, Zhang Wanzhen's father, Zhang Wenbin.

“Zhang Wenbin! Listen to me clearly! The debts in this family weren't incurred by me alone! Your poverty wasn't caused by me either! But the hardships and struggles I've endured over the years are truly because of you! Because of this family!”

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her turbulent emotions, but the words poured out like a burst dam: "Who do you marry without a car, a house, and money? Who do you marry without going out to work and earn money? Who do you have a child with, and aren't you responsible for raising her to adulthood? Don't keep saying it's all for me, for this family! I've heard enough of that, I'm tired of it!"

“Yes, I admit it,” Zhang Xuanni’s voice carried a hint of self-mockery. “I admit I was young back then, poisoned by consumerism, and bought a lot of useless things. But what about you? Didn’t you enjoy yourself? You smoked and drank, which cost money, didn’t you? Did you ever hesitate when you saw the new game consoles and computer parts? When you were spending money recklessly, why didn’t you talk to me about responsibility? Now that you’re in debt, you have the nerve to blame me?”

Her eyes were slightly red, and her voice trembled with a barely perceptible sob: "Do you know how I've endured these past eighteen years? During the day, I had to go out to work just like you, having to put up with people's attitudes and earn that meager salary. After work, I was exhausted, like a dog, and still had to take care of the child! Laundry, cooking, cleaning, helping with homework... From childhood to adulthood, how many times have you ever cared for Zhenzhen? Is this the life I wanted?!"

"But have I ever complained?" Zhang Xuanni's voice was filled with endless exhaustion. "No! Because I chose this path myself! Back then, I saw you were tall and handsome, a real catch, and thought you were a promising prospect. I foolishly believed the promises you made. I've been eating those promises for eighteen years, one after another, big, round, and empty! Now I can't eat anymore, and I can't swallow any more!"

Her gaze swept over her husband like a knife: "As a father, you neglect your daughter. I raised her from her first steps to her current graceful figure! As a husband, you are lazy and good-for-nothing, spending all your time playing video games in your room. How much care have you given to this family? How much responsibility have you shouldered? You are not fit to be a father, much less a husband!"

"Now that the debt is unbearable, the debt collectors are calling my phone non-stop every day, and all you do is sit here and complain about me? Why didn't you complain when we were spending money and enjoying ourselves a few years ago?"

……

Zhang Wenbin, lying on the sofa, was overwhelmed by his wife's barrage of accusations. His face flushed red, and he tried several times to retort, but couldn't find any compelling words. A surge of suppressed anger choked him, eventually turning into a deeper silence.

He scratched his hair in frustration and then turned his head to one side.

Seeing her incompetent husband adopting this passive "what's the worst that can happen?" attitude, the wife's disappointment deepened, and her last glimmer of hope was completely extinguished!

She sighed heavily, her voice filled with the cold reality: "Fine, I won't bring up the past. But what about now? How exactly do you plan to resolve these debts? I get terrified whenever my phone rings or I see an unknown number, fearing I'll be sold to Myanmar... I can't live like this for another day!"

Zhang Wenbin finally moved his lips, and mumbled out, "...Don't worry about these debts, I'll handle them myself..."

"You know how to handle this?!" Zhang Xuanni was even angrier upon hearing this. "It's always the same thing! Now the car is mortgaged, and the house is about to be auctioned off! Is this what you call 'knowing how to handle this'? Are you planning to make us, mother and daughter, wander the world with you to escape your debts?!"

Sharp questions echoed in the small living room. It was during this suffocating stalemate that...

"Click".

The clear sound of a key turning the lock suddenly rang out.

The two people arguing were suddenly startled and turned to look at the door in surprise.

As the door opened, Zhang Wanzhen stood quietly at the entrance, carrying a simple backpack. Her delicate face showed no joy at returning home, only an undisguised sadness and worry; she had clearly overheard much outside.

The air in the living room froze instantly.

Zhang Xuanni's angry expression froze instantly, then turned into panic and heartache.

Almost instinctively, she quickly suppressed all her negative emotions, strode forward, her voice trembling slightly, and forced a smile:

"Honey? You... why did you suddenly come back? You didn't even tell me beforehand..."