episode_0007

“Teacher Luo Tianyou, there’s no need to get this close, is there?”

Lin Yi quickly pushed her away.

“Eh? Haven’t we always been like this before? Why so distant today?”

Luo Tianyou, now pushed aside, pouted unhappily at Lin Yi.

“…Ahem, men and women should maintain some boundaries after all. It’s better to keep a little distance.”

Lin Yi coughed lightly.

The stunning silver-haired beauty before him, who looked like she had stepped straight out of an anime, was the editorial department’s superstar.

By the time Lin Yi joined the editorial department, she was already a powerhouse in the female-oriented genre, consistently ranking in the top three of the monthly bestseller list—a position she had never dropped from since.

Normally, an obscure little author like him would never have crossed paths with such a top-tier writer.

But two or three months ago, he had stumbled upon Luo Tianyou writhing in pain from menstrual cramps in the restroom. After taking her to the hospital and using knowledge from his past life on Earth to alleviate her suffering, the renowned author had taken notice of him.

They quickly grew familiar, and their relationship became increasingly close.

“Hmm? It was fine before, but now it’s not? Did your fiancée at home say something? No need for that—is she really that petty?”

Luo Tianyou grinned, planting her hands on her hips. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. At least let’s have lunch together, okay?”

She smiled brightly.

“Fine.”

Lin Yi nodded, glancing at the time in surprise.

Had it really already hit twelve o’clock?

He had been completely absorbed in his writing earlier, ideas flowing effortlessly without pause. Was this the difference between a third-tier and second-tier author?

What level was Luo Tianyou at, then?

Ace? Platinum? Or even… Legend?

Lin Yi followed behind the silver-haired beauty, his gaze lingering on her lustrous hair.

Her current work was The Elf Maiden’s Forest of Desire.

The general premise was that in the elven race, the women were dissatisfied with their own men’s slender, frail physiques and instead developed a strong interest in the burly bodies of the orcs who shared the forest. However, the orcs had no taste for the elves’ delicate limbs and pale skin—they preferred their women robust.

Thus, most elven women began raiding orc settlements, specifically targeting their males. A single orc male might have to contend with seven elven women, leaving them utterly miserable.

The orc women, in turn, rose up against the elves—if things continued this way, their men would be snatched away entirely!

The protagonist of Luo Tianyou’s story was an outlier among the elves, uninterested in the orcs’ muscular frames. Instead, she favored men around 170 cm tall, with handsome, sun-kissed features, sharp jawlines, preferably two-syllable names, and a play on words in their pronunciation.

As a result, the heroine became an outcast among her people and was exiled. But outside the forest, she encountered orcs embroiled in war—and thus, the story began.

The setup was incredibly engaging; even Lin Yi found himself thoroughly absorbed.

Her works never dropped below the top three in the monthly bestseller rankings, even holding the top spot for extended periods.

Recently, she had finally introduced the male lead, with the heroine falling in love at first sight and embarking on a long romantic journey.

“By the way, Teacher Lin Yi, how about we try that new interactive restaurant? I heard you have to play little games to earn your meal—makes you appreciate the food more.”

Originally headed for the company cafeteria, Luo Tianyou suddenly changed course mid-step, grabbing Lin Yi’s hand and pulling him toward a stylishly decorated restaurant not far from their office building.

“Welcome.”

The male attendant at the entrance smiled politely, but Luo Tianyou didn’t spare him a glance, dragging Lin Yi straight to the front counter.

“What activity would you like to participate in? We currently have treadmills, basketball, swimming, shooting, badminton, and triathlon available.”

The receptionist smiled warmly.

“Hmm, let’s go with the treadmill.”

Luo Tianyou handed over her bank card.

“Basic set is 1,788. Please follow me.”

What the—?! What kind of meal costs 1,788?! Is it made of gold?!

Before Lin Yi could check the menu, Luo Tianyou eagerly yanked him along, leading him down an exquisitely decorated hallway into the main hall.

A sign overhead read Hall No. 1.

The space was surprisingly spacious,

filled with over twenty treadmills, all facing a glass wall where the blazing sunlight converged. Every ventilation outlet was blocked by canvas, leaving the room stiflingly hot and airless.

Running here would be no different from sitting in a sauna.

The rules were displayed in detail on a signboard:

“1. No reckless behavior.

2. Maintain a speed of 16 km/h for 12 minutes on the treadmill. Upon completion, enjoy unlimited access to the restaurant’s premium dishes, including Australian lobster and Japanese Wagyu beef.

3. If unsuccessful, all dishes in Hall No. 1 remain available.”

I see.

Lin Yi glanced at the treadmills, where a dozen participants were already drenched in sweat, the air thick with a pungent mix of odors.

“Come on, Teacher Lin Yi! Finish the challenge and feast like kings!”

The silver-haired girl, still beaming, hopped onto a treadmill and began running effortlessly.

Her light frame danced rhythmically on the machine, her fluttering skirt defying gravity without revealing anything further.

Well, I’m already here.

Lin Yi said nothing more and chose a treadmill.

The machines were preset to the challenge’s speed, launching immediately without a warm-up.

Though he stumbled at first, Lin Yi soon adjusted to the pace.

But the real problem quickly became apparent—

the relentless, rising heat.

Sweat poured from his forehead as the glass wall magnified the sunlight, concentrating scorching rays onto his skin.

His breathing grew labored and dry.

Energy drained rapidly, and his body began to sway.

“Teacher Lin Yi, you’re not holding up so well, huh? Already going soft? Lacking stamina? Need my help?”

Luo Tianyou’s playful voice, laced with amusement, rang out as she continued her effortless stride, barely breaking a sweat.

Despite starting earlier, she showed no signs of fatigue, as if the speed were a casual stroll for her.

Suddenly—

Lin Yi’s phone, hooked to the treadmill handle, buzzed.

It was Yayun calling.

Now of all times?

Gasping, he answered.

“Hey, Yayun, what’s up?”

“…Lin Yi, why do you sound so strange? Are you panting?”

“Ah, I’m running right now.”

“Running?! At a time like this?!”

Luo Tianyou narrowed her eyes, lips curling as she let out a breathy moan: “Mmm~ Ah! Nngh, Lin Yi… slow down… Who’s calling~?”