Su Lu woke up feeling refreshed and energized. He opened his attribute panel once more and decided it was time to start accumulating experience.

First, he did one hundred sit-ups, then one hundred push-ups, followed by a long run...

After a relentless series of exercises, he collapsed, panting heavily with his tongue out. But to his frustration, his experience points remained stubbornly stuck, not increasing in the slightest.

"Damned golden finger... One-star review!" he muttered in exasperation.

Unfortunately, there was no returning it now. He sighed, patted his stomach, and decided to go eat.

The school had a cafeteria that served a mouthwatering array of dishes: fried chicken wings, pork chops, fruit salads, mashed potatoes, white bread, meat floss cakes, and creamy lobster... Just thinking about it made his mouth water.

Su Lu returned to his dorm, wiped off his sweat, changed clothes, and then checked his pockets. He pulled out a handful of coppers and a few pitiful silver coins, giving a rueful smile.

In the White Eagle Federation, the traditional currency consisted of copper coins, silver eagles, and golden dragons, all minted from metal. Copper was the smallest unit—about one hundred coppers equaled one silver eagle, and ten silver eagles equaled one golden dragon.

In simple terms, copper coins were the smallest, silver eagles were silver coins, and golden dragons were the shiny, coveted gold coins.

It seemed that in every world, humanity’s greed for gold was insatiable.

However, in recent decades, as industrialization progressed, precious metal currency had become increasingly scarce. The Federation had started issuing paper currency, with one silver note exchangeable for a silver eagle coin at any bank. This worked fine in the cities, but in the countryside, people were still reluctant to accept it.

Even Su Lu, a modern-day transmigrator, preferred the solid feel of real gold and silver coins to the lightness of paper money.

"According to Federation standards, a basic sandwich costs three coppers, the minimum daily living expenses are ten coppers, and a month would cost about three hundred coppers—roughly three silver eagles or three silver notes," Su Lu muttered, calculating the expenses.

This put into perspective just how generous the salary at Green Tree Fortress was. It was enough to lift someone straight into the middle class.

Unfortunately, Su Lu had not yet started his job. With barely five silver notes saved up from part-time work, he knew that if he ate lavishly at the cafeteria every day, he'd be starving within a few days.

"In the battle between creamy lobster and hot dogs, I choose hot dogs!" Su Lu decided with a grin as he headed downstairs to grab a quick meal at a nearby hot dog cart.

The area beneath the dormitory was lively and bustling. Everywhere he looked, couples were walking hand-in-hand, making Su Lu, the lone single dog, feel even worse.

‘It seems that becoming a transcendent hasn’t made much of a difference... No! I’m not even a true transcendent yet. All I’ve done is learn a bit of black magic. I haven’t even had a chance to practice it...’

Su Lu paused in front of the hot dog cart.

The sizzling, fragrant black pepper sausage, nestled between soft, sweet bread, topped with fresh vegetables and drizzled with ketchup, completely captured his attention.

What single dogs? What couples? Everyone, get lost. Where’s eating not more important?

He pulled out a coin, ready to speak, but suddenly, his sleeve was tugged.

“Hello, Porter Lee!”

A timid voice came from beside him. Sulu turned and saw a female student. She was wearing a simple dress, with a round face, freckles dotting her cheeks, and large round glasses that nearly obscured half her face. Yet her eyes, clear and sparkling, carried an innocence and charm that was almost cute.

“Hello, Molly! What’s up?”

Sulu recognized her immediately—his classmate, Molly Aipo. His expression remained neutral as he spoke.

Even if it’s a female classmate, it can’t stop me from eating first!

Sulu knew full well that his personality was the main reason he had remained single for so long. But after being a homebody for so many years, it was hard to change.

Molly lowered her head, clearly startled by Sulu’s serious demeanor. She handed him a note and stammered, “This is from Beatrice. She asked me to give it to you. Goodbye!”

With that, she quickly turned and ran away.

'Congratulations, you’ve taken another step toward becoming a golden single dog!'

Sulu kept his usual impassive expression as he bought a hot dog and juice. As he stuffed them into his mouth, he opened the note:

[7:00 PM today, White Tower Café, Box 303. I have something to tell you. Beatrice]

The pink note exuded the faint fragrance of perfume, making Sulu’s heart flutter for a moment. 'Could it be... my single life is finally coming to an end?'

Hmm, it’s very possible.

Though I may not be handsome, Sean is a big mouth, and he must have spread the news that I got the Green Tree Fort Lab offer.

As a research assistant, my salary already surpasses that of many wage earners, and in the future, I’ll definitely be able to enter high society.

Although Beatrice had rejected me before, perhaps she now regrets it and wants to be my girlfriend. This is something I can consider.

Sulu didn’t look down on her change of heart—after all, girls from wealthy families are rare. Most people have to take responsibility for themselves, their families, and their future.

Besides, the Federation’s social atmosphere is liberal. Having a boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t necessarily mean marriage.

‘Hmm, this is definitely worth checking out!’

Sulu glanced at the clock tower, realizing there was still some time. He hurried back to his dorm, pulled out Sean’s formal attire, and started getting dressed.

"White shirt, jacket, trousers, bow tie, woolen hat… hmm, looks good!"

After dressing, he checked himself in the mirror, adjusted his bow tie, and walked out of the university, heading toward the White Tower Café.

The White Tower Café, located near Saint George University, was only a short 10-minute walk away. Famous for its romantic atmosphere, it was a popular spot among couples. The café also offered private rooms with excellent soundproofing… Sulu couldn’t help but admire the person who had personally tested its effectiveness.

Though it was just a regular date, Sulu felt a slight thrill as he walked, his steps quickening. Soon, he arrived at the imposing white building.

“Welcome!”

Upon entering through the revolving glass door, a waiter in a tuxedo immediately approached.

Sulu scanned the surroundings. Soft lighting illuminated the elegant European-style décor. The main hall was arranged with sofas, and the air was filled with the delicate scent of incense and coffee. Soft, soothing music played in the background, creating a pleasant atmosphere.

“Good evening, sir. How many are in your party?”

“Box 303. I have an appointment!” Sulu replied, his face unchanging.

“Please follow me.” The waiter smoothly took Sulu’s coat and led him upstairs to the third floor. They arrived at a small private room, where the waiter hung Sulu’s coat on the rack and said, “The room fee has already been paid. Would you like to order a drink?”

“Thank you, but I’ll wait for my companion before ordering.”

Sulu politely declined and waited for the waiter to leave. After gently closing the door, he took a moment to examine the room.

The large sofa was comfortable, and the purple curtains added a touch of romance. When drawn, they provided perfect privacy.

‘What will Beatrice want to talk to me about? Begging for my forgiveness? Wanting to be my girlfriend… Or maybe… borrowing money?’

The last thought made Sulu’s face tighten in suspicion.

Time ticked by. Finally, at 7:15 PM, the door to the private room opened, and a young woman stepped in.