Chapter 391: Feeling Like I Can Do It Again

Although Lian Ye has no partner, it doesn't stop him from acting as a strategist.

"Kid, do you like that Gangshou girl?"

"N-no, that's not true..."

Zilaoye's expression turned frantic, and they quickly shook their head to refuse.

"Tsk, since you don't like her, I won't give you any advice," Lian Ye said, feigning disappointment.

If Zilaoye doesn't like Gangshou, who would believe that if it got out?

In the original work, Zilaoye never managed to end up with Gangshou.

The three met as children at the Ninja School, and after graduation they were assigned to the same squad.

Calling them childhood sweethearts wouldn't be an exaggeration.

Gangshou stubbornly felt nothing for Zilaoye and took Jiatengduan as a boyfriend.

Later Jiatengduan died in battle, and Gangshou developed hemophobia.

When the war ended, she left the Village.

After several decades, Zilaoye finally coaxed Gangshou back to become Hokage.

Just as a hint of romance appeared between them, Zilaoye slipped away like a dragon returning to the sea.

Lian Ye thought of Zilaoye's tragic love history and wanted to step in to help.

Although it's not guaranteed to work, it's at least better than Zilaoye's reckless attempts.

Never eaten pork and never seen a pig run?

Hearing that, Zilaoye instantly couldn't sit still.

"Lian Ye Teacher, could you tell me what the suggestion is?"

Orochimaru looked at his friend with disdain, yet still perked up his ears to listen.

He wanted to see how Lian Ye Teacher would guide Zilaoye in pursuing Gangshou.

Considering that Lian Ye Teacher himself still has no partner.

Orochimaru expressed doubt about Lian Ye's teaching ability.

"If you give unconditionally like that, Gangshou will just take it for granted," Lian Ye chuckled lightly. "A clingy, pestering approach won't work even if you chase her for a hundred years."

Zilaoye choked, unable to retort, and after a pause asked in a muffled voice.

"Lian Ye Teacher, then what do you think we should do?"

He felt his own method had no problem...

Since Gangshou has no money to gamble, he would lend her the cash.

That approach is fine!

Every time Gangshou receives the money, she flashes a happy smile at him.

If Lian Ye knew Zilaoye's inner thoughts, he would definitely lose all strength and means.

Gangshou is subconsciously treating Zilaoye as an ATM!

Over time, she wouldn't even consider a partner at all.

Fortunately, he is unaware.

Lian Ye extended three fingers.

"First, become stronger so she respects you."

"Not just empty words. Actually be able to stand by her side, and even in some aspects make her need your strength."

"Women are naturally drawn to strength; only true strongmen are more likely to be favored."

Zilaoye nodded thoughtfully; Lian Ye Teacher was right!

But he felt he already satisfied that condition.

—In certain aspects, she needs his strength...

Hmm, Gangshou often asks me for money!

One could say, if Gangshou looks for someone to borrow money, the first person she thinks of is definitely Zilaoye.

"Second, don't bother her."

Lian Ye paused briefly, then continued talking at length.

"Your fly‑like pursuit will only make her annoyed."

"Keep distance and do what you should. When she notices you haven't been around for a long time, she'll actually feel a bit unsettled."

Zilaoye's eyes lit up as he nodded in sudden realization.

He recalled that he had been on a mission not long ago.

When Gangshou learned he returned, she rushed to his door, anxiously asking.

Where did he go during that time?

Then he lent all the mission's reward money to Gangshou.

Now that he thinks about it, it does match Lian Ye Teacher's words.

Indeed, some distance needs to be kept.

"Appear occasionally and help her solve some practical troubles," Lian Ye whispered. "Doesn't Gangshou lose money often? The creditors are definitely more than just you."

"When a creditor comes knocking, you suddenly appear to pay for her, then turn and leave without a word."

Zilaoye's eyes lit up; this method is really great!

The hero‑saving‑damsel trope most easily captures a girl's heart.

He'll definitely try it then!

"Third, make her need you," Lian Ye concluded. "Remember, making her need you is more effective than saying 'I like you' ten thousand times."

If Gangshou has no interest in Zilaoye, no matter how much he tries, it will be to no avail.

"Failure is fine, but don't hang yourself on one tree."

Zilaoye froze in place, pondering Lian Ye's words.

Although simple and crude, it seems... more useful than his own wild speculation.

If he follows Lian Ye Teacher's suggestion, the success rate might be a bit higher, right?

"Thank you, Lian Ye Teacher!" Zilaoye stood up and bowed deeply.

He felt as if he was back on track.

Although Lian Ye Teacher is middle‑aged and still single, his techniques for courting girls are quite effective.

Lian Ye gently patted Zilaoye's shoulder and said earnestly, "Zilaoye, don't forget my final words: don't hang yourself on one tree."

Love depends on fate.

If there's no fate, no amount of forcing will work.

Just like himself, never having met someone he likes, he remains single.

This has something to do with Lian Ye staying home day after day, never stepping out.

The main reason is that he has little interest in such matters.

"Hmm, I understand, Lian Ye Teacher!" Zilaoye said excitedly.

Obviously he didn't take Lian Ye's admonition to heart, his mind full of pondering the feasibility of the two previous suggestions.

He seemed to already envision a scene where Gangshou is won over by his charisma and voluntarily joins him.

"Lian Ye Teacher, Orochimaru, I have to leave now," Zilaoye said in a hurry and rushed away.

He originally intended to borrow money from Orochimaru, but now there's no time for that.

"Lian Ye Teacher, are you confident in your own suggestion?" Orochimaru asked, voicing his doubt.

He always feels the teacher's suggestion is somewhat unreliable.

And that Zilaoye fellow will keep causing all sorts of mishaps.

"Who knows?" Lian Ye spread his hands: "It all depends on human effort."

Didn't he just remind Zilaoye at the end?

If he fails, that's fine; just don't hang yourself on one tree.

Not sure if anyone actually listened.

Orochimaru subconsciously glanced at Zilaoye's departing back.

Being the laggard is just being the laggard; he only acts on sheer enthusiasm.

"Orochimaru, the uncle has agreed to your request. He'll let you report to the Laboratory tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Lian Ye Teacher!"

Orochimaru's usually calm face showed a rare, barely concealed excitement.

With Second Generation Great Person personally guiding him, his research skills can advance further.

"You must work hard and strive to surpass the uncle," Lian Ye said with a smile.

In the future, some scientific research will still rely on Orochimaru.

"I understand," Orochimaru nodded seriously.

Lian Ye chatted a few words with Orochimaru, then took his leave.

It was getting late, and he still had to go back to make dinner.

Who knows whether Zilaoye will succeed in winning over Gangshou.

Lian Ye couldn't help but ponder the question in his mind.