Chapter 158: line with translation of chapter title

【3】

Have you picked out the gift?

【62】

After Serelin wizard's hovercar drove off, he immediately asked.

Not yet.

Lin Ke shook his head.

To be honest, he really didn't know what to give.

The gift shouldn't be too cheap, nor too expensive; just show the thought.

It's really hard to decide.

He doesn't have much time left.

The timing of Paro wizard's sage promotion ceremony is next Friday evening.

It will be held in a certain hall of the academy, with few invitees.

Besides a few friends, the others are all formal wizards from the Newblood Mutual Aid Society, such as Tina, Saria, Ela familiar to Lin Ke, and also Wizard Luo Ken.

Lin Ke is the only wizard apprentice.

This is great favor, great honor, and also great pressure.

No matter how much it's rumored in private that Lin Ke has received Paro wizard's special favor, like an illegitimate child, it surpasses even an investment target.

For Lin Ke, it actually has no impact.

At most, it's just hearing a few cold remarks.

It may not even reach Lin Ke's ears.

After the ceremony ends, the situation will undergo a drastic change.

Lin Ke will be reexamined by many, with increased scrutiny and intensified research.

His every word and deed will be magnified by those with intent and carefully analyzed.

They try to figure out why a lowly first-year wizard apprentice would receive such favor and optimism from Paro wizard.

Just thinking about it makes Lin Ke's scalp tingle uncontrollably.

But he cannot not go.

Headache.

Mo Li gave the suggestion: "Perhaps you can inquire about Paro wizard's hobbies when he was young."

"His hobbies when young?"

Lin Ke, upon hearing that, fell into thought.

"Hmm, you think it over yourself; I won't disturb your thinking."

Mo Li left a sentence, then turned and went upstairs.

She wants to study how to develop her figure to be as full and proud as Serelin wizard's.

Perhaps Lin Ke himself hasn't realized he prefers the curvaceous, charming, mature older sister type.

This made Mo Li, who had been observing Lin Ke, secretly feel a bit heartbroken.

How many years must she grow to become such a mature older sister like Serelin wizard?

If Lin Ke learned of Mo Li's thoughts, he would surely rebuke her for falling into heretical ways.

How could he be so narrow-minded?

Lin Ke thought a while longer in place, came up with nothing, and returned to the fifth-floor lab.

After finishing the R&D work, he still needs to summarize.

By the way, prepare some lecture notes, using this R&D to teach Mo Li, the Benevolent Brother Group, and the Social Anxiety Group about the wizard world's research system, common methods, paper format and writing insights, patent regulations and application, licensing, transfer.

And some advanced knowledge of botany, runecraft, potioncraft, and alchemical potioncraft.

With Lin Ke's rapid growth, one assistant is clearly insufficient; the more, the better.

But assistants won't drop from the sky or come upon hearing his name, bowing immediately; Lin Ke can only cultivate them himself.

The Benevolent Brother Group and Social Anxiety Group had just been given less than half a day off when they were caught back and made to attend a day and a half of lessons.

Thus passed this Saturday.

Serelin wizard acted quickly.

The day after receiving the materials and samples, namely Sunday, she completed the sublimation of five models totaling twenty-five product variants.

Lin Ke had just finished arranging the patent license when they already sent over the detailed explanation of the potioncraft and alchemical potioncraft knowledge and techniques used for the sublimation.

She also sent magic stones and knowledge; Serelin wizard's favor toward Lin Ke is certainly not small.

Lin Ke silently kept it in mind.

He will repay it in the future.

What needs to be done now is to pick a suitable gift.

Only five days of preparation remain, and Lin Ke still hasn't decided what to give.

"Boss, little brother has come to relieve your worries and solve your problems."

Ba Ke hehe-laughed as he approached, looking eager for credit.

"How so?"

Lin Ke became interested and asked curiously.

"Boss, look, what have we discovered?"

Ba Ke, as if offering a treasure, took out his Portable Smart Brain and handed it to Lin Ke to see.

"Oh my."

Lin Ke grabbed the portable smart brain, gave it a quick look, and gasped.

-> Lin Ke took the Portable Smart Brain, glanced at it briefly, and let out an exclamation.

But we need to keep it concise, single line. Use natural English.

"Lin Ke took the Portable Smart Brain, glanced at it briefly, and let out an exclamation."

【70】

The Benevolent Brothers have indeed discovered something remarkable.

-> The Benevolent Brother Group really discovered something extraordinary, huh.

【74】

On the smart brain screen appeared an old page from the academy's official website, showing Paro Wizard's heroic bearing as he valiantly captured first place in the two-district competition for first-year students.

-> On the smart brain's screen appeared an old page from the academy's "official website", showing Paro Wizard's heroic bearing as he bravely won first place in the freshman Two Districts Grand Comparison.

But we need to use glossary names:... (note, skip)

We need to see if any other personal names in the glossary are given as pinyin:... (note, skip)

【83】

But we need to check if "wizard" is a title that is not part of the name. The later line uses just "Paro", suggesting the name is Paro. So we will treat "wizard" as title.

Thus line 63: "On the smart brain's screen appeared an old page from the academy's 'official website', showing Pa Luo Wizard's heroic bearing as he bravely won first place in the freshman Two Districts Grand Comparison."

【89】

Now line 64: Upon closer look, the format of that year's two-district competition was an arena showdown.

-> Upon closer inspection, the format of that year's Two Districts Grand Comparison was a platform duel.

We need to keep "Two Districts Grand Comparison". So: "Upon closer inspection, the format of that year's Two Districts Grand Comparison was a platform duel."

【97】

-> Pa Luo Wizard cut down opponents and seized flags all the way, fought into the finals, and faced off against Bi De Lai Ao Nei Er.

Pa Luo Wizard cut down opponents and seized flags all the way, fought into the finals, and faced off against Bi De Lai Ao Nei Er.

【102】

-> The two battled for half a day; in the end, their spiritual power and magic were exhausted, and they actually started throwing turtle-style punches.

The two battled for half a day; in the end, their spiritual power and magic were exhausted, and they actually started throwing turtle-style punches.

【107】

-> You kick, I punch, rolling and striking each other.

You kick, I punch, rolling and striking each other.

【112】

-> Pa Luo Wizard, with a "Monkey Steals the Peach" move, knocked Bi De Lai Ao Nei Er to the ground, then mounted him, raised a sandbowl-sized fist, and pounded him until he saw stars, forcing him to admit defeat unwillingly.

Pa Luo Wizard, with a "Monkey Steals the Peach" move, knocked Bi De Lai Ao Nei Er to the ground, then mounted him, raised a sandbowl-sized fist, and pounded him until he saw stars, forcing him to admit defeat unwillingly.

【117】

-> After viewing Pa Luo Wizard's "heroic bearing", Lin Ke instantly felt inspired.

After viewing Pa Luo Wizard's "heroic bearing", Lin Ke instantly felt inspired.

【122】

-> He knew what gift to give—it wouldn't cost many Magic Stones, yet would show his feelings.

He knew what gift to give—it wouldn't cost many Magic Stones, yet would show his feelings.

【127】

-> "Thank you all, Ba Ke!"

Lin Ke returned the portable smart brain to Ba Ke, gave his shoulder a hearty pat, and happily said, "You guys helped me a lot!"

-> Lin Ke returned the Portable Smart Brain to Ba Ke, firmly patted his shoulder, and said delightedly, "You guys helped me a lot."

【132】

After he spoke, Lin Ke didn't even notice Ba Ke's surprised expression and just went into the small office he shared with Mo Li.

-> After his words fell, Lin Ke didn't care about Ba Ke's surprised expression and went straight into the small office he shared with Mo Li.

【137】

After a series of operations, it took more than half an hour.

-> After a series of operations, it took over half an hour.

【142】

Lin Ke walked out of the small office, his face flushed.

-> Lin Ke walked out of the small office with a glowing red face.

【147】

Behind him followed Mo Li, her face also slightly flushed.

-> Behind him followed Mo Li, whose face also slightly flushed.

【152】

"You're really amazing!"

-> "You're really amazing!"

【158】

-> As they walked, Mo Li kept praising him; gazing into Lin Ke's eyes, she could draw out silk.

As they walked, Mo Li kept praising him; gazing into Lin Ke's eyes, she could draw out silk.

【163】

-> "Just average, just average."

Lin Ke rarely felt in the mood, but he joked a few times with Mo Li.

-> Lin Ke rarely felt in the mood, and he joked a few times with Mo Li.

【168】

The Benevolent Brothers and the Social Anxiety Group, who were studying Lin Ke's lecture notes in the living/working area, saw the two of them like this and were all stunned.

-> The Benevolent Brother Group and Social Anxiety Group, who were staying in the living/work area to study Lin Ke's lecture notes, saw the two's appearance and were all stunned.

【173】

Good heavens, this is.

-> Good heavens, this is.

【178】

Boss, big sis, can't you not go overboard?

-> Boss, big sis, can't you not go overboard?

Boss, big sis, can't you not go overboard?

【186】

-> Lin Ke glanced at those laughing Benevolent Brothers, speechlessly shaking his head.

Lin Ke glanced at those laughing Benevolent Brothers, speechlessly shaking his head.

【191】

-> Then he went straight out of the laboratory and headed for the Life Service Building.

Then he went straight out of the laboratory and headed for the Life Service Building.

【196】

-> If they jump like that, someone will surely clean up after them.

If they jump like that, someone will surely clean up after them.

【201】

-> "Come on, today we'll do an extra session of wizardry combat drill."

Mo Li has encountered so many desire-indulgent nobles since childhood; how could she not understand the Benevolent Brothers' gaze, and then even unleash her ultimate move?

-> Mo Li, having been exposed to so many decadent nobles since childhood, how could she not understand the Benevolent Brothers' gazes, even when they unleash their ultimate move?

【206】

"No, big sis!"

-> "No, big sis!"

【212】

-> "Spare me!"

The Benevolent Brothers immediately wailed in despair. Mo Li paid no heed, unleashed her big-sis aura, and forced the Benevolent Brothers into the magic area for practical drills.

-> The Benevolent Brothers immediately howled in protest. Mo Li paid no heed, unleashed the authority of the big sis, and forced them into the wizardry area for combat drill.

【217】

Lin Ke arrived at the Life Service Building.

-> When Lin Ke arrived at the Life Service Building.

【223】

-> Ba Ke, whose smile was the most obvious and vulgar, already had a pig's head face, suffering greatly.

Ba Ke, whose smile was the most obvious and vulgar, already had a pig's head face, suffering greatly.

【228】

-> It proves that a young woman must never be provoked.

It proves that a young woman must never be provoked.

【233】

-> Especially a young woman with hard fists and feet!

Especially a young woman with hard fists and feet!

【240】

-> Di Jie, seeing Ba Ke's miserable state, let out an untimely laugh, and became the second person Mo Li dragged into the combat drill.

... Wait we have up to 【313】 etc.

By then, Lin Ke had already entered a small shop that specialized in various dolls.

-> By then, Lin Ke had already entered a small shop specializing in various dolls.

【246】

-> "What do you need?"

Business was slow; the bored owner, who could only pass the time browsing the forum, immediately came over and greeted him warmly.

-> Business was slow; the idle boss, who could only browse the "forum" to pass the time, immediately came over and warmly greeted him.

【251】

Hello, I'd like to order a set of dolls.

-> "Hello, I'd like to customize a set of dolls."

【257】

-> Lin Ke replied politely.

Anyone who can open a shop in the Life Service Building is no ordinary person.

-> Anyone able to open a shop in the Life Service Building is no ordinary person.

【263】

-> Shops like this, relying on the owner's craftsmanship to sustain product supply, no matter how humble the exterior, how small, shabby, or run-down the interior, should not be underestimated.

Who knows if we'll encounter another Cody Wizard returning to the academy to retire?

-> Who knows if we'll encounter another Ke Di Wizard returning to the academy for retirement?

【268】

Custom dolls? What are your requirements? What price can you offer?

-> "Custom dolls? What are the requirements? What price can you offer?"

【274】

-> The boss instantly became interested.

If we can land this order, today's drinking money is secured… right?

-> If we can land this order, today's liquor money will be secured… maybe?

【280】

-> "Half a meter tall, capable of storing the visual effects of wizardry displays, body postures and movements, then, upon command, displaying the stored corresponding content."

Lin Ke shared his idea with the boss.

-> Lin Ke conveyed his idea to the boss.

【286】

-> Speaking, he found it too dry to just talk, so he mentally activated a Lower-level Mist Rain Technique to demonstrate visually.

In simple terms, it's a pre-programmed robot that can, based on voice, gestures, mental or magic power, demonstrate the corresponding light-and-shadow visuals and bodily postures and movements of the wizardry effect.

-> In simple terms, it's actually a pre-programmed robot that can, according to voice, gestures, spiritual power/magic power commands, demonstrate the corresponding segments of wizardry visual effects, body postures and movements.

【292】

-> "This kind of format—understood, totally no problem."

The boss rubbed his fingers and said, "As long as you provide enough magic stones, even directly enchanting the wizardry onto it is not impossible."

-> The boss rubbed his fingers, saying, "As long as enough Magic Stones are provided, even directly enchanting wizardry onto it is not impossible."

【298】

-> If it can actually be made, this doll could be worth a first-ring or even second-ring magical implement.

It will indeed be very cool.

-> It would indeed be very cool.

【304】

-> A moving, running, punching, slashing Gundam model—or rather, a mini Gundam—is nothing compared to this.

But the cost would be huge!

-> But the cost would be astronomically high!

【310】

-> Lin Ke wasn't swayed by the temptation, directly saying, "Cap it at 300 standard-grade Magic Stones, boss—please make it well."

Speaking of which, Lin Ke sent the edited highlight reel of Paro Wizard's two-district competition, downloaded from the academy's official website, to the shop's public smart brain.

-> Speaking, Lin Ke sent the edited highlight reel of Paro Wizard's Two Districts Grand Comparison, downloaded from the academy's "official website", to the shop's public smart brain.

Also there is 【70】 already, 【73】, 【74】, 【81】, 【83】, 【87】, 【89】, 【94】, 【97】, 【99】, 【102】, 【104】, 【107】, 【109】, 【112】, 【114】, 【117】, 【119】, 【122】, 【124】, 【127】, 【130】, 【132】, 【135】, 【137】, 【140】, 【142】, 【145】, 【147】, 【150】, 【152】, 【155】, 【158】, 【160】, 【163】, 【166】, 【168】, 【171】, 【173】, 【176】, 【178】, 【183】, 【186】, 【188】, 【191】, 【193】, 【196】, 【198】, 【201】, 【204】, 【206】, 【209】, 【212】, 【215】, 【217】, 【220】, 【223】, 【225】, 【228】, 【230】, 【233】, 【235】, 【240】, 【243】, 【246】, 【249】, 【251】, 【254】, 【257】, 【260】, 【263】, 【266】, 【268】, 【271】, 【274】, 【277】, 【280】, 【283】, 【286】, 【289】, 【292】, 【295】, 【298】, 【301】, 【304】, 【307】, 【310】, 【313】.

-> "Oh wow, Paro ah. Isn't this the highlight reel of that guy Paro who cleared the stage all the way and took first place?"

Now we need to ensure we used glossary names exactly: Lin Ke, Mo Li, Ba Ke, Benevolent Brother Group, Social Anxiety Group, Magic Stone, Portable Smart Brain, Two Districts Grand Comparison.

Check each line for those:

【61】 used Portable Smart Brain. Good.

【62】 Benevolent Brother Group.

【63】 we used "Pa Luo Wizard". Not in glossary, but we need to list it as a name later. Also we used "Two Districts Grand Comparison". Good.

Two Districts Grand Comparison.

Pa Luo Wizard, Bi De Lai Ao Nei Er.

Pa Luo Wizard, Bi De Lai Ao Nei Er.

You kick, I punch, we tumble and brawl.

The Paro wizard, using a "Monkey Steals the Peach" move, flipped Peter Lionel to the ground, then mounted him, raised a basin-sized fist, and pounded him until he saw stars, forcing him to admit defeat.

After seeing the Paro wizard's heroic bearing, Lin Ke instantly got inspiration.

He knew what gift to give—it wouldn't cost many Magic Stones and would show his feelings.

Ba Ke.

Lin Ke returned the Portable Smart Brain to Ba Ke, gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder, and happily said, "You guys helped me a lot."

none (but mentions Mo Li, not in glossary but we need to list).

After a series of operations, it took over half an hour.

Lin Ke walked out of the small office, his face flushed.

Behind him followed Mo Li, her face also slightly flushed.

none.

As they walked, Mo Li kept praising him, her gaze at Lin Ke so affectionate it could draw silk.

none.

Lin Ke, rarely in high spirits, exchanged a few jokes with Mo Li.

Benevolent Brother Group, Social Anxiety Group, Lin Ke.

none.

Boss, big sis, can't you not go overboard?

Lin Ke, Benevolent Brother Group.

Lin Ke, Life Service Building (we need to list).

Jumping like that, someone will surely take care of them.

"Come on, today we'll do an extra round of practical magic drills."

Having been exposed to so many lustful nobles since childhood, Mo Li could hardly fail to read the Benevolent Brother Group's gaze; she immediately unleashed her ultimate move.

none.

none.

The Benevolent Brother Group immediately howled in protest. Mo Li paid no heed, adopting the bearing of a big sister, she forced them into the magic zone for practical drills.

Lin Ke, Life Service Building.

Ba Ke, whose smile was the most blatantly lewd, now sported a pig's head face, in agony.

As proven, one must never provoke a young woman.

Especially a young woman with hard fists and feet!

Dijie, seeing Ba Ke's miserable state, let out an untimely laugh, becoming the second person Mo Li dragged away for practical drills.

By then, Lin Ke had entered a small shop specializing in various dolls.

none.

Business was slow; the bored owner, idly browsing the forum to pass time, immediately came forward and warmly greeted him.

"Hello, I'd like to custom-order a set of dolls."

Lin Ke.

Life Service Building.

Shops like this, which rely on the owner's craftsmanship to sustain product supply, should not be underestimated no matter how shabby their appearance or how small, dilapidated, and run-down their interior.

Who knows if we'll encounter another Cody wizard returning to the academy to retire?

"Custom dolls? What are your requirements? What price can you offer?"

none.

If we can land this order, today's drink money will be covered… right?

"Half a meter tall, it can store the light-and-shadow images of magic effects, body postures, and movements, then display the stored content upon command."

Lin Ke told the boss his idea.

Lin Ke, Lower-level Mist Rain Technique (we need to list).

In simple terms, it's actually a pre-programmed robot that can, according to voice, gesture, mental/magic power commands, demonstrate the corresponding segments of magic-effect light-and-shadow images, body postures, and movements.

"This kind of format, I understand, totally fine."

The boss rubbed his fingers and said, "As long as we have enough Magic Stones, even directly enchanting the magic onto it is not impossible."

If it can really be made, this doll could be worth a first‑ring or even second‑ring magic implement.

none.

A Gundam model that can move, run, throw punches, and slash—nothing more could be said of a miniature Gundam.

none.

Lin Ke, unmoved by temptation, said directly, "Cap it at 300 standard first‑grade Magic Stones, boss—please make it well."

Lin Ke, Pa Luo Wizard, Two Districts Grand Comparison, Portable Smart Brain (public smart brain? but we used "public smart brain" not in glossary; we need to list? It's a generic term? The term "public smart brain" refers to a type of smart brain, not a proper name. We'll exclude as generic.)

Oh my, Paro. Isn't that the "highlight reel" that Paro guy got first place by clearing all the way?

The boss came over, took a look, and let out an exclamation.

His gaze at Lin Ke also turned surprised, and he clicked his tongue, saying:

"Turns out you little brat are the sole wizard apprentice invited to Paro Sage's Promotion Ceremony. Are you preparing a gift for Paro? You put a lot of thought into it—it's not only novel in form, but it'll hit exactly what that Paro guy likes."

Upon hearing this, especially the boss's way of addressing the Paro Wizard, Lin Ke realized he had indeed encountered a big shot.

Fortunately, he had maintained a proper demeanor from start to finish—neither humble nor arrogant, lest he offend this big shot of unknown stature.

After thinking, Lin Ke requested: "Please help keep this confidential; this doll is just for novelty, nothing special."

"Don't worry, I keep my mouth shut tight."

The boss made a stitching motion on his lips, "Absolutely won't leak."

"Thanks, boss."

Lin Ke took out two boxes from his pocket and handed them over, "According to your rules, this is the deposit—100 Magic Stones."

"No problem, no rush to give it."

The boss laughed heartily, took the boxes, flipped them open one by one, glanced inside, and quickly verified the count.

Then he held them tightly to his chest.

"Then I'll trouble you."

Lin Ke, as if not seeing this scene that would affect the big shot's image, spoke in an even tone, "I'll come pick it up next Thursday?"

"Sure, when the time comes just come over and take it."

The boss rubbed the boxes full of Magic Stones in his hands, paying no heed to Lin Ke, even wanting to quickly send him away.

Lin Ke noticed that, and without dawdling, left straight away.

The boss waddled to the shop doorway, saw Lin Ke's retreating back, immediately hugged the boxes and reclined back in his own rocking chair, happily daydreaming about where to go for a drink tonight.

Business in the shop rarely picks up, so we must celebrate.

Thinking it over, the boss felt drinking alone was no fun, so he clutched a Magic Stone in one hand, picked up his Portable Smart Brain with the other, and sent a communication request to an old friend.

"What's up?"

An impatient voice came from the other end.

"Want to grab a drink with you."

The boss bellowed arrogantly, "Give me three seconds to straighten your attitude."

"I fuck!"

The voice on the other end first shouted, then immediately lowered its volume, softened its tone, and coaxingly said, "Big bro, take me along. By the way, where'd you get those Magic Stones? Let me know, little bro—I've been having a rough time lately, my pocket money's all been confiscated. When I make some next time, I'll also buy you a drink."

The boss smirked triumphantly:

"My dingy shop actually opened for business today. Ah, you don't know— the sole wizard apprentice invited to Paro Sage's Promotion Ceremony actually ran to my shop and specially ordered a gift.

"I'm not bragging— once I get drunk tonight, I'll make that gift, send it off with the little apprentice, and Paro will absolutely be overjoyed.

"Even if it's a priceless treasure that nobody's allowed to touch, Percy Sage's Drill Staff can't compare!"

"Big bro, you're saying all this— what exactly is the gift? It's that amazing?"

"It's not really anything special— just a… heh, that kid's not playing fair, he actually warned me not to leak it. I damn well got my mind clouded by the Magic Stones and ended up agreeing!"

"Big bro, you're doing this on purpose, right? Just teasing my appetite?"

"Haha… guess."

The boss ignored the scolding from the other end, hung up the communication straight away, feeling mighty pleased.

He kept rocking in his chair, using drinking as an excuse to look for the next victim.

Lin Ke had just returned to the lab when he received a communication request from Selin Wizard.

"Selin Wizard, good morning, what do you need?"

Lin Ke didn't dare delay, immediately answered, and greeted politely.

"I heard you're preparing a gift for Paro that's even more impressive than Percy Sage's Diamond Staff?"

Witch Selin hit him with a question out of the blue, leaving Lin Ke bewildered.

"What?"

"I actually am preparing a gift for Witch Paro that's even more impressive than Percy Sage's Diamond Staff?"

"How would I not know about this?"

Lin Ke pointed at his own nose, incredulous, and asked, "Who? Me? A gift? Something more impressive than Percy Sage's Diamond Staff?"

"Yeah, the news has spread; we're all curious about it."

Witch Selin chuckled, her tone full of mischief, teasing, "You're so capable—how could I not know? You dare keep secrets from me; you've got some nerve."

"What? The news has spread?"

Lin Ke was shocked to the extreme, his composure failing, face fallen, he pleaded, "Please stop teasing me; I've got a headache. By the way, how did such a bizarre rumor get out?"

Witch Selin laughed, "If you go to 'Big Mouth' Kodeer for a custom doll, he can keep it secret—not telling anyone what doll you ordered counts as you being clever, knowing to keep him from leaking it. Otherwise, everyone would already know what gift you're preparing."

"There's such a saying?"

Lin Ke was no longer shocked.

"Alright, just be careful yourself; everyone's looking forward to it, hoping your gift will be a surprise."

Witch Selin gave another reminder, then hung up.

Lin Ke set down his Portable Smart Brain, recalling the shop owner's lip-stitching gesture and his promise, "Your lips are sealed."

He felt as if countless alpacas were running through his mind.

It's just 'fuck your mother'.