Reborn with Consumption System-Chapter 420 - 204: The Goddess’s Cucumber_3

Of course, as she typed her reply, her emotions were no longer so turbulent, and her response was much more normal.

A Lonely Cucumber: "It’s my calamity."

With a sly chuckle, Han Lie thought to himself—so I’m both your calamity and your golden thigh, and this is some kind of angsty, deep love story, huh?

In a flash of inspiration, an outline naturally formed in his mind:

"In the end, the mysterious master from the internet arrives at the crucial moment, revealing his true form—it’s actually her idol! Little Xi’s eyes widen, her mind thrown into chaos. She feels dizzy and her body goes limp, slumping to the ground..."

The rest can’t be written; it’s paid content. Everyone can use their imagination.

Han Lie was curious. What would Xi Luting’s reaction be if he only gave her the final part of the outline and rough draft when the novel was nearing its end? Would she go mad? Damn, that’s just too interesting!

So, the scoundrel enthusiastically began to egg her on.

Ham Exchanging Cucumber: "Let’s plan the urban novel as the one after next. You work on the character designs, and I’ll help you with the outline!"

A Lonely Cucumber: "(Starry-eyed) Master! You’re the best!"

That goes without saying! Who else have I ever put this much thought into?

Han Lie accepted the praise calmly and then steered the conversation back on track. "Alright then, the next book will be historical. Xianxia or alternative history?"

A Lonely Cucumber: "Xianxia, I think. I’m quite weak in political intrigue and court drama, so Xianxia makes it easier for my imagination to run wild."

Ham Exchanging Cucumber: "Then you draft the initial outline, and I’ll revise it. How about that?"

A Lonely Cucumber: "Ah? I’ve never done that before..."

Ham Exchanging Cucumber: "It’ll be good practice! I’ll be backing you up."

A Lonely Cucumber: "Okay then..."

A Lonely Cucumber: "Oh, right! Are we really going to use my account and pen name for the next book?"

Ham Exchanging Cucumber: "We can continue using mine, but I can only share at most half of the royalties and other earnings with you. Can you accept that?"

A Lonely Cucumber: "Sure! Without you, Master, I’m a nobody!"

Heh, Little Cucumber has a good head on her shoulders...

Han Lie didn’t think Xi Luting had developed feelings for or dependence on "Brother Ham" from the internet. She hadn’t revealed any personal information so far, and their chats were purely professional. Clearly, her entire heart was set on that scoundrel Han Lie.

One could only say that she was indeed smart and knew her place, maintaining great respect for Brother Ham, the "tool."

Remaining grounded and not arrogant is also an essential quality for success.

Honestly, why bother starting a new account to write independently when she could just comfortably hug Brother Ham’s golden thigh? When she’s truly capable of dominating the market on her own, she can leave Ham anytime, taking at least half the fame and accolades with her to plant her own flag. When the time comes, she could post a photo, tell a story, and generate buzz for herself in minutes. Isn’t that tempting?

Because Han Lie had to pretend not to know her, he didn’t bring up promotion and hype, waiting for her to ask.

But Xi Luting was incredibly composed, not mentioning a word about it.

After a few more exchanges, she went offline to work on the outline.

Well, Han Lie thoroughly understood now. Xi Luting was still wary of Brother Ham and wasn’t planning to share her "beauty bonus" with him.

That was understandable.

Her collaboration with Ham was fairly equal. She took one-third of the royalties because she indeed put a lot of effort into polishing the rough drafts; some Chapters were practically complete rewrites.

In terms of typing volume, mental energy spent, and effort in engaging with readers, she did more than Brother Ham in every aspect.

But the key to earning money always lay in Brother Ham’s core creativity. Therefore, her taking the smaller share wasn’t exploitation; it was fair.

Since it was a fair partnership, her hiding her beauty bonus and planning to enjoy it alone in the future couldn’t be called immoral.

It’s a matter of keeping things separate!

Han Lie felt a bit wistful but also happy. Xi Luting hadn’t changed; she still had that cold, clear-headed personality, never soft-hearted about using anyone as a tool—use them if they’re beneficial, discard them if not. So, she really did treat Han Lie differently. Thinking about it was oddly satisfying...

Alright, since you’re being so good, I’ll definitely work hard to promote you as a goddess. But the social death ending can’t be changed. Bro has been looking forward to that scene for way too damn long...

MUAHAHAHA!

The scoundrel cackled mischievously, changed into his sportswear, and headed happily to the gym.

When he exited the school gate, Liang Xiaowu had already been waiting across the street for a while—still in her little Benz, not the company’s S63.

"If you’re early next time, you can give me a heads-up."

As Han Lie said this casually, Liang Wu immediately stated, "All my time is dedicated to serving you. Waiting for you is also a testament to my value."

Nice!

Brother Lie was in an excellent mood and proactively sat in her passenger seat.

"Let’s go. Whatever you want to learn, put it on my tab."

"Okay, thank you, Boss!"

Such good flattery, and so obedient—Han Lie wouldn’t mind a dozen more top-tier assistants like her.

A shame, they’re too rare...

The drive to the gym was quiet. When they got out of the car, Liang Wu bumped right into Pan Ge.

The moment their eyes met, both were momentarily stunned.

Then, simultaneously, they both smiled.

Liang Wu bowed slightly. "Hello, Miss Pan."

Pan Ge, graceful and elegant, replied, "Senior Liang, thank you for your hard work."

Then Pan Ge took the initiative to chat casually with Liang Wu, her demeanor calm and ordinary.

Han Lie watched this scene thoughtfully, just about to cast an invisibility spell on himself, when his phone suddenly rang.

It was a call from Chen Yanfei.

Han Lie deliberately hung back before answering.

"Tough Guy, free tomorrow? Let’s hang out!"

What’s tomorrow?

Pan Ge, as if sensing something, suddenly stopped in the middle of the lobby, turned her head, and gave Han Lie a radiant smile.

"Darling, isn’t it your high school goddess’s birthday the day after tomorrow? Let’s go shopping tomorrow and get her a gift, okay?"

Her voice was just loud enough that Han Lie wasn’t sure if Chen Yanfei, on the other end of the phone, had heard it.

But cold sweat instantly beaded his forehead...