Chapter 45: Level 2 Auto-Ice Tea—

    [Auto-Baker]

    Level: 1

    Production Rate: 1 Loaf every 2 hours

    Max Stock: 12

    Progress: 50/60

    —

    [Auto-IceTea ]

    Level: 2

    Production Rate: 1 Iced Tea every hour

    Max Stock: 24

    Progress: 4/100

    —

    It increased by THAT much?

    Noah’s eyes widened.

    The auto-iced tea machine had levelled up during today’s sales rush.

    Production rate had quadrupled—from one every four hours to one every hour. The maximum stock had doubled from twelve to twenty-four.

    Twenty-four iced teas daily. That’s... two hundred and sixty-four gold coins if I sell them all.

    In demon territory, where gold coins were common as dirt, that represented serious wealth. And his bread maker was close to levelling up too.

    The system scales with success. More sales, better production, higher profits, more shop points and finally more products to increase my daily revenue, so I can officially become idle.

    He scrolled through the upgrade details.

    Noah leaned back into his couch, overwhelmed by the sheer scope of opportunity. The demon kingdom wasn’t just profitable, it was potentially life-changing wealth.

    But even as excitement built in his chest, Noah couldn’t shake thoughts of Esta. Alissa and Kip were out there somewhere, probably training with Valeria and Princess Elara. Grix had found a new home. His friends had moved on without him.

    They promised to find me. But what if they can’t? What if I stay here so long that they forget?

    Tomorrow would bring new customers, new challenges, and undoubtedly more encounters with a certain succubus who seemed determined to complicate his life.

    Speaking of which...

    Noah’s cheeks reddened as memories of Lola’s teasing returned.

    Ring-Ring

    The shrill sound of his phone jolted him from his dangerous daydreaming.

    Cough!

    Regaining his composure, he cursed under his breath before answering.

    "That damn succubus is going to be the end of me. I have to put an end to her teasing the next time I see her."

    He cleared his throat and picked up the call.

    "Hello, Aunt Mei?"

    "Hello, sweetheart! How have you been? Don’t tell me you’ve been sulking after what happened with that girl?"

    Aunt Mei...why would I be sulking.

    She steamrolled ahead without waiting for a response, which made him sigh with a wry smile.

    "Listen, even though you’re approaching your thirties with no job, it’s fine. I know you will succeed in life. If not with money, then with the purity of your heart that a woman will fall in love with."

    Noah’s mouth twitched.

    I’m not a monk, Aunty...

    "You have such a kind soul, Noah. Any girl would be lucky to have you, even if you can’t afford to take her anywhere fancy."

    Damn it aunty! Why are you constantly stabbing me with your words? You are absolutely ruthless.

    "Thanks, Aunty—"

    "That girl didn’t deserve you anyway! Shallow, materialistic. You need someone who appreciates your inner qualities." sea??h thё ηovelFire.ηet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

    "Speaking of which," Aunt Mei continued, "you haven’t eaten a proper meal in so long, have you? Are you still living on those terrible noodles? I heard from my friends in the group chat that they cause worms inside your stomach!"

    "I’m telling you, Noah, be careful!"

    Of course, it’s always the aunties’ group chat that has the most diabolical news.

    "I’m doing fine with food—"

    "Nonsense! Come over for lunch. I’m making your favourite dumplings."

    "And maybe," her voice turned conspiratorial, "I can introduce you to Mrs. Chen’s niece. She’s visiting from Vancouver."

    "NO! I mean, Aunty, about the dating thing—"

    "She’s very sweet! A nurse, very caring. Perfect for someone with your gentle nature."

    "Plus," Aunt Mei’s voice brightened, "she loves cooking! Imagine—home-cooked meals every day!"

    I already have employees who cook for me.

    "What do you say? One o’clock?"

    He sighed before glancing at the time on his phone.

    "Alright, I’ll come for lunch."

    "Wonderful! See you soon!"

    ...

    Noah stepped out of his apartment building after taking a quick shower, feeling the crisp fabric of clothes he’d bought months ago but never had occasion to wear.

    The dress shirt fit better than he remembered.

    The convenience store’s fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as he selected a premium chocolate box.

    Belgium imported, gold foil wrapper and everything fancy.

    Aunt Mei deserves a good gift. Even if her dating choices aren’t particularly good.

    This time, he waited inside the store until his phone buzzed with the taxi notification.

    No more street-corner encounters with loan sharks—those days were officially behind him.

    The ride passed in comfortable silence, city blocks blurring past as Noah mentally prepared for his aunts interrogation.

    ---

    Thirty minuted passed by.

    "Thank you."

    Noah handed the driver cash and stepped onto the street’s concrete.

    Aunt Mei’s house stood exactly as he remembered—tidy garden, painted fence, the faint aroma of home cooking drifting through windows.

    Knock-knock.

    Inside the Aunt Mei’s house...

    "Ethan! Open the door, your cousin Noah is here!"

    Aunt Mei’s voice carried from the kitchen, accompanied by the sizzle of something delicious.

    Ethan who had been playing his game took one headphone out with an expression of annoyance on his face. The game was his only escape recently and his mom had just made him die with her shouting.

    "WHAT?" He shouted back from his room.

    "I said OPEN THE DOOR!"

    "Alright!" Ethan responded before pulling his headphones away from his head and leaving the room.

    His footsteps thumped down the stairs with obvious reluctance.

    The door swung open to reveal Ethan—sixteen now, all awkward and barely contained frustration.

    Gaming headphones hung around his neck like modern jewelry.

    "What’s up, Ethan." Noah smiled, chocolate box extended like a peace offering.

    "Yo."

    Ethan stepped aside with a look of indifference on his face, but something flickered behind his eyes.

    A thing that hadn’t been there during Noah’s last visit.

    Kid looks... tired. More than normal teenager tired.

    Noah slipped off his shoes, studying his cousin.

    Not my place to pry. Not yet.

    "Noah! Welcome, welcome!"

    Aunt Mei’s head popped around the kitchen doorframe, flour dusting her cheek like war paint.

    Her smile blazed with genuine warmth.

    "Go sit in the living room. Five more minutes and lunch is ready!"

    The house smelled like heaven on earth—garlic, ginger, that indefinable comfort of food made with love.

    Noah settled onto the couch, chocolate box beside him.

    Ethan had already disappeared back upstairs, the soft click of a closing door marking his retreat.

    Noah stared at the stairs for a second before pulling out his phone.

    The kitchen sounds continued—chopping, stirring, and sizzling.

    Noah leaned back into the sofa.