"Xiao Wu, is Shrek Academy interesting?"
Ning Rongrong linked arms with Xiao Wu and began slipping in her ideology wherever she could.
"Your academy is really interesting. Everyone's hair is as colorful as a palette, but those people keep looking at us like perverts! It's disgusting."
"You think Zhu Qing is impressive, right? She beat that blond guy until he couldn't fight back. That's all thanks to our Master... ah, no, his excellent guidance!"
She nearly let it slip and hurriedly corrected herself. "Our Master is not only handsome, but also incredibly strong. In his eyes, there isn't a single person who can put up a fight!"
"Rong Rong, I have my own unspeakable troubles too." Xiao Wu's eyes dimmed, and she lowered her head sadly.
Zhu Zhuqing, standing nearby, added at just the right moment, "Master is a kind-hearted person."
She suddenly remembered how, at the beginning, she had completely misunderstood Ye Feiyang's actions and silently criticized him.
But now, she sincerely believed that their Master, who was a little greedy for money, a little shameless, yet spared no effort in giving them the very best, was a kind-hearted person.
"Ah, let's not talk about that!"
Ning Rongrong changed the subject at once, energetically pulling the other two along. "While we're free, let's go shopping! Take whatever you like. This young lady will pay!"
"Oh, right, Zhu Qing, do you know Master's measurements? I want to prepare a few sets of..."
Zhu Zhuqing seemed to fall into thought before replying, "I'm not sure about the specifics. I only know Master once said he was eighteen centimeters."
Ning Rongrong: ???
Xiao Wu: ???
Ning Rongrong's little face flushed. She quickly changed the subject, lifting her wrist and shaking the Sword Leaf Bracelet on it. "Ahahaha, Xiao Wu, look. Isn't this bracelet pretty?"
Xiao Wu said, "Ah, it's really pretty!"
"It's Master's gift for becoming his disciple! There's a hundred cubic meters of storage space inside! Every Personal Disciple gets one as standard! Right, Senior Sister Zhu Qing?"
Zhu Zhuqing truly admired Ning Rongrong's silver tongue. She could talk nonstop without pausing for even a moment.
Still, she cooperatively nodded and elegantly raised her wrist, revealing the matching bracelet on her hand.
Things given by Master were meant to be displayed and admired.
Xiao Wu stared at the magical and valuable storage bracelet, her eyes full of envy.
She wanted one too!
Before this, all their luggage had been stored in Tang San's belt, which was terribly inconvenient...
She had never thought much of it before. After all, they had shared a bed for years. Though nothing had happened between them, they were still far more intimate than ordinary people.
But after Ning Rongrong's barrage about how girls needed independence, private space, and a sense of boundaries, Xiao Wu suddenly felt that she had done quite a few foolish things in the past.
Though it had mostly been because she had been young and ignorant, poor, and forced by circumstances.
But now that she had grown up, she truly should not continue being so lacking in boundaries.
Ever since she had seen Ye Feiyang's calm yet slightly roguish air...
Xiao Wu had begun reconsidering her feelings for Tang San.
Now, she was more inclined to see Tang San only as an older brother. She could no longer bring herself to think of developing their relationship into something romantic.
By the time noon approached, the three of them were carrying large and small bags in their hands.
Don't ask why they were carrying them by hand. It simply felt more like shopping that way.
Ning Rongrong truly deserved to be called the little princess of her sect. Her financial resources were immense. Whenever she saw something she liked, she simply bought it.
She bought things not only for Xiao Wu and Zhu Zhuqing, but also plenty of daily necessities for their little courtyard.
When Xiao Wu saw the premium sanitary pads that would last an entire year, along with more than ten sets of beautiful, exquisite new dresses, stockings, shoes, and all sorts of little accessories she had only ever dared to look at before, her eyes turned red with emotion.
Though Zhu Zhuqing had never lacked spending money as a noble young lady, this was still her first time experiencing such extravagant shopping, buying whatever she liked without hesitation.
This time, Ning Rongrong chose many dresses of different styles for her, clearly intending to help her change up her wardrobe.
She did not refuse. If Master liked it, then perhaps changing a little was not unacceptable.
Still, spending someone else's money always made her feel somewhat embarrassed.
She decided that she would simply take better care of this junior sister in the future.
She had to admit that there was still a difference in spending levels between a wealthy little princess of a sect and an ordinary noble.
This was probably the difference between the script of a beloved group favorite and the script of an underdog's rise.
Zhu Zhuqing silently thought this as she watched the excited Ning Rongrong and touched Xiao Wu.
After buying almost everything they needed, the three carried their bags and prepared to head back.
"Xiao Wu, you must be hungry too, right?"
Ning Rongrong affectionately linked arms with her. "Come eat lunch at our academy! Our Master's cooking is incredibly refined. I guarantee you'll never forget it after tasting it once!"
Xiao Wu showed a hint of hesitation and discomfort. "I-I'd better not, right? I'm afraid... afraid people will misunderstand..."
Hearing this, Ning Rongrong gave a soft laugh and deliberately teased, "Misunderstand? Are you afraid that your Third Brother will misunderstand?"
"N-No! Don't talk nonsense!"
Xiao Wu hurriedly denied it. "Third Brother and I are siblings! We don't have that kind of relationship!"
"Then what are you afraid of?"
Ning Rongrong struck while the iron was hot, continuing her great brainwashing campaign. "Come back with us! If he really only sees you as his little sister, he won't restrict your freedom. But if he wants to control you and interfere with everything you do, that only proves he has other thoughts in his heart!"
She shook her head, looking like someone with great experience. "Oh, Xiao Wu, you need to be more careful!"
Ning Rongrong secretly snickered, extremely satisfied with her progress in winning Xiao Wu over.
If Ye Feiyang heard those words, he would probably give her a thumbs-up too—this disciple had astonishing comprehension!
She even happily thought to herself, If I successfully complete Master's mission of luring Xiao Wu over, it wouldn't be too much to ask for a kiss as a reward, right?
No, no, that's progressing too fast. Then touching Master's dog waist should be fine, right?
I'm so capable. Master will definitely like me even more!
When the three girls brought Xiao Wu to the little courtyard of Supreme Academy amid laughter and chatter, Ye Feiyang was indeed a little surprised.
These two disciples had some serious execution ability!
They had refused to help with their words, yet acted with such decisiveness. They had lured her back so quickly?
"Master! Master!"
The moment Ning Rongrong entered, she began chirping as she claimed credit. "Xiao Wu is having lunch with us! Hurry up and cook, and remember to make more! We didn't eat anything in the city today. We left our stomachs empty just waiting for your food!"
Watching Ning Rongrong instantly turn the once-quiet little courtyard lively, Ye Feiyang's mood could not help but brighten as well.
"Alright! Then your Master will show off his cooking skills again!" he agreed readily, tying on an apron and heading toward the kitchen.
Zhu Zhuqing immediately followed in silence. She wanted to help out, and she also wanted to secretly learn a little of Master's cooking.
Naturally, Ning Rongrong would not miss such a wonderful opportunity to get close to Master.
Ning Rongrong did everything she could in the kitchen.
With a nimble turn, she went, "Oops!" and accidentally bumped into Ye Feiyang.
Then, in a fluster, she went, "Oops!" and accidentally knocked over a bowl of water beside her, splashing water right onto Ye Feiyang's front.
"Sorry, Master! Let me wipe it for you!"
She immediately pulled out a handkerchief and took the chance to reach toward Ye Feiyang's abdomen.
Abs! Here I come!
She had rehearsed this smooth sequence of staged accidents and groping in her mind for an entire night!
Left behind on her own, Xiao Wu watched the kitchen instantly become crowded and lively, its chaotic yet strangely harmonious scene making a strong urge to join in rise within her heart.
"Maybe... maybe I should go see if there's anything I can help with?"
She muttered quietly, but her feet unconsciously carried her over. Leaning against the kitchen doorway, she felt a little envious, yet also felt like there was nowhere for her to step in.
Ning Rongrong tried several times to accidentally spill water on Ye Feiyang, but he seemed to have eyes on the back of his head, always avoiding it with effortless precision.
Ning Rongrong stamped her feet in frustration as her plans repeatedly failed.
After being bumped into once, Ye Feiyang had completely seen through this little girl's schemes.
With his movement technique, she wanted to touch him?
Unless he was willing, she would not even be able to brush the corner of his clothes.
Zhu Zhuqing was still the most honest one. While silently chopping vegetables, she coldly watched Ning Rongrong's various antics.
She said nothing, merely swung the kitchen knife with loud thuds. The sound of chopping vegetables suddenly grew several times louder, expressing her dissatisfaction as she clenched her teeth tightly.
It was not as though she had never considered imitating her.
But in the end, she gave up.
There was no helping it. Her skin simply was not thick enough to match Ning Rongrong's!
Amid the chaos and flashing blades, four dishes and a soup were finally successfully served.
The chaos came from Ning Rongrong, while the flashing blades came from Zhu Zhuqing.
A rich fragrance instantly filled the air. Xiao Wu could not help swallowing, her appetite already fully awakened by the smell alone.
Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong had long experienced Master's cooking. They had already served themselves rice and sat ready for battle, waiting only to begin.
"Xiao Wu, what are you spacing out for?"
With rice in her mouth, Ning Rongrong called out indistinctly, "Go serve yourself some rice! What, aren't you hungry?"
Xiao Wu was momentarily speechless.
How could she not be hungry? She was simply embarrassed! She was not made of iron!
Ye Feiyang noticed Xiao Wu's awkwardness. To successfully win over this cabbage, he acted exceptionally considerate and proactively served a full bowl of rice, handing it to her.
"Here, I've served some for you. Sit down and eat."
That tiny gesture nearly moved Xiao Wu to tears.
This feeling of being carefully looked after, of being valued... really, she was overwhelmed!
"Th-Thank you!" Even her voice was slightly choked.
Ye Feiyang casually waved a hand. "Why be so polite? Come over whenever you want to eat in the future. I'll make sure you're full!"
Xiao Wu's eyes reddened again.
It seemed Ning Rongrong had been right, and Zhu Zhuqing had been right too.
He truly was a kind-hearted person!
Without realizing it, Ye Feiyang gained another good person card.
Of course, the ingredients in this good person card were not entirely pure.
One person beside him had her intentions of becoming a rebellious disciple who would marry her Master written all over her face, constantly thinking of taking the position of Mistress;
The other was less obvious, but she would still secretly sulk whenever Ning Rongrong acted up.
Though they bickered noisily, the room was filled with a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
That atmosphere made Xiao Wu feel relaxed and eager to become part of it.
At the very least, in front of this man, she did not need to worry about her secrets being exposed.
"How is it? The taste isn't bad, right?" Ye Feiyang asked with a smile.
Xiao Wu nodded vigorously, her eyes shining. "It's super delicious! Can I really come over and eat for free often in the future?"
"Of course. You're welcome anytime."
After a ravenous feast, every plate and bowl was completely empty.
Even when one's stomach was already full, delicious and nutritious food always made people struggle to take two more bites.
It was clear that all three had the potential to become veteran foodies.
The difference between ordinary people and foodies was this: ordinary people were full after two bites, while foodies could still take two more bites after getting full.
The scene just now was the best illustration.
After eating, Xiao Wu carried the bundles containing her new clothes and treasures back to Shrek Academy.
Seeing Xiao Wu's delighted expression, Tang San, who had originally been listless, immediately strode over to greet her.
But when he saw the beautifully packaged shopping bags in Xiao Wu's hands, his brows instantly furrowed.
"Xiao Wu, why did you buy so many things?"
There was reproach and a trace of jealousy in his voice. "How many Gold Coins must this have cost?"
Xiao Wu tilted her head and thought about it. These had all been premium goods chosen by Ning Rongrong.
Without thinking much, she answered honestly, "Um, altogether, these probably cost two or three hundred Gold Coins."
"Two or three hundred Gold Coins?"
Tang San was shocked, his voice rising sharply. "Why did you spend so many Gold Coins just on these clothes?"
He had not yet begun making a business out of hidden weapons, and his life was still rather tight.
Two or three hundred Gold Coins truly counted as an enormous sum for them.
He began lecturing her. "Where did you get so many Gold Coins?"
Then he suddenly remembered what Ning Rongrong had said before they left and hurriedly added, "Even if someone else gave them to you, won't you have to return the favor in the future?"
Xiao Wu's good mood suddenly vanished. She felt that Tang San was meddling a little too much. Even if she had to return the favor later, that would be her own business, right?
Why was he getting so worked up? Did he simply not want to see her have a few more pretty clothes?
For some reason, Ning Rongrong's brainwashing words surfaced in her mind.
He did not understand the situation at all, yet his first reaction was to blame her for spending too much?
Ning Rongrong had forced these things on her. She had originally refused as well.
But Ning Rongrong had merely said indifferently, "If you don't take them, I'll just throw them away. I've never taken back something I've given away."
What could she do? Was she supposed to throw them away just to save face?
Sorry, but Xiao Wu was not that kind of person.
Besides, she was not the only one who received gifts. Zhu Zhuqing had received things of equal value too, and she had accepted them as well.
Ning Rongrong was the little princess of a sect. Her pocket money alone was in the tens of millions. She simply did not care about two or three hundred Gold Coins, okay?
She had casually thrown Zhu Zhuqing a hundred Gold Coins just for helping clean the place. What would Tang San think if he knew about that?
Xiao Wu suddenly felt exhausted. She could not be bothered to explain too much, nor did she plan to tell him about Ning Rongrong's identity.
He did not understand her, nor did he understand the simple friendship between girls where, if I like you, I'm happy to buy things for you.
Before you continue