Because I Hate You

Xiao Wu clearly felt Mu Yuan's Soul Power, brimming with life force, spreading evenly across her palm, flowing into every corner and wrapping around each of her fingers.

As a Hundred-Thousand-Year Soul Beast in human form, Xiao Wu was especially sensitive to Mu Yuan's unusual Soul Power.

Her fair palm was pressed tightly against Mu Yuan's.

She greedily savored the feeling.

After a long while, Mu Yuan released her hand.

Xiao Wu immediately felt a sense of loss and reluctance.

"Did you remember it?" Mu Yuan asked.

Xiao Wu quickly shook her head.

"I'm still not quite clear on it. Can we do it one more time?"

In truth, Xiao Wu had already remembered most of it, but she wanted to be close to Mu Yuan once more.

Mu Yuan shook his head slightly and said, "Don't rush. We can take it slowly later. For now, let Zhuqing try it too."

"Oh." Xiao Wu nodded, slightly disappointed.

Mu Yuan then held his hand toward Zhu Zhuqing's palm.

Zhu Zhuqing's hand was slightly cool, and her fingers were more slender.

Mu Yuan used the same method.

As an ordinary person, Zhu Zhuqing's ability to sense Soul Power was far inferior to Xiao Wu's. She could only feel that Mu Yuan's Soul Power was vast and profound, unable to directly sense its aura of life as Xiao Wu could.

After some time, Zhu Zhuqing had roughly memorized Mu Yuan's method of controlling Soul Power.

She nodded gently. "I understand."

Mu Yuan withdrew his hand.

However, after Mu Yuan withdrew his hand, Zhu Zhuqing tried to use the same method to gather Soul Power in her palm, but she did not succeed.

Mu Yuan said, "Although you understand the basic principle, you still need constant practice before you become familiar with it."

Zhu Zhuqing nodded, then immediately began practicing.

Zhu Zhuqing was truly persistent when it came to becoming stronger.

Mu Yuan then turned his gaze toward Ning Rongrong and extended his hand.

However, Ning Rongrong turned her head away and said, "Why are you looking at me? I didn't come here to learn from you, so don't get the wrong idea!"

Mu Yuan said nothing after hearing that. He had already grown used to Ning Rongrong's attitude.

At that moment, Xiao Wu grabbed Mu Yuan's arm and coquettishly said, "In that case, Mu Yuan, teach me one more time!"

Mu Yuan did not refuse. He patiently began teaching Xiao Wu.

Watching this scene, Ning Rongrong inexplicably felt a little uncomfortable.

That evening, everyone at Shrek Academy returned to their dormitories to rest.

Ning Rongrong and Xiao Wu shared the same dormitory.

At night, the two lay in their beds, preparing to sleep.

After hesitating for a moment, Ning Rongrong said, "Xiao Wu, could you stop spending so much time with that guy Mu Yuan?"

Xiao Wu opened her eyes and asked, "Why?"

Ning Rongrong could not really explain why. She simply felt miserable whenever she saw Xiao Wu together with Mu Yuan.

After thinking for a moment, Ning Rongrong said, "Because I really hate that guy Mu Yuan. Seeing you so close to him makes me feel awful. Besides, that guy Mu Yuan isn't a good person at all. That Meng Yiran we met before practically wanted to stick herself to him the moment she saw him. You're so innocent, Xiao Wu. He'll definitely trick you!"

Xiao Wu did not agree with Ning Rongrong's words.

"Mu Yuan is so outstanding. It's only natural that he attracts people's attention. I don't think it's a big deal. And didn't you say before that Mu Yuan has always treated you very well, Rongrong?"

Ning Rongrong was momentarily speechless.

"I, I..."

Xiao Wu suddenly teased, "Rongrong, don't tell me you secretly like Mu Yuan and are jealous?"

Ning Rongrong's heart fell into chaos, and she hurriedly said, "No! Of course not! I hate that guy the most!"

Xiao Wu said, "Hehe, that's good. Honestly, you really gave me a scare just now. I thought you liked Mu Yuan too, and I was wondering what I should do if that were the case."

"Like him too?" A bad feeling immediately rose in Ning Rongrong's heart.

Xiao Wu said, "Because I like Mu Yuan too. He's so strong, handsome, and gentle. It's hard not to develop feelings for him, right? If you liked him too, Rongrong, then it would be difficult for me to choose, since you're my best friend!"

Ning Rongrong fell silent. "I..."

Without waiting for Ning Rongrong to speak, Xiao Wu continued, "But since you don't like him, then I'll make up my mind and pursue him. And if I win Mu Yuan over, wouldn't that solve the engagement problem you're most worried about? You'll definitely support me, right, Rongrong?"

After saying that, Xiao Wu looked at Ning Rongrong expectantly.

For some reason, Ning Rongrong felt an unbearable tightness in her chest, as though something that had always belonged to her was being taken away.

"I... of course... support you."

Ning Rongrong forced out those few words.

With every word she spoke, a little more strength seemed to drain from her body.

Xiao Wu happily said, "Thank you, Rongrong. You really are my best friend."

That night, Ning Rongrong did not sleep well at all.

Xiao Wu's words kept replaying in her mind.

She asked herself whether she liked Mu Yuan.

Of course she did not!

She clearly hated that guy the most!

Even though he had always taken care of her like an older brother, even though he never got angry no matter how much she disliked him, even though he always protected her at the most critical moments, even though...

Morning came.

The corners of Ning Rongrong's eyes were a little damp.

It was probably because she had not slept well all night, and her sore eyes had shed a few tears...

A new day began.

During training that day, Ning Rongrong lowered her head and said nothing as she watched Xiao Wu cling to Mu Yuan and act coquettishly.

Xiao Wu was right.

If Xiao Wu won Mu Yuan over, then the engagement she hated most would be easily resolved.

She should be happy!

Ning Rongrong tried her best to force a reluctant smile.

A day of training came to an end.

Xiao Wu tugged on Mu Yuan's arm and said, "Training was so exhausting. We haven't gone into the city in ages. Mu Yuan, how about we go into town for a nice meal? My treat!"

Mu Yuan nodded. "Sure!"

Xiao Wu then invited Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong as well. "Come with us."

Zhu Zhuqing agreed. "All right."

But Ning Rongrong lowered her head. After a moment of silence, she said, "I'm a little tired, so I won't be going."

With that, she walked away.

Mu Yuan watched in surprise.

What's wrong with this girl today? She doesn't seem quite right.

"I'll go check on Rongrong," Mu Yuan said, then quickly chased after her.

As Xiao Wu watched Mu Yuan's retreating figure, a trace of loneliness flashed through her eyes.

Even after trying so hard, was she still no match for Rongrong, who had grown up with him...

But soon, Xiao Wu's gaze became firm again.

Once she set her sights on something, she would never give up easily unless Mu Yuan personally rejected her.

On the other side, Mu Yuan quickly caught up with Ning Rongrong and asked, "What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Ning Rongrong looked up at Mu Yuan.

Mu Yuan was a year older than her. He had grown quite tall, with long black hair flowing down his back and a very handsome face.

Though she was always willful, Mu Yuan's gaze toward her was always warm. He had never blamed her.

Ning Rongrong knew that Mu Yuan treated her as a younger sister, which was why he could tolerate her willfulness.

And what about her? Did she see Mu Yuan as an older brother?

Thinking back to what Xiao Wu had said yesterday, perhaps she should fulfill Xiao Wu's wish.

"Go away! Why are you so annoying? Can't you tell? I don't want to go because I hate you!"