I Won't Let You Freeload

The soft, tender rabbit tongue had barely touched the pink lollipop.

A faint honeyed sweetness and the fresh fragrance of carrots blossomed across her tongue.

The taste of the lollipop made Xiao Wu's eyes narrow slightly.

She slowly pressed the red candy against her pink lips and gradually slipped it between her teeth.

Only then did she gently sit back down at the edge of the bed.

Soaked in the lollipop's sweetness, even the pain in her butt seemed to ease considerably.

Her waist and back straightened a little as well.

Holding the lollipop, Xiao Wu slowly began moving like Ye Qiu had.

Her tongue swirled, letting the crystalline candy slowly wander through her mouth as she savored it carefully, filling her mouth with sweetness. Her round, large crimson eyes curved into crescents.

"Good. Since you ate my stuff, you have to help me!"

Seeing the enjoyment on Xiao Wu's face, Ye Qiu did not forget to remind her of what she had promised him.

Xiao Wu, who was lowering her head and enjoying the lollipop, darted a glance at Ye Qiu beside her. Seeing him staring fixedly at her,

a brilliant flush bloomed across her face.

She pulled out the crystal-clear candy, its surface seeming to be coated in a dazzling sheen.

"Big Sis Xiao Wu knows!"

Xiao Wu nodded slightly and agreed.

Then she stuffed the lollipop back into her mouth and mumbled, "But... from now on, y-you still have to give me more. Ah... it's delicious!"

"That won't do. Don't even think about freeloading!"

Ye Qiu lightly wagged a finger. This was the fruit of his labor; he had no intention of supporting idlers.

Xiao Wu frowned and shot him a sideways glare. Her movements immediately became gentler as she took the candy out, stuck out her little tongue, and lightly licked it, hoping to make it last longer.

Watching Xiao Wu's unbearably adorable appearance, Ye Qiu found it quite enjoyable as well. This little rabbit was simply too exquisite and charming, making it impossible not to feel affection for her.

Noticing Ye Qiu's gaze, Xiao Wu's tender face reddened deeply. Embarrassed beyond measure, she withdrew her little tongue, pursed her red lips, and gave a huffy snort.

She turned in another direction and continued eating.

As she turned, she suddenly noticed that Tang San, Wang Sheng, and the others were also staring at her, making her both embarrassed and annoyed.

She snapped in a crisp, delicate voice, "What are you looking at? What's so interesting? Do you believe Big Sis Xiao Wu will teach you a lesson?!"

Though her mouth was full, both hands clenched into little fists. With those ridiculous black circles beneath her eyes, she still looked ready to beat them up.

Tang San secretly rejoiced that he had not meddled earlier. Otherwise, he would have only gotten snubbed again.

Wang Sheng, on the other hand, could not help admiring Ye Qiu.

The boss could look all he wanted. As for underlings like them, they were only there to guard the door and clear the place for their boss.

Tang San glanced at Ye Qiu before looking away.

Taking his belongings, he casually chose a bed. Only then did Tang San realize that he seemed not to have brought any bedding.

He could not help asking,

"Wang Sheng, don't we have bedding here?"

One student a few years older than Tang San had slightly dim eyes.

Helplessly, he said, "We're all work-study students. Our tuition is already waived, so why would they give us bedding? We all brought it from home."

Wang Sheng stepped forward and suggested to Tang San, "Third Brother, how about this? You can use ours first."

Hearing that,

Tang San glanced at the bedding on their beds. It was not exactly filthy, but it was ragged and worn.

He shook his head and waved his hand decisively. "Thank you for your kindness, but I'll figure something out myself."

The moment Tang San finished speaking,

a teacher in his thirties walked in from outside. After sweeping his gaze around the room, he asked,

"Which one of you is the new work-study student? Step forward."

Tang San, somewhat confused, took two steps forward.

On the other side, Xiao Wu, who had finished the candy but was still holding the stick in her mouth, also gently stood up. She discreetly covered her butt and shot a resentful glance at Ye Qiu, who was still sitting on the bed.

The teacher who had arrived looked ordinary, but his pale green hair made Ye Qiu complain inwardly.

He was carrying a set of bedding in his arms.

Ye Qiu knew that Yu Xiaogang had arranged for someone to bring bedding for Tang San.

So he remained sitting on the bed without moving.

"Which one is Tang San?"

The green-haired teacher continued asking.

"Teacher, I am!"

Tang San hurriedly raised his hand and stepped forward.

The teacher glanced at him and handed the bedding to Tang San.

"My name is Mo Hen. You may call me Teacher Mo. Tang San, this is the bedding Master prepared for you."

"Mm!"

Tang San nodded calmly.

He accepted the bedding. It was not particularly luxurious, but it was dry and clean—a brand-new set of bedding.

Tang San had not expected his newly acknowledged teacher to be so thoughtful. At this moment, Yu Xiaogang's stiff face could not help softening in Tang San's mind.

Looking at Xiao Wu and Tang San, Mo Hen instructed, "You are both first-year work-study students. From now on, you'll be responsible for cleaning the South of the schoolyard garden. Ten Copper Soul Coins a day... If you neglect your duties, the academy has the right to expel you. Understand? Oh, and tell the other one who isn't here."

Tang San and Xiao Wu nodded at the same time to show that they understood, then both turned their gazes toward Ye Qiu.

"Tomorrow is the opening ceremony. Remember to attend. Wang Sheng, you're the oldest here, so explain all the rules to them."

With that, the green-haired teacher turned and left.

Looking at the bedding in Tang San's arms, Xiao Wu helplessly pouted, then looked toward Ye Qiu, who, like her, also had no bedding.

Their eyes met, and Xiao Wu immediately glared at Ye Qiu, her face flushing slightly.

A few quick-witted work-study students immediately stepped forward.

"Boss, use my mattress first. I can fold my blanket in half and use half to lie on and half to cover myself."

Another said to Xiao Wu,

"Big Sis Xiao Wu, you can use my blanket. I can use my mattress half to lie on and half to cover myself too!"

Looking at the old, tattered bedding they offered, Xiao Wu felt a little disdainful and looked awkward. Instead, she turned toward Tang San.

Tang San held his own bedding as Xiao Wu looked at him, but he did not know what to do either.

He only had one set himself.

If he had an extra one, he would not have minded helping Xiao Wu, but under the current circumstances, they could only fend for themselves.

Ye Qiu smiled and waved his hand.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I'll think of something myself."

Looking at the little rabbit standing there helplessly, gazing around pitifully without knowing what to do,

Ye Qiu smiled and walked over. Familiar as if they had known each other forever, he directly wrapped an arm around Xiao Wu's shoulders.

"Ah! Y-you, what are you doing?!"

Xiao Wu twisted and struggled twice, frowning as she looked at Ye Qiu in confusion, her little face red.

Ye Qiu stared into her round, large crimson eyes.

Smiling, he said, "Little rabbit, how about I take you to buy some bedding?"

Wishing everyone a happy life!