Morning Separation

Shui Bing'er said nothing. Shui Yue'er said nothing either. Yao Zi said nothing. Sheng Minglan said nothing. Zhu Zhuqing said nothing. Ning Rongrong said nothing. Xivia said nothing. Shenghua said nothing as well. Everyone looked at Xiao Yun.

Xiao Yun thought for a moment. "Draw lots."

Sheng Minglan went to find a few bamboo lots and wrote names on them.

After she finished writing, she put them into a bamboo tube, shook it, and handed it to Xiao Yun.

Xiao Yun reached into the bamboo tube and drew one—Zhu Zhuqing.

Zhu Zhuqing's eyes lit up.

The second—Shui Bing'er. The corners of Shui Bing'er's mouth rose slightly.

Shui Yue'er bit her lip, Yao Zi lowered her head, Ning Rongrong pouted, and Xivia and Shenghua exchanged a glance.

The welcoming banquet ended.

Early the next morning, Shui Yue'er, Yao Zi, and Sheng Minglan were arranged to enter Heaven Dou Royal Academy together with Ning Rongrong, Xivia, and Shenghua.

The six of them were split between two dorm rooms. Shui Yue'er and Yao Zi shared one room, while Sheng Minglan, Ning Rongrong, Xivia, and Shenghua shared another.

Shui Yue'er was somewhat unwilling, Yao Zi said nothing, Sheng Minglan hugged her abacus tightly, Ning Rongrong pouted, and Xivia and Shenghua exchanged a glance.

Liu Erlong and Tang Yuehua took them to the academy.

Xiao Yun stood at the manor entrance and watched the carriage go farther away.

Shui Bing'er stood behind him, and Zhu Zhuqing also stood behind him.

Neither of them spoke; they only stood there. Xiao Yun turned and looked at them. "Go pack your luggage. We leave the day after tomorrow." The two nodded, then turned and left.

Xiao Yun stood at the manor entrance, watching their departing backs. The setting sun stretched their shadows out very, very long.

The green