Xiao Wu, Under Jiang Yunzhou's Protection

Gu Rong understood Ning Fengzhi's meaning and had no objections. He also felt that giving the young man money directly would be somewhat insulting.

With the potential and strength Jiang Yunzhou had displayed, he was already worthy of associating with them as an equal.

With such strength, he was surely extraordinary and viewed money like dirt.

Otherwise, he would not have chosen such a rundown place for an academy.

Perhaps before long, Gu Rong would not even be able to catch up to him.

"Alright, leave this matter to me."

Back at the small courtyard.

Jiang Yunzhou planned to show off his cooking skills himself.

But after thinking about it, there seemed to be quite a few people. If he stir-fried dishes, how many would he have to make? What a hassle.

In the end, he simply set up a hot pot in the courtyard.

"Zhu Qing, come help me. Rongrong, go chat with your father and the others. Say whatever you want."

Ning Rongrong naturally understood what he meant, and she was touched.

Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong understood as well, and their favorable impression of Jiang Yunzhou rose once more.

"Teacher, is it really okay?"

"Go on, go on. Don't disturb me while I'm cooking." Jiang Yunzhou waved her off impatiently.

Ning Rongrong broke into a smile. From her perspective, her teacher was simply impossibly handsome. It seemed that Teacher had already acknowledged her family.

Eh, Teacher was alone now. Did that mean both sides had already met the family?

She was so happy, so excited!

After Ning Rongrong left, Jiang Yunzhou and Zhu Zhuqing got busy.

He was in charge of slicing the meat, while Zhu Zhuqing washed all sorts of fresh vegetables and mushrooms. Before long, the dazzling array of ingredients piled up across the entire table.

Once they had nearly finished preparing, Jiang Yunzhou instructed, "Zhu Qing, go call them out to eat."

"Okay, I'll go right away."

Ning Rongrong had clearly already spoken with Ning Fengzhi and the others.

She was in a wonderful mood.

Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong, following behind her, had slightly flushed faces and were clearly extremely excited.

The two of them could not stop smiling, and the way they looked at Jiang Yunzhou changed again and again.

Once everyone had taken their seats, Ning Rongrong raised her hand, eager to take a couple of bites. "Teacher, everyone's here! Eh, what kind of way of eating is this?"

Jiang Yunzhou lifted a hand to stop her. "Rongrong, don't eat yet. Go call Xiao Wu over to eat with us."

Ning Rongrong pouted, then stood up. "I'll go right away. Don't you dare sneak any food."

With that, she vanished in a flash.

Naturally, Jiang Yunzhou had his reasons for doing this.

When Xiao Wu had just been mentioned, his gaze had deliberately lingered on Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong.

He was making his stance clear: Xiao Wu was under his protection.

Ning Fengzhi and Gu Rong naturally understood what Jiang Yunzhou meant and nodded slightly.

Ning Fengzhi was the first to break the silence. He said to Jiang Yunzhou, "Dean Jiang, this way of eating is truly novel and has a unique flavor. When I return to the sect, I would like to try it as well. Might you tell me how to make this broth base?"

Jiang Yunzhou smiled. "Of course. It's just some seasoning and base oil combinations. I'll write down a recipe for you later."

"That would be excellent."

Ning Fengzhi nodded, then added gently, "Uncle Gu and I have both met that young lady Xiao Wu. She gets along very well with Rongrong, and I quite like the girl too."

"Mm, Xiao Wu has good talent. I intend to take her as my disciple." Jiang Yunzhou followed up by making his position clear.

"Haha, then I wish Dean Jiang success in taking her under your wing soon."

Ning Fengzhi raised his cup in gesture. Everything was understood without being spoken aloud.

"Dean Jiang, if you ever come to Heaven Dou City, have Rongrong bring you to our sect's residence. Ning has a gift for you, as a small token of my sincerity."

At the mention of a gift, Jiang Yunzhou was instantly delighted.

Anything Ning Fengzhi gave away would surely be immensely valuable!

If he did not need it, he could simply sell it and immediately join the ranks of the wealthy, couldn't he?

He was overjoyed inside, but kept a calm expression. "Hahaha, Sect Master Ning is too polite. How could I possibly accept..."

Ning Fengzhi waved a hand. "Consider it an advance payment of part of my daughter's tuition. When the time comes, please do not refuse."

"Hehe, easy enough, easy enough."

Jiang Yunzhou smiled as he agreed. His gaze swept across the table before he suddenly said to Zhu Zhuqing, who was diligently lowering her head and cooking meat, "Little Zhu Qing, why are you so lacking in awareness?"

"Go fetch the fine wine I've been saving. Today, I'll have a good drink with Sect Master Ning and Bone Douluo!"

Zhu Zhuqing was holding a slice of cooked meat with her chopsticks. At his words, she froze, then looked up with grievance filling her beautiful eyes.

I've been busy serving you food and cooking meat for you. Did the mountains of meat in your bowls grow there by themselves?

And that counts as lacking awareness?

Besides, where do you have any fine wine you've been saving? Wasn't all of it given to you by Ning Rongrong?

Teacher, please act like a human being!

"Yes, Teacher. I'll go right away."

Zhu Zhuqing put down her chopsticks and obediently answered, her mood completely unaffected by Jiang Yunzhou's words.

After all, Teacher was still young and cared about saving face.

Before long, Ning Rongrong returned, pulling Xiao Wu along with her.

The moment Jiang Yunzhou saw Xiao Wu, he frowned. "Xiao Wu, it's only been a few days. Why do you look so haggard? Are you sick?"

Ning Rongrong cut in, "Teacher, you don't know this, but when I went over, Xiao Wu was hiding under her blankets and crying."

Jiang Yunzhou's brows furrowed even deeper at that.

The moment Xiao Wu saw Jiang Yunzhou, her eyes immediately filled with tears, like a child who had suffered an enormous grievance and finally found her parent.

Then, when she caught sight of Bone Douluo beside him, she was so frightened that she did not dare move.

Jiang Yunzhou stood up directly and pulled her to the empty seat beside him. "Don't be afraid. If anything's wrong, tell me. I'm protecting you. Let's see who dares touch a single finger of yours. Hold those tears back, pick up your chopsticks, and eat!"

His words were both warm and domineering, making Xiao Wu feel deeply reassured.

Bone Douluo and Ning Fengzhi exchanged glances, both wearing helpless bitter smiles.

They had not done anything at all, yet they were being blamed for nothing.

Ning Fengzhi cleared his throat, feeling it was necessary to state his position and clear up the misunderstanding.

He directly took out a black card and pushed it in front of Xiao Wu, his tone gentle.

"Girl, you are Rongrong's good friend. You must accept this greeting gift from Uncle. There are one million Gold Soul Coins on the card. Consider it pocket money to buy yourself things you like."

Xiao Wu suddenly raised her head, her eyes full of astonishment.

Was he trying to get on her good side? It must be because of Brother Yunzhou.

She suppressed the panic in her heart and softly declined, "No, there's no need, Uncle. I... I have money."

Jiang Yunzhou's eyes went wide as he watched from the side. That was one million!

To be honest, he was insanely jealous.

"If Sect Master Ning is giving it to you, just accept it without worry. Why be polite with him?"

He then turned and smiled at Ning Fengzhi. "Hahaha, Sect Master Ning, look at this. You've really gone to great expense."

Seeing this, Ning Rongrong immediately added from the side, "Dad, are you looking down on Senior Sister Zhu Zhuqing? Why doesn't she get one?"

Ning Fengzhi's hand paused mid-motion as he picked up food. Laughing helplessly, he patted his forehead. "Look at me, I'm getting senile! Yes, yes, everyone gets one!"

As he spoke, he generously gave Zhu Zhuqing a card as well.

Zhu Zhuqing knew her teacher liked money, so she did not stand on ceremony and accepted it directly.

Even if she did not accept it, Jiang Yunzhou would definitely persuade her to.

There was no need to beat around the bush.

Jiang Yunzhou waited and waited, yet in the end, he received nothing.

He secretly curled his lips and grumbled inwardly, You filthy rich bastard, you really have no awareness. Everyone gets a share except me, is that it?