"He didn't take me seriously. Well, why should I take her seriously? So what if I become her disciple? What does it matter? I've already thrown my pride away, so why should I care about saving face? Who knows how many people would kill to have Xuan Lengyan take them in. Fine, I'll look on the bright side and treat it as getting myself a new powerful patron. A disciple is a disciple. At worst, I'll suffer a little humiliation. But I'm not letting a single one of the benefits I can grab slip past me."
Once he'd worked it out, Xu Yi laughed heartily. He picked Qiu Wa up and tossed her high into the air. Just as he was about to catch her, she flashed through the air and vanished.
Xu Yi focused his mind, examining everything down to the smallest detail. He probed the grain of the trees and every speck of earth, but still couldn't find any trace of Qiu Wa.
"Fine, you win. Bearded Uncle will buy you something tasty. Let's go to the Exchange Hall."
With that, he strode toward the Exchange Hall. Qiu Wa remained nowhere to be seen until he entered. As the jade stone cast its glow and rows of goods appeared, she suddenly popped out, sat on his shoulder, wrapped her arms around his head, and chattered excitedly as she picked out toys.
Toward evening, Xu Yi returned to Dormitory 137. Qiu Wa slipped silently into the room, while Xu Yi was stopped by Tie Dagang and Meng Wanzhou, who were drinking in the courtyard.
He had just picked up his cup when Jiang Fei and Duan Tiandai barged in, squeezing him between them.
Duan Tiandai was about to speak when Jiang Fei roared, "How many of those things do