Poaching Right Under Their Noses

Lin Feng reacted swiftly, stuffing the plaque into Zhu Zhuqing's arms before turning and running. "Why are you still standing there like an idiot? Waiting to get scolded and pay compensation? Run!"

As he ran, he felt secretly fortunate: Good thing I ran fast! Pay compensation? No way! I'd never pay compensation in this lifetime!

Holding the heavy wooden plaque, Zhu Zhuqing watched her teacher's retreating figure vanish faster than a rabbit, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

She realized that her teacher really did seem a little unreliable—and even somewhat mischievous!

She certainly could never do something like that.

The two raced all the way, kicking up clouds of dust, and before they knew it, they had reached the shabby little village where Shrek Academy was located.

From a distance, they could already see the long line stretching out from the village entrance.

"Little Zhu Qing..."

Lin Feng stopped and instructed her, "I think you were right. Preparation is important! Now, Your Master has a glorious task for you. Go ask whether that little courtyard opposite Shrek Academy is available for rent!"

Zhu Zhuqing held the plaque, looking somewhat dazed. "What? Rent a house? Teacher, isn't this a little hasty?"

She had already guessed what Lin Feng was planning.

Get a plaque, rent a small courtyard, and that was enough to start an academy?

"Hm?"

Lin Feng raised a sharp brow and looked at her with a faint smile. "It's only your first day as my disciple, and you already dare question Your Master's decision?"

Zhu Zhuqing did not want to be branded with that accusation, so she lowered her head and replied, "O-Okay. I-I'll go ask right away!"

She handed the plaque to Lin Feng and turned to leave.

As she walked, she grumbled inwardly: Isn't something this hasty worth questioning?

She had only taken two steps when Lin Feng's earnest reminder drifted over from behind her on the wind:

"Remember to bargain! Drive the price down as hard as you can!"

Zhu Zhuqing stumbled!

After steadying herself and taking a deep breath, she headed toward the rundown courtyard with a thoroughly gloomy expression.

Lin Feng ambled closer, his gaze falling on the winding line before Shrek Academy.

He could not understand it. Why were so many people coming here to register in such a remote village?

What the hell.

With the plaque slung over his shoulder, he wandered through the crowd for several rounds but failed to find the people he had come to see.

Thinking that the two probably had not arrived yet, he had just turned around when he saw Zhu Zhuqing waving at him from across the street.

He walked straight over and asked, "How was it? Did you get it done?"

Zhu Zhuqing rolled her eyes at him lightly. "Ten gold coins a month. The courtyard is quite spacious. What do you think, Teacher? Should we rent it?"

Lin Feng silently did the math, then finally gritted his teeth. "Fine. Let's rent it for one month first."

As he spoke, he reluctantly took out ten gold coins and handed them to Zhu Zhuqing.

Seeing that expression on his face, Zhu Zhuqing simply could not bring herself to reach for them.

She no longer needed to save up the Registration Fee, and the gold coins she had accumulated were just enough to rent this courtyard.

She could treat it as paying tuition.

After all, how could the things Lin Feng had given her possibly be measured in money?

Spending this little bit herself was more than worth it, and it would make her teacher happy too.

"Teacher, you keep the money. I'll pay the rent." After saying that, she turned and hurried toward the owner to discuss the details.

Seeing this, Lin Feng tucked the gold coins back into his pocket. He did not care who paid the money.

Saving even a little was worth being happy about to him.

He walked over to the courtyard gate, gestured with his hands, then hung the plaque above the doorframe.

Just as he finished hanging it, the original owner's family emerged carrying large bags and small bundles. They met his gaze, then left without the slightest reluctance.

Lin Feng could not help muttering inwardly: Did we give them too many gold coins? Would I get beaten up if I tried to haggle now?

After thinking it over, he decided to forget it. It was not his money, anyway.

Once everyone had left, he stepped into the courtyard and looked around.

Other than the valuable belongings they had taken away, nearly everything else had been left behind.

It had to be said, this little courtyard was indeed quite nice, with plenty of rooms. After all, a whole family had lived here before.

The kitchen and dining room were fully equipped. As a temporary place to stay, it was already quite decent. Besides, they would not be staying long.

"Teacher, we still need to clean up. Why don't you wait outside first? Leave this to me."

Lin Feng waved his hand and immediately assigned her another task. "Cleaning can wait. Go keep watch outside. If you see a girl with brown hair wearing a short aqua dress with lace trim, her name is Ning Rongrong. And that girl from yesterday with the braided hair and pink dress is called Xiao Wu. You've seen her too. Try to persuade them and invite them to our academy."

Zhu Zhuqing immediately became hesitant, swallowing back the words that had reached her lips.

Why did this sort of job have to fall on her?

Would they really not get beaten up for poaching students right in front of another academy?

"Teacher, are you serious?"

"Of course. Otherwise, what did we come here for?" Lin Feng replied with a raised brow.

Zhu Zhuqing looked unwilling, but she obediently went outside anyway.

A master's command could not be defied. She could only stand outside the courtyard and look around, searching for her targets.

Before long, she spotted the boy and girl she had seen at the hotel yesterday. One of them was Xiao Wu, the one Lin Feng had mentioned.

Once again, she felt that Lin Feng seemed able to foresee the future. He had even known they would appear here.

This was not the first time something like this had happened. She had cautiously asked him about it before, but her teacher never explained.

Tang San and Xiao Wu drew closer and closer, finally stopping before Shrek Academy and voluntarily joining the line.

"Xiao Wu, we're here. This is the place."

Xiao Wu looked around and could not help muttering, "Third Brother, this place is way too shabby, isn't it? Why did we have to choose this place to enroll?"

Tang San remained calm. "You were the one who insisted on coming with me."

Xiao Wu pouted. Though displeased, she did not say anything further.

Zhu Zhuqing did not catch what they were talking about. She only knew it was time for her to get to work.

Once the two settled into place, she quietly approached and gently tugged on Xiao Wu's sleeve.

Xiao Wu turned around warily and looked at Zhu Zhuqing. "Who are you? What do you want? I'm not giving up this spot for you."

Zhu Zhuqing felt somewhat embarrassed upon hearing that. She had been mistaken for someone trying to steal her place in line.

She leaned closer to Xiao Wu and lowered her voice. "Could you come over here for a moment? I have something to say to you."

Xiao Wu looked puzzled as she sized Zhu Zhuqing up from head to toe. She was certain she did not know this person!

Tang San stood beside them and naturally heard their conversation as well.

Seeing that the other party was also a girl, he did not stop her, though he grew somewhat curious himself: What exactly did this person want?

Xiao Wu looked at Tang San, asking for his opinion with her eyes.

They were only going to talk for a few words, so Tang San did not think much of it. He nodded and said, "Go on. Come back quickly. It'll soon be our turn to register."

Thus, Zhu Zhuqing led Xiao Wu to the entrance of Supreme Academy across the street and finally spoke.

"Your name is Xiao Wu, right?"

Xiao Wu was momentarily stunned. Someone in this remote village actually knew her name?

Could it be that my reputation as the boss lady has already spread here?