Coveting Tang San's Memories

"Good what? Hurry up and get away from me!"

Ye Qiu's forehead creased with exasperation. He shoved her away without a shred of patience.

"Ah, y-you... how did you end up over here?"

Xiao Wu suddenly grabbed the blanket and clutched it in front of her body, her pretty face turning bright red as she stared at Ye Qiu.

"What do you mean, how did I end up over here? You're the Rogue Rabbit who rolled over here all by yourself!"

Ye Qiu rubbed his dark-circled eyes, his expression utterly numb.

In the middle of the night, the Rogue Rabbit had woken him up by nuzzling against him and wrapping her arms around his neck, calling out for Da Ming, Er Ming, and her mother. Every so often, she even licked him. Did she really think he was a lollipop?

Ye Qiu vigorously rubbed his listless little face and glared at Xiao Wu. "If you wake me up in the middle of the night again, I'll kick you right off the bed!"

Xiao Wu was also taken aback. She looked around, then realized it really was her fault. Not daring to meet Ye Qiu's gaze, she lowered her head, blushing, and nodded.

"Mm, Sister Xiao Wu understands."

"I'm going to wash up. You can fold the blanket."

Ye Qiu got up and stretched, then wearily tossed out a few words before heading out of Dorm Seven.

He hadn't slept well all night. His whole body felt drained.

Tang San's bed was already empty. He had probably gone to practice the Purple Demon Eyes.

After fusing with Xiao Wu yesterday,

Ye Qiu had started thinking about Tang San's memories, too. But he really didn't want to snuggle up to another guy. And even if he did, he might not survive long enough to get what he wanted.

Tang San might not be able to do anything to him, but he had a good father backing him up—a father with a hammer.

Thinking about all that, Ye Qiu felt a little troubled again.

He ruffled his hair haphazardly.

Xiao Wu pursed her lips and watched Ye Qiu walk away.

After grumbling as she folded her blanket, she looked at Wang Sheng and the others, who were still asleep. Relieved that they hadn't seen her embarrassing state, she immediately exercised her rights as the dorm's big sister.

"Get up! Everybody, get up! You bunch of lazybones!"

As she shouted, Xiao Wu planted her hands on her hips and went around kicking everyone's bed legs until they banged loudly.

By the time Ye Qiu returned, Xiao Wu had gotten everyone out of bed. Tang San had also returned to the dorm after his morning training.

Ye Qiu gave him his usual smile and casually sat down beside Tang San's bed.

"Hey, Xiao San, good morning. You're as hardworking as ever."

"Mm. I've been used to it for years."

Tang San nodded slightly and gave Ye Qiu an odd smile. He had to admit, he admired Ye Qiu a little.

Xiao Wu was so young, and yet Ye Qiu had still gone for her.

Clearly, he had seen Xiao Wu curled up on top of Ye Qiu, fast asleep.

"Hi, Ye Qiu!"

Xiao Wu, freshly washed, bounded into Dorm Seven, waving at Ye Qiu with a sweet smile.

She'd only just noticed in the mirror that the swelling around her eyes was gone. Ye Qiu must have healed them for her last night.

Ye Qiu smiled at her.

He paid no attention to Tang San's strange look.

Seeing Tang San gnawing on his dry, tasteless rations, Ye Qiu couldn't help feeling hungry himself.

He got up, went to his bed, and took his own rations out of his bag. Then he returned to Tang San's side and opened his hand, revealing a green lollipop lying in his palm.

"Xiao San, want some?"

Tang San paused. That shade of green seemed a little too bright, so he shook his head.

"No, thanks. You eat it."

"Ye Qiu, if he doesn't want it, I do! Give it to me!"

Xiao Wu, who had just tied up her hair, suddenly hopped over and sat beside Ye Qiu, pressed up against him. She was holding a slightly wilted carrot she'd brought with her when she came to the academy.

"If you want it, then it's yours."

Ye Qiu rolled his eyes at her and reached over to put it in her mouth.

"Sure, thank you! Ahh!" Xiao Wu beamed and obediently opened her red lips, taking the lollipop Ye Qiu put in her mouth.

"Huh? Why does this candy taste so weird?" Xiao Wu's smile vanished. She frowned and took the lollipop in her hand.

She stuck out her tongue, her face scrunched up in distaste, and asked Ye Qiu in confusion, "Ye Qiu, is this candy spoiled? Why is it bitter?"

Tang San looked at Ye Qiu, puzzled as well.

"How could it be spoiled? It's bitter melon flavor, so of course it's bitter!"

Ye Qiu answered with a smile. Then he grabbed Xiao Wu by the wrist and pushed the candy toward her mouth. "You can't throw it away. Bitter melon cools you down and helps with internal heat. It'll be just the thing after all the candy you've eaten."

"Ah!" The moment it touched her mouth, Xiao Wu turned her head away in disgust. "Don't give me that! You're definitely lying to Sister Xiao Wu! You're always picking on me!"

Well, would you look at that! Ye Qiu stared at her in surprise. He hadn't expected her to figure it out.

"Xiao Wu, Ye Qiu's right. Bitter melon really does have a cooling effect." Tang San had been a little doubtful at first, but after hearing Ye Qiu's explanation, he smiled and backed him up.

"See? I'm only doing this for your own good. Eat every last bit!" With his back to Tang San, Ye Qiu's lips curled into a smile. He'd meant the candy for Tang San in the first place. Too bad the rabbit couldn't resist snacking.

"Ugh..." Under Ye Qiu's stare, Xiao Wu lowered her head and wailed.

Watching her adorable expression, Tang San couldn't help smiling for once.

Just then, Wang Sheng walked over. "Boss, Sister Xiao Wu, Third Brother, it's time for the opening ceremony!"

"Fine, let's go!" Tang San quickly stuffed the rest of his rations into his mouth.

By the time Ye Qiu and the others walked out of Dorm Seven,

the coolness of the morning had gradually faded.

The blazing sun beat down, heating the stone tiles on the ground until they were scorching.

Sure enough, it was the same everywhere.

School administrators all seemed to give speeches in the same endless, rambling way.

They had a big canopy to shade them, so why would they care whether you got rained on or roasted in the sun?

It was nearly noon before the tedious, dreary opening ceremony finally came to an end.

The twelve students of Dorm Seven, including Ye Qiu and the other two, nearly stumbled their way back to the dorm.

The moment he stepped inside, Ye Qiu—who hadn't slept well the night before—couldn't take it anymore. He collapsed straight onto his bed.

Xiao Wu followed right behind him.

"Ahh! Sister Xiao Wu is dying. I'm hungry and exhausted. Ye Qiu, do you have any more candy?"

Ye Qiu lay on his bed, too lazy to answer.

Not only had he slept badly, he hadn't eaten enough that morning, either. He felt weak all over.

With the Mysterious Heaven Skill to sustain him, Tang San wasn't very tired. He looked at his exhausted roommates and shook his head.

Seeing how full of energy Tang San still was, Ye Qiu couldn't help feeling a little envious.

Wang Sheng was older, and his War Tiger Martial Soul had strengthened his physique. He still seemed to have some energy left.

"Sister Xiao Wu, since you're hungry, why don't we go to the cafeteria now and get something to eat?"

As soon as she heard that food was within reach, Xiao Wu scrambled to her feet. Her woebegone expression turned lively again.

She asked impatiently, "Sure! What delicious food are we having?!"

Wang Sheng and the other students exchanged glances and smiled wryly. "What good food could we afford as work-study students? We haven't even started our jobs yet. We'll just have to buy something cheap in the cafeteria to tide us over."

Hearing that, Xiao Wu looked troubled. She didn't have a single coin to her name, so she could only turn to Ye Qiu for help.