"You..." Dugu Yan reached out and tapped Ning Rongrong's smooth forehead.
"You're still too naive."
"Teacher is tempering her character."
"I looked into Zhu Zhuqing. She's the second young lady of the Zhu Family in the Star Luo Empire. She grew up surrounded by power struggles and the constant pressure of life and death. She's withdrawn, extremely guarded, and deep down... incredibly proud."
"Unless someone smashes that useless pride of hers to pieces, she'll never see her own path clearly."
"As for mopping the floor..."
Dugu Yan gazed toward the study, her eyes turning distant.
"That may well be the first opportunity Teacher has given her."
"An opportunity?" Ning Rongrong was even more confused.
How could mopping the floor be an opportunity?
Dugu Yan offered no further explanation, only saying calmly:
"Just watch."
"Before long, you'll understand that being able to stay by Teacher's side—even as a mere maid—is a blessing many Titled Douluo couldn't hope to obtain."
With that, she turned and walked toward her own quarters with graceful steps.
Ning Rongrong stood there, scratching her head in half-understanding. In the end, she hurried after Zhu Zhuqing, who had just come out of the study.
"Um... Zhu Zhuqing."
She spoke a little shyly.
"Teacher asked me to arrange a place for you to stay. Come with me."
Zhu Zhuqing glanced at her and nodded without a word.
The two walked one behind the other through the courtyard.
Listening Waves Pavilion had a simple layout. Besides the main residences of Chen Xuan and Xue Qinghe, who had moved in later, several elegant side rooms stood around the grounds for the disciples to stay or rest in.
Ning Rongrong led Zhu Zhuqing to a south-facing side room.
"This is it. Everything inside is new. Take a look and see if you