But the atmosphere on the training ground was completely at odds with the relaxed mood.
Dean Flender stood in the middle of the group, his face dark as thunder. Oscar stood in front of him with his head bowed so low it was almost touching his chest, his ears bright red. He was clearly being chewed out.
Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and the others stood to one side, each with a different look in their eyes as they watched the two latecomers arrive.
"Oscar! Do you think I'm blind?" Flender's voice cracked like thunder, making everyone's eardrums ring.
"Ning Rongrong skipped training to go out and fool around. You knew and didn't report it, and you even helped cover for her? Shrek Academy has no place for students who have no regard for discipline!"
Oscar shrank his neck and sneaked a glance at Fu Qin and Ning Rongrong, feeling more envious than he could say.
They'd both spent the afternoon with Ning Rongrong, yet Fu Qin had accompanied the Little Demoness on a shopping spree, while Oscar had been caught by the dean and given a dressing-down. How could the difference between people be so huge?
The moment Ning Rongrong appeared, Flender's anger immediately found a new target, and he laid into her without pause.
"Ning Rongrong! Just look at yourself! It's bad enough that you don't strive to improve, but now you're letting pleasure distract you from your studies! I'm telling you, I'm watching your every move. Don't think you can get away with this!"
Ning Rongrong had been spoiled since childhood. She'd never been scolded like this before, and she flared up on the spot, raising her brows as she prepared to argue back.
But before she could speak, Fu Qin suddenly stepped forward and blocked half her body. He covered her lips with his palm,
warmth and a faint fragrance lingering against her as she stood close behind him.
Fu Qin's low voice rang in her ear, carrying a soothing power.
"Don't act rashly. Making an enemy of Flender here isn't a wise choice. He's the dean, and he's doing this for your own good. Apologize first. We can talk about everything else later."
[ Fate Origin and Dissipation Max+ activated. Ning Rongrong's reliance on Fu Qin soared, and her anger vanished in an instant. ]
[ Ning Rongrong's thoughts: Brother Fu Qin is holding me! He actually stepped forward to protect me and get me out of trouble! He's right. I can't go head-to-head with Flender here. I can't go wrong if I listen to him! ]
Ning Rongrong stiffened, her cheeks instantly flushing red. Her agitated emotions quickly settled, as if someone had doused them with cold water.
She felt Fu Qin's strong arm and steady heartbeat. Her hurt and anger gradually gave way to sweetness, and she obediently kept quiet, her expression growing gentle.
Fu Qin let go and placed a hand on Ning Rongrong's shoulder. Then he turned to Flender and bowed slightly in apology.
"Dean, I'm sorry. This was all my fault. I suggested taking Rongrong out to relax. She's young, and I should have talked her out of it, but instead I went along with her and let us both miss training. If you have to punish someone, punish me."
[ Intelligence-Reducing Halo activated. Flender decided, "Fu Qin took the blame of his own accord because he truly cares about Ning Rongrong and realizes his mistake." ]
[ Flender's thoughts: I didn't expect Fu Qin to be so responsible! Ning Rongrong, that Little Demoness, has always been spoiled and willful, yet she actually listened to him and even apologized. It seems Fu Qin really can keep her in line. I can't afford to truly offend the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. With Fu Qin helping keep her in check, that saves me plenty of trouble. ]
Flender had never intended to seriously punish Ning Rongrong. After all, he couldn't afford to ignore the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect's standing.
Seeing Fu Qin take the blame of his own accord and Ning Rongrong looking so obedient and contrite, Flender's expression softened. He still kept his face stern as he said,
"Fu Qin, you have good talent, but you can't let these trivial matters distract you from cultivation! You should focus on training, not join in with this nonsense!"
"Yes, Dean. You're right to reprimand me. I'll be more careful from now on." Fu Qin responded respectfully, his humble attitude leaving nothing to criticize.
At that point, Ning Rongrong also apologized in a quiet voice. "Dean, I'm sorry. I know I was wrong. I won't skip training again. I'll take part properly from now on."
Her words left not only Flender stunned, but even Dai Mubai looking uncertain.
Who didn't know Ning Rongrong was a notorious Little Demoness who always did as she pleased? When had she ever apologized so obediently?
Flender felt relieved and secretly congratulated himself on having Fu Qin there. Otherwise, if he really angered Ning Rongrong, he wouldn't know how to explain himself to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
He cleared his throat and said, "Good. You know you were wrong. If you skip training again, I won't let you off so easily!"
"Fu Qin, since you volunteered to look after Ning Rongrong, you're responsible for her in the training and missions ahead. Don't let her hold the team back."
Fu Qin nodded at once. "Please rest assured, Dean. I'll make sure Rongrong keeps up and doesn't cause trouble for the team."
Flender nodded with satisfaction, then changed the subject and announced their next destination.
"All right, enough talk. We're going to the Great Soul Arena in Suotuo City to take part in Soul Fighting. It's a great chance for you to gain combat experience and improve your strength. Fu Qin, you and Ning Rongrong will form a duo. Everyone else can team up as you please. Get ready—we're leaving right away!"
Actually,
Flender had long wanted to see just how deep Fu Qin's potential ran.
A thirty-fourth-level Soul Elder with strange and powerful Soul Skills—he'd even managed to suppress Zhao Wuji, that reckless brute.
Putting Fu Qin and Ning Rongrong together would let Flender test Fu Qin's combat ability while giving Ning Rongrong a chance to train in battle. It was killing two birds with one stone.
Fu Qin was taken aback when he heard Flender's words.
But he quickly understood what Flender was thinking.
Well, well.
The old man really had brought a pillow just as he was getting sleepy.
Ning Rongrong hadn't yet awakened her memories from her past life, so he could use this chance to grow closer to her in advance.
When Ning Rongrong heard that she'd be teaming up with Fu Qin, her eyes immediately lit up. She couldn't suppress her smile and secretly tugged at his sleeve, whispering,
"Brother Fu Qin, this is wonderful! We get to team up!"
Feeling her tug at his sleeve,
Fu Qin saw her favorability rise by another ten points on the panel, reaching 135.
Meanwhile, Tang San's expression turned dark, and his heart grew tense.
He watched Fu Qin and Ning Rongrong interact so intimately, his brows drawn tight.
As far as he knew, Ning Rongrong was destined to become Oscar's wife and was an indispensable member of the Shrek Seven Devils.
But now, Ning Rongrong clearly had feelings for Fu Qin, and the two had even formed a duo with Flender's help. If they really got together, wouldn't the whole dynamic of the Shrek Seven Devils be thrown into chaos?
But soon, his mind slipped into a brief daze.
[ Intelligence-Reducing Halo activated. Tang San decided, "Fu Qin and Ning Rongrong are teaming up only to complete a task. This won't affect the future plot." ]
[ Tang San's thoughts: No, I have to find a way to stop them! Ning Rongrong belongs with Oscar. I can't let Fu Qin steal her away. Once the Soul Fighting is over, I need to talk to Oscar and get him to be more proactive and win Ning Rongrong back. ]
Tang San was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, but there was nothing he could do.
Fu Qin's strength and charm spoke for themselves, and Ning Rongrong clearly liked him. Tang San had no idea how to stop it.