On the way back to Shrek Academy, Ning Rongrong followed closely beside Fu Qin, her eyes full of little hearts.
"Not bad, not bad!"
Dean Flender walked at the front. His usually stingy praise flowed freely now. He glanced at Ning Rongrong beside him, his tone tinged with mixed feelings.
"The Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda really lives up to its reputation. The continent's number one support Martial Soul is no empty boast. Add your innate ninth-rank Soul Power, and given time, your prospects will be limitless."
Ning Rongrong lifted her chin, her face full of haughty pride, but she secretly glanced at Fu Qin from the corner of her eye, the faintest smile tugging at her lips.
She knew that their victory had mostly come down to Fu Qin's strength, but she still felt sweet inside at being recognized by Flender.
Still, she hadn't outgrown her spoiled young-lady temper. She gave a huff and said, "Of course. Just look at who I am."
Flender rolled his eyes and said nothing more. He was clearly still exasperated by her personality, but he couldn't hide the approval in his eyes.
This gold ingot, Ning Rongrong, had indeed landed in Shrek's "beggars' den." With her there, Shrek's overall strength would undoubtedly rise by a whole level.
Fu Qin chuckled to himself. The result of this Soul Fighting match had been both expected and a little surprising.
He had already known how powerful the Seven Treasures Glazed Pagoda was, but actually experiencing the strength of its three stacked boosts still felt downright unreal.
As he pondered, Dai Mubai beside him suddenly patted Tang San on the shoulder, his tone suggestive.
He lowered his voice so only the two of them could hear.
"Little San, we won a Soul Fighting match tonight for once. Want to come into Suotuo City with us and have some fun? I told the madam there to save three of her top girls for us. If you come, I'll share one with you."
Ma Hongjun immediately sidled up, leering.
"Yeah, yeah, Little San, come see what it's like! I guarantee it'll open your eyes!" Oscar chimed in from the side.
A trace of hesitation crossed Tang San's face. His eyes instinctively drifted toward Xiao Wu, who was a short distance away. He was clearly tempted.
But when he saw Xiao Wu's eyes suddenly turn cold, his heart lurched. He immediately waved his hands.
"No, no. I still have to go back and cultivate, so I'll pass."
Seeing that, Dai Mubai and the others had no choice but to let it go. They teased him about being henpecked, then slung their arms over each other's shoulders and headed toward Suotuo City.
Fu Qin watched it all, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.
Tang San's reaction was just like in the original story: his concern for Xiao Wu ran bone-deep.
And Xiao Wu's possessive look warmed Tang San's heart, too.
"Ah!"
Just then, Ning Rongrong beside him tilted to one side, as if her foot had slipped. She nearly fell.
Fu Qin instinctively reached out and caught her by the waist. Her skin felt soft and smooth beneath his hand, carrying a young girl's distinctive fragrance.
"What's wrong?" Fu Qin asked, lowering his head, concern in his voice.
Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed. She looked away and lifted one foot slightly, saying pitifully, "I think I twisted my ankle. It hurts."
Fu Qin was about to bend down and examine it when Tang San suddenly stepped forward, his expression earnest.
"Fu Qin, let me carry Rongrong. You used up a lot of energy in that Soul Fighting match. You should rest."
At his words, Ning Rongrong furrowed her brows, and even Xiao Wu's expression instantly turned ugly.
Ning Rongrong flatly rejected him, her voice brimming with undisguised disdain.
"Get lost. I don't want you carrying me."
Xiao Wu's eyes turned cold, and an explosion went off in her heart.
What did Tang San mean by that? He knew perfectly well Ning Rongrong was his brother's future girlfriend, yet he still wanted to carry her?
Was he trying to have it both ways, currying favor with her while also hitting on Ning Rongrong?
He wanted to pursue his brother's future woman, too? What a pipe dream!
"Tang San, get your ass over here!"
Xiao Wu didn't even give Tang San a chance to explain. She flashed forward, Soul Power surging beneath her feet, and whipped out a kick with a sharp whoosh, aiming straight at Tang San's face.
Tang San had never expected Xiao Wu to attack without warning. Caught completely off guard, he had no time to react. A tremendous force slammed into his face, and he flew backward like a kite with its string cut, crashing into the grass dozens of meters away and kicking up a cloud of dust.
Even Fu Qin froze for a moment. He hadn't expected Xiao Wu to hit so hard.
But it did seem perfectly normal. Tang San had just tried to steal his brother's girl right in front of Xiao Wu.
After kicking Tang San away, Xiao Wu turned to Ning Rongrong. A trace of barely perceptible hostility glinted in her eyes, but she forced down her jealousy and said, "Rongrong, let me carry you. Fu Qin's too tired."
Ning Rongrong frowned, clearly reluctant. But seeing how Xiao Wu wouldn't take no for an answer—and knowing she had only pretended to twist her ankle—she had no choice but to nod.
Xiao Wu crouched and let Ning Rongrong climb onto her back. As she stood, she shot Fu Qin a reproachful look, looking just like a little beast declaring its territory.
Fu Qin chuckled to himself, then hurried over to Tang San and helped him up.
Tang San rubbed his swollen cheek. Blood still stained the corner of his mouth, and his face was full of grievance and regret.
"Fu Qin, I didn't mean it like that. I just... sigh, Xiao Wu misunderstood me."
"I know." Fu Qin patted him on the shoulder, his tone teasing.
"Third Brother, you should think before you speak next time. You know what Sister Xiao Wu's like—she can't stand even a grain of sand in her eyes."
Tang San gave a bitter smile and nodded, cursing himself a thousand times over and swearing he'd never meddle in other people's business again.
When they returned to Shrek Academy, Xiao Wu handed Ning Rongrong over to Zhu Zhuqing, then turned to Fu Qin, her eyes full of reproach and a faint urgency.
She even winked at him. The meaning couldn't have been clearer.
Come find me.
Fu Qin understood. After greeting Tang San, he left the others behind.
Before long.
He pushed open Xiao Wu's door once again.
But the moment he stepped inside, a soft body flung itself into his arms.
"Fu Qin..." Xiao Wu's voice was coquettish. She wrapped both arms tightly around his waist and buried her head against his chest, her eyes revealing undisguised grievance.
Fu Qin reacted quickly, closing the door behind him and drawing her into his arms. He lowered his head and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"My dearest Sister Xiao Wu, who's upset you this time?"
"Who else but Tang San!" Xiao Wu lifted her head, her eyes full of discontent.
"He already has a beautiful, kind, and generous girlfriend like me, yet he still wanted to carry Ning Rongrong. I won't allow it!"
As she spoke, she rose onto her tiptoes and took the initiative to kiss Fu Qin on the lips. Her movements were urgent and possessive, as if she were declaring her claim.
Hearing Xiao Wu's words, Fu Qin felt his worldview crumble a little.
Good grief.
The officials could set fires, but the commoners weren't even allowed to light lamps.
Haji Wu, that's so you!
Of course.
Xiao Wu's double standard had absolutely nothing to do with him.
After all, he was just a cheerful, sunny young man who'd come to bring some warmth.
The only things that would happen between the two of them would be matters of "mutual consent."