Xuan Qing returned to Dugu Manor and collapsed straight into a chair.
He felt more exhausted than after a match—not physically, but emotionally. Shui Yue'er was far too fierce; he couldn't handle her.
Zi Ji poured him a cup of tea, barely holding back her laughter.
"So Young Master is afraid of things after all. Look at what a sorry state you're in. Anyone who didn't know better would think you'd been chased by assassins."
Xuan Qing took the tea and drained it in one gulp, then sighed.
"I really can't handle girls like that. She's too lively, and this romantic pursuit came on way too strong. I wasn't prepared for it at all."
"I'm only ten, and she already wants to tie me up and take me home. Who could handle that?"
Dugu Bo and Dugu Yan returned as well. The moment Dugu Bo stepped inside, he burst into laughter, tears streaming from his eyes.
"It's not every day I get to see you run away in a panic. Usually you're the one who annoys everyone half to death. Today, it's finally your turn."
Xuan Qing rolled his eyes at him.
"Easy for you to say. Why don't you try it? That girl's mind is sharp, and she speaks her mind. She'll say absolutely anything."
"If I hadn't run, she really might have tied me up and taken me home today. Would you have rescued me?"
Dugu Bo chuckled.
"Is it really such a big deal? She's just a little girl. Take her in, that's all. You should know that with your looks and abilities, you'll have no shortage of women around you in the future."
"Even if they aren't willing, someone will push them your way. It's only a matter of time. You can't avoid it."
"Besides, that