Can I Eat With You?

"You have one minute. Get back to your dorms, change into clean clothes, and report back to the classroom immediately! If you're a second late, prepare to face my punishment!"

Zhou Yi's words snapped everyone back to reality. She had reverted to her stern demeanor, her voice cold and sharp as she shouted at the panting crowd, who were still stealing glances at Cao Longyan and his group.

Cowed by Zhou Yi's authority, everyone instantly averted their eyes. Daring not to delay, they took off at a sprint toward the dormitory building.

Their clothes were already damaged to varying degrees from the challenge with Zhou Yi, and now they were soaked through with sweat from the laps.

Cao Longyan and Xiao Xiao realized in an instant that Zhou Yi was intentionally helping them out of a tight spot.

As their eyes met, the two, standing in close proximity, felt their cheeks flush a deep crimson. They instinctively recoiled, creating a distance between them, the atmosphere suddenly thick with a subtle, ambiguous tension.

Cao Longyan broke the silence first. His gaze fell upon Xiao Xiao's slightly pale face, his tone retaining its unique gentleness, though now tinged with concern.

"Classmate Xiao Xiao, do you still have the strength to run back to the dorm and change?"

Xiao Xiao bit her lower lip, wanting to force herself to shake her head and claim she was fine, but her body was brutally honest.

The moment she tried to take a step, her legs turned to jelly. She swayed, nearly collapsing to the ground again.

Seeing this, Cao Longyan didn't hesitate. He stepped forward and swept Xiao Xiao up into a princess carry.

His movements were gentle yet steady, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

"Don't push yourself. You can't walk steadily right now, so let me help you. If you still have strength in your arms, hold onto my neck—be careful not to fall."

His arms supported her firmly, his hands slightly balled into fists as he reached forward, carefully avoiding her sensitive areas with perfect propriety.

Resting in Cao Longyan's arms, Xiao Xiao felt a faint, icy chill radiating from him, yet she didn't feel cold; instead, she felt an inexplicable sense of comfort and warmth.

Looking at his handsome, gentle face so close to her own, her mind went blank. Almost against her own will, she let out a soft "Mm," obediently raising her arms to wrap them around his neck, while burying her burning, crimson face into his chest, not daring to look up at him again.

As he moved, he glanced down at his own uniform—it had been neat enough, but the burst of extreme speed he'd used to catch Xiao Xiao had left his hem and cuffs quite tattered. Fortunately, it was only the edges; no skin was exposed, or the onlookers would have been doing more than just staring in shock and gossip.

Not far away, Zhou Yi watched their retreating backs, a faint curve touching her lips.

She had been nursing a bit of "frustration" in her heart.

Cao Longyan had stood up to her in public, causing her to lose a bit of face in front of the new students. She decided to use this opportunity to take a little "revenge."

With that thought, Zhou Yi raised her voice and shouted at the crowd of students who had already run some distance away.

"That boy carrying the girl, run faster! If you don't make it to class on time, both of you can prepare to face my punishment together!"

The moment these words left her lips, they grabbed the attention of every new student. Everyone turned back, their gazes fixed squarely on Cao Longyan and Xiao Xiao. A synchronized "Oooooh—" erupted across the plaza, followed by a wave of teasing cheers.

Cao Longyan's pace faltered, a trace of helplessness flashing in his eyes. He didn't mind the teasing, but he hadn't expected Zhou Yi's black-bellied side to be turned on him so quickly.

In his arms, Xiao Xiao heard the jeers, and her cheeks turned even redder; she could even feel her ears burning.

She tugged gently on Cao Longyan's collar, her voice tiny and laced with shyness.

"Classmate Cao Longyan, you should put me down. I can walk back slowly on my own. I don't want to drag you down..."

Cao Longyan looked down at her trembling head buried in his chest and couldn't help but chuckle, his tone gentle yet firm.

"Don't worry, you aren't dragging me down. Hold on tight."

That smile struck Xiao Xiao's heart, leaving her completely dazed. She instinctively buried her flushed face even deeper, her heart pounding like a drum.

With that, he exerted a little force in his feet and steadily increased his speed. Like an arrow, he shot forward and reached Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao in an instant.

Wang Dong looked at Cao Longyan and Xiao Xiao, then flashed an "I know what's going on" expression. He winked at Cao Longyan and gave him a thumbs-up.

Without another word, Wang Dong grabbed the still-dazed Huo Yuhao and sprinted ahead, deliberately putting distance between them to give the pair some space.

Cao Longyan watched their retreating figures, his face full of question marks.

Wait, what does Wang Dong think he knows? What was that thumbs-up for? I'm only taking care of Xiao Xiao because I had a soft spot for this cute, resilient girl in the original story and didn't want her to get hurt—that's all!

Besides, he had originally wanted to ask Wang Dong and Huo Yuhao to grab his spare uniform from the dorm, as he was afraid he wouldn't make it in time and didn't want to disrespect the teacher.

Soon, Cao Longyan reached the bottom of the dormitory building with Xiao Xiao in his arms.

He knew that Shrek's dormitory had strict rules: the fourth floor and above were for female students, and males were forbidden from entering.

He gently set Xiao Xiao down at the entrance to the third-floor staircase, his tone remaining gentle.

"We're at the third floor. Go up slowly, and stay safe."

Xiao Xiao steadied herself, looked up, her cheeks still crimson, and avoided his gaze as she whispered, "Thank you, Classmate Cao Longyan. I've really troubled you today..."

With that, she used the last bit of her recovered strength to turn and run toward the fourth-floor girls' dorm without looking back, her face red to the tips of her ears.

Cao Longyan watched her go, let out a long sigh, and turned toward the boys' dorm. After changing into a clean uniform, he headed straight for the classroom.

What followed was a boring theory class. The material being taught was something Cao Longyan already knew by heart—even more thoroughly than Zhou Yi herself.

Still, he listened, and when Zhou Yi called on him to answer, he did so perfectly.

As for the times when Zhou Yi wasn't paying attention, he simply pretended to keep his eyes open while sinking his consciousness into his spiritual sea to study the fusion of soul power, spiritual power, and spirit energy alongside Sky Dream Ice Worm, the Ice Empress, and Electrolux.

Before he knew it, the morning theory class was over.

The moment the bell rang, Zhou Yi walked straight up to Huo Yuhao and said in a flat tone.

"Huo Yuhao, come to my office alone."

Huo Yuhao was stunned for a moment, then nodded. After greeting Cao Longyan and Wang Dong, he followed Zhou Yi out of the classroom.

Cao Longyan sat in his seat, showing none of the curiosity Wang Dong displayed.

He naturally knew that Zhou Yi seeking out Huo Yuhao was likely following the original plot, intending to provide him with special training and have him join the Soul Guidance Department.

However, he was very curious how the current Huo Yuhao, lacking the opportunities from the original story, had managed to pass Zhou Yi's challenge and catch her eye.

Beside him, Wang Dong watched the direction Huo Yuhao had left in with a face full of worry, unable to stop himself from muttering.

"Why did Teacher Zhou look for Yuhao? It wouldn't be because his soul power is too low, would it..."

Cao Longyan shot Wang Dong an annoyed glance and lightly rapped him on the head.

"Hey, Longyan, why are you hitting my head!"

Wang Dong clutched his head, glaring at Cao Longyan with some indignation.

"I'm checking if I can knock the water out of your brain. What are you thinking about all day long? Hurry up and go to the cafeteria to eat; if we go too late, all the good food will be gone."

"You... you're going to be the death of me!"

Watching Cao Longyan turn and walk away immediately after speaking, Wang Dong could only sulk and stomp his foot, though he still followed Cao Longyan as they prepared to leave the classroom for the cafeteria.

Just then, a petite green figure hurried over, blocking Cao Longyan's path.

It was Xiao Xiao, now changed into a clean school uniform.

Her hair was combed neatly, her cheeks still flushed with a faint crimson, and her hands gripped the hem of her skirt tightly as her eyes darted around, avoiding Cao Longyan's gaze.

"Cao Longyan... classmate, can I... can I eat with you?"