Why Compete with Me, Little Disciple? The Young Master's Childhood Companion

Gu Yuena wore a pristine white dress that fell just to her fair ankles.

At this moment, her long, snowy legs were pressed together, making her look like a cold, icy mountain.

Of course, she had not yet fully recovered; her entire body had been thoroughly molded into the shape of Shen Qingling.

Even a mere thought of it was enough to bring her an indescribably wonderful experience.

The carriage traveled quickly, and after some time, it reached its destination: the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, Heaven Dou City!

The carriage slowly rolled through the city gates. The thick walls receded behind them, and the buildings lining the streets grew denser. Tang San lifted the carriage curtain, his eyes widening with every passing moment, filled with wonder.

"Teacher, it's so lively here! It's at least ten thousand times better than Notting City!"

Tang San looked at the rows of shops and the bustling flow of carriages, unable to contain his amazement.

He had never seen such a prosperous place in his life. Holy Soul Village was remote and cramped, and compared to this, even Notting City seemed like an insignificant little hamlet.

Shen Qingling leaned back in the carriage and smiled faintly:

"This is the capital of the Heaven Dou Empire, so naturally, Notting City cannot compare. However, we aren't here for leisure. There will be plenty of time to explore once we finish our business. Let's first take you to try the local delicacies of Heaven Dou City. I imagine you've grown tired of the bland meals we had back in Notting City."

Xiao Wu also leaned toward the window, her eyes sparkling. She had spent so long in the Star Dou Forest and had rarely visited large human cities since taking human form, so everything felt fresh to her.

Not long after, the carriage stopped in front of a grand restaurant. The golden-lettered sign, "Heavenly Fragrance House," shimmered brightly, and guests flowed in and out in an endless stream.

Shen Qingling stepped out first, followed closely by Gu Yuena, with Tang San and Xiao Wu trailing behind.

Once inside, a waiter enthusiastically led them to a private room on the second floor.

Shen Qingling ordered seven or eight signature dishes with practiced ease, a mix of meat and vegetables, along with two nourishing soups, all unique specialties of Heaven Dou City.

Soon, the dishes were brought to the table one after another, and the aroma instantly filled the private room.

The vibrant, colorful dishes covered the table, leaving Tang San and Xiao Wu dazzled.

"Start eating, don't just stare."

Shen Qingling picked up his chopsticks, signaling that they didn't need to be formal.

Tang San had already been salivating at the scent, and at these words, he quickly picked up a piece of pork tenderloin and popped it into his mouth.

The crispy-yet-tender texture melted with the savory sauce, and his eyes lit up instantly.

This tasted better than anything he had ever eaten before. Almost subconsciously, he picked up the largest piece and placed it into Shen Qingling's bowl.

"Teacher, this is delicious, you have to try it!"

A pure smile graced Tang San's face.

For over a year, his teacher had been meticulous in his care, thinking of him in every aspect of his life. He had long considered his teacher his closest family, and his first instinct when finding something good was to save it for him.

Gu Yuena's hand, just about to pick up some food, froze, her chopsticks hovering in mid-air.

She raised an eyebrow, and the look she directed at Tang San carried a hint of subtle emotion.

She muttered to herself: He's quick to curry favor. Picking food for my husband is supposed to be my job; what are you, a little disciple, competing for? Besides, if my husband wants something, can't I pick it for him? No need for you to be a busybody.

She didn't speak, but instead, she calmly picked up a piece of steamed fish, carefully removed the bones, and placed it into Shen Qingling's bowl, her tone natural:

"Husband, try this fish; the meat is tender."

After saying this, she cast a faint glance at Tang San, carrying a hint of unspoken rivalry.

Tang San didn't notice anything unusual; he simply assumed his teacher's wife was also showing concern for his teacher. If anything, he became even more enthusiastic, picking up a portion of greens and putting them into Shen Qingling's bowl: "Teacher, eat more vegetables to stay healthy."

Shen Qingling looked at the pile of food growing in his bowl and then at Gu Yuena's slightly pursed lips, finding it quite amusing.

He gave a light cough and said to Tang San: "San, just eat your own food; don't worry about me."

He then turned to Gu Yuena and added: "You eat too, don't just focus on serving me."

Gu Yuena huffed but didn't say anything, obediently starting to eat. However, her eyes still drifted toward Tang San from time to time, as if her personal property had been touched.

Xiao Wu was busy stuffing her face on the side, occasionally looking up at the three of them. She felt the atmosphere was a bit strange, but she didn't think too much of it, focusing only on the delicious food in front of her.

The meal was lively, and both Tang San and Xiao Wu ended up with round, full bellies.

Setting down his chopsticks, Tang San still felt a bit unsatisfied, his gratitude toward Shen Qingling deepening even further.

He secretly resolved to cultivate diligently and grow stronger as quickly as possible so that he could treat his teacher to the best things in the future.

Shen Qingling wiped his mouth and spoke:

"Rest for a while after eating. Later, I'll take you both to find someone and see if we can run into them."

Tang San nodded and went to fetch two cups of water, "Teacher, Teacher's wife."

Shen Qingling took them, "Thoughtful."

Tang San smiled and scratched his head: "As long as you like it, Teacher."

Just then, in the corridor outside the private room, a figure in dark, tight-fitting clothing was holding a food box, discussing the order with the waiter.

The person was none other than Snake Lance Douluo. He had been ordered by the young master to specifically pick up some pre-ordered signature dishes from the Heavenly Fragrance House.

As his peripheral vision swept across the open door of the private room and landed on Shen Qingling, he abruptly stopped in his tracks, nearly dropping the food box in his hands.

Snake Lance Douluo's heart skipped a beat, his pupils constricting slightly.

Is it him? That big brother the young master often talked about during childhood? He stared closely at Shen Qingling's profile, especially those iconic golden eyes. The vague figure in his memories gradually overlapped with the person before him.

Back then, the young master was young and always talked about having a big brother who treated him exceptionally well. Later, that person suddenly disappeared, and the young master had been dejected for a long time.

He had assumed it was just a childhood acquaintance, never expecting to run into him in Heaven Dou City.

He steadied himself and took a few more secret glances.

There was no mistake; those golden eyes were too unique; there wasn't a second pair like them in the world.

But rumor had it that the man had left Spirit City long ago—how could he suddenly appear in Heaven Dou City? And with two children and a cold, beautiful woman?

Snake Lance Douluo's thoughts whirled, unsure for a moment whether he should step forward to acknowledge him.

Shen Qingling had long since noticed the gaze from outside the door. He raised his eyes to look over, his expression calm and unruffled.

Gu Yuena also turned her head slightly, her fingertips pausing. Sensing the Title Douluo-level aura on the man, a trace of vigilance flashed in her eyes, and she shifted discreetly closer to Shen Qingling.

"Teacher, who is that person outside? He's been staring at us," Tang San whispered. He followed Shen Qingling's gaze and felt that the man possessed an imposing aura, unlike an ordinary person.

Seeing that he had been discovered, Snake Lance Douluo simply walked to the door of the private room, bowed slightly, his tone carrying a mix of caution and respect:

"Excuse me, sir, may I ask if your surname is Shen?"

Shen Qingling tapped the rim of his teacup with his finger and replied calmly: "And if it is?"