I Like You, So I Can't Lie to You

The uproar over the hand-holding in the dining hall had spread through the Inspection Team's small circle after Tang Ya added fuel to the fire.

That afternoon, Sea God Pavilion held an official inquiry. Wang Dong'er had gone to the outer courtyard to help Xiao Xiao with suppression training and did not attend.

The atmosphere inside the pavilion was grave. Xuan Zi sat at the head, his wine gourd unusually unopened. Several elders sat on either side, their gazes all fixed on Wang Qiu'er. She stood perfectly straight, with not a trace of fear between her brows.

Xuan Zi got straight to the point. "Wang Qiu'er, the academy has long known your origins. But with the Soul Beasts stirring and evil soul masters testing us again and again, some matters must be clarified—why exactly did you come to Shrek?"

"Huo Yuhao." Her answer was concise.

Xuan Zi narrowed his eyes. "For what reason?"

Wang Qiu'er looked at Huo Yuhao. "I don't know yet. But I know I had to come."

"Who told you to come?"

"Destiny."

When the Emperor Auspicious Beast spoke the word "destiny," it carried an inherent, weighty significance. The elders' expressions changed slightly.

Xuan Zi turned to Huo Yuhao. "Yuhao, what do you think?"

Huo Yuhao pondered for a moment. "She wasn't lying. My Eye of Destiny reacted strongly to her. In the corridor last night, when Dong'er and she approached at the same time, the Eye of Destiny, Dong'er's aura of light, and Qiu'er's auspicious beast power briefly resonated."

He recounted the disturbance from the previous night in detail. After thinking for a long time, Xuan Zi said in a deep voice, "Wang Qiu'er's identity is special. Keeping her at Shrek carries enormous risks. If the Star Dou Great Forest learns that she is staying at a human academy for long, it may very well trigger a beast tide."

Wang Qiu'er said calmly, "They know part of it, but they don't know how long I will stay."

"What if they come to take you back?"

"I won't go back."

"Is the reason still Yuhao?"

"Mm."

That soft "mm" made the pressure on Huo Yuhao's shoulders suddenly increase. Xuan Zi glanced at him with a faintly amused expression. "Kid, did you hear that? She's placed every reason on you."

Huo Yuhao said quietly, "I'll take responsibility for finding out the truth."

Xuan Zi sighed. "Stay for now. Wang Qiu'er, you are not to leave the academy alone. Yuhao, you will be responsible for observing and recording her at her side every day. Dong'er should participate as well."

One elder said gravely, "Observation alone is not enough. The rune marks at the residence last night and the residual waves from the sensing array today both show that someone is already probing us in secret. If we cannot establish a stable Destiny Fluctuation Recording Array, we will always be passively taking blows."

Xuan Zi nodded. "Kid, this task is yours. Your Spirit Detection, Ultimate Ice, and Eye of Destiny are all suited to it. Starting today, you may use the No. 3 Inner Courtyard Soul Tool Laboratory. All your food, lodging, and access privileges have been arranged. Within three days, I want to see the first recording plan."

Wang Qiu'er asked, "Am I going too?"

"Of course. Without your aura, what is he supposed to record?"

Huo Yuhao added, "Dong'er needs to participate too. Her aura of light is the key to stabilizing the resonance."

After the meeting ended, Huo Yuhao and Wang Qiu'er walked out of Sea God Pavilion. Wang Dong'er had already been waiting outside. The wind stirred the hem of her clothes as she turned around, her eyes unable to conceal their exhaustion.

"What was the conclusion?" she asked.

"Qiu'er will remain at the academy for now," Huo Yuhao said. "You also need to participate in the Eye of Destiny's sensory recordings."

Wang Dong'er gave a soft "mm." She had already expected this outcome—Shrek would not let her go easily, and neither would Huo Yuhao.

"You don't need to worry about me seeking him out alone anymore," Wang Qiu'er suddenly said.

Wang Dong'er glanced at her, her voice calm but carrying a trace of weariness. "Do you think that's all I'm worried about?"

Wang Qiu'er asked, "What else?"

Dong'er did not answer. What she truly feared was that Huo Yuhao's concern for Wang Qiu'er had quietly gone beyond the word "responsibility."

Huo Yuhao stepped before her and said softly, "Dong'er, I won't hide anything from you because of her. From Wang Dong to Dong'er, you have always been in my battle formation."

"You won't hide things from me, but you won't leave her alone either," Wang Dong'er said softly.

Huo Yuhao did not evade the question. "That's right. I won't."

Wang Dong'er's eyes reddened slightly, but she still looked up at him. "I know this puts you in a difficult position."

Huo Yuhao took her hand, his voice low but resolute. "I like you. That won't change because of anyone. Qiu'er's appearance is indeed connected to me. I will uncover the truth, and I will ensure her safety—she is our companion now."

Huo Yuhao knew clearly that he could no longer lightly dismiss the relationship between the three of them as a "misunderstanding" or "responsibility." He did not let go of Dong'er, nor did he reject Qiu'er.

This was the most dangerous beginning.