The Two Girls Were Like Sisters

By the time Lin Ming returned to the dormitory, it was completely dark. He pushed open the door and caught the aroma of food, making his stomach growl at once.

Looking closely, he saw several steaming dishes on the table—braised pork, steamed fish, stir-fried vegetables, and chicken soup. The meat and vegetables had been carefully balanced; it was obvious someone had put thought into preparing them.

Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan sat side by side at the table, leaning close as they whispered about something, letting out soft laughter from time to time.

Hearing the door open, Ning Rongrong was the first to look up, a sweet smile appearing on her face:

"Brother Ming, you're back! Come eat quickly. Sister Yan and I have been waiting for you forever, and the food is getting cold."

Dugu Yan also raised her head and glanced at him. A trace of softness lingered in her emerald-green eyes, and there was an indescribable charm in her shifting gaze.

Unlike Ning Rongrong, she was not so openly enthusiastic. She merely nodded lightly. "Where did you run off to all day? You didn't even come back for lunch. We saved you some food, and Ning Rongrong even went to the kitchen to have the chefs heat it up again."

Lin Ming paused, then warmth welled up in his heart. He pulled over a chair and sat down, sweeping his gaze over the two girls. He found that their relationship was clearly far more harmonious than before.

Two days ago, they had still been wary of each other. Now they could already huddle together and whisper secrets. The change had happened faster than his Soul Power had improved.

Ning Rongrong wore a pale blue gauze dress that made her look sweet and charming. Her long black hair was loosely tied with a silver ribbon, revealing her fair and delicate face.

Dugu Yan wore a fitted black gown that outlined her slender waist. Her long purple hair draped casually over her shoulders, giving her a touch of languid beauty, with a hint of seductive allure beneath her cold elegance.

Two breathtaking girls of entirely different styles sat together—one lively and radiant, the other cool and enchanting—yet the scene was unexpectedly harmonious.

"I met with His Highness the Crown Prince today and discussed a few matters. It took up some time."

Lin Ming picked up his chopsticks and offered a casual explanation, then put a piece of braised pork into his mouth. The pork was tender and richly flavored, fatty without being greasy, and melted in his mouth.

Ning Rongrong blinked her large eyes and asked curiously, "His Highness the Crown Prince wanted to talk with you? Don't tell me he wanted to recruit you too? I heard that the crown prince has always liked befriending outstanding young talents. Any young genius in Heaven Dou City with even a little reputation, he wants to win over."

Lin Ming picked up another piece of steamed fish, chewed it twice, swallowed, and only then said:

"More or less. But I didn't agree to anything. We just exchanged a few polite words and talked about cultivation. He needs connections, and I need resources. Knowing one more person means having one more path. But there's no need to get too close. The waters of the imperial family run too deep."

He did not reveal Qian Renxue's true identity or her plans. This matter involved too much; even though Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan were close to him, now was not the time to lay everything bare.

Dugu Yan lifted her teacup and took a sip before saying calmly, "If you really refused the crown prince's offer, then you did nothing wrong. The Heaven Dou Empire may look prosperous, but the struggle for imperial power is far too complicated. Once you get involved, it will be difficult to break free. You have Sect Master Ning supporting you in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, and Sword Douluo watching over you. Why wade into that muddy water?"

Lin Ming glanced at her. He had not expected Dugu Yan's position to be so clear, or for her to think things through so carefully on his behalf. A trace of comfort rose in his heart, and he smiled.

"Sister Yan is right. That's exactly what I think. It's not time to choose sides yet. Once I have the strength of a Titled Douluo, it won't be too late to consider such things."

When Ning Rongrong heard him call Dugu Yan "Sister Yan," her eyes darted about before she sweetly chimed in as well:

"Sister Yan truly sees far ahead. I'll learn from Sister Yan in the future too. Sister Yan, teach me—how can I seem a little smarter in front of Brother Ming?"

Dugu Yan felt a little embarrassed by that "Sister Yan." She turned her head away, though the corners of her lips could not help but curve upward slightly.

"You little flatterer, stop buttering me up. There are plenty of smart people in your Brother Ming's eyes. You should just be grateful if you don't cause him trouble." Though she spoke jokingly, her tone carried both affection and sincerity.

"I would never cause trouble for Brother Ming!" Ning Rongrong stuck out her tongue playfully, then placed another helping of food into Lin Ming's bowl. "Brother Ming, eat more. You worked hard today."

The atmosphere at the table was harmonious. The two girls chatted and laughed, occasionally serving each other food, looking just like deeply affectionate sisters. Watching them, Lin Ming secretly sighed:

Although Douluo Continent practiced polygamy, and it was perfectly normal for strong men to marry several wives, women competing out of jealousy was also common.

Ning Rongrong and Dugu Yan were both proud women. For them to set aside their differences and coexist peacefully in such a short time, aside from his personal charm, showed that neither wanted to leave him with the impression that she was jealous.

Since that was the case, he was naturally happy to see it happen. Lin Ming did not expose them; he simply focused on eating heartily, finishing every dish the two girls served him and enjoying a satisfying meal.