Dawn had barely broken, and the dormitory district of the Sun Moon Imperial Soul Engineering Academy was beginning to stir.
Outside the window, the soul-engineered light screens glowed softly. Morning light spilled through the glass and across the floor, driving away the last traces of night.
Knock, knock, knock—knock, knock, knock!
The rapid, rhythmic knocking shattered the room's quiet.
Huo Yuhao lay curled beneath his covers. He had expended a great deal of spiritual power the night before, and sleep still weighed heavily on him.
He gave a huge yawn. His eyelids heavy, dressed only in loose black cotton pajamas, his hair a sleepy mess, he shuffled to the door in soft-soled slippers and pulled it open.
The instant the door opened, it was as though cold water had been poured over his muddled, half-asleep mind. He woke up completely.
Three figures stood outside.
On the left was Ning Tian, dressed in a simple, pale-teal student dress. Her hair was neatly combed, her expression gentle and serene, and she held a carved wooden food box.
In the middle stood Meng Hongchen, her white hair tied in a high ponytail. She wore a bright, pale-red outfit and brimmed with energy. The lunchbox in her arms was gilded.
Beside them, Nana stood quietly.
Three people. Three lunchboxes.
Huo Yuhao glanced over the lunchboxes, then at the almost visible tension between the three women. The corners of his mouth twitched sharply despite himself.
Inside, he wailed.
Seriously? A three-way choice first thing in the morning? Who could survive this?
He made a rough estimate of his appetite. Eating three full breakfasts would be difficult.
But refusing any one of them now would be like putting a torch to the battlefield.
Caught between a rock and a hard place, Huo Yuhao decided not to