Seeing Jiang Nannan Again

After Tian Chen expressed his calm, rational stance, Xiao Xiao felt somewhat uneasy, but she clearly had not entirely let go of the hope in her heart.

Although Xiao Xiao still felt a trace of disappointment after hearing Tian Chen's answer, she could sense the sincerity and respect in his words. She nodded gently and said in a soft voice, "I understand, Tian Chen. You're right. Feelings really aren't something we should decide on hastily. I'll think carefully about your advice, and I hope we can slowly get to know each other, just as you said."

Although Tian Chen had not immediately accepted her feelings, a glimmer of hope remained in Xiao Xiao's eyes. Summoning her courage, she added, "But I still hope I'll have more chances to get to know you. If possible, could we study together or take part in academy activities?"

Tian Chen smiled faintly at Xiao Xiao's suggestion. He nodded and said, "Of course, Xiao Xiao. We can study and improve together as friends. Not only will that help us understand each other better, it'll also make our days at Shrek Academy richer and more colorful."

Meanwhile, Wang Dong had already returned to the dormitory, showered, and sat down on her bed. The sight of Tian Chen and Xiao Xiao leaving together kept resurfacing in her mind. To her, the feeling was like that of a wife abandoned by her husband—complicated and impossible to put into words.

Wang Dong sat on the bed with her arms wrapped around her knees, a trace of confusion and unease in her eyes. Her voice unconsciously reverted to its feminine tone as she murmured to herself, "Why do I feel this way? Is it jealousy?"

As Wang Dong sank into her thoughts, she could not shake the image of Tian Chen and Xiao Xiao leaving together. A strong sense of discomfort quietly rose within her, and even her heart seemed to sting as though pricked by a fine needle. She herself could not explain where these feelings came from.

While Wang Dong was lost in thought, the dormitory door swung open, and Tian Chen walked in. Seeing how dispirited she looked, he stopped and asked with a slight frown, "What's wrong? You look like something's on your mind." His tone was steady, but carried a hint of inquiry.

At Tian Chen's question, Wang Dong raised her head, complicated emotions flickering in her eyes. She hesitated before finally asking, "Tian Chen, what did you and Xiao Xiao talk about just now? Did she... say anything special?"

Tian Chen was momentarily taken aback by Wang Dong's expression, then answered frankly, "She confessed her feelings to me."

Upon hearing Tian Chen's answer, Wang Dong instantly grew anxious. She sprang up from the bed and hurried over to him, her voice filled with unmistakable tension and unease as she asked, "Then did you... did you accept?"

Noticing Wang Dong's urgency, Tian Chen raised his eyebrows slightly and answered calmly, "I didn't. I told her that feelings aren't something we should decide on hastily, especially when we've only just met. So I suggested she first take some time to carefully sort out what's in her heart."

Wang Dong seemed to breathe a small sigh of relief, though her eyes still held complicated emotions. Lowering her head slightly, she continued in a quieter voice, "Then what did she say afterward? Was she angry, or did she... accept what you said?"

Watching the changes in Wang Dong's expression, Tian Chen paused briefly before saying, "She said she understood and hoped we could slowly get to know each other as friends. I think that's a reasonable attitude. After all, feelings need to be built on mutual understanding."

Wang Dong fell silent for a moment, a flicker of complicated emotion crossing her eyes. Then she asked, "Do you think she'll give up because of that?"

Tian Chen smiled calmly and replied, "That depends on her own choice. All I can do is make my position clear. How she decides is her freedom. But I believe genuine feelings can withstand the test of time."

After hearing Tian Chen's answer, Wang Dong remained silent for a moment, seemingly digesting his words. She raised her head, her eyes still holding a trace of complicated emotion, and hesitated before finally saying, "You mean... you're in no hurry to accept her feelings, and you'd rather give yourselves more time to get to know each other?"

Tian Chen nodded and added evenly, "Exactly. Feelings aren't something you should decide on because of a momentary impulse. Especially with a confession as sincere as hers, I need to be even more careful. After all, that's not just being responsible toward her, but toward myself too."

Wang Dong nodded slightly, but her expression did not completely relax. She said quietly, "But... what if she's really determined to be with you? Have you thought about what you'll do if she keeps persisting?"

Tian Chen raised his eyebrows slightly, seemingly surprised by Wang Dong's question. After a moment of thought, he answered, "If she really persists, that only means she has her own thoughts and choices. But I won't change my stance because of it—whether it's feelings or anything else, I believe reason and respect should come first. If we ultimately discover we aren't right for each other, forcing it would be meaningless."

At this point, Wang Dong's gaze grew even more complicated, as though some struggle was taking place within her. She hesitated for a while before finally being unable to resist asking, "Then have you ever thought about what you'd do if, one day, you met someone you truly liked? For example... what if that person was someone close to you?"

Hearing this question, Tian Chen's gaze sharpened slightly, as though he had sensed the deeper meaning in Wang Dong's words. Instead of answering directly, he asked, "What do you think matters most when someone faces their feelings?"

Caught off guard by Tian Chen's question, Wang Dong froze briefly, then lowered her head and thought for a moment. A trace of uncertainty crept into her voice. "I think... it should be sincerity. And whether the two people can truly understand and accept each other."

Tian Chen smiled faintly and nodded. "You're right. Sincerity and understanding really are the most important parts of a relationship. But beyond that, I think feelings also need time to settle. Only after the test of time can you truly see each other's feelings and character clearly."

Wang Dong seemed somewhat relieved to hear this, but the complicated emotions in her eyes had not entirely faded. She sighed softly and said in a low voice, "Maybe... I just feel that matters of the heart can be really complicated sometimes, especially when you're dealing with certain special people."

Watching Wang Dong's expression, Tian Chen paused briefly before saying gently, "They are. Feelings have never been simple. But that's precisely why we need to face them with reason and calm. Whether it's Xiao Xiao or anyone else, that's the attitude I'll maintain."

Seeing Wang Dong's conflicted expression, Tian Chen's lips curved slightly as he teased, "But Wang Dong, don't tell me you've fallen for Xiao Xiao? Why else would you care so much? Are you jealous?"

Wang Dong instantly flushed and denied it in a fluster. "Of course not! I just thought it was a bit sudden, that's all."

Tian Chen's smile deepened. "Oh? Your reaction doesn't look as simple as just finding it 'sudden.' Look, you're even blushing."

Wang Dong quickly lowered her head to hide her expression, muttering, "I'm not blushing! Stop making wild guesses!" Then she changed the subject. "How do you know she genuinely likes you? What if she was just saying it casually?"

Tian Chen raised an eyebrow and replied lightly, "Judging by how she acted, it didn't seem like a joke. But let's leave that aside for now and go eat. Once we're back, I'll explain Three Thousand Thunder Movement to you again."

At the mention of dinner, Wang Dong suddenly suggested, "Why don't we check out Shrek's snack street tonight? I hear it's really famous."

Tian Chen chuckled softly and nodded in agreement. "The snack street does sound like a good choice. We can unwind and try all kinds of delicious food. It's settled, then."

The two then headed toward Shrek Academy's snack street together. Lights along the way illuminated the bustling street, and enticing aromas wafted from the various stalls, drawing many students to stop.

Not far away, Tang Ya was carefully helping Huo Yuhao arrange the items at his grilled fish stall. Her movements were gentle and practiced, as though every detail had been thoroughly considered. Before long, a neat, inviting little stall stood before everyone.

Huo Yuhao stood to one side, watching Tang Ya bustle about as warmth welled up in his heart. He said softly, "Teacher Xiao Ya, thank you for helping me set up my stall. Without you, I wouldn't have known what to do."

Tang Ya smiled faintly at his words, a hint of tenderness in her clear eyes. "Yuhao, we're partners. Of course we should help each other. Besides, this is a great chance to bring in more income for our Tang Sect!"

Just then, Tian Chen and Wang Dong approached from the other end of the snack street, spotting Tang Ya and Huo Yuhao from afar.

Tian Chen's steps paused briefly, a flicker of curiosity crossing his eyes.

He, too, really wanted to try the "God King's grilled fish" that the original story had praised as outrageously delicious!

As Tian Chen drew closer, the Blue Silver Grass within Tang Ya once again sensed that peculiar aura. Something suddenly occurred to her, and she looked in Tian Chen's direction.

Tian Chen seemed to notice Tang Ya's gaze as well. His steps faltered slightly, but he continued forward. Beside him, Wang Dong watched it all, keenly noticing the subtle change in his expression.

Upon seeing Tian Chen, a flash of delighted surprise crossed Tang Ya's eyes, and she greeted him warmly. "Little Tian Chen, you're visiting the snack street too? What a fortunate coincidence. Let your senior treat you to some grilled fish!"

Hearing Tang Ya's words, Tian Chen inclined his head slightly and replied politely, "Thank you, Senior."

Tang Ya gave a satisfied smile, then turned to get to work, deftly handing Tian Chen a freshly grilled fish. As she passed it over, she said, "Give it a try. This is our Tang Sect's special 'delicious grilled fish.' It tastes quite good." Her voice was light and enthusiastic as she tried to ease the atmosphere.

Tian Chen took the grilled fish and gave it a gentle sniff. The rich aroma made him swallow involuntarily. He took a bite and savored it, then a flash of amazement crossed his eyes. "It really lives up to its reputation. This tastes fantastic! Wang Dong, you should try it too." As he finished speaking, the corners of his lips lifted into a sincere smile.

Tian Chen handed the grilled fish to Wang Dong, his movements natural and casual, as though sharing something utterly ordinary. Yet when Wang Dong took it, her gaze involuntarily lingered on the mark left by his bite. In that instant, an indescribable feeling rose in her heart—both unfamiliar and familiar, with even a subtle flutter.

Although Tian Chen had already bitten the grilled fish, Wang Dong showed no distaste or hesitation. Instead, she immediately took a bite. As she chewed, the fish's aroma filled her mouth, and the crisp exterior, tender flesh, and perfectly balanced seasonings made her exclaim, "Wow, this grilled fish really is delicious! It's crisp outside and tender inside, and the seasoning is just right." Her tone was full of delighted surprise, but more striking was how her gaze kept following Tian Chen as she spoke, as though she were trying to confirm her own feelings through his expression.

As Tian Chen continued enjoying the grilled fish, the Blue Silver Grass within Tang Ya reacted strongly once more. She quietly pressed a hand to her chest, seemingly trying to calm some kind of fluctuation, while watching Tian Chen even more intently. Noticing this detail, Tian Chen inwardly grew wary, but did not show it, instead pretending to focus on enjoying the food.

Just then, several female students in purple uniforms emerged from Shrek's main gate. The one walking at the front drew countless gazes the moment she appeared.

She had a tall, well-proportioned figure and looked only fourteen or fifteen, with long golden hair falling in large waves down her back. Her skin was snow-white, and she possessed an air of refined elegance and nobility, as though everything around her dimmed in comparison.

Almost all the new students present were left staring, spellbound by this senior's beauty.

Even some of the older students unconsciously put down their food and stole glances at her.

But Tian Chen's heart gave a jolt when he saw her, because she was none other than Jiang Nannan, whom he had not seen in a long time.