Accepting Xiao Xiao

After absorbing the Soul Ring, Tian Chen spent a while longer being lovey-dovey with Tang Ya before they reluctantly parted.

Tang Ya headed toward her own dormitory, while Tian Chen headed toward his.

When Tian Chen returned to the dormitory, he spotted a familiar face: Xiao Xiao.

Xiao Xiao was staring at the dormitory entrance, looking deeply conflicted.

Tian Chen paused briefly, then smiled warmly and walked over. "Xiao Xiao, what brings you here?"

At the sight of Tian Chen, the shyness on Xiao Xiao's face grew even more pronounced.

"Um... well, Tian Chen, I came to bring you lunch and talk a little about cultivation while I'm here," Xiao Xiao said shyly, holding a lunch box.

[A petite girl and a mature beauty? I choose both.]

Looking at Xiao Xiao's face, which was as red as an apple, Tian Chen inwardly exclaimed, So cute!

He smiled and took the lunch box, a hint of affection in his eyes. "Xiao Xiao, you're so thoughtful, even bringing us lunch."

Xiao Xiao nodded, her eyes betraying a trace of shyness and nervousness.

"I made this myself. I hope you'll like it."

Tian Chen opened the lunch box, and a delicious aroma wafted into his nose. Inside were carefully prepared dishes.

Looking at the food, Tian Chen felt a little moved. He had lost count of how many times Xiao Xiao had brought meals over the past two months. Every meal had been lovingly prepared, not only delicious but full of heartfelt care.

Together with the time they had spent together over those two months, it had finally earned Xiao Xiao a place in Tian Chen's heart.

At that thought, Tian Chen smiled. "Xiao Xiao, let's start dating!"

"It's nothing. It's what I should do!" Xiao Xiao was still basking in his praise and had not heard what he said at all.

But when his words finally registered, she froze. The lunch box in her hands wobbled and nearly fell to the ground.

She looked up, her eyes wide as she stared at Tian Chen in disbelief. "Wh-what did you say?"

Tian Chen smiled, his gaze gentle and earnest. "I said I want to date you. Xiao Xiao, you've done so much for me over these past two months, and I'm truly touched. I like you, and I want to be with you."

Xiao Xiao's face instantly flushed crimson. She lowered her head and asked quietly, "Tian Chen, you... you're not joking, are you?"

Tian Chen shook his head and gently took her hand. "Of course not. I'm serious. Xiao Xiao, I like you. If you're willing to accept me, then please walk beside me for the rest of my life."

Xiao Xiao lifted her head, a flicker of delight and disbelief passing through her eyes.

As she looked into Tian Chen's gentle yet resolute eyes, a happiness unlike anything she had ever felt welled up in her heart.

She bit her lip. "Tian Chen, I like you too. I... I'm willing."

A gratified smile appeared on Tian Chen's face. He gently hugged Xiao Xiao and said softly, "Thank you, Xiao Xiao. I'll cherish you."

Xiao Xiao hugged Tian Chen tightly, her heart brimming with sweetness and happiness. She knew that the affection she had harbored for so long had finally been returned. At last, her feelings had found a home.

After they released each other, Tian Chen looked at Xiao Xiao with affection in his eyes. "Then we're boyfriend and girlfriend from now on. I'll make sure to protect you."

"Mm, Tian Chen, I'll work hard at cultivating too, so I can catch up with you," Xiao Xiao said earnestly.

Tian Chen nodded, then reminded her, "But, Xiao Xiao, if you want to do that, I'm afraid it'll have to wait."

Xiao Xiao paused, then a shy blush spread over her face. She asked softly, "Um... what do you mean by 'that'?"

Tian Chen smiled, his eyes affectionate. "What you mentioned earlier-wanting to cultivate together with me. I may have some important matters to deal with over the next few days, so I might not have much time to cultivate with you. Besides, you're still too young. It's a little too early to do that sort of thing."

Xiao Xiao nodded. A trace of disappointment flashed through her eyes, but her determination soon returned. "Oh, I see. Then I'll wait for you, and I'll work hard at cultivating on my own first. You do your best too, Tian Chen!"

"Of course!"

Xiao Xiao nodded and skipped away with a happy smile. Although Tian Chen could not cultivate with her yet, becoming his girlfriend today was already enough to leave her thoroughly content.

Just then, Electrolux suddenly spoke from within Tian Chen's Sea of Consciousness. "You little rascal, your romantic luck is certainly blossoming!"

Tian Chen paused, then gave a helpless smile. "Teacher, that's not quite fair! After all, I was the one who drew her in, and she's done so much for me. If I didn't take responsibility, wouldn't that make me a complete scumbag?"

Electrolux's voice held a teasing note. "Oh, stop pretending. I saw everything perfectly clearly. You've made things official with that girl named Xiao Xiao, haven't you? And yesterday, you and that girl named Tang Ya..."

"Teacher, you..." Tian Chen's voice stiffened. Although he had sealed off his Sea of Consciousness, Electrolux had an endless array of tricks. Who knew whether he had...

"Stop letting your imagination run wild. I may have the ability, but I have no interest in spying on my disciple!" Electrolux's voice suddenly turned serious, cutting off Tian Chen's speculation.

"I merely sensed the changes in your feelings toward one another through your mental fluctuations and emotional shifts. You are the disciple I value most, so naturally, I hope you can handle these matters well."

"Besides, as your teacher, I must remind you that love is not something you can choose casually. Beautiful though it may be, it can also bring you regret that will never fade."

Tian Chen frowned slightly and fell silent for a moment before saying softly, "Teacher, I understand how complicated love can be, and I understand my responsibilities. I won't make any choices lightly, either. I need time to be sure of my feelings."

"It's best that you understand that. Remember, in matters of the heart, you must follow your heart, but you must also think the consequences through," Electrolux said with a faint smile, his tone pleased.

Tian Chen nodded, determination in his eyes. "I will, Teacher. I'll treat every relationship seriously. If I love someone, I'll love them; if I need to end things, I'll end them. I won't let anyone get hurt."

Electrolux smiled faintly and nodded. "I believe you. All right, I'll be watching over you from within the Sea of Consciousness. If you have any questions, you can ask me at any time."

"Yes, Teacher!"

While they were talking, Tian Chen had already reached the door.

He gently pushed it open, only to be greeted by... a large, rosy fist.

"Whoa!" Tian Chen instinctively raised his arm to block. The fist landed squarely on his forearm, but he barely felt a thing.

"How dare you stay away from the dormitory for so long! I've been waiting ages for you!" a familiar voice rang out, carrying a hint of reproach and displeasure.