Though she had mentally prepared herself, Zhu Zhuqing still felt uneasy as Dai Mubai slowly approached. Her fingers tightened around Xu Yunhan's arm.
Xu Yunhan watched Dai Mubai, then casually wrapped his arm around Zhu Zhuqing's slender waist.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun watched with envy.
The moment Xu Yunhan pulled her close, Zhu Zhuqing's anxiety melted away. With his support, she lifted her head and calmly met the gaze of Dai Mubai—her former fiancé, now a thing of the past.
Both Xu Yunhan and Zhu Zhuqing were puzzled by Dai Mubai's composed expression.
Shouldn't he be storming over in a rage?
Xu Yunhan was already prepared to beat Dai Mubai senseless.
But when Dai Mubai reached them, he acted as though he didn't recognize Zhu Zhuqing. "Boss, is this the new student you recruited for the academy? Dean Flender mentioned her. We were so curious we rushed back." He forced a smile. "As expected, you never disappoint."
His tone was light, but inside, he was seething.
Ma Hongjun grinned. "Looks like Zhu Zhuqing's gonna be our sister-in-law! Congrats, Boss!"
Oscar stepped forward. "I always thought Boss was too focused on training to care about women. Turns out he just hadn't met the right one." He bowed slightly. "Sister-in-law, I'm Oscar, a food-system spirit master with innate full spirit power. Just say the word if you ever need anything."
As Xu Yunhan's most loyal underling, Oscar played his part well.
Ma Hongjun wasn't as smooth but still chimed in: "Sister-in-law, I've got the Fire Phoenix martial soul—way more useful than this trash Oscar. Point me where you need me, and I'll handle it!"
Oscar shot back, "Shameless!"
Dai Mubai's heart turned to ice. These so-called friends were utterly useless.
His trust and goodwill toward Xu Yunhan, which had been slow to build, now plummeted. Rebuilding it would be even harder.
Not that Xu Yunhan cared much about Dai Mubai's feelings.
Stealing Zhu Zhuqing and rubbing it in Dai Mubai's face? That was just a bonus.
"Mubai, let me introduce you," Xu Yunhan said, playing along with Dai Mubai's act. "This is Zhu Zhuqing. Her martial soul is the Netherworld Spirit Cat, and she's at the 27th spirit power level. She just joined Shrek Academy as our new junior."
Oscar and Ma Hongjun immediately offered enthusiastic welcomes. Dai Mubai forced out a few hollow words.
"Boss, why don't you show our junior around? I'm not feeling well—I'll head back to rest." Dai Mubai couldn't stay another second.
Xu Yunhan feigned concern. "What's wrong? Serious?"
The fakeness made Dai Mubai sick.
Ma Hongjun added fuel to the fire. "Heh, Brother Dai must've overexerted himself last night. Needs to recharge."
Oscar nodded. "Exactly. Brother Dai, take care of yourself. If you can't handle it, I'm happy to take over for you."
Ma Hongjun: "I'll help too."
Dai Mubai always had multiple women, while Oscar and Ma Hongjun barely managed one. The envy was real.
"Haha…" Dai Mubai's smile was brittle. "You two are shameless. Enjoy yourselves. I'm leaving."
He swore then and there—no more sharing his escapades with these ungrateful snakes.
All that money wasted on dogs!
Fury and bitterness churned inside him.
Just wait. One day, I'll make you all regret this.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun lingered briefly before excusing themselves, not daring to overstay.
Once they were gone, Zhu Zhuqing finally spoke. "Dai Mubai really is a coward. He didn't dare acknowledge me—too afraid of losing face."
Xu Yunhan chuckled. "Don't mind him. If he wants to pretend, let him."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. She had no desire to reconnect either. The less they acknowledged each other, the better.
As her thoughts settled, she realized Xu Yunhan was still holding her. Flushing, she gently pulled away. Things between them were moving fast—though she didn't dislike it. In fact, she relished the sense of safety he gave her.
Noticing her shyness, Xu Yunhan loosened his grip. He knew when to ease off. "The academy's small. Let's explore the nearby village so you can get familiar."
Shrek Academy was nestled within a rural area, surrounded by farmland. After six years here, Xu Yunhan knew every corner.
They walked side by side, not holding hands but close enough to stir a quiet tension—at least, that's how Zhu Zhuqing felt.
By the time they returned, dusk had fallen.
Xu Yunhan helped Zhu Zhuqing pick a room, not far from his own.
The academy had spare bedding and daily necessities, so no extra shopping was needed.
"I live right over there," Xu Yunhan pointed to a nearby house. "If you need anything, just call. Meals are in the dining hall—usually prepared by Teacher Shao Xin. I'll take you there soon."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "Let me tidy up first. Wait for me."
Xu Yunhan sat and watched her organize the space.
Despite being born into a noble family, Zhu Zhuqing was no stranger to hardship. She knew how to take care of herself—she could survive alone if needed.
But deep down, she longed for someone to rely on.
So far, Xu Yunhan fit the role perfectly.
She hoped it stayed that way.
Noticing his gaze, she felt a mix of embarrassment and pride. At least she held his attention.
Mutual attraction was the foundation of any relationship—whether emotional or physical. And in Zhu Zhuqing's case, her looks were certainly an asset.
By the time they reached the dining hall, everyone except Flender was present.
Zhao Wuji grinned. "Was wondering if you two got too caught up to eat." His tone turned mock-stern. "Just remember—you're young. This is the prime time for training. Don't waste it. There'll be plenty of time for other things later."
Shao Xin, Li Yusong, and Lu Qibin joined in with teasing or advice.
Xu Yunhan was the heart of Shrek Academy, the one they pinned their hopes on. They didn't want romance to derail his progress—but as long as he kept balance, they wouldn't interfere.
After all, unlike Dai Mubai, Xu Yunhan had never been one for reckless indulgence.
If Zhu Zhuqing's beauty captivated him, well—that was only natural.
Their warnings were just gentle reminders. Their faith in him remained unshaken.
Nearby, Oscar and Ma Hongjun whispered enviously.
Dai Mubai kept his head down, forcing down bites of food. Every swallow tasted like ash.
Endure.
Trapped far from the Star Luo Empire, his royal status meant nothing here. If he wanted vengeance, he had to swallow his pride—for now.
Xu Yunhan subtly observed Dai Mubai's struggle. The sight filled him with satisfaction.
Dai Mubai, blame Tang San and Huo Yuhao for this. Their sins are yours to bear.
Note: So far this story is published up to chapter 30 on my patreon, go check it out.
Give me all your power stones