Although she had mentally prepared herself, Zhu Zhuqing still felt somewhat uneasy as Dai Mubai slowly approached, clutching Xu Yunhan's arm tightly.
Xu Yunhan looked at Dai Mubai, then reached out to wrap his arm gently around Zhu Zhuqing's soft waist.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun watched on with envy and jealousy.
With Xu Yunhan holding her like this, Zhu Zhuqing's anxiety immediately faded. Feeling supported, she lifted her head calmly to face Dai Mubai—the fiancé who was already a thing of the past.
Xu Yunhan and Zhu Zhuqing exchanged puzzled glances at Dai Mubai's calm expression.
Wasn't he supposed to rush over and blow up in rage?
Xu Yunhan was ready to beat Dai Mubai up.
But as Dai Mubai drew near, he pretended not to recognize Zhu Zhuqing and said, "Boss, is this the new student you recruited for the academy? I heard some things from the dean, so we hurried back out of curiosity.
Sure enough, you didn't disappoint us."
His words sounded casual, but inside he was bitterly frustrated.
Ma Hongjun laughed and said, "Looks like Zhu Zhuqing is going to be our boss's wife! Congratulations, boss!"
Oscar stepped forward. "I thought the boss was uninterested in women and focused on cultivation, but it turns out he just hadn't met his destined one yet.
Sister-in-law, I'm Oscar, a food-type Martial Soul with innate full spirit power. If you ever need me, just say the word."
As the most loyal subordinate, Oscar was performing well.
Ma Hongjun was a bit less refined, but still said, "Sister-in-law, I have the Fire Phoenix Martial Soul. I'm way more useful than Oscar here. From now on, just point where to hit and I'll do it!"
Oscar snapped back, "Shameless!"
Inside, Dai Mubai felt utterly desolate. He could no longer count on these two scoundrels.
Originally, his trust and affection for Xu Yunhan had increased slowly, but with Zhu Zhuqing's arrival, it was quickly evaporating. If he wanted to build it back up, it would be even harder.
Of course, Xu Yunhan didn't really care about Dai Mubai's feelings or trust.
What mattered was that he now had Zhu Zhuqing by his side, and teasing Dai Mubai was only to Xu Yunhan's liking.
"Mu Bai, let me introduce you," Xu Yunhan said with amusement since Dai Mubai was pretending ignorance. "This is Zhu Zhuqing. Her Martial Soul is the Netherworld Spirit Cat, her spirit power level is 27, and she just joined Shrek Academy as our new junior schoolmate."
Oscar and Ma Hongjun immediately gave a warm welcome, and Dai Mubai grudgingly added a couple of words.
"Boss, why don't you show the junior around? I'm not feeling well, so I'll head back to rest first," Dai Mubai said; he couldn't stay any longer.
Xu Yunhan "concerned" asked, "Where do you feel unwell? Is it serious?"
His fake concern made Dai Mubai sneer in disdain.
Ma Hongjun added, "Hehe, Brother Dai must have worked too hard last night and is exhausted. Time to rest and recover."
Oscar chimed in, "Exactly, Brother Dai, take care of yourself. If you can't manage, I can help share the burden."
Ma Hongjun joined, "Me too!"
Dai Mubai was always surrounded by beautiful women, while Oscar and Ma Hongjun were just the two of them. Could they not be jealous?
"Heh..." Dai Mubai forced a smile. "You two really have no shame! Go have your fun. I'm leaving now."
He had decided never again to invite these two ungrateful dogs to enjoy himself. All his past generosity had been wasted!
Dai Mubai felt deeply hurt and resentful.
"Just you wait!" he swore to himself. If he ever got the chance, he'd make these people regret it.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun lingered for a moment, then dared not disturb any longer and left.
Only then did Zhu Zhuqing speak up. "Dai Mubai really is a coward. He doesn't dare acknowledge me—he must be afraid of losing face, so he pretends not to know me."
Xu Yunhan smiled. "Don't mind it. Since he wants to pretend, let him."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. She was rarely so close to Dai Mubai; it was better if they pretended to never have met.
As her thoughts calmed, she realized Xu Yunhan was still holding her. Feeling shy, Zhu Zhuqing gently pulled away. She sensed their relationship was progressing too fast, though deep inside she didn't reject it and even enjoyed the sense of security Xu Yunhan gave her.
Noticing her embarrassment, Xu Yunhan eased his grip to just the right pressure. "The academy isn't that big. Let's go explore the surrounding villages so you can get familiar with the area."
Shrek Academy was located in the village, surrounded mostly by farmers.
Having lived here over six years, Xu Yunhan knew the area well.
Walking side by side, they didn't hold hands, but the atmosphere was intimate—at least Zhu Zhuqing felt that way.
After a round around the village, dusk was settling.
They returned to the academy, and Xu Yunhan took Zhu Zhuqing to pick out a room not far from his own.
The academy provided spare bedding and daily necessities, so there was no need to shop for anything.
"I live next door in a room I don't often leave. If you need anything, just call me," Xu Yunhan said, pointing to a house ahead.
"We eat three meals a day in the dining hall. Teacher Shao Xin usually cooks. I'll take you there soon."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded. "I'll tidy up the room first, then go with you. You sit for a bit."
Xu Yunhan sat nearby, watching her organize her things.
Though Zhu Zhuqing was born into a noble ducal family, she had endured many hardships and understood life and self-care. Even without relying on anyone, she could survive well on her own.
Of course, deep down, Zhu Zhuqing needed someone to rely on; she didn't want to be lonely.
From what she could see so far, Xu Yunhan was doing quite well.
She hoped things would continue this way.
Noticing Xu Yunhan staring at her, Zhu Zhuqing felt a little shy, but also proud—at least she was somewhat attractive to him.
After all, mutual attraction was what brought men and women together, whether it was inner or outer qualities. Often, outward attraction was more important.
Fortunately, Zhu Zhuqing's appearance was a strong asset—it had touched the heart of the experienced Xu Yunhan.
When they arrived at the dining hall, everyone was there except Flander, who hadn't returned yet.
"Heh, I thought you two would forget to come eat together," Zhao Wuji said bluntly.
"Remember to take care of yourselves; you're still young, and this is the best time for cultivation. Don't waste it—the future is long," he advised.
Shao Xin, Li Yusong, and Lu Qibin all chimed in with teasing or reminders.
Xu Yunhan was the center of Shrek Academy's attention, the one they all looked up to and favored.
So even if Xu Yunhan got a bit distracted by romance, as long as he knew his limits, no one would interfere with his relationship.
In their eyes, Xu Yunhan wasn't indulging in pleasures or chasing after women like Dai Mubai and the others.
Zhu Zhuqing was beautiful and well-built, and it was natural for Xu Yunhan to be attracted to her—Zhao Wuji and the others understood that.
Their advice was just simple reminders—they still had great confidence in Xu Yunhan and his friends.
Oscar and Ma Hongjun whispered enviously nearby.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai sat alone at the table, eager to finish eating and leave, but no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't swallow the food.
He endured.
There was no way back to the Xingluo Empire now; his status as a prince was worthless. To redeem his humiliation, he could only bear the disgrace and suffer in silence, persevering like one who sleeps on firewood and tastes gall.
Xu Yunhan had been secretly observing Dai Mubai's condition, and seeing this, he felt immensely satisfied.
As for Dai Mubai, if anyone was to blame, it was Tang San and Huo Yuhao—it was all their doing!