On the other side of things, Zuzong, with Zhu Zhuqing by his side, initially intended to "visit" the Master, but ended up encountering Flender as he was leaving the teacher's residence.
Flender's face, previously clouded with worry, now cleared up as he laughed heartily. "Haha, Zuzong! What's this? Could it be that you've had enough of Heaven Dou Academy and are planning to join our Shrek Advanced Soul Master Academy? I have to say, that's a smart choice. Heaven Dou Academy, what a mess! Even a degenerate like Xue Beng can enroll there. For someone as talented as you, staying there would be a waste."
Flender added with a teasing grin, "And let's not forget, your little girlfriend is here too! You know, there's a line of guys around the academy wanting to chase Zhuqing. Especially that top student here — he's vowed he'll marry no one but Zhuqing."
Zuzong gave Flender a side-eye. Ever since Flender had taken over the Blue Tyrant Academy, it seemed he'd been getting a bit carried away. While Zuzong's purpose at Heaven Dou Royal Academy had already been achieved, he still planned to participate in the All-Continent Advanced Soul Master Tournament. Teaming up with Tang San, though—what was the point of that? Not beating Tang San wouldn't make it worthwhile.
Zuzong replied, "You must mean that guy Tyrone! I just gave that blockhead a beating yesterday."
At this, Flender's expression darkened. Tyrone was someone who caused him constant headaches. Apparently, he usually threw his weight around at the academy, but at least he knew his limits—he respected women and teachers alike.
But Zuzong really shouldn't have beaten him up! It wasn't so much that Tyrone's father was an issue; the problem was his grandfather, a notoriously protective Soul Douluo. Flender warned, "Zuzong, you might want to leave the academy soon. Tyrone's family is famous for sticking up for their own, and his clan will surely come after you. Tyrone's father isn't a big deal, but his grandfather, Titan, is a powerful Soul Douluo. If he personally comes for you, even I won't be able to intervene."
Zuzong paused, remembering that old gorilla. He didn't regret the fight, though. Tyrone deserved the beating just for daring to have ideas on Zhuqing.
Zuzong waved it off, "No worries, Principal Flender. I'll handle it when the time comes. Just don't get involved. If his dad comes, I can handle him. I'm curious to see how strong I've gotten." As for the old man Titan, though... unless I use my Mangekyo Sharingan, I might have to make a run for it, Zuzong though inside his mind.
Flender suddenly recalled the black-robed, masked Soul Douluo from Soto City, realizing that Zuzong wasn't just talk.
Flender nodded, "Alright, just be careful."
Thus, the two of them had a casual chat across a vast divide in strength.
"By the way, Principal Flender, does the Master live here?" Zuzong asked, pretending to be concerned, though deep down he was eager to witness the sight of a man with a big belly.
Flender glanced around and, seeing no one else nearby, sighed. "Well, I suppose you're bound to find out eventually. Actually, I was hoping you could help with something."
Zuzong responded, "If it's within my ability, I'm happy to help."
Flender cast a glance at Zhu Zhuqing, standing beside them, and said, "I assume Zhuqing has noticed how strange the Master has been acting these past few months?"
Zhu Zhuqing blushed and nodded. "Yes, Principal. It seems like he's... like he's..."
By the end, her voice was barely a whisper.
Flender smiled bitterly, "Yes, just like he's pregnant, right?"
Zhu Zhuqing's face reddened even further.
Flender continued, "Well, you're not wrong. The Master is indeed pregnant."
Zuzong was barely able to stifle his laughter, and Zhu Zhuqing couldn't help but smile, despite her embarrassment. The very thought of a man being pregnant was enough to make anyone chuckle.
Flender had expected this reaction. He'd laughed even harder than Zuzong and Zhu Zhuqing when he first heard it. After confirming the truth, though, his mood had soured.
Flender, suddenly serious, bowed slightly and said, "Zuzong, I have a favor to ask. The Master is getting on in years, and giving birth, especially in such an unusual way, is incredibly risky. When the time comes, I'd like you to ask that girl with the Nine-Hearted Begonia to assist during the delivery. I'll have Xiao San handle the birth, just like he did for Dai Mubai's surgery."
Zuzong couldn't help but burst out laughing at this, finally unable to contain himself. Even the usually stoic Zhu Zhuqing smiled despite her bashfulness. The idea of a man giving birth was too bizarre.
Zuzong, however, respected Flender's genuine concern. Flender, despite being a notoriously stingy man, was loyal to his friends and students, even willing to humble himself for the Master, his former rival in love.
Flender's request was sincere, and Zuzong quickly helped him to his feet, his laughter replaced by a newfound respect for the man.
Zuzong said, "Principal Flender, you don't need to bow. Even if you hadn't asked, I would've helped. But, shouldn't it be 'two lives' at risk? Why did you say 'three'?"
Flender's expression twitched. "The Master is carrying twins."
Zuzong froze, thinking, Wow, that water from the Mother-Child River is really something...
Just as they were talking, Tang San and Meng Yiran arrived, having come to check on the Master. For months, Tang San had noticed something was off with the Master, though he refused to say anything. Holding onto the idea that "Once a teacher, always like a father," Tang San had repeatedly asked his girlfriend, Meng Yiran, to bring nourishing soups for the Master.
While Meng Yiran disliked the Master, she couldn't refuse Tang San's earnest request, even though her resentment toward the Master deepened with each visit.
As they approached, Tang San caught sight of Zuzong—a figure that stirred both anger and frustration in him. Despite his urge to confront Zuzong, he calmed himself, holding Meng Yiran's hand as they walked toward the Master's residence.
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