Around midday, Li Chang'an appeared near Shrek Academy in Suotuo City.
His clothes were a bit rumpled and torn in a few places, but his face wore a silly grin, making him look like a complete fool.
Although he hadn't managed to fully conquer Bibi Dong this time, aside from a kiss, he'd still taken the chance to cop quite a few feels. Sure, Bibi Dong had pushed him away a couple of times, and even tore at his clothes a bit, but overall, he considered it a fair trade.
'Next time,' he thought, 'I'll find a good moment to confess to Dong'er.'
He still had the rest of the afternoon and evening ahead of him today. He planned to spend some time with Xiao Wu, try to ask Zhu Zhuqing out to dinner, swing by the Star Dou Forest to check in on Gu Yuena, and—oh right—if there was time, maybe visit Meng Yiran at her academy for a meal.
Yeah, if he planned it well, it should all fit.
Having made up his mind, Li Chang'an snapped his fingers and instantly teleported to his room at Shrek Academy. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, he teleported again, this time to the front gate, pretending as if he had just returned from outside.
As soon as he stepped through the academy gates, he spotted the Shrek Seven Devils just finishing up their training and heading off for lunch.
Everyone greeted him with nods or small gestures, each showing different reactions.
Xiao Wu bounced toward him happily like a bunny, Zhu Zhuqing's usually cold expression showed a faint, almost imperceptible smile, and Ning Rongrong, walking at the back, lit up with delight, her dimples showing as she smiled in surprise.
Li Chang'an had only been away for about half a month, but before leaving, he had already arranged a full month's worth of training plans, so there was no need to worry about the team being idle.
As for Yu Xiaogang, after spending ten days holed up and doing nothing, he had finally pulled himself together. However, he didn't have the nerve to fight for the position of lead instructor anymore. All he did now was follow Li Chang'an's training outline and supervise the team.
There are some people in the world who think they're absolute geniuses—people who can't stomach even the slightest failure in their field of expertise. Yu Xiaogang was clearly one of those.
Although the blow hadn't completely destroyed him, it had broken him halfway. He spent his days trying to research and rationalize things, but his energy and spirit were visibly declining.
And the worse Yu Xiaogang became, the more disappointed the other teachers at Shrek Academy grew with him.
If not for Flender's goodwill, Yu Xiaogang would likely be treated even worse. As it stood, the only ones who still cared about him were Flender, the ever-kind Dean, and Tang San, his loyal disciple.
Following Li Chang'an's training plan, the Shrek Seven Devils had participated in their first team battle yesterday to test their progress. Zhu Zhuqing, Xiao Wu, and Ma Hongjun—who had received the earliest and most personal training from Li Chang'an—had all performed spectacularly.
Aside from Tang San's tactical command, they had dominated the entire battle.
That 3v4 team match had solidified Li Chang'an's status completely.
"You've all done well these past few days. Since it's Valentine's Day, I've decided you can all take the afternoon off. Go out and enjoy yourselves."
After getting a rough update on their progress, Li Chang'an issued the order without hesitation.
Yu Xiaogang, standing nearby, frowned slightly. Though he wasn't the head instructor, he couldn't help but interject, "I don't think this is appropriate. After all, training is about maintaining momentum. If we get lazy now—"
Before he could finish, Li Chang'an's expression darkened and he turned a cold gaze toward him.
And he wasn't the only one. Aside from Tang San, the other six Devils all looked at Yu Xiaogang with varying degrees of annoyance. Dai Mubai and Ning Rongrong, in particular, didn't bother hiding the contempt on their faces.
What do students hate the most? Besides unfinished homework, it's when they're supposed to get a holiday but someone tries to cancel it.
To the others, Yu Xiaogang was basically saying, Not only are you not getting a break, but you're also getting extra work. No wonder everyone looked so displeased.
"I'm the instructor in charge. I believe the students need a half-day off. Teacher Yu, I hope you'll cooperate with my teaching arrangements."
Li Chang'an's voice carried a firm authority that allowed no room for argument. Yu Xiaogang could only clench his fists and storm off toward the dorms.
Tang San quickly followed behind him. Before leaving, he even turned and gave Li Chang'an a small bow.
Tang San wasn't some reckless kid—he knew how to read the situation, and frankly, what Li Chang'an said wasn't wrong.
"Fatty, let's go blow off some steam," Dai Mubai said, slinging an arm over Ma Hongjun's shoulders.
Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up. "Hell yeah! I've been holding back for days. Are you treating, Boss Dai?"
"Of course! It's a rare break—my treat. Let's go!"
"Nice!"
Though the two had walked a fair distance before speaking, their conversation wasn't exactly quiet.
Zhu Zhuqing, whose ears were especially sharp, caught every word. Hearing Dai Mubai speak so casually about partying, her disappointment reached new depths.
She shot a cold glance at his back, said nothing, and turned to head to the dining hall on her own.
Just as Li Chang'an was about to take Xiao Wu to the Rose Hotel in Suotuo City, Ning Rongrong suddenly called out to him.
"Teacher Li, will you… will you be coming back later today?"
Li Chang'an looked at her in surprise.
'What's going on? Have I unknowingly become this popular?'
"Why? Is there something you need?"
"If you can, please come back later. I have something I need to discuss with you… it's about the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan."
Gathering her courage, Ning Rongrong finally spoke her mind. Then she nodded politely to Xiao Wu and left without waiting for a response.
Clearly, her message was: Don't you dare say no to meeting me later.
Li Chang'an was still puzzled on the surface, but deep down he gave Ning Rongrong a thumbs-up. Thanks for the excuse, girl. Now I've got a reason to leave early, so Xiao Wu won't end up fainting from being "overworked."
To be honest, Ning Rongrong wasn't his type at first—after all, trying to "tame" a spoiled princess was too much hassle.
But now? It looked like this miss was starting to throw herself at him.
---
"Xiao Wu, I bought you a dress and a pair of shoes today. Would you wear them for me?"
At the Rose Hotel, Li Chang'an looked at Xiao Wu with a hopeful smile.
In his hands was a long, sheer gray gown made of translucent silk, and a pair of sparkling crystal heels…
"Ah? This… Brother…"
"Please, Xiao Wu? Are you really going to reject my heartfelt gift?"
"O-Okay then…"
"Oh—and let your hair down too, alright?."
____
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