Song Jie stood quietly, watching the bustling crowd. Not a single person looked in his direction.
Finding teammates under these circumstances felt hopeless.
"Mu Lei, can you think of another way?" Song Jie asked with a helpless smile.
Mu Lei scratched his head and sighed. "I wish I could, but your… reputation is too strong. The people I brought are all from my family. Otherwise, it might've just been the two of us."
Song Jie chuckled bitterly. "Maybe fighting alone would've been easier."
Just then, two familiar voices came from behind him.
"Can the two of us join your team?"
Song Jie turned around—and froze for a moment.
"Ding Yumin?"
He'd fought alongside her before and knew her Fire Element strength was formidable.
At this point, he wasn't in a position to be picky. The fact that someone was willing to join was already a miracle.
"Welcome! You're more than welcome!" Song Jie said with a genuine smile.
Mu Lei grinned. He also recognized Ding Yumin's talent—her joining instantly made their team far stronger.
Up on the rostrum, Dean Xiao's voice echoed again.
"Those who've found five teammates, report to the teacher over there and fill out the registration form! The Team Points Competition will begin tomorrow at Qing Campus, so make sure you're well-prepared!"
Following his instruction, Song Jie led his group to the crowded registration desk.
In front of them stood Bai Liang and Dongfang Ming.
When Bai Liang saw Ding Yumin among Song Jie's team, his expression darkened.
"Ding Yumin, don't you know he's the public enemy of all departments?" Bai Liang sneered. "Aren't you afraid that teaming up with him means you won't even make it into the top ten?"
Song Jie raised a brow, curious himself. With Ding Yumin's strength, she could've joined any strong team—so why choose him?
Bai Liang, however, was worried. Ding Yumin's participation made Song Jie's team far more troublesome to deal with.
Ding Yumin replied calmly, "I've made my choice. As for the result—no one can say for certain."
Huang Xingli stepped forward, pouting in indignation. "Exactly!"
Bai Liang clenched his jaw. "Very well. I'll see you all tomorrow."
After finishing the paperwork, Song Jie took the team out for dinner. It was their first time working together, and sharing a meal was the best way to build some trust.
But Huang Xingli seemed particularly upset by the day's events—so she drank… a lot.
Mu Lei laughed. "Lizi's alcohol tolerance is terrible. A few glasses and she's done for."
They chatted for a while, gradually growing more comfortable with one another. Most of the conversation was between Song Jie, Mu Lei, and Huang Xingli, while Ding Yumin and the other teammate mostly listened.
After a while, Ding Yumin stood up. "There's still the competition tomorrow. I'll take her back first."
"Do you live far? Want me to walk you back?" Song Jie asked naturally.
"No need," Ding Yumin replied. "We live near the school."
Song Jie nodded. "Alright then."
After Ding Yumin and Huang Xingli left, Mu Lei also got up. "Song Jie, we'll head back too. See you tomorrow!"
Soon, the barbecue stall was nearly empty. Song Jie also got up and began walking home—only to realize Ding Yumin and Huang Xingli were walking the same direction.
Ding Yumin suddenly turned and looked at him. Their eyes met for a second.
"I also live off-campus," Song Jie said awkwardly. "At Meteor Garden."
"Meteor Garden?" Ding Yumin blinked. "That's right across from my place."
Song Jie smiled. "Then we're going the same way. I'll help you carry her."
Ding Yumin hesitated, then nodded. With Huang Xingli drunk and staggering, she could use the help.
Thankfully, Huang Xingli wasn't the rowdy type when drunk—just unsteady and talkative.
With Song Jie's help, the three made it to Huangtian Residential Area much faster.
"Thank you for your trouble," Ding Yumin said politely at the entrance.
"You're welcome," Song Jie replied casually and turned to leave.
But before he'd taken more than a few steps—
"Ah!"
Two cries came from behind him.
Song Jie turned back and saw both girls had fallen.
He rushed over. "What happened?"
Ding Yumin gave a helpless smile. "She suddenly pulled too hard. I couldn't hold her and got dragged down."
Song Jie helped her up—but noticed her frown in pain.
"What's wrong?"
"I think I sprained my ankle."
"Then sit and rest for a bit," Song Jie said, helping her to a nearby bench.
Ding Yumin nodded. "I might have to trouble you again."
"No problem," Song Jie said simply. "Which floor?"
"Third floor. Room 302."
She handed him the key. Song Jie lifted the half-conscious Huang Xingli onto his back and carried her up the stairs.
After settling her inside, he came back down.
"Can you walk?"
Ding Yumin tried—and winced immediately. "No…"
Without another word, Song Jie crouched down in front of her.
Before she could react, he lifted her into his arms.
"I'll take you up."
For a moment, she froze. Her heartbeat quickened slightly as she found herself nestled against him.
A faint fragrance filled the air—a scent that was uniquely hers.
Song Jie had been close to many women—Tang Yue's elegant perfume, Ye Xinxia's soft sweetness, Mu Ningxue's cold fragrance, and Mu Nujiao's refreshing floral scent.
But Ding Yumin's was different—warm and faintly smoky, like firelight after a storm.
She was light—so light that Song Jie couldn't help but think she might not be eating enough.
When they reached her room, he gently laid her on the sofa.
"Do you want to get your leg checked?" he asked.
"I know a Healing Element classmate. I'll call her over," Ding Yumin replied.
"Good. Rest well," Song Jie said, turning to leave. But as he reached the door, he paused and looked back.
"You're too thin," he said softly. "You should eat more."
As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized how it sounded—and quickly walked out as if nothing had happened.
Behind him, Ding Yumin sat on the sofa, stunned for a moment—before a faint smile tugged at her lips.
...
Author's Note:
The first half (completed version) of Versatile Mage: My Magic Has Gone Beyond Limits! is now available on Patreon!
🔗 patreon.com/Shadow_demon_007
Thank you all for your continued support! 💙