"Hmm?"
Jiang Yunzhou raised an eyebrow, thought for a moment, and then began his lecture: "Xiao Wu, if you don't even know how to care for yourself, how can you expect others to understand and tolerate you?"
"You are you. You don't need to explain anything to anyone, including me."
"Let the past be the past. People must live in the present. Understand?"
Xiao Wu was touched again, experiencing what it meant to be understood and tolerated.
Could she really let go of the past and restart her life?
Yes, the teacher said people must live in the present, and the teacher would definitely help her.
Thinking of this, her thoughts seemed to clear at that moment.
Heavens, this man's body was so tough, yet his heart was so soft and warm. How could anyone be this good?
The little bit of hesitation and anxiety in her heart was once again gently swept away by Jiang Yunzhou's few words.
"Alright, go back. Since you've made a decision, then bid farewell to the past."
"Can… you accompany me?"
"No."
Jiang Yunzhou refused straightforwardly: "You must face this kind of thing alone. Go, let me see your resolve."
Xiao Wu understood.
Some paths, she had to walk alone.
She nodded, turned, and walked towards Shrek Academy.
Jiang Yunzhou returned to Supreme Academy, but his gaze never truly left the opposite side.
Xiao Wu, feeling restless, walked to Tang Shan's dorm room door. She raised her hand several times but lacked the courage to knock.
Just as she was mustering her courage again, Tang Shan's voice suddenly came from behind her:
"Xiao Wu? Are you looking for me?"
Xiao Wu was startled by the sound. How could this person walk without making any noise?
Seeing Tang Shan again, her heart was filled with mixed emotions.
After all, Tang Shan had never harmed her, and they even had some happy memories.
It was just that being around him was too dangerous.
It would have been fine not knowing some things, but once she knew, she could never go back.
Living in constant fear and caution, those days were too exhausting.
She didn't want to live like that.
"Third Brother, I have something I want to tell you." Xiao Wu took a deep breath, her tone serious.
Tang Shan also noticed the unusual expression on her face, and his heart inexplicably tightened.
"Okay, you speak, I'll listen."
"Third Brother, thank you for your care all these years."
"When I was young, I was ignorant and caused you a lot of trouble. I'm sorry."
"Xiao Wu…" Tang Shan vaguely sensed something and urgently wanted to interrupt her, but Xiao Wu stopped him with a shake of her head.
"Don't speak yet, let me finish."
Tang Shan pursed his lips and remained silent.
"I'm saying this to tell you: if possible, you will always be my Third Brother."
"But I have decided to drop out of school. From now on, I'm afraid I can't go to school with you anymore."
These words were like a thunderclap, instantly causing Tang Shan's face to change drastically.
He grabbed Xiao Wu's shoulders, his voice trembling: "Why? Xiao Wu, why are you dropping out? Is someone forcing you? Is it Jiang Yunzhou… It must be him forcing you, right? I'll go find him and ask him clearly!"
Tang Shan was overcome with rage, his entire face turning gloomy.
He absolutely could not accept Xiao Wu leaving, absolutely not!
He had envisioned many possibilities during this time, but he had never expected Xiao Wu to voluntarily propose leaving.
Was it because he had neglected her before?
He suddenly regretted it immensely. When they first arrived at the academy, Xiao Wu had mentioned wanting to change academies.
If he had listened to her advice back then, would today's events not have happened?
But he insisted on staying. Was it then that she had a premonition of something?
Was she giving him a chance? But why didn't she make it clear?
She must not be willing, she must be forced.
Otherwise, why would she have been so resolute in coming to Shrek Academy with him?
He told himself this, as if by believing it firmly, he could still salvage something.
"Third Brother, no one is forcing me. It's my own decision."
"Whether you say I'm heartless or want to cut ties with me… I accept it."
"What can you do by going to find Yunzhou Gege now?"
Tang Shan's eyes widened in disbelief: "What did you say? Why are you calling that person 'Yunzhou Gege'? I don't believe it, you must be lying to me!"
Looking at Tang Shan, who was about to descend into madness, Xiao Wu only felt exhausted.
At this moment, she truly felt that Tang Shan's feelings for her had perhaps long surpassed simple sibling affection.
If it were before, she might not have thought much of it.
But who made her already 'brainwashed' by Ning Rongrong?
She now only wanted to live a stable life, focus on cultivation, and no longer live in constant fear.
"I've said all I need to say. Third Brother, from now on, let's both be well."
"If you are willing, I will still consider you my brother."
After speaking, she no longer looked at Tang Shan and walked straight past him towards the outside of the academy.
She only needed to give Tang Shan an explanation.
As for the academy teachers? She would leave it to Jiang Yunzhou to handle. She didn't want to seek trouble for herself.
Speaking these words to Tang Shan had already exhausted all her courage.
And now, throughout Shrek Academy, no one should dare to refuse his request, right?
Hmm, there really was one stubborn person, Yu Xiaogang.
However, was his opinion important to Jiang Yunzhou?
Tang Shan stood frozen in place, lost and disoriented, his mind a mess. He even felt that Xiao Wu at this moment was somewhat unfamiliar, somewhat heartless.
He finally understood what that subtly vanishing thing had been these past few days.
It was Xiao Wu.
She no longer belonged to him, she would no longer follow him around all day, and he would no longer hear her call him 'Third Brother' from time to time.
He closed his eyes, and a tear silently fell.
At this moment, his hatred for Jiang Yunzhou reached its peak.
He had to win Xiao Wu back, and only by becoming strong enough could he do so.
He was no longer confused, and his steps firmly turned towards Yu Xiaogang's dormitory.
"Teacher, please help me!"
…Supreme Academy
Xiao Wu, carrying large and small bags of luggage, walked into the courtyard gate with some trepidation.
As soon as she stepped in, she saw three familiar figures smiling and looking at her.
"Xiao Wu, you're here!"
"The teacher said you would definitely come, and he was right again." Ning Rongrong gracefully stepped forward, taking the luggage from her hand.
"Your room is already tidied up. Now we can cultivate together." Zhu Qing also came forward to help.
Xiao Wu looked up at Jiang Yunzhou and said softly, "Teacher, I've already made it clear to him. As for the dean…"
Jiang Yunzhou grinned, waved his hand, and said, "Why bother with them? If there's anything, tell them to come directly to me."
"Settle in first, I'll come find you later."
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Qing helped Xiao Wu organize her room and arrange her belongings. Before long, everything was tidied up.
Jiang Yunzhou arrived as promised, walking into Xiao Wu's room.
Zhu Qing had learned her lesson this time and had prepared tea early, not wanting to be called 'unobservant' again.
She handed the teacup to Xiao Wu and gently reminded her:
"If you're taking him as your teacher, you need to offer tea to the teacher."