Nuoding Academy grew livelier as new students arrived.
Among them, two girls drew attention almost immediately—but for very different reasons.
One was quiet to the point of invisibility.
She moved like a shadow at the edge of crowds, black hair tied neatly behind her head, sharp eyes always scanning. Her presence felt thin, restrained—like a blade still in its sheath.
Zhu Zhuqing.
The other couldn't have been more different.
Bright clothes. Confident posture. A smile that carried effortless pride. When she laughed, it rang clearly across the academy grounds.
Ning Rongrong.
The MC noticed both of them the moment they stepped through the gates.
Not because of beauty—though both were striking—but because fate stirred.
System:"Oh?"System:"Multiple high-value female targets detected."
"Don't start," the MC muttered internally.
System:"Host, this is literally your chosen route."
He ignored it and continued walking, Xiao Wu skipping happily beside him.
Zhu Zhuqing watched them from a distance.
Her instincts screamed danger.
Not violent danger—but existential. Like stepping too close to him would mean never walking away the same.
She clenched her fists.
So strong… and yet hiding it.
That kind of restraint unsettled her more than open dominance ever could.
Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, had already decided she liked him.
She approached without hesitation, hands clasped behind her back, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"You're interesting," she said bluntly.
The MC blinked. "That's usually not how people introduce themselves."
She grinned. "I'm Ning Rongrong. And you're not normal."
Xiao Wu bristled instantly. "Hey—!"
He raised a hand gently, calming her.
"And you are?" he asked calmly.
"Someone important," Ning Rongrong said proudly. "Very important."
He chuckled softly. "I see."
That reaction—unimpressed, yet attentive—made her pause.
Most people tried to impress her.
He didn't.
System:"Strategist-type compatibility extremely high."
Tang San observed from afar, unease growing.
Xiao Wu was already firmly at his side.
Now others were orbiting him too.
How is he doing this… without trying?
That night, Zhu Zhuqing trained alone.
Silent strikes. Perfect footwork. Controlled breathing.
A presence appeared behind her—soundless.
She spun, claws out—
—and froze.
The MC stood there calmly, hands visible, expression neutral.
"You're wasting energy," he said quietly. "Your breathing's off."
Her eyes narrowed. "Why are you watching me?"
"Because you're lonely," he replied simply.
The words hit harder than any insult.
She said nothing.
He turned to leave.
"If you ever want to be stronger," he added, "come find me."
She watched him disappear into the shadows.
For the first time in a long while—
Hope stirred.