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"Ye Wen, are you tired? I saw you diligently cultivating all afternoon. Why don't you take a break over there? I can finish this work by myself."
"Ye Wen, are you thirsty? I happened to buy an extra bottle of drink earlier—I'll share it with you."
"Ye Wen, I don't understand this problem. Can you explain it to me?"
Even someone as slow as Ye Wen could sense the unusual warmth in Huo Yu'er's actions.
Being pursued by a pretty girl was a first for Ye Wen in both his lifetimes—and not just any girl, but an adorable little loli.
But no, no, NO!!!
Putting aside how twisted it would be to date a six-year-old loli, Ye Wen could accept childhood friendships, but it was clear that their relationship wasn't heading in that direction.
Moreover, after some subtle probing, Ye Wen learned that Huo Yu'er's innate soul power had reached 9.5 levels. After awakening her martial soul shortly before school started, she quickly advanced to Level 10 and obtained her first soul ring.
Coincidentally, they even shared the same birthday. This revelation shocked Ye Wen further, making him wonder if Huo Yu'er might have traveled through time with him.
But if she had, Ye Wen couldn't imagine any girl secretly harboring feelings for him in his past life.
As an orphan, he had spent most of his energy just surviving and saving money for tuition fees, leaving no time to groom himself or socialize. It was impossible for a girl to randomly fall for him.
Analyzing all this, Ye Wen found Huo Yu'er's behavior increasingly strange and the situation more perplexing.
However, when Ye Wen tried to investigate Huo Yu'er's family background, she remained unusually tight-lipped. She only mentioned that her elders were once soul masters from a village near Saint Soul Village. To prevent her from becoming spoiled, they chose to enroll her as a work-study student to experience hardship.
So this was "poverty education"?
Ye Wen didn't understand it and was deeply shaken.
After all, enduring hardships his entire life in his previous existence hadn't made him particularly successful. The idea that suffering builds character was nothing more than toxic motivational nonsense.
Still, given Huo Yu'er's extraordinary talent, as long as she didn't squander it, her future achievements would likely reach at least the rank of Soul Sage. A bit of hardship wouldn't hurt.
But Ye Wen also understood that despite his own potential, the gap between him and Huo Yu'er's family background was vast—two entirely different worlds.
Their statuses didn't match, and something about the situation felt off. Thus, Ye Wen chose to handle their relationship with cold indifference.
If he appeared worthless and unapproachable, surely a proud girl like Huo Yu'er wouldn't humiliate herself by pursuing him further.
Yet, acting this way made Ye Wen fear being bullied by those who worshipped Huo Yu'er—a case of undeserved misfortune.
Ye Wen had always maintained a slight emotional distance from Huo Yu'er, occasionally responding to her advances. But now that Huo Yu'er noticed Ye Wen completely ignoring her, she was utterly baffled.
She thought hard, trying to figure out if she had done anything to offend him.
As Ye Wen had predicted, even the densest people could see Huo Yu'er's obvious interest in him.
But Ye Wen dared to act so "ungrateful"!
The frustrated admirers began bullying Ye Wen.
A noble student cornered Ye Wen and reached out to grab his collar.
At that moment, a jade-like foot came flying out of nowhere!
"Thwack!"
The noble student went sprawling!
Still dazed from being kicked three to four meters away, the student recognized his attacker and immediately changed his demeanor from fierce to confused, asking Huo Yu'er:
"Sister Yu'er, why did you kick me? I was just helping you vent your anger!"
Ye Wen had already prepared to endure a beating and orchestrate a scene that would make Huo Yu'er despise him as a "worthless person." Who would have thought that even in this secluded corner, Huo Yu'er would appear and pull off a "beautiful girl rescues the useless guy" moment? How could he possibly proceed now?
While Ye Wen was still stunned, Huo Yu'er's face darkened as she coldly addressed the other students present:
"The person I choose to pursue is my business—even if he doesn't like me, it's between us. What does it have to do with you? Now, scram!
If I catch any of you bullying my Ye Wen again, I'll knock out every single one of your teeth!"
Huo Yu'er was already the strongest among the students, and her tone carried an authoritative weight akin to that of a family elder. Instantly, the other students turned pale and hastily apologized before retreating.
Ye Wen watched this unfold with a complex expression.
Being so resolutely chosen and protected by someone was undeniably heartwarming.
But...
After enduring countless hardships, Ye Wen's gaze hardened. Out of fear of Huo Yu'er's strength and her family's influence, he had avoided addressing the issue directly, fearing it would escalate.
However, at this point, Ye Wen could deeply feel Huo Yu'er's unwavering determination toward him.
Wanting to uncover her true intentions, Ye Wen asked:
"Sister Yu'er, can we talk seriously for a moment?"
Huo Yu'er, who had been fuming moments ago, instantly brightened at Ye Wen's voice.
"Of course, Ye Wen. Go ahead and say whatever's on your mind."
Though she said this, Ye Wen remained silent for a while before softly asking:
"I consider myself a talentless person, even rather ordinary in appearance. So... why have you been treating me so kindly? I really want to know."
Upon hearing this, Huo Yu'er froze for a moment before breaking into a dazzling smile that left Ye Wen momentarily mesmerized.
"Why indeed? Maybe it's love at first sight. I like you, Ye Wen. So, can you give me a chance?"
This moment of beauty seemed to etch itself into Ye Wen's heart. Being confessed to by such a lovely girl was undeniably heart-stirring.
But life's hardships had made Ye Wen an exceptionally pragmatic person.
The apparent gap in their talents had become an insurmountable chasm.
"It's impossible between us, Huo Yu'er. You know it too. My innate soul power is only half a level. Reaching the rank of Great Soul Master in this lifetime will be extremely difficult for me. But you're different.
Your future will undoubtedly place you among the elite few—perhaps a Soul Sage, a Soul Douluo, or even the lofty Title Douluo.
So, with such a promising future ahead of you, would you really choose someone like me—a waste of space?"
Ye Wen spoke calmly, seemingly indifferent to his self-deprecating words.
But just as he tore open this harsh reality, Huo Yu'er stepped forward, firmly grabbing Ye Wen's hands and saying earnestly:
"To me, liking someone is liking them. I don't care about all that nonsense you're spouting."
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