"Don't worry, little sister. The others haven't left yet. You should rest first."
Shui Bing'er couldn't help but feel distressed as she looked at the panting little girl before her.
'How could such a delicate girl come to report here all alone?'
The world was so chaotic these days—what if she had encountered danger?
"Rongrong! You're here too!" Wu Ling exclaimed upon recognizing the newcomer as Ning Rongrong.
"Hmm? Wu Ling! You're here as well!"
The two girls, who had met once two years ago, embraced each other warmly, their joy at reuniting evident.
After the excitement settled, Ning Rongrong introduced herself to the surrounding sisters.
"Hello, everyone! My name is Ning Rongrong. My martial soul is the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Pagoda.. I'm twelve years old and a level 27 auxiliary-type spirit master."
"Brother Fu Ye, is this where I'll be staying from now on?"
Ning Rongrong gazed curiously at the elegant little blue apartment before her. It wasn't overly large—just a two-story building covering about 100 square meters—but it was one of Tianshui Academy's luxurious double rooms.
"Yes, this will be your dormitory. Wu Ling also lives here, so you two can keep each other company."
Just then, Wu Ling, who had returned early to tidy up the room, stepped out of the small building.
"Hehe, Sister Rongrong, come quick! The beds are already made—we can sleep together tonight!"
With that, she pulled Ning Rongrong inside, eager to reminisce. Though they had only met for a single day in the past, they had become each other's first true friends.
"They really are lovely children."
Han Ruyan, standing beside Fu Ye, couldn't help but sigh as she watched the two girls.
"Wu Ling didn't have a happy childhood. Her father was a selfish nobleman, and her mother was merely a servant in his household."
Han Ruyan's interest piqued at Fu Ye's words, and as they walked, she began chatting with him.
"Then how did you meet this adorable little girl, Wu Ling?"
"It was a coincidence. She was six at the time, being chased by a group of noble students. I just happened to be passing by."
Fu Ye shook his head. He truly couldn't comprehend the chaos of Douluo Continent's society.
"And how did you and Sister Erlong meet? Before you arrived, I heard her talking about you every day."
At this moment, Han Ruyan was like an inquisitive child—mostly because she was genuinely curious how her sister had won over someone as remarkable as Fu Ye.
"Guess."
"What?"
Before long, Han Ruyan arrived at her residence first—a single-family villa nestled near the teaching area on the west side, surrounded by trees and bamboo groves. The environment was serene and elegant.
As her fair, delicate feet stepped onto the stairs leading home, Fu Ye prepared to take his leave. But just then, she called out to him.
"Brother Fu Ye… would you like to hear my story?"
Han Ruyan turned back, her ice-blue eyes flickering with hesitation before firming with resolve.
"Hmm? I'd be happy to listen."
At his response, she gave a slight nod.
"Then come inside and sit with me."
Upon entering the villa, Fu Ye was struck by its grandeur and elegance—yet it also exuded a charming simplicity that made one feel instantly at ease.
The high ceiling lent the space an airy openness, while numerous small crystal chandeliers hung like glittering stars, casting a soft, radiant glow.
The floor was adorned with an intricately patterned blue carpet, refreshing to the eye.
Scattered across the ice-blue sofa were several solid-colored cushions, adding a touch of playfulness to the refined decor.
Fu Ye settled onto the plush sofa without hesitation, while Han Ruyan brewed a pot of fine tea and set it on the glass coffee table before them.
"Brother Fu Ye… do you know? I truly envy Sister Erlong."
Now that she was in her own sanctuary, the dignified aura Han Ruyan carried as dean melted away—here, she could finally set aside her duties.
"I was the most talented genius in my family. But when I was ten, my father arranged a marriage for me. I didn't like the man, but he was gifted. I thought he'd at least treat me sincerely… but reality was the opposite."
She paused, her gaze lingering on Fu Ye's face.
"He was utterly immoral. Not only was he entangled with his cousin, but he was later caught with a prostitute—and even fathered a child with her."
A bitter, self-deprecating smile touched her lips.
"I grew to despise my family. At seven, I witnessed them kill my six-year-old cousin—simply because she awakened with no spirit power. In the elders' eyes, she was worthless."
"But she was my only friend."
Han Ruyan shared much more with Fu Ye—how she escaped her family, founded Tianshui Academy, and took in Shui Bing'er and the others.
Upstairs, the wooden handrail felt warm and smooth under his touch.
The corridor walls were adorned with simple yet tasteful paintings, adding just the right touch of refinement.
In the bedroom, a spacious bed stood at the center, its sky-blue bedding radiating tranquility.
By the window sat a unique lounge chair, bathed in sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows—a scene of warmth and comfort.
Fu Ye gently carried the now-sleeping Han Ruyan and laid her on the bed.
As a gentleman (cough old pervert cough), he would never take advantage of someone in distress. She had cried so pitifully—to force himself on her now would make him worse than scum; it'd make him inhuman.
But as he placed her on the ice-blue sheets, he noticed something odd—her expression seemed off, and her slender fingers were gripping his wrist tightly.
'Something's wrong…'
He prided himself on his self-control. As a man of principle, he'd never exploit another's vulnerability. Yet why did he suddenly feel… something was amiss?
…
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