"Teacher, I came here to discuss an investment with your dean, Flender. I believe with my girlfriend's talent, joining Shrek Academy shouldn't be a problem."
> "With all due respect, while Shrek Academy has quite the reputation, the facilities here are rather outdated. I'd appreciate it if you could let me accompany my girlfriend through the next test. I'd also like to see what areas could use some improvement."
> "If that's still not acceptable, then although it's unfortunate, I'll have to take her to another academy."
Su Xiaoqi stood calmly, waiting for a response. He was sure the other side would agree.
After all, what kind of money-starved academy like Shrek—who even scams people with their entry fees—would turn away a walking wallet like him?
Li Yusong looked conflicted. He certainly didn't want to miss out on Zhu Zhuqing, a gifted student, and more importantly, the man beside her wanted to invest in them. He knew all too well how poor Shrek was—he hadn't even received a paycheck in months.
But what worried him more right now was **Dai Mubai**. From the way he reacted earlier, it was clear he'd recognized the girl as his fiancée.
Dai Mubai was panicking inside. He'd confirmed it—this was Zhu Zhuqing. If she left now, it would be near impossible to find her again. But he couldn't bring himself to speak on behalf of the man who had stolen his fiancée. The fact he hadn't already punched Su Xiaoqi was the limit of his restraint.
> "If you won't let him in, then I won't register either."
That was when Ning Rongrong, who had been silently watching the drama unfold, suddenly spoke up. She had seen enough to know there was something juicy going on between these three—and nothing thrilled her more than drama.
> "And you are?" Li Yusong asked, only now noticing the girl standing on the other side of Su Xiaoqi. He'd assumed she was just tagging along.
> "Hmph," Ning Rongrong snorted and revealed her martial spirit—two yellow soul rings appeared.
> "**Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda!**"
This time, both **Tang San** and **Li Yusong** gasped in shock.
> "Brother, what's the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda? Is it powerful?" Xiao Wu tugged at Tang San.
> "Xiao Wu, the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda is…"
While Tang San started showing off his book smarts, Li Yusong turned back to Ning Rongrong.
> "My father is **Ning Fengzhi**," she said proudly. Then she looked at Su Xiaoqi, "Since they won't let you in, let's just go to another academy."
> "Wait, wait! If he's a friend of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan, of course he can enter!" Li Yusong quickly backtracked.
> "Mubai, bring them in for the second test."
This was the daughter of the **Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan master**! If he let her walk out now, Flender would skin him alive—never mind paying his salary.
> "Yes," Dai Mubai replied, casting a long look at Zhu Zhuqing, then turned to Tang San and said with a smile, "Come with me."
> "Let's go," Su Xiaoqi said, walking forward with Zhu Zhuqing, completely ignoring Ning Rongrong.
She didn't get mad. Instead, she ran to catch up and teased, "Hey, that guy was glaring daggers at you. Did you steal his girlfriend or something?"
> "Also, I helped you just now. Don't you owe me a thank-you?"
Su Xiaoqi completely ignored her questions, frustrating her to no end.
> "Ugh, what a dump. Not even a dog would want to stay here."
Su Xiaoqi muttered as he looked around.
Zhu Zhuqing pinched him hard and snapped, "Who are you insulting?"
> "Ow!" He winced in pain and muttered pitifully, "I meant you're the only beautiful thing in this whole place."
> "Hmph. That's better." Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly.
Just then, a voice shouting about sausages could be heard from up ahead.
Su Xiaoqi's eyes lit up. He turned to Zhu Zhuqing, "Zhuqing, lend me a gold soul coin. I want to buy something."
> "That disgusting thing? Absolutely not. If you're hungry, we'll eat in Soto City later."
Zhu Zhuqing thought of **Oscar's disgusting chant** and instantly felt nauseous. She didn't even want to look at it, let alone eat it.
> "Zhuqing, this sausage is really useful to me. I'll explain later."
As a modern person from the 21st century, Su Xiaoqi wasn't fazed by Oscar's cringey incantation. Oscar's **recovery sausage** was a great item. It only lasted 12 hours, but that was enough time to push himself to the limit training.
Ning Rongrong chimed in, "It's just a few sausages. I'll pay."
> "No need for you to meddle. I'll buy it for him," Zhu Zhuqing snapped, pulling Su Xiaoqi toward Oscar's sausage cart.
Meanwhile, Dai Mubai was watching the whole scene.
> "Brother, should we warn them?" Xiao Wu whispered. After hearing Dai Mubai's explanation, she had developed a bit of a trauma around the sausages.
> "Don't bother. It's not like it'll harm them—just gross them out," Dai Mubai said coldly.
Tang San simply shook his head. He didn't want to get involved in any drama between Dai Mubai and this group.
Oscar's eyes lit up as he saw two beautiful girls approaching.
> "Hey there! Want a sausage? Oscar-brand sausage—tasty and affordable!"
Su Xiaoqi tossed a gold soul coin onto Oscar's cart. "I want every sausage on your cart and every sausage you can make. Not a single one less. Get moving."
> "Huh?"
Oscar was stunned. He'd never had such a big order.
> "Well? Don't just stand there," Su Xiaoqi said, amused.
> "R-right! Coming!"
While Oscar was busy, Ning Rongrong tried to sneak a sausage—only for Su Xiaoqi to slap her hand away.
> "If you want one, let him make it fresh for you. My treat."
Hearing that, Ning Rongrong quickly forgave him and urged Oscar to hurry up.
> "Here! All packed up. Thanks for your business!" Oscar said cheerfully.
Su Xiaoqi didn't take the bag. Instead, he frowned. "Buddy, this can't be all of them. I said *everything* on the cart and everything you can make. Don't try to shortchange me."
Oscar hesitated. He knew what was coming—and if he said his chant, this guy might bail. He didn't want to lose a gold coin.
That's when Dai Mubai stepped in with Tang San and Xiao Wu.
> "Oscar, make one for him. I want to see if he'll actually eat your sausage. He's already paid—you wouldn't go back on your word, right?"
> "Relax. As long as there's nothing wrong with it, I'll eat it," Su Xiaoqi replied confidently.
Oscar sighed, raised his hand, and said in his signature sleazy tone:
> "**I—your daddy—have a big sausage!**"
A yellow glow burst from his palm, and a sausage formed.
> "Ugh…"
Ning Rongrong, Tang San, and Xiao Wu froze. Even though Zhu Zhuqing had seen this scene in the anime, seeing it in person was still nauseating. Dai Mubai, meanwhile, watched with glee.
Oscar, feeling the judgmental glares, quickly explained, "I'm a food-type soul master. Our spirits require a chant to activate. It's not by choice! But I swear—my sausages are completely safe."
Su Xiaoqi smiled, took the sausage, and began eating it bite by bite under everyone's stunned gaze.
> "Zhuqing, it's actually pretty good. Super fragrant. Want one?"
(End of Chapter 15)