Just as the tent flap was about to be lifted—
The girl clinging tightly to Neuvillette from behind panicked. In a rush, she dove under the blanket, slipping past him and into his arms.
In the next instant—
Inside Neuvillette's embrace—
Two soft gasps rang out as the girls' eyes met. Beneath the darkness of the quilt, they could just make out each other's faces.
"You are…"
Huo Yutong's beautiful eyes widened, her mind going completely blank.
This girl, about the same age as her, was someone she had never seen before—yet she gave off a strange, overwhelming sense of familiarity, as though she were an old acquaintance.
But her appearance…
Nearly flawless, so stunning she could outshine all of Shrek Academy, even beauties of the highest rank like Jiang Nannan.
Her pale-blue eyes shimmered like amber, long lashes fluttering, an odd expression flitting across her delicate face. Her nose was straight, lips small and rosy—
Even in the dim light beneath the quilt, her beauty could not be concealed.
Neuvillette: "..."
"I'm coming in~" Ma Xiaotao's voice carried a mischievous lilt as she slipped into the tent, a playful smile on her face.
Catching sight of Neuvillette's back, her lips curved as she stepped forward on long, graceful legs, directly toward him.
She reached out her hand, about to lift the quilt.
"Don't force me to hit you."
Neuvillette exhaled deeply, his voice calm.
"Tch, why so stingy?!"
Ma Xiaotao froze mid-motion, pouting in dissatisfaction.
"What gives? Senior Sister took you to a hotel, and you didn't resist, but when I tried a little midnight visit, you threatened to hit me? Don't tell me… you're hiding a girl in here?"
She said it teasingly.
Neuvillette: "..."
At those words, the two girls in his arms froze, their bodies trembling slightly.
"Go keep watch. We still have a journey tomorrow."
Neuvillette didn't turn, speaking faintly.
"So you really are hiding a girl?" Ma Xiaotao pressed, kneeling lightly on the floor of the tent, trying to peek in the direction of his arms.
The two girls dared not move, holding their breath, terrified of giving themselves away.
"Let me have a look…"
Her slender hand reached out, nails painted a bright crimson, gleaming with allure.
"Three."
Neuvillette's voice was calm, without turning.
In the very next moment—
Ma Xiaotao sprang to her feet and darted out of the tent.
Only once outside did she pat her ample chest and raise her brows. "Good thing I ran fast…"
After all, she knew better than anyone: the calmer Neuvillette's voice, the more dangerous he became.
"Hmph! Fine, I'll just come back tomorrow!"
With that, her fiery-red figure vanished beyond the tent.
Inside, Neuvillette sighed helplessly.
"All right, she's gone. You two can come out now."
After a moment—
Two small heads peeked out from his embrace.
Both were bare-faced, yet already budding into rare beauties.
Wang Dong'er's long hair fell loosely, her fair hands covering her flushed face, too shy to speak.
"Introduce yourselves properly," Neuvillette said with resignation. "What a mess…"
"Yutong… I-I'm Wang Dong'er…"
Her lips parted softly as she finally looked at the stunned Huo Yutong.
"Wang Dong'er… Wang Dong?!"
The girl's eyes went wide, staring in disbelief at the delicate beauty before her.
Her mind short-circuited.
Wang Dong = Wang Dong'er.
"So—you were cross-dressing as a boy?!"
She finally managed to stammer out.
"Mm."
Wang Dong'er grew even shyer, letting out a soft hum, her face burning as she glanced toward Neuvillette.
Neuvillette: "???"
Why are you looking at me like that?
Huo Yutong's expression grew complicated as she gazed at the bashful Wang Dong'er. She opened her mouth as if to speak, then fell silent.
All those times the three of them visited Teacher Neuvillette, it was always Wang Dong who was the most eager. She had always assumed Wang Dong was simply an affectionate little boy seeking closeness.
But now…
She thought of him as a friend—yet Wang Dong'er had been harboring feelings for her Saint Son all along?!
She wanted to cry without tears.
And worse still—Wang Dong'er's looks.
As a boy, she had stirred the entire grade into a frenzy. As a girl, her beauty was unmatched, delicate as though carved by an artist's hand. Huo Yutong had never seen a girl more breathtaking.
How could she possibly compete?
"Yutong, I'm sorry… I really didn't mean to. It's just that…" Wang Dong'er bit her lip, sensing her friend's disappointment.
"It's fine. I understand."
Huo Yutong nodded lightly, though her eyes grew firmer.
Those who loved the Saint Son would never be hers alone.
All she could do was work harder, to keep up with him…
Come on, Huo Yutong! she cheered herself silently.
The next morning—
Everyone rose early, packing their tents and preparing for the day's journey.
The two girls blended in among them.
Neither had left the night before—spending the whole night in Neuvillette's tent, holding each other close. From friends, they had become true confidantes, whispering long into the night.
Neuvillette had simply listened quietly.
Huo Yutong, at least, still knew of her parents. Wang Dong'er, however, had "no father, no mother."
"Senior Neuvillette, which way are we heading today?"
Wang Lang approached, asking.
"Deeper into the core."
Neuvillette paused briefly, then spoke slowly.
"No, you all should return to Shrek Academy. I'll take Wang Dong and Huo Yutong forward. Your mission is about complete anyway."
"This…"
Wang Lang faltered—he had hoped to use this journey to grow closer to Neuvillette.
"And what about me? You're just going to abandon me?"
Ma Xiaotao frowned, dissatisfied.
Neuvillette didn't answer—just glanced sideways at her and moved his lips slightly. "Avatar…"
Ma Xiaotao's neck shrank instantly. She pouted, "Fine, fine. I get it, I'm not important…"
"Elder Xuan will accompany you to see you safely back. But you'll need to put in the effort." Neuvillette looked at Ma Xiaotao seriously.
"All right. I understand."
The weight of the task settled on her shoulders, and she nodded heavily.
After a few more instructions, Neuvillette led the two excited girls deeper into the Star Dou Forest.
"From here on, I'll intervene as little as possible."
Walking at the front, leaning on his staff, Neuvillette spoke evenly, back turned to the two girls behind him.
"Most soul beasts will retreat from my aura anyway, but this is too good a training ground to waste."
"Got it."
Wang Dong'er smiled. With the rest of Shrek gone, she had already resumed her true form, a lively young beauty full of energy.
"Yes, Saint Son!"
Huo Yutong nodded firmly, her face set with determination.
(End of Chapter)