"Shrek Academy is not allowed to drink!"
The sudden roar silenced the whole classroom.
A burly young man with cropped burgundy-red hair stood stiff like a boulder. His rectangular jaw and slow eyes screamed stubbornness. His name was Tai Long, the so-called chief disciple of the academy's advanced class.
The entire room froze in disbelief.
"Tai Long, are you insane?"
"That's Lu Yuan! Even Tiandou's royal teachers don't dare touch him."
"Didn't you hear? He single-handedly flattened the Five Element Academies. And you want to snatch his wine jar?"
"Brother, this isn't courage—it's suicide!"
Students groaned. Some buried their faces in their palms. Others whispered aggressively, half afraid Lu Yuan would already start cutting someone down.
But Tai Long continued earnestly, muscles flexing, chin raised. "As the academy's chief disciple, it's my obligation to uphold our rules. Drinking in class is forbidden!"
There was a silence—then a collective sigh.
"Dage, times have changed. You think your rules mean anything to him?"
"Your sense of duty's so rigid, it'll kill you someday."
"Better idea—run away now before Lu Yuan's alcohol high turns into a slaughter."
Still, Tai Long trudged ahead and stretched his thick arm. "Sir, get out. Rules are rules."
Lu Yuan blinked, momentarily confused. "Huh? Which bastard are you supposed to be?"
He was already half drunk, half annoyed. He had wandered through forests, battled a fiery woman while she bathed, survived flirtations with nightmares and nobles. Finally, he'd found Zhu Zhuqing, only for this brick-headed ox to stomp up and shout at him?
The arm reached closer.
Lu Yuan sighed. Then, with a casual twist, his hand snapped onto Tai Long's waist and flung him out the doorway.
Bam!
"You—get out!"
The class gasped.
A moment later, Tai Long walked stiffly back in.
Lu Yuan frowned. "...Still here?"
Without hesitation, he picked him up again and chucked him out harder.
Bang!
And again.
Students exchanged horrified looks as the poor fool was thrown out, returned, and thrown out again—until finally even Lu Yuan's patience cracked.
"You plaster-faced bastard!" Lu Yuan bellowed. "What the hell do you want?!"
Panting, Tai Long wiped dirt from his face, eyes resolute. "No drinking in Shrek Academy… I must throw you out!"
Lu Yuan stared. Long silence. Then, finally—he snapped. "THEN WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY SO FROM THE START?!" His voice thundered.
Everyone blinked.
Tai Long threw his arms in the air. "Dage, I did say it! From the very beginning!"
Lu Yuan went silent. Then, scowling, he downed another gulp of wine. "Tch. That doesn't count. Too late."
Students nearly fainted.
Zhu Zhuqing rose from her seat, quietly walking with him. "Let's go."
Lu Yuan smirked, draping his arm over her shoulders. "Little cat, let's head to the bar. I have something good to give you."
As the pair walked out together, the class buzzed furiously.
"That cold beauty… she's with Lu Yuan?"
"No way… That's his girlfriend?"
"She's so lucky! Being with him… I'd sell my soul for a chance!"
"I envy her…"
Dai Mubai's palm slammed onto the desk with a crack loud enough to echo the room. Jealousy burned his face red, eyes nearly bloodshot.
It was one thing for Zhu Zhuqing to follow Lu Yuan. But listening to these people call her his girlfriend? Unforgivable!
"This can't be!" He roared. "Zhu Zhuqing is MY fiancée!"
The class blinked—then burst into laughter.
"You, her fiancé? You?!"
"Cut the trash. The man himself was just here. Where was your big mouth then?"
"Weren't you trembling five minutes ago while Lu Yuan had you by the collar?"
"Trying to steal someone else's girlfriend and then announcing it later—bah! Shameless mutt!"
Dai Mubai's fists shook. He wanted to kill every last one of them.
But then…
The door creaked open. Zhu Zhuqing had returned—calm, elegant, her face unreadable. She bent to pick up a bag she'd forgotten.
One bold student immediately shouted. "Zhu Zhuqing, this guy claims he's your fiancé. True or false?"
All eyes swung toward her.
"I'm not."
Her tone was cold and absolute. She turned and left without sparing Dai Mubai another glance.
The room erupted.
"Hahaha! Hear that? Straight from her own lips!"
"Slap to the face!"
"Your so-called fiancé denies you outright—what are you, some clown?"
"Dog that doesn't know shame, trying to seduce someone's girlfriend!"
Dai Mubai froze like he'd been struck lightning. His mind went numb. She… denied me? Denied it publicly?
His chest rattled with fury. He wanted to pummel everyone shut. But Ma Hongjun grabbed his sleeve hard.
"Boss Dai, calm down. Don't you see? Everyone here's an inner class veteran, most stronger than us. You'll get wrecked before you take two steps."
Dai Mubai's nails dug deep into his palms until blood welled. Humiliation flared hotter than fire.
But in front of so many eyes, he swallowed it—barely.
Meanwhile, the thatched house near Shrek Academy.
Inside, Liu Erlong broke the ropes binding her body with a furious snap.
"Lu Yuan, you bastard!" she snarled. "It was bad enough you peeked at me bathing, but tying me up as well? Who do you think you are playing such games with me?!"
Her fists crackled with restless fire.
Her fury wasn't only from indignity. She had fought countless men, but no one beat her down like he had—as a mere Soul King. Even her Martial Soul's true form was suppressed. His sword—that eerie, evil blade—had planted an instinctive fear deep inside her.
She shivered. Then her face hardened.
"Lu Yuan, this hatred won't end. My old lady will never forgive you!"
That night—Yuexuan.
Within Tang Yuehua's noble halls, moonlight glowed faintly, the air filled with faint fragrance.
Zhu Zhuqing leaned against Lu Yuan's arm, cheeks flushed scarlet, eyes hazy from drink.
"Lu Yuan… fill my cup… one more time…"
Lu Yuan smirked, pouring generously into her cup. "Little cat, it's truly a pleasure to drink with you."
Her lips curled faintly. "Mm. Only with you do I feel happy drinking. Any other time…" Her voice faltered, eyes turning misty. "I can't. I'm not free like you, Lu Yuan. You have no worries. But me… I can't escape."
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"I have a marriage contract," she confessed softly, bitter laughter in her tone. "From the moment I was born, it was sealed between my clan and the Dai family. I cannot change it. Zhu Zhuyun and I were raised as enemies… of us two sisters, only one is destined to live."
Tears touched her lashes, though she didn't let them fall. "If not for you, maybe I would already be dead."
Lu Yuan tilted her chin up, his tone uncharacteristically serious. "Little cat, your mind is too tangled. Marriage contract? Rubbish. Cancel it. Fate… is your own choice."
She blinked—eyes widening.
"Your fate is up to you," he repeated firmly.
Her breath caught. Her heart raced.
And then, without warning, she leaned forward like a spring snapping. Arms tightening around his neck, she kissed him deeply, lips crashing against his.
Hot. Fierce. Certain.
When she pulled back, her flushed face glowed with determination.
"I might be drunk," she whispered hoarsely, "but I know who you are. The one I kissed… is you, Lu Yuan."
Lu Yuan's eyes widened briefly—then softened. He chuckled hoarsely, cupping her waist as his wine jar tilted.
"Ha… good. Then drink with me."
Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly against his chest. This moment would be enough for her. Even if fate and family shackled her… this kiss was hers to give.
And his to keep.
--
Unlock 50 exclusive advanced chapters for just $10 – don't miss out! Check the synopsis/description for the link! 🚀
Loved this fic? 🔥 Then you'll absolutely binge my other hits — "Douluo Dalu: Ten Thousand Years Early System!" & "Douluo Dalu: My Harem System is Bugged!" — don't miss out!