Fu Qin nodded, his cheeks still flushed with a lingering blush, looking as if he had been severely bullied.
Only he knew that all of this was a facade.
He needed to maintain this "shy younger brother" image, ensuring that Xiao Wu's favorability wouldn't drop while also preventing Tang San from noticing any flaws.
Xiao Wu released him with satisfaction and smoothed out her slightly messy skirt, her cheeks flushed and her breathing somewhat hurried.
She glanced at Fu Qin, her eyes full of smiles, and turned to say, "I'm going to the restroom. Wait for me here; don't run off."
Fu Qin nodded in response. Watching Xiao Wu's figure disappear at the alley's entrance, he slowly retracted the shyness from his face, a hint of complexity flashing in his eyes.
405 favorability—it had already reached an extremely dangerous edge.
Over the past two years, Xiao Wu's behavior had become increasingly bold. If this continued, Tang San would find out sooner or later.
Just as he was pondering how to maintain the right boundaries, Tang San's voice came from behind: "Fu Qin, where's Xiao Wu?"
Fu Qin immediately turned around, reverting to his bashful appearance, and pointed toward the alley's entrance. "Sister Xiao Wu went to the restroom; she should be back soon."
Tang San nodded and walked over to stand beside him. His gaze swept over Fu Qin's flushed cheeks and slightly disheveled collar, his brow furrowing imperceptibly. "What's wrong? Why is your face so red?"
"No... it's nothing," Fu Qin hurriedly lowered his head, pretending to adjust his collar. "Maybe it's because I walked too fast just now; I'm a bit hot."
Tang San didn't think much of it. After all, in his eyes, Fu Qin had always been a shy and introverted younger brother. Moreover, his mind was currently preoccupied with his plans after retrieving the Dragon Beard Needle and the upcoming Spirit Master Competition, so he didn't look into it further.
The two stood silently in the alley, the atmosphere feeling somewhat subtle.
Fu Qin could feel the spirit power fluctuations emanating from Tang San. Although Rank 28 spirit power wasn't top-tier, Tang San's combat skills and practical experience far exceeded those of his peers; he indeed possessed impressive strength.
But in Fu Qin's eyes, it was merely a superficial display.
With his Rank 33 spirit power, combined with the "Hundred Refinements: Materialization" and "Divine Mechanism: Object Control" combo Spirit Ability, and the ultimate insight provided by "Heavenly Eye: Construction," defeating Tang San would be as easy as turning over his hand.
The reason he kept up the facade was simply to maximize the effect of the Intelligence Reduction Halo, leading Tang San to believe step by step that he was a "very good citizen."
Before long, Xiao Wu returned.
Seeing Tang San standing beside Fu Qin, the heat in her eyes instantly vanished, and she reverted to her usual lively and cheerful self, skipping over. "San-ge, you're back! Did you get the item?"
"I got it." Tang San nodded, his gaze toward Xiao Wu carrying a hint of tenderness. "Let's settle down at the Rose Hotel first. If we don't go early, I'm afraid there won't be any rooms left."
Xiao Wu immediately responded, "Okay, okay! I'm exhausted; let's go rest quickly."
She walked to Fu Qin's side and seemingly naturally took his arm, but her fingertips lightly pinched his wrist—a playful hint.
Fu Qin's body stiffened slightly. He didn't pull away, but his cheeks flushed once more, making him look bashful.
Tang San walked ahead, completely oblivious to the small gestures of the two behind him. He was still enthusiastically planning their next steps. "We'll rest for a night and then head to Shrek Academy to register tomorrow. I heard their entrance exam is very strict, so we need to be prepared."
"Got it, San-ge," Xiao Wu replied casually, but her attention was entirely on Fu Qin beside her. She leaned in and whispered into his ear, "I'll come find you tonight."
Fu Qin's heart tightened. Just as he was about to refuse, Xiao Wu had already let go of his arm and skipped over to Tang San's side, chirping away with questions about Shrek Academy.
Soon, the three of them arrived at the Rose Hotel.
The hotel's decor was luxurious, and the lobby was bustling with people, most of whom were Spirit Masters heading to Shrek Academy to register.
Tang San walked to the front desk and said to the receptionist, "Two rooms, please."
His original plan was for him and Xiao Wu to share one room and Fu Qin to have another.
After all, in his view, he and Xiao Wu were husband and wife in their past life, so there was nothing wrong with staying together. Given their past-life emotional foundation, he felt Xiao Wu wouldn't refuse.
But as soon as he spoke, Xiao Wu immediately said, "No! We need three rooms!"
Her voice was just loud enough for everyone around to hear.
Tang San was stunned for a moment and looked at her in confusion. "Xiao Wu, why three? One room is fine."
Xiao Wu walked over to Tang San, stood on her tiptoes, and whispered in his ear, in a voice only the two of them could hear, "San-ge, we're not married yet. I can't stay in the same room as you. Besides, it wouldn't be convenient for Fu Qin to stay alone. Three rooms is just right; we'll each have our own."
Her tone was firm, carrying a hint of unquestionable stubbornness.
Tang San's expression instantly became a bit awkward, a flash of disappointment in his eyes.
He hadn't expected Xiao Wu to refuse so bluntly. Although they weren't formally married in their past life, their hearts had long been connected, so staying together was a matter of course.
But in this life, Xiao Wu's attitude was completely different, catching him off guard.
Looking at Xiao Wu's determined gaze, he could only give a wry smile, his face showing a hint of humility. "Alright, we'll do as you say. Three rooms."
Seeing they had reached an agreement, the receptionist skillfully processed the check-in and handed over three key cards.
"Here are your key cards. They're all on the third floor: 301 Blue Ocean, 302 Peach Sweetness, and 303 Red Rose. They are adjacent rooms."
Tang San took the key cards and handed one to Fu Qin. "Fu Qin, you're in 301, I'm in 302, and Xiao Wu is in 303."
"Thanks, Brother Tang San," Fu Qin said shyly as he took the card.
Xiao Wu suddenly stepped forward, snatched the card from Fu Qin's hand, and shoved her own card to him. "Fu Qin, let's swap. I'll stay in 301, and you stay in 303."
Although Tang San found it a bit odd, he didn't think much of it, assuming Xiao Wu was just being temperamental. He smiled and said, "Alright, let's swap then. It's all the same."
Fu Qin looked at the key card in his hand, then at the sly smile in Xiao Wu's eyes, feeling helpless.
This Xiao Wu clearly wanted him to stay closer to her so it would be easier for her to find him at night.
Although 301 and 303 were adjacent, they were separated by 302.
The three of them went up to the third floor with their key cards and returned to their respective rooms.
Just as Fu Qin pushed open the door to 303, he heard a slight movement from 301 next door. Clearly, Xiao Wu couldn't wait.
He entered the room, closed the door behind him, and leaned against it, looking at the favorability on the panel which remained at 405.
He thought to himself, Damn, tonight probably won't be peaceful.
Meanwhile, in room 302, Tang San sat on the edge of the bed, his fingers stroking the Plate Crystal in his hand, his brow slightly furrowed.