The first day of class at Shrek Academy was quite simple, consisting merely of introductions and getting to know one another.
However, Fu Qin's strength left several of those present astonished.
After all, reaching the Spirit Elder level at his age was absolutely monstrous, the mark of a true genius.
The "Three Troublemakers" of Shrek naturally introduced themselves as well.
Being a transmigrator, Fu Qin was naturally well aware of their backgrounds.
It was just that the behavior of these three was really a bit...
(⊙o⊙)... hard to put into words.
Dai Mubai's eyes never left Zhu Zhuqing.
Oscar's Sausage Spirit paired with his shamelessly cheeky tone, constantly saying things like "I have a big Sausage," was enough to make one's scalp crawl.
Ma Hongjun was even more blunt, his eyes constantly darting towards the girls, his mouth never stopping with its crude jokes. Their rather unlikable demeanor, however, struck Fu Qin as somewhat genuine.
As for their Spirits, ages, and spirit power, they were almost no different from what Fu Qin remembered from his past life.
Dai Mubai, sixteen years old, thirty-seventh rank attack system Battle Spirit Elder; Oscar, fourteen years old, twenty-ninth rank support system Battle Spirit Elder; Ma Hongjun, thirteen years old, twenty-seventh rank attack system Battle Spirit Master.
Fu Qin already knew all this information by heart. Hearing them introduce themselves now was merely confirmation.
What concerned him more was Zhao Wuji's condition.
Although Zhao Wuji looked somewhat sullen and his clothes were a bit disheveled, there wasn't a single trace of any injury from a fight on his body.
Fu Qin understood. The plot from the original work, where Tang San was bullied by Zhao Wuji and Tang Hao showed up late at night to give him a severe beating, had ultimately changed due to his own intervention.
"The butterfly effect is truly terrifying. But this is fine too, fewer unnecessary troubles."
He muttered to himself, his footsteps not stopping as he headed in the direction of Suotuo City.
Dean Flender announced that the first real class would be held in the evening. Fu Qin instantly guessed the destination.
The Suotuo City Great Spirit Arena.
That place was the starting point where the Shrek Seven Devils first made their mark in the original story. Practical combat sparring could both temper the team and earn points. It was indeed very much Flender's style.
And Oscar and Ning Rongrong being singled out to run laps was also completely expected. support system Spirit Masters couldn't afford to lack physical stamina.
It was just that Fu Qin hadn't anticipated Ning Rongrong's temper being exactly the same as in the original.
The little demoness of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School truly lived up to her reputation. After just two laps, she threw in the towel, declaring she was going to Suotuo City for dessert. That spoiled, willful manner actually struck Fu Qin as somewhat cute.
Of course, he himself was never one to sit idle.
Shrek Academy was so shabby; how could he possibly stay there all the time?
...
"Sister Xiao Wu, you really don't need to follow me."
Fu Qin turned back to look at the girl's sparkling eyes, softening his tone.
Although he was only playing a part, the favorability rating on his system panel couldn't be faked.
╮(╯▽╰)╭
"Tang San is very observant. If the two of us get too close, it's easy for him to notice something's off."
The smile on Xiao Wu's face instantly fell, her eyes full of disappointment. Her fingers tightly clenched his sleeve, her voice carrying a hint of grievance.
"But I want to go with you."
Fu Qin's heart softened. He raised his hand to ruffle her hair, his fingertips brushing past her reddening earlobe.
"Be good, Sister Xiao Wu. Go back and cultivate properly. As long as you're willing, I'll come keep you company again tonight."
Hearing Fu Qin's words, a flush instantly rose to Xiao Wu's cheeks.
She bit her lower lip, seeming to want to say something, but in the end, she just stood on her tiptoes and quickly pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
The sensation was warm and fleeting. Before Fu Qin could even savor it, Xiao Wu had already run off, her face bright red.
"You must come to my room tonight."
...
The streets of Suotuo City were far livelier than Shrek Academy.
Hawkers' cries and laughter rose and fell, the air filled with the aroma of various snacks.
Fu Qin followed the flow of people to the food street. He had just bought a stick of candied fruit, taken a bite—the crispy exterior and soft interior, the perfectly balanced sweet and sour flavor melting on his tongue—when he heard a voice from behind, carrying a touch of coquettishness and a hint of panic.
"Fu Qin? What are you doing here too?"
Fu Qin turned around to see Ning Rongrong standing not far away. Her pink dress set off her snow-white skin, and a fine sheen of sweat dotted her forehead, clearly from running.
The girl's eyes were bright, flashing first with surprise, then becoming somewhat evasive. Her small hands unconsciously twisted the hem of her skirt, clearly remembering she had sneaked out and feeling a bit guilty.
Feigning surprise, Fu Qin raised an eyebrow and offered her the candied fruit in his hand.
"We just disbanded. I wanted to come out for a stroll. I didn't expect to run into you. What, sneaking out for dessert?"
Having her thoughts exposed, Ning Rongrong's cheeks flushed slightly. She took the candied fruit, bit into it, the sweetness easing some of her tension. Lifting her chin, she tried to sound composed.
"I didn't sneak out! I just think running is too boring. Disciples of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School don't need to train in useless physical stamina like that."
Looking at her stubborn expression, Fu Qin couldn't help but laugh. "Oh? Then how about I accompany you for a stroll? I haven't really tried the desserts in Suotuo City yet. Want to have some with me?"
Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up, instantly forgetting her earlier panic. She grabbed his sleeve and started pulling him forward.
"Really? You're too good, Brother Fu Qin!"
Her fingertips were warm, carrying the unique softness of a young girl.
Fu Qin could clearly feel that sensation. Unlike Xiao Wu's mature and understanding nature, Ning Rongrong at this time, before awakening her past life's memories, was just like a little girl.
He let Ning Rongrong pull him through the crowd. The girl's laughter was as clear as silver bells.
Whenever Ning Rongrong came across an interesting stall, she would stop to examine it carefully, chattering away with endless questions. That willful yet innocent demeanor was a far cry from the little demoness who had thrown a tantrum back at the academy.
Fu Qin walked beside her, occasionally handing her a tissue to wipe away crumbs from the corner of her mouth.
When his fingertips accidentally brushed her cheek, Ning Rongrong flinched as if burned, her face instantly flushing crimson, her gaze becoming evasive. Yet, she didn't let go of the hand holding his sleeve.
A subtle sense of ambiguity began to permeate the space between them.
Fu Qin knew in his heart that this was his 'Fate's Beginning and End' buff starting to take effect.
Coupled with his looks that were nearly irresistible to both men and women, Ning Rongrong's favorability was practically increasing by the minute.
Little did he know.
At the mouth of an alley not far away, Dean Flender was hidden in the shadows. His shrewd eyes took in the entire scene.
He stroked the beard on his chin, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
"This kid certainly has a way with the ladies. But Ning Rongrong's rotten temper definitely needs to be corrected."
Fu Qin vaguely sensed a probing gaze. He instinctively looked towards the alley entrance but found nothing.
He frowned, then relaxed. It was probably Flender who had followed Ning Rongrong out.
Given the dean's personality, he must have wanted to see what Ning Rongrong was up to, while also observing him.