Tang San thought to himself.
Dai Mubai's final words before leaving, "I look forward to seeing how you perform at the academy," along with his deliberate revelation of his Soul Power Level, had clearly conveyed a message.
This fallen prince had taken an interest in Tang San. He even seemed to have the intention of accepting him, or perhaps using him, to some extent.
That was exactly the opening Tang San had been looking for!
Xiao Wu tilted her head in confusion as she caught the fleeting, somewhat unfamiliar smile at the corner of Tang San's mouth.
"Xiao San, why are you smiling? That person is so pitiful. But you're really kind, Xiao San. You even went over to comfort him and gave the room back to him."
Xiao Wu had completely failed to understand the deeper meaning behind Tang San's actions. She simply believed that Tang San was kind-hearted.
Tang San gathered his thoughts, gently ruffled Xiao Wu's hair, and returned to his usual gentle tone.
"Nothing. I just feel that Brother Dai has had a rather unfortunate life. Come on, let's go upstairs and see what that 'romantic suite' you've been looking forward to is really like."
He did not explain his true intentions. There were some calculations that Xiao Wu did not need to know about.
Xiao Wu's attention was immediately diverted. She cheered happily, temporarily forgetting the terrifying events that had just taken place.
"Yay! Xiao San is the best!"
She grabbed Tang San's hand and eagerly urged the already terrified Manager Wang forward.
Manager Wang finally came back to his senses. Looking at the devastated lobby, he nearly wanted to cry.
But after seeing that these two had actually managed to make even Dai Mubai suffer a loss, how could he possibly dare to neglect them?
He could only force himself to remain cheerful, bowing and scraping as he personally led the way while lamenting inwardly that he had truly had terrible luck today.
Tang San held Xiao Wu's hand and followed Manager Wang toward the staircase leading to the "romantic suite."
Tang San's footsteps were steady, but his eyes were as deep as a tranquil pool.
What occupied his thoughts was no longer the suite at the Rose Hotel, but Shrek Academy and the resources and opportunities that might come from the Star Luo Empire through the fallen prince, Dai Mubai.
Lin Xia's appearance and the strength he had displayed were like a towering mountain that had suddenly risen before him, giving Tang San an intense sense of pressure while also making his desire to become stronger burn even more fiercely.
Dai Mubai might be the first chess piece he could use to gain access to certain resources and eventually catch up to, or even surpass, that figure.
Meanwhile.
The afternoon sunlight and bustling streets of Soto City instantly enveloped Lin Xia and Zhu Zhuqing, forming a stark contrast to the gloomy oppression inside the hotel.
Zhu Zhuqing took a deep breath of the outside air, filled with dust and the lively atmosphere of the streets, as though she wanted to completely replace the stale air that had accumulated in her chest over all these years.
She raised her head and looked at Lin Xia.
Her cold, cat-like eyes now shimmered with a light that seemed almost like rebirth. They were relaxed and bright, even carrying a hint of the excitement she had been longing to feel for so long.
"Brother Lin Xia."
There was noticeably more lightness in Zhu Zhuqing's voice than usual.
"We really got the statement."
She lowered her gaze toward the spot on Lin Xia's chest where he had carefully stored the blood-stained parchment, as though confirming that everything that had happened was not merely a dream.
Lin Xia wore a gentle smile and tightened his grip on her hand.
"Mm. The first step is done. Although the process was a little dramatic, the result isn't bad."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded vigorously. A faint yet utterly genuine smile blossomed across her face, like the first thawing of an iceberg or flowers suddenly blooming in spring.
She looked at the bustling main street of Soto City, with its endless stream of carriages and pedestrians and rows of shops. Then she glanced back at the magnificent sign of the Rose Hotel, her eyes revealing a hint of curiosity and reluctance to leave immediately.
Lin Xia keenly noticed her expression and asked softly,
"Zhuqing, what do you think? Should we head straight to Star Luo City now and meet His Majesty Dai Tianxing and your father, the Zhu Family Head, to discuss how we're going to completely resolve the constraints of your engagement, or..."
He paused and glanced across the prosperous city.
"Should we stay here and relax for a while first?"
Zhu Zhuqing hardly hesitated.
She shook her smooth black hair, a mischievous sparkle appearing in her eyes that was rare for her. She answered directly,
"Anyway, we've already obtained the statement! Dai Mubai wrote it himself, and it bears his signature and blood seal. Morally speaking, we no longer owe them anything. As for Star Luo City..."
She pursed her lips slightly, revealing her weariness toward that cold family cage.
"They won't change their decision immediately anyway. A few days earlier or later won't make any difference."
"Brother Lin Xia, all these years, you've exhausted yourself for Gengxin City. You're either researching Soul Tools, handling other affairs, or planning for the future. You've hardly ever had a chance to rest."
"And I've been struggling under the shadows of the Dai and Zhu Families all this time. Why don't we stay here and have some fun for a while? Let's just consider it a celebration of our new beginning?"
There was a hint of pleading in Zhu Zhuqing's words, along with a faint trace of coquettishness.
Lin Xia was slightly taken aback.
Looking at the rare expression of pure anticipation on Zhu Zhuqing's face now that she had finally put down all those burdens, his heart softened.
Indeed. Ever since he had taken over Gengxin City, faced the pressure from the Spirit Hall, developed Soul Tool technology, and carefully navigated every step forward, his nerves had been constantly tense.
Although accompanying Zhuqing to end her engagement was certainly an important matter, it was also a rare opportunity for him to take a breather.
A relaxed smile appeared on Lin Xia's face, and he nodded.
"All right! We'll do as you say. Since we have a rare chance to relax, let's properly experience the sights and atmosphere of Soto City."
"Yay~!"
A deep cheer with a faint metallic quality suddenly rang out.
The Tyranitar that had been lying on Lin Xia's shoulder, disguised as a fluffy little accessory, instantly perked up and jumped down.
Its short legs landed firmly on the ground as its small body wriggled excitedly. Its steel-armored head swayed from side to side, and its eyes glittered with anticipation.
Although it possessed devastating power, most of its time was spent sleeping or cultivating, and it had rarely had a chance to truly play.
Hearing that they could stay and have some fun, the little fellow happily patted its sturdy chest armor with its short forepaws, producing a faint series of metallic "clang, clang" sounds, as if firmly declaring its determination to have fun.
Lin Xia could not help but laugh. He reached out and gently tapped its smooth, cool little head with his finger.
"You. How old are you already? And you're still so playful?"
Tyranitar completely ignored its master's teasing. It affectionately rubbed its head against Lin Xia's finger and let out a satisfied rumbling sound.
It did not care about age or strength. Being able to explore the unfamiliar human world together with Lin Xia was the greatest thing of all!
Watching Lin Xia interact with Tyranitar, Zhu Zhuqing's normally cold heart felt as though a warm pebble had been tossed into a tranquil lake, sending ripples spreading outward layer after layer.
A gentle smile appeared on her lips as she asked,
"Then what should we go and do? I'm actually not familiar with Soto City at all."
Lin Xia looked around at the bustling streets, his gaze passing over the various signs.
The Great Spirit Arena, auction houses, streets filled with local delicacies, shops displaying all kinds of goods.
After thinking for a moment, a slightly mischievous yet thoroughly amusing idea surfaced in Lin Xia's mind.
"Have fun?"
A knowing light flickered in Lin Xia's eyes, and his voice carried a hint of mysterious amusement.
"Since we've come to Soto City, and since we happened to run into an old acquaintance, how could we not take a look at the legendary monster academy?"
"Shrek, that name is quite interesting."
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