Wu Ming hadn't expected Qian Ran to invite her. Her heart raced uncontrollably.
Compared to Qian Ran, the other men in the inner court simply couldn't measure up. Even if being with Qian Ran meant sharing his love with many other women, it would still be worth it.
With the Sea God Fate Matchmaking Festival only days away, Wu Ming had originally resigned herself to settling for someone average.
But now, her perspective had shifted.
Letting such an outstanding man slip away while settling for someone mediocre? That would be a catastrophic loss.
Wu Ming knew her worth. In terms of beauty, figure, and talent, she was among the top tier in the inner court. Why should others enjoy the best while she settled for less?
She did, however, regret her casual appearance today. Normally, Wu Ming didn't care much about dressing up, and her usual solitary lifestyle reinforced that habit.
So, when she had come with Ma Xiaotao, she was only wearing Shrek Academy's standard loose-fitting uniform.
But Qian Ran wasn't someone superficial. He had seen countless beautiful women. For him, a woman's ability to exude charm even in the simplest of clothing spoke volumes.
To wear an ordinary, loose uniform and still look captivating? That wasn't something just anyone could do.
"Congratulations, Qian Ran," Xian Lin'er said with a pleased smile. "You've officially become a qualified eight-ring soul engineer.
"Based on my tests, the performance of this eight-ring soul tool could rival that of some nine-ring soul tools."
Xian Lin'er was genuinely impressed. Even she couldn't create such a powerful soul tool.
Qian Ran had achieved what she couldn't, and she felt nothing but pride.
This confirmed what she had suspected—Qian Ran likely had the capability to craft a nine-ring soul tool.
Her man was becoming more remarkable by the day, excelling in every conceivable way.
"Congratulations, Qian Ran," Qian Duoduo said as he pinned the eight-ring soul engineer badge onto Qian Ran's chest.
Seeing how far Qian Ran had come in just a few short years, Qian Duoduo couldn't help but marvel. At this rate, Qian Ran could reach nine-ring soul engineer status within two years.
"Thank you, Elder Qian," Qian Ran said, touching the badge and smiling faintly. While this didn't fully reflect his true abilities, it was still an achievement worth celebrating.
Even in games, leveling up brought excitement—how much more so in real life?
Wu Ming's gaze lingered on the badge that glimmered in the sunlight. Her admiration for Qian Ran deepened.
He's incredible.
The stronger Qian Ran was, the more her feelings stirred.
Why shouldn't she have a man like him?
"Qian Ran, you're amazing! I love you so much," Ma Xiaotao said, still unable to take her eyes off her new weapon.
She made up her mind: when Qian Ran eventually crafted her a nine-ring soul tool, she'd want it to look just like this one.
"Love? Words alone aren't convincing," Qian Ran teased, giving Ma Xiaotao a light squeeze on her curvaceous rear. His eyes flicked toward Wu Ming's figure, lingering briefly on her hips.
Both women had similarly round, firm figures, though Wu Ming's seemed slightly fuller.
It seemed age played a role. Younger women tended to be more perky and taut, while older women had a softer, more voluptuous allure.
Both were exquisite in their own ways.
"Alright, everyone, that's enough. From now on, Qian Ran is the vice-dean of the Soul Engineering Department," Xian Lin'er announced. "While Qian Ran's strength is undeniable, he's still young. If he makes any mistakes in his work, I hope everyone will be understanding and supportive."
"Of course, Dean. We'll fully support Vice-Dean Qian," the gathered teachers responded in unison.
On the Douluo Continent, strength commanded respect. The skill Qian Ran had demonstrated today had completely won them over.
Since Qian Duoduo didn't appear to harbor any grudges, they saw no reason not to support Qian Ran.
His potential was clear. Working under someone as promising as Qian Ran was an opportunity, not a burden.
"Vice-dean?" Wu Ming's eyes widened, her lips slightly parted in astonishment.
Qian Ran was already the vice-dean of the Soul Engineering Department? This couldn't be real.
"Wu Ming, Ma Xiaotao," Xian Lin'er said, "from now on, when you see Qian Ran, you can't behave as casually as before. No matter your private relationship, as long as you're Shrek students, you must show respect to your teachers."
"Got it," Ma Xiaotao replied with a pout, though she didn't take it seriously.
"Qian Ran as vice-dean…" Wu Ming murmured. The more she thought about it, the more it made sense. An eight-ring soul engineer deserved such a position.
In fact, considering the eight-ring soul tool Qian Ran had just crafted—something no other eight-ring soul engineer at Shrek could replicate—he might already be the strongest soul engineer in the academy.
"Qian Ran's amazing," Ma Xiaotao said with a smug grin, basking in Wu Ming's astonishment. In her mind, Qian Ran was the perfect man who never failed to exceed expectations.
"He really is," Wu Ming admitted.
Being vice-dean meant Qian Ran had entered Shrek Academy's upper echelons. Apart from the elders of the Sea God Pavilion, the deans and vice-deans held the most authority within the academy.
"If this news gets out, countless people will set their sights on Qian Ran," Wu Ming murmured softly.
Such an outstanding man was a rarity. Even if his private life had flaws, they were insignificant compared to his brilliance.
Ambitious women might even see his flaws as an advantage—an opening for them to stake their claim.
"Let's go. I'll treat you both to dinner," Qian Ran said to Ma Xiaotao and Wu Ming.
Ma Xiaotao, noticing Qian Ran's interest in Wu Ming, smiled knowingly. She understood Qian Ran's preferences well and wasn't surprised. In fact, she had deliberately brought Wu Ming along today.
A truly exceptional woman shouldn't be petty. If Qian Ran was happy, he'd only cherish her more.
(End of Chapter)