The three of them stared at Zhu Zhuqing at the same time. Being the center of attention made her feel a little embarrassed. Two faint blushes appeared on the pretty face of the girl who was usually aloof and rarely spoke a word.
Huo Feng was fine, as he hadn't had much interaction with her. The ones who were truly surprised were Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong. As the only three girls in the academy, they spent the most time together and would help each other out with daily matters. But even in the dormitory, Zhu Zhuqing always maintained a cold and icy demeanor. Why was she suddenly acting so differently today?
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong simultaneously turned their gazes toward Huo Feng. He was the only new variable. Could it be that Zhu Zhuqing has feelings for him, too? The thought entered both of their minds, and neither of them wanted to dwell on it.
"Sure!" Huo Feng said quickly, sensing the awkward atmosphere. "We're all classmates. What's wrong with going for a stroll together?" A gentle smile spread across his handsome face, giving off a warmth that felt like a spring breeze and instantly eased the tension.
As the saying goes, three women make a drama. Although the three in front of him were just girls, the essence was the same. If Huo Feng hadn't stepped in to smooth things over, there was no telling how the situation might have devolved.
"Yes, yes! Zhuqing, you don't usually hang out with us. It's about time you did!" Ning Rongrong said, suddenly cheerful.
"Let's go together," Xiao Wu added. The two girls, who had been standing on either side of Huo Feng, suddenly moved to flank Zhu Zhuqing, sandwiching her between them and leaving Huo Feng standing alone.
This made Zhu Zhuqing even more embarrassed. This is not good, she thought to herself. The cool and aloof persona I worked so hard to create has been shattered today.
"Let's get going while it's still cool," Huo Feng said, curling his lips into a helpless smile. He turned and started walking toward the village entrance. The sun had been up for a while, but the morning air was still pleasant. If they waited any longer, the midday heat would set in.
"Hurry up, Zhuqing, don't be shy," Ning Rongrong urged from behind. She and Xiao Wu maintained their formation, one on each side of Zhu Zhuqing, as they hurried to catch up with Huo Feng.
Shrek Academy wasn't far from Soto City, and since they were all at least at the Spirit Grandmaster level, the walk wouldn't take long.
As soon as they left the village, Huo Feng saw two figures in the distance walking toward the academy. The sun was directly behind them, making it impossible to see their faces. But from their silhouettes alone, Huo Feng could tell they weren't from the academy, nor were they from the village.
There were only a handful of people at Shrek Academy, teachers and students included. After seeing them multiple times a day, Huo Feng had memorized everyone's body shape and appearance. The figures in the distance matched no one he knew. As for the villagers, they were mostly middle-aged farmers or young children. The young adults all worked in Soto City and rarely came back on a weekday. Most importantly, the villagers were farmers; they would usually be carrying some kind of farm tool when they went out. It was rare to see them wandering the fields empty-handed.
As the figures drew closer, Huo Feng felt a strange sense of familiarity.
In fact, the two people were Tang San and Yu Xiaogang.
The reason Huo Feng couldn't recognize them was not only because of the backlighting but also because the possibility never crossed his mind. He had just seen Tang San in the blacksmith shop last night, and Yu Xiaogang hadn't known about it. Yu Xiaogang wasn't even at the academy, so no one could have told him the news.
But while Huo Feng couldn't see them, Tang San could see him clearly. The sun's rays shone directly on Huo Feng's group, illuminating them perfectly. Tang San remembered Huo Feng's face all too well, and for some reason, he always felt nervous whenever he saw him. It was a strange, guilty feeling, even when he hadn't done anything wrong. This time, it was even more obvious. He had been rejected by Shrek Academy, and now he was returning, likely to get in through improper means. Meeting an official student of the academy now, it would be strange if he didn't feel guilty.
Yu Xiaogang, walking beside him, also saw the four students. He had stayed at Shrek Academy for a while and recognized them at a glance, especially Huo Feng, who was leading the group. Sensing Tang San's unease, he stretched out his left hand and patted him reassuringly on the shoulder. He didn't say anything, but the simple gesture instantly eased Tang San's guilty conscience.
Personal connections are a valuable resource, Tang San thought, his mind working to justify the situation. Just like any other cultivation resource, they are essential. My teacher knowing the dean of Shrek Academy is an advantage that other students don't have. I shouldn't feel strange about using it.
Having rationalized it, Tang San couldn't help but straighten his back.
By this time, the two groups were only about ten meters apart. At this distance, both parties could finally see each other clearly.
What the—? Why is it Tang San and Yu Xiaogang again?! The moment he recognized them, Huo Feng was stunned. How were these two everywhere? And showing up at the gate of Shrek Academy so early in the morning?
Huo Feng's mind reeled as he tried to make sense of it. He had just found Tang San in that blacksmith shop last night, and then he had come straight back to the academy. He had just woken up, and now he was running into a Tang San who had already been found by Yu Xiaogang. It didn't make any sense.
At the time, everyone except Zhu Zhuqing had been in the shop. But only he and Dai Mubai had spoken to Tang San. Considering how much Dai Mubai disliked the boy, there was no way he would have gone out of his way to tell Flanders. As for the others, Huo Feng couldn't figure it out.
He took in their appearance. Tang San was still wearing the same tattered clothes he had on yesterday while working at the forge. Yu Xiaogang, physically and mentally exhausted from days of searching, looked particularly listless. The two of them together, so dirty and disheveled, looked like a pair of beggars who just needed broken bowls in their hands to complete the picture.
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