With such thoughts in mind, Xu Zihuang had no leisure during this theory class to dwell on the matter of meeting He Caitou.
Theory classes were much more relaxed than combat practice.
When Wang Yan announced the end of class, the whole classroom instantly erupted in chatter.
Yet most didn't rush to the cafeteria, instead turning nosily toward Xu Zihuang and Nanmen Yun'er's direction.
Under the weight of so many stares, Xu Zihuang calmly stood by Nanmen Yun'er's desk and apologized:
"Sorry, Classmate Nanmen. I didn't mean it earlier."
"It's fine. I was just a little overreactive." Nanmen Yun'er parted her red lips, her usually soft voice raised a notch, as though to help explain for him.
She truly was defending Xu Zihuang. Yu Tianhuang hadn't done anything inappropriate—she couldn't let her own impulsive reaction damage his reputation.
The crowd dispersed in disappointment. Clearly, this wasn't the drama they had hoped for.
When it came to gossip, the more outrageous, the better.
Xu Zihuang nodded politely to Nanmen Yun'er, then blended into the crowd with Tuoba Yu and headed toward the cafeteria.
Watching his figure gradually fade from sight, Nanmen Yun'er's dark green eyes flickered with thought, until Ya Lu's voice broke her silence.
"Yun'er."
"Hm?" Nanmen Yun'er turned to meet Ya Lu's faintly resentful gaze.
"Yun'er, we're good sisters, right?"
"Of course."
But if one were to ask who in Class Nine felt most disappointed by this outcome, it was undoubtedly Wu Feng.
The worse Yu Tianhuang behaved, the more likely Ning Tian would abandon that dangerous thought.
But once again, her hopes were dashed.
Following silently behind Ning Tian, she clenched her fists in frustration—only for a wave of helplessness to wash over her.
Even the strength she had always taken pride in had been utterly crushed by Yu Tianhuang. In what aspect could she possibly compete?
——
After the twists of the past two days, Xu Zihuang's life in Shrek Academy had finally settled somewhat.
The freshmen's curriculum wasn't heavy, but with the three-month assessment looming, an invisible tension spread among the new students.
Unknowingly, seven days had already passed since Xu Zihuang's arrival at Shrek Academy.
Every seven days, Shrek gave students a free afternoon for rest. Freshmen were no exception.
In theory, this time was entirely theirs to arrange freely.
"Class monitor, another senior sister has come looking for you."
A Class Nine boy bounded excitedly to Xu Zihuang's desk.
The morning's classes had just ended. Xu Zihuang, having declined Ya Lu's invitation to a picnic outside the school, was tidying his things. Looking up, he replied habitually:
"Same as before—please help turn her away."
Tang Ya's earlier worry had still come true. Xu Zihuang's looks were simply too outstanding, and word had already spread of his cultivation having reached Soul Elder.
Such a prime junior brother naturally drew the covetous eyes of many senior sisters. Some were even considering a "raise-a-little-brother" plan.
In Shrek's outer court, excellent male students had always been rare.
The most famous were, of course, the Outer Court's Twin Stars, Beibei and Xu Sanshi. But one already had someone in his heart, while the other was hopelessly infatuated with a single flower.
Thus, after only a few days at the academy, Xu Zihuang's popularity among the senior sisters far surpassed theirs.
"Got it, leave it to me."
The boy thumped his chest in promise. Xu Zihuang might not care for those senior sisters, but he certainly did. With Xu Zihuang's permission, didn't this mean he had every reason to go make contact with those pretty older girls?
Noticing Tuoba Yu's envious look, Xu Zihuang chuckled.
"What, want me to let you go next time?"
"No thanks. If nothing else, I do at least have some self-awareness." Tuoba Yu quickly waved his hands, giving that eager boy a look as if he were an idiot.
So plain-looking, yet so ridiculously confident.
Did he have the capital that Yu Tianhuang had?
Just then, a playful, mock-angry voice rang from the classroom doorway.
"Well, well, Tianhuang. You used to call me senior sister all the time, but now that I've come to see you, you won't even meet me?"
The speaker was a lively girl in the purple uniform of the fourth year. Her black ponytail was tied neatly, her rosy lips pouted as she glared at Xu Zihuang.
Who else but Tang Ya?
Xu Zihuang gave a wry smile and rose to meet her.
"Senior Sister Tang, what can I do for you?"
"Can't I come unless I've got business?" Tang Ya put on a mock scowl, but soon broke into a laugh.
"All right, I won't tease you. This time, I do have something to ask."
Tuoba Yu was about to slip away when Xu Zihuang grabbed his sleeve.
"Wait for me outside the East Gate. I'll need you later."
Tuoba Yu blinked, then readily agreed.
Once Tuoba Yu had gone, Tang Ya led Xu Zihuang up to the rooftop of the freshmen's teaching building.
It was open and quiet there, free from interruption.
"Senior Sister Tang, just say what's on your mind."
Tang Ya hesitated, then spoke with a trace of pleading in her voice.
"Tianhuang, could you help talk some sense into Yuhao?"
"What's wrong with Huo Yuhao?" Xu Zihuang raised a surprised brow. Without the Skydream Iceworm and Electrolux, Huo Yuhao wasn't worth his attention.
Their classes and dorms were far apart—they'd had almost no contact.
Tang Ya's expression clouded.
"Since what happened in the Soul Fighting Area, Yuhao's been brooding all the time. He keeps to himself, even avoiding me and Beibei. I'm afraid if this continues, he'll…"
"You're his peer, you might have more common ground."
Xu Zihuang understood her meaning, but he could do nothing.
Her intentions were good, but she hadn't grasped the root of Huo Yuhao's troubles.
"Senior Sister, do you really think if I approach Huo Yuhao, he'll be grateful? What he feels is resentment and inferiority."
He spread his hands as he spoke.
Tang Ya gazed at his flawless face, momentarily lost in the sunlight scattering across it.
She wasn't dull—she caught his meaning at once.
One was the new prodigy famed throughout the Outer Court; the other, the last-place student accused of cheating.
For Xu Zihuang to reach out would only deepen Huo Yuhao's humiliation.
"Ah, I never thought Yuhao would become like this…" Tang Ya sighed in disappointment.
All Xu Zihuang could do was offer words of comfort.