By the time Huo Yuhao finished explaining his life story and his grievances with the Dai family to Ma Xiaotao, evening was fast approaching.
Regarding his past, Huo Yuhao felt there was nothing left to hide. Out in the world, one's identity is self-defined; what did the White Tiger Duke's Estate have to do with him anymore?
Ma Xiaotao was startled by his bold plan and asked with concern, "Won't you overplay your hand? It's not that I doubt your strength, but going alone... isn't it too dangerous?"
Huo Yuhao shook his head nonchalantly. "Don't worry, Sister Xiaotao. If I can't win, I can still run. I might not boast about other skills, but I'm an expert at staying alive."
Seeing Huo Yuhao's relaxed yet unyielding expression, Ma Xiaotao could only sigh in resignation. "...I can't say much about your personal affairs, but rest assured, your sister will definitely help you."
In her heart, however, Ma Xiaotao was already thinking about going to the Inner Courtyard to give Dai Yueheng a sound thrashing to vent some frustration for Little Yuhao!
And as for that White Tiger Duke's Estate, they had caused Little Yuhao to suffer such a miserable childhood. That pack of sanctimonious hypocrites—sooner or later, she'd burn their whole place to the ground.
"Having that sentiment is enough. Just wait for the good show, Sister Xiaotao."
As the two were heading to the Inner Courtyard to grab a meal, they happened to see someone setting up a massive circle of beautiful flowers in front of the teaching building. Inside the arrangement, the words "Beloved Nannan" were written.
A student dressed in a crisp black suit sat on a chair, while several other students helped him apply hair gel and straighten his tie.
It was obvious this person was preparing for a confession.
Huo Yuhao tilted his head in confusion. Doesn't Shrek Academy forbid Outer Courtyard students from dating? What was going on here?
And was it really appropriate to be so obsessed with romance at such a young age?
Gossip from the surrounding "melon-eating" crowd drifted over.
"How many times has it been now? Xu Sanshi is certainly persistent..."
"Yeah, at least twice a school year. This guy is a real 'simper'... truly worthy of the title 'Number One Devoted Soul of the Outer Courtyard'."
"Careful with your words! He is one of the Outer Courtyard Twin Stars, after all!"
"Ahem, but Senior Jiang Nannan too—doesn't she get tired of being hounded like this? If it were me, I'd just say yes to Xu Sanshi and be done with it."
Ma Xiaotao spoke up, sounding surprised. "Xu Sanshi? He's still chasing Jiang Nannan?"
"Eh? Sister Xiaotao, you know him?"
"Um..." Ma Xiaotao hesitated, giving Huo Yuhao a slightly self-conscious glance before clearing her throat. "That guy's martial soul is the [Mysterious Nether Turtle Shield], a powerful beast martial soul with dual attributes of Water and Earth. In your Outer Courtyard, he's nicknamed the [Eternal Defense]. Along with Bei Bei, who has the Blue Lightning Tyrant Dragon martial soul, they are known as the Outer Courtyard Twin Stars."
She added as an afterthought, "Of course, in my opinion, neither of them is as good as you, Little Yuhao."
"Be... before I met you, I used to rely on this Xu Sanshi to help suppress my evil fire, so we're somewhat acquainted."
"Huh?"
Huo Yuhao's eyes widened. His mind instinctively recalled the scenes of the two of them suppressing the fire together, and immediately, Ma Xiaotao saw the brat's expression turn quite sour.
She couldn't help but feel happy; the boy actually had a conscience after all...
She leaned down, reaching out to pinch Huo Yuhao's cheek, offering a half-explanation and half-warning: "Don't overthink it. His water attribute purity is nowhere near yours; nothing like that ever happened between us."
Huo Yuhao instantly felt a weight lift from his chest. "Ahem... I-I wasn't..."
Ma Xiaotao gave a light huff, her gaze drifting toward Xu Sanshi in the distance.
"If only a certain someone was half as proactive as Xu Sanshi..."
Now it was Huo Yuhao's turn to be embarrassed. "Ahem, well, I..."
He wasn't an emotional idiot. He could naturally feel Ma Xiaotao's intimacy and her unique attitude toward him. It was just that he felt he was still young and that romance was a far-off concept, so he hadn't thought much about it.
However, he instinctively did not want anyone other than himself to help Ma Xiaotao suppress her evil fire ever again...
Ma Xiaotao said nothing more, continuing to knead Huo Yuhao's cheek. The little guy's skin was quite nice—soft and addictive to pinch.
Just then, the female lead of this grand confession scene finally made her entrance.
Several female students in purple uniforms walked out of the teaching building. The one leading the group drew every gaze the moment she appeared.
To date, the most beautiful woman Huo Yuhao had seen was Zhang Lexuan. Since he hadn't seen the true face of the Silver Dragon King, Gu Yuena, he couldn't judge her.
As for the "Number One Beauty of the Outer Courtyard," Jiang Nannan, he had only heard of her before. Some boys in his class had even jokingly egged him on to chase the school beauty.
Today, he finally had the chance to see her.
She looked to be about fourteen or fifteen years old, with a slender and well-proportioned figure. Her long black hair fell in large waves behind her back. Her skin was as white as snow, and her eyes were like clear spring water; she possessed an air of elegant nobility.
The purple skirt of the Outer Courtyard uniform looked exceptionally fitting and beautiful on her. She was well-developed, but most eye-catching were her long legs in golden high heels, which seemed to glow with a pristine, enticing white luster under the evening lights.
Mhm... this school beauty's looks are indeed high. In Huo Yuhao's circle of acquaintances, her beauty was roughly on par with Princess Xu Jiujiu of Star Net and Ma Xiaotao.
Speaking of Xu Jiujiu, they hadn't seen each other in a while. He really had to thank her for the intel this time.
He'd have to thank her properly once he returned to Star Net City.
Shifting his gaze, the flower-clutching Xu Sanshi was a bit... well, though the guy wasn't unattractive and looked quite dignified, once he put on that suit, he just looked...
A bit like a "clothed beast" or a "dressed-up scoundrel."
Perhaps it was his aura; he gave off a cynical, playboy vibe, as if he had only donned this serious suit specifically to pick up girls.
Jiang Nannan, who originally had a faint, melancholy smile, immediately saw her expression collapse upon spotting Xu Sanshi. The speed of the change made one wonder if she had studied theater.
The [Eternal Defense], the so-called most devoted soul of the Outer Courtyard, took a step forward and dropped to one knee. He lifted the flowers above his head, looking deeply affectionate:
"Nannan, I..."
But Jiang Nannan gave him no chance for a heartfelt confession. She stopped in her tracks, snorted, and with a light tap of her long legs, she turned around and went right back into the teaching building.
Xu Sanshi, however, didn't seem to care about this outcome at all. He must have gone through this many times; he was experienced.
He sat back down on his chair with total composure, apparently intending to wait right there for Jiang Nannan to come out again.