However, the atmosphere on the playground was completely at odds with this leisure.
Dean Flender stood in the center of the group with a livid face. In front of him, Oscar's head hung so low it almost touched his chest, and his ears were beet red; he was clearly being scolded mercilessly.
Tang San, Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing, Dai Mubai, and the others stood to the side, looking at the two latecomers with varying expressions.
"Oscar! Do you think I'm blind?" Flender's voice was like a thunderclap, making people's eardrums vibrate.
"Ning Rongrong slacked off to fool around, and you knew but didn't report it? You even dared to cover for her? Shrek Academy has no place for such undisciplined students!"
Oscar shrunk his neck and stole a glance at Fu Qin and Ning Rongrong, feeling incredibly envious.
They both spent the afternoon with Ning Rongrong, yet Fu Qin was accompanying the little witch shopping and enjoying himself, while he was caught by the Dean and lectured. How could the difference between people be so vast?
As soon as Ning Rongrong appeared, Flender's anger immediately shifted targets, and he began to berate her fiercely.
"Ning Rongrong! Look at yourself! It's one thing to be unmotivated, but you're also losing your ambition to idle play! Let me tell you, your every move is under my surveillance. Don't think you can just muddle through!"
Ning Rongrong had been spoiled since childhood and had never received such a scolding. She bristled on the spot, her eyebrows narrowing as she prepared to retort.
But before she could speak, Fu Qin suddenly stepped forward, partially shielding her with his body and covering her lips with his palm.
His palm was warm with a hint of fragrance as she pressed against Fu Qin's back.
Fu Qin's low voice sounded in her ear, carrying a soul-soothing power.
"Don't be impulsive. It's not wise to offend Flender here. He is the Dean, and he's doing this for your own good. Apologize first; we can talk about everything else later."
[Fates Origin and End Max+ activated. Ning Rongrong's sense of dependence on Fu Qin skyrocketed; her anger dissipated instantly.]
[Ning Rongrong's thoughts: Brother Fu Qin is holding me! He actually stepped forward to protect me and resolve the situation! He's right; I shouldn't go head-to-head with Flender here. Listening to him is definitely the right move!]
Ning Rongrong's body stiffened, and her cheeks were instantly flushed with a crimson hue. Her originally agitated emotions calmed down as quickly as if cold water had been poured over them.
She felt Fu Qin's strong arms and steady heartbeat. The grievance and anger in her heart were gradually replaced by sweetness, and she obediently closed her mouth, her gaze becoming submissive.
Fu Qin let go of her and, holding Ning Rongrong's shoulders, turned to Flender and bowed slightly in apology.
"Dean, I'm sorry. This is all my fault. I was the one who suggested taking Rongrong out to relax. She is young, and I didn't advise her properly; instead, I accompanied her and delayed training. If you want to punish someone, punish me."
[Intelligence Reduction Halo activated. Flender is certain that "Fu Qin's initiative to take responsibility is out of genuine concern for Ning Rongrong and that he has recognized his mistake."]
[Flender's thoughts: I didn't expect this kid Fu Qin to be so responsible! This little witch Ning Rongrong has always been arrogant and willful, yet she's willing to listen to him and even apologize. It seems Fu Qin really can keep her in check. I can't truly offend the young sect master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School. With Fu Qin helping to restrain her, it saves a lot of trouble.]
Flender hadn't intended to truly punish Ning Rongrong severely; after all, he had to give face to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
Seeing Fu Qin take the blame and Ning Rongrong looking well-behaved and ready to admit her mistake, Flender's expression softened considerably, though he still maintained a stern face.
"Fu Qin, your talent is good, so you shouldn't let these trivial matters delay your cultivation! You should focus on your cultivation instead of fooling around!"
"Yes, the Dean is right. I will definitely pay attention in the future," Fu Qin replied respectfully, his attitude so humble that no fault could be found.
At this time, Ning Rongrong also followed with a soft apology: "Dean, I'm sorry. I know I was wrong. I won't slack off again and will participate in training properly."
As soon as these words were spoken, not only was Flender stunned, but even Dai Mubai's eyes showed a hint of suspicion and uncertainty.
Who didn't know that Ning Rongrong was a famous little witch who always did things her own way? When had she ever apologized so obediently?
Flender felt a sense of relief in his heart, secretly grateful that Fu Qin was there. Otherwise, if he truly provoked Ning Rongrong, it would be hard to explain to the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile School.
He cleared his throat and said, "It's good that you know you were wrong. If you dare to slack off again, I won't let you off so easily!"
"Fu Qin, you since you've taken the initiative to lead Ning Rongrong, you must take responsibility for the upcoming training and missions. You can't let her drag the team down."
Fu Qin immediately nodded. "Please rest assured, Dean. I will definitely ensure Rongrong keeps up with the progress and won't cause trouble for the team."
Flender nodded in satisfaction and then changed the subject to the upcoming itinerary.
"Alright, enough nonsense. Next, we are going to the Suotuo City Great Spirit Arena to participate in Spirit Fights. This is a good opportunity for you to accumulate combat experience and improve your strength. Fu Qin, you and Ning Rongrong will form a duo; everyone else can team up freely. Get ready, we're leaving immediately!"
Actually...
Flender had long wanted to see how deep Fu Qin's potential truly was.
A Rank 34 Spirit Elder with strange and powerful Spirit Abilities who could even suppress a brute like Zhao Wuji.
Pairing Fu Qin and Ning Rongrong would allow him to test Fu Qin's combat level while also giving Ning Rongrong a chance to train in battle—killing two birds with one stone.
Hearing Flender's words, Fu Qin was first taken aback.
But he soon understood Flender's intentions.
Good fellow.
This old guy really is giving me exactly what I need when I need it.
Ning Rongrong hasn't awakened her Past life memories yet, so he could take this chance to build their relationship in advance.
Hearing she would be teaming up with Fu Qin, Ning Rongrong's eyes instantly lit up, an uncontrollable smile appearing on her face. She secretly tugged at Fu Qin's sleeve and whispered.
"Brother Fu Qin, this is great! We actually get to team up!"
Feeling her movements...
Fu Qin saw her favorability on the panel skyrocket by another 10 points, reaching 135.
On the other side, Tang San's expression became very ugly, and he felt extremely nervous.
He watched the intimate interaction between Fu Qin and Ning Rongrong, his brow furrowed deeply.
In his heart, Ning Rongrong was supposed to be Oscar's future wife and an indispensable member of the Shrek Seven Devils.
But now, Ning Rongrong clearly had feelings for Fu Qin, and the two had formed a duo with Flender's help. If they really ended up together, wouldn't the entire structure of the Shrek Seven Devils be thrown into chaos?
But soon, his brain fell into a brief trance again.
[Intelligence Reduction Halo activated. Tang San is certain that "Fu Qin teaming up with Ning Rongrong is only to complete the mission and will not affect the future plot."]
[Tang San's thoughts: No, I must find a way to stop them! Ning Rongrong belongs to Oscar; I can't let Fu Qin take her away. After the Spirit Fight ends, I have to talk to Oscar and tell him to be more proactive and win Ning Rongrong back quickly.]
Tang San was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, but he had no way out.
Fu Qin's strength and charm were right there, and Ning Rongrong clearly had feelings for him. He had no idea how to stop it.