A man's knees are as precious as gold. For Bei Bei to kneel and beg for Xu Sanshi without hesitation shows just how deep their friendship runs.
To be honest, if he were in Bei Bei's shoes, Su Yu thought, he'd find it hard to kneel for a friend.
But for his woman? Maybe.
Oh, wait—he didn't seem to have any true friends anyway.
Su Yu clicked his tongue. Someone as insufferable as Xu Sanshi had a friend like Bei Bei?
What did Xu Sanshi do to deserve that?
Su Yu had never felt much dislike for Bei Bei. He was cultured and easygoing, behaved with reason and moderation, and, although from Shrek Academy, he was reasonable.
That's why, though they were all from Shrek, Su Yu only targeted Xu Sanshi.
Bei Bei was the first Shrek person he'd met, after all.
But there was a big difference between Bei Bei and Xu Sanshi.
In Su Yu's view, Bei Bei was far superior to Xu Sanshi in many ways.
Of course, that didn't mean Su Yu intended to save Xu Sanshi.
What a joke.
With Xu Sanshi being such a pain, wouldn't it be better if he just stayed brain-damaged?
Save him?
Did he have nothing better to do?
Su Yu considered himself quite vengeful. It was already good enough that he wasn't out for revenge against Xu Sanshi.
Repay evil with virtue? No way.
If it were someone else, maybe he'd help out and call it a good deed.
But Xu Sanshi was an exception.
Besides, Huo Yuhao had been so ruthless; Su Yu had his guesses as to why.
Since Huo Yuhao had intervened, Su Yu couldn't just let his good intentions go to waste.
But a flat-out refusal would seem too cold and might strain their relations—so he decided to take a more tactful approach.
With a sigh, Su Yu stepped forward and helped Bei Bei up. "Get up, man. A real man shouldn't just kneel at the drop of a hat."
"Even if you didn't ask, I wouldn't stand by and do nothing for Le Xuan's sake."
"As for my past with Xu Sanshi, I've long since let it go."
That was a lie.
Just empty words on the surface, but it also helped boost Zhang Lexuan's reputation.
Yes, everything was for Zhang Lexuan's sake. Shrek Academy should be grateful to her, right?
Over time, this would win her even more support.
"Su Yu, thank you."
Bei Bei gripped Su Yu's arm and visibly moved.
Being willing to save Xu Sanshi despite past grudges made Bei Bei's opinion of Su Yu rise even higher.
See? He even had to thank him.
"No need to thank me. I'm just helping you call a doctor, that's all. But I'll say this upfront: Xu Sanshi's injuries might not be curable."
Su Yu only needed one look to judge Xu Sanshi's condition.
Unless they used both Life Gold and immortal herbs, a brain injury like that was impossible to fully heal.
In other words, unless Su Yu acted himself, no one else could cure him.
Even if they called as many doctors as they wanted, it would be useless.
This way, Su Yu could appear helpful without actually changing anything—perfect.
"It's fine, you've already helped a lot," Bei Bei said gratefully.
He knew Su Yu was highly skilled in medicine, but he just couldn't bring himself to ask Su Yu to treat Xu Sanshi personally.
He just couldn't.
After all, Xu Sanshi had once tried to kill Su Yu—he wasn't that clueless.
"Su Yu, I knew you wouldn't just stand by."
Wu Ming rushed up and hugged Su Yu's arm, her face full of excitement.
With his arm in her embrace, Su Yu experienced all sorts of indescribable sensations.
"Tsk."
Wang Dong'er clicked her tongue meaningfully.
Di Mingli stared and frowned directly at the scene.
Su Yu tried to pull his arm free, but Wu Ming was holding on too tightly.
He had to use a bit more strength to break free.
"Senior Wu Ming, I just did what little I could. No need to get so worked up," Su Yu said calmly.
He looked a bit helpless—how could this woman be so brazen in public?
But with her impure intentions, he couldn't touch her lightly, or he'd never get rid of her.
If he didn't have to take responsibility, he'd show her what's what for being so wild.
"Ahem, alright, let's head back," Han Ruoruo coughed.
Zhang Lexuan nodded. "Xiao Yu, let's go back."
Su Yu nodded in response.
...
Bright Moon Hotel, Sky Villa No. 1
In the spacious living room, Su Yu's group and Zhang Lexuan, Han Ruoruo, and Wu Ming sat around the sofa.
"I've already arranged for a doctor. Don't worry," Su Yu said, sipping his tea.
"Thank you, Xiao Yu," Zhang Lexuan replied gently.
Frankly, she didn't care much about Xu Sanshi.
Ever since she learned he'd tried to kill Su Yu, she'd had no goodwill left for Xu Sanshi.
If not for her current status, she'd have slapped Xu Sanshi dead herself.
Now, with Xu Sanshi brain-damaged and a fool, it was the best outcome.
She'd seen his injuries—no ordinary doctor could help.
Of course, she wouldn't say so. Even if Xu Sanshi couldn't be cured, Shrek still owed Su Yu a debt for his efforts.
If it benefited Su Yu, she'd never stand in his way.
Besides, Su Yu didn't want Xu Sanshi to recover.
If he wanted to save someone, he'd do it himself.
She understood him perfectly, and he knew she could see through him—they just didn't say it out loud.
Su Yu smiled faintly. "Is there any need for thanks between us?"
"What are your plans now?"
"Xu Sanshi is injured, and the others are banged up too," Zhang Lexuan said. "We can't return right away. We'll find somewhere to recuperate."
Shrek had been living in Sky Villa No. 2, but now that they'd lost, they had to move out that day, per the rules.
Su Yu's eyes flickered. "Holy Slayer Palace has a place here. If you don't mind, you can stay there temporarily."
It was the former Ice God Palace's residence, now vacant.
He wouldn't let a whole group from Shrek into Holy Slayer Palace itself, though—too many eyes.
Of all Shrek's group, only Zhang Lexuan mattered to him.
"We don't mind at all!" Wu Ming said before Zhang Lexuan could speak.
"Ming'er," Han Ruoruo pulled Wu Ming back, a bit helpless.
"Wouldn't this trouble you too much?" Han Ruoruo asked.
Su Yu shrugged. "If it's such a bother, you could always not stay."
"No way," Han Ruoruo blurted.
"So why be so polite, then?" Su Yu said.
Han Ruoruo rolled her eyes but didn't reply.
"Next is the semifinals. I hope you do well," Han Ruoruo added.
Shrek's loss hurt all of them.
Shrek not making the top four? People would laugh their heads off!
But this year's teams were just too strong.
So many Soul Sages—any team would struggle.
"Ruoruo's right! You have to do your best. Smash the Body Sect to pieces!" Wu Ming cheered.
She was still upset about the Body Sect knocking Shrek out.
"Relax, everything's under control," Su Yu smiled.
"Confident!" Han Ruoruo praised.
But with Su Yu's strength, she thought he had every right to be.
He shrugged, then said seriously, "Radiant City isn't as peaceful as Shrek City. Be careful when you go out. If anything happens, come find me."
There were undercurrents in Radiant City, and who knew if someone had their eyes on Shrek?
He didn't care about most, but he cared about Zhang Lexuan—and she cared about Wu Ming and Han Ruoruo, so nothing could happen to these three.
"Su Yu, are you worried about us?" Wu Ming teased. "Don't worry, we'll come to you first thing if anything happens!"
Su Yu rolled his eyes. "I'm worried about Lexuan."
"Yeah, right, you only care about Senior Sister," Wu Ming pouted.
After chatting a bit more, Zhang Lexuan and the others said their goodbyes.
Su Yu arranged for someone to guide them.
After they left, only his group remained in the living room.
Wang Dong'er put her hands on her hips and said sarcastically, "Su Yu, you're the best. Someone's luck with women sure is enviable."
Di Mingli didn't speak, just stared at Su Yu with icy blue, penetrating eyes.
Xue Di folded her arms and watched with a smirk.
Even the gentle Jiang Nannan said softly, "Xiao Yu, you can't be too much of a flirt. That's not good."
Su Yu: "…"
Great, you're all teaming up to lecture me, huh?
"I'll say it again: there's nothing between me and Wu Ming, OK?" Su Yu declared loudly with a raised hand.
"Really? I don't believe it!" Wang Dong'er pouted.
"Me neither."
"Don't believe."
…
Su Yu: ╮(￣⊿￣)╭
"Believe what you want. I'm done explaining," he said, waving his hand and getting up.
"Hey, where are you going?" Wang Dong'er called.
"I'm not called 'hey'… mind your own business."
He turned and walked out.
"Don't go!" Wang Dong'er shouted and leaped onto his back.
"Girls, quick!" she yelled, trying to pin Su Yu down.
Di Mingli immediately grabbed Su Yu's arm from the front to block his path.
Su Yu, speechless, easily shook Di Mingli off.
With his left hand, he grabbed Wang Dong'er by the clothes and swung her to the front.
Di Mingli tried to run but was pinned by Su Yu's hand on her shoulder.
"Rebelling, are you? Let's see who's boss today!"
Carrying both of them, Su Yu strode toward the room.
"Aw, failed uprising," Xue Di said with mock regret.
Su Yu shot her a glare, then looked meaningfully at Jiang Nannan as he passed.
Jiang Nannan turned her head away, blushing and avoiding his gaze.
Su Yu leaned in, sniffed gently by her ear, and whispered, "Sister Nannan, you smell so good."
Jiang Nannan's face flushed bright red, even her ears turning scarlet.
Su Yu laughed and went into the room.
Before long, Wang Dong'er's voice could be heard begging for mercy.
Xue Di giggled, glancing at Jiang Nannan before withdrawing her gaze.
...
Bright Moon Hotel, First Floor Lobby
The semifinal draw was taking place.
In the large hall, only four teams remained.
Su Yu stood in front of Holy Slayer Palace's team, with Xiao Hongchen on his left, making faces at him.
Su Yu glared back, then glanced right.
The lead on the right was a young woman, not Long Aotian.
She was beautiful, not inferior to Xu Jiujiu in looks, and carried the same regal air.
Su Yu immediately recognized her as Princess Weina of the Heavenly Soul Empire.
Sensing Su Yu's gaze, Weina turned and smiled softly.
Su Yu was momentarily taken aback, then nodded.
"We're now conducting the semifinal draw. Team representatives, please come to the stage."
Su Yu and the other three went on stage and drew lots.
Su Yu drew No. 1.
Next to him, Weina also held a No. 1.
The referee glanced at the lots and announced, "The semifinals will be Holy Slayer Palace vs. Snow Demon Sect and Sun Moon Royal Soul Engineering Academy vs. Holy Spirit Sect."
"The semifinals will be held in two days. Please prepare."
"Snow Demon Sect?" Su Yu eyed his lot and looked over.
Across from him, Weina also looked at him curiously.