Su Xiaoqi's outstretched hand froze in place. Turning his head, he gave Zhu Zhuqing an awkward smile and said, "Zhuqing, I just wanted to check what material she's made of, absolutely no other thoughts."
"Heh." Zhu Zhuqing sneered coldly, expressionless, "If I had opened my eyes a little later, would I have seen you hugging her?"
Su Xiaoqi quickly explained, "I really only wanted to check the material. This thing looks so real, I was just a bit curious."
"Really?"
Zhu Zhuqing's mind flickered with doubt. Compared to that mannequin, she was definitely better looking. If he hadn't taken advantage of such a perfect opportunity just now, there was no way he'd do anything to a mannequin.
Su Xiaoqi held up three fingers, looking very serious: "I swear."
"Alright, this time I'll let it go, but she's going to stay with me."
Zhu Zhuqing felt like she was becoming a 'recycling bin' — from the black stockings and cheongsam before, now even a mannequin. Her place was getting more and more cluttered.
"Goodbye, San San. Though our time together was short, I'll remember you."
Su Xiaoqi silently bid farewell to "Tokisaki Kurumi," nodding to Zhu Zhuqing, "No problem, whatever you say."
"By the way, how much did your soul level increase after absorbing the soul bone?"
Zhu Zhuqing smiled faintly, "Level 30 now. Once I absorb a soul ring, I can become a Soul Lord. This soul bone is really suitable for me and will help a lot in battle."
Su Xiaoqi smiled, "Congrats, Zhuqing. You should learn the Moonstep skill now. That way, if you fight Tang San in the Grand Soul Arena tonight, you won't lose."
After learning the Moonstep technique using the method Su Xiaoqi showed her, Zhu Zhuqing exclaimed, "Amazing! It's so simple!"
Su Xiaoqi took her hand, "Let's go outside somewhere private to try it out, then we'll have some breakfast and head to Shrek Academy. It's the first day of school, lots of things to do."
"Okay."
Zhu Zhuqing didn't mind holding hands with Su Xiaoqi — after all, he had already hugged her, so what was a little hand-holding?
After arriving at their previous duel spot, Zhu Zhuqing began practicing Moonstep. When she successfully stepped on air for the first time, she was overcome with excitement.
Su Xiaoqi started experimenting with his Qi manipulation. Although he could only control a little Qi, he was equally thrilled.
After about an hour of practice, they returned to Soto City, had breakfast, then headed to Shrek Academy.
When they appeared on the playground, the other students were already there. Ning Rongrong waved to them from afar.
"Yo, didn't expect another beauty, and with such a great figure too."
Ma Hongjun's eyes lit up at Zhu Zhuqing's fiery figure. But seeing her holding hands with the man beside her, he curled his lips, "Too bad she already has a man."
Nearby, Dai Mubai snorted coldly, "Fatty, if you like her, go chase her. That guy's just a normal person, not a match for you."
Ma Hongjun retorted bitterly, "Leader Dai, don't try to fool me. I know what happened yesterday."
"You were knocked away by one of his punches, let alone me. Sure, she's a beauty, but you need a life to pursue her."
"What a loser."
Dai Mubai cursed inwardly. He had hoped to stir up a fight between Ma Hongjun and Su Xiaoqi but didn't expect Ma Hongjun to suddenly get wise today.
Ning Rongrong ran up smiling and greeted them, "Su Xiaoqi, Zhuqing, finally you're here."
Oscar followed behind, "Brother, I heard about what you did yesterday. You're really fierce. Hey, do you still want sausages? My treat."
Su Xiaoqi smiled at Oscar, "Didn't expect you to be more generous after shaving. Okay, I'll take ten."
Oscar's face fell. He begged, "Bro, can you take fewer? I'm afraid I'll be done for today if I have to give you more."
As Oscar handed over a sausage, he whispered, "Brother, can I have a word?"
"Sure." Su Xiaoqi nodded. He had a good guess what Oscar wanted to say. Turning to Zhu Zhuqing, he said, "Zhuqing, go chat with Ning Rongrong for a bit."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, letting go of his hand and walking over to Ning Rongrong.
"Thanks. If you want sausages later, just come find me," Oscar said gratefully, then lowered his voice, "Brother, we know a little about the grudge between you, your girlfriend, and Leader Dai, but don't worry, I won't get involved. I want to ask you for a favor though."
Su Xiaoqi laughed, "You don't mean you want me to help you chase Ning Rongrong, right?"
"How did you know?!" Oscar's eyes widened, then he quickly lowered his voice, "Since you figured it out, I won't hide it. I do like girls like Ning Rongrong, but she seems pretty close to you. You already have Zhuqing. You wouldn't fight me over her, right?"
Su Xiaoqi patted Oscar's shoulder, "Bro, listen to me — girls like Ning Rongrong are hard to handle. You know she's from the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Sect, right? Do you know their requirements for a partner?"
Oscar shook his head, "No."
Su Xiaoqi said, "Their first requirement is that the partner must be a battle soul master, not a support-type soul master."
"Of course, I only heard about it. If you really want to pursue her, you can try. I have no interest in her. Zhuqing is fierce, and I wouldn't dare look for other women outside."
Oscar's mood sank a little, but he still thanked Su Xiaoqi, "Thanks for the advice. I'll go talk to her myself."
Su Xiaoqi patted him again, "Since you bought me sausages, I'll give you some words: 'There are plenty of fish in the sea, why fixate on one flower?'"
"I got it."
Oscar glanced at Ning Rongrong, then silently walked aside.
Su Xiaoqi shook his head. Half of what he said was to gain points by changing the story, the other half was genuinely thinking they weren't suitable.
With him involved in the story, Tang San would basically have no hope of becoming a god. Without his achievements in the original story, would Ning Fengzhi still like him?
Ning Fengzhi really despised Oscar from the bottom of his heart.
The only reason Oscar was accepted at all was because of his relationship with Tang San.
As Su Xiaoqi pondered these things, a cold voice came from behind.
"So this is how you usually see me. Am I really that fierce to you?"
"Oh no."
Su Xiaoqi's heart jumped. He didn't know how Zhu Zhuqing overheard what he just said, but he knew he had to find a way to appease her again.
Before he could say anything, Flandre appeared from the other side of the playground.
Unlike in the original story, this time he was not alone — several others followed behind him.