"Dean, I'm betting on Zhuqing for this match. How about you?"**
**"I know it might seem unfair to Xiao Wu, since they're from the same academy...**
**But after this morning's spar, do you really think Zhuqing would lose?"**
Su Xiaoqi looked around cautiously, then lowered his voice:
**"Don't forget, Zhuqing has *that item* on her.
Plus, her spirit power is one level higher than Xiao Wu's."**
Flender hesitated.
**"It doesn't feel right… They're both Shrek students."**
Clearly, he was tempted but still held back out of pride.
Su Xiaoqi leaned closer and whispered:
**"Dean, are you silly?
You know it, I know it—if neither of us says anything, who's gonna find out?"**
**"Besides, you're doing this *for them*.
You're risking your own money to make life better for these students.
If they found out, they wouldn't blame you—they'd be moved."**
**"Why do you think Zhuqing and I came all the way here,
even though we knew Dai Mubai was around?
It's because we admire *you*."**
---
Flender was finally swayed by Su Xiaoqi's sweet talk.
He grabbed Su Xiaoqi's arm and laughed:
**"Xiaoqi, I admit I misjudged you.
You're right—I'm doing all this for the academy.
Let's go bet together!"**
Su Xiaoqi smiled on the surface, but inside he was thinking:
> *"Disgusting old man. You're falling for it so easily."*
Outwardly, he cheerfully said:
**"Yes, let's cash in big this time."**
---
After Flender placed his bet, Su Xiaoqi waited for him to start checking his receipt.
Then he **quietly placed *all* the money on Xiao Wu instead**.
Right after, he sent a message in the chat group to **Zhu Zhuqing**, asking her to **intentionally throw the match**.
---
Meanwhile, Zhu Zhuqing saw the message and instantly understood what Su Xiaoqi was planning.
She didn't care about the outcome.
**"That little bunny doesn't stand a chance against me anyway."**
Her only concern now was **how to fake a convincing loss**.
---
**Across the arena...**
Xiao Wu stood opposite her and spoke angrily:
**"Zhu Zhuqing, why did you pick that name?"**
Zhu Zhuqing was snapped out of her thoughts.
She looked at Xiao Wu coldly:
**"I like eating rabbits. So does Xiaoqi.
What, does that bother you?"**
**"I—"** Xiao Wu was left speechless.
She couldn't exactly say she *was* a rabbit.
*"Rabbits are cute—how can anyone want to eat them?"*
But even so, she snapped back:
**"I don't care. You're not allowed to use that name.
You'd better go change it after the match."**
**"If you do, I'll still consider you a friend.
If not, don't blame me for being rude.
I only lost to you this morning because I let my guard down!"**
**"Suit yourself."**
Zhu Zhuqing now truly believed this Xiao Wu wasn't right in the head.
**"She's really losing it over a name?"**
But then she remembered Xiao Wu was actually a spirit beast in human form.
So... **"Makes sense, I guess."**
She was just glad she had the chat group and didn't have to mix with these people for long—unlike in the original timeline.
---
The host introduced both fighters and signaled for the match to begin.
Xiao Wu immediately released her spirit.
**Trash talk was one thing—Zhu Zhuqing's strength was real.**
If she didn't take it seriously, she'd lose in seconds again.
---
She remembered Tang San's advice before going on stage:
**"Xiao Wu, Zhu Zhuqing's strength lies in her speed.
You must strike first—otherwise, you won't stand a chance."**
With that, Xiao Wu lunged forward like an arrow.
---
Zhu Zhuqing smirked.
She was going to lose this match—but not without **playing around a bit**.
That rabbit's mouth needed a little lesson.
---
**In the viewing area...**
Tang San activated his **Purple Demon Eye**, frowning.
**"Strange... Even without the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Pagoda's boost,
why is Zhu Zhuqing so much slower than this morning?"**
Her movements were still dodging everything,
but her **speed had clearly dropped significantly**.
Dai Mubai patted him on the shoulder:
**"Relax, Tang San.
I think Zhuqing is just going easy to keep peace among students."**
Tang San wasn't convinced.
**"Something about her seems off... but I can't figure it out yet."**
**"If only my Purple Demon Eye had reached the *Micro Realm*,
I could see what's really going on."**
---
Nearby, **Ning Rongrong** sneered internally.
**"Easy on her? Please.
Zhu Zhuqing's wearing weighted gear."**
---
**Oscar** crept up to Ning Rongrong:
**"Hey, Rongrong. You're closest to Zhu Zhuqing—
do you think she's holding back like Boss Dai said?"**
Ning Rongrong took two steps back and said coldly:
**"Oscar, stay away from me.
I'm not interested in you.
Also, call me *Ning Rongrong*, thanks."**
Oscar opened his mouth, then sighed in defeat:
**"Got it..."**
---
Suddenly, **Tang San shouted**:
**"Xiao Wu!"**
Everyone turned their eyes back to the arena—
Xiao Wu was **lying on the ground**, while Zhu Zhuqing stood over her.
**"Zhuqing, amazing! Go, Zhuqing!"**
Ning Rongrong cheered.
Tang San turned and snapped:
**"Ning Rongrong, shut up!"**
She didn't flinch.
**"What, only *you* get to cheer for someone?
I can't support Zhuqing?"**
They locked eyes in anger.
Dai Mubai quickly stepped in:
**"Alright, alright, let's not ruin friendships over a match."**
**"Look, Xiao Wu's not badly hurt.
Zhuqing must've held back a little.
It's normal to take some hits in spirit fights."**
---
Just then, the crowd erupted:
**"Wait, what's happening?!
Zhu Zhuqing was winning—why did she suddenly collapse?"**
Everyone looked at the stage—
**Zhu Zhuqing was hunched over, clutching her stomach in pain.**
None of the students had seen what happened.
Even Xiao Wu was baffled.
**"I was the one getting hit—why's *she* the one falling over?"**
Xiao Wu cautiously asked:
**"Zhu Zhuqing… are you okay?"**
Zhu Zhuqing staggered to her feet—
then collapsed again in *even more pain*.
Through gritted teeth, she gasped:
**"I… forfeit."**
---
The host was also confused, but he had to be professional.
He quickly walked onto the stage and announced the result:
> **Winner: Xiao Wu!**
---
The match ended with a dramatic and **ridiculous** upset.
Everyone who bet on Zhu Zhuqing started **cursing** loudly.
Those who bet on Xiao Wu were **overjoyed**—they didn't care what happened, they only cared about the **massive payout**.
As soon as the result was announced,
**Zhu Zhuqing collapsed dramatically**, pretending to pass out.
At the same time, she messaged Su Xiaoqi:
**"Come get me."**
---
Meanwhile, Flender sat there **completely pale**.
**He had lost everything.**
> "It's over... All my life savings... gone."