"Don't worry, no one here recognizes me," Zhou Yi said as she clung to Qian Ran's arm, flashing him a seductive smile.
"But surely the academy higher-ups and your colleagues have seen your real face?"
"Even if they've seen me, they'll pretend they haven't. At Shrek Academy, people tend to keep such things to themselves. And if they tell Fan Yu, does it even matter?" Zhou Yi licked her lips provocatively.
Qian Ran was momentarily stunned—her logic was flawless.
Even if someone familiar saw them, at most they'd warn Fan Yu. Most people wouldn't bother getting involved in something that wasn't their business.
And Fan Yu? He'd likely just endure the pain in silence.
"You little minx. Handle it yourself today—I'll just watch."
"No way. Let's go! The Soul Tool District is right here, and don't you have a private lab there?" Zhou Yi pulled on Qian Ran's hand insistently, dragging him along with surprising force. Zhou Yi had become completely addicted to Qian Ran, her behavior increasingly unrestrained.
Qian Ran might have feigned reluctance, but his body betrayed him—he followed without further resistance.
Men are like that: if they have to hunt, they might hesitate. But when the prey delivers itself, how could they refuse?
Zhou Yi wasn't perfect in every way, but she was bold.
Among the women in Qian Ran's life, only Huo Yun'er was unwaveringly devoted to him. As for the rest, Zhou Yi was perhaps the most obedient—willing to do anything without reservation.
Just as they exited the Battle Zone, Yan Shaozhe spotted them, and his jaw nearly dropped.
"Qian Ran? Teacher Zhou Yi? What's going on here?"
"Vice Dean, Qian Ran and I have urgent business," Zhou Yi said curtly, still gripping Qian Ran's hand as she brushed past Yan Shaozhe.
Something's off.
Yan Shaozhe immediately sensed that something wasn't right.
Not far away, Cai Mei'er also emerged, catching sight of Zhou Yi practically dragging Qian Ran along. She froze in shock.
What is Zhou Yi thinking?
Was she trying to get herself killed?
How could she be so brazen, openly clinging to Qian Ran in public? And with such urgency, no less!
Zhou Yi had once been meticulous and upright, even going so far as to disguise her beauty to avoid distracting her students. But now? She was a completely different person.
Even Cai Mei'er wouldn't dare act so boldly. She valued her reputation and authority too much to let such a scandal tarnish her image. Xian Lin'er felt the same.
Is this the benefit of laying it all out in the open? Cai Mei'er mused, casting a sidelong glance at Yan Shaozhe.
But Yan Shaozhe wasn't as easy to manipulate as Fan Yu.
Fan Yu was merely an eighth-level Soul Engineer—he couldn't muster the courage to defy Qian Ran, even if humiliated. Yan Shaozhe, however, was a different story.
"You saw that too?" Yan Shaozhe asked awkwardly, turning to Cai Mei'er. He couldn't believe Zhou Yi was abusing her position to take advantage of Qian Ran. What about Fan Yu?
"Just don't spread this around, especially not to Fan Yu," Yan Shaozhe said cautiously.
When it came to such matters, turning a blind eye was often the best course of action. Revealing it would only offend both Qian Ran and Zhou Yi. While Zhou Yi might not care, Qian Ran was someone Yan Shaozhe still hoped to benefit from. Though it seemed like Qian Ran was the victim here, any rumors would inevitably tarnish his reputation.
"I understand," Cai Mei'er said coldly, her gaze lingering on Yan Shaozhe.
She couldn't help but find his indifference distasteful. When he ignored Fan Yu's plight, he should've known that one day, he might end up just like Fan Yu.
"Mei'er, I know absorbing the Ice Dragon King's essence has affected your temperament, but I'll stand by you until you're back to your old self," Yan Shaozhe said earnestly.
Cai Mei'er found his words amusing but didn't bother to respond. She turned and walked away.
"Mei'er!" Yan Shaozhe clenched his fists, watching helplessly as she left without a backward glance. He couldn't shake the feeling that her affection for him was long gone. All he could do now was place his hopes in Qian Ran.
Qian Ran, with his high emotional intelligence, was likely the only person capable of guiding Cai Mei'er back to her old self.
Soul Tool District, Qian Ran's private lab.
Qian Ran pushed Zhou Yi onto the experiment table, tearing a small hole in her stockings.
Afterward, Qian Ran leaned back in a chair, resting.
Zhou Yi, still flushed with satisfaction, knelt before him, her torn black-stockinged legs hugging his waist as she buried her head in his chest.
"You'll be leaving for the Sun Moon Empire's Royal Soul Engineering Academy soon, won't you? You don't have to go, you know. With your talent, it could be dangerous over there."
So that's why Zhou Yi had been so bold today—she was worried about his upcoming departure.
Indeed, the time for Shrek Academy to exchange students with the Sun Moon Empire's academy was fast approaching.
Once he left, Qian Ran would only be able to return during semester breaks. Zhou Yi's reluctance was evident, manifesting in her uncharacteristic boldness.
Qian Ran felt the same. He wasn't ready to leave behind the cozy love nests he'd built in Shrek Academy. Zhou Yi's playful hideaway wasn't enough. Xian Lin'er had redecorated her former marital bedroom to suit his tastes, and even Cai Mei'er had done the same, barring Yan Shaozhe from entering their shared space.
At night, he took the master bedroom, while the original owners retreated to the guest rooms or study. As for Fan Yu? He didn't even have a room to call his own, resigning himself to sleeping on the living room floor.
Who could understand Qian Ran's bliss?
But the allure of the Sun Moon Empire awaited, particularly Ju Zi. How could he resist?
Between Shrek Academy and the Sun Moon Empire's beauties, the choice was clear: he would pursue Ju Zi, a woman he believed deserved far better than her canonical fate.
Not to mention, the Sun Moon Empire had plenty of other charming women Qian Ran wouldn't want to miss.
Sometimes, after indulging in lavish feasts, a change of taste was refreshing.
New conquests brought new excitement—a thrill Qian Ran could never resist.
"I have to go to the Sun Moon Empire," Qian Ran said firmly. "But you can come find me whenever you want. Without you around, life wouldn't feel the same."
Zhou Yi had become utterly devoted to Qian Ran, willing to let him do as he pleased. What set her apart was her willingness to let go of any reservations, making every encounter with her a fresh delight for Qian Ran.
"Fine, but I want more," Zhou Yi said, gazing at him with longing. If she couldn't keep him, she'd at least make the most of the time they had left.
(End of Chapter)
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