Zhu Zhuqing continued resting her head on Shen An's shoulder, unwilling to move. Shen An, resigned to the situation, sat stiffly on the rooftop, occasionally adjusting his posture to ensure her comfort.
Only when the late night chill set in and Zhu Zhuqing fell completely asleep did Shen An snap out of his daze. Carefully, he carried her back to her room and tucked her in.
Once he was alone, Shen An stretched his sore shoulder with a grimace. That was a long time to be used as a pillow—my blood circulation is shot.
"Oh no, I haven't practiced swordsmanship today!" Glancing at the darkened night sky, Shen An weighed his options. He decided to squeeze in a couple of practice routines before turning in, even if he had to open the tea house early the next morning.
Shen An had unexpectedly grown to love swordsmanship, even though the techniques Tom taught him were rudimentary. The repetitive motions were strangely captivating.
Speaking of Tom—where was he? Shen An realized his companion was nowhere to be seen. Probably went to bed, he thought with a shrug before resuming his training.
The next morning, Zhu Zhuqing woke to find herself tucked into her bed, her mind clouded with confusion. Memories of the previous night began to surface, and her pale cheeks flushed red.
Why did I say all that? And cry so much? How embarrassing! She buried her face in her pillow, overwhelmed.
I even leaned on him all night! Did I look ugly while crying? What is wrong with me?
As she glanced around, her gaze landed on the breakfast laid out neatly on the table—pastries and milk. A small, gentle smile spread across her face, but it soon dimmed with a pang of sadness. If only Shen An were my betrothed...
The tea house was as bustling as ever. With their growing experience, Shen An and Tom handled the crowd with ease.
Over lunch, neither Shen An nor Zhu Zhuqing brought up the events of the previous night. However, Shen An couldn't help but notice that Zhu Zhuqing's expression seemed softer, as if a weight had been lifted from her heart.
It looks like what I said yesterday made a difference, Shen An mused, though her family's strict rules still troubled him deeply.
He clenched his fist, calling forth his Nine-Blade Sword Grass in his mind. Staring at his steadily increasing fame points, Shen An silently vowed:
Don't worry, Zhuqing. I'll help you break free from your family's shackles. That's my promise to you.
In the days that followed, Shen An threw himself into his routine: managing the tea house, practicing swordsmanship, and playing with Tom. Before long, the opening day of Shrek Academy loomed close.
"Zhuqing, there are only two days left before school starts," Shen An remarked. "How about we relax and go out for a bit? Tom can come along too."
"Alright," Zhu Zhuqing replied with a rare smile. "Let's go out tonight after the tea house closes."
Tom perked up at the suggestion, his tail wagging enthusiastically. Finally, I can spend all this money I've been saving! Time for some serious indulgence!
Soto City was dazzling at night, its streets illuminated by a sea of vibrant lights. Known as the "granary of the kingdom," the city was a hub of wealth and culture.
Strolling leisurely through the streets, Shen An exchanged smiles and greetings with passersby. Thanks to his tea house's growing reputation, many locals recognized him.
As for Tom, the beloved "celebrity cat," he received even more attention, with people offering him snacks and gifts along the way.
I came out to spend money, not get free food! Tom sulked, though that didn't stop him from eagerly stuffing his cheeks like a squirrel.
As they wandered, Zhu Zhuqing quietly took in the bustling streets, the aroma of grilled food, and the lively chatter. A bittersweet longing flickered in her gaze as she glanced at Shen An. Do I really have to leave this behind and return to school?
Their casual stroll brought them unexpectedly to the hotel where they had stayed on their first night in Soto City.
"Look," Tom gestured with his paw.
Shen An looked up and chuckled softly. The sight of the familiar building stirred a sense of nostalgia. Though only ten days had passed, it felt like a lifetime. Back then, they were like rootless drifters.
Now, they had carved out a place for themselves. Shen An's soul power had even reached level 20, thanks to his daily fame points and six small experience packs.
His fame points had accumulated to 80,000, but he was holding off on further spending. The system had unlocked a new soul ring exchange—this time requiring a whopping 100,000 fame points.
Suddenly, a melodious yet imperious voice interrupted his thoughts:
"What a beautiful cat. Is it yours? Name your price—I want to buy it."
Startled, Shen An turned to see a stunning young girl. She wore a pristine white dress, her short hair framing an exquisitely elegant face. Her demeanor was unmistakably aristocratic.
When Shen An didn't respond, the girl frowned.
"I said, I want to buy it. Name your price," she repeated, her tone sharper.
Tom let out a shrill "meow" of alarm, darting behind Shen An and clinging to his leg for dear life. Shen An quickly knelt to soothe his frightened companion.
Zhu Zhuqing stepped forward, her voice icy. "Tom is our partner. He's not for sale. Please leave."
The girl's eyes narrowed as she scrutinized Zhu Zhuqing. Her rival's beauty and figure (several letters ahead of hers, she begrudgingly noted) sparked an instant animosity.
How dare she refuse me! Ning Rongrong fumed silently. The little princess of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan was unaccustomed to rejection.
Tom, emboldened by Zhu Zhuqing's support, regained his confidence.
"Bleh!" he taunted, sticking out his long tongue and waving his paws mockingly.
Far from being offended, Ning Rongrong's curiosity grew. How fascinating! A cat this clever and expressive—I must have it!
The little witch silently vowed: You've caught my attention now, kitty. I won't rest until you're mine.