As the saying goes, know yourself and know your enemy, and you will never be defeated.
Before making his move, Xiao Tianyang had already familiarized himself with the specifics of Tang San and the others' battle against Tianshui Academy.
And the latter had no reason to hide anything—anyone who asked received a thorough answer without reservation.
Not even how they lost.
What mistakes they made mid-battle.
Where the opponents' flaws lay—everything was laid out plainly.
This left Xiao Tianyang somewhat surprised. Narrowing his eyes, he couldn't help but ask, "Xiaosan, do you even know their measurements?"
The moment those words left his mouth, the girls present flushed red.
Saber and the others were speechless, while Xiao Wu beside Tang San shot him a nervous glance.
Tang San could only shake his head helplessly. "Brother Tianyang, I was frozen the moment I stepped onto the stage. The ground was slippery, and within five or six minutes, their Spirit Fusion Skill knocked me down. How would I have time to notice something like that?"
"You really are an honest one." Xiao Tianyang raised an eyebrow, amused. "But they didn't secretly glance at you—or anyone else?"
"Brother Tianyang, you're the most handsome among us. If anyone caught their eye, it'd be you, right?"
Xiao Wu's protective instincts flared up, but in front of Tang San, her defiance was more like a kitten baring its claws—mischievous rather than fierce, undeniably cute.
"Oh? Is that so?" Xiao Tianyang touched his face, lowering his head with a chuckle. "Though I do enjoy hearing the truth, such direct praise is a little embarrassing!"
Xiao Wu: "..."
'Can't you tell I'm diverting the blame?'
Sure enough, Ning Rongrong immediately pounced on the opportunity. "Tianyang, were those girls really interested in you?"
"I haven't even met them face-to-face. How would I have a chance to strike up a conversation?" Xiao Tianyang shrugged.
"So, if you got the chance, you would?" Zhu Zhuqing's voice, laced with a faint chill, came from behind him.
Xiao Tianyang felt the atmosphere grow cold. With a dry laugh, he replied, "How could I? Do I seem like such a frivolous person?"
"Haha, exactly! Brother Tianyang isn't like that. I can vouch for him!" Xiao Wu raised her hand enthusiastically.
"See? This is why I like Xiao Wu. She is honest and adorable!" Xiao Tianyang gave her an approving look.
But then Xiao Wu added, "But sometimes, when Brother Tianyang does act casually… it's downright inhuman. Better be careful."
"Xiao Wu, well done!"
Xiao Tianyang smiled brightly, giving her a thumbs-up. "But from now on, your share of meals will be halved. I've been in a bad mood lately, so I won't be cooking for a while."
"What?!" Xiao Wu wailed, immediately begging for mercy.
Xiao Tianyang merely snorted, turning away without another word.
'Who told you to mess with me earlier?'
She needed to be taught a lesson!
Of course, this was only possible because Xiao Tianyang had a firm grasp on Xiao Wu's weakness. Otherwise, threatening her would earn him an aerial toss followed by a brutal baduanjin wrestling session!
Just as their banter continued, a beautiful girl approached.
Xiao Tianyang noticed her first. "Who's that?"
"You're paying attention to every girl now?" Ning Rongrong teased.
But Tang San frowned slightly. "She's from Tianshui Academy… I think her name is Yu Hairou."
"Xiaosan, you even remember her name?" Xiao Tianyang immediately redirected the attack. "Do you have other intentions?"
"I—"
"No need to explain! Explaining is just covering up!" Without waiting for a reply, Xiao Tianyang stood up, eyeing Yu Hairou. "Stay put, everyone. Leave this girl to me for diplomacy."
Everyone: "..."
In a few strides, Xiao Tianyang reached her. "Little miss, what brings you here?"
"Little miss?" Yu Hairou looked him over with a smile. "You can't be older than me, can you?"
"Ahem, age is just a number. What truly matters is the distance between hearts—Saber, why are you pulling me?!" Before he could finish, Saber dragged him away—his next match was about to start.
Now only Tang San remained, but Yu Hairou soon revealed her purpose.
"Dai Mubai."
"Why are you looking for me?" Dai Mubai's eyes brightened, though he kept his composure.
"Aside from inviting you to dinner, what else could it be?" Yu Hairou smiled. "Unless you're busy?"
Beside them, Ma Hongjun nudged Oscar smugly. "See? I knew it! From the moment she stepped on stage, I could tell Yu Hairou was eyeing Boss Dai!"
"Your instincts are too sharp." Oscar sighed, handing over two gold spirit coins—clearly, they'd made a bet.
After a moment's thought, Dai Mubai nodded. "I'm free."
Then he glanced at Tang San. "Xiao San, ask Tianyang for leave on my behalf tonight. You know how it is..."
Even if Tang San hadn't caught the implication, he was still a man—he understood.
But Xiao Wu cut in. "He doesn't get it, Boss Dai. Just go. I'll handle the leave!"
"You?" Dai Mubai hesitated before reluctantly agreeing. "Fine. But remember to ask!"
Truthfully, he'd trust anyone else with this—just not Xiao Wu.
Because this girl loved mischief.
And worst of all, she adored watching Xiao Tianyang prank the boys.
But with a girl waiting, he couldn't afford to dawdle.
'Surely nothing will go wrong… right?'
As Dai Mubai left, everyone's gazes slid toward Zhu Zhuqing.
Yet her expression remained unreadable, her emotions steady—hinting that something had shifted between them.
After all, Dai Mubai had been acting strangely for a while.
And Zhu Zhuqing's demeanor suggested she no longer saw him as anything more than a comrade—a friend, not a lover.
Some breathed a sigh of relief.
Others, like Ning Rongrong, grew nervous.
Her last sliver of hope vanished.
If Zhu Zhuqing had moved on from Dai Mubai…
Then where would she turn next?
Undoubtedly, toward the guy who'd just been dragged away by Saber.
…
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