"Here, her name is Gu Yuena. You can call her Sister Na," Qi Lin said, introducing the girl beside him to Xiao Wu and the others on a small hilltop.
Gu Yuena's expression was always cold—except when facing Qi Lin.
But it wasn't the kind of cold like Zhu Zhuqing's, used to protect a fragile heart.
Hers was a noble, aloof kind of coldness. A divine majesty, distant and untouchable.
There was nothing forced about it—like she was born that way. Even Ning Rongrong, a proud princess of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Clan, could sense that Gu Yuena's identity was far from ordinary.
Especially in her aura. It was unmistakable.
Yet no matter how much Ning Rongrong racked her brain, she couldn't guess who Gu Yuena really was.
Qi Lin chuckled and turned to Xiao Wu. "Xiao Wu, you might not have met Sister Na before, but you definitely know her."
Xiao Wu looked at Gu Yuena, confused.
"Know her?"
Seeing her puzzled expression, Qi Lin offered a hint with a smile.
"Star Dou Great Forest."
In an instant, Xiao Wu felt like lightning flashed through her mind. Her eyes sharpened as she stared at Gu Yuena.
"You… you're her?"
Gu Yuena nodded slightly.
Xiao Wu's eyes widened. "What are you doing here? Don't tell me you came just for Brother Qi Lin!"
Her tone turned defensive immediately, eyes filled with suspicion as she looked at Gu Yuena.
It didn't matter how noble Gu Yuena's identity was—Xiao Wu wasn't about to back down.
If she wanted to take her Brother Qi Lin, she'd have to get past her first.
After all, this woman had a record.
Back at the Lake of Life, she kept telling Di Tian to take Qi Lin away and keep him for herself!
Hearing Xiao Wu's words, Zhu Zhuqing and Ning Rongrong also turned their attention toward Gu Yuena.
Zhu Zhuqing looked more curious than anything.
Was this flawless-looking young woman really here for Teacher Qi Lin?
Sure, Qi Lin was outstanding—but he was still only twelve years old.
Gu Yuena looked young too, but her aura made her seem much older than Qi Lin.
Ning Rongrong, on the other hand, looked more aggressive.
Like Xiao Wu, she feared Gu Yuena would snatch Qi Lin away.
Especially when she saw Gu Yuena's flawless face, her tall, graceful figure, and her... chest, which was at least two sizes bigger than her own. Ning Rongrong felt utterly defeated.
This can't go on!
A strong sense of crisis surged in her heart.
Then, her gaze shifted to Xiao Wu.
A sneaky idea formed in her mind.
Maybe she and Xiao Wu could work together—kick this threat out before anything happened.
And maybe by coincidence, just as Ning Rongrong looked over, Xiao Wu looked at her too.
Their eyes met.
In that instant, both girls seemed to understand the other's thoughts. They nodded at the same time.
Alliance formed!
"Brother Qi Lin, Sister Na must not be familiar with Shrek Academy yet," Xiao Wu said sweetly, suddenly hugging one of Qi Lin's arms.
"Let us show her around later!"
Then Ning Rongrong stepped in, hugging his other arm with a bright smile.
"Sister Na, Brother Qi Lin is super lazy. He doesn't like walking around. Once training's over, let us take you on a tour!"
"There's this clothing store in Suotuo City—the clothes there are so cute!"
Xiao Wu chimed in, "Right! And let's not eat in the cafeteria tonight. We'll go to Brother Qi Lin's dorm—I'll cook something special for you all!"
The two girls worked in perfect harmony, completely taking charge of Gu Yuena's upcoming schedule like they were the real mistresses of the place.
Qi Lin twitched slightly at the corners of his mouth.
Where the heck were they learning all this?
He glanced over at Zhu Zhuqing and gave a small nod.
Now she was reliable!
Gu Yuena was stunned by the girls' sudden warmth, but soon gave a calm nod in response.
That stumped both Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong.
It felt like they punched a cloud of cotton—no reaction at all!
No resistance... Could it be that she wasn't here for Qi Lin?
After training ended, Xiao Wu, Ning Rongrong, and Zhu Zhuqing took Gu Yuena on a stroll around the village before heading off to Suotuo City.
After all, Shrek Academy was just a rundown little village. It had nothing interesting—definitely not as lively as Suotuo City.
Once they left, Tang San and the others, just finishing training, also noticed Gu Yuena. Their eyes lit up in awe.
"Whoa…"
"She's gorgeous! Is she a new student at Shrek Academy?" Ma Hongjun whispered to Tang San and Dai Mubai.
Dai Mubai shook his head. "Judging by her age, I doubt she's a student."
His eyes flickered with longing and greed.
That woman… was the most beautiful and elegant he'd ever seen.
Twin sisters? Zhu Zhuqing?
None of them even came close.
Ma Hongjun blinked. "Don't tell me she's here to apply as a teacher?"
"Maybe!" Dai Mubai's eyes lit up. If that was true, he might have a shot.
Although... with Zhu Zhuqing around, that might get tricky.
He still needed Zhu Zhuqing's help to deal with Davis and Zhu Zhuyun.
Watching the two of them whisper excitedly, Tang San suddenly had a strange feeling.
That woman who looked far too perfect...
Could she have something to do with Qi Lin?
---
The next day.
Back on the hilltop!
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong both wore gloomy expressions.
Especially after seeing Qi Lin—their faces looked especially bitter.
Last night, they were still smug, thinking they'd come out on top in the battle of wits with Gu Yuena.
Then they found out... Gu Yuena had moved into the new house Qi Lin just finished building.
Living under the same roof!
Even though she wasn't sleeping in the same room, that was enough for them to raise her danger level by one full tier.
Qi Lin ignored their resentful stares.
"Alright, time for training!"
Xiao Wu and Ning Rongrong grumbled but still obediently got to work.
After days of training...
Ning Rongrong and Zhu Zhuqing could now take seven or eight steps on a tree branch without falling.
In another month, they might fully master the technique.
Xiao Wu was focused on a different goal—learning how to control her spirit power as fluidly as Qi Lin, turning it into a rope-like softness.
Gu Yuena watched the trio train, clearly impressed.
"I didn't know spirit power could be used like this. I heard this method was your invention?" she asked, looking at Qi Lin.
"Remarkable!"
Her admiration was genuine as she stared at the lazy-looking boy.
This little guy always managed to surprise her.
Qi Lin smiled easily.
"Want to learn?"
"I'll teach you!"