Heavenly Thief System: Starting in Douluo

Chapter 46: My Girlfriend and Childhood Friend's Bloody Love Battlefield

"Ke ke ke—"

Shrek Academy.

Morning light stretched lazily across the land, nudged awake by the rooster's crow. The first golden ray of sunlight spilled into the rooms, painting the entire village in a glowing golden hue. It was a color that lifted the spirits and signaled the start of a new day.

In the girls' dormitory of Shrek Academy, Zhu Zhuqing was, for once, sleeping in. But judging by the smile tugging at the corners of her lips, her mood was clearly excellent.

In stark contrast, the only other girl in the dormitory, Ning Rongrong, hadn't slept a wink the entire night.

Her pretty, delicate face was pale with fatigue. Her eyes were red, and her energy seemed drained.

Just like in the original story, she'd slacked off and ended up in a huge argument with Flender the day before. As expected, she was scolded—harshly. No one stood up for her. Some even made sarcastic remarks.

Such as: Dai Mubai. Dai Mubai. And again, Dai Mubai.

Looking at Zhu Zhuqing's peaceful sleeping face, even the proud Ning Rongrong couldn't help but admit, "She really is a natural beauty."

Especially those two sinful ostrich eggs—it was like they were designed to provoke.

She poked Zhu Zhuqing's arm and called out, "Zhuqing, Zhuqing—wake up! You're gonna be late for class!"

Yesterday, Zhu Zhuqing had been the only one who hadn't added insult to injury, so Ning Rongrong had a good impression of her.

As for Oscar? Sorry. In Ning Rongrong's mind, he was still just her little lackey.

In her dream—Zhu Zhuqing was in Zu Zong's embrace. He lifted her blushing face, kissed her forehead, then her eyes, her nose tip, and finally, unable to resist, his lips pressed against the softness he'd dreamed of night and day.

Their lips drew closer and closer. Breath tangled.

Suddenly—the space shattered.

The dream ended. Zhu Zhuqing woke up, pulled out of her fantasy by Ning Rongrong.

"What is it, Rongrong?" she asked, rubbing her sleepy eyes. The first thing she saw was Ning Rongrong, already washed and dressed.

"What do you think? Zhuqing, the sun's practically baking your butt! If you don't get up now, you'll be scolded again by that old coot Flender!" Just the mention of his name was enough to make Ning Rongrong furious all over again.

Zhu Zhuqing shook her head helplessly. She had no interest in this sort of drama. What she cared about now was simple—getting stronger, so she could stay by the side of the man she liked.

That was all.

A few minutes later, Zhu Zhuqing finished freshening up.

"All done! Rongrong, let's go eat breakfast together."

But as she turned around, she saw Ning Rongrong staring at her with a strange expression—and judging by the look on her face, she'd been staring for a while.

"What? Is there something on my face?" Zhu Zhuqing asked, puzzled.

Ning Rongrong shook her head, a mischievous smile creeping up. In a teasing voice, she said, "Zhuqing, your face is super red right now. Come on, admit it—were you having a spring dream?"

Red cheeks…

It would've been better if she hadn't said anything. Now Zhu Zhuqing's entire face turned redder. She remembered now—after parting with Zu Zong last night, she'd returned to the dorm and had a wonderful night's sleep.

Then she'd dreamt about being with Zu Zong…

The dream had been so beautiful, so vivid, it felt completely real.

Even her neck was blushing pink now.

Ning Rongrong's eyes lit up. Something's fishy! No doubt about it! This cold-faced, doll-like beauty was actually blushing—and from the look of it, she definitely had someone she liked!

Dai Mubai? Unlikely. Zhuqing had never once treated him kindly. That brothel-addicted tiger didn't deserve someone like her—unless she'd gone blind.

Oscar? No way. That guy was still busy chasing after her, thank you very much.

Tang San? Doubtful. Too ugly.

Ma Hongjun? Cough—please automatically skip. That brothel phoenix was the same breed as Dai Mubai.

Thinking this far, Ning Rongrong grinned and said, "Zhuqing, come clean—do you have a boyfriend?"

"No—I don't," Zhu Zhuqing replied. But her denial was so weak, anyone could tell it wasn't true.

That only made Ning Rongrong more excited. All girls loved gossip, even the proud Miss Ning of the Seven Treasures Glazed Tile Clan was no exception.

She launched her tickle attack. "I'm gonna get you! Come on—confess or else!"

Zhu Zhuqing had never been subjected to such a tactic. She couldn't last long before surrendering in total defeat.

"Ahhh—it tickles! Stop, stop! I'll talk! I'll talk!"

Seeing her tickle attack succeed so beautifully, Ning Rongrong nodded in satisfaction. She sat upright, ready to hear Zhu Zhuqing's tale of romance.

But she'd miscalculated—Zhu Zhuqing had only used that as a stalling tactic.

As Zu Zong once said: Sometimes, running away isn't cowardly. It's called a strategic retreat.

And since confirming their relationship the night before, Zhu Zhuqing had taken that advice to heart.

Martial soul possession—Netherworld Civet.

Whoosh whoosh—

In just a few breaths, Zhu Zhuqing vanished from the room, leaving behind the indignant voice of Miss Ning shouting from inside:

"You've got a man and forgot your friends!"

—

Soto City

By midday, Zu Zong, Xiao Wu, and Ye Lingling returned to the city, travel-worn from their morning training session.

At dawn, Zu Zong's internal alarm clock had gone off. He got up and went to fetch Ye Lingling—he'd promised to teach her physical techniques and soul power control skills.

Of course, while he was happy to help this unfortunate girl, he would only call once. If she couldn't handle hardship, he wouldn't force her. Xiao Wu was a prime example of that.

Unexpectedly, Ye Lingling had already been awake. She was even dressed in sleek black combat gear. Surprisingly, even Xiao Wu woke up—dragged out of bed by Ye Lingling.

Now someone might ask: if even Zu Zong couldn't wake up this lazy rabbit, how did Ye Lingling manage it?

Simple. She calmly said, "I'm going to train with Zu Zong."

The moment those words landed, Xiao Wu's sleepy eyes snapped wide open.

She really liked Ye Lingling and considered her a good friend.

But she also saw her as a potential rival in love. Ye Lingling was so pretty—what if the two of them trained alone together every day and caught feelings?

She wouldn't be stupid enough to let that happen.

In moments like this, Xiao Wu knew exactly what was most important. Righteousness? Please. That's just an excuse.

Zu Zong rolled his eyes. "Your so-called righteousness is just eating, playing, and fooling around!"

If Zhu Zhuqing had been here, she would've said: Silly rabbit, you're still too green. I've already infiltrated from the inside. You don't even know it, do you?

—

After a full morning of training, the three returned to Soto City. Mainly because they had a soul duel match that night—otherwise, Zu Zong would've shown them what hell training really looked like.

"Lingling, how do you feel?" Zu Zong asked with a hint of concern. After all, she was a support-type soul master. Her physical condition was naturally her weak point. If she didn't have the Nine-Heart Begonia martial soul, he wouldn't have dared go all-out with the training.

Ye Lingling nodded. The usual coldness was gone from her face, replaced with calm warmth.

"Yes. It was tough at first, but I think I'll get used to it if I keep at it."

Hearing that, Xiao Wu instantly pouted.

"This blockhead only cares about Lingling and completely ignores me! Outrageous!"

"Ugh, I'm exhausted! Xiao Zong, I didn't know you train this hard every day. My head's spinning, and my back is killing me!"

As she spoke, Xiao Wu once again looked at Zu Zong with big pleading eyes, her little face flushed red.

Why 'again'?

Because she'd been making that same face ever since they started training—expecting Zu Zong to carry her like always.

Zu Zong took training very seriously. In this world where strength was everything, he never thought having a system made him invincible. He didn't see Tang San as the "main character," nor did he see himself that way. Douluo Planet would keep spinning with or without either of them.

Slacking off only brought death closer.

Looking at Xiao Wu's pitiful little act, Zu Zong said helplessly, "Lunch today—carrot set meal. Deluxe version."

Xiao Wu's eyes lit up. Carrot set meal! Deluxe version!

Suddenly, she wasn't dizzy anymore. Her back didn't hurt. She was completely full of energy again!

Without thinking, she pounced, turning into a sloth and hanging off Zu Zong's neck.

"Oh yeah!!"

Zu Zong twitched at the corner of his mouth. "Definitely a glutton."

Just then, a crisp girl's voice sounded by his ear.

"Excuse me, could I come too?"

Cold sweat dripped from Zu Zong's forehead—

Oh crap. Major train wreck incoming.

(End of Chapter)

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