Academy and Coconuts

---Fast forward 3 years---

"Hey, have you heard the recent news?"

"You mean the little genius of the Tian family? I think her name is Xun Ying?"

"Yup."

"That girl is really... *sigh* Too bad, I only have an older daughter at home."

"You want her as a daughter-in-law?"

"I mean who wouldn't with her cute features, filial and elegant aura as well as her talent."

"I do agree, but too bad. My son isn't good enough for her."

"Yup."

The son, "..." [Mom, you are badmouthing me behind my back again.]

Tian Family household…

"It's this time of year again. The flowers are blossoming beautifully this year."

"..."

"Is something bothering you, my dear?"

"Do you think we should invite a tutor?"

"My dear, she is only 2! But her birthday is coming soon isn't it?'

"Yup. But you know Ying'er, I think it would benefit especially since she doesn't really have anything to do."

"You are right. I think we should send her to the academy instead."

"You mean… that one?"

"Yup."

"But, wouldn't Ying'er got bullied by the students there?"

"Bullied? Do you think that anyone would dare to bully her?"

"Hm...maybe not."

"I'm more worried about her causing trouble and bullying others instead. Since young, she is extremely mischievous, despite her talents and lazy personality."

"You're right. But let's ask for Ying'er's thoughts first."

"Mhm."

"Thanks, dear. I know that you are very clever."

"Then my reward?"

"Pfft. I think I know where she got her shameless from."

Zhao Ziyang kissed Tian Ming on the cheeks as the lotus swayed.

"Ah Ying! Guess what did I hear?"

"What?"

"Your grandparents are thinking about sending you to an academy!"

"...sigh. I guess you can't escape studying no matter where you are."

"Ah Ying, I also think that it is time you make some allies."

"Yes, yes. Now, Xuan Wu can transform back. It seems weird talking to a lotus who is frequently swaying around."

"Sigh. So cold."

The little lotus sways once more before it disappeared. In his spot appeared a little boy with glasses.

"I really can't get used to seeing the turtle-like this. Me neither."

Sitting beside Xun Ying are the 4 divine beast cubs.

Xuan Wu had the appearance of a little boy with glasses, wearing a black and blue robe. Zhu Que had the appearance of a red-hair boy wearing a red robe that suits his hyperactive personality. Bai Hu wore a white robe matching with his white-silver hair as he leaned on Xun Ying's sleeve. Qing Long had green hair with a light azure robe.

Actually Xun Ying had imagined them as old men in tiny forms, but they turned out better than expected. But, either way, it is fine for her as long as they wouldn't cause her too much trouble.

Xun Ying sighed. [They are noisy as always.]

"Hey! We are not noisy! What do you mean by always."

Xun Ying sighed again, "Don't peek at my thoughts. Bad boy."

Xun Ying took a bit of the Xue Hua cake. Although the name refers to snowflake cake it wasn't produced by snowflakes but fine rice.

[Hm...could add some more ingredients to refine the taste. Like coconuts….Wait, should I..no, I'll cause a ruckus again. On another thought, do we even have coconuts here? Damn, so troublesome, never mind.]

"Coconut?"

"Ah, Baobao you are awake?"

"Yup, now I can last longer in holding the human form now and a lot of other functions also unlocked. I heard that you want coconuts?"

"Yup, is there any in Eververse?"

"Ying'er was is this 'coconut'?" Zhu Que interrupted, as he tilts his head in curiosity.

"It's a fruit I think. It is brown and hard on the outside with 3 holes while white on the inside. And grows on coconut palm trees."

"It is a type of dry drupe," Baobao said as he changed into his human form, a blue-haired boy.

"Baobao you grew again."

"Yup, the updates increase my height."

"You are still short." Bai Hu said lazily.

Baobao decided to ignore him. Since the first time that she had introduced them, Baobao and Bai Hu threw insults at each other. Bai Hu always seems to have a love-hate relationship with everyone with the exception of Xuan Wu and Xun Ying.

"Coconut…. ah! Xiao Ying, you aren't referring to the tropical rock seed are you?" Xuan Wu interrupted.

"Tropical rock seed?"

"Yup, it looks like what you described, it's near the tropical beaches. But what do you need it for?"

"Hm, then it should be coconuts. The inside of a coconut is edible."

"The white thingy?"

"Yup, the flesh. If I can get my hands on one I'll show you how you can use it."

"I see."

"I'll ask father to bring back some coconuts. He said that he is going to a tropical region, isn't he?"

"Yup."

"Great."

"Young mistress! Young mistress!"

A maid came running in, interrupting the conversation.

"Xiao Hong? What is it?"

Xiao Hong is one of the orphans that Xun Ying had picked up in the streets and now serves as her helper, and extremely gifted at crafts and intel gathering.

"Young mistress, young master Zhao is returning soon."

"Hm? Zhao Cheng?"

"Yes."

"Hm. Okay."

"..."

[Miss isn't your reaction a bit cold? Aiya. Oh right!]

"Young mistress…"

"Hm?"

Xiao Hong whispered something into her ears.

Xun Ying narrowed her eyes.

"Heh, showing their true colors eh? There is a spy among us, go find Xiao Feng and Xiao Ming to take care of this."

"Yes, young mistress!"

Xiao Hong cupped her hand and disappeared into thin air.

"Ah Ying, do you think..?"

"No, it should be him."

"But…why would he?"

"The one hidden behind him is very ambitious."

"But…"

"Someone is coming."

Rapid footsteps can be heard, approaching faster to Xun Ying.

"Ah, it's the brat." Bai Hu yawned and decided to return to the painting.

A figure was approaching at full speed and jumped towards Xun Ying.

"Ah Ying!!!!!!!!!!!!"