[DD2]: 247

"Ara, ara, ara, what do I see here?"

A teasing voice rang out as a small boat gently floated over the lake. Han Ruoruo, dressed in an elegant white dress, appeared like an immortal from a painting—fresh and graceful.

Beside her, Zhang Lexuan wore a fitted black outfit. Her long, silky black hair cascaded down like a waterfall, exuding a gentle and dignified aura.

Su Yu held Meng Hongchen in his arms, his gaze casually sweeping over them before nodding. "So it's you all."

A charming smile surfaced on Han Ruoruo's face. She nudged Zhang Lexuan playfully and said, "Lexuan, did you hear that? This Su Yu doesn't even call us miss anymore—just casually addresses us like that."

"Sigh, truly, people's hearts change so easily. This Su Yu used to call you pretty sister, you know."

Zhang Lexuan chuckled, gently brushing Han Ruoruo's hand away. "Ruoruo, what nonsense are you spouting?"

"Hehe." Han Ruoruo giggled mischievously. "I'm just reminding you to keep your eyes open. This Su Yu isn't as honest as he looks."

Su Yu's eyelids twitched as he responded helplessly, "Miss Ruoruo, if you're going to talk bad about me, at least do it behind my back, alright?"

"Slandering me right in front of my face—aren't you afraid I'll be rude to you?"

"Oh? What are you going to do? Hit me?" Han Ruoruo pretended to be scared and quickly pulled Zhang Lexuan in front of her.

Zhang Lexuan sighed softly, shaking her head. "Ruoruo isn't always like this. Don't take her too seriously."

Su Yu smiled slightly. "Since the pretty sister has spoken, of course, I won't take it to heart."

"I'll let Miss Ruoruo off this time."

"Ew~ You little rascal, you are up to no good." Han Ruoruo gave him a knowing look.

"Hey, Meng Hongchen, did you see that? Your little lover is already flirting with others. Shouldn't you rein him in?"

Meng Hongchen glanced at Han Ruoruo but didn't respond. Instead, she simply nestled quietly in Su Yu's embrace.

Han Ruoruo: "…"

Her boyfriend was getting involved with other women, yet she wasn't even the slightest bit worried. How is she so calm?

Han Ruoruo was a little confused.

Su Yu glanced at Han Ruoruo but couldn't be bothered to banter with her. Instead, his gaze shifted to Zhang Lexuan for a moment before landing on Ma Xiaotao.

Ma Xiaotao was wearing a striking red academy uniform, her bold and fiery presence drawing attention. Her explosive figure made people secretly gasp in admiration.

However, unlike Han Ruoruo, who kept teasing, Ma Xiaotao remained silent, standing there without saying a word. It was unclear what she was thinking.

"Miss Xiaotao, after today's battle, do you admit defeat?" Su Yu asked calmly.

Han Ruoruo was slightly stunned. What did he mean? Did he want to humiliate Ma Xiaotao even after winning? Was he going for a psychological kill?

Just as that thought surfaced, Han Ruoruo quickly dismissed it. Su Yu didn't seem like that kind of person.

Besides, there was no need for it at all.

Ma Xiaotao suddenly lifted her head, staring deeply at Su Yu as if trying to etch his image into her memory.

Today's battle had completely shattered Ma Xiaotao's pride.

When she lost in the Martial Soul Tournament before, she could still make excuses, claiming she hadn't used her full strength.

But today's loss? There was no excuse.

Even after teaming up with two others, she had still lost—completely and utterly.

No matter how competitive she was, she had to admit that Su Yu had now far surpassed her.

Biting her lip slightly, Ma Xiaotao's eyes held a stubborn glint. "You won today. I accept it—I admit defeat. But you won't always win."

"One day, I'll defeat you again."

Su Yu smiled faintly. "But now that you've lost today, you won't have another chance in the future."

"You—!"

Ma Xiaotao's breath hitched. Looking at Su Yu's faint smile, she suddenly felt an overwhelming sense of grievance.

She was just trying to save a little face—why couldn't he even give her that?

"Su Yu, why do you always have to push me into a corner? Can't you just let me win once?"

"No."

Han Ruoruo slapped her forehead, feeling exasperated. This guy—how could he be so dense?

Sure enough, Ma Xiaotao was trembling with anger.

Her fists clenched so tightly that her fingertips turned pale.

Her exceptionally well-proportioned figure quivered slightly, creating a striking image.

Biting her lip tightly, Ma Xiaotao's chest rose and fell rapidly, a surge of unexplainable frustration boiling in her heart, unable to be vented.

Why?

Why could Su Yu joke around with Han Ruoruo, openly admire Zhang Lexuan, and even chat so casually with Ling Luochan?

Why was she the only one who never received a friendly attitude from him?

They were all Inner Court students—why did Su Yu single her out like this?

She didn't understand.

What had she done wrong to deserve this treatment from Su Yu?

She had feelings for him. She refused to believe Su Yu hadn't noticed.

And yet, this guy…

The more she thought about it, the angrier and more aggrieved she felt. When had she ever been treated like this before?

Her eyes reddened slightly as she shot Su Yu a hateful glare and gritted her teeth. "A single victory doesn't determine a hero. Next time, I will defeat you."

"I will defeat you completely."

With those words, she turned around without hesitation and transformed into a streak of fire, soaring into the sky.

"Xiaotao! Xiaotao!"

Han Ruoruo called out to her, but Ma Xiaotao was already too far gone, disappearing into the distance.

Han Ruoruo turned to Su Yu and sighed, exasperated. "Su Yu, I don't even know what to say to you. Don't tell me you don't know Xiaotao's feelings for you."

"Why do you have to provoke her like that? Couldn't you just let her have this one moment?"

"Would it have killed you to go easy on her?"

"It would."

Han Ruoruo: "…"

Her mouth twitched. She sighed, then muttered, "You're not cute at all."

Su Yu shrugged. "Doesn't matter. I never expected you to find me cute anyway."

Han Ruoruo felt speechless for a moment. She then sighed again. "How can you be like this? I don't have any ill intentions toward you."

Su Yu rolled his eyes. "You're always badmouthing me in front of Lexuan—how is that not having any ill intentions?"

Han Ruoruo hesitated. "That's different. I don't have anything against you—I just don't want to see Lexuan fall into your trap. You already have a girlfriend, after all."

"You worry too much. You should focus on yourself. You're not getting any younger, yet you're still single. I wasn't going to say anything, but…"

"You—you—you…! What's wrong with being single? Does my singlehood eat your rice? I like being single, okay?!"

Han Ruoruo nearly choked. That single word hit her straight in the heart—critical damage.

Calling her a single? That was a fatal blow.

It was the undeniable truth.

The undeniable, stark truth left Han Ruoruo utterly speechless, making her explode in frustration.

She started blurting out excuses like, "I just want to stay single! It's not that I can't find someone, I just don't want to!"—trying desperately to explain herself.

Su Yu nodded perfunctorily. "Ah, right, right, you're right."

For a moment, Han Ruoruo was so furious she almost jumped up in anger.

"Alright, Ruoruo, calm down, calm down. Getting too worked up is bad for your health," Zhang Lexuan quickly comforted her while shooting Su Yu a reproachful glance.

Su Yu spread his hands with an innocent look on his face.

Zhang Lexuan sighed helplessly. "Alright, Su Yu you've finished your enlightenment. You should head back now—it's getting dark."

"Alright, beautiful sister, see you tomorrow then."

Su Yu smiled and gave a light kick to the side.

"Ouch!"

Xiao Hongchen yelped and sat up in shock, grimacing.

He grumbled, "Hey, brother-in-law, are you trying to take out your future brother-in-law or what?"

Su Yu rolled his eyes and urged, "Enough nonsense. Hurry up and set sail—do you still want to eat dinner or not?"

Muttering under his breath, Xiao Hongchen got up, started rowing, and kept grumbling.

Su Yu couldn't be bothered with him. He simply held Meng Hongchen's hand with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her gently.

...

By the time they finished dinner, the sky was completely dark.

Su Yu brought Meng Hongchen back to the hotel.

In the hallway, a figure dressed in pink and blue was sneaking around, seemingly spying on something.

Su Yu's lips curled into a smile as he led Meng Hongchen into the suite.

He didn't even lock the door.

Wang Dong'er hesitated outside the door, pacing back and forth in deep conflict.

Suddenly, a noise echoed from the hallway, making her jump in fright and immediately hide.

After a moment, a stunning woman in a qipao passed by—it was just a hotel staff member.

Wang Dong'er sighed in relief, her heaving chest subtly rising and falling.

...

Inside the suite.

Su Yu lay on the sofa, casually crossing one leg over the other.

Meng Hongchen leaned against him, her long legs resting on the couch. Her delicate, jade-like feet were fair and exquisite, resembling fine art.

"Yu~"

Meng Hongchen climbed up onto the couch, wrapping her arms around Su Yu's neck. Most of her body was leaning against him.

She kissed his cheek and pressed her small face against his shoulder, exhaling warm breath near his ear.

Su Yu placed a hand on her slender waist, his expression filled with indulgence. "What's wrong?"

Meng Hongchen took in Su Yu's scent, her expression both affectionate and intoxicated.

"Yu, about Ma Xiaotao... Were you a bit too cold toward her today?"

She whispered, "If it's because of me, there's no need."

Su Yu chuckled, shifting slightly so that Meng Hongchen tumbled onto the couch.

He held her gently, letting her head rest on his lap.

With his right hand, he caressed her soft cheek, smiling. "Meng, you're always so kind. But that Ma Xiaotao? She doesn't necessarily treat you well."

Meng Hongchen nestled into his palm, enjoying its warmth. She smiled sweetly. "I just think she's a bit pitiful. She's still a girl, after all."

Su Yu shook his head. "There are plenty of girls in this world, and many are better than her. You're just too soft-hearted."

Meng Hongchen blinked. "Yu, do you dislike her that much?"

"She probably likes you, doesn't she?"

Su Yu playfully pinched her nose. "You can't just throw the word 'like' around. At most, she has some thoughts about me. And even those thoughts are mixed with many other things."

"She's way too much trouble—not just her personality, but also the fact that she's deeply influenced by Shrek Academy."

"She and I are simply not on the same path. Don't overthink it."

"Oh~"

Meng Hongchen nodded half-understandingly. "So, she has no chance, right?"

Su Yu chuckled and pinched her cheek. "As long as Shrek Academy exists, she will never have a chance."

"Alright, enough about her. Go take a bath and get some rest early tonight."

"Okay!"

Meng Hongchen smiled sweetly. A playful glint flashed in her eyes as she suddenly hugged Su Yu's neck and kissed him.

After succeeding in her sneak attack, she giggled like a mischievous little fox.

"You dare ambush me?"

Su Yu pretended to be annoyed. "Let's see how I deal with you."

"Ah! No, don't~"

Meng Hongchen let out a playful laugh as the two started teasing each other.

Moments later, Meng Hongchen entered the bathroom to freshen up, while Su Yu took a sip of tea, the corners of his mouth curving into an amused smile.

"That little butterfly... she's getting addicted to this, isn't she? Always following me around."

Su Yu set down his teacup, stood up, and walked toward the door.

He deliberately moved without making a sound, his footsteps eerily silent.

Outside the room, Wang Dong'er continued pacing, clearly torn.

She was afraid of getting caught yet also afraid of something inappropriate happening inside.

Her thoughts were incredibly complicated.

As she paced back and forth, the door suddenly swung open.

She looked up, only to see a familiar figure smiling at her and beckoning her over.

How did he walk so quietly?!

For a fraction of a second, Wang Dong'er froze before bolting down the hallway.

"You still want to run?"

Su Yu found it amusing. He flickered forward, and in the next instant, he had already grabbed the back of her collar.

Wang Dong'er struggled hard but was firmly held in Su Yu's grip.

"Miss Dong'er, since you're already here, why are you running?"

Su Yu grinned.

Wang Dong'er stopped struggling as if she had given up.

"Su Yu, I was wrong. Can you let me go?"

Su Yu raised an eyebrow. "Let you go?"

"Alright then."

Just as he loosened his grip, Wang Dong'er suddenly sprang into action.

She pivoted on her left foot, spun gracefully, and lashed out with a whip kick straight at Su Yu!

Her move was swift, slicing through the air with a sharp whooshing sound.

Su Yu caught her ankle with a single hand, reacting faster than her attack.

But Wang Dong'er adapted instantly—using the force from her waist, she flipped in midair and brought her other leg down toward Su Yu's face.

Su Yu blinked and raised his left hand, catching her other foot.

With both hands lifted, he effortlessly hoisted Wang Dong'er into an upside-down position.

"You scoundrel, let go of me! Let go!"

Wang Dong'er struggled, gripping Su Yu's pants tightly while her long legs desperately tried to break free.

But Su Yu's grip was like iron—once caught by him, escaping was impossible.