Chapter 50: First Date with Xiao Xiao

"Do I look good?"

Xiao Xiao shyly looked away, feeling a bit self-conscious but also a touch of sweetness in her heart.

Seeing Qian Ran's expression, he probably liked her.

"You look amazing. Really beautiful," Qian Ran replied seriously. Xiao Xiao looked flawless, like a sweet, cat-like girlfriend.

If only she had cat ears and a tail.

In the original story, Xiao Xiao never stood out, overshadowed by the main heroine Wang Donger. Even though she was in the same class as the protagonist, Xiao Xiao's presence was minimal, with less screen time than even Jiang Nannan. As the story progressed, Qian Ran almost forgot that Xiao Xiao was part of the Shrek Seven Devils.

But now he understood — this world didn't seem to appreciate the charm of a "loli" beauty.

Xiao Xiao, with her sweet, youthful look, wasn't able to showcase her charm in the standard Shrek uniform.

Her relationship with He Caitou was based more on his honesty rather than deep affection. So she never felt the need to dress up much.

In front of Qian Ran, though, Xiao Xiao wanted to look as beautiful as possible.

"Really?" Xiao Xiao was a little unsure. Even back on Earth, guys who liked petite, cute girls were a minority. Xiao Xiao didn't have much confidence in her figure.

Her body was similar to Wang Donger's, with gentle curves just beginning to form.

However, Wang Donger was taller with long, slender legs that drew attention. Xiao Xiao's legs, while beautiful, were softer and more delicate, giving a doll-like impression, while Wang Donger's legs were toned and firm. Two different types.

"Of course. Is there anyone in our class prettier than you?" Qian Ran teased, lightly ruffling Xiao Xiao's freshly combed hair with a smile.

There were attractive girls in class, but none that caught his eye quite like Xiao Xiao.

"But there are really pretty girls in other classes, and quite a few," Xiao Xiao said, puffing out her cheeks. She was confident she could hold her own among the girls in their class. While they had handsome boys like Qian Ran and Wang Dong, they didn't have many beautiful girls. But she knew of a few in other classes.

"I even heard there's a very pretty girl asking about you. Many people are interested in you," Xiao Xiao said, blinking her large eyes.

Qian Ran took hold of Xiao Xiao's soft hand as they walked out of the campus together. Outside Shrek Academy's expansive grounds, the commercial district was bustling, full of restaurants and hotels.

"Hmm?"

Qian Ran was momentarily surprised.

Among the new students, there were only a few girls he found particularly attractive. Who could be interested in him?

"Ning Tian, you know? The one from the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. Ever since you beat Bei Bei, Ning Tian has been asking about you."

"Oh... Ning Tian."

As the young mistress of the Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, Ning Tian's interest wasn't that surprising. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect was known for aligning with various talents and geniuses.

Support-type soul masters like her needed strong teammates.

The stronger her teammates, the stronger her own abilities as a support. The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect traditionally recruited promising talents and powerhouses to keep the sect strong. If they failed to recruit reliable allies, they'd soon find themselves in a difficult position.

The Nine Treasure Glazed Tile Sect of Ultimate Douluo was a far cry from its former glory a thousand years ago.

"I heard Ning Tian even wrote you a love letter. Though it's just a rumor, I don't know if it's true," Xiao Xiao continued.

"What?!"

"Why didn't I know about this?"

Qian Ran was taken aback.

His desk was always full.

Every morning, girls would sneak little gifts and letters into his desk. He'd receive a pile of letters daily, along with snacks, and even some more unusual items like undergarments.

Those fangirls could be a bit over the top.

He'd never expected someone of Ning Tian's status to write him a love letter.

Ning Tian? Really?

Could it be that she wanted to meet him in a secluded spot, but he missed it?

He thought of those romance novels where the hero only discovers a love letter years later, only to find the heroine has passed away.

A bit of tragic romance? Hmm…

Besides, girls Xiao Xiao's age seemed to favor expressing affection through love letters.

"You didn't just throw it away without reading it, did you?" Xiao Xiao laughed.

"It's just a rumor, nothing serious. And you sit right next to me, so you know how much stuff I get from girls daily. Even senior girls seem interested in younger guys." Qian Ran shrugged. If he read every single letter, it'd be exhausting. Besides, some of the letters gave him goosebumps with their awkwardness.

In comparison, he preferred the straightforward letters asking him to meet up privately. Those poetic letters, while well-written, were just too cringeworthy.

"Pfft. Well, it's because you're so talented that all the girls are bound to be interested." Xiao Xiao tightened her grip on his hand, leaning close against him.

As evening fell, the area outside Shrek Academy became lively with students enjoying the night.

Qian Ran bought two candied fruit skewers, giving one to Xiao Xiao as they strolled aimlessly down the bustling streets.

Taking in Xiao Xiao's sweet fragrance, Qian Ran's breathing grew a bit heavier.

Today, for Xiao Xiao's sake, he hadn't gone to find Tang Ya.

Xiao Xiao seemed to notice his reaction, her face reddening as she looked down, too shy to speak.

Was Qian Ran planning to take her to a hotel? Xiao Xiao felt incredibly nervous.

She'd heard of girls who, on their first date, were taken to hotels by their boyfriends, only to be abandoned later. She trusted Qian Ran wasn't that kind of guy, but still didn't want things to go that far so soon.

She wanted to enjoy her date with him a bit longer.

"Xiao Xiao, I want to take you somewhere," Qian Ran said, pushing aside the thoughts in his head as he held her hand. Xiao Xiao was so kind and thoughtful; he couldn't let his mind wander to such things with her.

Xiao Xiao was still young, and he felt reluctant to rush things.

"Mhm." Xiao Xiao nodded. Even if he wanted to take her somewhere intimate, she'd go along. She hadn't learned much about that side of relationships and wasn't really prepared, but she didn't want to disappoint him. If Qian Ran wanted it, she'd give it to him.

Clutching his arm, Xiao Xiao looked down at the road as she followed him quietly.

Gradually, the noise around them faded, and the area grew still.

Qian Ran had brought her to a quiet place.

Xiao Xiao's heart sank. Was he planning to do it out here? It was nighttime, and there weren't many people around. They likely wouldn't get caught. Did he really want to…

"No, Qian Ran, we can't, I…"

Xiao Xiao softly tugged at his sleeve. She'd heard of guys who liked being outdoors for the thrill. Was that what Qian Ran wanted?

(End of Chapter)