Chapter 98: Tianyang bought you three minutes last time

The sky had completely darkened, and in front of the Shrek Academy cafeteria, a long table had been set up. Two candlesticks stood beside it, and the glow from the nearby oven illuminated the area warmly.

Laughter, conversation, and the crisp clinking of glasses filled the air, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

Although Xiao Tianyang didn't sit at the table with the others, instead grilling skewers on the side, he still felt the warmth of the moment in his heart.

This scene reminded him of the times in college when he and his friends would gather at a roadside stall, enjoying grilled skewers together—carefree, full of energy, and simply happy.

As the saying goes, 'there is no problem that can't be solved with a meal, and if there is, then two meals should do the trick.'

With a loud clink, two modern-style beer glasses collided.

Looking over, Xiao Tianyang saw Ma Hongjun and Dai Mubai sitting in a corner, whispering to each other.

Whatever Ma Hongjun was saying seemed to excite him, as he gestured animatedly with his hands, his face flushed with emotion. Meanwhile, Dai Mubai furrowed his brows, his expression like that of a tiger barely suppressing its anger.

Xiao Tianyang flipped the skewers with a practiced motion, sprinkled some spices over them, and observed the two intently.

Unexpectedly, a familiar voice spoke beside him.

"Tianyang, how about I take over for you for a while? You should go and eat something."

Xiao Tianyang looked at Saber, who had walked over, and shook his head with a smile. "No need. I'm grilling and eating at the same time. I just prefer not to sit at the table."

Accepting the beer Saber handed him, Xiao Tianyang took a sip, biting down on an ice cube and crushing it with a satisfying crack sound.

For a brief moment, a cool sensation spread through his body, washing away the heat that had been gradually rising within him.

These were all things he had prepared himself, and while the taste was familiar to him, it wasn't just about the flavor—it was about nostalgia.

Setting his cup down, he exhaled and suddenly said, "Here, keep an eye on this for me. I'm going to bring this plate over."

Just as Saber was about to take the plate to help pass it around, he was a step too late.

As soon as Xiao Tianyang placed the plate in front of Xiao Wu and the others, their eyes lit up with excitement—even Tang San, usually calm and composed, was no exception.

After all, when it came to delicious food, even the most reserved person couldn't always resist. And in front of trusted companions, there was no need to.

Taking advantage of their distraction with the skewers, Xiao Tianyang sat down in front of Dai Mubai and Ma Hongjun, lowering his voice. "Let's not make a big deal out of this. Just the three of us handling it is enough."

Then, he subtly gestured with his chin. "Wait until they're drunk. Got it?"

"Tianyang, how did you know?" Ma Hongjun was taken aback by Xiao Tianyang's directness, his eyes full of surprise. But more than that, there was gratitude.

Even though his predicament wasn't exactly a secret—he had been rejected by every girl who knew about it—Ma Hongjun still wanted to save face.

If this situation escalated into a public spectacle, it would be humiliating.

That's why he had chosen to speak to Dai Mubai privately.

Yet, he hadn't expected Xiao Tianyang to be so perceptive.

Xiao Tianyang smirked mysteriously. "I can already guess. You can't hide it from me."

With just that one sentence, Dai Mubai didn't ask any further questions and went straight to the point. "But what if we go too late and they've already run away?"

"Don't worry. They won't escape."

Xiao Tianyang turned to Ma Hongjun with a knowing smile. "The more shameless a place like that is, the quicker they try to disappear, right, Fatty?"

Ma Hongjun laughed awkwardly but didn't deny it.

---

Meanwhile, in the dean's office…

Flender, Zhao Wuji, and Yu Xiaogang sat around a table, which also held five or six plates of grilled skewers. Each had a glass of beer in front of them, with a wooden barrel beside them, likely filled with more beer.

Zhao Wuji held a lamb skewer in one hand, pulling the coin-sized meat off the stick and stuffing it into his mouth. Chewing, he mumbled, "Hmm, Tianyang's grilling skills just keep getting better."

Flender rolled his eyes before turning to Yu Xiaogang. "Recently, Tianyang has repeatedly requested to go to the Star Dou Forest for training. This is already the eighth time. Do you think I should approve it?"

Yu Xiaogang, who had been eating at a slower pace, frowned slightly upon hearing this.

"I'm afraid that's not a good idea."

It was Zhao Wuji who spoke up this time. Swallowing his food, he hesitated before saying, "Tianyang's third spirit ring came from the Xuanjing Evil Phoenix. Although most of the aura has settled within his body, the mythical beast-type soul beasts in the third zone must still be searching for the culprit."

"If they find him, even with all his tricks, he won't be able to escape."

Zhao Wuji's concerns weren't unfounded.

Back then, from the way Miao Zhenshan had reacted, it was clear just how serious the consequences were for killing a divine beast-type soul beast.

For soul beasts, this was akin to the murder of a direct bloodline relative. If the perpetrator remained unknown, that was one thing. But if discovered, vengeance was inevitable.

"Then I'll keep delaying his request," Flender said, furrowing his brows. "If it comes to it, I'll suggest he go to another soul beast forest instead."

Unexpectedly, Yu Xiaogang suddenly said, "No. Let him go."

"Why?" Flender was taken aback. "The Star Dou Forest isn't like the Soul Hunting Forest. If he encounters danger, we might not be able to rescue him in time."

"Then don't follow him."

Flender and Zhao Wuji both froze.

Not follow him? Wouldn't that be neglecting their duty as teachers?

Besides, Miao Zhenshan, a Super Douluo, had entrusted his most talented disciple to them. They hadn't taught him much, barely managing his time at the academy, and now they wouldn't even accompany him on missions?

Realizing this, Flender and Zhao Wuji couldn't help but feel a little ashamed.

They had, after all, benefited greatly from this child.

However, Yu Xiaogang remained unfazed and explained, "I may not know Tianyang well, but I can tell he has his own code of conduct."

"And don't you think keeping him trapped in Shrek Academy is wasting his talent?"

"It's true," Zhao Wuji admitted. "Keeping him here as a sparring partner seems excessive."

"Flender, just approve his request. Worst case, I can secretly follow him."

Flender sighed, then smirked. "No need. And you, don't go causing trouble. Did you forget Tianyang bought you three minutes last time?"

Zhao Wuji: "..."

Now that he mentioned it, that was indeed true!

…

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