Chapter 51: Siblings' First Meeting
"Oscar, exactly how far is one lap?"
There was a hint of frustration in Ning Rongrong's voice. At first, she had been full of confidence. Even though she was an auxiliary type Soul Master, her physical abilities far surpassed ordinary people. She had thought that running just twenty laps would be easy.
However, after leaving the academy and running under Oscar's lead for so long, she hadn't even completed a single lap yet. A considerable amount of time had already passed, and at this pace, she wouldn't even finish by dinner, let alone lunch. Worse still, her stamina was steadily depleting there was no way she could maintain this speed forever.
Oscar forced a bitter smile. "I told you when we started this is an impossible task. But don't worry, we're both auxiliary type Soul Masters. Why should we fear hunger? Want to eat a…"
"Impossible task…"
Ning Rongrong suddenly stopped running. She ignored whatever Oscar was saying next and instead began to analyze Flender's intentions.
There was no doubt about it she, as an auxiliary type Soul Master, could never finish twenty laps. That meant she was destined to go hungry by noon.
But why would Flender assign her an impossible task?
Wasn't this just outright bullying?
Ning Rongrong wasn't stupid.
After thinking for a moment, she quickly understood that Flender was trying to teach her a lesson, to humble her.
This kind of tactic wasn't uncommon. She had seen it many times in the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect. She understood it was a method of discipline, a way to control subordinates more effectively.
But seriously?
If this were some grand sect or prestigious academy, then maybe it would make sense.
But you? A shabby little academy? And you think you're qualified to pull this nonsense?
There was no way Ning Rongrong would tolerate such humiliation.
She was the precious little princess of her family, pampered and cherished since birth.
So, without hesitation, she turned around and walked away.
"Hey, Rongrong, where are you going?" Oscar called out in alarm when he saw her suddenly leaving. "We haven't finished running yet!"
"Not running anymore."
Ning Rongrong didn't even look back. "You can run by yourself."
Her breakfast had been barely edible, and now she was feeling hungry.
She decided to head into the city to have a proper meal.
As for Flender?
Who cares about him?
She didn't believe he would actually dare to do anything to her.
Under normal circumstances, Ning Rongrong would have been right.
Flender really wouldn't have dared to touch her.
After all, she was the precious daughter of Ning Fengzhi, the leader of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Would a broke academy headmaster dare to provoke such a giant?
However…
Flender had received a letter from Ning Fengzhi himself.
In the letter, Ning Fengzhi explicitly stated:
"This child has been spoiled by me since she was little. She's arrogant and willful. Headmaster, you may discipline her as you see fit. Let her understand how harsh the real world can be."
With this letter in hand, Flender instantly felt like he had been granted imperial authority.
He decided to teach her a lesson.
He was certain that, given her pampered personality, she would never finish twenty laps.
She would definitely try to slack off halfway.
At that moment, he would expose her in front of everyone and give her a proper scolding that would be enough to set her straight.
And in the original timeline, his plan had worked perfectly.
After being humiliated, Ning Rongrong finally shed her spoiled attitude and integrated into the academy.
But now?
Because of a certain someone's intervention, Flender's plan was already doomed to fail.
Oscar stood there, watching Ning Rongrong's figure disappear into the distance, scratching his head in confusion.
He was already dreading how he would explain this to Flender later.
"Forget it… If the headmaster asks, I'll just say she finished her laps."
With a sigh, he turned back and kept running.
A While Later
Ning Rongrong arrived at Soto City, feeling refreshed.
While it wasn't as grand as Heaven Dou City, it was still one of the most prosperous among mid sized cities.
She quickly made her way to the busiest district.
Shops lined the streets restaurants, inns, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, antique shops…
The bustling scene made her feel far more at home than that shabby little village.
As the sun approached noon, she instinctively touched her stomach.
"I should find a place to eat first."
Her eyes scanned the area, and she finally settled on the most upscale looking restaurant.
"Welcome, Miss!"
As soon as she approached, a sharp eyed waitress rushed forward to greet her.
Ning Rongrong nodded indifferently and followed her inside.
The restaurant was decorated in warm tones, predominantly light yellow.
Each table was neatly arranged, adorned with fresh flowers in elegant vases. The soft floral scent filled the air, refreshing and pleasant.
Above them, a luxurious crystal chandelier cast a gentle glow.
Although the Douluo Continent had a mostly medieval setting, traces of a lost Soul Tool civilization still remained.
For some unknown reason, the advanced soul technology of the past had been wiped out.
However, some remnants still persisted in daily life electric lamps, microphones, display screens…
These were ancient Soul Tool artifacts, powered not by electricity but by soul power.
People no longer understood the exact mechanisms behind them, but they knew how to use them.
Some of the simpler ones could even be repaired and replaced.
Because of this, the Douluo Continent had a strange blend of medieval and modern elements.
The restaurant's refined atmosphere greatly pleased Ning Rongrong.
Sure, she had dined in even better places, but it was the contrast that made all the difference.
Compared to that filthy, rundown academy, this place felt like a paradise.
Her eyes scanned the room, searching for a suitable table.
Then she froze.
In the corner of the restaurant sat a solitary figure, his back facing her.
At that moment it was like a bolt of lightning had struck her mind!
Just looking at his back, she felt a strange, indescribable sense of familiarity.
As if something deep within her bloodline was calling out to him…
This feeling…
"Excuse me… may I sit here?"
She hesitated for a moment before speaking softly.
For some inexplicable reason, this person felt like family like her father, her uncle Sword, and the others.
She instinctively became more reserved, unconsciously showing her sweetest, most well behaved side.
"…Sit."
A calm, clear voice responded.
"Mm."
Ning Rongrong nodded obediently and took her seat opposite him.
Finally she could see his face clearly.
(End of Chapter)
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