Chapter 45: Ye Qiu, Who Quickly Learned to Be Naughty

Not many people had returned to Dormitory Seven yet, but the room was already filled with noise. The work-study students were eagerly sharing stories of their time back home and splitting local specialties among themselves.

Xiao Wu, however, stayed out of the chatter. She lay on her bed, resting her chin on her small hands, quietly watching the door.

Click!

The tightly shut door was pushed open slightly, allowing a sliver of sunlight to stream in.

Xiao Wu's eyes lit up with excitement, and she slowly sat up on her knees in anticipation.

"Ye Qiu—!"

As the door fully opened—

Xiao Wu couldn't hold back her excitement. She let out a joyful cry, her scarlet eyes shining brightly. A deep blush spread across her delicate face as she gazed at the black-haired boy bathed in golden sunlight.

A soft pink glow surrounded her, and in an instant, a fluffy rabbit tail appeared behind her, along with a pair of cute pink rabbit ears on her head. The third soul ring beneath her shimmered, and before anyone could react, she vanished from the bed.

Ye Qiu, who had just stepped into Dormitory Seven, barely had time to react before he heard the excited voice. Suddenly, his vision blurred, and his body became heavier—something small and pink had latched onto him.

Perhaps out of habit from using her soft techniques, Xiao Wu wrapped her legs tightly around Ye Qiu's waist, her arms clinging to his neck. She stared at him intently, her emotions overflowing as if she were on the verge of tears.

"Ye Qiu! You're finally here!"

"Mm, I'm back."

Ye Qiu smiled warmly.

He quietly listened to the familiar, sweet voice in his ear, inhaling the long-missed fragrance lingering around him. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around Xiao Wu's waist.

As he did, his fingers brushed against the soft, white-and-pink rabbit tail. Xiao Wu let out a soft whimper, her delicate body trembling slightly.

Men learn bad habits quickly.

Having gotten used to holding onto a snake's tail and drinking snake milk, Ye Qiu couldn't help but feel intrigued when he noticed Xiao Wu's reaction. Curiously, he gently squeezed the fluffy tail.

"Ah—Ye Qiu! Don't touch that!"

Xiao Wu bit her lip, her face turning a deeper shade of red. She didn't resist but instead tightened her grip around him, her body shuddering slightly.

Her large, scarlet eyes stared at Ye Qiu. Something about him seemed different—before, he had never played with her tail. At most, he would flick her rabbit ears a couple of times.

"Fine, I'll save it for later."

Ye Qiu nodded slightly, releasing the fluffy tail and instead supporting Xiao Wu's perky bottom as he walked into the dormitory.

"Later...?"

Xiao Wu bit her lip, her eyes flickering with emotion. She felt both embarrassed and shy but didn't protest. Instead, she clung to Ye Qiu more tightly, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Ye Qiu, I already cleaned up your bed for you. I even aired out the blankets."

"Oh? Really?"

Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow and glanced at his bed, which was indeed neatly made. Smiling, he patted Xiao Wu's bottom gently and said teasingly, "Then I won't scold you for lying on my bed without permission."

"What's there to scold? You're not allowed to bully me! I've been so well-behaved!"

Xiao Wu pouted and rolled her eyes but still clung to Ye Qiu, inhaling his familiar scent.

"Boss! Long time no see! Why do I feel like you've gotten a lot more handsome?!"

The one speaking was Zhang Wei. Ever since Wang Sheng left, he had become the de facto leader of the work-study students under the Dormitory Seven "Big Three."

"Haha, you've got good taste."

Ye Qiu laughed heartily. After undergoing Ice and Fire Body Refinement and absorbing the medicinal properties of the Strange Velvet Sky Chrysanthemum, his appearance had indeed improved significantly. His features were sharper, his skin clearer, and his build more refined. His once-boyish frame had transformed into a tall, well-defined physique. Even with Xiao Wu wrapped around him, he carried her with ease.

Hearing Zhang Wei's words, Xiao Wu curiously looked up at Ye Qiu. Tilting her head slightly, she noticed that he really had become much more attractive.

When their eyes met, her face flushed red again.

She snuggled against his shoulder, squeezing her long, toned legs around his waist. His muscles seemed firmer... and stronger?

Tang San, who had just arrived, also noticed the difference. Not only was Ye Qiu now taller than him by quite a bit, but there was also a subtle pressure emanating from him—an aura of strength.

"I say… aren't you going to get down?"

Ye Qiu chuckled, standing by his bed as he lightly shook Xiao Wu to remind her.

"Ah—oh! Right!"

Xiao Wu's face turned crimson as she quickly hopped off, stepping onto her own bed. Only then did she realize that everyone in the dormitory was staring at her.

Flustered, she glared at them with her large, scarlet eyes.

"What are you all looking at?! Haven't you ever seen something like this before? Keep staring, and I'll throw you all out!"

Xiao Wu's authority in Dormitory Seven was no joke. The moment she spoke, everyone immediately averted their gazes.

Only then did she finally feel more comfortable.

By the time she turned back, Tang San was already standing in front of Ye Qiu.

"Xiao San, how have you been these past two months? Did Uncle Hao come back to play dad for you again?"

"Ye Qiu, your mouth is still as sharp as ever."

Tang San rolled his eyes, a hint of disappointment flashing in them.

It was clear that Tang Hao had gone off on his own again and had yet to return.

Or perhaps Tang San simply didn't know that his father was watching him from the shadows, hidden in some dark corner.

"Haha, I'm used to it."

Ye Qiu chuckled indifferently.

"And I've gotten used to it too. Otherwise, I'd have to fight you three hundred rounds."

Tang San sighed, shaking his head with a small smile. He didn't want to argue with Ye Qiu anymore.

"But at least you're finally back. Xiao Wu has been waiting for you all this time—she hasn't even gone to eat yet."

"Oh?"

Ye Qiu glanced at Xiao Wu in surprise. Seeing her lower her head shyly, he couldn't help but laugh. Reaching out, he ruffled her hair.

"Well, that's perfect. I haven't eaten yet either. Let's have a meal together."

"Yes! Yes!"

Xiao Wu nodded excitedly. But just as she did, her stomach let out a small growl, making her blush even more.

"Xiao San, want to join us?"

Ye Qiu turned to Tang San and casually pulled out some food from his Soul Tool, placing it on a small table by his bed.

"Soul Tool?"

Tang San's eyes narrowed slightly as he focused on the jade-adorned bracelet on Ye Qiu's wrist. A flicker of curiosity and doubt flashed across his face. He waved his hand, declining the offer.

"I'll pass on the food. But I am curious—where have you been these past two months? You've changed quite a lot."

"Haha, I didn't do much. Just took a long trip to visit some relatives."

Ye Qiu chuckled, turning his back as he unwrapped his packed meal.